Category: Westchester

Pride 2024: Celebrations and Events Across New York State

Pride month is upon us once again, and New York has no shortage of inclusive pride events. From live music events to festivals, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Below you’ll find a complete guide to New York State’s pride events this coming June, from Long Island to Rochester.

Albany

May 31, 5:00 PM: Start Pride on the right foot with the Waterworks Pub’s Pride Kick-Off block party and BBQ. Admission is free!

June 1, 9:00 PM: Pay homage to queer art with ICONS: A Pride Variety Show and Party at Lark Hall. The celebration begins with a pre-show party from 9-11, where there will be giveaways and teaser performances. The main show, ICONS- The Variety Show, will feature drag queens Brita Filter, Lagoona Bloo, Amanda Blair, and many more. The fun does not stop after the show. An after party with DJ Synes will begin at midnight and continue until 2 AM. Tickets are available here.

June 9, 11:30 AM: Capital Pride Parade & Festival will take place in Washington Park. Registration can be found at the following link, and proceeds go to the Pride Center of the Capital Region’s programming advocating for the LGBTQ+ community.

Troy

June 15, 2:00-6:00 PM: Join Collar City Pride for their picnic in Troy’s Prospect Park. The barbecue will feature vegan and non-vegan options, snacks, and beverages. There is a suggested donation on a sliding scale, and everyone is invited to bring lawn games, speakers, and frisbees.

July 14: The pride celebration continues into July, with performances by Typhoid Mary and DJ Lovely Candela. More queer artists and drag performers are to be announced. Good Karma Studios will also be performing an acrobatic act. There will be a family section with balloon animals and a drag story hour. There will also be over 40 vendors, most of whom are from Rensselaer County and LGBTQ+ owned and operated. The festival will be held in Riverfront Park, further details can be found on the facebook page linked here.

Schenectady

June 1, 10:00 AM: The Dynasty will introduce their first ever wrestling event for this year’s pride celebration. “Sounds Gay, I’m In” will be held at Gateway Park. The festival will begin at 10:00 AM, and the wrestling will begin at 6:00 PM. All ages are welcome, and more information is available at the following link.

Saratoga Springs

May 30, 2:45: Join the Ballston Spa High School in the raising of the pride flag.

June 27, 6:00 PM: LGBTQ parents and children are invited to Saratoga Arts’ “POP” Gathering (parents of pride). The event will feature arts, crafts, and community building activities for the whole family. More information can be found here. Saratoga Arts hosts the event monthly, so dates will be available all year!

July 11, 6:30 PM: Join Saratoga Pride members for their Cornhole League. The informal, weekly drop-in league costs $15 a ticket, which offers guests a 20% discount on all food and drinks. Tournaments will be held at Saratoga Winery, and guests are encouraged to support the local restaurant. There will be more sessions every Thursday throughout the summer, with the tournament finals on August 29.

June 23, 2:00 PM: Saratoga’s Pride festival will return to High Rock Park this year, with an after party to follow. The family friendly event will feature live music, family activities, and community groups. Food and ice cream will also be available for purchase on site.

Lake George

Lake George Pride Festival, ages 16+ (under 16 admitted with parent/guardian only), featuring DJs from the community representing, vendor village, disc golf, frisbee golf, lawn games, walking trails, photo areas, cash bar and more! $20 to enter, brought to you in partnership by Warren County and The Lake George Area and powered by Rocavaka and Goldstein Auto Group.

Binghamton

June 20, 6:00 PM: Binghamton Pride Coalition will host a clothing swap from June 3-10. Participants are asked to donate gently used, clean clothes and accessories at Butterfields. On June 20, the clothes will be organized and displayed for people to choose. There is a suggested donation of $10, which will be donated to Identity LGBTQ+ Youth Center in Binghamton. The invitation is available at the following link.

June 8, 12:00 PM: Pride Palooza will return this year to Otsiningo Park. Guests are invited to bring their own picnic blankets and lunches to enjoy live music and entertainment. Local food vendors will be available, and admission is free! The flyer is available at the following link. There will also be a firework show in Martin Luther King Jr. Park & Promenade.

June 21, 5:00 PM: Join Southern Tier Aids Program (STAP) in celebrating their 40 year anniversary. STAP will hold a gala at the Binghamton DoubleTree, and admission costs $50. Tickets are available at the following link. STAP will honor the dedication of Drew and Gertrude Noden, whose support of their AIDS Ride for Life fundraiser has been instrumental. STAP also thanks JPMorgan & Chase for their generosity and allyship. A cash bar will be available, and there are menu options for vegetarian and vegan guests.

Otsego County

June 1, 2:00 PM: Otsego Pride Alliance will host their annual Pridefest. The festival will be held on Main Street in Oneonta. Parade line up begins at 1:00 PM, and the route will begin at 27 Market St to Elm St. Guests are asked to bring a chair, water, cash to tip performers and flags. The full schedule can be found below, and the event is open to the public.

June 13, 7:00 PM: Otsego Pride Alliance will host a Baseball Pride Night at Damaschke Field. Admission is $5, with discounts available to seniors and students.

June 1: Winners of the “Pets for Pride” event will be announced at the OPA’s Pridefest. Voting is open to decide on the winner, cast your ballot at the following link.

Hudson Valley

May 30, 6:00-10:00 PM: Dutchess County Pride Center is throwing Poughkeepsie’s Kick off Party for pride month. The Factory at Sloop Brewing will host the party, with appetizers and drinks available. There will be special programing to commemorate the 100 year mark of the modern pride movement, and guests will be offered a sneak peek of the Annual Pride Auction items before they’re released to the public. Tickets are available at the following link.

June 1, 8:00 AM- 1:00 PM: Habitat Newburgh will host a Pride Build, bringing together members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies to help those in need. Attendees will help build affordable homes for local families, and celebrate pride while making a difference. Volunteers can register here.

June 1, 12:00-5:00 PM: New Paltz Pride Coalition and Hudson Valley LGBTQ Community Center will host their annual Pride March & Festival in Hasbrouck Park. Voting for local Pride Marshall is also open, cast your ballot at the following link. More information about the festival and parade is available here.

