Category: Genres

  • In Focus: 2024 NYC Winter Jazz Fest, Manhattan Marathon & Brooklyn Marathon

    Over the weekend of January 12-13, 2024, NYC Winter Jazz Fest marked its 20th annual celebration. Talented artists captivated the audience with electrifying stage performances and incredible music across lower Manhattan and near downtown Brooklyn.

    LPR Venue – 1.12.24

    In 2005, Brice Rosenbloom initiated the NYC Winter Jazz Fest with the aim of providing exposure to underserved jazz artists. As the festival has grown over the past 16 years, The New York Times calls Winter Jazzfest “the city’s most renowned jazz festival.” 

    Rafiq Bhatia at Music Hall of Williamsburg – 1.13.24

    The Manhattan Marathon took place at diverse venues, including City Winery, Zinc Bar, LPR, Zurcher Gallery, RACKET Future Sounds, Radio Nublu, and Nublu. Whether it was a smaller or larger venue, each location was filled with enthusiastic crowds eager to enjoy fantastic music.

    Mamas Gun at Brooklyn Bowl – 1.13.24

    Union Pool, Loove Labs, Music Hall of Williamsburg, Super Ingredients, Brooklyn Bowl, Jolene Sound room, Baby’s All Right, and several other venues played host to the Brooklyn Marathon. Despite the chilly weather, the excitement of fans remained undeterred as they eagerly gathered to listen to their favorite and new music. Every artist displayed exceptional talent, showcasing their dedication through singing or instrumental prowess. If you happened to miss this year’s Winter Jazz Fest, you definitely wouldn’t want to miss the next one.

    Cisco Swank at Baby’s All Right – 1.13.24
    Cisco Swank at Baby’s All Right – 1.13.24
    Alexis Lombre at Zinc Bar – 1.12.24
    Mark Guiliana at Super Ingredient – 1.13.24
    Chiquita Magic at RACKET Future Sounds – 1.12.24
    Mamas Gun at Brooklyn Bowl – 1.13.24
    Brandee Younger playing the harp with blue smoke and golden light illuminating her.
    Brandee Younger at LPR – 1.12.24
    LPR – 1.12.24
    Ambrose playing the trumpet with his eyes closed in a dark room.
    Ambrose Akinmusine at ROCKET Future Sounds – 1.12.24
  • Albany Symphony Orchestra to Celebrate “100 Years of Rhapsody in Blue” in February

    The Albany Symphony Orchestra announced a February concert to Celebrate 100 years of Rhapsody in Blue with Kevin Cole. The concert will take place on Feb. 10 at the Proctors Theatre.

    albany symphony orchestra Rhapsody in Blue

    The Albany Symphony celebrates its living musical heritage through its adventurous programming, commissioning, and recording of new work, and broad community engagement beyond the concert hall. The Two-time Grammy winning Symphony will host a 100th birthday party concert for Rhapsody in Blue, featuring Kevin Cole, the world’s foremost interpreter of George Gershwin’s piano music. The program will include, An American in Paris, Carlos Simon’s AMEN! and Simon Says, and a world premiere trombone concerto by Jack Frerer.

    Cole, who has performed with over 100 orchestras worldwide, has appeared several times with the Albany Symphony. He was the first pianist to perform all four of Gershwin’s works for piano and orchestra with the Symphony.

    Albany Symphony Orchestra Rhapsody in Blue david alan miller

    The concert also coincides with the release of a Naxos recording David Alan Miller created with Cole and the National Orchestra Institute Philharmonic. The concert will also feature a trombone concerto created by Jack Frerer and featuring the principal trombonist of the Albany Symphony, Greg Spirdopoulos.

    Founded in 1930 in New York’s Capital Region, the Albany Symphony serves a diverse regional audience covering more than seven counties and parts of three states. In addition to an eight-concert subscription season, an annual multi-day American Music Festival including performances by the orchestra’s genre-bending ensemble Dogs of Desire, and a host of education and community outreach events, the Albany Symphony regularly serves as an ambassador for new music and Upstate innovation beyond the Capital Region. 

