NYS Music 2024

Category: News

  • Artist Rights Alliance Calls For Tech and AI Developers Not To Devalue Music

    The Artist Rights Alliance (ARA), has issued an open letter supported by more than 200 artists calling on AI Developers, Tech Platforms not to devalue music and undermine artists’ rights. 

    The Artist Rights Alliance (ARA), a non-profit artist-led education and advocacy organization, has issued an open letter that was supported by more than 200 artists calling calling on all AI developers, technology companies, platforms, and digital music services to “cease the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to infringe upon and devalue the rights of human artists”.

    As AI-related threats such as voice cloning, and deep fakes continue to rightfully attract significant scrutiny, the open letter has also shed some light on two related trends that are among the most serious and irresponsible uses of AI, including the use of musical works by AI developers without permission to train and produce AI “copycats”, and also the use of AI “sound” to dilute royalty obligations. 

    “Working musicians are already struggling to make ends meet in the streaming world, and now they have the added burden of trying to compete with a deluge of AI-generated noise,” explains Jen Jacobsen, Executive Director of the ARA. “The unethical use of generative AI to replace human artists will devalue the entire music ecosystem — for artists and fans alike.”

    Read more about the rise of AI in Music and the drawbacks and benefits, as viewed by musicians.

    Part of the open letter published this month by the Artist Rights Alliance, states that, “Make no mistake: we believe that, when used responsibly, AI has enormous potential to advance human creativity and in a manner that enables the development and growth of new and exciting experiences for music fans everywhere…. Unfortunately, some platforms and developers are employing AI to sabotage creativity and undermine artists, songwriters, musicians and rights holders”.

    The letter signed by more than 200 artists including Pearl Jam, Nicki Minaj, Billie Eilish, Stevie Wonder, Elvis Costello, and the estate of Frank Sinatra. “We must protect against the predatory use of AI to steal professional artists’ voices and likenesses, violate creators’ rights, and destroy the music ecosystem. We call on all digital music platforms and music-based services to pledge that they will not develop or deploy AI music-generation technology, content, or tools that undermine or replace the human artistry of songwriters and artists or deny us fair compensation for our work.” the letter stated.

    This open letter comes in the wake of a growing worldwide debate about the ethical application of AI in music. The state of Tennessee has already strengthened its rights to “right of publicity” by passing the “ELVIS Act.” The state’s Governor Bill Lee announced the Ensuring Likeness Voice and Image Security (ELVIS) Act, a bill updating Tennessee’s Protection of Personal Rights law to include protections for songwriters, performers, and music industry professionals’ voice from the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) in January. Currently, several US states and the US Congress are debating similar measures.

    Associated with the open letter, the ARA also added that AI poses an “existential threat” to their art in a tweet. Fans can find the full letter signed by singers and songwriters here.

  • Wave Farm Open Catskill Studio

    Wave Farm has announced their WGXC 90.7-FM Hudson Studio is moving to a storefront at 393 Main Street in Catskill, NY. This light-filled space will be home to two studios.

    Wave Farms

    Wave Farm is an international transmission arts organization driven by experimentation with the electromagnetic spectrum. They are creative and supportive of artists and nonprofits in their cultural endeavors. Wave Farm’s WGXC-FM is a full-power, non-commercial, listener-supported station in New York’s Upper Hudson Valley operating out of dedicated studios in Acra and Catskill and pop-up temporary studio locations throughout the listening area and beyond.

    Their move to Catskill also launches an exciting new partnership with Nonchalant. The space between the broadcast studios will be activated by the artist-run studio and gallery, whose inaugural exhibition will feature paintings by Sonia Corina Ruscoe and open on May 25.

    Wave Farms

    Wave Farm’s WGXC began operating in Hudson when the station was in its formative days in 2010. In 2018 they moved from Columbia Street to the basement of the First Presbyterian Church on Warren Street. They are not completely leaving Hudson, with more information to come.

