NYS Music 2024

Category: Genres

  • Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview 2024 Summer Lineup of Concerts

    Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater – previously known as St. Joseph’s Health Ampitheater – has begun to announce their 2024 summer lineup of shows, which so far includes Hozier, Hank Williams Jr., Lainey Wilson, Jordan Davis, Lynyrd Skynyrd, ZZ Top and more.

    empower ampitheater photo

    Originally called Lakeview Amphitheatre when first opened in 2015, the naming rights later changed to St. Joseph’s Health in 2023, and then to what it is today– Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater, just down the road from the New York State Fairgrounds.

    Though St. Joseph no longer has sole rights to the venue, they continue to support music and emphasize its importance in society, stating, “Music is a healing art, and as we stated when we took on this sponsorship in 2018, we firmly believe it is an important part of the culture of our diverse community and our healing ministry.”

    May 21- Hozier : Unreal Unearth Tour

    Indie artist Hozier will play at Syracuse’s Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview on May 21. The singer and songwriter released his third full-length album, Unreal Unearth, on August 18 which saw an impressive success worldwide. Having made a name for himself with the prolific track “Take Me To Church” over a decade ago, Hozier has expanded his music ability and reach to new audiences. The Unreal Unearth Tour has been a huge success throughout the world, having played shows for nearly 250,000 fans and boasting an entirely live performance.

    Hozier Performs Live with Jools Holland

    May 22 – Judas Priest : Invincible Shield Tour

    After releasing their 19th studio album Invincible Shield, the British heavy metal band Judas Priest will perform at the Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview as part of their Invincible Shield Tour. Originally formed in Birmingham in 1969, Judas Priest consists of Rob Halford, Ian Hill, Glenn Tipton, Scott Travis and Richie Faulkner.

    June 21 – Lainey Wilson

    Another Louisiana native Lainey Wilson has made a name for herself because of her vocal and acting skills. She was the leading female nominee and winner at the 2023 ACM awards with Female Vocalist of the Year, Album of the Year, Visual Media and Musical Event of the Year, and had previously won 2022’s Female Vocalist and New Artist of the Year. She landed her first No. 1 with her renowned song, “Things A Man Oughta Know.” With her rockstar-like stage presence and raw talent, she’s sure to impress all who attend her 2024 Country’s Cool Again North American Tour. 

    June 26 – James Taylor and His All-Star Band

    Legendary singer and songwriter James Taylor and his All-Star band will perform at the Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview Syracuse on June 26 as part of their tour.

    Taylor is known for his covers, such as “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)” and “Handy Man”, as well as originals such as “Sweet Baby James”. The singer is also known for playing the leading role in Monte Hellman’s 1971 film Two-Lane Blacktop.

    As a recording and touring artist, James is known for touching fans with his warm baritone voice and distinctive style of guitar-playing for more than 50 years, while setting a precedent to which countless young musicians have aspired. Since the release of his self-titled debut album in 1968, he has sold more than 100 million albums during the course of his successful songwriting and performing career, earning gold, platinum, and multi-platinum awards.

    June 28 – Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss: Outlaw Fest.

    Musician Willie Nelson is bringing his iconic Outlaw Music Festival to Darien Lake this summer. The packed festival will have a show at the Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview Syracuse on June 28 and will feature iconic artists like Bob Dylan, Robert Plant and Alison Krauss.

    Willie Nelson, who was born in Texas during the Great Depression, has a career that spans the majority of his life. His debut studio album, …And Then I Wrote, was released in 1962, catapulting him into a successful career.

    July 11 – Jason Aldean – Highway Desperado Tour 

    After a successful 40-date run in 2023, country star Jason Aldean will continue the Highway Desperado Tour in the summer of 2024 and will stop in Syracuse at the Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview on July 11. Aldean recently released his 11th studio album on November 3 to huge success. The 14-track record includes hit singles such as “Try That In A Small Town” and “Let Your Boys Be Country.” The latter includes a brand new music video featuring guest appearances by Aldean’s young son and daughter, and focuses on the simplicity and nature of rural childhood life.

