Music lovers and foodies across Central New York experience a combination of dinner and music performances throughout the upcoming summer months, courtesy of CNY Jazz, presenter of the Jazz at Timber Banks and Jazz at the Sherwood dining series in Syracuse.
CNY Jazz Central is Upstate New York’s largest year-round provider of jazz and American music in public and in schools. Each year, the organization presents more than 150 events, from festivals to theater concerts, to a total annual audience of 50,000.
A diverse lineup of groups playing a wide variety of styles will perform every Tuesday at Persimmons in the Timber Banks golf and marina community in Baldwinsville and on Wednesdays on the Hannum House lawn next to the historic lakeside Sherwood Inn in Skaneateles, two of the region’s most iconic upscale dining destinations.“ These series allow us to provide the region with its only ‘fine dining with fine music’ options for residents and visitors alike, on opposite ends of Central New York, for the entire summer,” said Larry Luttinger, CNY Jazz founder and director. “There are no cover charges, and our CNY Jazz annual donors will get 10% off food and drink as a benefit of their support for our non-profit arts organization.”
Thirteen events are scheduled at Persimmons, taking CNY Jazz Central, upstate New York’s largest year-round provider of jazz and American music in public and in schools, annually presents more than 150 events to a total annual audience of 50,000. They include festivals, concerts, and shows including the Northeast Jazz & Wine Fest and Jazz in the City; the CNY Jazz Cabaret Series, a busy arts-in-education service, shows at downtown’s Jazz Central theater, the SummerJazz Workshop, Interscholastic Jazz Festival, the CNY Jazz Orchestra and Youth Orchestra, the Jazz at Timber Banks and Jazz at the Sherwood dining series, Syracuse Stage Opening Night Cabarets, and other events throughout the extended region, including shows of all kinds at their Jazz Central theater in downtown Syracuse.
At the Sherwood Inn, artists perform from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on the porch of the inn’s Hannum House to outdoor diners on the lawn. A prix fixe menu is offered each week at $55, with reservations required at 315-685-3405. The rain location is inside the inn’s dining room. Fifteen events are scheduled.
The eclectic music lineup features groups from across upstate New York playing a wide variety of styles, centered on cabaret jazz, funk, blues, and Americana, including Cheri Giraud, Chuck Lamb and Peter Mack, Grupo Pagan, The Dave Hanlon Trio, The Ron France Duo, Nancy Kelly, Just Joe, Steve Brown, and Nashville-based Sam & Ivy, as well as other popular groups from across Central New York.
New York City’s Bryant Park has added Eddie Palmieri Salsa Orchestra presented by Harlem Stage to their 2024 Picnic Performances lineup on Thursday, September 12 at 7 PM.
Joined by his 13-piece band, Salsa Orchestra, 10-time Grammy winner Eddie Palmieri will commence Harlem Stage’s 2024-2025 season. This show is presented in partnership with the Bryant Park Picnic Performances.
Eddie Palmieri is regarded as one of the greatest pianists. In addition to piano, he is a bandleader and composer of Salsa and Latin Jazz. His music perfectly encapsulates his Puerto Rican Heritage while honoring his Harlem culture. With his musical accomplishments and innovation over his 60-year career, Palmieri and the band will certainly bring a spectacular performance to the series’ final weekend.
Photo Credit: Ryan Muir.
The Picnic Performances are a free concert series held in Bryant Park and sponsored by Bank Of America. The series gives diverse artists a performance platform as well as exposure to new audiences. Entry is on a first-come, first-served basis, and audience members can borrow blankets and chairs. The shows will be on from May 31 to September 13.
Likewise, Harlem Stage is a cultural arts center with a rich history of supporting the visions and creativity of artists of color. Their partnership with Bryant Park Picnic Performances significantly contributes to their mission of providing a safe community for artists.
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)
Starting Friday May 17, live music tavern Twisted Fiddler is hosting 10 Free Friday Night Summer Block Parties at 9 First Street in Troy with outdoor live music, a beer truck and food from the famous Slidin’ Dirty food truck. The Summer Concert Series features top jam and funk artists on weekly “Fiddler Fridays” for 10 Friday nights, May through September, from 7-10 p.m.