    The two new studios at Catskill include Studio A in full view from Main Street, where the public is welcomed in and on the air. Studio B, located in the back room, will accommodate larger group interviews and more extensive technical setups.

  • Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame is Now Accepting into 2024 Student Scholarship Program

    The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF) has announced it is accepting applications for the 2024 Student Scholarship Program. The program this year has expanded to include drama students. The deadline for applications is Friday, May 10, 2024.

    Long Island Music Scholarship

    LIMEHOF awards $1000 scholarships to provide funding for graduating high school students with interests in musical or drama careers. These scholarships will provide funding to eligible graduating high school students from Nassau, Suffolk, Brooklyn, Queens, or Kings Counties.

    The LIMEHOF Education Committee will base selections on the completed application, and a 400–500-word essay on career goals. The selection will also require a letter of recommendation from an individual who can attest to the applicant’s commitment, and a high school transcript.

    Eligible criteria to be met includes an upcoming graduation from Nassau, Suffolk, Queens or Brooklyn schools. Applicants must have a minimum 2.5 GPA, accepted to full-time college, financial need, US citizenship, and interest in a career in music or drama.

    Student scholarship applications deadline is Friday, May 10. For more information on the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame Scholarship, and to view the application, click here.

  • Madison Square Garden Opens Aaron & Samantha Judge Sensory Room With KultureCity

    Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (“MSG Entertainment”) announced today the opening of a sensory room at MSG for guests with sensory processing needs.

    MSG Sensory Room
    Credit to MSG Entertainment.

    The Aaron & Samantha Judge Sensory Room was created in partnership with KultureCity, the world’s leading nonprofit on sensory accessibility and acceptance for those with invisible disabilities and sensory needs, and New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge and his wife Samantha, who is a KultureCity Board Member. The sensory room joins similar rooms at Sphere and Radio City Music Hall as part of the MSG Family of Companies’ commitment to expanding accessibility for all guests across its portfolio of renowned venues.

    The MSG Family of Companies is committed to ensuring that all guests feel welcome and comfortable at our venues. We are proud to partner with KultureCity, and Aaron and Samantha Judge, to open The Garden’s room, as we continue to expand our accessible offerings and create inclusive spaces for our guests at our venues across the country.

    James Claffey, Executive Vice President, Venue Management, MSG Entertainment.

    “KultureCity is an organization very close to our hearts, and we are thrilled to be able to expand their impact by endowing the sensory room at The World’s Most Famous Arena,” said Aaron and Samantha Judge. The new room at The Garden is thoughtfully designed to accommodate different sensory needs, incorporating elements such as adjustable lighting, calming visuals, and comfortable seating. A range of sensory tools and equipment such as bubble walls, Yogibo bean bags, Nunoerin sparkle, and tactile objects are available to create a personalized and calming experience. The sensory room is designed to be fully accessible, including for wheelchair users, accommodating individuals of all abilities and ages.

    MSG Sensory Room

    The MSG Family of Companies first partnered with KultureCity in 2019. The room at MSG joins sensory rooms at Radio City Music Hall, and Sphere, the next-generation entertainment medium in Las Vegas. Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, and Sphere are all KultureCity-certified venues, which means the guest-facing staff at all three venues have completed KultureCity training.

    For more information on the Aaron & Samantha Judge Sensory Room at Madison Square Garden and other accessibility services at The Garden, please visit here.

  • Grammy Winner Allison Russell Performs in Support of Health Care Access at O+ Benefit

    O+ will feature Grammy award-winning American Roots musician Allison Russell with her band at its upcoming “O+ 365” benefit concert on May 24th at the Old Dutch Church in Kingston, NY.

    Ticket sales will provide direct support to The O+ Exchange Clinic, O+’s new year-round exchange-based clinic, which provides health and wellness services to O+ artist and musician alumni. Limited seating is available for 600 people. Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased here.

