Jones Beach State Park has announced that on November 22, Magic of Lights drive-through light show is returning for the holiday season. The event lasts from Nov 22 to Jan 4.
Magic of Lights, the family-friendly, drive-through holiday lights festival, is celebrating the grandest holiday of the year with a dazzling, sparkling, and twinkling series of magical light displays in a 2.5-mile drive-through experience, the longest and brightest ever, at Long Island’s Jones Beach State Park beginning on November 22 and running nightly through January 4. Inside the comfort of their own vehicle, guests will enjoy Magic of Lights’ classic holiday favorites including Winter Wonderland, the 12 Days of Christmas, Toyland, festive Elves and Reindeer Road. In addition to the 200 foot long Enchanting Tunnel of Lights, there will also be other new light tunnels to delight and amaze.
Other illuminated displays include the 32-foot-tall, animated Mattel’s Waving Christmas Barbie®, Prehistoric Christmas featuring life sized dinosaurs celebrating the season, and the legendary BIGFOOT® Monster Truck. Created with over two million sparkling lights, Magic of Lights is a nostalgic and festive event everyone will enjoy. The Toyota Holiday Village, which allows guests to walk through a magical out-of-car area featuring Santa Photos, refreshments, and other holiday activities, will also return at both locations. A new augmented reality feature will be introduced this year as well to make the magical experience even more interactive, with details set to be released in November.
The Magic of Lights uses the latest CAD technology and is hand-crafted at the Magic of Lights warehouse in Medina, OH, then, transported to Long Island. The displays combine for more than 10 miles of LED lighting across all presentations, in the trees, and on the buildings. There are 10 different colors of LED bulbs used. The highest scene is 32-feet tall, and the longest is several hundred feet long.
The steel displays are designed, bent, cut, and welded into about 800 frames combined in different configurations to create each show’s giant winter holiday scenes. Magic of Lights is open Sunday through Thursday from 5 p.m. (dusk) until 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. (dusk) until 11 p.m. Admission is $30 in advance or $35 at the gate on weekdays and $30 in advance or $40 at the gate on weekends through November. Price is based per car. Special pricing is available for limousines and buses.
Group ticket rates are available and can be purchased online. For dates, times, and ticket availability, visit magicoflights.com.
A benefit concert for Creative Music Studio will be held at (Le) Poisson Rouge in Greenwich Village on Wednesday, Dec. 11.
This special event will feature a diverse lineup of artists performing everything from experimental surf rock to poetry to beloved tunes by Medeski Martin & Wood through both solo and improvised group jam sessions. Artists such as Ava Mendoza, Billy Martin aka illy B, and Joe Russo, will be performing at the benefit, among other instrumentalists and poets. All proceeds from this show will go to the Creative Music Foundation.
Creative Music Studio aims to engage musicians and listeners through workshops, recordings, and concerts worldwide. For 40 years, Creative Music’s main program was the Creative Music Studio, a physical 45-acre campus in Woodstock NY where musicians lived. Residents include hundreds of Guiding Artists, including several MacArthur ‘Genius’ Award winners (George Lewis, John Zorn, Cecil Taylor, John Cage, Charlie Haden). Over 550 concerts were recorded and were digitized as part of the CMS Archive Project.
Since 2008, (Le) Poisson Rouge has had indie rock, contemporary classical, electronica, metal, jazz, world music, and everything in-between on its stage. in the heart of New York City’s historic Greenwich Village to reflect the rich musical culture of the city it calls home. A Gallery Bar that hosts art exhibitions, stand-up comedy, and drag queen bingo make LPR the most eclectically independent venue in NYC.
General Admission – Advance Standing room tickets – $51.50 | 7:00 PM GA doors
The Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra has announced a new concert entitled “Thresholds,” the second event of the M&T Bank Symphonic Series. This event takes place on November 16 at Broome County Forum Theatre.
Composer Hilary Purrington
The program opens with young composer Hilary Purrington’s 2020 piece “Threshold,” an atmospheric soundscape of driving rhythms that explores the boundaries between motion and stillness. Next is Felix Mendelssohn’s evocative Hebrides Overture, one of the masterworks of 19th-century Romantic program music. Finally, the Philharmonic will conclude with the first performance of a symphony by Anton Bruckner in our region in 60 years, the Sixth Symphony in A Major, a monumental work long celebrated for the complexity of its harmonic language and the profundity of its emotional impact. The Philharmonic’s performance of Bruckner’s Sixth Symphony, coinciding with the 200th anniversary of the composer’s birth, will be an unforgettable experience for seasoned classical music lovers and new audiences alike.
