NYS Music 2024

Category: News

  • Judge Dismisses Majority of Lawsuit Claims Against Forest Hills Stadium

    Justice Joseph Esposito has dismissed 5 out of 7 lawsuit claims against the historic Forest Hills Stadium in Queens.

    Forest Hills Stadium Lawsuit
    Hozier – Forest Hills Stadium, July 2024 – photo by Molly Higgins

    Entrenched in Queens’ music scene and culture for just over 100 years now, the Forest Hills Stadium is a cornerstone of New York City’s live music scene. The only outdoor venue of its kind and size in the area, Forest Hills was designed with the ideal audience experience in mind. 

    With optimized acoustics and no obstructed views, the 13,000 capacity Stadium was originally designed to house the U.S. Open tennis tournament. Forest Hills began booking concerts in the 1960s, and the rest is history.

    The venue’s lengthy history isn’t without its bumps along the way, however. The arena has been a topic of long-standing debate for folks living in Forest Hill. The general sentiment shared by people living in close quarters to the venue is a desire to at minimum alter the space’s practices and at most close its doors for continued complaints of noise pollution and littering. 

    Frequent complaints include excessive trash found strewn about in public for days after each show and volumes so loud that the windows on houses as far as three blocks away from the Stadium shake during performances. These concerns were met with cooperation from Forest Hills Stadium, with rectifying policies ranging from employing cleaners on the street before, during, and after shows to hundreds of thousands of dollars being invested in noise mitigation and controlled amplification.

    Forest Hills Stadium Lawsuit

    A lawsuit filed by the Forest Hills Garden Corporation against Forest Hills Stadium and its parent company West Side Tennis Club filed in 2023 nearly spelled the end of the venue. The lawsuit outlined a total of seven individual causes of action, including claims of contract violation between the tennis club and the FHGC, trespassing, zoning violations with unjust profit, and both public and private nuisance claims.

    However, on Monday, October 21, Queens County Supreme Court Justice Joseph Esposito issued a motion to dismiss all but two of the motions raised. A major win for those working with the venue and lovers of live music in New York alike, the Stadium’s final few shows of their 2024 concert season will go on. It’s likely that the venue will return with a new calendar of events in the spring given the remaining lawsuits conclude.

    While a massive success, Forest Hills Stadium isn’t out of the woods just yet. The final two claims remaining are that of private and public nuisance. Justice Esposito stated that the FHGC had a claim sufficient enough to survive the initial motion to dismiss, which now must be proven with further evidence and testimonial. 

    Attorney Akiva Shapiro, representing the Stadium, stated that the venue’s legal team is “confident that the remaining claims will also be dismissed.”

  • Maverick Concerts Announces New Green Room Project this Fall as Part of Multi-Step Fundraiser

    Maverick Concerts in Woodstock has announced their new Green Room Project as part of a multi-step fundraising project to revitalize and retain the historic hall.

    Maverick Concerts green room

    Maverick Concerts is the oldest ongoing summer chamber music festival in the U.S., attracting the best musicians in the world for 100 years. In addition to classical music, Maverick features jazz, contemporary, folk and world music. Maverick Family Saturdays offers free music, demonstrations and discovery for the whole family. The mainstay of the festival, which runs from June to September, is to be found in the Sunday chamber music concerts performed by renowned soloists and ensembles. Jazz and Contemporary Music presentations have been given more prominence in recent seasons.

    Maverick Concerts is located in Hurley on the outskirts of Woodstock, in Ulster County. TZHe barn-like, rectangular building with its gambrel roof was built by hand as part of the Maverick Colony in 1916 by the utopian writer and philosopher Hervey White.

    With a roof of wood shingles and a frame of heavy timber, to which the walls—sheaths of wide planks—are nailed directly, the wooden construction and luminous acoustics create an environment perfectly suited to the intimacy of live chamber music. Maverick Concerts, a multi-starred destination by the National Register of Historic Places since 1999, was awarded for Excellence in Historic Preservation by the Preservation League of New York State.

