NYS Music 2024

Category: News

  • Five For Fighting Announce String Quartet Tour with 7 shows in NYS

    Five For Fighting’s String Quartet Tour kicks off Sept. 26. They will perform over two decades of hits and fan favorites with a four-piece string section. New York shows include stops in Homer, Saratoga Springs, Corning, Bethel, Oneonta, Bethlehem, and Port Washington.

    Five For Fighting

    Five For Fighting, otherwise known as John Ondrasik, is a platinum-selling, and Grammy-nominated songwriter and performer with a career spanning two decades since his first major single, “Superman (It’s Not Easy).” Five For Fighting has released six studio albums, including the certified platinum America Town, and The Battle for Everything.

    Ondrasik says, “The string quartet allows a more intimate experience and the ability to pull songs from my catalog with fantastic string arrangements from world-renowned composers that I do not play with the rock band. The string quartet also performs a multitude of classical and rock songs that change every night that is always a special treat for audiences.” The String Quartet will include the Tony Award-winning concertmaster and co-orchestrator of Moulin Rouge! The Musical Katie Kresek with Melissa Tong, Chris Cardona, and Peter Sachon.

    Five For Fighting Full Tour Schedule:

    September 26 in Homer, NY at Center for the Arts of Homer

    September 27 in Saratoga Springs, NY at Universal Preservation Hall

    September 28 in Corning, NY at Corning Museum Of Glass

    September 29 in Bethel, NY at The Event Gallery at Bethel Woods

    October 1 in Oneonta, NY at Foothills Performing Arts Center

    October 3 in Nashua, NH at Nashua Center for the Arts

    October 4 in Laconia, NH at The Colonial Theatre Laconia

    October 5 in Bethlehem, NY at The Colonial Theatre

    October 6 in Waterville, ME at Waterville Opera House

    October 8 in Newport, RI at The JPT Film & Event Center

    October 9 in Red Bank, NJ at Count Basie Center for the Arts – The Vogel

    October 10 in Port Washington, NY at Landmark on Main Stree

    For more information and tickets go here.

  • Dave Matthews Band Announces Fall Tour, Hit MSG for Two Nights

    Ahead of Dave Matthews Band induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in October, the band has announced a Fall Tour. They will hit many big cities on the eastern half of the country including Madison Square Garden on Nov. 22 and 23.

    Dave Matthews Band
    Photo credit: Sanjay Suchak

    Since 1993 when Dave Matthews Band’s first studio album was released, they have been a power house in the rock world selling 38 million CDs and DVDs. They have also sold over 25 million tickets since their birth making them the second largest ticket-seller in history. After the group’s 2018 album Come Tomorow, they became the first ever band to have 7 consecutive studio albums hit number one on the Billboard 200.

    Dave Matthews Band released a new album, the first in five years, Walk Around The Moon in 2023. The album has been praised by many publications and the band has supported it with many concerts and tours since its release. Most recently, they played their traditional Labor Day weekend concerts at The Gorge in Washington state. They will arrive in New York City’s Madison Square Garden on Nov 22 and 23 closing out the six planned dates to take place in November.

    Dave Matthews Band will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on Saturday, October 19 in Cleveland, OH. The induction ceremony will stream on Disney+, and will be released on Hulu the next day.

    General on sale for tickets begins on Friday, September 20, at 10:00 a.m. ET. For more information, visit davematthewsband.com.

    DAVE MATTHEWS BAND FALL 2024 DATES

    11/15               Pittsburgh, PA                           PPG Paints Arena

    11/16               Columbus, OH                           Nationwide Arena

    11/19               Uncasville, CT                           Mohegan Sun Arena

    11/20               Uncasville, CT                           Mohegan Sun Arena

    11/22               New York, NY                            Madison Square Garden – The Arena

    11/23               New York, NY                            Madison Square Garden – The Arena

  • Kate McDonnell Releases New Album “Trapeze” on September 5, Celebrates in Saratoga Springs

    On September 5, Upstate folk artist Kate McDonnell releases her sixth album, Trapeze. To celebrate, McDonnell returns to Caffe Lena in Saratoga Springs for the album release party on September 20.

