On Tuesday, July 2, jazz piano visionary Max Redko will offer a master class on new developments in jazz theory. Attendees will learn and discuss new techniques and theories from an incredibly gifted and highly acclaimed professional. For all those who wish to attend, the master class is located in Manhattan’s own Kaufman Center at 7 pm.
The basis of Max Redko’s master class is the art of improvisation. Redko believes that the musical structures, especially for jazz, are incredibly antiquated. For decades, musicians learned that jazz is composed according to a specific standard. Rules about chord progressions, rhythm, and meter created a “norm” for the genre. Deviation from this standard was actively discouraged.
While musicians obviously hold these practices in high regard, these old-fashioned techniques prevented them from being able to create newer, fresher music. Musicians have stuck to what is reliable, instead of taking the risks essential to the art of jazz. Reliance on the “correct” theory forced jazz musicians to play pre-composed music learned by heart, which steered away from the core meaning of the genreâimprovisation.
Redko’s master class plans on changing these ideas entirely. As the author of the Theory of Harmony of Music, Max Redko made a name for himself through his revolutionary theories in the world of jazz. Redko was the first who explain how to harmonize any note using all existing methods. His theory challenges ideas of the past and offers musicians an opportunity to embrace the spontaneity of jazz while giving the player complete autonomy.
Every time you listen to a pianist, you hear music that characterizes past times, mainly retro style, while art must reflect modernity. The world needs new quality!
Max Redko
For more information on Max Redko, his classes, and private lesson information, visit his website here. Sign up for the master class using this link.
On Sunday, June 30 at 3:52am, flames consumed the Lake George Village Bandstand in Shepard Park. The bandstand – located at the heart of the village hosts numerous summer concerts. Due to the fire, the future of Lake George’s summer concerts is now uncertain.
For years, Shepard Park has been a Summer staple in Lake George. Located in the heart of the village, the park offers beach access to the lake. On top of aquatic fun, the park has attracted countless visitors with its picnicking, and playground spaces.
At the center of the park stood the Lake George Village Bandstand. The bandstand takes the form of a stone amphitheater facing a newly renovated wooden concert stage. The amphitheater provided Lake George residents with a premier outdoor concert venue with great views of the lake.
Since its 2017 renovation, the bandstand has hosted Lake George’s free summer concerts. Starting in June 2024, a host of weekly performances were slated for the Summer. The venue planned to host performances from local bands as part of its Concert Series Wednesdays, Tribute Tuesdays, and Fridays at the Lake. In addition to this, the bandstand planned to host multiple rock, jazz, and pop music festivals.
These plans were thrown into disarray on Sunday morning when the Village Bandstand went up in flames. At 3:42am the Lake George fire department received a call regarding the fire and quickly responded with aid from North Queensbury Fire. Authorities say there were no injuries in the fire, but the bandstand structure suffered severe damage. The Post Star newspaper was among the first to report on the fire, posting this video of the aftermath to their website.
Reportedly, the fire began in a locked utility room adjacent to the stage, with an electrical cause confirmed by multiple inspectors and agencies involved. “All indication says that’s where it started. Nobody could have gotten in there because a padlock was still on the charred remains of the locked door,” said Ray Perry, Mayor of the Lake George Village, to the Post Star.
The fire has led to an outpouring of support from performing artists. Glens Falls band Seize Atlantis wrote on Instagram “Our hearts go out to everyone impacted by this from the music community to the entire 518 community at large.” Guitarist James Mullen spoke to NYS Music regarding a benefit concert for the lost venue, “Hopefully we can put together something special and help heal and rebuild for the LG community. We can’t just let this space go.”
A photo of the bandstand remnants from Seize Atlantis’ instagram post
Since the fire, the future of Lake George’s Summer concerts has been unclear. Mayor Ray Perry remains dedicated to keeping the venue’s concert plans on track, telling the Chronicle “ I’m just trying to save the summer.” Deputy Mayor Joseph Mastrodomenico Jr added “we will do what we can as soon as we can To somehow make our summer activities continue.”
