NYC-based folk group The Folklorkestra are releasing a new unique and titillating album titled, A Strange Day in June on March 29.
A Strange Day in June is an album that had me intrigued instantly. The sounds that emanate from this album are nothing short of mystical and diverse. Many of the tunes feature much mandolin, woodwind, and acoustic percussion.
The opening track, “The Girl I Never Knew” consists of a kind of eastern melody coupled with a very Mediterranean sound. The usage of mandolin, shakers, accordion, and operatic vocals make for something real captivating.
Each song on the album has a unique sound that almost entrances the listener. The second track, “My Cousin the Spy” has a sort of Latin-folk sound that starts off like ballroom music. It later evolves with its saxophone-heavy progression, with many backing instruments carrying the melody.
John Kruth
The Folkorkestra is led by John Kruth, who has been active in the music industry for decades. He’s worked with countless other notable names like Meat Puppets, Jim Belushi, Steve Buscemi, Allen Ginsberg, Laurie Anderson, and more.
The group draws inspiration from various genres and sounds from around the world including American folk, jazz, chamber music, as well as eastern instruments, and European melodies. The group consists of versatile, multi-instrumentalists, Kathy Halvorson, Premik Tubbs, Kenny Margolis, Ray Peterson, and Rohin Khemani.
The Folklorkestra’s recent album, A Strange Day in June is certainly one to check out. It is complete with unique, diverse, and intriguing sound. Each song has a different feel and tells a different story. Each song combines multiple sounds together and makes it something you’ve never heard before.
The artisanship exhibited throughout the album is something to gaze at. There are miniscule sounds that inhabit every crevice of the songs. The songs are sonic portraits, displaying moving images via the music. There is a lot of character and charm from this album.
To learn more about The Folklorkestra and their upcoming work, click here. Stay up to date on the release of A Strange Day in June, releasing March 29.
The Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra has announced a “Roman Holiday” concert at the Broome County Forum Theatre in Binghamton on April 6.
On Saturday, April 6, 2024 at 7:30pm, the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra will presents the final concert of its 2023-2024 M&T Symphonic Series with “Roman Holiday,” a crowd-pleasing program exploring musical depictions of the countries of the Mediterranean.
Led by Maestro Daniel Hege, the Philharmonic will perform Tchaikovsky’s brilliant showpiece Capriccio Italien; “Fandangos,” by living Puerto Rican composer and Cornell professor Roberto Sierra, bringing a distinctly Latin-American twist to 18th-century Spanish dances; and Ottorino Respighi’s uplifting and atmospheric The Pines of Rome, a symphonic tone poem that takes audiences on a sonic tour of the Eternal City.
In addition, the orchestra will also be presenting two free community events in conjunction with “Roman Holiday”. On April 4, Forum Theatre will host a Family Symphony Session, “Fandango!” a free family-friendly chat about how European, African, and Indigenous traditions joined to create Caribbean music. And on April 6, the Forum Theatre will host a Pre-concert chat, “Music and Politics: The Case of Ottorino Respighi,” with Dr. Julia Grella O’Connell, Director of Education and Community Engagement.
The Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra was established in 1955 at the Binghamton Symphony and Choral Society by Fritz and Marianne Wallenberg. It later merged with the B.C. Pops, an orchestra established by Russell Hawkes and David Agard, and now hosts an annual series of chamber, classical, and pop music concerts in Downtown Binghamton and throughout Broome County. The Philharmonic’s professional musicians are from the Southern Tier, New York City, and the surrounding states. They are represented by Local 380 of the American Federation of Musicians. In 2018, Maestro Daniel Hege was named their Music Director.
Tickets are $25 to $65, while kids 17 and under attend free. For more information, fans can contact the Binghamton Philharmonic Box Office at 607-723-3931 or visit www.binghamtonphilharmonic.org.
Long Island-based singer and producer Rob Eberle has shared a new heart wrenching single, “Half of You,” out now.