    This is the latest release from McDonnell since her last album, Ballad of a Bad Girl, released in 2021. The album explored heavy themes of female gender identity and the relationships that stem from it. This time, the complex, introspective political themes are back in full force and more prominent than ever.

    In this album, McDonnell covers a wide range of topics, from the COVID-19 pandemic to the tragic shootings occurring in the United States. But while these political issues are a central focus of the album, they are by no means the only issues McDonnell sings about. Struggles between family members, personal mental health, the death of a loved one, and leaving your home to pursue an independent life are all abundantly clear themes.

    The opening track, “Pretty Good Day,” begins the album with a deceptively positive note. No matter what the struggles of life mean to her, it’s going to be a pretty good day when she spends time with those who provide a sense of security in the wake of such an isolating time like the pandemic. However, tracks like “All On My Own” and “Madeline” depict those feelings of loneliness, sadness, and depression as clear as day. The album’s finisher, “You Won’t Blow Away,” however, reminds us that even if things do not go our way, or if bad things happen, it is not the end of the world.

    McDonnell’s political tinges don’t end there. The track “Step Right Up” dedicates itself to those who lost their lives to gun violence throughout the United States. As a firm advocate for gun safety laws and ending gun violence, McDonnell pays a wonderful tribute to the children whose lives were lost to gun violence throughout the country.

    On September 20, Kate McDonnell hosts a release party for Trapeze at Caffe Lena in Saratoga Springs. Trapeze is out now on all streaming platforms. For more information, visit Kate McDonnell’s website.

  • 100th Annual Yorktown Grange Fair Opens Sept 6

    Experience live music, rides, a petting zoo, and more at the Yorktown Grange Fair on September 6, 7, and 8, in Yorktown Heights, Westchester.

    Yorktown's Grange Fair

    At 99 Moseman Road, on the first weekend of September, the annual Yorktown Grange Fair will once again provide a variety of attractions to the people of Westchester and beyond. Since its first year in 1924, the fair has honored the region’s agricultural heritage by providing attractions showcasing aspects of farm life. This includes but is not limited to, Livestock Exhibits, the Tractor Display, the Pie Eating Contest, and much more.

    Supervisor of the Fair, Ed Lachterman, stated, “For a century, this fair has been a cornerstone of our community, bringing together families and friends to honor our rich agricultural heritage and the hardworking farmers and artisans who make Yorktown so special.”

    As always, live music will be performed all three days of the Yorktown Grange Fair, by acts such as No Options Band, Kurt Gallagher, The Knuckleheads, House Arrest Band, Annie & the Natural Wonder Band, and The Whiskey’s Edge Band.

    Many classic fair events will bring guests the feeling of attending the fair in its inaugural year, way back in 1924. The Mighty Mike Strongman Show, Adam Auslander Stiltwalking, East Coast Pro Wrestling, along with others, will provide fun for all.

    Yorktown's Grange Fair 1960's
    A livestock display at the Yorktown Grange Fair in the 1960s

    A fair wouldn’t be complete without rides, and this year, a full amusement park will be open throughout the day thanks to the Rainbow Amusement Company.

    Full Yorktown Grange Fair schedule:

    Friday, Sept 6

    4:00 Gates Open
    4:00 Livestock Exhibits and Tractor Display
    4:00 Michael Anderson Memorial Senior Dinner
    sponsored by Anne Anderson
    4:15 Official Opening and Invocation Flag Raising
    by American Legion Yorktown Post #1009,
    Invocation by Msgr. Joseph R. Giandurco of
    St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church
    5:00 Rides Open (Wristband Special: $30)
    6:00 Pie Eating Contest (Blacktop)
    7:30 Live Music: No Options Band (Stage)
    11:00 Rides and Fair Close

