Fall Fest will debut at Buffalo Central Terminal on October 12. Guests can expect everything from live music, awesome activities and various vendors for a day of fall fun.
Fall Fest 2024 features live music and local bands, food trucks, beer and wine vendors, no-mess pumpkin decorating, henna artists and face-painting. Festgoers can also expect carriage rides and photo installations, local vendors for laser engraved products, embellished glassware, clothing, books, syrups, health and beauty care products, and much more.
The musical artists featured for October 12 are Chuckie Campbell and Diyene. Chuckie Campbell is a hip-hop artist who originated in Buffalo. He plans to dazzle audiences with his impressive wordplay and poetry-forward rapping style. Diyene is a funk-soul-pop fusion band based out of Buffalo as well. Their distinctive sound is characterized by heartfelt lyrics and catchy hooks, delivered through powerful performances bursting with energy.
âWestern New Yorkers have a long history of celebrating fall. On Oct. 12, Fall Fest will combine traditional community aspects of events like Oktoberfest with family-friendly contemporary elements for an unforgettable experience for people all ages.”
Monica Pellegrino Faix, Executive Director of the Central Terminal Restoration Corp.
The Fall Fest takes place from 11am to 3pm at 495 Paderewski Drive, Buffalo. For more information on this free event, click here.
Formed at Yale in 1986, NYC-based band Crash Harmony has released the second single from their upcoming first-ever album, No One Asked for This, set to be released on Oct. 18.
“Orange Background” is the newest song from the indie rock group Crash Harmony, and it will be included on their debut album, No One Asked for This, set for release on Oct. 18 through the Montclair, NJ-based label Magic Door Record Label. The band draws influence from acts like The Replacements, Hüsker Dü, Big Star, and R.E.M, contributing to the song’s clear ’90s vibe, which fits it comfortably within the group of other ’90s indie bands, particularly R.E.M.
Now based in NYC, Crash Harmony consists of Dave Derby (The Dambuilders, Gramercy Arms, Lloyd Cole), Nils Nadeau, Jon Nighswander, and Mike Potenza (The Anderson Council). Formed in 1986 at Yale University, the band played its last gig in May 1988 and hadn’t performed together again until 2022. After more than 30 years apart, they reunited to record this 10-track album, releasing the lead single, “Velour Goddess,” on Aug. 20. The album was recorded with renowned producer Ray Ketchem (Guided by Voices, Luna, Elk City, Gramercy Arms) at Magic Door Recording and is already available for pre-order.
“‘Orange Background’ is a letter from our college selves to our grown selves and also, in a way, from Generation X to what we have now in the world,” says Nadeau. “It’s also the only one, played back, that might have made me wet-eyed for a minute”.
On Monday, Oct. 14, The Albany Symphony and the Empire State Youth Orchestra will offer the chance to rehearse and perform with a professional symphony orchestra in a “Symphony Side-by-Side” at MVP Arena in Albany.
Following the success of last year’s “Movie Music Play-In,” which engaged more than 1,500 people, the Albany Symphony and the ESYO have announced a special free family-friendly event, entitled “Symphony Side-by-Side,” that is designed to engage and entertain audiences of all ages.
Members of the ESYO along with high school and college students from across the Capital Region, will join forces with the Grammy Award-winning Albany Symphony. Together, they will rehearse and perform, gaining invaluable experience in the professional symphonic performance process. Musicians from both the Albany Symphony and ESYO will perform a dynamic selection of music—ranging from blockbuster hits in film, television, and video games to beloved symphonic classics—while sitting literally side by side.
ESYO, a not-for-profit organization founded in 1979, has been recognized as a premier music education/performance program for youth and has received three ASCAP awards.
The event will culminate in a grand finale featuring community musicians of all ages, celebrating the unifying power of music. For the finale, audience members are invited to join the stage with their instruments for a lively performance of John Williams’ iconic “Imperial March” and Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy.” Community members can choose to participate at different points throughout the concert.
Families can also enjoy a variety of activities, including an “instrument petting zoo,” where children can explore and try out different musical instruments.
The Park Theater Foundation has partnered with The Hub in Brant Lake to present the Adirondack Americana music series.
Founded as a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the Glen Falls community with live entertainment, The Park Theater Foundation has provided a venue for quality and affordable entertainment and educational opportunities in the performing arts for folks in the area time and time again.
Their most recent endeavor, Adirondack Americana, is a music series presented in partnership with The Hub. Throughout September and October, an engaging set of indie-americana acts will take the stage at The Hub in Brant Lake to perform live sets that are completely free to the public.
The first of the Adirondack Americana performances will be a double feature of indie-americana band Mipso member Joseph Terrell and ‘Dream Country’ glitz-and-groove band Blue Cactus on Saturday, September 28.
