Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Five for Fighting is going on a show-stopping String Quartet tour this upcoming September and October. Joining him on tour is a quartet of renowned stings players with heavy experience on Broadway and as touring musicians, showcasing decades of Five for Fighting’s beloved music.
The mastermind behind Five for Fighting, John Ondrasik will bring his music to life on a whole new level with the extravagant ensemble accompanying him on his forthcoming tour. On violin is Katie Kresek, a Tony winner and co-orchestrator of Moulin Rouge! The Musical. Melissa Tong, who toured with Post Malone will also join Ondrasik’s show on violin.
The rest of the quartet includes Chris Cardona playing viola. Cardona has been a part of countless Broadway orchestras. Lastly, cellist, Peter Sachon contributes to music all over New York City. Having not only played on Broadway and on Broadway artists’ records but also in classical, jazz, and rock ensembles, Sachon continuously proves that he can flourish in any genre.
Even without the quartet, Ondrasik’s band is monumental. Made up of drummer Randy Cooke (Mick Jagger, Ringo Starr, Dave Stewart), guitarist Peter Thorn (Chris Cornell, Melissa Etheridge, Don Henley), and bassist Whynot Jansveld (Matchbox Twenty, The Wallflowers, Sara Bareilles), audiences are undeniably in for a show.
To share the stage with such incredible musicians every night is a gift that keeps giving. Such an intimate format allows me to share the stories behind the songs, and the adventures along the way.
John Ondrasik
Attendees will get to indulge in six albums, and many hits such as “100 Years” and “Superman (It’s Not Easy),” which are now considered classics. By bringing new light to these songs, Ondrasik can present them more profoundly than ever before.
JAM, a documentary about the well-known 2004 traffic jam that happened due to masses of phans driving through Vermont to catch the at-the-time last Phish show ever, was released to the public on August 5, nearly 20 years after the legendary event.
Releasing almost exactly 20 years after Phish’s farewell show in Vermont, JAM is a 30-minute documentary short film chronicling the epic 2004 traffic jam in Vermont, where tens of thousands of Phish fans struggled through days of gridlock, resulting in one of the most profound traffic jams in history.
When Phish announced that their August 2004 shows in Coventry, Vermont, would be their last ever, it was a no-brainer to expect record levels of fan turnout. What wasn’t expected, though, was the severe rain that ravaged Vermont throughout the weeks leading up to the shows. Even with the rain, thousands and thousands of fans still made the trip to Coventry, but another issue arose: those making the trip directly caused one of the most iconic traffic jams ever. The overwhelming number of cars backing up Interstate 91 eventually reached a dead halt, which led to many fans simply leaving their cars on the side of the road and trekking to the venue.
For those who were able to get there, the grounds were so covered in deep and thick mud, making everyday tasks like eating and cleaning oneself a massive challenge. But despite all of the adversities Phishheads faced, thousands still showed out, making one of the most iconic weekends not only in rock history, but in all of music history.
JAM features on-camera interviews with attending fans, including Aron Ralston (renowned outdoorsman and motivational speaker), retired Vermont State Police Seargent Bruce Melendy (key figure in managing the crisis), concert promoter Dave Werlin, spokesman Adam Lewis and Matt Maxwell of Maxwell’s Neighborhood Farm (concert venue).
The film is based on extensive footage recorded by Alex Daltas, a longtime Phish fan since age 16. His video footage is believed to be the most comprehensive account of the traffic jam, enhanced by retrospective interviews and archival footage collected over two decades. Witness history’s most powerful traffic story, taking you back to a time before smartphones when the love of music burned brightest.
JAM debuted with advance screenings at the Coventry Community Center on August 2nd and 3rd and released fully to the public on August 5. JAM is available to buy and rent here.
Best-selling author and comedian Trevor Noah has announced he will return to New York City to host a two-night celebration of the publication of his latest book, Into the Uncut Grass. The book will be released on October 8.
During these celebrations, Trevor Noah plans to do more than just party. Joining a moderator on stage, he offers a deep dive into the essence of his latest work.
