On Tuesday, July 2, jazz piano visionary Max Redko will offer a master class on new developments in jazz theory. Attendees will learn and discuss new techniques and theories from an incredibly gifted and highly acclaimed professional. For all those who wish to attend, the master class is located in Manhattan’s own Kaufman Center at 7 pm.
The basis of Max Redko’s master class is the art of improvisation. Redko believes that the musical structures, especially for jazz, are incredibly antiquated. For decades, musicians learned that jazz is composed according to a specific standard. Rules about chord progressions, rhythm, and meter created a “norm” for the genre. Deviation from this standard was actively discouraged.
While musicians obviously hold these practices in high regard, these old-fashioned techniques prevented them from being able to create newer, fresher music. Musicians have stuck to what is reliable, instead of taking the risks essential to the art of jazz. Reliance on the “correct” theory forced jazz musicians to play pre-composed music learned by heart, which steered away from the core meaning of the genreâimprovisation.
Redko’s master class plans on changing these ideas entirely. As the author of the Theory of Harmony of Music, Max Redko made a name for himself through his revolutionary theories in the world of jazz. Redko was the first who explain how to harmonize any note using all existing methods. His theory challenges ideas of the past and offers musicians an opportunity to embrace the spontaneity of jazz while giving the player complete autonomy.
Every time you listen to a pianist, you hear music that characterizes past times, mainly retro style, while art must reflect modernity. The world needs new quality!
Max Redko
For more information on Max Redko, his classes, and private lesson information, visit his website here. Sign up for the master class using this link.
Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) is approaching its 58th season bringing music and performing arts to the Capital Region, and the beloved arts non-profit has many exciting performances in store for the 2024 season.
SPAC opened in 1966 in Saratoga Springs, and is set within a 2,400 acre park preserve just 35 miles north of New York’s capital. The non-profit hosts concerts across all genres, and boasts arts education programs across culinary, visual, and literary fields. Notable past performers include 25 concerts by Phish, 44 from Dave Matthews Band, and a legendary performance by The Grateful Dead in 1985.
Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center
SPAC will welcome the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center for two unique performances in 2024 as part of its summer residency program.
Instrumental Array, a celebration of unusual pairings in classical music, will feature three duos performing selections from Beethoven, Rossini, Britten, Duruflé, and Hummel. The groups will grace the stage at SPAC’s Spa Little Theatre on March 9.
SPAC will welcome Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center Artistic Directors Wu Han and David Finckel, alongside guest violinist Chad Hoopes on May 11 to close their season. The trio will perform works by Mozart, Mendelssohn, and more, as they share their artistic expertise with the Capital Region.
Chad Hoopes, guest violinist
BalletX
Saratoga will host BalletX, a Philadelphia-based ballet company heralded as a refreshing, expert take on a classic style. The group is deeply involved in the Philadelphia community, aiding in dance education in local public schools, facilitating community pop-up events, as well as offering open rehearsals for audiences to watch dancers perfect their skills. The company will perform works choreographed by Jorma Elo, Jamar Roberts, and Jennifer Archibald. BalletX will visit SPAC’s Spa Little Theater on March 16 and 17.
TISRA: Zakir Hussain
Zakir Hussain, alongside Sabir Khan and Debopriya Chatterjee, will visit SPAC’s Spa Little Theater on March 23. Hussain, a renowned Indian percussionist and composer, will lead the group featuring a unique combination of tabla, sarangi, and bansuri (bamboo flute) music.
Summer Concerts
Saratoga Performing Arts Center’s beautiful Amphitheater, featuring Broadview Stage, is an unbeatable summer concert experience. SPAC will host an exciting lineup of musicians on the big stage this summer.
Irish superstar Hozier will play at SPAC on May 19 as part of The Unreal Unearth Tour across North America. Hozier’s third studio album of the same name released on August 18 to massive success, and he continues to tour supporting the new release.
Parker McCollum will make a stop at SPAC on his Burn It Down Tour on May 24. Alongside special guest Corey Kent, the country star will be promoting his newest album, Never Enough, and recent single release, “Burn It Down.”
May 25 – The Beach Boys
May 26 – Khruangbin
May 31 – Summer SPACtacular
Jun 2 – The Adirondack Trust Company Festival of Young Artists
Jun 7 – HARDY
Jun 12 – John Fogerty
Jun 15 Hootie & The Blowfish
Jun 16 – Romantic Masterpieces
Lainey Wilson will visit Saratoga on June 20 as part of her Country’s Cool Again Tour, with special guests Ian Munsick and Zach Top. The Nashville-based country artist titled her style “bell bottom country,” which also served as the title of her newest album in 2022.
