Country and folk rock band Cowboy Junkies has announced a new tour for the fall of 2024 that will begin with two stops in New York, one in Buffalo and the other in Geneva. The tour is in support of their most recent album, Such Ferocious Beauty, which is the band’s first release of new material in five years.
Formed just over the border in Toronto, Cowboy Junkies have been actively making and performing music for almost 40 years. Comprised of bassist Alan Anton, songwriter/guitarist Michael Timmins, drummer Peter Timmins and vocalist Margo Timmins, the quartet has recorded a total of 16 live albums and five live albums. Moreover, with Michael, Peter and Margo all being siblings, the band’s many years of unwavering togetherness only makes sense.
Cowboy Junkies’ first album, Whites Off Earth Now!!, in 1986, kicked off their careers and was then followed up in 1988 by the now-Platinum The Trinity Season. In a world where many bands chase whatever sounds are trending, the Junkies have stayed their course, maintaining the low-impact excavation of melody and evocative language that gave them so many fans in the first place.
About Cowboy Junkies
The band’s newest outing, Such Ferocious Beauty, is vintage Cowboy Junkies and another dimension from the lo-fi Canadian band comprised of, well, family. As a result the album is a tangle of sonic textures, ruminating on aging, losing parents, facing mortality and creating space for one’s life in the midst of the ruin that comes from merely living. “Mike has never shied away from the darker, harder and sometimes uglier realities of our human condition,” Margo Timmins explained of the band’s singular focus, “nor has he shied from its beauty. Thankfully, with one comes the other.”
Michael Timmins, the oldest, is the chief architect, songwriter and guitarist, who works with Margo on sculpting the emotional planes and vocal performances before bringing in younger brother Peter on drums and lifelong friend Alan Anton on bass to create the soundscapes that have made Cowboy Junkies a band that defies categories. Alternative? Rock? Americana? Roots? Perhaps the answer is a simple “yes.” Hence, the churning beauty builds on all those things, evoking the best of a group that’s evolved over three and a half decades. Michael adds, “This record is connected to All That Reckoning. I see our recent work in a cycle: Reckoning, Ghosts and Such Ferocious Beauty. They were all done in very violent and tumultuous times. The violent side is so much a part of our society now—not just the physical, but the way we relate to each other. It’s hard to escape.”
Photo Credit: Heather Pollock
Inside The Band
Whether drawing on a pop culture reference like a quote culled from Mike Tyson or mining Greek mythology, there’s an ease and fluidity to how Michael draws songs together. For the sinewy “Mike Tyson (Here It Comes),” he employs a high-plains spaghetti Western tension that marries a nervy acoustic strum and tympani rolls to a creeping bassline, while “Circe & Penelope” deploys a wheezy fiddle and an acoustic guitar with its strings more flicked than strummed.
“I love the blunt reality of this song,” Margo offers. “I love the two women’s strength and realistic view of the situation. They have a great love for their men, but also this discontent. The image of these two women waiting for their men to return but getting on with the work that needs to be done and living their lives as strong women is truly empowering and reflects upon many of the women I know today.”
“The expectations and responsibilities of what we all do—it’s a big part of this. We’re still amazed that we’re doing this, but the longer [we have], the more fun it’s become. We don’t take it for granted,” said Michael. “We do what we do,” Margo agrees, “and it feels right for all of us. After 30-plus years of playing together, the band and its music are more important to us than ever. The music we make brings each of us a great sense of contentment, a knowing of place and a sense of doing what we were meant to do.”
To catch Cowboy Junkies on tour and watch them perform Such Ferocious Beauty, visit their website for tickets and information. Additionally, see below for a written list of the tour dates and locations.
Albany-born and bred punk band State Champs gear up for a nationwide tour this fall, starting on November 8 in Austin, Texas. Joining them are supporting acts Knuckle Puck, Meet Me at The Altar, and Daisy Grenade.
State Champs will end their tour in their home state, closing the tour at Manhattan’s Webster Hall on December 7.
CREDIT: Manuel Barajas
For the last decade, State Champs have become a household name in the world of pop-punk. The band is comprised of singer Derek DiScanio, guitarist Tyler Szalkowski, bassist Ryan Scott Graham, and drummer Evan Ambrosio. Starting with the release of their debut album, The Finer Things, State Champs have been gathering fans of all generations to enjoy
Together, they have played at numerous festivals, including Alive at 5 and Frozen Fire. They have written alongside some of the genre’s biggest names, including Mark Hoppus of Blink-182 and Alex Gaskarth of All Time Low.
