Category: Festival News

  • Follow the Arrow Announces 2024 Lineup

    Returning to Accord, NY on Saturday, June 29, Follow the Arrow festival finds host Marco Benevento bringing in an eclectic lineup for the third installment, including Mike Gordon joining Benevento for a joint performance.

    follow the arrow

    Follow the Arrow will also feature Os Mutantes, W.I.T.C.H. (We Intend to Cause Harm), Ghost Funk Orchestra, and special guest Sam Cohen. Ghost Funk Orchestra and Benevento pair up for a tour this spring as well.

    Marco Benevento will also perform with both his solo project as well as the Benevento Family Band.

    marco benevento follow the arrow
    Follow the Arrow 2022 – Photo by Em Walis

    The performance with Mike Gordon marks the first since since 2006 that he and Benevento have played together as a duo. They have also performed together in the past with G.R.A.B. (Gordon, (Joe) Russo, (Trey) Anastasio, Benevento) as well as shows with Gordon joining the Benevento-Russo Duo.

    Tickets are available here.

  • Dreamville Festival Announces 2024 Lineup: SZA, J. Cole, and Nicki Minaj to Headline

    Dreamville’s annual spring festival is returning to Raleigh, NC from April 6-7 in Dorothea Dix Park. Dreamville Festival is curated by the label’s founder, and North Carolina native, J. Cole as well as members of his Dreamville team, who will also be performing at the festival.

    dreamville festival
    Dreamville 2024 Lineup, Courtesy of Dreamvillefest.com

    Day one will feature SZA and Chris Brown as the headliners. SZA is hot off her second studio album SOS, which earned the 2023 BET Album of the Year award and many other accolades. Last November, Chris Brown released a new album, titled 11:11, touring this June in support. In addition to the headliners, J.I.D, Lil Yachty, Schoolboy Q, Sexyy Red, Jeremih, Earthgang, Teezo Touchdown, Amaarae, Lute, Luh Tyler, and Domani are all performing on the first day of the festival.

    JID
    J.I.D performing at Made in America Festival, 2022. Photo By: Lucas Kurzweil

    Day two of the festival will feature J. Cole and Nicki Minaj as headliners. J. Cole is currently on the “Big As The What?” tour, co-headlining with Drake, and Nicki Minaj is also on tour for her December 2023 release Pink Friday 2. Rema, Jeezy, Monica, Rae Sremmurd, Key Glock, Bas, Muni Long, Cozz, Omen, TiaCorine, and Chase Shakur join on day two.

    J. Cole performing at Gov Ball 2022. Photo by: Joseph Buscarello.

    Tickets are for sale now. As the festival website states, “ALL are welcome at Dreamville Festival!”

  • Mary J. Blige Announces Return of Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit

    GRAMMY and Emmy Award-winning and Oscar-nominated artist, actress, producer, and entrepreneur Mary J. Blige has announced the return of the third annual Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit, in partnership with Live Nation Urban and Pepsi. The NYC festival features three days of music, comedy, female empowerment sessions, keynote speakers, and more from May 10-12.

    Strength of a Woman Festival
    Photo Credit: Will Sterling.

    Created and curated by the iconic Mary J. Blige, Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit is the only festival experience in the market, brought to you exclusively by an all-Black, female team, arriving in the birthplace of Hip-Hop, New York City. She has dedicated the majority of her career to amplifying and giving voice to BIPOC women, through the art of music and truth-telling.

    After selling out in less than 72 hours last year, the festival will bring iconic moments with three incredible nights of music and entertainment, featuring a concert at Barclays with performances by Mary J. Blige and special guests 50 Cent, Jill Scott, Fat Joe, Jadakiss, Muni Long, Lola Brooke, and Funk Flex; a Comedy Show featuring Tiffany Haddish, Don’t Call me White Girl, and Paris Sashay; Jazz Concert with Robert Glasper; Gospel Brunch, hosted by Mary J. Blige, and Gospel Concert headlined by The Clark Sisters. The Strength of a Woman Summit on May 11, hosted by Angie Martinez, will empower and engage with women and includes inspiring programming, pivotal panels, keynote speakers, workshops, and much more.

