Troy Chromatic Concerts will return for its 127th season at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall this fall. Performances for 2024-2025 feature numerous talents from across the globe, including the Australian Chamber Orchestra with Richard Tognetti. The venue, now a National Historic Landmark in Renneslaer, has been an establishment of New York classical music since 1874 and has hosted performances by world-renowned artists, from Dizzy Gillespie, Ella Fitzgerald, Isaac Stern, Yo-Yo Ma, and Vladimir Horowitz, to the best on today’s music scene, including Boz Scaggs, India Arie, Lake Street Dive, Trey Anastasio, and many more.
Frank Vignola an Tessa Lark
The upcoming lineup includes the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra from Riverside, NY. They will be joined by violin virtuoso Maxim Vengerov playing selections from Mozart’s “Violin Concerto.” Following this, 24-year-old violin prodigy Randall Goosby, will perform Mendelssohn and Janáček in his repertoire. Lastly, the acclaimed Steven Isserlis CBE to close out the season with a cello recital set to play Beethoven’s “Cello Sonata No. 2.”
The music hall is offering new subscribers a one-time special price for the season, adding that early subscription commitments go a long way toward supporting the enduring tradition of presenting classical music performances from 1894. Subscription renewals received by June 14, 2024 will guarantee preferred seats from the last season. First-time subscribers enjoy a 32% and can now lock in their favorite seats the entire season for $150. More information on the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall and upcoming programs is available at www.troymusichall.org.
To perform “The Ottoman Four Seasons” with violinist Richard Tognetti directing their high octane and brave interpretive style.
November 3rd: Orpheus Chamber Orchestra
Joined by violin virtuoso Maxim Vengerov performing selections from Mozart’s “Violin Concerto.”
November 23rd: Randall Goosby
24-year-old violin prodigy performs Mendelssohn, Janáček among other pieces, paired with
a string quartet.
February 4th: Steven Isserlis
Acclaimed British cellist will close out the 127th season with a cello recital featuring Canadian pianist Connie Shih performing several cello favorites, including Beethoven’s “Cello Sonata No. 2.”
Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater – previously known as St. Joseph’s Health Ampitheater – has begun to announce their 2024 summer lineup of shows, which so far includes Hozier, Hank Williams Jr., Lainey Wilson, Jordan Davis, Lynyrd Skynyrd, ZZ Top and more.
Originally called Lakeview Amphitheatre when first opened in 2015, the naming rights later changed to St. Joseph’s Health in 2023, and then to what it is today– Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater, just down the road from the New York State Fairgrounds.
Though St. Joseph no longer has sole rights to the venue, they continue to support music and emphasize its importance in society, stating, “Music is a healing art, and as we stated when we took on this sponsorship in 2018, we firmly believe it is an important part of the culture of our diverse community and our healing ministry.”
May 21- Hozier : Unreal Unearth Tour
Indie artist Hozier will play at Syracuse’s Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview on May 21. The singer and songwriter released his third full-length album, Unreal Unearth, on August 18 which saw an impressive success worldwide. Having made a name for himself with the prolific track “Take Me To Church” over a decade ago, Hozier has expanded his music ability and reach to new audiences. The Unreal Unearth Tour has been a huge success throughout the world, having played shows for nearly 250,000 fans and boasting an entirely live performance.
Hozier Performs Live with Jools Holland
May 22 – Judas Priest : Invincible Shield Tour
After releasing their 19th studio album Invincible Shield, the British heavy metal band Judas Priest will perform at the Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview as part of their Invincible Shield Tour. Originally formed in Birmingham in 1969, Judas Priest consists of Rob Halford, Ian Hill, Glenn Tipton, Scott Travis and Richie Faulkner.
June 21 – Lainey Wilson
Another Louisiana native Lainey Wilson has made a name for herself because of her vocal and acting skills. She was the leading female nominee and winner at the 2023 ACM awards with Female Vocalist of the Year, Album of the Year, Visual Media and Musical Event of the Year, and had previously won 2022’s Female Vocalist and New Artist of the Year. She landed her first No. 1 with her renowned song, “Things A Man Oughta Know.” With her rockstar-like stage presence and raw talent, she’s sure to impress all who attend her 2024 Country’s Cool Again North American Tour.
