The Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra has announced they will host the return of “Pops at the Forum,” a popular, long-awaited event. The event will take place February 24, at the Broom County Forum Theatre.
Daniel Hege, conductor of Pops at the Forum of the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra
The return of “Pops at the Forum” also means the return of some long-awaited whimsy. The show consists of several different types of performed media from orchestral classics to movie scores to rock classics like Led Zepplin’s “Kashmir.”
The show will begin at 3pm local time on February 24, and will be led by Maestro Daniel Hege. The orchestra will offer this exhilarating concert with orchestral classics like “Flight of the Bumblebee,” “Ride of the Valkyries,” and various film scores featuring cellist Hakan Tayga.
Principal cellist, Hakan Tayga
Tickets are $25 to $65. Kids 17 and under attend free, thanks to M&T Bank. For more information, visit www.binghamtonphilharmonic.org. The show has so much to offer and is not one to miss.
PRIMUS and COHEED AND CAMBRIA have announced that they will be teaming up this summer for an extensive 25-date summer tour, coming to Outer Harbor in Buffalo on Aug. 9, Michelob Ultra Summer Stage at Tag’s in Big Flats on Aug. 10, and Broadview Stage at SPAC in Saratoga Springs on Aug. 12.
Photo by Joshua Davis for NYS Music.
The tour will be supported by GUERILLA TOSS, TOO MANY ZOOZ, and FISHBONE, who will be opening for the headlining acts throughout the summer.PRIMUS has had a busy few years – releasing their first new music in five years with the Conspiranoid EP. The band also completed their extensive “A Tribute To Kings” tour across North America, where they performed Rush’s A Farewell To Kings in its entirety, alongside a set of their music. Comprised of bassist/vocalist Les Claypool, guitarist Larry “Ler” LaLonde, and drummer Tim “Herb” Alexander, PRIMUS has been rocking out since 1984.
Most recently, Claypool toured the country with the Fearless Flying Frog Brigade for the first time in 20 years performing Pink Floyd’s Animals in its entirety.
“The music of PRIMUS has had a creative influence on me and it is a huge honor to get to share the stage with them,” says COHEED AND CAMBRIA frontman Claudio Sanchez.
Fans can elevate their night out with PRIMUS as an official VIP this summer with The Fat Bastard and Lucky Bastard VIP Experiences. These include a show ticket, early entry into the venue, an invitation to the exclusive pre-show Q&A, and a signed VIP tour poster. Fans can buy the Fat Bastard Front Row Super VIP Experience for a seat in the front row of the venue. All VIP Experiences will go on sale on Wednesday, February 21 at 10 a.m. local venue time and will require a password for purchase.
Regular tickets go on sale on Friday, February 23 at 10 a.m. local. For more information, visit here.
PRIMUS and COHEED AND CAMBRIA Summer 2024 tour dates:
July 12 – Redding Civic Auditorium – Redding, CA* July 13 – Hayden Homes Amphitheater – Bend, OR* July 15 – Mountain America Center – Idaho Falls, ID* July 18 – Marymoor Park – Redmond, WA* July 19 – Edgefield – Troutdale, OR* July 20 – Spokane Pavilion – Spokane, WA* July 22 – Kettlehouse Amphitheater – Bonner, MT* July 24 – Denny Sanford Premier Center – Sioux Falls, SD* July 26 – The Ledge Amphitheater – Waite Park, MN^ July 27 – McGrath Amphitheatre – Cedar Rapids, IA^ July 28 – The Astro – La Vista, NE^ July 30 – The Andrew J Brady Music Center – Cincinnati, OH^ August 1 – Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park – Indianapolis, IN^ August 2 – Breese Stevens Field – Madison, WI^ August 3 – Saint Louis Music Park – St. Louis, MO^ August 5 – Blossom Music Center – Cuyahoga Falls, OH^ August 6 – KEMBA Live! – Columbus, OH^ August 8 – Stage AE – Pittsburgh, PA~ August 9 – Outer Harbor – Buffalo, NY~ August 10 – Michelob Ultra Summer Stage at Tag’s – Big Flats, NY~ August 12 – Broadview Stage at SPAC – Saratoga Springs, NY~ August 13 – State Theatre Summer Concert Series at Thompson’s Point – Portland, ME~ August 14 – The Anthem – Washington, DC~ August 16 – Virginia Credit Union LIVE! – Richmond, VA~ August 17 – Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre – Charlotte, NC~
* with GUERILLA TOSS ^ with TOO MANY ZOOZ ~ with FISHBONE
Songwriter Cosby Gibson has released two videos to her YouTube channel to display both her music and the everyday activity of a songwriter. The music and videography are carried out with unique expression and inspiration.