The public is invited to a Pre-Concert Chat at 6:30pm, “Mist and Myth in 19th-Century Music,” led by the Philharmonic’s Director of Education and Community Engagement Dr. Julia Grella O’Connell, about the visual and historical imagination in Mendelssohn and Bruckner. The main event begins at 7:30pm. Tickets are $28 to $69. Kids 17 and under attend free, thanks to Symphonic Series Sponsor M&T Bank. Today, the Binghamton Philharmonic serves up to 10,000 people annually through innovative, engaging, and affordable programming, meeting its mission of “Building Community Through the Power of Live Music.” This upcoming “Thresholds” program encapsulates the organization’s mission statement beautifully.
For more information on the Binghamton Philharmonic’s upcoming “Thresholds” concert and to purchase tickets, click here.
In celebration of The Black Parade, My Chemical Romance will play the album in its entirety on a 2025 stadium tour. Dates include MetLife Stadium on August 9, (with special guest Death Cab for Cutie and Thursday) and Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia on August 15 (with special guest Alice Cooper).
After performing The Black Parade album in its entirety at the most recent When We Were Young Festival, My Chemical Romance (Gerard Way, Ray Toro, Frank Iero, and Mikey Way) will be celebrating The Black Parade this coming summer. The iconic album was named one of Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Albums of All Time.” The band will be performing the full album in only ten cities across North America. Each show will feature a different renowned act to open for the band.
Since the band’s 2002 self-released debut album, the New Jersey natives have proved to be definitively one of the most popular and enduring alt bands of the 2000s. Both 2004’s Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge and 2006’s The Black Parade have been certified platinum three times.
Tickets go on sale this Friday, November 15, 2024 at 10 am. Learn more and purchase tickets here.
“Long Live” The Black Parade 2025 Tour Dates:
July 11, 2025 – Seattle, WA – T-Mobile Park
Special Guest: Violent Femmes
July 19, 2025 – San Francisco, CA – Oracle Park
Special Guest: 100 Gecs
July 26, 2025 – Los Angeles, CA – Dodger Stadium
Special Guest: Wallows
August 2, 2025 – Arlington, TX – Globe Life Field
Special Guest: Garbage
August 9, 2025 – East Rutherford, NJ – MetLife Stadium
Special Guests: Death Cab for Cutie and Thursday
August 15, 2025 – Philadelphia, PA – Citizens Bank Park
Special Guest: Alice Cooper
August 22, 2025 – Toronto, ON – Rogers Centre
Special Guest: Pixies
August 29, 2025 – Chicago, IL – Soldier Field
Special Guest: Devo
September 7, 2025 – Boston, MA – Fenway Park
Special Guest: IDLES
September 13, 2025 – Tampa, FL – Raymond James Stadium
Prospective performing musicians have announced show cancellations at the East Village’s Rockwood Music Hall following the venue’s sudden closure.
Known for their seemingly never ending roster of all flavors of live music, Rockwood Music Hall has built quite the reputation for themselves over the past twenty-odd years of operating.
Boasting up to ten performances a day by local, national, and global artists alike on their nine-by-nine foot stage, Rockwood provided smaller artists the chance to work with a larger venue with high-quality production and fans the opportunity to know they’re a part of something much bigger than themselves.
Many household names got their start at Rockwood, including Sara Bareilles, Lady Gaga, and Elle King among countless others. With such an extensive daily schedule, artists were offered opportunities to return routinely and build their audience while retaining 100% of merch sales made within the venue’s walls – something invaluable to smaller acts.
In addition to their live performances, Rockwood records thousands of live shows each year with many being released formally. Notable live releases include Johnnyswim, The Marcus King Band, and Gretchen Parlato’s Grammy-nominated “Live in NYC” album.
It’s for all of these reasons and more that the sudden removal of Rockwood’s events calendar on their website and subsequent announcements from several upcoming performers of show cancellations left regulars and newcomers alike in shock.
Posts from New York’s Finest’s Oscar Bautista, Americana artist Arielle Silver, and several others detail the surprise and disappointment felt in response to an e-mail seemingly received by all artists on the morning of November 10 that were booked for upcoming and future dates at Rockwood .
“Due to circumstances beyond our control, this Rockwood Music Hall location has closed its doors today, Sunday November 10 2024. Hence all shows going forward are cancelled. Apologies for the short notice and thank you for your support. Please reach out if needed.”