Former One Direction member and Irish pop star Niall Horan will play SPAC on June 21. The Show, his newest album release, drives his biggest tour since 2018, dedicating the summer months to the North American leg.
Tyler Childers will bring the Mule Pull ‘24 Tour to the SPAC stage on July 3 alongside special guests S. G. Goodman and Wayne Graham. Known for his unique combination of folk, country, and bluegrass alongside his distinct vocals, Childers will tour his brand new album Rustin’ In The Rain.
SPAC will host a Beatles tribute concert featuring Rain, a tribute group famous for their similarity and dedication to the iconic rock four-piece. Rain will play on July 17, featuring greatest hits, deep picks, and more from the Beatles’ iconic songbook.
Earth, Wind & Fire and Chicago will co-headline SPAC on July 24 on their Heart & Soul Tour 2024. With a collaborative encore featuring both bands, the show will be a special night showcasing some of the country’s legendary music.
Foreigner and Styx will play the Broadview Stage at SPAC on July 30 along their Renegades & Juke Box Heroes Tour this summer. Joined by special guest John Waite, the tour will mark the bands’ last tour together with a show for the history books.
New Kids on the Block will make a stop at SPAC on their Magic of Summer 2024 Tour, reviving their 1990 tour of the same name. With special guests Paula Abdul and DJ Jazzy Jeff, the group will revive old favorites, greatest hits, and more on August 11.
More information and tickets for all shows are available at here. More shows will be announced as the 2024 season approaches, so check back for more performing arts concerts and events at SPAC.
2024 Season of Concerts at Saratoga Performing Arts Center
March 9 – Instrumental Array – Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center
March 16-17 – BalletX
March 23 – TISRA: Zakir Hussain, with Debopriya Chatterjee and Sabir Khn
May 11 – Wu Han, David Finckel, and Chad Hoopes – Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center
May 24 – Parker McCollum – Burn It Down Tour
June 20 – Lainey Wilson – Country’s Cool Again Tour
June 21 – Niall Horan – The Show Live On Tour
July 3 – Tyler Childers – Mule Pull ‘24 Tour
July 24 – Earth, Wind & Fire, and Chicago – Heart & Soul Tour 2024
August 11 – New Kids on the Block – Magic Summer 2024 Tour
Marking what would have been the late singer’s 78th birthday, The Bon Scott Estate is embarking on a number of high-profile activations to celebrate the icon’s life and music.
On July 9, the actual birthday of Scott, a tribute concert will be held at Arlene’s Grocery on New York City’s Lower East Side. The infamous rock club has hosted some of the most raucous nights of rock and roll in the 21st century, and the show will harken back to the secret set that AC/DC performed at CBGB in 1977. 16 singers will each tackle one classic AC/DC song with a stellar backing band.
44 years after his untimely passing, the music Bon Scott helped create with AC/DC continues to resonate with fans and fellow artists.
Few rock singers were as unforgettable—and have proved as enduring—as Bon Scott. As the frontman of AC/DC from 1974 until his tragic passing in 1980, his “rock n’ roll pirate persona,” street poet lyrics, and striking image have made him an absolute legend. Additionally, Bon’s vocals were featured in several pre-AC/DC bands, including Fraternity, the Valentines, and the Spektors.
But really, it is the quality of the songs of the “Bon-era” of AC/DC that serve as his greatest legacy: “Highway to Hell,” “Sin City,” “Whole Lotta Rosie,” “Let There Be Rock,” “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap,” “T.N.T.,” and “It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ‘n’ Roll)”—the list is seemingly endless.
How does Bon measure up to rock’s all-time great frontmen? Classic Rock Magazine declared him “The Greatest Rock n’ Roll Front Man of All Time” in 2004, beating out the lofty likes of Freddie Mercury, Robert Plant, and Axl Rose in the process.
In addition to the tribute concert, The Bon Scott Estate will be releasing a variety of merchandise and collectibles.
Two new online stores are launching in time for the birthday, one at Amazon in the U.S. and the other at Merch Jungle in Australia, making it easier and more cost-effective for fans to get their hands on their favorite singer’s merchandise. Further Amazon stores will continue to roll out throughout the world. Bon Scott’s e-commerce and merchandising program is handled by Perryscope Productions, LLC.
A brand-new merch design will be launching to commemorate the birthday by renowned Australian graphic artist Dave Homer.
Information and tickets for the NYC show can be found here. Visit here for official Bon Scott merchandise.
