NYS Music 2024

Category: Genres

  • Sonya Cohen Cramer Honored with new Track “When I Was Most Beautiful”

    Sonya Cohen Cramer (1965-2015), the singular vocalist, graphic designer, and art director is being honored again with the new track “When I Was Most Beautiful,” ahead of the first-ever collection dedicated fully to her music, You’ve Been a Friend to Me, releasing on May 17 via Smithsonian Folkways.

    Sonya Cohen Cramer

    Sonya Cohen Cramer was raised in a family committed to revitalizing the oldest songs of the American musical canon. Like her father John Cohen of The New Lost City Ramblers and her mother Penny Seeger,  she believed in the transformative qualities of folk songs and traditional ballads. She has collaborated with her aunt Peggy Seeger, uncle  Pete Seeger, Elizabeth Mitchell, Daniel Littleton, and the folk-fusion group Last Forever. She was the granddaughter of musicologist Charles Seeger and the avant-garde composer Ruth Crawford Seeger, and her godfather was Folkways founder Moe Asch.  While shaped by the roots of her family tree, the radiating and clear sound of Cramer’s voice is distinctly her own. 

    Known mainly for her graphic design work for Folkways, her musicianship during her time in the New York Times-acclaimed folk band Last Forever (featuring composer and producer Dick Connette) was admired by the likes of Jeff Buckley, Loudon Wainwright III, Meredith Monk, and Joe Boyd. The upcoming project reveals her life as both a familial and mission symbol of the Folkways ethos, committed to revitalizing the oldest songs of Folkways Records and the American musical canon.

    “When I Was Most Beautiful” incorporates lyrics from a poem Pete Seeger found while on tour in Japan in 1967 and got permission to record in the 60s for Columbia Records. Seeger accompanies Sonya on guitar for this version. The two performed this anti-war tune together at the Library of Congress in 2007.

    For more information about Sonya Cohen Cramer visit here. 

  • Dark Star Orchestra Announce More Summer Dates – Shows at Wonderland Forest, Pier 17, Frog Alley and Innovative Field in Rochester

    Dark Star Orchestra, one of the country’s premier Grateful Dead tribute bands, have finalized their U.S. summer touring schedule. The tour will span both coasts and everything in between, and the band’s August slate now contains shows all throughout New York State.

    Dark Star Orchestra summer

    Along the tour, Dark Star Orchestra is going to be performing some special this summer. For the July 21 show at the Stone Pony Summer Stage in Asbury Park, NJ the band announced today they will be recreating the Dead’s epic 9/3/77 show from nearby Englishtown, NJ. “Its proximity, only 25 miles from Asbury Park, and the fact that it was an epic outdoor show, made sense for us to choose,” notes DSO bassist Skip Vangelas.  “It’s a classic show in the GD world and one that New Jerseyans, whether Deadhead or not have never forgotten!”

    A few weeks later, the band is scheduled to play Wonderland Forest in Lafayette, NY on August 9 and 10. The newly established venue located just south of Syracuse will also play host to the Biscoland festival this summer. DSO will also play The Rooftop at Pier 17 on August 11, Innovative Field in Rochester on August 21 and the Frog Alley Summer Stage in Schenectady the following day on August 22.

    Special dates are dotted all throughout the summer tour, including the band’s debut at the Greek Theatre in Berkeley, CA on July 13. It marks a celebration of 40 years of the Rex Foundation and the benefit performance will see DSO offer a 40-years-to-the-day recreation of the Dead’s 7/13/84 performance from The Greek Theatre.

    More information and links to ticketing info can be found here.

  • Roc Marciano Leads the New School with Marciology [Prolific Penmanship]

    Underground hip-hop always outlasts the mainstream appeal. Look no further than Roc Marciano for the ultimate proof of talent mastery. Since the jump, Roc Marci sets out to fine-tune his pen along the road to craftsmanship. Steel sharpens steel and this man puts forth bodies of work that prove to be ironclad. Recently, he dropped Marciology which contains some serious gems.

