New York City band, God Street Wine, released their brand new comedic single on Tuesday, titled, “Kristi Shot a Puppy.”
The satirical title references South Dakota Governor, Kristi Noem. She is a controversial republican politician who, according to her own memoir, shot and killed her dog on her family farm.
God Street Wine is no stranger to dark humor as they often use comedic lyrics to get statements across to listeners.
The band took to Facebook writing, “No animals of any kind were harmed during the recording of this new #GodStreetWine song. We wish the same was true of the subject matter. It’s a weird world out there. Be safe, be kind and please exercise your right to #vote. Your voice matters!”
Since the band formed in 1988, God street Wine has released nine studio albums and opened for big names in rock including The Allman Brothers Band, Dave Mathews band and Sheryl Crow. Founding bandmates, Lo Faber and Dan Pifer met at NYU and then transferred to Manhattan school of music where they met guitarist and vocalist Aaron Maxwell. The founding members’ background in jazz mixed with bluegrass and rock creates the band’s unique sound.
“Kristi Shot a Puppy” follows their album released in February, Hot Sweet and Juicy. Fans will have a chance to see God Street Band live while they hit the road again this Fall. They will perform at Levon Helm Studios in Woodstock, Sept. 20 and 21, The NYC venue, The Cutting room on Sept. 27 and The Wonder Bar in New Jersey Sept 28.
You can check out their new single here. To find out more information about the upcoming tour, visit their website.
For 44 years, the Lake George Arts Project’s Summer Concert Series has been a staple of summer evenings in Lake George. This tradition continues in 2024 with another exciting lineup featuring rising stars, regional favorites, and music legends.
The 2024 series boasts an impressive roster, from the genre-bending virtuosity of Sons of Mystro to the Grammy-nominated Louisiana powerhouse, the Pine Leaf Boys. Acclaimed singer-songwriters like Cassandra Kubinski and Angelina Valente will share the stage alongside legends Walter Parks & The Unlawful Assembly and Matt Schofield, a British-born blues legend who reshaped the boundaries of the genre.
The Arts Project is also committed to showcasing the best of the 518. It brings The E-Block, Eventually Epic, and Reese Fulmer & The Carriage House Band to the stage for the first time, alongside regional favorite Big Medicine. All concerts begin at 7 pm at Shepard Park in Lake George, NY. This year’s events begin June 29 and run until August 28. Admission is free.
The Lake George Arts Project is a non-profit organization dedicated to presenting and promoting the arts in the Lake George region. Its mission is to provide exposure and income opportunities to professional and emerging artists, as well as quality arts programming for the residents and visitors of the Lake George region. With a rich history of nearly 50 years, the Lake George Arts Project curates an exciting range of cultural events, including renowned programs such as Jazz at the Lake Jazz Festival, the Summer Concert Series, and the year-round Courthouse Gallery Exhibitions.
For more information, visit the Lake George Arts Project website at www.lakegeorgearts.org
The Lake George Arts Project’s 2024 Summer Concert Series Lineup:
Saturday, June 29th: Sons of Mystro (Reggae, R&B, Fusion)
Born in South Florida to a Jamaican father and Barbadian mother, brothers Malcom and Umoja learned to play violin through South Florida’s public school system. Together, these brothers are Sons of Mystro. They use their violins to interpret reggae classics, American pop songs and their own creations.
The Sons of Mystro concert is supported by The Audience Building Project, a program of the Lake Placid Center for the Arts and the New York State Council on the Arts with support from the Governor and New York State Legislature.
Wednesday, July 3rd: Eventually Epic (Rock, Pop, Bollywood)
Eventually Epic is an eclectic rock band that performs songs across diverse musical genres, ranging from classic rock to contemporary pop to (Hindi) Bollywood tunes. Their originals feature simple arrangements, catchy melodies and memorable lyrics, and their live performances exude raw energy and sheer joy.