June 26 – James Taylor and His All-Star Band
Legendary singer and songwriter James Taylor and his All-Star band will perform at the Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview Syracuse on June 26 as part of their tour.
Taylor is known for his covers, such as “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)” and “Handy Man”, as well as originals such as “Sweet Baby James”. The singer is also known for playing the leading role in Monte Hellman’s 1971 film Two-Lane Blacktop.
As a recording and touring artist, James is known for touching fans with his warm baritone voice and distinctive style of guitar-playing for more than 50 years, while setting a precedent to which countless young musicians have aspired. Since the release of his self-titled debut album in 1968, he has sold more than 100 million albums during the course of his successful songwriting and performing career, earning gold, platinum, and multi-platinum awards.
June 28 – Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss: Outlaw Fest.
Musician Willie Nelson is bringing his iconic Outlaw Music Festival to Darien Lake this summer. The packed festival will have a show at the Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview Syracuse on June 28 and will feature iconic artists like Bob Dylan, Robert Plant and Alison Krauss.
Willie Nelson, who was born in Texas during the Great Depression, has a career that spans the majority of his life. His debut studio album, …And Then I Wrote, was released in 1962, catapulting him into a successful career.
July 11 – Jason Aldean – Highway Desperado Tour
After a successful 40-date run in 2023, country star Jason Aldean will continue the Highway Desperado Tour in the summer of 2024 and will stop in Syracuse at the Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview on July 11. Aldean recently released his 11th studio album on November 3 to huge success. The 14-track record includes hit singles such as “Try That In A Small Town” and “Let Your Boys Be Country.” The latter includes a brand new music video featuring guest appearances by Aldean’s young son and daughter, and focuses on the simplicity and nature of rural childhood life.
Louisiana native Jordan Davis is known for his collaboration with Luke Bryan in 2021 with “Buy Dirt.” He now resides in Nashville, showcasing his growth as an artist in his “Damn Good Time” world tour. He took “Buy Dirt” and won Song of the Year in 2022 via the Country Music Association Awards, and only continues to grow as a musician.
July 24 – Santana and Counting Crows: Oneness Tour
Legendary guitarist Santana and Grammy-nominated band Counting Crows will perform at the Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview on July 24 as part of their “Oneness” tour that they announced earlier this spring.
Santana and Counting Crows promises to deliver a passionate, high-energy, and classic hits from their catalogs. Carlos Santana will provide his legendary guitar playing, while the Counting Crows get everyone jiving and singing along.
The two visionary artists’ tour will combine their minds and talents to surely prove and put on a spectacle show on July 24.
July 26 – Dan + Shay : Heartbreak On The Map Tour
The Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview Syracuse will also see country duo Dan + Shay on July 26. Dan + Shay’s mark on country music continues to grow with the release of their highly anticipated studio album, Bigger Houses in 2023.
In 2021, the duo became the first and only artist to win a Grammy Award for Best Country Duo/Group Performance 3x consecutively since the category’s inception. The reigning Favorite Country Duo or Group winners claimed a 3rd consecutive win for the category at the American Music Awards, where they had swept their categories in 2020, becoming the first country artist ever to win Collaboration of the Year.
July 31 – Train and REO Speedwagon – Summer Road Trip
The legendary hitmakers REO Speedwagon and Train announced earlier that they will be teaming up for the hottest co-headlining tour of the summer. Together with REO Speedwagon’s extensive collection of timeless classics and Train’s critically acclaimed catalog of global hits, the diamond-selling bands will embark on the Summer Road Trip 2024 Tour, promising an unforgettable evening of music, high energy, and fun that will appeal to all age groups. The bands will perform at the Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview Syracuse on July 31.
August 3 – Xscape & SWV : The Queens of R&B Tour
Following a social media teaser that sparked intense excitement among fans, the legendary groups XSCAPE and SWV have reunited for “The Queens of R&B” tour with support from MÝA, Total, and 702. When sharing the tour announcement, XSCAPE and SWV shared that “The Queens Of R&B” tour is a testament to the power of what can be accomplished when women come together with respect, admiration and undeniable talent. It is a celebration of passion, power, resilience and unstoppable ability to exceed expectations.