Trevor is the author of the 2016 #1 New York Times bestseller Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood, a memoir depicting the hardships of growing up mixed-raced in apartheid South Africa. His storytelling ability caught the attention of readers of all ages, adapting the bestseller into a young readers’ version in 2019. This year, he’s back with another testament to his storytelling abilities with his latest book, Into the Uncut Grass.
However, unlike Born a Crime, Trevor Noah’s latest book is a work of fiction rather than a memoir. Trevor’s new book is a gorgeously illustrated and moving modern fable for readers of all ages about forgiveness, acceptance, and the secret to solidarity. Inspired by classic children’s fables like Alice in Wonderland and The Little Prince, he adjusts these longstanding stories to fit his own personal experience, as well as
“Few memories in my life bring me more joy than the first few books I read as a child,” says Trevor Noah. “Either with my mom or reading alone, those simple stories shaped so much of how I saw the world. I hope this story can bring a little bit of that same joy to readers of all ages.”
General on-sale for these celebrations begins on Friday, August 9at 10 am local. Tickets are available with this link here.
Asbury Park, New Jersey’s Dogs In A Pile have announced a slate of tour dates for the Fall. The tour begins with two shows at Philadelphia’s Brooklyn Bowl on October 25 and 26 and will see the band touring extensively throughout the Midwest and Southeast as they continue their upwards ascent in the jamband music scene. A presale for tickets is currently underway with the general on sale date set for Friday, August 10 with VIP packages available for some shows.
(Art by: Joe Winograd)
This Fall Tour announcement comes on the heels of a busy summer for Dogs In A Pile that saw them headline multiple shows in Colorado, play several festivals, and jump on the road with Andy Frasco & The U.N. and Pigeons Playing Ping Pong. The band will now continue to surge forward with more Colorado shows scheduled before ending the tour in the Southeast in late November. They’re scheduled to play Asheville NC’s Salvage Station on November 19, Nashville TN’s Basement East on November 21, and the show at Atlanta GA’s Terminal West on November 22 is set to be the tour closer.
As a burgeoning musical act beginning to gain nationwide notoriety, Dogs In A Pile is making a conscious effort to develop their fan base and build a unique culture around the band by organizing pre-show meetups for their beloved fanbase, the Dog Pound. So far, significant gatherings have occurred in cities like their hometown of Asbury Park, Denver (CO), Vail (CO), Austin (TX), and Woodstock (NY). A running schedule of future meetups can be found at dogsinapileofficial.com/dogpound.
Dogs In A Pile at The Mishawaka in Bellvue, CO on June 19, 2024 (Photo: Joe Lugo)
In addition to adding to their busy 2024 tour schedule, the band has also made a concerted effort this year to significantly bolster their YouTube channel with video livestreams and archival full-show releases. Consistent soundboard releases have accompanied their video efforts and most often have appeared on trusted streaming platforms nugs.net and Bandcamp within 24-hours of a show ending.
See the full listing of Dogs In A Pile Fall Tour dates below and for tickets and to and learn more, visit dogs-tour.com.
DOGS IN A PILE FALL TOUR
10/25 – Philadelphia, PA – Brooklyn Bowl Philadelphia 10/26 – Philadelphia, PA – Brooklyn Bowl Philadelphia 10/29 – St. Louis, MO – Atomic Cowboy 10/31 – Oklahoma City, OK – Beer City Music Hall 11/1 – Dallas, TX – Deep Ellum Art Co. 11/2 – Dallas, TX – Deep Ellum Art Co. 11/6 – Buena Vista, CO – Surf Hotel 11/8 – Fort Collins, CO – Aggie Theatre 11/9 – Boulder, CO – Fox Theatre
11/12 – Omaha, NE – Slowdown 11/13 – Minneapolis, MN – Fine Line 11/15 – Milwaukee, WI – Vivarium 11/16 – Chicago, IL – Chop Shop 11/17 – Grand Rapids, MI – The Stache 11/19 – Asheville, NC – Salvage Station 11/21 – Nashville, TN – Basement East 11/22 – Atlanta, GA – Terminal West
The Great New York State Fair 2024 initial lineup of concerts has been announced, featuring a mix of new and old and a little bit for everybody. The fair begins Wednesday, Aug. 21 and continues through Monday, Sept. 2.
