NYS Music 2024

Category: News

  • Hugh Jackman Announces 24 Show Series at Radio City Music Hall

    Actor and musical theater star Hugh Jackman has announced a 24 show series of performances spanning his career at the historic Radio City Music Hall.

    Hugh Jackman
    Photo: Gage Skidmore

    Movie goers may know him best as Wolverine, but to fans of musical theater, Hugh Jackman is Jean Valjean of Les Misérables and P.T. Barnum of The Greatest Showman among many other monikers.

    With a wide array of awards under his belt including a Golden Globe, a Grammy, multiple Tony Awards, and nominations for an Academy Award, two SAG Awards, and a BAFTA, Jackman’s success in both the film and musical worlds cannot be questioned- especially following his critically and commercially successful film Deadpool & Wolverine that has destroyed box-office records after releasing earlier this year.

    Following this major accomplishment, Hugh Jackman has announced a new project that will celebrate his legacy on stage through a twelve show live concert series in New York City’s iconic Radio City Music Hall titled “From New York, With Love”.

    With a program spanning all of his iconic roles from pieces such as The Boy From Oz, The Greatest Showman, and The Music Man, “From New York, With Love” is certainly a love letter to his musical career. Fans of his more obscure projects and other aspects of Jackman’s versatile career can expect highlights throughout the evening as well during the unforgettable evenings of music and performances by the Hollywood and Broadway icon.

    These special shows will kick off on the weekend of January 24 with dates sprinkled throughout the following months of April through August. Tickets will go on sale for all twelve performances on Friday, October 18 at 10:00 AM EST. For further information and ticket purchasing, please visit the show’s website here.

    FULL LIST OF SHOW DATES

    Sat Jan 25, 2025 – 2pm show
    Sat Jan 25, 2025
    Fri Apr 18, 2025
    Sat Apr 19, 2025 – 2pm show
    Sat Apr 19, 2025
    Fri May 23, 2025
    Sat May 24, 2025 – 2pm show
    Sat May 24, 2025
    Fri Jun 20, 2025
    Sat Jun 21, 2025 – 2pm show
    Sat Jun 21, 2025
    Fri Jul 18, 2025
    Sat Jul 19, 2025 – 2pm show
    Sat Jul 19, 2025
    Fri Aug 15, 2025
    Sat Aug 16, 2025 – 2pm show
    Sat Aug 16, 2025
    Fri Sep 19, 2025
    Sat Sep 20, 2025 – 2pm show
    Sat Sep 20, 2025
    Fri Oct 3, 2025
    Sat Oct 4, 2025 – 2pm show
    Sat Oct 4, 2025

  • Recording of Allman Brothers Band Final Concert to Be Released

    A recording of the legendary Allman Brothers Band’s final concert at the Beacon Theatre in 2014 is being released on October 25, nearly 10 years since the finale.

    Recording of Allman Brothers Band Final Concert at The Beacon Theatre in 2014 Releasing October 25

    On Tuesday, October 28, 2014, after 45 years of performing the greatest live music in rock history, the Allman Brothers Band had arrived at its final concert. The dream created by Duane Allman in 1969 had come to fruition, gone through triumph and tragedy, joy and sorrow, flourished and faltered, and ultimately persevered to reach the pinnacle of the blues/rock genre. The road had seemingly gone on forever, but, in 2014, the group decided that forever would come to an end at the Beacon Theatre in New York City. 

    On Friday, October 25, in recognition of the 10th anniversary, rock ‘n’ roll history will be shared as the Final Concert 10-28-14 is officially released via Peach Records. Re-mastered here with improved sound quality, Final Concert 10-28-14 will be available digitally on October 25 and as a special 3-CD package with extensive 16-page booklet featuring exclusive photos and liner notes on November 22.

    Recording of Allman Brothers Band Final Concert at The Beacon Theatre in 2014 Releasing October 25

    The Beacon was the appropriate location for the ABB to make its last stand; the Allmans had logged more appearances there than any other venue and had also set a Broadway record, with 237 consecutive sold-out shows at the venerable hall. Starting in 1989, the Allman’s annual run at the Beacon became a rite of passage in Manhattan.