Cosby Gibson is an award-winning performing songwriter who lives near the Adirondack Mountains. She writes unique, original acoustic and folk-style songs on guitar and dulcimer. GRAMMY balloted, and winner Capital District Music Awards for Best Folk Album, 2017 and 2018.
She’s won Dorn Space Arts Award for Music Outreach, 2019, Best Folk Album, 2021, and Outstanding Folk Artist in 2023, and has been a nominee for the Eddies Music Awards for Best Folk Duo in 2023.
Cosby’s first video, “Day in the Life: A Song Writer’s Day Off,” details everyday activity that she participates in. The 15-minute video shows how Cosby creates and practices her music, delving into the ways she recharges and unwinds. The video also emphasizes the means in which she becomes inspired and how nature connects musical idea and artistic expression beautifully.
Gibson is seen in the video performing various tasks like making breakfast, taking in the atmosphere of the outdoors and doing laundry, showing that inspirations can be drawn from all types of activity.
“It’s almost as if Cosby composes from another time; simpler, more honest, more concise, without frivolous self-importance…Follow Cosby’s footsteps through the forest, to a cabin with a stone fireplace, warm and inviting.”
Greg Jackson, Upstate Live
The second video Cosby Gibson posted is a music video for the “The Hollow Crown,” an uplifting folk tale of kings and queens and knights who fought over the “hollow crown.” In the video, Cosby tells the story of how the once sought-after crown, became one that brought upon evil and misfortune. The tune is joyful, with a solemn background.
The tune ends on peaceful notes, and the music video does as well. The hymn is quite catchy and is reminiscent of a story book of sorts.
For more information on Cosby Gibson and to hear some more of her works, click here.
Conway the Machine remains prolific with his output, as New York City meets upstate New York in this latest release by the 2024 XXL lyricist of the year nominee. For his latest effort, Conway teams-up with Joey Bada$$ to bring “Vertino,” a classically inspired production with rugged lyrics and a gutter feel that sees both artists in their element. Produced by Camouflage Monk, this marks a return to the submerged production style where Joey Bada$$ made his bones. Notably, the duo go back-and-forth in a lyrical exchange as the nearly 6-minute record is a drawback to song structures of yesteryear. Set in the crux of Hell’s Kitchen, they take turns cheffing up rhymes and stamping their spots in the game. With Joey Bada$$ delivering a standout moment as he juxtaposes hip hop and drug game.
Could sell you news stories but this crack still sells Rule number one, never ghost the clientele Fiends linin’ at my door, they need that sh*t now Ten Crack Commandments, yo, I knows it too well This the same dope I’m dishin’ out, just on a different scale Let me break it down if you don’t see the vicious steel You see I got them hooked on the real I bossed up in and went to Columbia for the deal Like fuck the “pop a pill” shit, this that pure raw they wanna feel Scarcity in the market, now I’m spendin’ the margin And it’s only a problem if the product ain’t what it’s promised ‘Cause any competition get demolished These n*ggas know my sh*t hit the hardest, to be honest Graduated from the school of Hard Rock with my honors Started on the block and made it to the top from the bottom Used to cook it at my grandmama spot, we was starvin’ Right or wrong, the truth be timeless Block away from Marcy Projects, we was prospects
– Joey Bada$$, “Vertino”
Conway the Machine and Joey Bada$$ join forces on “vertino”
Released under Conway’s DrumWork Music Group, the Buffalo native has been on a tear since the release of 2022’s God Don’t Make Mistakes. In fact, 2023, was Conway’s most commercial and critically successful year to date. Notably releasing Wont He Do It (his second consecutive solo-album to top the DSP charts) in May of 2023, simultaneously launching a worldwide tour. He then put his label head hat on, returning with Conway The Machine Presents: Drumwork The Label. In like manner he then released the 38 Spesh collaboration Speshal Machinery, Palmero (with Wun Two), Conductor Machine alongside Conductor Williams and most recently, Hall & Nash 2,with Westside Gunn & The Alchemist — which also topped the DSP Charts.