    “I’m so excited to bring our Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit to my hometown, New York City, a place that has always been a huge source of inspiration for me,” said Mary J. Blige, Founder of Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit. “Having the opportunity to continue to uplift, inspire, and build within my community is the reason I created this festival. I’m so grateful for all the support from our performers, attendees, and of course, our partners Live Nation Urban and Pepsi. Nobody does it like New York, so get ready.”

    Presented by Pepsi, the festival’s inaugural partner returns to support Blige and her impactful work on and off the stage, in a shared mission to inspire and empower the next generation of women. Pepsi will once again bring its powerful platform to the production and event experience across the festival, bringing delicious food by local Black female restaurateurs to the fan experience through Pepsi Dig In—a platform designed to provide visibility, resources, and awareness to Black restaurateurs.

    As a brand rooted in celebrating culture and music and uplifting communities, Pepsi is honored to return as presenting partner and co-producer of the Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit, continuing our shared vision with Mary to elevate and empower women. The festival’s move to New York City, Pepsi’s own backyard, provides an even larger stage to highlight and support more remarkable women in the community. As it moves into its third year, the festival’s continued success is a testament to Mary’s impact and the power of amplifying Black women and their voices.

    Kent Montgomery, Senior Vice President, PepsiCo Industry Relations and Multicultural Development

    In celebration of Women’s History Month (March), presale tickets go live Wednesday, March 6 – Thursday, March 7, with code STRENGTH, while general ticket sales begin Friday, March 8 at 10 a.m. ET. For tickets and schedule, visit here

    Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit Schedule

    Friday, May 10, 2024

    Comedy Show

    The Apollo Theatre

    Performances by Tiffany Haddish, Don’t Call me White Girl, and Paris Sashay

    Jazz Concert

    Blue Note Jazz Club

    Performance by Robert Glasper

    Saturday, May 11, 2024

    Strength of a Woman Summit

    The Glasshouse

    Hosted by Angie Martinez

    Strength of a Woman Concert

    Barclays

    Performances by Mary J. Blige, 50 Cent, Jill Scott, Fat Joe, Jadakiss, Muni Long, Lola Brooke, and Funk Flex

    Sunday, May 12, 2024

    Gospel Brunch

    Brooklyn Chophouse in Times Square 

    Hosted by Mary J. Blige

    Gospel Concert

    Brooklyn Paramount

    Performance by The Clark Sisters

  • WIRE Festival Returns to Knockdown Center, May 16-19

    Plunge into a techno paradise in Queens from May 16–19, when WIRE Festival makes a return to Knockdown Center. This year, the event broadens its scope, delivering three days of non-stop pulsing beats.

    WIRE Festival Knockdown Center

    On Thursday, May 16, festivities begin with evening talks in collaboration with the Resident Advisor, preparing the ground for an enjoyable weekend. Stage 1 is the Main Hall, where techno’s seminal and innovative acts perform. Meanwhile, Stage 2 is the scene of takeovers. This year, Wire has invited Berlin’s Mala Junta and Amsterdam’s Vault Sessions. These two European collectives will redefine techno in 2024.

    A staple of WIRE, the Ambient Stage returns with exclusive sets from versatile New York DJs. As night passes, the stage delivers an extraordinary sound trip through artists’ collections. On Sunday morning, the outdoor closing session at The Ruins features house-focused DJs, offering an intermission from the nonstop techno beats. The outdoor house stage is a new addition that will expand the experience.

    WIRE Festival Knockdown Center
    WIRE Festival – Photo by Bryan Kwon

    With artists like Surgeon, Rødhåd, Boris, Oscar Mulero, and more, WIRE’s lineup is a techno lover’s paradise. With more than 30 years of experience, Surgeon embodies the energy, adventure, and individuality that define techno. The crew takeovers on Stage 2 carry on their tradition, pushing the boundaries with Vault Sessions and Mala Junta.

    WIRE Festival is arranged by the team of Téa Abashidze, GeGa Japaridze, and Tyler Myers—the brains behind BASEMENT and the RUSH series. Individual day passes for WIRE Festival at Knockdown Center are available for purchase here, while the weekend passes have sold out.

  • Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band and Noah Kahan Headlining Sea.Hear.Now 2024

    Sea.Hear.Now 2024 has announced its lineup, bringing Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band to the beaches of Asbury Park, NJ for a historic headline performance on Sunday, Sept.15, along with another first-time headliner set from Noah Kahan on Saturday, Sept. 14. 

    The Gaslight Anthem, Trey Anastasio Band, The Black Crowes, Norah Jones, 311, The Revivalists, Kool & The Gang, The Hives and more will perform at the world-class two-day festival in North Beach and Bradley Park. Sea.Hear.Now celebrates music, surf, and art with over 25 artists, three stages, a professional surf contest, and art installations throughout the weekend. 

    Fans can watch some of the biggest East Coast surf legends catch waves between the jetties. This year’s surf contest returns with the ocean calling the winner; the “North Beach Sessions” pro surfer who catches the “wave of the day” will take home the prize purse. The 2024 esteemed surf lineup includes surfers: Balaram Stack, reigning champ Cam Richards, Sam Hammer, Cassidy McClain, Rob Kelly, Pat Schmidt, Mike Gleason, Tom Ihnken, Jamie DeWitt, Logan Kamen, Cole Deveney, and Audrey Iglay. Stay tuned for future announcements!

    Stoke Henge, located in the sand just off the boardwalk, is once again the center of all things art. Asbury Park visual artist Pork Chop will return with his iconic jellyfish and surfboard arch serving as the festival’s visual centerpiece.

    Photo by Ismael Quintanilla III.

    Ocean County-based muralists and artists Jasen Mack and Tim Sramowicz are the featured artists on the beach. A special nod this year will be given to legendary surf photographer Dick “Mez” Meseroll.

    Over in Bradley Park, the Transparent Gallery will feature artwork from participating festival musicians, a special surfboard collaboration, and special pop-up performances.

    Presale for one-day or two-day tickets for Sea.Hear.Now 2024 begins Thursday, March 7 at 10 a.m. ET and is the best chance to purchase 2-Day General Admission, GA+, VIP, Platinum, or Ultimate Experience tickets. Fans can sign up now for a presale passcode.  

    GA+ allows unlimited access to the GA+ Lounge with relaxed seating and air-conditioned restrooms, a private bar with drinks for purchase, complimentary water, and a dedicated GA+ Concierge to assist with festival needs. VIP Tickets provide an exclusive viewing area with elevated sightlines of the stages, VIP Lounges, and more. Platinum Tickets offer all GA+ and VIP amenities, plus exclusive front-of-stage viewing at the Surf, Park, and Sand stages, and much more.

  • Dopapod and Ghost-Note to Perform at 2024 Rochester Lilac Festival

    The 2024 Rochester Lilac Festival has announced its headliners and direct support performers from May 10-19 – the largest variety of talent in festival history.

    2024 Rochester Lilac Festival

    The Lilac Festival brings over 500,000 people a year from across Western and Upstate NY, the tri-state area and Canada to Highland Park to see great music, look at the beautiful lilacs that grow in the park, and eat and drink amazing food. In 2024, the festival will return with 80+ musical performances, 300 juried arts and craft vendors, kids’ activities, and the star of the show – the lilac blossoms. The annual event is hosted by the Lilac Festival Board, which includes Monroe County, the City of Rochester, and Visit Rochester.

    “The Rochester Lilac Festival is one of our greatest community assets and is an essential component of our identity as the Flower City,” said Mayor Malik D. Evans. “The Festival showcases the spectacular beauty of historic Highland Park and provides residents and visitors the opportunity to enjoy free, family-friendly, world-class talent. On behalf of the City of Rochester, I would like to thank the Lilac Festival Committee, organizers, sponsors, and partners for the energy they bring to producing this year’s Lilac Festival.”

    Nine of the ten headliners at the 2024 Rochester Lilac Festival are national touring artists, including Rochester native Danielle Ponder. All ten direct support acts were intentionally selected to showcase a diverse array of genres and talent from well-known and emerging Rochester artists.