    This fall, the iconic venue plans to harbor new initiative in the creation of the new Green Room. Maverick Concerts has been awarded $457,000 in New York State grants for two capital projects vital to retaining the historic hall as an artistic home. The Green Room project starts this fall and as a first step in this multi-step fundraising project we are focusing on raising the full $257,000 of the New York State Council on the Arts matching grant. 

    The Green Room Project is an exciting new addition to the already fantastic venue. With the newly added Green Room, the Maverick Concert Hall expands their possibilities and capacity. $146,000 has been raised so far and with help they can raise the remaining $111,000 to better utilize the building for the expansion of musical legacy.

    For more information on Maverick Concerts, upcoming events, and the Green Room Project, click here.

  • Kingston Pop Museum Presents New Mid-Century Pop Culture Exhibit “Granny Takes A Trip”

    The Kingston Pop Museum has announced its newest exhibit “Granny Takes A Trip” containing mid-century pop culture pieces from museum owner and curator John Stavros’ private collection on display and for sale for the first time ever.

    Acting as a gallery space, event venue, and private museum collection, the Kingston Pop Museum hosts a variety of owner and curator John Stravos’ endeavors, including but not limited to fashion, art, music, sports, entertainment, private events, and productions all under one roof. 

    In addition to its incredibly unique collection, the Kingston Pop Museum offers management, promotions, marketing, hospitality, and more to artists and creatives. The gallery’s adjacent retail merchandise store, the Pop Shop, acts as another venue for independent creatives to promote and sell their works as well.

    KPM’s newest endeavor, an eclectic gallery full of bright colors and vibrant personality, has just been announced- “Granny Takes A Trip.” Connecting the nostalgic love and wisdom imparted by grandmas living it up in the mid-1900s era that put peace and love above all else with the unique, beautifully odd, and otherwise trippy visual culture that developed adjacent to the time, “Granny Takes A Trip” is a sparkling adventure through time.

    Spanning works from the late 1960s to the early 1980s, pieces on display encapsulate the initial spark created by iconic figures of the time in art, music, and fashion that would later catch on as the revolutionary Glam Mod scene as cultivated by the era’s rebellious youth.

    This particular energy is captured in Stavros’ impressive personal collection, dozens of which will be on display during “Granny Takes A Trip.” Some of the most exciting works include Andy Warhol’s letter of rejection to the MoMA, one of the very few complete collections in the US of all four highly coveted Beatles dolls, and furniture belonging to pop-culture industry titans like the former manager of KISS Bill Aucoin and founder of Penthouse Bob Guccione.

    Visitors can also be on the lookout for several pieces of rock ‘n roll memorabilia, such as four custom-painted Volkswagens- including a Westfalia camper that belonged to the road manager of the Dave Matthews Band, and much more.

    “Granny Takes A Trip” will open on Saturday, November 16 at 4:00 PM with an exciting special evening of art and music planned to celebrate. An international group art exhibit will cohabitate with the main exhibit’s work alongside live performances from Ramona Lane of New Paltz and New York City locals SoulCake, Walter G. Steding, Mark Hawdon, and Puma Perl + Joe Sztabnik.

    For more information on “Granny Takes A Trip,” how to visit, and all things Kingston Pop Museum, visit their website here.

  • Ben Folds To Headline Saratoga New Years Eve

    Ben Folds has been announced as the headlining act of the Saratoga New Year’s Eve celebration. The two-day event will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 31, and Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, at different venues around the city’s center.

    Ben Folds

    Ben Folds is a singer-songwriter-composer who has created an enormous body of genre-bending music including pop albums with Ben Folds Five, multiple solo albums, and numerous collaborative records. He will cap off the evening at Saratoga Springs City Center.

    The celebration will kick off with a free outdoor concert by local funk band Tops of Trees on Ellsworth Jones Place, located just outside of the Saratoga Springs City Center. Fireworks, launched from the top level of the City Center’s parking garage, will accompany this performance from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

    Mystic Bowie’s Talking Dreads will perform at the historic Universal Preservation Hall. Jamaican-born frontman Mystic Bowie reimagines and infuses fresh life into the Talking Heads’ classic catalog with his mix of roots reggae and ska. Since 2015, the charismatic singer and performer has electrified audiences at hundreds of shows across North America – spinning the heads of initially skeptical Talking Heads fans, and getting everyone else grooving along to the infectious, joyous rhythms and jubilant spirit of his native island. This and other performances by Los Sugar Kings, Dogs in a Pile, and Lindsey Kraft will be held throughout the day.

