The 2024 holiday season is upon us, and along with a spirit of giving and supporting those most in need in our local communities. Jam for Tots will once again be held at venues across New York State, bringing live music fans together for great shows while collecting toys to brighten the spirits of children statewide.
For more than 10 years, Jam for Tots has been held across New York State and the Northeast, where fans are encouraged to bring along with an unwrapped toy for a child (under 13) to drop in the donation box. These toys will be brought to local charities within the venueâs community, to ensure that these toys brighten the day of children within the local area.
Things kick off at Hibernian Hall in Albany on November 15 with One Heart Band. See below for the full lineup of 2024 Jam for Tots shows across New York State (chronological order).
Friday, Nov. 15 – One Heart Band – Hibernian Hall, Albany
Saturday, Nov. 16 – Barry Goudreau’s Engine Room – The Strand Theatre – Hudson Falls
Thursday, Dec. 5 – Open Mic Jam hosted by John Pinder – The Stewart House, Athens
American Ballet Studio Company, the junior company of American Ballet Theatre, will be performing on Binghamton University’s stage on November 9.
if it ain’t BA-ROQUE by Hope Boykin, photo by Rosalie O’Connor
Composed of 12-18 rising stars in the ballet world ranging from ages 17 to 21, the American Ballet Theatre Studio Company is a highly mobile unit of the next generation of ballet greats.
Hailing from all over the globe, the ABT Studio Company members are in preparation to enter the professional ballet world, whether that be with American Ballet Theatre or other leading ballet companies worldwide.
Nearly 80% of the current dancers in American Ballet Theatre are alumni of ABT Studio Company, including eight soloists and 14 principal dancers- notable names including Misty Copeland, Isabella Boylston, and Calvin Royal III.
Having performed masterworks, contemporary pieces, and newly commissioned custom ballets around the world, the ABT Ballet Theatre celebrates the excellence of female choreographers throughout their work. Recent years have brought the group to stages in London, Athens, Manila, Hong Kong, and St. Petersburg in a mixed bag of performing arts centers, college campuses, festivals, and galas.
Dying Swan by Michel Fokine, featuring Aleisha Walker – photo by Erin Baino
On November 9, the ABT Ballet Theatre’s global travels will bring them to Binghamton University’s own Anderson Center for the Performing Arts. For one night only students, staff, and visitors alike will be able to experience the talent of ballet’s next greats in the flesh.
Tickets for the unforgettable night of dance are available now, with general public prices starting at just $25. In addition to select discounts, ticket prices for students and children have been cut to just $10 for any seat in the house. For more information and ticket purchasing, visit the Anderson Center Box Office’s website here.
Ostego 2000’s Glimmerglass Film Days’ returns for its 12th season from November 7 to 11 in Cooperstown.
Glimmerglass Film Days presents a slate of independent films—25 features plus three shorts programs— November 7-11 in multiple Cooperstown locations, including the Grandstand Theater at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and The Farmers’ Museum (now known as Fenimore Farm & Country Village). A program of Otsego 2000, Film Days also offers filmmaker talks, an art exhibit, parties, film and food pairings, and guided walks.
The Film Days program team of Peggy Parsons, founder of the film program at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC; Xander Moffat, an independent film producer; and Joey Katz, a film programmer; selected this year’s films based on the theme “Boundaries.”
Filmmakers attending Glimmerglass Film Days include: Michael Gitlin (The Night Visitors), Jef Sewell (All Illusions Must Be Broken), Thomas Piper (We Start With The Things We Find), Daphne McWilliams (A Boston R(E)volution), Becca Brooks Morrin (Good One), Andrew Nadkarni and Katie Schiller (Between Earth and Sky), Ryoya Teraro and Elisabeth Gareis (13 Driver’s Licenses), and Olympia Stone (Under the Hat: The Complicated History of the Pith Helmet).
In addition, Giuseppe Lignano and Ada Tolla, principals of LOT-EK who are featured in We Start With The Things We Find, Thomas Edison Film Festival executive director Jane Steuerwald, and scholar Mikayla Brown (Dahomey) will attend. Musicians Donald Sosin and Joanna Seaton will attend and provide live musical accompaniment to the 1928 silent film Speedy.