Five Friday nights highlights top local music acts while five “Funk Nights” features members of national touring bands. Now in their third year, Funk Nights are held on the last Friday of the month to concur with the downtown-wide Troy Night Out. This year’s artists include some bigger names in the funk/jam scene. “We are continuing to bring live music to downtown Troy and building on the momentum,” said Twisted Fiddler Owner Tim Taney. “This is a great block to have a block party.”
Fiddler Fridays Schedule 7 PM – 10 PM | Gates Open at 6 PM
May 17 – Brian Kane Trio (Country / Southern Rock Night )
Vocalist Brian Kane, a Troy NY Native, takes the stage at the inaugural Fiddler Friday Summer Block Party on First Street.
Joined by Chris Beam on bass, Jeff Prescott on drums, Tony Pellegrino on guitar, and Luke McNamee on sax.
May 31 – Funk Night: Rob Compa (Dopapod ) WSG Mike Oehman (Mihali)
Guitarist Rob Compa of progressive jam band Dopapod takes the Fiddler Fridays stage with special guest saxophonist Mike Oehman of Mihali. They will be joined by Krystal Surgick on vocals, Beau Sasser (of Kung Fu) on keys/organ, Justin Henricks (of Wurliday) on guitar, and Colin Jalbert on drums.
June 14 – Chef Dave’s Blues All Stars
Featuring Chef Dave Rozier, who made his name while performing and cooking at the famous Los Angeles Baked Potato restaurant, on harmonica, Rich Ertelt on guitar/vocals, Chris Beam on bass, Chad Ploss on drums, Keith Pray on sax, Ben O’Shea on trombone, and Sonny Speed on keys.
June 28 – Funk Night: New Orleans Legend Glen David Andrews
Glen David Andrews is a vocalist and trombonist that hails from the historic Treme neighborhood of New Orleans. His commanding voice, fierce trombone sound and electric stage presence create a musical experience that never fails to meet the moment.
He takes the Fiddler Fridays Funk Night stage with Beau Sasser (of Kung Fu) on keys/organ and Justin Henricks (of Wurliday) on guitar.
July 12 – Super 400 (I Heart Troy NY Rock ’N’ Roll)
Super 400, Troy’s fabled rock trio, known far and wide for telekinetic jams and big love, takes the Fiddler Fridays stage for I Heart Troy NY Night.
Featuring Lori Friday on vocals/bass, Kenny Hohman on vocals/guitar andJoe Daley on drums
July 26 – Funk Night: Tim Palmieri (of Lotus), Zdenek Gubb & Adrian Tramontano (of Twiddle)
Three of the biggest names in the funk / jam scene take the Fiddler Friday Funk Night Stage.
Tim Palmieri (of Lotus) on guitar/vocals, Zdenek Gubb (of Twiddle) on bass, and Adrian Tramontano (of Twiddle) on drums.
Aug. 9 – The Deadbeats (Grateful Dead Tribute )
The Deadbeats have been playing Grateful Dead in NY’s Hudson Valley & Capital District for 31 years.
Aug. 30 – Funk Night: Beau Sasser’s Escape Plan
Funk Fusion Organ driven, hard hittin’, boogaloo rooted funk with a rock ’n’ roll spirit.
Beau Sasser of Kung Fu – Keys & Organ Justin Henricks of Wurliday – Guitar Rob Somerville of Deep Banana Blackout – Sax Bill Carbone of Max Creek – Drums Krystal Surgick – Vocals
Sept. 13 – Lustre Kings (Rockabilly)
The Lustre Kings bring their old time rock ’n’ roll sound to the Fiddler Fridays stage.
Trumpeter and vocalist Jennifer Hartswick is an original member of the Trey Anastasio Band and has recorded/shared the stage with Herbie Hancock, Phish, Christian McBride, Tom Petty, Aaron Neville, Carlos Santana, The Rolling Stones, Big Gigantic, Dave Matthews and countless others.
