The New York State Blues Festival is returning to Syracuse this summer and Little Feat has been announced as this year’s headlining act. The admission-free festival is set to take place from June 13-15 at Chevy Court on the New York State Fairgrounds.
In addition to a ton of blues music, a variety of food vendors will be onsite with wine and beer also being sold. Retail and craft vendors will also be set up market-style as well.
The New York State Blues Festival is one of the largest free blues events in all of the Northeast. The annual three-day musical celebration, showcases a collection of regional and national artists from multiple genres, all with roots steeped in tradition and vision, and arranges them for a continuous river of music. See below for a full schedule of all of the artists performing this year.
The festival is free to attend, with all ages welcomed. Parking in the Brown Lot at New York State Fairgrounds is available for $10 per car and $5 per motorcycle. ADA parking is in the Emerald Lot. Proceeds from the parking fees help to offset expenses and to keep the New York State Blues Festival admission-free.
For more information on VIP packages, RV sites, and hotel reservations, please visit the festival website.
New York State Blues Festival 2024
Main Stage
Thursday June 13
4pm – GATE OPENS***
5:30 – 6:45pm – HANNA PK
7:15pm – 8:30pm – BYWATER CALL
9:00pm – 10:30pm – LILâ ED & THE BLUES IMPERIALS
Friday June 14
3:00pm – GATE OPENS***
4pm – 5pm – THE SHYLOCKS
5:30pm – 6:45pm – MATT TARBELLâS BUILT FOR COMFORT
Albany has been ranked as the best place to live in the state, according to a survey by the U.S. News & World Report. Some may also be shocked that New York City ranked fifth in the 2023-24 list of best places to live in the state, behind Albany, Syracuse, Rochester, and Buffalo, respectively. What we find less surprising is that all five cities have a large music presence.
The Palace Theatre in Albany is one of the Capital Region’s premier music venues. Credit: Palace Theatre.
Ranked as the #1 best place to live in New York State, the Capital Region is home to several music venues and recording studios. White Lake Music and Post, one of the recording studios on Albany’s roster, has produced, recorded, and mixed multiple Billboard Top 40 singles and provided audio services for clients including Netflix, Discovery, Lifetime, Universal, Disney, Nickelodeon, and HBO. Additionally, the Palace Theatre, which first opened its doors in 1931, has been graced by the presence of musical greats like the Rolling Stones and is home to the Albany Symphony Orchestra.
Central New York’s premier professional theatre, Syracuse Stage. Credit: Syracuse Stage
Ranking second on the list, Syracuse is home to many venues, among them Syracuse Stage, which is approaching its 50th anniversary this year. The premier professional theatre in Central New York, Stage is part of Syracuse University and is a member of The League of Resident Theatres (LORT), the largest professional theatre association in the country. America’s leading actors, directors, and designers work and/or have worked at Stage including Tony Award-winners Jason Alexander, Lillias White, Chuck Cooper, and Elizabeth Franz, Emmy recipients Jean Stapleton, Sam Waterston, John Cullum, James Whitmore, and Ben Gazzara.
Drive By Truckers at Water Street Music Hall – photo by Brian Ferguson
Rochester ranks as the third best place to live in New York State. Rochester is home to Water Street Music Hall, the city’s largest and oldest concert venue. Originally opened in 1976 under the name The Country Warehouse, the venue has brought hundreds of large artists including Phish, George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic, Ashanti, David Byrne, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Iggy Pop, Jack Harlow, Sublime, St. Vincent, King Gizzard and the Wizard Lizard, Maroon 5, Weezer, and many more.
Shea’s Theatre in Buffalo. Credit: Shea Performing Arts Center.
Coming in fourth is the Queen City of Buffalo, a major music and entertainment region of its own. Buffalo is home to GCR Audio, a recording studio that has worked with Buffalo natives the Goo Goo Dolls, who recorded their self-titled debut album as well as Jed, Hold Me Up, Superstar Car Wash, A Boy Named Goo, Jessie J, and Who You Are at the studio. The city is also home to the nearly 100-year-old Shea’s Theatre, which this year alone has held performances of classic musicals such as Les, Mamma Mia, and in previous years Beetlejuice, Dear Evan Hanson, A Christmas Story: The Musical, The Nutcracker, and Mean Girls: The Musical, among others.
