Starting July 2, Tuesdays at Main Beach celebrates its third year in East Hampton Village. The summer concert series is now in its third year, and to commemorate the anniversary, 10 artists are featured from a variety of genres, ending on September 3. Concerts are from 6-8 pm, located at Main Beach.
Tuesdays at Main Beach – East Hampton Village Foundation
Presented by the East Hampton Village Foundation, Tuesdays at Main Beach reached mounting success during its first year. Now, three years later, the summer concert series draws crowds from all over Long Island. From Montauk and Southampton to Ocean Avenue, Tuesdays at Main Beach is enjoyed by thousands of people, celebrating local and regional artists ranging from brass bands to yacht rock.
In addition to the concerts, Tuesdays at Main Beach acts as a fundraiser. Several charities, foundations, and non-profit organizations are available at every show throughout the series, raising awareness for an abundance of causes. Organizations such as Kiwanis Club, Warrior Project, Springs Food Pantry, Meals on Wheels, East Hampton Education Foundation, LVIS, and East Hampton Food Pantry all participate, offering activities and raffles to promote their cause and raise money.
During the concerts, attendees can enjoy swimming with the safety of lifeguards on duty and can grab dinner right on the beach at Main Beach’s own Beach Hut. Concerts are held weekly on Tuesdays, and begin at 6 pm and end at 8 pm. While the fun has already started, there is still time to catch REEB (Real East End Brass), funk outfit Candy Shop, and more until September 3.
The full lineup of artists is listed below. Main Beach is located at 101 Ocean Ave East Hampton, NY 11937.
For more information, visit the East Hampton Village Foundation’s website, linked here.
Williamsburg, Brooklyn’s combination concert venue, bowling alley, bar and restaurant, Brooklyn Bowl, has announced a two-night celebration for their 15th anniversary, hosting GRAMMY Award-nominated, six-piece, funky music collective Lettuce on Saturday, September 28 and Sunday, September 29.
An NYC landmark, Brooklyn Bowl’s blend of live music, bowling, and exceptional cuisine has become a cornerstone of NYC’s nightlife over the last 15 years. Located in a historic 19th-century Hecla Iron Works building, Brooklyn Bowl was the first venue to bring together live music and 16 lanes of bowling in New York City, and with the great success replicated around the country, with locations in Nashville, Philadelphia and Las Vegas.
The venue has hosted over 5,000 shows to date, including performances from musical legends like Questlove, M.I.A., Snoop Dogg, Lauryn Hill and Childish Gambino. Beyonce, Lorde, Neil Patrick Harris, Spike Lee, Bill De Blasio, former President Bill Clinton and members of the Brooklyn Nets have also all attended Brooklyn Bowl as special guests, in addition to the over 350,000 guests who attend annually.
The venue also boasts food by the Blue Ribbon restaurant group—famous for its finger-licking fried chicken—and serves locally crafted beers, many of which are from Brooklyn Brewery, located right next door.
With countless accolades, like being named Zagat’s “Best Music Club” three years in a row, being nominated for “Nightclub of the Year” by Pollstar and as one of the best restaurants in NYC by Trip Expert, Brooklyn Bowl has cemented its status as one of the best all-in-one concert, food and entertainment destinations in New York, something that Lettuce will be celebrating this September.
Buy tickets for Brooklyn Bowl’s 15th anniversary or any of their other shows here.
Greenwich Village’s annual Village Trip Festival will return on Saturday, September 14th. The 2024 edition will feature two full weeks of musical performance, comedy, and lectures.
Village Trip began in 2018, as a way to celebrate Greenwich Village’s countercultural history and spirit. Dating back to the 1910s, Greenwich Village was a hub for boundary-pushing thought. Village Resident and anarchist writer Hippolyte Havel described the village as “a spiritual zone of mind [with]…no boundaries.” In addition to spearheading the movements for women and LGBT rights, Greenwich Village was at the hub of musical innovation throughout the last century.
The 1930s saw legends of jazz and blues, like Leadbelly and Billie Holliday play at its many nightclubs. By the 1960s, its taverns and parks had become hubs for young songwriters in Manhattan. At the center of this musical movement – and Village Trip – was the Music Inn instrument shop. Throughout the 60s and 70s, legends like Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and George Harrison frequented the shop.
