Albany’s Spectrum 8 Theatre has found new management and will reopen this spring, potentially in late April, per multiple reports last week.
photo via Spotlight News
As reported in February, Spectrum 8 was slated to close, with owner Landmark Theatres withdrawing from management after nearly 9 years. Scene One Entertainment has stepped in to take over management, bringing back a few notable aspects of Spectrum 8 that regulars missed in the past decade.
Scene One Entertainment owner Joseph Masher said in a press release, “The overwhelming response to the theatre’s closing last month prompted me to move faster with the building’s owner to get the cinema reopened. I’ve been working very closely with [Spectrum 8 co-founder] Keith Pickard to bring the heart and soul back into the Spectrum. The art gallery will be reactivated and the calendar that was published monthly will return.”
Among the changes are the return of the theater’s locally-sourced cakes, pastries, cookies, mint brownies, and real butter on the popcorn. The Spectrum reports it will also serve alcoholic beverages once it obtains a liquor license.
Spectrum 8 has been in operation since 1983, beginning as a single screen theater before expanding to eight screens, offering a wide number of independent movies, Oscar nominated films that are hard to find in theaters, including foreign language films and live and animated short films, in addition to Hollywood blockbusters.
A total solar eclipse is happening on Monday, April 8, 2024, visible across North America – especially New York State which is in the Path of Totality. To celebrate this monumental occurrence, venues and places across the state are hosting eclipse-themed events with great music, food, and community bonding.
Prepare for a celestial event of epic proportions as the Solar Eclipse 3-Day Music & Arts Festival comes to Gowanda, NY, from April 6-8. This extraordinary event offers a rare opportunity to witness the total solar eclipse with great music. Headlining are international sensations SVTOKO聡子 from Japan, E&I hailing from Harrisburg, PA, Vodden representing Toronto, and Beelzedubz from Philly. The festival also proudly showcases supporting music acts and artists from the surrounding Western NY region, including Erie, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Niagara, and Wyoming counties.
In the days leading up to the main event, the festival will have two exhilarating pre-parties. On Sunday, April 7, the Wobblepots Solar Eclipse Takeover will feature back-to-back sets from 7 PM to 2 AM. Meanwhile, on Saturday, April 6, the Greater Buffalo Collective will host a pre-preparty with performances from bands, hip-hop acts, DJs, comedians, and fire performers. The festival also features local vendors, food trucks, and artisanal crafts.
From April 7-8, The Heron is hosting a 2024 Total Solar Eclipse Celebration, transforming The Heron Campground and PFM Event Center into a sanctuary for sky-watchers, offering the perfect view of a phenomenon last seen in 1925 – not returning until 2144 in this part of the world. The Heron’s serene natural setting provides an idyllic stage for this awe-inspiring celestial show.
The celebration begins with a Sunday night dance party with The Sun King Warriors, setting the stage with a night of revelry. Then on Monday, connect with the rhythm of the land with drumming, chanting, and yoga sessions. Feed your soul and your appetite with a diverse range of food trucks offering delicious treats. And most importantly, you’ll be part of a community of enthusiasts, sharing this extraordinary moment. Every attendee also receives complimentary solar viewing glasses for a safe and unforgettable eclipse experience. Tickets are on sale now.
The Capital Region is hosting several events in honor of the eclipse. On April 8 from noon to 4 p.m. is Eclipse Day on the Skyway with DJ Tall Matt. The public is invited to experience this cosmic event with free #AlbToTheCore glasses for the first 500 attendees and complimentary popcorn courtesy of ParkAlbany (while supplies last). Boozy Moo! will also be on-site with ice cream available for purchase.
After, The Egg hosts a free Eclipse at the Ellipse event, featuring music from Julianna Barwick, Ami Dang, b e i n g – s o u n d with visuals by Alex Allauxis, Connor Armbruster, and DJ Harlan (in Hart Lobby). From 4-10 p.m., attendees can enjoy great music with iconic sci-fi movies like WALL-E, A Trip to the Moon, and 2001: A Space Odyssey, as well as Hudson-Valley-based projection artist B.A. Miale filling the venue with a stunning psychedelic light show.