    Saturday, Sept 7

    10:00 Gates Open (Quiet Hour)
    All Day Livestock Exhibits and Tractor Display
    Strolling Variety Show with Adam Auslander
    10:00 Children’s Games, Activities
    10:45 Flag Ceremony by BSA Troop #164
    11:00 Rides Open (Wristband Special: $35 all day)
    11:00 Antique Tractor and Vehicle Parade Line Up
    (Behind Yorktown Heights Firehouse)
    11:00 Kid’s Music with Kurt Gallagher (Stage)
    Noon WHUD’s KC Morabito (Until 2 p.m.)
    Noon Tractor Parade sponsored by Morano Bros.
    Corp.
    1:30 East Coast Pro Wrestling Match (Grounds)
    1:30 Bubble Gum Blowing Contest (Blacktop)
    2:00 Mighty Mike Strongman Show (Blacktop)
    2:45 Watermelon Eating Contest (Blacktop)
    3:30 Live Music: The Knuckleheads (Stage)
    5:00 East Coast Pro Wrestling Match (Grounds)
    5:30 Tipsy Waiter Relay (Blacktop)
    6:00 Mighty Mike Strongman Show (Blacktop)
    8:00 Live Music: House Arrest Band (Stage)
    11:00 Rides and Fair Close

    Sunday, Sept 8

    10:00 Gates Open (Quiet Hour)
    All Day Livestock Exhibits and Tractor Display
    Strolling Variety Show with Adam Auslander
    10:00 Children’s Games, Activities
    10:45 Flag Ceremony by BSA Troop #164
    11:00 Rides Open (Wristband Special: $35 all day)
    11:00 Kid’s Music with Annie & the Natural Wonder
    Band (Stage)
    1:00 East Coast Pro Wrestling Match (Grounds)
    1:15 Mighty Mike Strongman Show (Blacktop)
    2:15 Street Beatz Dance Performance (Blacktop)
    2:45 Mighty Mike Strongman Show (Blacktop)
    3:30 Rubber Chicken Throwing Contest sponsored by
    Eddies Yard (Blacktop)
    4:00 Live Music: The Whiskey’s Edge Band (Stage)
    6:15 Mighty Mike Strongman Show (Blacktop)
    7:00 Rides and Fair Close
    7–8 100th Annual Produce Auction (Jerry Mulcahy
    Building)

    Learn more about the Yorktown Grange Fair here.

    House Arrest performing at the 2023 fair.

  • Versatile Guitarist Shubh Saran Announces Tour, Syracuse Show

    New York based-guitarist Shubh Saran announced his “Being Anybody Else” Tour, with a stop in Syracuse.

    Saran’s unique blend of varied influences has earned him popular acclaim. Saran will play Funk N Waffles September 14, with local Syracuse band Paega opening.

    Lev Sloujitel

    Growing up in six different countries exposed Shubh Saran to a wide range of work he would come to draw inspiration from, from classical and contemporary Indian music to progressive rock. Saran has performed globally with his band, in addition to being a composer and producer.

    Guitar World likened Saran to a “shred chameleon”. The international influences and versatility are evident is his work. Pitchfork described his music as, “a heartfelt exploration of the ups and downs of being part of the world’s fastest-growing floating tribe—part global citizen, part cultural refugee”.

    Saran was also included in Pitchfork’s list of Best Jazz and Experimental Music of 2021. The Shubh Saran tour includes shows at Syracuse’s Funk N Waffles, and Manhattan’s Nublu. Tickets for the Syracuse show are available at the following link, and more information about Shubh Saran is available here.

    Saran’s fifth release, an EP entitled Being Anybody Else, will be out September 27th. The official music video for his newest single, “To Be”, is available below.

  • Ellen Pieroni Promises Smooth Sophomore Album Soul Vacation

    Buffalo saxophonist Ellen Pieroni will release her sophomore album, Soul Vacation, on August 30. An experienced musician, Pieroni has played with numerous bands, including Folkfaces and Buffalo Afrobeat Orchestra.

    Ellen Pieroni soul vacation

    Ellen Pieroni started playing the saxophone at 8 years old, and has perfected a blend of jazz and soul. Her inspiration comes from a variety of places, including Herbie Hancock’s Mwandishi era, Frank Zappa, Todd Rundgren, The Meters, as well as classic saxophonists such as Grover Washington Jr. and Wilton Felder of The Crusaders.

    Soul Vacation featured nine tracks, including two “soul standard” covers made famous by Stevie Wonder and the Jackson 5. The album offers an exciting lineup of special guests, including Tyler James (organ, Fender Rhodes), Sophistafunk’s Adam Gold (clavinet), Alex McArthur (vocals), Tim Clarke (trumpet), and Brendan Lanighan (trombone).

