NYS Music 2024

Category: Genres

  • Watch Trey Anastasio and the Boston Pops Unite at Tanglewood

    On a long anticipated day for musicians and fans alike, Trey Anastasio performed for the first time at Tanglewood Music Center, joined by the Boston Pops, conducted by Edwin Outwater.

    photo by Hilary Scott

    Initially scheduled to perform in June 2020, Anastasio beamed with joy as he took the stage following the orchestra for this long-awaited evening of music.

    For the June 29 crowd, the day was full of gray skies and rain that was tolerable, but not terrible, as fans were well prepared for the misty weather of the Berkshires that accompanies any passing storm system. Newcomers to Tanglewood were amazed by the sprawling grounds, the ability to bring in everything from food and drink to portable chairs and tables, all making for a relaxing pre-show that led into an evening of unforgettable music.

    photo by Hilary Scott

    Opening up the night with “First Tube”, this more staid by comparison, yet intricate, version of the classic Phish arena rocker elicited early erupts of cheers from fans, especially the uninitiated to Anastasio’s body of orchestral work. Following Thank You’s to the crowd, Anastasio shifted into the appropriate “Water in Sky” donning his acoustic guitar for the relaxing string-led number that evoked the orchestration of Disney’s early Silly Symphony cartoon series.

    Following was “Evolve,” which saw its orchestral debut a few nights earlier in Vienna, VA. The pandemic-era song, turned Phish single, now sits prominently in Anastasio’s arsenal of compositions for orchestras.

    photo by Hilary Scott

    A 17-minute “Divided Sky” was the closest to a Phish performance this evening, as the composition itself has been ideally suited for orchestra performance since it was written, and allows Anastasio to shine on guitar more than any other song this evening. The ‘open space’ was divinely orchestrated in the lead up to the ‘moment’, with cheers welcomed by the Bad Lieutenant, and the second half textbook early Phish orchestration, with a tremendous ending lead to roars of cheers from the crowd spread across the lawn and inside the Koussevitzky Music Shed.

    After introductions of conductor Edwin Outwater and the Boston Pops, “Mercy,” also a Vienna debut, followed for a soft breather that paired well with “Divided Sky.”

    photo by Hilary Scott

    Closing the set was “Stash,” a more complicated song for the orchestra, but offered a samba beat thanks to the horn section, the percussion and clave driving the mellow tempo forward with a ‘cha cha cha’ beat.

    Following a short setbreak (and an appreciated heads up given to the audience five minutes prior to showtime), “Harry Hood” saw its second ever performance (following Vienna), with the orchestra joining in to say “Thank You, Mister Minor” and featuring a unique ending compared to the Phish standard.

    “Petrichor” was a perfect fit following the excitement prompted by “Hood,” as well as with light sprinkles coming down as the song started.

    A short acoustic version of “More” followed, with “What’s The Use?” surprising the audience as it is wont to do at many a Phish show.

    Harpist Jessica Zhou was the MVP in the ‘quiet spot’ of “WTU?,” building the strings in gentle, rising to the occasion and giving this meditative song deeper resonance with the audience.

    In September 2009, “You Enjoy Myself” saw its debut at Carnegie Hall, and the moment saw the audience sitting in silent awe, with occasional laughs during the ‘vocals.’ On this evening at Tanglewood, for the unenlightened, “You Enjoy Myself” would draw out more than laughs and silence, but also dancers in the aisles of the lawn (yes, there are aisles on the lawn, sort of) and back of the shed.

    Trombonists Toby Oft and Stephen Lange, along with the percussion section combined for a memorable ‘vocal jam’ that led into the boisterous ending that Trey Anastasio and Phish have been performing since 1986.

    After a performance like this, Anastasio kept the new orchestrations flowing with acoustic guitar in hand for “The Inlaw Josie Wales.” Now a Phish rarity (last played in 2000), “Inlaw” is welcome at any performance from Anastasio and an orchestra moving forward.

    And to cap off an incredible day at Tanglewood and evening of music, fan favorite “The Lizards” closed the show, the tale of Rutherford the Brave as seen through the eyes of Colonel Forbin bringing fans to their feet once again.

