NYS Music 2024

Category: Genres

  • In Focus: Cigarettes After Sex at Madison Square Garden

    On Friday, September 6 American dream pop band Cigarettes After Sex performed a sold out show at Madison Square Garden.

    Perri Sage Photography

    The band formed in 2013 in El Paso, Texas and are made up of lead vocalist and electric guitarist Greg Gonzalez , drummer Jacob Tomsky, and bassist Randall Miller. The band explores a celestial soundscape using a unique approach to the dream pop genre.

    The trio blew up internationally in 2016 when their first debut EP “I.” launched. Their music enters an ethereal and dreamlike haze that’s soothing and romantic. Best known for top hits “Apocalypse,” “Cry,” “Nothing’s Gonna Hurt You Baby” and “K.” Their songs include riffs of the guitar, a steady drum beat and synthesized swells which creates a sound you could almost fall asleep to.

    Perri Sage Photography

    Their lyrical composition is drawn heavily from Greg’s personal memories and allude a cinematic and emotive response. Each song describes moments of romance and the feeling of falling in love. Similar to a black and white melancholic film with a lingering sadness that reminds us of our past.

    Cigarettes After Sex beautifully allows their audience to connect with them on a deeper more personal level. The atmosphere of the show was full of people who could relate to one another emotionally and connect to another’s experience.

    Perri Sage Photography

    The band continues to amaze their fans and fulfill the hope to bring forward ethereal, imaginary and a calming space to soothe their audience. As of recently, the ambient band released their third studio album “X’s” this past July including three singles Tejano Blue, Dark Vacay and Baby Blue Movie. While they continue to bewitch listeners with lust and longing, the band conquered a night to remember.

  • Adequate Phil Release Playful New Single “9ine Beers D33p”

    A new 2-track single from Troy’s Adequate Phil, “9ine Beers D33p,” was released on Aug. 18. This single features two guest artists which blends the bands spacey, psychedelic sounds with their smooth, lyrical flows.

    Adequate Phil

    Adequate Phil is a band from Troy who define themselves as a psychedelic freak-folk group. The band consists of Arunesh Ghosh and Andrew Golden while featuring on this track, Kevin Burns, Matthew Johnson, and Matt Malone.

    Adequate Phil are heavily influenced by classic psychedelic acts like Animal Collective, The Beatles, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, and Radiohead. This new track manages to blend in elements of hip-hop production. This gives their sound interesting parallels with acts such as Gorillaz or Danger Mouse, while still providing interesting and new ideas.

    For their latest single “9ine Beers D33p” released on Aug. 18, the band has teamed up with two MCs in Troy, Big Lettuce and Yung Alfredo. This is a project that manages to produce a sound with the feeling of 8-bit stoned stargazing. Adequate Phil says, “It’s been a blast working on this, and we think it’s some of our best stuff yet.”

    Learn more about Adequate Phil by checking out their website here.

  • MTV Kicks off VMAs Week at 2nd Annual Block Party

    Considered the pre-cursor to the 2024 VMAs at UBS Arena, the free, family-friendly event took place on Sunday, September 8 from 12 noon to 5pm at Domino Park in Williamsburg. What better way to ring in one of music’s biggest nights than a beautiful late summer afternoon of celebration along the Brooklyn waterfront? And this year’s Moon Person goes to…the second-annual VMAs Block Party!

    Jordan Adetunji (Left), Knox (Middle), and Lola Brooke (Right) perform at the 2nd-annual MTV VMAs Block Party at Domino Park in Brooklyn, New York.

    Hosted by MTV’s Dometi Pongo and WCBS’ Alecia Reid, the second annual VMAs Block Party kicked off one of music’s biggest weeks and featured live performances from artists like Jordan Adetunji, Knox and Lola Brooke, in addition to and all-day DJ Set by DJ CherishTheLuv.

    Jordan Adetunji took to the stage to perform some of his recent cuts and finished his set with smash-hit “Kehlani” that sent the crowd into a frenzy.

