NYS Music 2024

Category: Genres

  • Biscuits and Eggs: The Brownstein Family Band Serve up the Jams in Albany

    It was fun for the whole family as members of The Disco Biscuits and Eggy, along with up-and-coming jammers Dysfunktone, converged at in Albany to bring the party to the people on Friday, June 28. Playing the third gig of the Brownstein Family Band’s first multi-show run, it didn’t take long before the bona fide family reunion escalated into an all-out dance party.

    Featuring familiar tunes, choice covers and a whole lot of smiles and sweat, it was the kind of night that made you feel lucky to be alive and that you were in the right place at the right time.

    Marc, Jake and Zach Brownstein performing as The Brownstein Family Band in Albany on 6/28/24.

    Conceived almost by accident when someone backstage at Biscoland 2023 suggested the idea of getting everyone named ‘Brownstein’ together to form a supergroup, less than a year later, that pipe dream has become a full-fledged reality. Consisting of the Disco Biscuits bassist Marc Brownstein and his son Zach Brownstein on drums, the band also features Eggy bandmates Jake Brownstein on guitar and Dani Battat on keyboards. 

    Now collectively known as The Brownstein Family Band, the high-profile side project blazed a trail over the Northeast with four shows that will have people talking for years to come.

    Dysfunktone kicked things off at Lark Hall on 6/28/24.

    Opening the night at Lark Hall with an energetic set full of groove-based improv was Long Island rockers Dysfunktone. Commanding your attention from the opening riffs, the impressive young quartet dazzled with proficiency and technicality.  Made up of Rob Meza on guitar and keys, Alex Gallina on bass, Brandon Hanna on guitar, and Dakota Henry on drums, the band wasted no time going dank and deep.

    After kicking off with a 14-minute rendition of “Strawberry Cough,” Dysfunktone easily won the crowd over with stellar versions of “Medusa’s Myth,” “Circadian Rhythms,” and an epic 18 minute ride through “Feelin’ Time” that contained clear Aqueous teases throughout. A band that is destined to become a force in the Northeast jam scene for years to come, be sure to keep an eye out for them and thank us later. After a brief intermission, the Brownstein Family Band soon assembled on stage around 9:30pm.

    The Brownstein Family Band performing at Lark Hall on 6/28/24.

    Properly paying homage to a mutual musical hero, Jerry Garcia, the Brownstein Family Band opened their set with colorful cover of “Let It Rock.”  Setting the tone for the exciting evening to come, Steve Miller Band’s “Take the Money and Run” would give way to the first original song of the set in Eggy’s “One Stop Shop.” Pausing for a moment to address the audience, Marc Brownstein (AKA Brownie) would claim the Lark Hall crowd was the most welcoming and energetic so far on this run. Peering at them through a pair of gnarly green shades, he’d go on to say that because “they were having so much fun, they’re going to ditch the set break and keep the jams flowing.”

    Marc Brownstein of The Disco Biscuits performing with The Brownstein Family Band on 6/28/24.

    Dropping back into the music with the beloved Disco Biscuits original “M.E.M.P.H.I.S.” the band seamlessly dithered into the psychedelic territory of the Beatles classic “Tomorrow Never Know” with vocals courtesy of keyboardist Dani (pronounced Donny) Battat. The crowd got extra excited for its follow up, another cherished Jerry Garcia tune, “Cats Under the Stars.”

    Providing a perfect platform for Eggy’s axe-man Jake to show off his incredible chops, the song effortlessly segued into the timeless “Tangled Up in Blue” which had everyone singing along in unison.

    Eggy’s Jake Brownstein performing with The Brownstein Family Band on 6/28/24.

    Another Eggy original tune was up next in the form of “All Wheel’s Turnin’,” before the Brownstein Family Band surprised us all with a cover of Donovan’s “Barabajagal.”  Pausing once again for a few words, Brownie would speak from the heart, commenting how great it was to be playing with these young and hungry lions, while also acknowledging just how great of songwriters Jake and Dani really are.

    Like any proud dad, he would also give major props to his son, Zach, for holding it down on the drum kit, watching him not only grow into a great drummer, but a professional one and noting that it’s “a true joy to be sharing the stage with him.” The sappy sentiment continued next with an emotional rendition of the Grateful Dead’s “They Love Each Other” that had all the feels and was perhaps the overall highlight of the night.  After “Confrontation” left Lark Hall begging for more, the band would return to the stage for one final tune.

    Zach Brownstein performing with The Brownstein Family Band on 6/28/24.

    With things going so well, Dani would joke about how their still trying to figure out a way to have some Brownstein family drama. Marc would quickly interject and say, “We’re only 4 show in. It’s coming.  Believe me, I’ve been around for a long time. The drama is coming and this song is our redemption.”  The Brownstein Family Band would then close the show with an emphatic and euphoric rendition of the Eggy original “Golden Gate Dancer,” bringing another stellar night of music at Lark Hall to a memorable close.

    Eggy’s Dani Battat performing with The Brownstein Family Band in Albany on 6/28/24.

    After wrapping up this brief run of shows the following night in Bridgeport, CT, it’s unknown when the Brownstein Family Band will perform their next gig.

    With The Disco Biscuits set to host their second annual Biscoland in LaFayette’s Wonderland Forest over the 4th of July holiday and Eggy heading west to make their Red Rocks debut and play a handful of high profile festivals through the month of July, it’s shaping up to be a busy summer ahead for both of these talented and charismatic bands. What we do know for certain is that when this fun loving collaboration happens again, you don’t want to miss it.

    Brownstein Family Band | June 6, 2024 | Lark Hall | Albany, NY

    Setlist: Let It Rock, Take the Money and Run, One Stop Shop, M.E,M.P.H.I.S.  > Tomorrow Never Knows, Cats Under The Stars > Tangled Up In Blue, All Wheels Turning, Barabajagal, They Love Each Other, Confrontation

    Encore: Golden Gate Dancer Redemption

    Dysfunktone | June 6, 2024 | Lark Hall | Albany, NY

    Setlist: Strawberry Cough, Siren’s Song > Medusa’s Myth, Circadian Rhythms, Feelin’ Time.

