NYS Music 2024

Category: News Desk

  • 2024 Eddies Music Awards Nominations Announced

    The 2024 Eddies Music Award nominees have been announced, featuring a total of 218 nominations in 34 categories. The annual ceremony is at 6 p.m. on Sunday, April 21 on the MainStage at Proctors, in partnership with WEXT and WEQX.

    eddies awards 2024

    NYS Music is proudly nominated for Arts Publication of the Year, with Jarron Childs nominated for Photographer of the Year and Pete Mason nominated for Music Journalist of the Year. The total number of nominations since the Eddies Music Awards was founded in 2019 is 959. All nominees and award recipients are determined by members of the local music community.

    “The Eddies are all about the incredible local talent. Decision-making during nominations and voting is all made by active members of the music community–with increased participation every year,” said founder and co-producer Jim Murphy.

    The Albany-based indie rock quartet E.R.I.E. leads all artists with four nominations. These include Album of the Year for Suburban Mayhem, Record of the Year for “World is on Fire” featuring Sydney Worthley, Rock/Pop Artist of the Year, and the band’s TJ Foster for Songwriter of the Year. They were a featured performer at the 2023 Eddies Music Awards celebration. Alt/Indie band Architrave and solo artists Shannon Roy and Angelina Valente each received three nominations.

    In addition to finalists in the categories below, several Merit Award recipients will be announced for music-related activities outside of traditional award categories. A new category the 2024 Eddies is the Seasonal Outdoor Venue/Concert Series. “We’ve awarded venues in the past but there was feedback that too many venues were overlooked when we reviewed the scene regionwide,” said co-producer, Kelly Auricchio. “Judges and members of our advisory council gravitated towards rotating the category focus from year to year, the first being seasonal concerts series at community outdoor venues.”

    This is one of two annual Eddies Music Awards ceremonies. The late Jackie Alper, the late Nick Brignola, George Guarino, David Alan Miller, the late Pauline Oliveros, Margie Rosenkranz, Billy Waring, and Don Wilcock will be inducted into the Capital Region Thomas Edison Music Hall of Fame on Monday, March 25 at Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga Springs. 

    For more information, visit here.

    The 2024 Eddies Music Awards nominees:

    Electronica Artist of the Year

    100 Psychic Dreams

    cørdyceps

    Fox Kraft

    IRod and the Auxiliary

    Portyl

    SM Ink

    Punk/Hardcore Artist of the Year

    Blasè DeBris

    Haunted Cat

    Mr. Cancelled

    Rabid Children

    Schenectavoidz

    The Snorts
    Wet Specimens

    Metal/Hard Rock Artist of the Year

    Black Tongue Reverend

    Flatwounds

    Gozer

    Gracies Paris

    Ice Queen

    The Erotics

    Live Production Crew of the Year

    A.C.E.S.

    Denis Entertainment Group

    High Peaks Event Production

    Live Sound Inc.

    Mirth Films

    SAVI

    Record Label of the Year

    Albany Records

    Cacophone Records

    Equal Vision Records

    Lorchestral Recording Company

    Tummy Rub Records

    Upstate Records

    Music Recording Studio of the Year

    Bender Studios

    Don Fury Studio

    Jim Mastrianni Studio

    Pale Moon Services

    The Recording Company

    White Lake Music & Post

    Presenter/Promoter of the Year

    The Linda (Peter Hughes)

    Caffè Lena (Sarah Craig)

    Eighth Step (Margie Rosenkranz)

    Guthrie Bell Productions (Greg Bell)

    Step Up Presents (Ted Etoll)

    Strand Theater (Jonathan Newell)

    Seasonal Outdoor Venue/Concert Series

    Alive at Five

    APAC – Athens Summer Concert Series at Riverfront Park

    Jazz on Jay

    Lake George Arts Project Summer Concert Series
    Music Haven Concert Series
    Freedom Park Summer Concert Series

    Radio Station of the Year

    RadioRadiox.com

    WAMC 90.3

    WCDB 90.9

    WEQX 102.7

    WEXT 97.7

    WRPI 91.5

    Radio DJ of the Year (terrestrial or streaming)

    Andy Gregory

    Chris Wienk

    Jeff Morad

    Jim Barrett

    Pearson Constantino

    Tim Coakley

    Rob Smittix

    Arts Publication of the Year (print, TV or new media)

    518scene.com

    Nippertown (Daily Gazette)

    NYS Music

    Preview (Times Union)

    The Spot 518

    Xperience Monthly

    Music Journalist of the Year

    Don Wilcock

    Jim Shahen Jr.

