NYS Music 2024

Category: News Desk

  • Dispatch Joins Boston Pops at Tanglewood to Close out August

    On Aug. 31, Dispatch and the Boston Pops will conclude Tanglewood’s 2024 popular artist concert series. 

    Dispatch tanglewood

    Chad Urmston, Brad Corrigan, and Pete Heimbold formed their Indie band Dispatch in the 90’s as they were attending Middlebury College in Vermont. The band is most known for their songs “The General” and “Band Bang.” After Graduating, they relocated to Boston to further the band’s influence. In 2002, after six albums, the band thought Dispatch had come to an end and even performed a farewell concert in Boston Known as “The Last Dispatch” two years later.

    Although the band did take a break from recording and creating music this wasn’t truly “The Last Dispatch.” They came together for multiple benefit concerts in the following years and in 2011 they announced their official reunion. Today, Corrigan and Urmston make up the band and in 2021 they released Break Our Fall.

    Joining this indie jam band is Grenadian-Canadian jazz vocalist, Kaia Kater. Her music is a genre blend of Appalachian and Canadian folk. She started releasing music straight out of high school with her first EP Old Soul in 2013. Her most recent album Strange Medicine is a reflection of Kater’s life and a celebration of marginalized people.  

    Dispatch tanglewood

    Singing alongside these three artists are the Boston Pops who have performed several times throughout Tanglewood. This concert series located in the Berkshire mountains of Western Massachusetts is the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and offers classical concerts as well as performances from contemporary artists.

    To purchase tickets to Dispatch’s performance you can visit the Tanglewood website here.

  • Manic Kat Records Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary With Festival

    Manic Kat Records, an independent record label based out of Pomona, NY, celebrates its tenth anniversary this year.

    In honor of their tenth birthday, Manic Kat Records hosts their very own music festival featuring their signed artists. This festival takes place September 13th and 14th at Olive’s in Nyack.

    manic kat records

    Over the last decade, Manic Kat Records has cemented itself as an independent punk music label that focuses on the growth and prosperity of its artists. Manic Kat has represented some of the most prolific names in the punk music scene, such as Ryan Cabrera, Todd Morse (Offspring/H2O), and Showoff, along with new artists who are on their way to joining the list of punk icons. 

    Manic Kat’s ventures have taken them down multiple paths. In the last ten years, they have collaborated with other entertainment centers like American Colosseum Wrestling (ACW) to host wrestling events, and launched a mobile app, Punk Hub Live, in the midst of a global pandemic to keep fans in touch with artists after live performances had been shut down.

     “This anniversary is a celebration of all the hard work, dedication, blood, sweat, and tears we have all put in to get us where we are today!” says CEO and founder Peter James. “I feel as though this milestone is even more special since we not only overcame the normal obstacles every business encounters, but were also able to survive a global pandemic and come out on the other side with continued growth and the passion to find and cultivate an amazing roster of artists.” 

    Much like their fifth anniversary, Manic Kat celebrates with another two-day festival. Hosting Magic Kat’s festival is McKenzie Mitchell, former ACW superstar, further cementing the incredibly strong relationship between the two organizations. On September 13 and 14, Magic Kat brings out an extensive lineup, all consisting of artists signed to their label. The full lineup of the punk powerhouses will be released soon. Both festival dates begin at 6 pm. Tickets start at $25 online, $30 at the door.

    For more information and tickets to Manic Kat Records’ anniversary show, visit the label’s website.

  • All the Concerts at the 2024 Great New York State Fair

    Heading to the 2024 Great New York State Fair? There are plenty of attractions and rides, but don’t sleep on two stages of free live music each day!

    2024 Great New York State Fair

    The Great New York State Fair was founded in 1832 by a group of local farmers for agriculture and local fairs, The Great New York State Fair became a musical showcase in the 1950s and 1960s. A variety of artists perform at the fair, including popular and up-and-comers.

    Performances can be found on the Chevy Court Stage and Suburban Park. Both stages are free with the price of admission.