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. Last year, Salt-N-Pepa, Chubby Checker, Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone, The Fray, Joywave, and more appeared. Both stages are free with the price of admission.
2024 New York State Fair Concerts
photo by Allison Marie
Chevy Court Stage
Chubby Checker- Aug. 21 at 1 p.m.
Chubby Checker will be making his sixth performance at the Fair, and third in as many years. He is best known for “The Twist,” the first number-one song of all time from Billboard’s Hot 100, but also for releasing hits throughout the 60s, 70s, 80s, and beyond with “The Hucklebuck,” “Slow Twistin’,” “Limbo Rock,” and more. In 2014 he was inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame. Checker is set to take the Chevy Court Stage at 1:00 p.m.
90s Rewind: Digital Underground, Tone Loc & Color Me Bad – Aug. 21 at 6 p.m.
To celebrate the fair’s opening day, a 90s rewind concert will take audiences back in time with music from 3 classic acts. Grammy-nominated group Digital Underground will kick off the event, playing hits like “The Humpty Dance” and “Kiss U Back.” Led by rapper Money-B, the group rose to stardom, incorporating elements of 70s funk into their hip-hop stylings. Their early output, including the track “I Get Around,” helped introduce the world to former member and rap legend Tupac Shakur.
Also included is 80s rap legend Tone-Loc. Known for mega hits “Wild Thing” and “Funky Cold Medina,” Tone-Loc was one of the original stars of Hip Hop. His debut Loc-ed After Darkreached no. 1 and has since been certified 2x platinum. Tone-Loc is also known for his acting, being featured in hit films like Ace Ventura: Pet Detective.
Closing out this lineup is the classic 90s R&B group Color Me Badd. Together the group has sold 12 million records worldwide, with nine top 40 singles. Color Me Badd are best known for their two no. 1 singles, “I Adore Mi Amor” and “All 4 Love.” Since their breakout, they have been nominated for 2 Grammy Awards, won two Soul Train Awards, and an American Music Award.
Ace Frehley – Aug. 22 at 6 p.m.
Rock legend Ace Frehley rose to fame as the guitarist of KISS. Raised in the Bronx, Frehley was drawn to the guitar, founding KISS in 1973. His powerful riffs and solos on tracks like “Rock and Roll All Nite” and “Detroit Rock City” played a large part in propelling KISS to rock stardom. In 2014 the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted Frehley as a member of KISS, with Guitar World magazine since ranking him the 15th greatest metal guitarist of all time.
Sophie B. Hawkins- Aug. 23 at 1 p.m.
American pop legend and Native New Yorker Sophie B. Hawkins is a dynamic creative force known for a spellbinding live show. Hawkins’ appearance at The Fair is part of her tour celebrating the 30th anniversary of her platinum-selling debut album, Tongues and Tails. The GRAMMY-nominated singer/songwriter/musician will showcase music from her well-received recently released album, Free Yourself, featuring an original new video and the single, “Love Yourself.” She challenged the norms of gender expression and sexual orientation at a time when political, social, and sexual labels were more rigid. Her career arc includes releasing six widely beloved albums, breaking chart records with her smash hit “As I Lay Me Down,” four worldwide singles from Whaler, songs in cultural touchstone TV shows and films, and a starring role as Janis Joplin in the critically acclaimed musical Room 105.
Sister Sledge- Aug. 23 at 6 p.m.
Hailing from Philadelphia, the Sledge sisters became household names and a symbol of unity with their 1979 worldwide hit and iconic album We Are Family. The legendary vocal group is responsible for some of the biggest dance anthems like “Lost in Music,” “He’s the Greatest Dancer,” and “Thinking of You.”
Sister Sledge has performed on some of the world’s most prestigious stages, including Carnegie Hall, Madison Square Garden, London’s Royal Albert Hall, and Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage. They have also performed at the White House, and even before Pope Francis during the 2015 World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia, PA. Over the years, the family group has amassed a string of Gold and Platinum hits and earned hundreds of awards and commendations, including GRAMMY Nominations for Record of the Year, Best R&B Duo or Group, and Best Produced CD for their African Eyes album. Their worldwide anthem “We Are Family” was entered into the prestigious Library of Congress in 2017.
