Category: News Desk

  • From Ashes To New Announces Full U.S. Tour With Set It Off

    Fresh off of their resounding and successful Blackout Tour, rousing alt-metal outfit From Ashes to New announced that they will officially join fellow metal band Set It Off on a full U.S. tour this fall.

    The tour will take the duos nationwide, with three shows in New York. They will be joined by metal powerhouses New Years Day and If Not For Me.

    Following the end of From Ashes To New’s current 2024 tour, “The Deathless Tour Part Two” will begin on Saturday, September 21, in Johnstown, PA. The tour starts just as From Ashes to New and Set It Off complete their joint supporting tour dates with Nothing More. The co-headlining jaunt will make its way across both coasts before ending in Wantagh, on November 2. 

    The official tour dates are listed below. Fans can visit here for more information on the tour, music, and merch.

    “THE DEATHLESS TOUR PART TWO” TOUR DATES 
     with Set It Off + FROM ASHES TO NEW w/ support from New Years Day & If Not For Me

    9/21    Johnstown, PA – Frank J. Pasquarella Conference Center &
    9/25    Grand Rapids, MI – The Intersection 
    9/28    Belvidere, IL – The Apollo Theatre 
    9/29    Omaha, NE – The Admiral 
    10/1    Albuquerque, NM – El Rey Theater 
    10/2    Tucson, AZ – Rialto Theatre 
    10/5    Fresno, CA – Tioga Sequoia Brewery 
    10/7    Portland, OR – Roseland Theater 
    10/8    Boise, ID – Knitting Factory 
    10/9    Seattle, WA – Showbox Sodo 
    10/11  Bend, OR – Midtown Ballroom 
    10/15 Grand Junction, CO – Mesa Theater 
    10/17 Wichita, KS – Cotillion 
    10/19 Davenport, IA – Capitol Theater 
    10/22 Green Bay, WI – EPIC Event Center 
    10/23 Indianapolis, IN – Egyptian Room 
    10/25 Syracuse, NY – Sharkey’s Stage 
    10/26 Montclair, NJ – The Wellmont Theater 
    10/27 Worcester, MA – The Palladium 
    10/29 Albany, NY – Empire Live 
    10/30 Portland, ME – Aura 
    11/1 Stroudsburg, PA – The Sherman Theater 
    11/2 Wantagh, NY – Mulcahy’s Concert Hall 

  • Ellie Announces EP Release at Rockwood Music Hall

    New York City-based trans pop artist Ellie will release her upcoming EP, Forbidden Fruit, on June 14. She will release her newest single, “Not Like Other Girls,” on Tuesday, June 11.

    Along with the release of her EP, Ellie will be hosting a free release show at Rockwood Music Hall, located in the Bowery neighborhood of Manhattan. The show will take place on Thursday, June 13, at 9 pm.

    ellie forbidden fruit

    As a trans woman, Ellie uses “Not Like Other Girls” as a response to the nationwide increase of transphobic rhetoric. The idea of her being “not like other girls” plays a cheeky spin on the popular phrase used to tear women down.

    In the song, Ellie jokes, “I’m not like other girls, I’m worse.” With the chorus, she manages to send a sarcastic message to everyone with strict and bigoted expectations of women and trans people.

    So many people (the majority of which are cis) have LOTS to say about trans people.
    So, why not talk back for once?

    Ellie

    The tense themes that are in “Not Like Other Girls” extend throughout the EP. The single discusses the expectations of what women should be, which are oftentimes exclusionary of transgender women.

    One of the most eye-opening lyrics is actually one of Ellie’s favorites: “Make all your friends turn to envious wrecks as they question the dogmas they bark.” The line implies that by defying society’s expectations, people will begin to wonder why they exist in the first place. Questioning society is exactly the point.

    With the help of fast-paced, energetic pop-rock, Ellie’s single and EP send a relatable, funny message anyone could enjoy. The heavy rock music behind Ellie’s vocals emphasizes the intensity and frustration of the song’s message.

    Join Ellie on June 13 at Rockwood Music Hall in Bowery, Manhattan, for a free release party! The venue is located right off the F train stop on 2 Av.

    Ellie’s Forbidden Fruit will be available on all streaming platforms starting June 14th. For the full EP, fans can visit here.

  • Pearl City Hops Announces Summer Music Series

    Jamestown’s Pearl City Hops announced the return of their Summer Music On the Patio Series, with an exciting lineup of local artists, hosting a wide variety of acts every Monday, from May to September.