Over the years, State Champs received massive critical acclaim. From Kerrang!, to Upset, Alternative Press, and Rock Sound, they have been met with astounding support from fans and rock critics alike. In 2018, after the release of their third album, Living Proof, Billboard dubbed them “modern-day pop-punk torchbearers.”
Live performances with State Champs are nothing if not passionate and energetic, this tour being no exception. They always focus on keeping their energy and giving the crowd something they will never forget. Authenticity is the priority, exemplified by Evan Ambrosio’s statements in a past interview: “We focus on life as we experience it, not an event we didn’t have a part in. We write about things that stay true to what we experience, and not try to jump on a trend of ultimate sadness or TikTok videos, so we can maintain authenticity and stay true to what the band has built up.”
Tickets are on sale to the public this Friday, August 16, at 12:00 PM local time. They can be purchased on Sate Champs’ website.
Buffalo Outer Harbor, Terminal B hosted legendary Primus, Coheed and Cambria with special guest Puddles Pity Party on August 9, 2024.
Puddles Pity Party, the melancholy clown songster from America’s Got Talent, lured the crowd in with their deep golden voice and creative renditions of classics ranging from “My Heart Will Go On” to “Stairway to Heaven” with borrowed words from other famous songs like the Gilligan Island’s theme Song. Puddles’ interactions with the crowd were as much a part of the show as the music itself and the crowd enjoyed piecing together lyrics as Puddles sang several familiar tunes. As a result his memorable performance rocked the Terminal B crowd and set the stage for Coheed and Cambria.
Coheed and Cambria began the show with their hit song “In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3” which brought a different kind of intensity to the evening than Puddles Pity Party could offer. The band’s ability to create an emotional connection with their audience was next level, and fans passionately joined in on tracks like “A Favor House Atlantic” and “The Crowing” their voices rising in unison with the music creating a cathartic concert going experience. They closed with “Welcome Home” which seemed appropriate as they mentioned during the set that Buffalo has felt like home for the band throughout their years of touring and being hosted at people’s Buffalo homes throughout the years.
Les Claypool interacted with the audience to perform their hit and rare song at the encore, and they played “Jellikit” as the fans requested. Primus said goodbye with “Wynona’s Big Brown Beaver”, leaving the audience in awe, although Primus didn’t promise to come back to Buffalo as portion of the audience repeatedly chanted “Primus Sucks.”
After a thrilling performance at Madison Square Garden in New York City days before, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band, The Doobie Brothers traveled north to Bridgeport, Connecticut. The band, which is on their “The 2024 Tour,” packed in fans who braved the rain and played a thrilling 15-song set. Before the show began, fans had to arrive early as the show was moved up a half hour with the storms approaching.
Official music video for The Doobie Brothers – “Black Water” from ‘What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits’ (1974)
As fans were finding their seats, the legendary Steve Winwood and his spectacular band warmed up the humid audience. Winwood – who has been in famous bands like Traffic and Blind Faith – played a small, yet powerful seven-song set. Winwoods set featured music from his old bands. With the intro of “Can’t Find My Way Home,” fans roared to their feet and stood there the entire song. After each song ended the audience would repeatedly rise to their feet to pay respect to the living legend.
Winwood’s band featured five stellar musicians. The band featured Edwin Sanz on percussion, Tristan Banks on drums, Paul Booth on saxophone and piano and Nate Williams playing keyboards. Lastly, Winwood’s very own daughter, Lilly Winwood was featured on background vocals. The entire band had smiles on their faces, bringing an amazing atmosphere to the audience.
Just as quickly as Winwood jumped on stage, the stage was reset for The Doobie Brothers. The band did not have any flashy intro or spectacular entrances. Classically, the house lights dimmed and the band walked on and kicked into “Rockin’ Down the Highway” off of 1972’s Toulouse Street. Almost immediately, the rain – which stopped for Winwood – picked up again yet did not deter the band. They met the weather with great tunes and excellent showmanship.
In between songs, guitarist Patrick Simmons would whip out some of the brightest colored guitars in all of rock. One after the other, the spotlights would bounce off the shiny colored red and blue guitars. Flanking Simmons on his right was John Cowan who appeared to barely move all night. Despite the minimal movement, fans could tell that he was chugging away at his bass guitar throughout the entire set.