CAIN- Aug. 26 at 6 p.m.
Pop/Contemporary Christian band and sibling trio sensation, CAIN is comprised of siblings Madison Cain Johnson, Taylor Cain Matz, and Logan Cain. They have been delighting audiences with their joyous performances since 2012 when they got their big break opening for Dave Barnes and Andrew Ripp. Since then, they have gone on to release four projects and shared the stage with artists such as TobyMac, Zach Williams, and Casting Crowns, while also performing on the famed stages of The Grand Ole Opry, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, and Ryman Auditorium. Following the success of their breakout album, Rise Up, which won a K-LOVE Fan Award for Top Breakout Single “Rise Up (Lazarus),” Honest Offering was released in 2022, followed by Jesus Music in 2023.
Little Anthony- Aug. 27 at 1 p.m.
Doo-wap singer Little Anthony will make his debut appearance at the Fair. With over 60 years in show business and over 50 million records sold worldwide, he has “shimmy shimmied” his way into the hearts of fans across generations. With hits including “Tears On My Pillow,” “Goin’ Out Of My Head,” “Hurt So Bad,” and “Shimmy, Shimmy, Ko-Ko Bop,” Little Anthony was inducted into the 2009 class of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and most recently inducted into the 2018 class of The Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame.
Blue Öyster Cult- Aug. 27 at 6 p.m.
Heavy metal masters Blue Öyster Cult will rock the Chevy Court stage for the band’s fourth appearance at The Fair and the first since 2017. For five decades, they have thrilled fans of intelligent hard rock worldwide with powerful albums loaded with classic songs – becoming one of very few hard rock/heavy metal bands to earn genuine mainstream critical acclaim and commercial success. The band is often cited as a major influence by other acts such as Metallica, and BÖC was listed in VH1’s countdown of the greatest hard rock bands of all time. Upon the release of BÖC’s self-titled debut album in 1972, the band was praised for its catchy-yet-heavy music and lyrics that could be provocative, terrifying, funny, or ambiguous. Their discography includes three songs that no doubt go down in history as stone-cold classics: “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper,” “Godzilla,” and “Burnin’ for You.”
Danielle Ponder– Aug. 28 at 6 p.m.
Rochester native and soul R&B performer Danielle Ponder first worked in the Monroe County Public Defender’s Office – first as a public defender, then as a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion officer – for nearly a decade, while performing regularly throughout Rochester’s music scene. While working as a public defender, she toured Europe, opening for George Clinton. In 2018, she decided to pursue music full-time, just one week before her 40th birthday. She stepped into the national spotlight with the release of her debut album, Some of Us Are Brave, in September 2022 with her unique sound – a blend of pop, R&B, blues, rock, and soul. Currently, she’s working on her second album.
AJ McLean is known by fans across the world as a beloved member of the Backstreet Boys. As a seasoned performer, McLean has been performing some of pop music’s biggest hits – featuring tightly crafted songs, floor-shaking rhythms, and unmistakable harmonies – for over twenty years.
Over the last few years, McLean has been hitting the road with the Backstreet Boys for the band’s international, stadium-filling “DNA Tour,” which performed over 150 shows across five continents. The band, comprising McLean, Brian Littrell, Nick Carter, Howie Dorough, and Kevin Richardson, also released their documentary series Making of the DNA Tour in 2022. Recently, McLean released a new single called “Electric” and will have more solo music coming out this year
Joey Fatone first rose to fame as a member of the record-shattering, multi-platinum boyband *NSYNC. Following the band’s incredible success with albums that sold over ten million copies and countless awards, Fatone took on projects spanning from television, film Broadway, and beyond. In November of 2019, during Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival Eat to the Beat series, Joey performed three days of Joey Fatone and Friends, entertaining fans alongside Chris KirkPatrick, Ryan Cabrera, Nathan Morris of BOYZ II MEN, MC Search and more. And, in August 2021, Fatone brought together brought together some of pop superstars like Wanya Morris, Nick Carter, and AJ McLean for the AFTR PRTY, an intimate pop classic for a sold-out residency in Las Vegas.
