Category: Genres

Hozier Announces Eight NY Dates on Extended North America Tour

Hozier announced an extensive addition to The Unreal Unearth Tour this week, with a stunning 37 shows across North America throughout the spring and summer of 2024. Topping the original 30-date run, Hozier will make eight stops throughout New York in Saratoga Springs, Syracuse, Buffalo, Bethel and Forest Hills.

The tour will make stops in five NY cities. Hozier will play at Saratoga Springs’ Broadview Stage at SPAC on May 19, Syracuse’s Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview on May 21, Buffalo’s Darien Lake Amphitheater on May 22, Forest Hills Stadium on June 4, 5, 7, and 8, and at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts on July 27. Special guest Allison Russell will join on all NY dates.

Hozier’s third full-length album, Unreal Unearth, released on August 18 to impressive success worldwide. Having made a name for himself with the prolific track “Take Me To Church,” over a decade ago, Hozier has expanded his music ability and reach to new audiences. The Unreal Unearth Tour has been a huge success throughout the world, having played shows for nearly 250,000 fans and boasting an entirely live performance.

Photo Credit: Julia Johnson

In addition to the tour, Hozier has announced he will be featured on the re-release of Noah Kahan’s hit single, “Northern Attitude.” After playing the song together in Nashville on tour in October, Hozier and Noah Kahan collaborated for an official re-release of the song to debut on November 10.

Tickets for The Unreal Unearth Tour will go on sale November 17 at 12PM local time at livenation.com.

UNREAL UNEARTH TOUR NORTH AMERICA 2024 DATES:

*with Allison Russell as Special Guest

+with Pahua as Special Guest

Tue Feb 20 – Mexico City, MX – Pepsi Center WTC+

Wed Feb 21 – Mexico City, MX – Pepsi Center WTC+

Sat Apr 20 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park* – Sold Out

Tue Apr 23 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion* – Sold Out

Thu Apr 25 – Southaven, MS – BankPlus Amphitheater at Snowden Grove* – Sold Out

Fri Apr 26 – Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP* – Sold Out

Sun Apr 28 – Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion* – Sold Out

Tue Apr 30 – Austin, TX – Moody Center* – Sold Out

Thu May 02 – Houston, TX – Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Presented by Huntsman* – Sold Out

Sun May 05 – Pelham, AL – Oak Mountain Amphitheatre* – Sold Out

Tue May 07 – Jacksonville, FL – VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena* – JUST ADDED

Wed May 08 – Orlando, FL – Kia Center* – Sold Out

Fri May 10 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre* – Sold Out

Sat May 11 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre at the FL State Fairgrounds* – Sold Out

Tue May 14 – Wilmington, NC – Live Oak Bank Pavilion* – JUST ADDED

Wed May 15 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach*

Fri May 17 – Columbia, MD – Merriweather Post Pavilion* – Sold Out

Sun May 19 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Broadview Stage at SPAC*

Tue May 21 – Syracuse, NY – Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview* – Sold Out

Wed May 22 – Buffalo, NY –  Darien Lake Amphitheater* – JUST ADDED

Sat May 25 – Camden, NJ – Freedom Mortgage Pavilion* – JUST ADDED

Fri May 31 – Detroit, MI  – Pine Knob Music Theatre* – JUST ADDED

Tue Jun 04 – Forest Hills, NY – Forest Hills Stadium* – Sold Out

Wed Jun 05 – Forest Hills, NY – Forest Hills Stadium* – Sold Out

Fri Jun 07 – Forest Hills, NY – Forest Hills Stadium* – Sold Out

Sat Jun 08 – Forest Hills, NY – Forest Hills Stadium* – JUST ADDED

Wed Jul 24 – Bangor, ME – Maine Savings Amphitheater* – Sold Out

Sat Jul 27 – Bethel, NY – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts* – Sold Out

Mon Jul 29 – Pittsburgh, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake*