    The album was recorded at GCR Audio in Buffalo, and was engineered, mixed, and mastered by Brad Lauchert. Celebrate the release at the release party on August 30 at Sportmens Tavern, at 326 Amherst Street in Buffalo. Vinyl and CDs will be available for purchase at the party, and admission is $20 at the door.

    Soul Vacation will be available on all streaming platforms on August 30, and more information about Ellen Pieroni here. A live performance of “What Time Were You Born” is available below.

  • Arthur Miller Foundation Honors 10 Years of Theater Education Programs

    The Arthur Miller Foundation holds its annual Arthur Miller Foundation Honors on Sunday, October 27, at Broadway’s Shubert Theatre. This year, the Foundation celebrates 10 years of the Arthur Miller Foundation Theater Education Programs, a program affiliated with NYC public schools.

    Each year, the foundation honors those who have made a significant impact in the world of the arts and arts education. This year’s honorees include 16-time Grammy Award winner Alicia Keys, Tony-nominated playwright and Pulitzer Prize finalist Kristoffer Diaz, and musician and Keys’ former educator Linda Aziza Miller.

    the arthur miller foundation

    The Arthur Miller Foundation is a nonprofit organization that, through its theater education programs, provides access to theater education for over 60,000 New York City public school students. Teachers are provided with certification, training, and resources necessary to build their schools’ productions.

    During the ceremony, patrons can attend the 3:00 pm matinee performance of Hell’s Kitchen, the Tony-award-winning autobiographical musical written by Alicia Keys. Following the matinee is the awards ceremony, which closes with a musical number showcasing NYC public school students as a tribute to Keys and the organization’s tenth anniversary. 

    For her contributions to the world of music, as well as her contributions to providing music education to thousands of public school students, Alicia Keys will receive the AMF Arts & Culture Award. Receiving the award for AMF Excellence in Arts Education Award is Keys’ former instructor and longtime NYC public high school teacher Linda Aziza Miller, for her outstanding commitment to teaching music to thousands of students over the years.

    American playwright Kristoffer Diaz will be honored with the AMF Legacy Award. In 2010, Diaz was a Pulitzer Prize finalist for his play 2010 play The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity, for which he received a Lucille Lortel Award and The New York Times Outstanding Playwright Award. Diaz has also worked on the aforementioned Hell’s Kitchen, as well as several plays and television shows throughout his career.

    Tickets and sponsorship packages will soon be available on the Arthur Miller Foundation’s website.

  • Manic Kat Records Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary With Festival

    Manic Kat Records, an independent record label based out of Pomona, NY, celebrates its tenth anniversary this year.

    In honor of their tenth birthday, Manic Kat Records hosts their very own music festival featuring their signed artists. This festival takes place September 13th and 14th at Olive’s in Nyack.

    manic kat records

    Over the last decade, Manic Kat Records has cemented itself as an independent punk music label that focuses on the growth and prosperity of its artists. Manic Kat has represented some of the most prolific names in the punk music scene, such as Ryan Cabrera, Todd Morse (Offspring/H2O), and Showoff, along with new artists who are on their way to joining the list of punk icons. 

    Manic Kat’s ventures have taken them down multiple paths. In the last ten years, they have collaborated with other entertainment centers like American Colosseum Wrestling (ACW) to host wrestling events, and launched a mobile app, Punk Hub Live, in the midst of a global pandemic to keep fans in touch with artists after live performances had been shut down.

     “This anniversary is a celebration of all the hard work, dedication, blood, sweat, and tears we have all put in to get us where we are today!” says CEO and founder Peter James. “I feel as though this milestone is even more special since we not only overcame the normal obstacles every business encounters, but were also able to survive a global pandemic and come out on the other side with continued growth and the passion to find and cultivate an amazing roster of artists.” 

    Much like their fifth anniversary, Manic Kat celebrates with another two-day festival. Hosting Magic Kat’s festival is McKenzie Mitchell, former ACW superstar, further cementing the incredibly strong relationship between the two organizations. On September 13 and 14, Magic Kat brings out an extensive lineup, all consisting of artists signed to their label. The full lineup of the punk powerhouses will be released soon. Both festival dates begin at 6 pm. Tickets start at $25 online, $30 at the door.