Grandstand Theater at National Baseball Hall of Fame
Films will be shown at multiple Cooperstown locations: the National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum (25 Main Street), The Farmers’ Museum Louis C. Jones Center (5775 State Hwy 80), the Village Hall (22 Main Street), Templeton Hall (63 Pioneer Street), and new for this year, Cooperstown Coworks (6 Doubleday Court). The 2024 Film Days companion art exhibition, In Play: Borders & Edges, presents the work of four established artists who live in the region and exhibit locally, nationally and/or internationally: Richard Barlow, Amy Cannon, Mark Mastroianni, and Gail Peachin.
Free guided walks will be held during the festival, including a bird walk led by the Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society, a kid-friendly walk with the Otsego County Conservation Association (held after the free kids’ film Flow), a guided forest walk with the Otsego Land Trust and Black Land Ownership, and a walk on boundaries and land use in Cooperstown with Otsego 2000. Film Days Trivia will be held on Saturday, November 9 at 7:30 pm at Cooperstown Coworks, just prior to the screening of Secret Mall Apartment.
Farmers’ Museum in Cooperstown
For more information on the Glimmerglass Film Days festival and to purchase tickets, click here.
Ithaca-based band Rev Ezra is gearing up for the release of their second studio album with a brand new single titled “Edge of a Knife,” out everywhere today.
Rev Ezra is the brainchild of singer-songwriter Josh Chamberlain. The project takes many forms with Chamberlain performing both as a solo artist and with a full-band. “Rev” invokes Reverend, a calling to the many religious themes in Chamberlain’s work. Ezra is “just a cool name,” Chamberlain says.
In 2022, Chamberlain released his first album as Rev Ezra. The record, titled “These Days” garnered tens of thousands of streams after being placed on multiple official Spotify editorial playlists.
“I kind of lacked a little bit of a confidence to really take myself seriously as an artist,” Chamberlain said. “I’m so glad I did [release the album]. That changed, like, everything for me.” he said.
Two years later, Chamberlain is preparing for his second album set to release this December. “Edge of a Knife” is the first single off the record.
“One of the lyrics is ‘How long can you live at the edge of a knife before you get cut too deep,’” Chamberlin explains. “It’s all about having too many late nights, not taking any breaks working every day… just feeling like I was at my wits end.”
At least that’s how Chamberlin says he felt before making a major change this year: namely, quitting his job of five years and making music his top priority. “Man it frees up your mind,” Chamberlain said. “I knew that I put in my time and that I was ready to be done with that chapter … and I’m a lot less stressed now.”
Rev Ezra performing at Red Ants Pants Music Festival in Montana. Photo by Nicole Rossi
This new chapter sees Chamberlain with his hands full of numerous projects including his upcoming second album, as well as a second record he has planned for a group he co-founded called Cast Iron Cowboys. Since leaving his job, Chamberlain has also played several music festivals including the Finger Lakes GrassRoots festival in Trumansburg, NY and Red Ants Pants Music Festival in Montana.
Although originally from Pittsburgh, Ithaca has become Chamberlain’s new home since he moved there in 2021.
“This place has an incredible music scene, and I knew kind of pretty quickly that it was somewhere where I wanted to stay,” Chamberlain said.
The Cast Iron Cowboys pose for a photo (From left to right: Nate Marshall, Joe Hayward, Josh Chamberlin, Max Moses, Margaret Harper and Zeb Whitford.) Photo by Jessie Koch
The town has popular live music venues such as the Deep Dive as well as the State Theater. However, in recent years, other popular music establishments like the Haunt, Lot 10 and the Range have closed their doors to the dismay of many locals. Chamberlain has worked to expanded his reach to many of the wineries in the Finger Lakes region.
The Cast Iron Cowboys performing live at the Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival. Photo by Jessie Koch
Chamberlain says living in Ithaca has affected his songwriting in more ways and one.
“Life transitions make their way into songwriting, whether you like it or not, so living in a new place and being surrounded by different things absolutely impacted me,” Chamberlain said. So in a way, ever since I moved here, every song I’ve written is about Ithaca in one way or another, and it’s also about the people that I know here.”
