Psychedelic blues and garage rock band The Dirty Pennies just released their first single in almost a year, “Bee Sting.” The nearly seven-minute track sees the group furthering their newer psychedelic sound, one that can be experienced live at one of their upcoming shows in Rochester and Rome, NY.
Initially formed as a gritty psych-influenced blues rock duo by Ryan Klem and Lucas Howe, The Dirty Pennies have evolved over the years, adding on Sean Doohan on bass and Doug Kelley on keys/synth to form the complete package they are today. Uniquely described by fans in many ways, like “a stoner rock project of The Beach Boys” or “early King Gizzard,” The Dirty Pennies have clearly succeeded in forming a unique sound that can’t be simply defined. As of recent, the band has leaned more heavily into their psychedelic influences, highlighted on their 2023 track, “Head Open,” and their newest single, “Bee Sting.”
“Bee Sting” sees The Dirty Pennies leaning more than ever into their psychedelic edge. Clocking in at about seven minutes, the track is a meandering journeyâone that takes its time but doesn’t overstay its welcome. The song covers the feelings of living in the modern world and how things can sometimes seem fine, despite them often not being. After a lengthy intro, the track kicks into full swing when the lyrics “four, three, two, one, and it’s going back” boldly enter, leading into the two short but sweet verses of the song. Around the halfway mark, the track opens up to a groovy guitar solo before eventually picking up to an even more intense solo and cutting off with an abrupt finish.
Although The Dirty Pennies only have one album to date, which was released in 2017, their recent singles have teased the progressive sound that they could potentially use in an evolutionary follow-up. But regardless of whether they put out a full album or keep releasing singles, The Dirty Pennies is certainly a band to keep an eye on.
The Dirty Pennies have a few upcoming shows across the state, one show in Rome, NY, and the other two in Rochester. See below for their dates and locations, and visit here for tickets and more information.
Upcoming The Dirty Pennies Shows
Aug 30th – Rock that River – Rome, NY Sept 6th – Radio Social w/ Continental Drifft – Rochester Oct 21st – Bug Jar (opening for Meatbodies) – Rochester
NEEMFest electronic music festival will return to Homer, NY on September 13th. The annual event continues in its mission of bringing electronic performances and workshops to Central New York.
A Performance from NEEMFest 2019
NEEMFest dates back over 23 years, when Howard Moscovitz organized the Electro-music conference in Philadelphia. The event worked to showcase the versatility of electronic equipment in making music that could be both dreamy and danceable. Following its initial success, the conference evolved into an annual event.
In 2017, the event organizers approached Homer’s Center for the Arts, with the town soon becoming its new home. Since the move, NEEMFest has worked to increase community engagement through cooperation with local school and university music programs.
Since its start, NEEMFest has prided itself in highlighting cutting edge electronic music. In its history, the festival has attracted performers from across the Northeast, each bringing a unique take to the genre. Past artists have utilized modified cellos, industrial fans, synthesizers, and video game consoles in their music. In this large umbrella of electronic music, artists incorporate genres from classical to rock, creating a diverse musical landscape. Aiding these performances are projected visualizations made by a team of video artists.
Homer Center for the Arts
In the past, NEEMFest has highlighted a wide variety of electronic musicians and composers. Highlighted artists include video game composers, planetarium sound designers, and avant-garde musicians. Due to the quality of NEEMFest’s performances, the Philadelphia Inquirer has hailed it as the “Woodstock of Electronic Music.”
NEEMFest 2024 will feature over 40 performances lasting from September 13-15th. On top of its musical performances, the festival offers a number of educational events. Included in these are artist talks & demonstrations and experimental music workshops. These events aid in NEEMFest’s mission of community building and engagement. NEEMFest’s events will take place at the Homer Center for the Arts, located at 72 S Main St.
On top of these scheduled events, a special off-site performance is also planned. The performance is a rendition of William Basinski’s “The Disintegration Loops,” composed in memory of the 9/11 attacks. NEEMFest’s organizers plan to host the event in a meditative space in Homer that best suits the piece. Following NEEMFest 2024, its organizers will release a digital compilation on Bandcamp highlighting performances from the festival.
