NYS Music 2024

Category: News Desk

  • SPAC Announces 2024 “Sounds of the Season” Holiday Series

    Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) has announced that its popular “Sounds of the Season” holiday series will return from December 13-15 in Spa Little Theater.

    Sounds of the Season

    The show features genre-defying trio Time for Three (DEC 13), Damien Sneed (DEC 14) leading “A Gospel Holiday” celebration, and GRAMMY-nominated vocal ensemble VOCES8 (DEC 15). Time For Three is back by popular demand following their “Sounds of the Season” appearance in 2023. Known for energetic performances that seamlessly merge classical, Americana, modern pop, and singer-songwriter styles, the trio will bring special arrangements of holiday favorites alongside original music.

    Making his return to the Spa Little Theater stage on December 14 is multi-genre recording artist and instrumentalist Damien Sneed alongside his band. Sneed will present his new production of “A Gospel Holiday” featuring his original arrangements of gospel, jazz, and classical holiday favorites including Silent Night, The Christmas Song and Jesus, Oh What A Wonderful Child.

    The “Sounds of the Season” series will culminate on December 15 with 2023 GRAMMY-nominated British vocal ensemble VOCES8 for its “Winter Tales” program. Following their SPAC debut in 2019, the a cappella group will perform a mix of holiday music spanning centuries from Es ist ein Ros’ entsprungen to Let it Snow. The announcement marks the continuation of SPAC’s year-round programming in the Spa Little Theater, which is inclusive of a fall, holiday and spring season and is part of SPAC’s mission to present year-round programming.

    Sounds of the Season
    Time for Three

    “Sounds of the Season” Program Schedule:

    A Time For Three Holiday

    Friday, December 13 | 7 PM

    Defying conventions with genre-bending excellence, Time For Three’s captivating sound merges classical, Americana, modern pop, and singer-songwriter styles, and their charismatic performances push creative boundaries. In addition to incredible arrangements of Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, Led Zeppelin and others, the trio featuring Charles Yang (violin, vocals), Nicolas “Nick” Kendall (violin, vocals), and Ranaan Meyer (double bass, vocals), will present original music and special arrangements of holiday favorites.  

    Damien Sneed: A Gospel Holiday

    Saturday, December 14 | 7 PM

    A multi-genre recording artist, Damien Sneed is a pianist, vocalist, organist, composer, conductor, arranger, producer, and arts educator. Sneed returns to SPAC with an all-new project, “A Gospel Holiday,” featuring his original arrangements of gospel, jazz, and classical holiday favorites like Silent Night, The Christmas Song and Jesus, Oh What A Wonderful Child.

    VOCES8: Winter Tales

    Sunday, December 15 | 7 PM

    Touring globally, the group showcases their diverse musical expression and versatility through an extensive repertoire ranging from the Renaissance to contemporary. Their program “Winter Tales” features a mix of holiday music spanning centuries from Es ist ein Ros’ entsprungen to Let it Snow.

    Damien Sneed

    For more information on “Sounds of the Season” at SPAC and to purchase tickets click here.

  • Wire Festival Returns to Knockdown Center

    Wire Festival has announced the fourth installment of the world-class techno festival to take place at Knockdown Center from May 16-18, 2025.

    Wire

    In addition to its core programming, Wire also hosts community engagement events such as a series of Talks programmed in partnership with RA. Before the show, an industry meetup event will allow artists, organizers, booking agents, and label owners to connect with each other. Finally, the festival transforms the already-iconic venue with stunning, unique, and commissioned light installations. 2024’s collaboration with France’s Collectif Scale was the most ambitious work yet featured. Additional installations included pieces from NY’s Inner Light and Studio Gum Gum. The festival has grown steadily and organically, moving from strength to strength, creating a space for world-class techno and more amidst a thriving NY ecosystem.

    The beloved, Ambient Stage will make a return in 2025. Introduced in 2023, the Ambient Stqage encourages artists to stretch into the unfamiliar. This year, Wire expanded from its initial two-night template to include a third-day program. Beginning right after the Saturday night rave, the Sunday program will run all the way from early morning through the evening.