    Chevy Court Stage

    Aug 22 @ 1 p.m.- RVSHVD

    Aug. 22 at 6 p.m. – Ace Frehley

    Aug. 23 at 1 p.m. – Sophie B. Hawkins

    Aug. 23 at 6 p.m. – Sister Sledge

    Aug. 24 @ 1 p.m. – KIDZ BOP

    Aug. 24 @ 6 p.m. – Ying Yang Twins

    Aug. 25 @ 1 p.m. – The Elders

    Aug. 25 @ 6 p.m. – Dax

    Aug. 26 at 6 p.m. – CAIN

    Aug. 26 @ 1 p.m – Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone

    Aug. 27 at 6 p.m. – Blue Öyster Cult

    Aug. 27 at 1 p.m. – Little Anthony

    Aug. 28 at 6 p.m. – Danielle Ponder

    Aug. 28 @ 1 p.m. – Crystal Gayle

    Aug. 29 @ 1 p.m. – Tom Nitti

    Aug. 29 @ 6 p.m. – Chapel Hart

    Aug. 30 @ 1 p.m. – The Cleverlys

    Aug. 30 @ 6 p.m. – Josh Ross

    Aug. 30 @ 9 p.m. – DJ Swiftie

    Aug. 31 @ 12 p.m. – JAMS Funk Fest 2k24 Youth Performances

    Aug. 31 @ 1:30 p.m. – Shawn Seals & SMX – JAMS Funk Fest 2k24

    Aug. 31 @ 3 p.m. – Stroke – JAMS Funk Fest 2k24

    Aug. 31 @ 4:30 p.m. – C.P. Lacey – JAMS Funk Fest 2k24

    Aug. 31 @ 4:45 p.m. – Raydio – JAMS Funk Fest 2k24

    Aug. 31 @ 6:15 p.m. – C.P. Lacey – JAMS Funk Fest 2k24

    Aug. 31 @ 6:30 p.m. – TMF – JAMS Funk Fest 2k24

    Sept. 1 @ 1 p.m. – Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour

    Sept. 1 @ 6 p.m. – Snow Tha Product

    Sept. 2 @ 12 & 4 p.m. – Journey From the Heart

    Warren Zeiders at the 2024 Great New York State Fair – photo by Daniel Bocchino

    Suburban Park

    Aug. 21 at 8 p.m. – Joey Fatone and AJ McLean

    Aug. 22 @ 8 p.m. – Warren Zeiders

    Aug. 23 at 8 p.m – TLC

    Aug. 24 @ 8 p.m. – Chevelle

    Aug. 25 at 8 p.m. – Dropkick Murphys

    Aug. 26 @ 8 p.m. – Megan Moroney

    Aug. 27 @ 8 p.m.- Stephen Sanchez

    Aug. 28 at 8 p.m. – Joan Jett and The Blackhearts

    Aug. 29 @ 8 p.m. – Flo Rida

    Aug. 30 at 8 p.m. – Big Boi

    Aug. 31 at 8 p.m. – Brian Kelley

    Sept. 2 @ 6 p.m. – Jackyl

    Get full details on shows and the events at the 2024 Great New York State Fair here.

  • Benny The Butcher Releases ‘Buffalo Butch Vol. 1’ With Feature From Drake

    Benny The Butcher looks to make his mark on the summer, returning with Buffalo Butch Vol. 1 just two weeks after releasing Summertime Butch. The new 3-track EP features close collaborator 38 Spesh, along with guest spots from Fabolous and Drake on the songs “Hard Way Freestyle” and “Buffalo Freestyle” respectively.

    Benny The Butcher's "Buffalo Butch Vol. 1" artwork
    Artwork for Benny The Butcher 3-song E, Buffalo Butch Vol. 1

    Benny Back Again

    It’s been just over six months since the Grammy and Emmy nominated Buffalo native released his Def Jam Recordings debut, Everybody Can’t Go. During which he tried his hand at a more commercial sound along with a mainstream album that included several singles and guest spots on popular hip hop adjacent podcasts. While songs like the West Coast influenced “Back Again,” and the uptempo “How To Rap” showed some variance to Benny’s musical approach, his core fans continue to yearn for the gritty street rhymes that Benny and his tone-setting delivery have become synonymous with.