Attendees will need a free ticket to enter – RSVP here. When checking out, there will be a chance to select an optional donation. While this is not required, every penny helps support more free programming at The Egg.
The Adirondack area is full of exciting events, like Annie in the Water at Whiteface Moutain. Come to watch this once-in-a-lifetime astronomical event at the mountain with a great view from the Cloudspin Bar & Grill deck at the Main Base Lodge. The band will perform at the Cloudspin between 1:30 pm and 4:30 pm; the cost is $40 for lift tickets. The partial eclipse begins at 2:12 pm. Totality begins at 3:24 pm. The maximum eclipse is at 3:26 pm. As a safety precaution, all lifts will close at 2:00 pm on this day, this includes the Cloudsplitter Gondola. Complimentary safety eclipse glasses will be provided as supplies last.
The City of Plattsburgh will be hosting a free eclipse viewing party at the Plattsburgh City Beach on Monday, April 8th from 12:00 – 5:00 PM with a performance by local indie psychedelic rock band, Ursa and the Major Key alongside local food trucks (Tammy’s Lunchbox, The Dogfather, Norma J’s and High Peaks Brew), activities and more! Local astronomy enthusiast Ephemer ADK will be on site sharing information about the eclipse and views of the sky from his telescope. For more information about where to view the eclipse in the Adirondacks, visit here.
Albany-based band Glass Pony will bring its psychedelic and jam-focused rock to Blue Mountain Lake from 12:30 p.m.- 2:30 p.m. They offer a sound that translates through generations, with a stylistic blend built to engage a broad listenership. With a focus squarely set on delivering the most captivating live performance possible, the band utilizes infectiously danceable grooves colored with virtuosic individual performances that deftly blend into a cohesive whole. Visit here for information.
Stay safe during this monumental event! Here are even more local eclipse events Statewide.
To commemorate their first studio release in nearly 13 years, The Disco Biscuits staged a release party at New York City’s famed Webster Hall on March 29. With help from a couple of friends, the band played their new album Revolution In Motion from start to finish over two sets that spanned nearly four hours, much of it without a break between tracks.
Along with their typically incredible light show via Herm Light Designs, and corresponding animation from Blunt Action and Todd Kushnir projected on a screen behind the band, the album came to life and cemented its lore in Disco Biscuits history.
The sold out show had a buzz about it for weeks leading up, with the night having a slight bit of warmth to it in the East Village, ushering fans inside shortly after doors to secure a spot for a night that was years in the making. With the tracks from Revolution in Motion debuting since 2022, fans are well acclimated to the new material, as well as the depths of jamming that can unfold from any of the songs. Therein lies the beauty of what the Disco Biscuits have created in their ninth studio album, and not just the music – the story that intertwines the songs was revealed in full earlier this day, completing Part 1 of Revolution in Motion, with the band saving the day on the alien world Polyfuzia.
The band was joined by three special guests this evening – Erin Boyd added soul with her vocals on “Twisted in the Road” and “Why We Dance,” Matteo Scammell singing alongside guitarist Jon Guttwillig on “Tourists (Rocket Ship)” and “To Be Continued…,” and guitarist Cloud Chord joining for “Tourists (Rocket Ship)” and “Spagaâs Last Stand,” which had keyboardist Aron Magner step out with a keytar for back-to-back playing alongside Cloud Chord. Guests for the Disco Biscuits are infrequent at best, and the three etched their names into Biscuits’ history as well as the fans memories.
In lieu of a song-by-song breakdown of the show, we encourage you to listen to the full show here on Nugs.net. The show is best enjoyed in full from start to finish, taking the story along with the music and explorative trance-fusion jams.
A full summation of the night, however, is best found from Brian Stollery, who offers the following thoughts on the evening that unfolded at Webster Hall.
