NYS Music 2024

Category: Genres

  • WindSync to Perform at Whalen Center in Ithaca

    Classical wind quintet WindSync is set to perform in Ithaca at the Hockett Family Recital Hall in the James J. Whalen Center for Music on April 10. The group plays their own unique approach to honoring one of the most influential boy bands of all time, NSYNC. Not only this, but the group plans to play original works, as well as covered works by various other artists.

    WindSync is made up of five classically trained virtuoso musicians who approach artistry, education, and community building with the charisma and openness of the boy band that inspired their name. The concert is free and open to the public. Earlier that afternoon at 4pm, WindSync will also offer a masterclass in the Hockett Family Recital Hall.

    The show celebrates the release of the group’s WindSync Plays Miguel del Aguila album which is set to be released five days prior on April 5. The album features music by Miguel del Aguila, a contemporary composer whose sound is highly influenced by his Latin American roots. 

    The April 10 program takes place at the James J. Whalen Center for Music as part of the Robert G. Boehmler Community Foundation Series. The program features the woodwind rendition of various artists, along with the group’s original compositions.

    April 10 Program:

    Shawn Okpebholo: Rise – premiered this season, the Nigerian-American composer’s work explored racial injustice.

    Mozart, Serenade in C minor K. 388 – this is a different kind of wind serenade. It’s brooding versus chipper, and Mozart wrote it at a time when wind music was trendy in Vienna.

    Marc Mellits: Apollo – in honor of the 2024 total solar eclipse – WindSync commissioned Marc Mellits to write Apollo in connection with the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 lunar landing. 

    Dieterich Buxtehude: Passacaglia in D minor, BuxWV 161 – hear how the wind arrangement of this solemn piece makes it even more haunting.

    For more information on the upcoming program by WindSync hosted at the James J. Whalen Center for Music, click here.

    • Jake Trevor Releases Powerful New Single “Should I”

      NYC Singer-songwriter Jake Trevor has released a new powerful single “Should I” ahead of his new self-titled album Jake Trevor – set to release on May 24.

      Jake Trevor

      Jake Trevor started his career performing in the subway system, with his original music that included soul, pop, folk, and alt-rock, and songs inspired by other artists such as Coldplay, Lady Gaga, Amy Winehouse, and Rihanna. His songs explore self-discovery, doubt, sexuality, confidence, and achieving one’s dreams.

      Trevor is an artist who resists categorization, with a sound that is dark and upbeat. “I believe anything is possible”, Trevor says. Having had a turbulent childhood, growing up in a hostile and homophobic family and finding refuge in creativity from an early age, he credits music for saving his life, making him resilient and giving him purpose.

      In his newly released single “Should I”, Trevor sings about being overwhelmed and wondering what to do next. His heartfelt lyrics and deeply moving voice are like a boat dancing on the piano’s ocean waves, especially when he hits the high notes singing, “What would you do if you had one day left to live / Who would you love if your heart had one last chance?” 

      With the release of a new single, Trevor also shared that he will release his debut self-titled album Jake Trevor on May 24, taking his fans on a journey from piano balladry and electropop club bangers, to coffeehouse folk and soulful indie-pop. “This album has a throughline of rebellion and empowerment. It spans from deeply sad or romantic ballads to the utter jubilant glee of my heart-pounding dance anthems,” he said. The self-titled album takes on topics of family, homophobia, religion, love and sex – all through a lens of passion and hope. 

      Fans can stream “Should I” on all streaming platforms, and to learn more about Jake Trevor, visit here.

    • Bad Tuner Announces Latest EP, “look at me but through me”

      With his newest EP “look at me but through me” set to release on April 5, Brooklyn’s electronic sensation Bad Tuner is back with a bang.

      Photo by Anna Koblish

      With NPR Music comparing him to the legendary Daft Punk, it’s understandable why excitement for this release is high. The six tracks on the EP offer a different window into Bad Tuner‘s world. There is something for all fans of electronic music, ranging from glitchy hyper-pop flares to gritty and booming 90s Big Beat sounds, with samples from all over the world.

      “Maybe so,” the second track, offers us a preview of Bad Tuner’s impressive abilities. The track is an instant hit on the dance floor thanks to its breakbeat drums, rhythmic piano riff, repeating bell lead, and a sampled Soukous Congolese vocal. Bad Tuner says, “I wanted a song that would evolve into absolute chaos towards the end. I tried a few different arrangements of the song, landing on this one.”