In addition to performances and instrument shopping, Greenwich Village played an important role in inspiring classics of the rock and folk genres. The neighborhood is said to have inspired Joan Baez’s “Diamonds and Rust” and The Mamas & the Papas’ “California Dreamin’” among others.
The Village Trip’s first year featured a free concert by the legendary singer-songwriter Suzanne Vega. Since 2018, the event has expanded to neighborhood wide block parties, concerts, and events for both NYC locals and visitors to enjoy. In addition to music, past festivals have included writing seminars, book talks, and walking tours of the village.
Beginning on September 14, the 2024 Village Trip promises 13 different events for visitors to enjoy. A Block Party on West 4th Street will kick off the festival beginning at 2pm. Centered around the Music Inn, the party will feature performances by artist-emeritus David Amram. With a set featuring percussion, guitar, and bouzouki, the festivities are sure to spill out into the neighboring areas. During the block party, visitors can walk the same streets as Bob Dylan during the writing of The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan.
September 15 will feature two events: a concert and a film screening. First is a performance by Janis Siegel and Yaron Gershovsky titled Colors of My Life – A Cy Coleman Songbook. Siegel and Gershovsky were both previously members of the legendary vocal jazz group The Manhattan Transfer, as vocalist and keyboardist respectively. This show will highlight the works of legendary Broadway composer/pianist Cy Coleman. With four decades worth of compositions under his belt, critic Clive Barners called Coleman “a permanent gem in Broadway’s musical crown.” The time and location of this performance are not finalized. Tickets will be $30.
September 15 will feature two screenings of Lead Belly: The Man Who Invented Rock & Roll. The film follows legendary bluesman Lead belly through his troubled life, career, and imprisonment. It features interviews with countless rock legends, tracing how Lead Belly’s compositions were key in developing early rock and roll. The film screenings will take place at 4pm and 7:30pm. Following the screening, there will be a Q&A with Alvin Singh II, Director of the Lead Belly Foundation. Tickets start at $25.
September 16 will feature The Music of the Bard: Words & Music of Shakespeare in the Park 1956-1967. This event traces the work of Joe Papp, the visionary behind Shakespeare in the Park and the Public Theatre. The Music of the Bard will feature selections from David Amram’s scores from Shakeapseare in the Park productions. In addition, actors will reenact their favorite scenes, and Gail Merrifield Papp will read excerpts from her memoir Public/Private: My Life with Joe Papp at The Public Theater. The event will last from 7:00-8:15pm, with tickets being $30.
September 17 and 18 will feature talks regarding the history of Greenwich Village. First, Rolling Stone senior writer David Browne will discuss his new book Talkin’ Greenwich Village: The Heady Rise and Slow Fall of America’s Bohemian Music Capital. This talk will discuss how such a small neighborhood fostered so much musical talent, and how government forces acted to subvert that musical innovation. This talk will begin September 17 at 6pm. This will be followed by a talk from Rutgers University history professor Ruth Feldstein. Feldstein’s talk will discuss how Black female entertainers in Greenwich Village impacted the larger pushes for civil rights and women’s liberation. Her talk will begin September 18th at 6pm.
September 17 will also feature a musical celebration of the works of three pioneering New York artists: Georgia O’Keeffe, Edward Hopper, and Jackson Pollock. The event will feature a number of compositions for piano, flute, viola, cello, and vocals inspired by these artists’ works. A screening of PBS documentary on Pollock’s life will precede the performances, with a special talk by the film score’s composer. This event will take place 7-9pm, with tickets starting at $20.
September 19-22 mark the festival’s “American Primitive & Inventors of Genius Weekend.” This stint of events celebrates Greenwich Village artists that have pushed the boundaries of their field. The weekend places a specific focus on the genre of American Primitivism, a classically-inspired strain of acoustic guitar compositions. Throughout the weekend, composer Agustin Castilla-Avila will host free conferences with a host of musicologists analyzing microtonality in the genre.
