NYS Music 2024

Category: News Desk

  • Performance Space New York Welcomes Taja Cheek as the Organization’s New Artistic Director

    Arts organization Performance Space New York has announced Taja Cheek as their newest Artistic Director. Best known for her experimental, against-the-grain pop music under the name L’Rain, Cheek will expand the organization’s mission with the rare insight of her experiences of experimental performance.

    Performance Space New York Taja Cheek

    Cheek joins Senior Director Pati Hertling and Associate Director Ana Beatriz Sepúlveda-Echegaray to form a three-person leadership team.

    Performance Space New York is based in the East Village of Manhattan and aims to educate, curate and produce various projects with an artist-and-community-first approach. Taja Cheek will satisfy and expand this vision as her life and career in the arts have yet to adhere to disciplinary boundaries or creative norms. This is a perfect reflection of what Performance Space New York stands for.

    Okwui Okpokwasili Performance Space New York Spring Gala

    Over the last 40-plus years Performance Space has been propelling cultural, theoretical, and political discourse forward. Progress and world-building connect the interdisciplinary works presented here. Works that have dissolved the borders of performance art, dance, theater, music, visual art, poetry and prose, ritual, night life, food, film, and technology, shattering artistic and social norms alike.

    “Taja has in her work transgressed disciplines and institutional preconceptions; she’s a community maker and a renegade, and her work feels so connected to what we’ve been doing at Performance Space. With our new leadership structure, we’re continuing in the direction of a practice where new work and ideas are generated through internal collaboration—rather than us just commissioning artists who are being handed from one institution to another.”

    Senior Director Pati Hertling.

    For more information on upcoming Performance Space NY events, click here.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNMz-eTkh_0

  • Great Blue Heron 2024 Festival Announced

    The Great Blue Heron 2024 festival lineup has been announced, featuring 33 artists on three stages from July 5-7. Fan favorites and amazing Heron first-timers come together for what is sure to be a great weekend!

    Great Blue Heron 2024

    The Great Blue Heron Festival draws in thousands of fans from across the U.S. each year, remaining a tradition for people young and old to celebrate self-expression and music. The festival will take place at the Heron Farm in Sherman, an award-winning campsite, voted number one in the U.S. by HipCamp. The Heron is open daily for seasonal camping from May through October along with the Green Heron Growers Farm Store.

    David Tidquist and Julie Rockcastle founded the festival, built to present a diverse assortment of original music from regional and national artists, create a collaborative space where all are encouraged to participate and interact, foster a cooperative and positive environment for celebration, and ensure a safe and satisfying experience for the whole community.

    There are three stages; the Main Stage, the big top Dance Tent, and the Tiger Maple Stage, as well as over 30 artists, featuring returning headliners Donna the Buffalo. The group has been together for over thirty years, releasing over ten records, and performing with various musicians, including prominent folk/roots performers such as Jim Lauderdale, the father and son zydeco musicians Preston and Keith Frank, and more.

    Great Blue Heron 2024

    The lineup for the Great Blue Heron 2024 Festival includes Donna the Buffalo, Sam Bush, Rubblebucket, Couch, Jimkata, Driftwood, Cool Cool Cool, Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad, Buffalo Zydeco, and so much more.

    To purchase tickets for the Great Blue Heron 2024 Festival, visit here.

  • OT The Real of BSF Releases New Project ‘Prepare for War’

    OT The Real is the latest Black Soprano Family artist to drop. Following the release of his debut BSF release Zombie in 2023 which featured appearances from BSF and Griselda affiliates the likes of Benny The Butcher, Conway The Machine, 38 Spesh, Rome Streetz, Elcamino and Amir, with production handled exclusively by AraabMuzik.

    OT The Real new project Prepare for War.
    Prepare for War released under OT The Real’s own Independent Label

    In like manner the Philadelphia native returns with, Prepare for War under his own independent label. Notably, the 10 track, 30-minute project stays close to home featuring several trendsetting Philadelphia rappers. Likewise, the project’s cover art is not only an ode to the city, but an inside look into the strenuous gangland conditions in his hometown.