  • Basilica Soundscape Returns to Hudson This September

    This September, the town of Hudson, NY, will host the 2024 Basilica Soundscape Music Festival. From September 27-29, fans and attendees can see a wide variety of concerts, art installations, and high-tech performances from local and nationwide artists.

    basilica soundscape

    Founded in 2010 by Melissa Auf der Maur, Patrick Doyle, and Tony Stone, Basilica Hudson has been providing local artists, writers, and musicians alike with a historic space to showcase their work. Located in a reclaimed industrial factory from the 1880s, the original architecture included industrial windows, brick walls, terracotta ceiling tiles, and an intricate steel truss system. With thorough renovations, but still preserving the original features, it became the perfect scenic location to present these works. Since then, a wide variety of programs hosted through Basilica Soundscape include music festivals, live readings, and gallery presentations.

    Through its programs, Basilica Hudson actively encourages and supports the creation, production, and presentation of independent arts and culture. One of its trademark festivals, Basilica SoundScape, features live concerts, conceptual sound performances, author readings, art installations, curated local vendors and artisans, on-site activities, and more, creating an immersive, innovative weekend of art, music, and culture.

    Presented below are the full list of performers coming to Basilica Soundscape:

    Friday, September 27

    “Motherbeat” vinyl DJs Eris Drew & Octo Octa return to Basilica Soundscape for a night of bass-blasting house music. They’re bringing their powerful, custom LUV NRG sound system to the cavernous Main Hall for an all-night party, presented by the Bunker. 

      Nitemind returns with an electric and innovative light show to accompany the party.

        Eris Drew and Octo Octa – Crack Magazine

        Saturday, September 28

        Noise legends Lightning Bolt bring their exciting sound from Providence, Rhode Island, to Hudson for a night of energetic rock and roll.

          Lightning Bolt – Official photo

          Post-rock band Still House Plants make their Basilica Soundscape debut. Join them on Saturday to hear some creative, innovative sounds.

            Still House Plants – Pitchfork

            An exciting combination of genres awaits as new rap combines forces with a nü-metal edge with the heavy style and flow of hardcore rapper E L U C I D.

              E L U C I D – Pitchfork

              Philadelphia-based singer-songwriter Greg Mendez shares songs from his newest self-titled album on Saturday night.

              Maria BC presents dark, ambient movements that accompany melancholy, soaring vocals with a haunting new song featured on the soundtrack for the new film “I Saw the TV Glow.”

              Cassandra Jenkins, the unofficial songwriter laureate of Central Park Birders, will present songs from her upcoming album, My Light, My Destroyer, set to release on July 12.

              Local band Babehoven brings the indie-rock sound to Basilica Soundscape. They will be presenting songs from their latest album, Water’s In You, released in April of this year.

                  Babehoven – Rolling Stone

                  Movement and music presented by Kinlaw, a composer, choreographer, and performer.

                  Open Head, one of the most exciting bands local to Kingston, NY, brings a night of post-punk fun to Basilica Soundscape.

                  Basilica Hudson’s signature Writers in the Rafters program makes a return to Basilica Soundscape, featuring live readings from local writers and poets alike.

                      Sunday, September 29

                      Although Sunday’s program is yet to be announced, Basilica Hudson promises a night of family-friendly fun for free!

                      For any festival, artist, or ticket information, visit the festival’s website.

                    • WNYC Announces Centennial Program Ahead of 100th Anniversary

                      New York City Public Radio (WNYC) is celebrating their 100th year on air with a months-long celebration and a centennial album to go with it. The celebration starts on July 8 and continues through the fall, including special broadcasts, concerts, and public participation.

                      New York Public Radio/WNYC Centennial

                      Since WNYC’s founding in 1924, they’ve transformed and fostered New York City’s connection through delivering news, entertainment, and technological advances. This year, they celebrate 100 years of doing so, beginning in July.

                      On July 8, Happy Birthday WNYC! An on-air celebration, hosted by Brian Lehrer at 7 PM can be found on 93.9 FM. Followed by the Re-imagining of WNYC’s inaugural broadcast hosted live from The Greene Space. Then, in true New York fashion, the Empire State Building will light up red to kick off the festivities.

                      Other special offerings include “From the Archives” Audio Spots  (July 8 – ongoing), where past and current staff will guide listeners through important radio moments from the WNYC archives. Artist Katie Merz will create an ongoing art exhibition called Public Art for Public Radio inspired by New York City and Listener stories. Next, “Your New York Stories” – an audio storytelling initiative (July 8 – ongoing) will allow listeners to broadcast their own stories. Lastly, 100 Years of 100 Things with Brian Lehrer (July 8 – ongoing) will cover significant NYC political histories and events.

                      Brian Lehrer, Brooke Gladstone, and Michael Hill

                      The celebration extends down to the subways as well. Starting July 8, subway announcements will feature the voices of WNYC radio personalities, Brian Lehrer, Michael Hill, and Brooke Gladstone.

                      Additionally, All of It‘s “Public Song Project,” invited listeners to submit reimaginings of songs from the 1920s. A panel of esteemed judges selected the top entries for WNYC to play on air. The winners will also be featured on the Centennial album alongside, Rosanne Cash, The Lemon Twigs, Steve Earle, and They Might Be Giants, among others. Listeners will have a chance to perform their renditions on July 20 at 6 PM in The People’s Concert at Lincoln Center alongside award-winning musician, Jay Blount.