    Knox took the stage with the energy and passion that have come to define his music. His set, featuring fan favorites like “Sneakers,” “Love Letter,” and “Not The 1975,” showcased his skill in blending catchy melodies with heartfelt lyrics.

    Lola Brooke sure knows how to keep the energy going! The rapper took the stage on Sept. 8 at Domino Park, and had the crowd going crazy for her performance which rounded out the VMAs Block Party.

    The event also featured MTV VMA Moon Person Photo Opp, MTV VMA Free Swag Station, The Rolling Stones x MTV Pop-up Shop, BK Whopper Whopper Remix Photo Opper, MTV Mental Health is Health ASKtivation, and Mr. Flower Fantastic MTV Topiary Moon Person for all participants to enjoy.

    The day was a celebration of music’s ability to bring people together, with Jordan Adetunji, Knox, and Lola Brooke, each showcasing their individual talents while also highlighting the shared human experiences that their songs explore.

    Megan Thee Stallion will take the reins for music’s biggest night on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at 8:00pm ET. Before you get comfy on the couch to cheer on your favorite musicians, check out what you missed in the gallery below.

  • Colin Jost and Michael Che To Host Live Comedy Special in Brooklyn

    Just ahead of Saturday Night Live’s 50th season premiere, SNL hosting duo and comedians Colin Jost and Michael Che will be premiering their never-before-seen live comedy special, New York After Dark, on September 12 at The Bell House in Brooklyn.

    Colin Jost Michael Che
    Photo: Peacock

    Hosts of SNL’s “Weekend Update” segment since 2014, Colin Jost and Michael Che have built a notable comedic rapport beloved by the show’s fans over the years in addition to their own individual accomplishments as comedians. 

    Now, after years behind the camera, the duo will be shining the spotlight on some of their favorite comics from New York City’s comedy scene- and possibly beyond- in a one night only live show in Brooklyn.

    After ten years of comedy behind the screen, Jost and Che are moving to the stage for a brand new live comedy event at the historic Bell House. Recorded in front of an in-person audience, the hour-long special will feature “drop ins only”- meaning the exact guest list is unknown. However, audience members can expect some of the duo’s favorite acts, fresh faces to the industry, and possibly even a few household names.

    In addition to the mystery lineup, Grammy-nominated musical ensemble 1500 or Nothin’ will be providing the evening’s soundtrack as well as accompanying performances throughout the night as the show’s house band. 

  • Joe Russo’s Almost Dead Set Sail at Pier 17

    Amidst a backdrop of New York Harbor and skyscrapers, Joe Russos Almost Dead (JRAD) returned home with an impressive declaration. The New York originals hit the stage at 6:15pm sharp on Friday, September 6 and Saturday, September 7 for back to back sell out shows to no surprise. It was another day at the office for the quintet, as this show marked their second visit to The Rooftop at Pier 17.

    “Gotta Serve Somebody”, rang out to kick the weekend off. The audience would agree in saying Mr. Dylan would be proud. Tom Hamilton (Guitar and Vocals) came out swinging, delivering an electrifying solo that made the floor shake. Marco Benevento (Keys, Synth, and Vocals) as usual had infectiously positive energy as he laughed on, smiling from ear to ear like a mad scientist watching a creation thrive and prosper.

    With classics “Music Never Stopped”, “Estimated Prophet”, and “New Speedway Boogie”, the audience got their classic dead fill well before the first set ended. The second set featured several bust-outs including “Foolish Heart” and “Alice D Millionaire”. Closing with fireworks both figuratively and literally, the band encored with Them’s “Gloria”, the perfect cliffhanger to end the evening on. Scott Metzger (Guitar and Vocals) stood out here, as he did at many other points during the two nights. Masterful precision on the fret board, raw, powerfully passionate vocals, and great respect for the material of which he is deservingly trusted with.