    The festivities will conclude on New Year’s Day with the Saratoga First Day 5K, a fun and healthy tradition for runners and anyone looking to start 2025 off right.  

    Tickets and limited VIP packages are on sale now. Purchase and learn more about Ben Folds in Saratoga Springs here.

  • American Cancer Society Announces Rock The Pink Campaign End-of-Year Lineup

    The American Cancer Society has announced their nationwide Rock The Pink end-of-year fundraising lineup, raising money for breast cancer recovery and research through exclusive raffles, merchandise, and tickets from fan favorite musicians and venues.

    The leading cancer-fighting organization with a vision of ending cancer as we know it, the American Cancer Society has dedicated themselves to making real change for over 100 years. Founded by 10 doctors in New York City, the ACS has grown into an organization that has contributed to the 33% drop in the overall cancer death rate in the United States. 

    Record breaking and innovating in every way, the ACS has proven time and time again their unwavering dedication to reducing cancer’s presence in the world through their own contributions and organized community efforts- just like their Rock the Pink campaign.

    A donation and volunteer based initiative, Rock the Pink brings the music community into the fold of breast cancer advocacy and research efforts. With a lengthy list of bids, raffles, and more, every dollar donated through the Rock the Pink campaign goes directly to the ACS’ efforts in propelling breast cancer research forward, improving early detection and prevention capabilities, and promoting lifesaving patient support- leading to an astounding $40 million raised since the project’s inception.

    This year has already been a great success for Rock the Pink, as October 16 marked the “Rock The Pink Gala” hosted by Al Schnier and Vinnie Amico of moe. alongside Joel Cummings of Umphrey’s McGee and Marc Brownstein of the Disco Biscuits in Port Chester. Over the course of the evening over $17,000 was raised that included an online auction, a hang with the band, and two sets of special “pink” inspired songs.

    “This is an important cause to me because I’ve lost too many people who are dear to me to cancer. Awareness as well as funding for prevention and treatment are absolutely necessary. I truly believe that together, we can beat this.” 

    – Jim Loughlin, moe.

    The excitement isn’t over yet, however. Names like Billy Strings, The Revivalists, Maggie Rose, Spafford and more are joining moe., Umphrey’s McGee, the Disco Biscuits, Andy Frasco & the U.N., and Doom Flamingo on stages across the country in partnership with the ACS to support and fundraise breast cancer initiatives. 

    Each act has put a personal spin on their advocacy efforts, ranging from wearing and playing pink clothing and instruments to including specialized incentives on their donation page- including but not limited to limited-edition merchandise, signed items, VIP ticket raffles, meet and greet and backstage hangout opportunities, and more. To find out what your favorite acts and venues are offering, check out the Rock the Pink donation page and help save lives with your donation here.

    To learn more about breast cancer prevention, treatment, and advocacy and what the American Cancer Society is doing to take strides towards a cancer-free future, visit their website here.

  • New ArtsWestchester Exhibition Envisions Hudson Valley’s Future

    ArtsWestchester presents the new exhibition Futures, in which artists tackle the question “What could the Hudson Valley look like in 100 years?”

    Formed in 1965, ArtsWestchester is a not-for-profit cultural service organization that acts as Westchester County’s designated art council in addition to hosting special events and galleries, providing grants and various opportunities to local artists, and inviting local musicians and dancers into their space to perform.

    An organization dedicated to cultivating the arts scene of Westchester and beyond, ArtsWestchester looks within its community once more for its newest project- and forwards. Futures, the newly opened exhibition housed in the organization’s building is an immersive and large-scale consideration of how the county will transform physically and socially over the next century. 