    Leaders of the New School

    For those who know – Roc Marciano remains a lowkey legend. This latest release convinced fans that the ‘Marcberg’ era returned. Busta Rhymes discovered this man through ‘seven degrees of separation’ as Roc made a debut with aptly titled, ‘Marcberg in 2010. Fast forward to 2024 and Marciano continues to take dynamic groundbreaking approaches while crafting music. Consistency combined with continuous adaptation to the times exhibits the reason why this man stands the test of time.

    Masterfully, Roc produced the majority of Marciology. Add in Alchemist and Animoss for additional splashes on production and you have yourself a project. Keep scrolling to see which tracks took the cake on this all-time album.

    Roc Marciano

    Standout Tracks

    True Love – this song serves as an anthem type track. Sounds like it deserves to be blared throughout your hometown. Makes one want to celebrate winning achievements of any sorts. Truly a blessing of a song.

    Tapeworm – the most blare-worthy of any song on this entire list. Incredibly poignant placement from Animoss. Big fan of songs that have different versions of the chorus after each verse. Roc serves revolving door type hooks on this track and really makes a believer out of the listener. 

    Leflair – real old school vibe and a great song to kickback and relax. Sounds like it deserves to be performed by a grand orchestra. Makes one want to explore a Haunted House and escape unscathed. Definitely a top-tier track amidst a collection of brilliant songs.

    Phenomenal Philosophies

    For those who know – they know Roc Marciano and how much he has put on for the entire underground scene. Amongst underground circles, Roc Marciano continues to show and prove his highly earned ranking and stature as an emcee. He resonates greatly and sits atop the temple of lowkey legends. 

    Economically, not everyone manages to blend exuberance with agency and exigency quite like Roc Marci. Beneath the Marciology cover, his album has a mysterious handwritten note. Look closely and you may see a cult. Rather than focus on sorcery – try to interpret the reason he chose to spook the listener with the artwork. 

    Roc Marciano

    Never one to sacrifice the purity of his artwork – Roc flies so gracefully under the radar. Rather than sign a bogus contract – he would rather experiment with music to create according to the variable nature of the artwork. By branching out of his comfort zone – he continues to push the culture forward and leave massive imprints within the underground kingdom.

    Overall, this album turned out to be incredibly enjoyable. For those who have never heard from the likes of this man – now is your chance. His braggadocious nature combines swiftly with his smooth laid back raps. He strikes the right balance between just smooth enough to hit you in the heart and strong uptempo to get you going. 

  • In Focus: Ty Segall at Beachland Ballroom in Cleveland

    On Sunday, May 5, Ty Segall played the Beachland Ballroom in support of his latest album, Three Bells. Sharpie Smile opened and played a great set. Just as Ty and his band took the stage you could hear a crackling noise. It sounded like it could have come out of the speakers, like some weird wet sounding feedback.

    After the puzzled crowd looked around for a bit, everyone noticed that a sizable chunk of plaster from the venues old ceiling had fallen off on one side, and a piece was still left hanging in the balance. A hero from the venue used a precariously large ladder to grab the piece while an amused Ty and his band watched from the stage. After our hero pulled the plaster down, the crowd roared in approval and the show was once again on it’s way. I will also say that this is the only concert I have ever been to where someone from the venue came out and warned us to wear ear plugs. With no pit and myself situated right in front of the stage and about six inches from a guitarist amp, my tinnitus was happy I didn’t forget mine.

    A Ty Segall show is probably not ideal when the state of the ceiling is questionable, his new album was heavily featured and it is certainly hard and blistering. Though as far as I am aware, the rest of the night went by without incident, even if it seemed like Ty and his other guitarist Emmett Kelly were egging each other on to bring down more ceiling.

    Ty played a great set, with all of the hard rock proggy guitar solos you could want. The band really plays off Ty’s energy and the packed Cleveland crowd at it up. Some people don’t like it when a band plays so many new songs versus more of the hits, but I think prefer it. It shows that the band is still pushing forward and if they are excited about what they are doing it almost always translates to a better show. Next Ty heads out west before heading to Europe.

    Setlist: The Bell, Void, I Hear, Hi Dee Dee, Emotional Mugger/Leopard Priestess, The Crawler, My Head Explodes, Imaginary Person, Waxman, Love Fuzz, My Best Friend, My Room, Wait, Looking At You

    Encore: My Lady’s on Fire

  • Summer Fling tease debut album with single “Blissful Haze”

    Up-and-coming New York City funk-rock band Summer Fling has announced a new single “Blissful Haze” set to release on May 10. The single comes in the leadup to a new album set to release in late Summer.

