Sean Lippin unveils a vibrant new single “Run Away” that speaks to the ever-common human sentiment of wanting to escape the dullness of daily life. The Westchester-born singer’s brand of emotional lyrics and upbeat vocals promises to resonate with all in this new track, now available on all streaming platforms.
“Run Away” is a heartfelt exploration of the universal desire to break free of the pressures of modern life and find solace in freedom. Lippin pens lyrics reflecting on the everyday struggles of maintaining sanity in a world driven by constant pressure to perform and succeed. Amidst all that is expected of us, he wonders if we ever still “stop and see the sights” or if the rush of daily life causes us to miss them entirely.
Such lyrics of wondering and questioning build up to an energetic chorus that breaks away from this narrative. Lippin takes the song –and its listener– away from these monotonous routines to a place free of care.
Born and raised in the lower Hudson Valley region, Sean Lippin writes and sings original songs that reflect his environment and unique experiences. Sean seeks to strike a balance between being a city kid and nature lover in his songs, such as “Hazy Day” and his previous release, “Nothing on Our Minds.” Sean engages his audience with backstories from his own life while weaving imagery of nature and values of friendship and family.
Produced by the acclaimed Matt Graff at The Koop Studio, “Run Away” boasts a rich sonic landscape that blends elements of indie, folk, and pop rock into Lippin’s storytelling. Reflecting on the inspiration behind the song, Lippin shares, “‘Run Away’ is about breaking free from the shackles of society and embracing the true essence of who we are. It’s a reminder to follow our hearts and escape reality fearlessly.”
More information about Sean Lippin and his music here.
UPCOMING SHOWS 5/23 – Lucy’s – Pleasantville, NY
6/1 – RiverArts Music Tour – Hastings, NY 6/7 – Argonne Rose Brewery – Mohegan Lake, NY
7/6 – Saratoga Farmers’ Market – Saratoga Springs, NY
On May 19, the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra, located in Ithaca, announced its next Music Director: Guillaume Pirard.
The news of Pirard’s selection was revealed at the CCO’s Passing the Baton concert. Pirard will begin his endeavor as Music Director by conducting the first concert of the 2024-2025 season.
Photo Credit: Sarah Blodgett – 1
Guillaume Pirard was born in Belgium and studied at the Brussels Conservatory of Music and Den Haag. While attending, he studied classical, Baroque, and romantic styles. He continued his studies at Julliard and the New School, where he earned his master’s in Orchestral Conducting. During his studies, he played in various period ensembles and chamber music series in Europe and the United States. These include the Helicon Foundation, the Smithsonian Chamber Players, the Chamber Music Society of Central Virginia, the Staunton Festival, Les Muffatti and the Context series at Rice University.
As the co-concertmaster and founding member of The Knights, Pirard has performed on tours all over North America and Europe. These performances include festivals in Tanglewood, Ravinia, Caramoor, the Festival-de-Paques in Aix-en-Provence, the Salzburg Festpiele, the Tonhalle in Zurich, the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg, and the Muziverein in Vienna.
In addition to his European tours, Pirard has conducted all over the United States. These include The New York University and Cornell University Orchestras, the Orlando Philharmonic, and the Mannes Orchestra and School of Opera at the New School. Aside from conducting, Pirard has served on multiple university faculties across the United States. While working for the New York University ensembles, he also served on the violin and chamber music faculty. He has presented guest master classes at Cornell University and the University of California at Santa Barbara. Furthermore, he has served as a panelist for several arts organizations. This includes the Pew Center for Arts & Heritage, the New York Youth Symphony, and the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University.
Formed in 1976, the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra is designated as “Ithaca’s orchestra.” Over the years, they have performed hundreds of concerts through a variety of programs. During the season, these performances include the Orchestral Series, Chamber Music Series, holiday concerts, and free Family Concerts. However, most notable is the Willard Daetsch Youth Outreach Program, which provides school students around Tompkins County with instruments and instructors.