      Bad Tuner is no stranger to success, having gained recognition from notable figures in the industry such as Pete Tong and making waves on BBCRadio1. With sold-out performances and tours with artists like Polo & Pan and TOKiMONSTA, he has earned his spot in the electronic music industry.

      Keep an eye out for April 5 and preorder “look at me but through me.” In the meantime, crank “maybe so” and learn more about the world of Bad Tuner.

      Bad Tuner’s “look at me but through me” Tracklist:

      caught up

      maybe so

      jade

      what’s the rush

      24 hours

      repeat to fade

    • Bands N’ Beans Festival Returns for 30th Year in Lake George

      Bands N’ Beans is making its anticipated return to Lake George for its 30th anniversary this April. The festival will showcase a slew of bands from across New York State, as well as over 20 restaurants’ homemade chili.

      Bands N' Beans

      The annual festival is brought to the forefront by Lake George Arts Project. Bands N’ Beans is held on April 14 at Fort William Henry Conference Center. The festival sees a lineup of nine total bands playing throughout the duration of the event from 2-7 pm. These artists play on two separate stages, one electric and one acoustic. Along with the diverse and fun musical element comes the “beans” element.

      Over 20 local restaurants are throwing down their best chili concoctions and vying for the sought-after People’s Choice Award. This event isn’t just a ton of fun, the proceeds from Bands ‘n Beans benefit the Lake George Arts Project’s free and open to all music and art programs like the year-round Courthouse Gallery exhibitions, Summer Concert Series and the popular Jazz at the Lake, a three-day Jazz Festival.

      Bands N' Beans

      Tickets for Bands N’ Beans can be purchased by April 12 for $25 or bought day of for $30. For more information on the festival and to purchase tickets, click here.

    • Stray Cats Announce Summer 2024 Tour Stops At Pier 17 and Artpark

      American rock band Stray Cats have announced the details for their summer 2024 tour which will include a stop at the Artpark Outdoor Amphitheater in Lewiston on August 13 and one at The Rooftop at Pier 17 in New York City on August 15.

      After first appearing in the New York area in the middle of 1979 performing under a number of names including the Tomcats, the Teds, and Bryan and the Tom Cats, Stray Cats will return on the road for a three-week tour starting July 27. The Stray Cats, which includes Brian Setzer on guitar, and vocals, Lee Rocker on upright bass, and vocals and Slim Jim Phantom on drums, and vocals, will rock their way across America this summer and will be joined by The Midnight Cowgirls as the supporting act

      The Midnight Cowgirls is an exciting band that’s on track to transform music with their electrifying blend of country, new wave, post-punk, and rockabilly. The band is led by charismatic vocalist and rhythm guitarist Kandle Osborne, backed by powerhouse rhythm section Jennie Vee and Leah Bluestein from Eagles of Death Metal, and lead guitarist Rex Elle and is also known for performances with Stray Cats’ drummer Slim Jim Phantom. 

      The tour will mark the Stray Cats’ first performances since the release of their critically acclaimed 2019 album 40 and subsequent reunion tour, which they followed with a live album Rocked This Town: From LA To London in 2020.  This tour, fans can expect to hear the band’s signature unparalleled virtuosity and red-hot rock & roll spirit through their classic tunes alongside their most recent material. Their setlists will include massive hits such as “Stray Cat Strut,” “Rock This Town,” “Runaway Boys,” “(She’s) Sexy + 17,” “I Won’t Stand in Your Way” and more.

      Tickets for the Stray Cats summer 2024 tour are currently on sale. Fans can find the tickets and sign up for the band newsletter at Straycats.com.

    • Violent Femmes to Perform Their Iconic First Two Albums from Cover to Cover at Beak and Skiff

      Seminal alt-rockers Violent Femmes have announced a Spring tour – performing their ground-breaking, debut, self-titled album, and their sophomore release, Hallowed Ground, from cover to cover during a limited run of shows – coming to Beak and Skiff on Aug. 17.

      violent femmes

      During these unprecedented performances, the Violent Femmes will start the show by playing their second album, Hallowed Ground, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2024, in its entirety. Following a brief intermission, the band will retake the stage and play their debut record, Violent Femmes, from cover to cover and a few fans- and band-favorites to finish the show.