    After an outstanding first set on night two, attendees were gifted a special treat – a sit in featuring Lee Ranaldo, formerly of Sonic Youth. At first, only accompanied by the band leader Joe Russo (Drums, Percussion, and Vocals), rain began trickling in as the duo embarked upon a tribute to Ned Lagins, “Seastones”. A composition of deep ambient space as Mr. Ranaldo alternated between a synth pick up rig, xylophones, and using what seemed like a violin bow on his guitar. The rest of the group joined the stage not long after. With rain coming down harder, the band nor the audience paid it any mind, as it all seemed quite fitting. They gracefully transitioned into “Dark Star,” with Lee taking lead on vocals. JRAD’s guest proved no stranger to Grateful Dead aura, seamlessly joining the fold, elevating the show to an unanticipated but greatly appreciated height.

    With the bar set very high, the rest of set two featured numerous heavy hitters in the famous catalog of music. The arrival of “Terrapin Station” was an important stop of the evening before the audience would erupt once more. The iconic piano melody played masterfully by Benevento, Pink Floyd classic, “Pigs (Three Different Ones)” was up next. Ha-ha’ing all unison, the endeavor unfolding could make one take notice as to what makes JRAD the epic force it continues to be.

    In a world where Grateful Dead cover bands are in abundance, there are the ones that stand out and the ones that don’t. JRAD is in a league entirely of their own. Touring around the country quite frequently, they leave no stone unturned, both in musical style and energy. Led by Russo, whose ability behind a drum and percussion kit could make one’s jaw drop, him and his bandmates function like co-pilots, flying and landing an epic plane.

    One faux farewell later and with Mr. Ronaldo back on stage, “Morning Dew” was the closing designated number. As the band played on, the audience took it all in one last time in almost complete silence. Going out with a strong force of momentum, they bid their audience goodnight. While the band must have been rightfully exhausted, the same could not be said about the audience. The house appropriately played “This Must Be The Place” from The Talking Heads to which the concert venue became a dance floor. Their tour will resume nationwide in early October.

    Joe Russos Almost Dead – Rooftop at Pier 17 – September 6, 2024

    Set 1: Gotta Serve Somebody, The Music Never Stopped, Estimated Prophet, New Speedway Boogie, Hot Lanta, Shakedown Street

    Set 2: New Minglewood Blues, Foolish Heart, Brown-Eyed Women, Alice D. Millionarie, Feel Like A Stranger, Atlantic City, Casey Jones, Playing In The Band

    Encore: Gloria

    Joe Russos Almost Dead – Rooftop at Pier 17 – September 7, 2024

    Set 1: My Brother Esau, Rueben and Cherise, Let It Grow, Help on the Way, Slipknot! , Fire and Brimstone, Cumberland Blues

    Set 2: Seastones, Dark Star, Where’s Sly? Lady With A Fan, Terrapin Station, Greatest Story Ever Told, Pigs (Three Different Ones), Jack Straw

    Encore: Morning Dew

    joe russo's almost dead pier 17
    joe russo's almost dead pier 17

  • Frank Vignola and Pasquale Grasso Deliver Jazz Guitar Master Performance at Caffe Lena

    Jazz guitar virtuosos Frank Vignola and Pasquale Grasso put on a spectacular performance of their arrangements and improvisations of jazz standards and their own individual compositions, delivered with incredible musicianship and warm performance skills to a full house at Caffe Lena in Saratoga Springs on Friday, August 30th.  Though it was a repeat appearance for Vignola, it was Pasquale’s first appearance at Caffe Lena and, most likely, not his last.

    Vignola and Pasquale are not a standing duo but teamed up for this performance, as they have on several occasions in the past and will later this year and into next year at various US venues.Vignola is one of the most highly respected and internationally sought after guitarists in multiple genres, having played with countless jazz artists and artists in other types of music as diverse as Madonna, Ringo Starr and Donald Fagan.  He has appeared at prestigious venues including New York’s Lincoln Center, the Blue Note, and Birdland where he performs regularly

    Grasso, who Pat Metheny called “The best guitar player I’ve heard in maybe my entire life”, has a style which is truly his own, stemming from influences as divergent as John Scofield, Charlie Parker, Bill Frissel and classical music and shaped in part by the nuances of jazz piano on guitar. Grasso, now in his thirties, moved to New York from Italy fifteen years ago and has been thrilling the jazz world ever since.  He plays primarily at jazz clubs in New York City, either solo or with his trio or quartet.  