The new album also has ties to Ithaca, recorded at Electric Wilburland in the nearby town of Newfield. The Cast Iron Cowboys also released a live EP released earlier this year, recorded primarily at Deep Dive.
When he’s not doing music, Chamberlain works part-time on a few small farms, baling hay, spreading manure, chainsawing downed trees and occasionally wrangling horses. In short, he’s not afraid to put in hard work to accomplish his goals.
“I saved up a bunch to make it viable, but now I’m able to work part-time, and I’m able to treat music as my number one thing, and I really like that better.” he said.
With music at the forefront, Chamberlain has been able to really focus on his second album, which he says delves into themes of personal growth and supporting others in a sustainable way.
It’s a lot of introspection and taking a critical look at how life looks and saying … what kind of ground work do I want to lay for future generations,” Chamberlain said. “I don’t know what the future holds but I know that I want to make it better than it is.”
Photo by Zach Ulibarri
As far as Chamberlain’s own future, he has big plans for the coming year and hopes to do more music festivals and perhaps even a tour. Additionally he plans on releasing a full album with Cast Iron Cowboys in 2025.
“I’m kind of asking myself, you know, how far can I take this?” Chamberlain said.
Chamberlain will be releasing a single ever single week (besides Thanksgiving) leading up to his album release in December. He will also be having a single release party for cuts like knife at South Hill Cider in Ithaca on November 2nd from 6-8pm.
Rochester born singer-songwriter, producer, and harpist Mikaela Davis has announced a solo and acoustic tour throughout the northeast, including four stops in New York State.
Multi-talented vocalist, producer, songwriter, and harpist Mikaela Davis has been making waves since her initial release Delivery in 2018. Graduating from the Crane School of Music with a degree in harp performance, Davis bends the rules of genre and sound to her will with each release as she melds her classical training with 60s pop melodies, psychedelia, and driving folk rock.
Since her debut in the industry, Davis has shared the stage with the likes of Bob Weir, Phil Lesh, Christian McBride, Bon Iver, Lake Street Dive, and Circles Around the Sun alongside her band members Alex Coté, Cian McCarthy, Shane McCarthy, and Kurt Johnson.
photo by Daniel Bocchino
Mikaela’s upcoming endeavor, however, takes on a less explored and much more personal shape- she has announced a series of six shows throughout the northeast that will feature John Lee Shannon of Circles Around the Sun on the guitar, herself, and her harp. The stripped-back series of six evenings on some of the northeast’s most beloved stages will allow for Davis’ harp background to shine even brighter.
Experimenting with new ideas as well as reimagining some old, she will be making appearances in Albany, Homer, Kingston, and Rochester over the course of the tour’s run in a string of special shows that fans new and old will not want to miss.
Tickets for Davis’ upcoming tour are on sale now, including shows at Ophelia’s in Albany on November 19, the Center for the Arts of Homer on November 20, Senate Garage in Kingston on November 23, and ARTISANworks in Rochester on November 24. For more information and ticket sales, visit her website here.
Mikaela Davis Solo Tour Dates
November 19: Ophelia’s – Albany, NY
November 20: Center for the Arts of Homer – Homer, NY
The Great Salt City Blues Concert 8 has been announced for its annual return to Syracuse on December 26, this time at a new venue, the St. George Church Hall.
The area’s best musicians will be paying tribute to the music of 4 Blues Hall Of Fame members: Michael Bloomfield (2012), Johnny “Guitar” Watson (2008), Ruth Brown (2002) & Big Bill Broonzy (a charter BHOF member). Michael Bloomfield was one of the first guitar heroes of his generation, who along with Eric Clapton, was considered an early influence on many aspiring Blues guitarist’s that followed the path of the Blues boom of the late 60’s and early 70’s.
The GREAT Salt City BLUES Concert 8 will also be paying tribute to, Johnny “Guitar” Watson, a Texas Blues guitar great who began recording in 1954 and later re-invented himself as a funk soul master, best known for writing and singing the classic 1977 R&B hit, “A Real Mother For Ya”. Ruth Brown is also a member of the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame, inducted in 1993, mostly on the strength of 50’s classics Ruth recorded for Atlantic Records. Atlantic Records was then known as “the house that Ruth built” and Ruth a consistent hit maker and was their Queen of Rhythm & Blues.