September 20 will feature a performance from Grammy-winning guitarist John Schneider. His performance will explore the works of pioneering American Primitivist composers Harry Partch and Lou Harrison. Included in the performance are Partch’s December 1942 and Barstow, as well as Harrison’s Just Guitars. The performance will take place from 7-9pm, with tickets starting at $17.50.
Also on September 20, 8x Grammy-nominated drummer Bobby Sanabria will perform his renowned Latin jazz. For over 50 years, Sanabria has mixed free jazz with elements of Cuban and Brazilian folk to craft his award winning brand of jazz. In 2018, his album West Side Story Reimagined (2018) won the Jazz Journalists Association Record of the Year award. Afro-Latin jazz band Ascensión will accompany Sanabria during the performances. Bobby Sanabria & Ascensión will perform at 7pm and 9pm. Tickets start at $25.
September 21 will feature a tribute to Laura Nyro by vocalist Diane Garisto & the Laura Nyro Project. Garisto has made a name for herself signing backup for some of the biggest names in music. She has previously sung with Billy Joel, Paul Simon, Steely Dan, and more. Since the 1990s, Garisto has performed tributes to the late Laura Nyro. Across her 22 studio albums, Nyro established herself as one of the most prolific singer-songwriters in history. She mixed pop, gospel, and rock to write dozens of classic songs. This performance will begin at 7pm, with tickets starting at $25.
Also featured on September 21 is a performance by pianist Eliza Garth. Garth will play Sonatas and Interludes by the legendary New York composer John Cage. Cage’s minimalist compositions helped revolutionize 20th century classical piano. The performance will take place at St Mark’s Church, a historic meeting space for many of the village’s artists, including Cage. Garth’s performance will be from 2-4pm, with tickets starting at $17.50.
September 22 will feature yet another performance from Janis Siegel, this time celebrating the music of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn. This performance will honor the compositions of Ellington and Strayhorn, as well as recognize the hardships of their lives in such a deeply racist and homophobic era. Pianist John di Martino will join Siegel using his grammy-nominated piano chops to bring the Ellington and Strayhorn compositions to life. Tickets for this performance are $30.
On September 23, Village Trip will feature the special event The Parting Glass – A Drop of the Irish. The purpose of this event is to recognize the deep influence of New York’s Irish community on its musical tradition. In addition, the event will remember NYU professor Mick Moloney and singer Dan Milner who recently passed. Following a concert, there will be a special event at Wicked Willy’s pub, where attendees are encouraged to bring instruments and join in on the festivities. The event will begin at 6:30pm, with tickets starting at $25.
September 24 will feature a celebration for the centennial of James Baldwin’s birth. His writings, including his 1953 novel Go Tell It On the Mountain are literary giants, discussing the issues of racial discrimination in the US. Following his early life in New York City, Baldwin joined civil rights leaders in the Selma March and used his platform to call for political change. This celebration will feature readings by actor Daniel Carlton, as well as performances of music enjoyed by Baldwin. The event will begin at 7pm, with tickets at $25.
In contrast to the musically focused events of the festival, September 25 will feature a night of comedy. The Grisly Pear comedy club will feature established and up-and-coming comedians performing observational jokes about modern life. In the past, this venue has featured legends like Lenny Bruce, Jon Stewart, and George Carlin. The night of comedy will begin at 8pm, with tickets starting from $15.
September 27th will feature a special concert titled “From the Courtyard.” This concert seeks to recreate the sounds of an 1890s tenement courtyard, which housed immigrant families in the city. Much like the scene it will recreate, the concert’s performers come from many cultural backgrounds, each offering their own influences. Among the many pieces performed are Yiddish klezmer pieces, Mexican folk, and the Afro-American Suite by Undine Smith Moore. This special performance will take place from 7-9pm, with tickets starting at $20.
Village Trip will conclude with a free concert in Washington Square Park, featuring female musicians. Among the artists playing are the Washington DC-based alt-rockers BETTY. Founded in 1986, the trio’s music has been featured in countless tv shows. Along tours, they used their platform to call for equal rights for women and LGBTQ Americans, gaining feminist icon Gloria Stenem as their biggest fan. BETTY will be joined by Janie Barnett, who will perform her brand of Americana. Barnett got her start in Virginia’s bluegrass scene, before settling in New York where she continued to hone her folk chops. Her work has led to collaborations with legends like Linda Rondstadt and Bonnie Raitt.