    Recognized as one of America’s most innovative and creative orchestras, Albany Symphony is renowned for virtuosic performances featuring classic orchestral favorites, lesser-heard masterworks, and a diverse array of new music from leading and emerging voices of today.

    The concert will take place on Feb. 10 at the Proctors Theatre and Tickets are available here

  • Disco Biscuits offer First Installment of Upcoming Studio Album, “Revolution in Motion”

    After more than 18 months of introducing the songs to their loyal fans, the Disco Biscuits have released a seven-minute animated film, Revolution in Motion, Part 1, giving the first glimpse at their highly anticipated space rock opera.

    revolution in motion

    Due for release on March 29, Revolution in Motion is the ninth album from the trancefusion pioneers and will feature newer Biscuits songs “Freeze,” “Buy the Time,” “The Deal,” and “Times Square,” in addition to tracks that were released in conjunction with the video, “Shocked,” “The Wormhole,” “Twisted in the Road” and “Another Plan of Attack.”


    The animation tells the story of four aliens who embark on an interstellar journey, only to be thrown off course, into a wormhole, eventually ending up hovering above Times Square in mid-town Manhattan. With animation by Blunt Action, the video and audio combine to piece together the puzzle that has been created over a year and a half of song rollouts, many becoming fan-favorites and/or jam vehicles, while introducing viewers to Polyfuzia, Fuzzies, Space Trains and much more to come.

    Jambands.com notes that the initial concept came from guitarist Jon “The Barber” Gutwillig, who worked with friend and collaborator Joey Friedman in August 2021, and bringing in keyboardist Aron Magner to write “music aliens would love.”

    Part 2 of Revolution in Motion will be released on February 16. The Disco Biscuits embark on a Winter Tour this week in Nevada, and will be in New York in March. Full tour dates can be found below.

    Disco Biscuits ‘Why We Dance’ 2024 Tour Dates

    1/25 – Crystal Bay, NV – Crystal Bay Casino Ballroom
    1/26 – Crystal Bay, NV – Crystal Bay Casino Ballroom
    1/27 – San Francisco, CA – The Fillmore
    1/28 – Santa Cruz, CA – The Catalyst
    2/1 – Los Angeles, CA – The Fonda Theatre
    2/2 – San Diego, CA – Observatory North Park
    2/3 – Tucson, AZ – Gem & Jam Festival
    2/5 – Aspen, CO – Belly Up
    2/6 – Aspen, CO – Belly Up
    2/7 – Aspen, CO – Belly Up
    2/9 – Boulder, CO – Boulder Theater * (SOLD OUT)
    2/10 – Boulder, CO – Boulder Theater * (SOLD OUT)
    2/11 – Boulder, CO – Fox Theatre ^ (SOLD OUT)
    3/7 – Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore
    3/8 – Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore
    3/9 – Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AE
    3/10 – Charlottesville, VA – Jefferson Theater
    3/13 – Albany, NY – Empire Live
    3/14 – New Haven, CT – College Street Music Hall
    3/15 – Portland, ME – State Theatre
    3/16 – Boston, MA – House of Blues
    3/28 – Wilkes-Barre, PA – F.M. Kirby Center
    3/29 – TBA
    3/30 – Buffalo, NY – Town Ballroom
    3/31 – Buffalo, NY – Town Ballroom
    4/2 – Louisville, KY – Mercury Ballroom
    4/4 – New Orleans, LA – House of Blues
    4/5 – Houston, TX – The Heights Theater
    4/6 – Dallas, TX – Longhorn Ballroom
    4/7 – Burnet, TX – Texas Eclipse Festival
    4/11 – Asheville, NC – The Orange Peel
    4/12 – Nashville, TN – Brooklyn Bowl
    4/13 – Atlanta, GA – Tabernacle
    4/14 – Raleigh, NC – Lincoln Theatre
    6/20-23 – Rothbury, MI – Electric Forest Festival

    * w/ Cloudchord
    ^ TRACTORBEAM

  • Larry Campbell & Teresa Williams Return with Latest Single “Desert Island Dreams”

    Three-time GRAMMY-winning producer and Woodstock residents Larry Campbell, and singer-guitarist Teresa Williams have announced the release of their latest single, “Desert Island Dreams.” The single is a true Americana piece with a road-trip feel, complete with hearty guitar licks and soulful vocals.