June 1, 12:00-4:00 PM: Join Opus 40 and Queer Conspiracy for a family-friendly celebration of pride in the Hudson Valley. The picnic will be held at Opus 40 in Saugerties, and carpool tickets are available here. The event will feature a drag story hour, live music, a kids dance party, and local vendors.

June 1, 4:00-7:00 PM: Join DJ Trevor for an afternoon tea party in Pine Plains. More info about the dance celebration is available here.

June 1, 7:00: Join Hudson Valley Improv for their celebration of PrideProv! Doors open at 6:45 and the show starts at 7:00. The show will be held at Boughton Place in Highland. Tickets are only available online at the following link. A portion of ticket proceeds will be donated to GLSEN, a non-profit dedicated to ending discrimination against LGBTQ+ people.

June 2, 9:00-10:15 AM: Inspired by Holi and powered by pride, Pound Ridge Partnership and the Human Rights Advisory Committee have come together to host the 3rd annual Pound Ridge Color Run. The 5K race will begin at Pound Ridge Elementary School, and runners of all ages and abilities are welcome. Registration is available at the following link. Highlights from the 2022 race are available below.

June 2, 11:30 AM: Watch the White Plains raising of the Pride Flag outside the Michaelian Office Building. More information is available on The Loft LGBTQ’s instagram here.

Didn’t find an event in your town? A full list of Hudson Valley Pride Events is available here.

Catskills

June 15, 5:30: Catskills Pride will host an Awards Gala to honor champions of the LGBTQ+ community. The awards ceremony and following reception will be held at The Eldred Preserve. Tickets are available at the following link.

June 8, 1:00 PM: Woodstock Public Library will host a drag story hour and sparkle party with Katrina Mirage, who will read a book about peace, acceptance, and love. More information is available here.

Syracuse

June 13, 5:00 PM: Join the Syracuse Mets in their pride celebration. Enjoy a tailgate party with giveaways, a DJ, $1 hot dogs, and $2 beers. Everyone is welcome, tickets are available here.

June 22, 11:00 AM: Central New York Pride will host a Pride Parade and Festival in Progress Park. The parade will begin at 11:00 AM, and the festival will go from 12:00 to 5:00 PM. More information is available at the following link.

Watertown

June 2, 12:00 PM: Watertown NY Pride, Lewis County Pride, and Planned Parenthood of the North Country New York, Inc., have joined together to host their annual Pride Picnic.

June 14, 11:00 AM: Join Watertown NY Pride for their pickleball activity. Foster community while picking up a new hobby at the downtown YMCA. The event is open to beginners, and no sign up is necessary. 30 spots are available, the announcement is available at the following link.

Rochester

July 20, 11:00 AM: Celebrate pride at the Rochester Pride Festival at Highland Park. The festival will feature food, wine, beer, games, vendor tables, and live music and performances. Tickets are available for purchase at the following link.

July 14, 11:00 AM: Join the Rochester Rainbow Riders in this year’s Pride Ride. The race is 18+, and registration is available at the following link.

July 14, 12:00 PM: Celebrate pride at the annual Rochester Pride Picnic. There will be food trucks, DJs and dancing, a piano bar, a gift raffle, and community information tables. Check this link for ticket information, which is TBD.

Finger Lakes

June 7, 4:00 PM: Join Southern Finger Lakes Pride for their “Twas the Night Before Pride” event. There will be an official raising of the pride flag at 6:00 PM, and several activities throughout the evening. Art installations, drag bingo, and tarot readings are among the exciting activities SoFLX has scheduled for the event; find the full schedule here.

June 7: Southern Finger Lakes Pride will also host a 21+ dance party, featuring performances 5 DJs. There is a suggested donation of $5 for entry, which supports SoFLX and local breweries and restaurants. More information is available here.

June 8, 11:00 AM-5:00 PM: Southern Finger Lakes Pride will welcome back its Pride fest for the fifth year, with an exciting lineup of performers and a weekend of celebration. More details are available at the following link.

Ithaca

June 5, 8:30 PM: Ithaca Pride Alliance hosts weekly support meetings for LGBTQ+ youth. This is the first meeting of pride month, but the meetings take place every Wednesday. More information is available here.

June 8: The evening of June 8th will mark the beginning of the celebration, with speeches from Ithaca Pride Alliance and notable LGBTQ+ leaders in the community. The ceremony will take place on the Bernie Milton Pavillion at 6 PM, more details are available at the following link.

June 9, 2:00 PM: Pride in the Park will celebrate Ithaca’s LGBTQ+ community with food vendors, arts and crafts, and a resource fair. Performances will be held on the Pride Stage, including local bands, dance groups, and drag performances. More information is available here.

Buffalo

June 2, 2024 11:00 AM: Show off your pride at the Buffalo Pride Parade. The march is free and open to the public, though registration has ended. The parade will march along Elmwood Avenue, and volunteering positions are available at this link.

June 15, 11:00 AM-3:00 PM: Oliver Street Merchants’ Association presents the 4th annual Pride Fest at Heritage Park. Admission is free, and over 70 vendors will be there. All are welcome, more information is available here.

New York City PRIDE

Manhattan

June 28, 7:30 PM: City Winery at Pier 57 will host a documentary concert exploring the history of the Stonewall Uprising. Proceeds from ticket sales go to The Stonewall Community Foundation, which works towards liberation for all LGBTQ+ people. Enjoy the musical performances and oral history that make up the story of the Stonewall Uprising and the vibrant community culture it stemmed from. Tickets are on sale at the following link.

June 29, 12:00 PM: The South Street Seaport will host a Youth Pride event, celebrating LGBTQ+ teens and youth. The event is free, and a wide range of activities will be available, including carnival activities, free food and snacks, DJs, and musical performances. More information is available at the following link.