Hartswick takes the Fiddler Fridays stage with Beau Sasser of Kung Fu on keys/organ, Justin Henricks of Wurliday on guitar. More musicians TBA
Funk Nights are presented by Beau Sasser (of Kung Fu) and Troy Native Justin Henricks (of Wurliday). The duo of Sasser on keys/organ and Henricks on guitar will back up the headlining musicians on all Funk Nights except July.
Music is Rain or Shine. In the event of rain, the show will be moved inside Twisted Fiddler. Due to limited space, a cover charge may apply.
Experience live new works from world-renowned composers of today debuting at the Albany Symphony’s 2024 American Music Festival, “Water Music NY: More Voices.”
The event will take place between June 7-9 at the EMPAC concert hall on the RPI campus and locations throughout Troy, NY. “This is the beginning of a three-year project in which we will celebrate and explore the history of New York through the lens of people whose stories have not been told,” writes Music Director David Alan Miller.
Performances will kick off with Dogs of Desire on Friday, June 7. The festival will also celebrate 30 years of the innovative ensemble by Dai Wei, del Pino, Sohn, Bansal and JURAKHAN.
Taking place on June 8 is FLOW, a “Water Music NY: New Voices” commission by Clarice Assad. The suite for piano and orchestra is a musical journey through the symbolic currents of emotions, exploring themes of change, resilience, and the passage of time through the idea of water. All the movements connect seamlessly, each representing a different dynamic ebb and flow of emotions and experiences. Its lively and improvisational character is a celebration of endurance, affirming the idea that even in the face of challenges, the capacity to adapt and emerge stronger exists. The festival will host some of its favorite composers and performers, including Joan Tower, Christopher Theofanidis, and Brandon Patrick George. It will also feature wonderful creators who are new to its stage.
Performances include Jack Frerer’s covers of hits by NY-born songwriters, from Cab Calloway to Grace Jones and Lana Del Rey, not to mention an audience. Following the concert, there will be a late-night lounge event where listeners can enjoy the sultry Brazilian rhythms of father-daughter duo Sérgio and Clarice Assad. Sergio Assad is one of the world’s greatest living classical guitarists. Clarice is a major Brazilian-American composer, much loved by the Albany Symphony audience and community.
The Last of James Fenimore Cooper on Sunday, June 9 is set to close the event at The Sanctuary for Independent Media. Native American composer Brent Michael Davids has composed a witty, satirical quartet about James Fenimore Cooper. Davids. He embraces indigenous themes and subjects in his music, considering Cooper’s ignorance of native culture in “The Last of the Mohicans” in this work for string quartet, featuring members of the Albany Symphony. This event is featured as part of the Sanctuary for Independent Media’s Freedom Festival in collaboration with the American Music Festival.
Summer Soundsystem Series – Coney Island Reggae On The Boardwalk and Reggae Under The Bridge – returns on June 9, July 7, August 4, and August 31st in Brooklyn and Queens.
The first event at K Bridge Park on June 9 from 2-7 p.m. will feature DJ Puma from Brooklyn’s famed LP International soundsystem, DJ Misbehavior, DJ Anthony, African Violet Roots, Chanter The Timeless Sound, and Carter Van Pelt. The beloved free outdoor series features an array of reggae vinyl specialist DJs from Brooklyn, New York City, and beyond.
WKCR DJ Carter Van Pelt founded the event in June 2010, to play classic reggae at an accessible location (the Coney Island Boardwalk) to a broad audience. “It caught on from the very beginning, and I feel proud of what it’s become and how the community has embraced it, including the support and endorsements of the Brooklyn Arts Council and Queens BP Donovan Richards. Over the last dozen years, there has been a growing interest in Jamaican soundsystem culture globally… Thanks to social media, people know about the event around the world and have travelled from Japan, Australia, Europe, and Jamaica to attend.”
