Category: News Desk

  • Addison Groove Project Plots 2025 Shows in Boston and Manhattan

    For the first time in over a decade, ’90s jam stalwarts Addison Groove Project will perform live with two shows, one in Boston and another a week later at DROM in the East Village, slated for 2025.

    Addison Groove Project formed in high school in the suburbs outside of Boston, gaining a reputation as a hard working and talented band, performing at festivals including Bonnaroo and across the Northeast, bringing a combo of funk, soul, rock, groove and jazz. The band’s founding bassist, John Hall, passed away in 2004.

    As the band notes, it has been about a lifetime since the group last performed live. Brendan McGinn (vocals/guitar) is now a doctor, Andrew Keith (drummer) is a therapist, Ben Groppe (tenor sax) is a chef, Dave Adams (saxophone) is currently band director at a middle school, and Rob Marscher (keys) continues to play music with Matisyahu and Star Kitchen, on the side of software development gigs.

    With the band each with families at the forefront of their lives, instead of getting together each weekend at iconic New England rock clubs, the band’s group chat has led to a desire to play together again for the first time since 2013.

    The band joked about their absence for fans to “come out in March to see if we’ve still got it or if we should stick to our day jobs.”

    Addison Groove Project will perform in 2025 at The Sinclair in Cambridge, MA on Saturday, March 29, and the following week on Saturday, April 5 at Manhattan’s DROM.

    Tickets are on sale now for the Drom show – General Admission is $32.61 ($25.00 + $7.61 fees) and GA Preferred Seating is $61.38 ($49.99 + $11.39 fees).

  • Stardew Valley: Symphony of Seasons Concert Tour To Stop in Albany

    Put down your farming tools and pick up a program, the Stardew Valley: Symphony of Seasons Concert Tour has announced a show in Albany’s own Palace Theatre in 2025.

    Stardew Valley

    With over 30 million copies sold across all major platforms and 12 translations, Stardew is a major success for an indie project – a testament to both the passion of the creator and the vibrant fanbase that has been cultivated.

    If you ask anyone passionate about the cozy game genre what they would recommend, one of the first titles to crop up would likely be Stardew Valley.

    An indie title beloved for its open-endedness that allows players to grow crops and livestock, mine in the cavern and fight mysterious hidden monsters within, spend in-game days fishing at sea (or wherever else your heart desires), socialize with the townsfolk, and either take things at your own pace or maximize efficiency to the umpteenth degree, Stardew Valley has something for everyone.

    Largely inspired by its farming simulation predecessor Harvest Moon, players begin the game by learning of their inheritance of their late grandfather’s farm tucked away in a quaint community named Pelican Town. Developed by Eric Barone, colloquially known online as ConcernedApe, Stardew Valley is even more beloved as a solo development venture of Barone’s- a labor of love down to every aspect, especially when it comes to the game’s soundtrack.

    Stardew Valley

    Curated by Barone himself, Stardew Valley: Symphony of Seasons will transport audiences into the quaint Pelican Town and beyond into all of the whimsical nooks and crannies the Valley and beyond have to offer. This exciting tour will make its stop in Albany on October 30, 2025 at the Palace Theatre.

    A reinvention of the game’s first concert tour which sold out in record time, Festival of Seasons, Symphony of Seasons returns bigger and better with a 35-piece orchestra and entirely new arrangements of tracks from the game spanning Pelican Town to Ginger Island, Calico Desert to the Wizard’s Tower.

    Accompanying the orchestra’s performance will be a screen displaying gameplay from Stardew itself in addition to original content created exclusively for the concert series under ConcernedApe’s supervision.

    “It was a special experience to hear the music of Stardew Valley performed live in concert for the first tour, surrounded by fans of Stardew Valley. But now, with the upcoming Symphony of Seasons, we’ll hear the music in a bigger and grander way, with a larger orchestra and additional songs from the game. I’m really looking forward to it!”