In the kaleidoscopic carnival that was the Disco Biscuits’ album release show for Revolution in Motion, their first sonic odyssey in 14 years since Otherwise Law Abiding Citizens, the band once again proved themselves as the cosmic jesters at the crossroads of the Grateful Dead’s experimental psychedelia and the pulsating heart of modern analog techno’s transcendental oneness revolution.
Among the cacophony, “The Deal” emerged as a transcendent hymn, a bizarre yet profound meditation on business acumen that captures the essence of the Biscuits’ ability to spin mundane realities into psychedelic gold, propelling the audience into a state of intellectual spiritual mayhem, where fun collides with the sublime in a spectacular explosion of sound and fury.
Disco Biscuits – Webster Hall, NYC – March 29, 2024
Set 1: Shocked > The Wormhole > Twisted In The Road > Another Plan Of Attack > Times Square >Freeze Set 2: Tourists (Rocket Ship) > Spaga’s Last Stand, Who’s In Charge > Space Train > The Deal > One Chance To Save The World > Why We Dance Encore: To Be Continued
Chyna Streetz loves the process. Through various life experiences she continues to learn and grow. Money comes and money goes but lost time on Earth could never be earned back. Abundantly, the hours in the studio and on tour continue to pay dividends for this NYC-based emcee.
Her latest body of work, From Hell to Chanel showcases just how far she has come since her first project in 2018. After experimenting with different sounds – Chyna now sets her sights on accomplishing feats according to her own timetable.
“Even if the wounds heal, the scars left still show.”
-Judas Kiss by Chyna Streetz & Tiona Deniece
Less worried about what others see fit for her – this artist formerly known as Chy the Empress embodies her lane in the underground East Coast hip-hop scene. Amazingly, strides from the likes of Westside Gunn and Rome Streetz have turned underground hip-hop damn-near mainstream. Label it however you wish – real rap is back on the map and Chyna Streetz pushes her pen to the forefront.
With conceptual storytelling and divine lyricism – everyone better recognize what Chyna Streetz means to hip-hop. From Hell to Chanel (entirely produced by 183rd( illuminates the struggles this woman went through. The determination to prove herself shines very brightly on this tape.
On Bernadine’s Rage she refers to herself as a, “Goddess in the likeness.” In the very next line she proclaims she is, “Tight she had to write this.” Therefore, these two lines together make for an excellent set of opening lines.
Right from the beginning of Bernadine’s Rage – she lets us know that she is a supreme being as those who have utmost confidence are recognized sooner than those who only half-step their way to the goal. Next, being ‘tight’ means she might have been upset she had to write this which portrays growth and shows that she will take any steps necessary to become the best version of herself.
New York is a Nationality
All credit due to the Empress and her efforts – the moment she transformed into Chyna Streetz drove her to become a different animal within the same beast. Spending time with her man Rome Streetz has propelled her lyricism, uplifted her stage presence and given her the bravery to use her past as a turning point for the future.
When Chyna was 17 she went away for robbery in the first degree. She served roughly six years altogether between Bayview Correctional Center and the ‘Staying Out Program’ in Manhattan. Hurricane Sandy ravaged much of Bayview Correctional Center and it is now being renovated into affordable housing.
“Rolled the dice on life and found out time cannot be bought.”
-Judas Kiss
Chyna preaches to live and maintain in the ways that work for you. Do not let outside influence or external gratification dictate the path you know you must walk. Evidently, within the core of every soul – you will find what direction you must choose. Now, take the steps to walk the road less traveled en route to fulfillment of your destiny.
Some ways in which Chyna found self-realization comes from internal strength and stepping outside of her comfort zone. Nonetheless, building confidence from within and surrounding herself with truly talented people have led her to become a difference-maker within the game.
Key Tracks: Matrimony, Sirens Lullaby, Judas Kiss
Stream her latest collection here and write the author on IG and let him know which one you’re rocking with the most.
Funky, jam band powerhouse Dopapod stopped in The Williams Center in Rutherford, NJ on Thursday, March 28. The Jungle Jazz Initiative opened up the night, offering a groovy and entertaining set, fitting in well with Dopapod’s sound.