                      Later, on July 27, WNYC will present the Rhapsody for This Land: The American Odyssey in Music free concert. The show will take place in Brooklyn Bridge Park and feature pianist, Lara Downes. Other artists featured include Christian McBride, Rosanne Cash, Arturo O’Farrill, Time for Three, and the Orchestra Elena under Aram Demirjian.

                      Picking back up again in the fall on September 9, the celebration will include a live broadcast from Central Park SummerStage with Brian Lehrer. Furthermore, the show will include comedy, music, trivia, sets by Freestyle Love Supreme, mxmtoon, Donwill, and segments from WNYC hosts. Along with some currently unannounced guests, a few surprise ones will also be in attendance.

                      Lastly, the last festivity on November 19 will bring the Centennial celebration to a close. The New York Public Radio’s Centennial Gala, held at The Greenhouse will celebrate contributors and supporters. Attendees will get to enjoy a cocktail hour, dinner, and an afterparty to celebrate WNYC’s century of accomplishments.

                      For a timeline of WNYC’s last 100 years visit www.wnyc.org/100. To find the complete schedule of events for the WNYC Centennial visit nypublicradio.org.

                    • Soul Coughing Announces Reunion Tour With Final Date in NYC

                      Soul Coughing, one of the most unique and influential rock and roll bands of the last four decades, is returning to the stage fully formed for the first time in 25 years.

                      All four original members, Mike Doughty, Sebastian Steinberg, Mark degli Antoni and Yuval Gabay will be performing from coast to coast this September and October, capping the tour off with back-to-back nights in New York City.

                      NIELS VAN IPEREN/GETTY IMAGES

                      Each exclusive performance will feature songs from their El Oso, Irresistible Bliss and their genre-defining debut album Ruby Vroom which celebrates its 30th anniversary this fall.

                      The four members of Soul Coughing have said it again and again to audiences, fans, and journalists: We will not reunite. Stop asking. Well, you might want to pose that question one more time, because the tune has changed. This fall, all four original members will take the stage once more, with 17 dates across the country—bringing their glorious, off-kilter magic to a whole new audience.

                      Mike Doughty (vocals/guitar), Mark degli Antoni (keyboards/sampler), Sebastian Steinberg (bass), and Yuval Gabay (drums) formed Soul Coughing in 1992 after meeting at New York’s Knitting Factory, where Doughty worked the door. A truly eclectic collection of musicians, the guys merged drum & bass, trance, rock & roll and hip-hop to create a totally unique strain of music. As Doughty says: “Our music didn’t fit into the landscape then and it doesn’t now. We were super incorrect. We were messy. We were all over the place. There were moments in our career where we tried to be less different, and we always failed.” And thank God for that.

                      Over their eight-year history, the guys collected a motley crew of fans who gravitated to the deeply weird—yet danceable—energy of their discography, starting off with their 1994 debut, Ruby Vroom. They broke up in 2000, but Soul Coughing has lived on in the minds and hearts of their most ardent fans—and a new crop of listeners who may have heard standouts like “Super Bon Bon” on a video game soundtrack or “Circles” on a favorite TV show.

                      And the guys themselves are no slouches. Doughty has been releasing solo records at a steady clip since the band broke up and has penned two memoirs. Meanwhile, degli Antoni has thrown himself into the soundtrack world, scoring films by the likes of Wernor Herzog. He also collabed with Steinberg, who has played with everyone from Iron & Wine to Fiona Apple—notably on her critically acclaimed 2020 record Fetch the Bolt Cutters. Steinberg also linked up with Gabay on a drum and bass project called UV Ray and select recordings for Suzanne Vega. Gabay then moved to the U.K. and recorded with DJ Krust, ADF, and Roni Size Reprazent.

                      When they hit the 30th anniversary of Ruby Vroom, though, Doughty started looking backward. After playing the whole record on tour solo, he reached out to the band with a radical idea: a reunion tour where they’d play a best-of collection of tracks from Vroom, 1996’s Irresistible Bliss, and 1998’s El Oso. “The end was acrimonious, but I just thought I’d give it a shot,” he says. “So I just wrote an email to all three guys. It took a little convincing for some of them, but I was really gratified that everyone wanted to take part in that again—to see if we can be a great band again.”

                      To say the guys were shocked might be a bit of an understatement. But it was also a kind of much-needed salvation. “When he first reached out it was such a relief,” says Steinberg. “We all have our part to play in any dysfunctional relationship. But it was an immediate relief. I could just say, ‘Hey, man, we did something wonderful. And I’m sorry, too. That was cool.’” Gabay had a similar reaction: “I respect the music. I love what I did there. I love what the guys are doing—we were a good band.”

                      As for the setlist, that’s still in flux. Doughty lives in Memphis, degli Antoni in New York, Steinberg in L.A., and Gabay in Jerusalem, so they have yet to get together for rehearsals. Still, they’re all practicing—and will rehearse for a solid week leading up to the show. Doughty is singing three hours per day, Steinberg is getting back into the very muscular swing of Soul Coughing, as is Gabay—and degli Antoni? He’s unearthing his old sampler—which he bought decades ago with his student loan money—and sorting through everything from snippets of ‘60s songs to seagull calls.

                      “We’re just trying to pick the songs that bring us joy,” Doughty says. “We’re really trying to kind of revel in each other as musicians and that’s what the setlist is going to be based on. One thing that’s always been true about this band is every song is somebody’s favorite song.”

                      “Really one of the best conversations I’ve had in this band ever was Mike and I sitting down by the L.A. river for almost two hours and just going through the songs,” Steinberg adds. “I think there’s nothing I wouldn’t try to tackle, because it’s all so insane.” As for the clubs, they went back to venues that supported them back in the day. “Our agents did some archaeological work, finding people in the music business that would really care about this—and really, really be excited about it,” Doughty says.

                      As they head toward making history, all Soul Coughing knows for sure is that the band was something special—something never replicated. And this time around, it’s all about unity. “Music is a place of escapism, for people to go to a magical world,” Gabay says. “That’s what interests me. I want to bring people together. How can you bring a variety of people to the gig? Music brings people together—both the band and the audience.”