In 2021, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards brought the event to the Rockaway Beach Amphitheater as part of his Queens -Live! series, where it returns again this year on Saturday, August 31st for Labor Day Weekend. “Reggae and Caribbean culture as a whole are integral parts of the Southeast Queens and Rockaway communities. I can’t wait to celebrate these roots when Reggae On The Boardwalk returns to Rockaway Beach this summer for an incredible day of music,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr.
The events have benefited from the participation of reggae and soundsystem luminaries, including Jamaican producers King Jammy and Jack Scorpio, singers Luciano, Johnny Osbourne, and Carlton Livingston, and emcees Ranking Joe, Sassafrass, Sister Carol, and Screechy Dan, among others. Giants in the soundclash world have been regular participants, including selectors Puma from LP International, Downbeat The Ruler, Federation Sound, and Sir Tommy. The events are also multi-cultural and multi-generational, featuring a core of Jamaican/Caribbean selectors and others passionate about the music culture, both men and women, ranging from teenagers to octogenarians. The large, Jamaican style soundsystem for the events at K Bridge Park are provided by Chanter The Timeless Sound of Brooklyn.
The event series is free to the public and generously supported by community donations from attendees, by the Brooklyn Arts Council, and the Office of the Queens Borough President. For more information, follow @coneyislandreggae on Instagram and “Coney Island Reggae” on Facebook.
Summer Soundsystem Reggae Event Locations, Dates, and Times for 2024:
Reggae Under The Bridge Sunday, June 9, 2-7 p.m. Sunday, July 7, 2-7 p.m.
Coney Island Reggae On The Boardwalk Sunday, August 4, 2-6 p.m. Boardwalk at West 20th Street
Reggae On The Boardwalk – Rockaways Saturday, August 31, 3-7 p.m. Rockaway Beach Amphitheater (East 94th)
The Park Theater Foundation announced the lineup for their 2024 Summer Series Concerts, beginning June 28 at 7:00 pm at the Crandall Park Bandshell in Glens Falls, NY.
Each Friday night, from June 28 – August 2nd, 2024, The Park Theater Foundation will host its fourth annual Summer Series Concerts in Glens Falls, NY. The events feature weekly 90-minute live musical performances from local, national, and international artists. All concerts are free to the public at the Crandall Park Bandshell, with the rain location being The Park Theater. serve to promote the artists from both outside of and within the community.
Summer Series Concerts Lineup:
Friday, 06/28 – Wild Adriatic
Rooted in the rowdy spirit of rock & roll, Wild Adriatic has built an international audience on a combination of groove, grit, and guitar-heavy swagger.
Friday, 07/05 – Rob Flax’s Boom Chick Trio
Equal parts hot swing, snarky songwriting, and lyrical storytelling, Rob Flax’s Boom Chick Trio combines virtuoso violin, guitar, bass, and three-part harmony vocals for an energetic performance.
Friday, 07/12 – Stella Ruze
An award-winning folk rock band from Philadelphia, PA, Stella Ruze blends four-part vocal harmonies with infectious rhythms and horn arrangements to create a new, genre-bending sound.
Friday, 07/19 – Pascuala Ilabaca & Fauna
Hailing all the way from Chile, singer-songwriter Pascuala Ilabaca brings traditional sounds combined with jazz, pop, rock, and influences gathered in such distant places as India or Mexico to Glens Falls. Accompanied by her band Fauna, her unique stage presence conjures up sweetness and empowerment at the same time, setting her songs alive with both fragility and verve.
Friday, 07/26 – Soggy Poâ Boys
The Soggy Poâ Boys mix brass-fueled mayhem with spirituals, meters-style old-school funk, vibrant storytelling, and the Caribbean side of the New Orleans tradition to create a musical experience like no other.
Friday, 08/02 – Angelina Valente
With songs that feel like a warm summer breeze, Angelina’s uninhibited voice and sincere lyrics draw you in and leave you feeling restored and inspired. Her unique blend of indie folk features piano, ukulele, and genuine storytelling influenced by her small-town roots and love of nature.