    2024 Rochester Lilac Festival
    Ghost-Note is performing at the 2024 Rochester Lilac Festival.

    For more information about the 2024 Rochester Lilac Festival, visit here.

    Friday, May 10 – Rayland Baxter

    Americana bliss that blends country, roots, and vintage pop. For fans of Fleet Foxes, The Lumineers, and Jack Johnson.

    Supported by Left-Handed 2nd Baseman

    Saturday, May 11 – Butcher Brown

    A genre-bending feast that blends jazz, hip-hop, and funk into an eclectic fusion. For fans of The Roots, Sly and the Family Stone, A Tribe Called Quest

    Supported by Zahyia

    Sunday, May 12 – Ghost-Note

    A fresh blend of afrobeat, and funk, led by Snarky Puppy’s percussion duo. For Fans of James Brown, Soulive, and Thundercat.

    Supported by Grace Serene and the Super Clean

    Monday, May 13 – Pachyman

    Breezy dub and reggae-infused experience with Puerto Rican Roots. For fans of Bob Marley, King Tubb, and Fela Kuti.

    Supported by The Medicinals

    2024 Rochester Lilac Festival
    Pachyman is performing at the 2024 Rochester Lilac Festival.

    Tuesday, May 14 – Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

    Masters of high-energy swing, BBVD has helped revitalize swing music for over 30 years. For fans of Louis Prima, Duke Ellington, and Brian Setzer Orchestra

    Supported by Horacio & La Fama Salsa Band

    Wednesday, May 15 – The Skycoasters

    Rochester-based, nationally recognized, lively nine-piece cover band has been the life of the party for over 40 years.

    Supported by Teagan & the Tweeds

    Thursday, May 16 – An Evening of Soul Curated by Danielle Ponder

    Rochester native and nationally touring artist brings masterful songwriting, bold vocals, and soulful storytelling to the stage. For fans of Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings, Black Pumas, and Aretha Franklin.

    Supported by Chi TheRealist & Natalia Ekua

    Danielle Ponder is performing at the 2024 Rochester Lilac Festival.

    Friday, May 17 – Hypnotic Brass Ensemble

    An electrifying eight-piece band performance blending brass, funk, and hip-hop. For Fans of Trombone Shorty, Vulfpeck, and Earth, Wind & Fire.

    Supported by Claude Bennington’s Fever Dream

    Saturday, May 18 – Dopapod

    More than just a jam band, they deliver a mind-bending blend of funk, jazz fusion, and progressive rock. For fans of STS9, Disco Biscuits, and Yes.

    Supported by Eli Flynn & The Everymen.

    Sunday, May 19 – Trousdale

    This powerful female band brings melodic and heartfelt harmonies that spread a message of self-acceptance and love. For fans of The Chicks, Kacey Musgraves, and HAIM.

    Supported by Claudia Hoyser

  • Beatles vs. Stones Show Comes to Cohoes Stage This Spring

    Cohoes Music Hall will host the Beatles vs. Stones tribute show featuring the tribute bands Abbey Road and Satisfaction – The International Rolling Stones Show on Thursday, May 9.

    Since their initial chart encounter 61 years ago, there has been a discussion between The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. The argument at the time, and one that still persists, was that the Beatles were a pop group and the Stones were a rock band, starting  the boys next door vs. the bad boys of rock debate. The two legendary bands will engage in a musical “showdown” this may at historic music hall Cohoes Music Hall in Cohoes.

    When sharing the idea of the show, Chris LeGrand, who plays “Mick Jagger” in the show shared that, “Music fans never had a chance to see the Beatles and the Rolling Stones perform on the same marquee…now, music aficionados can watch this debate play out live on stage.”

    The Cohoes show is part of a 125 stop tour of the U.S., Australia and Canada and has been touring since 2011. The show also performs long term residencies for a number of the Harrah’s Casino properties. Their production includes some of the more popular songs from the two rock pioneers and covers the scope of their musical careers, although the set list for Satisfaction usually includes Rolling Stones songs up to the 1980s, “they certainly have more pop songs but we’re a really great live show. The fans are in for an incredible night of music!” shared LeGrand.

