NYS Music 2024

Category: Alternative/Indie

  • Upcoming Live Music at Alexandria Bay’s Riverboat Bar

    Alexandria Bay’s Riverboat Bar is one of the premier spots for live music in Jefferson County. Throughout the Summer, the bar hosts a number of concerts each week, bringing audiences performances of indie, Americana, and more.

    Summer 2024 sees 13 artists from New York State and beyond performing at the Riverboat Bar, bringing audiences plenty of variety.

    Interior of the Riverboat Bar

    Friday, July 19th will feature two sets by Utica’s The Old Main. Led by songwriter Seth Becker, the indie-folk quartet has toured across New York for over a decade. The band combines influences of John Prine and Wilco with stripped down instrumentation to create intimate Americana. Their set will begin at 10pm, with attendance being free. 

    Continuing with folk music, July 20th will feature a free show by CNY group The Rollin’ Rust. Singer-songwriter James VanDeuson leads the group, bringing an edge to traditional Americana. Their evocative songwriting and polished instrumentation has taken them around the country, performing across 45 cities in 2023 alone. Their debut Road Rats was nominated for Best Americana Album at the 2023 SAMMY Awards. They will play two sets beginning at 10pm. 

    On July 26th, the Riverboat Bar will host Syracuse’s Vaporeyes. Vaporeyes plays progressive rock heavily influenced by classic psychedelia. With lush keyboard textures, guitar, and rhythms, the band crafts dreamy musical soundscapes. Vaporeyes will play two free sets, beginning at 10pm. 

    August 2nd will feature a “Local Legendz Showcase,” featuring performances by a host of local musical artists. Holdown Upstate organized this event as part of their mission to increase community involvement in music throughout Upstate New York. This event represents a live version of Holdown Upstate’s “Local Legendz ” radio program highlighting up-and-coming artists from across New York. This free show will begin at 10pm. 

    On August 3rd, Joey Collins and the Creatives will perform at the Riverboat Bar. The trio originates from Watertown, but has played at shows and festivals across the state. Their sound incorporates influences of soul and folk into Indie rock. As part of their return to the Riverboat Bar, Joey Collins and the Creatives will play two free sets, beginning at 10pm. 

    August 9th will feature two sets by Syracuse’s Mike Powell and the Echosound. The band began during the Covid-19 lockdown, as Powell decided to go back to his roots while listening to his record collection. As soon as touring was possible, Powell enlisted musicians from Suracuse’s blues and folk scenes to start the Echosound. All five members collaborate to write lyrics and music for their Americana and rock influenced songs. This show comes after the release of their debut Plastic Spoon Honeymoon in 2023. The show will begin at 10pm, with a $5 cover at the door. 

    On August 10th, Albany’s Hilltop will perform two sets at the Riverboat Bar. The four-piece band began jamming at Mercy College in 2018. The quartet has 100 shows under their belt, blasting out funk-influenced rock numbers for their audiences. Their show will take place during Alexandria Bay’s Pirate Days festival, featuring events and exhibitions across town. Hilltop’s two sets will begin at 10pm, with a $5 cover charge at the door. 

    Connecticut-based funk band One Time Weekend will perform two nights of shows on August 16-17th. Across their two studio albums, One Time Weekend have made a name for themselves as a premier modern funk band. Their sound combines groovy pop melodies with progressive instrumentation. Their live shows bring an unmatched energy, with face-melting riffs and smooth vocals. One Time Weekend will play two sets each night, beginning at 10pm. Guests can buy tickets for $10 at the door each night, or a weekend pass for $15. 

    August 23rd will feature a free concert by Felix Free & the Rxcketeers. Born in Southern California, Felix Free moved to rural Upstate New York, where he honed his craft as a rapper. Free’s intimate lyricism and stage presence can conquer crowds both large and small. With the live band the Rxcketeers behind him, Free will bring his trademark Golden era hip hop stylings to the Riverboat Bar. This free show will begin at 10pm. 