    Allison Russell, recognized for her soulful vocals, vulnerable lyrics, creative instrumental arrangements, and activism, is an eight-time Grammy nominee with a 2024 Grammy Award win for Best American Roots Performance for her single “Eva Was Black.” Since going solo in 2021, the recognition of her unique style and power has garnered an array of accolades, including the 2022 Americana Music Association’s Album of the Year Award for “Outside Child,” Canadian and International Folk Music Awards, UK Americana Awards, and Juno Awards. Originally from Canada, Russell is on tour throughout North America this year. 

    Allison Russell
    Allison Russell

    The O+ 365 benefit supports the organization’s efforts to address the extraordinary need for ongoing health care access for artists, many of whom are un/under-insured and don’t have consistent access to care. Last year O+ made a transformative shift: the organization moved from providing 3-days of exchange-based health and wellness services to artists who contributed to its annual festival to now providing 365-days of care for all O+ festival alumni. In addition, the Clinic secured its operating license from the State of New York. 

    “The shift from 3 to 365 days of care accelerates health care access for more than 6,000 O+ alumni,” said O+ Wellness Director and Primary Care Physician Dr. Lizette (Dre) Edge. “It isn’t hyperbole to say without ongoing care, lives are at stake; it’s real. The status quo marginalizes and harms – rather than heals. O+ shifts the care landscape.” 

    O+’s short term goal is to provide comprehensive preventative care – with an emphasis on mental health, dental and primary care – to its intersectional alumni community in order to build a sustainable model of exchange that is both scalable and replicable in order to then expand to serve entire communities. In fact, the year-round exchange-based model already has far-reaching implications for the entire community, beyond artists: The expansion now makes it possible to create more opportunities to offer public education and community wellness sessions through O+’s participating health practitioners, artists, and musicians. Upcoming sessions open to the community include education sessions on nutrition and gut health led by practitioners and doctors. 

    “We are honored to have Allison Russell and her Rainbow Coalition supporting our mission through the O+ benefit this year. Known for her incisive and deeply compassionate work, Allison is a charismatic performer, a survivor, and a joy bomb who sings from a place rooted in values and a desire for connection,” said O+’s Art Director Lindsey Wolkowicz. “Notably, her music is a conduit for radical healing, community building and belonging, which completely align with O+ values. Her participation as the lead artist in support of O+’s benefit concert is exceptionally timely, as we are deeply focused on expanding care through our unprecedented year-round model based in valuing everyone’s contribution to the collective, all while acknowledging the essential, healing power of the arts in our lives and communities,” she added.

    Since 2010, O+ Festival’s 3-day exchange-based festival clinic has provided 5,292 clinic treatments and 1,457 dental treatments. “Our 365-day expansion means more care for more people. We appreciate our concert-goers, donors and sponsors who support our mission of exchanging the art of medicine for the medicine of art,” said Dr. Edge.

    Event details

    Date: May 24th, 2024

    Time: Special Access Ticket Holders at 6:00pm, Doors open at 6:30 for general admission. The concert starts at 7:00 pm 

    Location: Old Dutch Church, 272 Wall Street Kingston

    Tickets: $75 for general admission seating and $150 for special access tickets (premiere seating with cocktail hour). Tickets are on sale here

    For more information about the event or to schedule interviews with the O+ team or Medical Director Dr. Lizette Edge regarding the vision for The O+ Exchange Clinic, please contact Lindsey Wolkowicz at lindsey@opositivefestival.org.  

  • Joan Baez Announces Release of First Poetry Book

    Legendary folk singer, activist, and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Joan Baez has announced she is releasing her first book of poetry When You See My Mother, Ask Her to Dance – out April 30.

    Joan Baez

    Joan Baez, a Staten Island native, is a dynamic force of nature. Her commitment to music and social activism has earned global recognition, ranging from induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, to the Ambassador of Conscience Award – Amnesty International’s highest honor. Her repertoire often included songs of protest and social justice, now retired from active performing since 2019. She has devoted much of her time to the “Mischief Makers” series of paintings that immortalize risk-taking visionaries she has known from Dr. Martin Luther King and Bob Dylan to the Dalai Lama and Patti Smith. Last year she published her book of drawings – Am I Pretty When I Fly?