Further information regarding the 2024-2025 season and Subscription options will be available in June. For more information, fans can visit CCOithaca.org, contact the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra Box Office at 607-273-8981 or info@CCOithaca.org.
On May 28, 2024, cast from the Broadway hit The Who’s TOMMY will perform on Good Morning America. This performance comes as part of a successful season for the play, which saw critical praise and a Tony nomination.
The March 2024 revival of The Who’s TOMMY at Broadway’s Nederlander Theatre opened to great success. The play is based on the 1969 rock opera Tommy by The Who, which follows the titular Tommy Walker. The Who’s TOMMY tells the story of the protagonist’s childhood trauma, which leaves him deaf, blind, and mute. Despite this, Tommy rises to become a pinball star and cult leader, eventually breaking from his dissociation. Rolling Stone has recognized Tommy‘s significance, ranking it 96th on their greatest albums of all time list. It was also inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame for its “historical, artistic and significant value.” This is not Tommy’s first adaptation, being adapted to stage in 1993, where it ran for 899 performances.
This revival of TOMMY has received rapturous praise from critics. Des McAnuff’s stage direction, combined with a dreamy, shape-shifting set work with Pete Townsend’s lyricism to create a perfectly dystopian environment. The New York Post praised the show’s “Knockout singing, superbly inventive stagecraft and a star-making performance from 24-year old Ali Louis Bourzgui.” Publications like Theatermania have even called it “the best rock opera ever.” The play is currently up for the 2024 Tony for Best Revival of a Musical. Additionally, the play received the Outer Critics Circle Award and Drama League Award nominations for Outstanding Revival of a Musical.
The cast will perform on ABC’s Good Morning America twice on May 28th. First, they will perform during the 8:30am Eastern Time half-hour. The cast will follow this with a second performance on GMA3 at 1:30pm Eastern Time.
For more information on tickets to see The Who’s TOMMY, visit the site here.
Hopeless Records will be onsite at A2IM Indie Week – June 10 to June 13 – with their 30th Anniversary Museum Exhibit. The Exhibit will debut in New York City and travel nationwide, making stops in Cleveland, OH, at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and Las Vegas, NV, at the Punk Rock Museum. The Museum will feature over 1,000 artifacts, including guitars, vintage merch, and original never seen before photos of the recording process.
Hopeless Records also announced a year of events celebrating the anniversary, releasing a zine and documentary chronicling the 30 years. Hopeless will also release a compilation of their current artist roster and limited edition vinyl re-releases.
Founded in 1993, Hopeless Records produced pop punk and ska albums emblematic of the ’90s. The label evolved with mainstream tastes, broadening their horizons to a wide variety of acts. Two of their greatest success stories, All Time Low and Avenged Sevenfold joined the label early in their careers, and have accumulated a number of gold and platinum records. Recently, Hopeless has continued to adapt through changing times, signing Gen-Z acts like Destroy Boys, Waterparks, and Scene Queen. Their flexibility has made Hopeless one of the greatest independent labels, selling over 15 million records.
Additionally, Louis Posen, Hopeless Records’ founder, will be honored at A2IM’s Libera Awards. Posen will receive the Lifetime Achievement award for his leadership, philanthropy, and contributions to independent music. Hopeless Records is nominated for record label of the year and Best Punk Record for Neck Deep’s self titled album.
A2IM is a not-for-profit dedicated to advocating for the independent music sector. Membership includes over 600 independently owned music labels, which Billboard Magazine identified as the largest music sector with roughly 37% of recorded music sales.
The Indie Week Conference will be from June 10 to June 13 at the Intercontinental Hotel in Times Square. Badges are available at the following link. An interview with Louis Posen is also available below.
Bethel Woods Center for the Arts will be returning this year with a variety of acts throughout the summer, with shows running between June and September.
This year, a variety of camping options are available, with two separate sites within 0.5 miles of the venue being available for tent-only camping, glamping and car and RV camping. The 16,000-person venue will feature performances from Phish, Pretty Lights, Luke Bryan, Limp Bizkit and many more.