    “ArtsWestchester places artists at the center of imagining our region’s next chapter. Artists work at the intersection of visual culture, craft, architecture, and design. Through their perspectives in this exhibit, we aim to explore concepts of historic land ownership, building inclusive communities, creative placemaking, and sustainable development.”

    – Kathleen Reckling, ArtsWestchester CEO

    Contributing artists include Noelia Abreau, Inez Andrucyk, Sheila Benedis, Mia Brownell, Mike Depasquale, Amanda Dorval, Marielena Ferrer, Natalya Khorover, Martin Kruck, Jessica Maffia, Norman Mgnusson, Susan Manspeizer, Jorge Otero-Pailos, Teresa Pereira, Rachel Sydlowski, and VASH- all of whom offer their own unique perspective on Westchester in their respective pieces and the show’s planning at large.

    Mike Depasquale: White, ArtsWestchester

    Above all, Futures is a testament to the necessity of the arts in all aspects of life, especially the social wellbeing of the area and creatives’ capacity to generate productive conversations about what the future may hold for it. A rapidly redoveloping suburban and exurban community, Futures prompts the people of the Hudson Valley to consider the region’s future beyond their own and the visionaries of today and tomorrow that will be at the crux of such growth.

    Funded in part by the National Endowment of the Arts, the Futures exhibition runs through January 12, 2025 in ArtsWestchester’s gallery during regular hours. For more information on how to visit and view Futures, visit the ArtsWestchester website here.

  • Shrines Releases New EP ‘Seasons’

    Shrines, the moniker of Brooklyn-based singer and musician Carrie Erving, self-released a new EP, Seasons, on October 18. The release was celebrated with a show at Brooklyn’s C’mon Everybody several days later on October 23.

    Shrines (Credit: Shrines)

    Labelled loosely perhaps as art pop, any effort at finding a straightforward pidgeon-hole for this work are likely to be confounded. In “Infinite Spring” (the EP’s opener) for example, what begins as brooding and operatic quickly finds itself morphed into rocky and club-adjacent.

    Seasons, produced by Rosana Cabán (Psychic Twin, Cosas Cosas), spans four songs exploring the fragility of the individual seasons. At turns reflective, poppy and celebratory, Seasons documents the collective cognitive dissonance of the fluctuations between celebration and trepidation that arise while living in a time of rapidly escalating climate change. This may feel particularly relevant to those enjoying the 80 degree late-October heatwave.

    The highlight of this work is Erving’s voice. One part classical vibrato, one part pop incantation, Shrines’ singing is given room to breathe with very little manipulation. A hint of reverb is applied just at the right moments to draw out some of the music’s spookiness.

    In Seasons, Shrines’ lyrics suggest that allowing ourselves to savor the present moment may be one of the keys to grappling with the larger challenges of our time. Shrines’ new single and video, “Witch Season,” is her homage to spooky season. With lyrics drawing from themes in Irish traditional folklore, “Witch Season” explores getting lost in the woods, immersing oneself in the unknown, and reconnecting with one’s own wild nature, as the music crescendos into a mysterious, Stevie Nicks coded fever-dream.

    Drawing comparisons to Björk and Sinead O’Connor, Shrines skillfully weaves influences of pop, electronic music, indie rock, and Irish sean-nós (traditional ‘old style’ Irish singing) into her music, delivering shimmering art-pop that The New York Times described as ‘spellbinding.’ 

    Find Seasons on Bandcamp.

  • David Byrne Hosts “Amazing Humans Doing Amazing Things”

    Reasons to be Cheerful, David Byrne’s solutions-based non-profit magazine, turned five with Amazing Humans Doing Amazing Things, a variety show in NYC at Town Hall on Oct 9.

    Amazing Humans Doing Amazing Things
    Photo Credit: Emilio Herce

    In celebration of the fifth anniversary of David Byrne’s Reasons to be Cheerful, the multi-disciplinary artist hosted “Amazing Humans Doing Amazing Things,” a variety show at The Town Hall. The night focused on the amazingness of humans and the beautiful ways humans connect with each other.

