This year’s Drama Desk Awards will honor Nathan Lane and André Bishop for their contributions to New York City theater on June 10. André Bishop will receive the William Wolf Award, and Nathan Lane will receive the Harold S. Prince Award.
The Drama Desk Awards have brought theater critics and writers together since 1949. The Awards began in 1955 to honor New York’s theater, including productions on and off-Broadway. The Awards’ impartiality is a source of pride for the organization, with 100 theater critics, reporters, writers, and arts editors voting on the winners.
Nathan Lane’s prolific career through film, television, and theater has earned him the Harold S. Prince Award. Honoring the legendary director, the Harold S. Prince Award recognizes lifetime achievement in theater. Lane has performed in 25 Broadway productions, including Guys and Dolls, The Addams Family, and most recently, Pictures from Home.
As longtime artistic director and producing artistic director of Lincoln Center, André Bishop has produced multiple significant projects. During his 33-year tenure at Lincoln Center, Bishop worked with leading playwrights, composers, and lyricists. As Playwrights Horizons’ creative director, Bishop also produced three Pulitzer Prize winning plays.
The Awards will be hosted June 10th at the NYU Skirball Center, 556 LaGuardia Place. Tickets for the event are limited, but a request can be submitted through the following link.
Kathleen Turner announced the nominations for all the Drama Desk Awards on New York Live.
Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater – previously known as St. Joseph’s Health Ampitheater – has begun to announce their 2024 summer lineup of shows, which so far includes Hozier, Hank Williams Jr., Lainey Wilson, Jordan Davis, Lynyrd Skynyrd, ZZ Top and more.
Originally called Lakeview Amphitheatre when first opened in 2015, the naming rights later changed to St. Joseph’s Health in 2023, and then to what it is today– Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater, just down the road from the New York State Fairgrounds.
Though St. Joseph no longer has sole rights to the venue, they continue to support music and emphasize its importance in society, stating, “Music is a healing art, and as we stated when we took on this sponsorship in 2018, we firmly believe it is an important part of the culture of our diverse community and our healing ministry.”
May 21- Hozier : Unreal Unearth Tour
Indie artist Hozier will play at Syracuse’s Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview on May 21. The singer and songwriter released his third full-length album, Unreal Unearth, on August 18 which saw an impressive success worldwide. Having made a name for himself with the prolific track “Take Me To Church” over a decade ago, Hozier has expanded his music ability and reach to new audiences. The Unreal Unearth Tour has been a huge success throughout the world, having played shows for nearly 250,000 fans and boasting an entirely live performance.
Hozier Performs Live with Jools Holland
May 22 – Judas Priest : Invincible Shield Tour
After releasing their 19th studio album Invincible Shield, the British heavy metal band Judas Priest will perform at the Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview as part of their Invincible Shield Tour. Originally formed in Birmingham in 1969, Judas Priest consists of Rob Halford, Ian Hill, Glenn Tipton, Scott Travis and Richie Faulkner.
June 21 – Lainey Wilson
Another Louisiana native Lainey Wilson has made a name for herself because of her vocal and acting skills. She was the leading female nominee and winner at the 2023 ACM awards with Female Vocalist of the Year, Album of the Year, Visual Media and Musical Event of the Year, and had previously won 2022’s Female Vocalist and New Artist of the Year. She landed her first No. 1 with her renowned song, “Things A Man Oughta Know.” With her rockstar-like stage presence and raw talent, she’s sure to impress all who attend her 2024 Country’s Cool Again North American Tour.
June 26 – James Taylor and His All-Star Band
Legendary singer and songwriter James Taylor and his All-Star band will perform at the Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview Syracuse on June 26 as part of their tour.
Taylor is known for his covers, such as “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)” and “Handy Man”, as well as originals such as “Sweet Baby James”. The singer is also known for playing the leading role in Monte Hellman’s 1971 film Two-Lane Blacktop.
As a recording and touring artist, James is known for touching fans with his warm baritone voice and distinctive style of guitar-playing for more than 50 years, while setting a precedent to which countless young musicians have aspired. Since the release of his self-titled debut album in 1968, he has sold more than 100 million albums during the course of his successful songwriting and performing career, earning gold, platinum, and multi-platinum awards.