June 30, 11:00 AM: Join New York City’s 30th annual Pride March. The march began in 1970, on year after the Stonewall Uprising, and has continued the legacy of civil rights and awareness. The march will form on 25th St and 6th Ave, and move down to Christopher Street, passing the Stonewall Inn. Footage of the 2023 Pride Parade is available below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGl2QbxsjrI&t=51s

Brooklyn

June 7, 7:30 PM: In New York, enjoy Brooklyn Pride’s Movie Night for a screening of Sekiya Dorsett’s inspiring short film Caribbean Queen. RSVP here for a free ticket.

June 15, 12:00 PM: Join the Brooklyn LGBTQ+ community for a youth festival. Intended for kids and teens age 13-21, there will be arts and crafts, food, music, and giveaways. RSVP to attend at this link.

June 8, 12:00 PM: Brooklyn Pride’s Main Stage offers an exciting lineup this year, with a wide range of genres and performances. Find the full lineup of up and coming artists here.

Queens

June 2, 12:00 PM: Celebrate your Pride at the 32nd Queens New York Pride Parade. The parade will start in Jackson Heights, and the multicultural festival will memorialize Jackson Heights resident Julio Rivera, whose murder sparked community activism. Learn more about Julio Rivera here, and find more details about the parade at the following link.

June 28, 7:00 PM: Join the New York Mets in celebrating pride at Citi Field. The first 15,000 fans to arrive will receive an exclusive Mets hat. Festivities will include a DJ, in-game entertainment, Mets merchandise, and themed cocktails. Tickets are available here.

The Bronx

June 18,7:00 PM: Join the New York Yankees in celebrating Pride Night. A portion of every ticket sold will go to The Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative. Purchase of a special event ticket includes a special edition hat, a hot dog, and your first drink of the game. More information is available here.

July 20, 11:00 AM: The 13th Annual Bronx Pride Fair will be held at the Crotona Park Amphitheater.

Staten Island

June 1, 12:00 PM: Celebrate pride with the Pride Center of Staten Island at the Snug Harbor Cultural Center. The event will feature live music, art, activities, food, and performers. More information is available here.

Long Island

June 9, 12:00-5:00 PM: Huntington Village will host the 34th Annual Pride Parade and Festival. The parade will end with a concert and festival. More information is available here.

July 1-July 7: Commemorate the Fire Island Invasion of 1976 by recreating the event with the New York LGBT community. A longtime landmark in LGBTQ+ history, Fire Island has served as a safe haven for members of the community to express themselves freely. In 1976, after a restaurant in Fire Island Pines denied entry to a visitor in drag, the visitor and their friends stormed into the Pines dressed in drag. More information about this year’s recreation is available here.

May 29, 2024
Lip Critic’s Danny Eberle on his Strong DIY Roots

Drummer Danny Eberle has always been the epicenter of the madness. Whether it was with his experimental rock band Lip Critic on the SUNY Purchase campus, or his rock band On Pink at venues across upstate New York, his arms were sure to blur with intense motion as he churned out a sweaty set for a basement filled with thrashing college kids baking in the body heat. He stayed wired into his craft as his fast-paced hits and rapid-fire movements clashed against the loud guitars — a perfect background for the kids to mosh to. This was the environment that he called home during the pre-COVID years, roots that he still wears on his sleeve.

Eberle has since graduated out of those sweaty student-run basements. Last year he drummed through the Netherlands, Prague and Italy, as a part of hardcore rapper Lil Darkie’s backing band. He now plays with Lip Critic, as they plan for their first international tour as a band this summer in support of their newest album, “Hex Dealer,” which dropped on May 17. He’s been around the world, but always seems to find a way back to his beloved hometown of Staten Island.

Photos by @Makaylamber

While growing up in the borough, Eberle was multiple things at once, moving around quickly and sporadically — like he does onstage. He started his music career taking guitar and bass lessons as a kid, but it wasn’t clicking for him. From there, he messed around in D.I.Y. bands with his lifelong friend and classmate, Joe Ippolito, while attending Manhattan’s music-oriented LaGuardia High School. The two were inspired by the garage rock duet style of Black Keys, White Stripes, but, most characteristically, 90s indie band Ween. One early project that actually got a name — Strangelands — covered Ween frequently, inspired by their carefree, jokey attitude that rubbed off on their own project.

“We didn’t take ourselves seriously at all, but we took the music seriously,” he said.

The duo started their Strangelands career with daytime shows at dive bars on Staten Island, playing to family members. Eager to break out at city venues — anywhere that would let their young, high school selves shred a couple songs, the band turned to recording studios and low-key venues in Times Square. One of these holes in the wall was Funkadelic Studios, a small building tucked within the Garment District that allowed high school students to rent rooms to play shows without charge, and immerse themselves in a DIY-esque space early on.

“We’re small dudes, so we definitely stuck out like a sore thumb in these places of just kids, like, doing drugs,” said Ippolito. “We were kind of just there to play and see music.”

“That was my first experience being around other music minded people, skaters, all that stuff,” he said. “That was definitely eye-opening. It was great to perform in front of audiences in that sense, because it’s beyond playing drums at a recital.”

photo by @elyzareinhart

At LaGuardia, where everyone dreamed of being like its alumni stars of the past, the energy in the classroom felt too high-stakes and traditional. Eberle equates their austere jazz program to being on a varsity sports team, finding himself much more drawn to the DIY aspects of after-school projects he formed with his classmates. He started at SUNY Purchase in 2018 — after lifelong friend and future Lip Critic bandmate Ilan Natter pushed him to attend, enticing him with the bustling, colorful music scene that awaited.

“I remember telling him that Purchase is really what you want, which is to be able to play loads of music without being a music major,” he said. “I couldn’t speak to other schools, but I was like, ‘If you come here, you will play drums in every band.’”

“It was like LaGuardia 2.0,” Eberle said of Purchase. A majority of the people in his classes were fellow alumni, and the musical connections they shared followed them all the way to Westchester. He was constantly seeing old classmates perform during shows at The Stood, Purchase’s very own on campus venue — a space that constantly brewed the freshest sounds and budding artists.

