NYS Music 2024

Category: News Desk

  • 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.

  • Everett Bradley’s Holidelic Arrives This Holiday Season at Sony Hall

    Grammy-nominated singer/percussionist Everett Bradley’s persona Papadelic as funk’s Father Christmas, bringing funk-lore to Sony Hall for a Holidelic holiday show on Sunday, December 22.

      Having performed with the likes of Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, and SEAL among others, Everett’s use of funk is cleverly told through 70’s and 80’s inspired originals, with reimagined classics celebrating diversity and love as one nation under a groove.

      Everett Bradley brings to life the role of Papadelic, funk’s Father Christmas, a combo of George Clinton and a soulful Santa. He weaves this psychedelic holiday tale with humor, heart and booty shakin’ grooves played by a P-funk clad band of top shelf misfits Papadelic affectionately calls dysFUNKtional. Sony Hall will be an ideal setting for Bradley’s favorite two worlds, a theatre with a club dance floor.

      Bradley has perfected his funk holiday magic into a Christmas classic, called “A flashy, bass-heavy retro-futuristic take on the holidays” by The New Yorker and “A holiday funk-tacular” by Time Out New York.

      An additional show has been announced on December 20 in Red Bank, NJ at LIVE at The Vogel. Tickets for Holidelic are available here.

    • Union College and The Egg Announce Eisenhower Dance Detroit Residency

      Union College and The Egg have announced details for the four-day residency by Eisenhower Dance Detroit from October 15-18. 

      Eisenhower Dance Detroit Residency

      The residency includes community outreach, a professional experience for local dancers and a public performance at The Egg.

      A mini-residency in mid-September included an audition for local college dancers and a rigorous weekend rehearsal process for those selected. Jolita Brettler, Melanie De La Cruz, Ava DuBoff, Hailey Dunn, Livi Gwinnett, Grace Newcombe, Emily Tobar and Abby Wilder, all Union College dancers, will perform “State of Mind” by Eisenhower Dance Detroit (EDD) Executive Director Stephanie Pizzo alongside members of EDD at The Egg on Friday, October 18.

      About working with the Union students, EDD dancer Lillie Hamilton said, “We admired their eagerness, dedication, maturity and focus.”  About the experience of learning and rehearsing the work in a brief period of time, De La Cruz claimed, “Honestly, I feel stronger, both physically and mentally.” Dunn added that the intensity of the process was “challenging emotionally, physically and socially but I feel as though I have grown both as a dancer and as a human being.”

      The residency is made possible by the partnership of the venue and college as well as a major gift from Gus (Union class of ’59) and Sue Davis (Sage class of ’60) in memory of their daughter Stephanie.

      The residency culminates at The Egg on Friday, October 18. From 7:15pm to 7:45pm, Laurie Zabele Cawley, Interim Dance Director at Union College, will partake in a pre-show talk with EDD’s Pizzo conversing about the company and the evening’s program.  The 8pm performance will feature “Legacy Island” by Filipino Norbert De La Cruz III; “En-code” by Australian, disabled choreographer Marc Brew; “Hyper” by hip-hop ballerina Micaela Taylor and “See Me” by the athletic Christian Denice. The aforementioned “State of Mind” will close out the evening.

      Returning to the Capital Region in mid-October, the company will conduct three lecture/demonstrations, three movement workshops and eleven master classes at Union College and seven other locations in the local area. The activities will reach participants from elementary age to senior citizens. 

      The schedule of activities is found below. Activities with an asterisk are free and open to the public

      Tuesday, October 15

      Two movement workshops at Mont Pleasant Middle School from 1:09pm to 2:42pm

      Two dance technique classes at Schenectady High School from 1:08pm to 2:41pm

      An advanced modern dance class at Skidmore College from 3:40pm to 5:30pm

      An intermediate ballet class in Union’s Henle Dance Studio from 5pm to 6:30pm

      Wednesday, October 16

      An intermediate modern dance class at Skidmore College from 10:10am to 12pm

      An intermediate ballet class at Emma Willard School from 3:45pm to 5:15pm

      A movement workshop for Proctors’ Acting Academy from 4:15pm to 5:15pm

      An intermediate modern class in Union’s Henle Dance Studio from 5pm to 6:30pm

      Thursday, October 17

      An introductory modern class at UAlbany from 10:30am to 11:50am

      An adult/senior class in Union’s Henle Dance Studio from 11:15am to 12:30pm

      Two lec/dems at the Albany Academies between 11:30am and 12:30pm

      A mixed genre exploratory class for adults & seniors at SPAC’s School of the Arts from 12:45pm to 2pm*

