Category: Genres

Cooperstown Concerts Present Indie Rock Band Annie in the Water for a Night of Feel-good Music and Dancing

Cooperstown Concerts has announced that indie rockers ‘Annie in the Water’ are performing their electrifying sound at the Otesaga Hotel on November 15.

Blending elements of Americana with indie rock and infusing their sets with acoustic guitars, synthesizers and a thunderous rhythm section, Annie in the Water transcends genres, offering fans an exhilarating musical journey. With influences spanning rock, soul, funk, reggae and hip-hop, the band’s live shows are a unique experience, with each performance a new adventure that evolves in response to the crowd’s energy. Their infectious grooves and feel-good rhythms are sure to get everyone on their feet, dancing the night away.

The audience at the November 15 show will be joining the band in celebrating the release of their latest album, Things to Do, which explores their deep connection to Upstate New York, the place the band calls home. Described as a “love letter” to the region, the album has garnered praise for its rich, multi-genre sound. Prior to this album, their latest full-length album was 2022 with Sun at Dawn. Between these two albums, the band released several singles in 2023 – “Sailing,” “Honeybee,” and “Frozen Lake.” Many of their singles, EPs and albums have amassed thousands of streams in only a short timeframe.

Because every show is different, experiencing the music of Annie in the Water live can be compared to paddling with a river. At times you may find yourself in the calm of the flow while at other times you may be deep in the rapids while the music churns and grows in energy. With the ebbs and flows you’re reminded of the constant that you are a part of something greater than yourself, working together with the forces around you and caught in the midst of a beautiful moment in time.

With decades of history and a reputation for excellence, Cooperstown Concerts has been a cornerstone of the local music scene, bringing together a community of music enthusiasts and hosting unforgettable performances. The 2024-2025 season continues this tradition of excellence, featuring a diverse lineup that invites audiences to explore new sounds, discover emerging artists, and enjoy timeless favorites.

Founded 55 years ago, Cooperstown Concerts has served as a home for live music – dedicated to bringing an eclectic mix of world-class live music to our community. With a commitment to diversity in programming and a deep connection to its audience, Cooperstown Concerts offers an opportunity for people to come together, experience and engage with high-quality music from around the globe and enjoy a great performance close to home.

Alice in the Water live at Funk n Waffles

For more information on Annie in the Water’s upcoming show in Cooperstown on November 15, their latest album Things to Do, and to purchase tickets or the album, click here.

November 13, 2024
Guitars Along the Mohawk Returns to the Capitol Theater in Rome

Nearly a dozen Central New York songwriters gathered at the Capitol Theater in Rome on Sunday, November 10 to participate in Guitars Along the Mohawk. The musical showcase was a reboot of the popular Mohawk Vally television show which aired in the late 1980s. In keeping with tradition, the event was filmed for a future television release.

The event served as a benefit for the Capitol Theater. The picturesque theater, which opened in 1928, has been the beneficiary of a focused renovation project over the last several years, and remains a staple in the performing arts scene for the region.

Among the musicians performing on Sunday included Gridley Paige, Sydney Irving, Cassandra Harris-Lockwood with Mark Kelsey, Mark Macri with Ed Gotham, Justin Smithson, Katie Keating, Rocky Feola, Bill Carman with Scott Fleming, and Rose n’ Thorne. Ed Gorham and and Danny Holmes (Rose n Thorne) performed at the original event in 1987. Each act was given fifteen minutes to showcase their talents.

The Guitars Along the Mohawk television special will air in early 2025. Stay tuned for additional details.

November 13, 2024
Jazz at The Other Side in Utica Presents Kris Jensen Nov. 16

Saxophonist, multi-wind artist, composer, and arranger Kris Jensen will perform a one-time intimate show at The Other Side in Utica on Nov. 16. Door opens at 7:00 p.m.