    Summer Fling

    Singer-keyboardist Eddie Kam originally formed Summer Fling in Larchmont, NY before relocating to New York City. The group mixes chops learned from New York’s jazz conservatories with an eclectic blend of styles, ranging from indie-pop to funk, to forge an infectious sound. With a newly solidified lineup of seven recent college graduates, the band has torn up the live scene. They have played more than 35 gigs, even opening for names like They Might Be Giants and Spin Doctors. 

    “Blissful Haze” is a delightful song that accentuates Kam’s soulful vocals with wah-wah guitar and jazzy horns. The song’s lyrics explore the joys of a short-lived romance, with instrumentation that lends to the rosy, nostalgic atmosphere. On this track, Summer Fling’s jazz chops are on full display, crafting a smooth, yet complex pop-funk sound, with instrumentation reminiscent of Steely Dan.

    Summer Fling

    This new single comes in the leadup to a very busy season for Summer Fling. The band is currently recording their debut album, which explores pop, funk and yacht rock, for release in late Summer. 

    The band has also planned festival appearances and tour dates in New York City, Boston and Philadelphia. At these shows, Summer Fling are sure to spread their message of inclusivity, and some great music tackling themes ranging from heartbreak to fun romance. In Eddie Kam’s words “Fun, silliness and great musicianship are the only rules at a Summer Fling performance.”

    More information can be found at Summer Fling’s website and instagram.

  • Rodrigo y Gabriela 2024 tour stop at UPAC

    GRAMMY Award-winning guitar virtuosos Rodrigo y Gabriela brought their 2024 Spring/Summer tour to the Ulster Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, May 1.

    The duo showcased their craft, honed during the early years of busking on the streets of Dublin, Ireland.  The night was filled with gentle melodic notes, stirring crescendos, and powerful rock anthems from this multi-talented duo. 

    Rodrigo y Gabriela

    During the two-hour show, Rodrigo navigated between his acoustic, electric, and pedal steel guitars, while Gabriela generated percussive beats and flamenco-style sounds from her acoustic guitar.  The leveraging of this combination offered a diverse array of musical vistas.

    The night wasn’t for the faint of heart.  A dynamic interactive light show augmented the duo’s onstage chemistry, while presenting the songs in an immersive form.  As the intensity increased, people couldn’t contain themselves, with dancing breaking out throughout the house.

    Rodrigo y Gabriela

    A special moment found the pair strapping on acoustic guitars and stepping into the audience, performing songs in a fashion reminiscent of their early days of busking.  Nestled among their fans, the two expressed appreciation for the support received over the years, which enabled them to travel the world with their music.  In this genuine moment, their humility shone brightly, reinforcing the essence of Rodrigo y Gabriela.

    At first glance, the night seems like a simple setup: just two individuals with two guitars. However, this is Rodrigo y Gabriela, a formidable musical powerhouse.  They filled the night with charisma and intensity, captivating their audience from start to finish.

    Rodrigo y Gabriela

    At the end of the evening, the two left the stage as the house clamored for more.  The pair reemerged, encoring with “Tucam” from their self-titled second album.  As the song concluded and final bows were taken, many pairs of hands were raised high, forming a heart symbol for their beloved act.

    Rodrigo y Gabriela
    Rodrigo y Gabriela
    Rodrigo y Gabriela
    Rodrigo y Gabriela
    Rodrigo y Gabriela
    Rodrigo y Gabriela
    Rodrigo y Gabriela
    Rodrigo y Gabriela
    Rodrigo y Gabriela
    Rodrigo y Gabriela
    Rodrigo y Gabriela
    Rodrigo y Gabriela

  • Salsa Sundays at Orchard Beach in The Bronx Start Memorial Day Weekend

    Beginning Memorial Day weekend, Orchard Beach in the Bronx will hold its weekly Salsa Sundays dance party. Every Sunday until Labor Day weekend, New Yorkers can enjoy music, salsa dance, and concessions.