    Trey Anastasio and the Boston Pops – Koussevitzky Music Shed at Tanglewood – Saturday, June 29, 2024 – setlist via Phish.net

    Set 1: First Tube, Water in the Sky*, Evolve, Divided Sky, Mercy, Stash
    Set 2: Harry Hood, Petrichor, More*, What’s the Use, You Enjoy Myself
    Encore: The Inlaw Josie Wales*, The Lizards
    * Trey on acoustic guitar

    Trey Anastasio at Tanglewood photos by Hilary Scott

    Trey Anastasio at Tanglewood
    photo by Hilary Scott
    Trey Anastasio at Tanglewood
    photo by Hilary Scott
    Trey Anastasio at Tanglewood
    photo by Hilary Scott
    Trey Anastasio at Tanglewood
    photo by Hilary Scott
    trey anastasio tanglewood
    photo by Hilary Scott
    photo by Hilary Scott
    Trey Anastasio at Tanglewood
    photo by Hilary Scott

  • Biscoland Returns to Wonderland this Weekend

    Over July 4-6, Biscoland will return to Wonderland Forest in Central New York, for three nights of electronic music and jam bands, hosted by trance-fusion pioneers Disco Biscuits.

    Biscoland Wonderland
    Official Biscoland poster by Vinny Naro

    Wonderland Forest is situated roughly 25 minutes south of Syracuse in the rolling hills of Lafayette, NY. Plot your trip with the map below.

    This will be the second Biscoland at Wonderland, the first being held this past October. The return to a summer music festival hosted by Disco Biscuits brings back Camp Bisco memories, albeit much smaller, and as bassist and DJ Marc Brownstein put it in October, “We really hope you will consider a spontaneous last minute trip to support the thing that you always wanted, a return to the festival of the old days.”

    The Wonderland Forest Grounds

    Bisconauts can expect five sets of Disco Biscuits, including one set on Thursday night of Tractorbeam. Playing each day prior to the hosts are Lettuce, Nora en Pure, Kitchen Dwellers, Lespecial, Break Science, Maniac Focus, Saxsquatch, Ben Silver, DJ Minx, Jimkata, Out of the Beardspace, RAQ, Squeaky Feet, The Breakfast, Space Bacon, Mark Farina, Cofresi, Dizgo, Cloudchord, Souleye and Horizon Wireless.

    Biscoland Wonderland

    Weekend Passes & Single-Day Tickets are still available at bisco.land.

    Biscoland Wonderland

    Check out the daily schedules below and stay tuned for updates during the festival!

    Disco Biscuits 2024 Tour Dates

    7/4-6 – Lafayette, NY – BISCOLAND
    7/11 – Selbyville, DE – Freeman Arts Pavilion
    7/12 – Atlantic City, NJ – Bourbon Ballroom
    7/13 – Richmond, VA – The National
    7/14 – Wilmington, NC – Greenfield Lake Amphitheater
    7/15 – Isle of Palms, SC – The Windjammer
    7/18-19 Thornville, OH – Secret Dreams Festival
    7/20 – Patchogue, NY – Great South Bay Music Festival
    8/9-11 – Long Pond, PA – Elements Festival
    8/29-30 – TBA
    8/31-9/1 – Murphysboro, IL – Weekend at the Cave
    9/6 – Dillon, CO – Dillon Amphitheater
    9/7 – Bellvue, CO – Mishawaka Amphitheatre (SOLD OUT)
    9/8 – Bellvue, CO – Mishawaka Amphitheatre (SOLD OUT – VIP available)
    9/11 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Depot
    9/13 – Livingston, MT – Pine Creek Lodge (TRACTORBEAM)
    9/14-15 – Livingston, MT – Pine Creek Lodge

  • Schola Cantorum Brings European Classical to Syracuse

    Schola Cantorum, an early music vocal ensemble, has been performing European classical music since 1975. Catering to a unique niche of classical music, the cantorum performs compositions from the Medieval, Renaissance, and early Baroque eras.

    Schola brings traditional technique and style straight from the Middle Ages to the Syracuse area. Barry Torres, Schola’s founding and present Music Director, formed the cantorum as the community based successor to an early music collegium at Syracuse University.

    Schola

    Barry Torres pursued his love of traditional music at Syracuse University, where he studied composition and music theory. Torres served 25 years as Director of Music Ensembles at St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York. At St. Lawrence, he taught singing and 16th Century performance practice in addition to directing the Laurentian Singers (St. Lawrence’s 28-member select choir), the University Chorus, and the Gospel Choir and Band. Torres has showcased his passion for music in the Orchestra of Northern New York, with NYS Baroque, and Sonare.