William Basinski’s “The Disintegration Loops”
NEEMFest 2024 Schedule
Friday, September 13th
3:30pm – Workshop: Ritchie DeCarlo
4:00pm – Ritchie DeCarlo
4:30pm – Giles Reaves
5:00pm – Luciform
5:30pm – Laura Feathers
6:00pm – neon.bev.click
8:00pm – Martin Bisi Collective
8:30pm – Stepwriterun
9:00pm – Beard Farm
9:30pm – VENN SUNG
10:00pm – Bleep Salon: Joe Wall, DORSCHEL, Gianni
11:00pm – BIT.ROT
11:30pm – Bob Lukomski
12:00pm – Deftly Demolition
Saturday, September 14th
10:00am – Workshop: Joel Izquierdo
10:30am – Workshop: Howard Moscovitz
11:00am – Karl Fury R. Doschel
11:30am – F Balducci + E Karp
12:00pm – Dimension Step
1:30pm – Shivasongster
2:00pm – redgreenblue
2:30pm – Twyndyllyngs
3:00pm – Pas Musique
3:30pm – Joel Izquierdo
4:00pm -THOR
4:30pm – Finite Element
5:00pm – VISHWANATH_GI
5:30pm – SPACECRAFT
6:00pm – Dei Xhrist
8:00pm – Mathieu Sylvestre
8:30pm – David Berends
9:00pm – a.drift
9:30pm – Compactor
10:00pm – Bleep Salon: Dan Gitlin, Dei Xhrist, Gianni
11:00pm – Robert Dorschel
11:30pm – MOSC
12:00am – Symmetry
Sunday, September 15th
10:30am – Dave Heineman
11:00am – Dave Heineman
11:30am – Workshop: Dorschel
12:00pm – Workshop: Jeremy dePrisco
1:30pm – Dan Gitlin
2:00pm – Escape Velocity
2:30pm – Michael Victor
3:00pm – Andrew Koenig
3:30pm – Cindy Flowers
4:00pm – John Rose
4:30pm – HURON
5:00pm – Tony Gerber, William Curtis Chang
5:30pm – Jeremy Slater
6:00pm – Final Bleep Salon: MOSC Director
For more information, visit the NEEMFest website here.
Heading to the 2024 Great New York State Fair? There are plenty of attractions and rides, but don’t sleep on two stages of free live music each day!
The Great New York State Fair was founded in 1832 by a group of local farmers for agriculture and local fairs, The Great New York State Fair became a musical showcase in the 1950s and 1960s. A variety of artists perform at the fair, including popular and up-and-comers.
Performances can be found on the Chevy Court Stage and Suburban Park. Both stages are free with the price of admission.
Opening day of the Great NYS Fair was full of nostaglia. Earlier in the day Chubby Checker took the stage and all the headliners from the I Love the 90’s tour paid homage to him as they each left the stage, Young Hump of Digital Underground said “I’m gonna have to call my grandparents”.
The lineup for the evening was Digital Underground, Color Me Badd & Tone Loc. The weather cleared just before start time and made for a wonderful evening of music.
Opening up the night was Digital Underground with their hit “Same Song” as they moved back and forth across the stage. As their set continued the remembered Shock-G and dedicated “Doowutchyalike” to him. They continued their set with “Kiss you Back” and then performed Tupac’s “I Get Around” and ending the night the “Humpty Dance” with Young Hump out doing his dance. It was a great set from Digital Underground that got the audience up on their feet to start out the evening.
Next up was Color Me Badd with the sole original member lead vocalist Mark Calderon. They started their set off with their hit “All 4 One” and got the audience singing with them. They continued on with “I Adore Mi Amor” and covered Michael Jackson’s “Rock With You”. As they continued on with their walk through their 90’s hit “I Wanna Sex You Up”. At times it was hard to hear Mark Calderon’s vocals during their 20 minute set. The audince enjoyed the performance and could be heard singing along toeir favorite old school jams.