    During the two hour show, the bands perform three sets each, trading places in quick set changes and ending the night with an all-out encore involving both bands. The band members have their outfits custom-made, since avid fans know exactly what the Beatles and Stones wore onstage during different time periods in their careers. There’s a lot of good-natured jabbing between the bands as well. “Without Beatlemania, the Stones might still be a cover band in London…there’s no question that the Beatles set the standard.” said Chris Overall, who plays “Paul”.

    The infamous Beatles vs. Stones – A Musical Showdown comes to the historic Cohoes Music Hall on Thursday, May 9. Tickets are $35/$45/$55, plus ticket fees, and may be purchased online at thecohoesmusichall.org, at the Box Office or by phone at 518.434.0776.

  • Geneva Music Festival Celebrates International Women’s Day With Spring Benefit Concert 

    Women have made many contributions to classical music as both composers and performers, yet their work often receives far less attention compared to their male counterparts. This spring, the Geneva Music Festival will host its annual Spring Benefit Concert and silent action on International Women’s Day, with a program that spotlights these oft-forgotten contributors to classical music.

    The Geneva Music Festival was founded in 2011 by Geneva, New York violinist Geoffrey Herd as a weekend of chamber music in his hometown. Now in its 14th season, the festival has grown to a nearly month-long event that draws thousands of attendees from across the Finger Lakes region. Each year, the Festival continues its mission of inspiring people with world-class chamber music and engaging diverse audiences in its outreach programs.

    On March 8, the Carr-Petrova Duo will perform a concert featuring works for viola and piano by female composers in Froelich Hall on the Hobart and William Smith Campuses.

    The concert program, entitled “HERS” is a collaboration of pianist Anna Petrova and violist Molly Carr. Playing together since their student days, they subsequently formed a duo and have traveled the world. Petrova said, “When one creates this kind of partnership, the most important and compelling thing is the musical partnership and the personal partnership. We’d played with many other people before, but she and I just clicked on a musical and personal level very well; it was a natural fit.” 

    Pianist Anna Petrova and violist Molly Carr

    Synthesis and serendipity are the themes behind many of the pieces on the program. Composer Vivian Fung created a piece based on the music of Hildegard Von Bingen, which had its debut during the pandemic, with musicians recording their individual parts remotely and then sending the recordings to be compiled together. Carr and Petrova reached out nearly simultaneously to ask Fung about crafting a piece based on Von Bingen’s work, and Fung rearranged her orchestral piece for viola and piano. “It was serendipitous, meant to be,” said Petrova. 

    “Andrea Casarrubios’s piece was commissioned in 2021 and we approached Vivian Fung during the pandemic as we started brainstorming composers we wanted to play. Molly was the one who started to forge the idea of all female composers, and it all started to come together into a program.” “HERS” came out of this organic synthesis between friends.” 

    The last piece on the program is a “staple of the viola repertoire and a very beautiful piece of chamber music. It forged the path of the viola becoming a solo instrument; with pieces like the Clark sonata, the viola was seen as an instrument that can take the spotlight.” While it’s more common to find duos written for piano and violin, Petrova and Carr believe the viola has much to offer. “In terms of playing with the instrument, I really love the viola, its color and voice. It has an almost human voice, very heartfelt and visceral. I’ve never felt like I’m giving up something.” 

    “’HERS’ is something that we’ve pieced together for a few years now. During the pandemic we actually lived together for about nine months; during those nine months we took a road trip and in the car we were enjoying singing together all our favorite songs. Beyonce’s ‘Halo’ was one of the songs we really loved and the idea of commissioning a piece inspired by that song came up. We really wanted to play something from the pop genre that was different from the usual classical repertoire, but that could still stand its ground on the classical stage. That is how ‘Halo’ was created – with the incredible imagination and compositional skills of Brazilian jazz pianist and composer Henrique Eisenman who weaved a beautiful fantasy on a theme by Beyonce. 

    The Geneva Music Festival’s biggest fundraising event of the year, the Spring Benefit Concert and Auction, is now live and runs through March 9 at 12pm. Browse through an array of items, from captivating paintings to exclusive Finger Lakes experiences, guaranteed to delight all. Help Geneva Music Festival reach their fundraising goal and continue bringing exceptional music to the greater Finger Lakes community. Start bidding here.