    Whether you’re an acoustic, soul, or upbeat pop fan, Pearl City Hops’ lineup has something for you to enjoy.

    Pearl City Hops Restaurant & Tavern opened in 2018, and has been serving American comfort food with a Southern twist ever since. Located at the center of Jamestown and offering convenient access to live music, the upscale feel makes the establishment a perfect environment to enjoy a laid back concert.

    The Summer Music Series is a great way to connect with the community and enjoy the summer weather. Mark your calendars for the exciting lineup below!

    Pearl City Hops Summer Music Series

    Monday May 27th- Adam Mckillip

    Monday June 3rd – Mandy Majtan

    Monday June 10th – Adam Gould

    Monday June 17th – Jade Giambrone

    Monday June 24th – Charity Nuse

    Monday July 1st – Jai Callpepper

    Monday July 8th – Assembly Trio (Drew & Lena)

    Monday July 15th – SON

    Monday July 22nd – Gavin Paterniti

    Monday July 29th – Amber & Josh

    Monday August 5th – Justin Wheeler

    Monday August 12th – Jamie Smith

    Monday August 19th – Sixpence

    Monday August 26th – Shamus

    Monday September 2nd – Miranda Wilcox

    A tour of the restaurant and tavern is available below, and the menu is available at the following link.

  • Songwriters Hall of Fame Announce Gala Performers and Presenters

    The 2024 Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala will take place on Thursday, June 13, featuring a slate of legendary musicians to perform and present.

    Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction

    Along with Songwriters Hall of Fame (SHOF) Chairman Nile Rodgers, Trey Anastasio, Kevin Bacon and Michael Bacon p/k/a The Bacon Brothers, Cary Barlowe, Andra Day, Rodney Chrome, El Debarge, Missy Elliott, Jason Isbell, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Deniece Williams, Paul Williams, are all slated to either present and/or perform at the induction.

    These musicians will celebrate the art of songwriting and the decades of work the inductees have put into their craft. The SHOF also educates the public about the significance of songwriting through workshops, showcases, and scholarships at programs across the country.

    The 53rd Annual Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Gala will be inducting Hillary Lindsey, Timothy Mosley p/k/a Timbaland, Dean Pitchford, Bill Berry, Peter Buck, Mike Mills and Michael Stipe p/k/a R.E.M., and Donald Fagen and Walter Becker p/k/a Steely Dan. Additionally, SZA will receive the Hal David Starlight Award and Diane Warren will receive the Johnny Mercer Award.

    They will be joining the likes of Bob Dylan, Carole King, Paul Simon, Billy Joel, Elton John & Bernie Taupin, Brian Wilson, James Taylor, Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, and Pharell Williams in the SHOF, to name a few out of approximately 400 inductees.

    Tickets for the Songwriters Hall of Fame event begin at $2,000 each and are available through Buckley Hall Events, 914-579-1000 and SHOF@buckleyhallevents.com. Net proceeds from the event will go toward the Songwriters Hall of Fame programs.  Songwriters Hall of Fame is a 501(c)3 organization.  The non-deductible portion of each ticket is $215. Contributions, for which no goods or services are received in exchange, are fully tax-deductible as provided by law.

    For more information visit www.songhall.org

  • Music in the Hollow Announces Summer Lineup

    The Town of Dryden Recreation Department has just announced its free-to-the-public Music in the Hollow Summer 2024 concert series lineup. The series will run between June 15 and August 27, with all shows occurring between 6-8:00 p.m. in this small town just east of Ithaca.

    Located 14 minutes from the historic music-rich town of Ithaca, Ellis Hollow has always had a small but strong community. In the 20 years since their community center was built, countless concerts have been thrown in the main pavilion, with audience members watching in the vast grassy field.

    For the past few years, the community center has been making official annual summer concert series, and this year’s is set to impress.

    Every week, a different artist or band will take the stage and perform a two-hour set for anybody and everybody that comes out to watch.

    Following the first show on Saturday, June 5, every show will take place on Tuesdays.

    The nearby Antlers restaurant, known for its rustic seafood and BBQ, will be serving food at all of the concerts during the summer as well.

    Some of the artists include the jazz/blues quartet, The Pelotones, the rock/reggae/funk band, The Small Kings and the bluegrass band, The Notorious String Busters. This is the perfect series to find your new favorite local band.