Some fans might have wondered what The Doobie Brothers sounded like during their “Golden Age.” Well, they didn’t need to think hard or long at all. Singer and guitarist, Tom Johnston along with keyboardist and singer, Michael McDonald, sound just like the records. Not every band can say that their singer’s voice has stood the test of time, but The Doobie Brothers can. Whether the song was “What a Fool Believes” or “Long Train Runnin’” Johnston and McDonald’s vocals were top-notch. The Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater is open to the outdoors on either side and sometimes vocals can get mushy. That didn’t happen for either vocalist. The vocals were one of the highlights of the show.
Joining Johnston, McDonald, Simmons and Cowan were four other stellar musicians. On drums were Ed Toth, John McFee on guitar, Marc Russo on saxophone and Marc Quiñones on percussion. Despite the crowded stage, each musician perfectly played their part in The Doobie Brothers’ rock and roll machine.
Throughout the show, the video screen would show moments in the band’s career and fade into the band on stage. The band’s crew did an amazing job enhancing the audience’s experience and giving them a little insight into the band in their heyday.
By the time the band reached the middle backend of the set, the smell of weed was distinct in the air, in typical Doobie Brothers fashion. By that point, the band was on another level as they were cranking out hit, after hit, after hit. Some fans took to the aisles to dance with their spouses. Others even tried to run up to the front to record their favorite songs. The amphitheater was in a Doobie Brothers frenzy.
In an attempt to save time, the band very quickly jumped back on stage for the four-song encore. The encore, highlighted by a Paul Simon cover of “Still Crazy After All These Years” was an instrumental duet between McDonald and Russo. Russo would take center stage when he belted out an amazing solo. It combined jazz, blues and classic rock into one solo reimagined by The Doobie Brothers.
As the summer winds down, The Doobie Brothers brought nothing but great vibes to the Bridgeport Audience. “The 2024 Tour” will take both bands to Saratoga Springs, New York to play at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. This tour is not to be missed, each band compliments each other perfectly and will make for a great night to “Listen to the Music.”
Steve Winwood Setlist: Glad, Can’t Find My Way Home, Why Can’t We Live Together (Timmy Thomas cover), Roll With It, Back in the High Life Again, Higher Love, Gimme Some Lovin’ The Doobie Brothers Setlist: Rockin’ Down the Highway, Take Me in Your Arms (Rock Me a Little While), Here to Love You, Depending on You, Minute by Minute, It Keeps You Runnin’, Without You, Jesus is Just Alright (The Art Reynolds Singers cover), What a Fool Believes (Kenny Loggins cover), Long Train Runnin’, China Grove, Black Water, Still Crazy After All These Years (Paul Simon cover), Takin’ It to the Streets, Listen to the Music
Woodstock co-creator Michael Lang’s Mount Tremper house is now on the market. His 17-acre property is currently listed for $2.43 million. This sale comes one week before the Woodstock Festival’s 55th anniversary.
Image from Brown Harris Stevens
Michael Lang was one of the most legendary concert promoters in history due to his work organizing Woodstock 1969. Born in Brooklyn in 1944, Lang moved to Southern Florida in 1967 where he began setting up shows. His first claim to fame was the 1968 Miami Pop Festival, drawing Jimi Hendrix, Frank Zappa, and more.
Following this success, Lang returned to his home state of New York to set up an even larger festival. Billed as “The Woodstock Music and Art Fair, An Aquarian Exposition,” the festival would take place over three days in Bethel, NY. Across its “three days of peace and music,” Woodstock drew nearly half a million attendees. On top of this, legendary performances by Jimi Hendrix, Crosby Stills Nash & Young, and Joan Baez quickly placed Woodstock in the history books.
After the success of Woodstock ‘69, Lang continued to promote concerts for decades. Among his other shows were the Woodstock ‘94 and ‘99 festivals. On top of these events, Lang had planned Woodstock ‘19 to celebrate the festival’s 50th anniversary. However, logistical issues forced the event’s cancellation. Besides for festival planning, Lang worked to book countless legendary artists on their own. Madonna, Bruce Springsteen, and Outkast are just some of the acts that Lang booked over the years.
Michael Lang at Woodstock ’69, Photo by Henry Diltz
While Lang’s legendary Woodstock festival took place 40 miles from its namesake town, Lang’s property was much closer. The estate, known as Happy Brooks, is located in Mount Tremper, only a 20 minute drive from Woodstock. Lang called this 17-acre estate home for 45 years, before his death from lymphoma in 2022.
From its construction, Happy Brooks always had a connection to the arts. Built in 1929 for artist G. Adolph Anderson, the estate has consistently housed visual artists and writers. When Lang purchased the house, he vowed to keep its original structure intact. The main house retains its original layout, with four bedrooms, a library, office, kitchen, and dining room. The house’s rooms look out onto the same Catskill Mountains that acted as the backdrop for the Woodstock ‘69 Festival. In addition to the main house, Lang’s property houses two separate guest cottages. On top of the manmade structures, the property features a pond, meadows, and natural mountain scenery.