    July 18 – Jordan Davis

    Jordan Davis’ Twitter

    Louisiana native Jordan Davis is known for his collaboration with Luke Bryan in 2021 with “Buy Dirt.” He now resides in Nashville, showcasing his growth as an artist in his “Damn Good Time” world tour. He took “Buy Dirt” and won Song of the Year in 2022 via the Country Music Association Awards, and only continues to grow as a musician.

    July 24 – Santana and Counting Crows: Oneness Tour

    Legendary guitarist Santana and Grammy-nominated band Counting Crows will perform at the Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview on July 24 as part of their “Oneness” tour that they announced earlier this spring.

    Santana and Counting Crows promises to deliver a passionate, high-energy, and classic hits from their catalogs. Carlos Santana will provide his legendary guitar playing, while the Counting Crows get everyone jiving and singing along. 

    The two visionary artists’ tour will combine their minds and talents to surely prove and put on a spectacle show on July 24.

    July 26 – Dan + Shay : Heartbreak On The Map Tour

    The Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview Syracuse will also see country duo Dan + Shay on July 26. Dan + Shay’s mark on country music continues to grow with the release of their highly anticipated studio album, Bigger Houses in 2023.

    In 2021, the duo became the first and only artist to win a Grammy Award for Best Country Duo/Group Performance 3x consecutively since the category’s inception. The reigning Favorite Country Duo or Group winners claimed a 3rd consecutive win for the category at the American Music Awards, where they had swept their categories in 2020, becoming the first country artist ever to win Collaboration of the Year.

    July 31 – Train and REO Speedwagon – Summer Road Trip

    The legendary hitmakers REO Speedwagon and Train announced earlier that they will be teaming up for the hottest co-headlining tour of the summer. Together with REO Speedwagon’s extensive collection of timeless classics and Train’s critically acclaimed catalog of global hits, the diamond-selling bands will embark on the Summer Road Trip 2024 Tour, promising an unforgettable evening of music, high energy, and fun that will appeal to all age groups. The bands will perform at the Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview Syracuse on July 31.

    August 3 – Xscape & SWV : The Queens of R&B Tour

    Following a social media teaser that sparked intense excitement among fans, the legendary groups XSCAPE and SWV have reunited for “The Queens of R&B” tour with support from MÝA, Total, and 702. When sharing the tour announcement, XSCAPE and SWV shared that “The Queens Of R&B” tour is a testament to the power of what can be accomplished when women come together with respect, admiration and undeniable talent. It is a celebration of passion, power, resilience and unstoppable ability to exceed expectations.

    Their highly anticipated tour will be an unforgettable experience filled with timeless R&B music and stellar performances that are set to captivate audiences across the nation.

    August 15 – ZZ Top & Lynyrd Skynyrd

    ZZ Top, known for their single, “Sharp Dressed Man”, and Lynyrd Skynyrd, known for their critically-acclaimed album Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd,’ have put their musical talents together for an unforgettable show performing across the United States, with one stop at the Amphitheater in August. You can’t miss their raw rock and roll music, sure to bring everyone to their feet.

    August 24 – Hank Williams Jr.

    Country Rock artist Hank Williams, Jr. first started his career by covering his father’s songs and emulating his style. At the age of 14, Williams, Jr. made his television debut in an Ed Sullivan Show episode from December 1963, where he sang a number of songs that were connected to his father. He also appeared as a guest star on Shindig later that year. In 1964, he made his recording debut with “Long Gone Lonesome Blues”, one of his father’s many classic songs. Hank Williams Jr.’s line up will also include the rock band Whiskey Myers and Ray Fulcher, a songwriter based in Harlem.

    August 29 – Walker Hayes: Same Drunk Tour

    Country singer Walker Hayes will perform at the  Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview Syracuse on August 29 as part of his anticipated “Same Drunk” tour.

    Hayes released the EP Country Stuff on June, 2021. Its single “Fancy Like” went viral on TikTok, peaking at number 3 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 1 on the Hot Country Songs chart, making it Hayes’ highest-charting release to date.