“Because of that, you’re meeting musicians,” he said. “It sets a foundation for how you can start bands and actively play. It’s super accessible and no one’s gonna judge you. You can test the waters by playing a show and seeing if people show up.”

Lip Critic assembled during Eberle’s freshman year at Purchase, originally an improv act. It spawned from the ashes of previous failed projects started with musicians he was meeting during his first few weeks at the college. When a member of one of their many bands couldn’t attend practice, Eberle and Natter — the other drummer of the band — were left to experiment. After bringing in two other artists that they’d met at house parties, singer Bret Kaser and sampler Connor Kleitz, the band took the stage at The Stood for the very first time for a hectic, live jam session that was “received super weird” by the venue’s typical student crowd. “Everyone was like, ‘what the hell’s going on?’” Eberle laughs. “They thought we were strange.”

Lip Critic’s sound refuses to slow down for those who can’t keep up. Their fast-paced, glitchy take on rock music draws similarities to loud noise acts such as Death Grips — Eberle’s speedy and distorted drumming heightening the beautiful, collective chaos.

photo by @heydoodypantsitsizzy

The band started picking up speed very quickly, releasing their first EP, “Lip Critic II,” in 2020. They supported the release with a long-awaited slew of upstate New York and NYC shows once COVID restrictions were lifted in 2021. The band shipped their first project around to every record company they could think of, waiting on any sort of reply. They spent the next couple years riding the rise to local scene notoriety, gaining more than 20k monthly Spotify listeners and playing for sold out crowds at established New York City venues such as Elsewhere Hall.

In early 2023, Eberle woke up to a text one day from Alex Wacksman — a.k.a. Wendigo — a producer he met through mutual friends that works with Lil Darkie. The rapper just put out his newest album, and needed a drummer to join him on tour. “Do you have any plans for May?” it read. “Do you want to come to Europe?”

Not even a month later, Eberle was on a flight to Switzerland to rehearse drums with the rapper. They had never played together — or even met — and it was his first time going to Europe in general. Eberle reflects on the experience breezily, gushing about how easy it was to make friends through the backing band — similar to how quickly he connected with musicians from Purchase. After all, they all spoke the same language.

“He assimilated pretty quickly into making it seem like he’s never not been a part of this band,” said Ippolito, who watched him tour from the States. “Even though he’s not necessarily a guitar player or a bass player, he’s got ideas on that front that he can pretty easily communicate to people who do play those instruments.”

The chemistry between Eberle and Darkie’s band made being in unfamiliar territory, getting chauffeured around by personal drivers from the Czech Republic and meeting all of the “crazy motherfuckers” that Europe had to offer almost like living in a dream. In a mere matter of weeks, Eberle jumped from playing for the Stood’s few dozen stragglers to selling out buzzing venues filled with hundreds of people — such as the legendary Academy in Dublin, a rite of passage for indie bands of the past.

“Every show was mayhem,” he said. “The fans were so fucking young, so they were there to go crazy. I could feed off of that so easily because I’m looking at these kids right in the eyes and I’m like, ‘Keep going!’”

Photos by @Makaylamber

On stage, Eberle thrives off of mutual energy. Lil Darkie’s fans were remiscent of the Times Square teens that filled the crowds during his Strangelands days, eager and jumping at the sounds of his rapid, pulsating beats. Once Lip Critic started to score opening slots for bigger acts such as post-punk giants IDLES and Viagra Boys, he found it harder to connect with standstill crowds that weren’t sure what to expect from him. Still, he develops his own ways to force the audience to engage with him — and they seem to be working.

“If there’s some dude crossing his arms, just looking pissed off, I’m gonna look him dead in the eyes, on some scary shit. I’m not about to kill you, but I’m gonna look at you like I’m about to kill you.”

Eberle ends up back in Staten Island — the home he loves unapologetically. For a borough that gets so much — in his opinion — unnecessary slack, he reps it shamelessly everywhere he goes. It’s where many of his early bands started up, where he’s met some of his closest musical comrades and where he still plays gigs at hidden-gem dives, like the north shore’s Mother Pugs and beloved Flagship Brewery — opportunities he’ll never take for granted.

“Growing up in a suburb like this, you learn to appreciate what’s around you. I think there’s always been a good scene here, even when I was starting. When I was a kid playing the drums, I was able to practice in my basement. With Lip Critic, it feels right to rep Staten Island because our first practice was here.”

As the band currently tours through England, they plan to come back to Staten Island for a hometown show at MakerParkRadio’s studio — the borough’s independent radio station — this July.

As an artist, Eberle has many places he can call home — Purchase, the NYC D.I.Y. scene, Staten Island and now, the world. He’s unsure of what awaits Lip Critic, and his personal career. Still, he’s not worried. “I like having these multiple identities,” he said. “I’m meeting all of these dudes that are playing drums and writing songs that aren’t just pop songs. These people listen to the same bands or came from the same scenes that I did. It’s cool to see that all these communities exist.”

May 21, 2024
Robert Castelli: The New York – Barcelona Connection

“I’m not saying I’m a master here, but the difference between the master and the student is that the master has failed more times than the student has tried.”

Although notedly understated, Robert Castelli is the definition of a masterful musician. Incorporating a lifetime’s worth of experiences, influences, and chops, Castelli has led a career on his own terms. With his current band BOOM!, Castelli defies genre and crafts music that could loosely be defined as jazz, but incorporates influences from all corners of the globe. Trained on the drums, piano and guitar, Castelli is a modern renaissance man.

Castelli at 15 years old, playing a local gig

Music has always been a constant present in Castelli’s life. He grew up in Ossining to a musical family, with his dad, grandfather and uncle all being professional drummers. Family, however, was not the biggest influence for Castelli growing up. Like many other kids, he credits his early influences to AM radio, television and his older brother’s record collection. Castelli thanks growing up outside New York specifically for his wide influences. Turning on the radio, Castelli recalls, “Bam, it’s The Beatles, and then next it’s James Brown, and then it’s Beethoven.”