      An open master class in Union’s Henle Dance Studio from 6pm to 7:15pm*

      A lec/dem in Union’s Henle Dance Studio from 7:30pm to 8:30pm*

      Tickets for the Eisenhower Dance Detroit performance are $35 and $45 and may be purchased in person at The Egg box office at the Empire State Plaza, by calling 518-473-1845 or online.

    • 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.

    • Oasis Announce Two Shows at MetLife Stadium

      Iconic English rock band Oasis has announced the North American Leg of their historic OASIS LIVE ’25 world tour which features two shows at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ.

      The North American leg, produced by Live Nation and SJM, will see Oasis play stadiums in Toronto, ON;  Chicago, IL; East Rutherford, NJ; Los Angeles, CA; and Mexico City, MX, next summer with Cage The Elephant as the special guest across all dates. Currently, the Oasis Live ’25 tour boasts shows in at least five countries – UK, Ireland, US, Canada, and Mexico. This historic world tour plans to go to other continents outside of Europe and North America later next year.

      The previously announced dates on the Oasis Live ‘25 tour sold out immediately culminating in the biggest concert launch ever seen in the UK and Ireland, with over 10 million fans from 158 countries queuing to buy tickets. Days after their return, the band claimed their 8th UK No. 1 album with the 30th anniversary of their electrifying debut album Definitely Maybe, while at the same time occupying two other spots in the top 5 UK albums chart. 

      Oasis Live ’25 Tour Dates

      JULY 2025

      4th – Cardiff, UK – Principality Stadium (SOLD OUT)

      5th – Cardiff, UK – Principality Stadium (SOLD OUT)

      11th – Manchester, UK – Heaton Park (SOLD OUT)

      12th – Manchester, UK – Heaton Park (SOLD OUT)

      16th – Manchester, UK – Heaton Park (SOLD OUT)

      19th – Manchester, UK – Heaton Park (SOLD OUT)

      20th – Manchester, UK – Heaton Park (SOLD OUT)

      25th – London, UK – Wembley Stadium (SOLD OUT)

      26th – London, UK – Wembley Stadium (SOLD OUT)

      30th – London, UK – Wembley Stadium (SOLD OUT)

      AUGUST 2025

      2nd – London, UK – Wembley Stadium (SOLD OUT)

      3rd – London, UK – Wembley Stadium (SOLD OUT)

      8th – Edinburgh, UK – Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium (SOLD OUT)

      9th – Edinburgh, UK – Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium (SOLD OUT)

      12th – Edinburgh, UK – Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium (SOLD OUT)

      16th – Dublin, IE – Croke Park (SOLD OUT)

      17th – Dublin, IE – Croke Park (SOLD OUT)

      24th – Toronto, ON – Rogers Stadium* 

      25th – Toronto, ON – Rogers Stadium* (JUST ADDED)

      28th – Chicago, IL – Soldier Field*

      31st – East Rutherford, NJ – MetLife Stadium* 

      SEPTEMBER 2025

      1st – East Rutherford, NJ – MetLife Stadium* (JUST ADDED)

      6th – Los Angeles, CA – Rose Bowl Stadium* 

      7th – Los Angeles, CA – Rose Bowl Stadium* (JUST ADDED)

      12th – Mexico City, MX – Estadio GNP Seguros*

      13th – Mexico City, MX – Estadio GNP Seguros* (JUST ADDED)

      27th – London, UK – Wembley Stadium (SOLD OUT)

      28th – London, UK – Wembley Stadium (SOLD OUT)

      *All of these dates go on sale on Friday, October 4 at 12 pm.

      General ticket on-sale will begin on Friday, October 4 at 12 pm. For more information on the tour and to purchase tickets, click here.