    Prepare For War features appearances and production from Houston native Sauce Walka, legendary underground producer Harry Fraud, fellow rising Philly artist Ot7Quanny, and Philly veterans Gillie Da Kid, AR-AB, Gray Rizzy and others. Moreover, OT will also be releasing a new video for the project’s focus track, “Active,” which features Sauce Walka, in addition to the “Hellstar” music video released in anticipation of the project.

  • The Open Eye Theater Announces 2024 Season

    The Open Eye Theater of Margaretville, NY has announced their exciting 2024 season including spring, summer and fall events with schedule set to kick off in April 2024.

    The Open Eye Theater

    Established in 1972 in New York City, The Open Eye Theater was started by the renowned mythologist Joseph Campbell and dancer-choreographer Jean Erdman, who sadly passed away. Jean Erdman’s groundbreaking idea of “total theater,” which combined dance, drama, music, and myth, made her an internationally acclaimed artist in the modern theater movement.

    Under Amie Brockway’s direction as producing creative director in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the theater became known for creating and presenting cutting-edge plays for audiences of all ages. The theater’s primary focus since moving to the Catskill Mountains and setting up shop in Margaretville, New York, has been on the creation and presentation of new plays, showcasing the works of up-and-coming, well-known writers. Annual Summer Shortcuts, a series of eight 10-minute plays by Catskills, national, and international playwrights, has proven popular among the producers. 

    The Open Eye Theater started working along with WIOX Radio 91.3 FM, WIOXradio.org, and MTC Channel 20 television in 2020 and their exciting new 2024 season set to start in April.

    The 2024 season will kick off on April 21 at 3:00pm with The Tempest, by Catskill Mountain Shakespeare’s touring company. Once in the Time of Trolls, a radio play, by Sandra Fenichel Asher will follow on May 9-19. The play is based on Norwegian folk tales and adapted by the playwright to include sound effects.

    The Effects of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds, by Paul Zindel will follow from July 18-28. This full-length play won the Pulitzer Prize in 1971 and is recommended to be best enjoyed by older teens and adults.

    In August, the theatre will finish their summer with The One Hundred Acre Wood, which was conceived and directed by Amie Brockway from the stories of Winnie the Pooh by A. A. Milne. The show will be held in August 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31.

    Summer Shortcuts XIV, will be held from August 15-25. The right original ten-minute plays will be performed for general audience. Legends & Tales, stories with music for children, will be held in September and October matinee at 12 noon.

    The Theatre will close its season in the fall with Enough! 2024, Plays Against Gun Violence set to play in November and It’s A Wonderful Life, the radio play by Joseph Landry based on the short story The Greatest Gift by Phillip Van Doren Stern in Mid-December with the date TBD. For more information fans can visit here

  • Basilica Hudson Founders Receive Statewide Award from the Preservation League of NYS

    The Hudson-based music organization Basilica Hudson have received a statewide recognition from the Preservation League of NYS with the Award reception to be held on March 14 at the Rainbow Room in NYC.

    Basilica Hudson

    Founded in 2010 by director Tony Stone and performer Melissa Auf der Maur, Basilica Hudson is located on the Hudson River in Hudson, New York, in a renovated 1880s industrial facility powered by solar energy. Over 20,000 people attend the organization’s genre-pushing music festivals, sizable marketplace events, frequent cinema screenings, artist-in-residence program, public installations, and other community activities each season. Most of its offerings are sliding scale or free.

    Through its programs, Basilica Hudson strives to create experiences that are as grit, tough, and beautiful as its surroundings while also promoting the growth, production, and presentation of independent arts and culture. It is inspired by the cultural tradition and environmental advocacy of the area, as well as the long past of the City of Hudson, as well as the region’s artistic legacy and environmental advocacy. 

    One of the first co-founders, Melissa Auf der Maur, born and raised in Canada, is a musician, photographer, curator, and producer. Her most well-known role was bassist for two influential bands from the 1990s: The Smashing Pumpkins and Hole. Her shots from both bands have been featured in publications and shows including National Geographic, Spin Magazine, Sotheby’s NYC, and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. The other co-founder, Tony Stone-based in Lower Manhattan, is a filmmaker and builder. His latest film, Ted K which was distributed by Neon, carries on his exploration of the rugged and dark soul of America, and has been met with high acclaim. 