The final act to play will be Tish and Snooky Bellomo. The glam-punk duo traces their roots back to the heyday of punk rock at New York’s CBGB club. As singers and owners of the punk boutique Manic Panic, the duo were icons of the Lower East Side, endearing themselves with members of Blondie and the Ramones. The concert will take place on September 28 from 4-7pm.
For more information regarding the Village Trip festival, visit their website here.
Multi-platinum-selling duo, for KING + COUNTRY, is continuing their annual holiday tradition, with the announcement of “A Drummer Boy Christmas | The 2024 Tour Experience,” a series of holiday performances around the country, including a show in New York City. The pair will land in Manhattan for a December 9 show at the Beacon Theater.
The annual high-octane show that the brother duo has become known for, “A Drummer Boy Christmas,” will showcase an extraordinary production, blending festive visuals with stunning lighting and staging effects. Spanning from December 1 – December 20, the highly anticipated holiday spectacle will come to Los Angeles, California, at The Peacock Theater; New York, New York, at The Beacon Theatre; and Nashville, Tennessee, at the Grand Ole Opry House. In its fifth consecutive year, for KING + COUNTRY will perform at Nashville’s iconic Grand Ole Opry House, marking their second concert residency at the historic venue.
Additionally, this fall, the duo will embark on a 31-city U.S. tour titled “for KING + COUNTRY Live: The Unsung Hero 2024 Tour,” which kicks off on September 19 in Evansville, Indiana. The tour, which will feature music from their current album “Unsung Hero: The Inspired By Soundtrack,” continues through November 10 in Dallas, Texas, with stops in Milwaukee, St. Louis, Kansas City, Tampa, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Atlanta, Boston, Oklahoma, and many more. The show promises to give audiences an innovative new production unlike any other for KING + COUNTRY show to date. Tickets are currently on sale and can be purchased here.
Ticket presales for “A Drummer Boy Christmas | The 2024 Tour Experience” will go live on July 23 at 10 a.m. local time, and public sales will follow on July 26. Fans can text the word DRUMMER to 615-257-9555 to receive a unique password.
Visit here for more information about for KING + COUNTRY. See below for all the “A Drummer Boy Christmas | The 2023 Tour Experience” dates.
North Creek’s Tannery Pond Center (TPC) is hosting the Indigenous Gifts Festival. The festival began on July 16th, and will continue until September 14th. Each week, TPC will highlight works from indigenous artists of the Adirondacks, including music, dance, film, and more.
For centuries, the Adirondacks have been home to the Haudenosaunee, or “People of the Longhouse.” This confederation includes the Mohawk, Cayuga, Seneca, Oneida, Onondaga, and Tuscarora peoples of New York. Prior to European arrival, the Haudenosaunee were one of the premier political and cultural forces of the region, with their form of representative government going on to influence America’s founding fathers.
Haudenosaunee culture – then and now – has a deep connection to the natural environment of the Adirondacks, with their art reflecting this. Tannery Pond Center’s Indigenous Gifts: Tradition, Today and Tomorrow Festival celebrates these artistic works, and the culture of the 81,000 members of the Haudenosaunee nation in the US.
Since its start, the Tannery Pond Center has been dedicated to bringing diverse arts programming to the North Country. Operating out of the Johnsburg Community Center, TPC has presented countless art exhibitions, musical performances, and arts workshops for local children. At the center of TCP’s mission is a deep respect for the community, with the center striving to provide the highest quality programming, all while fostering the creativity of those who visit.
As part of its dedication to community involvement, TPC is hosting the Indigenous Gifts Festival until September 14th. For this festival, TPC has closely collaborated with local Haudenosaunee artists to highlight their vibrant arts and culture, as well as further educate the public on their history. This two month-long festival will feature 14 special events highlighting different aspects of Haudenosaunee arts and history. Included among the events are art exhibitions, musical performance, and crafts workshops.
For the entirety of the Festival, TPC’s Widlund Gallery will feature an exhibition of local indigenous art. Local artist David Fadden curated the exhibition, using art to break down stereotypes and foster accurate understandings of Haudenosaunee culture. Fadden grew up in Onchiota, NY with close ties to Haudenosaunee and Mohawk culture.