Jim Anderson, Fridays at the Lake promoter, told NYS Music “We have an immediate plan that will let us play this Friday (July 5) and we are working on the longer term solution which will allow us to play all shows on the schedule.”
Year 21 of the Rochester International Jazz Festival kicked of this weekend, with 13 indoor venues as well as four open air stages being used during the nine-day event.
Bad Sneakers
Starting on June 21, streets around the famed Eastman School of Music were closed and transformed into a music lovers haven, with Gibbs St being becoming Jazz St for the next 9 days. The hub of the festival, Jazz St has a large stage with viewing from 180 degrees around, a large air-conditioned merchandise shop, beer trucks, and culinary promenade the opposite end. There are also info booths around to help visitors navigate and get questions answered.
Kingfish Ingram
Also conveniently located along Jazz St are four indoor venues, including Kodak Hall (Eastman Theatre), which hosted the legendary Taj Mahal on Friday night and Lee Ritenour on Saturday.
Mahal brought a show that mixes old school stripped down blues with tropical vibes, as he played the keyboard, guitar, and banjo. With steel drum, bass, and drums to add to the sounds, Taj and crew energized the crowd on the first of nine amazing nights of music.
Christie Dashiell
The following night, Ritenour took the stage and wowed yet another packed house of music fans. With sixteen Grammy nominations and one win (1985 “Early A.M. Attitude”), Ritenour’s music has not gone un-noticed, as he showcased his guitar skills with specials guests Randy Brecker and Bill Evans for roughly two hours.
Across the street from Kodak Hall is Max Rochester, which provides an airy atrium setting, with amazing acoustics for more casual sets, such as the soulful sounds of Christie Dashiell and Franck Amsallem‘s perfectly arranged piano pieces. Stop by Max at Eastman this week for some amazing culinary delights and perfect ambient sounds as you sip your spirits.
One of my favorite venues during the festival is The Little Theatre. Just outside the perimeter of the festival, this nostalgic theatre greets you with the aromas of classic popcorn as you make your way across the hall to the 1929 300 seat theater. A step back in time, indeed. As with recent years, The Little hosts Roots and Americans acts. Small acts, with minimal gear to set up, but amazing sounds and stories. This weekend, Thunderstorm Artis stopped by and told stories of being one of eleven kids (number 7 to be precise) and island life in Oahu. His laid-back personality, smooth and poignant vocals, and witty rizz paired perfectly the crowds for each of his 2 shows as well the venue itself. A finalist from The Voice, Artis is quickly making his name known.
You want free shows? They are plentiful each night of the festival. The blues serenaded the intersection of East Ave and Chestnut St for nearly three hours as Christone “Kingfish” Ingram and Chris Beard played on Saturday night to a packed street that stretched nearly a full block out and half block each way. This festival is more than grammas jazz records, as it encompasses many genres and takes.
The Jazz St Stage hosts free shows from 330pm until 10 every night. Local high school jazz bands get showcased, the Army band, and various other young local ensembles have opportunities. Later on, more noticeable acts will shake the stage, as Miss Emily did.
Hailing from Prince Edward County in Ontario, Miss Emily has a powerful soulful voice that resonates to every corner of the room she is in. Playing songs she wrote for her daughter and about mother nature (ironically as the winds picked up around the area), Emily played 2 sets for the Sunday evening crowd. Chatting with her after her first set, she says said she was amazed at the festival and the area in general and would love to come back with a full band in the future. This night was just her and the keyboardist.
âMiss Emilyâs voice has got to be heard to be believed – raw, expressive, transitioning flawlessly from a plaintive cry to a sonorous growl, weaving blues, country and rock while she does it. Miss Emily is unafraid to dig deep when she sings, tackling big, messy feelings in her songs – and you can feel it in every note.â
â Rob Baker (The Tragically Hip)
New venues for this year’s festivities are The Duke and Inn on Broadway. The Duke sits just outside the perimeter of the festival, and it is taking up space in a former retail mecca that is growing back up with the area around it. 18 sets will adorn the small stage over the week. It is the fourth business for ownership who also own a small plate venue right across the hall.
The Inn on Broadway is 95-year-old, 25 room boutique hotel and steakhouse that many visitors will pass as the make their way to the main event. The musical venue is an elegant second floor ballroom, with great sound and lots of natural light.