Their highly anticipated tour will be an unforgettable experience filled with timeless R&B music and stellar performances that are set to captivate audiences across the nation.
August 15 – ZZ Top & Lynyrd Skynyrd
ZZ Top, known for their single, “Sharp Dressed Man”, and Lynyrd Skynyrd, known for their critically-acclaimed album Pronounced‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd,’ have put their musical talents together for an unforgettable show performing across the United States, with one stop at the Amphitheater in August. You can’t miss their raw rock and roll music, sure to bring everyone to their feet.
August 24 – Hank Williams Jr.
Country Rock artist Hank Williams, Jr. first started his career by covering his father’s songs and emulating his style. At the age of 14, Williams, Jr. made his television debut in an Ed Sullivan Show episode from December 1963, where he sang a number of songs that were connected to his father. He also appeared as a guest star on Shindig later that year. In 1964, he made his recording debut with “Long Gone Lonesome Blues”, one of his father’s many classic songs. Hank Williams Jr.’s line up will also include the rock band Whiskey Myers and Ray Fulcher, a songwriter based in Harlem.
August 29 – Walker Hayes: Same Drunk Tour
Country singer Walker Hayes will perform at the Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview Syracuse on August 29 as part of his anticipated “Same Drunk” tour.
Hayes released the EP Country Stuff on June, 2021. Its single “Fancy Like” went viral on TikTok, peaking at number 3 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 1 on the Hot Country Songs chart, making it Hayes’ highest-charting release to date.
September 4 – Rob Zombie and Alice Cooper
Hard rock icon Rob Zombie will embark on his Freaks On Parade Tour by performing at the Syracuse stage on Sept. 4. Joining Rob on tour is the Detroit native Alice Cooper who delights both the crowd and his devoted followers with his unique brand of rock psycho-drama. Cooper is known for his wide range inspirations from vaudeville, garage rock, and horror films, and his ensemble puts on a theatrical production complete with electric chairs, guillotines, fake blood, and boa constrictors. Rob Zombie and Alice Cooper’s tour will also be accompanied by Al Jourgensen’s band Ministry and Richard Patrick’s band Filter.
September 6 – Hootie & the Blowfish – Summer Camp with Trucks Tour
Hootie and the Blowfish will return to the road in 2024 on their Summer Camp With Trucks Tour with special guests Collective Soul and Edwin McCain. Visiting about 43 cities across the U.S. and Canada, this will mark Hootie and the Blowfish’s first full tour since 2019.
September 7 – Pitbull: Party After Dark Tour
Pitbull – Grandstands Day 3
Global superstar Pitbull will perform at the Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater on Sept. 7 as part of his anticipated upcoming Party After Dark Tour. The tour plans to hit over 25 cities across the U.S. with special guest T-Pain and openers SiriusXM Globalization DJ’S. Lil Jon is also set to make appearances at select markets. Mr. Worldwide is set to deliver another incredibly dynamic tour with an electrifying mix of his biggest career-spanning hits of instantly recognizable smashes and surprises.
September 13 – Killer Queen with Special Guest Voyage
Killer Queen, a tribute band from London who has been doing this for more than 25 years will hit the Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater on Sept. 13 with special guest Voyage. Fans and critics alike have praised Voyage as the best Journey tribute band for their terrifyingly accurate rendition of the Journey catalog. Voyage takes their fans back to the ’80s era when the timeless music of Journey dominated the airwaves. The collective ability of these five guys has elevated the meaning of a tribute to a whole new level.
September 24 – Nathaniel Rateliff & TNS and My Morning Jacket
Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats and My Morning Jacket will co-headline their Eye to Eye Tour on September 24 in Syracuse at the Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview.
My Morning Jacket was hailed by The New York Times as “the kings of expand-your-mind, religious-experience rock”. The group started out as misfits from the South and have since grown to become one of the most beloved bands of their generation. Additionally, they continue to excite audiences all over the world with their hypnotic songcraft and dynamic live performances.
Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, born from Denver rock clubs, have grown to be a major force in modern rock ‘n’ roll. With platinum and gold-certified records under their belt, they successfully combine critically acclaimed records with high-energy live performances.
However, it’s not just about the music—Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, My Morning Jacket, and the nonprofit REVERB are collaborating to address the climate crisis and reduce the environmental impact of their tour. Fans can enjoy a fun-filled evening of dancing while contributing to a worthy cause. Fans can check out reverb.org for more information.
Additionally, the tour will provide a dynamic experience by having both bands play equal-length sets, switching up the order of performance at each show. Fans can lose themselves with live music at the Eye to Eye Tour this September in Syracuse.
Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater summer lineup will also include a performance by Train and REO Speedwagon on July 31 who will be performing as part of their huge 43-concert Summer Road Trip Tour. Other announced lineups include the infamous comedians Impractical Jokers set to take the stage on August 23, and Hootie & the Blowfish who will perform on July 31 as part of their Summer Camp With Trucks Tour.
For full performance and lineup listings or to purchase tickets, fans can visit here.
This summer, Canandaigua’s Constellation Brands-Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center (CMAC), will feature 18 shows starting in May through August. The CMAC 2024 roster features artists spanning from rock to country, welcoming fans of all genres.
Grammy-nominated folk-rock band, The Avett Brothers, are kicking off CMAC’s 2024 season with their summer tour for the band’s brand new self-titled album released on May 17. Joining them as a guest is country and bluegrass artist Sierra Ferrell.
Zach Brown Band- June 2 at 6:30 PM
Over the past 22 years as a band, the multi-platinum southern rock group led by Zac Brown have had five consecutive #1 albums on Billboard’s Country Albums Chart and won three GRAMMY awards including Best New Artist, Best Country Collaboration with Vocals, and Best Country Album. After releasing their new live album From The Road, Vol. 1: Covers and two new singles, the band will bring plenty of music, new and old, to CMAC.
Warren Haynes- June 9 at 7 PM
Former member of The Allman Brothers Band, The Dead, and founding member of Gov’t Mule, Warren Haynes is bringing the Now Is The Time tour to CMAC this summer featuring the Warren Haynes Band and The Dreams and Songs Symphonic Experience
Goose is a five-piece jam band hailing from Connecticut with clear influences from Phish and The Grateful Dead. Taking their 2024 summer tour on the road to support their latest album Ted Tapes 2024, the band will bring a slew of energetic music to Canandaigua.
Carrie Underwood- June 21 at 7:30 PM
Returning to the stage after last summer’s U.S. arena tour, multi-faceted country star Carrie Underwood, known for songs such as “Before He Cheats” and “Jesus Take the Wheel,” is making a stop at CMAC while on a break from her Las Vegas residency REFLECTION.
Nine-time GRAMMY winner Brandi Carlile returns to CMAC during a small tour of East Coast shows in June. She will be joined by her long-time collaborators, The Hanseroth Twins, who have played alongside her throughout her career. In recent years, she has worked closely with legends such as Joni Mitchell, Tanya Tucker, and Elton John.
Norah Jones- July 5 at 7:30 PM
Embarking on her North America Visions Tour 2024, nine-time GRAMMY winner, Norah Jones, is coming to CMAC in support of her new album Visions, released in March. With her, she brings the legendary soul singer Mavis Staples as her guest.
Jason Mraz & The Superband- July 10 at 7:30 PM
Singer-songwriter Jason Mraz, whose 2008 song “I’m Yours” put him on the radar, is continuing his tour, The Mystical Magical Rhythmical Radical Ride this summer, supporting his 2023 album of the same name. The alt-pop band Ripe will join the tour as a guest.
Sam Hunt- August 15 at 6:30 PM
Chart-topping country artist Sam Hunt, who can be recognized by his 2017 hit “Body Like A Back Road” is returning to the CMAC lineup while on tour for his new EP, Locked Up. He will be accompanied at CMAC by special guests and fellow country musicians Tyler Hubbard of Florida Georgia Line and Dalton Dover.