Tone Loc came out with DJ M. Walk to perform his hit “Funky Cold Medina”, Tone in a throwback blue sweat suit with his gravelly voice that just brought the crowd to their feet. They continued on with a cover of Snoop Dogg’s “Gin and Juice” with Tone Loc doing a little crip walk. He continued on with a call and response of “Hey, What’s Up”. Giving the audience a little time he asked what decade the audience members were born, and the biggest responses were the 60’s & 70’s. He then called a group of ladies to come up on the stage as he closed out with “Wild Thing”. The ladies on stage danced and laughed as if they were back in the 90’s.
I love the 90s was a great night of nostalgic music at the NYS Fair that took you back in time. It almost was like we were back in the 90’s again.
Digital Underground Setlist: Same Song, Doowhatchya Like, Kiss You Back, I Get Around (TuPac), The Humpty Dance
Color Me Badd Setlist: All for Love, I Adore Mi Amor, Rock With You (Michael Jackson), I Wanna Sex You Up
Tone Loc Setlist: Funky Cold Medina, Gin & Juice (Snoop Dogg), Hey, What’s Up, Wild Thing
Rising country music star Warren Zeiders performed on the Suburban Park Stage at the New York State Fair in Syracuse on Thursday, August 22. The Hershey, Pennsylvania native was celebrating the release of his second full length album, Relapse (released on August 23).
Anticipation built as the minutes clicked down to Zeiders’ arrival. The barricaded area around the stage was filled to capacity well in advance of showtime, and a sprawling crowd stretched back into the fields which separated the Suburban Park stage from the hustle and bustle of the fair’s midway.
At promptly 8pm, Zeiders burst on to stage and wasted no time getting the party started. Zeiders opened with the unreleased track “Take it to the Grave” which showcased his gritty vocals and high energy stage presence. Zeiders worked each side of the stage, often pausing to wave and greet the fans up front. Early in the set, Zeiders pushed his new material, performing several tracks off the Relapse album.
At just 24 years old, Warren Zeiders is proving to be a master in his craft. New tracks like “Intoxicated” and “Betrayal” proved to hold just strong as the rest of his growing catalog. Those in attendance were already familiar with the lyrics to the new tracks and sang along to every word. However, the biggest sing along this evening was when Zeiders performed “Pretty Little Poison”, a track which spent several weeks at the top of Billboard’s Country Music Airplay chart earlier this year. The crowed belted back the song’s anthemic chorus and waved lighters and cellphone lights in the air, illuminating the area and giving perspective to the sea of fans that had gathered.
After a sixty minute set and a brief break, Zeiders and his band returned to the stage for an encore, which saw the band cover the Alice in Chains classic, “Man in the Box”. The song may sound like a surprising choice to hear at a country concert, but it fit in well with Zeiders’ sound.
The New York State Fair continues through September 2. See a list of upcoming concerts here.
New York State contains diverse music scenes, with unique venues and events in all corners and counties. From Ithaca to Binghamton, Elmira to the western Finger Lakes and everywhere in between, there is much to explore the venues of New York’s “607.” The Southern Tier has much to offer with theater companies, museums, theaters, and college campuses, there is a venue for every event.
Atomic Tom’s, a venue in Binghamton, holds weddings, art galleries, benefits, and musical performances. The first Friday of every month, Atomic Tom’s hosts a “First Friday Concert.” Admission is always free, and a cash bar is available.
Anderson Center for the Performing Arts (Binghamton)
As part of Binghamton University, Anderson Center for the Performing Arts enhances the local community with culturally significant performances. The Anderson Center contains three theaters: the 1170-seat Osterhout Concert Theater, the 408-seat Chamber Hall (pictured below) and the 558-seat Watters Theater.
Since 1903, Bailey Hall has been used by Cornell University to host musicians and ensembles. The Cornell University Department of Music sponsors more than 100 concerts, encompassing a broad spectrum of the world’s art and music.
The Bundy Museum of History and Art is a rich piece of Binghamton history and hosts events and fundraisers. The Bundy Museum is also home to WBDY 99.5 FM, a community radio station that enriches Binghamton’s artistic and intellectual life.