Kris Jensen, a versatile musician, has performed throughout the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, Bangkok, Thailand, and Switzerland. Jensen has performed alongside many prominent artists in both jazz and rock, most notably, the legendary Allman Brothers Band and many of the individual members’ bands including Gregg Allman and Friends, Jaimoe’s Jasssz Band, Dickey Betts and Great Southern. He has also played with trumpet legend Maynard Ferguson, and many others.

In 1996, Jensen was a semi-finalist in the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition. He has studied Jazz and African-American music at the University of Hartford, where he would later teach. Jensen has recently appeared with jazz legends such as trombonist Curtis Fuller, alto saxophonist Phil Woods, and pianist Larry Willis. He has appeared on New Jersey Public Television with Maynard Ferguson, on “Late Night with David Letterman” with Gregg Allman & Friends, and on stage with The Allman Brothers Band, and The Dave Matthews Band.

The Other Side is a small community space dedicated to offering a platform for expression to artists and activists from around the region and beyond. Since 2007, The Other Side has been the go-to destination for jazz musicians and audiences alike.

Orrin Evans adds, “I have been listening to our next jazz guest, saxophonist, flautist & composer Kris Jensen and I’m happy to report that our music director, Dr Mike Dubaniewicz has done it again. Kris Jensen is a ‘beast’ whether blowing w/ the Allmans or with a jazz contingent. The backing band w/ Mike D. on sax, Dan Pugh on organ and Mike Cortese, drums is going to rock the joint.”

Learn more about The Other Side in Utica and purchase tickets here.

November 13, 2024
“Rise of the Roach” National Tour to Make Two Stops in NY

Papa Roach and Rise Against Announce the Rise of the Roach North American Tour. They will hit Syracuse on Sep. 11 and Wantagh on Sep. 13, 2025.

Papa Roach will join forces with Rise Against and special guest Underoath to embark on the first North American legs of the Rise of the Roach Tour in the spring and fall of 2025, marking a significant milestone as the two legendary rock bands unite for their first-ever outing together.

After the original, sold-out, UK and Europe legs of the tour, Rise of the Roach now continues throughout North America in 2025. The tour will hit over 30 major cities through the U.S. across two legs, including a stop at Northwell at Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh, on Saturday, Sep. 13, and Empower FCU Amphitheater in Syracuse on Wednesday, Sep. 11.

Papa Roach will celebrate 25 years of their debut album Infest on tour by playing iconic tracks and fan-favorite deep cuts from their entire catalog. Rise Against is also celebrating 25 years since their formation and will be performing fan favorites and hits from its whole catalog. This tour will see the biggest production from Papa Roach to date. Both Papa Roach and Rise Against will perform some of the biggest hits in the Alternative Hard Rock genre on one stage every night.

General on-sale beginning on Thursday, November 14 at 10 am. Learn more and purchase tickets here.

Papa Roach & Rise Against: “Rise of the Roach” Tour Dates:

Thu Mar 20 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center

Sat Mar 22 – San Antonio, TX – Frost Bank Center

Sun Mar 23 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center

Tue Mar 25 – Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre

Wed Mar 26 – San Diego, CA – Gallagher Square at Petco Park

Fri Mar 28 – Los Angeles, CA – The Kia Forum

Sat Mar 29 – Sacramento, CA – Golden 1 Center

Mon Mar 31 – Portland, OR – Veterans Memorial Coliseum

Tue Apr 01 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena

Thu Apr 03 – Salt Lake City, UT – Maverik Center

Sat Apr 05 – Las Vegas, NV – MGM Grand Garden Arena

Mon Apr 07 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena

Wed Apr 09 – Kansas City, MO – T-Mobile Center

Thu Apr 10 – Omaha, NE – CHI Health Center

Sat Apr 12 – Green Bay, WI – Resch Center

Sun Apr 13 – Saint Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center

Thu Sep 10 – Bridgeport, CT – Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater

Wed Sep 11 – Syracuse, NY – Empower FCU Amphitheater

Sat Sep 13 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell at Jones Beach Theater