The 12-piece rock and soul group led by husband and wife Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi are returning to CMAC on their Deuces Wild 2024 tour, where country singer-songwriter Margo Price will join as their guest performer.
Tickets and more information on these events can be found on CMACâs website.
“20 years of Lucid, I never thought I’d see the day.” Lowell Wurster shared this sentiment alongside an announcement that on Saturday, May 18, Lucid would gather together at the Strand Center in Plattsburgh to celebrate two decades of North Country funk and soul.
Lucid at The Waterhole – October 2023
The Strand Theater itself is celebrating as well, marking 100 years of performances this year, having opened in 1924 as a vaudeville theatre. In recent years, the venue has undergone renovations and upgrades, bringing the Strand into the 21st Century.
Lowell shared his excitement for the anniversary event. “This show is a celebration of a community and love, The North Country is our home and this is where our hearts lie. To be able to celebrate our 20 year anniversary in our hometown means the world to us. Some of us went to the same high school and had the same teachers.”
“The whole community rallied around us years ago when we went on our first East coast tour. There’s always been such an outpouring of support for us and its been quite humbling. We love the North Country,” added Wurster.
Supporting Lucid is Lowell’s father, George, with ‘When Pigs Fly’ – the name derived from his band Blind Pigs from many years back. In the past year, members of Lucid, the Blind Pigs original drummer, Pat Madix, and Mike Dashnaw from The Shameless Strangers were brought together to create When Pigs Fly for this special occasion.
“I honestly think people are pretty excited to watch my dad’s band. After years of watching him sit in with us now folks can watch him front a whole set, that is exciting for me and a lot of other people are pretty stoked.”
Lowell Wurster, on When Pigs Fly
A perfect band to pair up for the evening, Lucid fans have seen George play with the group over the years, making this a family affair in more ways that one. Expect to see Wurster’s sister, Catherine, of DoomF$ck, also sitting in throughout the evening.
“We’re just so excited to share this experience with everyone. This is a celebration of 20 years of building community, this is about love and the family we’ve built with this community,” said Wurster.
The 20 year anniversary celebration for Lucid takes place on Saturday May 18 at the Strand Center for the Arts, with doors at 6pm and the show starting at 7pm. Tickets and more info can be found here or at the Strandcenter.org
Meadowlark Festival — the Stone Ridge, NY three-day festival of indie, roots, and countercultural music that benefits farmers in Hudson Valley and nationwide — confirms its lineup for its 2024 fall festival.
Set for September 13-15, the 3-day event will feature performances from indie rock icons Blonde Redhead, NPR Tiny Desk concert alum and Hudson Valley artist Laura Stevenson, NYC garage rockers and Yep Roc artists Daddy Long Legs, Kentucky songwriter Joan Shelley, Boston Music Award-nominated blues guitarist Ryan Lee Crosby, the “sweetly flavored folk-pop” music of Fruit Bats, WXPN-named “Artist to Watch” Slaughter Beach, Dog, Newport Folk Fest favorites Deer Tick, the psychedelic space rock of KidBess & The Magic Ring, along with Honeycrush and Lulu Lewis. Also performing are the “first couple of Americana” Larry Campbell & Teresa Williams, and artsy Manhattan garage-rockers Jeffrey Lewis & The Voltage, with a special guest set for reveal as the festival draws closer.
Lineup for the 2nd annual Meadowlark Festival revealed
All in all, the 2nd annual Meadowlark Festival continues to garner support for farmers local and nationwide and supports organizations who are aligned with the values of promoting food security and advocacy for local farms. These organizations include Farm Aid, Rondout Valley Growers Association (RVGA), and Hudson Valley Center For Food, Culture & Agriculture. The festival takes place at Stone Ridge Orchard & Farmers Market, a 200-year-old working farm on 115 acres.
Moreover, tickets for Meadowlark Fest 2024 are on sale on the festival website, with prices ranging from an early bird special and day-of pricing. For instance, a 1-Day general admission early bird ticket costs $70, but will be $100 on the day of, with similar rules set for parking passes.