    Emceed by David Byrne, “Amazing Humans Doing Amazing Things” debuted a new song by Byrne and featured a diverse lineup of performances that stayed true to what a variety show in essence is. The event staged acts such as, singer-songwriter Thao (Nguyen), comedian Fred Armisen, NYC’s non-male Brazilian-American style drumline Fogo Azul, comedian and ventriloquist Nina Conti, the spicy puppet cabaret of Epidermis Circus, Belgian-Egyptian musician Tamino, performance artist Ellie Steingraeber, and female-led band Brass Queens. DJenny Koons (Oedipus Deaf West, Blue Man Group National Tour) directed, Stephanie Johnson produced and Emily Simoness (Founding Executive Director SPACE on Ryder Farm) executive produced. 

    “Variety shows were a big deal when I was young,” says Byrne. “It’s a format you don’t see as much of these days. So we thought, why not bring it back? We looked for acts that could capture that sense of zany, anything-could-happen artistry. Reasons to be Cheerful inspires people by unearthing unexpected gems, and this show will embody that same spirit of gleeful surprise.”

    Reasons to Be Cheerful is an online magazine that inspires curiosity about how the world can be better and asks how we can be part of that change. Launched in 2019, Reasons to be Cheerful publishes award-winning journalism about solutions and progress for over one million readers. They have hosted sold-out live events across the country.

    Learn more here.

  • Albany Rock Group The Jagaloons Release Newest Album “Forbidden Words” on Vinyl on November 1

    Albany-native rockers The Jagaloons have announced the vinyl release of their newest album Forbidden Words on November 1.

    The album was recorded in the Spring of 2023 at White Lake Studio in Albany, NY and originally was due to be released later in that year. But due to various delays with the pressing, the band pivoted to work with Ken Holewczynski at Tabu Recordings for the vinyl release. The album was released on streaming platforms and on CD on May 31.

    The Jagaloons were also very lucky to be able to work with Dave Klein (Agent Orange, The Ghastly Ones) on the mastering and Stephen Blickenstaff on the eye-catching cover art. Along with the digital and CD release, The Jagaloons also made a video for the title track, “Forbidden Words” which was directed by Yasir Kahn and edited by Bryan Moak.

    Hailing from Albany NY, The Jagaloons play guitar-driven, reverb-drenched, all-instrumental rock and roll. The trio takes the surf music of the 1960s and adds modern and eclectic influences, creating their own unique sound. The Jagaloons have performed all over the Northeast and down the east coast since 2015

    with some big names in the surf scene like Messer Chups, Surfer Joe, The Surfrajettes, Los Tiki Phantoms and more.

    The band will celebrate Forbidden Words with a release party on November 9 at The Hangar on the Hudson in Troy, NY. Joining them for the night will be Short Wave Radio Band, The Sci Flies, and The Sound Minds (featuring Chris Sprague of Los Straightjackets). The group anticipates the release of their vinyl of Forbidden Words to be released on November 1.

    For more information on The Jagaloons and their upcoming vinyl release of Forbidden Words, click here.

  • ESYO Will Kick of The 2024-2025 Season in Troy

    The Empire State Youth Orchestra (ESYO) will start their 2024/25 concert season with “Confluence: A Celebration of American Music” at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall on Oct. 27.

    ESYO

    Led by Music Director, Etienne Abelin, in his third full season with ESYO, the Symphony Orchestra will perform a program of classical, jazz, and rock to celebrate American creativity. Confluence will explore the dynamic nature of the rhythms, stories, and emotions that have shaped the musical landscape of American culture.

    The concert will open with Copland’s iconic Fanfare for the Common Man, and Hoe Down from Rodeo. Also on the program are Charles Ives’ The Unanswered Question, Samuel Barber’s emotionally rich Second Essay for Orchestra, and Jimi Hendrix’s legendary Purple Haze, arranged by Swiss American composer Daniel Schnyder. The blending of rock with classical traditions, highlights the concert’s title, confluence. The orchestra will perform two encores: Leonard Bernstein’s Mambo from West Side Story, capturing the vibrant cultural mosaic of America, followed by Somewhere, a poignant expression of hope and unity.