Dopapod’s first set was only 4 songs, which was full of jams and featured a good representation of their career with newer and older songs. It started out with a danceable “Live In the Dream” followed by a Dopapod classic “Turnin’ Knobs” which featured the electronic, synth heavy peaks. Another catchy classic closed up the set, “Braindead”. The chorus is still ringing in my head.
The band opened up the second set with a very distinguishable “Trapper Keeper”. This was followed by an unexpected “No Quarter” played with ferocity. The rest of the set included newer and older songs that flowed together incredibly well. And suddenly a Dead cover appeared, Dopapod’s homage “Smertha” was played to close up the set.
The band encored with “Landmines”. Dopapod’s sound is unique and is distinguishable in a scene that can at times be homogenous. Their unique style provides a refreshing experience and will continue to gather fans.
Dopapod – The Williams Center for the Arts, Rutherford, NJ – Thursday, March 28, 2024
Set 1: Live in The Dream, Turninâ Knobs, Man or Machine, Braindead Set 2: Trapper Keeper, No Quarter, Ebb and Flow, My Elephant Vs. Your Elephant, Peter Banning, Sonic, 2 Somebodies, We Are Not Alone, Shmertha Encore: Landmines
After years of eager anticipation, the historic Brooklyn Paramount Theater reopened its doors to music enthusiasts on Wednesday, March 27, with a spectacular concert featuring reggae icons Damian and Stephen Marley. Part of their highly anticipated 2024 Traffic Jam Tour, the event delighted fans with a night of rhythm, melody, and cultural celebration.
A Brief History of the Brooklyn Paramount Theater
Originally opened in 1928, the Brooklyn Paramount Theater stood as a beacon of entertainment in the heart of New York City. With its stunning art deco architecture and state-of-the-art facilities, the theater quickly became a beloved landmark, hosting a plethora of performances ranging from live music acts to film screenings.
Like many historic theaters, the Brooklyn Paramount faced periods of decline and neglect over the years. By the late 1960s, it had ceased operations as a theater and was repurposed for various other uses, including a disco club and a basketball arena. Despite efforts to revive it, the theater remained largely dormant for decades, with its grandeur fading into memory.
The Renovation Project
In recent years, a dedicated group of preservationists and investors embarked on a mission to restore the Brooklyn Paramount Theater to its former glory. Drawing inspiration from its illustrious past, the renovation project aimed to breathe new life into the venue while preserving its historic charm.
Through meticulous restoration efforts guided by archival research and architectural expertise, the theater underwent a remarkable transformation. From refurbishing the ornate façade to upgrading its sound and lighting systems, no detail was spared in the quest to revive this cultural gem.
The Grand Reopening Concert
The reopening of the Brooklyn Paramount TheaterSetlist: was a momentous occasion, eagerly awaited by both locals and music enthusiasts from afar. And what better way to kick off this new chapter in the theater’s history than with a performance by two of reggae’s most influential figures?
Damian and Stephen Marley, sons of the legendary Bob Marley, graced the stage alongside their band, offering a mesmerizing display of their musical talent. Set against the backdrop of the newly renovated theater, the duo delighted the audience with a dynamic setlist.
The Music
Damian and Stephen Marley chose songs from their popular collection to create a setlist that pleased both longtime and new fans. They performed tunes about unity, love, and social justice, along with some catchy melodies. Some standout songs from the concert included”Welcome to Jamrock,” “Could You Be Loved,” “Exodus,” “Medication” “The Mission,” and “Rock Stone.” Each song transported the audience on a musical journey, infusing the Brooklyn Paramount Theater with the vibrant spirit of reggae and honoring the legacy of their famous father.
A Night to Remember
As the music ended and applause filled the air, it was obvious that the reopening concert at the Brooklyn Paramount Theatre was a big success. For those in attendance, it wasn’t merely a concert but rather a joyous celebration of culture, community, and the unifying power of music.