Of special note are the festival’s many musical performances. On July 25, the Akwesasne Women Singers will perform from 7:30-9:30pm. The group will perform Onhwentsiakehkha music, traditionally sung at longhouse social dances. Each year, new lyrics to these songs are penned, ensuring that the language will thrive. The Akwesasne Women Singers have performed together since 1996, mixing song and dance into their performances. Before each dance, the singers explain its cultural significance and invite audience members to join in.
August 11th will feature a performance from the Allegany River Indian Dancers. Since their start in 1979, the group has become one of the premier indigenous dance groups in the US and Canada. Their performances include a number of “pow wow” dances, including the hoop dance. This performance involves 30 hoops used to form nature-inspired designs. Since their start, the troupe has taught countless people about Seneca culture through audience participation and lectures. This performance will take place from 3-5pm.
The final musical event is a Social Dance with the Travel Troupe from the Native North American Traveling College. The event will begin at 3:00pm with a youth-only dance at the Outdoor Stage Riverside Park. This event will educate children of all ages on the importance of indigenous dance. A 7:30pm event at Tannery Pond Center will follow. This is an all-ages event, inviting families to learn about the significance of indigenous social dance. During the 90 minute program, audience members will be able to participate in dances, while learning how these events involve all members of the community. These social dance events will both take place on August 22nd.
In addition to these music and dance events there are a slew of other cultural activities to be enjoyed. Among these are workshops on traditional wampum bead bracelets and moccasins, film screenings, and academic lectures.
For more information on events and ticketing, visit the TPC website here.
Alexandria Bay’s Riverboat Bar is one of the premier spots for live music in Jefferson County. Throughout the Summer, the bar hosts a number of concerts each week, bringing audiences performances of indie, Americana, and more.
Summer 2024 sees 13 artists from New York State and beyond performing at the Riverboat Bar, bringing audiences plenty of variety.
Friday, July 19th will feature two sets by Utica’s The Old Main. Led by songwriter Seth Becker, the indie-folk quartet has toured across New York for over a decade. The band combines influences of John Prine and Wilco with stripped down instrumentation to create intimate Americana. Their set will begin at 10pm, with attendance being free.
Continuing with folk music, July 20th will feature a free show by CNY group The Rollin’ Rust. Singer-songwriter James VanDeuson leads the group, bringing an edge to traditional Americana. Their evocative songwriting and polished instrumentation has taken them around the country, performing across 45 cities in 2023 alone. Their debut Road Rats was nominated for Best Americana Album at the 2023 SAMMY Awards. They will play two sets beginning at 10pm.
On July 26th, the Riverboat Bar will host Syracuse’s Vaporeyes. Vaporeyes plays progressive rock heavily influenced by classic psychedelia. With lush keyboard textures, guitar, and rhythms, the band crafts dreamy musical soundscapes. Vaporeyes will play two free sets, beginning at 10pm.
August 2nd will feature a “Local Legendz Showcase,” featuring performances by a host of local musical artists. Holdown Upstate organized this event as part of their mission to increase community involvement in music throughout Upstate New York. This event represents a live version of Holdown Upstate’s “Local Legendz ” radio program highlighting up-and-coming artists from across New York. This free show will begin at 10pm.
On August 3rd, Joey Collins and the Creatives will perform at the Riverboat Bar. The trio originates from Watertown, but has played at shows and festivals across the state. Their sound incorporates influences of soul and folk into Indie rock. As part of their return to the Riverboat Bar, Joey Collins and the Creatives will play two free sets, beginning at 10pm.
August 9th will feature two sets by Syracuse’s Mike Powell and the Echosound. The band began during the Covid-19 lockdown, as Powell decided to go back to his roots while listening to his record collection. As soon as touring was possible, Powell enlisted musicians from Suracuse’s blues and folk scenes to start the Echosound. All five members collaborate to write lyrics and music for their Americana and rock influenced songs. This show comes after the release of their debut Plastic Spoon Honeymoon in 2023. The show will begin at 10pm, with a $5 cover at the door.