                      And as for how they promised to never get back together? “We just decided to let bygones be bygones. You know, everybody had issues,” Doughty says. “Our fans are going to be shocked, man. I can’t even believe how much they’re going to be shocked.”

                      Find tickets and information on the tour here. See below for a full list of dates.

                      Full Tour Lineup

                      September

                      11 – San Diego, CA – Belly Up Tavern

                      13 – Los Angeles, CA – The Bellwether

                      14 & 15 – San Francisco, CA – The Fillmore

                      17 – Portland, OR – Crystal Ballroom

                      18 – Seattle, WA – The Showbox

                      20 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Depot

                      21 – Denver, CO – Ogden Theatre

                      22 – Boulder, CO – Boulder Theater

                      24 – Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue

                      25 – Chicago, IL – Vic Theatre

                      27 – Pittsburgh, PA – Mr. Small’s Theatre

                      28 – Washington, DC – 9:30 Club

                      29 – Boston, MA – Royale

                      October

                      3 – Philadelphia, PA – Union Transfer

                      4 & 5 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Steel

                    • Electric Forest 2024: A Magical Recap

                      Electric Forest 2024 friends and family all gathered from thousands of miles away to experience the magic that resides in the middle of the woods in Rothbury Michigan. The festival ran from June 20 to June 23 but people gathered days before this to set up camp and embrace the full forest experience. 

                      Electric Forest 2024
                      DRAMA, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

                      Early arrivers got treated to pre-party sets at the Evolve Afters stage where performances by Super Future and Tripp St. wooed the crowd. Their experimental bass music gave people the perfect hype to kick off this festival weekend. 

                      Day 1 – Welcome to the Forest

                      First time Forest attendees and vets quickly entered the grounds the first day in a heavy anticipation of what the festival had in store for them this year. Art installations encompassed the scene including beautiful murals, interactive games, light installments, huge statues, and more. So many people are seen embracing their creative spirit from checking out vendor shops, to watching live painting, and exploring the art spread across the trees.

                      The heat was booming which made The Observatory stage set in the middle of the trees the place to be. It also helped that international electronic producer CloZee’s Odyzey label was doing a stage takeover. This featured performances from Dixon’s Violin, Redrum, Zen Selekta, Super Future, Tripp St., Zingara, and Marsh. 

                      Zen Selekta’s energy at the Observatory was insane. She knows exactly how to handle a crowd and leave them wanting more. Her music intertwines dark vibes with ethereal melodies and ethnic influences. 

                      Electric Forest 2024
                      Zen Selekta, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

                      Over on the Ranch main stage though DRAMA had a soulful performance. This multicultural collaboration is between producer Na’el Shehade’s chic house-infused production style and vocalist Via Rosa’s inspirational delivery. Their dynamic is so complementary it plays on patterns of hip-hop and bossa nova. 

                      Back at the Observatory Zingara made her return to Electric Forest, but this time with a night time set. Fresh off of her Code of Dreamz tour, she gave the crowd tons of new music and remixes to listen to. She performed her tracks, “Unlock Your Keys,” and “Up is Down.” Seeing a Zingara set transports music through the mind and body in a unique way. 

                      Zingara, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

                      The Observatory stage had a round of insane performances from some of the most talented producers. After countless artists played, the electronic rhythmic figure CloZee came on stage for a secret set. She shared she always wanted to play at this specific stage but with her status now it became difficult with the available capacity around that area. This made her secret performance even that much more special and intimate for the lucky fans who got to experience it. 

                      Electric Forest 2024
                      CloZee, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

                      Day 2 – Bass Rush 

                      It’s a Forest tradition that on the second day bass-heads camp out at the Tripolee stage for the numerous dubstep artists that throw-down hard one after the other. People brought out their chill-bos and flow toys for the hard-hitting tunes. 

                      Up and coming artist Canabliss kicked off this day with her pink visuals. She plays on funky beats and is constantly remixing booming tracks. Canabliss even remixed the latest Irish hit “The Spark” making people go crazy. She did mix in some of her own tunes including “Saudade.”

                      Electric Forest 2024
                      Canabliss, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

                      More talented women steam-rolled the crowd with their high energy. The bass that day was flourishing to say the least. Dubstep producers Level Up and ALLEYCVT each had a set that was unbelievable. Level Up brought Subtronics out for their latest collab they’ve been working on together. 

                      ALLEYCVT’s visuals and pyro took her performance to the next level. This was her debut at Electric Forest and it did not disappoint. Headbangers were going wild during her set and moshing at any chance they got. Many people left her performance immediately wanting to see more.

                      Electric Forest 2024
                      ALLEYCVT, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

                      Later into the night Pretty Lights had their comeback performance at Ranch Arena. After 10 years Pretty Lights came back to the fields in Michigan and they left zero crumbs. They brought their own fusion of electronic beats, poetic samples, and modular synthesizers. This musical project is transformative and definitely leaned into more of a jam experience in the Forest. 

                      Back at the Tripolee stage though the late-night dubstep DJs were still giving hard-hitting performances. Boogie T, ATLiens, Wooli, and BTSM finished the round up. BTSM closed out the stage with their mesh of heavy bass and techno. Lately they have been performing with their new anime visuals from Attack on Titan and watching that from the crowd is insane to see. 

                      Electric Forest 2024
                      Boogie T, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

                      Day 3 – Rain Rain Go Away 

                      Okay maybe it’s not the rain so much as the storms that Forest goers had to undergo this day that needed to go. Many started off their day at the Brainery getting in their daily dose of positive affirmations and good vibes. All week different classes were held there including meditation, yoga sessions, and shuffling courses. 

                      Others who entered the festival grounds early attended a party at the Chapel where people got to celebrate their freaky unique selves. And if some attendees got there at the right time special wedding ceremonies would take place.