Cranberry Coffee House is Binghamton’s premier folk music venue. It is also home to The Middle Set, their open mic event. Hosted on the third Saturday of every month, The Middle Set gives artists, musicians, and story-tellers of all ages a chance to perform.
Deep Dive hosts weekly trivia and karaoke nights, as well as concerts and private events. Deep Dive also hosts concerts and jam sessions frequently in a wide variety of genres.
Diversion Brewing Company has been serving the Chemung community since 2016. Diversion hosts a wide variety of events, including musical performances. In the summer of 2017, they started their “Tunes & A Truck” program, where local musicians and food trucks come to the brewery every Saturday.
The Downstairs is a membership-based art gallery and community listening room. With a maximum capacity of around 50 people, The Downstairs is ideal for an intimate concert. The Downstairs also hosts weekly comedy open mics every Tuesday, and exists for the benefit of local artists; The venue does not take a percentage of the proceeds from ticket or merchandise sales.
Binghamton’s beloved restaurant, Downtown, often hosts events for the community. Weekly trivia nights and drag brunches are available, as well as performances by local bands.
Fanatics Pub is a venue in Lima that serves pizza, hamburgers, and wings. Beloved by the local community, concert-goers enjoy the cozy atmosphere and talented acts, most of whom are Blues artists. Fanatics also hosts trivia and comedy nights.
Since 1975, The Hangar Theater has been supporting and enhancing Ithaca’s arts. The Hangar Theater is dedicated to producing quality performances and inspiring community through their programs. The theater strives to be an artistic home that nurtures a lifelong love of the performing arts. Arts education is central to the Hangar Theater’s mission, and they offer numerous programs for children, including the summer Mainstage and KIDDSTUFF productions, an annual production of A Christmas Carol, and the Lab Company.
Known for their live music and fresh wings, The Hornet’s Nest hosts local musicians and karaoke nights. Events are announced on their Facebook, which is available below.
Located in Elmira’s historic Federal Building in the business district, the Ill Eagle hosts events and live music. The Ill Eagle has multiple event rooms, each restored to accommodate guests. The largest event room, the old courthouse, can accommodate up to 200 people.
Irish Kevin’s is an Irish Bar known for its Irish cuisine and talented performers. They are known for their award-winning, house-seasoned corned beef and friendly atmosphere.
Since 1991, the Kitchen Theater Company has offered talented and determined young artists a place they could work together and hone their craft. In 2010, KTC made history by becoming the first theater company in Ithaca to own its own space. Throughout its history, KTC has produced over 200 plays, including 34 world premieres by Adam Bock, Tanya Barfield, Darian Dauchan, and many others.
Moe-Town is an outdoor music venue in Addison that hosts local, regional, and national bands. In addition to concerts, Moe-Town hosts Spring/Fall Festivals, Halloween parties, and overnight camping. Lawn chairs and coolers are welcome, and food and drinks are available.
New Leaf Cider Company is a winery that hosts events and performances. There are weekly open mics, as well as trivia nights every Thursday. They also host stand up comedy the last Thursday of every month and host private events.
The Phelps Mansion was built in 1871 and owned by Sherman David Phelps, an entrepreneur and one-time mayor of Binghamton. The mansion was designed by Isaac G. Perry, who also designed the Binghamton Inebriate Asylum (1858) and helped complete the New York State Capitol Building (1899). The museum hosts fundraisers and concerts, and a psychic fair the first Friday of every month.
The Range is a Western-themed bar that hosts musicians nearly every weekend. The Range is located above Trader K’s in Ithaca’s commons. Their diverse set of performances promises something for every taste.
Sach’s Tee House is a bar that hosts outdoor music. Their new patio is open, and they host trivia nights every Thursday. Known for their trendy and welcoming atmosphere, Sach’s combines traditional sports bar elements with live music.
Endicott’s Little Italy Heritage Center is a non-profit dedicated to preserving Endicott’s Italian neighborhood. A surge of Italian immigrants came to Endicott hoping to work for Endicott-Johnson (EJ) Corp. Italian immigrants created the vibrant neighborhood community the Heritage center works to preserve, The Stage at Little Italy hosts an annual Italian Festival, GUSTO, as well as farmers markets and other community events. They also put on productions in George W. Johnson Park.