As a kid, Castelli was able to find musical influences everywhere. “I think because my father was almost blind,” he remembers. “I had a way of perceiving the world more aurally than visually.” Watching TV as a child, Castelli recalls the themes of shows like Hawaii Five-O, Mission Impossible, and Sanford and Sons, which further piqued his interest in composition.

If Castelli’s influences began with radio and television, they were tempered by participation in New York City’s live music scene. As a young man, Castelli immersed himself in the many musical traditions of New York City. At the city’s Latin Clubs, he was introduced to Afro-Cuban rhythms, and playing with a band from Jamaica, he learned Caribbean melodies. In Castelli’s words, he always kept “his mind, his heart and his ears open.”

Castelli admits that despite his passion, living as a performing artist in America was not all roses. Slowly, Castelli became disillusioned with the increasing materialism he saw in the music industry, political corruption and a general toxic energy in the US. On top of this, Castelli faced many personal losses during this time, with twelve people in his life passing away. This made Castelli contemplate life, and pushed him to take a chance and travel to Europe in 2003.

At first, Europe was a temporary pitstop for Castelli. He met an Austrian guitarist, who, despite never having played with him, wanted to start a band and tour Europe. Castelli recalls him saying, “If it doesn’t work out, no hard feelings,” which was an attitude he respected. Soon Castelli was settled in Vienna, where he encountered a whole new outlook on music. “They didn’t say he plays guitar better than someone else. They all came and celebrated life or the harvest or whatever. And that’s the purpose of music and the human experience.” To Castelli, this attitude represented “folk music” in its truest form: not a genre, but the music of the people.

Castelli playing drums at Jazzland Vienna in 2014

Soon, Castelli found himself in Barcelona, the vibrant heart of Spain’s Catalonia region. Since moving to Barcelona, Castelli has immersed himself in cultural traditions from across the world. Playing live shows in Barcelona, he had chances to collaborate with musicians from Brazil, Russia, Cuba and more. Balkan musicians gave him the opportunity to experiment with odd meters, and Sudanese musicians introduced him to Afro-Arab rhythms. These experiences speak to the reality of jazz as “an ever evolving art form with influences from other cultures.”

This vibrant mixing of influences pervades Castelli’s music, most notably his newest release Party at One World Plaza. The album defies genre, seamlessly slipping between disparate ends of the Earth. The opener “Vamos” incorporates syncopated Afro-Cuban rhythms reminiscent of his youth in New York’s Latin jazz clubs. “Floatin”’s groovy rock influenced guitar harkens back to Castelli’s childhood influences in The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix.

The standout track is “For the Fallen,” a dreamy and meditative journey aided by soft keys and guitars. Castelli wrote this track in memory of the twelve people he lost before moving to Europe. Before playing, Castelli asks his audiences for 10 seconds of silence to remember everyone that has been lost.

The title track and “Samba Wamba Bamba” reflect his experiences playing with artists from around the world while living in Europe. In all, this album is like a roadmap through Castelli’s life giving audiences an idea of a fraction of his influences and experiences. In other words, this album reflects Castelli’s own definition of music – “the human heart and an intellect filtered by life experience.”

In a life full of change, there has been one constant for Casteli: live music. Castelli views live shows as a conversation between musician and audience. “Somebody says something, it makes you laugh. Those people laugh. Something makes you think, makes you feel, makes you cry.” This energy bouncing between the stage and the audience unites everyone in the room. Thinking of his live shows, Castelli recalls “whether it was 500 or 30,000 people, they all became like one consciousness. That is the real power of music.” To Castelli, in a world where we have more and more entertainment at our fingertips, it is important to go out and support live music venues. Live music, to Castelli, not only supports the artist and the club, but is a personal experience like no other.

Castelli, however, has noticed some issues in the live music scene that need addressing. A growing materialism in the music industry has led many venues to support what will make the most money, rather than what music is most meaningful. Additionally, this material focus has led to an increased burden on the musicians themselves to attract audiences.

He pointed out some more institutional issues regarding youth involvement with music as well. “If you don’t have those university connections or you’re not in the club every night it’s really hard to get a situation where you can get viable work.” Castelli says that access to money gives many university-trained musicians a leg up when building connections. This has dissuaded many people who don’t have the resources to get professional training from continuing. Castelli argues that we need to break this stigma, citing the greats. “A lot of the best jazz musicians were not formally trained. They just stayed with it.”

Castelli still sees many young people staying with it, giving hope for the future of live music. Many young people have things pulling them in directions other than music. Castelli remembers his childhood, with a father afraid he was a poser, and a mother wanting him to find other work. In face of obstacles like these, Castelli has noticed drive among youth – “the young people that I know that play music have a passion for it.”

Robert Castelli is returning to the US in May for a series of shows in and around New York City. On May 30th, he will play Jazz on Main in Mt Kisco, NY. Following this show near his hometown of Ossining, he will head to Manhattan. On June 1, he will play Harlem’s Shrine World Music Venue, followed by a set at Silvana on June 2. After these American shows, Castelli will head back across the pond to London, England to record a series of instructional videos.

35 years after beginning his career, Castelli is still paving his own path through the music world. He remains dedicated to sharing the importance of live music and ensuring that the next generation of musical talent can perform and absorb music like he has.

Enjoy Robert Castelli and his band BOOM! performing “Vamos” at Vienna’s Porgy & Bess Jazz Club.

May 17, 2024
JazzFest White Plains Returns for its 13th Year with a Star-Studded Lineup

JazzFest White Plains is back with performances by GRAMMY-winning stars and a food festival from Sept. 11 to 15.

The five-day extravaganza highlights 18 captivating live performances spread throughout downtown White Plains. The artists range from emerging talents to world-renowned artists, including four GRAMMY Award-winners and nominees.

Headlining Friday night of this year’s festival is Nicole Zuraitis, the 2024 GRAMMY Award-winning jazz singer-songwriter and pianist known for her unparalleled expressiveness and lyrical prowess. Headlining on Saturday is the Vijay Iyer Trio featuring Tyshawn Sorey and Linda May Han Oh, hailed by National Public Radio as “truly astonishing” and the New York Times as “the great new jazz piano trio.”