      Serving as a sonic time capsule for the soul, these special shows will capture a pivotal moment in music as Femmes’ lead vocalist and guitarist Gordon Gano wrote the songs for both albums while in high school. The tracks for Hallowed Ground were made long before the release of Violent Femmes however the band wanted to focus on upbeat songs for the debut album and “confuse people” with the more experimental songs on Hallowed Ground. 

      The result was two unique releases that showcased very different sides of the Violent Femmes. Their eponymous record amplified teenage angst and alienation in the 1980s with such songs as “Kiss Off,” “Add It Up,” and “Gone Daddy Gone.” The mostly autobiographical album would later embody some of the most relatable and enduring anthems of youth – now having sold three million copies worldwide and is still in rotation on today’s top rock stations. Today, it stands as a pillar of an American underground movement and one of the best early examples of alternative rock. 

      violent femmes
      Photo by Mike Benson.

      Hallowed Ground incorporated elements of country, gospel, and blues and was a surprise to many critics and fans who were expecting another collection of teen-rage punk songs. They received an eclectic piece of art that fused different genres, sounds, and imagery. Songs like the bold and bluesy “Sweet Misery Blues” and the banjo-fueled “Country Death Song” proved that the Femmes are true to themselves, and stands as a tribute to their resilience, bravery, and unwavering indifference to the scrutiny of the industry. 40 years later, Hallowed Ground continues to mystify and excite listeners.

      For the remainder of the ’90s, Violent Femmes continued to record new material. Since then, the band has released ten studio albums including their most recent Hotel Last Resort (2019). Today, Violent Femmes continue to resonate with audiences of all ages.

      Upon the band’s 40th anniversary, Pitchfork wrote that “The Femmes don’t signify an era so much as a time of life,” adding that “for young people growing up in the internet age” their music “is part of a shared language.”

      For more information and to purchase tickets, visit here.

      Violent Femmes Tour Dates:

      Dates subject to change. 

      May 1               The Warfield                                         San Francisco, CA

      May 3               The Cuthbert Amphitheater                    Eugene, OR

      May 4               Commodore Ballroom                           Vancouver, BC

      May 5               Commodore Ballroom                           Vancouver, BC

      May 7               MacEwan Hall                                       Calgary, AB

      May 8               Winspear Centre                                   Edmonton, AB

      May 10             Burton Cummings Theatre                     Winnipeg, MAN

      May 11             Outdoors @ Fargo Brewing                   Fargo, ND

      May 12             The Palace                                           St. Paul, MN 

      May 14             Val Air Ballroom                                    Des Moines, IA

      May 15             Peoria Civic Center                               Peoria, IL

      May 16             Murat Theatre at Old National Centre     Indianapolis, IN 

      May 17             Riverfront Live                                       Cincinnati, OH 

      May 18             Masonic Cathedral Theatre                   Detroit, MI 

      June 20            Kresge Auditorium                                Interlochen, MI

      June 21            Ravina                                                  Chicago, IL

      June 22            Columbus Bicentennial Pavilion             Columbus, OH

      August 14        The Pines Theater                                Northampton, MA

      August 17 Beak and Skiff Lafayette, NY

    • The Black Keys’ “International Players” Tour Coming to MSG in October

      The Black Keys announced their 2024 North American headline tour – International Players Tour – in support of their new album, Ohio Players, out April 5. The 31-date run includes a stop at Madison Square Garden (MSG) on Oct. 30, 2024. The Head and The Heart will be joining the show as direct support. 

      The Black Keys

      The tour announcement follows two stand-out performances by The Black Keys at SXSW earlier this month, where they also debuted their new documentary This is a Film About The Black Keys to rave reviews. Ohio Players is set to be an album unlike any of the band’s others, featuring collaborations with friends and colleagues, including Beck, Noel Gallagher, Dan the Automator, Greg Kurstin, Juicy J, Lil Noid, and others. Listeners have heard what to expect from the new project with the lead single, “Beautiful People (Stay High),” which recently reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Alternative Airplay chart and AAA Airplay charts.

      Stereogum commented, “The Black Keys are entering another pop crossover phase.” In its four-star review, Mojo said, “This is the most streamlined and tunes-packed Black Keys album since El Camino. The sound of a band rejuvenated.” Pre-order Ohio Players here. 