    Hundreds gather in a large cement dancing area every week to celebrate the various types of salsa dance. At Orchard Beach you can see many styles of Latin dance, whether it is mambo, cha-cha, or salsa. This event celebrates the diversity of The Bronx, drawing influence from Cuban, Caribbean and African rhythms, a lively and casual atmosphere, with people dancing amidst barbecues, roller skaters and swimmers. 

    Dancers at Salsa Sundays

    Salsa Sundays are a summer staple of the Bronx, taking place for over 50 years. This summer celebration reflects the Bronx’s importance to the history of salsa music.

    Salsa was born in the jazz clubs of the South Bronx in the 1950s. In these clubs, musicians mixed bolero, rumba and mambo to create a new genre called “salsa conciente.” This genre took the elements of latin music and incorporated lyrics that reflected the social issues plaguing The Bronx. In the late 1960s, Fania records was formed and pushed salsa into the mainstream with names like Hector Lavoe, Celia Cruz, and Bobby Valentin.

    Orchard beach is an especially important site in the history of salsa music. In 1936, Orchard Beach opened as a weekend and holiday destination for Bronx residents, quickly becoming a hub for the borough’s Puerto Rican residents. As one of the only desegregated public spaces in the city, Orchard Beach became a melting pot for music. Visitors from across New York City went to Orchard beach to hear a fusion of salsa, R&B and jazz. 

    An Aerial View of Orchard Beach, Bronx

    Orchard Beach quickly became a local gathering place, with salsa being a medium to build a sense of community. DJs Ernie Ensley and Carlos Santiago started the Salsa Sundays event to combine community, recreation and entertainment. Since its start, Salsa Sundays has been a place for the Bronx’s Latinx community to share their pride, love of music and sense of fun.  

    Salsa Sundays take place at Orchard Beach Area 5, giving visitors the chance to enjoy the nearby beach, boardwalk and ball courts. Consider bringing beach chairs, sunscreen, and coolers to best enjoy the summer weather during the event. 

    More details on scheduling and directions can be found here.

  • DJ Takeover Music & Arts Festival Returns to Lake George in June

    The Lake George DJ Takeover Music & Arts Festival will take place again this year at the Barn at French Mountain from June 7-9. Presented by All We Do Is Epic Dot Com, the festival will host DJs from all along the East Coast coming together to provide an eclectic mix of music.

    The festival site is located just a mile and a half south of the village of Lake George and features 10 acres of countryside fields, a whole western town and the beautiful skyline of French Mountain.

    Lake George

    The Lake George DJ Takeover Music & Arts Festival has different themes and agendas for each day of music, some coming with age restrictions.

    Friday night, June 7, is Country and Rock Night with line dancing from 6:30-8:30 pm and a host of DJs and motivational dancers performing until 11:30 pm. Ages are 18 and older for this session.

    Saturday, June 8, is a Super Kids Party from 12-3 pm at just $10.00 a carload. It’s a high energy,
    interactive dance party for children with special effects, group led activities and suitable music for all ages.

    Later that night, the EDM festival runs from 3–11 pm on the main stage with a lineup of DJs from
    across the East Coast, amazing sound and lighting and special effects. Ages are 16 and older for this session.

    Lake George
    A group of joyful children happily spending time at Kids neon disco party

    Sunday, June 9, is the Lake George PRIDE Festival from 12-7 pm on the main stage. Amazing
    DJs will help celebrate pride like never before! Ages are 18 and over for this session. The festival has many lodging options nearby with a campground, and a few hotels within walking distance, and even more options within a short drive.

    Tickets for the The Lake George DJ Takeover Music & Arts Festival are currently on a reduced early bird rate, and groups can also contact the festival for savings with a minimum of 10 people. Check out the festival website to learn more about the artists, purchase tickets, and even contact the festival directly with any questions, ideas, or comments.

  • Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra Season Finale was Out of This World!

    On Saturday, May 4, the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra presented “Other Worlds,” its grand finale of the 2023-2024 season. Maestro Daniel Hege led the orchestra in an evening of music from the superhero, fantasy, and sci-fi genres, enlivening a program of beloved classics with crisp, expressive musicianship and bringing delight to a large, all-ages audience.  