Rob Eberle is a young, talented singer-songwriter as well as a producer from Long Island. Rob’s unique ability to use music to express his own and other people’s life experiences is what makes him stand out. He continues to show his creative power behind all of his songs, writing the melodies and lyrics and working with different producers to add special moments to every single one.
The experiences and moments of Eberle’s life, as well as the lives of others around him, are glimpsed through his songs. Eberle has created his own genre-bending niche in the world of darker alternative pop-rock, drawing inspiration from a wide range of artists such as FINNEAS, Elliott Smith, Billie Eilish, Jeremy Zucker, Olivia Rodrigo, and Alexander 23.
Rob’s new single “Half of You” is a moving song that explores the difficulties of a one-sided relationship. Eberle depicts the emotional journey of unrequited love and the toll it takes on the one who longs for reciprocation through eerie melodies and soul-stirring lyrics. The narrator’s emotional conflicts are vividly depicted in the song as he battles with the quiet that results from a lack of compassion for one another.
When describing the song, Rob shared that his single “is perfect for playing during those sunny drives with the windows rolled down, particularly during the bridge section of the song. “Half of You” is also the kind of song you find yourself playing alone in your room at night right after experiencing a devastating breakup, yearning for the person you’ve lost”. The single’s bleak tune and thoughtful words create a dramatic atmosphere that encompasses you in the profound feelings it communicates.
With every note of “half of you,” the song asks listeners to connect with the complex feelings of heartbreak and desire, as well as the unwavering optimism that love will eventually find its way back. The single is a captivating exploration of the common issue of unrequited love thanks to its lyrics and singing.
Fans can stream “Half of You” on all streaming platforms, and to learn more about Rob Eberle fans can visit here.
The Abducted by the 80s Tour is set to groove audiences and feature prominent hitmakers from the 1980s. These hitmakers include Wang Chung, Men Without Hats, The Motels, and Naked Eyes.
The featured acts have joined forces to create a musical extravaganza that transports audiences to the heart of the 80s. The neon-soaked, synth-driven decade is worshipped by the upcoming launch of the Abducted by the 80s Tour. This tour is all about those classic, nostalgic pop, rock, and new wave hits of the 80s.
Wang Chung, Men Without Hats, The Motels, and Naked Eyes prepare to bring various hits like, “Everybody Have Fun Tonight,” “Dance Hall Days,” “Promises Promises,” and many more. Together, the artists have dozens of Billboard Top 100 hits, which they plan to unleash upon the audience for the month-long extravaganza.
Wang Chung
The tour sees a stop at Sharkey’s Event Center in Syracuse on June 14. The Abducted by the 80s tour also stops at Elmira First Arena in Elmira, NY on June 15. The tour 17-date tour begins May 17 and wraps up June 25. Get ready to dance, sing along, and relive the magic of the 80s with this unforgettable music tour.
The Motels
Abducted by the 80s Tour Dates:
WC = Wang Chung / NE = Naked Eyes / MWH = Men Without Hats
Friday 5/17/2024 – Kyle, TX The Railhouse WC, Motels, NE
Saturday 5/18/2024 – Katy, TX Wildcatter Saloon WC, Motels, NE
Sunday 5/19/2024 – Dallas, TX House of Blues WC, Motels, NE
Thursday 5/23/2024 – St Louis, MO City Winery WC
Friday 5/24/2024 – Oak Grove, KY Oak Grove WC, MWH, NE, Animotion
Saturday 5/25/2024 – Louisville KY Mercury Ballroom WC, NE
Thursday 6/6/2024 – Marion, IL Marion CCC WC, MWH, Motels, NE
Friday 6/7/2024 – Des Plaines, IL Des Plaines Theatre WC, MWH, Motels, NE
Saturday 6/8/2024 – Decatur, IL Devon Lakeshore Amp WC, MWH, Motels, NE
Sunday 6/9/2024 – Fort Wayne, IN The Clyde Theater WC, MWH, NE
Thursday 6/13/2024 – Morristown, NJ Mayo Performing Arts Center WC, Motels, NE
Friday 6/14/2024 – Syracuse, NY Sharkeyâs WC, Motels, NE
Saturday 6/15/2024 – Elmira, NY First Arena WC, Motels, NE
Saturday 6/16/2024 – Hampton, NH Bennieâs WC, Motels, NE
Friday 6/21/2024- Jacksonville, FL Florida Theatre WC, MWH, Motels, NE
Saturday 6/22/2024 – Clearwater, FL Ruth Eckerd Hall WC, MWH, Motels, NE
Sunday 6/23/2024 – Ft Lauderdale, FL Broward Center WC, MWH, Motels, NE
“For our brand-new tour this Spring, we have put together a group of acts that fit together musically, thematically, and harmoniously. We wanted to create a night of big hits, big songs from your favorite movies and numerous TV shows, plus a few deeper cuts too. So come along and see us, get Abducted by the 80s, and have some FUN TONIGHT as you relive that magical decade!”