      Photo credit: Larry Niehues.

      Formed in Akron, Ohio in 2001, The Black Keys are singer/guitarist Dan Auerbach and drummer Patrick Carney – called “rock royalty” by the Associated Press and “one of the best rock ‘n’ roll bands on the planet” by Uncut. Cutting their teeth playing small clubs, the band has gone on to sell out arena tours and has released eleven previous studio albums: the debut The Big Come Up (2002), followed by Thickfreakness (2003) and Rubber Factory (2004), along with their releases on Nonesuch Records: Magic Potion (2006), Attack & Release (2008), Brothers (2010), El Camino (2011), Turn Blue (2014), “Let’s Rock” (2019), Delta Kream (2021), and Dropout Boogie (2022). The band has won six GRAMMY Awards, a BRIT, and headlined festivals in North America, South America, Mexico, Australia, and Europe. 

      American Express Card Members can purchase tickets before the general public on Tuesday, April 2 at 10 am through Thursday, April 4 at 10 pm. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general on-sale beginning on Friday, April 5 at 10 am. For more details and to purchase tickets to their tour, which includes a stop at Madison Square Garden, visit here.

      The Black Keys – 2024 International Players Tour

      Date City Venue 

      September 17*       Tulsa, OK                   BOK Center

      September 18*       Austin, TX                  Moody Center

      September 20         Dallas, TX                   American Airlines Center

      September 21*       Houston, TX                Toyota Center

      September 24         Denver, CO                  Ball Arena

      September 26*       Phoenix, AZ                Footprint Center

      September 27*       Los Angeles, CA          Kia Forum

      September 28*       Palm Desert, CA           Acrisure Arena

      September 29*^     Mountain View, CA       Shoreline Amphitheatre

      October 2                 Portland, OR                Moda Center

      October 3                 Seattle, WA                  Climate Pledge Arena

      October 10*           Pittsburgh, PA                PPG Paints Arena

      October 11*           Toronto, ON                   Scotiabank Arena

      October 12*           Cleveland, OH               Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse

      October 13*           Grand Rapids, MI          Van Andel Arena

      October 16*           Charlotte, NC                 Spectrum Center

      October 18*           Nashville, TN                 Bridgestone Arena

      October 19*           Atlanta, GA                    State Farm Arena

      October 21*           Philadelphia, PA             Wells Fargo Center

      October 23              Louisville, KY               KFC Yum! Center

      October 24*           Columbus, OH                Nationwide Arena

      October 26*           Indianapolis, IN              Gainbridge Fieldhouse

      October 27*           Knoxville, TN                 Food City Center

      October 30*           New York, NY                Madison Square Garden

      November 1            Boston, MA                    TD Garden

      November 2*         Baltimore, MD                CFG Bank Arena

      November 3            Uncasville, CT                Mohegan Sun Arena

      November 7*         Chicago, IL                      United Center

      November 9*         Milwaukee, WI                Fiserv Forum

      November 10         Minneapolis, MN             Target Center

      November 12*       Detroit, MI                       Little Caesars Arena

      * With supporting act The Head and The Heart

      ^ Not applicable for American Express® pre-sale

    • SWV & Xscape To Headline The Queens Of R&B Tour With Mya, Total & 702, Featuring 3 Stops in NY

      Some of the biggest names of R&B‘s golden era will be coming to a city near you as SWV and Xscape announce The Queens of R&B Tour alongside fellow golden era stapes in Mya, Total and 702. Following a social media teaser that ignited fervent excitement among fans, the legendary songstresses are will be teaming up for a nearly two-month, nationwide expedition stopping in 30 different cities, including 3 stops in New York.

      SVW and Xscape Headline The Queens of R&B Tour With Mya, Total & 702
      The Queens of R&B Tour will be a celebration of the genre’s golden age

      Produced by Mona Scott Young’s Monami Entertainment and Live Nation and represented by Seth Shomes through Day After Day Productions (DADP), The Queens of R&B Tour will highlight some of the biggest names from R&B’s golden age whose work also serves as the soundtrack for the oft-romanticized decade.

      To announce this HERstorical tour during Women’s History Month means everything. It speaks to the power of our ability as women to overcome adversity and emerge triumphant. 702, Total, Mýa, SWV, and Xscape have all weathered storms and are still here and better than ever! We are so excited to bring the fans an incredible and undeniable performance experience that truly celebrates R&B music. 