    Every season, Schola presents three or more vocal ensemble concerts, as well as smaller early music ensembles.

    Schola performing in 2009

    Since 1983, Schola Cantorum has hosted their Summer Workshop for Singers, where singers have the opportunity to expand their repertoire and develop skills specific to early music ensemble singing. In 2024, Dr. Kristina Boerger will be the director of the singers workshop. From July 25 to the 28, participants will practice the mutual attentiveness that allows singing without a conductor. Dr. Boerger specializes in elements of quality vocal production: loose and relaxed onset of sound, well-defined, resonant vowel formation, crisp consonants, and precise, speech-oriented declamation.

    The workshop is held primarily for amateurs aged 16 and up. Participants must be able to learn music and to sing in time, and in tune, from a score to attend the workshop. More information is available at the following link. For more information on classical events in your area, a link to the NYS Music classical section is available here.

    A video of a previous year’s workshop performance is available below.

  • Long Lake Announces 2024 Music by the Lake Concerts

    The town of Long Lake has announced the 2024 lineup for its Summer Music by the Lake concerts. Concerts will take place at the Long Lake Town Beach 6-8pm each Friday until August 23rd. This year’s concerts will highlight yacht rock, alternative, and tributes to classic acts.

    Long Lake is situated in the heart of the Adirondacks, two hours north of Albany. With pristine forests and waters, visitors have hailed the town as one of the most scenic in all of New York. At the center of Long Lake’s recreation is the town beach. In addition to swimming and boating, visitors can enjoy a host of music performances at the beach throughout the Summer Season. 

    Music by the Beach stage

    Before the start of the Music by the Lake series, Long Lake Town Beach will host a special July 4th concert. The concert features NYC-based yacht rock outfit The Yacht Lobsters. Founded in 2022, the septet mixes the sounds of classic acts like Hall and Oates, with a jazz horn section, and funky rhythms to make endearingly retro songs. This concert comes as part of a day-long celebration, including barbeques, bake sales, and fireworks. The Yacht Lobsters will begin at 6:30pm on the beach stage. 

    The Friday Music by the Lake concerts will begin July 5th with a special open mic night. At the concert, local artists can sign up to perform sets. The open mic night will showcase a range of local artists and sounds sure to captivate beach-goers. 

    On July 12th, New Paltz’s Gratefully Yours will perform a set at the town beach. Keyboardist Alex Mazour founded the band in 2012 to recreate the Grateful Dead’s timeless classics. The group plays off the energy of their crowds, capturing the improvisational talent of the original band. Gratefully Yours puts their audiences at the center of performances, allowing them to submit dream setlists to play. With members from the Dark Star Orchestra and Trey Anastasio Band, Gratefully Yours is one of the premier Grateful Dead tributes around today.

    Music by the Lake

    July 19th will feature a set by the Jess Novak Band. Multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Jess Novak formed the group with a host of Syracuse’s premier musicians to perform blues and soul-influenced rock. Novak performs over 150 shows each year, which have taken her everywhere from Burlington to Key West. On top of releasing 12 albums, Novak also started the F.I.R.E festival to highlight female musicians. 

    The Green River Tribute Band will perform on July 26th. NYC-native Rick Horvath has led Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute bands since he was 13 years old. CCR was a staple of 1960s and 70s rock, selling over 30 million records in their heyday. Green River pays tribute to this classic group with 90-minute sets, encompassing faithful covers of classic CCR tunes. Audiences can expect to hear CCR favorites like “Proud Mary” and “Bad Moon Rising.”

    Night School will kick off August, with an evening concert on the 2nd. The five-piece dance rock group hails from Tupper Lake in the heart of the Adirondacks. The band defies genre, playing danceable hits of all types from the past. Playing everything from the Beatles and Talking Heads, to Rick James, Night School is bound to keep audiences grooving throughout their whole set. 

    August 9th will feature a performance by the Altered Tones. The four-piece band consists of local artists from Long Lake and Tupper Lake united by a love of 90s music. Together, the Altered Tones pump out acoustic covers of classic rock and alternative for audiences to enjoy. Concert-goers are welcome to bring their own lawn chairs and coolers to boost their enjoyment. 