    On August 24th, Connecticut’s Legalized will play two sets with DJ Nick Balkun. Legalized’s music defies genre, combining everything from funk and jazz to punk and psychedelic. With rock instrumentals and saxophone, their music is noisy and experimental yet infectiously groovy. Connecticut’s DJ Nick Balkun will join Legalized, playing a DJ/drum set. This free show will feature two sets starting at 10pm. 

    Double Barrel Blues Band will return to the Riverboat Bar for a weekend residency from August 30-September 1st. The Syracuse quartet plays all types of blues, including more traditional acoustic, and modern amplified styles. With the guitar chops of Mark Cloutier and John Hart, the group are regular nominees at the SAMMY awards blues category. Their residency will feature special guests making for a weekend-long blues-stravaganza. Each residency show is free, beginning at 8pm each night. 

    Double Barrel Blues Band will play at the Riverboat Bar

    Organ Fairchild will kick off September at the Riverboat Bar with two free sets on September 6th. Beginning as a Buffalo-based Grateful Dead cover band in 1983, Organ Fairchild’s members honed their live music abilities in extended jams. In 2020, they rebranded themselves as an instrumental trio, featuring guitar, drums, and organs. The trio’s brand of instrumental funk has brought national renown, playing shows across the East Coast with legends of the jam band genre. Their sets will begin at 10pm. 

    September 7th will feature two free sets by Buffalo-based rock group Johnny Hart & the Mess. The band’s sound can loosely be defined as “alternative,” but combines influences of pop, blues, country, and more. With releases like Moonlite Motel and Neon Eyes the band has established itself as an up-and-comer in New York’s rock scene. Their sets will begin at 10pm.

    Shapes will close out the Riverboat Bar’s summer season with a September 13th performance. Hailing from Toronto, the band’s music combines rock with influences of funk and afrobeat. The band never takes itself too seriously, including witty lyrics and humorous stage banter into their shows. With their groovy instrumentation and funny stage presence, Shapes is sure to keep audiences dancing and laughing all night long. Their two free sets will begin at 10pm. 

    For more information on the Riverboat Bar’s upcoming shows, visit their website here. 

  • Barbie Barker of Candy Ambulance Shares Debut Single “Unread”

    Barbie Barker of Troy’s Candy Ambulance, is embarking on a new solo project with debut single, “Unread” on July 19. The single comes ahead of an EP titled C. dropping July 26. As Barbie shifts her focus musically, she explores realms of vulnerability, emotions, and authenticity.

    "Unread" by Barbie Barker from "C."

    Barbie Barker stumbled upon this entirely new terrain when she started channeling immense genuity inspired by certain events in her life that deeply affected her. During the music-making process, it became apparent that the songs wouldn’t fit Candy Ambulance’s image. So instead, Barker, whose first name is Caitlin, choosing to take on the name Barbie after her grandmother, made the decision to undertake this era independently.

    Her debut single off of C., “Unread” tells the story of becoming so passionate about something to the point where it becomes all-consuming and affects more than yourself. It’s about remembering how things used to be, the transitions that took place, and the choices that need to be made. The lyrics are intimate, admitting the feelings that Barker had such a hard time bringing to light.

    Candy Ambulance is my first band and I put so much of my self worth into my role there. It was my salvation, the reason I go to therapy and work really hard to be a good person. I wrote about some really intense traumas I was working through and we toured the record where I bore my soul.

    Barbie Barker on “Unread”

    Against the backdrop of simple guitar and percussion, her voice guides the instruments along with the sentiment she’s expressing. The music starts slow and progressively picks up as more truths spill out. The words truly are the main attraction, combatting the feelings of pressure that Barker sings about, while the music submits to them. Put together by Barker and Tummy Rub Records, local musicians Joe Taurone (drums), Sam Walzyck (bass), and Dan Carr (guitar and production) understood and respected her vision.

    The song is the result of pushing forward while still needing to heal from deep traumas as well as the defense mechanisms put in place to cope with that life. Through the words, Barker comes to terms with the fact that are all doing life for the first time, and trying to navigate it and mend ourselves as we go.