      – Mona Scott-Young

      Furthermore, the Queens of R&B Tour will circle New York three times, beginning with a July 24 performance at Madison Square Garden. The tour returns 9 days later with a stop in Syracuse’s Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview. Additionally, they conclude their east-coast trek with an August 6 performance at Darien Lake Amphitheater in Darien Center, NY.

      The Queens of R&B Tour will consist of 30-shows.
      The Queens of R&B tour will consist of 30 shows.

      Moreover, fans have rejoiced on X (formerly known as Twitter) with this latest tour announcement. After all, with songs like SWV’s “Right Here,” Xscape’s “Just Kicking’ It,” Mya’s “Best of Me (part 2),” Total’s “Kissing’ You,” and 702’s “Get It Together” R&B history will be reenacted with one era-defining record after another. Tickets for this monumental event are available on Ticketmaster’s official website.

      THE QUEENS OF R&B TOUR DATES:

      Thu Jun 27 – Concord, CA – Toyota Pavilion at Concord  

      Sat Jun 29 – Las Vegas, NV – Bakkt Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino  

      Tue Jul 02 – Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre  

      Wed Jul 03 – Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater  

      Fri Jul 05 – Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion  

      Sat Jul 06 – Houston, TX – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presented by Huntsman  

      Tue Jul 09 – North Little Rock, AR – Simmons Bank Arena  

      Wed Jul 10 – Birmingham, AL – Legacy Arena at The BJCC  

      Fri Jul 12 – Jacksonville, FL – Daily’s Place  

      Sat Jul 13 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre  

      Sun Jul 14 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre 

      Tue Jul 16 – Atlanta, GA – Lakewood Amphitheatre  

      Wed Jul 17 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion  

      Fri Jul 19 – Washington, DC – Capital One Arena*  

      Sat Jul 20 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park  

      Sun Jul 21 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach  

      Wed Jul 24 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden  

      Thu Jul 25 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center  

      Fri Jul 26 – Boston, MA – TD Garden  

      Sat Jul 27 – Atlantic City, NJ – Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall

      Fri Aug 02 – Bridgeport, CT – Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater  

      Sat Aug 03 – Syracuse, NY – Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview  

      Sun Aug 04 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena  

      Tue Aug 06 – Buffalo, NY – Darien Lake Amphitheater  

      Fri Aug 09 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena  

      Sat Aug 10 – Cleveland, OH – Blossom Music Center  

      Sun Aug 11 – Chicago, IL – Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre  

      Tue Aug 13 – St. Louis, MO – Chaifetz Arena  

      Wed Aug 14 – Oklahoma City, OK – Paycom Center  

      Sun Aug 18 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum  

      *Without Mýa

    • Golden Oldies Spectacular Comes to Proctors Theatre in Schenectady this April

      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.

      Golden Oldies proctors

      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.

      Golden Oldies proctors

      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.

    • Brooklyn Alt-Rockers Castle Black Release Single “Heart Can’t Feel”

      Brooklyn-based alternative/post-punk group Castle Black recently released their latest single titled, “Heart Can’t Feel.” The single is off of the band’s upcoming album, The Highway at Night.

      castle black "Heart Can't Feel"

      Castle Black is an ever-evolving thunderstorm of sound on a backdrop of captivating hooks and edgy soundscapes. Castle Black draws elements from punk, post-punk, grunge, alternative and new-wave music. The band sees the release of their first full length album, The Highway at Night in June.

      The single, “Heart Can’t Feel” is the second released single off the album. The group has released six EPs since 2015. Castle Black hopes to reach new heights with the release of their first full-length album.

      “Heart Can’t Feel” begins with captivating chords, vocal tones, and immediate action. The song has strong influence from a band like Hole. The fierceness of the vocals, the upbeat yet grungy sound, and the song structure are very reminiscent of Hole and other alternative bands from that era.

      The riffs throughout the song catch the listener right away and refuse to stay static. The track is certainly very post-punk in its vocals, grunge in its tone, alternative in its pace and instruments, with a bit of a new-wave aura to it. Castle Black does an excellent job here of crafting a catchy, punchy, and fun piece of music.

      To give “Heart Can’t Feel” a listen and to learn more about the minds behind the music, click here.