For more information on the Park Theater Foundation and its events, visit here.
The annual Stewart’s Signature Series at Skidmore College is back for 2024, with an exciting list of public summer events, starting June 24 and running until July 16. Events will take place between four different venues, which include Saratoga Performing Arts Center and the Arthur Zankel Music Center.
The series will kick off on Monday, June 24, with a reading by novelist Cristina Garcia and poet Megan Fernandes. The event will begin at 8 p.m. in Murray-Aikins Dining Hall, second floor, on Skidmore’s campus. Additional highlights include a performance by Grammy Award-winning Panamanian pianist, Danilo Pérez and a reading given by Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Paul Harding. Events will be held on the Skidmore College campus, or locally at Saratoga Performing Arts Center and Caffe Lena.
“Stewart’s and the Dake family are proud to support Skidmore’s contribution to Saratoga’s arts community,” said Bill Dake, chairman of the board of Stewart’s Shops. “Saratoga’s eclectic mix of live events, from the excitement of horse racing to the enchantment of theater, dance, and music, encapsulates the essence of our city’s charm. The Stewart’s Signature Series plays an important part in the Saratoga summer experience, and we strongly encourage everyone — local residents and visitors — to seize the opportunity to attend these unique events at Skidmore.”
Stewart’s Signature Series has been an essential part of the Saratoga Springs summer cultural scene since 2017.
“Skidmore is excited to present the 2024 Stewart’s Signature Series,” said Auden Thomas, director of Skidmore’s Special Programs and Summer Academic Programs. “We are thrilled to play a part in bringing these amazing artists to our community during the vibrant summer months.”
Presented by the New York State Summer Writers Institute, novelist and Guggenheim Fellow Cristina Garcia, author of eight novels including “Dreaming in Cuban,” a finalist for the National Book Award, will read with poet Megan Fernandes, associate professor of English and writer-in-residence at Lafayette College.
A Conversation with New York Times Columnist John McWhorter
Friday, June 28, 8PM
Murray-Aikins Dining Hall, second floor
John McWhorter is the author of 20 books and a regular columnist for The New York Times. His most recent book, “Woke Racism: How a New Religion Has Betrayed Black America,” critiques the way antiracism is often viewed and enacted in the leftist cultural sphere. McWhorter is in residence with the New York State Summer Writers Institute and will be joined by Institute Director Robert Boyers, professor of English at Skidmore College and editor of Salmagundi Magazine.
Skidmore Jazz Institute Faculty All-Stars
Sunday, June 30, 11:30 AM
Saratoga Performing Arts Center
In collaboration with Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival, Skidmore Jazz Institute faculty members Clay Jenkins (trumpet), Steve Wilson (saxophone), Steve Davis (trombone), Mike Moreno (guitar), Bill Cunliffe (piano), Todd Coolman (bass), and Dennis Mackrel (drums) will be performing.
Danilo Pérez Trio
Tuesday, July 2, 7:30 PM
Arthur Zankel Music Center
Danilo Pérez
Danilo Pérez, a Grammy Award-winning Panamanian pianist and composer, is considered a paragon of creativity in contemporary music, blending influences from his Panamanian roots with Latin American folk music, West African rhythms, and European impressionism. In this concert, presented by the Skidmore Jazz Institute, he leads a trio featuring talented performers Ian Ashby (bass) and Adam Cruz (drums).
Jenny Offill and April Bernard
Thursday, July 4, 8 PM
Murray-Aikins Dining Hall, second floor
Novelist Jenny Offill will join April Bernard for a reading of fiction and poetry. Offill’s second novel, “Department of Speculation,” was named one of the 10 Best Books of 2014 by the New York Times. Bernard is a poet and professor at Skidmore College and a past recipient of the Walt Whitman Award from the Academy of American Poets. The event is presented by the New York State Summer Writers Institute.