    September 4 – Rob Zombie and Alice Cooper

    Hard rock icon Rob Zombie will embark on his Freaks On Parade Tour by performing at the Syracuse stage on Sept. 4. Joining Rob on tour is the Detroit native Alice Cooper who delights both the crowd and his devoted followers with his unique brand of rock psycho-drama. Cooper is known for his wide range inspirations from vaudeville, garage rock, and horror films, and his ensemble puts on a theatrical production complete with electric chairs, guillotines, fake blood, and boa constrictors. Rob Zombie and Alice Cooper’s tour will also be accompanied by Al Jourgensen’s band Ministry and Richard Patrick’s band Filter.

    September 6 – Hootie & the Blowfish – Summer Camp with Trucks Tour

    Hootie and the Blowfish will return to the road in 2024 on their Summer Camp With Trucks Tour with special guests Collective Soul and Edwin McCain. Visiting about 43 cities across the U.S. and Canada, this will mark Hootie and the Blowfish’s first full tour since 2019.

    September 7 – Pitbull: Party After Dark Tour

    Pitbull – Grandstands Day 3

    Global superstar Pitbull will perform at the Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater on Sept. 7 as part of his anticipated upcoming Party After Dark Tour. The tour plans to hit over 25 cities across the U.S. with special guest T-Pain and openers SiriusXM Globalization DJ’S. Lil Jon is also set to make appearances at select markets. Mr. Worldwide is set to deliver another incredibly dynamic tour with an electrifying mix of his biggest career-spanning hits of instantly recognizable smashes and surprises. 

    September 13 – Killer Queen with Special Guest Voyage

    Killer Queen, a tribute band from London who has been doing this for more than 25 years will hit the Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater on Sept. 13 with special guest Voyage. Fans and critics alike have praised Voyage as the best Journey tribute band for their terrifyingly accurate rendition of the Journey catalog. Voyage takes their fans back to the ’80s era when the timeless music of Journey dominated the airwaves. The collective ability of these five guys has elevated the meaning of a tribute to a whole new level.

    September 24 – Nathaniel Rateliff & TNS and My Morning Jacket

    Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats and My Morning Jacket will co-headline their Eye to Eye Tour on September 24 in Syracuse at the Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview.

    My Morning Jacket was hailed by The New York Times as “the kings of expand-your-mind, religious-experience rock”. The group started out as misfits from the South and have since grown to become one of the most beloved bands of their generation. Additionally, they continue to excite audiences all over the world with their hypnotic songcraft and dynamic live performances.

    Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, born from Denver rock clubs, have grown to be a major force in modern rock ‘n’ roll. With platinum and gold-certified records under their belt, they successfully combine critically acclaimed records with high-energy live performances.

    However, it’s not just about the music—Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, My Morning Jacket, and the nonprofit REVERB are collaborating to address the climate crisis and reduce the environmental impact of their tour. Fans can enjoy a fun-filled evening of dancing while contributing to a worthy cause. Fans can check out reverb.org for more information.

    Additionally, the tour will provide a dynamic experience by having both bands play equal-length sets, switching up the order of performance at each show. Fans can lose themselves with live music at the Eye to Eye Tour this September in Syracuse.

    Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater summer lineup will also include a performance by Train and REO Speedwagon on July 31 who will be performing as part of their huge 43-concert Summer Road Trip Tour. Other announced lineups include the infamous comedians Impractical Jokers set to take the stage on August 23, and Hootie & the Blowfish who will perform on July 31 as part of their Summer Camp With Trucks Tour.

    For full performance and lineup listings or to purchase tickets, fans can visit here.

  • Sarah King Announces “Temporary Farewell” Performance at Grand Point North Festival

    Just three days after the release of her debut record When It All Goes Down, Sarah King received the news that she has thyroid cancer. After being told she’d need multiple surgeries beginning in July, she decided to schedule the first following the Grand Point North Festival so she could give her fans a proper “temporary farewell,” with her only full band show of the year.

    Sarah King

    Her first LP, When It All Goes Down, was released on March 29, 2024, to praise from everyone from American Songwriter to Brooklyn Vegan, The Bluegrass Situation, Glide Magazine, and many more.