Exterior of MSG – photo by Rob Tellerman
As we know, New York City is the music and entertainment capital of the Empire State, if not the country. With countless music venues such as the Beacon Theatre, Knockdown Center, Brooklyn Bowl and Madison Square Garden, plus dozens of recording studios such as Electric Lady, the Big Apple has earned its title as one of the best cities for music in the world. MSG has hosted more than thousands of sports events and concerts, including upcoming tours by Fall Out Boy and Nicki Minaj. Electric Lady Recording Studio has made music for several big names in the industry such as Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, as well as New York natives Christina Aguilera and Lana Del Rey.
The state of New York is home to several of the most prestigious and oldest music venues in the country, making it clear to see why the aforementioned cities rank in the top five best places to live in New York State.
On Thursday March 14, Dark Star Orchestra (DSO) kicked off their Spring 2024 Tour at Utica’s Stanley Theatre. DSO has been performing continuously for 26 years paying tribute to The Grateful Dead. Known for playing The Dead’s actual concert setlists DSO treated the Utica Deadhead faithful to their own uniquely crafted setlist.
The show opened with classic Grateful Dead opening song “Cold Rain and Snow” which featured all seven DSO musicians on stage. Vocalist Lisa Mackey left the stage for the Bob Weir classic “Black Throated Wind”. Balloons and some varying scents began to fill the air when the band broke into the standard “Deep Ellum Blues”, a song covered by Jerry Garcia’s solo projects as well as The Grateful Dead. Part of the fun of DSO shows is to guess what Grateful Dead concert they may be playing.
Discover Grateful Dead shows from over the years across New York State with our interactive map below
After “Deep Ellum Blues” there was a lot of chatter in the crowd about what show this could possibly be. Keyboardist Rob Barraco switched from piano to organ and the band kicked into the opening riffs of The Dead’s 80’s rarity “My Brother Esau”. It seemed as if there was a collective epiphany from the crowd that We were in the midst of an original DSO setlist. “I like how they did their own set list and how they have the low energy and then bring in the high energy.” Said Debbie Rathbun. The band next slowed things down with the Hunter/Garcia ballad “So Many Roads” featuring Jeff Mattson on lead guitar and vocals. This was one of those “close your eyes moments” in which Mattson’s guitar tone and phrasing was beautiful and so spot on to Garcia’s. DSO kept it mellow following up with the Brent Mydland song “We Can Run”, sung by Rob Barraco. Earlier in March Barraco performed two shows with original Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh celebrating Lesh’s 84th birthday at The Capitol Theater in Port Chester, NY.
DSO continued to mix Grateful Dead favorites, rarities and Jerry Garcia Band staples in set 2. The first deep jam of the night came shortly after the opening song, “Help on The Way”. The instrumental “Slipknot!” showed off DSO’s prowess, tightness and put on display live in Utica why they are the world’s premiere Dead tribute. “Franklin’s Tower” seemed to have the entire crowd inside the beautiful Stanley Theatre on their feet. The band sounded fresh and really seemed to be having fun with smiles abound. Rob Eaton delivered Bob Weir’s “Corrina” with ferocity and passion. The band continued to groove and segway from song to song eventually turning over the stage to Dino English and Rob Koritz for a lengthy, trance-like “Drums”; a staple of The Grateful Dead experience. Set 2 concluded with “One More Saturday Night”, appropriate after a night of weekend energy on a Thursday Night.
The Rolling Stones “Honky Tonk Women” was the lone encore, capping off a night of fun, song surprises, reminiscing and originality in Utica from the world’s number one Grateful Dead tribute.
Dark Star Orchestra – The Stanley Theatre, Utica, NY – March 14, 2024
Set 1: Cold Rain and Snow, Black Throated Wind, Deep Elem Blues, My Brother Esau, So Many Roads, We Can Run, Midnight Moonlight, Box of Rain, Greatest Story Ever Told, Shakedown Street
Set 2: Help on the way > Slipknot > Franklin’s tower> Corrina > Crazy Fingers > Uncle John’s Band > Drums and Space > UJB reprise > Lonesome and a Long Way From Home > Saint of Circumstance > China Doll > One More Saturday Night
Beach-hop artist Cully has a new album out titled Sad Boy Nites. The seven-track album contains many new musical elements as well as his usual, unique sound.
Cully’s music can best be described as beachy, upbeat, bubblegum rap that lifts spirits and ensues relaxation.
Cully was inspired by music from a young age. In elementary school he was freestyling and beatboxing on the playground. Then in high school, he along with two friends formed rap-trio Tribe Style, where they would release song after song on YouTube.