Ultimately, Conway continues to release music at a prolific rate, having announced the release of Won’t He Do It: Side B “Vertino” serving as the lead single.
Hip hop’s golden age comes together as Saigon recruits the legendary Pete Rock for his new single “Get Loose.” Coupled with Swedish, multi-platinum producer Fredro, “Get Loose” is the second single release from Saigon and Fredro’s forthcoming album, The Jordan Era. “I’ve always thought Pete was a dope rapper since “The Creator,” reveals Saigon. “I took the opportunity to get him to step away from behind the boards; where he is most comfortable, and ‘Get Loose’ with me,” he resonates. “With all of the negativity in Hip-Hop, and the world, I just wanted to create something fun with Pete.”
Saigon & Fredro team-up with Pete Rock
After announcing their new album and releasing the first single and video, “Lyrical Genius,” featuring Grandmaster Caz, Saigon continues to pay homage to hip hop’s golden era with this latest release with The Jordan Era‘s production entirely by Fredro. After all, on “Get Loose” the Brooklyn native channels the frenzied, experimental sound of hip hop from the early 90’s, while Pete Rock is at his introspective best. Moreover, the project features guest appearances from the aforementioned Grandmaster Caz and Pete Rock. Along with Big Daddy Kane, Kool G Rap, Grand Puba, Sadat X, Rockness Monsta, Craig G, Ill Skratch and possibly more.
Saigon and Fredro’s The Jordan Era album is set for release on May 3 via the iconic Payday Records.
Singer, songwriter, guitarist and storytellers in harmony, Reggie Harris and Pat Wictor will take the stage together for a powerfully harmonic concert at the 8th Step at Proctors (GE Theatre) in Schenectady on Saturday, February 24.
Often known as a performer of uncommon depth and talent; Reggie Harris writes from a personal but accessible place that reveals his deep sense of humanity and a uniquely positive world view. Harris is also known as a one-half of the eminently prominent duo, Kim & Reggie Harris, the musical trailblazer and master songwriter continues to criss-cross the country, carrying the message of joy, unity, tolerance and peace through the powerful medium of live music.
Upstate NY-based artist performs for audiences of all ages and his 2018 album Ready To Go was ranked as the #5 CD on the Folk DJ Charts and was in the top 30 on the US Folk DJ charts for 5 months of 2018. The title cut was the #1 song for May 2018. In 2019 Reggie and Greg Greenway released Deeper Than the Skin in response to their challenging and insightful presentation of the same name. Reggie is currently a rotating DJ featured on Prisms: The Sound Of Color on SiriusXM’s The Village.
Pat Wictor, of the late lamented band “Brother Sun” is a songwriter rooted in traditional blues, but ranging much wider than that. His strong clear voice and tasty slide guitar accompaniment characterizes his performance, and have made him highly sought after in backing up innumerable other performers on recording and performance. Wictor first burst onto the folk and acoustic scene as an innovative slide guitarist known for fresh and memorable interpretations of traditional and contemporary songs. Since then, he has made his mark as a singer-songwriter penning lean and poetic songs that honor and extend rural blues and gospel traditions. For seven years he toured as one third of Brother Sun, the powerful harmonizing trio with Joe Jencks and Greg Greenway, garnering critical acclaim, two #1 CDs on the Folk DJ charts, and a continent-spanning tour schedule.
Pat spent his early years in Venezuela, the Netherlands, Norway, England, and East Texas and his time abroad gave him an outsider’s wide perspective and set him on a journey to understanding America – and his own American-ness – through music. His early experiences of living amidst different languages and cultures made him accustomed to charting his own course and being ready for the unexpected.