With the first weekend in the books, the Rochester Jazz Festival is primed for a strong finish as acts such as Sheila E, Brubeck Brothers Quartet, Bill Charlap, Samara Joy, and John Oates roll into town. Local favorite, Joy, is making her first appearance as a headliner at the festival, after playing smaller stages in recent years. The festival concludes Saturday night, June 29.
The Athens Performing Arts Corporation (APAC) has announced its the lineup for its annual Summer Concert Series. The series will feature eight weekly concerts beginning on July 19th. The Summer Concert series will host performances including jazz, funk, and tributes to classic groups.
Athens is a quaint village in the Northern Catskills that is home to a little under 2,000 people. Located at the heart of Greene County, the village is just West of Hudson, and a short 30 minute drive South of Albany. With a history dating back to 1665, the village is home to many historical sites and a rich arts scene.
At the head of the arts scene is APAC, which is dedicated to spreading music to Athens’ residents. For almost two decades, APAC has hosted free yearly concerts in Athens Riverfront Park. As founding member Rick Suranno said “Our main goal from day one was to bring something different and to keep it free. We wanted national touring acts, although we started with all of my friendâs bands for years, we knew what our goal was.”
APAC has achieved that goal, with the Athens Summer Concert Series continuing into 2024. The series will feature eight weeks of Friday concerts lasting from July 19th to September 6th. All concerts will take place in Athens Riverfront Park from 7-9pm.
Sonny Landreth will kick off the Summer concert season with a July 19th performance. Landreth or “Louisiana’s King of Slydeco” has graced the blues world with his slide guitar prowess for over 50 years. Across his 18 solo albums, Landreth has received awards from the Americana Music Association and Blues Music Awards.
Toronto’s Bywater Call will ring in the second week with a July 26th concert. The seven-piece blends southern soul, roots, and blues to create their award-winning sound. The band won the 2024 UK Blues Award for best international artist, with European media hailing singer Meghan Parnell as one of the best voices in blues today. In 2023, the band toured across 10 countries, and shared the stage with legendary guitarist Joe Bonamassa.
August 2nd will feature a tribute to the music of the Dave Matthews Band. This will be followed by an August 9th concert by Vanessa Collier. Collier is an award-winning vocalist and saxophonist. Her music blends jazz, blues, soul, and rock. On top of multiple Blues Awards, legends like Buddy Guy have praised Collier’s musical ability.
British bluesman Matt Schofield will perform at the series’ August 16th concert. Throughout his 30 years of performing, Schofield has become one of the most influential guitarists of his generation. His brand of British Blues, which incorporates jazz and funk elements, has taken him everywhere from Tokyo to Texas. Schofield is a 3x “British Blues Guitarist of the Year” winner, and was ranked in the “Top Ten British Blues Guitarist of All Time” by Guitar & Bass Magazine.
August 23rd will feature a show by Beginnings, the foremost Chicago tribute band. The New York-based seven-piece has performed across the country since their founding in 2002. Beginnings is dedicated to creating the most authentic Chicago experience, bringing accuracy and intensity. An August 30th tribute to Creedence Clearwater Revival will follow this concert by Beginnings. APAC has not announced the final concert of the series taking place on September 6th.
Athens Summer Series Schedule
7/19 – Sonny Landreth
7/26 – Bywater Call
8/02 – The Dave Matthews Tribute Band
8/09 – Vanessa Collier
8/16 – Matt Schofield
8/23 – Beginnings
8/30 – Creedence Revived
9/06 – Final Show TBA
Concert-goers can bring lawn chairs to sit on during concerts. Athens Riverfront Park is located at 1 Water Street, Athens, NY. For more information, visit the APAC website here.
The old-school jazz-themed musical venue and eatery, Jazz on Main in Mount Kisco, NY, has grown into a place for the community to gather and celebrate the arts and music in the two short years since opening.
They have been able to accomplish this through their frequent jam sessions, open mics, Sunday brunches, and most importantly, main gigs with professional musicians and bands, all partnered with delicious Mediterranean food. Shows run year-round, but a few upcoming shows this month deserve special attention.