June 28 – Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss: Outlaw Fest.
Musician Willie Nelson is bringing his iconic Outlaw Music Festival to Darien Lake this summer. The packed festival will have a show at the Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview Syracuse on June 28 and will feature iconic artists like Bob Dylan, Robert Plant and Alison Krauss.
Willie Nelson, who was born in Texas during the Great Depression, has a career that spans the majority of his life. His debut studio album, …And Then I Wrote, was released in 1962, catapulting him into a successful career.
July 11 – Jason Aldean – Highway Desperado Tour
After a successful 40-date run in 2023, country star Jason Aldean will continue the Highway Desperado Tour in the summer of 2024 and will stop in Syracuse at the Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview on July 11. Aldean recently released his 11th studio album on November 3 to huge success. The 14-track record includes hit singles such as “Try That In A Small Town” and “Let Your Boys Be Country.” The latter includes a brand new music video featuring guest appearances by Aldean’s young son and daughter, and focuses on the simplicity and nature of rural childhood life.
Louisiana native Jordan Davis is known for his collaboration with Luke Bryan in 2021 with “Buy Dirt.” He now resides in Nashville, showcasing his growth as an artist in his “Damn Good Time” world tour. He took “Buy Dirt” and won Song of the Year in 2022 via the Country Music Association Awards, and only continues to grow as a musician.
July 24 – Santana and Counting Crows: Oneness Tour
Legendary guitarist Santana and Grammy-nominated band Counting Crows will perform at the Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview on July 24 as part of their “Oneness” tour that they announced earlier this spring.
Santana and Counting Crows promises to deliver a passionate, high-energy, and classic hits from their catalogs. Carlos Santana will provide his legendary guitar playing, while the Counting Crows get everyone jiving and singing along.
The two visionary artists’ tour will combine their minds and talents to surely prove and put on a spectacle show on July 24.
July 26 – Dan + Shay : Heartbreak On The Map Tour
The Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview Syracuse will also see country duo Dan + Shay on July 26. Dan + Shay’s mark on country music continues to grow with the release of their highly anticipated studio album, Bigger Houses in 2023.
In 2021, the duo became the first and only artist to win a Grammy Award for Best Country Duo/Group Performance 3x consecutively since the category’s inception. The reigning Favorite Country Duo or Group winners claimed a 3rd consecutive win for the category at the American Music Awards, where they had swept their categories in 2020, becoming the first country artist ever to win Collaboration of the Year.
July 31 – Train and REO Speedwagon – Summer Road Trip
The legendary hitmakers REO Speedwagon and Train announced earlier that they will be teaming up for the hottest co-headlining tour of the summer. Together with REO Speedwagon’s extensive collection of timeless classics and Train’s critically acclaimed catalog of global hits, the diamond-selling bands will embark on the Summer Road Trip 2024 Tour, promising an unforgettable evening of music, high energy, and fun that will appeal to all age groups. The bands will perform at the Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview Syracuse on July 31.
August 3 – Xscape & SWV : The Queens of R&B Tour
Following a social media teaser that sparked intense excitement among fans, the legendary groups XSCAPE and SWV have reunited for “The Queens of R&B” tour with support from MÝA, Total, and 702. When sharing the tour announcement, XSCAPE and SWV shared that “The Queens Of R&B” tour is a testament to the power of what can be accomplished when women come together with respect, admiration and undeniable talent. It is a celebration of passion, power, resilience and unstoppable ability to exceed expectations.
Their highly anticipated tour will be an unforgettable experience filled with timeless R&B music and stellar performances that are set to captivate audiences across the nation.
August 15 – ZZ Top & Lynyrd Skynyrd
ZZ Top, known for their single, “Sharp Dressed Man”, and Lynyrd Skynyrd, known for their critically-acclaimed album Pronounced‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd,’ have put their musical talents together for an unforgettable show performing across the United States, with one stop at the Amphitheater in August. You can’t miss their raw rock and roll music, sure to bring everyone to their feet.