    So if you have a Tuesday evening free, grab some lawn chairs, bring a few cold beverages, and come on out to The Ellis Hollow Community Center for some free live music and less-free delicious food courtesy of the Antlers.

  • 2024 Drama Desk Awards Winners Announced

    Winners for the 2024 Annual Drama Desk Awards were announced on Monday, June 10 at NYU Skirball Center with Tony Award Winners Sutton Foster and Aaron Tveit hosting the evening’s ceremony.

    Drama Desk Awards

    In keeping with the Drama Desk’s mission, the nominators considered shows that opened on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and Off-Off Broadway during the 2023-2024 season for this year’s awards. Shows were eligible with 21 or more unique live performances. 

    Drama Desk Awards

    The Drama Desk Awards are the only major New York City theater awards for which productions on BroadwayOff Broadway, and Off Off Broadway compete against each other in the same categories. David Barbour and Charles Wright are The Drama Desk co-presidents.

    As was the case last year, all performance categories are gender-free. The updated gender-free categories are: Outstanding Lead Performance in a Play, Outstanding Lead Performance in a Musical, Outstanding Featured Performance in a Play, and Outstanding Featured Performance in a Musical. Thus, each of these categories had twice as many nominees as the former gendered categories and these categories have two winners each.

    What sets the Drama Desk Awards apart is that they are voted on and bestowed by critics, journalists, editors, and publishers covering theater, honoring all aspects of New York’s professional theater.

    The Drama Desk was founded in 1949 to explore key issues in the theater and to bring together critics and writers in an organization to support the ongoing development of theater in New York. The organization began presenting its awards in 1955, and it is the only critics’ organization to honor achievement in the theater with competition among Broadway, Off Broadway, and Off-Off Broadway productions in the same categories.

    2024 DRAMA DESK WINNERS:

    (winners are highlighted and starred)

    Outstanding Play

    Infinite Life, by Annie Baker, Atlantic Theater Company

    Jaja’s African Hair Braiding, by Jocelyn Bioh, Manhattan Theatre Club

    Mother Play, by Paula Vogel, Second Stage Theater

    ***Stereophonic, by David Adjmi, Playwrights Horizons

    Swing State, by Rebecca Gilman, Goodman Theatre

    The Ally, by Itamar Moses, The Public Theater

    Outstanding Musical

    ***Dead Outlaw

    Illinoise, Park Avenue Armory

    Lizard Boy, Prospect Theater Company

    Teeth, Playwrights Horizons

    The Connector, MCC Theater

    The Outsiders

    Outstanding Revival of a Play

    ***Appropriate, Second Stage Theater

    Doubt: A Parable, Roundabout Theatre Company

    Philadelphia, Here I Come!, Irish Repertory Theatre

    Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch

    Uncle Vanya, OHenry Productions

    Outstanding Revival of a Musical

    Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club

    Gutenberg! The Musical!

    ***I Can Get It for You Wholesale, Classic Stage Company

    Outstanding Lead Performance in a Play

    Nicole Cooper, Macbeth (an undoing), Theatre for a New Audience, Rose Theatre, and Royal

    Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh

    William Jackson Harper, Primary Trust, Roundabout Theatre Company

    ***Jessica Lange, Mother Play, Second Stage Theater

    Rachel McAdams, Mary Jane, Manhattan Theatre Club

    Tobias Menzies, The Hunt, St. Ann’s Warehouse and Almeida Theatre

    Leslie Odom, Jr., Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch

    ***Sarah Paulson, Appropriate, Second Stage Theater

    A.J. Shively, Philadelphia, Here I Come!, Irish Repertory Theatre

    Juliet Stevenson, The Doctor, Park Avenue Armory

    Michael Stuhlbarg, Patriots

    Outstanding Lead Performance in a Musical *(There are 3 winners in this category as it includes a tie)*

    Andrew Durand, Dead Outlaw

    Santino Fontana, I Can Get It for You Wholesale, Classic Stage Company

    Brody Grant, The Outsiders

    ***Brian d’Arcy James, Days of Wine and Roses, Atlantic Theater Company

    ***Maleah Joi Moon, Hell’s Kitchen

    ***Kelli O’Hara, Days of Wine and Roses, Atlantic Theater Company

    Liam Pearce, How to Dance in Ohio

    Gayle Rankin, Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club

    Ben Levi Ross, The Connector, MCC Theater

    Ricky Ubeda, Illinoise, Park Avenue Armory

    Outstanding Featured Performance in a Play

    Brittany Adebumola, Jaja’s African Hair Braiding, Manhattan Theatre Club

    Marylouise Burke, Infinite Life, Atlantic Theater Company

    Michael Esper, Appropriate, Second Stage Theater

    Marin Ireland, Uncle Vanya, OHenry Productions

    Will Keen, Patriots

    ***Celia Keenan-Bolger, Mother Play, Second Stage Theater

    Conrad Ricamora, Oh, Mary!