    Before her hiatus from performing Sarah King, who is based in Vermont, will appear at a handful of festivals, including the Wildflower Festival in Richardson, TX, on May 18 – 19. These will be her first performances since receiving the news.

    “While I’m heartbroken not to have the year I’d hoped with this album, the songs will still be there for me when my voice and my body are healthy enough to take to the stage again,” says King, pointing out that while any cancer diagnosis is extremely frightening, having surgery so close to her vocal nerves causes additional anxiety.

    King creates thought-provoking, versatile Americana music – touching on real-life emotions and situations, while drawing on classic folk-blues themes, balancing songs about the devil and booze with hard-won moments of reflection and acceptance. 

    The title track of When It All Goes Down was inspired by doctors not listening to women, seeming like she wrote the song to her future self, somehow knowing that she’d need to “stand up to the devil.”

    The album is a testament to King’s strength, reflecting on when she lost her mother, first husband, and dog. Songs like the slow-burning “Stronger Than You’ll Ever Know” find her deftly navigating the hidden spaces between darkness and the light.

    “My stories are folk stories,” says Sarah King. “Of the people, for the people, by the people (I’m a person). These are songs for folks who’ve lived through some sh*t and want some music that doesn’t shy away from that.”

    For more information and to listen to When It All Goes Down, visit here.

  • Robert Castelli: The New York – Barcelona Connection

    “I’m not saying I’m a master here, but the difference between the master and the student is that the master has failed more times than the student has tried.”

    Although notedly understated, Robert Castelli is the definition of a masterful musician. Incorporating a lifetime’s worth of experiences, influences, and chops, Castelli has led a career on his own terms. With his current band BOOM!, Castelli defies genre and crafts music that could loosely be defined as jazz, but incorporates influences from all corners of the globe. Trained on the drums, piano and guitar, Castelli is a modern renaissance man. 

    Castelli at 15 years old, playing a local gig
    Castelli at 15 years old, playing a local gig

    Music has always been a constant present in Castelli’s life. He grew up in Ossining to a musical family, with his dad, grandfather and uncle all being professional drummers. Family, however, was not the biggest influence for Castelli growing up. Like many other kids, he credits his early influences to AM radio, television and his older brother’s record collection. Castelli thanks growing up outside New York specifically for his wide influences. Turning on the radio, Castelli recalls, “Bam, it’s The Beatles, and then next it’s James Brown, and then it’s Beethoven.” 

    As a kid, Castelli was able to find musical influences everywhere. “I think because my father was almost blind,” he remembers. “I had a way of perceiving the world more aurally than visually.” Watching TV as a child, Castelli recalls the themes of shows like Hawaii Five-O, Mission Impossible, and Sanford and Sons, which further piqued his interest in composition.

    If Castelli’s influences began with radio and television, they were tempered by participation in New York City’s live music scene. As a young man, Castelli immersed himself in the many musical traditions of New York City. At the city’s Latin Clubs, he was introduced to Afro-Cuban rhythms, and playing with a band from Jamaica, he learned Caribbean melodies. In Castelli’s words, he always kept “his mind, his heart and his ears open.” 

    Castelli admits that despite his passion, living as a performing artist in America was not all roses. Slowly, Castelli became disillusioned with the increasing materialism he saw in the music industry, political corruption and a general toxic energy in the US. On top of this, Castelli faced many personal losses during this time, with twelve people in his life passing away. This made Castelli contemplate life, and pushed him to take a chance and travel to Europe in 2003.

     At first, Europe was a temporary pitstop for Castelli. He met an Austrian guitarist, who, despite never having played with him, wanted to start a band and tour Europe. Castelli recalls him saying, “If it doesn’t work out, no hard feelings,” which was an attitude he respected. Soon Castelli was settled in Vienna, where he encountered a whole new outlook on music. “They didn’t say he plays guitar better than someone else. They all came and celebrated life or the harvest or whatever. And that’s the purpose of music and the human experience.” To Castelli, this attitude represented “folk music” in its truest form: not a genre, but the music of the people. 