Now, 45 years after Lang’s purchase, this piece of music history is back up on the market. With Woodstock’s 55th anniversary approaching on August 15th, it is important to highlight the life and work of Michael Lang, who made it all possible. While the asking price for Happy Brooks is a whopping $2.43 million, some lucky person could soon call this legendary property home.
In June 2024, Troy’s sixth annual Nighthawks Block Party was abruptly canceled. The event, which had become a yearly staple of music and charity, cited growing disagreements with the city’s mayor Carmella Mantello. This begs the question of what exactly happened to the event?
For six years, Troy-based restaurant Nighthawks has hosted an annual block party fundraiser. This event plays into the restaurant’s mission to “feed our friends and community with the best quality ingredients and love.” On top of food and drinks, the block parties featured special performances from local bands and artists. Most importantly, however, was Nighthawks’ dedication to serving the community.
Each year’s block party raised funds for a different local charity, tackling different issues facing Troy. In 2021, Nighthawks partnered with Unity House to fight growing gun violence throughout the Capital Region. The event featured performances from Coal Palace Kings, Brule County Bad Boys, the Wand-ers, and DJ Mercy, and anti-gun violence speakers.
With the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022, Nighthawks turned its focus towards reproductive rights. They partnered with Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood to raise awareness of their services. On top of informational sessions and refreshments, the event featured performances from the Brule County Bad Boys and The Men Who Loved Music.
Brule County Bad Boys
2024 was supposed to mark Nighthawks’ sixth year serving the Troy community. For the block party, Nighthawks had partnered with Joseph’s House. The Joseph’s House nonprofit seeks to provide non-judgmental services to unhoused people across the Capital Region, with outreach, shelter, and emergency support services. The event also planned to feature performances from Brule County Bad Boys and The Men Who Loved Music, with guests, Barbie Barker, Slik Nik, and Big Unity Band.
However, just before the event was supposed to be held on June 22nd, Nighthawks’ owners announced its cancellation. Nighthawks’ co-owner Josh Coletto cited policy from the mayor’s office as the sole reason for the event’s cancellation. At the center of the dispute is Troy’s newly-elected Republican mayor Carmella Mantello. Coletto cites greatly increased fees from the mayor’s office as the prime cause for the event’s closure.
Whereas for past block parties total permit fees amounted to $45, the new administration charged the restaurant nearly $1,500 for 2024. Alongside the increased fees, the mayor’s office also required an additional police presence for the event, amounting to an additional $750. This had not been an issue in the past, with community volunteers helping to control crowds each year. The city has defended its decision to charge what they deem reasonable for events like this.
These new costs come alongside increased rhetoric against live music events from Mayor Mantello’s office.
During her 2023 campaign, Mantello ran on quality of life issues for Troy. However, these issues have included an assault against the city’s live music venues. During the mayoral debates, Mantello cited outdoor music at Slidin’ Dirty’s as problematic for the city’s residents, insinuating noise complaints from live music were driving residents from the area. As mayor, she has implemented increased restrictions on live music.
The October 2023 mayoral debate between Republican Carmella Mantello and Democrat Nina Nicholas
For instance, the mayor’s office has altered zoning ordinances, changing the endtime for live music from 11 to 9pm. This stark change not only starves Troy’s residents of local arts, but also threatens small businesses that depend on earnings from live music events. Locals have begun to speak out against this new policy, with a July 22nd Downtown Troy Neighborhood Group meeting discussing the issue. The discussion came to the conclusion that the current policy is deeply flawed, with a more equitable process needed to ensure both neighborly respect and economic growth. No representatives from Mantello’s office attended the meeting.
In reference to the Nighthawk’s block party, Mayor Mantello has cited this ordinance as the reason for the dispute. She said “What we have said is it’s 9:00pm. It’s a good time to start wrapping it up. And the permit is obviously at the discretion of the city.” This issue of noise ordinances seems to be what the mayor’s office is sticking to, ignoring concerns of increased permit fees. Mantello said, “We can’t pull Nighthawks out and say ‘We will waive these fees. We’ll not have our police officers at the event’ because it is across-the-board.”
Referring to this cancellation, Mantello stated to News10, “We are trying to create a thriving energetic city of Troy.”
This begs the question: how does canceling one of the most anticipated music and charity events help energize the city?