    The concert was dedicated to first responders. Members of local police, fire, and rescue departments received complimentary tickets, and at the start of the concert the entire audience rose to sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” along with the orchestra in honor of these true superheroes of the community.

    Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra Season Finale
    Cher and Ben Douglas

    The musicians of the Philharmonic demonstrated tight, committed ensemble playing in an uplifting program of genre favorites, including themes from Black Panther, Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and many more. The orchestra delivered a big, enveloping sound, highlighted by showy contributions from Principal Trumpet Frank Campos. Outstanding solos were also provided throughout the program by Assistant Principal Cellist Michael Newman. And the percussion section was elevated not only by the spectacular playing of Principal Percussionist Sam Lazzara, but also by the introduction of a new bass drum expressly designed for the Philharmonic by ErgoSonic Percussion. Lazzara and ErgoSonic President Ken Turner demonstrated this beautifully resonant instrument to the audience before the start of the show.

    Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra Season Finale

    Maestro Hege was an engaging presence throughout, providing a feeling of warmth and welcome to the audience as he introduced each piece. Hege called the Binghamton Philharmonic “a true gem of the community,” and it was clear from the standing ovation and many curtain calls the orchestra received that the audience agreed. In all, “Other Worlds” was a bright and spirited finale to an invigorating season.

  • Bryant Park Picnic Performances Feature Extensive Lineup of Latin Music this Summer

    Bryant Park has an exciting season of free, live Latin Picnic Performances lined up for the summer of 2024. From June 7 to September 13, you can expect paramount talent of Latin performers from around the globe.

    Bryant Park Picnic Performances

    Many of this season’s performances will livestream for free on Bryant Park’s social media channels and website, reaching national and international audiences. Food and drink are available for purchase from a curated lineup of local vendors near the lawn. At all performances, attendees can discover new dishes and celebrate classics from the five boroughs. A rotating line-up of artisanal vendors by Hester Street Fair welcomes all hungry fest-goers. Stout NYC offers light bites as well as a selection of beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages for purchase.

    All shows are free to the public and designed to be enjoyed casually. There are more than 700 picnic blankets for audience members to borrow and ample chairs available. A total of 22 Latin performances are set to hit Bryant Park this summer. Genres range from jazz to classical to funk and much more. This series of shows are free for the public and should not be missed.

    Bryant Park Picnic Performances

    Bryant Park Latin Picnic Performances 2024

    June

    June 07: Contemporary Dance – David Dorfman Dance, Soles of Duende, Joffrey Concert Group

    June 14: Contemporary Dance – Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE, Robin Dunn and Friends, Kevin Wynn Tribute

    June 21: Jazzmobile – Sarah Vaughan Centennial Featuring Charenée Wade

    June 28: Emerging Music Festival Day 1 – Artists TBA

    June 29: Emerging Music Festival Day 2 – Artists TBA

    July

    July 05: Carnegie Hall Citywide – Tania León and The Harlem Chamber Players

    July 12: Carnegie Hall Citywide – Thandiswa Mazwai

    July 19: Carnegie Hall Citywide – Louis Cato

    July 26: Carnegie Hall Citywide – Michael Olatuja & Lagos Pepper Soup

    August

    August 02: Carnegie Hall Citywide – La Excelencia

    August 09: Joe’s Pub – Broadway en Spanglish: Florencia Cuenca and Jaime Lozano

    August 10: New Victory Theater – Ephrat Asherie Dance + Barkin/Selissen Project

    August 16: World Music Institute – Gyedu-Blay Ambolley, Artists TBA

    August 17: Jalopy Theatre – Artists TBA

    August 23: New York City Opera – Tosca

    August 24: New York City Opera – Tosca

    August 30: Asian American Arts Alliance – Vijay Iyer Trio

    August 31: Contemporary Dance – Mark Morris Dance Group, Blacks in Ballet, Reed Luplau

    September

    September 05: Accordions Around the World – Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers, Afro Dominicano, Artist TBA

    September 06: American Symphony Orchestra – Beyond the Hall

    September 12: Harlem Stage – Artist TBA

    September 13: The Town Hall + Belongó – The Man with The Golden Horn

    For more information on the upcoming Bryant Park Picnic Performances, visit Bryant Park’s website or click here.