From Sept. 5-8, on Cool Whisper Farm in North Hillsdale, NY the Oldtone Music Festival will bring music lovers old and young together to celebrate the music of the past and even the future.
Ahead of the 2024 installment of one of the largest roots music festivals, I had the chance to speak with Trevor Roush, the co-producer of the Oldtone Music Festival. The festival is booting up again for the first time since 2022 following the worldwide pandemic caused music venues and festivals everywhere to close. On that fateful day, a small one-day festival was held and an unlikely visitor helped bring it back bigger and better than ever three years later.
But first, what is the Oldtone Music Festival? A three-day music festival in the Hudson Valley, Oldtone Music Festival aims to promote and preserve Roots music. “Roots music to me is just all music.” says Trevor Roush, “At Oldtone, it’s not just bluegrass. We have Conjunto music, which is, a traditional Mexican music, folk music, Cajun music, old-time string band music, New Orleans jazz, New Orleans R&B… You know, it’s just all music.”
As I spoke to Trevor, he was looking over volunteers who had shown up from across the country to help put together the festival. “I feel like what’s important to me about roots music, and I’m seeing it firsthand right now is that it brings people together. Cross-generationally, and cross-culturally, they all believe in this type of music. And, you know, I’m watching 40 volunteers of all different ages from other parts of the country build stages right now and set up tents. It’s like a real family-type art… There is no there is no one person here with one job. Everyone’s sort of all over the place.”
The motto of Oldtone is “Participation is preservation.” Trevor explains how participation preserves Oldtone, “You’ve seen this. Through the pandemic, if there’s a restaurant that somebody really likes or a community, if you’re not there patronizing it, it’s not gonna be there. And if you believe in something, you need to support it. “There’s so many different ways to support things. Like, you could volunteer or, you can buy a ticket. That’s kinda the easiest way. But, I feel like once somebody is involved, they’re involved for a lifetime. And they’re also excited about getting other people involved in it.”
This familial bond and community is an essential part of Roots music in general. According to Trevor, “The music is passed down. A lot of the tunes are passed down, from, you know, the older generation to a younger generation. And there are songs about families, and working and the familiarity of doing the same task. A lot of the songs are about raising a hog and slaughtering a hog. That type of thing.”
The pandemic that shut down most of the music touring and festival circuits in the world, unfortunately caused the demise of the Oldtown Music Festival. After much thought and changing the business to a nonprofit, they are back and better (and bigger) than ever. The lineup now features the grammy-winning winning Los Texmaniacs, as well as many other acts from across the country and beyond.
Los Texmaniacs
Trevor explains what’s changed, “We have reorganized as a nonprofit, which is different. That’s made it so the festival could come back through fundraising efforts and stuff like that. We have some more support, in that way. The festival always relied on musicians basically doing us a favor and playing for far less than they normally would play for just because they believed in the festival. Believed in us. So, now we’re at a point where, we can start to pay bands what they deserve, which is nice. Realistically, we’re back to where we were. 2019 was our best year. After that, as you would imagine, things got harder. We were on a roll in 2019. If we can make it back to 2019-type numbers and attendance, we’re doing good. The support is already at those levels, which feels nice. It was nice to bring this back, but we also want to bolster the [involvement] in this area. There’s a large Latinx community and we wanna get those folks more involved in the show.”
When asked how the Oldtone Music Festival was able to return this year, Trevor responded, “It’s on a working farm, and the farmers were supportive of us having it brought back. And the neighbor to the farm is this actor called Walton Goggins. He came to the festival in 2021. We did a one-day one, and he reached out to us and he was like, ‘This is amazing. I want to be a part of this.’ He’s been super helpful in helping us reach out to people that we’ve never been able to contact before and being an advocate for the festival. And also him feeling like he has a place – a calling in the community now. He’s been just an advocate, which feels really nice and supportive.”
Walton Goggins by Shayan Asgharnia
Walton Goggins, the Emmy-nominated actor, known for Fallout, and Sons of Anarchy, joined the festival this year as executive producer. But, I was curious about what got Trevor involved in the festival. He said, “So, I’m not a musician. Which I feel like is good in some ways. I can focus on organizing things, and not have to also worry about… the co-organizer is also a musician. and he’s said he’ll never play in the festival again because he’s just too chaotic organizing and doing stuff like that. But I guess where I came to this music was, I was working for my friend’s band and, I really like this music. What were their influences? And then you start going down this, rabbit hole. You start at one point and work your way back to, what was the root? Where where does this music come from? And then you can spur off of that into so many different ways where it’s “oh, wow. I really like this type of string band music.” And, then it’s like, “Now I’m l really interested and excited about Italian string band music.” And you can endlessly just be, discovering new things, and that’s what I like about curating something like Oldtone. The older generation gets inspired by the younger generation and vice versa and all the musicians are there sharing experiences with each other.”
I asked, “Can you see a future of roots music? Not just growing, or, continuing to exist, but, can you see it, evolve into something new? Different? Has it already?”
He responded, “Yeah. I feel like it sort of is evolving, and I feel like there are people out there that have started on the scale of, an Oldtone-type festival. Or, I know people that have played Oldtone before that are now, some of the largest touring acts and, are having crossovers with, Post Malone and people like that. And people, in that pop music world are, like, “What’s the root of this music that I’m making?” And, “How do I learn more about it?” The more industry-driven pop world is almost supporting, in a way, the roots music world just by notoriety. Those people with a bigger audience, [are] bolstering some of the people in this world.” He added, “There are some people who play Oldtone that have their hands in the pop world, they could come and play something like this and feel, more comfortable. It’s fun for them, and they could feel comfortable doing it without having the backlash of, ‘You didn’t play your your hit.’ You know? So it’s really nice for musicians to have an outlet for the things that they enjoy. Music’s funny. You’re always moving forward and backwards at the same time. As a musician, you’re developing your musical tastes all the time.”
What’s Trevor most excited about? He says, “I’m excited just to get it back. And personally, artist-wise, there is a woman from, Montana called Kiki Cavazos who is kind of elusive and really hard to get. And she is coming this year and it was no small task to get her here. They enlisted some buddies from New Orleans to basically go up there and kidnap her from Montana and drive her from Montana to New York. And then she’s going to do a run with her old buddies The Deslondes. That’s what I’m excited about. She played Newport Folk Festival in 2016 or 17 and kind of faded away and had some kids in Montana. And this is her coming out party again.”
Kiki Cavazos
Trevor said, “They can expect to have a good time.” He adds that you don’t even have to be a fan of roots music to enjoy yourself, “There’s a lot of volunteers on-site right now that have been here and are the most integral parts of it that are like, “I don’t even like this kind of music. I just like being around these people.” And everyone’s so nice and everyone’s so welcoming. There’s something for everyone. You will have your eyes opened to something special.”
When asked if there was anything else he would like to add, Trevor responded, “Just give a little nod to the weather so it doesn’t rain too much on Saturday.” And in a phrase that encapsulates the entire meaning of Oldtone, he adds, “But that’s no problem with us. We’ll still have fun.”
Day Lot Gate Times:
Thursday: 4 pm -12 am Friday: 11 am -12 am Sat: 9 am -12 am Sun: 10 am – 4 pm
While Sullivan and Ulster counties today are known for their countless miles of Catskills trails, quaint hippie towns and world-class climbing spots, they were once known for housing one of the grandest collections of summer resorts in all of America: the Borscht Belt.
For over 50 years, more than 500 hotels and thousands of bungalows catered to countless guests annually, creating a bubbling cultural scene like no other. Though the Borscht Belt era is now long-gone, the impact that it had on Jewish and American culture is undeniable and one that won’t be forgotten any time soon.
Early Years
Initially created in reaction to the increases in anti-Semitism in the New York City area during the early 1920s, the Borscht Belt was a safe haven for Jewish people who had been excluded and banned from other resorts and hotels in New York and surrounding states. Due to the massive demand and lack of alternative vacation destinations, Borscht Belt resorts quickly became a popular holiday spot for Jewish people in the region. Only 100 miles from New York City, the Catskills Borscht Belt resorts were extremely close and traveling there was simple. Frequent train service even gave those without cars a simple way to get north.