Troy residents have taken to online forums to express their anger with this decision. On the r/Troy subreddit, user Dadvito3hunna wrote “I’m legitimately bummed about this one. My girlfriend and I love going to this event and supporting its cause.” User kettleofhawks added “This is absolutely absurd – this event is what makes Troy special, brings everyone together and supports a good cause. Adding a $750 fee for police protection that no one wants or needs is extortion, especially for a charity event.”
The 2024 Nighthawks block party expected crowds of over 500. However, as a charity fundraising event, they cannot shoulder the new permit fees.
Now, with the party’s cancellation, Joseph’s House will not receive any of the expected donations from the fundraising event. Despite this, Nighthawks is still looking into other future fundraising options alongside Joseph’s House. This event’s cancellation raises concerns for the future of live music events in Troy, and whether they will be able to shoulder the burden of Mantello’s new restrictions.
Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Five for Fighting is going on a show-stopping String Quartet tour this upcoming September and October. Joining him on tour is a quartet of renowned stings players with heavy experience on Broadway and as touring musicians, showcasing decades of Five for Fighting’s beloved music.
The mastermind behind Five for Fighting, John Ondrasik will bring his music to life on a whole new level with the extravagant ensemble accompanying him on his forthcoming tour. On violin is Katie Kresek, a Tony winner and co-orchestrator of Moulin Rouge! The Musical. Melissa Tong, who toured with Post Malone will also join Ondrasik’s show on violin.
The rest of the quartet includes Chris Cardona playing viola. Cardona has been a part of countless Broadway orchestras. Lastly, cellist, Peter Sachon contributes to music all over New York City. Having not only played on Broadway and on Broadway artists’ records but also in classical, jazz, and rock ensembles, Sachon continuously proves that he can flourish in any genre.
Even without the quartet, Ondrasik’s band is monumental. Made up of drummer Randy Cooke (Mick Jagger, Ringo Starr, Dave Stewart), guitarist Peter Thorn (Chris Cornell, Melissa Etheridge, Don Henley), and bassist Whynot Jansveld (Matchbox Twenty, The Wallflowers, Sara Bareilles), audiences are undeniably in for a show.
To share the stage with such incredible musicians every night is a gift that keeps giving. Such an intimate format allows me to share the stories behind the songs, and the adventures along the way.
John Ondrasik
Attendees will get to indulge in six albums, and many hits such as “100 Years” and “Superman (It’s Not Easy),” which are now considered classics. By bringing new light to these songs, Ondrasik can present them more profoundly than ever before.
JAM, a documentary about the well-known 2004 traffic jam that happened due to masses of phans driving through Vermont to catch the at-the-time last Phish show ever, was released to the public on August 5, nearly 20 years after the legendary event.
Releasing almost exactly 20 years after Phish’s farewell show in Vermont, JAM is a 30-minute documentary short film chronicling the epic 2004 traffic jam in Vermont, where tens of thousands of Phish fans struggled through days of gridlock, resulting in one of the most profound traffic jams in history.
When Phish announced that their August 2004 shows in Coventry, Vermont, would be their last ever, it was a no-brainer to expect record levels of fan turnout. What wasn’t expected, though, was the severe rain that ravaged Vermont throughout the weeks leading up to the shows. Even with the rain, thousands and thousands of fans still made the trip to Coventry, but another issue arose: those making the trip directly caused one of the most iconic traffic jams ever. The overwhelming number of cars backing up Interstate 91 eventually reached a dead halt, which led to many fans simply leaving their cars on the side of the road and trekking to the venue.
For those who were able to get there, the grounds were so covered in deep and thick mud, making everyday tasks like eating and cleaning oneself a massive challenge. But despite all of the adversities Phishheads faced, thousands still showed out, making one of the most iconic weekends not only in rock history, but in all of music history.
JAM features on-camera interviews with attending fans, including Aron Ralston (renowned outdoorsman and motivational speaker), retired Vermont State Police Seargent Bruce Melendy (key figure in managing the crisis), concert promoter Dave Werlin, spokesman Adam Lewis and Matt Maxwell of Maxwell’s Neighborhood Farm (concert venue).
The film is based on extensive footage recorded by Alex Daltas, a longtime Phish fan since age 16. His video footage is believed to be the most comprehensive account of the traffic jam, enhanced by retrospective interviews and archival footage collected over two decades. Witness history’s most powerful traffic story, taking you back to a time before smartphones when the love of music burned brightest.
JAM debuted with advance screenings at the Coventry Community Center on August 2nd and 3rd and released fully to the public on August 5. JAM is available to buy and rent here.