                      Electric Forest 2024
                      Super Future, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

                      Unfortunately though this day ended quite early as everyone inside the festival grounds was told to evacuate to their campsites due to severe storms coming in. The intense thunder storms lasted for hours flooding campsites with heavy rain and creating so many mud pits. Many artists didn’t get to perform their set due to this.

                      They didn’t open the festival back up until after midnight pushing so many artists to now overlap with one another. When the gates opened back up fans ran to the stages to get a good spot for the few late night producers who didn’t lose their set. Subtronics got to throw down at Ranch. His tesseract visuals are stunning and his mixing is top of the EDM game by a landslide. He got to play his flip of Hozier’s song “Too Sweet” and his latest single “Sploinky Dub.”

                      Tripp St., Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

                      LSZEE, also known as the project by LSDREAM and CloZee, made their first ever debut as a duo this night. They performed so many unreleased songs and fun remixes. The euphoric energy these two artists brought is unmatched. The two know how valuable certain sound wave frequencies play on mood and they utilize this to take their audience on a journey. These renowned producers got to perform their songs “FRENCH DREAM” and “CHRYSALIS” for the first time as well. A night that people thought might not happen throughout the day was finished with an absolute breathtaking experience. 

                      Day 4 – The Forest Family 

                      Despite the third day having quite the unexpected journey, so many people were ready to fully embrace what the final day of Forest had to offer. Many who missed out on the scavenger hunt the days before went to the “Time Travel Agency” to receive their quest and start their excursion. Others went inside the Dream Emporium to watch a wrestling match, roller-skate, and even go kayaking. 

                      An absolute highlight of the final day, if not the entire weekend, was the return of Lightcode by LSDREAM. In the afternoon at Sherwood Court, LSDREAM presented his sound healing and ambient bliss-inspired project. This meditative experience is one that no words can do justice. It truly is so transformative that it left so many people in tears. The exercise is unlike no other that sets to reopen peoples’ hearts and minds to what not only the festival, but the human experience should consist of.

                      Level Up, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

                      Later in the day, the up and coming trio Levity performed a set at the Observatory. This group first started taking off last year at Electric Forest when the festival needed someone to cover a slot at the Honeycomb stage and one member just so happened to bring his USB. Their 2023 last minute set ended up popping off online and caused this group to get so much commotion behind their name. It truly is a full circle moment watching Levity grow from a last minute fill-in to a night time set at forest. This group encompasses what Electric Forest is all about and their performance was nothing short of eccentric. 

                      Levity, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

                      Experimental bass artist INZO also had a performance that was exceptionally moving. He played on Sherwood Court and of course utilized his signature Alan Watts verbiage. Some tracks fans got to hear were “Overthinker” and “Drift Like a Cloud, Float Like Water.” 

                      Into the night, fans gathered at Ranch Arena for GIGANTIC NGHTMRE. This is a project by Big Gigantic and NGHTMRE that has such heavy hitting beats. The layered sound from the drums, saxophone, and mixing on stage blends effortlessly. The trio definitely know how to pump up a crowd and provide that much needed energy boost. The pyro matched with the fun visuals and fireworks were captivating. The group also performed a good amount of riddim which is exactly what the Forest family needed. 

                      GIGANTIC NGHTMRE, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

                      After GIGANTIC NGHTMRE ended many gathered up for a performance from the dubstep king himself, Excision. However, this was shortly met with an evacuation announcement due to another wave of severe storms that were coming in. Unfortunately there was no re-entry after the evacuation notice and this sudden goodbye left many upset. 

                      As much as the storms were such an inconvenience to people it didn’t ruin the Forest family’s time. You can’t control the weather, but you can control how you respond to the weather. And how people responded to it was by dancing in the rain, creating parties at campsites, and enjoying this time everyone got to spend together in the middle of the woods in Michigan. 

                      ALLEYCVT, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

                      That is exactly what Electric Forest is all about. As much as you can play out how your weekend is going to go and schedule what artists you’re going to see, you truly can’t plan for everything. Surrendering to those moments of disarray and wonder can lead you to some of the best times. “While timing is everything, the present is where true discovery lies.” Electric Forest has always provided those moments of discovering what is really important and serves as a reminder of why we’re all here on this Earth: to let go and enjoy our time together. Maybe we didn’t get to see an Excision Electric Forest set, but at least we got to dance in the rain with our friends.

                      DRAMA
                      DRAMA
                      Equanimous
                      Zen Selekta
                      Zen Selekta
                      Zen Selekta
                      Super Future
                      Tripp St.
                      Tripp St.
                      Zingara
                      Zingara
                      Zingara
                      Zingara
                      Canabliss
                      Canabliss
                      ALLEYCVT
                      ALLEYCVT
                      ALLEYCVT
                      Level Up

                    • The Waterhole Presents 2024 Parties on the Patio and More in July

                      Saranac Lake’s Waterhole Music Lounge has an exciting slate of Thursday “Parties on the Patio” and other events spanning from July 4 to 25. The lineup of free, outside events also includes 2 Saturday Nights on the Patios on July 13 and 20 and the Howl Story Slam on July 9.

                      Kicking off July’s events at the Waterhole on July 4 is Party on the Patio with Joslyn & The Sweet Compression. The R&B band is making their return to Saranac Lake after an electrifying performance at the venue’s Winter Carnival. Led by Joslyn Hampton, the six-piece ensemble’s funky, yet soulful and psychedelic musical productions never fail to generate a fun environment.

                      On Tuesday, July 9, the Waterhole presents a different form of entertainment with a storytelling slam. The Adirondack Center for Writing and North Country Public Radio (NCPR) will co-host the event. Anyone interested in signing up for the Howl Story Slam with a story to tell may do so. The night’s story theme is “Risky Business,” ensuring that audience members and storytellers simultaneously have an amusing time.