Wang Chung’s Nick Feldman
The Abducted by the 80s Tour continues to add more dates to the event, so make sure you stay up to date on any new additions. For more information on the tour and to purchase tickets, click here.
Chelsea Music Festival has announced its 15th season of events with all new Connecting the Dots performance this Summer. The festival consists of nine evenings of shows from June 21 to 29.
This summer festival is led by Artistic Directors Melinda Lee Masur and Ken-David Masur. Connecting the Dots consists of concerts, conversation, visual and culinary arts over the span of the nine nights. The festival will focus on the restorative powers of the arts in the ways that music and art both calm and reinvigorate the brain and nervous system.
The festival sees a multitude of talented and diverse performers and artists. Each exhibit and performance take place at various locations around NYC and some locations are yet to be announced. Each night of the festival will be different from the last and the diversity allows all types of audiences to be included and wowed.
Aizuri Quartet
2024 CHELSEA MUSIC FESTIVAL LINE-UP
Connecting the Dots— 15th Season Opening Night
Friday, June 21 at 7pm – location to be announced
World Premiere of A Night at Birdland by composer Nicky Sohn performed by WindSync
Featuring Aizuri Quartet, pianist Andrea Lam, violinist Max Tan
Chamber works by John Williams & Tebogo Monnakgotla
Performance of Dancing Stars by Augusta Read Thomas with conductor Ken-David Masur
My Super Awesome Brain | Family Night
Saturday, June 22 at 10:30am at Pier 57, 25 11th Avenue, NYC
10:30am – Family Event featuring WindSync
Jazz Doubleheader | Birnbaum & the Bach Preludes and Cardume Trio
Saturday, June 22 at 7pm – location to be announced
7pm – Preludes Album (Chelsea Music Festival Records label) featuring pianist Adam Birnbaum, percussionist Keita Ogawa (Snarky Puppy), bassist Matt Clohesy (Darcy James Argue’s Secret Society) based on 12 preludes from Bach’s Well-Tempered Clavier
8:30pm – Late Night with Cardume Trio featuring jazz percussionists Rogério Boccato (Orquestra Jazz Sinfônica do Estado de São Paulo), Keita Ogawa, and Brazilian bassist Cleber Almeida
Festa Junina
Sunday, June 23 at 7pm at Pier 57, 25 11th Avenue, NYC
Traditional Brazilian Forró music to celebrate summer featuring percussionist Rogério Boccato, Brazilian bassist Cleber Almeida, and accordionist Vitor Goncalves
Patitucci & Friends — 15th Season special event with Jazz, Song & Chamber Music
Monday, June 24 at 7pm at High Line Nine, 507 W. 27th Street, NYC
Jazz bassist John Patitucci and pianist Renee Rosnes – with Caleb Hudson on trumpet
Austrian duo baritone Daniel Gutmann (prize winner at Elīna Garanča’s ZukunftsStimmen)& pianist Maximilian Kromer (International Brahms Competition winner)
Featuring pianist Robert Fleitz (1st Prize in 2022 John Cage Award)
Reception curated by Chef Rachel Snyder
Midsummer Night Magic— Visions & Stories
Tuesday, June 25 at 7pm at Czech Center, 321 E. 73rd Street, NYC
Selections from The Lee Trio album “Midsummer Night Magic” (Chelsea Music Festival Records label releasing June 2024)
Fern Flowers by Uljas Pulkkis
Five Trios by Edmund Finnis
Piano Trio No. 2 in F Major, Op. 80 by Robert Schumann
Fantasiestücke, Op. 88 by Robert Schumann