On August 10th, Albany’s Hilltop will perform two sets at the Riverboat Bar. The four-piece band began jamming at Mercy College in 2018. The quartet has 100 shows under their belt, blasting out funk-influenced rock numbers for their audiences. Their show will take place during Alexandria Bay’s Pirate Days festival, featuring events and exhibitions across town. Hilltop’s two sets will begin at 10pm, with a $5 cover charge at the door.
Connecticut-based funk band One Time Weekend will perform two nights of shows on August 16-17th. Across their two studio albums, One Time Weekend have made a name for themselves as a premier modern funk band. Their sound combines groovy pop melodies with progressive instrumentation. Their live shows bring an unmatched energy, with face-melting riffs and smooth vocals. One Time Weekend will play two sets each night, beginning at 10pm. Guests can buy tickets for $10 at the door each night, or a weekend pass for $15.
August 23rd will feature a free concert by Felix Free & the Rxcketeers. Born in Southern California, Felix Free moved to rural Upstate New York, where he honed his craft as a rapper. Free’s intimate lyricism and stage presence can conquer crowds both large and small. With the live band the Rxcketeers behind him, Free will bring his trademark Golden era hip hop stylings to the Riverboat Bar. This free show will begin at 10pm.
On August 24th, Connecticut’s Legalized will play two sets with DJ Nick Balkun. Legalized’s music defies genre, combining everything from funk and jazz to punk and psychedelic. With rock instrumentals and saxophone, their music is noisy and experimental yet infectiously groovy. Connecticut’s DJ Nick Balkun will join Legalized, playing a DJ/drum set. This free show will feature two sets starting at 10pm.
Double Barrel Blues Band will return to the Riverboat Bar for a weekend residency from August 30-September 1st. The Syracuse quartet plays all types of blues, including more traditional acoustic, and modern amplified styles. With the guitar chops of Mark Cloutier and John Hart, the group are regular nominees at the SAMMY awards blues category. Their residency will feature special guests making for a weekend-long blues-stravaganza. Each residency show is free, beginning at 8pm each night.
Organ Fairchild will kick off September at the Riverboat Bar with two free sets on September 6th. Beginning as a Buffalo-based Grateful Dead cover band in 1983, Organ Fairchild’s members honed their live music abilities in extended jams. In 2020, they rebranded themselves as an instrumental trio, featuring guitar, drums, and organs. The trio’s brand of instrumental funk has brought national renown, playing shows across the East Coast with legends of the jam band genre. Their sets will begin at 10pm.
September 7th will feature two free sets by Buffalo-based rock group Johnny Hart & the Mess. The band’s sound can loosely be defined as “alternative,” but combines influences of pop, blues, country, and more. With releases like Moonlite Motel and Neon Eyes the band has established itself as an up-and-comer in New York’s rock scene. Their sets will begin at 10pm.
Shapes will close out the Riverboat Bar’s summer season with a September 13th performance. Hailing from Toronto, the band’s music combines rock with influences of funk and afrobeat. The band never takes itself too seriously, including witty lyrics and humorous stage banter into their shows. With their groovy instrumentation and funny stage presence, Shapes is sure to keep audiences dancing and laughing all night long. Their two free sets will begin at 10pm.
For more information on the Riverboat Bar’s upcoming shows, visit their website here.
Following the event’s undeniable success in 2023, the Borscht Belt Museum has announced the return of its now-annual Borscht Belt Festival, a three-day-long celebration of the iconic Borscht Belt Era in the Catskills.
Beginning on the evening of Friday, July 26, and running through Sunday, July 28, the equally informative and entertaining festival will pay homage to the Borscht Belt’s vibrant past while showcasing its legacy and wide-ranging influence on American culture to all who attend in Ellenville, NY.
The Borscht Belt, a term for the region of summer resorts in the Catskills Mountains that thrived from the 1920s to the 1970s, is a pivotal piece of New York history. In its prime, the Borscht Belt had over 500 resorts that filled up with guests every year. The catalyst of the Borscht Belt was that in the early 1900s, certain hotels and resorts openly discriminated against Jewish people, which led to an untapped market that all resorts in the Borscht Belt leaned heavily into. Some of the most iconic aspects of the Borscht Belt’s prime are the historic comedians, delicious and authentic Jewish foods, and a second-to-none communal atmosphere.