Nicole Zuraitis.

“We’re thrilled to bring such exceptional talent to JazzFest White Plains this year,” said Kathleen Reckling, ArtsWestchester COO. “From soul-stirring vocals to innovative instrumental compositions, this festival promises to be a celebration of jazz in all its forms.” Several performances are free, including all the noon and Sunday shows.

In addition to the stellar performances, the White Plains Jazz & Food Festival closes the weekend on Sept. 15 from 12:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Mamaroneck Avenue between Main Street and Martine Avenue. The food festival will feature a fusion of delectable cuisines and captivating jazz melodies, creating a sensory experience for all ages.

Tickets for JazzFest White Plains are now available for purchase online. For more information about the festival’s full lineup, visit here.

May 17, 2024
Fourth Annual Scarsdale Music Festival Returns this Year in June

The annual Scarsdale Music Festival is returning for its fourth year June 1-12 to 6pm in Scarsdale Village. The six-hour music festival sees a hearty lineup of amazing talent from all over.

The festival is hosted by the Scarsdale Business Aliance and benefits Daniel’s Music Foundation. The foundation aims to empower individuals with disabilities through music education and performance. The annual Scarsdale Music Festival boasts an extensive lineup of highly talented individuals and groups.

The Scarsdale Music Festival is an exceptional, family-friendly community event that brings together
thousands of people of all ages to celebrate their love of music, food, and community and is a not-to-be
missed experience. The Scarsdale Business Alliance is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the Village of Scarsdale and its local businesses.

A total of 16 musical artists and bands are set to hit the stage on June 1. The lineup is diverse and dynamic with genres like Americana, indie-rock, world, hard-rock, pop, R&B, opera and more. Some artists include Artia Tobia, Conversing with Ocean, Hunter Road, The Men of Soul, George Dennehy, and more.

This year’s line-up of amazing talent performs on two main stages throughout the day as well as an all-new acoustic stage. Twelve bands from Scarsdale and the greater Tri-State area were chosen through an extensive selection process from over 70 submitted applicants.

This year’s Grand Tasting Village features elite wines from around the world, specialty cocktails, and food pairings. In addition, guests 21+ can also purchase beer and wine by the glass. Food trucks and other food vendors offer a selection of sweet and savory items. The Family Fun Zone features carnival games, face painters, arts and crafts, musical demonstrations, DIY and STEAM activities, sports, inflatables, and more.

Tickets for the annual Scarsdale Music Festival are on sale now. For more information on the festival and to purchase tickets, click here.

May 8, 2024
Brittany Howard and Michael Kiwanuka Announce Co-Headlining Tour this Fall

Music icons Brittany Howard and Michael Kiwanuka have announced their co-headlining tour which arrives in Philadelphia on September 29. The tour sees two dates in New York – The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester and Summerstage in NYC.

The tour kicks off September 29 in Philadelphia for a run of 14 shows across the US, wrapping in Paso Robles, CA, on October 19. Brittany Howard and Michael Kiwanuka have partnered with The Ally Coalition. The partnership donates $1 per ticket to support housing for mental health resources for people of color, single mothers, and unhoused LGBTQ Youth. The tour sees support from artist Yasmin Williams.

Brittany Howard is a multi-instrumentalist and vocal powerhouse who specializes in soul, funk, and rock. She plans to play music from her sophomore album What Now along with older hits from her discography. Michael Kiwanuka introduced himself and his art with the acclaimed debut album, Home Again, followed by his decidedly left turn LP, Love & Hate. He has won a Mercury Prize and BRIT Award. Together, the two icons plan to bring their musical gifts to the forefront of several cities across the US.

BRITTANY HOWARD AND MICHAEL KIWANUKA CO-HEADLINE DATES

Sept

29                 Philadelphia, PA       The Met+

30                 Boston, MA                Roadrunner*

Oct

2                    Port Chester, NY      The Capitol Theatre+

3                    New York, NY            Summerstage*

6                    St Paul, MN              Palace Theatre*

8                    Denver, CO                Mission Ballroom+

10                  Boise, ID                    Outlaw Field at Idaho Botanical Garden*

11                  Portland, OR              Edgefield+

12                  Vancouver, BC          Queen Elizabeth Theatre*

14                  Jacksonville, OR        Britt Pavilion+

15                  Seattle, WA               The Paramount*

17                  Berkeley, CA             Greek Theatre+

18                  Los Angeles, CA        Greek Theatre*

19                  Paso Robles, CA       Vina Robles Amphitheatre+

*Brittany Howard to close

+Michael Kiwanuka to close

Support from Yasmin Williams

For more information on Brittany Howard and Michael Kiwanuka’s co-headline tour and to purchase tickets, click here.

May 2, 2024
The Driver Era Rock Out in Port Chester

The Driver Era is a dynamic sibling duo comprising Ross and Rocky Lynch, born from the talents honed during their time in their sibling band R5. Hailing from LA, the Lynch brothers have cultivated a unique sound that blends elements of alt-rock and pop. This all results in a captivating discography that resonates with audiences worldwide.

Since their start as The Driver Era, Ross and Rocky have embarked on a creative journey of artistic exploration. With a passion for pushing musical boundaries and a commitment to authenticity, they captivated listeners with their electrifying live performances.

The Driver Era made a triumphant return to NY at The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester. This marks a highly-anticipated follow-up to their electrifying show at Pier 17 in NYC the previous summer. Amidst a backdrop of euphoric energy, Ross and Rocky delivered a spellbinding performance that left the audience spellbound.

The Show

From the opening notes of “OMG” to the encore of “A Kiss,” The Driver Era unleashed irresistible hooks that had the crowd roaring from start to finish. The Lynch brothers showcased their dynamic stage presence and undeniable chemistry, commanding the stage with effortless charisma and boundless energy.

Throughout the night, the band treated fans to hits, including “Feel You Now,” “Scared of Heights,” and “Afterglow”. Special moments such as Riker Lynch bringing out his wife to dance during one of the songs added a touch of intimacy to the performance. Rydel Lynch’s presence in the photo pit served as a testament to the band’s close family dynamic as well.