    An “intimate, autobiographical poetry collection,” the book contains poems for or about artists like Bob Dylan, Judy Collins, and Jimi Hendrix. She has been writing poetry for decades, according to the publication announcement, as “poems about her life, her family, about her passions for nature and art, have piled up in notebooks and on scraps of paper.”

    The book’s description states “This collection is an inspiring personal diary in the form of poetry,” tugging on your heartstrings with its profound impact. Bernie Taupin, another Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, describes her words as “both poignantly executed and captivating in a colorful closeness that pin-points the chinks in our armor that mirror all facets of the world we inhabit,” while Gabriel Byrne, author of Walking with Ghosts calls her verses “simple and elegant [that] resonates with profound insight into what it means to be alive.”

    Joan Baez
    Steve Jennings/Getty Images.

    For more information and to purchase When You See My Mother, Ask Her To Dance, visit here.

  • ‘Spring Awakening’ Opens at Cohoes Music Hall

    Playhouse Stage Company announced the opening of a brand new production of the celebrated musical Spring Awakening, playing at Cohoes Music Hall through April 28, with 7:30 p.m. evening performances on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. matinee performances on Saturdays and Sundays.

    Spring Awakening Cohoes Music Hall

    Playhouse Stage has produced free outdoor summer musicals at Albany’s Park Playhouse since 1989 and has been presenting musicals year-round at the historic Cohoes Music Hall since 2016. Spring Awakening is a rock musical based on a 19th-century German play of the same name and explores the challenges of adolescence and coming of age in a repressive world. The production plays April 12-28, 2024. 

    The winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Spring Awakening features a book and lyrics by Steven Sater, and a rock-infused score by Duncan Sheik. About its original 2006 Broadway production The  New York Observer wrote, “Once in a generation, if we’re lucky, an unexpected new musical comes along and changes everything. That is the thrilling achievement of Spring Awakening.” With electrifying music that Entertainment Weekly called “the most gorgeous Broadway score of the decade,” and a fearless approach to important, often taboo topics, including suicide, sexual assault, and child abuse, Spring Awakening grips audiences with an intense emotional journey.  

    We are excited to give our very talented teen students a chance to work on such a relevant, challenging, and exciting piece of theatre. Many themes and topics explored in Spring Awakening are often referred to as adult subject matter, but these are things that teenagers deal with daily, and it is important to shine a light on them. We are extremely proud of both our students and our creative team for handling the mature subject matter in such a professional manner, and rising to the occasion to tell this vital story so effectively.

    Playhouse Stage Producing Artistic Director Owen Smith

    The production is directed by Playhouse Stage Managing Director, Chuck Kraus, with choreography and musical staging by Director of Education Ashley Simone Kirchner, and musical direction by Brandon  Jones. The trio has helmed the Playhouse’s advanced teen productions since 2016. Rounding out the  Creative Team as Intimacy Director is Yvonne Perry in her first Playhouse Stage Company collaboration. The youth roles in the production are performed by advanced teen students from the Playhouse Stage  Academy theatre training program, alongside local professional performers Ellen Cribbs and Nick.

    Tickets for Spring Awakening are on sale through The Cohoes Music Hall Box Office, by phone at 518-434- 0776, or online.

  • NOISE FOR NOW’s ‘Vol. 2’ Abortion Access Benefit Album Drops June 21

    With Vol. 2, a musical masterpiece that is set to be released on June 21, NOISE FOR NOW will return. This time, the group is promoting reproductive rights and access to abortion while also causing waves in the industry.

