The Motet and opening act The Sideways got Buffalo boogieing down at Buffalo Ironworks on April 16. They all brought contagious energy.
The Sideways, a popular band in Rochester, started the night off. The band is a fusion of pop, soul and R&B. They played songs from their recently released debut album, Fair Weather. Their sweet sound got the audience’s dancing feet ready for The Motet.
The Motet, a Denver-based band with a blend of funk, soul, and jazz music, had people jamming and dancing. With the addition of vocalist Sarah Clark only this past fall, it felt like sheâd always been part of the band. The way that she interacted with the crowd and carried this contagious energy of fun. Whether she was trying on an audience member’s sunglasses or leading the crowd in song, she kept up the energy all night long
Both The Sideways and The Motet left the Buffalo audience with their contagious energy and good vibes. I can honestly say that everyone left in such a great mood. Iâd be surprised if someone didnât.
The Motet will be back in New York on April 27 at Brooklyn Bowl.
Juice is on the final leg of their first North American tour and performed at the Rec Room in Buffalo on Saturday, April 13.
Juice
Opener Kevin Spears, a member of the local band Free Music Party, started the night. Kevin performed songs from his latest EP, Me and Marge. This was Kevin’s first time being an opener and performing as a solo artist, performing “Meant to Be,” “Left Alone,” “Little Lies,” and “And I Saw It Happen,” among others. Kevinâs music is a fusion of Indie/Alternative R&B, setting the vibe perfectly for Juice.
Kevin Spears
Juice formed in 2013 in Boston and draws influences from Rock, Pop, Hip-Hop, and R&B, which gives them such a unique sound. Juice performed from their latest EP calledNothing Like a Dream. Songs performed by Juice at Rec Room included “Cruelest Thing,” “Becoming a Stranger,” “Come Alive,” “Temporary Love,” “Playa Delfino,” and “Hard to Feel.”
To finish out their tour, Juice will perform two more shows on April 26 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and on April 27 in Amherst, Massachusetts.
Infinity Song filled the Blue Note Jazz Club with joyous soft rock on Monday, April 15, to open their four-day residency. John Boyd, the father of Abraham, Angel, Momo, and Israel Boyd, the four siblings who make up Infinity Song, gave a speech to commemorate the occasion.
The show was the culmination of 27 years of raising children for the Boyd parents, who are both lifelong musicians themselves, going from busking in Central Park to making music under the Roc Nation banner and seeing mainstream success in the city where they grew up. He ended the speech playing on a classic proverb, saying, “It takes ten villages to raise an artist.â
The night was a joyous celebration of music, of family, of history. The band immediately set a mood and established their distinct personalities onstage. The eldest brother, Abraham, spent the first three songs belting while striking poses and running in place on the stage, pumping his arms like he was competing in a marathon to cheers from the audience.
His younger brother and the band’s electric guitarist, Israel, reacted to the cheers by jokingly scolding Abraham for misleading the audience into thinking he was the dancer of the family. This banter culminated in the only way a sibling rivalry can, a dance-off. Each of the four siblings took turns improvising their own dance to on-the-fly beats from the supporting band. For those with siblings, it’s not hard to imagine some similar antics arising if given a stage together.
Coming out of the dance battle, they went into a revolutionary cover of Stevie Nicks’ “Dreams,” which can be found on their newest album, Metamorphosis. No other artist has done the song so much justice. Being raised by musicians and being interdisciplinary themselves, you would be hard-pressed to find four people with that much raw talent on any stage besides the Blue Note last night.
“Slow Burn” and “Haterâs Anthem” were their two most popular songs of the night. “Slow Burn” is a personal favorite that makes use of the sisters’ differing vocal textures to great effect. “Haterâs Anthem” harkens back to the 90s with upbeat choral vocals from the whole group and an underlying message about the pitfalls of being a hater while convincing yourself that you are inherently better than others who are putting in the work towards their goals.
Not only did Infinity Song pack Blue Note on a Monday, but they got the audience dancing, too, as the small club rose from their dinner tables to dance out the end of the show with the band. You can experience Infinity Song in residency at the Blue Note through Thursday, April 18, with shows at 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. This was an otherworldly experience: bring your friends, bring your family, because Infinity Song is up next.
Count Blastula, a funk/jam band from Syracuse have been well over 15 years in the making, and now the group has landed on a killer lineup that is really turning up the heat.