Michael Bloomfield
On the acoustic stage, The GREAT Salt City BLUES Concert 8 will pay tribute to the legendary Chicago Bluesman, Big Bill Broonzy, a Blues Hall of Fame artist who began performing in the 1920’s and continued to record until his death in 1958. His prolific writing skills include over 300 copyrighted compositions, including many Blues classics that formed the bedrock of Chicago Blues. The great Muddy Waters was one of his biggest fans and recorded many of Big Bill’s classics for Chess Records in the 50’s and 60’s.
This year’s GREAT Salt City BLUES Concert 8 will be limited to 400 seated patrons and there is plenty of free parking at the Macedonian Orthodox Church parking lot. Food & beverages will be available and served by the church staff. Tickets are $30.00 advance / $40.00 at door, if available and go on sale, Nov. 1. You’ll want to jump on tickets now, as this show is sure to get packed quick.
A series of 10 GREAT Salt City BLUES Concerts will be presented. This is concert #8 and each concert has been performed in front of a full capacity audience. Each concert is unique and never to be repeated with a changing line-up of performers featuring some of the area’s greatest musicians. Each concert is a thematic show honoring some of our greatest Blues Artists with participating musicians chosen specifically because they are best fitted for the show.
For more information on the upcoming GREAT Salt City BLUES concert and to purchase tickets, click here.
Pat Tato has announced the first release with his band, Pat Tato & The Baked Potatoes, titled “Spaceship”.
Born out of the local SUNY Oneonta music scene in 2013, Pat Tato & the Baked Potatoes released their debut album ‘Loaded’ in 2016 after their graduation and were met with critical acclaim.
Following this release, however, the unit found themselves in a hiatus as the original members moved throughout the country to pursue their own paths. Titular member Pat continued to play music and shifted to solo releases over the years with a different, lyrical, and ambitious sound.
Cobbling together a new band, Pat Tato has emerged on festival circuits with a mixed set list of his newer works and older Baked Potato songs, evolving into the new sound has become uniquely ‘Pat Tato & the Baked Potatoes’.
In an exciting announcement for fans old and new, the upcoming single “Spaceship” marks Tato’s newest release since “Heady” earlier this summer, and even more excitingly acts as the Baked Potatoes’ triumphant return to music- the track being their first release since 2016.
Recorded in Syracuse Sound Studios in Brewerton paired with visuals by Danny of Guava God Creative, “Spaceship” indicates a bright, energetic new era for the group.
With vibrant horns from Dan O’Herien and Sigurjon Stefansson, adventurous keys from Alex Seubert, kicking percussion from Joey Wise, earworm bass licks from Shannon Zory, playful lyrics and vocals from Pat Tato himself, and more, “Spaceship” invites the listener on a journey of self-reflection, escapism, and the road to healing- that is, if the adventure also consisted of absolutely jamming out while rocketing through space.
“Spaceship” is set to be released on October 24- to receive a notification and become one of the first to hear the Baked Potatoes’ triumphant return to with this new track, be sure to follow Pat Tato on Spotify here.
To learn more about Pat Tato & The Baked Potatoes, keep up to date with their latest events, and follow their social media, please visit here.
New Orleans-based funk-fusion band The Soul Rebels have announced an upcoming show at Anderson Center at Binghamton University.
The Soul Rebels started with an idea – to expand upon the pop music the members loved on the radio and the New Orleans brass tradition they grew up on. They took that tradition and blended funk and soul with elements of hip hop, jazz and rock, all within the style of a modernized and contemporary brass band. The band has built a career around an eclectic live show that harnesses the power of horns and drums in a party-like atmosphere.
The Anderson Center for the Performing Arts welcomes this captivating performance style to Binghamton University on November 1. The Soul Rebels are riding high in 2024 after receiving national attention following the release of their new album, Poetry In Motion. Their explosive stage presence has led to live collaborations with the likes of Katy Perry, Nas, G-Eazy, DMX, Robin Thicke, Macy Gray, and most notably their new supergroup with the legendary Wu Tang Clan.