Poetry & Jazz: An Evening with Robert Pinsky, Todd Coolman, and Bill Cunliffe, with special guest Pat LaBarbera
Friday, July 5, 8PM
Caffe Lena
A collaboration between the Skidmore Jazz Institute and the New York State Summer Writers Institute yields an evening with former U.S. Poet Laureate Robert Pinsky, Grammy Award-winning musicians Todd Coolman (bass) and Bill Cunliffe (piano), and special guest Pat LaBarbera.
Alexa Tarantino Quartet
Tuesday, July 9, 7:30 PM
Arthur Zankel Music Center
Alexa Tarantino
The Skidmore Jazz Institute presents Alexa Tarantino, a rising alto saxophone star, educator, and composer, who will be performing alongside Grammy Award-winning musician Steven Feifke (piano) and Mark Whitfield Jr. (drums) and sought-after jazz player Raviv Markovitz (bass).
Paul Harding and Karan Mahajan
Tuesday, July 16, 8 PM
Murray-Aikins Dining Hall, second floor
Paul Harding
Pulitzer Prize-winning author of “Tinkers,” Paul Harding, will read with novelist Karan Mahajan. Mahajan’s 2016 novel, “The Association of Small Bombs,” was a finalist for the National Book Awards. The event is presented by the New York State Summer Writers Institute.
Visit here for more information and to purchase tickets for the signature series.
The City of Albany has announced the lineup for the annual Alive at 5 concert series for 2024. The free shows are held Thursdays from June 6 to August 1 (except July 4) from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Alive at 5 concerts take place at Jennings Landing in Albany, with views of the Hudson River beyond the stage. Parking is available at the Riverfront Garage at 2 Columbia Street and Quackenbush Garage at 25 Orange Street for $8 starting at 4 p.m.
At Alive at 5, there are a few no-no’s – no alcohol, coolers, backpacks, bags, containers, packages, thermoses, cups, bottles, cans, flasks, glass containers of any kind, recording of performances, or pets – these are not allowed at the concerts. Additionally, all Albany parks are tobacco-free.
In the event of rain, the rain location is under the 787 overpass at the Corning Preserve Boat Launch.
Alive at 5 2024 Lineup
June 6: Pride Night – Let’s Sing Taylor with Sydney Worthley
LET’S SING TAYLOR
Let’s Sing Taylor – A Live Band Experience – is the ultimate tribute to the music of Taylor Swift. We can show you incredible things, including the most faithful and lively covers of Queen Taylor’s expansive and sacred catalog. Taking the country by storm, we’re bringing the communal experience of celebrating Taylor’s music in a live setting to Swifties near and far. So, let the games begin. Calling all Swifties to sing your hearts out and sport your Taylor inspired attire. You can show up at our party any time.
SYDNEY WORTHLEY
Sydney Worthley is a singer/songwriter at heart with influences from the pop world. She pulls influences from Taylor Swift, Phoebe Bridgers, Kate Bush, and The 1975. While the production of her single “How Soon Is Now?” draws from the 80s with dreamy synthesizers and echoing drums, it can be stripped down to its core to reveal a story of wondering when the heartbreak will end. Prepare yourself for topics of growing pains, raising your standards, speculating about the one that got away, imposter syndrome, and so much more. Get ready for the emotional rollercoaster Sydney Worthley and her electric band brings to the stage.
Dokken exploded out of the boiling hard rock/heavy metal scene in Los Angeles in the early 1980s. 1983’s“Breaking the Chains” with its catchy title track, set the stage for Dokken becoming the most dominant creative and commercial force in the world of Melodic Hard Rock for the following years. DOKKEN is now Don Dokken (vocals), Mick Brown (drums), Jon Levin (guitar) and Chris McCarvill (bass).
HARK
Local veteran to the Capital District music scene put together an extraordinary party cover band in the last few years and named it “Hark” to separate it from her original works. The band features a young sharp line up of some of the best musicians in the area with an eclectic and diverse song list to go along with Harkes’ signature powerhouse vocals.
June 20: Latin Night – Toto Puente Jr. with Bronte Roman
TITO PUENTE JR.