It wasn’t until Cully’s college years at SUNY Oneonta where he’d really get the musical ball rolling. He met MC Righteous, joined Bright Dog Red and began releasing real-deal albums under Ropeadope Records. Shortly after graduation he began working in recording studios as a sound engineer, working for two years under record producer Sean Ono Lennon.Â
Cully’s music combines elements of pop, surf music, hip hop, and indie. Together, his music makes for an upbeat, chillaxed, and unique “beach hop” vibe. The artist loves to implement absurdist and dry humor into his lyrics with a flowing stream of melody behind it. He switches from catchy pop vocals, and a funky rhyme cadence frequently.
His new album, Sad Boy Nites has an overarching theme of a laid-back, uplifting summer. Many of the tunes on the album relate to being a young adult in the current age, trying to enjoy life amidst the daily chaos of the world. Each song has a unique and vibey melody. They also contain different themes of their own like love, relaxation, getting lifted without drugs, and enjoying oneself. This album is one to kick back, chill outdoors, and surround yourself with positivity to.
To lay your ears on some of Cully’s previous tunes, and to stay up on his upcoming releases, visit his YouTube channel or click here.
The Oswego Music Hall is proud to present Shawna Caspi and Rachael Kilgour, as part of its Women in Music Series, on Saturday, March 23 at 7:30 p.m.
Before the concert, the public is invited to the Annual Member Meeting which will take place at 4:30.
Shawna Caspi. Photo by Terence Gui.
“I’m excited to be kicking off the first year of our new Women in Music Series during Women’s History Month with two talented Canadian singer-songwriters that put on incredible performances at the NERFA conference,” said Tom Lambert, Artistic Director.
The Oswego Music Hall evolved from a little coffee house venue called “The Low Life Cafe,” created by Richard Reinert in 1976, on Water Street in Oswego, known as the Market House Music Hall. Oswego Music Hall was incorporated in 1979 and received 501(c)(3) nonprofit status in 1985. The venue relocated twice before settling into the McCrobie Civic Center, a historic municipal building adjacent to Breitbeck Park, overlooking the Great Lake Ontario.
Run by an incredibly reliable team of volunteers, Oswego Music Hall has produced diverse and high-quality concerts on their National Stage every other Saturday night during their fall, winter/spring seasons, and national stage events for 40 years. Their programs offer Oswego and the Greater Central New York community exposure to top-quality touring musicians, singers, and songwriters of many genres. Most importantly, the venue helps support artists and music not typically heard in the mainstream media, encouraging the development of emerging artists from the community.
Toronto-based singer-songwriter Shawna Caspi takes her time crafting poetic and meaningful lyrics, often using unusual rhymes. She spent years on the road playing solo shows at festivals and in concert halls, train cars, backyards, and living rooms, supporting her warm, clear voice with intricate fingerstyle guitar accompaniment, and drawing energy from shifting landscapes and long drives through Canada and the United States. After taking a break from the road, she returns with her fifth album, Hurricane Coming, a collection of raw, deeply personal songs set against a backdrop of colorful cinematic soundscapes. She also created a series of abstract paintings inspired by the songs on the album.
Hurricane Coming was nominated for a Canadian Folk Music Award for Contemporary Album of the Year and the Ontario Folk Music Award for Album of the Year. Her songs have also won awards from Folk Music Ontario and the Songwriters’ Association of Washington. She strives to tell the truth and empower listeners to come to terms with the parts of themselves and the world that they might find scary.
Rachael Kilgour. Photo by Kara Dupre.
Rachael Kilgour is a Canadian-American songwriter and performing artist whose plain-spoken, lyric-driven work and intimate performances have endeared her to listeners and fellow artists alike. Kilgour has been featured at NYC’s Lincoln Center, The Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., and the Sundance Film Festival.
Her exquisite fourth full-length collection, My Father Loved Me, is a tribute to her late father, produced by JUNO Award-winning songwriter Rose Cousins and recorded in the senior Kilgour’s native Canada. Kilgour gives us a complex portrait of a man through his daughter’s eyes, posing questions about identity, inheritance, and grief, affirming the value of one ordinary working man’s life in an often indifferent world.
Tickets are on sale online or at the Rivers End Bookstore in Oswego.