Tickets for the general public range from $25-40, with a 10% discount on premium seats for seniors, veterans, and Binghamton University faculty/staff and alumni. Student and child tickets cost just $10 for any seat in the house. This show is one you’ll certainly want to be a part of. The group’s unmatched performance energy is something that sticks with you for a while.
For more information on The Soul Rebels’ upcoming show at Binghamton University and to purchase tickets, click here.
Mimicking Mars is a four-piece psychedelic indie-rock band formed in 2020 and currently playing out of Syracuse. The band originated in Monroe, NY and first came to notability in 2021.
Mimicking Mars is known for their unique sound which blends indie rock with elements of psychedelic and alternative rock. The group started in 2020, with original members Jeremy Lanuti, James Dawson, Josh LeVisuer, and Bobby Malone, as a creative outlet, and quickly became something much more important to each of them. The group is now based in Syracuse NY, as they conquer a new phase for their career.
The band started writing and performing, and since starting has released 7 singles and is constantly performing live. Their shows are a must-see, as the band’s energy is infectious, and their music comes to life on stage. Mimicking Mars is not just a band, they are a collective of artists who strive to create an experience that is both authentic and meaningful. They’ve just released their debut studio album Janky Jones & the Blackjack Blues, which is currently available on all streaming platforms.
Their debut studio album Janky Jones & the Blackjack Blues showcases the dedication, passion, and good vibes that this group has developed over the past three years. The band sees three upcoming shows for the remainder of the year. On October 31, they play at Al’s Wine and Whiskey in Syracuse. November 29 the group sees the stage at Barrel 28 in Florida, NY and then in Milford, PA on November 30.
For more information on Mimicking Mars’ upcoming shows and to give their tunes a listen, click here.
Utica’s Stanley Theatre will present the premiere of the holiday comedy “The Christmas Letter” – written by Ilion, NY native Michael Cunningham – on Saturday, November 9.
The film features scenes filmed in Utica and surrounding towns.
Directed by Tori Hunter, the movie follows Joe Michaels, a man determined to top his wealthy friend’s extravagant holiday letter by creating unforgettable experiences with his family.
“I was born and raised in Ilion and had always dreamed of bringing something back to the valley in some way,” Cunningham said. “And while I didn’t build a factory, I did create a story which was built on my life here, so it only made sense to film here. The Utica/Rome/Mohawk Valley region has so much to offer filmmakers. There is a vast palette of unique landscapes and buildings imbued with character and history, and the people are the best.”
This festive film reunites Chevy Chase and Randy Quaid, the iconic duo from “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.”
“I don’t think it really hit me that this was all happening until I heard Brian Doyle-Murray deliver one of my lines for the first time,” Michael Cunningham said. “It was magical. And then having the likes of Chevy Chase and Randy Quaid add their legendary comedic talents just made the whole experience even more surreal.”
Film Utica played a key role in supporting the production of “The Christmas Letter” by assisting with local logistics and helping to secure filming locations. Their involvement helped bring portions of the movie to life, including scenes shot at The Stanley Theatre.
“The premiere of “The Christmas Letter” marks the culmination of many years of work with what is now Film Utica – our local film commission,” Utica Mayor Mike Galime said. “With Oneida County joining in support for this premiere, we could not be more delighted. The sets and scenes of The Christmas Letter are a clear example of how partnering on local trades, including within the arts, are part of our regional renaissance.”
The screening of “The Christmas Letter” at The Stanley Theatre is an opportunity for families to enjoy a festive movie together as they begin their holiday celebrations.
“We are thrilled to support the premiere of “The Christmas Letter” at the Stanley Theatre,” Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. said, “This film not only showcases the incredible talent of a local writer, but also highlights the beauty and charm of several beloved locations here in Oneida County. By contributing to this event, we are investing in and promoting our local arts community and celebrating the unique stories that make our region special. We look forward to seeing our home shine on the big screen.”
Tickets are just $5 and are available for purchase in person at the box office or by phone at 315-724-4000 (will call only).