Tue Aug 06 – Cleveland, OH – Blossom Music Center – Sold Out

Wed Aug 07 – Columbus, OH – Schottenstein Center – Sold Out

Fri Aug 09 – Kansas City, MO – Azura Amphitheater – Sold Out

Sat Aug 10 – Tulsa, OK – BOK Center – Sold Out

Tue Aug 13 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre* – Sold Out

Wed Aug 14 – Lincoln, NE – Pinnacle Bank Arena* – JUST ADDED

Fri Aug 16 – Madison, WI – Breese Stevens Field* – Sold Out

Sat Aug 17 – St. Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center* – Sold Out

Tue Aug 20 – Winnipeg, MB – Canada Life Centre* – JUST ADDED

Wed Aug 21 – Saskatoon, SK – SaskTel Centre* – JUST ADDED

Fri Aug 23 – Calgary, AB – Scotiabank Saddledome* – JUST ADDED

Sat Aug 24 – Edmonton, AB – Rogers Place* – JUST ADDED

Tue Aug 27 – Billings, MT – First Interstate Arena*

Wed Aug 28 – Casper, WY – Ford Wyoming Center*

Fri Aug 30 – Denver, CO – Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre*^ – Sold Out

Sat Aug 31 – Salt Lake City, UT – Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre* – Sold Out

Tue Sep 03 – Boise, ID – Ford Idaho Center* – Sold Out

Wed Sep 04 – Bend, OR – Hayden Homes Amphitheater* – Sold Out

Fri Sep 06 – George, WA – Gorge Amphitheatre* – Sold Out

Sat Sep 07 – Ridgefield, WA – RV Inn Style Resorts Amp* – Sold Out

Mon Sep 09 – Sacramento, CA – Golden 1 Center* – JUST ADDED

Tue Sep 10 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre* – JUST ADDED

Sat Sep 14 – San Diego, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre* – Sold Out

Tue Sep 17 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum* – Sold Out

Wed Sep 18 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum*- Sold Out

Fri Sep 20 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum* – JUST ADDED

^not a Live Nation date

January 30, 2024
A Moving Musical Afternoon with the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra

On Sunday, January 28, the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra, together with the combined choirs of the Southern Tier Singers’ Collective and the Binghamton University Chamber Singers, mounted a moving musical performance of Mozart’s Requiem at the Broome County Forum Theatre. It was a rare treat to hear this great work of the choral repertoire, especially when performed with such great mastery.

Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra, Southern Tier Singers’ Collective, Binghamton University Chamber Singers

The orchestra and choir were joined by four up-and-coming young soloists from the Curtis Institute of Music: soprano Juliette Tacchino, mezzo-soprano Katie Trigg, tenor Jackson Allen, and bass Evan Gray. The quartet of singers, hailing from as far away as France and New Zealand, powerfully conveyed the profound human longing in Mozart’s vocal writing. Tacchino’s silvery sound blended beautifully with Trigg’s rich, plummy tones, and all four soloists distinguished themselves by their highly expressive musicality.

Amanda and Talia Rabineau

Maestro Daniel Hege led a tight, seamless ensemble through the wildly contrasting emotions of the Requiem; as usual with this group, the woodwinds were particularly strong. Hege’s tempos seemed to grow organically from one movement to the next, giving the work a living, breathing pulse and a satisfying sense of wholeness.

Carlos Perez, Cassi Lee, Ajen Lewis

But it was the chorus that was the true star of the show. Prepared by William Culverhouse, the combined choirs infused Mozart’s majestic work with energy, elegance, and intimacy. Culverhouse’s singers showed themselves capable of rigorous counterpoint and stunning pianissimi, their phrasing crisply commanding and meltingly lyrical by turns. Mozart’s demands on the chorus are almost soloistic, and this chorus was fully up to the challenge, cycling through his extremes of volume, speed, and emotion with virtuosity and aplomb.

Tenor Jackson Allen, Bass Evan Gray

Over 1100 concertgoers, including many younger music lovers, came out on a snowy midwinter day to hear Sunday’s stunning performance, demonstrating their appreciation with a standing ovation and several curtain calls. The Philharmonic’s foray into the great repertoire of choral music was a great success, one that bears repeating!