    Exclusive tracks from a star-studded lineup including Faye Webster, Courtney Barnett, Julia Jacklin, and more are featured on this limited-edition vinyl extravaganza. However, the message is just as important as the music. The timing is perfect as the Supreme Court currently considers important issues related to access to abortion.

    In the struggle for reproductive justice, NOISE FOR NOW is a crucial nationwide project that unites grassroots organizations. Artists are empowered to advocate for access to reproductive health care, including abortion, through benefit events and campaigns. Additionally, with partnerships with more than 450 artists and over $1.25 million raised, the project is having a big influence.

    Also, with the help of ADA, NOISE FOR NOW is expanding its influence and making sure that people all over the world hear this important message. It’s all about getting the word out and helping independent clinics that are at the forefront of the reproductive justice movement.

    Additionally, Abortion Care Network’s Brooke Thomson adds, “Art and music are essential to our struggles. When artists, musicians, advocates, and providers work together, we change the culture.”

    NOISE FOR NOW Vol. 2 will be released June 21, pre-save, and pre-order now. Make your voice known by joining the movement.

    NOISE FOR NOW Vol. 2 Track List

    01. Julia Jacklin – “Dead From the Waist Down”

    02. Courtney Barnett – “Boxing Day Blues”

    03. Becca Mancari – “It’s Too Late”

    04. The War On Drugs – “Victim”

    05. MC50 ft. Arrow De Wilde – “High School”

    06. AJ Haynes (of Seratones) – “Everything Is Change”

    07. Claud – “Spare Tire”

    08. Faye Webster – “Thinking About You”

    09. SOFIA ISELLA – “Hot Gum”

    10. David Byrne and Devo – “Empire”

    11. Big Freedia – “Hotlatta”

  • The Stone Pony Celebrates 50 Years with Summer Concert Series

    The Stone Pony, the iconic Jersey Shore music venue and cornerstone of musical history for the past 50 years, revealed its 2024 summer concert series for its 50 anniversary season. 

    Stone Pony 2024

    New Jersey State Legislature, Monmouth County, and the City of Asbury Park recently commemorated the Stone Pony’s golden anniversary with a proclamation of Stone Pony Day on February 8, 2024.

    The Stone Pony in Asbury Park, one of the world’s best-known music venues, opened its doors on Feb. 8, 1974, in a building that formerly housed a popular restaurant called Mrs. Jay’s. Founders John P. “Jack” Roig and Robert “Butch” Pielka first met while working in a club on the boardwalk in Seaside Heights, and the rest was history, Locals like Bruce Springsteen, Southside Johnny, and Steve Van Zandt helped put the venue on the map, while today’s top artists and rising stars continue building a musical legacy. Artists that have graced the stage include Elvis Costello, The Ramones, Cheap Trick, Green Day, Oasis, No Doubt, blink-182, The Band, Iggy Pop, AFI, Warren Zevon, Joan Osborne, Luke Combs, Weezer, The 1975, Bleachers, and many more.

    Highlights of the Stone Pony 2024 summer concert series include two shows with Fletcher & Friends as part of Pride Weekend on June 1 and June 2; Lake Street Dive on June 14; Bleachers on June 15; T-PAIN on June 21, Jake Owen on June 22; O.A.R. with Fitz and the Tantrums on July 19; Sad Summer Festival on August 4; The Gaslight Anthem on August 16; and more.

    For 50 years the Stone Pony has been an essential part of the soundtrack of summer for so many who reside or visit Asbury Park, NJ. We are so excited for our upcoming 50th anniversary summer celebration with so many wonderful artists who will join us some incredible nights of live music under the stars. Once again, we’re on pace to be a record setting summer.

    Caroline O’Toole, General Manager, The Stone Pony.