Wednesday, July 10th: Cassandra Kubinski (Singer-Songwriter)
Billboard-charting singer/songwriter Cassandra Kubinski has performed from stadiums to living rooms, from Romania to LA, sharing stages with the likes of the Goo Goo Dolls, 10,000 Maniacs, Anna Nalick and others. Known for her piano-forward, cutting songwriting that takes listeners from deep, vulnerable canyons to snarky, witty corners, to futuristic ambitious highs, her songs have been used in dozens of TV shows and ads.
Wednesday, July 17th: Pine Leaf Boys (Cajun, Zydeco)
Louisiana’s finest, four-time Grammy-Nominated, world-renown Pine Leaf Boys have made a name for presenting their own inimitable brand of Louisiana music with youthful exuberance. Hailing from southwest Louisiana, the Pine Leaf Boys, known for their wild shows and thoughtful arrangements, have breathed new life into Louisiana music, reviving ancient songs and bringing them to the bandstand.
Wednesday, July 24th: The E-Block (Indie R&B)
The E-Block is a 5-piece indie R&B band based in Upstate New York, blending the acoustic warmth of singer-songwriter music with an ice-cold rhythm section informed by modern R&B. Founded by guitarist Luke Pascarella in 2019, the band has grown to include saxophonist James Soren, keyboardist Devin Tetlak, bassist Daniel Folds, and drummer Leroy “Rudy” Dalton.
Wednesday, July 31st: Big Medicine (Rock, Folk, Country, Blues)
A rocking concoction of rock, folk, country, blues, originals and everything else under the sun! The band is Jeff Walton-Vocals and Guitar, Maggie Doherty-Vocals and Flute, Tim Wechgalear-Vocals, Violin and Mandoli, Rick Bolton-Vocals and Guitar, Pat Perkinson-Bass, and Mike LaMaestro-Drums.
Wednesday, August 7th: Walter Parks & The Unlawful Assembly (Spirituals, Gospel, Blues)
The Unlawful Assembly reimagines and tributes historic spirituals and hymns which universally inspire, empower and unite. The soundtrack to American black history –old-school spirituals, gospel, blues, and prison work chants intertwine with swamp hollers, shaped-note hymns and Appalachian reels of white homesteader origin.
Wednesday, August 14th: Matt Schofield (Blues)
A multi-award winning guitar virtuoso, singer, songwriter, and producer, Schofield’s impact as one of the most distinctive guitarists of his generation is unquestionable. Industry and critical acclaim has named him “British Blues Guitarist of the Year,” “British Blues Album of the Year,” and the first guitarist inducted into the “British Blues Awards Hall of Fame.” Additionally, Schofield has been named Mojo Magazine’s “Blues Album of the Year” and Guitar & Bass Magazines “Top Ten British Blues Guitarist of All Time,” alongside Eric Clapton and Peter Green.
Wednesday, August 21st: Angelina Valente (Indie Folk)
Angelina Valente is a singer-songwriter from Upstate New York. Her unique blend of indie folk features piano, ukulele, and genuine storytelling influenced by her small town roots and love of nature. She has released one full length album, two EP’s and three singles, and has recorded at the esteemed Village Studios in L.A., as well as the Atlantic Records Studio in New York City.
Wednesday, August 28th: Reese Fulmer & The Carriage House Band (Americana, Indie-Folk)
Reese Fulmer & The Carriage House Band feature “an award-winning songwriter with a poet’s sensibility rich with great storytelling, imagery and a healthy dose of irony, surrounded by a revolving cast of extraordinary musicians.” (Art of the Song)
Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats have announced a US Arena Tour, including a NYC date at Madison Square Garden. This tour celebrates the group’s fourth studio album South of Here, which releases June 28.