Fatone recently made headlines with a long-awaited reunion with his bandmates in NSYNC, releasing their first single in nearly 20 years in November 2023. The track, “Better Place,” was featured on the soundtrack of the third main installment in the Trolls franchise, the “Trolls Band Together.” The five members, including Fatone, Justin Timberlake, JC Chasez, Lance Bass, and Chris Kirkpatrick, also made headlines during a united public appearance at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards.
TLC– Aug. 23 at 8 p.m.
One of the most popular female music groups of the 1990s, TLC, is performing at The Fair on Pride Day, Friday, August 23. The ladies of TLC – Tionne “T-Boz” and Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas – formed the group in 1990 in Atlanta, Georgia. The four-time GRAMMY award-winning group became one of the biggest-selling female groups of all time, producing an extensive musical resume. TLC has sold 85 million records worldwide, produced ten Top Ten singles in the U.S., and four multi-platinum selling albums, including the 1994 breakthrough CrazySexyCool. The album, which Rolling Stone recognized as one of The Best 500 Albums of All Time, produced four top-five singles including “Creep,” “Diggin’ on You,” and “Waterfalls.” This summer TLC is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the iconic album.
Dropkick Murphys– Aug. 25 at 8 p.m.
The Dropkick Murphys will return to the Chevrolet Music Festival at Chevy Court for the fourth time. The Celtic-influenced rockers have generated half a billion streams and continue to sell out venues. They’ve headlined Boston’s Fenway Park and have been personally invited to share the stage with everyone from Foo Fighters to Bruce Springsteen to Mumford & Sons. Their celebrated discography includes two critically acclaimed acoustic albums – 2022’s This Machine Still Kills Fascists and 2023’s Okemah Rising, four consecutive Billboard top 10 album debuts, along with the double-platinum classic “I’m Shipping Up To Boston.”
Joan Jett and The Blackhearts– Aug. 28 at 8 p.m.
Joan Jett and The Blackhearts formed in 1979, creating the iconic hit “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll.” Over the next 40+ years, the band went on to amass nine Top 40 singles, including “Bad Reputation,” “I Hate Myself for Loving You,” and “Crimson and Clover.” They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015. This will be their fifth time performing at The Fair – closing out Women’s Day this year, which is very fitting for a frontwoman who broke down barriers in the mid-1970s to prove women could make it in the world of rock music. Joan Jett was rejected by 23 labels before forming her own independent record label, Blackheart Records.
Big Boi – Aug. 30 at 8 p.m.
Big Boi is a 7x Grammy Award winner best known for his work with legendary Hip Hop duo OutKast. Originating in Georgia, Big Boi helped put Atlanta on the musical map through his rapping and production work. He rose to fame with the release of OutKast’s 1994 debut Southernplayalisticcadillacmuzik, which went platinum. Their subsequent albums Stankonia and Speakerboxxx/The Love Below spawned numerous number 1 hits, making Big Boi a household name. Audiences are sure to know mega-hits like “Ms. Jackson” and “Hey Ya.” Individually, Big Boi is a force to be reckoned with, frequently cracking Billboard charts and racking up millions of streams.
Brian Kelley– Aug. 31 at 8 p.m.
DIamond-selling superstar, Brian Kelley, is first known as the Florida half of the GRAMMY-nominated Florida Georgia Line (FGL). The ACM Breakout Artist of the Decade Award recipients garnered 19 career #1s and became the first and only act to achieve two RIAA DIAMOND singles in Country music history. They have surpassed 17 billion global streams, selling more than 40 million tracks and 4.8 million albums worldwide, plus playing to over four million fans. Kelley’s “Trucks, Ducks, Bucks & Beer” is the latest preview of his much-anticipated full-length album on Big Machine Records due out this spring, having already introduced the project with “See You Next Summer,” “Dirt Cheap,” and “How We’re Livin’.”