Count Blastula
Count Blastula is characterized by a funky, groovy, get-up-and-move style of jamming. They perform enticing originals and covers combined with a dose of magic that propels the group into serious jamming territory. The band brings their talent everywhere from large festivals and theater shows to private events and intimate local bar gigs. Count Blastula bring their own brand of top-shelf homegrown music to events of all shapes and sizes.
The group displays a diverse full soundscape via a multitude of instruments that can be heard on any given tune, along with a dynamic, and ever-changing flow of rhythms, tones, and arrangements of sounds. Each song by Count Blastula encompasses a unique number of changes and musical movements.
The current band consists of five members: Adam Fisher on guitar/vocals, Jeremy Walts on bass/vocals, Mike Dâambrosio on keys, and Dave Schlossberg and Dave Donley on percussion. When the group tours, they may add a few others like a saxophonist, or other various instruments.
The group has released five unique EPs over the last 12 years. Their music is very much inspired by a wide variety of genres. Funk, rock, jam band, jazz, hip hop, country and more are heard throughout the tunes. You can hear inspiration from Grateful Dead, Dave Matthews Band, Charlie Daniels, and Phish from the music.
Upcoming 2024 Count Blastula Shows
APR 19 FRI
Kwartet @The Fitz @ 8:30pm
Syracuse, NY, United States
APR 20 SAT
Trio with Special Guest Mike Dubaniewicz | LIVE @ Oswego Music Hall @ 6:00pm
Oswego, NY, United States
APR 27 SAT
443 Social Club Syracuse NY @ 7:00pm
Syracuse, NY, United States
MAY 4 SAT
Trio + Edgar Pagán @ Maplewood Bar and Grill @ 1:00pm
Liverpool, NY, United States
MAY 11 SAT
Shiftys @ 8:00pm
Syracuse, NY, United States
MAY 24 FRI
LIVE @ Sterling Stage FolkFest 2024 @ 8:00pm
Sterling Valley, NY, United States
JUN 14 FRI
LIVE @ Moondog’s Lounge | Auburn, NY | 7-10PM @ 7:00pm
Auburn, NY, United States
JUN 21 FRI
LIVE @ Estival Festival @ 10:00pm
Caneadea, NY, United States
JUN 23 SUN
Kwartet Rochester Private party @ 4:00pm
New York, NY, United States
JUN 26 WED
duo @Stout Brewery @ 7:00pm
Salina, NY, United States
JUN 28 FRI
Kwartet @ The Fitz @ 8:30pm
Syracuse, NY, United States
JUN 29 SAT
Trio | Private Event @ 4:00pm
Tully, NY, United States
JUL 13 SAT
Private party @ 5:00pm
Syracuse, NY, United States
JUL 19 FRI
Light the hotdog sessions at Guilded Club @ 7:00pm
Syracuse, NY, United States
JUL 20 SAT
with Edgar Pagan @ Critz Farms @ 5:00pm
Cazenovia, NY, United States
AUG 3 SAT
Blueberry jam Critz Farms @ 1:00pm
Cazenovia, NY, United States
AUG 10 SAT
LIVE @ Glen Fest 24 | The Glen Haven, Homer, NY @ 8:00pm
Homer, NY, United States
AUG 11 SUN
Middle Ages loading dock @ 4:00pm
Syracuse, NY, United States
AUG 17 SAT
Average Joes JamBand night Baldwinsville NY @ 8:00pm
Baldwinsville, NY, United States
AUG 23 FRI
Live @ Shiftys @ 8:00pm
Syracuse, NY, United States
AUG 24 SAT
Critz Farms @ 5:00pm
Cazenovia, NY, United States
SEP 6 FRI
LIVE @ Moondog’s Lounge | Auburn, NY | 7-10PM @ 7:00pm
Auburn, NY, United States
SEP 20 FRI
Kwartet @ The Fitz @ 8:30pm
Syracuse, NY, United States
SEP 27 FRI
Light the hotdog sessions at Gilded Club @ 7:00pm
Syracuse, NY, United States
OCT 11 FRI
Light the hotdog sessions at Gilded Club @ 7:00pm
Syracuse, NY, United States
NOV 8 FRI
LIVE @ Moondog’s Lounge | Auburn, NY | 7-10PM @ 7:00pm
Auburn, NY, United States
NOV 15 FRI
Kwartet @ The Fitz @ 8:30pm
Syracuse, NY, United States
For more information on the band and their upcoming shows, click here.