Tito Puente Jr. carries his father with him – imprinted on his physical being and locked in his soul. It’s in his looks, his joy, and his music. Tito, Jr. is on a passionate mission. The younger Puente is determined to nurture the musical legacy left by his father. “People who don’t know anything about Latin music know my father and people always, always smile when they say my father’s name,” he confides. “That is a very special gift I have been given.” Tito, Jr. lives in South Florida and has two children, Miranda and Antonio.
BRONTE ROMAN
Bronte Roman from Brooklyn offers an 8-10 piece group. This high-spirited Pop Contemporary Vocalist shines with her melodic, rich tones and musicality for a variety of Genres. Bronte loves highlighting her Puerto Rican heritage by performing Latin-Pop and Spanish Classic hits. Bronte is excited to debut her new release,” The Dark Side” in English and Spanish.
“Always building up, falling apart. Love is an art,” sings Vanessa Carlton on the title track of her sixth album, Love Is An Art. Like the record itself, the song is a meditation on the eternal seesaw that is human connection: the push, the pull, the balance, the bottoming out.
CANELLA
The members of indie-rock band Canella love to create. Juliana Castrillón, lead singer and songwriter from Bogotá, Colombia, brings her criss-cross applesauce bedroom acoustic songs to the rest of the band. Bassist Joe Taurone, guitarist Gabe Klingler-Horn, and drummer Dan Carr, take the songs in, and output what they think is right, funny, or stupid. They have won a couple of awards from the local college radio station WCDB in 2021 and 2022 for ‘Best Song of the Year’. Canella has heavy riffs and pop melodies that they’d love to share with you.
July 11: Hip Hop Night – KRS-One with DJ Show and Ohzhe
KRS-ONE
Appearing on the rap scene in 1986 as Boogie Down Productions releasing his first hit single “South Bronx” with his late DJ Scott La Rock, KRS “the one” made it clear that Hip Hop was going to have to take itself a lot more seriously than simply being a music genre. KRS, an acronym for ““Knowledge Reigning Supreme”, has been called the “conscience of Hip Hop” (Rolling Stone), “the greatest live emcee ever” (The Source), the “spokesperson for Hip Hop” (Wall Street Journal), “master teacher” (Zulu Nation) and the “son of Hip Hop” (Kool DJ Herc). Operating as a kind of “pop-up” school, KRS-One’s Temple of Hip Hop has appeared in various cities in USA also in the UK and Europe offering the more serious student of Hip Hop an effective way to live and understand the culture of Hip Hop more deeply.
DJ SHOW
DJ SHOW, born and raised in the Bronx, fell in love with Hip-Hop early on, inspired by mentors like DJ Joey O and legends such as Kid Capri. Once he received his first set of turntables from his parents at 12 years old, SHOW’s hobby turned into a career path.
OHZHE
Hip-Hop Artist – songwriter Ohzhe brings his charisma and versatility to the stage with his ability to connect to his audience through relatability and vulnerability. Coming from upstate NY, Ohzhe looks to inspire his city with his perspective, lyrics and lifestyle.
July 18: Reggae Night – Third World with Upstate Reggae Possie
THIRD WORLD
Celebrating 50 years, ‘Reggae Ambassadors’, THIRD WORLD is one of the longest-lived Reggae bands of all time, and one of Jamaica’s most consistently popular crossover acts among international audiences. Mixing in elements of R&B, funk, pop, and rock and, later on, dancehall and rap, Third World’s style has been described as “reggae-fusion”.
UPSTATE REGGAE POSSIE
Upstate Reggae Possie is the ultimate traditional Dancehall Experience with a profound Roots flavor. Originally from Jamaica and Trinidad, each of the 4 singers charm their audiences in a unique style. Reggae with Soul, Harmony and Dance moves to Rock New York and Beyond.
July 25: Rock Night – The Record Company with Sirsy
THE RECORD COMPANY
When The Record Company pick up their instruments, the members—Chris Vos [guitar, lead vocals, harmonica], Alex Stiff [bass, backing vocals], and Marc Cazorla [drums, backing vocals]—participate in a musical back-and-forth akin to a formative and supportive conversation among siblings. The GRAMMY Award-nominated trio only amplify the power of this bond on their fourth full-length offering and 2023 debut for Round Hill Records.