    Sheila Tousey, Manahatta, The Public Theater

    Bubba Weiler, Swing State, Goodman Theatre

    ***Kara Young, Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch

    Outstanding Featured Performance in a Musical

    Shoshana Bean, Hell’s Kitchen

    Natalie Venetia Belcon, Buena Vista Social Club, Atlantic Theater Company

    Dorian Harewood, The Notebook

    Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer, Monty Python’s Spamalot

    ***Kecia Lewis, Hell’s Kitchen

    ***Bebe Neuwirth, Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club

    Steven Pasquale, Teeth, Playwrights Horizons

    Maryann Plunkett, The Notebook

    Thom Sesma, Dead Outlaw

    Emily Skinner, Suffs

    Outstanding Direction of a Play

    ***Daniel Aukin, Stereophonic, Playwrights Horizons

    Rupert Goold, The Hunt, St. Ann’s Warehouse and Almeida Theatre

    Kenny Leon, Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch

    Lila Neugebauer, Appropriate, Second Stage Theater

    Ciarán O’Reilly, Philadelphia, Here I Come!, Irish Repertory Theatre

    Outstanding Direction of a Musical

    David Cromer, Dead Outlaw

    Rebecca Frecknall, Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club

    Daisy Prince, The Connector, MCC Theater

    ***Jessica Stone, Water for Elephants

    Danya Taymor, The Outsiders

    Outstanding Choreography

    Camille A. Brown, Hell’s Kitchen

    Graciela Daniele and Alex Sanchez, The Gardens of Anuncia, Lincoln Center Theater

    Rick Kuperman and Jeff Kuperman, The Outsiders (includes fight choreography)

    Lorin Latarro, The Heart of Rock and Roll

    ***Justin Peck, Illinoise, Park Avenue Armory

    Jesse Robb and Shana Carroll, Water for Elephants (includes circus choreography)

    Outstanding Music

    Jason Robert Brown, The Connector, MCC Theater

    Justin Huertas, Lizard Boy, Prospect Theater Company

    Jamestown Revival (Jonathan Clay & Zach Chance) and Justin Levine, The Outsiders

    ***Shaina Taub, Suffs

    David Yazbek and Erik Della Penna, Dead Outlaw

    Outstanding Lyrics

    Rachel Bloom, Eli Bolin, and Jack Dolgen, Rachel Bloom: Death, Let Me Do My Show

    Jason Robert Brown, The Connector, MCC Theater

    Michael R. Jackson, Teeth, Playwrights Horizons

    Jamestown Revival (Jonathan Clay & Zach Chance) and Justin Levine, The Outsiders

    ***David Yazbek and Erik Della Penna, Dead Outlaw

    Outstanding Book of a Musical

    Justin Huertas, Lizard Boy, Prospect Theater Company

    Michael R. Jackson and Anna K. Jacobs, Teeth, Playwrights Horizons

    Michael John LaChiusa, The Gardens of Anuncia, Lincoln Center Theater

    Rebekah Greer Melocik, How to Dance in Ohio

    ***Itamar Moses, Dead Outlaw

    Outstanding Orchestrations

    Timo Andres, Illinoise, Park Avenue Armory

    Will Butler and Justin Craig, Stereophonic, Playwrights Horizons

    Andy Evan Cohen, The Greatest Hits Down Route 66, New Light Theater Project

    ***Marco Paguia, Buena Vista Social Club, Atlantic Theater Company

    Erik Della Penna, Dean Sharenow, and David Yazbek, Dead Outlaw

    Michael Starobin, Shaina Taub (vocal arrangements), and Andrea Grody (vocal arrangements),

    Suffs

    Outstanding Music in a Play

    Michael “Mikey J” Asante, The Effect, The Shed

    S T A R R Busby and JJJJJerome Ellis, (pray), Ars Nova and National Black Theatre