Grammy Award winning pop star, Jason Mraz will perform alongside the Boston Pops at Tanglewood on Tuesday, July 2.
This iconic singer-songwriter has been releasing music since 1999 as a self-published artist and released his first studio album Waiting For My Rocket To Come in 2002. Mraz’s career started at Java Joe’s coffee shop in Ocean Beach, San Diego. Mraz was signed to Elektra Records in 2001 and opened on Jewel’s 2002 tour.
His singles “The Remedy” and “You & I Both” made it onto Billboard charts. In 2005, he released Mr A-Z with Atlantic Records and went on to open for stars like The Rolling Stones and Alanis Morissette. His 2008 album, We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things, blossomed his career and gave listeners his most well known songs like “I’m Yours,” “Lucky” and “Make It Mine.” He won Best Male Pop Vocal Performance for “Make It Mine” and Best Pop Collaboration for “Lucky” with Colbie Caillat at the 2010 Grammy Awards.
Currently, The Jason Mraz Foundation raises money for arts education organizations like Harmonic Humanity and the Rock n’ Roll Camp For Girls. Since 2011, he has raised over $1 million to help these inclusive arts programs.
The Boston Pops will perform alongside him on the Koussevitzky Music Shed stage. They have performances throughout the Tanglewood concert series including with the band DISPATCH and with the Boston Symphony Orchestra during their film nights. Tanglewood is a summer series located in the Berkshire hills in Western Massachusetts and will continue until August 31.
For more information of Jason Mraz’s Tanglewood performance and to purchase tickets you can visit the website here.
Fresh off its stellar premiere in Los Angeles, DRAG: The Musical is making its way over to New York City for its official off-Broadway premiere. Previews begin on September 30, with its official opening on October 21.
DRAG: The Musical will make its home in off-Broadway’s New World Stages. Be sure to hold on to your wigs during this incredible performance of drag culture, fashion, family, and forgiveness.
DRAG: The Musical tells the story of two Houses competing for success and fame after a bitter split. In the wake of intense rivalry, up-and-coming Queen Alexis Gilmore opened her club, The Fishtank, and the glamorous Miss Kitty opened The Cathouse. Fueled by their individual heartbreak (and a lot of spite) for one another, the two queens do everything they can to make sure their club comes out on top, while simultaneously fighting against homophobia, transphobia, and financial struggles, even if it means scuffing their platform shoes. Old and fresh wounds open as the two see their clubs, their careers, and their beloved Houses compete for love, attention, and fame in Hollywood.
Written by drag superstar Alaska Thunderf*ck, along with critically acclaimed songwriters Thomas Costanza and Ashley Gordon, DRAG: The Musical brings drag performance culture to the next level. Unlike traditional drag, there’s only one rule: No Lip Synching Allowed. Even with this distinction, DRAG: The Musical brings the heat to the stage, featuring incredibly dynamic and energetic performances quintessential to the world of drag.
DRAG: The Musical – Billboard
DRAG: The Musical has garnered rave reviews during its West Coast runs, taking home the Broadway World Los Angeles Award for “Best New Play or Musical” and the Queerties Award for “Live Theater.” The epic cast of drag, theater, and LGBTQ+ icons features iconic drag queen and winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race: All Stars Alaska Thunderf*ck (through 1/11/25), Jujubee, Jan Sport, Lagoona Bloo, J. Elaine Marcos and features New Kids on the Block’s, Joey McIntyre (through 11/24/24). Additional cast members will be announced shortly.
For more information and tickets to Drag: The Musical, visit their website here.
The legendary James Taylor and his All-star band will perform two nights at the Tanglewood concert series on July 3 and 4.
The “Fire and Rain” singer is also a six-time Grammy award winner and was awarded a Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015. Taylor started his journey playing with a band in Greenwich Village, NYC. After leaving a rehabilitation center for drug abuse, he signed to Warner Bros. Music and released his iconic sophomore album Sweet Baby James.
Throughout his long and ongoing career, Taylor has released 20 studio albums and collaborated with other folk artists like Joni Mitchell, Carole King and Linda Ronstadt.
Taylor is currently touring with his talented band members including Kate Markowitz and Dorian Holley on vocals. His instrumentalists include Andrea Zonn on fiddle, Larry Goldings on piano, Lou Marini on horns, Walt Fowler on keyboard and horns, Michael Landau on Guitar, Jimmy Johnson on bass, Luis Conte on percussion and Steve Gadd on drums.
After his July 3 performance, Taylor will receive The Tanglewood Medal due to his contribution to the concert series. Altogether, he has performed on the Koussevitzky Music Shed 51 times.