    • Lost Radio Rounders To Perform Benefit Concert In Albany

      The Historic American Music trio Lost Radio Rounders will return to Albany to perform a concert benefiting Guilderland Food Pantry on October 24.

      Eddie Award-nominated Lost Radio Rounders is a Historic American Music Trio that presents themed programs and concerts of Acoustic American Roots to folks in Upstate New York and beyond. Members Tom Lindsay, Michael Eck, and Paul Jossman each bring a variety of instrumental skills and musical backgrounds including guitar, bass, piano, mandolin, banjo, ukulele, dobro, vocals, and more.

      The trio, best known for their blend of historical spirituals, folk hymns, and gospel blues, have dedicated themselves to the history, education, and performance of American sounds, consistently bringing folks together for the sake of live performance- and much more.

      In an exciting return to a pre-pandemic practice of theirs, the Lost Radio Rounders will be bringing their act to the Hamilton Union Presbyterian Church’s stage in Guilderland for a night of live music with a cause on Thursday, October 24. Benefiting the Guilderland Food Pantry, the concert will be completely free of charge and instead  encourages donations to the cause.

      Joining the Rounders will be an old friend of the trio, vocalist and harmonica ace Ryan Dunham. An Albany local, Dunham hails from roots rockers Red Haired Strangers. He’s no stranger to performing alongside Lost Radio Rounders, his unique musical presence guaranteeing an elevated live experience that is not one to be missed.

      As mentioned, the musical benefit will be free to attend, and all donations will go to the Guilderland Food Pantry. To learn more about the evening of music for a cause on October 24 at the Hamilton Union Presbyterian Church, you can visit the Lost Radio Rounder’s website here.

    • Jamie McLean Band To Bring One Step Forward Tour Across New York

      New York City based Americana and roots-rock group Jamie McLean Band will be bringing their One Step Forward Tour, celebrating their upcoming release of the same name, to four venues across New York State.

      A triple threat of New Orleans soul, middle Americana roots, and New York City dazzle, Jamie McLean Band create energetic and captivating live experiences each and every time they step on to the stage. Fronted by McLean himself with southern soul vocals, deft guitar skills, and heartfelt, profound songwriting, the band’s live performances are brought to life with the collaboration of drummer Brian Griffin, bassist Chris Anderson, and the return of Jamie McLean Band’s original keyboardist, Jon Solo.

      Following six albums, several singles, and a handful of live releases, Jamie McClean band returns with One Step Forward, to be released on October 25. Featuring themes of life, loss, and love, the tracks of One Step Forward explore the bright lights that provide joy and motivation as well as the heavier experiences of loss and grieving. 

      Written after the loss of a dear friend to suicide, one of the most poignant tracks on the album “Don’t Leave Us Now” grapples with the tragedy and calls listeners to action- to help the ones they love around them, and to help themselves, as there is no shame in being the one in need.

      The One Step Forward Tour, which began on August 22 in Pawling, coincides with their upcoming release and will continue throughout the country- including upcoming stops at the Falcon in Marlboro on October 4 and The 443 Social Club & Lounge in Syracuse on October 12, in addition to later dates at the Colony in Woodstock on November 8  and the Drom in New York City on November 22.

      Tickets for the tour are on sale now. Visit Jamie McLean Band’s website here for further information and ticket purchasing.

      The full list of upcoming tour dates is featured below.

      TOUR DATES

      October 4 – Marlboro NY

      October 12 – Syracuse NY

      October 13 – Waterbury VT

      October 17 – Richmond VA

      October 18 – Vienna VA

      October 25 – Boston MA

      October 26 – Providence RI

      November 1 – Fairfield CT

      November 2 – Westerly RI

      November 8 – Woodstock NY

      November 9 – Egremont MA

      November 15 – Columbia MD

      November 16 – Hampton VA

      November 17 – Lewes DE

      November 22 – New York NY

      November 23 – Ardmore PA

      November 29 – Narragansett RI

      November 30 – Portsmouth NH

      December 5 – Monkton MD

      December 6 – Greensboro NC

      December 7 – Asheville NC

      December 8 – Charlotte NC

      December 11 – Atlanta GA

      December 12 – Charleston SC

      December 13 – Durham NC

      December 14 – Roanoke VA

    • The All-Original Music Matinee Hosts Show at The Warehouse in Amityville on October 13

      On the eve of Indiginous People’s Day at The Warehouse in Amityville, Long Island, Original Music Matinee will host an extensive, original, musical bonanza.

