The 2024 Pleasantville Music Festival was held on Saturday, July 13, marking its 18th anniversary. The festival presented eighteen performers on three stages, all within the boundaryof one day.
Affectionately referred to as “New York’s Backyard Jam” because of its proximity to NYC, the festival takes the approach of blending up-and-coming, established, and national touring acts. A cornerstone of the festival’s success is its strategy of not repeating performers, offering returning attendees something new each year.
When The Wailers took to the stage, they transformed Pleasantville into Kingston
2024 was the second year that The Garage at Lucy’s in Pleasantville was a gatewayfor local acts to perform at the festival. Through a series of battle-of-the-band competitions held at the club, three acts were selected to open the multiple musical stages at the festival.
The Collection / Pamnation Party Stage
The battle-of-the-band winners were comprised of: Gavin Mitchell & Lauren Mian who performed on the Chill Tent Stage, Mainline who played on the Pamnation Party Stage, and all-around winner Blue Moon Band who shared their music on the Main Stage. These opening acts set a high standard for future performers, demonstrating they are more than capable of sharing the stage with major acts.
… opening acts set a high standard for future performers, demonstrating they are more than capable of sharing the stage with major acts.
Situated in the heart of Westchester, the festival is also a family-friendly affair. Attendees brought chairs and blankets to enjoy a relaxing day out. This year, Kenny Green gave a special children’s performance at the Chili Tent. Alongside the musical performances bounce houses, kid-friendly activities as well as food and other vendors lined the festival’s perimeter.
2024 saw Northwell Health joining as a sponsor of the festival. In conjunction with Northwell Health, the band N.E.D. performed. The band is comprised of gynecological oncologists, including Dr. Gizelka David-West of Northwell’s Northern Westchester and Phelps Hospitals. Their band name is derived from the medical acronym for “no evidence of disease.” After their set, N.E.D. gave everyone a clean bill of health and prescribed a daily dose of rock ’n’ roll for all.
The Wailers / Main Stage
With three stages, the festival offered a mixture of musical styles. The stages and act performance times were aligned in such a way that you could experience all eighteen acts if so desired.
The Chill Tent, situated at the far end of the park, offered an open-air big top where you could sit in chairs with large fans circulating the air. This stage hosted singer/songwriter, blues, and jazz performances featuring Jesse Terry and headliner Jill Sobule.
Better Than Ezra / Main Stage
The Pamnation Party Stage served as the place to dance till you dropped. Talon, an all-girl band fromBrooklyn and Armonk tore up the stage, while Dead Tooth from Queens added fuel to the musical fire. Jersey City’s Widely Grown (who also hosted the after-party at Lucy’s) and The Collection (from North Carolina) closed out the stage in fine fashion.
The Main Stage featured national performing acts. Indie rockerMargaret Glaspy, with her haunting raspy vocal tones, shared songs from her 2023 release “Echo The Diamond.” When The Wailers took to the stage, they transformed Pleasantville into Kingston. Performing hit after hit, lead singer Mitchell Brunings led the crowd in sing-alongs throughout their set.
…the ‘burbs can rock
Grammy Award winner The Record Company followed with their straightforward rock ’n’ roll. New Orleans-based headlinerBetter Than Ezra wrapped up the night delighting the audience with a surprise abridged performance of David Bowie’s “Space Oddity” during their set.
Jill Sobule / Chill Tent
With eighteen years under its belt, the Pleasantville Music Festival continues to put its mark on the music scene, proving that the ‘burbs can rock.
Main Stage
Better Than EzraThe Record CompanyThe WailersMargaret GlaspyN.E.D.Blue Moon Band
Pamnation Party Stage
The CollectionWidely GrownDead ToothMojo & The Mayhem TalonMainline
Chill Tent Stage
Jill SobuleJesse TerryThe Robert Hill Band w/Rae SimonePlane StationGavon Mitchell & Lauren MianKids Music w/Kenny Green
Starting July 2, Tuesdays at Main Beach celebrates its third year in East Hampton Village. The summer concert series is now in its third year, and to commemorate the anniversary, 10 artists are featured from a variety of genres, ending on September 3. Concerts are from 6-8 pm, located at Main Beach.