    Larry Campbell & Teresa Williams  Desert Island Dreams

    The single, “Desert Island Dreams” is an upbeat ode about disregarding the madness of the modern world. While the world around us may be hectic, we always have the chance to slip away to our own desert island and dream in peace. Whether that desert island be literal or metaphorical, we can all find one to escape the monotony and chaos. Campbell has his creative roots as a multi-instrumentalist with Bob Dylan, Sheryl Crow, Keith Richards, and others, and Williams as a stage actor in productions like Keep On the Sunny Side and Always… Patsy Cline. Together, the creative and talented duo combine to become the couple of Americana.

    Desert Island Dreams

    The duo also has a new album titled, All This Time, set to release April 5. The album is a milestone, marking 40 years of musicianship and partnership of the duo. Also on the duo’s agenda, a tour across multiple states is currently in effect.

    Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams 2024 tour dates

    1/13 – South Walton, FL – 30A Songwriter Festival

    1/14 – South Walton, FL – 30A Songwriter Festival

    1/17 – Cancún, Quintana Roo – Feat Camp

    1/18 – Cancún, Quintana Roo – Feat Camp

    1/19 – Cancún, Quintana Roo – Feat Camp

    1/20 – Cancún, Quintana Roo – Feat Camp

    4/16 – Boston, MA – City Winery

    4/17 – Fairfield, CT – Stage One

    4/18 – Ardmore, PA – Ardmore Music Hall

    4/20 – Vienna, VA – Jammin’ Java

    4/21 – Pittsburgh, PA – Thunderbird Music Hall

    4/23 – Columbus, OH – Natalie’s

    4/24 – Detroit, MI – Magic Bag

    4/26 – Chicago, IL – Old Town School of Folk Music

    4/27 – Minneapolis, MN – Parkway Theater

    4/30 – Kansas City, MO – Knuckleheads

    5/1 – St Louis, MO – Off Broadway

    5/3 – Nashville, TN – 3rd & Lindsley 

    5/4 – Atlanta, GA – Eddie’s Attic

    5/5 – Atlanta, GA – Eddie’s Attic

    5/11 – Lexington, TN – Main & Monroe

    For more information on Larry and Teresa’s upcoming shows or releases, click here. Stay up to date on Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams’ album, All This Time. To listen to the duo’s latest single. “Desert Island Dreams,” see below.

  • Bush 30th Anniv. Tour Coming to Artpark with Jerry Cantrell and Candlebox

    Bush will celebrate its 30th anniversary with an extensive North American headline tour, stopping in Lewiston, NY. The tour titled “Bush-Loaded: The Greatest Hits Tour” will begin on July 26 in Bend, OR, and make its way to Artpark Outdoor Ampitheater on August 17.

    Bush tour
    The current four members of BUSH as of January 18, 2024

    Joining Bush on tour at Artpark Outdoor Ampitheater, are special guests Candlebox and Alice in Chains founder, Jerry Cantrell. In order to make attendance possible for fans of every budget, a limited number of tickets in participating markets will be as low as $19.94 (before taxes and fees), a nod to the 1994 release of Bush’s debut album, Sixteen Stone

    Bush-Loaded: The Greatest Hits Tour

    7/26     Bend, OR                      Hayden Homes Amphitheater

    7/27     Airway Heights, WA      BECU Live at Northern Quest

    7/29     Great Falls, MT              Pacific Steel & Recycling Arena – Montana State Fair

    7/31     West Valley City, UT      USANA Amphitheatre

    8/1       Denver, CO                   Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre *

    8/3       La Crosse, WI                Copeland Park*

    8/4       Indianapolis, IN            Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park

    8/6       Cedar Rapids, IA            McGrath Amphitheatre

    8/7       Chicago, IL                    Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island

    8/9       Nashville, TN                Nashville Municipal Auditorium

    8/10     Maryland Heights, MO  Saint Louis Music Park

    8/13     Cleveland, OH              Jacobs Pavilion*

    8/14     Cincinnati, OH              Riverbend Music Center

    8/16     Sterling Heights, MI      Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre

    8/17     Lewiston, NY                Artpark Outdoor Amphitheater

    8/19     Toronto, ON                 Budweiser Stage

    8/21     Holmdel, NJ                 PNC Bank Arts Center

    8/23     Atlantic City, NJ            Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena

    8/24     Boston, MA                   Leader Bank Pavilion

    8/26     Charlotte, NC               Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre

    8/27     Raleigh, NC                   Red Hat Amphitheater

    8/29     Jacksonville, FL             Daily’s Place

    8/30     Hollywood, FL              Hard Rock Live

    9/1       Atlanta, GA                   Cadence Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Par

    9/4       San Antonio, TX            Freeman Coliseum

    9/5       Houston, TX                  713 Music Hall

    9/7       Durant, OK                   Choctaw Casino

    9/8       Dallas, TX                      Dos Equis Pavilion

    9/11     Las Vegas, NV                Bakkt Theater at Planet Hollywood

    9/13     San Diego, CA               Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre at SDSU

    9/14     Phoenix, AZ                  Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre

    9/15     Los Angeles, CA             Greek Theatre 

    General on-sale tickets went on sale Friday, January 19, at 10:00 AM. For more information on Bush-Loaded: The Greatest Hits Tour, click here.

  • Umphreys McGee (Brooklyn) Steels The Show

    On Thursday, January 19, Umphrey’s McGee made a triumphant return to New York with the kickoff of a two-night run at Brooklyn Steel. As part of their 2024 tour, the versatile band took the stage amidst a buzzing crowd eager for a musical journey.

    Originating from South Bend, Indiana, Umphrey’s Mcgee has built a devoted fanbase in New York. They make frequent stops all over New York State – nearly every year in January, plus festival appearances – and it’s easy to see why. Early in the set, they dedicated a song to a friend in attendance celebrating their impressive 515th show. 

    The audience, unassuming yet in sync with the band’s vibe, engaged with each other while maintaining palpable excitement, with all eyes fixed on the stage. Opening with the crowd pleaser, “There’s No Crying In Mexico,” the night unfolded with a diverse array of songs and sounds, showcasing Umphrey’s Mcgee’s unique interpretation of the “jam band” concept. From psychedelic to progressive to punk, they seamlessly navigate various musical styles, demonstrating an undeniable chemistry among the bandmates.

    The second set started with an electrifying cover of LCD Soundsystem’s “Tribulations” and concluded with a playful nod to Tenacious D’s “Kielbasa.” After leaving the stage, the band returned for an encore, bidding the audience farewell until the following night at Brooklyn Steel, followed by another one at Brooklyn Bowl. Their journey continues nationwide until the end of April, promising more musical adventures to fans across the country.

    Setlists via All Things Umphrey’s

    Umphrey’s McGee – Brooklyn Steel – January 19, 2024

    Set 1: There’s No Crying In Mexico > 40’s Theme, Half Delayed > 1348 > Hourglass, Get In The Van, Sociable Jimmy, Seasons > 1348

    Set 2: Tribulations > Nothing Too Fancy > Cemetery Walk > Cemetery Walk II, Rocker Part 2, Ringo > Kielbasa-> Ringo[1]

    Encore: The Weight Around > Nothing Too Fancy

    [1] with Kielbasa (Tenacious D) tease

    Umphrey’s McGee – Brooklyn Steel – January 20, 2024

    Set 1: You Got the Wrong Guy > Pure Saturation > The Floor, Red Tape, Night Nurse > Bridgeless > Glory, Let’s Dance

    Set 2: Escape Goat > Out of Focus, Staircase, The Silent Type, Push the Pig[1] > Puppet String

    Encore: The Linear[2] > Bridgeless

    [1] with Jake on keys
    [2] with Sailing (Christopher Cross) quotes

  • Indigo Girls and Melissa Etheridge Announce Joint Tour, Stopping in Chautauqua and Bethel

    Bethel Woods Center for the Arts has announced that GRAMMY Award-winning folk icons Indigo Girls and singer-songwriter Melissa Etheridge will perform together on a series of combined shows this August.