Damian and Stephen Marley – Brooklyn Paramount – Wednesday, March 27, 2024
Setlist: Big Youth – Intro, 10,000 Chariots, The Traffic Jam, So Much Trouble in the World, All Night, Pimpa’s Paradise, Still Searchin’, Tight Ship, It Was Written, Cast The First Stone, Jah Army, Medication, The Mission, Love and Inity / Punky Reggae Party, Jamming, Is This Love, Rock Stone, Road To Zion, Welcome to Jamrock, Exodus, Could You Be Loved
New York City has been given many nicknames like “the city so nice, they named it twice,” as well as “The Big Apple.” The city at any given moment can hold multiple events at one time. Friday, March. 28 saw country star Zach Bryan play at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn while President Biden hosted a fundraiser which featured former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton. The fundraiser was only steps away from where former KISS guitarist, Ace Frehley played as he filled up Sony Hall just a month after his newest release, 10,000 Volts.
Frehley has announced 15 dates to his itinerary for 2024. Three of those dates, including the Sony Hall show, are in New York. Frehley is playing at the Rome Capitol Theatre on April. 12 as well as the River Theatre in North Tonawanda on Aug. 21. These tour dates are also in support of his newest release which has been praised very highly by the music community.
Before the rock and roll siege of “The Spaceman,” the New York City natives known as Kore Rozzik warmed up the eager crowd. Kore Rozzik played seven songs and did their part well at getting the crowd hyped up for classic Kiss and original tunes from Frehley. Kore Rozzik, while a harder style of rock music than Frehley powered through technical difficulties and wonky mic feedback to deliver their brand of metal and hard rock. The fans who knew the band loved them and screamed wildly. It took a few songs for the band to win over fans that weren’t so familiar with them. Once lead singer Kore Rozzik graced the stage in different stage clothes for multiple songs and sprayed the audience with water after their final song, “Spellbound,” the band made multiple fans and left a lasting impression on the rowdy crowd.
Joining Rozzik on stage were Andrei Patorski and Alex Devious on guitars, Matias Sanes on bass and Crow Starbird on the drums.
As the house lights dimmed and one of Frehley’s instrumentals blasted of the speakers, a sudden surge rushed from the back of the general admission audience and pushed the crowd closer to the stage. With what seemed like one quick motion, Frehley and his band blasted into “Shock Me,” off Kiss’ 1977 record, Love Gun. Frehley played 14 total songs that took fans through memory lane of his Kiss days while also sprinkling in a few solo songs including the title track to his newest release. Frehley sported a sparkly jacket that draped over his NASA t-shirt to start the first few songs of the night. Dawning classic Rayban aviators and his classic Les Paul guitar, it was clear that Frehley and the rest of his band were indeed “back in the New York Groove.”
Accompanying Frehley on stage was bassist Ryan Cook, guitarist Jeremy Asbrock and drummer Scot Coogan. This was the same band that played on his record in addition to touring with Frehley across the United States recently.
Like Kore Rozzik, the Frehley band was not only battling the bad feedback from their speakers but at one point in between the band’s rendition of “Rip It Out,” and “Detroit Rock City,” Cook’s bass strap broke and had to be taped back together for the remainder of the show. But, with a calm smile, Cook took the minor setback like a true professional and continued to wave and point into the crowd of fans.
Unlike the last show that Frehley played at the Paramount Hudson Valley back in October, multiple fans put on his classic face paint and rushed to the front of the stage before the band’s set. The entire crowd, which consisted of all ages never left their spot in the general admission and continued to clap, throw up the rock horns and raise their fists to the loud wall of sound in front of them. If you closed your eyes and pictured what a Kiss concert sounded like in the mid-1970s’ when the band was at the height of their powers, without a doubt, it would have sounded something very close to last night’s show.
In classic Frehley showmanship, for the band’s rendition of “New York Groove,” Frehley brought out his classic guitar that lights up. When the special Les Paul guitar made its appearance, the crowd went crazy as they knew exactly what song was coming up. At the beginning note of every song, the crowd gave the band a thunderous cheer. The cheering was so loud at one point that it seemed like the roof was going to cave in.