Tuesdays at Main Beach – East Hampton Village Foundation
Presented by the East Hampton Village Foundation, Tuesdays at Main Beach reached mounting success during its first year. Now, three years later, the summer concert series draws crowds from all over Long Island. From Montauk and Southampton to Ocean Avenue, Tuesdays at Main Beach is enjoyed by thousands of people, celebrating local and regional artists ranging from brass bands to yacht rock.
In addition to the concerts, Tuesdays at Main Beach acts as a fundraiser. Several charities, foundations, and non-profit organizations are available at every show throughout the series, raising awareness for an abundance of causes. Organizations such as Kiwanis Club, Warrior Project, Springs Food Pantry, Meals on Wheels, East Hampton Education Foundation, LVIS, and East Hampton Food Pantry all participate, offering activities and raffles to promote their cause and raise money.
During the concerts, attendees can enjoy swimming with the safety of lifeguards on duty and can grab dinner right on the beach at Main Beach’s own Beach Hut. Concerts are held weekly on Tuesdays, and begin at 6 pm and end at 8 pm. While the fun has already started, there is still time to catch REEB (Real East End Brass), funk outfit Candy Shop, and more until September 3.
The full lineup of artists is listed below. Main Beach is located at 101 Ocean Ave East Hampton, NY 11937.
For more information, visit the East Hampton Village Foundation’s website, linked here.
Greenwich Village’s annual Village Trip Festival will return on Saturday, September 14th. The 2024 edition will feature two full weeks of musical performance, comedy, and lectures.
Village Trip began in 2018, as a way to celebrate Greenwich Village’s countercultural history and spirit. Dating back to the 1910s, Greenwich Village was a hub for boundary-pushing thought. Village Resident and anarchist writer Hippolyte Havel described the village as “a spiritual zone of mind [with]…no boundaries.” In addition to spearheading the movements for women and LGBT rights, Greenwich Village was at the hub of musical innovation throughout the last century.
The 1930s saw legends of jazz and blues, like Leadbelly and Billie Holliday play at its many nightclubs. By the 1960s, its taverns and parks had become hubs for young songwriters in Manhattan. At the center of this musical movement – and Village Trip – was the Music Inn instrument shop. Throughout the 60s and 70s, legends like Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and George Harrison frequented the shop.
In addition to performances and instrument shopping, Greenwich Village played an important role in inspiring classics of the rock and folk genres. The neighborhood is said to have inspired Joan Baez’s “Diamonds and Rust” and The Mamas & the Papas’ “California Dreamin’” among others.
The Village Trip’s first year featured a free concert by the legendary singer-songwriter Suzanne Vega. Since 2018, the event has expanded to neighborhood wide block parties, concerts, and events for both NYC locals and visitors to enjoy. In addition to music, past festivals have included writing seminars, book talks, and walking tours of the village.
Beginning on September 14, the 2024 Village Trip promises 13 different events for visitors to enjoy. A Block Party on West 4th Street will kick off the festival beginning at 2pm. Centered around the Music Inn, the party will feature performances by artist-emeritus David Amram. With a set featuring percussion, guitar, and bouzouki, the festivities are sure to spill out into the neighboring areas. During the block party, visitors can walk the same streets as Bob Dylan during the writing of The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan.
September 15 will feature two events: a concert and a film screening. First is a performance by Janis Siegel and Yaron Gershovsky titled Colors of My Life – A Cy Coleman Songbook. Siegel and Gershovsky were both previously members of the legendary vocal jazz group The Manhattan Transfer, as vocalist and keyboardist respectively. This show will highlight the works of legendary Broadway composer/pianist Cy Coleman. With four decades worth of compositions under his belt, critic Clive Barners called Coleman “a permanent gem in Broadway’s musical crown.” The time and location of this performance are not finalized. Tickets will be $30.