Once the Borscht Belt gained a reputation through word of mouth, Jewish families began flocking to the Catskills in droves. Many of them would even spend multiple months in the resorts, which led to the region becoming extremely special for much of the New York Jewish population. And why wouldn’t it be? Borscht Belt accommodations not only provided a nondiscriminatory vacation destination for Jewish people but also boasted luxurious hotels, top-tier music and entertainment and stunning natural beauty.
In addition to resorts for the more well-off patrons, the Catskills also had thousands of bungalows, which usually had a kitchen/living room/dinette, one bedroom, and a screened porch, which less well-off people were usually able to afford. Regardless of class and creed, there was a place for everyone to visit in the Borscht Belt.
Prime
In the Borscht Belt’s prime, over 500 resorts and 50,000 bungalows dotted the scenic hills of the Catskills. From Memorial Day to Labor Day every year, thousands of people would flood to the region, enjoying the virtually unlimited lavish amenities. Despite the resorts catering largely to their Jewish clientele, the food, music and entertainment were all top-notch, not just for the region or religion but for all of America.
Walking into one of the high-end resorts was an experience like no other. One would be met with hundreds of workers hurriedly walking around, buffets lined with more food than anyone could eat and happy guests walking to the pool or golf course. There was no shortage of entertainment in the Borscht Belt. Even busboys would have little acts they would do while serving patrons, just to get a better tip. And with all the people in such close quarters having grand times, resorts also gained the reputation of being the place to go to find your future partner.
For a few decades, the Borscht Belt looked unstoppable. Business was consistent, the resorts and bungalows kept filling up and food kept flying off the plates.
The Stars
With the Borscht Belt being so successful for many decades, naturally, the money was there to bring in the finest talent. With Vaudeville dying out 1930s with the arrival of moving pictures, comedians had to go somewhere else, which, in combination with the Borscht Belt’s rise, gave way to the perfect storm. Some of the country’s best all-time comedians, like Milton Berle, Rodney Dangerfield, Woody Allen and Jackie Mason, all got their start or regularly performed in Borscht Belt venues. Audiences were used to seeing the best of the best and would not shy away from giving vocal criticism, so the Borscht Belt became known as a comedy bootcamp for comedians looking to rise to the next level.
During the few decades of the Borscht Belt’s prime, already established comedy legends like Norm Crosby, Jack Carter and Shecky Greene butted heads with rising talents and future stars like David Brenner, Bill Dana and Robert Klein. A young Jerry Seinfeld even used to sneak into watch shows, which greatly influenced his future career as a comedy megastar. The high-pressure environments that comedians had to endure, just like how pressure makes diamonds, led to some of the greatest comedy shows of all time going down in the Catskills.
Comedy was massive in the Borscht Belt, but it wasn’t everything. While the music scene in the region lacked the star power that the comedy scene had, the quality was far from lacking. Hundreds of musicians were employed by the resorts to provide constant performances for guests, which heavily contributed to the festive reputation of the Borscht Belt era. No matter where you went, whether it be a small bungalow colony or the Concord Resort Hotel, music was everywhere, and that’s how people liked it.
The Fall
In the late 1950s and ’60s when air travel became more simple and affordable, people’s options for where they could vacation widely increased. The trains that used to frequently run up to the Catskills from New York City also decreased in frequency. These changes in travel, alongside the decrease in anti-Semitism in the decades following World War II, gave Jewish people more places to go to which were also more accepting of their faith. Another major development in the 1950s was television’s replacement of the radio as America’s most dominant broadcast medium. Now, people didn’t have to go up to the Catskills to catch a comedy or music show, they just had to turn on the TV.
As the ’60s gave way into the ’70s and ’80s, more and more of the once-thriving Borscht Belt resorts closed their doors for good. The closings acted as a domino effect: some resorts would close, which would lead to fewer overall guests vacationing in the Borscht belt. The lack of customers would cause more disrepair, which would lead to more closures, and the cycle would continue. First, the bungalow colonies fell, then the small hotels, then the large resorts. By the time 2000 rolled around, the Borscht Belt was a shell of its former self. In 2013, Kutsher’s Hotel, the last of the staple resorts, fell, signifying the official end to the already long-gone Borscht Belt era.
Photography by Marisa Scheinfeld
Today
Although the Borscht Beltâs prime is long gone, the region’s rich history has lived on. Documentaries including “When Comedy Went to School” have done excellent jobs at painting the picture of what the golden era of the Borscht Belt was like to experience, highlighting the comedic superstars that ruled over the Catskills.
The Borscht Belt Museum, a museum documenting the golden age of the Catskills resort era, also opened in 2023 and has already done a lot to document and spread Borscht Belt culture, frequently updating their historical exhibits that are open to all visitors. The museum also recently hosted their second annual Borscht Belt Festival, which, in their words, is “a project which is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Borscht Belt resort era, and celebrating its history as a refuge from bigotry, the cradle of stand-up comedy and a cultural catalyst that left deep imprints on America.”
The Borscht Belt Museum in Ellenville, NY
Many people have also been paying homage to the traditional Jewish music that rang through the Catskills decades ago, creating and sharing music honoring times past. The Jews Brothers Band is a modern Klezmer band that makes music inspired by their director’s grandfather’s old Jewish music. One of their top songs, “Up in the Borscht Belt,” harkens back to the Borscht Belt’s prime and all of the wonderful qualities that made it such a special destination.
Aaron Bendich is a 30-year-old New Yorker who, inspired by memories with his grandfather in New York City, has created and hosted two Jewish music radio shows, with the more recent one being named “Borscht Beat.” Although The Borscht Belt’s prime lasted for nearly a half-century, the impact on not just Jewish culture but American comedy and music culture is everlasting. Indeed, the Borscht Belt is alive and well. L’Chaim!
Independent music promotion is the backbone of live entertainment in New York State. Promoters work tirelessly to bring music to venues across the state, putting their expertise to work to showcase local talents.
Whether in small clubs or massive outdoor arenas, promoters bring communities together through music. In the light of continual corporate influence in live music, we at NYS Music highlight and support the work of New York State’s independent promoters who strive to bring music to the masses.
If we missed any independent promoters based on New York State, let us know editors@nysmusic.com.
John Dominis / The LIFE Picture Collection, Getty
Long Island
Louis Navas
Louis Navas is a jack of all trades: visual artist, musician, and event booker. Inspired by the album artwork of Green Day and Iron Maiden, Navas began designing art for musicians at a young age. Following his work as a visual artist, Navas began booking bands he had worked with, making a name for himself by presenting emo and indie groups. 2016 marked a major milestone in his booking career, organizing three major shows, including a 400 person concert in Center Moriches. Navas’ shows drew not only local talent, but also bands from as far as Ohio and Iowa. Navas views the artists he books foremost as friends, and seeks to best represent their wishes for performances.
Ride Waves Entertainment
Based in East Setauket, Ride Waves Entertainment offers promotion, booking, and studio services for Long Island artists. Currently, Ride Waves Entertainment works with a roster of 25 singer-songwriters and bands, presenting shows across Long Island. Dealing with venues on the Fire Island waterfront and Downtown Patchogue and Port Jefferson, Ride Waves Entertainment offers shows in some of the hottest nightlife spots on the Island.
In addition to booking and promotion, the group also deals in production and rehearsal services. Its production arm – Ride Waves productions – dates back to 2000. Following work with DJs and dance groups, JT Aceto founded the production studio to help other artists with his musical chops. Over the years, Ride Waves has produced artists ranging from reggae to house to country. On top of this, Ride Waves offers artists a fully-equipped rehearsal space known as “the Hideout.” Outfitted with a full PA system, drum set, and amps, the space is an affordable option for artists looking to practice. The space also offers music video sessions where artists can record promotional clips for their songs.