    The auction goes live during the Spring Benefit Concert intermission with auctioneers Don Wertman and Susan Henking leading the proceedings, offering a chance to bid on your favorite items.

    The Geneva Music Spring Benefit Concert will be held March 8, 2024 in Froelich Hall on the Hobart and William Smith Campuses. Tickets are $75 per person, and the ticket price includes a reception with light fare and biodynamic wines from the celebrated Hermann J. Weimer Winery.  To find out more, and to purchase tickets, visit here.

  • The Sembrich Announces Centennial Season Events “A Century of Sembrich”

    The Sembrich has announced its 2024 summer festival “A Century of Sembrich,” celebrating 100 years of Marcella Sembrich’s musical legacy on Lake George. The festival features a spectacular line-up of today’s acclaimed concert artists and works by composers in Sembrich’s artistic circle.

    sembrich

    Experience music, history, and nature at The Sembrich in Bolton Landing, featuring museum exhibitions and an annual summer festival with an exciting mix of world-class musicians, noted musical scholars, and a free film series. Listed on the National Historic Register, The Sembrich was once the teaching studio of Polish soprano Marcella Sembrich, one of the most famous musicians at the turn of the 20th century. Visitors can discover her storied legacy, including over 400 performances at the Metropolitan Opera and faculty positions at the Juilliard Graduate School and the Curtis Institute of Music.

    “When Marcella Sembrich had a boathouse on her summer estate rebuilt as a teaching studio, she brought music to the shores of Lake George. We’re proud to continue that tradition of music on the lake and to celebrate our centennial with an exciting lineup of concerts, films, and special events,” says Richard Wargo, The Sembrich’s Artistic Director and Composer-in-Residence. “As ever, Marcella Sembrich remains our guiding star – a spirit of excellence that we strive to uphold.”

    sembrich
    Marcella Sembrich (I.C. Mackeown. Date Unknown). From The Sembrich Collection.

    The 2024 festival begins on June 5 and runs through August 31.

    On opening night at 7 p.m., Opera Saratoga brings festival artists to the Sembrich. Includes an evening of standards from Cosi fan tutte and Guys and Dolls – provided by one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious opera training programs. Opera Saratoga serves the communities of Saratoga Springs, the Lower Adirondack, and New York State Capital areas by providing access to world-class opera through the production of an annual Summer Festival, year-round activities, extensive educational programs, mentorship of emerging operatic artists, and unique opportunities for the public to experience opera.

    Saturday, June 9 at 2 p.m. features the Young Writers Showcase, celebrating the region’s most promising young artists with an afternoon of vocal and instrumental music, in both classical and popular styles. June 15 at 2 p.m. brings a member appreciation event to the Sembrich; a conversation with the host of Sirius XM’s Symphony Hall Vincent Caruso, discussing his journey through classical music and radio. Also features a guest performance by Joel Brown and the Finger Lakes Guitar Quartet.

    “A Century at Sembrich” continues with a Juneteenth celebration featuring Pulitzer prize-winning composer Anthony Davis. Soprano Christine Jobson, bass-baritone Carl DuPont, and pianist Alan Johnson perform excerpts from Davis’s acclaimed operas, X – The Life and Times of Malcolm X, Amistad, Tania, and The Central Park Five, all portraying momentous actions and engagements crucial to black Americans. Davis will also treat the audience to a piano improvisation and discuss his works.

    sembrich
    Composer Anthony Davis. Photo Courtesy of the Artist.

    The 2024 festival features the acclaimed Sembrich film series, with The Magic Flute on June 24, The Opera House on July 8, Fitzcarraldo on July 28, the US premiere of Lost Voice on Aug. 12, and Falling for Figaro on Aug. 26. All films start at 7:30 p.m.

    On Wednesday, June 26 at 2 p.m. The Seagle Festival presents a sampling of the festival’s exciting 2024 lineup: Brigadoon, Don Giovanni, Cold Mountain, and Sweeney Todd. Now in its 109th anniversary season, it is the premier opera and music theater-producing organization in the Adirondack region and the oldest summer vocal training program in the United States. 