The Great New York State Fair 2024 initial lineup of concerts has been announced, featuring a mix of new and old and a little bit for everybody. The fair begins Wednesday, Aug. 21 and continues through Monday, Sept. 2.
Founded in 1832 by a group of local farmers for agriculture and local fairs, The Great New York State Fair became a musical showcase in the 1950s and 1960s. A variety of artists perform at the fair, including popular and up-and-comers. Last year, Salt-N-Pepa, Chubby Checker, Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone, The Fray, Joywave, and more appeared. Both stages are free with the price of admission.
2024 New York State Fair Concerts
photo by Allison Marie
Chevy Court Stage
Chubby Checker- Aug. 21 at 1 p.m.
Chubby Checker will be making his sixth performance at the Fair, and third in as many years. He is best known for “The Twist,” the first number-one song of all time from Billboard’s Hot 100, but also for releasing hits throughout the 60s, 70s, 80s, and beyond with “The Hucklebuck,” “Slow Twistin’,” “Limbo Rock,” and more. In 2014 he was inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame. Checker is set to take the Chevy Court Stage at 1:00 p.m.
90s Rewind: Digital Underground, Tone Loc & Color Me Bad – Aug. 21 at 6 p.m.
To celebrate the fair’s opening day, a 90s rewind concert will take audiences back in time with music from 3 classic acts. Grammy-nominated group Digital Underground will kick off the event, playing hits like “The Humpty Dance” and “Kiss U Back.” Led by rapper Money-B, the group rose to stardom, incorporating elements of 70s funk into their hip-hop stylings. Their early output, including the track “I Get Around,” helped introduce the world to former member and rap legend Tupac Shakur.
Also included is 80s rap legend Tone-Loc. Known for mega hits “Wild Thing” and “Funky Cold Medina,” Tone-Loc was one of the original stars of Hip Hop. His debut Loc-ed After Darkreached no. 1 and has since been certified 2x platinum. Tone-Loc is also known for his acting, being featured in hit films like Ace Ventura: Pet Detective.
Closing out this lineup is the classic 90s R&B group Color Me Badd. Together the group has sold 12 million records worldwide, with nine top 40 singles. Color Me Badd are best known for their two no. 1 singles, “I Adore Mi Amor” and “All 4 Love.” Since their breakout, they have been nominated for 2 Grammy Awards, won two Soul Train Awards, and an American Music Award.
Ace Frehley – Aug. 22 at 6 p.m.
Rock legend Ace Frehley rose to fame as the guitarist of KISS. Raised in the Bronx, Frehley was drawn to the guitar, founding KISS in 1973. His powerful riffs and solos on tracks like “Rock and Roll All Nite” and “Detroit Rock City” played a large part in propelling KISS to rock stardom. In 2014 the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted Frehley as a member of KISS, with Guitar World magazine since ranking him the 15th greatest metal guitarist of all time.
Sophie B. Hawkins- Aug. 23 at 1 p.m.
American pop legend and Native New Yorker Sophie B. Hawkins is a dynamic creative force known for a spellbinding live show. Hawkins’ appearance at The Fair is part of her tour celebrating the 30th anniversary of her platinum-selling debut album, Tongues and Tails. The GRAMMY-nominated singer/songwriter/musician will showcase music from her well-received recently released album, Free Yourself, featuring an original new video and the single, “Love Yourself.” She challenged the norms of gender expression and sexual orientation at a time when political, social, and sexual labels were more rigid. Her career arc includes releasing six widely beloved albums, breaking chart records with her smash hit “As I Lay Me Down,” four worldwide singles from Whaler, songs in cultural touchstone TV shows and films, and a starring role as Janis Joplin in the critically acclaimed musical Room 105.
Sister Sledge- Aug. 23 at 6 p.m.
Hailing from Philadelphia, the Sledge sisters became household names and a symbol of unity with their 1979 worldwide hit and iconic album We Are Family. The legendary vocal group is responsible for some of the biggest dance anthems like “Lost in Music,” “He’s the Greatest Dancer,” and “Thinking of You.”
Sister Sledge has performed on some of the world’s most prestigious stages, including Carnegie Hall, Madison Square Garden, London’s Royal Albert Hall, and Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage. They have also performed at the White House, and even before Pope Francis during the 2015 World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia, PA. Over the years, the family group has amassed a string of Gold and Platinum hits and earned hundreds of awards and commendations, including GRAMMY Nominations for Record of the Year, Best R&B Duo or Group, and Best Produced CD for their African Eyes album. Their worldwide anthem “We Are Family” was entered into the prestigious Library of Congress in 2017.