Equilibrium Booking
Jackie Guma – also known as djgoomz – founded Equilibrium Booking back in 2014. Equilibrium Booking began with Guma’s DIY Venue known as “the Basement.” The Basement – located in Port Jefferson – highlighted local artists, showcasing music, comedy, art, and poetry. With weekly shows and open mics, the venue was an inclusive hub for local music until its closure during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Currently, Equilibrium Booking organizes concerts and events across Long Island, in towns like Bay Shore, Patchogue, and Smithtown. In 2024, Equilibrium Booking helped to organize Patchogue’s Alive After Five festival and the Bay Shore farmer’s market. On top of these events, Equilibrium regularly hosts artists at Katie’s of Smithtown bar. With shows engineered and hosted by Guma herself, Equilibrium highlights local musicians each Wednesday with open mic time for local artists to showcase their talents. In addition, Equilibrium collaborates with local visual artists to sell their artwork at these shows.
Star•Pulse Studio
Starpulse Studio offers Long Island-based artists recording, engineering, and promotion services. Sound engineer Joseph Conserva founded StarPulse Studio in 2018 to welcome artists big and small into an affordable recording space. Following 2 years of recording services, Conserva expanded StarPulse into artist booking. Since 2020, he has been joined by graphic designer/curator Jodie Britt, and Equilibrium Booking’s Jackie Guma to highlight local artists in live spaces.
StarPulse Studio handles all aspects of live performances for artists. Their services include booking, print promotion, hosting, and live sound engineering. The Studio frequently hosts shows at Industry in Huntington, often with fun theming. Throughout 2024, Starpulse has hosted artist showcases with astrology, 80s rock, and funk themes.
Munoz Stock
Munoz Stockin’ Events is a promotion group dedicated to showcasing artists across Long Island and New York. Long Island punk group The Muckrakers started Munoz Stock in 2013 to organize an annual Summer Arts festival on Long Island. The Munoz Stock festival provided a DIY space for local musicians, artists, and video game fans to get together and enjoy the Summer scenery of the Island.
Following the success of this festival, Munoz Stock expanded their services to further promote local artists. Munoz Stock frequently books shows at Bay Shore’s TBC Beer Co. and Bethpage’s Nostalgia. In addition to this, the group offers rentals to musicians, including stages, lighting, backdrops, and speakers to help with live shows. Recently, Munoz Stock has also expanded their promotional services to online spaces. On the last Sunday of each month, Munoz Stock hosts Show on the Go – a live artist showcase on their YouTube channel.
Planet of Sound Promotions
Planet of Sound is a Long Island-based music collective that specializes in booking and promotions. They represent a diverse roster of artists, showcasing genres from indie to jazz. Planet of Sound does not just book artists, but rather prides itself on making memorable experiences that highlight Long Island’s rich musical talent.
With everything from restaurant shows and karaoke nights to festivals and open-mics, Planet of Sound brings unparalleled live experiences to Long Island. With these events, Planet of Sound is one of the premier names in cultivating Long Island’s musical talent.
Golden Hour Booking
Golden Hour Booking prides itself in booking only “Golden gigs” for its artists. A staple of Long Island’s alternative scene, Golden Hour has made a name for itself booking local groups as well as nationally-touring acts. With frequent shows across Long Island, Golden Hour Booking ensures that their artists’ talents are displayed to enthralled audiences. Golden Hour Booking frequently holds concerts at Massapequa’s VFW Hall and Long Beach Brewing Company. Through their shows, Golden Hour highlights beloved acts and fosters fan bases for alternative up-and-comers.
A Bob Production Concerts
Promoter Bob Blickwede is dedicated to bringing unforgettable music experiences to Long Island’s South shore. His company, A Bob Production Concerts, has put on hundreds of concerts in South Shore towns, like Amityville and Patchogue, bringing local rock and tribute acts to island hubs. Every weekend, they organize multiple shows at Amityville’s The Warehouse, bringing audiences rock, disco, Americana and more. What makes A Bob Productions famous is their summer concerts, with frequent weekend shows at Tiki Joe’s beachside bars. Audiences can see local dance, rock, and salsa acts with the waves in the background and tropical drinks in their hands. As bassist Jeff Parrett – who has worked with A Bob Production Concerts – has said “these concerts are what summer on Long Island is all about.”
Steve Dassa
“No event is too big or too small” for Steve Dassa entertainment. The Levittown-based company has made a name for itself in bringing the best in entertainment to all kinds of events. Focusing on oldies, doo wop, disco, and Motown, Dassa has made a name bringing classic music acts to events and parties across Long Island. Over the years, Dassa has worked with some of the biggest names in classic music, including Jerry Vale, Paul Anka, and Tony Orlando. With these years of experience, Dassa frequently collaborates with Long Island’s municipal government and radio to put on unforgettable shows. In addition to music, Dassa works with a host of comedians and DJs to put on shows audiences will love.
Ira’sList
Ira’sList is Long Island’s number one live music resource, allowing music lovers to locate live music across the island. Founder Ira Levy wanted a website where people could go to “see where the action is,” so created Ira’sList. The website features an interactive calendar, with pages for venues across Long Island, allowing viewers to find upcoming shows wherever they may be. With venues everywhere from Hempstead to Peconic, Ira’sList presents shows in Long Island’s urban centers to its rural vineyards.
In addition to their online service, Ira’sList produces annual shows in Bethpage and Tobay Beach. As part of their Party in the Park concerts, Ira’sList presents weekly Wednesday concerts in Bethpage State Park, bringing rock, dance, and themed concerts all summer. On top of this, they host Tsunami Thursdays at Tobay Beach’s Boat House, with beach-front concerts and parties each week.
New York City
Independent Music Promotions
Promoter and music writer Steve James Moore founded Independent Music Promotions (IMP) in 2011. The founding of his company came after the release of his best-selling book Your Band Is A Virus – a guide to independent music promotion. Having played in touring acts and been disappointed by promotional firms, Moore is dedicated to providing high quality PR for all IMP’s clients.
IMP focuses on representing bands that push boundaries and can be selective with the artists they promote. IMP’s promotions include traditional services, but also a boundary-breaking alliance with freelance journalists across the country. In addition to this, IMP has a vast media presence, using Facebook, Spotify, and other sites to spread word of their artists. On top of promotion, IMP’s partnerships provide artists with music production and video services. All of their services are marked by the personal touch of Moore, who is renowned for his professionalism and regular contact with artists.
In the past 13 years, IMP has grown to represent over 100 artists, spanning countless genres. Their website highlights a roster ranging from reggae to heavy metal. Among the artists represented are pop singers and experimental industrial projects. Since its founding, the group has expanded to represent artists from not only across the US, but also some from Europe and Australia.
Move Forward Music
Based on Manhattan’s Broadway, Move Forward Music has made a name for itself by breaking some of music’s biggest names. Their ethos is summed up by “Break artists. Build brands. Impact culture.” To do this, Move Forward Music works to promote artists through digital content and merchandising. Their main focus is booking shows and tours, helping to build a name for their artists and highlight their talents in a live atmosphere. In addition to this, Move Forward regularly updates their spotify to highlight new artists, spreading their songs to their many followers.
Move Forward Music has a track record of promoting mega-stars at the beginning of their careers. Their early promotions included Kendrick Lamar and Syracuse-native Post Malone. Move Forward Music has recently organized shows across the boroughs for artists big and small. Among these shows were concerts by rapper Danny Brown, Outkast’s Andree 3000, and a double-set by up and comers Ovrkast and Chenayder.
Rocks Off NYC
Rocks Off calls itself “NYC’s sweetest independent concert promoters.” Since its founding, Rocks Off has booked shows across New York City, including venues like the Bowery Ballroom and Music Hall of Brooklyn. The centerpiece of their operations is the Rocks Off Concert Cruise Series. With a fleet of concert-ready ships, Rocks Off hosts upwards of 200 shows on the water around NYC each year from April to October. Their ships include spacious stages, and crisp light and sound capabilities, making for an unforgettable experience. Their fleet includes ships of all sizes, including the 100-capacity Lucille, and the four-decked Liberty Belle. This ensures that artists can find a setting that matches the desired scale for their shows.