Robert Schumann lieder with Austrian duo baritone Daniel Gutmann and pianist Maximilian Kromer
Performance of the Dumky Piano Trio No. 4 in E minor, Op. 90, B. 166 by Antonín Dvořák (120th anniversary of his death)
Wednesday, June 26 at 7pm at Czech Center, 321 E. 73rd Street, NYC
World Premiere commissioned by the Festival by Czech composer Jacob Beranek
Music by Ania Vu featuring soprano Marisa Karchin, pianist Robert Fleitz
Piano Trio in G Minor by Bedřich Smetana (200th anniversary) performed by pianist Andrea Lam, violinist Max Tan, and cellist Angela Lee
Piano Quartet No. 2 in G minor by Gabriel Fauré (100th anniversary of his death)
Closing Reception | 2024 Art Exhibition – Kelly S. Williams
Thursday, June 27 at 7pm at High Line Nine Gallery 8, 507 W. 27th Street, NYC
Closing Reception for Kelly S. Williams, 2024 Visual Artist-in-Residence
Art Exhibition open June 3-29 at High Line Nine
Featuring Harlem Quartet performing Jessie Montgomery and Dizzy Gillespie
Reimagined Gems— Vignettes Across Time
Friday, June 28 at 7pm atSt. Paul’s German Church, 315 W. 22nd Street, NYC
Featuring Harlem Quartet performing Caroline Shaw and Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel
World Premiere by Ania Vu
Soprano to Marisa Karchin and Caleb Hudson on trumpet
Pieces from Caleb Hudson’s 2024 album,Nothing Less, including Corelli arrangements
Reception curated by Chef Rachel Snyder
Superhero Brain | Family Event
Saturday, June 29 at 10:30am at St. Paul’s German Church, 315 W. 22nd Street, NYC
10:30am – Family Event featuringfamily-friendly, interactive activities led by music neuroscience scholar Dr. Jessica Phillips-Silver (Growing Brains)
Festival Finale | Jazz Plasticity with Helen Sung
Saturday, June 29 at 7pm at DiMenna Center, 450 W. 37th Street, NYC
JazzPlasticity features the Helen Sung Quartet with pianist Helen Sung (2021 Guggenheim Fellow), drummer Kendrick Scott, saxophonist/clarinetist John Ellis, an bassist David Wong; this program was inspired by Helen’s time as jazz artist-in-residence at the Columbia University Zuckerman Mind Brain Institute and in partnership with Arts & Minds.
Reception curated by Chef Rachel Snyder
John Patitucci
Tickets for Chelsea Music Festival’s Connecting the Dots go on sale Wednesday, May 15, 2024. For more information, visit ChelseaMusicFestival.org.
Brooklyn-based DJ Bad Tuner has shared a new rhythmic single “repeat to fade” ahead of his EP Look At Me But Through Me, set to release on April 5.
With the single release and an EP announcement, Bad Tuner has also shared that he will perform a string of live shows this spring with a live show at the Elsewhere Hall in NYC on April 19. This will be Tuner’s return to the Brooklyn’s Elsewhere rooftop as he sold out the venue in May of last year.
His new single “repeat to fade” is also accompanied with a music video directed by a Baltimore-based cinematographer Patrick Elmore. Tuner’s”repeat to fade” is an anthemic house song, with immense bass and a brutally rhythmic percussion presence that moves in sync with the seductive vocals screamed back by high-pitched harmonies. The house single is a vibrant party song ideal for those who dare to be courageous on the dance floor, with vocals that have an alien air to them, while the percussion acts as an anchor to Earth.