– Rockwood Music Hall, in email to artists
The end of Rockwood Music Hall marks the end of an era for New York City’s music scene, and it’s not difficult to say the same for the music industry as a whole. A beloved venue for avid music listeners and up-and-coming stars alike, the loss of Rockwood is sure to be felt sorely.
As of writing, there is no formal announcement on Rockwood Music Hall’s website or social media accounts concerning the venue’s closure.
On Friday, November 22 at 8 pm, saxophonist Eric Alexander and his quartet will perform a set of bebop jazz at Flushing Town Hall.
Eric Alexander, joined by David Williams (bass), Neal Smith (drums), and Rick Germanson (piano), has been described by NPR as “one of the finest bebop saxophonists in the world.” After releasing more than 40 albums as a quartet or sextet leader, and being heard in over 100 albums that feature his playing, Alexander has been on the cutting edge of the jazz scene for over 30 years.
Eric Alexander started on the piano at the age of six and took up the clarinet three years later. He switched to alto sax when he was 12 and studied classical music. When he was 18 years old, he fell in love with jazz and settled for the tenor saxophone. At William Paterson College in New Jersey, he advanced his studies under the tutelage of Harold Mabern, Joe Lovano, Rufus Reid, and others.
In 1991, Alexander placed second behind jazz saxophonist Joshua Redman, and ahead of Chris Potter, in the Thelonious Monk International Saxophone Competition. He then decided to become a professional jazz musician. In 1992, Alexander released his debut album, Straight Up for Delmark. More recordings followed, including Man with a Horn (1997) and a 1998 quartet with George Mraz, John Hicks, and Idris Muhammad, Solid!. That year also marked Alexander’s first recording with One For All, his enduring jazz sextet with Jim Rotondi, Steve Davis, Joe Farnsworth, Peter Washington, and Dave Hazeltine.
”Jazz plays such an important part in the history of Queens,” says Clyde Bullard, Flushing Town Hall’s Jazz Producer in Residence. “We at Flushing Town Hall want to continue the legacy of great jazz with outstanding established as well as emerging jazz artists on our stage. We are delighted to welcome the extremely talented Eric Alexander.”
Cooperstown Concerts has announced that indie rockers ‘Annie in the Water’ are performing their electrifying sound at the Otesaga Hotel on November 15.
Blending elements of Americana with indie rock and infusing their sets with acoustic guitars, synthesizers and a thunderous rhythm section, Annie in the Water transcends genres, offering fans an exhilarating musical journey. With influences spanning rock, soul, funk, reggae and hip-hop, the band’s live shows are a unique experience, with each performance a new adventure that evolves in response to the crowd’s energy. Their infectious grooves and feel-good rhythms are sure to get everyone on their feet, dancing the night away.
The audience at the November 15 show will be joining the band in celebrating the release of their latest album, Things to Do, which explores their deep connection to Upstate New York, the place the band calls home. Described as a “love letter” to the region, the album has garnered praise for its rich, multi-genre sound. Prior to this album, their latest full-length album was 2022 with Sun at Dawn. Between these two albums, the band released several singles in 2023 – “Sailing,” “Honeybee,” and “Frozen Lake.” Many of their singles, EPs and albums have amassed thousands of streams in only a short timeframe.
Because every show is different, experiencing the music of Annie in the Water live can be compared to paddling with a river. At times you may find yourself in the calm of the flow while at other times you may be deep in the rapids while the music churns and grows in energy. With the ebbs and flows you’re reminded of the constant that you are a part of something greater than yourself, working together with the forces around you and caught in the midst of a beautiful moment in time.
With decades of history and a reputation for excellence, Cooperstown Concerts has been a cornerstone of the local music scene, bringing together a community of music enthusiasts and hosting unforgettable performances. The 2024-2025 season continues this tradition of excellence, featuring a diverse lineup that invites audiences to explore new sounds, discover emerging artists, and enjoy timeless favorites.
Founded 55 years ago, Cooperstown Concerts has served as a home for live music – dedicated to bringing an eclectic mix of world-class live music to our community. With a commitment to diversity in programming and a deep connection to its audience, Cooperstown Concerts offers an opportunity for people to come together, experience and engage with high-quality music from around the globe and enjoy a great performance close to home.
Alice in the Water live at Funk n Waffles
For more information on Annie in the Water’s upcoming show in Cooperstown on November 15, their latest album Things to Do, and to purchase tickets or the album, click here.