    Music by the Lake

    Booyah will perform an August 16th concert of their unique brand of funk. For over eight years, Booyah’s seven members have played unique funk-imbued takes on classic tracks. With funk versions of David Bowie, Talking Heads, and Rage Against the Machine songs, Booyah will keep their audiences dancing all night. 

    Big Martha will close out the Music by the Lake concert series with an August 23rd show. Hailing from Buffalo, Big Martha offers one of the most faithful Allman Brothers experiences. Together, the six-piece band crafts an energetic set from one of the greatest Southern rock catalogs in music history. 

    Long Lake Music by the Lake Schedule

    7/4 – The Yacht Lobsters

    7/5 – Open Mic Night

    7/12 – Gratefully Yours

    7/19 – Jess Novak Band

    7/26 – Green River Tribute Band

    8/2 – Night School

    8/9 – The Altered Tones

    8/16 – Booyah

    8/23 – Big Martha

    For more information, visit the Long lake town website here.

  • Flushing Town Hall Welcomes Jazz Lineup For All-Star Concert

    On Wednesday, July 10 at 7 PM, Flushing Town Hall in Flushing, Queens will hold their fourth annual Jazz Jam All-Stars Concert. The concert celebrates FTH’s community of musicians who regularly participate in their monthly Louis Armstrong Legacy Jazz Jams.

    Flushing Town Hall Jazz Jam All-Stars Concert in Queens

    The talented slate of musicians scheduled to play were all carefully chosen based on their musicianship and care for the craft, their cooperation, as well as their contributions to the monthly Louis Armstrong Legacy Jazz Jams. The artists bring a diverse roster of styles, instruments, and perspectives with their ages ranging from 22 to 80+.

    Backing up the performers is the Flushing Town Hall house band led by Master of Ceremonies as well as saxophonist and flutist, Carol Sudhalter. The band also includes Joe Vincent Tranchina on piano, Scott Neumann on drums, and Eric Lemon on bass. The house band will kick off the night of Jazz with a Louis Armstrong piece.

    Our Louis Armstrong Legacy Monthly Jazz Jams have been building community for more than 10 years now. The annual All-Stars concert is one of my favorite jazz events every year, as we get to celebrate the next generation of passionate and highly talented jazz musicians in a borough that the great Louis Armstrong himself called home.

    Gabrielle M. Hamilton,  FTH Director of Education & Public Programs

    For the past three All-Star Concerts, musicians Sarah Turkiew, Keith Jordan, Sharif Kales, and Glen Lowe have graced the FTH stage. However this year, for the first time they are stepping aside and allowing a new group of musicians to showcase their talents in the concert. Nonetheless, their contributions to will not go unnoticed, as all four of them will receive a plaque of acknowledgment for their collaboration, musicianship, and enthusiasm. The group will then play a song together towards the end of the night.

    I love our annual Jazz Jam All-Stars concert. It’s a great way to celebrate participants who return month after month and year after year and have demonstrated their incredible talent and dedication. This year, it was a particularly difficult decision to narrow it down to only 10 All-Stars…out of at least 20 faithful and eligible musicians. I am especially excited as we have, for the first time, a group of ‘alumni’ and honorees: four outstanding musicians who have graduated from the All-Stars Concert! Congrats, Sarah, Keith, Sharif and Glen!

    Carol Sudhalter

    The Flushing Town Hall All-Star concert on July 10 is honoring not just the musicians in the show, but the larger significance of the Louis Armstrong Legacy Monthly Jazz Jam. The jam has occurred for the last 10+ years and serves as an educational program and a community. Jazz musicians of any caliber have the opportunity to play together, grow their platforms, and learn from one another. Amateur, professional musicians, and public audiences through Queens Jazz OverGround are welcome.

    Flushing Town Hall’s carefully curated list of All-Star musicians set to play represents the product of what mutual respect for musicianship and collaboration can provide for a community.

    In-person tickets for the concert on July 10 at 7 PM are $25, $20 for FTH members, and $15 for students with ID. To purchase tickets online visit www.flushingtownhall.org.

    Lineup

    Naomi Okai (vocals)

    Mimi Block (vocals/violin)

    Rich Braithwaite (tenor sax)

    Keeley Mitchell (vocals)

    Frank Bergamini (soprano sax/vocals)

    Victor Acosta (alto sax)

    Jose Luis Armengot (trumpet)

    Frank Robinson (vocals)

    Gerald Thomas (bass/piano/sax)

    Tony Campo (piano)

  • The Sembrich to Host Classical Concert and Gilded Age Display in July

    The Sembrich in Bolton Landing will present violinist Rubén Rengel and pianist Ahmed Alom on July 6 and “A Night at the Museum” on July 11.