Woodstock photographer, Henry Diltz, is hosting Woodstock: 3 Days of Peace, Love & Music with Morrison Hotel Gallery in New York on Aug. 11. In light of the 55th anniversary of Woodstock ’69 and the 30th anniversary of Woodstock ’94, MHG is showcasing photos from each of the three festivals all of which Diltz, the official photographer for them, was present for.
For the first time ever, Morrison Hotel Gallery is exhibiting a series of photos documenting the three festivals from the perspectives of many mixed-generation photographers. Special host, Henry Diltz, makes the event all the more special as such a prominent figure in music and festival photography.
Diltz captured the ’60s folk music scene with some of the most iconic portraits and album covers. As the man behind the Morrison Hotel, Crosby, Stills, and Nash, and Sweet Baby James album art, it’s only fitting that he presents an exhibit full of his work as well as the work of those who succeeded him. His work is the lasting blueprint for music photographers today.
The original Woodstock 1969 was very organic, all peace and love, we just made it up as we went along. Woodstock 1994 was a bit more planned, it was at an abandoned Air Force base. This was the first Woodstock where there was crowd surfing… it hadn’t been thought of yet in ’69! I took so many photographs of people up above the crowd being passed around. Woodstock will always be the festival that had all the biggest and the best music of its time.
Henry Diltz
The photos start with the original festival and show how it evolved through the years, reflecting the changes in not just music, but society. Other featured photographers include Danny Clinch, Joseph Cultice, Sam Erickson, Elliott Landy, Lisa Law, Ken Regan, Amalie R. Rothschild, and Rowland Scherman. Additionally, the exhibit provides a special glimpse of different artistic perspectives on the same events.
The special exhibit will have two bi-coastal grand openings. Prior to the New York opening on Aug. 11, Diltz will also be in attendance at the Aug. 8 opening in West Hollywood. The galleries are available to the public, and on show until August 20.
The New York exhibit of Woodstock: 3 Days of Peace, Love & Music will be held at the Morrison Hotel Gallery at 116 Prince Street. To RSVP for the opening visit morrisonhotelgallery.com.
This summer, The Homer Center for the Arts on 72 S, Main Street, in Homer is teaming up with So Good! Ice Cream to present a diverse line-up of music for the late summer.
With incredible ice cream, homemade cotton candy, unique sundaes, killer sunsets, and home of the So Good Music Series, each summer the ice cream site hosts the series. Plus, So Good! features “Adult Only” specialty ice cream for those 21+, with shows beginning at 7:00 pm.
On August 8th Colleen Kattau and Kyle Michio will be taking the stage, showcasing their talents and enhancing each other’s performance. Colleen Kattau is an award-winning blingual singer-songwriter, known for her blend of folk and latin music, her soulful voice brings the lyrics to life. As a beloved figure in the folk world, Kattau connects with the audience through her composition full of nature, social movements, and Latin American nueva canción.
Micho is a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter from Syracuse with a large span of genres from folk, jazz, to classical music. His blend of sounds are both innovative and contains traditional music.
On August 22nd, Second Spring and Mr Gâs Homie Discount will be performing. Second Spring is a local Ithaca indie rock band that brings contemporary music to life. The band currently consists of members Isabella Gold, Erin Wagner, Isaiah Berger, Carys Banford and Aron Kaplan-Hall. With energetic an heartfelt performances, Second Spring has a loyal following.
Mr G’s Homie Discount blends funk, soul, and hip-hop. With a groovy and magnetic stage presence, the band has an infectious energy, making the crowd dance.
Caffe Lena in Saratoga Springs has announced a number of musical events in August. With shows ranging from folk and blues to jazz and classical, audiences can enjoy a variety of different stylings throughout the month.
Caffe Lena’s founding dates back to 1960 when William and Lena Spencer converted an old woodworking shop into a coffee house. 64 years later, Caffe Lena is the oldest continually running coffee house in the country. Since its start, the cafe has been dedicated to bringing Saratoga Springs quality folk performances. In 1961, Caffe Lena hosted a then up-and-coming Bob Dylan for a two-night residency. Since then, Caffe Lena has hosted over 12,000 shows, including sets by legendary artists like Dave Van Ronk and Don Mclean.