                      The third type of event presented by the Waterhole this month is a thrilling Saturday night edition of Party on the Patio. Saturday Night on the Patio will take place twice throughout the month. Firstly, The Seapods, a band from North Country labeled “Psychedelic Americana” will play on the patio on July 13 from 6-10 PM. On the following Saturday, July 20, genre-bending group Annie in the Water from Saratoga Springs, will play an incredible free show on the patio.

                      Full July 2024 Schedule

                      Thursday, July 4- Joslyn & The Sweet Compression (Party on the Patio, 6-10 PM)

                      Tuesday, July 9th- Howl Story Slam (7 PM)

                      Thursday, July 11- New Planets (Party on the Patio, 6-10 PM)

                      Saturday, July 13- The Seapods (Saturday Night on the Patio, 6-10 PM)

                      Thursday, July 18- The Mallett Brothers Band (Party on the Patio, 6-10 PM)

                      Saturday, July 20- Annie in the Water (Saturday Night on the Patio, 6-10 PM)

                      Thursday, July 25- Bywater Call (Party on the Patio, 6-10 PM)

                      All July shows at the Waterhole Music Lounge are free admission and 21+. For the full Waterhole schedule visit www.saranaclakewaterhole.com

                    • Orville Peck Stampede into Artpark

                      A night of country music at Artpark amphitheater, Orville Peck, accompanied by the Goldie Boutilier and The War And Treaty, graced the stage on July 1. Where everyone felt like an outlaw cowboy for the night.

                      Orville Peck
                      Orville Peck

                      Goldie Boutilier, a Canadian singer-songwriter, started the evening as one of the two opening acts for the night. Goldie has a unique sound blends country and a hint of Americana with alternative music. Although this may not seem like a good combination, Goldie can pull it off and stand out from the rest of the genre. She sang all her hits on her set, from Body Heat and The Actress to her most famous song, Cowboy Gangster Politician. From the moment she took the stage, She had the crowd on her side.

                      Goldie Boutilier

                      The second opener of the night was The War And Treaty, a husband-and-wife duo of Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Blount. Michael and Tanya were so much fun to watch perform. Seeing them be silly with each other while performing was refreshing and cute. The duo brought so much soul into their set that you felt every lyric they sang. They performed Hey Driver, a Zach Bryan song that they are featured on. After these amazing openers, the crowd was ready for the main act.

                      Orville Peck took the stage as the sun set, bringing a contagious energy from when he appeared. He had a fantastic stage presence and kept the crowd entertained from start to finish. One thing that stood out was his gesture of giving roses to people in the crowd who caught his attention, whether it was for their outfits or for singing and dancing during the set. It was a friendly reminder that he was genuinely engaged with the crowd and noticed everything.

                      Orville Peck
                      The War And Treaty, Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Blount

                      Peck performed songs from his previous albums, Pony and Bronco, as well as his latest album Stampede. A highlight of his performance was covering “Cowboys Are Frequently, Secretly Fond of Each Other,” a song he had previously recorded with Willie Nelson.

                      By the end of the night, I truly felt like an outlaw cowboy with the amount of country music I’d listened to. I’m not a huge country fan, but truthfully, by the end of the night, all three of these artists may have turned a new leaf for me. I’m starting to like country music just a little bit more than before.

                      Orville Peck setlist: Big Sky, Turn to Hate, Roses Are Falling, The Hurtin’ Kind, C’mon Baby, Cry, No Glory in the West, Hexie Mountains, How Far Will We Take It?, Conquer the Heart, Drive Me, Crazy, Blush, The Curse of the Blackened Eye, Lafayette, Any Turn, Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly Fond of Each Other (Willie Nelson cover), Outta Time, Kalahari Down, Dead of Night, Daytona Sand
                      Encore: Bronco

                      Orville Peck
                      Orville Peck

                    • 2024 Caramoor American Roots Festival 

                      The 2024 Caramoor American Roots Festival was held on Saturday, June 29, 2024. The festival featured blues, Americana, folk, and bluegrass music with a stellar lineup featuring Lizzie No, Solomon Hicks, Fantastic Cat, Poor Monroe, Hopalong Andrew, and headliner Madison Cunningham.  Attendees were treated to a day of entertainment in a distinctive setting.

                      Milton opening the festival
                      Milton opening the festival

                      Nestled in a secluded part of northern Westchester County, the Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts welcomes its visitors as they pass through a gate which reveals the sprawling 90-acre property. This  welcoming gesture sets the tone for the immersive Caramoor experience.

                      Hopalong Andrew entertaining children in the Sunken Garden

                      The festival was divided into two sessions: daytime and nighttime.  During the day, performances were spread across multiple locations within the center, while the evening session culminated with Madison Cunningham’s performance in the Venetian Theater.

                      Friends Field

                      Daytime performers had the chance to showcase their talents twice by performing in two of the four distinct show spaces throughout the day.  This two-set format allowed attendees to catch every act without having to choose who to listen to.  A map is provided to guide you through the vast expanse of the Caramoor Center.  Each show location is sufficiently distant from the other and offers a unique listening experience.

                      Lizzie No with a young fan enjoying her performance

                      The Sunken Garden presented the most intimate setting, as it is nestled in a clearing among the trees.  This charming location allowed the music to resonate in its purest form.  Many at the festival brought their children.  The garden proved to be an ideal spot for Hopalong Andrew’s family-oriented set, which encouraged interaction with the children in a tranquil setting.  Poor Monroe, a bluegrass band that followed Andrew, equated the location to the origins of their musical genre and the natural materials of their instruments.

                      Fantastic Cat performing in the Spanish Courtyard
                      Fantastic Cat performing in the Spanish Courtyard

                      The Spanish Courtyard is situated inside the Rosen House, a Mediterranean-style stucco villa built in the 1930s.  Originally the summer home of the Rosen family, the property was donated and converted into a center for the arts and music after the death of their son in World War II.