    “Unread” is just one of five heartfelt indie-rock products of Barker’s writing journey. The upcoming EP C. is full of personal songs and anyone who listens can know they’re taking part in Barker’s healing. As a body of music, C. exemplifies the value of songwriting for artists and the solace that they can find. In Barker’s case, she uses it as an outlet that is less accessible when trying to appease everyone else.

    This EP is a short and (bitter)sweet account of my vulnerability in songwriting as I move through my life. The songs didn’t fit my band and it was scary to branch out and do a project of my own. I worked with the incredibly talented folks at Tummy Rub Records and the experience was effortless. We even used my scratch guitar tracks because the vibe was so comfortable. I am incredibly proud of what we accomplished together.

    Barbie Barker on C.

    Additionally, to celebrate the release of her new music, Barker and the folks at Tummy Rub are holding a release show on Friday, July 19 at The Hangar on the Hudson in Troy. She will be joined by her collaborators as well as special guests toriendofstory and Canella, who also contributed to the E.P. The two bands will open for Barker with their own original music on a night full of authenticity and creative expression.

    Pre-save and listen to “Unread” and C. on your preferred streaming platform. Purchase tickets for the release show here.

  • Brooklyn-Based Gooseberry Release “Cherry Blossoms” Ahead of Full-Length LP

    Brooklyn-based alt-rock band Gooseberry released their brand new single, “Cherry Blossoms,” this Friday. “Cherry Blossom” is the third single from their upcoming full-length LP, All My Friends Are Cattle, which is set to release Sept. 6.

    Photo Credit: Alex SK Brown

    Gooseberry, formed in 2019, melds alternative rock, indie, and blues to craft their distinctive and signature sound. Comprising Asa Daniels (guitar, vocals), Evin Rossington (drums), and Will Hammond (bass), the band has racked up hundreds of thousands of streams and garnered praise from editorial stalwarts Under the Radar, Ones to Watch, and more.

    Now, bigger than ever and with the most to prove, Gooseberry is gearing up to release their debut full-length album, All My Friends Are Cattle. Announced back in April, the new project is, in the words of the band, “Gooseberry’s most ambitious project yet.” From the gritty alt-rock tune “Kikiyon” to the eerie and slow-building “Dying To Meet You,” the album’s singles released to date have indicated that listeners should expect the unexpected.

    The band’s new single, “Cherry Blossoms,” leans into a more stripped-down sonic direction compared to their usual wailing guitars but thematically covers familiar ground, with Daniels singing about lost love and his desires to catch up to them, no matter how much time it takes. “I saw you underneath the cherry blossoms. I forgot to call your name,” Daniels tenderly sings over the song’s hook, then ends said hook with, “And I’ve forgotten so many things—keys and dates and wedding rings—but I could never forget your face.”

    “I spent months during the pandemic scanning and cataloging photos of my family dating back to the 1800s. There’s something terrifying about how much of life slips through the cracks once lived, but also something beautiful about the staying power of the few moments that remain. My grandmother’s dementia has made that more tangible for me. So this song is essentially saying, ‘I’m gonna get it wrong a whole lot, and I won’t remember much of it in the end, but I’ll never forget the face of the ones I love.’”

    Daniels on “Cherry Blossoms”

    Gooseberry plans to release a fourth and final single, “Baby Do You?” in August.

    In addition to All My Friends Are Cattle arriving this September, Gooseberry has also announced an upcoming tour with stops all around the country, including four in New York State. For the last show of the tour, Gooseberry will be sharing the stage with Ringo Starr & His All Starr Band in New Lenox, IL.

    See below for the full list of Gooseberry tour dates, visit here for tickets and information, and stream “Cherry Blossoms” on all streaming platforms.