Trinity Fauci, Alyssa Cusel

Soprano Juliette Tacchino, Mezzo-soprano Katie Trigg, Maestro Daniel Hege

January 30, 2024
Khruangbin Announce Tour, Coming to Buffalo, Saratoga Springs, and Queens

Alt trio Khruangbin has announced they are embarking on a major North American tour with support from Hermano Gutiérrez, John Carroll Kirby, Peter Cat Recording Co., Men I Trust, and Arooj Aftab. The A LA SALA tour features a date at SPAC on May 26, Buffalo at Rockin’ At The Knox on May 28, and two dates at Forest Hills Stadium on Sept. 20 and 21.

Khruangbin was formed in 2009 with Laura Lee on bass, Mark Speer on guitar, and Donald Johnson on drums. They take their influence from 1960s Thai funk with their name translating to “Engine Fly” in Thai. The group has toured across the world, with praise from the NY Times, Billboard, and more. The trio recently announced their fourth studio album A LA SALA, their first LP in four years out on April 5. From the get-go, their journey has been its own, ignoring pop expectations and relying on internal aspirations and visions. The building blocks for A LA SALA’s 12 songs were pieces found in Khruangbin’s creative past, parts of the band not lost, but not yet tapped into.

Over the last two years, Khruangbin has sold out shows at New York City’s Radio City Music Hall, Los Angeles’ Greek Theatre and London’s Alexandra Palace, released five live LPs showcasing their stage prowess – featuring guests such as Toro y Moi, Men I Trust and Nubya Garcia, collaborated with Malian guitarist Vieux Farka Touré honoring his late father, Ali Farka Touré, with the album Ali, and released their second collaborative EP with Leon Bridges, the sultry, chart-topping Texas Moon.

Photo Credit: David Black.

The Ecuadorian-Swiss sibling duo Hermanos Gutiérrez will be supporting Khruangbin on a run of shows in April. Known for their psychedelic, world-building guitar music, they just released their newest single “Blood Milk Moon”, a spacious and spectral tune that was hailed by WNYC as “night music that is somehow not dark” and named to UPROXX’s Best New Indie list. The single represents the group’s first new music since 2022’s El Bueno Y El Malo, their acclaimed and mythic debut for Dan Auerbach’s Easy Eye Sound.

The Khru Club artist presale for the North American tour starts on Tuesday, January 30 at 10 am local time, Spotify Fans’ first pre-sale is on January 31 @ 10 am local time, local/venue presale on Thursday, February 1 @ 10 am local time and regular on sale Friday, February 2 @ 10 am local time. To purchase tickets, visit here.