August 24 – Hank Williams Jr.
Country Rock artist Hank Williams, Jr. first started his career by covering his father’s songs and emulating his style. At the age of 14, Williams, Jr. made his television debut in an Ed Sullivan Show episode from December 1963, where he sang a number of songs that were connected to his father. He also appeared as a guest star on Shindig later that year. In 1964, he made his recording debut with “Long Gone Lonesome Blues”, one of his father’s many classic songs. Hank Williams Jr.’s line up will also include the rock band Whiskey Myers and Ray Fulcher, a songwriter based in Harlem.
August 29 – Walker Hayes: Same Drunk Tour
Country singer Walker Hayes will perform at the Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview Syracuse on August 29 as part of his anticipated “Same Drunk” tour.
Hayes released the EP Country Stuff on June, 2021. Its single “Fancy Like” went viral on TikTok, peaking at number 3 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 1 on the Hot Country Songs chart, making it Hayes’ highest-charting release to date.
September 4 – Rob Zombie and Alice Cooper
Hard rock icon Rob Zombie will embark on his Freaks On Parade Tour by performing at the Syracuse stage on Sept. 4. Joining Rob on tour is the Detroit native Alice Cooper who delights both the crowd and his devoted followers with his unique brand of rock psycho-drama. Cooper is known for his wide range inspirations from vaudeville, garage rock, and horror films, and his ensemble puts on a theatrical production complete with electric chairs, guillotines, fake blood, and boa constrictors. Rob Zombie and Alice Cooper’s tour will also be accompanied by Al Jourgensen’s band Ministry and Richard Patrick’s band Filter.
September 6 – Hootie & the Blowfish – Summer Camp with Trucks Tour
Hootie and the Blowfish will return to the road in 2024 on their Summer Camp With Trucks Tour with special guests Collective Soul and Edwin McCain. Visiting about 43 cities across the U.S. and Canada, this will mark Hootie and the Blowfish’s first full tour since 2019.
September 7 – Pitbull: Party After Dark Tour
Pitbull – Grandstands Day 3
Global superstar Pitbull will perform at the Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater on Sept. 7 as part of his anticipated upcoming Party After Dark Tour. The tour plans to hit over 25 cities across the U.S. with special guest T-Pain and openers SiriusXM Globalization DJ’S. Lil Jon is also set to make appearances at select markets. Mr. Worldwide is set to deliver another incredibly dynamic tour with an electrifying mix of his biggest career-spanning hits of instantly recognizable smashes and surprises.
September 13 – Killer Queen with Special Guest Voyage
Killer Queen, a tribute band from London who has been doing this for more than 25 years will hit the Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater on Sept. 13 with special guest Voyage. Fans and critics alike have praised Voyage as the best Journey tribute band for their terrifyingly accurate rendition of the Journey catalog. Voyage takes their fans back to the ’80s era when the timeless music of Journey dominated the airwaves. The collective ability of these five guys has elevated the meaning of a tribute to a whole new level.
September 24 – Nathaniel Rateliff & TNS and My Morning Jacket
Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats and My Morning Jacket will co-headline their Eye to Eye Tour on September 24 in Syracuse at the Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview.
My Morning Jacket was hailed by The New York Times as “the kings of expand-your-mind, religious-experience rock”. The group started out as misfits from the South and have since grown to become one of the most beloved bands of their generation. Additionally, they continue to excite audiences all over the world with their hypnotic songcraft and dynamic live performances.
Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, born from Denver rock clubs, have grown to be a major force in modern rock ‘n’ roll. With platinum and gold-certified records under their belt, they successfully combine critically acclaimed records with high-energy live performances.
However, it’s not just about the music—Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, My Morning Jacket, and the nonprofit REVERB are collaborating to address the climate crisis and reduce the environmental impact of their tour. Fans can enjoy a fun-filled evening of dancing while contributing to a worthy cause. Fans can check out reverb.org for more information.
Additionally, the tour will provide a dynamic experience by having both bands play equal-length sets, switching up the order of performance at each show. Fans can lose themselves with live music at the Eye to Eye Tour this September in Syracuse.
Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater summer lineup will also include a performance by Train and REO Speedwagon on July 31 who will be performing as part of their huge 43-concert Summer Road Trip Tour. Other announced lineups include the infamous comedians Impractical Jokers set to take the stage on August 23, and Hootie & the Blowfish who will perform on July 31 as part of their Summer Camp With Trucks Tour.
For full performance and lineup listings or to purchase tickets, fans can visit here.
“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.
The South Street Seaport Museum and Gaia Music Collective have announced the first event of Blue Mind Fest: a one-day choir event set to take place tomorrow. This will be the first of a series of performances throughout the year that focus on the impact that water has on our lives. These programs that will run throughout the year promise to focus on education, well-being, and sustainability.
The Gaia Music Collective, based in Brooklyn, is dedicated to creating accessible spaces for music making. In accordance with the theme, singers of all levels are invited to sing the song “Water” by singer songwriter Tyla. In light of Gaia’s dedication to inclusivity, singers of all levels are welcome.
This first event of Blue Mind Fest will begin with a rehearsal in the hull of the 1885 ship Wavertree. As the experience progresses, the choir will move to the main deck to perform. The South Street Seaport Museum features collections of art, galleries, and artifacts preserving New York’s history as a port city. The Seaport Museum offers excellent opportunities to learn about New York’s history as a port city. PIX11 News explored the South Seaport Museum and discussed its mission with the museum president.
Proceeds from Blue Mind Fest will be split between the Gaia Music Collective and the South Street Seaport. Tickets start at $1, but a donation of $11-$30 is suggested. This event will be held on Saturday, May 18, from 3-6 PM. Advanced registration is required, and a beverage is included with the ticket.
The House passed the Transparency in Charges for Key Events Ticketing Act on Wednesday to increase consumer price transparency with great praise from organizations such as NIVA and Fix The Tix Coalition.
According to NBC, the TICKET Act would require sellers to list the ticket cost to buyers, including fees. They would also have to disclose whether the tickets they are selling are not in their possession and provide refunds if an event is canceled. It was first introduced by Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Fla., in June 2023.
The act is one of several recent efforts to curb unfair practices in the ticketing industry. A group of bipartisan senators also introduced the Fans First Act in December, increasing cost transparency and preventing resellers from listing tickets at high prices. Since the Eras Tour incident in 2022, lawmakers have sought to address consumer discontent toward the ticketing industry.
The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) and the Fix The Tix Coalition applauded the act’s passage. They are calling on the Senate to pass S. 3457, the Fans First Act, which has additional provisions to ban fake tickets, to ensure that deceptive imagery on websites does not trick consumers, to increase mandatory reporting of illegal BOTS, to require clear itemizations of ticket prices and fees at the beginning, and to provide meaningful enforcement of these provisions.
We commend House passage of H.R. 3950, the TICKET Act, which will help to improve the ticket buying experience for fans, to protect the livelihoods of artists, and to preserve independent venues across the nation. Not only has the U.S. House of Representatives moved to protect consumers from predatory and deceptive ticketing practices, but states across the country, including Arizona, Maryland, Minnesota and Nevada, have recently banned, without exception, speculative tickets on a bipartisan basis. We call on Congress to do the same, to build on the act and adopt strong, enforceable, comprehensive ticketing reform legislation like the Fans First Act.
Stephen Parker, Executive Director of the National Independent Venue Association.
Fix The Tix Coalition also applauds the act saying, “The bill provides transparency with all-in pricing and takes important steps to combat speculative tickets and deceptive websites. We urge the Senate to build on this progress by strengthening these provisions, increasing enforcement of the BOTS Act, and providing additional avenues of enforcement to combat predatory and deceptive ticketing practices. The live entertainment ecosystem is counting on Congress to act in the best interests of fans to restore transparency and trust to our countryâs broken ticketing system.”
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.
This summer, Canandaigua’s Constellation Brands-Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center (CMAC), will feature 18 shows starting in May through August. The CMAC 2024 roster features artists spanning from rock to country, welcoming fans of all genres.