    Kirsten Ferguson

    Lucas Garrett

    Michael Hochanadel

    Pete Mason

    Music Photographer of the Year

    Frank Cavone

    Jarron Childs

    Kiki Vassilakis

    Kylie Spinelli

    Leif Zurmuhlen

    Rudy Lu

    Stephanie Bartik

    Classical Artist/Ensemble of the Year

    Albany Symphony Orchestra

    Albany Pro Musica

    Ann-Marie Barker Schwartz

    Maria Riccio Bryce

    Musicians of Ma’alwyck
    Schenectady-Saratoga Symphony Orchestra

    World Music Artist of the Year

    Alex Torres & His Latin Orchestra

    Heard

    Jordan Taylor Hill

    Maria Zemantauski

    Novus Cantus
    Taína Asili

    Zorbas Trio

    RnB/Soul/Funk Artist of the Year

    B.C. and the Wholesome Hucksters

    Buggy Jive

    Ethan Crowley

    Hammerhead Horns

    The E-Block
    Victory Soul Orchestra

    DJ of the Year

    DJ BOYBOY

    DJ HollyW8D

    DJ RVMBA

    DJ TGIF

    DJ Trumastr

    Intell Hayesfield

    Party Cover Band of the Year

    Funk Evolution

    Garland Nelson and Soul Session

    New York Players

    Off The Record

    The Accents

    The Ill Funk Ensemble

    Cover Band of the Year

    Diva & The Dirty Boys

    Donna Tritico Band

    Hark

    Lucid Street

    The Refrigerators

    Vinyl Vault

    Hip Hop/Rap Artist of the Year

    B. Chaps & Freedom Stratton

    Camtron5000

    JB!! aka Dirty Moses

    Ohzhe

    Sime Gezus

    Soo Do Koo

    Americana Artist of the Year

    Brule County Bad Boys

    Rob Beaulieu Band

    Dan Carr and the Cure for Asthma

    Laura Leigh Band

    Little Saints

    Reese Fulmer & The Carriage House Band

    Solo or Duo Artist of the Year

    Angelina Valente

    As Iz

    Belle-Skinner

    Caity Gallagher

    Cassandra Kubinski

    Girl Love

    Peter Annello

    Solo or Duo Performer of the Year (Covers)

    Carmen Lookshire

    Jeff Brisbin

    Keanen Stark & Orion Kribs

    Marcus Ruggiero

    Maurizio Russomanno
    Tim Wechgelaer & Chris Carey

    Jazz Artist of the Year

    Chuck Lamb

    David Gleason
    Hot Club of Saratoga

    Joe Barna

    Keith Pray

    Matt Niedbalski

    Jam Band of the Year

    Annie in the Water

    Glass Pony

    Hilltop

    Timbre Coup

    Tops of Trees

    TV Doctors

    Blues Artist of the Year

    Amy Ryan Band

    Lou’s Blues

    Mark & Jill

    Matt Mirabile

    Rich Ertelt and Blues Express

    Silver Chain

    Country/Bluegrass Artist of the Year

    Alice Sorensen

    David J

    Heather Richards

    Jim Gaudet and The Railroad Boys

    Shannon Roy

    The Bluebillies

    The Gibson Brothers

    Rock/Pop Artist of the Year

    Carm Grasso

    E.R.I.E.

    Laveda

    Millington

    Seize Atlantis

    SIRSY

    Alt/Indie Artist of the Year

    10:01

    Architrave

    Bruiser & Bicycle

    Canella

    Honeysuckle

    Sky Furrows

    Folk/Traditional Artist of the Year

    Carolyn Shapiro

    Dan Berggren

    Deb Cavanaugh

    Dust Bowl Faeries

    Hold On Honeys

    Lost Radio Rounders

    Songwriter of the Year

    Steve Candlen

    TJ Foster

    Angelina Valente

    Sawyer Fredericks

    Reese Fulmer

    As Iz

    Jennifer Maher Coleman

    Shannon Roy

    Music Video of the Year

    “Look Out” — Architrave

    “Don’t Quit Your Day Job” — Buggy Jive

    “Hollywood” — Millington

    “Cyanide Hotel” — Dust Bowl Fairies

    “Scam Likely” — Jes Hudak

    “Ultraterrestrial” — JB!! aka Dirty Moses

    “Ingloria” — simplemachine

    “If I Had a Time Machine” — Kieran Rhodes

    Album of the Year

    Shine on — Steve Candlen & Malcolm Burn

    Suburban Mayhem — E.R.I.E.

    Out of My Mind and Into Yours — Architrave

    A Woman’s Soul — Shannon Roy

    Sing — Angelina Valente

    The Calling — Joe Barna Quintet

    The In Between — Keith Pray

    Darkest Hour — The Gibson Brothers

    Record of the Year

    “Seven Seas” – SIRSY

    “World is On Fire” – E.R.I.E. (feat. Sydney Worthley)

    “I’ve Come to Realize” — Art LaFleur

    “Golden Tree” – Sawyer Fredericks

    “Wanna Be There” – Ria Curley (feat. Chad Lefkowitz-Brown)

    “Dove” – Girl Love

    “Bottom of the Ocean” – Glass Pony

    “Conditional” — Amanda Case

  • Ithaca Reggae Fest Returns to Stewart Park in June

    The sixth annual Ithaca Reggae Fest returns to Stewart Park from June 21-22. With a wide range of activities and music, the festival is dedicated to the protection of Cayuga Lake through a conscious celebration of Ithaca’s legendary reggae community and its history.

    Kicking off the weekend this year is the Puerto Rican king of smooth dub beats Pachyman, with his live band. There will also be an opening set from Ithaca Reggae Fest original team member DJ ha-MEEN spinning some lively tunes to get things started at the free Friday Welcome Party. Spin magazine cites Pachyman as “a breezy, fun-loving, and freedom-seeking artist… His works are a well sonically seasoned mix, in which his Puerto Rican roots shine bright.”