    Featuring some of the finest concert artists on the classical music scene, the Alfred Z. Solomon Masterwork Series celebrates monumental figures in Marcella Sembrich’s artistic circle. On July 6 at 7 p.m., “Classical Splendor” features violinist Ruben Rengel and pianist Ahmed Alom performing Brahms, Lizst, Stravinsky, and more.

    Violinist Ruben Rengel. Photo Courtesy of the Artist.

    The Mastwork Series continues on Aug. 4 at 7 p.m. with “Composers Sembrich Knew” – an evening of chamber music by members of The Philadelphia Orchestra, including works by Puccini, Brahms, and Kreisler. The final performance on Aug. 17 at 7 p.m., “Violinist Kinga Augustyn,” brings the acclaimed violinist back to Bolton Landing for an evening of masterworks, including the de Beriot concerto performed by Marcella Sembrich at the Metropolitan Opera in 1884.

    For one night only on July 11, literary dramatist Betty Spinelli and members of The Sembrich Board and Staff will offer an exclusive glimpse into the Gilded Age life of Marcella Sembrich by showcasing a selection of her treasured and rarely displayed possessions, including a diamond bracelet from the Czar of Russia, a silver tribute from Enrico Caruso, and the famous Queen of the Night costume from the Metropolitan Opera premiere of Mozart’s The Magic Flute

    Sembrich’s 2024 festival features the Promenade Series, perfect for a casual evening or date night on the lakeshore. This year’s series features the Zeger – Pesaturo accordion/violin duo (July 13 – 7:00 p.m.), the cutting-edge woodwind quintet WindSync (July 27 – 7:00 p.m.), and acclaimed guitar/violin duo ArcoStrum (August 21 – 7:00 p.m.).

    WindSync Woodwind Quintet. Photo by Carlin Ma.

    The Sembrich’s popular lakeside matinee series celebrating music from around the globe – World Music Wednesdays – returns this summer. This year’s events include “Harmonia Ensemble” (July 17 – 2:00 p.m.) highlighting music from Marcella Sembrich’s homeland in Eastern Europe, “Jomion and The Uklos” (August 7 – 2:00 p.m.) exploring unique traditions from West Africa, and “Cantrip” (August 28 – 2:00 p.m.) closing the series with beloved Celtic tunes.  

    The Sembrich doesn’t forget the family, with two family fun-packed events. “Interstellar Cinderella” performed by WindSync (July 25 at Rogers Park) is a delightful performance for the entire family, introducing five wind instruments of the orchestra, complete with costumes and choreography. “Dragon’s Breath” performed by emerging artists from Seagle Festival (August 1 at The Sembrich) is a charming original children’s opera by Evan Mack, with a libretto by Joshua McGuire, exploring themes of coping with anger and other difficulties. Follow young Alan as he gains wisdom in dealing with his own emotions.

    Violinist Kinga Augustyn, performing at the Masterworks Series. Photo by Dale Jabagat.

    On Aug. 24 at 7 p.m. is the World Premiere of At That Hour, a James Joyce-inspired chamber opera written expressly for The Sembrich studio. Also on the program, works by Haydn and Beethoven. Commissioned for The Sembrich’s 2024 centennial celebration in partnership with The American Center for New Works Development at Seagle Festival, this new work by Composer-in-Residence Richard Wargo will be performed by artists from Seagle Festival and the Hyperion String Quartet.

    The Sembrich brings down the curtain on its centennial summer with an elegant candlelit evening featuring music by one of the world’s most beloved composers, Frédéric Chopin on Aug. 31. Piano virtuoso Christopher Johnson performs some of the most enduring works by this “Poet of the Piano,” exploring the master’s full range of expression. Johnson will pay tribute to Marcella Sembrich with a delightful paraphrase by Franz Liszt of the soprano’s signature song, Chopin’s “The Maiden’s Wish.” The performance will be followed by a Parisian-style lakeside reception, accompanied by the string duo of Amanda and Jonathan Brin.

    Tickets and the full-season schedule are available here.