KHRUANGBIN NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES

4/14/24 – Coachella – Indio, CA

4/18/24 – Alex Madonna Expo Center – San Luis Obispo, CA*

4/21/24 – Coachella – Indio, CA

4/23/24 – Brooklyn Bowl – Las Vegas, NV *

4/24/24 – Brooklyn Bowl – Las Vegas, NV *

4/26/24 – Revel – Albuquerque, NM *

4/27/24 – Revel – Albuquerque, NM *

5/22/24 – The Met – Philadelphia, PA ^

5/23/24 – The Met – Philadelphia, PA ^

5/25/24 – Boston Calling – Boston, MA

5/26/24 – Saratoga Performing Arts Center – Saratoga Springs, NY ^

5/28/24 – Rockin’ At The Knox – Buffalo, NY ^

5/29/24 – Jacob’s Pavillion – Cleveland, OH ^

5/31/24 – History – Toronto, ON ^

6/1/24 – History – Toronto, ON ^

6/2/24 – History – Toronto, ON ^

6/4/24 -The Masonic Temple Theatre – Detroit, MI ^

6/7/24 – The Salt Shed – Chicago, IL

6/8/24 – The Salt Shed – Chicago, IL ^

6/9/24 – The Salt Shed – Chicago, IL ^

6/11/24 – Red Hat Amphitheater – Raleigh, NC

6/14/24 – Bonnaroo – Manchester, TN

8/15/24 – Greek Theatre – Berkeley, CA %

8/16/24 – Greek Theatre – Berkeley, CA %

8/18/24 – Edgefield – Troutdale, OR %

8/19/24 – Edgefield – Troutdale, OR %

8/21/24 – Kettlehouse – Bonner, MT %

8/22/24 Kettlehouse – Bonner, MT %

8/24/24 – Granary Live – Salt Lake City, UT %

8/27/24 – Red Rocks – Morrison, CO &

8/28/24 – Red Rocks – Morrison, CO %

9/20/24 – Forest Hills Tennis Stadium – New York, New York +

9/21/24 – Forest Hills Tennis Stadium – New York, New York +

9/23/24 – The Anthem – Washington, DC $

10/2/24 – The Factory – St.Louis, MO $

10/3/24 – The Factory – St.Louis, MO $

10/9/24 – Saenger Theatre – New Orleans, LA $

10/10/24- Saenger Theatre – New Orleans, LA $

* w/ Hermano Gutiérrez

^ w/ John Carroll Kirby

% w/ Peter Cat Recording Co.

+ w/ Men I Trust

$ w/ Arooj Aftab

Hermanos Gutiérrez Tour Dates

March 16 – Variety Playhouse – Atlanta, GA

March 17 – The Underground – Charlotte, NC

March 19 – The Jefferson Theater – Charlottesville, VA

March 20 – Lincoln Theatre – Raleigh, NC

March 21 – Orange Peel – Asheville, NC

March 22 – Big Ears Festival – Knoxville, TN

March 24 – Lexington Opera House – Lexington, KY

April 14 – Coachella – Indio, CA

April 18 – San Luis Obispo – Alex Madonna Expo Center **

April 21 – Coachella – Indio, CA

April 23 – Las Vegas, NV – Brooklyn Bowl **

April 24 – Las Vegas, NV – Brooklyn Bowl **

April 26 – Albuquerque, NM – Revel **

April 27 – Albuquerque, NM – Revel **

** with Khruangbin

Hermanos Gutiérrez May Headline Tour

May 7 – Ryman Auditorium – Nashville, TN

May 8 – The Hawthorn – St. Louis, MO

May 9 – The Truman – Kansas City, MO

May 11 – First Avenue – Minneapolis, MN

May 12 – Thalia Hall – Chicago, IL

May 13 – St. Andrews Hall – Detroit, MI

May 14 – Queen Elizabeth Theatre – Toronto, ON

May 16 – SalleWilfrid-Pelletier – Montreal, QC

May 17 – Royale – Boston, MA

May 18 – Brooklyn Steel – New York, NY

January 30, 2024
Le Patin Libre at Bryant Park’s Winter Village in February

Le Patin Libre, the innovators of contemporary ice dance, prepare to dazzle audiences with their electrifying show, “Threshold al fresco.”

Winter Village in Bryant Park is about to witness an event unlike anything else. This modern fusion of contemporary dance and figure skating, set against the iconic backdrop of New York City, will push the limits of artistic expression on ice.

Le Patin Libre’s blend of figure skating and contemporary dance has revolutionized ice dance. Legendary figure skater Alexandre Hamel founded Le Patin Libre in 2005 with the goal of redefining the sport. The organization was born out of Québec’s frozen ponds and hockey arenas. Their special technique – “contemporary dance on ice” – has shown the grace of glide and the freedom of movement.

“Threshold al fresco” showcases the artistic talent of Le Patin Libre with its captivating choreography, upbeat music composed by Jasmin Boivin, and appealing lighting designed by Lucy Carter and Sean Gleason. International Dance Magazine has described the group as “rebels on ice,” cheering their daring demeanor and creative approach.

Experience an amazing evening of artistry with this talented group, Including Alexandre Hamel, Pascale Jodoin, Samory Ba, Taylor Dilley, and Jasmin Boivin. Additionally, VIP tickets are available, which include entry to an ice dancing party with the performers and choreographers.

Le Patin Libre is supported by organizations such as the Conseil des arts et lettres du Québec.

Visit “Threshold al fresco” at Bryant Park’s Winter Village to see the revolution, get tickets here.