    The big day Saturday, June 22 begins with setting the intention with an interactive yoga workshop led by the Yoga Farm before celebrating Cayuga Lake with a cultural celebration led by the Gayogo̱hó꞉nǫʼ. The music gets going on Saturday with Ithaca’s own Ghanian-led roots reggae favorites, Mosaic Foundation, followed by the lively and big sound of Syracuse’s own, Root Shock. As the sun goes down, Jamaica’s living legend and first female dancehall DJ & writer/singer of the top sampled reggae song of all time Sister Nancy performs.

    Also, festival co-founder Kevin Kinsella reunites with the internationally renowned and legendary Ithaca-based pioneering reggae band he started – John Brown’s Body – for a once-in-a-lifetime experience on the shores of Cayuga Lake.

    Tickets are on sale now at Advance Rate 1 so purchase yours today before prices increase to Advance Rate 2 on April 23!

  • Usher To Bring Nationwide “Past, Present, Future” Tour to New York 

    Usher has announced his nationwide “Past, Present, Future” tour, featuring four nights at Barclays Center on Sept. 6, 7, 9, and 10.

    The tour announcement comes just days ahead of the multi-platinum-selling artist to headline the Apple Music Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show on Feb. 11 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. 

    With the new tour dates, Usher will also release his ninth studio album titled Coming Home on February 9. Coming Home is the singer’s first solo album in nearly eight years since Hard II Love (2016) and his first studio album in six years since A (2018), marking the longest gap between the two albums. The album will be his first independent album and will feature collaborations with Burna Boy, Summer Walker, 21 Savage, Latto, The-Dream, H.E.R, Pheelz, and Jungkook from BTS.

    The “Caught Up” singer first released his self-titled debut album in 1994 at the age of sixteen and rose to fame in the late 1990s following the release of his second album My Way (1997). His third album, 8701 (2001), saw continued success with the number-one singles “U Remind Me” and “U Got It Bad”, as well as the top-three single “U Don’t Have to Call”. It sold eight million copies worldwide and won the artist his first two Grammy Awards as Best Male R&B Vocal Performance in 2002 and 2003. 

    In addition to music, Usher has made numerous TV and film appearances, including as a Guest judge on Star Search in 2003 and also the iconic cameo as himself in the 2019 film Hustlers directed by Lorene Scafaria. He holds an entire strip club in his thrall, his song “Love in the Club” playing as he lavishes attention on the dancers. His 2022 NPR Tiny Desk Concert gained over 20 million views, making it one of the series’ most popular installments.

    Since he made his professional debut, Usher has achieved nine No. 1 singles and released eight studio albums. His 2004 hit track “Confessions Part II” was crowned by Rolling Stone as the “best R&B song of the 21st century.” His 2004 album Confessions, achieved the highest certification from the Recording Industry Association of America, Diamond, as it surpassed 10 million sales in 2008, which made him the first and last R&B artist since Stevie Wonder, whose 1976 album Songs in the Key of Life was certified in 2005, to receive this distinction. He’s also the last Black artist in any genre to achieve this.

    Tickets for his “Past, Present, Future” Tour will begin on February 7. Additional pre-sales will be available  throughout the week ahead of the general on-sale beginning on February 12 at LiveNation.com

    Usher: Past Present Future North America Tour Dates:

    Tue Aug 20 – Washington, DC  – Capital One Arena

    Wed Aug 21 – Washington, DC  – Capital One Arena ADDED DATE

    Fri Aug 23 – Baltimore, MD – CFG Bank Arena ADDED DATE

    Sat Aug 24 – Baltimore, MD – CFG Bank Arena

    Tue Aug 27 – Boston, MA – TD Garden

    Wed Aug 28 – Boston, MA – TD Garden ADDED DATE

    Fri Aug 30 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center

    Sat Aug 31 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center ADDED DATE

    Mon Sep 02 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena

    Tue Sep 03 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena

    Fri Sep 06 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center

    Sat Sep 07 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center

    Mon Sep 09 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center ADDED DATE

    Tue Sep 10 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center ADDED DATE

    Thu Sep 12 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena

    Fri Sep 13 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena ADDED DATE

    Tue Sep 17 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena

    Wed Sep 18 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena ADDED DATE

    Sat Sep 21 – Los Angeles, CA – Intuit Dome

    Sun Sep 22 – Los Angeles, CA – Intuit Dome

    Tue Sep 24 – Los Angeles, CA – Intuit Dome ADDED DATE

    Wed Sep 25 – Los Angeles, CA – Intuit Dome ADDED DATE

    Sat Sep 28 – Oakland, CA – Oakland Arena

    Sun Sep 29 – Oakland, CA – Oakland Arena

    Fri Oct 04 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center

    Sat Oct 05 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center ADDED DATE