    ***Will Butler, Stereophonic, Playwrights Horizons

    Dionne McClain-Freeney, The Harriet Holland Social Club Presents The 84th Annual Star-Burst

    Cotillion in the Grand Ballroom of the Renaissance Hotel, New Georges and The Movement Theatre Company

    Ben Steinfeld, Pericles, Classic Stage Company and Fiasco Theater

    Outstanding Revue

    ***Amid Falling Walls, National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene

    Outstanding Scenic Design of a Play

    Es Devlin, The Hunt, St. Ann’s Warehouse and Almeida Theatre

    dots, Appropriate, Second Stage Theater

    Derek McLane, Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch

    Scott Pask, Grey House

    ***David Zinn, Stereophonic, Playwrights Horizons

    Outstanding Scenic Design of a Musical

    AMP featuring Tatiana Kahvegian, The Outsiders

    ***Paul Tate dePoo III, The Great Gatsby (includes projections)

    Riccardo Hernández, Suffs

    Arnulfo Maldonado, Dead Outlaw

    Grace Smart, Good Vibrations: A Punk Rock Musical, Irish Arts Center

    Outstanding Costume Design of a Play

    Alex Berry, Macbeth (an undoing), Theatre for a New Audience, Rose Theatre, and Royal

    Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh

    Karen Boyer, Warrior Sisters of Wu, Pan Asian Repertory Theatre

    ***Enver Chakartash, Stereophonic, Playwrights Horizons

    Lux Haac, Manahatta, The Public Theater

    Rodrigo Muñoz, Sally & Tom, The Public Theater

    Outstanding Costume Design of a Musical

    Dede Ayite, Buena Vista Social Club, Atlantic Theater Company

    Márion Talán de la Rosa, The Connector, MCC Theater

    Loren Elstein, Once Upon a One More Time

    David Israel Reynoso, Water for Elephants

    ***Paul Tazewell, Suffs

    Outstanding Lighting Design of a Play

    ***Jane Cox, Appropriate, Second Stage Theater

    Stacey Derosier, Uncle Vanya, OHenry Productions

    Natasha Katz, Grey House

    Lizzie Powell, Macbeth (an undoing), Theatre for a New Audience, Rose Theatre, and

    Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh

    Eric Southern, Swing State, Goodman Theatre

    Outstanding Lighting Design of a Musical

    Lap Chi Chu, Suffs

    Heather Gilbert, Dead Outlaw

    Bradley King, Water for Elephants

    ***Brian MacDevitt and Hana S. Kim (projections), The Outsiders

    Jeanette Oi-Suk Yew, The Connector, MCC Theater

    Outstanding Projection and Video Design

    Eric Dunlap, Our Class, MART Foundation and Arlekin Players Theatre

    Jared Mezzocchi, Russian Troll Farm: A Workplace Comedy, Vineyard Theatre

    ***Peter Nigrini, Hell’s Kitchen

    Olivia Sebesky, Melissa Etheridge: My Window

    Jeanette Oi-Suk Yew, The Connector, MCC Theater

    Outstanding Sound Design of a Play

    Adam Cork, The Hunt, St. Ann’s Warehouse and Almeida Theatre

    Tom Gibbons, Grey House

    Palmer Hefferan, The Comeuppance, Signature Theatre

    Bray Poor and Will Pickens, Appropriate, Second Stage Theater

    ***Ryan Rumery, Stereophonic, Playwrights Horizons

    Outstanding Sound Design of a Musical *(3-way tie)*

    Jason Crystal, Suffs

    Kai Harada and Joshua Millican, Dead Outlaw

    ***Nick Lidster for Autograph, Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club

    ***Cody Spencer, The Outsiders

    ***Walter Trarbach, Water for Elephants

    Outstanding Wig and Hair

    J. Jared Janas and Cassie Williams, Sally & Tom, The Public Theater

    Charles G. LaPointe, Suffs

    ***Nikiya Mathis, Jaja’s African Hair Braiding, Manhattan Theatre Club

    Nikiya Mathis, The Harriet Holland Social Club Presents The 84th Annual Star-Burst Cotillion in

    the Grand Ballroom of the Renaissance Hotel, New Georges and The Movement Theatre Company

    Robert Pickens and Katie Gell, Stereophonic, Broadway Production

    Outstanding Solo Performance

    Michael Cruz Kayne, Sorry for Your Loss

    Madeleine MacMahon, Breathless, Theatre Royal Plymouth

    Wade McCollum, Make Me Gorgeous!, The True Story of Kenneth “Mr. Madam” Marlowe, triangle productions!