Sun Sep 14 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center

Tue Sep 16 – Washington, DC – The Anthem

Wed Sep 17 – Virginia Beach, VA – The Dome

Fri Sep 19 – Allentown, PA – PPL Center

Sat Sep 20 – Bangor, ME – Maine Savings Amphitheater

Tue Sep 23 – Cincinnati, OH – PNC Pavilion

Wed Sep 24 – Maryland Heights, MO – Saint Louis Music Park

Fri Sep 26 – Indianapolis, IN – Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park

Sat Sep 27 – Tinley Park, IL – Credit Union 1 Amphitheater*

Sun Sep 28 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre

Tue Sep 30 – Rogers, AR – Walmart Amp

Wed Oct 01 – Franklin, TN – FirstBank Amphitheater

Thu Oct 03 – Charlotte, NC – Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre

Sat Oct 04 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre

Sun Oct 05 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre

November 12, 2024
NYC-Based Pop Artist Ren Genevieve Reveals a Heartfelt Reflection on Growing Up in “forts”

NYC-based singer-songwriter Ren Genevieve has released her latest single “forts,” an extremely intimate track that illustrates the cycle of growing up and outgrowing relationships. “forts” delves into themes of nostalgia, sadness, and the heartfelt yet inevitable nature of change and growing up.

“forts” is the feeling one gets when they are deep in reminiscing about being a child and how it is to navigate life as a full-time adult. The track draws listeners in, tugging at their heartstrings and allowing them to connect with their deepest emotions. Ren Genevieve’s approach to songwriting and storytelling is what makes her stand out amongst many, “forts” is a prime example of her mastery. With its expressive and deep-seated lyrics, the track hits home for many listeners, while presenting a relatable angle on the struggles of adulthood and how it re-molds past connections people had. With the blend of soul-touching melodies and soft vocals, Genevieve captures all the elements perfectly.

Born in Boston and raised in New York, Michigan, and Bermuda, Genevieve has always been one for the arts. Genevieve started singing, acting, and dancing at a young age, her college years at NYU were what pushed her to pursue writing and sharing her music. She made a name for herself back when her single “I Like You (I Think)” dropped in February 2022 which was then followed by her second single “tongue-tied” in November 2022. Her first few projects were created to share with her friends and family, however, she took the idea and ran with it to perfect her producing skills. Genevieve’s singles helped pave her way as an ardent introduction to her story.

For more information on Ren Genevieve’s music including her latest single “forts” click here.

November 12, 2024
Pigkaso Releases Energetic Single And Music Video Ahead Of His Final Album

Bronx native, hip-hop musician, and professional yo-yoer Richard Pigkaso has released the music video for “Ready, Set, Go,” alongside “Wanna Play With My Yo-Yo?” ahead of the release of the album slated to be his final studio release.

Born in Castle Hill in the Bronx, Richard Pigkaso has been influenced by old school Hip Hop and R&B since youth. Described as a loner and often set apart from the crowd for being marching to the beat of his own drum, Pigkaso found solace and joy in the yoyo.

“It became my creative outlet because I would always be alone – playing video games, going outside and not having many friends. I realized it became something calming for me. Something that allowed me to forget what was going on in my life at that point.”
– Pigkaso

Over time, playing with the classic toy grew from a simple hobby to an impressive skill he showed off in competitions across the United States- even qualifying in a few international meets. The joy of the yo-yo has never left Pigkaso’s heart, but since graduating from college he saw his horizons broadened with the exciting addition of music as a medium.

Pigkaso’s musical ventures have brought him incredible joy already, but with his upcoming release he hopes to expand his love for the yo-yo and channel his musical roots through a message of love and support for those who struggle to find acceptance within themselves.

Lusus Naturae 3: You’re Beautiful Gorgeous is set to be Pigkaso’s final studio album as an artist, the culmination of both his image as the humble and charismatic yo-yoer and the ambitious emcee inextricably tied to the Bronx.