    – Eric Barone (ConcernedApe)

    As with the last set of shows, fans and newcomers alike are encouraged to arrive dressed in their best game-themed clothing and costume. In addition, event-exclusive merchandise will be available to purchase the night of.

    Tickets for Stardew Valley: Symphony of Seasons at the Palace Theatre in Albany on October 30, 2025 will go live on Monday, December 9, 2024 at 9:00 AM. For more information on how to attend and purchase tickets, visit Palace Theatre’s official event page for the whimsical evening here.

  • J. Cole Announces “2014 Forest Hills Drive” Anniversary Show At MSG

    GRAMMY-award winning rapper and producer J. Cole has announced a special one-night-only show on Monday, December 16 at Madison Square Garden to celebrate the 10th anniversary of his third studio album.

    J cole Madison Square Garen

    A rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, basketball player, and self-taught pianist- J. Cole has it all. Having started as the first artist to sign on to Jay Z’s label Roc Nation, each of Cole’s releases has debuted at the top of the Billboard 200 in addition to earning him two Grammys and seventeen nominations, a Billboard Music Award, three Soul Train Music Awards, and eight BET Hip Hop Awards.

    In addition to his own work, Cole has produced for the likes of Kendrick Lamar, Janet Jackson, and Mac Miller. He’s also pursued other ventures like his own record label, taking shape in Dreamville Records.

    Despite his massive commercial success, Cole has avoided a more sanitized pop sound to pursue works that tackle complex and conscious sounds and themes. This passion for pressing matters spread to Cole’s touring habits, introducing his annual ticketed events in 2013 aptly titled “Dollar And A Dream” shows, where fans only have to pay $1 to attend.

    Having been active in the music industry for 15 years, Cole is celebrating the tenth anniversary of his third studio album, 2014 Forest Hills Drive with a one-night-only event at Madison Square Garden.

    In addition to standard tickets, on the day of the show an additional 2,014 tickets will become available for just $1, continuing Cole’s tradition of “Dollar And A Dream” into this once in a lifetime event. Details on the location and time for the special $1 tickets will be revealed day of, limited to an in-person only purchase of one ticket per fan.

    Standard tickets will be available on Wednesday, December 4 at 10:00 AM. For more information on this once-in-a-lifetime one-night-only event and how to attend, check out the event’s official page here.

  • Playhouse Stage Company Kicks Off 37th Season in Cohoes with A Christmas Story: The Musical

    Playhouse Stage Company is set to kick off its 37th season with A Christmas Story: The Musical from Dec 4 to 22.

    Cohoes Music Hall opens with the musical on Wednesday, December 4 at 7pm. Performances continue through December 22nd, with 7pm evening performances Wednesday through Saturday, as well as 2pm matinees on Saturdays and Sundays. The season kicks off with holiday season entertainment for young and old alike.

    A hilarious and heart-warming crowd pleaser, A Christmas Story: The Musical tells the story of nine-year-old Ralphie Parker, who has pinned his hopes on getting a “Red Ryder Carbine Action BB Gun” for Christmas. The musical, with a book by Joseph Robinette, features all the iconic moments from the film, from the leg lamp award, to the bunny suit, to Ralphie’s friend Flick getting his tongue stuck to a frozen metal pole.

    It boasts a soaring, energetic score by Pasek and Paul, known for their work on Dear Evan Hansen, The Greatest Showman and more. The show is based on the 1983 MGM film, as well as the film’s inspiration, the novel In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash by Jean Shepherd. The musical adaptation premiered on Broadway in 2012, in a production that featured two Playhouse Stage Company students and Capital Region natives, Jack Mastrianni and George Franklin.

    A Christmas Story musical
    “A CHRISTMAS STORY: THE MUSICAL.”

    A Christmas Story: The Musical is directed by long-time PSC Director Michael LoPorto, returning to the company after most recently directing the celebrated 2023 production of Something Rotten at Park Playhouse. LoPorto is joined by frequent collaborator Brian Axford as Musical Director. Playhouse Stage Teaching Artist and performer Gabi Bazinet-Douglas makes her PSC choreography debut on A Christmas Story after appearing as Brooke Wyndham in this past summer’s Legally Blonde: The Musical.