Nathaniel Rateliff is a Denver-based singer-songwriter renowned for his gruff voice and songwriting prowess. Rateliff’s group The Night Sweats hit the mainstream with their gold-certified 2015 self-titled debut. Since his breakout, Rateliff has collaborated with folk legends, including Paul Simon and Willie Nelson. Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant has lauded Rateliff’s music, calling him “one of these guys that will just carry the torch. Beautiful songwriting, beautiful singing, great delivery.” Rateliff is already carrying that torch, inspiring a new generation of folk artists, including stars Noah Kahan and Orville Peck. Across their 3 studio albums, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats have grown their catalog, and honed their dynamic performances.
In the lead to their national tour, the band is releasing their fourth studio album South of Here. This new album reckons with love, loss, and hope during a life full of trauma. The songs bear Rateliff’s soul through his vivid storytelling, and the Night Sweat’s R&B-influenced Americana instrumentals. Rateliff hopes “these songs and stories give you an opportunity to better understand your own struggles whatever they may be.” The band collaborated with producer Brad Cook, straight off work with Waxahachie and Bon Ives, to engineer the album. The album is set to release June 28 via Stax.
The album’s lead single “Heartless” has already hit #1 on Americana radio and #5 on Triple A Charts. Accompanying this single is a new music video directed by the award-winning Kimberly Stuckwisch. Stuckwisch, who has previously worked with Olivia Rodrigo, based the video around the idea of finding freedom through arts. She says ” “Growing up in an impoverished part of Kentuckiana I often found myself running away from my upbringing diving headfirst into books, studies, writing, and theater.” This music video plays into Rateliff’s lyrical themes about moving out West from his childhood hometown in Missouri.
This arena tour comes after a 2022 sold-out concert at Denver’s Ball Arena, which launched their career to new heights. Starting on August 15 in Oregon, the band will snake their way Eastward across the country, before closing out the tour with a MSG show on March 27.
NATHANIEL RATELIFF & THE NIGHT SWEATS LIVE
August 15—Bend, OR—Hayden Homes Amphitheater
August 16—Boise, ID—Outlaw Field
August 20—Morrison, CO—Red Rocks Amphitheatre
August 21—Morrison, CO—Red Rocks Amphitheatre
October 22—Houston, TX—713 Music Hall
October 23—Dallas, TX—The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
October 26—Austin, TX—Moody Center
October 29—Rogers, AR—Walmart Amphitheater
October 30—St. Louis, MO—Chaifetz Arena
November 1—Chicago, IL—United Center
November 2—St. Paul, MN—Excel Center
March 27, 2025—New York, NY—Madison Square Garden
Presale for Nathaniel Ratecliff & The Night Sweat’s MSG concert begins Tuesday, June 4th at 10am. General on-sale will begin June 7th at 10am. The band also offers a “Marigold upgrade” for their NYC concert tickets, providing access to an intimate pre-show cocktail lounge, and a limited edition concert print. The proceeds from these upgrades support the band’s Marigold Project, dedicated to promoting economic, social, and racial justice.
For more information on tour dates and ticketing, visit the band’s website here.
Genre-disrupting star Jelani Aryeh makes waves with his new complex single “Hang On” which dropped last May 17. The up-and-coming artist headlined The Wild Honey Pie x Stereogum Present: A Pizza Party at Round Top last February and played at the inaugural First River Festival in October 2021.
“Hang On” is accompanied by a visually stunning short film shot by acclaimed photographer Silken Weinberg in Yosemite National Park. “Hang On,” co-written with Jonny Pierce (The Drums) is the final single release off Aryeh’s upcoming sophomore album, The Sweater Club, out everywhere June 14.
Sonically, “Hold On” presents as a clipped, summer-ready feast of alt-pop. Yet, its lyrics dive headfirst into the bewitching early stages of love, particularly the exploration of the relationship between pleasure and pain. The interplay between its uptempo rhythm and trance-like melody further saturates the song with this bittersweet feeling. “Hold On” captures a sentiment where emotional struggle and connection through adversity can lead to a form of cathartic pleasure or deeper understanding.