September 15 will feature two screenings of Lead Belly: The Man Who Invented Rock & Roll. The film follows legendary bluesman Lead belly through his troubled life, career, and imprisonment. It features interviews with countless rock legends, tracing how Lead Belly’s compositions were key in developing early rock and roll. The film screenings will take place at 4pm and 7:30pm. Following the screening, there will be a Q&A with Alvin Singh II, Director of the Lead Belly Foundation. Tickets start at $25.
September 16 will feature The Music of the Bard: Words & Music of Shakespeare in the Park 1956-1967. This event traces the work of Joe Papp, the visionary behind Shakespeare in the Park and the Public Theatre. The Music of the Bard will feature selections from David Amram’s scores from Shakeapseare in the Park productions. In addition, actors will reenact their favorite scenes, and Gail Merrifield Papp will read excerpts from her memoir Public/Private: My Life with Joe Papp at The Public Theater. The event will last from 7:00-8:15pm, with tickets being $30.
September 17 and 18 will feature talks regarding the history of Greenwich Village. First, Rolling Stone senior writer David Browne will discuss his new book Talkin’ Greenwich Village: The Heady Rise and Slow Fall of America’s Bohemian Music Capital. This talk will discuss how such a small neighborhood fostered so much musical talent, and how government forces acted to subvert that musical innovation. This talk will begin September 17 at 6pm. This will be followed by a talk from Rutgers University history professor Ruth Feldstein. Feldstein’s talk will discuss how Black female entertainers in Greenwich Village impacted the larger pushes for civil rights and women’s liberation. Her talk will begin September 18th at 6pm.
September 17 will also feature a musical celebration of the works of three pioneering New York artists: Georgia O’Keeffe, Edward Hopper, and Jackson Pollock. The event will feature a number of compositions for piano, flute, viola, cello, and vocals inspired by these artists’ works. A screening of PBS documentary on Pollock’s life will precede the performances, with a special talk by the film score’s composer. This event will take place 7-9pm, with tickets starting at $20.
September 19-22 mark the festival’s “American Primitive & Inventors of Genius Weekend.” This stint of events celebrates Greenwich Village artists that have pushed the boundaries of their field. The weekend places a specific focus on the genre of American Primitivism, a classically-inspired strain of acoustic guitar compositions. Throughout the weekend, composer Agustin Castilla-Avila will host free conferences with a host of musicologists analyzing microtonality in the genre.
September 20 will feature a performance from Grammy-winning guitarist John Schneider. His performance will explore the works of pioneering American Primitivist composers Harry Partch and Lou Harrison. Included in the performance are Partch’s December 1942 and Barstow, as well as Harrison’s Just Guitars. The performance will take place from 7-9pm, with tickets starting at $17.50.
Also on September 20, 8x Grammy-nominated drummer Bobby Sanabria will perform his renowned Latin jazz. For over 50 years, Sanabria has mixed free jazz with elements of Cuban and Brazilian folk to craft his award winning brand of jazz. In 2018, his album West Side Story Reimagined (2018) won the Jazz Journalists Association Record of the Year award. Afro-Latin jazz band Ascensión will accompany Sanabria during the performances. Bobby Sanabria & Ascensión will perform at 7pm and 9pm. Tickets start at $25.
September 21 will feature a tribute to Laura Nyro by vocalist Diane Garisto & the Laura Nyro Project. Garisto has made a name for herself signing backup for some of the biggest names in music. She has previously sung with Billy Joel, Paul Simon, Steely Dan, and more. Since the 1990s, Garisto has performed tributes to the late Laura Nyro. Across her 22 studio albums, Nyro established herself as one of the most prolific singer-songwriters in history. She mixed pop, gospel, and rock to write dozens of classic songs. This performance will begin at 7pm, with tickets starting at $25.
Also featured on September 21 is a performance by pianist Eliza Garth. Garth will play Sonatas and Interludes by the legendary New York composer John Cage. Cage’s minimalist compositions helped revolutionize 20th century classical piano. The performance will take place at St Mark’s Church, a historic meeting space for many of the village’s artists, including Cage. Garth’s performance will be from 2-4pm, with tickets starting at $17.50.