    Rubén Rengel at The Sembrich in Bolton Landing
    Rubén Rengel

    Classical Splendor

    The first of the two events at The Sembrich is a Chamber Music concert featuring violinist Rubén Rengel and pianist Ahmed Alom on Saturday, July 6 at 7 PM. The duo will perform sonatas by Brahms and Poulenc, Liszt’s Paraphrase on a theme from Rigoletto, and selections from Stravinsky’s Pulcinella.

    Rubén Rengel is praised for his talents as a soloist as well as his collaborations with violinists such as Joseph Silverstein and Pamela Frank, among many others. He is also recognized for his work in the Autana Trio, which won at the 2015 Fischoff Chamber Music Competition. Furthermore, Rengel has experience playing Venezuelan folk music and Jazz, which helps expand his style and repertoire.

    Ahmed Alom at The Sembrich in Bolton Landing
    Ahmed Alom

    Ahmed Alom is a Cuban pianist, composer, producer, and arranger. His skills are shown through his ability to unite his Cuban roots with Classical music, allowing audiences to interpret his music at new depths. Alom is also the youngest Artistic Director and Conductor of The Washington Square Music Festival, contributing his experiences to making good ones for audience members.

    Both musicians will bring immense talent and amazing performances to Bolton Landing.

    We’re thrilled to bring these two acclaimed artists together in a program designed specifically for The Sembrich’s centennial. The evening features works by composers Sembrich knew and those who carried on the spirit of musical innovation which she exemplified throughout her career. We are also grateful to the Alfred Z. Solomon Charitable Trust for their underwriting and continued support of the Masterwork Series here at The Sembrich.

    Richard Wargo, Artistic Director

    A Night at the Museum

    On Thursday, July 11 at 7 PM, The Sembrich will host “A Night at the Museum,” a one-night-only exhibition centered around the life of Marcella Sembrich, Lake Georges’s Opera star of the Gilded Age. At the exclusive exhibit, attendees will have the chance to see Sembrich’s belongings such as her diamond winged tiara and gold & diamond bracelet from the Czar of Russia, as well as hear stories of her honorable life.

    Marcella Sembrich
    Marcella Sembrich

    In addition, the exhibit will feature the unveiling of Sembrich’s restored Queen of the Night costume from the premier performance of The Magic Flute at New York City’s Metropolitan Opera in 1900. Following the event is an outside reception with drinks and hors d’oeuvres.

    Through my research, I was able to explore the life of Marcella Sembrich beyond the usual litany of opera roles, venues and dates; the image of the opera star portrayed in numerous headlines and glowing reviews expanded into a view of an accomplished woman with an engaging smile, a warm and generous personality, strong views and surprising passions

    Betty Spinelli, Sembrich board member and program creator

    Tickets for Classical Spledor are $53 and may be purchased here

    Tickets for “A Night at the Museum” are $103 and can be purchased here. Proceeds go towards Sembrich operation, preservation and programming.

  • In Focus: Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit at Beak & Skiff

    Day long winds and heavy rain, along with a gloomy evening forecast did not deter the strong contingent of Jason Isbell fans from turning out to Beak & Skiff in LaFayette on Saturday June 29, as Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit made their return to Central New York. 

    Isbell, the critically acclaimed singer, songwriter, and guitarist has been touring endlessly in support of 2023’s acclaimed release, Weathervanes.  The album showcases Isbell at his finest, with a package of songs focused on heavy topics like love and loss, addiction, and nostalgia, backed by powerful guitars and haunting melodies.  Isbell, an Alabama native, formed with the 400 Unit in 2009 after he departed the Drive By Truckers.  The 400 Unit, which consists of Sadler Vaden (guitars), Chad Gamble (drums), Anna Butterss (bass guitar), Derry deBorja (keyboards), and Will Johnson (percussion), have become an integral piece to both Isbell’s studio albums and live tours.  

    Heavy winds and rains started early and often on Saturday and continued until one final rain shower blew through the outdoor concert field shortly before 6pm. The tumultuous weather forced the cancelling of opener Courtney Marie Andrews’ set and led to a restructured timeline for the music events on this evening.  That did not deter music fans from turning out in near capacity, and shortly before 7pm they were rewarded with a sun which had finally broke free of the heavy cloud cover that had dressed the fields through out the day.  