Tickets for Pat Wictor and Reggie Harris at the 8th Step at Proctors (GE Theatre) in Schenectady on February 24 are $26 advance, $28 day of show and $40 Gold Circle (front center section seats & 6:30 pm Meet & Greet onstage), are available here.
Two independent movie theaters in Albany have announced their closing. Landmark Spectrum 8 Theaters on Delaware Ave., and Madison Theatre on Madison Ave. announced the news last week on back to back days.
Spectrum Theatres will hold its final screening on February 22, while Madison Theatre will close its doors on February 25.
Photo by Chuck Miller
Madison Theater owner Kevin Parisi said to the Times Union, “It’s just good timing for us, for our other businesses and where we’re heading. We think it’s ready for someone to take over and take it to the next level, and the busy season is coming in, so it’s the right time for a transition.”
The June 2024 closing of The College of Saint Rose will not help the new owners of Madison Theatre, whoever they may be. The college is within walking distance of Madison Theatre and ‘The Point’ with many bars and restaurants, all which will be taking a financial loss due to lack of college students’ patronage.
“We love Albany and all of its untapped potential. We are so thankful for all of our customers and supporters. You made us what we are. Thank you to our Pine Hills neighborhood for caring and loving our beautiful theatre.”
from a statement posted on Madison Theatre’s Facebook page
The closings come just two months after Pauly’s Hotel, Albany’s oldest bar and a rite of passage for bands of all genres, was closed and put up for sale by the owner. Common among all three, Covid-19 took a toll on customer bases, with fewer people packing into venues of all sizes since March 2020, opting for streaming entertainment at home.
In the same Facebook post, Madison Theatre mentioned Spectrum Theaters closure, saying in solidarity, “The Madison Theatre wants to express our sympathy for the recent news of the Spectrum Theatre closing. Small business owners everywhere can truly understand how hard of a decision it was to make. We know just how much The Spectrum means to the Delaware Avenue neighborhood, and Albany in general. We are extremely confident that they will be back up and running in no time at all. We want to wish all involved an easy transition and look forward to the reopening in what will hopefully be the near future.”
Spectrum 8 has been in operation for more than 30 years, 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.
Landmark Theaters took over Spectrum 8 in 2015, and in announcing the closure, said in a statement, “Landmark Theatres is constantly evaluating its business strategy and has decided to close the Landmark Spectrum Theatre. We are proud to have served the community over its many years of operation. We look forward to adding new Landmark Theatres soon.”
While Landmark stepped in nine years ago to take over Spectrum and keep the Delaware Avenue staple running at full speed, attendance has dwindled since the pandemic, and the decision to close its doors was rapid, leaving employees blindsided, with seven or eight current workers having to look for new employment with less than two weeks notice. With ownership and management changing in the course of those nine years, the focus drifted away from cinema, and thus towards closure.
Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan said in a statement regarding the sudden closing of Spectrum: “I am confident the closure of the Spectrum Theatre will be temporary. I have been in contact with representatives from one of the prospective parties interested in operating the Theatre and look forward to there being a new operator so the shows on Delaware Avenue can go on.”
While these two closures are back to back punches in the gut for Albany, there are still a great deal of movie theaters in the area, including Bowtie Cinemas and Rotterdam Square Mall, as well as Regal Cinemas at Colonie Center, Crossgates Mall and Clifton Park. Still, independent films are hard to come by at these national chain theaters.
Despite the closures, recent openings of venues in the Capital District should be noted. Electric Grinch has opened in Schenectady, and Ophelia’s on Broadway will open its doors soon in the former Parish Public House (née Red Square). Add to this a revitalized downtowns in Albany, Schenectady and Troy, and these theater closures should be seen as exceptions, not the rule, when it comes to entertainment in Albany.
Pink Sweat$ delivered a soulful and electrifying performance at the Gramercy Theatre on February 16, 2024, leaving the audience mesmerized by his unique blend of R&B and pop.
The intimate venue provided the perfect setting for the artist to connect with his fans on a personal level, as he effortlessly transitioned between heartfelt ballads and upbeat tracks. Pink Sweat$ showcased his vocal prowess, hitting every note with precision and emotion, creating a captivating atmosphere that resonated throughout the venue.