The charming Westchester town of Mount Kisco is only 43 miles north of New York City, but anyone who spends time there knows there are not many reasons to leave. The walkable downtown is full of boutiques, bistros, and a movie theater, making it the perfect place to spend a casual day shopping and sightseeing.
Jazz on Main opened its doors in the heart of Mount Kisco in 2022 with a mission to provide diverse live performances, an incomparable sound and lighting system, and a sumptuous Mediterranean menu. Heavily inspired by the golden age of jazz, Jazz on Main upholds the classic feel of a classic 20th-century jazz bar.
All of this is paired with a diverse menu of Mediterranean food, ranging from small bites to three-course dinners.
With multiple shows every week, a lot of artists come and go to Jazz on Main that deserve to be recognized. Five events are scheduled just in the last week of June. Here are a couple of them:
Martin Reuter Group – June 27, 7:00 PM
NYC based composer/drummer North Sea artist Martin leads his 4-piece band with modern sounds, interesting grooves in front of regularly sold out crowds, including the 55Bar, where he was discovered by Bob Belden (Miles Davis producer for Sony Legacy).
Jojo Kuo (drummer for Peter Gabriel, Manu DiBango, Papa Wemba) calls Martin “a sorcerer,” Mike Stern (solo guitarist and sideman for Miles Davis, Blood, Sweat & Tears) remarked Martin was “a bad cat”. His compositions remind Rae Serrano (Producer, Africa Bambaata, Top 10 Billboard) “of Weather Report and late electric Miles Davis”. Come hear and see for yourself.
Aubrey Johnson Quartet featuring Randy Napoleon – June 28, 7:00 PM
Brooklyn-based jazz vocalist Aubrey Johnson teams up with Detroit native guitarist Randy Napoleon for an exciting evening of originals, jazz standards, and Brazilian music. Joining them will be two of New York Cityâs most in-demand rhythm section players, Louie Leager on bass and Michael W. Davis on drums.
Performer on two GRAMMY Award-winning albums, Johnson has sung on over 50 albums, including two of her own, and performed with such artists as Bobby McFerrin, Janis Siegel, Fred Hersch, and her uncle, the late pianist Lyle Mays (Pat Metheny Group).
Esteemed singer, songwriter and multi-talented artist Jon Batiste, will perform at the Tanglewood concert series on June 28.
After earning both a B.A and a M.F.A from Juilliard school, Batiste got his start on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert as a bandleader and musical director. His extensive discography ranges from his 2004 jazz album, Times in New Orleans, to his 2023 concept album, World Music Now. Jazz legends such as John Coltrane and Miles Davis are a heavy influence on Batiste’s music, as well as the soul and funk of Stevie Wonder and James Brown.
Notably, Batiste produced the music for Disney Pixar’s film Soul which won an academy award for Best Original Score and a Golden Globe for Best Original Score. The We Are album won five Grammys including Album of The Year in 2021. In 2022, Times Magazine named him top 100 most influential people.
The 2023 Netflix film, American Symphony, explores Batiste’s career. It follows his personal life, his involvement in activism and organizing and of course, his musical successes.
He’ll perform his wide discography in Koussevitzky Music Shed, a venue that will host other iconic artists all summer. Tanglewood is a concert series located in the Berkshire hills of Western Massachusetts. Throughout the summer will also feature many performances from its summer resident, the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
For more information or to purchase tickets to Jon Batiste, visit the Tanglewood website here.
Mr. Jive has cooked up a 12 song showcase worthy of a glance from a wider audience, titled, Hurry Up Please It’s Time”
Opening with “Monsters Write Pretty Songs,” Buggy immediately announces “Good luck,” with a thickly stacked vocal on top of the meandering rhythm guitar that jolts and grabs attention. The crispy blend of gospel and Doobie-esque backing vocals weave a soft takeoff before eventually punching the opening notes of “Scheherazade of Schenectady.” The first single off the record is appropriately verbose, as it touches on principles of fiction writing and brings up the heat after the smooth opener.