The State Theater opened in 1928, and has been a significant venue in the Finger Lakes region ever since. Its 1,600 capacity makes it the largest venue in Ithaca. The theater fell into disrepair, and the owner even considered demolition in the mid ’90s, but Historic Ithaca acquired the building in 1998 and committed to revitalizing the building, and it became a designated landmark.
Tap House 66 is a bar that supports local musicians and hosts performances often. Known for their delicious food and talented local artists, more information is available at the website below.
Since its opening in 2010, The Westy has become a staple of the Ithaca community. They host an open mic every Thursday at 9 PM, food trucks in the summer, and numerous concerts.
Grateful Dead pianist Tom Constanten has announced a farewell tour spanning September and October 2024. This tour alongside Live Dead & Brothers will give deadheads one last opportunity to see the legendary pianist live in concert. Among the tour dates are four performances across New York state.
Tom Constanten was born in Long Branch, New Jersey in 1944. Following enrollment at UC Berkeley, Constanten met future Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh, becoming further involved in music. This musical career soon led Constanten to study across Europe, playing alongside legends of modern classical, like Karlheinz Stockhausen and Steve Reich. Constanten then followed up his studies with a brief stint in the US Air Force.
Following his return to the US, Constanten immediately joined the Grateful Dead on tour. His debut with the band was a November 23, 1968 performance at Athens, Ohio’s Memorial Auditorium. During his three-year career with the band, Constanten played keyboards on three Grateful Dead recordings: Anthem of the Sun, Aoxomoxoa, and Live/Dead. Constanten’s stint with the Grateful Dead ended with an April 28, 1971 performance at the Fillmore East in New York.
Following his departure from the Grateful Dead, Constnaten remained close to his bandmates while pursuing other artistic endeavors. Since 1971, he has recorded alongside the Incredible String Band, Jefferson Starship, and more. In 1994, Constanten was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside the other members of the Grateful Dead.
Tom Constanten alongside Jerry Garcia
Now, after more than five decades of touring, Constanten will make a final farewell tour across the United States. Supergroup Live Dead & Brothers will join Constanten on stage throughout the tour. The band consists of Grateful Dead and Allman Brothers collaborators, dedicated to celebrating Constanten’s legacy. Among the musicians are the Allman Betts Band’s Berry Duane Oakley and Les Dudek. Also featured are Grateful Dead collaborators Mark Karan, Scott Guberman, and Pete Lavezzolli.
The tour will begin on September 6th in Irving, Texas, before making its way Northeast. Along the two month-long tour, Constanten will make four stops across New York State. The first stop comes in Buffalo’s Sportsman’s Tavern on September 26th. Following this performance is a September 27th show at Albany’s Empire Live. The 1000-person venue features state-of-the-art lighting and sound equipment, and a large stage, making it one of Albany’s premier venues.
Constanten will return to New York on October 9th with a show at Canandaigua’s Fort Hill Performing Arts Center. The venue’s features a 387-person orchestral theater dating back to 1928. The venue’s impeccable sound makes it one of the top theaters in the Finger Lakes region. Constanten will close out his tour with an October 12th performance at Syracuse’s prolific Westcott Theatre.
Across these tour dates, Constanten and Live Dead & Brothers will perform an eclectic mix of rock, jazz, and blues. These shows will act as a testament to the legacy of the Grateful Dead and Allman Brothers catalogs, featuring their trademark improvisational jams.
Tickets for Constanten’s farewell tour shows are currently on sale. For more information on tickets, visit the link here.