John Fogerty with special guests George Thorogood & The Destroyers and Hearty Har – The Celebration Tour – June 14, 6:50 PM
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and Grammy Award winner John Fogerty will stop by Bethel as the third New York stop in a row on his Celebration Tour. George Thorogood & The Destroyers and Hearty Har will join as special guests. Tickets are available here.
Roger Daltrey with special guest KT Tunstall – 2024 North American Tour – June 16, 7:30 PM
Roger Daltrey, lead singer for The Who, will perform a mix of The Who hits and solo music during a stop at Bethel for his 2024 North American Tour. Scottish singer-songwriter KT Tunstall will join as a special guest. Tickets are available here.
Hootie & the Blowfish with special guests Collective Soul & Edwin McCain– Summer Camp with Trucks Tour – June 27, 7:00 PM
Two-time Grammy Award winners, Hootie & the Blowfish, will take on Bethel as a stop on their Summer Camp with Trucks Tour. Rock band Collective Soul and singer-songwriter Edwin McCain will make appearances as special guests. Tickets are available here.
James Taylor and His All-Star Band – June 8, 8:00 PM
Six-time Grammy Award winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee James Taylor, along with his all-star band, will arrive in Bethel on June 8. Notable musicians from Taylor’s band include The Blues Brothers saxophonist Lou Marini and Steely Dan and Bee Gees drummer Steve Gadd. Tickets are available here.
Alanis Morissette with special guests Joan Jettand the Blackhearts and Morgan Wade – The Triple Moon Tour – July 5, 7:00 PM
Alternative rock musician Alanis Morissette will stop by Bethel for her tour, The Triple Moon Tour. Joan Jett and the Blackhearts and Morgan Wade will open up as special guests. Tickets are available here.
Willie Nelson & Family, Bob Dylan, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, & Celisse – The Outlaw Music Festival – July 6, 5:30 PM
American folk legends Willie Nelson & Family and Bob Dylan will play together as part of the traveling “must see music festival of the summer,” Outlaw Music Festival. Robert Plant, Alison Krauss and Celisse will perform as well. Tickets are available here.
Luke Bryan with special guests HunterGirl, Larry Fleet, Dillon Carmichael and DJ Rock – Mind of a Country Boy Tour – July 11, 7:00 PM
Country music veteran Luke Bryan will be visiting Bethel in July for his Mind of a Country Boy Tour. The show will be opened by country singer-songwriters, HunterGirl and Dillon Carmichael and professional DJ, DJ Rock. Tickets are available here.
Jason Mraz & The Superband with special guest Ripe – July 12, 7:30 PM
Two-time Grammy Award winner Jason Mraz, known for hits like “I’m Yours” and “I Won’t Give Up,” will perform alongside his band the day after Luke Bryan. Alternative band, Ripe, will open the show. Tickets are available here.
The iconic family-friendly pop song cover group, Kidz Bop Kidz, is landing in Bethel for an early show on July 14. With “sung by kids for kids” being the group’s motto, this is a show that would be great for younger children. Tickets are available here.
Santana and Counting Crows – Oneness Tour – July 18, 7:00 PM
Santana, headed by legendary guitarist Carlos Santana, and Grammy-nominated rock band Counting Crows will perform in Bethel as the first of three shows in New York for their Oneness Tour. Tickets are available here.
Impractical Jokers – The Drive Drive Drive Drive Drive Tour – July 19, 8:00 PM
The Impractical Jokers are driving to Bethel for the first of two stops in New York on their Drive Drive Drive Drive Tour. The classic comedy group, known for their TV show with 10 seasons to date, will entertain using all new material on July 19. Tickets are available here.
Daryl Hall and Elvis Costello and The Imposters with Charlie Sexton – July 20, 7:00 PM
Daryl Hall, half of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Hall & Oates, will be playing with fellow inductee and two-time Grammy Award winner Elvis Costello. The two will be joined by The Imposters with Charlie Sexton. Tickets are available here.
Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo with special guest The Vindys – Funtastic 24′ Tour – July 21, 7:00 PM
Multi-platinum album-selling Pat Benatar will be joined by husband and five-time Grammy Award winner Neil Giraldo in Bethel as a stop on their Funtastic 24′ Tour. American pop-rock band The Vindys will open as special guests. Tickets are available here.
Train & REO Speedwagon – Summer Road Trip 2024 Tour – July 24 6:00 PM
Pop-rock band Train and rock band REO Speedwagon are set to co-headline Bethel as the second of four New York shows on their collaborative Summer Road Trip 2024 Tour. Rock tribute band Yacht Rock Revue will be joining them as an opener. Tickets are available here.
Hank Williams Jr. with special guests Ian Munsick and Payton Smith – July 25, 7:00 PM
Country music star Hank Williams Jr. will play a set in Bethel as a celebration of the 45th anniversary of his hit song, “Family Tradition.” Special guests Ian Munsick and Payton Smith will open up for Williams Jr. Tickets are available here.
Limp Bizkit with special guests BONES, Eddy Baker, Xavier Wulf, N8NOFACE, Corey Feldman and Host/ MC Riff Raff – Loserville Tour – July 26, 6:30 PM.
Nu metal band Limp Bizkit is set to rock out at Bethel as a stop on their Loserville Tour. Rap artists BONES, Eddy Baker and Xavier Wulf will open the show alongside N8NOFACE and Corey Feldman, with MC Riff Raff hosting the event. Tickets are available here.
Hozier with special guest Allison Russel – July 27, 8:00 PM
Irish folk and blues singer Hozier best known for his massive hit “Take Me to Church,” will play in Bethel the day after Limp Bizkit at 8:00 p.m. Country singer Allison Russel will play as a special guest. Tickets are available here.
Phish – Summer Tour 24 – August 9, 7:30 PM, August 10, 7:30 PM, August 11, 7:30 PM
Massively popular jam band Phish will be playing in Bethel for not one but three nights for their 2024 Summer Tour. With no special guests, Phish will be the main focus of the jam-packed three-day weekend. Tickets are available here.
Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ Topwith special guest The Outlaws – The Sharp Dressed Simple Man Tour – August 16, 6:30 PM
American rock bands Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ Top will perform at Bethel for their second of four New York shows as a part of their collaborative tour. Fellow American rock band, The Outlaws, will open up the show. Tickets are available here.
Melissa Etheridge and Indigo Girls – I’m Not Broken Tour – August 21, 7:30 PM
Grammy Award-winning country artist Melissa Etheridge and American folk music duo Indigo Girls will stop in Bethel as their second New York destination for their I’m Not Broken Tour. Tickets are available here.
Pretty Lights – Soundship Spacestation 2024 Tour – August 23, 8:00 PM
Electronic music veteran Pretty Lights, aka Derek Smith, will headline Bethel on August 23 for his Soundship Spacestation 2024 Tour. The Grammy Award-nominated artist, once described as “the face and voice of the new American electronic music scene” by Rick Rubin, is well known for his visually and sonically entrancing performances. Tickets are available here.
Tedeschi Trucks Band with special guests Little Feat & Margo Price – Deuces Wild 2024 Tour – August 25, 6:00 PM
Grammy Award-winning 12-piece rock and soul group Tedeschi Trucks Band will arrive in Bethel as the third of nine shows in New York for their Deuces Wild 2024 Tour. Special guests Little Feat and Margo Price will open the show. Tickets are available here.
Deep Purple with special guest YES – = 1 More Time Tour – September 6, 6:30 PM
Highly celebrated hard rock pioneers Deep Purple will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of their hit song “Smoke on the Water” on September 6 for their = 1 More Time Tour. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Yes will perform as well as a special guest. Tickets are available here.
Megadeth with special guests Mudvayne and All That Remains – Destroy All Enemies Tour – September 13, 6:00 PM
Grammy Award-winning British heavy metal band, Megadeth, will end Bethel’s summer lineup with a bang on September 13 as a stop for their Destroy All Enemies Tour. Heavy metal band Mudvayne and metalcore band All That Remains will open up the show. Tickets are available here.