Relaxedly defiant, “Don’t Quit Your Day Job,” hints of the prog influence to come later in both “The Music is Beside the Point,” and “The Calendar is a Liar.” Distorted and stanky, the song that garnered the NPR shoutout from Bob Boilen and Bobby Carter somehow still gives front porch rocking chair vibes while hiding a middle finger attitude behind a content and fulfilled smile.
In “Another Song I Ain’t Allowed to Sing,” Buggy Jive offers reminders of his emotional range and musical intent while slowing down the pace, but featuring right-up-front lead vocals and an ocean of harmonies that keep the energy flowing. This range and intent returns in spades on “Autumn Is Burning.” The mid-album walking groove breaks out major key on a bridge change that feels like a full breath after the intentionally dark verse progression. While “Old Man Screams at Sky,” hits more like a barnhouse dance party than gospel groove, those dynamic controls and natural chord voicings remain steady and present.
“Ignore Them Fools,” and “Alpha the Beta,” both ooze confidence, with the former feeling like a class in session and the latter like a player on the field in action. “Alien Robot Love Song About Love,” and “Hurry Up Please It’s Time,” the final two tracks of the album, lay heavy wet grooves that drag the listener deep into the songwriters’ pocket lyrically and musically.
The entire work displays an adventurous attitude as a musician and a deep sensibility surrounding vocals that act as an homage to his influences, both perceived and expressed. Buggy Jive took a big swing on this record, and his dedication and emotion are both easily seen and felt throughout.
The Cooperstown Summer Music Festival has announced the lineup for its 26th season. The festival begins July 17th, and will include six concerts. With shows ranging from jazz to blues to classical, there is a concert for everyone.
The Cooperstown Summer Music Festival has prided itself in presenting a high variety of quality shows for over 20 years. Founded in 1999, the festival has hosted over 100 artists in its history. In its 25 years of existence, the festival has exhibited classical, cabaret, and even special children’s concerts. Performance Today, the most popular classical radio program, has also frequently featured festival concerts.
“Our new season features an impressive collection of performances that will bring best-in-class artists in a wide variety of genres to perform for audiences in Cooperstown,”
– Linda Chesis, Festival founder
The Miró Quartet will kick off the season with a July 18th program titled “Voices of Home.” Beginning in 1995, the Austin-based quartet has made a name for itself as one of the most celebrated classical groups. The band takes its name from surrealist painter Joan Miró, with much of their music reflecting themes of imagination and fantasy. The quartet has previously toured across the United States, Europe, and Asia, receiving critical acclaim wherever they go. The July 18th show, titled “Voices of Home,” will tackle themes like nostalgia and yearning. It will feature compositions by Franz Joseph Haydn, Caroline Shaw, Kevin Puts, and George Walker. This concert will take place at 7pm at Cooperstown’s Farmers’ Museum.
July 25th will see a performance by the Caroga Arts Ensemble, titled “American Journey.” Cellist Kyle Price founded the ensemble in 2019, as part of the Caroga Arts Collective. The ensemble features prizewinning instrumentalists, music school faculty, and members of chamber groups. Since its founding, the ensemble has played at Chicago’s Symphony Center, Saratoga Performing Arts Center, and more. Their July 25th show will feature pieces by American composers, such as Aaron Copland, John Corigliano, and more. The concert will take place at Cooperstown’s Farmers’ Museum at 7pm.
Pianist Richard Goode will perform a selection of Beethoven pieces on July 30th. Famous for his emotional interpretations of classical and romantic pieces, Goode has become one of the most acclaimed pianists of our day. He has played concerts across the United States and Europe, and has hosted multiple music masterclasses. As part of this concert, Goode will perform some of Beethoven’s later work, illustrating the emotional depth of his playing. The concert will take place 7pm at the Otesaga Resort Hotel.
Grammy award-winning vocalist Catherine Russell will perform a blues and jazz selection on August 6th. Coming from a musical family in New York, Russell has spent much of her life performing. She has previously toured with legends like Steely Dan, Paul Simon, and Cyndi Lauper. Her third album Inside This Heart of Mine reached #1 on the iTunes jazz charts upon release. Since then she has won various awards, including a Grammy for her work on the Boardwalk Empire Soundtrack. NPR hailed Russell’s vocals, saying she “wails like a horn and whispers like a snake in the garden of Eden.” She will perform at the Otesaga Resort Hotel at 7pm.