Grammy-nominated folk-rock band, The Avett Brothers, are kicking off CMAC’s 2024 season with their summer tour for the band’s brand new self-titled album released on May 17. Joining them as a guest is country and bluegrass artist Sierra Ferrell.
Zach Brown Band- June 2 at 6:30 PM
Over the past 22 years as a band, the multi-platinum southern rock group led by Zac Brown have had five consecutive #1 albums on Billboard’s Country Albums Chart and won three GRAMMY awards including Best New Artist, Best Country Collaboration with Vocals, and Best Country Album. After releasing their new live album From The Road, Vol. 1: Covers and two new singles, the band will bring plenty of music, new and old, to CMAC.
Warren Haynes- June 9 at 7 PM
Former member of The Allman Brothers Band, The Dead, and founding member of Gov’t Mule, Warren Haynes is bringing the Now Is The Time tour to CMAC this summer featuring the Warren Haynes Band and The Dreams and Songs Symphonic Experience
Goose is a five-piece jam band hailing from Connecticut with clear influences from Phish and The Grateful Dead. Taking their 2024 summer tour on the road to support their latest album Ted Tapes 2024, the band will bring a slew of energetic music to Canandaigua.
Carrie Underwood- June 21 at 7:30 PM
Returning to the stage after last summer’s U.S. arena tour, multi-faceted country star Carrie Underwood, known for songs such as “Before He Cheats” and “Jesus Take the Wheel,” is making a stop at CMAC while on a break from her Las Vegas residency REFLECTION.
Nine-time GRAMMY winner Brandi Carlile returns to CMAC during a small tour of East Coast shows in June. She will be joined by her long-time collaborators, The Hanseroth Twins, who have played alongside her throughout her career. In recent years, she has worked closely with legends such as Joni Mitchell, Tanya Tucker, and Elton John.
Norah Jones- July 5 at 7:30 PM
Embarking on her North America Visions Tour 2024, nine-time GRAMMY winner, Norah Jones, is coming to CMAC in support of her new album Visions, released in March. With her, she brings the legendary soul singer Mavis Staples as her guest.
Jason Mraz & The Superband- July 10 at 7:30 PM
Singer-songwriter Jason Mraz, whose 2008 song “I’m Yours” put him on the radar, is continuing his tour, The Mystical Magical Rhythmical Radical Ride this summer, supporting his 2023 album of the same name. The alt-pop band Ripe will join the tour as a guest.
Sam Hunt- August 15 at 6:30 PM
Chart-topping country artist Sam Hunt, who can be recognized by his 2017 hit “Body Like A Back Road” is returning to the CMAC lineup while on tour for his new EP, Locked Up. He will be accompanied at CMAC by special guests and fellow country musicians Tyler Hubbard of Florida Georgia Line and Dalton Dover.
The 12-piece rock and soul group led by husband and wife Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi are returning to CMAC on their Deuces Wild 2024 tour, where country singer-songwriter Margo Price will join as their guest performer.
Tickets and more information on these events can be found on CMACâs website.
“20 years of Lucid, I never thought I’d see the day.” Lowell Wurster shared this sentiment alongside an announcement that on Saturday, May 18, Lucid would gather together at the Strand Center in Plattsburgh to celebrate two decades of North Country funk and soul.
Lucid at The Waterhole – October 2023
The Strand Theater itself is celebrating as well, marking 100 years of performances this year, having opened in 1924 as a vaudeville theatre. In recent years, the venue has undergone renovations and upgrades, bringing the Strand into the 21st Century.
Lowell shared his excitement for the anniversary event. “This show is a celebration of a community and love, The North Country is our home and this is where our hearts lie. To be able to celebrate our 20 year anniversary in our hometown means the world to us. Some of us went to the same high school and had the same teachers.”
“The whole community rallied around us years ago when we went on our first East coast tour. There’s always been such an outpouring of support for us and its been quite humbling. We love the North Country,” added Wurster.