Oswego Music Hall Events Calendar
Mar 16 The Intention – Jazz by the Lake
Mar 22 Open Mic w/Hosts Frank Stefanek and Julie Clement
Mar 23 Shawna Caspi and Rachael Kilgour (Women in Music Series)
Apr 12 Open Mic w/Host Mark Zane
Apr 13 Big Sky Quartet
Apr 20 Count Blastula w/Special Guest Mike Dubaniewicz Jazz by the Lake
Apr 26 Open Mic w/Host Larry Kyle
Apr 27 Livingston Taylor w/Ash & Eric opening
May 11 Season Finale – Sam Robbins & Emerging Artists Showcase
Today is March 15, or, 315 Day. The “315” in Central New York State is so named for an area code established in 1947 covering 18 counties.
Stretching from the Canadian border west of the Adirondacks, the “315” follows the shores of Lake Ontario southwest towards Rochester, and south to the Allegheny Plateau. The “315” includes the cities of Syracuse, Utica, Rome, Cortland, Oswego, Saint Lawrence, Canton, Massena, Watertown and most of the Finger Lakes, as far west as Keuka Lake.
This significant portion of New York State is home to Syracuse University, an institution at the center of music in Central New York in terms of venues, students and alumni. Across the “315” are an immense number of artists and bands who have called the region home, dozens of music venues, classic music festivals, promoters and events that make the “315” a diverse median of a state rich in music history around every corner.
So to celebrate 315 Day (March 15), we begin a series of Three Hundred Fifteen things that make the “315” a great place for music.
graphic by Emily DePietro
Since we only had a week to work on this, instead of all Three Hundred Fifteen at once, we figured to start with 16, or about 5% of 315. Check out our 518 Day list and stay tuned for an annual update to each list (with 716 Day coming this summer!)
1. Empower FCU Amphitheater At Lakeview
Originally the site of a toxic waste dump, courtesy of Solvay Process Company that dumped soda ash on the site for decades, the venue sits on the shore of Onondaga Lake and if you didn’t read the first part of this sentence, you may never know what once lay beneath.
An exhilarating live music experience, Sophistafunk blends intoxicating beats, heavy synth basslines and funky vocals for a one of a kind performance. The group was selected by Guy Fieri to be house band on Guyâs Grocery Games and again on Guy’s Ultimate Game Night. Sophistafunk has performed across the country at venues, underground shows and music festivals, and continues to be the premier funk band from Central New York.
3. The SAMMYs
The Syracuse Area Music Awards were founded in 1993 by Frank Malfitano and have soldiered on every year since, having recently handed out the 31st annual awards on March 2, 2024. With People’s Choice Awards, live music from artists living in the greater Syracuse area, and a wealth of music history coming together on stage each year, the SAMMYs are at the core of the “315.”
4. Crane School of Music
Located at SUNY Potsdam, the Crane School of Music offers undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing performance and practice. The school’s symphony and chorus have performed at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, traveling internationally to Germany, Spain and even Cuba. With a legacy dating back to 1886, more than 300 concerts, recitals and lectures each year make the Crane School a hallmark music institution.
5. Earlville Opera House
Originally constructed back in 1892, the Earlville Opera House was destroyed twice by fire in its early years, with the current building standing strong for more than 125 years. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this landmark in a village of 800, Earlville Opera House is a Madison County gem, and founded as as not-for-profit, volunteer-based community organization in 1972.
6. Los Blancos
Blending blues, funk, R&B, zydeco and rock, Los Blancos have gained acclaim in Central New York, as well as sharing the stage with Little Feat, Los Lobos, Gov’t Mule, Merl Saunders, Hubert Sumlin. The group, consisting of Colin Aberdeen (electric guitar/vocals), Mark Nanni (keyboard/accordion/vocals), Steve Winston (bass/vocals) and Mark Tiffault (drums), can be found playing frequently at Shifty’s and 443 Social Club and Lounge.
7. moe.down
Starting in 2000, moe. began holding their own festival – moe.down – in Turin, NY at Snow Ridge Ski Area. The Labor Day Weekend festival brought together moe.’s peers in the jam community, rising artists from across the Northeast, as well as artists who influence moe.’s sound. After moving for two years to Gelston Castle in Mohawk, NY, the festival returned to Turin in 2012 and was held annually until 2014, since returning in 2017 and 2019. Read our history of moe.downs 1-15 here.
8. Stanley Theatre
Utica’s original movie palace, the Stanley Theatre opened in 1928 with capacity of nearly 3,000 and was designed by famed architect Thomas Lamb, who also designed the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, Proctor’s in Schenectady and Landmark Theatre in Syracuse. The Stanley Theatre currently hosts concerts as well as a number of musicals, courtesy of Broadway Utica.