    Vignola delivered his virtuosity with his longtime companion, a 1950s Gibson L7 hollow body archtop with McCarty P90 pickups, played through a Fender Princeton Reverb tube amp. Grasso took the opportunity to introduce the audience to his brand new custom made Trenier hollow body jazz guitar with its single TK Smith “Charlie Christian”- bar type pickup, which he played through a stellar 1940s Gibson EH185 tube amp.

    Rather than performing from a set list for either of their two sets, the two took turns deciding what the pair would play as the night progressed, with occasional exchanges of “What do you what to play? I don’t know, what would you like to do?” followed by one laying down a few notes to intro a piece with the other joining in with chord comping harmonizing the melody played by the other, with the pair often “switching” roles. Their selections included “Segment” and “Billy’s Bounce” by Charlie Parker in a posthumous homage to Parker’s August 29 birthdate; the jazz standard “Body and Soul”; “Monks Dream”, “Blue Monk” and “Evidence” by jazz pianist Thelonius Monk; “Stardust” played as a tribute to “straight ahead” jazz guitarist Russel/ Malone who passed away unexpectedly in Japan a few weeks ago; and a number of Pasquale Grasso’s original compositions.

    Frank Vignola

    There are few things in music as enjoyable as players improvising together at a level where each brings out a musical invitation and challenge to the other to weave their contribution into the other’s and this was a prime example, song after song, of just that level of virtuosity. And it was apparent from both their facial expressions and their musical interweaving that the two performers were enjoying each other’s contribution at least as much as the audience was.  It was truly a “dance of two guitars”.  Gazing around the room at the people in the audience made it clear that they were transfixed on every passage delivered in the intimate setting that is part of the historic charm and the ambiance of Caffe Lena.

    Pasquale Grasso

    At times the pair would trade four or eight bar melody or chord melody solos back and forth, with each one’s contribution complementing the other’s, and with facial expressions making it apparent how much they enjoyed what they were doing. Whether they were delivering what seemed to be melody runs of 32nd notes with absolute clarity and well placed clear spaces in the mix interchanged with chord solos or chord harmonies that visited the entire span of the guitar’s fingerboard; or more ballad-like slower tempo masterpieces, Vignola and Grasso truly delivered a master class in jazz guitar.

    Long time Caffe Lena house live sound engineer Joe Deuel did his usual excellent job presenting their sound to the room, micing intentionally set low volumes of the two amps into the house’s live sound, balancing and EQing them with perfection. 

    Frank Vignola
    Frank Vignola
    Frank VIgnola
    Frank Vignola
    Pasquale Grasso
    Pasquale Grasso
    Pasquale Grasso
    Pasquale Grasso

  • Unheard Version of Bob Dylan and The Band’s “Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues” Out Now

    “Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues” recorded on Jan 30, 1974 at Madison Square Garden has been released ahead of the upcoming Bob Dylan compendium, The 1974 Live Recordings. The album will contain never-before-heard recordings from Dylan and The Band and will be released on Sept 20.

    Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues
    Photo Credit: Barry Feinstein

    Columbia Records and Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment, have released “Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues” recorded by Bob Dylan and The Band live at Madison Square Garden, on Jan 30, 1974.

    From Dylan’s first tour in 8 years, The 1974 Live Recordings is a collection featuring every professionally recorded show from Bob Dylan’s 1974 arena tour with The Band. The complete recordings are out on September 20 celebrating the 50th anniversary of Bob Dylan’s return to touring that year. Bob Dylan and The Band performed 30 dates in 42 days for that tour to an average audience of 18,500.