    Fans from around the globe traveled to the Upper West Side to be captivated by the group’s riveting shows. The band wanted a set list that would be a montage of its career, one that would pay homage to the original six – Duane, Gregg, Jaimoe, Butch, Berry Oakley and Dickey Betts – while also drawing from the group’s vast catalogue. With input from everyone, Warren Haynes compiled a spectacular, three-set show. Almost 30 songs, drawn from six ABB albums, along with three strong covers that represented the musical trajectory of the group.

    Track listing for Final Concert 10-28-14:

    Disc 1:

    1. Little Martha 
    2. Mountain Jam 
    3. Don’t Want You No More 
    4. It’s Not My Cross To Bear 
    5. One Way Out 
    6. Good Morning Little School Girl 
    7. Midnight Rider 
    8. The High Cost of Low Living 
    9. Hot ‘Lanta 
    10. Blue Sky 
    11. You Don’t Love Me/ Soul Serenade/ You Don’t Love Me 

    Disc 2:

    1. Statesboro Blues 
    2. Ain’t Wasting Time 
    3. Black Hearted Woman 
    4. The Sky Is Crying
    5. Dreams
    6. Don’t Keep Me Wonderin’
    7. In Memory of Elizabeth Reed
    8. JaMaBuBu
    9. In Memory of Elizabeth Reed (reprise)

    Disc 3:

    1. Melissa
    2. Revival
    3. Southbound
    4. Mountain Jam Reprise
    5. Will The Circle Be Unbroken
    6. Mountain Jam Reprise 2
    7. Whipping Post
    8. Farewell Message
    9. Trouble No More

    “Having joined the Allman Brothers Band in 1991, I had no idea what I was getting myself into as a percussionist joining two drummers on stage. Fast forward 23 years to the last show we played as the Allman Brothers Band. I feel honored to have been part of such a historical musical force that was and is the ABB. Love live the ABB!”

    Percussionist Marc Quinones

    To pre-order and pre-save the Allman Brothers Band final concert 2014, click here.

  • Waterhole Music Lounge Announces Fall Lineup

    The Waterhole Music Lounge live entertainment venue in Saranac Lake has announced their Fall event lineup.

    Waterhole

    Beloved for its communal and casual approach to hosting live events, Waterhole Music Lounge is the Adirondacks’ premier live entertainment venue.  With three stories that are home to two bars, an expansive outdoor patio space, and a unique live entertainment energy that draws folks from nearby and beyond time and time again, there’s something for everyone at the Waterhole this fall. 

    This year’s newly announced fall lineup is sure to excite regulars passionate about the Lounge and newcomers all the same, with acts ranging from live comedy to tribute bands in addition to the final few installments of their Party on the Patio series and a lively New Years Eve Bash that will wrap out the year.

    Opening the season on October 9 is Come Back to Earth – A Live Mac Miller Tribute, the world’s first and only Mac Miller tribute band renowned for their captivating and thoughtful performances dedicated to honoring Miller’s musical legacy. 

    Following on October 17 will be the finale of the Party on the Patio series with Raisinhead as they wrap a bow on the last bits of nicer outdoor weather. The next week will host the Waterhole’s iconic annual Holloween Bash dance party on October 26, headlined by six-piece New York City dance fusion unit Underground System with special guests and co-dance experimentalists New Planets.

    November will be kicked off with boundary stretching electronic yet organic headliners Jimkata alongside local ethereal funk and rock piece Strange Cereal on the first of the month, continued with bob. An interpretation of Dylan on November 8, featuring artists Al Schnier and Vinnie Amico of moe., Brian Lauri, Zach Flietz, and Charley Orlando. 

    The night of November 15 will mark the debut of the Waterhole Rhyme Sessions series, created for hip hop lovers by hip hop lovers. Volume one will feature DJ Ease One with seven total MCs making appearances throughout the evening.

    November 16 will take a turn to the territory of fusion mountain music with Donna the Buffalo, a group that meshes the sounds of the mountains with Cajun and Zydeco styles, rock, folk, reggae, and country. Special guests Jatoba will open the night with their signature high-energy groove-grass.