    Mon Oct 07 – Austin, TX – Moody Center ATX

    Tue Oct 08 – Austin, TX – Moody Center ATX ADDED DATE

    Fri Oct 11 – Miami, FL – Kaseya Center

    Sat Oct 12 – Miami, FL – Kaseya Center

    Mon Oct 14 – Miami, FL– Kaseya Center ADDED DATE

    Thu Oct 17 – Atlanta, GA– State Farm Arena

    Fri Oct 18 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena

    Sun Oct 20 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena ADDED DATE

    Tue Oct 22 – Charlotte, NC – Spectrum Center

    Wed Oct 23 – Charlotte, NC – Spectrum Center ADDED DATE

    Fri Oct 25 – St Louis, MO – Enterprise Center ADDED DATE

    Sat Oct 26 – St Louis, MO – Enterprise Center

    Mon Oct 28 – Chicago, IL – United Center

    Tue Oct 29 – Chicago, IL – United Center

    Thu Oct 31 – Chicago, IL – United Center ADDED DATE

  • Hip-Hop Education Center & Lincoln Center Collaborate to Celebrate Women in Hip-Hop 

    The Hip-Hop Education Center and Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts (LCPA) will present the inaugural Fresh, Bold & So Def Symposium: A Tribute to Women in Hip-Hop on April 5 at the Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall. This will be the first conference of the three-part series that will spotlight the often-unsung heroines who have played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of Hip-Hop culture.

    Hip-Hop Education Center

    The mission of the Hip-Hop Education Center is to empower individuals and communities by catalyzing social change and equity through research, curated curricula, collaborative programming, career and leadership training, and the development of a living archive. 

    The Fresh, Bold & So Def Symposium aims to showcase the rich tapestry of talent and innovation that these trailblazing women offers in a male-dominated industry as a means of empowering future and seasoned artistic leaders to push Hip-Hop culture forward with new perspectives and daring insight, backed by prominent leaders in the community.

    “The Hip-Hop Education Center is extremely proud to elevate the achievements and contributions of women in Hip-Hop at one of the most prestigious performing arts institutions in our country,” Martha Diaz, the Chief Curator for Hip-Hop Education Center shared, “Having a platform where our history is honored and can be shared, documented, and made accessible to the masses is not only monumental, it is empowering!” She added. 

    B Girl G.I.Jane

    The morning sessions will focus on mostly educating local high school students on the elements of Hip-Hop culture through hands-on workshops, a career cipher, and more, while the afternoon symposium, tailored to industry professionals, will offer panel discussions, fireside chats, performances, and networking opportunities.

    The inaugural celebration will include over seven different panels that will include the DiSRUPTERS: Women Who Dare To Be Different, the first panel moderated by author and journalist Kathy Iandoli on paving new career pathways with trailblazers Erica Ford, founder of violence prevention organization LIFE Camp, also a renowned graffiti artist and designer Claw Money, legendary DJ and radio host Jazzy Joyce, and Rosa Clemente, the first Afro-Latina to run for Vice-President of the United States on the Green Party ticket. 

    BOSS UP! The Art of Negotiation, will be a lecture with Wendy Day, the founder of the Rap Coalition, a not-for-profit organization helping artists navigate the industry more advantageously. GAME CHANGERS: Trailblazer Mentoring The Next Generation of Girls & Women in Hip-Hop, featuring legendary stylist and fashion designer Misa Hylton of Misa Hylton Fashion Academy, Tiffany Miranda of Girls Make Beats, Ladies of Hip-Hop founder Michele Byrd-McPhee, music industry veteran Sophia Chang of Unlock Her Potential, and Shyvonne Sanganoo of Lower East Side Girls Club.  

    Straighten Your Crown: Staying Grounded and Centered in Self-care, a fireside chat with artist and Hip-Hop ambassador Toni Blackman and music industry executive Shanti Das on how community and mental health affect quality of life

    Blow the Whistle: Culture Shifting Women, will be a panel discussion on navigating misogyny in the culture with filmmaker and scholar Rachel Raimist, pioneering MC and author Sheri Sher of the Mercedes Ladies, Elizabeth Mendez-Berry, Vice President and Executive Editor of One World, May Praseuth, Founder and Executive Director of The Good Foot Arts Collective, Juana Sperling of female rap group JJ Fad, and writer and producer Kim Osorio

    Mic Check: First Ladies Cypher, a fireside chat with pioneering MCs Sha-Rock, Pebblee Poo, Debbie D, and Lisa Lee, moderated by Martha Diaz

    The award winning journalist Dr. Joan Morgan will present Hip-Hop Feminist Futurism and later fans will be able to participate in workshops rooted in breaking, beat-making, graffiti, and oral history with Community for Urban Dance & Art, Girls Make Beats, Ladies Love Project, and Lower East Side Girls Club. The panel will host performances by Ladies of Hip-Hop and Full Circle Souljahs of world-renowned Hip-Hop dance duo Kwikstep and Rokafella. 

    Fresh, Bold & So Def Symposium will take place on April 5, 2024, inside Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall. Tickets are Choose-What-You-Pay and go on sale on February 22, and fans can view the full schedule by visiting  LincolnCenter.org/SoDef.

  • 2024 Extreme Music Awards Announce Winners

    On January 13, Empire Live hosted the first-ever Extreme Music Awards 2024, announcing winners in 22 categories. Albany became a headbanger’s paradise as the elite of the Capital Region’s heavy music scene descended upon it in waves.

    Extreme Music Awards winners
    Extreme Music Awards 2024 – Empire Live – Photo by Jon Monaghan

    From up-and-coming talent to wild antics in the mosh pit, the EMAs celebrated the diversity of heavy music in Upstate New York in style. Additionally, the evening was made extra special by a star-studded lineup of presenters. The night finished with an incredible all-star jam that rocked Empire Live to its core. The EMAs made a huge mark in the Capital Region music scene with their booming debut.