    Robert Montano, SMALL, Penguin Rep Theatre

    ***Patrick Page, All the Devils Are Here: How Shakespeare Invented the Villain

    Unique Theatrical Experience

    A Eulogy for Roman, Through the Tollbooth Co.

    A Simulacrum, Atlantic Theater Company

    ADRIFT: A Medieval Wayward Folly, Happenstance Theater

    I Love You So Much I Could Die, New York Theatre Workshop

    ***Grenfell: in the words of survivors, St. Ann’s Warehouse, National Theatre, and KPPL Productions

    Outstanding Fight Choreography

    Michael G. Chin, Warrior Sisters of Wu, Pan Asian Repertory Theatre

    ***Cha Ramos, Water for Elephants

    Steve Rankin, The Who’s Tommy

     Outstanding Adaptation

    ***An Enemy of the People, by Amy Herzog

    Macbeth (an undoing), by Zinnie Harris, Theatre for a New Audience, Rose Theatre,

    and Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh

    The Comedy of Errors, by Rebecca Martínez and Julián Mesri, The Public Theater Mobile Unit

    The Doctor, by Robert Icke, Park Avenue Armory

    The Hunt, by David Farr, St. Ann’s Warehouse and Almeida Theatre

    The Whole of Time, by Romina Paula, Joben Studios

    Outstanding Puppetry

    Matt Acheson, Hotel Happy, Houses on the Moon Theater Company

    Adrian Kohler and Handspring Puppet Company, Life & Times of Michael K, St. Ann’s Warehouse,

    Baxter Theatre Centre, and Düsseldorfer Schauspielhaus

    ***Ray Wetmore, JR Goodman, and Camille Labarre, Water for Elephants

    David Valentine, Poor Yella Rednecks, Manhattan Theatre Club

    SPECIAL AWARDS

    Ensemble Award

    The cast of Stereophonic – Will Brill, Andrew R. Butler, Juliana Canfield, Eli Gelb, Tom Pecinka, Sarah Pidgeon, and Chris Stack – who execute David Adjmi’s hypernaturalistic text with extraordinary care and precision, while also performing Will Butler’s music with the freshness and life that makes us believe we are witnessing, first-hand, the creation of a new American classic.

    Sam Norkin Off-Broadway Award

    Cole Escola, who both wrote and stars in one of this season’s biggest hits Off Broadway, Oh, Mary! Following in the long legacy of queer artists who write themselves into American history, Escola’s new “gay fantasia on national themes” is a hilarious reminder of why we must continue to interrogate our past.

    ADDITIONAL SPECIAL AWARDS

    How to Dance in Ohio Authentic Autistic Representation Team – Sammi Cannold, Nicole D’Angelo, Becky Leifman, Ava Xiao-Lin Rigelhaupt, Liz Weber, and Jeremy Wein – for their steadfast support of autistic theatermakers, and their strides toward true accessibility for neurodiverse individuals both on and offstage.

    Lighting designer Isabella Byrd, whose self-described technique as a “darkness designer” has earned her a cache of nominations and awards in the United States and abroad. During this season, Byrd illuminated two Broadway shows done in the round, An Enemy of the People and Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club. Off Broadway, her spotlight on quiet, small-scale stories both enchanted us in Primary Trust and mesmerized us in Infinite Life, with a parking-lot sky that marked the passage of time.

    Lady Irene Gandy, for career achievement. A press agent extraordinaire for over five decades, Lady Irene has always demonstrated her passion, dedication, and love for theater. A Broadway producer and Sardi’s honoree, she is a zealous advocate for inclusion, diversity, and equity in the arts.

    SHOWS WITH MULTIPLE WINS

    (*notates a show that received a special Drama Desk Award, which is part of the win count)

    7         *Stereophonic
    4         Water for Elephants
    3         Appropriate, *Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club, Dead Outlaw, Hell’s Kitchen
    2         *An Enemy of the People, Days of Wine and Roses, Mother Play, Suffs, The Outsiders

  • My Morning Jacket Fall Tour to Stop in Syracuse

    Syracuse is set to welcome My Morning Jacket and Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats at Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview on Tuesday, September 24 for the 2024 Eye to Eye Tour.

    My Morning Jacket and the non–profit REVERB are partnering on these fall headlining tour dates to reduce the environmental footprint of their tour and take action on the climate crisis, as well as on the co-headline tour with Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats.