    The collection features 417 never-before-heard versions of some of Dylan’s most beloved songs, as well as some of his lesser known songs. Nearly all the recordings were not included on the original live album Before The Flood. The 1974 Tour was captured on a stereo soundboard mix, on both 1⁄4” tape and cassette.

    The collection will be available as a deluxe box set across 27 CDs, and includes 133 recordings newly mixed from 16-track tape, and every single surviving soundboard recording – along with new liner notes by journalist and critic Elizabeth Nelson. Jack White’s Third Man Records has announced the release of The 1974 Live Recordings – The Missing Songs From Before the Flood, a 3-LP / 1 x 7-inch set culled from the same recordings, featuring versions of every song Bob Dylan recorded that was not included on the original 1974 live album. The set will be available through The Vault on Colored Vinyl.

    Learn more and pre-order the box set here.

  • Grateful Dead Tribute All-Drag Band “BERTHA” Embarks On First Tour

    Grateful Dead tribute and LGBTQ+ benefit band BERTHA has announced her first ever tour across the United States, “BERTHA DOES AMERICA”. The tour will begin on September 12 at the Brooklyn Bowl.

    bertha

    The world’s first all-drag Grateful Dead tribute band, BERTHA is a powerhouse of a performance. Founded in Nashville after their state legislature passed bans on public drag and trans youth healthcare, every show BERTHA plays is a benefit for LGBTQ+ causes, creating community and solidarity between the local drag and live music scenes. 

    An absolute love letter to both their namesake and the queer community, BERTHA is a conglomerate of drag artists with a core set of performers but no concrete lineup. There is a rotating lineup with special guest Berthas, seasoned Berthas, and every Bertha inbetween. Founding members include singer for bluegrass band Front Country Melody Walker, former member of the duo Smooth Hound Smith Doyle, Jacob Groopman, Lindsay Lou, Alex Bice, Thomas Bryan Eaton, Kyle Tuttle, and Milly Racoon.

    Regardless of how long a particular artist has been a Bertha, the band is a collective with two things in mind- the Grateful Dead and raising money for LGBTQ+ causes. This unique set of priorities has led to a growth in the overlap between Grateful Dead fans and members of the queer community, fostering a rather unique and enthusiastic audience attitude towards both the performances themselves and the larger causes they support.

    This exciting tour will open on September 12 at the Brooklyn Bowl, followed by nine other dates across the country. For tickets and further information on the Brooklyn date, please visit here. 

    The full list of dates on the BERTHA DOES AMERICA tour are listed below. For more information on BERTHA and other shows, please visit here.

    TOUR DATES

    9.12 BROOKLYN, NY – BROOKLYN BOWL

    9.13 HARTFORD, CT – INFINITY HALL

    9.14 ASBURY PARK, NJ – THE WONDER BAR

    10.17 ASHEVILLE, NC – SALVAGE STATION

    10.19 CHARLESTON, SC – CHARLESTON POUR HOUSE

    11.2 NASHVILLE, TN – BASEMENT EAST

    11.21 BOULDER, CO – FOX THEATRE

    11.22 DENVER, CO – CERVANTES 

    11.23 FT. COLLINS, CO – AGGIE THEATRE

    12.14 BERKELEY, CA – THE UC THEATRE

  • Hackensaw Boys brings Love What You Do 20th Anniversary Tour to New York

    Americana bluegrass band Hackensaw Boys brings their celebratory tour for the 20th Anniversary of their 2005 album, Love What You Do. All in all, the group will bringing performances of the acclaimed project to Woodstock, Syracuse, and New York City this September and October.

    Hackensaw Boys

    Hackensaw Boys have been touring since 1999, known throughout the country and beyond for their exciting performances and unique use of the “charismo”, a DIY percussion instrument constructed of cans and other household objects. Carving out a distinctive sound of their own, current members David Sickmen (guitar), Caleb Powers (fiddle), Thomas Olivier (mandolin), Taylor Shuck (banjo), Aaron Smith (bass), and Bee Roberts (percussion) have been delivering high energy, down to earth shows as a collective for years now, with yet another sensational tour ahead of them beginning in just a few weeks.