With a hard-hitting beat and one piece of the culminating lyrical royale that is the album, “Wanna Play With My Yo-Yo?” will excite old listeners and new with its hard-hitting sound.

In addition to the release of “Wanna Play With My Yo-Yo?” is the publication of the official music video for “Ready, Set, Go,” fittingly utilizing sharp editing tricks and an overarching race car driving theme.

Pigkaso’s final studio release Lusus Naturae 3: You’re Beautiful Gorgeous, the culmination of his multidisciplinary skill as a yo-yoer and musician, will release on November 15, 2024.

To learn more about Pigkaso, his past work, and all future ventures, check out his official website here.

November 12, 2024
In Focus: LaMP at Lark Hall
LaMP – Russ Lawton, Scott Metzger, and Ray Paczkowski – performed at Lark Hall on Saturday, November 9 at Lark Hall in Albany with special guest Oobleck.

LaMP is the trio of drummer Russ Lawton, organist Ray Paczkowski, and guitarist Scott Metzger. Lawton and Paczkowski have been performing music together since the late 1990s, before joining together in Trey Anastasio Band. The sound of LaMP infuses Metzger’s telecaster melodies into the synergy of âRuss and Rayâ from Soule Monde, creating a funky night of music, every time.

NYS Music photographer Conor McMahon was on hand to capture the evening of LaMP at Lark Hall. The band will be at the Towne Crier in Beacon on Friday, November 22, and Brooklyn Bowl the following night.
November 12, 2024
Nanola Celebrates 11 Years of Live Music and Good Cookin

Malta restaurant and live music venue Nanola has announced its celebration of 11 years of service. The venue celebrates the milestone the week of November 11 with a slew of exciting menu deals and various live musical performances.

Nanola operates as a bar and restaurant open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. They provide some of the area’s best burgers and wings as well as some Cajun and New Orlean’s specialties. Jambalaya and even fried alligator from time-to-time graces Nanola’s menu. The restaurant has also hosted many events from weddings to funerals. They have a stage with professional sound and have had many acts take the stage over the years.

Local cover bands and solo acts tend to fill Nanola’s schedule these days, but they still pull out the big guns occasionally and have hosted acts such as White Denim, Rusted Root, Caroline Rose, Bob Moses, Tokyo Police Club, Dogs in a Pile. Owner Shane Spillenger has repeatedly kicked himself for turning down Goose on a random Wednesday one week. This week they will be hosting Shake Rattle and Roll Dueling Pianos and Saturday night 80’s cover band Aquanett.

Nanola also hosts weekly trivia, and all your sports viewing events with the NFL package. They also have open mic monthly and karaoke sprinkled in. In the warmer months they have three beach volleyball courts that have leagues almost every day of the week. The volleyball leagues are run by Spillenger’s partner Matthew Wink. US Olympic players have used the courts for practice.

To coincide with this week’s anniversary, they are refining the menu to Nanola’s tried and true favorites. For a limited time only Nanola will be bringing back its buy-one-get-one happy hour between 4 and 6pm seven days a week. They will also be offering 1-dollar wings for a limited time only.

For more information on Nanola’s 11-year anniversary celebration and to check out upcoming shows and menu changes, click here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6ZfRNHYLXI

November 12, 2024
Jam for Tots Shows Announced Across New York, Benefit Kids Most in Need

The 2024 holiday season is upon us, and along with a spirit of giving and supporting those most in need in our local communities. Jam for Tots will once again be held at venues across New York State, bringing live music fans together for great shows while collecting toys to brighten the spirits of children statewide.

For more than 10 years, Jam for Tots has been held across New York State and the Northeast, where fans are encouraged to bring along with an unwrapped toy for a child (under 13) to drop in the donation box. These toys will be brought to local charities within the venueâs community, to ensure that these toys brighten the day of children within the local area.