    Castelli playing drums at Jazzland Vienna in 2014
    Castelli playing drums at Jazzland Vienna in 2014

    Soon, Castelli found himself in Barcelona, the vibrant heart of Spain’s Catalonia region. Since moving to Barcelona, Castelli has immersed himself in cultural traditions from across the world. Playing live shows in Barcelona, he had chances to collaborate with musicians from Brazil, Russia, Cuba and more. Balkan musicians gave him the opportunity to experiment with odd meters, and Sudanese musicians introduced him to Afro-Arab rhythms. These experiences speak to the reality of jazz as “an ever evolving art form with influences from other cultures.”

    This vibrant mixing of influences pervades Castelli’s music, most notably his newest release Party at One World Plaza. The album defies genre, seamlessly slipping between disparate ends of the Earth. The opener “Vamos” incorporates syncopated Afro-Cuban rhythms reminiscent of his youth in New York’s Latin jazz clubs. “Floatin”’s groovy rock influenced guitar harkens back to Castelli’s childhood influences in The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix.

    The standout track is “For the Fallen,” a dreamy and meditative journey aided by soft keys and guitars. Castelli wrote this track in memory of the twelve people he lost before moving to Europe. Before playing, Castelli asks his audiences for 10 seconds of silence to remember everyone that has been lost.

    The title track and “Samba Wamba Bamba” reflect his experiences playing with artists from around the world while living in Europe. In all, this album is like a roadmap through Castelli’s life giving audiences an idea of a fraction of his influences and experiences. In other words, this album reflects Castelli’s own definition of music – “the human heart and an intellect filtered by life experience.”

    In a life full of change, there has been one constant for Casteli: live music. Castelli views live shows as a conversation between musician and audience. “Somebody says something, it makes you laugh. Those people laugh. Something makes you think, makes you feel, makes you cry.” This energy bouncing between the stage and the audience unites everyone in the room. Thinking of his live shows, Castelli recalls “whether it was 500 or 30,000 people, they all became like one consciousness. That is the real power of music.” To Castelli, in a world where we have more and more entertainment at our fingertips, it is important to go out and support live music venues. Live music, to Castelli, not only supports the artist and the club, but is a personal experience like no other. 

    Castelli, however, has noticed some issues in the live music scene that need addressing. A growing materialism in the music industry has led many venues to support what will make the most money, rather than what music is most meaningful. Additionally, this material focus has led to an increased burden on the musicians themselves to attract audiences. 

    He pointed out some more institutional issues regarding youth involvement with music as well. “If you don’t have those university connections or you’re not in the club every night it’s really hard to get a situation where you can get viable work.” Castelli says that access to money gives many university-trained musicians a leg up when building connections. This has dissuaded many people who don’t have the resources to get professional training from continuing. Castelli argues that we need to break this stigma, citing the greats. “A lot of the best jazz musicians were not formally trained. They just stayed with it.”

    Castelli still sees many young people staying with it, giving hope for the future of live music. Many young people have things pulling them in directions other than music. Castelli remembers his childhood, with a father afraid he was a poser, and a mother wanting him to find other work. In face of obstacles like these, Castelli has noticed drive among youth – “the young people that I know that play music have a passion for it.”

    Robert Castelli is returning to the US in May for a series of shows in and around New York City. On May 30th, he will play Jazz on Main in Mt Kisco, NY. Following this show near his hometown of Ossining, he will head to Manhattan. On June 1, he will play Harlem’s Shrine World Music Venue, followed by a set at Silvana on June 2. After these American shows, Castelli will head back across the pond to London, England to record a series of instructional videos. 

    35 years after beginning his career, Castelli is still paving his own path through the music world. He remains dedicated to sharing the importance of live music and ensuring that the next generation of musical talent can perform and absorb music like he has. 

    Enjoy Robert Castelli and his band BOOM! performing “Vamos” at Vienna’s Porgy & Bess Jazz Club.  

  • JazzFest White Plains Returns for its 13th Year with a Star-Studded Lineup

    JazzFest White Plains is back with performances by GRAMMY-winning stars and a food festival from Sept. 11 to 15.

    JazzFest White Plains

    The five-day extravaganza highlights 18 captivating live performances spread throughout downtown White Plains. The artists range from emerging talents to world-renowned artists, including four GRAMMY Award-winners and nominees.