Supporting Lucid is Lowell’s father, George, with ‘When Pigs Fly’ – the name derived from his band Blind Pigs from many years back. In the past year, members of Lucid, the Blind Pigs original drummer, Pat Madix, and Mike Dashnaw from The Shameless Strangers were brought together to create When Pigs Fly for this special occasion.
“I honestly think people are pretty excited to watch my dad’s band. After years of watching him sit in with us now folks can watch him front a whole set, that is exciting for me and a lot of other people are pretty stoked.”
Lowell Wurster, on When Pigs Fly
A perfect band to pair up for the evening, Lucid fans have seen George play with the group over the years, making this a family affair in more ways that one. Expect to see Wurster’s sister, Catherine, of DoomF$ck, also sitting in throughout the evening.
“We’re just so excited to share this experience with everyone. This is a celebration of 20 years of building community, this is about love and the family we’ve built with this community,” said Wurster.
The 20 year anniversary celebration for Lucid takes place on Saturday May 18 at the Strand Center for the Arts, with doors at 6pm and the show starting at 7pm. Tickets and more info can be found here or at the Strandcenter.org
Boston Calling Music Festival returns this Memorial Day weekend, May 24-26, 2024, to the Harvard Athletic Complex in Boston, MA.
The long-running and well-known music festival has a stellar line up for 2024 and lists performances by Ed Sheeran, Leon Bridges, Tyler Childers, Trey Anastasio, Megan Thee Stallion, The Revivalists, Renee Rapp, Young the Giant, The Killers, and Hozier along with many other talented artists.
The Boston Calling 2024 website is a great source of information for all things festival related such as where to stay and you can also purchase your tickets from the website. The different ticket options listed are day and weekend pass for General Admission, GA+, VIP, and Platinum.
You will want to review the FAQ section as you plan. There is no on-site parking, and they do a great job in the article telling you how to navigate. Also be sure to check out the other questions so you can be prepared for the festival.
Don’t forget to check out the website listing of the food vendors which is very handy if you have dietary restrictions or like to plan your meals ahead of time, they list online each vendor and their location during the festival.
Legendary musician Graham Nash will be bringing his “Graham Nash – More Evenings of Songs and Stories” tour to the Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stageat the historicCarnegie Hall on Tuesday, October 1. Set for an 8:00 p.m. start time, Nash, a founding member of both The Hollies and Crosby, Stills and Nash, will be performing a body of work spanning over six decades that includes a litany of monumental recordings.
Graham Nash to bring ‘More Evenings of Songs and Stories’ tout to Carnegie Hall
Additionally, the Carnegie Hall audience will be treated to a special guest in Judy Collins, whose own legendary body work spans more than seven decades. In light of his special performance tickets have already gone on sale on the Carnegie Hall official website. Ticket prices range from $69, $89, $99 and $149.
Judy Collins’ legendary career has seen her remain active for over seven decades
Moreover, Nash offered a preview to the midtown-Manhattan venue’s crowd making an unannounced appearance at Crosby, Stills, and Nash tribute concert at New York’s Carnegie Hall on Monday, May 13. Although Nash wasn’t officially on the bill, he came out at the end of the night to perform a moving rendition of “Our House.”
For his part, Nash is a two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee who has seen rock history unfold at some of its seminal moments. After all the Blackpool-bred musician began making history during the launch of the British Invasion with his work with CSN, while perfecting his craft during the birth of the Laurel Canyon movement a year later. An extraordinary Grammy Award winning renaissance artist – and self-described “simple man” – Nash has contributed a wealth of songs to the soundtrack of our lives. Moreover, the “I Used to Be a King” singer is a two-time inductee into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, for his work with CSN and his work as a solo artist.
Similarly, the eternal Judy Collins has inspired audiences with sublime vocals, boldly vulnerable songwriting, personal life triumphs, and a firm commitment to social activism throughout her extensive career. In the 1960s, she evoked both the idealism and steely determination of a generation united against social and environmental injustices. Five decades later, her luminescent presence continues to shine brightly as new generations bask in the glow of her iconic 55-album body of work, and heed inspiration from her spiritual discipline to thrive in the music industry for half a century.