    Tour Dates

    8/1 – Boston, MA – Aeronaut Brewing

    8/2 – Portsmouth, NH – The Press Room

    8/3 – Burlington, VT – Red Square

    8/4 – Rochester, NY – Bug Jar

    8/6 – Cleveland, OH – The Happy Dog

    8/7 – Detroit, MI – Lager House

    8/8 – Chicago, IL – Reggie’s

    8/10 – Des Moines, IA – xBk

    8/11 – St. Paul, MN – Amsterdam Bar & Hall

    8/12 – Davenport, IA – Raccoon Motel

    8/13 – Omaha, NE – Reverb Lounge

    8/14 – Kansas City, MO – Knuckleheads Gospel Lounge

    8/15 – Milwaukee, WI – Anodyne

    8/17 – Madison, WI – The Bur Oak

    8/18 – St. Louis, MO – The Golden Record

    8/20 – Nashville, TN – The Basement

    8/21 – Decatur, GA – Eddie’s Attic

    8/22 – Knoxville, TN – Barley’s Taproom

    8/23 – Asheville, NC – New Belgium Brewing

    8/24 – Charlotte, NC – The Evening Muse

    8/30 – Cooperstown, NY – Brewery Ommegang

    9/1 – Rock Stream, NY – Seneca Lake Brewing Company

    9/7 – New York, NY – Bowery Ballroom – ALBUM RELEASE SHOW

    9/14 – New Lenox, IL – New Lenox Commons – Supporting Ringo Starr And His All Starr Band

  • Monobloc Get Existential on New Single, “Where is My Garden?”

    Monobloc, a band emerging from New York City’s DIY scene, has released a new single, “Where is My Garden?”.

    Led by vocalist Tommy Waldron and bassist Michael Silverglade, Monobloc effortlessly merges post-punk instrumentation and attitude with pop sensibilities. With Zack Pockrose on drums, and guitarists Ben Scofield and Nina Lüders, Monobloc creates a nostalgic sound reminiscent of Television and The Strokes.

    Monobloc Where is my garden
    Julia Tarantino

    Chronicling the internal battle between materialism and gratitude, Monobloc describes conflict with vivid imagery and refreshing honesty.

    Unpublished praised the single for its honesty and timelessness: “with intricate, overlapping rhythms balanced with the straightforward ‘tell it how it is’ type lyrics, Monobloc … [creates] a timeless track that will be accessible through generations.”

    The black and white music video, self-directed by the band, compliments the wiry, insistent guitar work and rousing chorus. Tommy Waldron said of the instrumentation, “Attached to the main riff of the song was this chorus I really wanted to use but could never find a place where it made sense. … It was a great wide theme – a bit Springsteen and better yet, the closest I could legally get to saying “Where are your friends tonight?”

    Monobloc shared their first single, “I’m Just Trying to Love You” in early 2024. As Monobloc continues to hone in on their electric live shows, DIY attitude and artistic capabilities, more music is to come. 

    A full list of Monobloc’s tour dates is available below, along with the official “Where is My Garden?” music video. Tickets are available here.

    AUGUST

    2 – Pete’s Candy Store – Brooklyn NY

    21 – Sebright Arms – London, UK (debut UK performance)

    23 – All Points East Festival – London, UK (w/ LCD Soundsystem)

    25 – Rock En Seine Festival – Paris, FR (debut EU performance)

    29 – Kalorama Festival – Lisbon, PT

    31 – Kalorama Festival – Madrid, ES

    NOVEMBER

    8 – Iceland Airwaves – Reykjavík, IS

    17 – Corona Capital Festival – Mexico City, MX

  • Brooklyn Duo Rubblebucket Release Funky New Single “Rattlesnake”

    On July 10, Brooklyn-based art-pop duo Rubblebucket released their newest single, “Rattlesnake,” along with its corresponding music video. Filled with groovy basslines, punchy brass and saxophone riffs, and hard-hitting lyrics in a deceptively cool and catchy tone, “Rattlesnake” is the newest edition to a laundry list of funky tunes sure to make your hips move.

    rubblebucket

    Based on lead singer Klamia Traver’s own struggles with mental health and anxiety, the lyrics to “Rattlesnake” present a situation that almost everyone can relate to. The band loosely adapted a poem Kalmia wrote called “Time For the Rattlesnake” from her poetry book Year of The Banana. The poem recalls an encounter Traver had with the animal, jokingly saying, “The beauty of it took my breath away. But I later ruminated about how even when I am faced with the most breathtaking of our planet’s offerings, it can still be very hard to be present, focused & relaxed because of the chronic anxiety from which I suffer.”