Brass Power House group Too Many Zooz returned to the scene where it all began on Saturday, April 6 as the trio concluded their self titled album tour in epic fashion.
Retail Therapy is the band’s first album in almost five years, and we had the opportunity to ask one of the bands founding members, Matt Muirhead, about their new album, life for a band that’s been together for 10 years, and what’s next for the acclaimed trio.
The album came together more than a year ago now…generally I think our goal was just to create as much as possible, and then spend the following months trimming the fat and deciding what we wanted to keep and sculpt out, and what to get rid of.
Matt Muirhead, Too Many Zooz
Songs like “Subway Devil Blues” off their latest work and their previously released “Subway Gawds,” the roots of Too Many Zooz can be traced 10 years back to the bustling music scene in the NYC transit system, they all met as working musicians in the subway system. Despite their continued success, the band’s iconic brass and beats sound can still be heard echoing through the tunnels as they busk regularly to this day.
The subway is where we came from. It shaped our music and us as people equally. We’re very grateful for the people of New York for loving us and supporting us to this day.
Matt Muirhead, Too Many Zooz
The band consists of Leo Pellegrino, David “The King of Sludge” Parks, and Matt Muirhead. They self describe their sound as “brasshouse”, and appropriately so. Leo and Matt bring brass of varying tempos while The King of Sludge provides the perpetual beat. The vibe transcends labels as it encorporates a fusion of jazz and percussion with EDM house music. Asking about their songwriting style and process, Matt said the following:
There isn’t a set formula for us-every song is different and how they come to fruition is seemingly unique each time. Of course, over the years you start to develop habits as writers, but we try to approach each song as its own and give it the love and energy it deserves.
Matt Muirhead, Too Many Zooz
The evening at Brooklyn Bowl opened with a strong solo performance by Michael Wilbur, a long time collaborator and frequent guest star. Joining TMZ shortly after his own set, Michael was featured on Retail Therapy, and he has toured alongside them with his own band, Moon Hooch. Michael was not the only guest of the evening, as the band brought out a dynamic percussion duo that brought the evening to a whole new level.
…for me, collaboration is the thing that excites me most about the creation process…. there’s nothing more dismal than sitting in a studio by yourself . Collaborations are such a special and beautiful thing and each one is new and different so for me, I was thrilled to be able to have so many friends on the project.
Even within Too Many Zooz internally, I think what makes our bands sound so unique is the inherent creative collaboration between just the 3 of us- we all have different backgrounds and experiences and we believe in a musical democracy where those sources of inspiration can intertwine, sprout, and grow into something beautiful.
Matt Muirhead, Too Many Zooz
Too Many Zooz went viral in 2014 when a passerby recorded their performance at Union Square Station. Whether it’s their distinguishable sound, or Leo P’s classic showmanship, its clear that they have captured the publics attention, converting viewers into passionate fans. They regularly tour around the country, in the festival circuit, and play abroad. From inside the subways, to venues to around the world, their connection to the fans is undeniable.
I love our fans and am endlessly grateful for them and their support. It blows my mind sometimes how lucky we are to have such loyal fans that continue to show love all these years later. On stage, our connection is immediate . We’re definitely a band that feeds off of energy. If the crowd is crazy, the show will probably be that much crazier. Off stage, we’ve been fortunate to meet some really cool, funny, interesting people who happen to be fans of us and generally speaking I feel confident in saying that our crowds are some of the more accepting, welcoming, and warm people I’ve ever had the chance to play for
Matt Muirhead, Too Many Zooz
Being on the road and playing music together for so long, life and art are bound to blend together. When asked about what their biggest challenge as a band was, Matt reflected “This band as been an enormous learning experience in regards to working with people and truly understand teamwork.”
I was a kid when we started this band and I look back and laugh at who I was. Next to my parents and loved ones, I’ve learned more about myself and who I want to be from Leo and Sludge than anyone in my life. They have been and continue to be monumental sources of inspiration to me on and off stage
Matt Muirhead, Too Many Zooz
Retail Therapy is out now and is available for streaming. For fans who missed out on their tour, you can catch them this summer as they join Coheed & Cambria and Primus on select dates this summer. Tickets are on sale now.