CAIN- Aug. 26 at 6 p.m.
Pop/Contemporary Christian band and sibling trio sensation, CAIN is comprised of siblings Madison Cain Johnson, Taylor Cain Matz, and Logan Cain. They have been delighting audiences with their joyous performances since 2012 when they got their big break opening for Dave Barnes and Andrew Ripp. Since then, they have gone on to release four projects and shared the stage with artists such as TobyMac, Zach Williams, and Casting Crowns, while also performing on the famed stages of The Grand Ole Opry, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, and Ryman Auditorium. Following the success of their breakout album, Rise Up, which won a K-LOVE Fan Award for Top Breakout Single “Rise Up (Lazarus),” Honest Offering was released in 2022, followed by Jesus Music in 2023.
Little Anthony- Aug. 27 at 1 p.m.
Doo-wap singer Little Anthony will make his debut appearance at the Fair. With over 60 years in show business and over 50 million records sold worldwide, he has “shimmy shimmied” his way into the hearts of fans across generations. With hits including “Tears On My Pillow,” “Goin’ Out Of My Head,” “Hurt So Bad,” and “Shimmy, Shimmy, Ko-Ko Bop,” Little Anthony was inducted into the 2009 class of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and most recently inducted into the 2018 class of The Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame.
Blue Öyster Cult- Aug. 27 at 6 p.m.
Heavy metal masters Blue Öyster Cult will rock the Chevy Court stage for the band’s fourth appearance at The Fair and the first since 2017. For five decades, they have thrilled fans of intelligent hard rock worldwide with powerful albums loaded with classic songs – becoming one of very few hard rock/heavy metal bands to earn genuine mainstream critical acclaim and commercial success. The band is often cited as a major influence by other acts such as Metallica, and BÖC was listed in VH1’s countdown of the greatest hard rock bands of all time. Upon the release of BÖC’s self-titled debut album in 1972, the band was praised for its catchy-yet-heavy music and lyrics that could be provocative, terrifying, funny, or ambiguous. Their discography includes three songs that no doubt go down in history as stone-cold classics: “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper,” “Godzilla,” and “Burnin’ for You.”
Danielle Ponder– Aug. 28 at 6 p.m.
Rochester native and soul R&B performer Danielle Ponder first worked in the Monroe County Public Defender’s Office – first as a public defender, then as a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion officer – for nearly a decade, while performing regularly throughout Rochester’s music scene. While working as a public defender, she toured Europe, opening for George Clinton. In 2018, she decided to pursue music full-time, just one week before her 40th birthday. She stepped into the national spotlight with the release of her debut album, Some of Us Are Brave, in September 2022 with her unique sound – a blend of pop, R&B, blues, rock, and soul. Currently, she’s working on her second album.
AJ McLean is known by fans across the world as a beloved member of the Backstreet Boys. As a seasoned performer, McLean has been performing some of pop music’s biggest hits – featuring tightly crafted songs, floor-shaking rhythms, and unmistakable harmonies – for over twenty years.
Over the last few years, McLean has been hitting the road with the Backstreet Boys for the band’s international, stadium-filling “DNA Tour,” which performed over 150 shows across five continents. The band, comprising McLean, Brian Littrell, Nick Carter, Howie Dorough, and Kevin Richardson, also released their documentary series Making of the DNA Tour in 2022. Recently, McLean released a new single called “Electric” and will have more solo music coming out this year
Joey Fatone first rose to fame as a member of the record-shattering, multi-platinum boyband *NSYNC. Following the band’s incredible success with albums that sold over ten million copies and countless awards, Fatone took on projects spanning from television, film Broadway, and beyond. In November of 2019, during Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival Eat to the Beat series, Joey performed three days of Joey Fatone and Friends, entertaining fans alongside Chris KirkPatrick, Ryan Cabrera, Nathan Morris of BOYZ II MEN, MC Search and more. And, in August 2021, Fatone brought together brought together some of pop superstars like Wanya Morris, Nick Carter, and AJ McLean for the AFTR PRTY, an intimate pop classic for a sold-out residency in Las Vegas.
Fatone recently made headlines with a long-awaited reunion with his bandmates in NSYNC, releasing their first single in nearly 20 years in November 2023. The track, “Better Place,” was featured on the soundtrack of the third main installment in the Trolls franchise, the “Trolls Band Together.” The five members, including Fatone, Justin Timberlake, JC Chasez, Lance Bass, and Chris Kirkpatrick, also made headlines during a united public appearance at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards.