It was extremely impressive to hear the band play their new material from the aforementioned 10,000 Volts. Despite the band only playing the title track, it was neat to hear the band acknowledge their new record. Throughout the show, fans were yelling for the band to play some of their favorite tunes from the brand-new record. Regardless of Frehley being 72 years old, he still had his skill from the ‘70s on guitar while also having his signature voice on lead vocals.
At the end of the show, when the doors were flung open and the cool New York air filled up the downstairs theater, there was not one unhappy fan in the venue. With Kiss now being retired and the band not playing, Frehley is one of two members still out on the road. With that being said, fans were extremely happy to have their night filled with Kiss tunes and seeing the one and only Spaceman
Kore Rozzik Setlist: Welcome To Rock Hell, I Am Your Savior, Can’t Stop Won’t Stop, Vengeance Overdrive, Mistress, Guilty As Charged, Spellbound
Ace Frehley Setlist: Shock Me, Rocket Ride, 10,000 Volts, Rock Soldiers, Love Gun, Parasite, New York Groove, Rip It Out, Detriot Rock City, Cold Gin, Strange Ways, Shout It Out Loud, Deuce, Rock And Roll All Nite
On April 6th, Crossroads Collective is hosting a fundraiser at The Lost Horizon with performances by Japanese Psych-Rock Band TEKE :: TEKE, and Syracuse’s own, GUNK! A masterful alternative prog-rock ensemble.
This meaningful fundraiser highlights great music and the inspiring work done by the Crossroads Collective and the Let’s Play program.
Crossroads Collective is a student-led organization that bridges the gap between Syracuse University and the local Syracuse community. Through their partnership with the Arthouse Collective, they organize music lessons, workshops, open mics, and performances within the area to foster a supportive and creative environment open to everyone.
Proceeds from the show will go to supporting the Let’s Play program. Currently, SU students are teaching a variety of free music lessons for inner city kids in local libraries and youth centers. Money raised from this event will go to supporting these lessons.
Saratoga Springs’ own Opera Saratoga has elected four new members to its Board in preparation of the 2024 summer season, and under the leadership of General and Artistic Director, Mary Birnbaum.
New board members include: Saratoga Springs Commissioner of Public Works, Jason Golub; Supervising Judge of the Supreme Court in the Third Judicial District, Hon. Christina Ryba; local business owner and musician Derek Stannard; and, president and CEO of Empire Media Network, Abby Tegnalia.
“It is tremendously exciting to have these four new members joining our board. All community leaders in the Capital Region, each new member brings a valuable perspective and talent to our leadership team. I am looking forward to working with them as we continue to take Opera Saratoga forward.”
board President Steve Rosenblum
Opera Saratoga shares the following about the new Board Members
Jason Golub is a lifelong lover of musical theater but relatively new to opera. He currently serves as the Commissioner of Public Works for Saratoga Springs and has held professional roles as an anti-corruption lawyer and chief compliance officer at General Electric, and various leadership roles at hedge funds and law firms. He attended Connecticut College and Columbia Law School. He is excited to help continue to build on Opera Saratoga’s success by expanding the reach of Opera Saratoga to new audiences in Saratoga Springs and beyond, including his two kids, Zoe and Max.