    In addition to a comprehensive tour sustainability program and fan Action Village at each show, the bands will be supporting REVERB’s climate portfolio which funds projects that measurably reduce greenhouse gas pollution, address climate justice, and directly decarbonize the music industry.

    Fresh off an amazing sold-out four-night stand at San Francisco’ CA’s legendary Fillmore Auditorium, My Morning Jacket have announced four fall 2024 headline shows, with special guests S.G. Goodman (September 30th and October 1st) and Jade Bird (October 3rd and 4th).

    MY MORNING JACKET FALL 2024 HEADLINE SHOWS
    SEPTEMBER
    30 – Savannah, GA – Johnny Mercer Theatre *
    OCTOBER
    1 – Knoxville TN – Tennessee Theatre *
    3 – Richmond VA – Maymont +
    4 – Cleveland OH – Cain Park Evans Amphitheater +
    * w/ Special Guest S.G. Goodman
    + w/ Special Guest Jade Bird

    MY MORNING JACKET // NATHANIEL RATELIFF & THE NIGHT SWEATS
    EYE TO EYE TOUR 2024
    SEPTEMBER
    10 – Wilmington, NC – Live Oak Bank Pavilion at Riverfront Park
    12 – Charleston, SC – Credit One Stadium
    13 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion
    14 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
    16 – Jacksonville, FL – Daily’s Place
    18 – Nashville, TN – Ascend Amphitheater
    19 – Nashville, TN – Ascend Amphitheater
    24 – Syracuse, NY – Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview
    26 – Philadelphia, PA – TD Pavilion at the Mann
    27 – Columbia, MD – Merriweather Post Pavilion
    28 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park

  • Freedom Park of Scotia Announces 2024 Summer Concert Series

    This summer, Freedom Park will hold their annual concert series from June 19 through Aug. 21, bringing 26 free shows to Scotia.

    Freedom Park, Scotia

    Kicking off the summer of concerts is a Taylor Swift Singalong featuring singer-songwriter, Sydney Worthley, on Wednesday, June 19.

    Whether you’re a ‘Swiftie’ or not, this is sure to be a fun-filled way to open our season.

    Cathy Gatta, Freedom Park Foundation Board President and Entertainment Director

    This season, Freedom Park is welcoming 10 new acts ranging from party bands to classic rock, including Local 11,  Roxy & The Rollers, and Reese Fulmer & The Carriage House Band.

    Additionally, Soul Provider will play on Friday, June 28 during the town’s fireworks display. Triffid 2.0 will also play, bringing a revival of the Upstate New York 1980s band on Aug. 10. On the following night, the BWC Jazz Orchestra will perform a tribute show in memory of late Freedom Park visionary, Dennis Madden. Screaming Orphans make their return to Scotia to close out the season on Aug. 21.

    “We’re also excited this year to offer an Improv Night with Schenectady’s Mop & Bucket Company, promising an evening filled with spontaneous humor, audience participation, and lots of fun. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to see some of the best local talent in action, delivering a night of laughter and creativity,” added Gatta.

    Shows are offered every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday at 7 PM located at the outdoor amphitheater on Schonowee Avenue, Scotia across from Collins Park. All performances are rain or shine.

    This season’s concerts are presented by Jumpin’ Jack’s Drive-In, and media partners B95.5 FM, The Daily Gazette, and Discover Schenectady.

    Moreover, the Freedom Park Foundation is powered by the support of local businesses, the Village of Scotia, and Freedom Park memberships. With the addition of grants from the Schenectady County Arts & Culture Grant and Town of Glenville, and audience donations, attendees can experience a wide variety of shows free of charge while supporting local musicians.

    Freedom Park Scotia Summer 2024 Concerts

    June 19: Taylor Swift Singalong with Sydney Worthley

    June 22: Big Fez & The Surfmatics 

    June 23: Music Company Orchestra 

    June 26: Capital District Youth Pipe Band 

    June 28: Soul Provider

    July 6: The Rogues

    July 7: SUNY Schenectady Jazz Faculty Combo

    July 10: Cryin’ Out Loud!

    July 13: Alex Torres & His Latin Orchestra (6:30 Learn to Salsa)

    July 14: Improv Night with The Mop & Bucket Co. 