Meadowlark Festival to take place at Stone Ridge Orchard & Farmer’s Market
Additionally, Meadowlark Fest will feature local artisans, food vendors, award-winning artisanal hard apple ciders, and more with more details to come. Less than two hours north of New York City and a twenty-minute car ride from the Kingston Metro North railroad station, Stone Ridge Orchard and Farmers Market in the scenic Roundout Valley sits between the Shawangunk Ridge and the Catskill mountain range in the Hudson Valley region.
The Schenectady-Saratoga Symphony Orchestra has announced its 91st Concert Season, consisting of nine concerts. This new concert season will feature a host of shows in both Schenectady and Saratoga Springs.
Since its founding in 1935, the SSSO has prided itself in community involvement. Throughout its history, the SSSO has employed not only professional musicians, but also highlighted local amateur musicians. The orchestra has been a platform for local musicians, dance troupes and school choruses, helping to launch musical careers throughout the Schenectady-Saratoga region. Through its concerts and musical mentoring, the SSSO has become one of the greatest musical assets of the Capital Region.
This concert season will continue the SSSO’s history of involvement by hosting a series of guest musicians and incorporating new visual elements to enhance concerts. Soloists like trumpeter Robert Sullivan, and Lisa Leonard will join the SSSO for orchestral classics and new works. This season will feature a new visual elements and projections to enhance the concert experience. SSSO’s artistic director Glen Cortese says the “Visuals and projections will accompany many of our concerts to add another layer to the audience’s live music experience.” With this new aspect to their live shows, audiences will have their eyes, as well as ears stimulated at this year’s concerts.
SSSO Schedule
Free Pops Concert (not on subscription)
7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10 at Music Haven Stage in Schenectady’s Central Park
A tribute to the great composer John Williams.
“Realize”
7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19 at the Zankel Music Center
3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20 at the MainStage at Proctors
Featuring soloist Lisa Leonard in Prokofiev’s “Piano Concerto #3,” Adamo’s “Overture to Lysistrata” and Respighi’s “Fontana di Roma” and “Pini di Roma.”
Poinsettia Pops (not on subscription, add-on)
7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 at the Great Hall at UPH
3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8 at the Great Hall at UPH
Featuring guest soloists Jeanine Ouderkirk, Mowgli Giannitti and Elizabeth Sterling.
“Reminisce”
7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025 at the Great Hall at UPH
3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025 at the MainStage at Proctors
Featuring Trumpeter Robert Sullivan in Glen Cortese’s “Concerto for Trumpet and Orchestra (Gabriel’s Signal),” Snider’s “Eye of Mnemosyne” and Mendelssohn’s “Symphony #4.”
“Reach”
3 p.m. Sunday, March 2, 2025 at the Great Hall at UPH
The program features John Musto performing his “Litany” and “Piano Concerto #2,” Debussy’s “Children’s Corner” and guest vocalist Ann Marie Adamick with Mahler’s “Songs of the Wayfarer.”
“Remember”
3 p.m. Sunday, April 13, 2025 at the MainStage at Proctors
The Octavo Singers and surprise special guests join SSSO for Verdi’s great “Requiem.”
Season Tickets are currently on sale for $65. Individual tickets are $17-24, with children under 18 getting free entrance with a ticketed adult. For more ticketing and concert information visit the SSSO website here.
The Sub Rosa Sessions Concert Series will return to Syracuse for the first time since 2017. The concert series consists of intimate monthly shows meant to highlight local talent and up-and-coming national acts.
The term Sub Rosa comes from Latin “under the rose” meaning something done secretly. Like the name suggests, Sub Rosa flourishes in the underground, not only highlighting underground artists, but also taking place in a new secret downtown venue.
The first revival show will feature Baltimore-based Americana band June Star, and Central New York singer-songwriter Khalil Jade. Since 1998, June Star have released 16 studio albums helping to spread their unique take on roots music to the masses. Led by singer and multi-instrumentalist Andrew Grimm, their unique lyricism and grungy instrumentation give them a sound unlike any other Americana group. The band also features Dave Hadley, whose masterful steel pedal guitar aids in their signature sound.