James Taylor’s July 4 performance will end in a celebration of fireworks and in addition, all the proceeds from his performance will be donated back to Tanglewood.
Tanglewood is located in the Berkshire hills of Western Massachusetts. The series is the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and features performances from other stars like Brandi Carlile, Jason Mraz and Jon Batiste.
To find more information and to purchase tickets you can visit the website here.
Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter, Brandi Carlile, will perform at Tanglewood on Sunday, June 30.
Carlile grew up outside of Seattle, Washington and played in clubs across the city. In 2004, she was signed to Columbia Records and released her first self-titled album in 2005. Her second album, The Story, topped international charts and sold over 257,776 copies in the U.S.
Her song “The Joke” off of the 2018 album, By The Way I Forgive You, earned her two Grammy awards for both best American roots song and best American roots performance. The album won Best Americana album.
In 2018, she founded her music festival “Girls Just Wanna Weekend” in Cancun, Mexico. The festival headlined female only bands and artists like The Indigo Girls, Maren Morris and Patty Griffin. Most recently, she’s collaborated with big names like Noah Khan, Hozier and Miley Cyrus on their albums.
Joining Carlile on the Koussevitzky Music Shed, is a group she performed with during her Seattle beginnings, The Hanseroth Twins. Phillip John and Timothy Jay Hanseroth have been writing music since the 90’s and have written many widely popular Carlile songs such as “The Joke,” “The Story,” and “The Eye.” They’ve performed alongside Carlile herself as well as Joni Mitchell and Kristoffer Kristofferson.
Each year the Tanglewood concert series in the Berkshire hills of Western Massachusetts, becomes the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Tanglewood which will run until Aug 31, welcomes headliners from across the world.
For more information about Brandi Carlile’s Tanglewood performance you can visit the Tanglewood website here.
Ray Brothers BBQ will host bob., a tribute to Bob Dylan on August 11. The show will take audiences on a journey through Dylan’s timeless melodies and poignant lyrics.
Musicians from multiple bands will come together to pay tribute to Bob Dylan’s unparalleled artistry. Doors open at 3:00, and the show will run from 4:00 to 7:00.
The performance will feature Al Schnier and Vinnie Amico of the band moe. along with special guests. Known for their captivating stage presence and rhythmic wizardry, moe. has become a pioneering force in the jam band scene. moe. will be joined by Charley Orlando singer and multi-instrumentalist, Brian Lauri on keyboard, and Zach Fleitz on bass. From classic hits like “Highway 61 Revisited” to ballads like “Girl From the North Country,” bob. is sure to deliver a thrilling performance of all your favorites.
Located on Route 20 in Bouckville, Ray Brothers BBQ has received critical acclaim. Additionally, Food Network voted Ray Brothers BBQ the best ribs in the state. Owned by brothers Tucker and Colin Ray, Ray Bros has been serving authentic, slow cooked barbecue since 2014.
Ray Brothers’ outdoor venue offers a great opportunity to enjoy summer weather, great food, and even better music. Ray Bros sell out daily, so don’t miss an opportunity to enjoy critically acclaimed food and music.
More information about the tribute show is available at the following link. Ray Brothers BBQ’s episode of America’s Best Restaurants is available below.
The Athens Performing Arts Corporation (APAC) has announced its the lineup for its annual Summer Concert Series. The series will feature eight weekly concerts beginning on July 19th. The Summer Concert series will host performances including jazz, funk, and tributes to classic groups.
Athens is a quaint village in the Northern Catskills that is home to a little under 2,000 people. Located at the heart of Greene County, the village is just West of Hudson, and a short 30 minute drive South of Albany. With a history dating back to 1665, the village is home to many historical sites and a rich arts scene.
At the head of the arts scene is APAC, which is dedicated to spreading music to Athens’ residents. For almost two decades, APAC has hosted free yearly concerts in Athens Riverfront Park. As founding member Rick Suranno said “Our main goal from day one was to bring something different and to keep it free. We wanted national touring acts, although we started with all of my friendâs bands for years, we knew what our goal was.”
APAC has achieved that goal, with the Athens Summer Concert Series continuing into 2024. The series will feature eight weeks of Friday concerts lasting from July 19th to September 6th. All concerts will take place in Athens Riverfront Park from 7-9pm.
Sonny Landreth will kick off the Summer concert season with a July 19th performance. Landreth or “Louisiana’s King of Slydeco” has graced the blues world with his slide guitar prowess for over 50 years. Across his 18 solo albums, Landreth has received awards from the Americana Music Association and Blues Music Awards.