Verve Records has announced the release of Louis in London, Louis Armstrong’s last great live performance on July 12. The album will be released on digital, CD, and exclusive black-and-blue vinyl.
Anyone who has listened to jazz is sure to recognize the music of Louis Armstrong. Throughout his five decade career, he revolutionized jazz trumpet and singing, achieving critical and commercial success never seen before. While born in New Orleans, Armstrong settled in Queens, NY, where he worked for much of his life. His work altered jazz, placing emphasis on improvised solos, crafting the jazz we know today. Off of the success of hits like “Hello Dolly” and “What a Wonderful World,” Armstrong and his All-star Band played across the world.
In 1968, they traveled to London to play the BBC Show of the Week. The performance was one “full of vitality and joy,” with some of Armstrong’s most inspired singing and trumpeting. Armstrong realized the impact of this recording, choosing to share it with his close friends more than any of his other works. Additionally, Armstrong hoped that the world could enjoy the recording, affixing a note that read “for the fans” on the tape box after receiving it. Now over five decades later, the recording is being released to the public, just as Armstrong hoped.
“Armstrong once claimed he was here ‘in the cause of happiness.’ All these decades later, albums like LOUIS IN LONDON continue his life’s mission at a time when we still need to be reminded that maybe it still is a wonderful world and maybe we’ll never walk alone after all.”
-Ricky Riccardi
The Album features eleven of the greatest songs recorded by Armstrong and The All Stars. Additionally, the release will feature extensive liner notes from Ricky Riccardi, an Armstrong biographer and director of research collections at the Louis Armstrong House Museum.
On May 22, the Department of Justice sued Live Nation alleging it has a monopoly over concert ticketing and promotion.
The lawsuit states that Live Nation used practices such as exclusive contracts, buyouts of independent promoters, and restriction of venues to crush its market competition. The DOJ filed the lawsuit in New York’s Southern District Court, with 30 states joining the suit. States involved include Florida, Texas, and Colorado, among others.
This lawsuit comes after a 2019 DOJ investigation, which found Live Nation violated the terms set by the federal government after its merger with Ticketmaster. Among these violations, was the pulling of concerts from venues that refused to exclusively use Ticketmaster. The lawsuit also alleges that Live Nation cooperated with arena operator Oak View Group to eliminate competition.
This lawsuit came after a period of increasing backlash to Live Nation’s practices. Following its 2010 buyout of Ticketmaster, Live Nation controlled up to 80% of major concert tickets. Additionally, the company directly controls 250 venues, 60% of venue promotion, and directly manages 400 artists nationwide. This control has led to issues such as increasing ticketing fees, poor customer service, and restrictions on resale. As a result of monopolization, the DOJ says American concert-goers are “deprived of ticketing innovation and forced to use outdated technology while paying more for tickets than fans in other countries.”
These issues came to the forefront of public attention during Taylor Swift’s 2023 Eras Tour. During the presale period, glitches in the Ticketmaster website left millions unable to purchase tickets.
Following this debacle, there was increasing bipartisan action against Live Nation. In January 2023, senators from both parties grilled Live Nation CFO Joe Berchtold in a three hour hearing. This hearing brought to light Ticketmaster’s failings, but also the immense sway Live Nation had over the market.
“For too long, Live Nation and Ticketmaster have unfairly and illegally run the world of live events, abusing their dominance to overcharge fans, bully venues, and limit artists”
– Letitia James, New York Attorney General
This lawsuit comes after the House passage of the TICKET Act in early May 2024. The bill, introduced by Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) requires ticket sellers to display the total ticket price-including fees-in all advertisements. This step towards ticketing transparency received support from the Recording Academy, and artists ranging from Billie Eilish to Dave Matthews. Along with this congressional action, comes a Federal Trade Commission proposal to ban hidden fees on concert tickets.