    Since 2022, Wire has platformed the most vital underground dance music, highlighting some of the genre’s most esteemed artists, freshest voices, and essential collectives. Previous standout acts include Jeff Mills, Surgeon (live), DJ Stingray 313, and showcases from Mala Junta, Bassiani, Herrensauna, and more. Wire Festival aims to highlight some of the city’s most adventurous artists while finding and sharing new talent.

    Weekend passes are on sale now. Single day passes and lineup will be released in 2025. Learn more and purchase tickets here.

  • 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.”

  • Dave Chappelle + Killer Mike To Hit MSG in Co-headlining Tour

    Dave Chappelle + Killer Mike will join together for ‘Still Talkin That SH*T!’ their 2024 national tour. The duo will hit The Theater at Madison Square Garden on Thursday, Nov. 21.

    DAVE CHAPPELLE + KILLER MIKE

    Comedic legend Dave Chappelle, the 2019 recipient of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, a five-time Emmy winner, and three-time Grammy winner for Best Comedy Album, is generally considered one of the greatest comedians of all time. For the first time, he will be joined by rapper, entrepreneur, and activist, Killer Mike. His most recent album MICHAEL, earned him three Grammy Awards, and BET’s Album of the Year award for its complex portrait of Black southern masculinity.  Together with the Mighty Midnight Revival, they have announced their co-headlining 2024 tour. The seven-city cross-country tour will feature a fusion of music and comedy across a joint set that will stop at Madison Square Garden a week before Thanksgiving.

    This event will be a phone-free experience. Upon arrival at the venue, all phones, smartwatches, and accessories will be secured in individual Yondr pouches, which will be unlocked at the end of the event. Guests will maintain possession of their devices at all times and can access them throughout the event only in designated Phone Use Areas within the venue.

    Tickets are available now on Ticketmaster. 

    Dave Chappelle + Killer Mike 2024 Full Tour Dates: 

    Fri Nov 15 – Detroit, MI – Fox Theatre

    Sun Nov 17 – Atlanta, GA – Fox Theatre 

    Mon Nov 18 – Rosemont, IL – Rosemont Theatre

    Wed Nov 20 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway 

    Thu Nov 21  – New York, NY –  The Theater at Madison Square Garden

    Sat Nov 23 – Oakland, CA – Paramount Theatre

    Sun Nov 24 – Long Beach, CA – Long Beach Terrace Theater

  • 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.

  • Who To See at the 7th Annual Washington Heights Jazz Festival 

    The 7th Annual Washington Heights Jazz Festival boasts a list of over 60 musicians performing across local venues- get the scoop on the lineup and special events to attend.

    Now in its seventh year, the Washington Heights Jazz Festival serves as a platform for the jazz creatives and cultural diversity of Upper Manhattan. Historically featuring both established and emerging artists, the festival aims to create an inclusive environment for music lovers while fostering and strengthening the Washington Heights community as a whole.

    With performances taking place across several stages in local venues, the Jazz Festival showcases the best of today’s New York City jazz scene while honoring the area’s rich cultural diversity through their performances for jazz lovers of all ages and backgrounds. 

    “We are thrilled to bring together such a diverse group of musicians and celebrate the rich jazz heritage of Washington Heights. This festival is a testament to the vibrant arts community in our neighborhood and the power of jazz to connect us all.”

    – Louise Rogers, Artistic Director

    This year’s Festival was kicked off with an exciting set of pre-festival events on October 25 and 27, with Ethan O’Reilly on bass and Olli Hirvonen on guitar bringing jazz to Cabrini Wines and the 2024 Jazz Composition Competition Winner Meg Okura hosting a “Meet the Composer” performance at the Castle Village Community Room where she performed and discussed excerpts of her commissioned piece “Reharmonizing Identity.”

    Night one opened on Halloween with the iconic Aimée Allen Quartet performing at Le Cheile.

    Night two on November 1 is to feature George Michael, John Albin, and Ethan O’Reilly at 181 Cabrini and the exciting Festival All-Star Jam, in which Festival performers will jam together alongside Annette Aguilar’s String Beans at Kismat in partial support from the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council. Both performances are to be completely free of charge.

    Saturday, November 2 boasts an expansive list of performances including Louise Rogers’ Jazzy For Kids family-oriented show, the Noah Bless & Latin Soul Party with support from a Creative Engagement Grant from the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, The Chidi Trio, Shareef Clayton & Friends, The Steve Slagle Quartet, The Manual Valera Trio, 2024 Jazz Composition Competition winner Meg Okura, Vanisha Gould, and Rachel Therrien’s Latin Jazz Projects. 