    The 2024 Pillars of New York also include Peggy King Jorde, Principal of King Jorde Culturals, Richard J. Moylan,  the President of The Green-Wood Cemetery, and of course Melissa Auf der Maur & Tony Stone, the co-founders of Basilica Hudson and River House Project. 

    Details for the event can be found on the League’s website at preservenys.org/pillar-awards.

  • Follow the Arrow Announces 2024 Lineup

    Returning to Accord, NY on Saturday, June 29, Follow the Arrow festival finds host Marco Benevento bringing in an eclectic lineup for the third installment, including Mike Gordon joining Benevento for a joint performance.

    follow the arrow

    Follow the Arrow will also feature Os Mutantes, W.I.T.C.H. (We Intend to Cause Harm), Ghost Funk Orchestra, and special guest Sam Cohen. Ghost Funk Orchestra and Benevento pair up for a tour this spring as well.

    Marco Benevento will also perform with both his solo project as well as the Benevento Family Band.

    marco benevento follow the arrow
    Follow the Arrow 2022 – Photo by Em Walis

    The performance with Mike Gordon marks the first since since 2006 that he and Benevento have played together as a duo. They have also performed together in the past with G.R.A.B. (Gordon, (Joe) Russo, (Trey) Anastasio, Benevento) as well as shows with Gordon joining the Benevento-Russo Duo.

    Tickets are available here.

  • Slightly Stoopid And Dirty Heads Are Set To Tour All Summer Long, Performing at Jones Beach in July

    Slightly Stoopid and Dirty Heads have announced their 2024 “Slightly Dirty Summer Tour,” with a stop at Northwell Health at the Jones Beach Theater on July 20.

    Formed in 1994 by the duo of Kyle McDonald and Miles Doughty, Slightly Stoopid is more than just a band—it’s a musical brotherhood. These childhood friends from Southern California set out to create a genre-defying fusion of punk, metal, folk, blues, rock, and reggae. Slightly Stoopid has dominated well-known festivals like Coachella, Lollapalooza, and New Orleans Jazz Fest. After founding Stoopid Records, they earned platinum and gold singles like “Collie Man,” “2am,” and “Closer To The Sun.”

    These rockers are no strangers to the stage; their ‘Summertime 2023’ tour was a huge success. Now that Common Kings (exclusive to Holmdel) and The Elovaters are joining the fun, the “Slightly Dirty Summer Tour” is sure increase standards. 

    Slightly Dirty

    Slightly Stoopid’s Miles Doughty expresses his excitement, saying “Slightly Dirty Summer 2024 is gonna be nuts!  It’s been a minute since we did a full summer tour with our brothers the Dirty Heads and we are excited to get this party started”. Duddy B. of Dirty Heads chats about being back on the road. “Every time we get together, it’s nothing but good times, and I expect nothing less this summer!”

    Dirty Heads

    General on-sale starts March 8 at 10am on LiveNation.com. However, it goes beyond just the music—Dirty Heads and Slightly Stoopid are also giving back. Your concert experience will be even more meaningful given that $1 from each ticket sold will benefit Maui Food Bank.

  • 2024 Uncharted Concert Series at Greewich House Music School this Spring

    The Uncharted Concert Series returns for its 10th year to Greenwich House Music School for six Thursday evening performances. The shows from April 4 to May 9 see alumni artists from the past decade of the concert series. All shows take place in Greenwich Village, Manhattan.

    Uncharted is a performance resource for New York City-based musicians seeking to develop original material and premiere first-look projects in an intimate concert setting. The 2024 season include concerts from Camila Meza with Aaron Goldberg, Queen Esther, and Alea.

    Also performing are Mireya Ramos with Trevor Turla, Raquel Acevedo Klein, and Dana Lyn with We the Gleaners. This line-up of strong women headliners underlines Uncharted’s commitment to promoting female diversity in performance.

    The Uncharted Concert Series sees the performances of various genres like jazz, classical, mariachi, R&B and more. The six shows take all place on Thursday nights from April 4 to May 9. Each act will be unique and ready to move the crowd in more ways than one. All performances are filled with exciting, talented, and diverse vibrations.