Live Nation has pushed back against these criticisms. In an essay on their website, Head of Corporate Affairs Dan Wall has claimed that Ticketmaster does not set prices, being victim to high demand and low supply. These claims, however, come in tandem with record high lobbying by Live Nation. According to OpenSecrets, the company spent a record $2.4 million, as well as hosting a lavish gala, to influence lawmakers into opposing restrictions on its practices.
This lawsuit would greatly alter the live music industry if successful. Although the DOJ has not said how they want to break up Live Nation, it is expected that they will separate its ticketing and promotional wings. The DOJ hopes that this suit will increase choice for concert-goers, while reducing price. Additionally, this breakup could open venue doors for artists that were restricted before. This lawsuit is just the latest in a string of antitrust suits launched by the Biden administration, which has included Meta, Apple, and Amazon.
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.
A new exhibition at Fenimore Art Museum in Cooperstown celebrates another impressive aspect of music legend Bob Dylan’s creativity: his talents in visual art.
Bob Dylan Remastered: Drawings from the Road features ninety-two unique, original signed works. The exhibition is on view from May 25–Sept. 15, 2024.
A selection of portraits from the exhibition Bob Dylan Remastered: Drawings from the Road, on view at Fenimore Art Museum in Cooperstown starting May 25. (Photo courtesy of PAN Art Connections).
A dedicated performer, Bob Dylan started what is known as his “Never Ending Tour” in 1988; between 1989 and 1992, as he traveled through North America, Europe, and Asia, he began sketching glimpses of his life on the road. The pencil and charcoal drawings were a way to “refocus a restless mind,” as Dylan claimed, providing him a new outlet to celebrate the comings and goings of everyday life.
“This exhibition allows everyone, including Dylan’s fans, to experience another aspect of the range of talents possessed by this music legend,” said Chris Rossi, Director of Exhibitions at Fenimore Art Museum. “We all recognize him as an accomplished singer/songwriter and visitors will be equally amazed when discovering his work as a visual artist.”
Dylan made three different collections out of the original drawings by “remastering” these works, adding vivid watercolor and gouache to digital enlargements of the drawings to create a new, special edition set entitled The Drawn Blank Series, which is the focus of Fenimore’s exhibition.
All three series were first seen during an exhibition at the prestigious Kunstsammlungen Chemnitz Museum in Germany in 2007. After one additional show in Helsinki, the works returned to Dylan. Today, The Drawn Blank Series is owned by a private collector while the other two sets were sold to a private gallery. His skills as a draughtsman, in keeping with his talents as a songwriter, lie in his ability to tell a tale through the simplest and most evocative means.
Enrose took a break from touring to record and release their new single, “My Happiness”. Led by Gabi Rose, the New York based band explored life’s challenges and how we face them. Sonically, the single is reminiscent of late ’90s early 2000s alt-rock, with a sax chorus, upbeat rhythm, and synth solo.
The lyrics delve into life’s darkest moments, and the power we have to overcome them. Rose describes the desperation on continuing to survive while at rock bottom, singing, “Been surviving this long on dangerously low gasoline… How dumb, you only come and call when you’re needing me?”. Rose questions why she only takes care of herself when it’s too late, reminding herself, “that girl I’m talking to/ my happiness depends on you”.
Erose originated in basement parties and house shows, and paid homage to their roots in the “My Happiness” music video. The video features Rose talking to herself in the mirror, representing the song’s internal monologue perspective. The video also features a high energy performance by the band, surrounded by friends.
Enrose “My Happiness” represents a nostalgia that has become increasingly popular, a return to pop-rock of the late ’90s. The infectious chorus, along with the emotional lyrics, draw listeners in and do not disappoint. The optimistic message is refreshing, and delivered in an honest and sincere way. The high energy performance in the music video solidifies Enrose’s reputation as dynamic performers, in addition to skilled artists.
Enrose is performing at the Great South Bay Music Festival on July 19th. Tickets can be found at the following link, and a 10% discount is available with code “ROSE”.