    The cast is led by well-known Capital Region actor and Sage Theatre Institute Professor David Baecker, as the show’s narrator, Jean Shepherd, as well as by PSC student Jack Holick as young Ralphie Parker. Joining them in the 26-person cast are Playhouse veterans Molly Rose McGrath and Nick Martiniano as Ralphie’s parents, and PSC Director of Education and Associate Artistic Director Ashley-Simone Kirchner, returning to the stage for the first time since 2019’s Avenue Q to play Ralphie’s teacher, Miss Shields. 

    The 37th Playhouse Stage Company Season continues in February with the dark musical comedy Heathers: The Musical, adapted from the 1989 cult classic film. In addition to productions at Cohoes Music Hall, the company will return to Park Playhouse in Albany’s Washington Park, and Guilderland Performing Arts Center in Tawasentha Park to present free, outdoor musical theatre for the community during Summer, 2025. Details about title selection and schedule will be announced in January.

    For more information on the upcoming show at Cohoes Music Hall – A Christmas Story: The Musical and to purchase tickets, click here.

  • “Phil Lentz Presents…Vol. II” Invites You Into a World Of Jazz, Pop, And Classical Music

    With Phil Lentz Presents… Vol. II, New York City-based jazz composer and pianist Phil Lentz returns with his signature sound, crafting a genre-blending album with new emotional heights and technical finesse.

    Building on the warm reception of his 2022 debut, Lentz delivers a fresh, diverse, and uplifting listening experience that feels both timeless and unmistakably current.

    Featuring standout tracks like “Play Your Melody,” “I Remember the Early Days,” and “Bebopping Along,” the album weaves jazz, pop, folk, and classical influences into a seamless tapestry, making it an instant favorite for music lovers of all backgrounds. The album’s lush arrangements blend alto saxophones, violins, and rich vocal textures, creating a soundscape that invites listeners to lose themselves in a melodic journey filled with nostalgia, joy, and introspection.

    “This time, I wanted to step beyond the boundaries of traditional jazz,” Lentz shares. “Drawing in elements of folk and classical felt natural, adding layers of texture and depth to the compositions. Each track aims to capture those fleeting moments of peace and joy we all seek.”

    phil lentz

    Phil Lentz Presents… Vol. II is brought to life by a talented ensemble, including Dennis Harte on guitar, Wolfgang Lugomarsini on bass, Dave Young on drums, and features the soulful sounds of Red Heller and Richard Philbin on alto sax, with Bob Cohen’s violin adding a dynamic flair. Produced by Dennis Harte, recorded at Studio Mozart in New Jersey, and expertly mastered by Tom Hutten at Bionic Mastering, the album offers a finely crafted and resonant listening experience.

    Released on November 22 on CD and across all major digital platforms, Vol. II is more than just a follow-up, but rather a testament to Phil Lentz’s artistic growth and his boundless vision for contemporary jazz.

  • Alice’s Restaurant: An American Thanksgiving Tradition

    On a fateful Thanksgiving Day in 1965 in a Norman Rockwell town in Massachusetts, events began to unfold which would alter the life course of Arlo Guthrie in unexpected ways. He documented his story in a finger-picked folk song with the well-known chorus, “You can get anything you want at Alice’s Restaurant.”

    What starts as a kind-hearted gesture to take out the garbage for friends Alice and Ray on Thanksgiving turns into a  humorous romp through legal and bureaucratic systems, with a punchline about being deemed ineligible for the Vietnam War draft. Lasting in excess of 18 minutes, “Alice’s Restaurant Massacree” filled up an entire side of Guthrie’s first album. He never expected it to gain any airplay. However, in the politically-charged climate of late 60’s and early 70’s, the song became an anthem for war draftees and protesters.