    Waterhole

    Stand up comedy will return to Waterhole’s stage on November 22 with two seated events back to back. The evening will be hosted by Kay Guotos with David Louis as headliner, along with support from Matt Hanley and CJ. Catalano.

    Folkface will bring their rowdy and raucous roots energy to the Lounge the following evening of the 23. Spanning country, blues, jazz, rock and roll, honkey tonk, and more, Folkface promices sounds for every fan of the music spectrum alongside local Adirondack Folk openers Nubble.

    Beginning the end will be The Warped Tour Band! throwback night. On December 6. A celebration of all things Emo and Pop Punk, acts such as All The Blink Things and Dookie will span the 30+ years of  Blink-182 and Green Day.

    The 2024 New Years Eve Bash will round out Waterhole’s schedule in an electric night of funk music ringing in the new year. The night will feature Sophistafunk, a unit having been described as “Rage Against the Machine meets The Roots, dipped in P-Funk” and special guests Organ Fairchild, an old-school organ, dance, and jam fusion trio that have been playing music together since the early 80s.

    Tickets to all of these fall events are available for purchase at the Waterhole website and in person at the venue now. For more information and online purchasing, please visit their website here.

  • 17th Annual Bushwick Film Festival “Producing The Dream” Announced

    The 17th Annual Bushwick Film Festival is set for October 16-20 with an impressive lineup of films celebrating this year’s theme of “Producing The Dream’.

    17th Annual Bushwick Film Festival
    Photo – Bushwick Film Festival

    Now in its 17th year of operations, the Bushwick Film Festival is a nonprofit organization with their hearts set on discovering the newest voices of the film world, sharing amazing stories, and cultivating community through the unifying power of movie magic.

    One of 12% of film festivals in the United States owned by women of color, the organization prides itself in developing free public programming and film making projects designed specifically for the uplifting of Brooklyn’s underrepresented storytellers alongside their partners and sponsors. 

    With over 1,000 yearly submissions from over 60 countries and an annual draw of 5,000 attendees, the Bushwick Film Festival boasts the best of the best of New York City’s indie film works and beyond. 

    This year’s festival is themed “Producing The Dream”, prompting creatives submitting for consideration to explore what it takes to realize a dream. A celebration of the relentless determination, artistry, and creativity that filmmakers pour into their creative works, this year once more will reflect the future of film from Brooklyn and the New York region at large.

    Photo – Bushwick Film Festival

    In addition to the submission screenings, this year’s Film Festival will feature a Creative Community Day with industry panels, workshops, and neighborhood pop-ups designed for folks interested in the behind-the-scenes work of filmmaking, Youth Film Screenings showcasing high school aged creatives’ works and highlighting narratives on youth issues, a Comedy Night with stand-up comedians and writers, live musical performances of fan favorite film scores, and the always exciting concluding Awards Night that will wrap with a finale showcasing the winning films.

    Awards for this season will follow the Festival’s tradition of recognizing both doc and narrative talents including Best Feature, Best Short, Best Screenplay, Best Actor, Audience Choice Award, Programmers choice, and more. 

    Tickets and a variety of select passes to the 17th Annual Bushwick Film Festival celebration of Brooklyn and beyond’s shining film stars are available now. For ticket and pass options, prices, and further information, please visit the Bushwick Festival’s website here.

  • New Contract Secures Pay Increases and Equity for NY Philharmonic Musicians

    The New York Philharmonic recently announced the ratification of a new three-year contract, effective September 21. The new contract includes a plan to compensate and recruit in a transparent manner through collaboration, thanks to partnerships with the Associated Musicians of Greater New York, the American Federation of Musicians Local 802, and the Musicians of the New York Philharmonic.

    New York Philharmonic contract

    Local 802 President Sara Cutler highlighted the substantial wage increases as essential for safeguarding the futures of musicians and the institution as a whole. Hence, under the new contract, the musicians’ salary will see an increase of just over 30 percent. There is also a 15 percent raise in the 2025 fiscal year and 7.5 percent increases in both 2026 and 2027 fiscal years. Additionally, the contract outlines a commitment to fairness and transparency especially for the hiring process.