September 22 will feature yet another performance from Janis Siegel, this time celebrating the music of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn. This performance will honor the compositions of Ellington and Strayhorn, as well as recognize the hardships of their lives in such a deeply racist and homophobic era. Pianist John di Martino will join Siegel using his grammy-nominated piano chops to bring the Ellington and Strayhorn compositions to life. Tickets for this performance are $30.
On September 23, Village Trip will feature the special event The Parting Glass – A Drop of the Irish. The purpose of this event is to recognize the deep influence of New York’s Irish community on its musical tradition. In addition, the event will remember NYU professor Mick Moloney and singer Dan Milner who recently passed. Following a concert, there will be a special event at Wicked Willy’s pub, where attendees are encouraged to bring instruments and join in on the festivities. The event will begin at 6:30pm, with tickets starting at $25.
September 24 will feature a celebration for the centennial of James Baldwin’s birth. His writings, including his 1953 novel Go Tell It On the Mountain are literary giants, discussing the issues of racial discrimination in the US. Following his early life in New York City, Baldwin joined civil rights leaders in the Selma March and used his platform to call for political change. This celebration will feature readings by actor Daniel Carlton, as well as performances of music enjoyed by Baldwin. The event will begin at 7pm, with tickets at $25.
In contrast to the musically focused events of the festival, September 25 will feature a night of comedy. The Grisly Pear comedy club will feature established and up-and-coming comedians performing observational jokes about modern life. In the past, this venue has featured legends like Lenny Bruce, Jon Stewart, and George Carlin. The night of comedy will begin at 8pm, with tickets starting from $15.
September 27th will feature a special concert titled “From the Courtyard.” This concert seeks to recreate the sounds of an 1890s tenement courtyard, which housed immigrant families in the city. Much like the scene it will recreate, the concert’s performers come from many cultural backgrounds, each offering their own influences. Among the many pieces performed are Yiddish klezmer pieces, Mexican folk, and the Afro-American Suite by Undine Smith Moore. This special performance will take place from 7-9pm, with tickets starting at $20.
Village Trip will conclude with a free concert in Washington Square Park, featuring female musicians. Among the artists playing are the Washington DC-based alt-rockers BETTY. Founded in 1986, the trio’s music has been featured in countless tv shows. Along tours, they used their platform to call for equal rights for women and LGBTQ Americans, gaining feminist icon Gloria Stenem as their biggest fan. BETTY will be joined by Janie Barnett, who will perform her brand of Americana. Barnett got her start in Virginia’s bluegrass scene, before settling in New York where she continued to hone her folk chops. Her work has led to collaborations with legends like Linda Rondstadt and Bonnie Raitt.
The final act to play will be Tish and Snooky Bellomo. The glam-punk duo traces their roots back to the heyday of punk rock at New York’s CBGB club. As singers and owners of the punk boutique Manic Panic, the duo were icons of the Lower East Side, endearing themselves with members of Blondie and the Ramones. The concert will take place on September 28 from 4-7pm.
For more information regarding the Village Trip festival, visit their website here.
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.
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.
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.
The Northwest Jazz Festival in Lewiston, NY will host an exciting celebration tribute of The Great American Songbook Aug. 23-24. The festival will include six performances across the two days of beloved music, taking place on Center St. in Lewiston.
Coming to Lewiston for the upcoming festival is a group of extremely talented musicians, whose work excels in the jazz community.
On Friday, Aug. 23 at 6 PM, Pete Malinverni and his trio will open the festival. The performance will then be followed by Pete Malinverni, Peter Bernstein, and Anaïs Reno performing a selection of jazz standards from the Great American Songbook. The first night of the Northwest Jazz Festival brings a unique collaboration from three significant artists.
The next day, Saturday, Aug. 24, festivities get an earlier start. At 2:15 PM, attendees will witness Elliot Sneider perform the music of George and Ira Gershwin. This delightful start to the day will excite the audience, preparing them for the extraordinary shows ahead of them. Throughout the rest of the day, the Jazz at the Ballroom organization will present three shows with different American Songbook themes.