January 30, 2024
Five Can’t Miss Jazz Shows in Rochester This February

Rochester is a jazz lover’s dream come late June during the Rochester International Jazz Fest. But in the last few years the options over the remainder of the year have been getting better and better. This February there is a solid slate of great jazz coming to Rochester, so much so that even narrowing it down to just five was a difficult task. So get out there and support some world-class improvised music this month.

February 1: Joshua Redman Group @ Hochstein Performing Arts

Live! is bringing reedman Joshua Redman and his group, featuring vocalist Gabrielle Cavassa, to beautiful auditorium at the Hochstein School of Music. They’ll be supporting their latest excellent release, where are we. On this night they’ll be in Rochester of course, but the material travels all over the country: Chicago, New Orleans, Baltimore, Manhattan, Alabama… So come get phonically geographical, no better way to start off the month.

Tickets range from $41.46 to $69.85 and the music gets started at 8pm. There will also be a cocktail hour in the chapel from 630-730pm.

February 12: Ethnic Heritage Ensemble @ Lovin Cup

This isn’t the first time this space has recommended Kahil El’ Zabar and his Ethnic Heritage Ensemble and it probably won’t’ be the last. Rochester is lucky that this group makes frequent visits to our town, and you should be taking full advantage. They come celebrating their 50th anniversary and in advance of their new album, Open Me, A Higher Consciousness of Sound and Spirit, out in March. Take a spiritual journey and be deeply moved by music like few artists can provide.

Tickets are $25/$30dos and the show starts at 730pm.

February 23: Mostly Other People Do the Killing @ Bop Shop Records

Another returner to Bop Shop Records, Mostly Other People Do the Killing are another group you can’t pass up anytime they are back. Now a trio, this NYC-based band led by bassist Moppa Elliott are a creative animal of their own making, playing by their own rules. Electronics are infused into a mostly acoustic affair, providing surprises around most turns.

Tickets are $20 and the show starts at 8pm.

February 28: Brass Machine @ Lovin Cup

The Brass Machine, from nearby Buffalo, brings the New Orleans party vibes for a little early Mardi Gras celebration. But this isn’t going to be your ordinary brass band show, this is a special “Busted on Bourbon Street”, two-set all Grateful Dead tribute show. The Dead has been covered every which way, so why not brassed up?

Tickets are $10 and music gets going at 7pm.

February 29: Harold Danko @ Kilbourn Hall

It’s a leap year so we get an extra day in February, might as well fill it up with some more live music. Jazz pianist, composer, and professor emeritus of jazz studies and contemporary media at the Eastman School of Music Harold Danko plays a special leap year show every February 29th, so this is your only chance to see this show for another four years! This is a tradition that has been going for 44 years, but there’s no better time to get involved then now. A great opportunity to witness the world-class talent we have right here in our own backyard.

This show is free and will start at 7:30pm.

January 30, 2024
Ready To Go: Fungkshui and Quantum Cosmic Blast Off in Albany

Shooting for the moon with infinite potential, Asbury Parks’ next big thing is Fungkshui. Not stopping there, they may also be the next big thing in the Capital Region too. With frequent visits to the area, including recent high octane rock performances at Putnam Place and the Rye Bread Music Festival (RFB), the fun-loving psychedelic prog-funk quintet is quickly and consistently earning high praise from high people in high places.

Fungkshui performing at Lark Hall in Albany 1/25/2024.

Whether Fungkshui (pronounced funk shway) are playing to packed clubs along the boardwalks of New Jersey, or randomly stopping in for an unannounced happy hour improv set at The Eleven, it seems the band has found their ‘home away from home’ at Albany’s Lark Hall. As friendly with their staff as they are with their fans, Fungkshui originally made a good first impression at the hall last March while opening for acclaimed avant-garde jazz trio LaMP. Later returning for “Funk Night” with the E-Block in September, NYS Music was there for the for their most recent throwdown on Thursday, January 25th.