Super Freak: The Rick James Story — the theatrical recounting of the life and times of legendary musician and Buffalo native Rick James — will be coming to Brooklyn‘s Kings Theatre for a limited performance from Friday, April 12 through Sunday, April 14. In light Super Freak: The Rick James Story delves deep into the tumultuous life and extraordinary talent of the legendary musician, exploring the highs and lows of his career against the backdrop of his unforgettable hits. In this case audiences will voyage on a musical extravaganza through the “Super Freak” singer’s groundbreaking music and the compelling narrative of his life, filled with passion, excess, and undeniable talent.
Theatrical Poster for on-stage biography of legendary musician Rick James
Created by renowned playwright and producer Je’Caryous Johnson along with Ty James the executive producer and daughter of the late Rick James, Super Freak makes its way to James’ home state of New York adding a multifaceted musical prodigy in his own right in Mint Condition’s Stokely Williams. In light, the Grammy-nominated vocalist, songwriter, and producer will step into the iconic role of Rick James, bringing to life the legendary singer’s electrifying persona and timeless music.
Additionally, Williams’ talent shone as the lead singer and drummer for R&B group Mint Condition. With his talent as a vocalist, songwriter, and producer making him a fitting addition to portray James in front over 3,000 fans at Kings Theatre, the largest of its kind in Brooklyn. Moreover, Ty James has shown nothing but confidence in Stokely Williams’ ability to carry the role.
I am so excited that we were able to cast such an amazing talented cast. I know playing my dad is stepping into some big shoes, but I am confident Stokley will kill it. My dad would be so proud.
– Ty James
All in all tickets for Super Freak: The Rick James story are on sale on the Kings Theatre’s official website, with tickets ranging from $69 to $112.
Dance Party returns to Bryant Park for its 10th anniversary from May 1 to May 16. Each night will correspond to a different style of dance.
Dance Party events will take place every Wednesday and Thursday from May 1 to May 16. At each event, attendees meet at the iconic Bryant Park fountain to learn basic steps with expert instructors at 6pm. Afterwards, participants can test out their new moves to live music performed by a diverse selection of bands from 7pm-8:30pm.
The two week-long event sees over 10 different styles of dance for anybody to pick up and learn. A slew of talented individuals and groups makeup the festival’s lineup this year. This year’s series kicks off with New York City’s signature brand of Salsa and R&B served up by Uptown Royalty. Disco’s golden era is accentuated by The Disco Nights.
Other artists in the lineup include Judy Santos, Charles Turner & Uptown Swing, KD Browne, La Charanga Pacha and Jimmy Bosch Salsa Masters. Various different and diverse genres performed include salsa, disco, R&B, Bachata, Lindy Hop, Motown, Charanga, Cuban Salsa, and Cha Cha Cha.
For the last ten years, Bryant Park Dance Party has highlighted diverse cultures and traditions from around the globe and across the boroughs of New York City. More than 50,000 participants have danced on the Fountain Terrace and expert instructors have taught 32 different social dance styles ranging from Bhangra to Polka; Cumbia to Lindy Hop; Flamenco to Contra. After learning the dance steps, audiences immediately put those moves to use, dancing to live music from renowned bands.
Uptown Royalty
“Over the past ten years, Bryant Park Dance Party has grown to a new level, offering some of the most exciting, diverse, free entertainment in one of New York’s most beautiful settings. This year, we’re featuring a range of styles, both traditional and new, and the colorful lineup brings together so many different parts of the City. This series is so special to me because it brings so many New Yorkers together to dance and have the time of their lives.”
Talia Castro-Pozo Bryant, Park Dance Party Producer
For more information on the Dance Party festival at Bryant Park visit the parks website by clicking here.
NYC-based R&B singer/songwriter Brendan James has released a brand new single titled “Feel Alive,” from his upcoming album Focus.
Brendan James is an alternative pop, soul, and R&B fusion singer and producer. James and his producer Stroobz Beats recently released their latest single “Feel Alive” from the upcoming album Focus. The track marks the artist’s fourth studio single.
Brendan’s self-proclaimed identity as an “old soul” is epitomized by both his musical inspirations and his own body of work. From Earth, Wind, and Fire to Usher and Luciano Pavarotti, Brendan’s musical inclinations are brimming with generations of spirit and souls.
Brendan James’ single “Feel Alive” has strong emotion tied in each note. It has elements of pop-R&B, alternative, and even gospel. One can argue there is something of an emo undertone here. The track’s layered vocals, powerful intonations, and flowing melody provide a real treat for the soul.