Starting at 4 PM, Adrian Cunningham, Wyatt Michael, and the Konrad Paszkudzki Trio will present “Get Out of Town.” This show will feature songs like “Route 66” and “Stars Fell On Alabama,” giving attendees a musical tour of the country.
At 6 PM, Champian Fulton along with Olivia Chindamo, and Vanessa Perea will pay homage to the women who paved their way from big bands to becoming household names. “Flying High” features the music of Ella Fitzgerald, Anita O’Day, Billie Holiday, Rosemary Clooney, and many more.
Lastly, at 8:30 PM “Accentuate the Positive” to close the night out and end the enchanting weekend of music. Led by pianist, Konrad Paszkudzki, the performance will include uplifting songs from back in the day such as. Joined by the full Jazz at the Ballroom ensemble, the festival will undoubtedly end on a high note.
To reserve a seat for the Northwest Jazz Festival, visit lewistonjazz.com.
Designer, actor, and musician Isaac Mizrahi will return to Midtown Manhattan’s 54 Below. Back by popular demand, Mizrahi and his band will perform a set titled A Brief History. The performances will take place August 28-31st.
Since his youth in Brooklyn, Isaac Mizrahi has devoted himself to the arts. His career began at age 10 when he bought his first sewing machine. By 1987, Mizrahi presented his first fashion line, garnering critical praise. Since then, his clothing has been sold at chains like Bloomingdales and Nordstrom. Mega-stars like Julia Roberts, Natalie Portman, and Nicole Kidman have also sported his styles.
This success in the designing industry has allowed Mizrahi to pursue other artistic careers, notably music. Mizrahi views himself foremost as an entertainer. Following shows on E! And Oxygen, Mizrahi grew increasingly notable as a public figure. Using this notoriety, he has directed stage productions across the country, including A Little Night Music and The Magic Flute for the Opera Theatre of St. Louis, and Peter and the Wolf at New York’s Guggenheim.
A scene from the Guggenheim’s Peter and the Wolf, directed by Mizrahi
Included in these artistic endeavors is stage performance. Starting with his show on Oxygen, Mizrahi has performed as a jazz singer. However, Mizrahi’s performance is so much more than just music. The New York Times has described Mizrahi as “a founding father of a genre that fuses performance, art, music and stand-up comedy.” His set at 54 Below – titled A Brief History – lives up to its name including everything from Billie Eilish to Cole Porter. On top of music, his shows contain jokes, cultural references, and sarcastic interjections into song lyrics.
Mizrahi will perform at Midtown Manhattan’s 54 Below Club. Broadway producers Tom Viertel, Marc Routh, Richard Frankel and Steve Baruch founded the club to celebrate New York City’s musical talent. 54 Below highlights not only Broadway musicians, but also cabaret, and performers of the Great American Songbook. The club’s intimate environment allows audiences to see their favorite performers in a more somber setting, and allows performers to workshop new materials and collaborate with other artists. Performances at 54 Below have helped develop new Broadway shows and musicals throughout the year.
Tony-Winning designers John Lee Beatty, Ken Billington, and Peter Hylenski designed the 140 person dining room, bringing their stage production know-how. The club’s layout makes it so that no tables are further than 24 feet from the stage, ensuring audience members get the best possible experience. The club also has broadcasting and recording capabilities to preserve its 3 nightly shows. With this unparalleled quality, the club received the 2022 Tony Awards Honor for Excellence in the Theatre. Additionally, 54 Below has gained the name “Broadway’s Living Room” for the number of performers who grace its stage.
Mizrahi and his band will perform August 28-31st. His set will begin at 7:00pm each night. Various ticket and seating tiers are available, starting at $78.50. For more information on Isaac Mizrahi’s performance, visit the 54 Below website here.
The Canandaigua Business Improvement District has announced the 2024 Art and Music Festival, celebrating local musicians, artists, and businesses throughout the city.
The festival begins on Friday, July 19 at noon and goes through the weekend, ending on Sunday July 21. From 12 pm-7 pm on Friday and 10 am – 5 pm on Saturday and Sunday, Historic Downtown Canandaigua will feature over 150 restaurants, artists, and musicians.