Jelani Aryeh explains, “This is a sister song to “I’m In Love.” I think it comes from a more sincere place, or maybe honest is the right word. While “I’m In Love” is kind of in a fantasy/heady space, this one is me quite literally wishing I was speaking to this person. It’s talking about the same things but from a more dark and submissive kind of place.”
The previous release that Aryeh references leans heavily into the indie-rock aspects of “Hang On,” but from a more optimistic, idealized standpoint with lyrics like “a fantasy version of us, don’t wake me from this dreaming, just let me hold onto this dream that I have…”. The young artist first broke into the scene with his single “Stella Brown.” However, this distinct emotional perspective is one Aryeh has been drawing from since before 2019 in his debut EP “Helvetica” which includes popular favorites like “Brown” and “Marigold.”
Fans old and new can find this release and links to the upcoming album The Sweater Clubhere.
To coincide with the album, Lodge has announced a tour across the East Coast starting on July 9. The tour will start in Clearwater, Florida at the Capitol Theater. Lodge’s tour will make three stops in New York. The first show is on July 17 at the Patchogue Theatre, in Patchogue, New York. The other dates are July 20 at the Tarrytown Music Hall in Tarrytown, New York and July 29 at the Bardavon Opera House in Poughkeepsie, New York.
Lodge has been the songwriter behind some of The Moody Blues’ biggest hits such as “Ride My SeeSaw” and “I’m Just A Singer (In A Rock and Roll Band).” With The Moody Blues no longer touring, Lodge is passionate about “keeping the Moody Blues music alive.”
Prior to John Lodge’s first show, he joined Michael Singer to discuss new recordings, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Jon Davison of Yes.
On Friday, May 24, 2024, O+ (pronounced O Positive) hosted a benefit event in support of their new O+ Exchange Clinic, which will offer year-round health and wellness services to O+ artists and alumni. The inaugural event, held at the Old Dutch Church in Kingston, featured eight-time Grammy nominee Allison Russell as the headliner.
O+ defines itself as a national nonprofit working to help creatives of all stripes access health and wellness services, amplify the arts, and build more resilient communities in Kingston and beyond.
Old Dutch Church, Kingston NY
Local musician Lara Hope of Lara Hope & The Ark Tones, an O+ member, emceed the evening’s event. Midway through the night, Joe Concra, co-founder of O+, addressed the audience, highlighting some of their achievements and discussing the goal of providing 365 days of healthcare services. The theme of caring for artists and their community resonated throughout the night, from those on stage to the volunteers and attendees.
Emcee Lara Hope
Texas native Denitia, now based in Nashville, opened the night. Her solo performance grew more intense as the set progressed, with the power and richness of her songs deepening. Having spent several years living in the Hudson Valley, her set conveyed a sense of homecoming and kinship.
Joe Concra, O+ co-founder
With bare feet and a smile a mile wide, Allison Russell took to the stage. Backed by an internationally built four-piece band, Russell and her crew’s performance showed why they are currently on tour with Hozier. But this night was about more than just music. Allison shared the difficulties being faced by those seeking artistic and personal freedom, encouraging all to speak their minds, and to support those oppressed.
Denitia
Throughout her set, Russell dug deep into her soul, at times getting down on her knees with the songs consuming her. This was not just a show; this night was for a reason. Russell made sure all could feel what this was all about.
Alisson Russell
Allison showcased her versatility throughout the performance, seamlessly transitioning from vocals to clarinet, to banjo, and back again over the course of an hour and a half. The audience eagerly absorbed each note, growing more enthusiastic as the night unfolded. With Russell’s encouragement, everyone joined in singing ‘Demon’ from her latest album release, The Returner.
Allison Russell
With support from artists like Allison Russell, O+ continues to make strides on behalf of its creative community providing comprehensive preventative care with an emphasis on mental health, dental, and primary care. The 14th annual O+ Festival will take place this coming October 11 â 13, 2024.