TLC– Aug. 23 at 8 p.m.
One of the most popular female music groups of the 1990s, TLC, is performing at The Fair on Pride Day, Friday, August 23. The ladies of TLC – Tionne “T-Boz” and Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas – formed the group in 1990 in Atlanta, Georgia. The four-time GRAMMY award-winning group became one of the biggest-selling female groups of all time, producing an extensive musical resume. TLC has sold 85 million records worldwide, produced ten Top Ten singles in the U.S., and four multi-platinum selling albums, including the 1994 breakthrough CrazySexyCool. The album, which Rolling Stone recognized as one of The Best 500 Albums of All Time, produced four top-five singles including “Creep,” “Diggin’ on You,” and “Waterfalls.” This summer TLC is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the iconic album.
Dropkick Murphys– Aug. 25 at 8 p.m.
The Dropkick Murphys will return to the Chevrolet Music Festival at Chevy Court for the fourth time. The Celtic-influenced rockers have generated half a billion streams and continue to sell out venues. They’ve headlined Boston’s Fenway Park and have been personally invited to share the stage with everyone from Foo Fighters to Bruce Springsteen to Mumford & Sons. Their celebrated discography includes two critically acclaimed acoustic albums – 2022’s This Machine Still Kills Fascists and 2023’s Okemah Rising, four consecutive Billboard top 10 album debuts, along with the double-platinum classic “I’m Shipping Up To Boston.”
Joan Jett and The Blackhearts– Aug. 28 at 8 p.m.
Joan Jett and The Blackhearts formed in 1979, creating the iconic hit “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll.” Over the next 40+ years, the band went on to amass nine Top 40 singles, including “Bad Reputation,” “I Hate Myself for Loving You,” and “Crimson and Clover.” They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015. This will be their fifth time performing at The Fair – closing out Women’s Day this year, which is very fitting for a frontwoman who broke down barriers in the mid-1970s to prove women could make it in the world of rock music. Joan Jett was rejected by 23 labels before forming her own independent record label, Blackheart Records.
Big Boi – Aug. 30 at 8 p.m.
Big Boi is a 7x Grammy Award winner best known for his work with legendary Hip Hop duo OutKast. Originating in Georgia, Big Boi helped put Atlanta on the musical map through his rapping and production work. He rose to fame with the release of OutKast’s 1994 debut Southernplayalisticcadillacmuzik, which went platinum. Their subsequent albums Stankonia and Speakerboxxx/The Love Below spawned numerous number 1 hits, making Big Boi a household name. Audiences are sure to know mega-hits like “Ms. Jackson” and “Hey Ya.” Individually, Big Boi is a force to be reckoned with, frequently cracking Billboard charts and racking up millions of streams.
Brian Kelley– Aug. 31 at 8 p.m.
DIamond-selling superstar, Brian Kelley, is first known as the Florida half of the GRAMMY-nominated Florida Georgia Line (FGL). The ACM Breakout Artist of the Decade Award recipients garnered 19 career #1s and became the first and only act to achieve two RIAA DIAMOND singles in Country music history. They have surpassed 17 billion global streams, selling more than 40 million tracks and 4.8 million albums worldwide, plus playing to over four million fans. Kelley’s “Trucks, Ducks, Bucks & Beer” is the latest preview of his much-anticipated full-length album on Big Machine Records due out this spring, having already introduced the project with “See You Next Summer,” “Dirt Cheap,” and “How We’re Livin’.”
Kingdom Bound is in its 37th year bringing the best in Christian Music to Western New York. The festival ran from Monday, July 29th through Wednesday, July 31st at Darien Lake over three days on four stages and over 50 artists.
Kingdom Bound had Gospel Music royalty here on Monday night, Miss Cece Winans. She has garnerned 15 Grammy Awards, the most for any female gospel singer, 31 GMA Dove Awards, 17 Stellar Awards, 7 NAACP Image Awards, and 1 Billboard Music Award. As well that night was Mac Powell formerly of Third Day.
The festival is attended by folks up and down the East Coast as well as Canada. They camp on site, rent a room in the lodge, as well as commute to the festival daily.
The final day of the festival was led off at the Gazebo stage with independent hip hop artists like Brea Miles from Virginia, Psalt-e from Syracuse and many more. Ending up at the main stage to close out the festival were the sister duo Renee and Cain with the closing act being The father/son band of We The Kingdom.
Dates for 2025 are already set for July 28-30 and one of the headline acts will be Skillet.