9. NYS Fair
The Great New York State Fair isn’t just rides, exhibits, a competitions for Best Milk in New York State, live music takes center stage at Chevy Court as well as the Grandstand (now Suburban Park). The original grandstand was demolished in 2016 to make way for an updated area that could continue to attract national artists during the annual state fair – the oldest of its kind, having been founded in 1832 by local farmers for agriculture and local fairs. Only in the 1950s did The Great New York State Fair begin to have a greater focus on music and entertainment to attract a new generation, appealing to families and the rise of pop culture. Check out last year’s lineup here.
10. Mike Powell
Hailing from West Carthage, NY in Jefferson County near Fort Drum, Mike Powell is not only a musician, but one of the greatest lacrosse players of all time. His jersey, #22, was retired in 2023 by Syracuse University, where he was a four-time All-American and holds the record for most career points.
Since graduating from Syracuse, Powell has released six albums and written more than 200 original songs, drawing on influences including Bob Dylan, John Prine and Woody Guthrie. Powell has performed with his group The Black River and, most recently, The Echo Sound, which is gaining acclaim across Central New York. An indie folk rock singer, Mike Powell’s sound and evolution from athlete to musician is among the greats to come from the “315” with many years of music yet to come.
11. Homer Center for the Arts
Located in a former Baptist church, Homer Center for the Arts was created as a way to save the building and provide something for the Homer community, just north of Cortland. And create a community they do – artists, musicians, workshops, galleries, community theater and film screenings make Homer Center for the Arts an institution supporting not just the Village of Homer, but the greater Central New York region as a whole.
12. Syracuse Stage
Syracuse Stage, a professional theatre company that has produced plays since 1974, the Stage celebrates their 50th anniversary in the 2023-24 season, now underway. Connected to Syracuse University with the Drama Department, students are cast in plays and musicals, as well as hold Black Box shows, all under the direction and guidance of professors and professionals who make Syracuse Stage a connection between the city and university, with events open to the public.
courtesy of Syracuse University
13. The Birdseed Bandits
Comprised of Adam Ludemann, Seth Becker, and Nash Robb, The Birdseed Bandits released their eponymous debut album in 2013, a collection of “greatest hits” from the band’s first two years together. Forming a unique style that has catchy, foot-stomping, mug-waving folk/rock songs through the use of banjo, mandolin, guitar and upright bass, Birdseed Bandits stopped performing in 2014, but left a mark on the Central New York music scene in their time together.
14. The Yard Amphitheater
An outdoor music venue at Ray Brothers BBQ in Bouckville, NY, The Yard Amphitheatre has become a rural destination for live music acts including Ryan Montbleau, Martin Sexton, Yonder Mountain String Band, Keller Williams and many more. With a capacity of 1,500 and great barbeque right next door, The Yard is a must-visit destination venue. Check out their 2024 shows here.
15. Crouse Chimemasters
For anyone having lived close to the west side of Syracuse University’s campus, or been a student walking the SU campus around 8am, 11:45am or 6pm, you will have heard the bells of Crouse College ringing, and inside is a tradition that dates back in 1889. The Syracuse Chimemasters create daily melodies thrice daily working with a system of levers and pulleys that ring the 14 bells in the belfry of Crouse College. You might hear anything from “Mamma Mia” to Star Wars selections, as well as solemn and classical music, from these seasoned veterans who rock the bells for 135 years and counting.
16. Smith Opera House
Located in the heart of the Finger Lakes, Smith Opera House has offered performing arts and cultural events since 1894. The interior was restored in the early 1990s, playing host to numerous artists including Phish, Frank Zappa, Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel, as well as live events from Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva Music Festival and much more.
Ed note: a new area code – 680 – is popping up in the 315 – as the population of the region expands. While we welcome a challenge to find Six Hundred Eighty things that make this region the best for music, we’re focusing on the classic 315 area code, for brevity’s sake.
It was a night of celebration and honor in the Eastwood neighborhood of Syracuse on Friday, March 8, as the 2024 SAMMY Awards took place at the Palace Theater. It was the 31st year of the event, with this year’s rendition awarding winners in 13 different musical categories. The night also honored individuals in four specialty categories, as well as four People’s Choice categories.