    Benny The Butcher's "Summertime Butch" cover art
    Artwork for Benny The Butcher 10-song EP, Summertime Butch

    As a result he returned with Summertime Butch featuring appearances from Black Soprano Family signees Rick Hyde, ElCamino, and Fuego Base. With an additionally cameo from hip hop legend Ed Lover on “Summer 24,” while Harry Fraud and StreetRunner handled the album’s production. Now juts two weeks later he returns with a 3-pack of tracks to close the Summer out strong. As these last two EP’s have seen Benny return to his grimy best. Back are the slow, cinematic beats with street tales galore. Moreover, each song on Buffalo Butch Vol. 1 sees Benny bring the best out of his collaborators, which includes Drake first feature with a rapper of Benny’s pedigree since his much publicized beef with Kendrick Lamar. However, as of right now the Drake feature has been removed from streaming since the project’s release on Thursday night.

  • Post Punk/No Wave Legend Martin Bisi to Perform at Mothership in Woodstock on September 12

    Martin Bisi, the producer, instrumentalist, and songwriter behind legendary albums by Sonic Youth, Brian Eno, the Dresden Dolls, the Swans, Helmet, Lydia Lunch, and Herbie Hancock’s genre-busting “Rockit,” will be coming to Woodstock on September 12 for his only Hudson Valley appearance. 

    The event will occur at The Mothership, a unique performance space/art gallery at 6 Sgt. Richard Quinn Drive.

    Martin Bisi

    Bisi will perform selections from his 40-year career and his newest album, Your Ultimate Urban Fantasy, with an ensemble including Dan Kaufman (of Barbez, John And Dan), Dan Gitlin, Vern Woodhead, and Heather Elle (of Weeping Icon, Flossing, formerly Bodega). He has recorded over a dozen solo projects since the early ‘80s.

    In 1981, Bisi started BC Studio with producers Bill Laswell and Brian Eno. From this humble factory building, he recorded much of the No Wave, avant-garde, and hip-hop of the early 1980s, including Lydia Lunch, Live Skull, Fred Frith, and Afrika Bambaataa. In 1982, Bisi recorded the instruments for Whitney Houston’s first song as a lead singer, “Memories.” off of Material’s One Down LP. Soon after recording Herbie Hancock‘s “Rockit“, Bisi dissolved his partnership with Laswell but continued working from BC Studio until the present time, with a specialty in loud, dense, often noisy sound, with a focus on local NYC music such as White Hills (band), Clone and Weeping Icon. 

    Martin Bisi

    In 2014, Sara Leavitt and Ryan Douglass’s documentary Sound & Chaos: The Story Of BC Studio examined Bisi’s adventurous career. The film follows his path through the recording space, the changing music scene, and the gentrifying of his Brooklyn neighborhood, which continues to threaten his studio’s existence. The documentary can be seen free on TubiTV.

    Bisi and company will be supported at the concert by Spaghetti Eastern Music, a critically-acclaimed ensemble led by the sonic-minded guitarist and NYSMusic.com contributor Sal Cataldi, now featuring bassist Jeff Keithline and percussionist Mark Peritz.  Spaghetti Eastern’s latest release is Drone Girl: The Soundtrack Sessions, an EP featuring the improvised score for a short film by Charles Dennis created with Keithline and Peritz.

    Doors ppen at 5:30 pm for a suggested donation of $15–20.

    Martin Bisi and company will move on from Woodstock to two more shows in New York State, September 13 at Neem Fest in Homer, and September 15 at 75 Stutson Street in Roche

  • Rocky Horror Picture Show Returns to The Palace Theatre

    The Kids of Albany’s annual production of Rocky Horror Picture Show returns to the Palace Theatre with the toast and toilet paper flying on October 21st. This year will be the Kids of Albany’s 15th performance of Rocky Horror at the theater.

    Since its release in 1975, a million midnight screenings have earned The Rocky Horror Picture Show cult classic status. Its themes of sexual liberation and androgyny have made it a staple in Queer cinema and culture.

    A straight couple, played by Susan Sarandon and Barry Bostwick, find themselves stranded in a spooky house filled with strange people from Transylvania, living under the watchful eye of Dr. Frank N. Furter, played by Tim Curry. The kinky and outrageous spoof of classic horror movies has a reputation for being the ultimate audience-participation based show. Tickets for the Palace Theater’s production include a prop kit and a roll of toilet paper.

    Constructed in 1931, The Palace Theatre has become a landmark for Albany’s cultural scene. The building retains much of its original design and character, and has a rich history in Albany’s downtown area. The Palace Theatre is the perfect intimate venue for the audience participation Rocky Horror inspires.