The Honorable Christina L. Ryba was elected in 2015 to serve as Justice of the Supreme Court of New York in the Third Judicial District and in 2023 she was appointed Supervising Judge of the Supreme Court in the Third Judicial District. She also serves as Co-Chair of the Permanent Commission on Access to Justice whose mission is to ensure equal access to justice in New York State. Prior to beginning her judicial term in 2016, she held various positions in the court system for the Office of Court Administration (OCA) and in the NYS Supreme Court Appellate Division, Third Department, including Special Projects Counsel to the Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for Courts Outside New York City and Special Projects Counsel to the Presiding Justice of the Appellate Division, Third Department. Prior to her work with the judiciary, Judge Ryba was an associate at Nixon Peabody. She also served as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of New York Litigation Bureau. Additional public service includes appointments first as General Counsel and then as Deputy Director for the City of Albany Community Development Agency. She began her career in public service with the City of Albany Corporation Counsel’s office. Judge Ryba is Second Vice President of the Association of Justices of the Supreme Court of the State of New York; member of the New York Women Judges Association; past-president of the Albany County Bar Foundation; past-president of the Albany County Bar Association; member of Judicial Friends Association; member of the American Bar Association; and a Trustee of Albany Law School, where she chairs the Law Committee and is a member of the Executive Committee.
Derek W. Stannard, pianist, organist, tenor, and conductor, is a graduate of the Crane School of Music with degrees in Performance and Music Education. From 2014-2019, Mr. Stannard was the Artistic Director and founder of Auriel Camerata, an acclaimed fully professional choral ensemble in the Capital District. He is currently the organist at Bethesda Episcopal Church, Saratoga Springs, and has served as Organist and Director of Music Ministries at Church of the Immaculate Conception, Glenville, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Bennington, Christ Church United Methodist, Glens Falls, and Grace Church, Canton, among others. From 2015 to 2021 he served as Associate Conductor of Burnt Hills Oratorio Society (now called Saratoga Voices), and served on their board until 2022. As a soloist, Mr. Stannard has been featured with many ensembles, including with Aoede Consort (Carnegie Hall premier of works by Vladimir Pleshakov), Albany Pro Musica, Burnt Hills Oratorio Society, Battenkill Chorale, Adirondack Voices, Voices of Cooperstown, and the Berkshire Choral Festival. In 2006, Mr. Stannard had the privilege of premiering the opera The Sailor-Boy and the Falcon at the Crane School of Music with Metropolitan Opera mezzo-soprano Stephanie Blythe. In addition to his vocal and choral work, he has given organ recitals throughout the capital district including Christ Church Methodist, Glens Falls, St. Peter’s Church, Bennington, Silver Bay Chapel, Silver Bay, and the Cathedral of All Saints, Albany. Mr. Stannard is the proprietor of The Pampered Pooch and Pals, a pet supply store in Ballston Spa. He is delighted to be serving on the board of Opera Saratoga.
Abby Tegnelia is the president and CEO of Empire Media Network, which publishes Saratoga Living and Capital Region Living magazines, a hyper-local Substack email newsletter, and the programs for Albany Symphony Orchestra and the SPAC summer classical season—while also producing a vibrant calendar of community and private events. A lifelong supporter of the performing arts, she attended a magnet school for the arts for dance (and performed in Don Quixote with American Ballet Theater principal dancer Leslie Browne) before moving to NYC to get her masters in journalism at Columbia University and begin her journalism career at New York magazine. She has written for Glamour, Marie Claire, Robb Report and many others, and served as editor-in-chief of several regional magazines on the west coast before moving to Saratoga Springs in 2019 for her work with Empire Media.
The second annual Geneva Jazz Festival returns April 4-7, featuring 20 performances at nine venues over four days.
The Geneva Jazz Festival is held in Geneva, known for innovation and forward-thinking businesses. It is the gateway to the Finger Lakes, providing access to historical landmarks, natural beauties, wineries, breweries, food, shopping, and more.
The festival honors the late Scott LaFaro, who grew up in Geneva. At 18, he started learning to play the double bass. In 1961 he was killed in a car accident at age 25. He became the most influential jazz bassist ever after his performance with Stan Getz at the Newport Jazz Festival and subsequent recordings with the Bill Evans Trio, which still impacts jazz today.
The nine headline concerts are hosted at the historic Club 86, featuring a high-fidelity sound system by George’s Pro Audio for an immersive jazz experience. These performances represent some of the finest jazz musicians working and creating in New York State. Evening concerts on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday – plus matinee shows on Saturday and Sunday.