Starting in 2020, Caffe Lena expanded its operations, opening a music school. This program continues their mission of spreading music through the community by passing down the folk tradition to the next generations. Also started was live broadcasting of the cafe’s shows in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
August 2024 marks a busy month for Caffe Lena with many different events planned. Throughout the month, the cafe will host Monday Open Mics. During these events, community members can display their musical talents for the cafe’s audience. Since its start over 30 years ago, Metroland Magazine, The Alt Weekly, The Saratogian Reader’s Poll, and Saratoga’s Fab Five have recognized the event with “best of” awards. This event is free, but Caffe Lena suggests leaving a $3-5 donation. The open mic nights will take place Monday, August 5, 12, 19, and 26, at 7pm.
Kicking off the month of shows is an August 8th performance by the Nields. Sisters Nerissa and Katryna Nields make up the folk-rock group, blending pop melodies, folk instrumentals, and the edge of 90s alternative. Their sound has been described as a mix of the Cranberries, the Roches, and Joni Mitchell. The Nields’ performance begins at 7pm, with tickets starting from $11.94.
August 9th will feature a performance from Legendary country musician John McEuen. McEuen was a founding member and banjoist for the seminal country act The Nitty Gritty Dirty Band, propelling them to fame with songs like “Mr. Bojangles.” Now, over 45 years into his career, the Grammy-winning musician will perform at Caffe Lena for one night only. His performance will feature instrumental backing from banjos, guitars, fiddle, and mandolin. John McEuen’s performance will begin at 8pm, with tickets starting from $18.98.
Singer-songwriter supergroup Fantastic Cat will perform at Caffe Lena on August 10th. Members Anthony D’Amato, Don Dilego, Brian Dunne and Mike Montali bring years of experience in folk and Americana, making songs that are equal parts funny and heart-wrenching. With music that is equal parts Black Keys and Bruce Springsteen, Fantastic Cat pairs tight instrumentation with soulful vocals. This sold-out performance will begin at 8pm.
On Wednesday, August 13th, Rainbow Girls will perform at Caffe Lena. The trio hails from Santa Barbara, California, where they gained prominence from their live performances. Their music combines indie folk and Americana stylings with ethereal elements, making for a unique sound. UK music website For Folks Sake described their music as “A gang of sweet angels punching you in the heart.” Their set will take place at 7pm, with tickets starting from $15.18.
Following this is a performance by Paul Winter and Chuck Lamb titled “This Glorious Earth.” 7x Grammy-winning saxophonist Paul Winter made a name for himself as the bandleader of the Paul Winter Consort. Composed of jazz, world, and classical musicians, the group traveled the world for decades. Throughout his career, Winter took great musical influences from nature, and consistently fought for ecological protections. Now, Winter will return to a live club setting for the first time in decades to play a salute to the natural world. Caffe Lena jazz steward and pianist Chuck Lamb will accompany Winter. These performances are scheduled for Friday, August 23 at 8pm. and Saturday, August 24 at 8pm. Tickets start from $46.10.
August 27th and 28th will feature performances by legendary British folk musician Al Stewart. Stewart rose to fame in the 1960s, using folk-rock to tell mythological and historical stories. He is perhaps best known for his no. 8 hit “Year of the Cat” from 1976. Across his 16 studio albums, Stewart has worked with everyone from Jimmy Page to Tori Amos. Now after almost six decades in the spotlight, he will grace Caffe Lena with his folk stylings. His performances will start at 7pm, with tickets starting at $47.50.
Judith Owen & Her Gentlemen Callers will close out the month with an August 31st performance. Welsh singer-songwriter Judith Owen has made waves since the release of her 1996 American debut Emotions on a Postcard. Now, with the backing of a New Orleans septet, Owen explores the female artists that inspired her. The performance will celebrate boundary-breaking artists like Nellie Lutcher, Julia Lee, and Blossom Dearie. Owen will also interpret the works of timeless vocalists like Aretha Franklin and Nina Simone. With this modern twist on classic tunes, Owen’s performance is one to look out for. Her performance will begin at 8pm, with tickets starting from $20.61.