    The Black Carpet – Extreme Music Awards 2024 – Photo by Stephanie J. Bartik – IG: @nyrockstarphotographer @518scene)

    Reflecting on the eight-month journey that became the EMAs, Brendan Manley looked back, measuring success by the beaming faces, including organizers, presenters, performers, nominees, and audience. The smiles were the real currency of the evening, perfectly capturing the spirit behind the creation of the EMAs.

    Ralph Renna, a force in the local music scene, praised the teamwork that made the EMAs possible.

    “It took five forces in the local music scene to get it together: myself, Mike Valente, Art Fredette, Fuzz and Brendan Manley. It also took the support of the music scene that we’ve all been involved in for more than 30 years, which got right behind us. I honestly thought there was too much hype behind this whole thing; that it wouldn’t come off the way we expected. It exceeded all our expectations, and we are already working on 2025. We don’t do this for a paycheck. We do this for the love of heavy metal, hardcore and punk rock in Upstate NY.” 

    Ralph Renna

    The Extreme Music Awards 2024 have not only made an impact on the local music scene, but have also set the stage for an even more remarkable chapter in 2025. The Capital Region’s heavy music scene is expected to experience many groundbreaking events in the future thanks to the passion of all those involved.

    For more information and post-event coverage, click here.

    The Extreme Music Awards Winners

    Best Death Metal Band – Skinless

    Best Black Metal Band – Malefic

    Best Doom/Goth/Stoner Band – Gozer

    Best Power Metal Band – Frozen Sun

    Best Prog/Math Metal Band – The Phoenix and the Raven

    Best Hair/Glam/Sleaze Band – The Erotics

    Best Thrash Metal Band – Faced

    Best Grindcore Band – Escuela Grind

    Best Metalcore Band – Downswing

    Best Punk Band – The Hauntings

    Best Hardcore Band – Violent By Design

    Best Hardcore Beatdown Band – Wrong Move

    Best Hardcore Punk Band – Murderer’s Row

    Best Metal Video – Downswing (“Bound To Misery”)

    Best Live Performance – Joe Mansman and the Midnight Revival Band

    Most Brutal Mosh Pit – Invoke Thy Wrath

    Best Merch – Alloy Reign

    Album of the Year – Blackbraid – (Blackbraid II)

    Lifetime Achievement Award – Bob Riley (Murderer’s Row)

    Best New Band – Flatwounds

    Best Veteran Band – The Erotics

    Most Influential Musician – Jason Bittner (Overkill)

  • UB40 Announces Red Red Wine Tour Celebrating 45th Anniversary

    UB40’s summer tour will kick off in NYC on July 2 at Sony Hall on a tour that will feature UB40’s hits as well as songs from their upcoming album, UB45.

    The Red Red Wine Tour will also feature other artists on select dates including The English Beat, Inner Circle, Maxi Priest, Third World, and Fastest Land Animal.

    This upcoming tour marks the third straight year that the band will rock audiences in the US. UB40 will have two dates in New York on July 2 and Aug. 15. Sony Hall in Manhattan will see UB40 kick off the tour live with their world-renowned hits, and new releases. They are also performing at the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theater in Nassau County on Aug. 15.

    “We’re excited to get back to the States again for our third year in a row, as we love coming to America.  We can’t wait to play songs from our new album that we’re so very proud of, showcasing Matt Doyle’s vocals on the tracks. He’s brought a new lease of life to our music, as has the addition of our ‘permanent guest’ MC Gilly G and my son on backing vocals, Matt Campbell, carrying on the legacy. When you play songs over so many years, the arrangements and vocals evolve and change. These updated versions of our hits are still close to the originals, but now reflect how we perform them today and they sound better than ever.”

    Robin Campbell, UB40 Guitarist

    The band’s impactful reggae-pop music will be out in full effect this summer. The talent and influence that UB40 emanates is something to behold live. The band will showcase their abilities in celebration of their 45th anniversary, as well as the release of the UB45 album which commemorates the anniversary as well.

    Red Red Wine 2024 Tour Dates:

    July 2              Sony Hall – New York, NY

    July 3              The Wilbur – Boston, MA

    July 5              The Great Cedar Showroom at Foxwoods Resort Casino – Mashantucket, CT

    July 6              The Event Center at Hollywood Casino – Charles Town, WV

    July 7              Freeman Arts Pavilion – Selbyville, DE

    July 10            Bergen Performing Arts Center – Englewood, NJ

    July 11            OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino – Niagara Falls, ONT

    July 12            FIM Capitol Theatre – Flint, MI

    July 13            The Event Center at Rhythm City Casino and Resort – Davenport, IA