    The Sembrich’s 2024 Summer Festival Schedule

    June 5, 7:00 PM – Festival Artists from Opera Saratoga
    June 9, 2:00 PM – 2024 Young Performers Showcase
    June 15, 2:00 PM – An Afternoon with Vincent Caruso
    June 19, 7:00 PM – A Juneteenth Celebration with Anthony Davis
    June 24, 7:30 PM – FILM: The Magic Flute (1975)
    June 26, 2:00 PM – Seagle Festival Season Preview

    July 6, 7:00 PM – Classical Splendor
    July 8, 7:30 PM – FILM: The Opera House (2017)
    July 11, 7:00 PM – A Night at the Museum
    July 13, 7:00 PM – Leah Seger – Cory Pesaturo Duo
    July 17, 2:00 PM – Harmonia Ensemble
    July 25, 11:00 AM – Interstellar Cinderella by WindSync
    July 27, 7:00 PM – WindSync Woodwind Quintet
    July 28, 7:30 PM – FILM: Fitzcarraldo (1983)

    August 1, 10:00 AM – Seagle Festival: Dragon’s Breath (Children’s Opera)
    August 4, 7:00 PM – Composers Sembrich Knew
    August 7, 2:00 PM – Jomion and The Uklos
    August 12, 7:30 PM – FILM: Lost Voice, The Story of Marcella Sembrich (2024)
    August 17, 7:00 PM – Violinist Kinga Augustyn
    August 21, 7:00 PM – ArcoStrum
    August 24, 7:00 PM – At That Hour: A Chamber Opera After James Joyce (World Premiere)
    August 25, 2:00 PM – At That Hour: A Chamber Opera After James Joyce (Encore Matinee)
    August 26, 7:30 PM – FILM: Falling for Figaro (2021)
    August 28, 2:00 PM – Cantrip
    August 31, 6:00 PM – Chopin by Candlelight

  • Larry Campbell & Teresa Williams Announce Inaugural “July Jam”

    Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams have announced they are joining forces with musical friends old and new to present Larry & Teresa’s July Jam at Arrowood Farms in Accord, NY on July 20, 2024.

    July Jam

    The one-day festival is a not-to-be-missed celebration of some of the best performers in Americana music in a picture-perfect Hudson Valley setting. July Jam follows the release of the duo’s newest album All This Time, out April 5.

    In addition to Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams and bandmates Brandon Morrison (bass/vocals) and Justin Guip (drums), July Jam will feature Hot Tuna Acoustic, Jackie Greene, The Secret Sisters, Connor Kennedy & Onestar, plus special guests Cindy Cashdollar (dobro) who’s played with everyone from Asleep At The Wheel to Bob Dylan, Jim Weider (guitar) and Brian Mitchell (keyboards) from The Weight Band. This impressive cast promises to keep the ‘jam’ in July Jam and remind everyone of the joy that happens when good friends come together to create music. 

    Photo credit Gregg Roth.

    Their relationships with the artists sharing the bill span decades. They have worked with Hot Tuna’s Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady on stage and in the studio since 2011, with Larry producing their most recent album Steady as She Goes, plus Jorma’s solo albums River of Time and Ain’t in No Hurry. Campbell & Williams met West Coast-based guitarist singer Jackie Greene courtesy of Phil Lesh in 2012 when the three toured with Phil and Friends including the historic fourteen-day stand at New York’s Nokia Theater. Greene toured with the Black Crowes, Bob Weir, and Gov’t Mule, and his songs have been featured in films like Brokeback Mountain.

    From Muscle Shoals, Alabama’s The Secret Sisters burst onto the Americana scene in 2010 working with luminaries like Dave Cobb, Brandi Carlile, and T Bone Burnett. Their soon-to-be-released album, Mind, Man, Medicine features Larry on guitar, fiddle, mandolin, and pedal steel. Connor Kennedy first connected with Larry & Teresa at Levon Helm Studios. He has toured with Donald Fagan and Rachael Yamagata, and will open the festival with his band Onestar whose members include Brandon Morrison, Lee Falco, and Will Bryant. 

    Tickets are on sale Friday, March 1.