Pink Sweat$’s presence was equally impressive, as he engaged the audience with genuine charisma and charm. The intimate nature of the performance allowed him to share anecdotes and stories behind some of his songs, creating a sense of intimacy that enhanced the overall experience.
The energy in the Gramercy Theatre was palpable, with fans singing along and swaying to the rhythm, creating a night that will undoubtedly be etched in their memories. Pink Sweat$’s ability to create a genuine connection with his audience, combined with his musical talent, made for an unforgettable and enjoyable concert experience.
Acclaimed NYC singer/songwriter and guitarist Steve Conte has announced the release of his new album The Concrete Jangle this Spring. The album will feature 10 tracks and will be a display of renowned songwriting from Conte, along with Andy Partridge.
Conte is best known for his work with proto-punk band New York Dolls as the guitarist from 2004-2010. Prior to this, Conte had several gigs as a guitarist throughout NYC for much of his beginning. In 1988, Conte was a part of The Hudson River Rats, a blues band based in the west-village of Manhattan.
Conte has collaborated with a range of notable artists, including Peter Wolf, Eric Burdon of The Animals, Willy DeVille, Billy Squier, Maceo Parker, Willie Nile, Jim Jones, Hubert Sumlin, and even Paul Simon.
Steve’s mother Rosemary Conte is also a renowned New York artist, as she was a vibrant jazz singer in the 50s and 60s.
Steve Conte’s upcoming album is set to release on April 20, which is also Record Store Day. The 10-track album will contain a variety of rock tunes ranging from soft to heavy. The album will be released on all platforms and music services.
To learn more about Steve Conte and his latest album, click here. To catch the vinyl release of The Concrete Jangle, visit recordstoreday.com.
Dave Solazzo & The Bridge, a trailblazing trio within the Westchester jazz community, has been raising eyebrows and stirring up controversy.
The “jazz police” have turned their attention toward pianist Dave Solazzo, bassist Matthew Vacanti, and drummer Bill D’Agostino due to their daring distaste for typical harmonies. The trio are set to perform on March 22 in Downtown Mount Kisco, NY at 37 S. Moger Ave.
Additionally, the musical outlaw Solazzo enjoys pushing boundaries, making him accustomed to breaking the law. He has studied the greats, exploring the piano trios of legends such as Bill Evans, Oscar Peterson, and Ahmad Jamal. However, the nature of his musical ideas has landed him in hot water with purists of jazz.
According to co-conspirator Matthew Vacanti, the trio’s Locrian Skye album explores the unusual Locrian mode, which is uncommon in jazz. Despite the controversy, their interpretation of the piano trio is nothing short of intriguing.
“I think we went for it in the studio, stretching, and taking chances. We wanted to put some of those elements into the music — the elasticity of time, the unconventional harmonies, the group interplay.”
-Dave Solazzo
Performers like Giacomo Gates, Martha Reeves, and Kevin Mahogany are offended by Vacanti’s styles, which has exposed minors to questionable jazz methods.
Drummer and rhythm renegade from Auburn, New York, Bill D’Agostino gained notoriety by copying licks from legendary drummers like Tony Williams and Steve Gadd. He is practically banned from most venues for his politically incorrect use of forbidden rhythms and funky grooves.
Together, Solazzo, Vacanti, and D’Agostino—each recognized for their partnerships with notable jazz artists—have produced the free-form and improvised debut album “Locrian Skye.” Their music is sure to thrill, challenge, and make lasting impressions on jazz fans, defying the conventions of Post Bop.
This corrupt yet intriguing piano trio, called “The Bridge,” is scheduled to perform at Jazz on Main despite their antics. On March 22 at 7 PM and 9 PM, the venue—37 S. Moger Ave. in Downtown Mount Kisco, NY—will host two shows. $32 tickets give you the opportunity to see three first-call sidemen collaborate in real time, unfiltered.
Tickets for Dave Solazzo Trio’s March 22 performance are now available at Jazzonmain.com.