For more information on Caffe Lena’s upcoming events, visit their website here.
On August 25, the 14th annual Washington Square Park Folk Festival will be available to the public in the heart of Greenwich Village. The festival’s sponsor, the Jalopy Theatre will introduce one act per hour from 1-5 PM.
Sunday, August 25 will be an exuberant and colorful day in New York City. Music lovers from across the city are welcome to come to WSP for amazing sets by talented and versatile musicians. The festival will go on from 1 to 5 PM with five acts throughout the day. However, the folk festival will not be limited to folk. Genres range from traditional Latin Jazz, acoustic blues, and jug band music.
Nonetheless, the opportunity to experience a free folk festival in one of the most significant locations in the history of folk music is not one to miss.
Kicking off the day at 1 PM is Juntas Chicas, a Latin music duo from NYC whose music reflects the diverse sounds the city has to offer. Their blend of Mexican folk music with jazz, cumbia, and flamenco creates a melting pot of musical culture.
Following Juntas Chicas, 2 to 4 PM at the festival is full of acoustics, harmonies, and folk roots. First, Eli Smith will return to the WSP Folk Festival with combinations of traditional folk, country, and blues. Subsequently, two different collaborations will treat the audience to unique interpretations of traditional folk. Feral Foster & Ali Dineen will exhibit a soulful partnership with their different yet complimenting voices. Jim Kweskin and Samoa Wilson will follow with explorations of folklore as well as rural music and blues.
Lastly, closing out the day is Tambor y Caña, an Afro-Venezuelan musical project based in the city. The collective highlights Venezuelan culture through its music. Making it a point to extend the culture’s influence to the U.S., Tambor y Caña represents the musical diaspora of New York City.
For more information about the Washington Square Park Folk Festival, visit www.wspfolkfest.com
Washington Square Park Folk Festival Lineup
1 PM- Juntas Chicas
2 PM- Eli Smith
3 PM- Feral Foster & Ali Dineen 4 PM- Jim Kweskin and Samoa Wilson
Vermont’s own Greg Freeman has announced the details of his newest nationwide tour. Freeman’s tour includes two music festivals and several concerts, with two shows in New York, the first in Sprakers and the other at Baby’s All Right in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Freeman will be joined by supporting acts Snail Mail, Merce Lemon, and A. Savage on select dates.
In an eclectic combination of noise rock and Americana, Greg Freeman has been paving his way through the experimental music scene since his 2022 debut EP I Looked Out. With his use of instruments like soprano saxophone and slide guitar, Freeman brings his fresh, unique sound with him everywhere he goes.
For the last two years, Freeman has garnered attention in the experimental music scene, drawing in crowds from all genres. In regards to his performances, Rolling Stone raves, “He really means every word, bashing away on his electric guitar as bandmates on bass, drums, saxophone, and pedal steel guitar add rich colors to his visions.”
Freeman’s tour began on August 2 at the Pickathon experimental music festival in Portland, Oregon. His tour takes him across the United States, including the two separate shows in New York. His first trip to the Empire State brings him to The Root in Sprakers, celebrating The 11th Annual Limbsnapping with the rest of the town. His second show in New York takes him to Brooklyn, performing at Baby’s All Right in Williamsburg.
The full tour is listed below. Tickets and more information are available on Freeman’s website, linked here.
GREG FREEMAN LIVE!
August 2nd – Happy Valley – Portland, OR – Pickathon August 3rd – Seattle, WA – The Black Lodge August 4th – Happy Valley – Portland, OR – Pickathon August 16th – Sprakers, NY – The 11th Annual Limbsnapping- The Root Community August 26th – Portsmouth, VA – Prescott Park * October 4th – Burlington, VT – Radio Bean ^ October 5th – New York, NY – Baby’s All Right ^ October 6th – Philadelphia, PA – Johnny Brenda’s ^ October 8th – Chicago, IL – Empty Bottle !
* With Snail Mail ^ With Merce Lemon ! With A. Savage