Tuner shows an innate sense of depth and a distinctive style all his own in his new EPLook At Me But Through Me. The six-track EP incorporates unique twists on modern conceptions of UK garage, the sleek and deceptively syncopated productions of the lo-fi house scene, and glitchy hyperpop flourishes. Each of the six tracks embrace entirely eclectic soundscapes, becoming a portal into their individual, wondrous worlds. Look At Me But Through Me EP is set to release on April 5 via Foreign Family Collective / Ninja Tune.
Tuner’s new single “repeat to fade” is available to stream everywhere. Tickets and more information for the live dates and the artist can be found here.
Bad Tuner Live Dates
April 5 – (EP Release Show) @ Listening Room, Chicago, IL
The Albany Symphony presents works from alluring composer Viet Cuong and sound-shifting legend Beethoven this Spring. The shows take place Saturday, April 13 and Sunday, April 14 at Troy Savings Bank Music Hall.
Composer Viet Cuong
The show features extraordinary new works by composer Viet Cuong, who has captivated audiences across the globe. Mastermind Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 4 is showcased for both dates as well. Beethoven’s Symphony No. 4 is particularly memorable for its humor and brilliant virtuosity, along with its powerful rhythms and structure. Cuong’s works will also be recorded for Albany Records and will complete an important new disc that also includes his Sub-marine, a gorgeous, commissioned work, premiered by the orchestra last season.
The dates see soloists like Justin Benavidez on Tuba and Sandbox Percussion. The Tuba Concerto is performed by soloist Justin Benavidez and begins with him performing a bass line that blossoms upward with every note. The two awe-inspiring shows from the Albany Symphony include several unique and soul-altering performances that cannot be missed.
“The Albany Symphony and I are so proud and excited to be collaborating with Viet Cuong on this beautiful concert and on Viet’s first full commercial recording. Viet is fast becoming one of America’s most celebrated and performed composers, and he is absolutely one of our favorite partners! We commissioned his breakthrough piece, Re(new)al, seven years ago, and have marveled at the way it has been taken up by orchestras EVERYWHERE!”
Music Director, David Alan Miller
For more information on this April’s events from the Albany Symphony and to purchase tickets for the performances by Viet Cuong, click here.
On an otherwise cold and snowy day, things heated up quickly inside the Westcott Theater on Saturday, as blues rock icon Samantha Fish brought her Bulletproof Tour to Syracuse, with JD Simo served up as the opening act this evening.
Fish, 35, has been a major player on the modern blues-rock scene since launching on to the circuit in 2009. The Kansas City native has become a favorite in the Central New York area, headlining several shows in the area over the last fifteen years. Fish most-notably served as direct support for Buddy Guy at the 2023 New York State Blues Festival, which took place in Syracuse last summer. (Get the scoop on the 2024 lineup here!)
The evening started with a set by blues guitarist, JD Simo, who gifted the early arriving crowd to a set that showcased his diverse style. Showcasing himself as more than just dabbling in blues rock, Simo’s 40-minute set also displayed elements of jazz and psychedelic rock, while performing tracks such as “Mortgage My Soul” off of his 2022 release Songs From the House of Grease.
After a brief set change over, Samantha Fish took to the stage. Armed with her signature cigar-box guitar and flanked by her bandmates, Fish launched in to the high energy “Bulletproof”. Fish paced the stage and took turns showcasing her guitar skills for those on each side of the theater. “The jewelry is coming off!” Fish proclaimed early in the set, hinting to the audience there was much more guitar prowess to come this evening.
Fish dazzled the crowd with her diverse musical catalog. Late in the set, Fish donned an acoustic guitar for three songs (two of which featured Fish on stage, solo). Certainly there are instances in the concert world where this would remove the energy from the venue, however this was not the case on this evening. Fish maintained captive hold of the audience all the while.
After a near 90-minute set, Fish and her bandmates would return to the stage with opener JD Simo. “Let’s party for one more song” Fish would announce, before launching in to “Bitch on the Run”. Fish and Simo would trade guitar solos through out the track while the packed theater took their last opportunity to dance about. Soon the show would be over and the packed theater would spill back out in to the cold Syracuse air.