    The song opens with, “I don’t want to analyze you / But it seems you’re stuck in a cage / Let the child inside drive you / You’ve got what it takes.” Rattlesnake, in this instance, acts as a metaphor for someone so coiled and wrapped up in their own worries, fears, and anxieties that they prevent themselves from chasing new opportunities and ideas, even if it is something their “inner child” so desperately craved. The bridge’s lyrics further implement this idea, this time bringing the perspectives of outsiders into it: “Sometimes you gotta kill your idols / Psychedelic cage / In the footsteps of our mothers / We make the same mistakes.”  

    rattlesnake rubblebucket

    With such an intense undertone, looking at the lyrics alone makes the tune sound morose and dark. But instead, nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, the song is almost deceptively catchy. The groovy bassline, provided by the band’s other half, Alex Toth, nearly makes you forget about the unsettling lyrics. Renata Zieguer’s strings certainly add another unique element to the instrumentation, bringing a classic ’70s-style disco charm. Kalmia Traver’s light, soothing vocals almost make you forget about the fears the song forces you to face. The band went full disco-funk with “Rattlesnake”, producing a track that sounds like Bee Gees and Michael Jackson meets Stereolab.

    For Rubblebucket, therapy takes the form of a dance party. “Rattlesnake” is a refreshing, funky tune that certainly stands out with its creative sound, and even more creative music video, reminiscent of something we would’ve seen from Talking Heads. The message here is clear: uncoil yourself like a rattlesnake, but dance while you do it.

    “Rattlesnake” is out now and available on all streaming platforms and be sure to catch Rubblebucket at their announced live shows for 2024, one in Washington and one in New Hampshire.

    Find tickets and more info HERE.

    Rubblebucket Live

    July 13 – Seattle, WA – Ballard Seafood Festival
    October 19 – Concord, NH – Concord Sound & Color Festival

  • Frank Black Announces Teenager Of The Year Anniversary Tour

    Frank Black announced his “Teenager Of The Year” tour Jan 15 through Feb 6, and on Feb 1, Black and his band will perform at Brooklyn Steel.

    Black made the announcement through Brooklyn Vegan, a NYC based music blog. Teenager Of The Year is Black’s second studio album and was released 30 years ago under 4AD records. The classic alternative rock album was released a year after Black’s former band, The Pixies split up. 

    Eric Drew Feldman, who had previously played Keyboard on one of the Pixies tours, co-produced the album. The album also features Joey Santiago on guitar, a founding member of The Pixies. Teenager was originally not well received by fans but is now considered one of the greatest alternative rock albums and made it onto Pitchfork’s top 100 albums of the 1990s.

    College roommates, Santiago and Black formed The Pixies in 1986 after dropping out of The University Massachusetts Amherst. After a few years of conflict between the members, the band officially split in 1993. Before Teenager, Black released his first self-titled album in 1992. In 1997 he formed his band, Frank Black and The Catholics and the band recorded music throughout the early 2000’s.

    The Teenager Of the Year tour will include Feldman, Lyle Workman and Nick Vincent who originally appeared on the album.

    Tickets for the tour go on sale on July 19 and on Black’s Website here.

  • Beck To Perform With The Boston Pops At Tanglewood

    Artist and producer Beck will perform alongside the Boston Pops at the Tanglewood concert series on July 23.

    Beck’s vast discography exposes his genre melding experimental music. He rose to fame in the early 1990’s after he moved to NYC as part of the “anti-folk” movement. He moved back to his hometown of Los-Angelos and released his first hit single “Loser” in 1994. It remains his most streamed song on Spotify. 

    Beck has won eight Grammy Awards including Best Male Vocal Performance in 1997 for “Where It’s At.” Recently he has continued to collaborate with many other artists. For his 2019 album Hyperspace, He collaborated with Pharrell Williams. On July 12, Orville Peck and Beck released the alternative country single “Death Valley High.”