Teaming up with sonic astrological improv jammers Quantum Cosmic, a new experimental side project featuring members of Annie in the Water, Raisinhead and The Switch, the dynamic pairing of bands proved to be the perfect combination of good vibes and good times. On a night full of other-worldly jams, technical proficiency, soaring and sublime guitar solos, guest sit-ins, and enough funk to make you want to float around the room and dance with total strangers, both bands turned in peak performances that you ‘outta be kicking yourself for missing.

Blasting off a little later than the advertised 8pm start, Quantum Cosmic quickly made up for lost time by inviting the audience to help telepathically guide them through their all-improvised set. Encouraging listeners to share their positive and creative thoughts as well as birthday wishes to drummer Joshua West, “Just hopefully you’re not a dick about it, ” joked guitarist Michael Lashomb, who also plays with the ever-busy West in Annie in the Water.

Along with Matt Richards on keys, Raisinhead guitarist Ted Grey and bassist James Woods, the band who hasn’t played the same show twice and gambles on “making it up as they go along’ would surprise everyone by also inviting up fellow Annie in the Water/Space Carnival bassist Chris Meier for a memorable trippy dip on the AITW OG staple “The River,” in which the birthday boy West hilariously changed (forgot?) some of the lyrics. After coming back down to earth for a brief intermission, things at the hall were about to get even more Fungky.

Chris Meier sits in with Quantum Cosmic at Lark Hall 1/25/2024.

Barreling their way towards Nectars in Burlington, VT, the road to get there saw Fungkshui work their way through New York by way of gigs at Snug Harbor in New Paltz, an unannounced acoustic set at The Eleven and finally, their fiery headlining set in Albany. Kicking things into gear with a technically proficient and impressive “Meat Salad” >“Ready To Go” > “Power Out” jam sandwich, it was immediately evident what all the fuss over this band is about. Part punk, part prog and overflowing with all kinds of primal groove, there is no denying the twin ax attack and chemistry of guitarists Jack Reed and Max Vitale. Along with the luscious locks of Jon Scheps on the low end, drummer Bobby Reilly and the band’s most recent addition of Dan Hogan on keys, Fungkshui took the Lark Hall stage by sheer force.

Fungkshui performing at Lark Hall in Albany 1/25/2024.

Feeling confident and comfortable in the surroundings, Fungkshui would take the opportunity to debut a new song called “Run It” before getting down and dirty on “Barefoot Blues” and the playful “Dan Dan The Waterman.” One of the true highlights of the night came when the band invited Annie in the Water/Quantum Cosmic keyboardist Matt Richards out for some dueling piano action on Dan Hogan’s well-lit rig. Catharsis through collaboration shining through disco ball lights and huge smiles beaming from the faces of everyone on stage, it was the kind of magic musical moment that makes Lark Hall such a special place to see a show.

Matt Richards sits in with Fungkshui in Albany 1/25/2024.

An unexpected guilty pleasure came next in the form of Alice DeeJay’s “Better Off Alone,” which had the whole room dancing around each other in circles. After successfully showing their hand, Fungkshui would then “Ante Up” and “Fade Away” before going deep into the night with one last party jam, “That’ll Do.”

Matt Richards sits in with Fungkshui in Albany 1/25/2024.

With such a formidable relationship already forming between the band and the venue, you almost can’t help but feel optimistic there will be many more magical Fungkshui moments on Lark for years to come. Fresh off the release of their first full length album “Ready to Go,” it’s clear this band is just that. Buckle up in 2024, Fungkshui is about to blast off, and what can I say, I’m totally here for it.

Watch fan shot footage of Fungkshui performing “That’ll Do” in the video clip below:

Fungkshui | January 25, 2024 | Lark Hall | Albany

Setlist: Meat Salad > Ready To Go > Power Out, Run it•, Barefoot Blues > Dan Dan The Water Man, Didn’t Know Anything, Better Off Alone*, Ante Up, Fades Away, That’ll Do

*= Alice DeeJay Cover
•= Original Song Debut

Quantum Cosmic | January 25, 2024 | Lark Hall | Albany, NY

All Improv Birthday Set > The River *

*Annie in the Water cover

January 30, 2024
Caffè Lena Celebrates Black History Month with Activist/Singer-Songwriter Crys Matthews

Caffè Lena has announced it is partnering with activist/singer-songwriter Crys Matthews and local community groups to produce the Cry Matthews Black History Month Tour. The concert is happening on Friday, Feb. 9 at 8 p.m.