There’s a new music festival that’s been announced for the summer season. Wonderland Forest in Lafayette, NY will play host to Grateful Getaway, a series of Grateful Dead tribute acts playing over the course of eleven consecutive days in August.
The initial artist lineup has now been announced with more to follow and there’s various ticketing options for either individual shows or all eleven packaged together.
Grateful Getaway promises to feature a harmonious fusion of sound, nature, and community and begins on August 2 and 3 with two performances by the Sam Grisman Project. The August 3 show will also feature a supporting act from Grateful for Biggie – a band that blends the iconic worlds of the Grateful Dead and Notorious B.I.G.
Pink Talking Fish then takes over Wonderland Forest for a show on Sunday, August 4 and the artist for the Monday, August 5 show has yet to be announced.
Grateful Getaway then powers right along to Tuesday, August 6 with a performance from Steely Dead, another “mash-up” tribute act that lives up to the name. This then sets the stage for two of the more renowned and long lasting Dead cover bands that are playing today.
Melvin Seals & JGB will headline on August 7 and 8 and then pass the baton to Dark Star Orchestra for two shows on Friday, August 9 and Saturday, August 10. Grateful Getaway will then come to an end on Sunday, August 11 with that night’s headliner also yet to be announced.
Tickets for individual shows and further information can be found here.
Sean Lippin unveils a vibrant new single “Run Away” that speaks to the ever-common human sentiment of wanting to escape the dullness of daily life. The Westchester-born singer’s brand of emotional lyrics and upbeat vocals promises to resonate with all in this new track, now available on all streaming platforms.
“Run Away” is a heartfelt exploration of the universal desire to break free of the pressures of modern life and find solace in freedom. Lippin pens lyrics reflecting on the everyday struggles of maintaining sanity in a world driven by constant pressure to perform and succeed. Amidst all that is expected of us, he wonders if we ever still “stop and see the sights” or if the rush of daily life causes us to miss them entirely.
Such lyrics of wondering and questioning build up to an energetic chorus that breaks away from this narrative. Lippin takes the song –and its listener– away from these monotonous routines to a place free of care.
Born and raised in the lower Hudson Valley region, Sean Lippin writes and sings original songs that reflect his environment and unique experiences. Sean seeks to strike a balance between being a city kid and nature lover in his songs, such as “Hazy Day” and his previous release, “Nothing on Our Minds.” Sean engages his audience with backstories from his own life while weaving imagery of nature and values of friendship and family.
Produced by the acclaimed Matt Graff at The Koop Studio, “Run Away” boasts a rich sonic landscape that blends elements of indie, folk, and pop rock into Lippin’s storytelling. Reflecting on the inspiration behind the song, Lippin shares, “‘Run Away’ is about breaking free from the shackles of society and embracing the true essence of who we are. It’s a reminder to follow our hearts and escape reality fearlessly.”
More information about Sean Lippin and his music here.
UPCOMING SHOWS 5/23 – Lucy’s – Pleasantville, NY
6/1 – RiverArts Music Tour – Hastings, NY 6/7 – Argonne Rose Brewery – Mohegan Lake, NY
7/6 – Saratoga Farmers’ Market – Saratoga Springs, NY
The acclaimed Brentano Quartet is scheduled to perform at the Geneva Music Festival on May 30. The string quartet will play a number of classical pieces in the festival’s intimate performance space.
Violinist Geoffrey Herd founded the Geneva Music Festival in 2011, to spread appreciation of classical music in his hometown. Originally intended to be a weekend of chamber performances, it soon evolved into a four-week long event, drawing artists from around the world. The festival has expanded to include jazz, bluegrass, and other contemporary musicians on top of classical performances. The festival is an all-ages event, spreading music engagement everywhere from Geneva’s schools to senior living facilities
2024 has been a busy season for the Geneva Music Festival, already hosting spectacular performances, with more scheduled for the near future. The season kicked off with a sold-out musical mixology night at the Linden Social Club. This night was followed by two “Love and Loathing” concerts, which illustrated the intimacy and passion the festival is known for.