    Headlining Friday night of this year’s festival is Nicole Zuraitis, the 2024 GRAMMY Award-winning jazz singer-songwriter and pianist known for her unparalleled expressiveness and lyrical prowess. Headlining on Saturday is the Vijay Iyer Trio featuring Tyshawn Sorey and Linda May Han Oh, hailed by National Public Radio as “truly astonishing” and the New York Times as “the great new jazz piano trio.”

    Nicole Zuraitis.

    “We’re thrilled to bring such exceptional talent to JazzFest White Plains this year,” said Kathleen Reckling, ArtsWestchester COO. “From soul-stirring vocals to innovative instrumental compositions, this festival promises to be a celebration of jazz in all its forms.”  Several performances are free, including all the noon and Sunday shows.

    In addition to the stellar performances, the White Plains Jazz & Food Festival closes the weekend on Sept. 15 from 12:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Mamaroneck Avenue between Main Street and Martine Avenue. The food festival will feature a fusion of delectable cuisines and captivating jazz melodies, creating a sensory experience for all ages.

    Tickets for JazzFest White Plains are now available for purchase online. For more information about the festival’s full lineup, visit here.

  • Lucid to Celebrate 20 Years this May at Strand Center in Plattsburgh

    “20 years of Lucid, I never thought I’d see the day.” Lowell Wurster shared this sentiment alongside an announcement that on Saturday, May 18, Lucid would gather together at the Strand Center in Plattsburgh to celebrate two decades of North Country funk and soul.

    Lucid at The Waterhole – October 2023

    The Strand Theater itself is celebrating as well, marking 100 years of performances this year, having opened in 1924 as a vaudeville theatre. In recent years, the venue has undergone renovations and upgrades, bringing the Strand into the 21st Century.

    Lowell shared his excitement for the anniversary event. “This show is a celebration of a community and love, The North Country is our home and this is where our hearts lie. To be able to celebrate our 20 year anniversary in our hometown means the world to us. Some of us went to the same high school and had the same teachers.”

    “The whole community rallied around us years ago when we went on our first East coast tour. There’s always been such an outpouring of support for us and its been quite humbling. We love the North Country,” added Wurster.

    lucid strand
    Artwork by Sadie May’s Art & Design

    Supporting Lucid is Lowell’s father, George, with ‘When Pigs Fly’ – the name derived from his band Blind Pigs from many years back. In the past year, members of Lucid, the Blind Pigs original drummer, Pat Madix, and Mike Dashnaw from The Shameless Strangers were brought together to create When Pigs Fly for this special occasion.

    “I honestly think people are pretty excited to watch my dad’s band. After years of watching him sit in with us now folks can watch him front a whole set, that is exciting for me and a lot of other people are pretty stoked.”

    Lowell Wurster, on When Pigs Fly

    A perfect band to pair up for the evening, Lucid fans have seen George play with the group over the years, making this a family affair in more ways that one. Expect to see Wurster’s sister, Catherine, of DoomF$ck, also sitting in throughout the evening.

    “We’re just so excited to share this experience with everyone. This is a celebration of 20 years of building community, this is about love and the family we’ve built with this community,” said Wurster.

    The 20 year anniversary celebration for Lucid takes place on Saturday May 18 at the Strand Center for the Arts, with doors at 6pm and the show starting at 7pm. Tickets and more info can be found here or at the Strandcenter.org

  • Preview: Boston Calling Music Festival 2024

    Boston Calling Music Festival returns this Memorial Day weekend, May 24-26, 2024, to the Harvard Athletic Complex in Boston, MA.

    The long-running and well-known music festival has a stellar line up for 2024 and lists performances by Ed Sheeran, Leon Bridges, Tyler Childers, Trey Anastasio, Megan Thee Stallion, The Revivalists, Renee Rapp, Young the Giant, The Killers, and Hozier along with many other talented artists.

    Boston Calling 2024

    The Boston Calling 2024 website is a great source of information for all things festival related such as where to stay and you can also purchase your tickets from the website. The different ticket options listed are day and weekend pass for General Admission, GA+, VIP, and Platinum.