    The featured alto saxophone soloist, Teresa Rodrigues, will bring her lyrical prowess to Duke Ellington’s In a Sentimental Mood, Horace Silver’s Peace, and George Gershwin’s Summertime, all arranged for orchestra and saxophone by Daniel Schnyder. Nina Shekhar’s Lumina, a vibrant contemporary work that contrasts light and dark to capture radiance also adds to the theme of confluence.These pieces between compositions by Aaron Copland, Leonard Bernstein, and Samuel Barber, create a tapestry of sound highlighting the fluidity of American music across genres.

    “Flow is all about how music and emotions move, how they carry us forward, much like a river gathering energy and changing course. Our goal is to explore reaching states of flow in our rehearsals and performances, where skill, focus, and letting go merge, allowing the music to take on a life of its own. We’ll also be experimenting with creating seamless transitions between pieces during performances, so that the music flows continuously without interruption.”

    Musical Director Etienne Abelin

    EYSO’s calendar is full through the spring with highlights such as, the Symphony Orchestra’s collaboration with the Rensselaer Orchestra in March and April. Under the direction of Robert Whalen, they will perform Hector Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique in “Fluid Realities.” Other season highlights include an exchange of ESYO’s Youth Jazz Orchestra with the Worcester Youth Orchestras (MA), the beloved Melodies of Christmas performances, and a tour in Central Europe with concerts in Bratislava, Vienna, and Prague.

    ESYO Season Schedule:

    Oct. 27, 2024 | 3:00pm CONFLUENCE : A CELEBRATION OF AMERICAN MUSIC Symphony Orchestra

    Nov. 3, 2024 | 7:00pm PERCUSSION ENSEMBLES

    Nov. 10, 2024 | 3:00pm REPERTORY, STRING, & CONCERTINO STRINGS ORCHESTRAS

    Nov. 17, 2024 | 3:00pm YOUTH & REPERTORY JAZZ

    Nov. 23, 2024 | 3:00pm YOUTH JAZZ ORCHESTRA at Worcester Youth Orchestra

    Dec. 9, 2024 CHIME (TBD) FLUTE CHOIR (7:30pm)

    Dec. 15, 2024 | 3:00pm WIND ORCHESTRA

    Dec. 15th, 2024 | 5:30pm CHAMBER & FIDDLE

    Dec. 19-21, 2024 | 7:30pm and December 22 | 2:00pm MELODIES OF CHRISTMAS

    Dec. 22, 2024 |7:30pm PERCUSSION ENSEMBLES

    Feb. 12, 2025 | 7:00pm REPERTORY ORCHESTRA & CONCERTINO STRINGS

    Feb. 13, 2025 | 7:00pm STRING ORCHESTRA & YOUTH JAZZ

    Mar. 2, 2025 | 7:30pm PERCUSSION ENSEMBLES

    Mar. 9, 2025 | 3:00pm WIND ORCHESTRA & REPERTORY JAZZ

    Mar. 15, 2025 PLAYATHON

    Mar. 22, 2025 | 3:00pm YOUTH JAZZ ORCHESTRA with Worcester Youth Jazz Ensemble

    Mar. 30, 2025 | 3:00pm FLUID REALITIES: SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA featuring the Lois Lyman Concerto Competition winner

    Apr. 5, 2025 | Time TBA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA with Rensselaer Orchestra

    May 2, 2025 | 3:00pm REPERTORY & STRING ORCHESTRAS featuring the Lois Lyman Concerto Competition runner up

    May 4, 2025 | 3;00pm CONCERTINO STRINGS, WOODWINDS & BRASS

    May 9, 2025 AMPLIFY OUR VOICE CHIME CONCERT

    May 11, 2025 | 3:00pm WIND ORCHESTRA

    May 11, 2025 | 5:30pm CHAMBER & FIDDLE

    May 18, 2025 | 4:00pm PERCUSSION ENSEMBLES

    June 1, 2025 | 2-5:30pm FESTIVAL OF YOUNG ARTISTS AT SPAC

    June 30 – July 9, 2025 EUROPEAN TOUR (Symphony Orchestra)

    Learn more and purchase tickets here.