                      The Spanish Courtyard is described by Caramoor as “Spanish under the influence of the Italian Renaissance.”  The picturesque courtyard with its arched walkways and central fountain, provided an unusual yet enchanting setting for a rock show.  Fantastic Cat embraced this unique space with, as they dubbed it, a “spayed and neutered” acoustic set, before delivering a full-on electric performance later in the day at the Venetian Theater.

                      John Platt WFUV introducing performers
                      WFUV’s John Platt introducing performers

                      The third location, Friends Field, offered a spacious environment.  Visitors could relax on blankets or chairs and enjoy great sightlines to the large stage.  The grassy field also served as a soft dance floor for those so inclined.  Singer-songwriter Milton opened this stage, and was followed by Lizzie No and Poor Monroe, with Harlem blues aficionado Solomon Hicks closing out the daytime session.

                      After the conclusion of the day session, Grammy Award winner Madison Cunningham and her band closed out the evening with a heartfelt performance in the open-air Venetian Theater, leaving the audience thoroughly appreciative. 

                      Bluesman Solomon Hicks closing the day session

                      Festivals bring to mind crowds, long lines, and tight spaces.  Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts started presenting music in 1945. They have learned the best use of the 90 acres offering space for the attendees, performances that do not compete against each other, as well as providing a special place for everyone to enjoy the arts.

                      Headliner Madison Cunningham / Photo : Gabe Palacio

                      The American Roots Music Festival is just one of the many curated musical events that take place at Caramoor.  Caramoor has a full lineup of musical happenings throughout the year.  Check their website for more details.

                      Milton

                      Hopalong Andrew

                      Lizzie No

                      Fantastic Cat

                      Poor Monroe

                      Solomon Hicks

                      Madison Cunningham

                    • BAM Announces New Artistic Director and Fall Season Events

                      The Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) has announced the program for the Fall 2024 season, along with their new musical director, Amy Cassello. Since 2013, Cassello has filled several roles for BAM, including programming, artistic director, and producer. During her decade-long run, Cassello produced and oversaw numerous concerts, plays, festivals, and series at BAM.

                      This fall, BAM will host a multidisciplinary variety of programs, including plays, poetry readings, multimedia demonstrations, dance shows, holiday concert series, and a new set of in-house resident musicians. Among the events is this year’s rendition of Next Wave, an arts showcase contextualizing the artistic visions projected for the near future. Also featured this year is the return of BAMboo!, The Best of BAMkids Film Festival, and a film program featuring repertory screenings alongside new releases.

                      brooklyn academy of music
                      Amy Cassello, Artistic Director, BAM Brooklyn Academy of Music, Brooklyn, New York, June 7, 2024. Photograph © Beowulf Sheehan

                      Each year, the Next Wave 2024 & Emerging Visions events represent dynamic elements integral to BAM’s path into the future. With a renewed focus on works-in-process, increased presentations from the Global South, and greater investment in presenting partnerships, Next Wave and Emerging Visions support musicians and artists from all over the country. These events provide artists with the space and resources necessary to showcase their hard work and serve as a reminder to all that BAM will always welcome creative visionaries, no matter where they are from or where they trained.

                      This is an exciting moment for BAM as we bridge our past with our future. Amy is a deep thinker who considers the needs of artists and arts workers at every turn. As a longstanding BAM programmer and creative producer, she intimately understands our role in the arts ecosystem. I could not have a better partner in leading BAM’s artistic programming at this pivotal moment.

                      Gina Duncan, BAM President

                      This year’s Next Wave presents well-known creators who bring their groundbreaking theater, music, poetry, multi-media, and dance to the BAM stage. Works being presented at Next Wave include Bill T. Jones’s Still/Here, Hanif Abdurraqib’s election week poetry program honoring the legacy of June Jordan, Dana Gingras’ Frontera, Guillermo Cacace’s Gaviota, Tiago Rodrigues’ Catarina and the Beauty of Killing Fascists, Silkroad Ensemble with Rhiannon Giddens’ American Railroad, Liquid Music’s Sun Dogs, Modesto Flako Jimenez’s Mercedes, Part 1, Journey LIVE with American Composers Orchestra, and ONX Studio’s TECHNE. 

                      Among the new works being presented at BAM, the theatre has also announced its resident artists for the 2024 season. This year’s BAM residents include Baba Oludaré, Hope Boykin, Mayfield Brooks, Delano Burrowes, Kayla Hamilton, Soomi Kim, and Yaa Samar! Dance Theatre. 

                      brooklyn academy of music

                      Below are the dates for Emerging Visions and Next Wave. For more information and tickets, visit BAM’s website here.

                      Emerging Visions

                      Sep 17—Oct 20: Safety Not Guaranteed, directed by Lee Sunday Evans, with music by Guster’s Ryan Miller 

                      Oct 24—27: Preview performances of a new play, Reconstructing (Still Working but the Devil Might Be Inside), directed by Rachel Chavkin and Zhailon Levingston 

                      Next Wave 2024 – BAM Howard Gilman Opera House, 30 Lafayette Ave Brooklyn

                      Oct 25—27 Music engagement (to be announced June 26)
                      Oct 30—Nov 2 Bill T. Jones’s Still/Here
                      Nov 5—9 Hanif Abdurraqib’s I Guess It Was My Destiny To Live So Long poetry series
                      Nov 8 & 9 Dana Gingras’ Frontera
                      Nov 13—23 Guillermo Cacace’s Gaviota
                      Nov 13—17 Tiago Rodrigues’ Catarina and the Beauty of Killing Fascists
                      Nov 18 & 19 Liquid Music’s Sun Dogs with Alarm Will Sound
                      Nov 23 Silkroad Ensemble with Rhiannon Giddens’ American Railroad
                      Dec 3—8 Modesto Jimenez’s Mercedes, Part 1
                      Dec 6 & 7 Journey LIVE with American Composers Orchestra
                      Jan 4—19 ONX Studio’s TECHNE

                      Holiday Offerings 

                      Dec 12—22: Mark Morris Dance Group’s The Hard Nut 
                      TBD: Music engagement 

                    • American Symphony Orchestra Shares 2024-25 Season Lineup

                      The American Symphony Orchestra is presenting four full orchestra concerts as a part of their upcoming 63rd season. The lineup consists of free shows at Bryant Park and Kupferberg Center for the Arts on September 6 and 7 as well as ticketed shows at St. Bartholomew’s Church on January 24, Lincoln Center’s David Geffen Hall on March 23, and Carnegie Hall on June 6, 2025.