    Just after 7pm Isbell stepped on stage with his bandmates, flashing a smile and delivering praise to those in attendance for riding out the weather.   The band launched into the gritty rocker “When We Were Close” which immediately had fans out of their chairs and making way close to the stage.  Isbell wasted no time showing off tracks from his 2023 release, opening the concert with four consecutive tracks off the album.  The third song this evening, “King of Oklahoma” which features a powerful, stadium-anthem like chorus, saw the first of several epic guitar-solo duals between Isbell and Vaden.  

    Through out the evening it became abundantly clear why Isbell has received such high praises as a songwriter.  Few artists have the ability to place the listener into the scene with their lyrics quite like Isbell can.  Vivid imagery, like on “Strawberry Woman” place the listener next to the song’s narrator, while addressing heavy topics all too familiar to many.  

    Over the course of the 110 minute set, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit treated those in attendance to a set spanning their entire catalog, performing favorites like “Alabama Pines”, “If We Were Vampires”, “24 Frames”, “Flying Over Water” and “Cover Me Up”. They even paid tribute to The Cure, by playing “Just Like Heaven” late in the set. It was a simple gesture to pay homage to the band’s classic rock roots, and one that was well received by all in attendance.

    The Beak & Skiff Summer Concert Series continues on Sunday, July 7, with a performance by Lake Street Dive.

  • In Focus: Vanessa Carlton at Alive at 5

    On Thursday, June 27, Vanessa Carlton performed at Albany’s Alive at 5, located at Jennings Landing, on the waterfront of Albany.

    Vanessa Carlton, originally from Milford, Pennsylvania and quickly moved to fame after her first single “A Thousand Miles” moved into the Billboards Top Ten. She was recently on tour with Stevie Nicks and is now making a few stops for summer concerts.

    Carlton brought a large crowd to Jennings Landing on Thursday night to share songs from her first to her most recent album. Along with her songs “White Houses” and “Ordinary Day” she sang a few covers such as “Dreams” by Stevie Nicks. Carlton’s music had the whole crowd old and young dancing and singing along. The Alive at 5 stage created a beautiful back drop of the Hudson River and the golden hour light lit up the stage.

    Carlton’s performance left us all signing ” A Thousand Miles” on the way to our cars. Be sure to see the perfect summer concert series at Jennings Landing before the series ends.

    Remaining Alive at 5 2024 Concert Schedule

    July 11 KRS-ONE
    July 18 Third World
    July 25 The Record Company
    August 1 Galactic (presented by WEQX and NYS Music)

  • Tracey Yarad Brings Her Musical Memoir of Heartbreak to NYC Stage in July

    What do you do when your husband and musical partner of many years runs off with your teenage goddaughter? You write a boatload of wonderful songs, dye your wedding dress black and make it into a dynamic, emotional rollercoaster of a musical stage show. That’s how the soulful Australian-born, New York-based singer-songwriter-pianist Tracey Yarad coped with heartbreak by crafting an emotionally raw and sometimes even humorous blend of memoir and song entitled All These Pretty Things. 

    New Yorkers will get a chance to experience this unique fusion of song and monologue when it comes to the 59E59 Theater in New York City, July 13, 14 and 16.  Yarad’s Big Apple run is a part of 59E59’s East to Edinburgh 2024, a showcase of 16 shows, including Yarad’s, which will be heading to the famed Edinburgh Fringe Fest in August 2024.

    This confessional and cathartic one-woman show is a classic illustration of when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade.  A phoenix rising from the ashes story, it takes the audience from the fallout of a devastating divorce in Australia, following her husband’s affair with their goddaughter, to an inspiring new life and musical career in New York City. Tracey Yarad plays both the damsel in distress and the heroine who saves the day in this dramatic sound play.

    “I started writing these songs to keep myself from going insane,” explains Yarad. “I didn’t realize that it would ever be recorded or performed. It was just my healing process. But the audience reactions so far have shown me it’s something that touches and helps other people to move through their struggles and challenges too.”