Khalil Jade is a singer-songwriter and a staple of Central New York’s live scene. Her original pieces blend folk, Americana, and blues to create a unique style of singer-songwriter music. With her acoustic guitar and soft, soulful voice, Jade crafts songs about the joys and struggles of life.
Sub Rosa: Then and Now
Singer-songwriter Amanda Rogers started the Sub Rosa Concert Series in 2014. For four years, the concert series was a staple of Syracuseâs music scene, acting as a platform for local bands and artists. Syracuse’s SubCat Studios originally hosted the concerts at their downtown location. The concerts not only allowed for artists to showcase their works in an intimate setting, but also to have their shows professionally recorded. In addition to live music, the concerts featured meet and greets, refreshments and exclusive performance CDs.
The Sub Rosa Concert Series will return to Syracuse on May 31. The concerts will continue to take place from 6-9 PM on the last Thursday of every month. Starting in May, they will take place in a secret speak-easy like venue in Downtown Syracuse. Attendees will meet at the Tectonic Hand statue in front of Syracuse City Hall at 5:55 PM before being guided to the venue.
Tickets are currently on sale at $30, which includes entrance, refreshments and more. Attendance for the event is capped at 80 people to ensure an intimate concert environment for “the best under the radar music from around the world.”
More information on Sub Rosa and ticketing can be found here.
Union Pool in Williamsburg, Brooklyn has announced the artist lineup for its free Summer Thunder concert series. The 2024 lineup offers concert-goers an amazing variety of shows ranging from punk and psychedelic to Latin and underground hip-hop.
The 12th annual Summer Thunder series will begin on June 2nd with a show by Boston indie-rockers Guerilla Toss. For the rest of the summer until August 28, Union Pool will host daytime concerts each Sunday. Concerts take place at Union Pool’s patio, a chic and manicured yet comfortable outdoor space. In addition to music, concert-goers can purchase a host of drinks inside Union Pool, as well as Mexican food from the patio’s El Diablo Taco Truck.
Union pool has been a staple of Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood since it opened in 2000. It started as a quaint corner bar, offering drinks and darts, but quickly grew into one of Brooklyn’s major entertainment hubs. Hidden under the shadow of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, the venue offers DJ sets, live shows and a host of other amenities.
2024’s Summer Thunder series offers a wide variety of musical styles, featuring artists from around the country. On top of the aforementioned Guerilla Toss, indie rockers like Rosali, Lifeguard and Mary Timony will perform. On June 9, Chicago’s Bitchin Bajas will craft psychedelic soundscapes with their noisy, Krautrock-influenced sound. For lovers of Latin music, Tucson-based Los Esplifs will perform their signature lo-fi Latin pop. Psychedelic supergroup Winged Wheel will perform, featuring Sonic Youth’s legendary drummer Steve Shelley. Additionally, legendary punk singer-guitarist Kid Congo Powers will grace Union Pool on August 18. His signature style led him to success in The Cramps, The Gun Club and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds.
The summer series will notably feature both establish and up-and coming New York-based acts. Up-and-coming NYC rap duo Armand Hammer will perform on June 23. The group, consisting of Billy Woods and Elucid, has risen to prominence off the back of their raucous production and deep lyricism. Brooklyn Vegan named their latest album We Buy Diabetic Test Strips as the 2nd best album of 2023.
Joe Bataan, a legendary Latin soul singer from Harlem, will perform on July 7. Garnering hits since the 1960s, Bataan melds Latin Jazz, funk, R&B, and salsa to create his signature sound. In addition to his Latin soul hits, Bataan also helped to spearhead rap, with his song “Rap-O Clap-O” being one of the earliest hip-hop hits.
On August 4, Brooklyn-based singer songwriter, Rahill will play her signature dreamy indie-pop. Originally the founder of Garage Rock band Habibi, Rahill’s solo music has been more pop influenced, reflecting on memories of her family. In 2023, she collaborated with indie legend Beck on her song “Fables.”
All Summer Thunder concerts are free 21+ events. As they are held in an establishment that serves alcohol, physical ID is required for entry. For information on concert RSVPs, visit here. RSVPs are not required, but all concerts will be first come first serve.