    All Saturday events are to be ticketed and held at Le Cheile, and all-day passes are available for unlimited access to all of the day’s events at $50. 

    The Festival will conclude on November 3 with a free Jazz Brunch with the StringJazz Trio of WaHi at Le Creparis, Nicki Adams and Michael Eaton at The Lounge at Hudson View Gardens, and a free Latin Jazz Party with Tres Gatos at Dutch Baby Bakery.

    To learn more about the 7th Annual Washington Heights Jazz Festival, find specific set times, and purchase tickets, visit the official website here.

    Festival Schedule:

    Thursday, October 31st

    8pm Aimée Allen Quartet – Le Cheile

    Friday, November 1st

    5-7pm George Michael, John Albin, & Ethan O’Reilly – 181 Cabrini  FREE

    7-10pm The Festival All-Star Jam, Festival performers jamming with Jazz WaHi, featuring Annette Aguilar’s String Beans (partially supported by the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council) – Kismat FREE

    Saturday, November 2nd

    11am Louise Rogers’ Jazzy for Kids  Jazz for Young Children aged 2-6 and their families.

    1pm Noah Bless & Latin Soul Party  Supported by a Creative Engagment Grant from the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council.

    2:15pm The Chidi Trio

    3:30pm Shareef Clayton & Friends

    4:45pm The Steve Slagle Quartet

    6pm The Manuel Valera Trio

    7:30pm Meg Okura: Reharmonizing Identity. Jazz Composition Competition 2024 winner.

    8:50pm Vanisha Gould

    10:10pm Rachel Therrien’s Latin Jazz Project

    Sunday, November 3rd

    12-2pm Jazz Brunch with StringJazz Trio of WaHi – Le Creparis  FREE

    3-4pm Nicki Adams and Michael Eaton – The Lounge at Hudson View Gardens

    5-7pm Latin Jazz Party with Tres Gatos – Dutch Baby Bakery  FREE

    (All Saturday events are ticketed and will be held at Le Cheile.)

  • Mikaela Davis Announces Intimate Acoustic Solo Tour

    Rochester born singer-songwriter, producer, and harpist Mikaela Davis has announced a solo and acoustic tour throughout the northeast, including four stops in New York State. 

    Mikaela Davis Solo

    Multi-talented vocalist, producer, songwriter, and harpist Mikaela Davis has been making waves since her initial release Delivery in 2018. Graduating from the Crane School of Music with a degree in harp performance, Davis bends the rules of genre and sound to her will with each release as she melds her classical training with 60s pop melodies, psychedelia, and driving folk rock.

    Since her debut in the industry, Davis has shared the stage with the likes of Bob Weir, Phil Lesh, Christian McBride, Bon Iver, Lake Street Dive, and Circles Around the Sun alongside her band members Alex Coté, Cian McCarthy, Shane McCarthy, and Kurt Johnson.

    photo by Daniel Bocchino

    Mikaela’s upcoming endeavor, however, takes on a less explored and much more personal shape- she has announced a series of six shows throughout the northeast that will feature John Lee Shannon of Circles Around the Sun on the guitar, herself, and her harp. The stripped-back series of six evenings on some of the northeast’s most beloved stages will allow for Davis’ harp background to shine even brighter. 

    Experimenting with new ideas as well as reimagining some old, she will be making appearances in Albany, Homer, Kingston, and Rochester over the course of the tour’s run in a string of special shows that fans new and old will not want to miss.

    Mikaela Davis Solo

    Tickets for Davis’ upcoming tour are on sale now, including shows at Ophelia’s in Albany on November 19, the Center for the Arts of Homer on November 20, Senate Garage in Kingston on November 23, and ARTISANworks in Rochester on November 24. For more information and ticket sales, visit her website here.

    Mikaela Davis Solo Tour Dates

    November 19: Ophelia’s – Albany, NY

    November 20: Center for the Arts of Homer – Homer, NY

    November 21: The Parlor Room – Northampton, MA

    November 22: The Lamp Shop – Burlington, VT

    November 23: Senate Garage – Kingston, NY

    November 24: ARTISANworks – Rochester, NY