Among their upcoming cruise concerts are industrial up-and-comers Model/Actriz and punk legends Black Flag. Additionally, tribute shows to everyone from Pink Floyd and Taylor Swift are common events hosted by Rocks Off.
Dayglo Presents
Dayglo Presents is one of New York City’s foremost entertainment companies. Founded by Peter Shapiro, the company is dedicated to putting on extraordinary shows in premier concert environments. While founding Dayglo Presents, Shapiro brought decades of experience in the music industry, previously promoting for legends like the Grateful Dead. Dayglo Presents boasts magnificent venues across the New York Metro Area, including the Brooklyn Bowl and Port Chester’s historic Capitol Theatre. The recently renovated Capitol Theatre boasts 1,800 seats and arena-scale lighting and sound systems, making it one of Downstate New York’s greatest venues. Since its founding Dayglo has expanded to cities across America, and hosts the annual Lock’n Festival in Virginia.
Since beginning operations, Dayglo has prided itself in promoting up-and-comers while working with some of the biggest names in music. Across its venues, the company has collaborated with everyone from R.E.M. to Lauryn Hill. The one thing that unites all of Dayglo’s operations is a genuine dedication to bringing high quality music to fans across the country.
SLP Concerts
SLP Concerts has been a staple of music promotion in the Northeast for almost 80 years. Since its founding in 1946, the company has expanded from its base in Haddonfield, NJ to produce shows everywhere from Delaware to Connecticut. With services including talent acquisition, event management, and concert promotion, SLP’s services cover everything a live artist would need. Over the years, SLP has produced shows in both small clubs and massive arenas, working with megastars like Taylor Swift and Green Day.
SLP also boasts the historic Troy Savings Bank Music Hall outside of Albany. This historic venue, dating back to 1875, has world-renowned acoustics. During its operations, it has hosted legends like Dizzy Gillespie, Yo Yo-Ma, and Ella Fitzgerald.
Frank Wood Productions
With over 50 years of promotional experience, Frank Wood has made a name for himself as one of the most prolific promoters in New York City. While Frank Wood’s work mostly focuses on well-known acts and indie bands, he also handles cover acts. Over the years, he has produced for legendary acts like the New York Dolls and Slade. Frank Wood offers artists access to home clubs around the city, where he produces weekly concerts. On top of this, he boasts the ability to place a band in almost any club throughout the NYC area. In addition to local shows, Frank Wood has organized concerts throughout the US, Europe, and Japan, bringing New York’s music across the world. On top of his promotional and booking services, Wood prides himself in giving back to the community. His promotional agency frequently collaborates with charities helping those with AIDS and 9/11 First Responders.
Baker Concerts
Baker Concerts is an event promotion company operating in New York City and Connecticut. At the center of Baker Concerts’ operations is Times Square’s Palladium Theatre. Over the past year, Baker Concerts has produced near weekly concerts at the venue. At the Palladium, Baker Concerts has hosted everyone from German power metal band Dragonforce to Latin Grammy-winner Pedro Capo. The 2,100-person capacity venue features video streaming capabilities to broadcast the stage to screens across the theater. Baker Concerts has many performances scheduled for the remainder of 2024, including shows by metal legends Sepultura, and pop-rock trio Hansen.
Hudson Valley
Black Dog Promotions
Based in New Windsor, NY, Black Dog Promotions prides itself in the booking and promotion of bands in New York and Connecticut. Black Dog Promotions grew out of the Hudson Valley radio station WXAX, known for its 24-hour rock and metal airplay.
Throughout the years, WXAX’s focus on broadcasting local bands evolved into show promotion and booking. Black Dog Promotions is currently running the “I Am Wayward” tour of metal acts across the Northeastern United States, and promoting shows up and down the Hudson Valley. They place musicians and listeners at the forefront of their business, using their extensive online presence to keep in touch with locals and venues to organize rock shows that best serve the Hudson Valley community.
River Spirit Music
River Spirit Music prides itself in organizing intimate shows for singer-songwriters in the Hudson Valley. At River Spirit, promoters are driven by a genuine love for music, putting immense personal work into every show they organize. At the heart of River Spirit’s operations is their House Concert Series. These shows bring touring acts to an intimate in-home space in Hastings-on-Hudson.
These shows bring world music to audiences, while giving them the chance to interact with the performing artists. With a 40 person capacity, these shows never feel too crowded, and give each audience member a chance to get personal with performers. In addition, River Spirit frequently hosts onstage concerts at Tarrytown’s Music Hall. With this intimacy and passion for music, it is no wonder why River Spirit is one of the Hudson Valley’s premier promoters of Americana, folk, and jazz.
Impact Concerts
Impact Concerts is dedicated to bringing carefully curated events throughout New York’s Hudson Valley and Catskill regions. Their events bring the community together through showcases of music, arts, and food. Among the many shows Impact Concerts produces are six annual music festivals: July Jam, Woodsist Festival, Positive Jam Festival, Soulshine Festival, Follow the Arrow Festival, and the Felice County Fair.
Impact Concerts shows highlight both local Hudson Valley artists and musicians from around the world. Among their largest collaborators is Palenville’s indie-folk group The Felice Brothers. In addition, Impact Concerts has drawn legends of indie, folk, and jazz to their festivals, highlighting everyone from indie icons Yo La Tengo to Ethiopian jazz legend Hailu Mergia.
Capital Region
A Little Booking Ageny
Based out of Latham, A Little Booking Agency brings entertainment of all types to the Capital Region. With a team of booking agents, they organize musicians, DJs, comedians and more to perform at local concerts, festivals, and parties. The agency prides itself on its many connections with local venues, ensuring that artists can find the right fit for their shows. A Little Booking Agency has especially found success booking hip hop shows around Albany. They are currently organizing a French Montana, Fivio Foreign, and Fabolous show at Albany’s Palace Theatre in August.
Guthrie Bell Productions
“Grapplin’” Greg Bell is entering his 32nd year of bringing live music to the Capital Region. Bell founded Guthrie Bell Productions alongside Jeff Guthrie back in 1993, and has not looked back on music promotion since. Since his start, Bell has helped spotlight up-and-comers, as well as booked nationally touring acts. Bell strives to foster a sense of community by collaborating with artists, promoters, and venues across the region.
In his 30 plus years, Bell has frequently booked shows at Albany’s The Hollow and Palace Theatre, as well as classic venues like Valentines. Documentarian Frankie Cavone has recently released a film covering Bell’s journey to promoting legend status. Watch it here.
Sugar Productions
Sugar Productions is a promotional company dedicated to bringing great music to Albany. With frequent shows at Ophelia’s live music space, Sugar Productions crafts unmatched concert experiences. With premier live acts, premier sound production, and backing visuals, their shows illustrated unmatched excellence in the field. Sugar Productions is currently organizing Albany’s annual Pearlpalooza festival.
Featuring a day’s worth of live performances from local artists, local vendors, and fine dining. This event highlights Sugar Production’s dedication to providing the community with amazing live experiences. With every show they organize, Sugar Productions places the audience at the forefront, while still showcasing incredible local talent.
Step Up Presents
Step Up Presents founder Ted Etoll has over 20 years of experience in the field of live booking. Etoll prides himself in presenting timeless acts, rather than just who is fashionable. In their years of promotion, Step Up Presents has produced shows for legends like Dweezil Zappa, Richard Thompson, and Yes.
As co-owner of Albany’s Empire Live, Etoll provides a premier concert space for acts he promotes. With 2 stories, and a 1,000 person capacity, Empire Live provides a premier multi-genre live space. In addition, Step Up Presents frequently puts on shows at The Egg in the heart of Albany.
518Scene
518Scene prides itself as the Capital Region’s “curated source for cool music, film, art & culture.” Musician and journalist Brendan Manley founded 518Scene in 2022, bringing years of experience in Albany’s alternative scene with him. Inspired by the pandemic, Manley founded a simple yet comprehensive online resource for Albany’s music fans. With a passion for the local arts scene, 518Scene helps shine a spotlight on underground shows and acts across the Capital Region. With their vast online presence, 518Scene is the premier stop for anyone interested in upcoming punk, metal, and alternative events around Albany.