The audience was fully immersed in the experience, with many fans sporting pink cowboy hats and waving handmade signs. One sign read “I’ll trade my hat for your shirt”, demonstrating audience dedication. The electric atmosphere reached a high when two fans threw their bras on stage during “Preacher Man,” a testament to the band’s magnetic appeal.

As the night started to close, The Driver Era left the crowd wanting more. They decided to end the show with a euphoric encore performance of “Heart of Mine” and “A Kiss.” With their infectious energy and undeniable talent, The Driver Era proved once again why they are a force to be reckoned with in the world of music.

Setlist: OMG, Feel You Now, Heaven Angel, Scared of Heights, End of Your Life, Afterglow, Low, Rumors, On My Own (from Teen Beach Movie), Get Off My Phone, Cray Z Babe E, Take Me Away, Giveuwhatuwant, Malibu, Nobody Knows, Fantasy, Preacher Man

Encore: Heart of Mine, A Kiss

April 30, 2024
Rock Legend Sting Brings Sting 3.0 Tour to New York for 5 Shows

Rock icon Sting of The Police has announced an upcoming North American tour beginning this September. The “Sting 3.0” tour sees four stops in New York including three shows in Brooklyn and two in Port Chester.

Sting will perform the most electrifying hits from his timeless discography for multiple-night stints in some of the most legendary theatres across North America. The upcoming Sting 3.0 tour will play three shows at the Brooklyn Paramount and one show at The Capitol Theatre.

Sting will perform selections from his vast and diverse catalogue accompanied by virtuoso guitarist Dominic Miller. Also accompanying Sting is Chris Maas of Mumford and Sons. The Sting 3.0 tour will begin on September 17 in Detroit and wrap up on November 13 in Los Angeles.

Members of Sting’s Fan Club will have the opportunity to access a special pre-sale by visiting sting.com, starting on Monday, March 11. The general on sale will begin on Friday, March 15 at 10 am at sting.com.

“STING 3.0” TOUR ITINERARY

Tue. Sept. 17                        Detroit, MI                                              Fillmore Detroit

Wed. Sept. 18                       Detroit, MI                                              Fillmore Detroit

Fri. Sept. 20                           Toronto, ON                                          Massey Hall

Sat. Sept. 21                          Toronto, ON                                          Massey Hall

Mon. Sept. 30                       Philadelphia, PA                          The Met Philadelphia presented by Highmark

Tue. Oct. 01                           Philadelphia, PA                         The Met Philadelphia presented by Highmark

Fri. Oct. 04                             Boston, MA                                             MGM Music Hall @ Fenway Park

Mon. Oct. 07                         Brooklyn, NY                                         Brooklyn Paramount

Wed. Oct. 09                         Brooklyn, NY                                         Brooklyn Paramount

Thu. Oct. 10                          Brooklyn, NY                                        Brooklyn Paramount

Sat. Oct. 12                            Port Chester, NY                                  The Capitol Theatre

Sun. Oct. 13                            Port Chester, NY                                  The Capitol Theatre

Tue. Oct. 15                           Washington, DC                                   MGM National Harbor

Sun. Oct. 20                           Miami, FL                                                 Fillmore Miami Beach

Tue. Oct. 22                           Atlanta, GA                                              Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre

Mon. Oct. 28                         Chicago, IL                                               Auditorium Theatre

Tue. Oct. 29                           Chicago, IL                                               Auditorium Theatre

Wed. Nov. 06                        San Francisco, CA                               The Masonic

Thu. Nov. 07                         San Francisco, CA                              The Masonic

Tue. Nov. 12                          Los Angeles, CA                                   The Wiltern

Wed. Nov. 13                        Los Angeles, CA                                    The Wiltern

March 14, 2024
Sarah Elaz’s Double Threat: Booker and Bassist Celebrates Birthday Bash at Capitol Theatre

March has been busy for bassist birthdays at the illustrious Capitol Theater in Port Chester, a sign of New York’s thriving jam scene. The month opened with an 84 birthday celebration and a five-show residency for rock legend and Grateful Dead founding bassist Phil Lesh and will close out with a show honoring jam scene newcomer Sarah Elaz.

The March 27 performance will put Elaz’s eponymous “Sarah Elaz’s Almost Phish” in high company, reaching a venue she has worked hard to reach. Off the stage, Sarah is a double threat working behind the scenes as a booker and promoter. On International Women’s Day, we spoke with Sarah about her journey.

Onstage with Sarah Elaz’s Almost Phish at Brooklyn Made. Photograph by Taylor Weinberg.

Sarah Elaz has accepted certain realities about the music industry and has found a rhythm as she builds a name for herself. Faced with a pivot from a career as a professional dancer, Sarah, like many others, found that “getting into the music industry isn’t that easy, it doesn’t have a simple path.”

As a neophyte in the industry, Sarah has built a network of connections through hard work. To support her career as a professional dancer, she started waitressing at City Winery, where she would work her way backstage to a position coordinating artist hospitality. Now, Elaz is a talent buyer at MRG Live. While her focus is music, sticking with her commitment to genera-spanning Elaz also books comedy shows for acts like Modi Rosenfeld and Kyle Gordon.

Asked how being a musician influences her work as a booker, she said it “makes [her] more empathetic and able to anticipate and understand artists’ needs.” In an industry where band’s touring margins can be a razor thing, having that reflective understanding of tour budgets has benefited Elaz in building trust. Recently she booked the shows in the great white north of Canada for Connecticut jam bands Eggy and the L.A.-based Thumpasaurus. Elaz is dedicated to sowing the seeds of a jam scene in Toronto, organizing “The Grateful Jam” an open jam focused on improvised psychedelic rock.

Off the clock, Sarah can be found playing in a half-dozen projects at any given time, from collaborating on original work with the Brooklyn jam band Boojum to enthralling crowds with her eponymous Phish tribute act and playing with newcomer acts like Katzroar. When live music returned after the pandemic, Elaz would gig at any opportunity, but she has grown more selective, focusing on the improvisational-oriented music that has always inspired her. She has won that privilege by “playing as many gigs with as many people as she can until afforded the luxury of saying no.”