The Critics Choice receive the Founder’s Award at the 2024 SAMMYS
Hosted by Syracuse news anchor and devoted local music supporter Tim Fox, the evening kicked off on a somber note. Fox asked the audience to take a moment of silence to honor former SAMMYS Board Member Jordan Davies. Davies, who lost his life last month, played integral piece in the planning of the event and in the preparation of the run-of-show.
Sydney Irving performs at the 2024 SAMMYS
Following the tribute, Fox turned the audience’s attention to the first musical performance of the evening, Sydney Irving & the Mojo. Irving greeted attendees with a stunning rendition of “All I Need is You,” which saw Irving perform acoustic with George Newton on pedal steel. Her bandmates would join the party and finish the remainder of the set. Additional performers this evening included 2024 Hall of Fame inductee Jeffrey Pepper Rogers, Shawn Seals & SMX, Steven Cali, and the Rollin’ Rust Band.
Tyjhier receives the Brian Bourke Award for Best New Artist at the 2024 SAMMYS
Along with the diverse musical performances, awards were handed out in thirteen musical categories. The big winner on this evening was 24 year-old R&B and Neo-Soul star, Tyjhier. Tyjhier, who was awarded the trophy for Best R&B, also won the Brian Bourke Award for Best New Artist, a prize that includes a free recording session at Subcat Studios.
Steven Cali performs at the 2024 SAMMYS
The evening not only celebrated the recent accomplishments of those on the Syracuse music scene, but also honored many of those who have played a key role in the area’s rich music history. Frank Malfitano awarded the Founder’s Award to jazz group The Critics Choice. Lori Newcomb received the Jack O Bocchino Spirit of the SAMMYS award for her many years chronicling the music scene through her photography. News anchor Carrie Lazarus received the Community Spirit Award. The evening concluded with the awarding of several “People’s Choice” awards.
Nate Gross receives the award for Best Blues at the 2024 SAMMYS
2024 SAMMY Award Recipients
Best Jazz – Bob Holz
Best Americana – Mike Powell and the Echosound
Best Jam Band – Count Blastula
Best Other Style – Ama Kutin
Best Pop – Sydney Irving
Best Rock – The Flashcubes
Best Hardrock – From Ruins
Best R&B – Tyjhier
Brian Bourke Award for Best New Artist – Tyjhier
Best Hip Hop – A Kid Called Danger
Best Blues – Nate Gross
Best Alternative – Vagabonds
Best Country – Christian Parker featuring Earl Poole Ball
Best Single – Al Papers
The Founder’s Award – The Critics Choice
Jack O Bocchino Spirit of the SAMMYS – Lori Newcomb
Best Venue – 7 Hamlets Brewing
Best Music Series – Beak and Skiff Summer Concert Series
Best Academic or Musical Organization – Perform 4 Purpose
Best Artist – Shawn Smith
Hall of Fame Inductees – Steve Schad, Jon Liebing, Sepp Herbert, Westcott Street Cultural Fair, Jeffrey Pepper Rogers, Sean O’Loughlin
Some of outlaw country’s greatest names have announced a nationwide tour, Outlaw Fest 2024. The tour sees several dates across the country, with four across New York State. Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Robert Plant, and Alison Krauss are some of the names slated to perform this summer.
The inaugural Outlaw Music Festival made its debut in 2016 in Scranton, PA. The event was so well received that Blackbird, Rothbaum, and Nelson have developed it into one of North Americaâs biggest annual touring franchises. Musicians such as Neil Young, Van Morrison, ZZ Top, Eric Church, Bonnie Raitt, Luke Combs have been involved in years past.
âThis year’s Outlaw Music Festival Tour promises to be the biggest and best yet with this lineup of legendary artists. I am thrilled to get back on the road again with my family and friends playing the music we love for the fans we love.â
Willie Nelson
Chris Stapleton, Sheryl Crow, Sturgill Simpson, The Avett Brothers and many more have been a part of the Outlaw Tour as well. Artist and audience come together to share unforgettable music memories. Unique vendor villages with local food, drinks, and shopping are hosted in Live Nation amphitheaters across the country.
The tour sees legendary talent throughout. Each date in New York will see a stellar lineup of outlaw, country, and rock icons. The tour is set to stop in Syracuse at Empower Amphitheater and in Long Island at Jones Beach Theater. The tour also stops at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts in Bethel and Darien Lake Amphitheater in Buffalo.