The second show on Saturday, October 12 will be performed by Saratoga Springs based band Little Saints, who describes their sound as a healthy blend of americana, indie-folk, and modern soul.
The venue for Adirondack Americana is truly one-of-a-kind. The Hub is a bike shop, a bar, a cafe, a concert venue, and more all wrapped into one. With scenic views over a perfect space to bike, hike, or paddle across Brant Lake, The Hub brings folks of all passions together- an energy that matches the Adirondack Americana attitude perfectly.
Both evenings of free music will commence at 4:00 PM at The Hub. For further information on the performances and how to attend, visit The Park Theater Foundation’s website here.
Billy Joel will return to the Dome in Syracuse for his 8th career performance, and he’s bringing along Sting with him. The pair will rock the JMA Wireless Dome on Friday, April 11, 2025.
The iconic musicians will each perform their most beloved songs from throughout their illustrious careers. The spectacular show is Billy Joel’s eighth appearance at the JMA Dome and first since 2015, a record-breaking statistic.
Billy Joel and Sting Syracuse jerseys – photo by CNY Central
This show will mark Sting’s first time at the JMA Dome as a solo artist, having appeared twice before in performances with The Police in 1982 and 1984).
“We’re excited to have both Billy Joel and Sting back at the JMA Dome. Both have been here before and have helped draw some of our biggest audiences to date. With this show, Billy will be extending his record number of Dome performances to eight over a nearly 25-year period. We’re grateful to again work with Live Nation on another big concert event and can’t wait to host it. It’ll be a great show,” said Pete Sala, vice president and chief campus facilities officer, managing director of JMA Dome.
Tickets go on sale on Friday, October 4 at 9 a.m. here.
Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) in partnership with Caffè Lena have announced the return of the free annual “Caffè Lena @ SPAC” festival which will be held on Saturday, Oct. 5 from midday to 5:30 pm.
The festival will feature five bands that explore roots, rock, funk, bluegrass, jazz, pop, and indie-folk including Nation Beat with Melanie Sholtz, Wild Adriatic, and others for one day only on Oct. 5. The free event will take place on SPAC’s Charles R. Wood Stage, and will give audiences a wide variety of genres and styles to listen to throughout the day.
The “Caffè Lena @ SPAC” festival highlights a unique, ongoing collaboration between the arts center and the folk music venue. Caffè Lena has been recognized as the largest continuously operating folk music venue in the United States since opening in 1960 in historic downtown Saratoga.
The collaboration between SPAC and Caffè Lena first launched in 2017, which included jointly curated and presented programs at both venues. Guests are welcome to bring in food, drink, blankets and lawn chairs for the concerts. Food concessions will also be available. The concerts will take place rain or shine.
“Everyone in the crowd treats this event as a gift, and it really is,” says Sarah Craig, executive director of Caffè Lena. “SPAC is a huge organization compared to Caffè Lena, but we both have our hearts in serving the community where we live. We want to be accessible and have the art that happens on our stages be here for everyone. This festival puts those values into action.”
The Waterhole of Saranac Lake has announced its full October schedule, which will include the conclusion of this season’s “Party on the Patio,” the debut of Rocktober Fest, and a Halloween Bash/Costume Contest to close out the month.
Raisinhead on the patio
Kicking off the month on Thursday, Oct. 3, Mal Maiz will blend traditional cumbia with psychedelic grooves, Latin, reggae, and Afro-Caribbean sounds. Based out of Burlington, VT, Costa Rican Brujo, Maiz Vargas Sandoval and his Afro-Latino Orchestra are an East Coast dance band with both traditional and modern flair.
The next day, on Oct. 4, a new annual event called Rocktoberfest will debut. Super 400, a Troy, NY-based band that closed out the 2023 party season with a high-energy rock performance, will play on the patio, with food provided by Kate Mountain Farm and Oktoberfest beer from Zero Gravity.
On Oct. 10, Drew Foust & The Wheelhouse will make their Waterhole debut. The Wheelhouse is an amalgamation of some of the best musicians in the Piedmont region of North Carolina. Together, Drew and the band contribute to heartfelt songwriting showcasing their signature southern soul nâ roll sound.
Raisinhead will play the Season Finale Party on the Patio on Oct. 17. The band has built a strong following in Upstate New York, promising audiences an interactive evening of sound, energy, and pure fun. Help us bid farewell to our beloved concert series.
The annual Halloween Bash and costume contest on Oct. 26 will feature Underground System, a band that has captivated Saranac Lakers with their hypnotic, infectious grooves. This six-piece band from NYC blends dance club vibes with Afrobeat, Latin rhythms, and musical influences from around the world. Special guests New Planets will open the night, blending diverse sonic narratives and performing dance music that defies borders and genres.