For Elaz, that insistent need to perform has its benefits; playing across genres and “playing a pop show, a punk show, a jam show, with people of all ages and experience makes you learn faster and play better, plus now you know all these other musicians you can work.”

Onstage, in costume, at Brooklyn Bowl with Boojum. Photograph by Taylor Weinberg.

Elaz, a Massachusetts native, has found a “partner in New York” after she moved to pursue her career in dance. She doesn’t see herself leaving the city any time, in part because of the density of standout music venues. While the Brooklyn Bowl is her favorite in the city, the Bowery Ballroom was another standout (in part due to it’s proximity to nearby Katz’s Deli).

Elaz’s love for the jam music she prefers to perform could be genetic, inherited from a sister 15 years her senior. Some of Sarah’s first memories of Phish come from her sisters’ return from a summer tour. That inspiration led Elaz to Limewire to download whatever Phish and Dead tapes she could come across. It was a show in 2018 where watching Phish’s Mike Gordon inspired Elaz to pick up bass, saying, “watching him play up close, it looked like it made sense. I understood it wasn’t easy, but it seemed intuitive.” Now Elaz compares playing bass to her professional experience as a dancer, “it’s all about finding the groove and keeping in it. Any note or move can be intentional if it’s in the groove.”

Speaking with Elaz’s mentor and occasional instructor, Dan Kelley of Neighbor, he commented how “passion for the art” is what drove Sarah’s success rapid achievement in picking up the bass.

An eight-year-old Sarah Elaz enthusiastically greets her sister returning from Phish tour.

Image is essential for an artist, and while Sarah can be found sporting her iconic sparkling amethyst Music Man bass, that isn’t always enough. Elaz acknowledges that as a female performer, she feels pressure to have a new look for every show. Finding a silver lining, she notes how rental services like Nuuly allow her to be creative without adding to fast fashion waste. “It’s another creative outlet for me, fashion becomes another part of the performance”

For Sarah, the pressure of sexism as a musician is more overt, from the lecherous fans who are bold enough to grab at the musicians onstage to the more banal, like audio techs who assume Sarah to be a fan of whatever band she performs in.

Behind the scenes, Sarah says the situation is more egalitarian, noting that “I am lucky to have so many examples of women above me who I look up to” with the quip that “I hope there’s no glass ceiling to that.”

Sarah Elaz’s next performance is with her original band, Boojum, on March 16 at the Sultan Room. On March 27, Sarah Elaz’s Almost Phish will play at Garcia’s at the Capitol Theatre.

March 13, 2024
Goose Announce 4-Show Capitol Theatre Run

Connecticut-based indie-jam quintet Goose has announced their return to Port Chester’s Capitol Theatre, for four performances over April 7-10. These shows will mark the highly anticipated live debut of the Goose’s newest addition, drummer Cotter Ellis.

In February, Goose introduced Ellis as their new drummer, simultaneously releasing Ted Tapes 2024, an album comprising instrumental improvisations recorded during Ellis’s audition process. These sessions have given fans an exciting taste of the fresh energy and creative dynamism Ellis brings to the band.

Goose at SPAC – photo by Zak Radick

This month, Goose surprised their faithful and rapidly expanding fan base with the premiere of Chateau Sessions Pt I on their YouTube channel. This hour-and-forty-five-minute video, captured in-studio with two moving cameras, offered fans a sneak peek at the new lineup performing a handful of catalog staples and fan-favorites.

Following the success of the first video, the band released Chateau Sessions Pt II on the evening of March 11. This second installment, running nearly 75 minutes in length, continues to showcase the unique chemistry between the band members and their new drummer. Audio versions of Chateau Sessions Parts I and II are now available for streaming or purchase via the band’s Bandcamp and Nugs.net pages.

With tickets to all previously announced tour dates in high demand, the band is working diligently to eliminate the secondary market and to ensure concert tickets end up in the hands of fans. As such, there will be no general on-sale for The Capitol Theatre shows. Instead, tickets will be made available exclusively via a lottery request system.

The request period starts today, March 12th at 12 pm ET, and ends on Saturday, March 16th at 5 pm ET. Lottery winners will be notified and charged for their tickets no later than the evening of Tuesday, March 19th. Following the end of the lottery request period and prior to emails going out to lottery winners, team Goose will examine every entry for suspicious activity and cancel entries from known scalpers.

For more information on Goose’s upcoming shows, remaining ticket availability, and to enter the Capitol Theatre ticket lottery, please visit www.goosetheband.com

GOOSE – TOUR 2024

APRIL

7-10 – Port Chester, NY – The Capitol Theatre

MAY

24-26 – Chillicothe, IL – Summer Camp Presents Solshine: A Music & Arts Reverie

JUNE

4 – St. Louis, MO – The Factory

5 – St. Louis, MO – The Factory

7 – Greenwood Village, CO – Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre

8 – Greenwood Village, CO – Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre

10 – Omaha, NE – Steelhouse

11 – Kansas City, MO – The Midland

12 – Indianapolis, IN – Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park

14 – Swanzey, NH – Northlands Music & Arts Festival (Two Sets)

15 – Canandaigua, NY – CMAC

16 – Cleveland, OH – Jacobs Pavilion

18 – Raleigh, NC – Red Hat Amphitheater

20 – Atlanta, GA – Fox Theatre

21 – Atlanta, GA – Fox Theatre

22 – Atlanta, GA – Fox Theatre

23 – Charlotte, NC – Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre

25 – Portland, ME – Thompson’s Point

26 – Portland, ME – Thompson’s Point

28 – Philadelphia, PA – Mann Center

29 – New York, NY – Forest Hills Stadium

30 – New Haven, CT – Westville Music Bowl
<a href="https://goosetheband.bandcamp.com/album/ted-tapes-2024">Ted Tapes 2024 by Goose</a>

March 12, 2024

Built in Breakdance