    Pride Week, New Jersey’s 32nd Annual Statewide LGBTQ+ Pride Celebration will kick off with a four-day series of concerts at the Stone Pony Summer Stage, the largest in Pride Week history from Thursday, May 30 through Sunday, June 2, 2024. It gets underway with the Pride Kickoff Party featuring Solid Pink Disco with DJ Trixie and DJ Mateo Segade on Thursday, May 30. The festivities continue with Dreamland Pride In Asbury Park with Purple Disco Machine on Friday, May 31; FLETCHER, a music phenomenon who is from Asbury Park, performs two homecoming shows on the Stone Pony Summer Stage as Fletcher & Friends on Saturday, June 1 featuring G Flip, and Ari Abdul; and on Sunday, June 2 featuring Maude Latour and Ari Abdul.

    The Stone Pony Summer Stage’s 50 anniversary season food and beverage lineup includes crowd favorites Windmill, with Jersey Shore’s famous hot dogs and cheese fries; Rocco’s Pizza; Bubbakoos, and a new smoothie station with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

    Tickets for the Miller Lite concert series are on sale now. For additional information on these or other upcoming performances, visit here.

    Stone Pony Summer Stage 2024 Miller Lite Concert Series

    May 4              Sum 41 with The Interrupters

    May 17            Joe Russo’s Almost Dead

    May 24            Pigeons Playing Ping Pong

    May 30            Pride Weekend Kick Off Featuring Solid Pink Disco with DJ Trixie

    May 31            Dreamland Pride and Asbury Park: Purple Disco Machine

    June 1              Fletcher & Friends

    June 2              Fletcher & Friends

    June 12            North 2 Shore Presents Gary Clark Jr.

    June 13            North 2 Shore Presents Band of Horses

    June 14            North 2 Shore Presents Lake Street Dive

    June 15            Shadow of the City: Bleachers

    June 21            T-PAIN

    June 22            Jake Owen

    June 29            Orville Peck

    July 4              moe.

    July 5              Railroad Earth and Leftover Salmon

    July 12            The Used

    July 19            O.A.R. with Fitz and the Tantrums

    July 20            Stoke for the Summer: The Bouncing Souls

    July 21            Dark Star Orchestra

    July 26            Two Door Cinema Club

    August 2         Iration and Pepper

    August 4         Sad Summer Festival

    August 16       The Gaslight Anthem

    August 21       Whiskey Myers

    August 23       Something Corporate

    August 24       New Found Glory

    August 25       Sublime with Rome

    August 30       Almost Queen

    September 1    WAXAHATCHEE

    September 10  Dashboard Confessional

    September 27  Justin Moore & Randy Houser

    NOTE: Lineup is Subject to Change; More Shows to Be Added

  • Spectrum 8 Theatre in Albany will Reopen this Spring

    Albany’s Spectrum 8 Theatre has found new management and will reopen this spring, potentially in late April, per multiple reports last week.

    spectrum 8 landmark theatres
    photo via Spotlight News

    As reported in February, Spectrum 8 was slated to close, with owner Landmark Theatres withdrawing from management after nearly 9 years. Scene One Entertainment has stepped in to take over management, bringing back a few notable aspects of Spectrum 8 that regulars missed in the past decade.

    Scene One Entertainment owner Joseph Masher said in a press release, “The overwhelming response to the theatre’s closing last month prompted me to move faster with the building’s owner to get the cinema reopened. I’ve been working very closely with [Spectrum 8 co-founder] Keith Pickard to bring the heart and soul back into the Spectrum. The art gallery will be reactivated and the calendar that was published monthly will return.”

    Among the changes are the return of the theater’s locally-sourced cakes, pastries, cookies, mint brownies, and real butter on the popcorn. The Spectrum reports it will also serve alcoholic beverages once it obtains a liquor license.

    Spectrum 8 has been in operation since 1983, beginning as a single screen theater before expanding to eight screens, offering a wide number of independent movies, Oscar nominated films that are hard to find in theaters, including foreign language films and live and animated short films, in addition to Hollywood blockbusters.

    Spectrum 8 marks the third theater for Scene One Entertainment in Upstate New York, including Scene One Movieland in Schenectady and Scene One Wilton Mall Cinemas.