Full Waterhole October 2024 Schedule:
Thursday, Oct. 3 – Mal Maiz (Party on the Patio, 6-10 PM)
Friday, Oct. 4 – Super 400 (Rocktoberfest on the Patio 6-10 PM)
Thursday, Oct. 10 – Drew Foust & The Wheelhouse (Party on the Patio, 6-10 PM)
Thursday, Oct. 17 – Raisinhead (Party on the Patio, 6-10PM)
Saturday, Oct. 26 – Underground System wsg. New Planets (Halloween Bash, 7 PM-1 AM, $15 Admission)
The Waterhole in Saranac Lake is a 21+ venue. All events are free unless otherwise noted. Concert tickets are available for purchase on the Waterhole website.
The Oswego Music Hall has announced their latest calendar listings from September 27 to December 7. Kicking off this season of events is guest host Jane Zell, who steers the series into action.
All ages and experience levels are welcome at the Oswego Music Hall. Budding performers, singer-songwriters and musicians of all genres are given an opportunity to perform in a supportive environment using cutting edge professional sound and lighting equipment.
Syracuse Native, Jane Zell finds her groove in musical variety. Influenced early on by the country blues, Jane learned to finger pick and lace single lines into her rhythm playing. She performs classic covers along with crowd pleasing originals laced with blues, funk, and jazz. A solid guitar player, vocalist and songwriter, Zellâs performances are upbeat, warm, expressive, and oft-times willful.
Guests can expect the National Stage 47th Season. This series contains five shows each with a unique and enchanting musical performance. This season includes shows by Alice Howe & Freebo, Peter Mulvey, Carsie Blanton, Abbie Gardner, and the McKrells.
The wheelchair accessible venue is located in the McCrobie Civic Center, on 41 Lake Street in Oswego. It is adjacent to Breitbeck Park and overlooks Lake Ontario and the Oswego Harbor. The atmosphere is intimate with candle-lit tables surrounding a small stage with light refreshments available.
Oswego Music Hall is a family-friendly, non-profit organization that has been run entirely by volunteers since its inception in 1977. Volunteers can earn admission to shows through various tasks â from running the sound board to making popcorn. Students can also earn credit for community service.
Alice Howe and Freebo
2024 Oswego Music Hall Events Calendar
National Stage 47th season
Sept 28 Alice Howe & Freebo w/Cam Caruso opening
Oct 19 Peter Mulvey w/ Mark Wahl opening
Nov. 2 Carsie Blanton
16 Abbie Gardner w/Ryan David Green (from Ryanhood) opening
Dec. 7 The McKrells
Open Mic Friday
Sept. 27 Jane Zell
Oct. 18 Steve Watson
Nov. 1 Bob Raymonda
Nov. 15 Rich Hart
Dec. 6 Marc Warner
Guest Curator Jazz-by-the-Lake
Oct. 26 Opus Black Strings (Jazz-by-the-Lake)
Nov. 23 Taj (Jazz-by-the-Lake)
Carsie Blanton
For more information on Oswego Music Hall’s upcoming events and to purchase tickets, click here.
The appearances are endless and features over 200 international and local music acts. Eclectic Overdrive is hosting the event and a rebranded Rochester experimental week is back.
The goal of the Avant Garde A Clue and Eclectic Overdrive is to open minds and hearts through the transformative power of music, making it a must-attend event for lovers of avant-garde art.
Among the standout acts is Doom Dogs, an improv supergroup that has innovated their own category of music. Doom Dogs includes guitarist Reeves Gabrels, known for his work with The Cure and David Bowie, master drummer Jonathan Kane from Swans and experimental genius Jair-Rohm Parker Wells.
Renowned percussionist Tatsuya Nakatani from Osaka will showcase his distinctive sound using adapted bowed gongs, drums, and singing bowls while the legendary band, Gong will bring their genre-defying music to the festival highlighting their storied history since forming in a French commune in 1967. Other notable performances include Frank Hurricane who draws inspiration from the mystical landscapes of North Carolina and recently featured on PBS.
Additionally, multi-instrumentalist Gabriel Ahkmad Marin, celebrated for his mastery of diverse musical scales and innovative sound manipulations. Wendy Eisenberg an improviser and songwriter who seamlessly weaves through genres such as jazz to Avant-rock to even delicate sounds. Also, Rushadicus, a cellist provocateur whose performances blend black metal with immersive theater, will take the stage offering an experience that is both hilarious and deeply unsettling.
Admission is free and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Once capacity is reached, the policy is one-in, one-out to ensure everyone has a chance to experience the music.
The New York Philharmonic has announced details of its 2024-25 season that will explore Afromodernism through a program of concerts, free performances and events, and a parallel museum exhibition.