Cry Matthews is an activist, singer-songwriter and powerful lyricist who tackles heavy topics such as immigration, the opioid crisis, Black Lives Matter, and gun control with a warm heart, strong voice, and inspiring songs. Caffè Lena presents extraordinary music in an intimate setting, widely recognized as the longest-continuously operating folk music venue in the United States. The Library of Congress calls Caffè Lena “An American treasure,” and it has been recognized by The GRAMMY Foundation for its important contributions to the development of American music.

The Black History Month concert is also partnering with local community groups. MLK Saratoga, Saratoga Youth Safe Space, CREATE Community Studios, Camp Stomping Ground and Saratoga Pride are tabling before the event to socialize and discuss their organization’s role in the community.

MLK Saratoga shares Dr. Martin Luther King’s vision of peace and justice for all, building civil and human rights awareness by promoting equity, inclusivity, diversity, anti-racism, and social justice through community events and offerings, engaging via performance, dialogue, conversation, and the arts. Saratoga Youth Safe Space is a group intended to bring BIPOC youth as well as LGBTQ+ youth, and allies, together to have a place of reflection, dialogue, and support.

C.R.E.A.T.E. Community Studios is dedicated to providing a space where the benefits of art-making impact both the individual and the community. They offer low-cost art workshops and groups, community wellness activities, and open studios to promote art-making and the creative process as a vehicle for personal growth, communication, and social change. Unlike other art studios, their expectations are not rooted in a product or an image. They focus on the evolution of a piece and encourage conversation about its meaning.

Stomping Ground is an overnight camp in the gateway to the Adirondacks in Saratoga Springs. They aim to partner with young people to inspire the next generation of radically empathetic decision-makers. Saratoga Pride is a welcoming community of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people and allies in the greater Saratoga Springs area.

January 30, 2024
The Australian Pink Floyd Show Arrives at The Stanley Theatre in Utica this June

The 2024 Australian Pink Floyd Show tour will bring to the stage the songs that mean so much to Pink Floyd fans all over the world and will make a stop in Utica on June 25 at The Stanley Theatre.

State of the art lighting and video, pinpoint lasers, huge inflatables and flawless live sound that was the benchmark of Pink Floyd shows, and Australian Pink Floyd Show guarantees to deliver a memorable live experience for audiences old and new.

The Australian Pink Floyd Show gave its first ever concert in Adelaide, Australia in 1988. Since then, they have performed in over 35 countries worldwide; played at David Gilmour’s 50^th birthday celebration and were even joined on stage by David and Rick Wright. The Australian Pink Floyd Show is the leading show of its kind in the world, performing the music of Pink Floyd with note for note perfection.

The critically acclaimed show has been astonishing audiences worldwide for more than three decades, always striving to reproduce the complete Pink Floyd experience and bring the music to new audiences.

A stunning light and laser show, video animations, state of the art, high resolution LED screen technology and other special effects are combined with, in true Pink Floyd fashion, there are several huge inflatables including a giant pig, and their own unique Pink Kangaroo.

Often described as being much more than a tribute band, The Australian Pink Floyd Show is the first Pink Floyd tribute show that took the concept into the worldwide arena circuit. The band has played to sell out audiences throughout Europe, UK, America, Canada & South America.

Replicating music from every phase of Pink Floyd’s journey, this tour reinforces TAPFS’s dedication to the heritage of Barrett, Waters, Gilmour, Wright & Mason with a show that pays sincere and genuine tribute to those legendary Pink Floyd productions.

The Australian Pink Flow Show 2024 band lineup includes David Domminney Fowler (Guitar & Vocals), Paul Bonney (Drums), Luc Ledy-Lepine (Guitar), Ricky Howard (Bass & Vocals), Chris Barnes (Vocals), David Parsons (Keyboards), Alex Francois (Saxophone), Lorelei McBroom, Lara Smiles and Emily Lynn (Backing Vocals).