    Yarad’s sprawling All These Pretty Things began life as an album. It features contributions from some of New York’s finest jazz musicians including guitarist Luca Benedetti (Jim Campilongo), bassist Tony Scherr (Norah Jones, Bill Frisell), violinist Zach Brock (Snarky Puppy, Stanley Clarke), drummer Josh Dion (Chuck Loeb, Bob James) and organist Jon Cowherd (Brian Blade Fellowship, Joni Mitchell). An accompanying illustrated book will be available for purchase at the show and online at her Yarad’s website. Acclaimed jazz singer Madeleine Peyroux has called All These Pretty Things “an emotional roller coaster ride from thoughtful resignation to heartbreak, rage, acceptance and back again. I like it when I hear her roar!” BroadwayWorld.com labels it “a beautiful alchemy, breathtakingly honest and gorgeously sung songs on the themes of loss and abandonment and the restorative power of music and love.”

    Tracey developed this evocative portrayal of one woman’s capacity to come back stronger than ever with the help of her co-writer and director, the acclaimed jazz songstress Tessa Souter.  The work also serves as Souter’s directorial debut. Yarad names “heart-on-sleeve” songwriters like Laura Nyro, Rickie Lee Jones, Joni Mitchell and Bonnie Raitt as some of her primary influences for the piece. Her music reflects her diverse experience as a performer – from classical pianist to singing German lieder, from leading a jazz fusion trio to fronting funk bands. All these stylistic variants blend to create Yarad’s singular style.

    All These Pretty Things showcases Yarad’s strength as an instrumentalist and vocalist.  With only a piano and her powerful voice, she communicates a wide range of human emotions, ones that come with the burgeoning of new love through to its inevitable and uniquely tragic unraveling to her rebirth as both a woman and an artist.  Her musical and lyrical acumen are showcased in the spoken word passages which are the connective tissue to the musical pieces.  They are a testament to another of her unique talent as a dramatist.

    Yarad’s musical life has been varied and globe-trotting. A pianist and singer-songwriter with jazz sensibilities, her career has taken her from touring her native Australia with her original music and having a Top 40 single in the 1990s, to a seven-year residency singing in 5-star hotels in Japan, to running her own music school for 18 years in the Blue Mountains of Australia and, finally, to New York City.

    Since relocating to the Big Apple in 2017, she has added jazz photographer to her list of professional accomplishments, specializing in portraits of leading names in jazz. Her work has appeared in Downbeat, Guitar Player and Drum Scene magazines to name a few.

    New York serves as an inspiring backdrop that has greatly fueled Tracey’s creative musical spirit. In the relatively short time since moving here, Tracey has produced two original music projects—one with her all-female group featuring Claudia Acuña, Jennifer Vincent, Elsa Nilsson and Rosa Avila and this one-woman version of All These Pretty Things.  Another musical memoir, Lost in Translation, featured stories and songs from her days as a hotel singer in Japan and was performed with virtuoso jazz pianist Jim Ridl.

  • Schroon Lake’s 50th Summer Of Live Music At Boathouse Theatre

    Schroon Lake Arts Council will present its 50th summer of Live music in the Boathouse Theater from July 3 to Aug 10.

    This year’s theme is “Roots of Adirondack Music” featuring the bands and artists that make up the Adirondack style of folk. All of the concerts are free and volunteer run. The concerts also overlook Schroon Lake located in the eastern part of Adirondack State Park.

    Boathouse Theater has been operating since 1874 and is just one of the attractions in the town of Schroon. People come to the area for fishing, hiking and to soak in views of Schroon lake.

    The lineup of bands is full of folk, blues and genre bending performances. On July 3, Get Up Jack, an Irish folk band, will start off the series. They have performed at Boathouse theater for multiple years and are a fan favorite. Music isn’t the only thing that brings people to the theater. On July 13, The Puppet People will present their “Puppet Potpourri.” Additionally, on July 15, the arts council will show the PBS documentary, “Songs To Keep: Treasures Of An Adirondack Folk Collector,” about the Adirondack folk artist Marjorie Lansing Porter.

    To find more information on the series, you can visit the arts council website here.

    Roots of Adirondack Music 2024

    July 3: Get Up Jack

    July 9: Dave Ruch

    July 13: The Puppet People

    July 15: Songs To Keep: Treasures Of An Adirondack Folk Collector with Dan Berggren

    July 16: Annie and The Hedonists

    July 23: The Kennedys 

    July 30: Marsh Lights

    Aug 3: Lake George Music Festival Preview Concert

    Aug 10: Goodnight Moonshine