Inspired by the fabled Borscht Belt era, the Borscht Belt Festival was created as an outlet to celebrate the region’s lengthy and impactful history. The inaugural Borscht Belt Festival last year was a rousing success, bringing in over 6,000 attendees, which led to all ticketed events selling out. The festival offers food, comedy, live music and scores of other events that will take over much of downtown Ellenville, just ninety minutes from Times Square.
Ellenville was home to the Nevele Grand Hotel, one of the largest and most important resorts in the Borscht Belt’s history, which sadly closed in 2009.
“Amid the backdrop of rising antisemitism, Borscht Belt Fest is a timely celebration of Jewish joy as a response to exclusion,” said Andrew Jacobs, president of the Borscht Belt Museum board. “The resorts may be gone, but we are committed to preserving and celebrating the Borscht Belt and the comedy, food and culture that had lasting impacts on mainstream America.”
This year’s festival is set to one-up everything from the first festival, with organizers claiming to have doubled the size of all offerings from the last year.
Highlights from this year’s lineup include Cousin Brucie, New Yorker writer Patricia Marx, comedian Rachel Feinstein, The Great Babka Bake Off, what will surely be a competitive and raucous Simon Sez competition, an outdoor screening of Dirty Dancing, and more, including cabaret and musical theater. Paying homage to the lifeblood of the Belt, the festival will also feature a multitude of stand-up shows from start to finish. A partnership with the NY Comedy Club has guaranteed that attendees will be getting the best of the best.
The festival’s centerpiece, though, has to be the street fair, which will run Saturday, 11–5 p.m. and Sunday, 10–3 p.m. and will feature local artisans, nostalgic merchandise, and delicious food, including artful interpretations of Jewish classics. The street fair is free to enter for all who come. Most events are free, but tickets are required for the comedy shows, talks, and workshops, with proceeds going to support the Catskills Borscht Belt Museum.
The Borscht Belt Festival is fully organized by the Borscht Belt Museum, a non-for-profit dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Borscht Belt resort era and celebrating its history as a refuge from bigotry, the cradle of stand-up comedy, and a cultural catalyst that left deep imprints on America. The museum’s current exhibition, “And Such Small Portions: Food and Comedy in the Catskills Resort Era,” will be running through November 15.
Find tickets and more information on the Borscht Belt Festival here.
The Berklee College of Music announced that their New York City graduate program recently celebrated its graduation with a commencement ceremony at Lincoln Center.
On Sunday, June 29, Berklee NYC honored its largest cohort of Master’s recipients in the Appel Room of Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Frederick P. Rose Hall.
Photo credit – Yusuke Yamanouchi
Betsie Becker, acting executive director of Berklee NYC and Power Station at Berklee NYC, and David Bogen, interim president and provost of Berklee College of Music, conferred degrees to 119 scholars and four post-master’s fellows. The graduates were recipients of one-year Master of Arts degrees in creative media and technology, specializing in either songwriting and production, live music production and design, or writing and design for musical theatre. Music for the ceremony was even written and produced by the graduates, with the processional written by Power Station at Berklee NYC alumnus and staff member Glenn Forsythe (Class of 2008).
The commencement speech was given by Grammy and Tony award-winning musician and composer Charlie Rosen, a Berklee graduate of the class of 2012. This past February, Rosen took home the Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album as orchestrator ofthe Broadway smash hit Some Like It Hot. In 2022, Rosen and his band, 8-Bit Big Band, received the Grammy for Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella. Rosen has won two Tony Awards for Best Orchestration for his work on Moulin Rouge! The Musical (2020) and A Strange Loop (2023).
Charlie Rosen ’12 addresses graduates at the 2024 Berklee NYC commencement ceremony. Image by Yusuke Yamanouchi
Rosen, who is also a cancer survivor, gave a rousing speech to the graduates and fellows, inspiring each to pursue their creativity, even in the face of an incredibly difficult, competitive industry. Other keynote speakers were Xenia Rubos (Class of 2006), an assistant professor of songwriting and production, and songwriting and production scholar Tamieyah Johnson, who delivered remarks on behalf of her fellow graduates.