    Deborah Borda, Executive Advisor of the New York Philharmonic, expressed her satisfaction with the recent settlement, stating that it aligns musicians’ compensation more closely with that of their peer orchestras. She noted that this negotiation process was the most collaborative she has experienced in her career. Borda also praised the Board of Directors for their strong support of the musicians and the organization as they look toward the future.

    The main focuses moving forward are prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion. Board Co-Chairmen Peter W. May and Oscar L. Tang expressed their commitment to equality and excellence. The new contract requires a review of the tenure process as well as mandates that all auditions rounds be conducted behind a screen to prevent bias.

    This historic agreement positions itself as a crucial step for attracting and retaining top talent within the philharmonic, especially as the orchestra gears up for Gustavo Dudamel’s arrival as its next Music and Artistic Director. Both the musicians and Local 802 are optimistic that this agreement will enhance the future of the musicians and the New York Philharmonic, paving the way for a vibrant season of music and community engagement.

  • Trombone Shorty and Foundation Announce The Return of “Getting Funky in Havana”

    Grammy-winning artist Trombone Shorty, alongside his foundation, is once again embarking on a cultural exchange known as “Getting Funky in Havana” in Cuba.

    From January 16-20, Trombone Shorty, his band Orleans Avenue, a group of young musicians from New Orleans, all members of the Foundation, and critically acclaimed Afro-Cuban/funk fusion star Cimafunk will come together for a unique cross-cultural experience. This trip will bring together artists, students, and supporters for a transformative journey of music and cultural connection.

    Getting Funky in Havana
    Photo by: Ed Aranz

    The event will feature a lineup of celebrated artists, including Taj Mahal, Grace Potter, Julius Rodriguez, Keyon Harrold, Robert Randolph, Yola, and others. Jam sessions, cultural exchanges, and performances will highlight the deep historical and musical connections between New Orleans and Cuba, fostering collaboration and creativity among all participants.

    This marks the fourth trip of its kind, inspired by Trombone Shorty’s personal connection to Havana which dates back to his childhood when in 1999, alongside his brother James Andrews, he embarked on a transformative journey to Cuba as part of a cultural exchange program.

    The music of Cuba was “hidden away from American ears on the island” for decades, but this exchange explores the musical influences and connections that have persisted between New Orleans and Cuba. The music and culture of Cuba are already infused into the larger New York City area with over 140 thousand people of Cuban heritage in the area. Our own editor-in-chief highlighted the importance of this in his own transformative journey through Cuba. You can check this story out and more in our NYS Music Goes To Cuba series.

    Approximately 100 supporters will join the musicians and students, forming a VIP travel group to Cuba. Funds raised from this effort will support educational programs led by Cimafunk and the Trombone Shorty Foundation, benefiting young artists and musicians in both Cuba and New Orleans. These efforts will include instrument donations and partnerships with local Cuban music schools and community programs, further strengthening ties between the two vibrant cultures.

    Getting Funky in Havana is organized by Cuba Educational Travel, the leader in travel and cultural exchanges between Cuba and the United States.Learn more here.

  • Liza Minnelli Joins “Drag: The Musical” as Producing Partner

    Legendary EGOT-winning performer Liza Minnelli has joined the production team of Drag: The Musical. The Off-Broadway show will premiere on Oct. 21 at New World Stages.

    Liza Minnelli

    Minnelli is making her Off-Broadway producing debut with this highly anticipated production, presented at Shubert’s New World Stages. While Minnelli has previously produced her own concerts,  DRAG: The Musical represents her first venture into producing a full-length musical.

    “Kids! DRAG: The Musical is a work of art,” Liza Minnelli says. “It’s so brilliant that I had to join as a producer! Join me at every performance. Yes, EVERY PERFORMANCE!”

    In DRAG: The Musical, two Drag Houses, both alike in indignity, vie for supremacy in a wig-snatching journey of fashion, family, and forgiveness. After a bitter split, two estranged queens bring their already simmering tensions to a boiling point when they open competing clubs. In this queen-eat-queen tale of spite and survival, there’s only one rule: no lip-synching allowed.