Toronto’s Bywater Call will ring in the second week with a July 26th concert. The seven-piece blends southern soul, roots, and blues to create their award-winning sound. The band won the 2024 UK Blues Award for best international artist, with European media hailing singer Meghan Parnell as one of the best voices in blues today. In 2023, the band toured across 10 countries, and shared the stage with legendary guitarist Joe Bonamassa.
August 2nd will feature a tribute to the music of the Dave Matthews Band. This will be followed by an August 9th concert by Vanessa Collier. Collier is an award-winning vocalist and saxophonist. Her music blends jazz, blues, soul, and rock. On top of multiple Blues Awards, legends like Buddy Guy have praised Collier’s musical ability.
British bluesman Matt Schofield will perform at the series’ August 16th concert. Throughout his 30 years of performing, Schofield has become one of the most influential guitarists of his generation. His brand of British Blues, which incorporates jazz and funk elements, has taken him everywhere from Tokyo to Texas. Schofield is a 3x “British Blues Guitarist of the Year” winner, and was ranked in the “Top Ten British Blues Guitarist of All Time” by Guitar & Bass Magazine.
August 23rd will feature a show by Beginnings, the foremost Chicago tribute band. The New York-based seven-piece has performed across the country since their founding in 2002. Beginnings is dedicated to creating the most authentic Chicago experience, bringing accuracy and intensity. An August 30th tribute to Creedence Clearwater Revival will follow this concert by Beginnings. APAC has not announced the final concert of the series taking place on September 6th.
Athens Summer Series Schedule
7/19 – Sonny Landreth
7/26 – Bywater Call
8/02 – The Dave Matthews Tribute Band
8/09 – Vanessa Collier
8/16 – Matt Schofield
8/23 – Beginnings
8/30 – Creedence Revived
9/06 – Final Show TBA
Concert-goers can bring lawn chairs to sit on during concerts. Athens Riverfront Park is located at 1 Water Street, Athens, NY. For more information, visit the APAC website here.
The old-school jazz-themed musical venue and eatery, Jazz on Main in Mount Kisco, NY, has grown into a place for the community to gather and celebrate the arts and music in the two short years since opening.
They have been able to accomplish this through their frequent jam sessions, open mics, Sunday brunches, and most importantly, main gigs with professional musicians and bands, all partnered with delicious Mediterranean food. Shows run year-round, but a few upcoming shows this month deserve special attention.
The charming Westchester town of Mount Kisco is only 43 miles north of New York City, but anyone who spends time there knows there are not many reasons to leave. The walkable downtown is full of boutiques, bistros, and a movie theater, making it the perfect place to spend a casual day shopping and sightseeing.
Jazz on Main opened its doors in the heart of Mount Kisco in 2022 with a mission to provide diverse live performances, an incomparable sound and lighting system, and a sumptuous Mediterranean menu. Heavily inspired by the golden age of jazz, Jazz on Main upholds the classic feel of a classic 20th-century jazz bar.
All of this is paired with a diverse menu of Mediterranean food, ranging from small bites to three-course dinners.
With multiple shows every week, a lot of artists come and go to Jazz on Main that deserve to be recognized. Five events are scheduled just in the last week of June. Here are a couple of them:
Martin Reuter Group – June 27, 7:00 PM
NYC based composer/drummer North Sea artist Martin leads his 4-piece band with modern sounds, interesting grooves in front of regularly sold out crowds, including the 55Bar, where he was discovered by Bob Belden (Miles Davis producer for Sony Legacy).
Jojo Kuo (drummer for Peter Gabriel, Manu DiBango, Papa Wemba) calls Martin “a sorcerer,” Mike Stern (solo guitarist and sideman for Miles Davis, Blood, Sweat & Tears) remarked Martin was “a bad cat”. His compositions remind Rae Serrano (Producer, Africa Bambaata, Top 10 Billboard) “of Weather Report and late electric Miles Davis”. Come hear and see for yourself.
Aubrey Johnson Quartet featuring Randy Napoleon – June 28, 7:00 PM
Brooklyn-based jazz vocalist Aubrey Johnson teams up with Detroit native guitarist Randy Napoleon for an exciting evening of originals, jazz standards, and Brazilian music. Joining them will be two of New York Cityâs most in-demand rhythm section players, Louie Leager on bass and Michael W. Davis on drums.
Performer on two GRAMMY Award-winning albums, Johnson has sung on over 50 albums, including two of her own, and performed with such artists as Bobby McFerrin, Janis Siegel, Fred Hersch, and her uncle, the late pianist Lyle Mays (Pat Metheny Group).