Shows for the 2024 holiday season will be hosted by multiple venues, including Funk ân Waffles Syracuse, Lark Hall, Putnam Place, Stewart House, The Strand Theatre Hudson Falls, Bearsville Theatre, The Pub (Philmont), Hibernian Hall in Albany and The Waterhole. We gratefully thank these venues for their support of this worthy cause.

Things kick off at Hibernian Hall in Albany on November 15 with One Heart Band. See below for the full lineup of 2024 Jam for Tots shows across New York State (chronological order).

Friday, Nov. 15 – One Heart Band – Hibernian Hall, Albany

Saturday, Nov. 16 – Barry Goudreau’s Engine Room – The Strand Theatre – Hudson Falls

Thursday, Dec. 5 – Open Mic Jam hosted by John Pinder – The Stewart House, Athens

Friday, Dec 6 – The Warped Tour Band – The Waterhole, Saranac Lake – Benefitting Saranac Lake Holiday Helpers

Friday, Dec. 6 – Across the Pond (Beatles tribute) – The Strand Theatre, Hudson Falls

Saturday, Dec. 7 – Lespecial – Lark Hall, Albany

Wednesday, Dec. 11 – Luke Weiler and Josh Anderson – The Pub, Philmont

Thursday, Dec. 12 – Mihali – Putnam Place, Saratoga Springs

Saturday, Dec. 21 – Chris Maxwell, Amanda Parsley – Bearsville Theater, Woodstock

Sunday, Dec. 15 through Dec 22 – Tato for Tots – Funk n Waffles, Syracuse

November 12, 2024
“A Wonderful World” Review – Louis Armstrong’s Biography Unfolds on the Broadway Stage

Trees of green, red roses, and timeless jazz standards await audiences in Andrew Delaplaine and Christopher Renshaw’s “A Wonderful World”. The new Broadway presentation of Louis Armstrong’s personal life and music career opened at Studio 54 on November 12th.

James Monroe Iglehart in “A Wonderful World”. Photo by Jeremy Daniel

As I took my seat at Studio 54, it was clear that the audience was a mixed bag of casual listeners, broadway lovers, jazz enthusiasts, and Louis Armstrong superfans. No matter what group each person fell into, we all knew at least one detail of Louis Armstrong’s story: the instantly identifiable tone of his voice.

From the very first word of Aurin Squire’s book, it was clear that star and co-Director James Monroe Iglehart was able to channel Armstrong and imitate the gravelly tone with great precision. He fully embodies the icon in both his captivating vocals and his dialogue, the latter of which volleys seamlessly between dramatic and comedic throughout the production.

As the story unfolds, we find that Squire’s book takes a brilliant approach to Armstrong’s biography, choosing to utilize the legend’s four wives to advance the plot through the 50+ years that are covered on stage. Each romance marks the beginning of a new chapter on the Studio 54 stage in a fast-paced narrative. This format not only lends itself well to walking the audience through Armstrong’s life and career, but it also treats us to four strong leading women.

Most notably, Darlesia Cearcy, last seen on a Broadway stage earlier this year in “How To Dance In Ohio,” delivers a masterful performance as Louis Armstrong’s fourth and final wife Lucille Watson. Cearcy gives such a wide range of emotion in her lines that makes her one of the most well developed characters in the show despite the fact that she is not introduced until after intermission.

James Monroe Iglehart and Darlesia Cearcy in “A Wonderful World”. Photo by Jeremy Daniel

While the cast delivered an excellent performance, I was most impressed by a duo who was never on stage. Set Designers Adam Koch and Steven Royal somehow created a stage that was both simple and sophisticated, vintage and modern, and all around perfect for this story. The versatile scenery masterfully uses one stage design to carry audiences from jazz clubs to dining rooms to tour buses and beyond with very few changes between scenes.

“A Wonderful World”. Photo by Jeremy Daniel

Overall, “A Wonderful World” delicately walks the line between a feel-good musical and an American history lesson. The beautiful set, joyous music, and captivating drama are sure to entertain audiences through their bright blessed days and their dark sacred nights.

November 12, 2024