August 16th will feature two performances as part of the program’s Family Music Fest. The concerts will be hosted by Justin Jay Hines, percussionist for the NY Philharmonic Young People’s Orchestra. These family friendly performances will begin with an interactive workshop. During this workshop, kids will learn how to make instruments from natural materials, and craft different beats. The workshop will end with a performance using these handmade instruments. These workshops will be followed by a performance from Hines. The first performance will take place at Origins cafe at 10:30am. It will be followed by a second 3pm performance at the Farmers’ Museum. These performances are free, but registration is required.
The festival will conclude with an August 20th performance titled “Bach Again.” This performance will feature harpsichordist Bradley Brookshire, cellist Wolfram Koessel, flautist Linda Chessis, and violinist Rachell Ellen Wong. The night will celebrate the musical genius of Johann Sebastian Bach, featuring renditions of his instrumental sonatas. Mezzo-soprano Winona Martin will join these instrumentalists to perform a selection of Bach’s arias. This concert will take place 7pm at Christ Episcopal Church.
Concert Schedule
7/18 – Miró Quartet: Voices of Home – 7pm @ The Farmers’ Museum
7/25 – Caroga Arts Ensemble: American Journey – 7pm @ The Farmers’ Museum
7/30 – Pianist Richard Goode Plays Late Beethoven – 7pm @ Otesaga Resort Hotel
8/6 – Catherine Russell, Blues and Jazz Singer – 7pm @ Otesaga Resort Hotel
8/16 – Family Music Fest with Justin Jay Hines, Percussionist and Host of NY Philharmonic Young People’s Concerts – 10:30am @ Origins Cafe
8/16 – Family Music Fest – 3pm @ The Farmers’ Museum
8/20 – Bach Again – 7pm @ Christ Episcopal Church
Tickets are $30 for all concerts, with students under 18 having a reduced price of $15. All tickets must be purchased in advance. For more information on ticketing and concerts, visit the Cooperstown Music Festival website here.
What a wonderful world it is for Queens’ Louis Armstrong House Museum after winning the IMLS National Medal for Museums, the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries that demonstrate significant impact in their communities. The beloved monument was among the 10 Museum and Library Awards recipients, while the Louis Armstrong House Museum is the only honor recipient in New York State. Executive Director Regina Bain will accept the award at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. in July.
Executive Director Regina Bain will accept the award on behalf of the Louis Armstrong House Museum
In her role Brooklyn-based educator and artistRegina Bain look to preserve and further the legacy of America’s first Black popular music icon. Sharing, “This signifies recognition of our dedication to preserving the legacy of Louis Armstrong, a cultural icon whose impact transcends generations and borders. It also serves as a validation of our mission to preserve and interpret Armstrong’s house and grounds, collect and share archival materials that document Armstrong’s life and legacy, develop programs for the public that educate and inspire, and engage with contemporary artists to create performances and new works.” Moreover, in her role Bainfurther connects the LAHM’s family-friendly blend of arts and education with its surrounding community.
About the Louis Armstrong House Museum
Following Louis Armstrong’s passing in 1971. His wife, Lucille, continued to live in their home — on 107th Street in Corona, Queens — working to ensure that it became a National and New York Historic Landmark. After Lucille’s passing in 1983, she willed the home and its contents to the city of New York which designated the City University of New York, Queens College to shepherd the process. Despite a slow churn, the archives became public in the ’90’s, while the historic home opened for tours in 2003. In the time since the LAHM has become its own entity with official non-profit status.
The Chenango Blues Foundation has announced its Thursday summer concert series spanning from July 11th to August 29th at East Park in Downtown Norwich, NY, who will host free concerts every Thursday in the leadup to the Chenango Blues Festival on August 16th. These Summer concerts are free, allowing concert-goers to enjoy world class talent at no cost. 2024’s lineup provides a diverse array of genres, including blues, roots rock, and psychedelic.