Saxophonist, multi-wind artist, composer, and arranger Kris Jensen will perform a one-time intimate show at The Other Side in Utica on Nov. 16. Door opens at 7:00 p.m.
Kris Jensen, a versatile musician, has performed throughout the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, Bangkok, Thailand, and Switzerland. Jensen has performed alongside many prominent artists in both jazz and rock, most notably, the legendary Allman Brothers Band and many of the individual members’ bands including Gregg Allman and Friends, Jaimoe’s Jasssz Band, Dickey Betts and Great Southern. He has also played with trumpet legend Maynard Ferguson, and many others.
In 1996, Jensen was a semi-finalist in the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition. He has studied Jazz and African-American music at the University of Hartford, where he would later teach. Jensen has recently appeared with jazz legends such as trombonist Curtis Fuller, alto saxophonist Phil Woods, and pianist Larry Willis. He has appeared on New Jersey Public Television with Maynard Ferguson, on “Late Night with David Letterman” with Gregg Allman & Friends, and on stage with The Allman Brothers Band, and The Dave Matthews Band.
The Other Side is a small community space dedicated to offering a platform for expression to artists and activists from around the region and beyond. Since 2007, The Other Side has been the go-to destination for jazz musicians and audiences alike.
Orrin Evans adds, “I have been listening to our next jazz guest, saxophonist, flautist & composer Kris Jensen and I’m happy to report that our music director, Dr Mike Dubaniewicz has done it again. Kris Jensen is a ‘beast’ whether blowing w/ the Allmans or with a jazz contingent. The backing band w/ Mike D. on sax, Dan Pugh on organ and Mike Cortese, drums is going to rock the joint.”
Learn more about The Other Side in Utica and purchase tickets here.
Rochester fan-favorite live music venue Anthology has announced its official reopening with two upcoming shows following their surprise closure in 2022.
Opened in 2015, Anthology quickly grew to be one of Rochester’s favorite concert halls. With names including but not limited to Bleachers, Anthrax, Bad Suns, Twiddle, and Andy Frasco & the U.N. gracing their stage, Anthology brought in fans from local units and big names alike while cultivating a uniquely sophisticated yet down-to-earth live music environment.
Known for their intimate show atmosphere despite having the room to house a few hundred concertgoers, Anthology’s reputation as a venue was generally one of upscale but not snobbish attendee experience with a gorgeous interior to boot all the way up to its closure.
With little to no fanfare, Anthology closed its doors in the summer of 2022- much to the local community’s surprise and dismay.
While there were never any formal announcements posted to the venue’s website or social media accounts, any and all posts that indicated as such have been wiped from their pages following the groundbreaking announcement made on November 12- Anthology’s doors will open once again.
Anthology veterans and indie rock unit Joywave seem to be in thanks for Anthology’s return. In conversation with CITY Magazine, Joywave member and vocalist Daniel Armbuster explained that their search for a venue to house a homecoming show for their fall tour led to the fateful conversation with owner and operator, Phil Fitzsimmons.
“I said, ‘hey, how about you reopen Anthology? We need it.’ He listened. Horrible lesson for me. I’ll be walking around town making suggestions forever now. The Irondequoit Bay Bridge should be open year round. Please tell the county executive for me.”
– Phil Fitzsimmons
Joywave’s hometown shows and Anthology’s victorious return comes in the form of “JOY 2 THE WORLD: A Two Night Event Featuring Joywave”. The Christmas spirit will be in full effect over the band’s doubleheader on December 20 and 21.
For more information on how to attend and celebrate the return of one of Rochester’s beloved concert venues, check out Anthology’s Facebook post for the event here.
To keep up to date on everything Anthology and future shows, be sure to check out the venue’s official website here.
Returning for their 21st year, the Native American Music Awards has announced the list of nominees for this year’s ceremony, in addition to opening the public voting ballot.
Originally debuting at Foxwoods in Connecticut in 1988, the Native American Music Awards has traveled the country in its celebration of Indigenous music, drawing in audiences from near and far as they honor the best of the best in today’s Native American musicians.
With over 200 artists in consideration each year, official nominees are selected by the national Advisory membership before being brought to the public.
Now over 20 years into the tradition, over one million people join the voting process through the public ballot forum in addition to the Advisory’s votes. In an exciting announcement, the NAMA has made the 2024 nominee list and opened voting to the public.
The public voting ballot is open now on NAMA’s official website. To learn more and cast your ballot, visit here.