Black N’ Blue Productions
Black N’ Blue Productions specializes in bringing all things heavy to New York’s Capital Region. Specializing in rock, metal, hardcore, and punk, Black N’ Blue is the premier promoter for intense underground acts around Albany. In addition to highlighting local talent, Black N’ Blue has produced shows for international touring acts across the region. Partnering with Empire Live, Black N’ Blue frequently puts on shows at their two story, 1,000-person capacity venue. Their shows extend far beyond this, with shows across the Albany metro and even into Canada. Remember to pack your ear plugs, because Black N’ Blue produces some seriously loud shows that audiences are sure to remember.
North Country
Roost
Roost is the Adirondack’s premier entertainment promoter, dealing in everything from music, art exhibitions, and santa meet and greets. With a host of destination websites, organizers can advertise their events, gaining exposure from the thousands who frequently view the pages. Roost’s work goes beyond just event promotion, working to forge a sense of community among locals and event organizers, ensuring that all of their events are as engaging as possible. Roost prides itself in sustainability, providing high quality events for locals, while stimulating the local economy and protecting the region’s pristine natural landscape.
Hartstone Productions
Hartstone Productions has made a name for itself bringing concerts and festivals to the Adirondacks for years. At the heart of Hartstone Productions is their many annual summer music festivals held in Lake George. Their productions, like Memorial Meltdown, Adirondack Independence, and Rock the Dock have highlighted major rock, folk, and jam bands.
With the ability to draw names like Dispatch, the Revivalists, and Mihali to their waterfront venue at Lake George’s Charles R. Wood Park, Hartstone Productions never fails to put on an unforgettable show. In addition to their renowned festivals, Hartstone Productions regularly produces shows at Saratoga Spring’s Putnam Place, highlighting genres from synth-pop to bluegrass.
Plattsburgh Blues and Jazz
Plattsburgh Blues and Jazz (PB&J) is a nonprofit dedicated to bringing award-winning jazz and blues performers to the shores of Lake Champlain. Since its founding, PB&J has drawn talent from across the US and Canada to perform at Plattsburgh’s music venues. Among their many shows have been performances by Grammy-winners, Kenny Neal and Joe Louis Walker, as well as up-and-comers like Vanessa Collier and Nick Schnebelen.
PB&J frequently hosts shows across Plattsburgh’s clubs and venues, with many summer shows planned at Retro Live. The highlight of PB&J’s work is the annual Summertime Blues Party. The outdoor brings the community together through blues and zydeco performances, food, and lakefront fun. As a nonprofit organization, all of PB&J’s earnings go back to bringing blues and jazz excellence to Plattsburgh.
Syracuse
CEG Presents
CEG Presents is an independent company that provides booking, artist management, and promotional services for the Syracuse area. Mike Maietta and Howie Schnee founded Creative Entertainment Group (CEG) in 1994, bringing two decades of music industry experience. As a student at Syracuse University, Maietta began to produce shows, eventually working for the likes of Bob Dylan, Dream Theater and the Allman Brothers. With Schnee’s experience producing concerts across Upstate New York and marketing for Carnegie Hall, the duo became one of the premier promoters in Syracuse and beyond.
As part of their services, CEG not only books artists but assists with day-of help, including merch tabling at shows. In addition to this, they pride themselves in their promotional work, releasing press mailings, and creating graphics for online advertisement of shows. CEG Presents is currently regularly hosting “Dead Country Tuesdays” concerts across NYC in addition to other concerts.
Creative Concerts
Creative Concerts prides itself in being one of Upstate New York’s largest independent promoters. They have worked with thousands of artists spanning countless genres. Over the years, Creative Concerts has put on shows everywhere from intimate clubs to massive outdoor festivals. Since their start, Creative Concerts has expanded to put on shows in Buffalo, Syracuse, Binghamton, Rochester, Albany, and everywhere in between.
Filthy Nasty Productions
Since their start in 2014, Syracuse’s Filthy Nasty Productions has grown into one of the largest independent promoters in not only New York, but the whole country. Filthy Nasty Productions’ promoters bring decades of experience, carefully collaborating with venues and promoters across the country to ensure artists get the best possible shows. They pride themselves in their membership in the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA). Under this partnership, Filthy Nasty productions works with other independent agencies, helping to cultivate the rich ecosystem of local promoters across the nation. Filthy Nasty Productions currently produces over 300 annual shows, reaching audiences everywhere from CNY to Nashville.
Syracuse Shows LLC
As head of Syracuse Shows LLC, Matthew Dunn brings over 20 years of experience promoting live music events. Dunn’s career began in 1998, marketing and managing artists for Syracuse’s Equal Vision and Trustkill Records companies. After years of success promoting bands and teaching at Syracuse University, Dunn threw his hat into the ring with his own company, Syracuse Shows LLC. In its over 19 years of existence, the company has produced over 600 shows with 400 different artists. Their shows have drawn a combined total of 250,000 fans to Syracuse. Dunn’s shows gravitate towards artists in the punk and metal genres. Over the years, Syracuse Shows LLC has produced shows for household names like Fall Out Boy, Paramore, and My Chemical Romance.
Ithaca
Kevin Black Presents
Kevin Black is an Ithaca-based booking agent and promoter renowned for bringing live acts to Upstate New York. KBP uses the strategy of pairing local up-and-comers with nationally-known touring acts in shows across the region. Kevin Black works with venues and artists to craft the perfect environment for their shows. With shows everywhere from Ithaca to Saratoga, KBP brings world-famous acts across Upstate, while providing a vehicle for local talent to expand their fan bases. In addition to booking, KBP offers sponsorship opportunities for artists, including massive print and digital marketing rollouts on top of live appearances. As their website exclaims, KBP “doesn’t just book bands, we create shows that people remember!”
Practice at Presets
Practice at Presets is a live music curator dedicated to bringing your favorite bands to venues around Ithaca. Its founder Aaron Robbins is a premier booker of both local talent and well-known acts. Robbins expertly matches performers to venues across Ithaca to create unforgettable live experiences.
With frequent shows at Sacred Root Kava Bar and The Upstairs, their shows range from intimate bar sets to invigorating punk shows. With special events, like the monthly Punk Rock Happy Hour, Practice at Presets’ shows never fail to leave an impression on those who attend.
DSP Shows
Based in both Ithaca, NY and Northampton, MA, DSP Shows is one of the nation’s premier independent promoters. DSP founder Dan Smalls has put on live shows dating back to 1988. In 2008, he founded Dan Smalls Presents, which was rebranded DSP Shows in 2015. In his 36 years of music promotion, Smalls’ business has grown to organize over 800 annual shows across the Northeast. DSP has worked with legends of folk and indie, including Joan Baez and Vampire Weekend. In New York, DSP frequently puts on shows at Albany’s Lark Hall, Ithaca’s State Theatre, and the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts. In addition to individual shows, DSP produces the annual Cayuga Sound Festival in Ithaca and Green River Festival in Greenfield, MA.
TJ Schaper
TJ Schaper brings years of experience as a performer and educator to his work in music promotion. Following graduation from Ithaca College, Schaper has been heavily involved in Ithaca’s music scene, performing with a host of ska bands. His entry into music promotion began during the pandemic, when live music had all but dried up. Schaper along with friends organized the monthly Ithaca Night Bazaar, a presentation of local arts, music, and foods. Going off of this success, Schaper opened his own venue, Deep Dive. Now, the venue hosts over 100 performances every year. At Deep Dive’s heart are its weekly musical performances, offering visitors the chance to see punk, jazz, and Americana.