    About “Love What You Do”

    Moreover, the album in question for the upcoming tour is one of their most beloved works, Love What You Do. Released in 2005, the album combines influences from American traditional music and modern indie rock, resulting in fan favorites that are still requested at almost every show just under 20 years later. This tour is a love letter to longtime listeners and fans of some of their oldest works, offering fresh interpretations of the classics while keeping the spirit of the original recordings alive.

    In addition to the live celebration, Hackensaw Boys will be pressing the album to vinyl for the very first time – a physical token to commemorate how far the group has come.

    As a result, Hackensaw Boys will begin their tour on September 26 in Woodstock. In addition to the opening show, the group will be performing in Syracuse on September 27 accompanied by opener Kidbless, and they will return to the state to perform at the Mercury Lounge in New York City on October 6. For tickets and further information, please visit here. 

    Moreover, dates for the east coast and midwest this fall have been announced, with more to come in the winter and spring. Thus, for the full list of currently announced tour dates, please see below.

    TOUR DATES

    Sept 26 – Colony (Woodstock, NY)

    Sept 27 – Funk ‘n Waffles (Syracuse, NY)

    Sept 28 – Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats (Rehoboth Beach, DE)

    Sept 29 – Small Batch Cellars (North Haven, CT)

    Oct 1 – Club Cafe (Pittsburgh, PA)

    Oct 2 – The 8×10 (Baltimore, MD)

    Oct 3 – 118 North (Wayne, PA)

    Oct 4 – Askew (Providence, RI)

    Oct 5 – Roy’s Hall (Blairstown, NJ)

    Oct 6 – Mercury Lounge (NYC, NY)

    Oct 19 – Trading Post by Traber Ranch (Lynchburg, VA)

    Oct 20 – Roanoke GO Fest (Roanoke, VA)

    Nov 7 – Shank Hall (Milwaukee, WI)

    Nov 8 – The Tarlton Theatre (Green Bay, WI)

    Nov 9 – Evanston SPACE (Evanston, IL)

    Nov 10 – Turf Club (St. Paul, MN)

    Nov 11 – Raccoon Motel (Davenport, IA)

    Nov 13 – Southgate House Revival (Newport, KY)

    Nov 14 – Duke’s Indy (Indianapolis, IN)

    Nov 15 – Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill (Grand Rapids, MI)

    Nov 16 – Beachland Tavern (Cleveland, OH)

    Nov 17 – Rumba Cafe (Columbus, OH)

  • In Focus: John 5 Shreds Albany’s Empire Underground 

    On Wednesday, September 4, guitar virtuoso John 5 delivered an unforgettable performance at Albany’s Empire Underground. The venue switched from the larger Empire Live to take advantage of the superior acoustics for a live album recording. This more intimate setting gave fans an up-close experience with one of rock’s most iconic guitarists, making for an immersive show that fans will not soon forget.

    John 5 @ Albany's Empire Underground

    For over 30 years, John 5 has been a highly-touted guitarist, known for his work with acts like Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson, and Mötley Crüe, while also maintaining a prolific solo career. 

    Tom Atkins Band @ Albany's Empire Underground

    The night kicked off with Albany’s own Tom Atkins Band, who brought their local flair to the stage. Los Angeles’ Turning Jane was next up, setting the tone with their dynamic performances.

    Turning Jane @ Albany's Empire Underground

    John 5’s set at Empire Underground showcased his unmatched versatility, effortlessly blending genres and switching stringed instruments.

    John 5 @ Albany's Empire Underground

    As the night came to a close, the crowd was left buzzing from John 5’s electrifying performance. With a live album soon to follow, fans can look forward to reliving the magic of the night. The combination of an intimate setting, stellar opening acts, and the possibility of a live recording made this show a standout.

    John 5 @ Albany's Empire Underground