2024 OUTLAW MUSIC FESTIVAL TOUR DATES:
Friday, June 21, 2024 – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre, Alpharetta, GA
Saturday, June 22, 2024 -PNC Music Pavilion, Charlotte, NC
Sunday, June 23, 2024 – Coastal Credit Union Music Park, Raleigh, NC
Wednesday, June 26, 2024 – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach, VA
Friday, June 28, 2024 – Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview, Syracuse, NY
Saturday, June 29, 2024 – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater, Wantagh, NY
Sunday, June 30, 2024 – PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel, NJ
Tuesday, July 2, 2024 – Xfinity Center, Mansfield, MA
Saturday, July 6, 2024 – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel, NY
Sunday, July 7, 2024 – Hersheypark Stadium, Hershey, PA
Monday, July 29, 2024 – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre, Chula Vista, CA
Wednesday, July 31, 2024 – Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles, CA
Saturday, August 3, 2024 – Shoreline Amphitheatre, Mountain View, CA
Sunday, August 4, 2024 – Toyota Amphitheatre, Wheatland, CA
Wednesday, August 7, 2024 – Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater, Boise, ID
Friday, August 9, 2024 – ONE Spokane Stadium, Spokane, WA
Saturday, August 10, 2024 – Gorge Amphitheatre, George, WA
Friday, September 6, 2024 – Somerset Amphitheater, Somerset, WI
Saturday, September 7, 2024 – Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre, Tinley Park, IL
Sunday, September 8, 2024 – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre, St. Louis, MO
Wednesday, September 11, 2024 – Riverbend Music Center, Cincinnati, OH
Thursday, September 12, 2024 – Blossom Music Center, Cuyahoga Falls, OH
Saturday, September 14, 2024 – The Pavilion at Star Lake, Burgettstown, PA
Sunday, September 15, 2024 – Pine Knob Music Theatre, Clarkston, MI
Tuesday, September 17, 2024 – Darien Lake Amphitheater, Buffalo, NY
Tickets go on sale to the general public this Friday, March 1 at 10 a.m. via OutlawMusicFestival.com. VIP packages will be available, including great seats and exclusive festival merchandise.
On February 24, the Binghamton Philharmonic performed a crowd-pleasing pops concert – with a twist. In “Pops at the Forum,” rather than sticking to the timeworn pops formula of show tunes and light classics, Maestro Daniel Hege led the orchestra in a satisfyingly dynamic mix of opera excerpts, overtures, film music, and even rock.
Percussionists Steve Mathiesen, Elaina Smales, Sam Lazzara, and Joel Smales
The show spotlighted the talents of several of the Philharmonic’s world-class musicians. Principal cellist Hakan Tayga, along with percussionists Julie Licata, Steve Matthiesen, Sam Lazzara, and the father-daughter team of Joel and Elaina Smales, provided dramatic solos in Tan Dun’s atmospheric “Crouching Tiger” Concerto. Principal flutist Karen Bogardus and oboist Evan Ocheret phrased their solo lines sinuously in Fauré’s delicate Pavane in F-sharp minor. The orchestra’s trumpet section – Frank Campos, Ben Aldridge, and Jud Spena – brought the heat in Leroy Anderson’s toe-tapping “Bugler’s Holiday.” And the whole audience whistled along enthusiastically to the “Colonel Bogey” March (known to some as the “Comet” song!).
Meg Cronin and Haiden Scanlan
Other highlights of the show were Wagner’s famous Ride of the Valkyries, the brass-heavy “Fanfare on Amazing Grace” by living African American composer and Upstate New York native Adolphus Hailstork, and a hard-driving orchestral arrangement of the Led Zeppelin classic “Kashmir,” with Sam Lazzara rocking out once again on solo drum.
Lisa Reynolds, Lois Zuck, and Dan Reynolds
As usual, it was a pleasure to see many children and teens in the audience; one young Hakan Tayga fan seated directly in front of this reviewer played air cello along with the soloist’s every note. The rest of the audience was just as appreciative, leaping to its feet spontaneously at the close of the concert. “Pops at the Forum” was a wonderful addition to the Philharmonic’s season line-up, and a great way to while away a winter day!
Katelyn Jackson, Elaina Neubert, Megan Lewis, Allayna Bidwell, and Ava CiriglianoJudi Hess and Vikki Collazo
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.
In early 2020, the songwriters hall of famer (2000) released “Break Shot”, a deeply personal and authentic audio-only memoir detailing his first 21 years. In addition, he also dropped American Standard, his 19th studio album, which made him the first musician to have a Billboard Top 10 album in each of the previous six decades and won him the 2021 Grammy Award for best traditional pop vocal album.