    Alice's Restaurant

    The 1969 film Alice’s Restaurant features some of the people who were involved in the events, including a cameo by Alice Brock, who is immortalized in the song’s title. Radio stations began to play the song every year on Thanksgiving, a tradition that continues half a century later.

    Today, Guthrie operates the Guthrie Center, which promotes cultural and spiritual experiences. The Institute is located at the church featured in the iconic song, and remains a pilgrimage destination for fans around the world.

  • Jess Novak Announces Upcoming EP WOMAN

    Syracuse-based multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter Jess Novak has announced her newest release WOMAN, slated for December.

    jess novak the joke

    With a sharp electric fiddle, impactful vocals, and an enrapturing sound, Jess Novak is a musical force to be reckoned with. Having performed on stages from California to the likes of New York City’s own The Cutting Room in solo, duo, or band formation, Novak has played over 150 shows each year and has an impressive count of twelve original album releases under her belt- and a published book to boot.

    In addition to her own musical endeavors, Novak is the founder and presenter of the F.I.R.E. Festival, an acronym for females inspire, rock, empower. Hosted for the first time in 2022, the annual F.I.R.E. festival continues to highlight and empower female artists, musicians, and business owners across the industry.

    Returning for her 13th release since debuting as an artist in 2013, Jess has announced the WOMAN EP slated for release this December. A call to action for women as well as a celebration of those who take a stand in the face of seemingly daunting odds, WOMAN will feature two original songs in addition to a surprise cover of a Taylor Swift track.

    Made in partnership with the producer and engineer behind her last EP Sonrise, Justin Spaulding, WOMAN is a promising fan to the already burning flame that is female empowerment.

    “I felt like I needed to capture the spirit of the [F.I.R.E. Festival] in a song, specifically combining the words ‘fire’ and ‘woman.’ I did in this song, but didn’t expect the timing to be so meaningful. I want to give faith and inspiration to women who are standing up for themselves and others all the time.”

      – Jess Novak

      Jess Novak has also teased a music video publication coinciding with the release of WOMAN. While no further information is available on this exciting development, you can keep up to date on all of the latest updates on WOMAN and beyond on Jess’ official website here.

    • Artpark Introduces Dave Wedekindt As New President

      Western New York based arts and cultural non-profit venue Artpark has announced the induction of their new president, Dave Wedekindt.

      Established in 1974 in collaboration between New York State Parks and the Artpark & Company nonprofit, Artpark has presented the folks of Western New York with astounding performing arts programs each summer for the past fifty years. 

      With over 150 acres to their name, Artpark hosts a myriad of creative endeavors including but not limited to those of visual artists, dance and cirque arts performers, cutting-edge theater casts, local, national, and international musicians across all genres, poets, writers, and more. 

      Artpark weaves their creative environment with that of the Niagara River and Gorge through forested trails, sculpture gardens, and outdoor recreation areas that encourage visitors to not only appreciate the creative minds around them but the earth that enables such endeavors and its significance within Western New York’s Indigenous population.

      Now in its 50th year, Artpark has announced the appointment of their newest president, Dave Wedekindt. A lifelong Western New Yorker and Amherst local, Wedekindt has worked with Artpark & Company for six years already, first as Director of Marketing & Sales and then as Vice President of Concerts & Marketing, eventually being promoted to Vice President in 2022 before stepping up as the Interim President in April of this year, just prior to the non-profits anniversary.

      Wedekindt’s career as an arts management professional spans nearly 30 years. With extensive experience in strategic planning, leadership, programming, marketing, development, finance, and event operations for other large not-for-profit organizations, his new position is promising.

      Beyond and prior to his work with Artpark & Company, Dave is a graduate of SUNY Fredonia with a BS in Business Management and subsequently an alumnus of internship programs at Rockefeller Arts Center, Chautauqua Institution, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Rockwell Hall, and Shea’s Performing Arts Center where he took on his first full-time role as Associate Director of Development in 1995. 