    July 15            Clowes Memorial Hall – Indianapolis, IN

    July 16            Marion Cultural and Civic Center – Marion, IL

    July 18            The Lincoln – Cheyenne, WY

    July 19            The Amphitheater at Canyon’s Village – Park City, UT

    July 20            Shoshone Bannock Casino – Fort Hall, ID

    July 21            Emerald Queen Casino – Tacoma, WA

    July 23            Oregon Spirit Distillers – Bend, OR

    July 25            Mountain Winery – Saratoga, CA

    July 26            Morongo Casino — Cabazon, CA

    July 27            Star of the Desert Arena at Buffalo Bills – Primm, NV

    July 28            Green Music Center Sonoma State University – Rohnert Park, CA

    July 30            Ace of Spades – Sacramento, CA

    July 31            The Greek Theatre – Los Angeles, CA

    August 2          Chumash Casino Resort and Spa – Santa Ynez, CA

    August 3          Wildhorse Pass – Chandler, AZ

    August 4        Casino Del Sol Resort – Tucson, AZ

    August 5          The Bridge at Santa Fe Brewing Company – Santa Fe, NM

    August 8          The Sound at Coachman Park – Clearwater, FL

    August 9          Pompano Beach Amphitheatre – Pompano, FL

    August 10       The Saint Augustine Amphitheatre – St. Augustine, FL

    August 11        King Center for the Performing Arts, Melbourne, FL

    August 15      Eisenhower Park – Harry Chapin Lakeside Theater – Nassau County, NY

    August 16      Seaside Heights Live – Seaside Heights, NJ

    August 17      El Patio – Dorado, Puerto Rico

    August 18      University of the Virgin Islands, Hermen E. Moore Golf Course – St. Thomas – USVI

    Pre-sale is February 7 and 8; and on sale is on February 9 for most shows (unless otherwise listed). Tickets and fan experiences are available for purchase at UB40.GLOBAL.

  • “Songs of the Clash” Compilation Album Drops on International Clash Day

    Alright folks, hold onto your mohawks and leather jackets because we’ve got some exciting news for you punk rock aficionados out there on this, ‘International Clash Day.’ Shared Medium, the cool cats of the arts scene, are dropping a bombshell of an album – Hearts & Minds & Crooked Beats: Songs of The Clash – paying tribute to the legendary punk rock band, The Clash.

    the clash Hearts & Minds & Crooked Beats songs

    First things first, mark your calendars because this bad boy is hitting the streets on what has been coined ‘International Clash Day’. It’s not just your run-of-the-mill album release, though. Nope, this one’s got a heart as big as Joe Strummer’s, because it’s all about supporting the International Rescue Committee (IRC). These folks are the real heroes, helping out those in dire need when the world goes topsy-turvy with conflict and disaster. And this time around, the funds are going to Palestinian civilians who could really use a helping hand.

    Hearts & Minds & Crooked Beats isn’t just your typical cover album. It’s a melting pot of creativity, with bands and visual artists alike pouring their souls into honoring The Clash’s legacy. With names like The Dandy Warhols, Mirah, and Teke::Teke on the roster, you know you’re in for a wild ride. And to top it all off, it’s been mastered by the one and only Ted Jensen, a legend in his own right.

    But wait, there’s more! To really kick things up a notch, Shared Medium is throwing release concerts in Seattle and New York City. Picture this: a room filled with energy, live performances that’ll make your heart race, and visual displays that pay homage to The Clash’s rebellious spirit. It’s like stepping into a time machine and landing smack dab in the middle of punk rock paradise.

    So, what are you waiting for? Grab your safety pins and get ready to rock out because Hearts & Minds & Crooked Beats: Songs of The Clash is about to drop, and it’s all for a darn good cause. Long live The Clash, and long live punk rock!

    For now, the album is only available on vinyl, and all customers will receive a free digital download with vinyl purchase. Pick one up here.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MilRxOFTHZA

  • SPAC Announces Stunning Philadelphia Orchestra Lineup Featuring John Legend, Yo-Yo Ma, Fabio Luisi, Dalia Stasevska and More

    SPAC has announced the 2024 residency of The Philadelphia Orchestra, spanning July 31 to August 17. The stellar event will feature several diverse and unique shows for folks of many tastes.

    Along with this, the lineup included for this orchestra season consist of some monumental names. Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Yo-Yo Ma, John Legend, Fabio Luisi, Dalia Stasevska, Anthony Parnther, David Robertson, Xian Zhang, Gil Shaham, Mason Bates, George Li, Angélique Kidjo are some of the notable names featuring in this lineup.

    Philadelphia Orchestra SPAC

    The Philadelphia Orchestra will provide various intimate and whimsical journeys into sound. The season will include masterworks like the 100th anniversary celebration of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue with the Marcus Roberts Trio.

    “SPAC has become a destination stage for many of the greatest artists in the world and our 2024 season is no exception. From Yannick Nézet-Séguin and Yo-Yo Ma to John Legend and Angélique Kidjo, this year’s programming offers something for everyone highlighting SPAC’s unique ability to bring together the world’s best artists and genres on one stage,”

    Elizabeth Sobol, President and CEO of SPAC

    In addition, Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana will return to SPAC for the first time in over 15 years with Albany Pro Musica. This legend-dense musical explosion is not one to miss. This show simply has sounds for a variety of tastes.