Tom Constanten Tour Dates
9/6 – Carpenter Hall – Irving, TX
9/7 – Cailloux Theater – Kerrville, TX
9/17 – Perot Theatre – Texarkana, TX
9/18 – Cullen Theatre – Houston, TX
9/19 – Greenville Municipal Auditorium – Greenville. TX
9/20 – Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts – Amarillo, TX
9/26 – Sportsman’s Tavern – Buffalo, NY
9/27 – Empire Live – Albany, NY
9/28 – Pat Garrett Amphitheater – Strausstown, PA
9/29 – The Hamilton – Washington, DC
10/1 – Sellersville Theater – Sellersville, PA
10/2 – Beacon Theatre – Hopewell, VA
10/5 – Rams Head on Stage – Annapolis, MD
10/8 – The Empire – Belleville, ON
10/9 – Fort Hill Performing Arts Center – Canandaigua, NY
10/10 – Jergel’s Rhythm Grille – Warrendale, PA
10/11 – Tussey Mountain Amphitheatre – Boalsburg, PA
Following the resounding success of last year’s program, the Cooperstown Summer Music Festival has announced the return of “Bach Again,” an evening dedicated to the timeless works of Johann Sebastian Bach. This performance will take place on Tuesday, August 20 at Christ Episcopal Church in Cooperstown, NY, and concludes this summer’s Cooperstown Music Festival season.
Founded in 1999 by flutist Linda Chesis, the Cooperstown Summer Music Festival has been bringing world-class chamber music performances to the Cooperstown area for over 25 years. The festival has featured performances by the American, Juilliard, St. Lawrence, Jupiter, and Jasper String Quartets, Stefon Harris, Bill Charlap, Kurt Elling, Simone Dinnerstein, Mark O’Connor, John Pizzarelli, the Sonia Olla Flamenco Dance Company, and many more. Concerts are held in venues across Cooperstown, including the grand Otesaga Hotel, The Farmers’ Museum, and Christ Church (the church of author James Fenimore Cooper).
What is “Bach Again?”
To cap off this summer’s successful series, “Bach Again,” an evening dedicated to the timeless works of Johann Sebastian Bach, will be making its return on August 20 at 7 p.m. Violinist Rachell Ellen Wong, a rising star in the world of Baroque music and winner of a prestigious Avery Fisher Grant, will join an equally illustrious ensemble of musicians, including cellist Wolfram Koessel, harpsichordist Bradley Brookshire, and flutist Linda Chesis, Festival Founder and Artistic Director, for a concert exploring Bach’s rich body of work.
Described by the legendary pianist Glenn Gould as “the greatest architect of sound who ever lived,” J. S. Bach is arguably the most influential and most beloved composer in the history of Western classical music. Intensely personal yet profoundly universal, his music has inspired devotion in countless generations of musicians and listeners alike.
The concert on August 20th offers audiences an opportunity to sample a cross-section of the composer’s varied instrumental sonatas, including the monumental Chaconne in D minor and the Trio Sonata from The Musical Offering. The performance will also feature Glimmerglass Festival Young Artist Winona Martin, mezzo-soprano, who will offer renditions of Bach’s beloved arias.
Theories abound as to why Bach’s music remains so compelling to audiences throughout the ages, but perhaps the answer is simple. “Bach’s music speaks to that part of us all that yearns for beauty and goodness,” says Festival Artistic Director Linda Chesis. “Every time we encounter his music, we experience that yearning anew.”
How To Purchase
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the enduring beauty of Bach’s compositions in the intimate setting of Christ Episcopal Church. Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for students and children. Tickets can be purchased in advance, either online or over the phone, by calling 800-316-8559 and selecting option 1. Please note that there is a $2 service fee per phone order. Tickets will also be available for purchase at the door if any remain.
When people hear the word Birdland, they often think of the world famous Manhattan Jazz Club. However, during the 60s and 70s Utica had its very own Birdland. While not as famous as its NYC counterpart, Utica’s Birdland stood at the center of the city’s African American music scene. In an era of immense racial prejudice, Birdland and its founder Dickie Frank broke barriers in Utica, paving the way for musical and social advancement in the decades to come.
Birdland’s behind-bar mural, Photo from Paula Frank Workman
The history of Utica’s Birdland starts with its founder Dickie Frank. Frank was born in Utica on August 12th, 1931. As a young man, Frank lost his mother Marion Moorehand-Frank, and went into the custody of his grandmother. These humble beginnings hardly reflect his future as Utica’s first African American celebrity.