      From there, Wedekindt was recruited for the University At Buffalo Center for the Arts’ Associate Director of Marketing role. Growing the presence of the then only four-year-old organization, Dave was promoted to Director of Marketing in 2003 and served on a number of committees beyond his personal responsibilities across the University.

      Flaming Lips at Artpark – photo by Patrick Htoo

      Dave is also a steadfast advocate for a wide variety of arts organizations in the area, having served on the Board of Directors of MusicalFare Theatre in Amherst since 2017 in addition to chairing the Marketing Committee and serving as a member of the Board of Directors for Arts Services Inc. in Buffalo from 2017-2023. Throughout his career, Wedekindt has volunteered his time and expertise across several other committees, professional panels, and more.

      In his new position, Dave is pointing the organization forwards towards its Power 2030 strategic plan alongside the Board and its many stakeholders to include a continued revitalization of Artpark’s grounds and venues, expansion of its programmatic season, and more.

      To learn more about Wedekindt’s initiatives as Artpark’s newly announced president and the organization at large, be sure to check out their official website here.

    • WAV Music Fest Comes to NYC’s UBS Arena in 2025

      The first ever WAV (World A Vibes) Music Fest has been announced for Mar. 28, 2025.

      At UBS Arena, Spice, Skeng, Valiant, and Kraff, with more to be announced, will perform at the first full dancehall show at the venue.

      WAV Fest

      The Jamaican musical genre, dancehall, while historically only finding widespread popularity on the island, has risen in popularity by extraordinary amounts in the past few years. Thanks to advocates such as Nicki Minaj among others, the excitement has culminated in bringing the first-ever Dancehall show to UBS Arena, located only 30 minutes from Penn Station or Grand Central via LIRR in Belmont Park.

      The festival lineup reveals the presence of some of the biggest stars of dancehall, while also featuring many young and exciting talents. The “Queen of Dancehall”, Spice, innovative and top streaming dancehall artists Skeng, Valiant, and the rising star Kraff have been announced to perform. More electrifying artists are set to be announced in the first week of Dec. Nicki Minaj has said of Skeng, “No one is a bigger fan than me!” while Spice has collaborated with major artists such as Minaj, Missy Elliott, Busta Rhymes, and more.

      The organizers highlight New York’s vibrant energy as the perfect setting for the WAV Music Fest, emphasizing a platform to showcase and support emerging talent while fostering cultural and artistic appreciation within society. In the dynamic city of New York, known for its entertainment hub and cultural diversity, the festival aims to provide an unforgettable musical celebration of dancehall.

      Purchase tickets here.

    • In Focus: WNYC New York Public Radio Centennial Gala

      On Wednesday, November 20, New York Public Radio, home to WNYC and WQXR, hosted its 2024 annual gala, celebrating WNYC’s 100 years on the air.

      NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 19: A view of atmosphere during the New York Public Radio 2024 Centennial Gala hosted by Seth Meyers at The Glass House Tavern on November 19, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for New York Public Radio)

      The centennial event paid tribute to WNYC’s century of service, from its origins as New York’s first City-run radio station to its transformation into an independent, listener-supporter public radio station and global leader in audio storytelling.

      NYPR produces innovative, critically acclaimed programming for local and national broadcast, on-demand and live streaming audiences. NYPR’s brands include WNYC, WQXR, WNYC Studios, Gothamist, New Jersey Public Radio, and The Jerome L. Greene Performance Space. The WNYC newsroom and Gothamist produce award-winning local journalism for New York City, New Jersey and the surrounding region. WQXR, the City’s only all-classical radio station broadcasts new and archival classical recordings and makes live performances from New York City’s esteemed performance venues available to all.

      NYPR’s largest gala ever raised over $2.1 million to support its vital work providing New Yorkers trusted local, national, and international news, civic conversation, and cultural and classical music programming.

      NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 19: Guests attend the New York Public Radio 2024 Centennial Gala hosted by Seth Meyers at The Glass House Tavern on November 19, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Image)

      The event, held at The Glasshouse, was hosted by Seth Meyers — comedian, best-selling writer, and host of NBC’s Late Night with Seth Meyers. Notable attendees included special guests actress Meryl Streep, actress Julia Stiles, actress Rosie Perez, actor and filmmaker John Turturro, comedians Samantha Bee and Jason Jones, Principal Clarinet of the New York Philharmonic Anthony McGill, and more.

      Special musical performances featured Grammy- and two-time Tony Award nominee Shoshana Bean (currently starring in Broadway’s Hell’s Kitchen); acclaimed jazz pianist and composer Aaron Diehl; and the award-winning Young People’s Chorus of New York City, led by Francisco J. Nuñez. The evening included remarks from NYPR President/CEO LaFontaine E. Oliver and Board of Trustees Chair Timothy Williams. Attending WNYC hosts included Brian Lehrer (The Brian Lehrer Show), Alison Stewart (All of It), Latif Nasser (Radiolab), Brooke Gladstone, and Micah Loewinger (Peabody award-winning On the Media), John Schaefer (New Sounds), and WQXR hosts Annie Bergen, Elliott Forrest, and Paul Cavalconte.

      The evening honored the Leon Levy Foundation, which enabled the digitization of WNYC’s archives through a generous $2.5M contribution — ensuring access to historical documents, recordings, and photographs that chronicle the institution’s public engagement and role in New York City’s history since 1924.

      The ‘Black Tie optional/Centennial Chic’ gala also recognized the outstanding commitment and vision of NYPR’s Trustees, past and present, including Judith M. Carson, Peter H. Darrow, Eduardo Mestre, Mayo Stuntz, Jr., Nicki Newman Tanner, Wilma S. Tisch, Cynthia King Vance, Alan G. Weiler, and posthumous honoree Alexander Kaplan.

      NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 19: Seth Meyers speaks onstage during the New York Public Radio 2024 Centennial Gala hosted by Seth Meyers at The Glass House Tavern on November 19, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images)

      Gala Highlights included a warm and intimate cocktail hour where NYPR’s esteemed hosts and staff mingled with dedicated donors, members, and special guests. The night opened with an enchanting performance by the award-winning Young People’s Chorus of New York City, led by Francisco J. Núñez.

      Comedian Seth Meyers delivered a witty and heartfelt opening monologue, including playful jabs at the room and a touching tribute to WNYC’s Alison Stewart, who recently recovered from brain surgery.

      NYPR President and CEO LaFontaine E. Oliver took the stage to reflect on the organization’s extraordinary century of impact. In his remarks, he celebrated the contributions of Laura Walker, who led NYPR for 23 years, and honored long-serving staff members with over 25 years of service. Board Chair Timothy Wilkins also recognized Centennial Stewards, mentors, and predecessor chairs for their long-standing commitment.

      A thrilling live auction hosted by renowned auctioneer Harry Santa-Olalla, which included a headline-grabbing $81,000 bid for a private castle retreat, contributing to the record-breaking funds raised to support NYPR’s mission.

      NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 19: Brian Lehrer and Rosie Perez speak onstage during the New York Public Radio 2024 Centennial Gala hosted by Seth Meyers at The Glass House Tavern on November 19, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images)

      Actress Rosie Perez, a devoted WNYC listener, charmed the crowd with her heartfelt reflection on the station’s impact, sharing her personal connection to public radio and her love for Brian Lehrer. Jazz pianist Aaron Diehl and bassist David Wong delivered an elegant dinner performance. Broadway star Shoshana Bean closed out the dinner program with a show-stopping rendition of “Give My Regards to Broadway” and an excerpt of “Empire State of Mind.”

      The evening concluded with a lively after-party hosted by filmmaker and author New York Nico, which embodied the city’s eclectic spirit. Hip-hop artist and activist Talib Kweli took on DJ duties, as guests mingled with WNYC & WQXR hosts indulging in classic NYC treats and an open bar.

      More information about programs, podcasts, and stations may be found at www.nypublicradio.org.

      Photo Credit: Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images