    Beck will also be collaborating with the Boston Pops conducted by Edwin Outwater, an esteemed conductor who has made appearances alongside New York Philharmonic, Cleveland Orchestra, Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Philadelphia Orchestra.

    The pops perform throughout the Tanglewood concert series. The venue is located in the Berkshire Hills of Western Massachusetts and is also the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. 
    To purchase tickets to Beck’s performance you can visit the Tanglewood website here.

  • Woodstock Duo Spillway Release Debut Single, “Are You Having Fun Yet?”

    Spillway, a brother duo from Woodstock, made their musical debut on July 9, with their first release, “Are You Having Fun Yet?”

    Are You Having Fun Yet? by Spillway

    Twin brothers, Aaron and Wyatt Mones have been making music for years as singer-songwriters and multi-instrumentalists. However, this time around, they’re making music under their new project, Spillway. Named after the street they grew up on in Woodstock, the project emphasizes the sentiment of their musical upbringing and collaborations as brothers, even when they live on opposite coasts.

    Their new single “Are You Having Fun Yet?”, gives listeners a folky tune mixed with a more universal pop sound and hints of country western. Inspired by the music of artists like Blake Mills, Frank Ocean, and Sufjan Stevens, the song represents the artistic direction of each brother respectively, coming from different perspectives and environments. The song is successful in evoking nostalgia and reflection and truly has appealing features for vast tastes in music.

    The new song is Spillway’s first release on Indiana-based independent label, Wally Opus Records. The brothers self-produced the record themselves, having to either work remotely from each other or commute across the country to do so. So far, the song is gaining traction quickly on streaming services for having been out just less than a week. If “Are You Having Fun Yet?” is any indication of what Spillway will produce in the future, fans of folk and indie are going to want to keep them on their radar.

    Listen to “Are You Having Fun Yet?” on your preferred streaming platform here.

  • NYC Singer Leo Sawikin Releases Single “What Is The Answer”

    Singer-songwriter Leo Sawikin from New York City put out his latest single “What Is The Answer” on July 10.

    Sawikin is coming off of the success of his last single, “Till You’re Somebody Else,” which charted #1 on the Mediabase A/C Independent Artists Chart.

    "What Is The Answer"

    Leo Sawikin is the former frontman of the NYC indie-folk band The Chordaes and has continued to make solo music of the same caliber, as exemplified by “What Is The Answer”. Over the past few years, he’s been busy releasing singles, including “Hold On”,  “The Same Mistakes”, “Don’t Pass It By”, “New York I’m Coming Home”, and  “This River.” Sawikin’s songwriting and musicianship have earned him rave reviews from a slew of music critics.

    Leo Sawikin

    “What Is The Answer” enters the existential realm, asking important questions about “what consciousness is and questions whether it’s something that transcends our physical lives or ends when we pass,” as Sawikin explains. The instrumentation and harmonies project that constant wondering about life, the unknown, and stronger forces.

    …a profound message wrapped in indie-folk with dreamy shimmer pop sensibilities reminiscent of a gentle breeze on a warm summer night. Leo’s vocal performance is consistently captivating, evoking a sense of raw sincerity and emotional depth that resonates with listeners.

    Honk Magazine

    Fans of Sawikin’s music can also look forward to his sophomore solo album, which will drop sometime in 2024, produced by Phil Ek (Grouplove, Fleet Foxes, Modest Mouse) and mastered by Greg Calbi (The Smile, Bob Dylan, Bon Iver). More information to be released in the near future. For now, however, his 2021 album Row Me Away is available to listen to on all streaming platforms.

    In the midst of “What Is The Answer’s” release, Sawikin has been on a national tour opening for Jon McLaughlin in May and June. Additionally, he has big things in store for Fall 2024 with a handful of more dates. He’ll be hitting the road again starting Sep. 17, traveling the East Coast until late November.

    ‘What Is The Answer’ is a song that asks what consciousness is and questions whether it’s something that transcends our physical lives or ends when we pass. Will there be pain, or will it be peaceful? It also ties into the theme of ‘Till You’re Somebody Else,’ in that it sees our current lives as just a moment in our existence.