    July 17: Grand Central Station 

    July 20: Local 11

    July 21: Reese Fulmer & The Carriage House Band

    July 24: The Refrigerators

    July 27: Get Up Jack

    July 28: The Lustre Kings 

    July 31: Skeeter Creek (6:30 Learn to Line Dance)

    Aug. 3: The Seth Tucker Band 

    Aug. 4: Bluz House Rockers

    Aug. 7: Harvest & Rust ~ Neil Young Tribute 

    Aug. 10: Triffid 2.0

    Aug. 11: The BWC Jazz Orchestra (6:30 Learn to Swing Dance)

    Aug. 14: SIRSY

    Aug. 17: Roxy and The Rollers

    Aug. 18: Three Quarter North

    Aug. 21: Screaming Orphans

    For more information on Freedom Park and the 2024 Schedule of Events visit FreedomParkScotia.com

  • 42nd Annual Strawberry Festival Returns to Owego

    Owego’s Strawberry Festival will run from June 13 to 15 with a 5K, a block party, a parade, various musical acts, and a lot of strawberries.

    Owego Strawberry Festival

    Over the past 42 years and in many forms, the community of Owego has worked together to bring the Strawberry Festival to fruition and make it the spectacle it is now. In its current form, the celebration takes place over 3 days, two venues, and 27 performances.

    Thursday, June 13

    At 5 PM the festival will begin with a Rock and Run. The event consists of a one-mile kids’ fun run starting at 5:15 as well as a 5K Run and Walk starting at 6 PM. The event held at Hickories Park in Owego, is presented by Tioga State Bank and the Historic Owego Marketplace. Hi-Way Fruit Market and The Dean Goble Band will play during throughout the day.

    For more details and to sign up for the race, visit here

    Friday, June 14

    At 5 PM, the festival will move to downtown Owego for the Block Party. There will be musical acts throughout the day on three different stages. Namely, the Nate Gross Band, fronted by Nate Gross, a Syracuse Area Music Award recipient, will play the Courthouse Stage at 6:30 PM. Following the Nate Gross Band is Stone Senate. The band, who are returning to the Strawberry Festival will hit the stage at 8:15.

    Other performances will include bands, Foggy Maloon, Making The Band, Crossing the Line, and others. Additionally, there will be other forms of entertainment including jugglers, busking, and the Kidz zONe, hosted by the Owego Nazarene Church. The Courthouse Square will have the Wine & Beer Tasting Tent open from 5:30-8:30 PM

    Afterwards, A firework show sponsored this year by the Pumpelly Estate will take place in Draper Park at 9:30 PM.

    Owego
    Stone Senate

    Saturday, June 15

    At 9:30 AM the annual parade will begin. Coordinated by John Loftus, and led by Grand Marshals Jim Raftis Sr. and Dick Franz, the parade will travel through Downtown Owego. The celebrations will include Hose Teams, Inc., Owego Little League, and veteran organizations.

    After the parade, music will begin at 11 AM with 17 acts playing throughout the day across four stages, with additional shows at the M&T Bank Lawn, Pumpelly Estate, and Belva Lockwood Inn Lawn. The bands include Randy McStine with a 3-hour performance, the Waverly High School Band, Junkyard Heights, and many others.

    Owego
     Nate Gross – Photo by Hajo Müller.

    The complete lineup of music and events can be found at www.owego.org

  • Watch MSG Legends Billy Joel and Trey Anastasio Perform Together for the First Time

    Music legends united for the first time on Saturday, June 8, as Billy Joel welcomed Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio during his 149th lifetime show at Madison Square Garden.

    Billy Joel Trey Anastasio
    Photo Credit – Myrna Suarez

    For two guys who have performed at MSG more than any others – 149 times for Joel, and at least 89 times for Anastasio between Phish and TAB shows (not including guest appearances for either) – you’d think the collaboration was bound to happen, eventually at least. So the night before Billy Joel says farewell to MSG with his 150th career performance and the end of his monthly residency.

    Billy Joel Trey Anastasio
    Photo Credit – Myrna Suarez

    Billy welcomed Trey to the stage for “Sleeping with the Television On,” with Anastasio riffing on Eric Clapton’s “Layla,” getting Joel to join in for the ending sequence.

    Billy Joel Trey Anastasio
    Photo Credit – Myrna Suarez

    Later in the encore, Trey was invited back up for the encore, joining in gleefully on “You May Be Right” and Led Zeppelin’s “Rock and Roll.”

      Photo Credit – Myrna Suarez