                      American Symphony Orchestra

                      The exciting upcoming season of the American Symphony Orchestra will have rich offerings for fans of a vast variety of music styles. The series of shows will start with a free concert as a part of the Bryant Park Picnic Series and will bring more exposure to the artists, classical music fans, and curious listeners.

                      Highlights that concert attendees have to look forward to include the U.S. premiere of C.P.E. Bach’s oratorio Auferstehung und Himmelfahrt Jesu, the ASO’s David Geffen Hall of Lincoln Center debut, and the first New York City performance this century of Richard Strauss’ first opera Guntram.

                      In 1962 Leopold Stokowski created the American Symphony Orchestra with the intention of playing music fit to everyone’s liking. The ASO consistently upholds that sentiment and will continue to do so throughout their upcoming 63rd season. Audiences are sure to get a unique experience at any of the four shows.

                      I’m delighted that ASO’s two previous outdoor season-opening concerts with free performances in Bryant Park have attracted so many new concertgoers, and I am looking forward to repeating this success again in September. It’s a wonderful start to our exciting 2024-25 programs and a perfect introduction for these ever-widening audiences to ASO’s mission of presenting surprising premieres and music rarely heard onstage today in a way that’s accessible and affordable for everyone

                      Leon Botstein, Music Director and Principal Conductor

                      ASO 2024-25 Program

                      Friday, September 6 (Bryant Park at 7 PM) and 7 (Kupferberg Center for the Arts at 3 PM)– Beyond the Hall: Free Opening Concerts

                      Featuring: American Symphony Orchestra, Leon Botstein, conductor, Scott Joplin: Treemonisha: Overture (1911), Florence Price: Suite of Dances (1933), Bernard Herrmann: Psycho: A Narrative for String Orchestra in Three Parts (1960), Kurt Weill: Kleine Dreigroschenmusik (Little Threepenny Music) (1928), Leonard Bernstein: Three Dance Episodes from On the Town (1945)

                      The pieces being played in Beyond the Hall come from different backgrounds and forms of musical entertainment. Ranging from opera and theatre to movies and dance halls, the music played will provide audiences with an authentic and diverse preview of the upcoming season.

                      For Bryant Park on Sept. 6, no tickets or RSVP required; For Sept. 7 at Kupferberg Center for the Arts, attendance is free with online RSVP at americansymphony.org (starting on Aug. 7)

                      Friday, January 24, 2025 (St. Bartholomew’s Church at 7 PM)- Bach at St. Bart’s

                      Featuring: American Symphony Orchestra, Leon Botstein, conductor, Bard Festival Chorale, James Bagwell, music director of the Bard Festival Chorale, C.P.E. Bach: Heilig ist Gott, H.778 (1776), C.P.E. Bach: Die Auferstehung und Himmelfahrt Jesu, H.777 (1787) (U.S. premiere)

                      Dipping into the Baroque and Classical periods with vocal compositions from Carl Phillipp Emanuel Bach. The ASO in collaboration with the Bard Festival Chorale will explore changes in mood, harmonic writing, and Romanticism. This performance marks the U.S. premiere of Bach’s Die Auferstehung und Himmelfahrt Jesu (The Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus).

                      Tickets, priced at $25–$45, are available on Sept. 9 at americansymphony.org.

                      Sunday, March 23, 2025 (David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center at 2 PM)- Tapping into the Twenties

                      Featuring: American Symphony Orchestra, Leon Botstein, conductor, Orion Weiss, piano, John Alden Carpenter: Skyscrapers (1924), Erwin Schulhoff: Concerto for Piano and Small Orchestra, Op. 43 (1923), William Grant Still: Symphony No. 1, Afro-American Symphony (1929-30), Edgard Varèse: Amériques (1922)

                      Signifying the ASO’s David Geffen Hall debut, Tapping into the Twenties will honor composers whose careers flourished in the 1920s. This list of composers includes Edgar Varèse whose work portrays imagery, and Erwin Schulhoff who brings jazz and piano pieces to the mix. In the March 23 show, Orion Weiss will perform as the piano soloist.

                      Tickets, priced at $25–$65, are available on Jan. 3 at lincolncenter.org, by calling CarnegieCharge at 212.721.6500, or by visiting the box office at 10 Lincoln Center Plaza.

                      Friday, June 6, 2025 (Carnegie Hall, Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage at 7 PM)- Strauss’ Guntram

                      Featuring: American Symphony Orchestra, Leon Botstein, conductor, Bard Festival Chorale, James Bagwell, music director of the Bard Festival Chorale (Soloists to be announced at a later date), Richard Strauss: Guntram (1887-93, rev.1939)

                      ASO will perform Richard Strauss’ rarely performed first opera, Guntram, in New York City, for the first time this century. Themes of love, guilt, and renunciation tell the story of Strauss in his youth. With exemplary orchestral work and vocal techniques, this execution of Guntram is not to be missed.

                      Tickets, priced at $25–$65, are available on Sept. 9 at carnegiehall.org, by calling CarnegieCharge at 212.247.7800, or by visiting the box office at 57th St. & 7th Ave.

                      More information about the ASO’s 2024-25 season is available at americansymphony.org