The Brentano Quartet will kick off week two of the festival. The quartet began at the Juilliard School in 1992, and have been legends of modern classical performance since. They have traveled across 5 continents on tours, most recently holding a residency at the Yale School of Music. Despite these travels, this performance marks the quartet’s first visit to Geneva. Violinist Serena Canin was especially excited, stating “Being in nature centers us, connects us to the Earth, and opens our spirits. The way we connect to our music and to each other changes. I can’t wait to be near the lakes, the breeze, the trees and the open sky and see what happens.”
The Brentano Quartet will play three classical pieces at the festival. The quartet will begin with Haydn’s “String Quartet in G Major, Op. 33, No. 5.” They will follow this performance with Shostakovich’s “String Quartet No. 8 in C Minor, Op. 110,” which is a new addition to the quartet’s repertoire. Following an intermission, the quartet will close their set with Mendelssohn’s “String Quartet in D Major, Op. 44, No. 1.”
Hobart and William Smith Colleges’ Gearan Center
The Brentano Quartet is only one of many performance during the festival’s second week. On May 31st and June 1st, there will be a performance of “War and Peace,” featuring works by Beethoven, Shostakovich, and Antoine. This is followed by a June 2nd performance by the Kate McGarry and Keith Ganz Ensemble. This show by Grammy-nominated jazz virtuosos is sure to enchant audiences.
The Brentano Quartet will perform Thursday, May 30th, at 7:30pm. The concert will take place at the Gearan Center on the Hobart and William Smith campus. General admission tickets for the concert are $60. Children under 18 enter free, and college students with Valid ID have reduced ticket prices. Tickets are on sale now at the link here.
On June 28, 2024 at 8 PM, Flushing Town Hall will present The Queens Jazz Orchestra – A Concert for “Tootie” Heath. The event pays tribute to the late jazz luminary, Albert “Tootie” Heath, who passed away last April 3, just shy of 90 years-old.
Albert “Tootie” Heath was the last living Heath Brother, America’s most prominent jazz siblings who were all recipients of the title NEA Jazz Master, the nation’s highest honor in jazz. Tootie was the drummer with drummer of his family band and later with the Modern Jazz Quartet. He performed with some of the most prolific and best-known musicians in jazz, starting with Thelonious Monk and John Coltrane. Tootie was the drummer for Nina Simone’s first album, Little Girl Blue, and also played with virtuosos such as J.J. Johnson, Herbie Hancock, Benny Golson, Dexter Gordon, Art Farmer, Cannonball Adderley, Ethan Iverson, and Wes Montgomery.
In 2018, Tootie received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Jazz Foundation of America for his exceptional musical career and work as an educator. Beyond performing, he dedicated his life to clinics, workshops. For over 30 years, he was an instructor at the Stanford Jazz Workshop summer camps and played at colleges and universities nationwide.
Founded in 2008, Queens Jazz Orchestra (QJO) is a 17-piece orchestra dedicated to preserving the heritage of jazz in Queens and nurturing the next generations of great jazz musicians. It is a project of Flushing Town Hall and was the brainchild of Tootie’s brother, Jimmy Heath, and Flushing Town Hall’s Jazz Producer, Clyde Bullard. Tootie and his brothers performed at the Town Hall several times and will be honored “with him in mind and with love” in the upcoming concert and pre-show event to “share favorite memories of Tootie and his music,” says Bullard.
The QJO will perform at Flushing Town Hall onFriday, June 28 at 8 PM ET. The free, pre-concert reception will be open for concert ticket holders at 7 PM.
For more upcoming events at Flushing Town Hall, visit this website.