For 34 years, the historic sidewalks of Downtown Main Street have hosted the Art and Music Festival, aimed to celebrate the works of artists belonging to several mediums. Although its start was small and featured a few artists scattered around the region, the festival has grown into a mounting success in the last three decades. Now in its 35th year, Downtown Main Street is home to over 150 artists and musicians and includes activities, classes, demonstrations, and raffles.
After an extensive jury process, artists are selected to display their works throughout the entirety of the festival. Each year, new artists in almost every category, including ceramics, pottery, jewelry, woodworking, fiber, glass, photography, and gourmet foods, showcase and sell their creations at booths. Art students at local schools join in on the fun, too, showing off their coursework for all to see.
Musical acts at the festival will take place for the entire weekend on the Maxion Stage at Commons Park. The concerts start at noon every day. This year, the Art and Music Festival features select musical acts from all genres, including Bluegrass, Blues, Rock & Roll, Jazz, and singer-songwriter Acoustic performers from all over Upstate New York. Returning performers and newcomers alike, the musicians performing at the Art and Music Festival will be bringing their best for the entire weekend.
Throughout the entirety of the festival, a wide range of activities are available in Historic Downtown. Activities include a musical petting zoo, an interactive experience complete with instruments to explore. Demonstrations of pottery making, candle creation, and glass flameworking are readily available. Lastly, the Golden Palette Studio Trail includes special events and access to original art, crafts, classes, services, and unique gift items.
For more information, visit the city’s website, linked here.
The Albany Institute of History and Art presents their latest free concert series, Summer Music at the Museum. The series will take place on select Wednesdays throughout the months of July and August and feature a number of local musicians, artists, and restaurants.
In partnership with the Albany Musicians Association and Motion Picture and Television Fund (MPTF), Summer Music at the Museum returns to the Albany Institute as the 2024-2025 season begins. The series consists of three separate performances, each on a select Wednesday of each month. The concert series began with its first performance on Wednesday, June 26. The next scheduled concert is Wednesday, July 17, from 5:00-7:00 pm, featuring The Art D’echo Trio.
The Art D’echo Trio is a jazz trio hailing from New York’s capital region. Its members are pianist Dave Gleason, bassist Mike Lawrence, and drummer Pete Sweeney. Formed in 2012, The Art D’echo Trio have performed together in multiple jazz combos since they were teenagers. Eventually, the three musicians formed an official jazz trio, bringing their skills to performances all over New York. Over the years, the trio have played everything, from Latin jazz tunes to their own renditions of classic jazz standards, enthralling audiences everywhere they go. Their one-of-a-kind musicianship is inspiring to both lifelong jazz fans and newcomers to the genre. Now, they head to Albany for a stellar performance at Summer Music at the Museum.
The Art D’echo Trio – official Facebook page
The next concert for Summer Music at the Museum is scheduled for Wednesday, August 14.
All concerts for Summer Music at the Museum are free and open to the public. The Albany Institute encourages attendees to bring picnic blankets or camp out on the lawn of the museum. The venue is located at 125 Washington Ave, Albany. For any updates or additional information, visit AIHA’s website, linked here.
The Mabee Farm Historic Site in Rotterdam Junction, NY has announced a benefit concert set for Friday, July 26th. The concert will feature performances from Capital Region acts Lost Radio Rounders and Mark & Jill.
Exterior of Mabee Farm’s Dutch Barn
Located just 10 minutes West of Schenectady, Mabee Farm is the oldest farm in the Mohawk Valley, dating back to 1705. In addition to scenic forest trails and orchards, the site is host to a number of historic buildings. These buildings include the handbuilt Dutch Barn from 1760. The Dutch barn will host the benefit concert performances. This site frequently hosts concerts, most notably the annual Howlin’ at the Moon Concert Series each summer.
Proceeds from the concert will go towards preserving the farm’s Brick House. The Brick House – built in 1767 – was home to Mabee Farm’s 14 enslaved people. Following surveys, engineers determined that $76,000 in preservation work, including repairs to the basement was needed to stabilize the structure. This restoration comes as a part of the site’s mission to acknowledge the role of slavery in the Mabee Farm’s history.