    You will want to review the FAQ section as you plan. There is no on-site parking, and they do a great job in the article telling you how to navigate. Also be sure to check out the other questions so you can be prepared for the festival.

    Don’t forget to check out the website listing of the food vendors which is very handy if you have dietary restrictions or like to plan your meals ahead of time, they list online each vendor and their location during the festival.

    Boston Calling 2024

    Friday, May 24

    Saturday, May 25

    Sunday, May 26

  • Second Annual Meadowlark Festival Confirms Lineup

    Meadowlark Festival — the Stone Ridge, NY three-day festival of indie, roots, and countercultural music that benefits farmers in Hudson Valley and nationwide — confirms its lineup for its 2024 fall festival.

    Set for September 13-15, the 3-day event will feature performances from indie rock icons Blonde Redhead, NPR Tiny Desk concert alum and Hudson Valley artist Laura Stevenson, NYC garage rockers and Yep Roc artists Daddy Long Legs, Kentucky songwriter Joan Shelley, Boston Music Award-nominated blues guitarist Ryan Lee Crosby, the “sweetly flavored folk-pop” music of Fruit Bats, WXPN-named “Artist to Watch” Slaughter Beach, Dog, Newport Folk Fest favorites Deer Tick, the psychedelic space rock of KidBess & The Magic Ring, along with Honeycrush and Lulu Lewis. Also performing are the “first couple of Americana” Larry Campbell & Teresa Williams, and artsy Manhattan garage-rockers Jeffrey Lewis & The Voltage, with a special guest set for reveal as the festival draws closer.

    Lineup for the 2nd annual Meadowlark Festival revealed

    All in all, the 2nd annual Meadowlark Festival continues to garner support for farmers local and nationwide and supports organizations who are aligned with the values of promoting food security and advocacy for local farms. These organizations include Farm Aid, Rondout Valley Growers Association (RVGA), and Hudson Valley Center For Food, Culture & Agriculture. The festival takes place at Stone Ridge Orchard & Farmers Market, a 200-year-old working farm on 115 acres.

    Moreover, tickets for Meadowlark Fest 2024 are on sale on the festival website, with prices ranging from an early bird special and day-of pricing. For instance, a 1-Day general admission early bird ticket costs $70, but will be $100 on the day of, with similar rules set for parking passes.

    Meadowlark Festival will take place at Stone Ridge Orchard & Farmer's Market.
    Meadowlark Festival to take place at Stone Ridge Orchard & Farmer’s Market

    Additionally, Meadowlark Fest will feature local artisans, food vendors, award-winning artisanal hard apple ciders, and more with more details to come. Less than two hours north of New York City and a twenty-minute car ride from the Kingston Metro North railroad station, Stone Ridge Orchard and Farmers Market in the scenic Roundout Valley sits between the Shawangunk Ridge and the Catskill mountain range in the Hudson Valley region.

  • Graham Nash Brings ‘More Evenings of Songs and Stories’ To Carnegie Hall This Fall with Special Guest Judy Collins

    Legendary musician Graham Nash will be bringing his “Graham Nash – More Evenings of Songs and Stories” tour to the Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage at the historic Carnegie Hall on Tuesday, October 1. Set for an 8:00 p.m. start time, Nash, a founding member of both The Hollies and Crosby, Stills and Nash, will be performing a body of work spanning over six decades that includes a litany of monumental recordings.

    Graham Nash to perform at Carnegie Hall
    Graham Nash to bring ‘More Evenings of Songs and Stories’ tout to Carnegie Hall

    Additionally, the Carnegie Hall audience will be treated to a special guest in Judy Collins, whose own legendary body work spans more than seven decades. In light of his special performance tickets have already gone on sale on the Carnegie Hall official website. Ticket prices range from $69, $89, $99 and $149.

    Graham Nash will be bringing Judy Collins on stage as a special guest at Carnegie Hall
    Judy Collins’ legendary career has seen her remain active for over seven decades

    Moreover, Nash offered a preview to the midtown-Manhattan venue’s crowd making an unannounced appearance at Crosby, Stills, and Nash tribute concert at New York’s Carnegie Hall on Monday, May 13. Although Nash wasn’t officially on the bill, he came out at the end of the night to perform a moving rendition of “Our House.”