    Indigo Girls

    Beginning at Ravinia in Highland Park, Illinois, the tour will go on to include a co-billed West Coast tour with Amos Lee. Combining timeless songs and distinct styles, this unique collaboration between one of America’s most beloved singer-songwriters and one of folk’s greatest duos promises an unforgettable musical experience.

    Adding to the excitement of the tour, It’s Only Life After All, the documentary film by the Indigo Girls, has finally been released in 2024. Having been screened by major international film festivals, including Toronto’s Hot Docs, SXSW, Tribeca, and Sundance Film Festival, anticipation is high.

    Moreover, the jukebox musical romance, Glitter & Doom, is another upcoming film with even more music from the Indigo Girls. Glitter & Doom presents a brilliant queer supporting cast, including Lea DeLaria, Tig Notaro, Kate Pierson, and more. Scheduled for release on March 8 in NYC and L.A., followed by a nationwide theatrical rollout and a VOD release.

    With Melissa Etheridge and Indigo Girls together, music lovers have a special chance to experience top-notch songwriting and singing.

    All tour tickets are available here.

    Indigo Girls and Melissa Etheridge Co-billed Tour 2024 Dates

    August 11 – Ravinia Festival | Highland Park, IL

    August 13 – Saint Louis Music Park | St. Louis, MO

    August 14 – Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park | Indianapolis, IN

    August 16 – The Chautauqua Institution Amphitheater | Chautauqua, NY

    August 17 – Leader Bank Pavilion | Boston, MA

    August 18 – Snow Pond Center for the Arts – The Bowl in the Pines | Sidney, ME

    August 21 – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts | Bethel, NY

    August 22 – TD Pavilion at The Mann | Philadelphia, PA

    August 25 – Wolf Trap | Washington, DC

    Amos Lee + Indigo Girls Tour Dates

    September 15 – Red Rocks Amphitheatre | Morrison, CO (Amos Lee to close)

    September 19 – The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park | San Diego, CA (Amos Lee to close)

    September 21 – Santa Barbara Bowl | Santa Barbara, CA (Indigo Girls to close)

    September 23 – The Greek Theatre | Los Angeles, CA (Amos Lee to close)

    September 24 – The Mountain Winery | Saratoga, CA (Amos Lee to close), on sale TBC

  • Buffalo Ska Festival 2024 Lineup Announced

    The Buffalo Ska Festival has announced the full lineup for this year’s fest, taking place at Buffalo Iron Works on July 13, 2024. Buffalo Ska Fest delivers a front-row ticket to the Ska revival, featuring handpicked local, regional, and national acts.

    The full lineup of artists set to appear at Buffalo Ska Fest includes Against All Authority, Folly, The Code, Buffalo acts Working Class Stiffs, The Abruptors, and Do It With Malice, Stop the Presses from Brooklyn, PWRUP, The Chemical Imbalance, The What Nows?, and Turkey Blaster Omega from Rochester.

    After selling out during presales, Buffalo Iron Works is the new official home of Buffalo Ska Fest. Located in the Cobblestone District with an outdoor patio, full bar and kitchen, hosting up to 500 attendees with parking and walking distance to hotels, Buffalo Iron Works is the perfect place for gatherings and a good time in Buffalo. 

    Featured at the fest is The Ska Shop, showcasing vendors such as Timeless Babez, Ska Tinz, Ov Lust & Leather, and Insidious Industries as well as official Buffalo Ska Fest and band merch.

    Tickets to Buffalo Ska Festival are on sale now. The all-ages event will feature general admission tickets, as well as VIP packages. VIP includes early entry, a pre-party, access to the upstairs lounge & viewing areas, an official poster, a lanyard & badge. For tickets to the kick-off party, visit here.

  • JazzBuffalo Announces “Art Meets Jazz” Series

    JazzBuffalo has announced the brand new “Art Meets Jazz,” series, a four-part event taking place at Beebe’s at the Gallery and the C. Stuart and Jane H. Hunt Gallery with the first installment on Jan. 24 from 6-8:30 p.m.

    JazzBuffalo is the d.b.a. and brand name for the Greater Buffalo Jazz Society, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to building jazz awareness and jazz appreciation in the WNY area. The organization promotes jazz and builds audience appreciation for jazz through jazz news, live performances, concerts, festivals, jazz series, event calendaring, ticketing, hosting internationally recognized jazz musicians, and jazz education.