“It is vitally important to preserve this building. The Brick house – particularly its barren basement – is a tangible connection to the lives of enslaved Schenectadians. It is our duty as stewards of history to safeguard this structure so that future generations will be able to delve into the complexities of our shared past”
– Mary Zawacki, Mabee Farm Executive Director
These plans have gained the support of politicians like New York Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado. Delgado recognized the restoration’s role in “keeping this history alive for generations of New Yorkers to enjoy.”
Lost Radio Rounders and Mark & Jill have volunteered to perform at the July 26th benefit show. The trio Lost Radio Rounders are staples of the Capital Region Americana scene. Capital Region Thomas Edison Music Hall of Fame inductees Paul Jossman and Michael Eck, alongside multi-instrumentalist and educator Tom Lindsey founded the trio in its current form in 2021. With acoustic instrumentation including resonator guitars, mandolins, and double basses, the trio transports audiences to a time long passed.
Lost Radio Rounders
Their sound is aided by the group’s love of history, frequently performing frontier ballads and even historical presidential campaign songs. Lindsey – a New York State history teacher – holds a special love for the oral tradition of folk music. Speaking on the benefit concert, Lindsey said the band has “always explored the way American music reflects American history, and we are delighted to lend a helping hand to this important project. As a former educator I know the impact that living history sites like Mabee Farm can have on people of all ages, especially children.”
Mark and Jill
Blues duo Mark & Jill will join Lost Radio Rounders at the benefit concert. Founded by New York Blues Hall of Fame inductee Mark Tolstrup and singer Jill Burnham, the duo has produced a unique blend of American roots music. Combining Tolstrup’s bluesy slide guitar and Burnham’s sultry vocals, they explore the joy and sorrow that life brings through their songs. The group’s blending of styles from Texas, New Orleans, and New York has brought them much acclaim. In 2022, the duo won the Capital Region Thomas Edison Awards “Blues Artist of the Year.” Additionally, they were finalists in the 2022 Memphis International Blues Challenge.
The benefit concert will take place on Friday, July 26th starting at 7:00pm. The concert is an “admission by donation” event with proceeds going towards the restoration project.
Jazz vocalist Andy James from Las Vegas, NV put out her own rendition of the Billy Joel classic, “New York State of Mind.” The song, which is accompanied by a music video, is the latest single from her upcoming album, Let Me See Your Heart.
Andy James has been a part of the entertainment industry for years. As an experienced dancer in Europe and a passionate Jazz singer, her music contains musings of her many experiences. She significantly expresses personal messages in her originals and adds new perspectives to beloved jazz songs.
Let Me See Your Heart is James’ fifth album which she will release on August 9 on Le Coq Records. The album features contributions from a variety of renowned jazz musicians and frequent collaborators of James. The music includes pianist Jon Cowherd, drummer Nate Smith, percussionist Alex Acuna and bassist John Patitucci. Additionally, Grammy Award-winning keyboardist John Beasley, saxophonist and bass clarinetist John Ellis, guitarist Chico Pinheiro, and organist Ronnie Foster have features.
The new rendition of “New York State of Mind” is a melting pot of sounds, creating a refreshing alternative to the classic piano ballad. The new perspective is exciting, providing a larger and more upbeat combination of instruments and including a female vocalist. The song reflects James’ jazz beginnings of casually recording songs that spoke to her. James ensured that the song upheld the personal and relaxed value while giving it a fresh spin.
For me, the song that best sums up everything that’s great about this album may, in fact, be ‘New York State of Mind’ – it sounds so new and so different, not only does it makes me feel like I never really heard the song before, but it makes me look at the city itself with whole new eyes. For a lifelong New Yorker, that’s really saying something.
Will Friedwald, Jazz Critic
Andy James is currently on tour, having just played shows at The Cutting Room in New York City, as well as a show in Nashville at Rudy’s Jazz Room. Next, she returns to Europe for a series of shows throughout July and August.
For more information about Andy James’ music visit www.andyjames.com