SIRSY
Hailing from Upstate NY, SIRSY plays sassy singer-songwriter pop-rock with lots of heart and soul. Sirsy is known for their passionate, honest, heartfelt live performances that have a charming intensity, loads of stories from the road, and even some nerdy jokes. They can somehow make an audience sing along, dance, laugh, and cry – all at the same show. You will be moved.
August 1: Funk Night – Galactic with Jelly Joseph and Hilltop
GALACTIC feat JELLY JOSEPH
History doesn’t stand still. It impacts, influences, and inspires the ebb and flow of the future by informing the present. Galactic draw on 25 years together in order to progress with each performance and subsequent record. After 10 albums, over 2,000 gigs, and tens of millions of streams, the proud New Orleans, LA quintet—Ben Ellman [saxophone, harmonica], Robert Mercurio [bass], Stanton Moore [drums, percussion], Jeffrey Raines [guitar], and Richard Vogal [keyboards]—have kept the torch burning through five U.S. presidential regimes, the turn-of-the-century, Hurricane Katrina, a Global Pandemic, and a much-anticipated recovery.
HILLTOP
Hilltop is a four piece Funk Rock band from Albany, NY. Over the past six years they’ve made a name for themselves with carefully crafted originals, mind bending improvisation & fun, diverse covers. Each member offers a proficient, unique approach to their instrument that defines the musical experience. Hilltop has already been featured on bills with headlining acts like Dark Star Orchestra, moe, Eggy and many more. They are currently touring to promote their new EP, Getting There Together. This band of young musicians is eager to spread their music and will continue to engage crowds wherever they go.
Beginning Memorial Day weekend, Orchard Beach in the Bronx will hold its weekly Salsa Sundays dance party. Every Sunday until Labor Day weekend, New Yorkers can enjoy music, salsa dance, and concessions.
Hundreds gather in a large cement dancing area every week to celebrate the various types of salsa dance. At Orchard Beach you can see many styles of Latin dance, whether it is mambo, cha-cha, or salsa. This event celebrates the diversity of The Bronx, drawing influence from Cuban, Caribbean and African rhythms, a lively and casual atmosphere, with people dancing amidst barbecues, roller skaters and swimmers.
Salsa Sundays are a summer staple of the Bronx, taking place for over 50 years. This summer celebration reflects the Bronx’s importance to the history of salsa music.
Salsa was born in the jazz clubs of the South Bronx in the 1950s. In these clubs, musicians mixed bolero, rumba and mambo to create a new genre called “salsa conciente.” This genre took the elements of latin music and incorporated lyrics that reflected the social issues plaguing The Bronx. In the late 1960s, Fania records was formed and pushed salsa into the mainstream with names like Hector Lavoe, Celia Cruz, and Bobby Valentin.
Orchard beach is an especially important site in the history of salsa music. In 1936, Orchard Beach opened as a weekend and holiday destination for Bronx residents, quickly becoming a hub for the borough’s Puerto Rican residents. As one of the only desegregated public spaces in the city, Orchard Beach became a melting pot for music. Visitors from across New York City went to Orchard beach to hear a fusion of salsa, R&B and jazz.
An Aerial View of Orchard Beach, Bronx
Orchard Beach quickly became a local gathering place, with salsa being a medium to build a sense of community. DJs Ernie Ensley and Carlos Santiago started the Salsa Sundays event to combine community, recreation and entertainment. Since its start, Salsa Sundays has been a place for the Bronx’s Latinx community to share their pride, love of music and sense of fun.
Salsa Sundays take place at Orchard Beach Area 5, giving visitors the chance to enjoy the nearby beach, boardwalk and ball courts. Consider bringing beach chairs, sunscreen, and coolers to best enjoy the summer weather during the event.
More details on scheduling and directions can be found here.