Experimental duo Vapor Vespers have released their sophomore album titled, Ghosts Before Breakfast and announced a few upcoming tour dates this May.
Ghosts Before Breakfast is the group’s second long-playing release, the follow-up to their critically-acclaimed 2020 debut, One Act Sonix. The sophomore album consists of 10 music-driven spoken word tracks. The duo will be supporting the release of their new album with select shows in New York City and the Hudson Valley this May.
Vapor Vespers is the brainchild of NYC-based multi-instrumentalist/producer Sal Cataldi and award-winning playwright, actor, and slam poet Mark Muro. The duo’s latest collection ups the ante on the cool grooves, intense guitar riffage, synth textures and the verbal hijinks and narrative absurdity showcased on their debut. The duo takes performative arts to the next level by blending intense spoken word with progressive and electrifying hypno-funk.
The Vapor Vespers are also holding mini-sets during performance by Cataldi’s Spaghetti Eastern Music at Silvana Harlem on May 23. Further, the duo sees the stage at Pangea in the East Village on May 25. More shows may be added.
Ghosts Before Breakfast was produced, engineered and mastered by Sal Cataldi aboard his houseboat in Port Washington, Long Island. The album covers themes of sex, mystery, art, literature, love, and themselves. The duo expels sound that are everything but standard. Some of their sound includes electro-funk, experimental synth, progressive, jazz and more.
For more information on Vapor Vespers and their album Ghosts Before Breakfast, click here.
A new partnership with The Town of Guilderland will bring Playhouse Stage Company to the Guilderland Performing Arts Center Stage (GPAC) in Tawasentha Park this summer. Following its run at Albany’s Park Playhouse from June 18 through July 14, Playhouse Stage’s The Marvelous Wonderettes will play an encore weekend in Guilderland from July 19-21.
All seating will be free on a first-come, first-served basis, at 7:30 p.m. performances Friday through Sunday, and an additional 4:00 p.m. matinee on Saturday. Playhouse Stage Company has been producing free, outdoor summer musicals at Albany’s Park Playhouse since 1989, and has been presenting musicals year-round at the historic Cohoes Music Hall since 2016.
The Marvelous Wonderettes tells the story of a group of friends who become the impromptu entertainment at their High School prom in 1958, singing the girl group pop songs of the decade in four-part harmony. Act Two sees the friends reunite to perform at their ten-year reunion, singing the music of the girl groups of the Sixties. With beloved songs such as “Mr. Sandman,” “Lollipop,” “Heatwave,” “Son of a Preacher Man,” and “Respect,” audiences are treated to a night of harmonious hits, wrapped around a touching and funny story of enduring friendship.
The production is directed and choreographed by Ellie Francis, who appeared on-stage as Pythio in 2022’s PSC production of Head Over Heels. Long-time PSC associate Brian Axford, will music direct and lead the live, on-stage band for the production. “We are thrilled to welcome Playhouse Stage Company to perform at GPAC this summer and we look forward to a long-term relationship with the area’s premier musical theatre organization,” added Town Supervisor Peter G. Barber. “I also extend my appreciation to former State Senator George Amedore for his generous support for GPAC’s renovation which has helped bring new entertainment options to our community.” The Guilderland Town Board officially approved the Playhouse partnership at a May 7, 2024 meeting.
We are tremendously excited about this new partnership, and new opportunity to achieve our mission making the arts accessible to all in the Capital Region community. Through the support of the Town of Guilderland, all seating for this encore weekend in Tawasentha Park will be available free-of-charge to both residents and visitors. We are grateful to Town Supervisor, Peter Barber, the Guilderland Town Board, and the staff who have worked to make this inaugural year of this partnership a reality.
Tickets for reserved seating for the run of The Marvelous Wonderettes at Albany’s Park Playhouse are now on sale through The Playhouse Stage Box Office at Cohoes Music Hall, by phone at 518-434-0776, or online. The 2024 Playhouse Stage Company Summer Season will continue in July and August with runs of the musicals Legally Blonde and Disney’s Finding Nemo playing at Cohoes Music Hall.