Southern Tier
Magic City Productions
Magic City Productions LLC prides itself as Binghamton’s foremost music promoter. With access to Binghamton’s largest venues, Magic City has made a name for itself producing electrifying live experiences in the Southern Tier. The company frequently puts on shows at the Visions Veterans Memorial Arena and Broome County Forum Theatre, bringing locals shows from acts like Styx and the Dropkick Murphys. Their operations have expanded outside Binghamton and even into other states. Some highlights include Alice Cooper at Utica’s Stanley Theatre, and a sold-out show by Charlie Sheen in Cleveland. Whether it is in Binghamton or beyond, Magic City Productions knows how to put on superb shows that draw in massive crowds.
Rochester
Rochester Entertainment Events
Promoter Randy Peck founded Rochester Entertainment events in 2008 to book national touring groups in Rochester. With Rochester’s Montage Music Hall at the heart of the company’s events, artists can play in a premier 400-person venue. To date, the venue has hosted annual events, including Rochester’s International Jazz Festival and Fringe Festival. Since its start, the company has expanded to booking shows everywhere from Buffalo to Syracuse. Rochester Entertainment Events’ venues range from 200-5,000 person capacity, giving artists plenty of options for the right size show. The company currently has 15 concerts already booked for the remainder of 2024, including metal and rock acts, as well as tributes to classic groups.
Greg Burt
Greg Burt is the booking manager for Rochester’s Photo City Music Hall. Since 2016, PCMH has been one of the most forward-looking venues in Rochester. Booking artists spanning genre and nationality, PCMH provides Rochester with a wide variety of genres. PCMH also runs Photo City Presents, a booking company for artists around the Western New York. Photo City Presents regularly books artists in Rochester, Buffalo, and Niagara Falls, producing ranging concerts from emo to pop. On top of these concerts, Photo City Presents also regularly organizes themed musical events for WNY. Upcoming events include Y2k and Spongebob themed dance parties, and tributes to acts like Led Zeppelin and Chappel Roan.
Shaking Up Rochester
WRFZ 106.3 is a non-profit community radio station located in the heart of Rochester. Across their near-daily programming, they spotlight music by local artists. Of special note is the Shaking Up Rochester program, hosted by Lorraine Parr. Every Tuesday and Thursday, Parr presents two hours of music and discussions with local Rochester artists. This program provides a forum for artists to discuss issues, the local music, scene, and upcoming shows. On top of this, the program’s online accounts, such as their Facebook page, frequently highlights shows by local artists across Rochester.
Danny Deutsch
For 16 years, Danny Deutsch has sat at the helm of Rochester’s Abilene Bar & Lounge. Deutsch brings with him experience booking bands that dates back to 1977. He began booking legendary acts like the Ramones, Go-Gos, and John Lee Hooker at Scorgie’s before expanding to venues across the city. He continued this for over 20 years, before opening Abilene in 2008. Now, up-and-comers from around the country seek out Abilene as not only a performing venue, but place to hang out. Since its start, Abilene has hosted artists ranging from the folk-punk of Sarah Shook to The Blasters’ rootsy rockabilly. Abilene offers an intimate barroom atmosphere, also holding some summer shows on an outdoor stage.
Western New York
Jeffrey Standish
Jeffrey Standish is the founder of Buffalo’s Coming of Rage Productions. For more than five years, Standish has worked in promotion and booking for extreme metal bands. With frequent shows at Mohawk Place in Downtown Buffalo, Standish is one of the most prolific metal bookers in Western New York. At the center of Coming of Rage Productions is their annual Rage Fest. 2024 Marks Coming of Rage’s fifth year hosting the festival, drawing death and black metal bands from across the country to Buffalo to play.
Karate Sleepover
Karate Sleepover is Jamestown’s premier comedy booking agency. Founded in 2017, it has quickly grown to work with over 50 venues across WNY. In its 7 years of operation, Karate Sleepover has booked 150 different comedians in 93 standalone shows, as well as 120 open mic events. Karate Sleepover places an importance on finding the best fit show for its comedians, not only booking shows but also providing all the PA equipment needed for a show.
Since its founding, Karate Sleepover has built a record of successful shows across WNY and received renown from community members. Wendy Mccain, the executive director of Struthers Library Theatre, said “I honestly could not imagine the success we’ve had with Karate Sleepover. Every event has been absolutely hilarious.”
Gulf of Mexico Productions
Gulf of Mexico productions lives up to its tagline of “Good Shows for Good Bands,” bringing quality concerts to Buffalo and Rochester. With booking agent Blaise Przybyla, the company has made a name for itself organizing indie, alternative, and emo shows across Western New York. Gulf of Mexico Productions places their artists and audiences at the forefront of their operations, making shows as accessible as possible. With affordable prices for shows, Gulf of Mexico Productions assures as many people as possible in the community can enjoy the artists they book.
MNM Presents
For 23 years, MNM Presents has been a staple of Buffalo’s electronic music and rave scenes. Inspired by warehouse raves and Phish shows he attended, MNM’s founder Mike T. Marshall decided he wanted to organize shows himself. These shows began in January 2001, with MNM’s weekly Drum & Bass nights on Main Street. Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, MNM Presents expanded into all types of dance music, especially dubstep.
Throughout the years they have organized shows for stars like Diplo, Marshmello, and dedmau5. With frequent shows at the Town Ballroom and Riverworks, MNM Presents has access to some of Buffalo’s most sought after venues. With over 1,000 raves, concerts, and other events under their belt, MNM Presents is the top name in Buffalo’s dance music scene.
After Dark Presents
After Dark Presents has been a staple of Upstate New York’s music scene since its founding in 2001. Over the past 23 years, it has grown into Upstate’s largest independent promoter. They produce over 250 shows every year, ranging from intimate club spaces to headlining acts at large outdoor spaces. After Dark prides itself in working with thousands of artists, spanning all genres.
Their past work has included promotion and booking for legendary New York acts, such as Taking Back Sunday. Currently, After Dark presents concerts in Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Albany, and the Finger Lakes region of New York.
Twenty6 Productions
As their mission statement says, “We don’t just produce events; we create experiences that resonate.” Twenty6 Productions has lived up to this ethos, providing start-to-finish event management for artists. Their services include event management, budgeting, and staffing, handling all aspects of live shows. In addition, Twenty6 Productions uses creative and experimental marketing practices to make sure their artists reach as many people as possible. Twenty6 Productions prides itself in its high standards for its events, and ability to cultivate meaningful relationships with artists. With shows across Buffalo and beyond, Twenty6 Productions is one of the premier production agencies in Western New York.
Funtime Presents
Artie Kwitchoff and Donny Kutzbach founded Funtime Presents in 2004, bringing years of experience in the music industry with them. Kwitchoff began his career as the manager for the platinum-selling Goo Goo Dolls, before wanting to branch out and help the local music scene. Joined by ARTVOICE music editor Donny Kutzbach, the duo left their promotion jobs to helm Funtime Presents.
While based in Buffalo, Funtime Presents has organized shows everywhere from Canada to California. Within Buffalo, the company has worked to book shows at many of the city’s largest musical venues, including the Outer Harbor Concerts, Canalside Concert Series, and Artpark Mainstage. With this unmatched experience, Funtime Presents is one of the premier promoters in Buffalo.
Anita West
Anita West has made a name for herself as one of Buffalo’s most prolific music promoters. After moving to Buffalo from Cleveland, West emerged as a leading personality on “97 Rock” radio. On her self-titled show, she presents audiences the best in rock music, and interviews figures in the local music scene. Buoying off this radio success, West has emerged as a leader in Buffalo’s music promotion industry. She previously brought shows to the Tralf, before its closure in 2021. Now, West frequently books and promotes shows at Niagara Falls’ Rapids Theatre. Over the past three years, West has frequently presented blues shows at the 1,700-person theatre. With her experience in the local scene, her shows can draw music lovers from Buffalo and Canada to any show she puts on.
On Friday, August 23, Woodstock-based Americana musician Eddy Lee Ryder released her debut album, Sweet Delusions. The album is a testament to Ryder’s storytelling ability, ironically recounting one of the worst parts of life through playfully catchy tunes that still bring out hers, and our own, deepest emotions.