Schedule
On the opening night on April 4, the festival celebrates women in jazz at the historic Club 86. Trombonist and vocalist Melissa Gardiner brings her organ trio MG3 (8 PM), with singer Vanessa Vacanti & Jazz Mafia (6 PM) and saxophonist Ellen Pieroni & Encyclopedia of Soul (4 PM) performing. There also is a free concert at Ventosa Vineyards with Annie Wells Trio featuring Mike Kaupa (5 PM) and the free FLIMA Open Jazz Jam at 10 p.m.
On Friday, April 5, The Ryan Johnson Project performs at 2 p.m. It has become a known name in the music industry, featuring informed, professional, outgoing attitudes, and beautifully written pieces of music that have caught the ears of many worldwide. Ryan and his group have played with, opened for, and collaborated with artists such as Cabo Frio, Chuck Mangione, Maynard Ferguson, Soulive, Sharon Jones, Gary Clark Jr., and Robert Randolph.
At 4:30 p.m., The Mellow Warblers perform playful renditions of jazz standards and deviations – setting the perfect mood with an ever-mellow attitude. At 5, The Craig Snyder Trio plays a wide variety of jazz-rock material steeped in groove, ensemble unity, and melodic soloing. The Rochester band is fronted by veteran guitarist, teacher, and composer Craig S Snyder. Others include Tony Hiler + Giancarlo, A Tribute to Sam Venuti, Mike Melito Quartet, and the free FLIMA Open Jazz Jam.
On Saturday, April 6, the Greg Lofaro Quartet begins the day at 1 p.m., with the Mike Titlebaum Quartet preceding. Mike directs the jazz studies program at the Ithaca College School of Music, teaching jazz saxophone, arranging, improvisation, and theory. Before teaching, he lived in New York City where he played at the Blue Note, Smalls, Augies, Fez/Time Café, and the legendary CBGB’s. He has performed with dozens of internationally recognized artists and groups including John Hollenbeck, Gary Versace, Branford Marsalis, Jason Robert Brown, the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra, and more.
At 3 p.m., the Banjo Juice Jazz band performs an eclectic blend of vintage blues, jazz, and swing. Founded by bandleader, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Tyler Westcott in 2017, the group features musicians from many notable bands. At 4:30, the Swordfish Trio brings a soulful, blues-infused, and high-energy improv experience that takes you on a journey from tight riffs and funky Afrobeat grooves to soulful jazz and subtle bass virtuosity.
At 8, the Bill Tiberio Sextet performs. In his 40th year as a music educator, he has been a band director at Fairport (NY) High School for 36 years, directing two concert bands and three jazz ensembles, and is also an adjunct faculty member at the Eastman Community Music School – directing the Educator Wind Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble and a high school wind ensemble camp. He is an active saxophonist and clarinetist in the Rochester music scene and has recorded four albums with his contemporary jazz quintet, the Bill Tiberio Band.
The final day begins early at 11 a.m. with the Evan Dobbins Quartet feat. Bill Dobbins. At noon, the Dave Solazzo Duo plays modern interpretations of jazz standards and original compositions in the spirit of Oscar Peterson, Keith Jarrett, and Brad Mehldau. Dave Solazzo has been a mainstay of Central New York’s music scene for over two decades, working with artists from a wide mix of genres – jazz, fusion, R&B, and beyond.
At 2 p.m., Dennis Winge + John Viavattine perform, with the Nancy Kelly Quartet following. Over her 40-plus-year career, Nancy Kelly has perfected her signature swing/bop take in front of audiences all over the U.S.A. and abroad. She performs regularly in New York City, including at The Blue Note and Birdland, The Rainbow Room, and Dizzy’s Jazz Club, Lincoln Center. Finally, at 6 p.m., The Pickle Mafia, a dynamic trio from New York, performs their unique brand of Arena Jazz Fusion. The visual appeal the band brings to audiences across the globe is an important element that adds to their musical artistry.
To purchase tickets for the many performances at the Geneva Jazz Festival, visit here.