    Jazz Pianist Marcus Roberts

    The Philidelphia Orchestra Itinerary:

    WEDNESDAY, JULY 31 @ 7:30PM: Tchaikovsky Spectacular

    David Robertson, conductor

    George Li*, piano

    Tchaikovsky  “Polonaise,” from Eugene Onegin

    Tchaikovsky       Piano Concerto No. 1

    Tchaikovsky        Romeo and Juliet  

    Tchaikovsky        1812 Overture

    THURSDAY, AUGUST 1 @ 7:30PM: Rhapsody in Blue Celebrates 100

    David Robertson, conductor

    Marcus Roberts Trio

    Johnson             Victory Stride*

    Gershwin          Rhapsody in Blue

    Rachmaninoff     Symphonic Dances

    FRIDAY, AUGUST 2 @ 7:30PM: Angélique Kidjo with The Philadelphia Orchestra

    TBA, conductor

    Angélique Kidjo, vocals

    Following her 2023 Saratoga Jazz Festival debut, five-time Grammy Award-winner and African music icon Angélique Kidjo joins The Philadelphia Orchestra in an all-new program featuring a mix of popular African songs and original works.

    SATURDAY, AUGUST 3 @ 7:30PM: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix™ in Concert 

    Justin Freer, conductor

    Hooper Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix™ (complete with film)*

    The Harry Potter Film Concert Series returns with Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix™ in Concert, the fifth film in the series. Experience the magic of Harry Potter™ soaring across the big screen in high definition, while The Philadelphia Orchestra performs Nicholas Hooper’s unforgettable score. 

    WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7 @ 7:15PM: An Evening With John Legend– A Night of Songs and Stories with The Philadelphia Orchestra

    Anthony Parnther*, conductor

    John Legend*, vocals and piano

    This special performance will feature songs and stories with 12-time Grammy Award-winner John Legend, alongside The Philadelphia Orchestra. Experience intimate reimaginings of his greatest hits (“All of Me,” “Ordinary People,” “Tonight”), unexpected stories from Legend’s life and career, and selections from his most recent release LEGEND (“Nervous,” “Wonder Woman”). 

    THURSDAY, AUGUST 8 @ 7:30PM: Yannick Conducts An Alpine Symphony

    Yannick Nézet-Séguin, conductor
    Jennifer Montone, horn

    Jeffrey Lang, horn

    Chelsea McFarland, horn

    Christopher Dwyer, horn

    Ernesto Tovar Torres, horn

    Schumann           Konzertstück for horns and orchestra

    Strauss                 An Alpine Symphony

    FRIDAY, AUGUST 9 @ 7:30PM: An Evening of Brahms with Fabio Luisi

    Fabio Luisi*, conductor

    Bomsori Kim*, violin

    Brahms             Violin Concerto

    Brahms            Symphony No. 4

    SATURDAY, AUGUST 10 @ 7:30PM: Carmina burana

    Fabio Luisi, conductor
    Audrey Luna*, soprano
    Sunnyboy Dladla*, tenor
    Sean Michael Plumb*, baritone
    Albany Pro Music, chorus

    Beethoven        Symphony No. 8

    Orff                    Carmina burana

    WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14 @ 7:30PM: Gil Shaham Performs Bates

    Dalia Stasevska*, conductor

    Gil Shaham, violin

    Bates                 Nomad Concerto, for violin and orchestra*

    Sibelius             Symphony No. 5

    THURSDAY, AUGUST 15 @ 7:30PM: Dvořák’s Eighth Symphony

    Dalia Stasevska, conductor

    Bartók                   Concerto for Orchestra   

    Dvořák             Symphony No. 8

    FRIDAY, AUGUST 16 @ 7:30PM: Yo-Yo Ma Plays Dvořák

    Xian Zhang, conductor

    Yo-Yo Ma, cello

    Ngwenyama      Primal Message*

    Kodály                   Dances of Galánta*

    Dvořák             Cello Concerto

    SATURDAY, AUGUST 17 @ 7:30PM: Disney’s The Lion King in Concert

    Damon Gupton*, conductor

    Zimmer and John  The Lion King (complete with film)*

    Tickets will be available beginning on February 9 at 10 a.m. for members (tiered by level) and on February 22 at 10 a.m. for the general public. Visit spac.org for details.

  • Stevie Nicks Adds Albany Date to 2024 Tour

    Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Stevie Nicks has expanded her wildly successful 2023 tour with 13 additional performances added. The Live In Concert tour will make stops in New York State on Feb. 14 at the UBS Arena and June 12 at MVP Arena.

    stevie nicks

    General on-sale for the additional dates will begin on Friday, February 9 at 10 a.m. local time at LiveNation.com.

    STEVIE NICKS 2024 TOUR DATES:

    Sat Feb 10 – Atlantic City, NJ – Mark G Etess Arena
    Wed Feb 14 – Belmont Park, NY – UBS Arena
    Sat Feb 17 – Baltimore, MD – CFG Bank Arena
    Wed Feb 21 – Greenville, SC – Bon Secours Wellness Arena
    Sat Feb 24 – Hollywood, FL — Hard Rock Live^
    Wed Feb 28 – New Orleans, LA – Smoothie King Center
    Sun Mar 03 – Omaha, NE – CHI Health Center
    Wed Mar 06 – North Little Rock, AR – Simmons Bank Arena
    Sat Mar 09 – Arlington, TX – AT&T Stadium*
    Sat May 04 — Charlotte, NC — Lovin’ Life Music Fest — First Ward Park+
    Tue May 07 – St. Louis, MO – Enterprise Center – JUST ADDED
    Fri May 10 – Thackerville, OK – WinStar World Casino and Resort^ – JUST ADDED
    Tue May 14 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena – JUST ADDED
    Sat May 18 – San Antonio, TX – Frost Bank Center – JUST ADDED
    Tue May 21 – Highland, CA – Yaamava’ Resort and Casino – JUST ADDED
    Fri May 24 — Napa, CA — BottleRock Festival — Napa Valley Expo+
    Mon May 27 – Salt Lake City, UT – Delta Center – JUST ADDED
    Thu May 30 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena – JUST ADDED
    Tue Jun 04 – Indianapolis, IN – Gainbridge Fieldhouse – JUST ADDED
    Sun Jun 09 – Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun – JUST ADDED
    Wed Jun 12 – Albany, NY – MVP Arena – JUST ADDED
    Sat Jun 15 – Hershey, PA – Hersheypark Stadium – JUST ADDED
    Tue Jun 18 – Grand Rapids, MI – Van Andel Arena – JUST ADDED
    Fri Jun 21 – Chicago, IL – Soldier Field*