After releasing a collection of singles and EPs, Ryder amassed a decent following through her emotional storytelling and unique, nostalgic musical style. With the help of musicians like producer Father John Misty, drummer/musical director Dan Bailey, multi-instrumentalist Daniel Chae (Zach Bryan, Kacey Musgraves), and keyboardists Todd Caldwell (Crosby, Stills & Nash, James Taylor) and Dave Shephard, along with harmonies and other help from NYC friends like Rebecca Haviland and pianist Abby Payne, Sweet Delusions is an opus two years in the making.
Throughout the entirety of the album, Ryder wears her heart on her sleeve, showing her anger, bitterness, and frustration in a failed relationship. Yet, even through all those negative feelings, there is a deep sense of romanticism behind the music, as if she’s looking back on these particular events and trying to decide whether they were positive or negative. Despite the ending of the album resembling the end of a relationship, the conflicts presented in the music leave the audience wishing they could be a fly on a wall during any one of these recording sessions.
“I want my music to carry multiple emotions, just like every experience,” Ryder says. “Nostalgia, absurdity, humor, and sorrow.”
Sweet Delusions is no exception. At its core, it is a quintessential breakup album with all the turmoil and heartbreak dripping from each track. With this album, Ryder goes back to the folky sounds of the 70s, with a slight southern twang that she herself admitted was purely accidental. Ironically, it feels like the perfect genre to express those emotions of heartbreak, sadness, and the emotional turmoil of a relationship heading in the wrong direction.
Through tracks like “Highwaymen” and “Only Real Cowboy,” Ryder perfectly depicts a toxic relationship. In the lead single, “Highwaymen,” she compares her relationship to that of Thelma and Louise, knowing something would lead to disaster and terrible consequences but eagerly doing it anyway out of sheer excitement and adrenaline. Through “Only Real Cowboy,” her sense of romanticism comes back full circle, singing about a completely bipolar relationship. Ryder depicts this secretive recluse and the emotional turmoil that comes with that type of relationship in an almost Lana Del Rey-like fashion.
However, leading single “Bad Decisions” expresses the complete opposite. While the romanticization of Ryder’s past relationship is definitely present in other singles, “Bad Decisions” brings us back to reality. The track reminds the audience to be angry at everything that happened, repeating, “Don’t say you love me if you’re here for a good time.” While “Highwaymen” tells us of the excitement of something new and potentially toxic, tracks like “Bad Decisions” and “Joke is on Me” bring us back to those dreadful feelings where the rose-tinted glasses come off and reality sinks in. By “County Fair,” the depression with realizing a relationship must end comes in full swing, and the listener gets to see the path of growth and healing it takes to come to that decision.
Regardless of whether the country music vibes were “accidental”, Eddy Lee Ryder definitely uses it to her advantage. The end of this relationship brought forth plenty of anxiety, anger, and depression that is depicted in a perfect way. As a whole, the intimate nature of country music gives us a deeper understanding of Ryder’s feelings. The intimacy definitely pays off throughout the entirety of the album, and she depicts the whirlwind of emotions in a perfect way.
It’s safe to say that Eddy Lee Ryder’s debut album was a surmounting success. Her goal of carrying multiple emotions was definitely met, and it was almost whiplash-inducing to go back and forth between her emotions. After the release of Sweet Delusions, it’s exciting to see what will come next from Eddy Lee Ryder.
Sweet Delusions is out now on all streaming platforms and fans can visit Ryder’s website for any updates and new releases.
Manic Kat Records, an independent record label based out of Pomona, NY, celebrates its tenth anniversary this year.
In honor of their tenth birthday, Manic Kat Records hosts their very own music festival featuring their signed artists. This festival takes place September 13th and 14th at Olive’s in Nyack.
Over the last decade, Manic Kat Records has cemented itself as an independent punk music label that focuses on the growth and prosperity of its artists. Manic Kat has represented some of the most prolific names in the punk music scene, such as Ryan Cabrera, Todd Morse (Offspring/H2O), and Showoff, along with new artists who are on their way to joining the list of punk icons.
Manic Kat’s ventures have taken them down multiple paths. In the last ten years, they have collaborated with other entertainment centers like American Colosseum Wrestling (ACW) to host wrestling events, and launched a mobile app, Punk Hub Live, in the midst of a global pandemic to keep fans in touch with artists after live performances had been shut down.
“This anniversary is a celebration of all the hard work, dedication, blood, sweat, and tears we have all put in to get us where we are today!” says CEO and founder Peter James. “I feel as though this milestone is even more special since we not only overcame the normal obstacles every business encounters, but were also able to survive a global pandemic and come out on the other side with continued growth and the passion to find and cultivate an amazing roster of artists.”
Much like their fifth anniversary, Manic Kat celebrates with another two-day festival. Hosting Magic Kat’s festival is McKenzie Mitchell, former ACW superstar, further cementing the incredibly strong relationship between the two organizations. On September 13 and 14, Magic Kat brings out an extensive lineup, all consisting of artists signed to their label. The full lineup of the punk powerhouses will be released soon. Both festival dates begin at 6 pm. Tickets start at $25 online, $30 at the door.
For more information and tickets to Manic Kat Records’ anniversary show, visit the label’s website.
Martin Bisi, the producer, instrumentalist, and songwriter behind legendary albums by Sonic Youth, Brian Eno, the Dresden Dolls, the Swans, Helmet, Lydia Lunch, and Herbie Hancock’s genre-busting “Rockit,” will be coming to Woodstock on September 12 for his only Hudson Valley appearance.
The event will occur at The Mothership, a unique performance space/art gallery at 6 Sgt. Richard Quinn Drive.
Bisi will perform selections from his 40-year career and his newest album, Your Ultimate Urban Fantasy, with an ensemble including Dan Kaufman (of Barbez, John And Dan), Dan Gitlin, Vern Woodhead, and Heather Elle (of Weeping Icon, Flossing, formerly Bodega). He has recorded over a dozen solo projects since the early ‘80s.
In 1981, Bisi started BC Studio with producers Bill Laswell and Brian Eno. From this humble factory building, he recorded much of the No Wave, avant-garde, and hip-hop of the early 1980s, including Lydia Lunch, Live Skull, Fred Frith, and Afrika Bambaataa. In 1982, Bisi recorded the instruments for Whitney Houston’s first song as a lead singer, “Memories.” off of Material’s One Down LP. Soon after recording Herbie Hancock‘s “Rockit“, Bisi dissolved his partnership with Laswell but continued working from BC Studio until the present time, with a specialty in loud, dense, often noisy sound, with a focus on local NYC music such as White Hills (band), Clone and Weeping Icon.
In 2014, Sara Leavitt and Ryan Douglass’s documentary Sound & Chaos: The Story Of BC Studio examined Bisi’s adventurous career. The film follows his path through the recording space, the changing music scene, and the gentrifying of his Brooklyn neighborhood, which continues to threaten his studio’s existence. The documentary can be seen free on TubiTV.
Bisi and company will be supported at the concert by Spaghetti Eastern Music, a critically-acclaimed ensemble led by the sonic-minded guitarist and NYSMusic.com contributor Sal Cataldi, now featuring bassist Jeff Keithline and percussionist Mark Peritz. Spaghetti Eastern’s latest release is Drone Girl: The Soundtrack Sessions, an EP featuring the improvised score for a short film by Charles Dennis created with Keithline and Peritz.
Doors ppen at 5:30 pm for a suggested donation of $15–20.
Martin Bisi and company will move on from Woodstock to two more shows in New York State, September 13 at Neem Fest in Homer, and September 15 at 75 Stutson Street in Roche
On Friday, August 16 Emanuel Casablanca took to the Park Theater stage and offered the crowd a night of classic blues. Park Theater, located in Hudson, consistently offers a place for musicians to share their work in an intimate setting.
Emanuel Casablanca is a Brooklyn based guitarist, singer, and songwriter. Casablanca so far has two albums including Blood on My Hands and Strung Out on Thrills. He shared songs from both albums and even some unreleased songs dedicated to his wife. Casablanca wore a hat which stated, “I breathe the blues”; he is also nicknamed “Badboyoftheblues.”