    Experience the harmonious blending of ‘Art Meets Jazz’ at Beebe’s at the Gallery and the C. Stuart and Jane H. Hunt Gallery — an exceptional and one-of-a-kind event. With a uniquely captivating art gallery encounter and entertaining sounds of live jazz music, it is a perfect place to relax and enjoy some quality art. This event is set to provide a unique New York City-style gallery experience, brought to audiences through the collaborative efforts of Tony Zambito, producer of the renowned Art of Jazz Series, and Peter Hunt, esteemed sponsor of the Art of Jazz Series.

    “This unique collaboration represents a fusion of art and jazz, a joint effort between Peter Hunt and myself,” said Tony Zambito, founder and Executive Director of JazzBuffalo, for Buffalo Rising. “Our goal is to expand the artistic synergy between art and jazz, continuing our mission to enrich Buffalo’s cultural landscape, akin to our successful Art of Jazz Series at the Buffalo AKG Art Museum.”

    Beebe’s at the Gallery.

    Beebe’s at the Gallery is billed as “An art-forward events venue,” featuring a dining room that seats up to 50 people. The new venue is named after the architect of the Brisbane Building, Milton E. Beebe. For the first installment, artist Andy Russell will open exhibit 111 Alignment with artist XIII at the Hunt Gallery. 

    For the splendid jazz performance, JazzBuffalo brings DeeAnn DiMeo, affectionately known as DeeAnn, who has been entertaining Western New Yorkers for over 20 years. She has graced small clubs to large venues with everything from solo to big bands. Her versatility reaches jazz fans, pop fans, blues, and country audiences, and even church worship services. She’ll be joined by some of Buffalo’s best next-generation rising stars in the jazz scene with Harry Graser on Keyboard, Ed Croft on bass, and John Troy on saxophone/flute.

    A $30 ticket provides you admission to the gallery, live music, and a delightful selection of light hors d’oeuvres. A cash bar offering beer and wine will be available throughout the event. To ensure a comfortable atmosphere for listening to music, socializing, and viewing the art, attendance will be limited to 70 guests.

  • Madonna in Trouble, Fans Sue over Late Start at Brooklyn “Celebration Tour” Dates

    Pop icon Madonna has run into some trouble as two fans who attended the December 13 date of her Brooklyn “Celebration Tour,” have decided to sue the musician for starting her show over two hours late, causing it to end at around 1 a.m.

    Madonna performing during “The Celebration Tour” at Barclays Center on December 14, 2023, photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Live Nation/Getty Images.

    As reported in the BBC, the case, brought by Michael Fellows and Jonathan Hadden, states that “many ticketholders who attended concerts on a weeknight had to get up early to go to work and/or take care of their family responsibilities the next day.” Due to the start time changing from the previously scheduled 8:30 p.m. to a near 10:30, making the pair leave the show at around 1 a.m. they were “left stranded in the middle of the night” and “confronted with limited public transportation, limited ride-sharing, and/or increased public and private transportation costs.”

    The defendants only attended the December 13 concert, but the suit claims that the December 14 and 16 concerts also had a delayed start time. Fellows and Hadden are accusing Madonna, Barclays Center, and tour promoter Live Nation of “unconscionable, unfair, and/or deceptive trade practices” for the delayed start time, citing it as an exercise of false advertising. Had they known this would have occurred, they said they would have not purchased tickets.

    The court papers also say Madonna “has a long history of arriving and starting her concerts late, sometimes several hours late.” In 2019, during her “Madame X” theater tour, Madonna was similarly sued for starting her show at 10:30 p.m. and was also called out at her 2016 Rebel Heart Tour for being late.

    Madonna’s “Celebration Tour” was a greatest hits show including more than 40 songs from her career. The Barclays Center shows were originally supposed to happen in July 2023 but were rescheduled following her hospitalization in June for a serious bacterial infection. The tour continues until its last stop in Mexico in April.

    https://youtu.be/lsvv6JoJ358?si=AwLYQ0CSqegaa-Ii