    General admission tickets for the Palace Theatre’s Rocky Horror night are $29, and include prop kits and toilet paper. Guests are encouraged to wear their best Rocky inspired outfits. Tickets are on sale at the following link, and at the Palace Theatre box office located at 19 Clinton Avenue.

  • Ghostface Killah And The K Woods Foundation Presents the Second Annual “Peace & Unity Festival” In Staten Island

    The K Woods Foundation is excited to announce the return of the highly anticipated second edition of the ‘Peace & Unity Festival,’ a pride and unity festival in Staten Island on Saturday, August, 31, from 1 PM to 8 PM.

    The event this year will be held at the stunning SnugHarbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden and will feature performances by Jim Jones, Julez Santana, Smiff N Wessun, Beanie Sigel, Freeway, Connie Diamond, Abby Jasmine, Chey, Freekey Zekey and more, in addition to a special by Ghostface Killah & Friends. Hosted by Rayyy Rayy, this yearly festival seeks to unite the Staten Island community for yet another remarkable experience of harmony and unity, building on the success of its first year.

    Kareem “Kay” Woods established the K Woods Foundation to empower young people in the Park Hill neighborhood of Staten Island and beyond. The foundation offers tools and chances for youth to grow, learn, and achieve through various projects and programs. The organization is leaving a lasting impression on the lives of innumerable people by constructing new leisure areas and organizing neighborhood gatherings like the Peace & Unity Festival.

    “I’m so proud to see the youth in my neighborhood finally get what they deserve. A nice, clean, safe space to play and enjoy their childhood. I am so blessed to have grown up here and be in the position to come home and open up new possibilities for learning and growth for so many kids who don’t have the opportunities I did,” said Kareem “Kay” Woods, head of the K Woods Foundation, who has been proactive with several projects benefiting the youth of Park Hill this year including spearheading the groundbreaking of a new basketball court and playground.

    Snug Harbor, one of Staten Island’s most famous locations, will host the Peace & Unity Festival. It offers the ideal setting for a day devoted to honoring the community and promoting unity. Family-friendly activities, local talent showcases, food vendors, and well-known performers’ live performances will all be at the event.

    Peace & Unity Festival Staten Island

    Creating Bridges and Honoring Community, Peace & Unity Festival celebrates a day of song, tradition, and unity.

    For more information about the event, including the full schedule and artist lineup, please visit the K Woods Foundation’s official website at k-woodsfoundation.com. For updates, follow the K Woods Foundation on Instagram. 

    See NYS Music’s coverage of the first Peace and Unity Festival here.

  • Classic Mystery Tour Announce Date With Schenectady Saratoga Symphony Orchestra

    The renowned Beatles show “Classical Mystery Tour: A Tribute to The Beatles” is coming to Schenectady with the Schenectady Saratoga Symphony Orchestra on Feb. 2. 

    The concert features 24 Beatles songs performed exactly how they were originally recorded. Audience members will experience “Penny Lane” with the fiery trumpet section and “Yesterday” complemented by strings and the acoustic guitar. The band and orchestra meet on the MainStage at Proctors, a historical theater in Schenectady’s downtown area.

    Classical Mystery Tour is made up of four band members, Jim Owen on rhythm guitar, piano, and vocals; Tony Kishman on bass guitar, piano, and vocals; Tom Teeley on lead guitar and vocals; and Chris Camilleri on drums and vocals. They are nearly identical to the Beatles. Both their physical appearance and voices match the legendary band. 

    In over 22 years, the show has traveled to the U.S., Canada, Europe, Asia, and Australia and has performed with over 100 orchestras. Their very first performance was with the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Orange County California in 1996. 
    Now fans in Upstate New York can experience the closest thing to seeing the Beatles live. To buy tickets, you can visit the Proctors box office or go to the Schenectady Saratoga Symphony Orchestra website here.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7dsEfEWdbY

  • Drumstock Festival Returns to Geneva for Fifth Year

    The fifth annual Drumstock Music and Arts Festival will return to Geneva on Saturday, September 7th. The open-air festival will celebrate the region’s rich musical and artistic heritage with 14 hours of entertainment.

    Drumstock Festival

    Since its start, Drumstock has been so much more than just a music festival. Its organizers are dedicated to crafting an inclusive environment through collaboration with local artists and activists. This year, Drumstock will begin at 12pm on Saturday, September 7th at Geneva’s Lake Drum Brewing. The festival will take place in the outdoors in an open-air space behind the brewery. The free festival will feature a day of live music and community partnerships.