Tour dates include a show at the Paramount in Huntington, making these the only two New York shows of their 2024 world tour. Full tour dates can be found here.

Tickets for all shows, including Australian Pink Floyd Show at the Stanley Theatre in Utica go on sale Friday, February 2^nd at 10 AM at thestanley.org, or by calling 315-724-4000.

January 30, 2024
Che’ Noir Releases New EP, The Color Chocolate Volume 1

Buffalo native Che’ Noir embodies her city’s grit and their cumulative ethos of hard-work with consistent releases over the past five years. Nonetheless, having released Noir Or Never in early 2023, the gritty MC returns with a short EP before the release of another album, Lotus Child.

The Color Chocolate Volume 1 features appearances from Evidence, Your Old Droog, Ransom, and ICECOLDBISHOP and is the first taste of what will be Che Noir’s biggest and busiest year yet. Moreover, the “Quiet Moves” rapper gets to expand on her brand and artistic vision. The colorful and poetic rapper has leaned into her nubian features with incredibly artistic cover art and album themes. Meanwhile, her subject matter often reflects her surroundings in a world and industry that isn’t ready-made for her. On The Color Chocolate Volume 1 Che’ Noir uses her empowering voice to float over several soul samples as she provides insightful narration to the streets.

“I finished my Lotus Child album, and was impatiently waiting for a few features to come back, so I decided to start working on a new project. My work ethic can be a gift and a curse for me” Che mused.

“I am in constant competition with myself and I work very hard, so while I waited, I locked in and recorded for a month straight and picked the best four to put on The Color Chocolate Volume 1 EP. “I’m excited for the world to fully know my art, and who I am. The Color Chocolate Volume 1 EP is just the beginning.”

January 29, 2024
Brooklyn Public Library & Lincoln Center for Performing Arts Begin Open Call for Contemporary US Anthem

As the musical landscape evolves sonically, the need for contemporary songs & hymns to connect to the ever-changing world is not lost on tastemakers. While, simultaneously, the United States is creeping closer to its 250th anniversary. With this in mind, the Brooklyn Public Library and Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts announced their latest project, “Anthem to US.” Presented in collaboration with Queens Public Library, “Anthem to US,” invites the public to join together in creating a contemporary song to add to the nation’s songbook.

What is Anthem to US?

Keeping with the anthem theme, the hope is that the final product from the “Anthem to US” will join in with some of America’s unifying musical pieces, such”America the Beautiful”, “We Shall Overcome”, “My Country Tis of Thee”, and “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” In essence, “Anthem to US” will create a modern piece that connects with a new-age audience. Notably, this latest chant is to be a reflection of today’s society, echoing our collective hopes, struggles, and untold histories.

Regulations

Interested participants of all ages have until Tuesday, February 6 at 11:59 pm eastern time to submit their vision for an anthem. Following, up to 160 selected participants will embark on an immersive three-part writing workshop series led by experienced instructors. The workshops will explore themes, song structures and melodies across diverse styles. Furthermore, three applicants will advance to collaborate with composers, including Damien L. Sneed, Jaime Lozano, Martha Redbone and Aaron Whitby, to craft a finished piece.

This project aims to transform the way we create meaningful art by inviting the public to create a piece reflective of their own stories and experiences living in the United States. Music and the written word have always had the power to help us face challenging realities, celebrate moments of triumph and, in the best cases, art fosters unity in the face of divisions.
– László Jakab Orsós, Vice President of Arts and Culture, Brooklyn Public Library.

Selection Process

Eight anthem lyrics (one per workshop series) will emerge from the workshops, and a panel will select three outstanding sets of lyrics from that bunch. Additionally, the three final participants and their anthem lyrics will team-up with composers who will craft a final composition between May and June 2024. The final participants will then showcase their anthems with performances at Brooklyn Public Library and Lincoln Center on Saturday, July 6, 2024.

Furthermore, interested candidates can find more information on the “Anthem to US” official website.

January 29, 2024