James has done a lot of touring in Europe, Canada, and the US in recent years. This summer, he will be joined by his All-star band; Kate Markowitz on vocals, Dorian Holley on vocals, Andrea Zonn on vocals and fiddle, Jimmy Johnson on bass, Steve Gadd on drums, Dean Parks on guitar, and Kevin Hays on keyboards.
James Taylor and his All-Star Band will perform at the Darien Lake Amphitheater, Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview, Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater and the Broadview Stage at SPAC. Tickets are exclusively available here.
James Taylor and His All-Star Band Tour Dates:
Apr 06,2024 –Tokyo Garden Theater, Tokyo, Japan
Apr 08, 2024 – Mall of Asia, Manila, Philippines
Apr 12, 2024 – Kings Park (Outdoor) Perth, Australia
Apr 13, 2024 – Kings Park (Outdoor) Perth, Australia
Apr 16, 2024 – Margaret Court Arena Melbourne, Australia
Apr 17, 2024 – Margaret Court Arena Melbourne, Australia
Apr 19, 2024 – Entertainment Centre Adelaide, Australia
Apr 21, 2024 – A Day On The Green at Sirromet Winery (Outdoor) Mt. Cotton, Australia
Apr 23, 2024 – Aware Super Theatre Sydney, Australia
Apr 24, 2024 – Aware Super Theatre Sydney, Australia
Apr 27, 2024 – A Day On The Green at Bimbadgen (Outdoor) Hunter Valley, Australia
Apr 28, 2024 – A Day On The Green at Centennial Vineyards (Outdoor) Bowral, Australia
Apr 30, 2024 – Spark Arena Auckland, New Zealand
May 01, 2024 – T.S.B. Bank Arena, Wellington, New Zealand
May 04, 2024 – Neal Blaisdell Center Honolulu, HI, United States
May 05, 2024 – A&B Amphitheater at Maui Arts & Cultural Center Maui, HI, United States
May 29, 2024 – Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles, CA, United States
May 31, 2024 – Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre Salt Lake City, UT, United States
Jun 02, 2024 – Red Rocks Amphitheatre Morrison, CO, United States
Jun 03, 2024 – Red Rocks Amphitheatre Morrison, CO, United States
Jun 05, 2024 – Starlight Theatre Kansas City, MO, United States
Jun 06, 2024 – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre St. Louis (Maryland Heights), MO, United States
Jun 08, 2024 – Ravinia Highland Park , IL, United States
Jun 09, 2024 – Ravinia Highland Park , IL, United States
Jun 11, 2024 – Ruoff Music Center Noblesville, IN, United States
Jun 12, 2024 – Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN, United States
Jun 14, 2024 – Simmons Bank Arena North Little Rock, AR, United States
Jun 15, 2024 – Lucas Oil Live at WinStar World Casino and Resort Thackerville, OK, United States
Jun 23, 2024 — Pine Knob Music Theatre Clarkston, MI, United States
Jun 25, 2024 – Darien Lake Amphitheater Darien Center , NY, United States
Jun 26, 2024 – Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview Syracuse, NY, United States
Jun 28, 2024 – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts Bethel Woods , NY, United States
Jun 30, 2024 – Maine Savings Amphitheater Bangor, ME, United States
Jul 01, 2024 – Bank of New Hamphshire Pavilion Gilford, NH, United States
Jul 03, 2024 – Tanglewood Lenox, MA, United States
Jul 04, 2024 – Tanglewood Lenox, MA, United States
Aug 30, 2024 – The Mann Philadelphia, PA, United States
Aug 31, 2024 – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater Wantagh, NY, United States
Sep 02, 2024 – Broadview Stage at SPAC Saratoga Springs, NY, United States
Sep 04, 2024 – Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater Bridgeport, CT, United States
Sep 05, 2024 – Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater Bridgeport, CT, United States
Sep 07, 2024 – The Pavilion at Star Lake Burgettstown, PA, United States
Sep 09, 2024 – MGM Music Hall at Fenway Boston, MA, United States
Sep 10, 2024 – MGM Music Hall at Fenway Boston, MA, United States
Sep 12, 2024 – Wolf Trap Filene Center Vienna, VA, United States
Sep 14, 2024 – Wolf Trap Filene Center Vienna, VA, United States
Sep 15, 2024 – Wolf Trap Filene Center Vienna, VA, United States