      Original Music Matinee

      The show begins at 2pm sharp on October 13 and lasts for eight hours. In that time frame, at least 10 bands are to perform, with a variety of genres in store. All the bases are to be covered here – acoustic to metal to punk to pop and more. The show sees a variety of bands from the Long Island area including Ramener, The Buddy System Forever, Hostile Intent, Sharp Violet, Terror Garden, The Walk-a-bout, Deladie, and Original Gossip.

      Performing as solo acts are fellow Long Island artists Stephen Robinson and Richie Schweers. These two artists kick off the show with their acoustic jams and soulful voices before the heavy metal, punk and hard rock bands take the stage to change the pace. The real kicker is, to see all these talented performers is only 10 bucks.

      The All-Original Music Matinee at Prohibition promotes local artists and bands who create original pieces, contrary to cover/tribute bands. The aim of this organization is to get these up-and-coming, original acts on bills akin to that of tribute bands, like bar venues and event spaces in Long Island.

      Original Music Matinee
      Terror Garden Live at The Village Pub in Long Island

      All-Original Music Matinee Schedule

      2:00-2:30 Stephen Robinson (Solo Acoustic)

      2:45-3:15 Richie Schweers (Solo Acoustic)

      3:30-4:00 Ramener (Metal)

      4:15-4:45 The Buddy System Forever (Indie Punk)

      5:00-5:30 Hostile Intent (Metal)

      5:45-6:15 Sharp Violet (All-girl power punk)

      6:30-7:15 Terror Garden (Hard Rock/Metal)

      7:30-8:15 The Walkabout (Australian rock)

      8:30-9:15 Deladie (Female-fronted melodic punk and metal)

      9:30-10:15 Original Gossip (Rock ‘n Roll)

      Original Music Matinee
      Ramener

      For more information on the upcoming All-Original Music Matinee at The Warehouse and to purchase tickets online, click here.

    • National Sawdust Announces Album Playcast Series “Live from National Sawdust” Beginning October 18

      National Sawdust has announced the release of their 3-part album playcast series, Live from National Sawdust. The first of this series to release is Joy on October 18.

      Live from National Sawdust

      Drawing from the countless transportive and transcendent performances presented and recorded live at National Sawdust over the decade since its inception, the series—part playlist, part podcast, part radio show—offers a curated journey through the evolution of contemporary music.

      New Sounds presents playcast selections on its daily show on WNYC Radio and the full playcasts, with commentary from hosts Prestini and Ousley is presented from their YouTube channel. The music featured in the playcasts will also be available on Apple Music Classical.

      Amidst its 10-year Anniversary season recalling the groundbreaking musical and sound-based work shared in one of the best-sounding halls in New York City, National Sawdust now brings these singular performances to listeners everywhere.

      Live from National Sawdust
      Co-Founder Paola Prestini

      The initial drop from this series features pieces that fall under the theme of joy — followed, in November, by Faith, and December, by Healing. For the first time, listeners can experience these vibrant pieces, specially mined from the National Sawdust archive.

      Joy features works by composers including Andy Akiho, Bach, Beethoven,  Magos Herrera, Emma O’Halloran, Caroline Shaw, and Paul Wiancko. The first collection Joy also includes performances from Andy Akiho, Aizuri Quartet, Attacca Quartet, Theo Bleckmann, Magos Herrera, The Refugee Orchestra Project, Brooklyn Rider, Ian Rosenbaum, and Chris Thile.

      As Live from National Sawdust explores its given theme, each episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the creative processes of artists, blending live performances, studio recordings, and intimate interviews. These playcasts give listeners an immersive experience and takes them on a journey through the minds of the artists and the stories behind the music.

      Host Andrew Ousley

      To listen to the playcast series Live from National Sawdust on October 18, click here. To learn more about National Sawdust and their background click here.