    The 2024 Drumstock Festival will feature 17 artists – both local and nationally renowned. At the top of the ticket is avant-garde funk group Soule Monde. Founded by Trey Anasastio Band members Ray Paczkowski and Russ Lawton, Soule Monde combines over 20 years of musical experience. Since their start, the band members have played with artists like Mike Gordon and Dave Matthews. With Lawton on Drums and Paczkowski on Hammond Organ, the duo crafts syncopated and highly improvisational tracks with ease. The band has previously appeared at Bonnaroo, Austin City Limits, and Saturday Night Live.

    Alongside Soule Monde, Drumstock will highlight diverse local talent with a number of New York bands. Among the featured bands are Finger Lakes’ natives St Vith. The indie rock group blends influences ranging from Wilco to Animal Collective. With synthesized electronics and acoustic instrumentation, St Vith crafts an eclectic brand of alternative.

    The festival’s local talent spans countless genres, showcasing the region’s rich musical heritage. On top of St Vith’s indie rock, Kajuneji will perform, highlighting their mixing of jam, jazz and world music. This musical heritage will take festival-goers on a musical trip around the world. Geneva’s Zydecorp will bring audiences cajun-inspired accordion dance music and Colors Do Som will play their Brazilian-influenced stylings. Drumstock’s performances will begin at 12pm and last until 2am.

    In addition to countless musical performances, the festival provides visitors other ways to engage with local arts and culture. Throughout the day, Drumstock will feature art exhibitions and performances from local Hobart & William Smith students. In addition to arts, local vendors will be present throughout the day, giving visitors the chance to buy local handicrafts and delicacies. This all reflects Drumstock’s core mission of strengthening the local community through its exhibition of arts.

    Admission to this year’s Drumstock Festival is free thanks to local partnerships. Lake Drum Brewing, LDC, Geneva Community Projects, Red Jacket, Wayne Bank, Community Proud, and Dave & Wendy’s contributions have made the festival possible. For more information on the 2024 Drumstock Festival, visit their website here.

    Drumstock Festival Lineup

    Soule Monde (Featuring Ray Paczkowski and Russ Lawton of the Trey Anastasio Band)

    St Vith

    Kajuneji

    Zydecorp

    Cool Club & Lipker Sisters

    ProjectX

    Karen

    Colors do Som

    El Ka Bong

    Streetcat

    Charlie Reitz

    Seager

    Brad Dorrington

    Calya Lea

    Scott Tremolo

    DJ Haggard

    NuNu

  • Navy Band “Cruisers” and The Accents Coming to Shepard Park this Friday

    Coming to Lake George’s Shepard Park Amphitheater this weekend are the Captial region-based party band The Accents and The United States Navy Band “Cruisers.” Cruisers arrive at Lake George on Thursday, August 22, performing from 7:30-9:30 pm. The Navy band also opens Friday at the Lake on August 23, from 6:00-7:10 pm, followed by the headliners, The Accents, at 7:30.

    shepard park

    With over 50 years of experience and 4,000 performances under their belt, The Accents prepare to bring their non-stop energy to Friday at the Lake. As one of the capital region’s most prolific party bands, The Accents encourage all guests to let loose, enjoy their time, and have one last party as the summer season comes to a close. On Friday, August 22, The Accents’ extensive nine-person lineup will have the entire Friday at the Lake crowd dancing and singing all night long.

    shepard park

    The United States Navy Band “Cruisers” make their first appearance in Lake George this Thursday, August 22, as part of their nationwide tour that begins on August 19 in Washington, D.C. They are also opening for The Accents this Friday.

    Cruiser’s stop at Lake George is just another on a long list of tour dates. As one of the 11 different Navy Bands, Cruisers make up a part of 6,000 performances across the United States and around the world throughout the year. With each performance, Navy bands come together with communities to honor and celebrate the service of veterans. This Thursday and Friday, Cruisers present their world-class musicianship with renditions of classic jazz standards, classic rock, and today’s biggest hits in all genres. A fireworks show will follow their Thursday night performance at 9:30 pm.

    All shows at Shepard Park are free to the public. Food and beverage vendors are available on-site. For information on vendors, performances, and more, visit the Lake George town’s website. If you are interested in the rest of Cruisers’ tour, the remaining dates are available here.