Frank’s career began at the Utica Free Academy, where he rose to prominence as a star athlete. Alongside his brothers, Frank was a standout on the school’s basketball, football, and baseball teams. His fame only continued following his graduation from the academy. On January 5th, 1953, the Utica Police Department hired Frank as an officer. This move made history, with Frank being only the second African American officer in the city’s history.
Dickie Frank, Photo from Paula Frank Workman
Frank’s career with the UPD continued for the next nine years before his retirement in 1962. Shortly after ending his police career, Frank began his new venture: a jazz club. This club, named Birdland, soon became an important stop for touring African American musicians. On top of hosting national musicians, it helped foster Utica’s own music scene.
Birdland sat at the center of an already established African American tour route, known as the “Chitlin Circuit.” Extreme racial prejudices plagued the United States, especially the South for much of the early 20th century. Jim Crow laws segregated public facilities by race, lynchings were commonplace, and KKK membership had reached record highs. These factors made much of the US extremely dangerous for African American performers.
The earliest attempts to organize African American artists came in 1909. That year, vaudeville star Sherman Dudley founded an organization of safe venues for African American performers across the South. By 1914, it expanded to twenty theaters owned or operated by African Americans. This organization formed the basis for the Theatre Owners Booking Association (TOBA), founded in 1920. This organization had an integrated structure with ⅓ of its theaters being owned by African Americans.
For the next decade, TOBA booked Black jazz, soul, and vaudeville performers across the Eastern US – the only organization to do this. During its existence, TOBA was the only organization catering towards African American audiences in the South. This came to an abrupt halt in 1930 as TOBA, much like many other businesses, crumbled during the Great Depression.
In its place, Denver and Sea Ferguson rose to prominence. The brothers sold their printing business to open clubs in their hometown of Indianapolis. By 1940, they expanded their business, founding the Ferguson Brothers Booking Company. This company soon grew into the largest black owned entertainment company, launching cross country tours. These tours spawned the Chitlin Circuit.
Stretching from Boston to Texas, the Chitlin Circuit encompassed hundreds of venues friendly to African American performers. Among these venues were massive theaters, like Harlem’s Apollo, and small bars like Club Ebony in Indianola, Mississippi. This circuit helped fill a much needed desire for entertainment in African American communities across the US.
On top of this, the circuit launched the careers of legendary jazz, soul, and rock artists. Billie Holiday, James Brown, Fats Domino, Aretha Franklin, and Otis Redding all regularly toured the circuit. One regular was a young Jimi Hendrix who remembered, “You really had to play, ’cause those people were really hard to please.…That’s where I learned to play.” Many times, performers were compensated with only meals, spawning the Chitlin Circuit’s name – deriving from a popular soul food.
Dickie Frank’s Birdland sat at the Northeastern corner of the Chitlin Circuit. Located in Baggs Square, the club was just outside Utica’s downtown. From its start, the club grew comparisons to its New York namesake. A February 23rd, 1962 edition of the Utica College Tangerine reported, “The jazz gallery in New York City is more lavish, but Utica’s Birdland, well decorated, is less expensive.”
At its founding, Birdland was the only African American club in all of Utica, making it a clear choice for performers traveling through the city. Like many Chitlin Circuit venues, Birdland’s welcoming atmosphere drew crowds. Birdland was a place where everyone in the community could get together to enjoy music, regardless of their race, age or sexuality. As Utican Corky Logan remembers, “It was magnetic; an attraction. It was really friendly.”
“Musicians sense the friendly attitude, and consequently relax and play better. Believe me, word spreads about the conductive atmosphere”
Lawrence Jacksina, Utica College Tangerine, November 2nd, 1962
While Birdland welcomed all, it grew especially popular among the youth of Utica. Of special note were students at Utica College, who frequently featured Birdland’s programming in their school newspaper, The Tangerine. Throughout the 1960s, reviews of jazz performances were common features of the paper, frequently being front-page stories.