  • Goose Announce new Drummer, “Ted Tapes 2024,” Headline Tour Stopping at CMAC and Forest Hills

    It is an exciting day to be a Goose fan as the rock quintet has announced they are bringing new drummer Cotter Ellis to the group, releasing Ted Tapes 2024, an album comprised of instrumental improvisations captured during Ellis’s auditions on drums. And if that wasn’t enough, the group kicks off their new headliner tour this summer, coming to CMAC on June 15 and Forest Hills Stadium on June 29.

    Goose by Zak Radik.

    Goose released their debut album in 2016 and quickly took flight, playing countless shows, and amassing a cult-like following. Known for their unique brand of irresistible songcraft, fluid musicianship, and spirited improvisational performance, the quintet’s 2022 critically acclaimed record Dripfield debuted at #2 on Billboard’s “Top New Artist Albums” chart.

    They have spent much of the past decade on a seemingly infinite tour schedule that includes sold-out headline shows at renowned venues such as Morrison, CO’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Nashville, TN’s Ryman Auditorium, and New York City’s hallowed Radio City Music Hall; a sold-out co-headline run alongside Trey Anastasio Band; a sold-out EU/UK headline tour, and show-stealing appearances at such festivals as Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, Newport Folk Festival, Electric Forest, and Dead & Company’s Playing In The Sand in Riviera Cancun, MX. Recent highlights include a sold-out, five-night run at the historic Capitol Theater and 2023’s 10th annual Goosemas holiday celebration at Hampton, VA’s famed Hampton Coliseum.

    “I first saw Cotter play with his band Swimmer at Nectar’s some years ago,” says Rick Mitarotonda. “I was sitting solo at one of the bar tables right in front of the stage with the PA ripping. The set was awesome, they’re all fantastic players and I was taken with the buoyant energy and how much fun they were having. Something had me glued to the drums though. His pocket and feel were gripping. He really told a story with his playing that night. It was an experience that always stuck with me.”

    These Ted Tapes tracks are improvisational moments from the first few sessions with Cotter, recorded solely for the purpose of reference, not intended for any kind of release. The instruments and microphones were rigged up quickly, and the playing was raw and free from any expectations. The first track, “Leo,” is the opening pick up jam from the first session, the first notes ever played together. There were some consistent threads we all felt in the room throughout these early sessions; ease of communication, freely flowing ideas, and a feeling of effortlessness moving through different zones. We experienced a patience that allowed all of our personalities to come out and energy to well up in new ways. It feels like a door just beginning to open. We couldn’t be more stoked for what’s to come.

    Rick Mitarotonda

    A ticket pre-sale lottery for all newly announced dates begins Feb. 6 at noon (ET) and will continue through Saturday, February 10, at 5 pm ET. VIP and Travel Package pre-sales begin Wednesday, February 7 at 10 am (local). Lottery winners will be charged and notified via email by the evening of Thursday, February 15. Public on-sales are set to begin Friday, February 16 at 10 am (local). For more information, please visit here. One dollar for each ticket sold will be donated to Greenpeace.

    goose forest hills CMAC new drummer

    GOOSE – TOUR 2024

    MAY

    24-26 – Chillicothe, IL – Summer Camp Presents Solshine: A Music & Arts Reverie †

    JUNE

    4 – St. Louis, MO – The Factory

    5 – St. Louis, MO – The Factory

    7 – Greenwood Village, CO – Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre

    8 – Greenwood Village, CO – Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre

    10 – Omaha, NE – Steelhouse

    11 – Kansas City, MO – The Midland 

    12 – Indianapolis, IN – Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park

    14 – Swanzey, NH – Northlands Music & Arts Festival (Two Sets) †

    15 – Canandaigua, NY – CMAC

    16 – Cleveland, OH – Jacobs Pavilion

    18 – Raleigh, NC – Red Hat Amphitheater

    20 – Atlanta, GA – Fox Theatre

    21 – Atlanta, GA – Fox Theatre

    22 – Atlanta, GA – Fox Theatre

    23 – Charlotte, NC – Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre

    25 – Portland, ME – Thompson’s Point

    26 – Portland, ME – Thompson’s Point

    28 – Philadelphia, PA – Mann Center

    29 – New York, NY – Forest Hills Stadium

    30 – New Haven, CT – Westville Music Bowl

    † Festival Appearance