Artwork: Jon Key
A cultural cornerstone of New York City for the past 180+ years, the New York Philharmonic has connected with up to 50 million individuals through live concerts in New York and abroad thus far. Founded in 1842 by a group of local musicians, the Philharmonic is one of the oldest symphony orchestras in the world, and the oldest in the United States. Since its foundation, the New York Philharmonic has performed in 436 cities in 63 countries across five continents.
This lengthy history has not resulted in the Philharmonic existing within the past, however. As accessibility to music, public interest, and the context classical music exists within have shifted and expanded, the New York Philharmonic has adapted likewise. Spanning international broadcasts on television, radio, and online alongside archival recordings and educational programs, the Philharmonic has always been on the cutting edge of reaching and connecting people through music.
The upcoming 2024-25 season in particular will feature explorations and celebrations of the voices of Black creators and examine the influence of contemporary Africa and the African diaspora upon the modern arts movements, from music to fashion and more.
Presented through a combination of subscription concerts, a free performance by the International Contemporary Ensemble co-presented by the Museum of Modern Art, a NY Phil Young People’s Concert, and a series of complementary presentations, the New York Philharmonic will highlight the experiences, creations, and impacts of artists across the African diaspora throughout time.
Photo: nyphil.org
A series of concerts will be the highlight of the Philharmonic’s exploration, with Music of the African Diaspora on October 17 and 18, Young People’s Concert: The Future is Unity on October 19, and Sound On – Composing While Black, Volume II on October 25.
Music of the African Diaspora will consist of works by four black American composers spanning nearly a century to be conducted by Thomas Wilkins; Carlos Simon’s Four Black American Dances, Nathalie Joachim’s Had to Be– a Philharmonic co-commission and New York Premiere featuring the New York Philharmonic debut of cellist Seth Parker Woods as a soloist, David Baker’s Kosbro, and William Grant Still’s Symphony No. 4, Autochthonous.
The October 18 concert will include a pre-concert talk accessible to all ticket holders for the evening moderated by Juilliard professor Fredara Hadley, who will be speaking with panelists Seth Parker Woods, Nathalie Joachim, Barnard College professor Monica L. Miller, and Harvard University professor Carol Oja.
Conductor Thomas Wilkins will also lead the Young People’s Concert: The Future is Unity on October 19 with a program featuring pieces from Music of the African Diaspora’s collection, selections from Nigerian composer Fela Sowande’s African Suite and Florence Price’s Symphony No. 1, and Very Young Composer Isai Rabiu’s Aye Ni Ilu.
On October 25 the Museum of Modern Art will join in partnership with the Philharmonic for a free performance by International Contemporary Ensemble as a part of the Philharmonic’s Sound On contemporary music series.
Titled Composing While Black, Volume II, the concert will examine international perspectives of the African diasporic experience through pieces by composers Jalalu Kalvert-Nelson, Daniel Kidane, Hannah Kendall, Tebogo Monnakgotla, Joshua Uzoigwe, and Leila Adu-Gilmore. The program builds upon ICE’s Composing While Black: Volume I, titled after the scholarly compilation of essays composed by ICE’s artistic director in collaboration with Harald Kisiedu, Composing While Black.
In addition to the musical performances, the New York Philharmonic is presenting several events and a museum exhibition in parallel to their exploration of Afromodernism, including The Unanswered Questions panel discussions and the Africa’s Fashion Diaspora exhibition.
The Unanswered Questions is a two-part panel series featuring “Afromoderism and the Arts” on October 15 at CUNY’s Graduate Center which will examine the decolonization of modernism through the African diaspora’s impact on music and the arts and “Styled for Survival: How Music and Fashion Converge” on February 19 at The Museum at FIT, a conversation tracing the intentional connections between sound and attire, the history of Black dandyism, and more.
The museum exhibition Africa’s Fashion Diaspora will take place at the Museum at FIT on October 7, 9, 21, and November 20. The exhibition will examine fashion as a medium for storytelling and a designer’s tool to contribute to longstanding and evolving ideas of transnational Black cultural spaces.
The exhibit will explore designers from Africa, the Americas, and Europe who construct and interpret their local and community cultures while simultaneously reaching across geography to tie Black cultural practices together through their designs. Talks and tours will be held in the space as well.
Tickets to the New York Philharmonic performances can be purchased online here. Reservations to attend Africa’s Fashion Diaspora and The Unanswered Questions: Afromodernism and the Arts are free but required, and can be made on their respective web pages here and here.
Reservations for Composing While Black, Volume II and The Unanswered Questions: Styled for Survival are also free but required, and will be available at a later date. Keep up to date on the Philharmonic’s web page here.