    Leo Sawikin

    Leo Sawikin with Jon McLaughlin Tour Dates:

    Tues, Sept 17- Hummelstown, PA at The Englewood

    Thurs, Sept 19- Sellersville, PA at Sellersville Theater

    Fri, Sept 20- Bay Shore, NY at Boulton Center For The Arts

    Sat, Sept 21- Northampton, MA at Iron Horse

    Sun, Sept 22- Pawling, NY at Daryl’s House

    Thurs, Sept 26- Portland, ME at One Longfellow Square

    Fri, Sept 27- Natick, MA at The Center For The Arts

    Sat, Sept 28- Old Saybrook, CT at The Kate

    Sun, Sept 29- New York, NY at City Winery

    Sat, Nov 23- Nashville, TN at City Winery

    For more information about Leo Sawikin or to listen to “What Is The Answer,” visit www.leosawikin.com.

  • Dromedary Records Return to Catskill for Second Annual DromFest

    After an incredibly successful debut, making their way back to the Avalon Lounge in Catskill, NY, is the highly anticipated DromFest.

    Hosted by Kingston-based micro-indie record label Dromedary Records, DromFest celebrates Dromedary artists, DJs, and some of indie rock’s biggest names, including The Figgs, King Missle, and Aeon Station. From August 30 to September 1, join Dromedary Records in Catskill for this year’s rendition of DromFest.

    dromfest

    Initially conceived in 2023 as a party to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Dromedary Records, DromFest reached smashing success that inspired the label to make it an annual event. “The weekend was so much fun for the bands and attendees alike, that there was demand to do another,” explained Dromedary founder Al Crisafulli. “So  we’re all going to get together in the Catskills and have a big, weekend-long  party, hopefully feel like kids again, and celebrate this amazing community of  artists we’re so proud to be a part of.”  

    However, this year, DromFest plans on making history. This festival sees the return of Cell, a New York-based indie rock band that played a major role in the emergence of alternative and indie rock onto the music scene of 1990. The band unfortunately disbanded in 1995 and has not played a show since, until now, that is. For the first time in almost three decades, Cell will not only be performing, but co-headlining the closing show with Aeon Station on Sunday, September 1.

    Performing alongside Cell are several Dromedary artists, including Cathedral Ceilings, Karyn Kuhl, Dew Claw, Overheard,  Sleepyhead, and Matt Hunter & the Dusty Fates. The entire festival will be emceed by comedian and musician Doug Stoley, known for his work on Late Night with Conan O’Brien and the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater in Manhattan. “It’s a great lineup,” says Crisafulli, “an excellent blend  of indie rock royalty, great bands that haven’t played together in years,  and newer bands that wear their 90s indie rock influences on their sleeve.” 

    Admission for Friday night’s events will be $25, and Saturday/Sunday passes will be $80, with VIP passes that include a new Sleepyhead 7″, bonus sampler CD, and a donation to a local food bank priced at $100. Passes go on sale at 12 pm Friday, June 14 at noon and are available HERE. 

    DromFest 2024 Lineup

    August 30 – 7pm-midnight  
    The Figgs, Chris Brokaw Rock Band, The Royal Arctic Institute  

    August 31 – 12pm-midnight 
    King Missile (Dog Fly Religion), Scrawl, Antietam, Thalia Zedek Band, Poem Rocket, Moviola, Karyn Kuhl & the Gang, Dew-Claw (Stephen Hunking (Hypnolovewheel) w/Chris Xefos, Dave Rick & Dave Ramirez (King Missile, Bongwater, et al), DJ sets 

    Readings by 
    Bela Koe-Krompecher, John S. Hall, Karen Schoemer 

    Sept 1 – 12pm-midnight 
    Aeon Station (3/4 of The Wrens w/Tom Beaujour and Lysa Withay), Cell, Cathedral Ceilings, Sleepyhead, Tuscadero, Human Hearts (Franklin Bruno & friends), Matt Hunter & the Dusty Fates, DJ sets