    For his part, Nash is a two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee who has seen rock history unfold at some of its seminal moments. After all the Blackpool-bred musician began making history during the launch of the British Invasion with his work with CSN, while perfecting his craft during the birth of the Laurel Canyon movement a year later. An extraordinary Grammy Award winning renaissance artist – and self-described “simple man” – Nash has contributed a wealth of songs to the soundtrack of our lives. Moreover, the “I Used to Be a King” singer is a two-time inductee into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, for his work with CSN and his work as a solo artist.

    Similarly, the eternal Judy Collins has inspired audiences with sublime vocals, boldly vulnerable songwriting, personal life triumphs, and a firm commitment to social activism throughout her extensive career. In the 1960s, she evoked both the idealism and steely determination of a generation united against social and environmental injustices. Five decades later, her luminescent presence continues to shine brightly as new generations bask in the glow of her iconic 55-album body of work, and heed inspiration from her spiritual discipline to thrive in the music industry for half a century.

  • NYC Indie Singer Nikita Lev Releases Single “We All Die Anyway”

    Up-and-coming singer-songwriter Nikita Lev has released her new single “We All Die Anyway” on May 15. This single comes in the leadup to a new EP and her first European tour in the fall. 

    Lev’s musical instincts began at a young age. Coming from a family of chamber musicians, music surrounded Lev since childhood. As a result, during her youth on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, she quickly picked up piano and flute.

    The Cover for Nikita Lev's new single "We All Die Anyway"
    Nikita Lev

    By the time her family relocated to Westchester, she had learned guitar and begun writing songs. Lev says “I always know what I’m going to say first and the melody comes later,” using her musical chops to back up her deep lyrical narratives. To date, Lev has written over 200 songs that are “evocative, relatable, universal, yet ambiguous.”

    Lev’s music has quickly gained renown from both radio and print media. Her debut single “Elegance” was highlighted by both SiriusXM and MTV’s Spankin’ New. Additionally, publications like the LA Music Review and Earmilk have showcased Lev’s songs.

    Her new single “We All Die Anyway” is a highlight of the indie folk genre. Lev is accompanied by gentle fingerpicked guitars, trip-hop influenced drums and eerie synths. This dreamy instrumentation backs up Lev’s soft, emotional vocals and mature lyricism. The song tackles a relationship gone cold, and the feelings that accompany having to leave someone you cared about. Her meaningful and clever songwriting is reminiscent of indie icons like Lana Del Ray, and Phoebe Bridgers.

    This single comes just after her May 10 release of the music video for “Now I Think Of You Unspeakably.” The song’s lyrics touch on the pains of being in love with someone who does not feel the same. Driving drums and growing distorted guitars back up the song’s heavy lyricism, adding an edge to the acoustic instrumentation. The video features Lev dancing around a bonfire in a winter scene. Its atmosphere matches with the instrumentals and lyrics that all aid in a simultaneously warm yet icy feeling. Michael Rees directed the video, following collaborations with Charli XCX and The Kid LARoi. 

    This new single is just the start of a busy Summer and Fall for Lev. Later this year, she will release her first EP, titled Clearly Misunderstood. The EP’s songs will tackle the theme of the conflict between adult responsibilities and youthful independence. In November, Lev will depart for Europe for a tour stopping in Berlin and Vienna. 

    For more information, visit Nikita Lev’s website here.

  • In Focus: Albany’s 2024 Tulip Festival

    Saturday, May 11 and Sunday, May 12, 2024 in Albany, Washington Park was alive with families, tulips, and great music from bands on two stages at the 76th Annual Tulip Festival. 

    With weather that held out to provide a nearly dry weekend, Washington Park was alive with Catskill group Of The Atlas, Prince Daddy and The Hyena, and The Front Bottoms on the main stage, while over on WEXT’S 518 Stage, local bands Side B, Sofia Corts, Camtron5000 and The Insolent Willies entertained masses of crowds throughout the day.