James’ style is in every sense, dynamic. The track has multiple changes in melody and vocal style. The soundscape this track occupies is unique, yet reminiscent of those who came before him. Brendan James’ music speaks to a variety of people from hip hop and R&B enjoyers to pop and alt enjoyers as well. Simply put, this track starts strong and ends stronger.
Make sure to stay up to date on the release of Brendan James’ upcoming album, Focus. For more information on the artist, visit his Spotify here.
Proctors Theatre in Schenectady is proud to host Golden Oldies Spectacular on April 13. The show is headlined by the Doo Wop Project and includes a multitude of talented, authentic acts.
The Doo Wop Project consists of five Broadway stars from smash hit shows like Jersey Boys and Motown: The Musical. This supergroup of Broadway stars transforms hits from the classic and modern American songbook into revamped renditions of your favorites. The group is excited to play hit-songs from the classic American squalls of Doo Wop, Motown, and other golden oldies.
The Golden Oldies Spectacular sees four other spectacular acts including co-headliners The Brooklyn Bridge, who perform a slew of 1950s defining hits. Also performing in the event are The Capris, Bobby Brooks Wilson, and E’stefano DiStanto. Together, the acts set to encapsulate the authenticity and originality of the 50s and 60s music boom.
The Golden Oldies Spectacular takes place 7 pm on April 13 at Proctors Theatre in Schenectady. Tickets range from $45 to $75 and can be purchased on the Proctors Theatre website. To learn more about the upcoming show and to purchase tickets, click here.
Award-winning artist Maxwell has announced The Serenade North American tour which will make a stop at Barclays Center in Brooklyn on September 25, and at Prudential Center in Newark, on October 6
Over the course of more than 20 years, Maxwell has skillfully captured the attention of music enthusiasts by releasing five studio albums that were all well-received as gems in their own right. When the soul singer released Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suite, his highly regarded Columbia-debut in April 1996, it completely changed the genre of soul music. The singer-songwriter and record producer Maxwell, will be joined by special guest two-time Grammy winner and R&B powerhouse Jazmine Sullivan and a rising singer-songwriter October London. Maxwellâs return to the road, with the Serenade Tour marks a reunion with Jazmine Sullivan, who joined him on his Maxwell 08 Tour.
Jazmine Sullivan’s 2008 debut album Fearless, debuted at number one on Billboard’s top R&B/Hip-Hop albums chart and was nominated for seven Grammy awards, including Best R&B Album and Best New Artist. Sullivan’s natural talent to write songs that beautifully convey the experiences of so many women -especially Black women, was evident in her debut single, “Need U Bad.” Sullivan has a poetic vulnerability that gives many listeners the impression that she has been studying their journals.
Also joining the Serenade North American tour is October London, Indiana-based rising star in the music industry. London is a singer-songwriter and producer who just finished his first US tour. His engaging album The Rebirth of Marvinhonors the legendary Marvin Gaye, and the catchy track “Back to Your Place” shot to the top of the R&B radio charts and went on to dominate charts across the country, spending an incredible two weeks at the top of the iTunes R&B Soul Charts. After obtaining a contract with the legendary Snoop Dogg in 2016, October London is still breaking new ground in modern music, mesmerizing audiences with his extraordinary skill and limitless imagination.
Tickets for The Serenade Tour will go on sale on Friday, March 29 at 10 AM via musze.com
Maxwell The Serenade Tour Dates
9/14 – Hollywood, FL – Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood
9/15 – Tampa, FL – Amalie Arena
9/17 – Greensboro, NC – Greensboro Coliseum
9/20 – Hampton, VA – Hampton Coliseum
9/21 – Baltimore, MD – CFG Bank Arena
9/24 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center
9/25 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center
9/27 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena
9/28 – Birmingham, AL – Legacy Arena at the BJCC
9/29 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena
10/1 – Louisville, KY – KFC Yum! Center
10/3 – Charlotte, NC – Spectrum Center
10/4 – Washington DC – Capital One Arena
10/6 – Newark, NJ – Prudential Center
10/9 – Indianapolis, IN – Gainbridge Fieldhouse
10/10 – Chicago, IL – United Center
10/11 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesarâs Arena
10/13 – St. Louis, MO – Enterprise Center
10/16 – Memphis, TN – FedEx Forum
10/18 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center
10/19 – New Orleans, LA – Smoothie King Center
10/20 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center
10/23 – San Diego, CA – Viejas Arena
10/25 – Oakland, CA – Oakland Arena
10/26 – Las Vegas, NV – Bakkt Theater at Planet Hollywood