    This is a concert series that encourages artists to take risks and work out new or existing material, collaborations, and projects for an intimate concert experience. In keeping with Greenwich House Music School’s artist advocacy work, 100% of ticket and merchandise sales go directly to artists.

     “The Uncharted series has afforded some of New York City’s most original, diverse, and talented local performers with financial support and physical space to explore fresh directions. On our tenth anniversary, we’re excited to welcome back several of the series’ shining stars for a second chance at new discoveries. We can’t wait to see their ideas come to life at these one-night-only performances in the Greenwich House Music School Recital Hall.”

    Rachel Black, Director of Greenwich House Music School

    General entry tickets to all shows are $20. Ticket sales include access to a pre-show open wine/beer bar. For more information on the Uncharted Concert Series and to purchase tickets, click here.

  • Paul Shaffer to Induct Stephen Schwartz into the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame

    Musician Paul Shaffer is emceeing a concert in honor of Stephen Schwartz’ induction into the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF). Stephen Schwartz is best known for being the lyricist and composer of “Wicked,” “Godspell,” and “Pippin.”

    Stephen Schwartz Paul shaffer

    The ceremony takes place March 23 at the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame headquarters in Stony Brook. Stephen Schwartz has written and composed various musical works for both Broadway plays and Hollywood films. Schwartz is a native of Long Island and has grown up in both NYC and Long Island.

    The ceremony will be followed by an hour-and-a-half concert featuring performances from Schartz’s musicals. The music concert to follow the induction will be emceed by musician Paul Shaffer, with whom he worked early in his career. Schwartz and Shaffer will perform alongside musicians from the musical “Godspell” that include Rick Shutter, Doug Quinn and Steve Manes.

    “Long Island has proven to be especially fertile ground for producing major talents in the fields of music and entertainment. The list of names is long and impressive.  It’s a great honor for me to be recognized as being a part of that amazing tradition.”

    Stephen Schwartz

    Stephen’s acclaimed career spanned over 50 years, and he consistently composed works that lasted in the hearts of many. Paul Shaffer will be alongside Schwartz as the induction ceremony ensues. What better way to honor the Long Island talent than induction into the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame.

    Several Broadway performers will be in attendance to honor Stephen as well. Teal Wicks, Carrie St. Louise, Dale Soules, Alysia Velez, Sam Simahk and DeMarius Copes are featured to honor Schwartz.

    Tickets for the induction and concert event are available for sale on LIMEHOF’s website, limusichalloffame.org. Come see Stephen Schwartz get honored.

  • Swoosh God Releases New Project & Music Video for ‘My Life My Dream’

    Valley Stream native Swoosh God hopes to check off all boxes with the release of his new project Still Swoosh. Moreover, the “sexy drill” artist has also released the music video for his catchy anthem “My Life My Dream” featuring fellow Long Island native and “sexy drill” innovator Chow Lee and produced by hip hop mainstay Harry Fraud.

    Swoosh God releases new project and album
    Swoosh God releases his comeback project “Still Swoosh”

    For his part, Swoosh God hopes this marks the start of his second wind. After all, the Valley Stream native originally made waves during the “Soundcloud” era of hip hop, and created a virtual cult-following. Notably, Playboy Carti inked the cultural shape shifter to his label imprint at Interscope Records. 

    After departing his deal with Carti, Swoosh got back on his independent grind, showing why he attracted such attention after and labeled a future star. After all, his discography includes collaborations with Lil Uzi Vert, Juicy J, Rich The Kid, Famous Dex, Matt Ox, a placement on the NBA2K Soundtrack. Now, Swoosh God is back with Still Swoosh and a music video for “My Life My Dream.”

    Still Swoosh

    Swoosh God’s latest project is a succinct 8 song and 19 minutes including “My Life My Dream” and another uptempo Chow Lee feature “Two Of Us.” Aided by a pleasing contemporary sped-up cadence, Swoosh interpolates old-school pop samples and sped-up drums to get his effortless flows off, with the production often resembling a jersey club mix. Nonetheless, the unique New York swagger and style adds a certain flair that has been dubbed “sexy drill,” a voluptuous counter to it nefarious predecessor.