    Written by superstar Alaska Thunderf*ck alongside her longtime musical collaborators, multi-platinum songwriter, Tomas Costanza, and chart-topping songstress Ashley Gordon. The production is directed and choreographed by Spencer Liff (Broadway: Falsettos, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Head Over Heels; TV: “So You Think You Can Dance”) 

    Tickets for DRAG: The Musical are now available here.

  • Phish To Return To Madison Square Garden For Annual New Year’s Celebration

    Phish is, once again, going back to the Garden for their annual New Year’s Eve run. The band will play at MSG from Saturday, December 28th to Tuesday, December 31st. This will bring the running total of Phish shows at the Garden to 87 in all. Tickets go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, October 11th at Noon ET.

    A ticket request period is currently underway at https://tickets.phish.com (ending Monday, October 7th at Noon ET). A limited number of travel packages (hotel + tickets) will go on sale tomorrow, Wednesday, October 2nd, at Noon ET at https://phishnye.100xhospitality.com. For complete ticketing information, visit https://phish.com/tours.

    Phish also has four more upcoming New York State gigs as well, with a three-day benefit run that will take place at Albany’s MVP Arena in late October.

  • RPI and Opera Saratoga Present “The Other Side of Silence” A New Opera for Synthetic and Acoustic Voices

    On Oct. 16, at the Curtis R. Priem Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center (EMPAC) at RPI in Troy, a free and open-to-the-public performance and workshop of The Other Side of Silence will be presented. This new opera is created with synthetic and acoustic voices, written by and for people who use Alternative Assistive Communication.

    the other side of silence

    The Other Side of Silence examines the intersection of art, advocacy, and technology in our lives, memories, and identities, and the role that art plays in promoting equity and agency of those who use alternative means of communication to speak to the world.

    The story draws direct inspiration from the life of Mark Steidl, a gender non-binary person who uses an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device to talk with the world. The cast also includes Opera Saratoga favorites Meghan Kasanders (The Consul, 2017) and Jennifer Zetlan (Ellen West), as well as newcomers Theo Hayes and Isaiah Musik-Ayala.

    The story follows Zari, who was born unable to speak through traditional means. Zari finds comfort in the “Lichttanz” or the magical play of light and shadow through a window. To gain more autonomy, Zari seeks help from a new technology despite opposition from their closest friends and family.

    A medical emergency prompts an intervention where it is discovered that without Zari’s express permission, an implant in Zari to help build communication between their brain and the technology. Zari fights back against this control and eventually disrupts the connection between the implant and Kim, though Zari’s memories have already been edited and manipulated. The one memory, however, that Kim is unable to alter, is that of the “Lichttanz”, representing the infinitude of human capacity and self-knowledge, their inner strength that withstands the intervention of artificial intelligence.

    The Other Side of Silence performance is presented as part of the 2024 International Symposium On Assistive Technology For Music And Art (ISATMA).

    To purchase tickets, go here.

  • The Lawn Sausages to say Farewell After 35 years

    On Oct. 6 at Cohoes Music Hall, the Lawn Sausages will take to the stage together one last time for the “Last Schmaltz.”

    The Lawn Sausages

    The legendary schlock rock band The Lawn Sausages bring their illustrious career of comedic performances to an end with this one final show.

    Founded in 1990 as a joke and in response to a challenge from local singer-songwriter Tina Ward, the band has combined elements of The Three Stooges and Iggy and The Stooges to deliver comedy rock for the drinking man.

    Throughout their career, The Sausages have performed in some of the best dive bars in Capital Land, delivering laughs and rock music for the past three decades. Now, they’re hanging it up, but not without one ‘Last Schmaltz.’

    The band would also like you to know that this won’t be like KISS or Mötley Crüe, who have had more than their share of farewell tours. After this, all we will have are the memories.

    The entire show will be filmed for an upcoming documentary film and all of the smash hits will be played.

    Learn more and purchase tickets here.