For years, Birdland sat at the center of Utica’s live music scene. Alongside venues like Thompson’s and Club George, Birdland attracted touring jazz performers from around the Northeast. Of the many fondly remembered acts are saxophonists Eddie Harris and Tina Brooks. While attracting crowds, these shows often highlighted boundary-pressing jazz performances. For example, the Utica College Tangerine reported on Eddie Harris’ December 13th, 1963 performance, saying, “Harris plays some things the average jazz fan would consider way out.”
On top of these national artists, Birdland was also a haven for local Utican musicians. Many artists, like keyboardist Rick Montalbano, got their start playing at the club. Montalbano fondly remembers the club’s keyboard. He noted, “The house Hammond B-3 was tweaked over the years by some killer organists and sounded like none I’ve played since.”
Photo from Paula Frank Workman
For many, going to Birdland was a special occasion. Guests would don their nicest clothes and go to the club to hear the newest in jazz. In this way, Birdland acted as a melting pot for Utica’s music scene. Hearing influences from jazz musicians across the country, local artists were inspired in their own music. As Utica music legend Lynn Mishalanie recalls, “I went for the music; if it hadn’t been for Birdland and listening to the music, the live jazz and the famous people who came through, I wouldn’t be who I am today.”
Birdland remained a staple of Utica’s live music scene for eight fruitful years. Despite its growing popularity, Frank closed the club in 1970. With the closure of the club, Frank went on to pursue a career in public service.
As the inclusive environment of Birdland showed, Dickie Frank was always dedicated to social progress. While operating Birdland, Frank remained a deeply political man. A photo of Frank from 1969 shows him leading a march in memory of Martin Luther King, Jr. Frank stands at the forefront of the march, even preceding then-mayor Louis LaPolla. For the next few decades, Frank was a mainstay of Utica politics, regularly consulting with local politicians. He even sought office in the Municipal Housing Authority and District Council. While this career change seems drastic, Frank saw a clear connection to his work at Birdland. “Of course my background will help…I ran a nightclub and still have many personal contacts,” he said in 1971.
Frank leading a commemorative march for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., December 1969
Even after reaching his sixties, Frank continued to break barriers. In the 1990s, he was appointed Dean of Students for Utica College, becoming the schools first black administrator. As dean, he spoke at a 2008 racial justice forum, saying, “To sit back and hate, or to feel like you don’t want to sit down with somebody and talk about their lifestyle, it’s not right.” He continued in his dedication to the community until his retirement to Florida in 2007.
On November 9th, 2022, Dickie Frank died at age 91. Frank left behind an unshakable legacy as a boundary breaker and community icon. Even though it closed long ago, Dickie Frank’s Birdland is still fondly remembered by members of Utica’s music scene. It, much like Frank himself, stood at the forefront of social progress, all while fostering community ties that still hold Utican musicians together.
Starting on August 15, George W. Johnson Park in Endicott, NY, will be the latest location for local Shakespeare in the Park. The Endicott Performing Arts Center (EPAC) Youth Troupe will showcase their abridged productions of Shakespeare’s classic A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Stage in Little Italy.
Following the three-day run of Shakespeare’s most iconic comedy, the park hosts the annual Shakespearean Arts Festival. Featuring dozens of local vendors and artists showcasing their goods, live music, and entertainment from the EPAC Youth Troupe and more, the Shakespearean Arts Festival offers free fun the entire family can enjoy.
During the festival, EPAC will give their debut performance of Matilda JR: The Musical and their final performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The abridged version of the play was adapted by Dr. Carolyn Harper, and directed by EPAC directors Dustin Hirthler and Scott Newman.
Also featured are selections from the EPAC TEEN intensive Firebringer, and the Rep. Co. production of Legally Blonde. Dozens of local musicians are set to perform throughout the week in between productions.
Below are the dates and times for EPAC’s rendition of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The EPAC Arts Festival is on Sunday, August 18th, from 12pm-5pm. George W. Johnson Park is located at 201 Oak Hill Ave, Endicott, NY. Information about performances, artists, and more is available on the Endicott Performing Arts Center’s website, linked here.