    For more information and tickets to Manic Kat Records’ anniversary show, visit the label’s website.

  • Rocky Horror Picture Show Returns to The Palace Theatre

    The Kids of Albany’s annual production of Rocky Horror Picture Show returns to the Palace Theatre with the toast and toilet paper flying on October 21st. This year will be the Kids of Albany’s 15th performance of Rocky Horror at the theater.

    Since its release in 1975, a million midnight screenings have earned The Rocky Horror Picture Show cult classic status. Its themes of sexual liberation and androgyny have made it a staple in Queer cinema and culture.

    A straight couple, played by Susan Sarandon and Barry Bostwick, find themselves stranded in a spooky house filled with strange people from Transylvania, living under the watchful eye of Dr. Frank N. Furter, played by Tim Curry. The kinky and outrageous spoof of classic horror movies has a reputation for being the ultimate audience-participation based show. Tickets for the Palace Theater’s production include a prop kit and a roll of toilet paper.

    Constructed in 1931, The Palace Theatre has become a landmark for Albany’s cultural scene. The building retains much of its original design and character, and has a rich history in Albany’s downtown area. The Palace Theatre is the perfect intimate venue for the audience participation Rocky Horror inspires.

    General admission tickets for the Palace Theatre’s Rocky Horror night are $29, and include prop kits and toilet paper. Guests are encouraged to wear their best Rocky inspired outfits. Tickets are on sale at the following link, and at the Palace Theatre box office located at 19 Clinton Avenue.

  • NYC Ferry Launches Ramones-themed Rockaway Beach Ferry

    On August 16th and 17th, the NYC Ferry in collaboration with Rhino Records launched a series of Ramones-themed ferry rides. These rides came in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Ramones’ CBGB debut show. 

    Ramones Ferry

    The Ramones were founded in Forest Hills, Queens in 1974. From the start, their music marked a stark shift from 1970s rock conventions. With Johnny Ramone’s lightning fast guitar lines, and Joey Ramone’s sneering vocals, the band helped invent the fledgling genre of Punk Rock. Perhaps the most important date of the band’s career was August 16th, 1974. On that day, the four members made their stage debut at CBGB in Bowery, Manhattan. Donning ripped jeans and leather jackets, the band exuded a coolness that went on to revolutionize rock music. 

    Following this performance, the punk scene was born. From that point forward, CBGB went on to sit at the heart of New York’s punk music circle. For the next few decades, the band became a regular stop for Blondie, Talking Heads, Joan Jett, and more. The Ramones themselves returned to CBGB over 70 times throughout their career. 

    The impact of the Ramones’ August 16th has not been forgotten. According to Rolling Stone, afterwards the Ramones “inspired more bands than anybody since the Beatles.” The New York Times added that their influence “has been incalculable.” 

    To celebrate this revolutionary moment in punk music, Rhino Records partnered with the NYC Ferry for themed boat rides. In homage to the Ramones’ classic “Rockaway Beach,” three ferries out of Pier 11 took up Ramones theming. These ferries traveled the “Rockaway Route” from Manhattan’s Pier 11 to Brooklyn’s Sunset Park and ultimately Rockaway Beach.

    Along this route, the ferries featured Ramones’ themed decor and music. Additionally the cruises offered a raffle for a Ramones prize pack, sticker giveaways, and samples of locally-owned Rockaway Soda. At the ferry’s endpoint, the Rockaway Beach Bakery offered riders special Ramones-themed sweets. Among the offerings were “Ra-scones” and “Now I Wanna Sip Some (Cold) Brew.”

    In addition to these cruises, Rhino Records has planned a number of vinyl releases to celebrate the band’s 50th anniversary. In September, Vinyl Me Please will release an exclusive pink vinyl pressing of 1977’s Rocket to Russia. Upon its release, the album helped spawn timeless classics like “Rockaway Beach” and “Sheena Is a Punk Rocker.” The 2024 repressing features an exclusive liner notes booklet and print of the band. Rhino is also releasing limited editions of Too Tough to Die and Road to Ruin on exclusive color vinyl. These vinyl releases go on sale on August 30th, at the link here.