Since 2003, the Chenango Blues Foundation has put on free concerts for Norwich residents highlighting blues talent. This aids in their mission to foster the appreciation of American musical arts through accessible performances. As part of this mission, the foundation has presented free concerts by American blues legends such as Shemekia Copeland in 2021. The Summer concert series has also featured legends of big-band jazz, and zydeco, including multiple shows by the Glenn Miller Orchestra.
Eric Lindell will kick off the Summer series on July 11th with his trademark brand of Americana. Lindell’s strain of music mixes Southern R&B, West Coast Rock, and Soul to create an infectious sound. This performance marks Lindell’s third performance at the Chenango Thursday Concert Series, having previously played in 2007, and 2008.
Eric Lindell
New Orlean’s the Iguanas will grace the concert series with a July 18th show. The Iguanas have toured for three decades with few lineup changes, crafting a fun and almost brotherly attitude in their music. The band’s style of roots rock connects genres ranging from New Orleans jazz, blues, tejano rock, and Caribbean music.
The James Hunter Six will close out July with an evening concert on July 25th. MOJO magazine hailed Hunter as “the United Kingdom’s greatest soul singer.” Since starting his career over 30 years ago, Hunter has played guitar and backing vocals for Van Morrison, and received a Grammy nomination for “Best Traditional Blues Album.” Hunter will perform while in the US on a larger tour with Bonnie Raitt.
Sister Sparrow & the Dirty Birds will kick off the festival’s August lineup. Headed by singer Arleigh Kincheloe, the Brooklyn based band has made a name for themselves with their electrifying soul. For their headlining shows, festival performances, and residencies, NPR hailed them as “one of the biggest voices in rock music.” With very limited dates, this performance is sure to be one of the group’s only free shows.
Sister Sparrow
August 8th will see a special performance by the Garcia Project. The Garcia Project is dedicated to faithful recreations of Jerry Garcia Band concerts from 1976-1995. These concerts are not covers, but thoughtful musical arrangements meant to evoke the emotions of classic Garcia concerts. This concert is perfect for enjoyers of Garcia’s classic work or those who enjoy psychedelic and jam band music.
August 15th will feature a special Blues Fest pre-show with Blood Brothers. The duo consists of blues guitarists Mike Zito and Albert Castiglia. Both Zito and Castiglia are renowned musicians in their own right. In 2022, Zito won the Blues Music Award for “Best Blues Album,” and Castgilia won the BMA for “Blues Rock Artist.” Together, the duo are more than the sum of their parts, featuring immensely collaborative performances and songwriting. This concert will kick off the weekend-long Chenango Blues Festival.
Following the Blues Festival, the Thursday concert series will return on August 22nd with a performance by Sam Bush. This legendary artist spearheaded the “newgrass” movement, creating a new progressive style of bluegrass. Bush’s sound melds traditional bluegrass with long rock jams, and even aspects of Bob Marley’s reggae. Bush is a Bluegrass Hall of fame inductee, 3x Grammy winner, and Americana Music Association lifetime achievement award winner. Since beginning his career, Bush has collaborated with legends like Emmylou Harris, Garth Brooks, and Bela Fleck.
Musical innovator Keller Williams will close out the summer season with an August 29th performance. Williams is not bound by conventional notions of genre, seamlessly shifting between rock, funk, and blues. With this eclectic mixing of styles, no two shows by Williams will ever be the same. Keller will play solo, accompanying himself on guitar, bass, synthesizer, and drum sampler. Williams has dubbed this style “Acoustic dance music,” which is sure to make for an engaging and danceable show.
Keller Williams
Summer Concert Series Schedule
7/11 @ 7:00pm – Eric Lindell
7/18 @ 7:00pm- The Iguanas
7/25 @ 7:00pm- James Hunter Six
8/1 @ 7:00pm- Sister Sparrow & the Dirty Birds
8/8 @ 7:00pm- The Garcia Project
8/15 @ 6:30pm- Blood Brothers
8/22 @ 7:00pm- Sam Bush
8/29 @ 7:00pm- Keller Williams
For more information on performers, location, and times, visit the Chenango Blues Festival website here.