“This industry and this city can be challenging and unpredictable. Having a community around you of people who understand your struggles, share your passion, and celebrate your successes is invaluable. They will help you navigate the uncertainties, celebrate your victories, and provide solace during tough times,” said Rosen. “As a recent cancer survivor, I can attest most to the power of the support system of friends and peers. If there is one thing I continue to learn, it’s that no one succeeds in this industry alone. The connections you have made at Berklee are just the beginning.”
The Northwest Jazz Festival in Lewiston, NY will host an exciting celebration tribute of The Great American Songbook Aug. 23-24. The festival will include six performances across the two days of beloved music, taking place on Center St. in Lewiston.
Coming to Lewiston for the upcoming festival is a group of extremely talented musicians, whose work excels in the jazz community.
On Friday, Aug. 23 at 6 PM, Pete Malinverni and his trio will open the festival. The performance will then be followed by Pete Malinverni, Peter Bernstein, and Anaïs Reno performing a selection of jazz standards from the Great American Songbook. The first night of the Northwest Jazz Festival brings a unique collaboration from three significant artists.
The next day, Saturday, Aug. 24, festivities get an earlier start. At 2:15 PM, attendees will witness Elliot Sneider perform the music of George and Ira Gershwin. This delightful start to the day will excite the audience, preparing them for the extraordinary shows ahead of them. Throughout the rest of the day, the Jazz at the Ballroom organization will present three shows with different American Songbook themes.
Starting at 4 PM, Adrian Cunningham, Wyatt Michael, and the Konrad Paszkudzki Trio will present “Get Out of Town.” This show will feature songs like “Route 66” and “Stars Fell On Alabama,” giving attendees a musical tour of the country.
At 6 PM, Champian Fulton along with Olivia Chindamo, and Vanessa Perea will pay homage to the women who paved their way from big bands to becoming household names. “Flying High” features the music of Ella Fitzgerald, Anita O’Day, Billie Holiday, Rosemary Clooney, and many more.
Lastly, at 8:30 PM “Accentuate the Positive” to close the night out and end the enchanting weekend of music. Led by pianist, Konrad Paszkudzki, the performance will include uplifting songs from back in the day such as. Joined by the full Jazz at the Ballroom ensemble, the festival will undoubtedly end on a high note.
To reserve a seat for the Northwest Jazz Festival, visit lewistonjazz.com.
Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) has announced their partnership with Canadian classical music festival, The Festival de Lanaudière, for their mentorship program.
From July 25 to Aug 4, the mentorship program will travel with six talented Canadian musicians to Quebec and SPAC. The program pushes the musicians’ careers forward by allowing them to forge relationships with other musicians, conductors and teachers. These six young artists will spend the first six days of the program in Joliette, Quebec and for the first time in the program’s history, the last four days will be with The Philadelphia Orchestra at SPAC.
The Philadelphia Orchestra has a longstanding summer residency at SPAC and this year, their SPAC performances include 100 years of Rhapsody in Blue on Aug 1, an Evening with John Legend on Aug 7 and a performance with Yo-Yo Ma on Aug 16.
The entire Festival de Lanaudière goes from July 6 and ends with the mentorship program on Aug 4. The festival was founded in 1978 and the famous Amphithéâtre Fernand-Lindsay was constructed in 1988. Most of the performances take place outside in the Amphitheatre, but for some performances the festival moves to offsite venues like the ornate churches of Quebec as well as distilleries and cultural centers.
SPAC is also known for its beautiful open amphitheater where the Philadelphia orchestra shares the stage with other prestigious arts companies like New York City Ballet and Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. The town of Saratoga Springs is surrounded by hiking trails and geysers, drawing in summer tourists and music fans alike.
To find more information about The Festival de Lanaudière, you can visit their website here.
THE 2024 MENTEES
· Mehdi Ghazi, pianist
· Frédéric-Alexandre Michaud, conductor, violinist and radio cultural commentator
· Elizabeth Polese, soprano
· Antoine Rivard-Landry, pianist
· Catherine St-Arnaud, soprano
· Gabriel Trottier, solo, chamber and orchestral horn player