After seeing him perform live you are able to see that these statements ring true Casablanca uses his vocal and guitar skills to create traditional blues music with his own twist you can also feel his passion for what he creates as he performs.
Park Theater is the perfect place when you’re in search for a night of music. Upcoming shows at Park Theater include Dual Record Release Party Anterra & Peter Stone on Thursday, August 22, Beccs, Glenn Echo, and Slow Packer on Friday August 23 and PORCHFEST Presents: Tommy Stinson’s Cowboys in the Campfire on Saturday, August 24.
From Set. 14-21, the Rockland County Jazz & Blues Society will host the Nyack Jazz Week with shows in Downtown Nyack and Piermont. The week will include the Nyack Jazz Festival presented by Maureen’s Jazz Cellar, as well as shows at The Turning Point in Piermont and Black Parakeetz in Nyack.
The Nyack Jazz Week never fails to create a good time and an exciting environment. The week will include plenty of art, food, and music offering something for everyone. There will be plenty of artisan vendors selling a variety of products, food trucks, and a wine and beer garden. The creative and beautiful town of Nyack is undeniably the perfect location for the week of jazz.
On Sept. 15 from 1-6 PM, The Nyack Jazz Festival will have about eight musicians participating throughout the day, including Swedish trombone player and multi-instrumentalist, Gunhild Carling. Saxophonist, Ravi Coltrane, who co-owns the label RKM Music, and is the son of the legendary John Coltrane, will also perform. Renowned jazz drummer Jeff “Tain” Watts along with David Budway, and Neal Caine will join Coltrane. Lastly, Middle Eastern jazz fusion band, Baklava Exress will perform various styles of genre-bending jazz.
Other shows include Gunhild Carling on Sept. 14, The Steve Slagle Quartet on Sept. 20, and Joe Lavano Quartet on Sept. 21 at Maureen’s Jazz Cellar. John Richmond’s Jam Session with guest Duane Eubanks on Sept. 16 and Scott Reeves Big Band on Sept. 19 will happen at The Turning Point. On Sept. 18, Shirley Crabbe will play at Black Parakeetz.
Chris Yacopino
To purchase tickets for the shows, inquire directly at the respective venues. For more information about the Nyack Jazz Festival, visit www.maureensjazzcellar.com.
Nyack Jazz Week 2024
Maureen’s Jazz Cellar- Nyack
Saturday, September 14 at 7 PM & 9 PM- Gunhild Carling with Idun Carling, David Budway, Neal Caine, and Daniel Glass
Sunday, September 15 at 1-6 PM- Nyack Jazz Festival
Horn-rock New Paltz band What? has been part of the DIY scene for more than five years and they continue to rock the Hudson Valley today.
Who are What?
With new bands forming every year in New Paltz, What? is a fan favorite in the small college town. Its band members are Dan Steen on guitar, Ryan Perrone on vocals and trombone, Jeremiah Mahoney on bass Alex Endres on drums, Owen Moore on tenor & baritone saxophone, and Jared Nelson on guitar and percussion, They all met at the local university SUNY-New Paltz through the music program. Previously, most members were part of musical groups in their high schools but What? is the first band they’ve been a member of.
The band has been operating under the name, What?, since 2016. They released their first album Lavender Lounge in 2020 including some fan favorite songs like “Napkin Party” and “The Cloud.” They confirmed that a sophomore album is in the making which will likely come out early this upcoming year.
The entire band contributes to their original music, but Perrone does most of the writing. “When I write a song, I really have this band in mind. It’s structured, but it’s always loose because I want everyone to kind of give their voice into the piece,” he told NYS Music.
Tours
Although they frequently travel outside of the state, they stay true to their New Paltz beginnings. They got their start playing at bars in New Paltz like Snug Harbor and Bacchus. Whenever they return to these venues, they always pull a packed audience with them. On Aug 23 they will be back in their hometown at a newer bar and restaurant, The Lemon Squeeze.
Touring to Portland, Maine and Burlington, Vermont, the band spends a lot of time on the road but sharing their music beyond the bars of New Paltz is something they aspire to continue. Last year What? performed at the iconic Mercury Lounge in NYC and this past March they played at another historic venue, Colony in Woodstock. “That fulfills something in my heart and soul just to be able to go to some random spot in upstate New York with five other fellas,” Steen said.
Next month, they will be back for more shows in the Hudson Valley like Kingston, NY on Aug 8 as well as Wakefield, RI on Aug 11. You can watch all of their performances on their YouTube channel and keep up with What? through their Instagram here.
Spaghetti Eastern Music, the solo project of genre-leaping Hudson Valley/NYC guitarist Sal Cataldi, is returning with a new EP, Drone Girl – the Soundtrack Sessions, featuring selections from the soundtrack of Drone Girl, a new short by filmmaker/choreographer Charles Dennis. Ahead of the full EP arriving on August 15, Cataldi has also released a single titled “Drone Girl Theme (Take 2).”
With Spaghetti Eastern Music, Cataldi traverses three distinct musical styles: acid jazz-fueled electric guitar instrumentals, lush ambient soundscapes, and bare-bones acoustic vocal ballads straight out of the Nick Drake school. Spaghetti Eastern’s debut project — 2016’s Sketches of Spam — made waves with positive reviews. Followed by several acclaimed EPs and singles. Moreover, Cataldi’s work has garnered airplay on leading outlets locally and abroad, including SiriusXM, WFUV’s “Mixed Bag,” WFMU, WKCR-New York, Radio Woodstock, and many others.
For Drone Girl – the Soundtrack Sessions, his latest project, Cataldi collaborated with two notable Woodstock-based musicians: veteran bassist Jeff Keithline and percussionist Mark Peritz. Together, they crafted a multi-layered soundscape with strong melodic themes—one that perfectly complements Drone Girl’s dreamy imagery.
Additionally. the film features African-American dancer/performer Stacey Smith in a duet dance with a flying drone aircraft and follows her as she escapes her Brooklyn basement apartment, grabs a backpack with her drone, and drives upstate to an open field with a view of the Catskill Mountains. After arriving, Smith dons a chest harness with a Go-Pro camera that records her viewpoint of moving with the drone. She dances through the field as the drone tracks her and she tracks the drone while a third camera captures a wider view of their relationship. The 12-minute film represents the tender expression of the relationship between a human and a drone.
How It All Came Together
To work with the short film’s vision, Cataldi utilized a vintage Fender Stratocaster, an Ebow sustainer, a string emulator, reverb, fuzz tone, a harmonizer, phasing, and two delay pedals to conjure complex loops—which he slowed down, sped up, and reversed—to complement Dennis’ narrative. As a result Cataldi’s sounds are accented by Jeff Keithline’s creative and propulsive bass plucking and bowing and Peritz’s deep tribal beats. Moreover, the tracks were recorded live with no overdubs. “Spaghetti Eastern Music’s score for Drone Girl really drives the film and enhances its otherworldly atmosphere,” said Dennis. “Sal, Jeff, and Mark are a magical trio of improvisers who bring a flavor that is both deeply funky and transcendent to the film.”
Dennis, an interdisciplinary artist who creates dance, performance art, and filmworks, is no novice in the art world. Additionally, he worked extensively with theater director Robert Wilson in the 1970s, and in the 1980s, co-founded Performance Space 122 (P.S. 122) and regularly presented solo and group works there for over 25 years. Dennis has received fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, the New York Foundation for the Arts, and Franklin Furnace. In 2023, he received a fellowship from Arts Mid-Hudson for his performance work, “Recycle Me,” which also featured an original score by Spaghetti Eastern Music.
Spaghetti Eastern’s new EP, Drone Girl – the Soundtrack Sessions, will be available on August 15 via Bandcamp, Spotify, iTunes, Amazon, and other online shops and streaming services. The lead-off track, “Drone Girl Theme (Take 2),” is currently available everywhere.
Cataldi, Keithline and Peritz will be performing Drone Girl – the Soundtrack Sessions alongside other music at the Opus 40 sculpture park in Saugerties on August 18. For more information, visit here.