The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF) will host a host a concert to celebrate their 20th anniversary and also honor Billy Joel on June 7 at Tilles Center for the Performing Arts at LIU Post.
The 20th anniversary epic concert will feature an impressive lineup of musicians who are scheduled to perform, including Alexa Ray Joel, Debbie Gibson, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, DJ Johnny Juice from Public Enemy, Felix Cavaliere from The Rascals, Jimmy Webb, Mike DelGuidice, Philip Edward Fisher. The concert will also feature Albert Bouchard and Joe Bouchard the former members of Blue Öyster Cult who will be joined by current band members Jules Radino and Danny Miranda, and the full band Zebra including Randy Jackson, Guy Gelso and Felix Hanemann.
“It’s an absolute privilege and certainly fitting that LIMEHOF’s 20th Anniversary Concert Honoring Billy Joel take place here at Tilles Center,” said Tom Dunn, Executive and Artistic Director, Tilles Center.“Billy is a longtime friend and supporter of Tilles’ impactful mission, and we are thrilled to celebrate his unparalleled and legendary career with this star-studded group of music luminaries.” He added
At the concert, the legendary music agent also the chairman of Independent Artist Group, Dennis Arfa will be inducted in the “Music Industry” category. Additionally, Tilles Center for the Performing Arts will be inducted in the “Venue” category.
“Tilles Center for the Performing Arts at LIU Post is honored to be inducted into the Long Island Music Entertainment Hall of Fame,” Dunn said. “For over 40 years – from Bruce Springsteen’s iconic recording of “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” to Tony Bennett, from Jerry Seinfeld to James Taylor, Tilles Center has been home to a who’s who of performing artists creating and delivering unforgettable and lasting memories. In the last year alone, we’ve been honored to bring Samara Joy, Brandi Carlile, Trevor Noah, John Legend, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Dancing with the Stars Live to our great and diverse Long Island community.”
The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was founded in 2004 with the mission of celebrating and protecting Long Island’s rich musical and entertainment history for future generations. The organization was founded as a center of community that inspires and explores Long Island music and entertainment in all of its forms. It covers the counties of Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, and Kings (Brooklyn) in New York State. LIMEHOF initially established a Hall of Fame structure in Stony Brook, New York, in 2022. The group provides educational programs, scholarships, and awards to Long Island students and educators, and it has inducted over 120 musicians and executives from the music business to date.
Tickets for Tilles Center shows are available online at tillescenter.org or ticketmaster.com, in-person at Tilles Center’s Tantleff Box Office or by telephone at 516.299.3100.
The Music is Art Festival announced its grand return to Buffalo‘s AKG Art Museum after a seven-year hiatus on September 21 at Buffalo State University.
This year’s festival promises an eclectic mix of music, live performances, art installations, and interactive experiences. The Music is Art Festival has always been a beacon of artistic expression and cultural gathering in Buffalo. The festival showcases what the creative and bright community has to offer. The scenic AKG and Buffalo State campus provide a canvas for Buffalo’s artistic prowess and vibrance.
The festival includes various diverse musical performances of many genres, choreographed dances, dazzling art exhibits, and unique, original vendors. The festival also includes theatrics, interactive experiences designed to engage, inspire, and entertain attendees of all ages.
Over 100 bands and acts are set to perform. Hundreds of art exhibits are set to dazzle attendees. Various other games, performances and displays of artisanship look to encapsulate the beauty of multiple art forms at once.
“We are thrilled to bring the Music is Art Festival back to the AKG where it really grew into the encompassing event that it is today. AKG Buffalo and Buffalo State are not just venues; they are symbols of the rich artistic heritage and vibrant community spirit that this festival celebrates. We’re committed to creating an immersive experience that highlights the incredible talent of Buffalo’s artists, musicians, and creatives.”
Robby Takac, Festival Founder
For more information about the Music is Art Festival, including how to participate or attend, please visit their website at MusicIsArt.org/festival.
