Category: Regions

Chyna Streetz Covers Creative Ground [NYC & Beyond]

Chyna Streetz loves the process. Through various life experiences she continues to learn and grow. Money comes and money goes but lost time on Earth could never be earned back. Abundantly, the hours in the studio and on tour continue to pay dividends for this NYC-based emcee.

Her latest body of work, From Hell to Chanel showcases just how far she has come since her first project in 2018. After experimenting with different sounds – Chyna now sets her sights on accomplishing feats according to her own timetable.

“Even if the wounds heal, the scars left still show.”
-Judas Kiss by Chyna Streetz & Tiona Deniece

Less worried about what others see fit for her – this artist formerly known as Chy the Empress embodies her lane in the underground East Coast hip-hop scene. Amazingly, strides from the likes of Westside Gunn and Rome Streetz have turned underground hip-hop damn-near mainstream. Label it however you wish – real rap is back on the map and Chyna Streetz pushes her pen to the forefront.

With conceptual storytelling and divine lyricism – everyone better recognize what Chyna Streetz means to hip-hop. From Hell to Chanel (entirely produced by 183rd( illuminates the struggles this woman went through. The determination to prove herself shines very brightly on this tape.

On Bernadine’s Rage she refers to herself as a, “Goddess in the likeness.” In the very next line she proclaims she is, “Tight she had to write this.” Therefore, these two lines together make for an excellent set of opening lines.

Right from the beginning of Bernadine’s Rage – she lets us know that she is a supreme being as those who have utmost confidence are recognized sooner than those who only half-step their way to the goal. Next, being ‘tight’ means she might have been upset she had to write this which portrays growth and shows that she will take any steps necessary to become the best version of herself.

New York is a Nationality

All credit due to the Empress and her efforts – the moment she transformed into Chyna Streetz drove her to become a different animal within the same beast. Spending time with her man Rome Streetz has propelled her lyricism, uplifted her stage presence and given her the bravery to use her past as a turning point for the future.

When Chyna was 17 she went away for robbery in the first degree. She served roughly six years altogether between Bayview Correctional Center and the ‘Staying Out Program’ in Manhattan. Hurricane Sandy ravaged much of Bayview Correctional Center and it is now being renovated into affordable housing.

“Rolled the dice on life and found out time cannot be bought.”
-Judas Kiss

Chyna preaches to live and maintain in the ways that work for you. Do not let outside influence or external gratification dictate the path you know you must walk. Evidently, within the core of every soul – you will find what direction you must choose. Now, take the steps to walk the road less traveled en route to fulfillment of your destiny.

Some ways in which Chyna found self-realization comes from internal strength and stepping outside of her comfort zone. Nonetheless, building confidence from within and surrounding herself with truly talented people have led her to become a difference-maker within the game.

Key Tracks: Matrimony, Sirens Lullaby, Judas Kiss

Stream her latest collection here and write the author on IG and let him know which one you’re rocking with the most.

April 1, 2024
Look Inside Dopapod’s Trapper Keeper at The Williams Center

Funky, jam band powerhouse Dopapod stopped in The Williams Center in Rutherford, NJ on Thursday, March 28. The Jungle Jazz Initiative opened up the night, offering a groovy and entertaining set, fitting in well with Dopapod’s sound.

Dopapod’s first set was only 4 songs, which was full of jams and featured a good representation of their career with newer and older songs. It started out with a danceable “Live In the Dream” followed by a Dopapod classic “Turnin’ Knobs” which featured the electronic, synth heavy peaks. Another catchy classic closed up the set, “Braindead”. The chorus is still ringing in my head.

The band opened up the second set with a very distinguishable “Trapper Keeper”. This was followed by an unexpected “No Quarter” played with ferocity. The rest of the set included newer and older songs that flowed together incredibly well. And suddenly a Dead cover appeared, Dopapod’s homage “Smertha” was played to close up the set.

The band encored with “Landmines”. Dopapod’s sound is unique and is distinguishable in a scene that can at times be homogenous. Their unique style provides a refreshing experience and will continue to gather fans.

Dopapod – The Williams Center for the Arts, Rutherford, NJ – Thursday, March 28, 2024

Set 1: Live in The Dream, Turninâ Knobs, Man or Machine, Braindead
Set 2: Trapper Keeper, No Quarter, Ebb and Flow, My Elephant Vs. Your Elephant, Peter Banning, Sonic, 2 Somebodies, We Are Not Alone, Shmertha
Encore: Landmines

April 1, 2024
Mount Marcy Music Festival Coming to the High Peaks Region in August

The tallest peak in New York State will host the highest music festival in New York State this summer. Mount Marcy Music Festival (MMMF) will be held this June, featuring live music, hikers, yoga, food trucks, and views for miles of the Adirondack Mountains.

MMMF – mimicking the sound one makes when strenuously ascending the high peaks (mmmf!) – will take place at an altitude of 5,343 feet, atop the highest point of New York State, Mount Marcy. Using state-of-the-art airlift technology, speakers and gear transported by helicopter and bands, promoters are prepared for the day-long musical affair.

Artists will perform directly on Mount Marcy’s summit, without a stage, offering fans a chance to walk around the perimeter of the summit, taking in views of the artists and scenery from a multitude of angles, with speakers situated strategically around the peak for optimal listening enjoyment. Artists will arrive by helicopter the morning of MMMF, with hikers encouraged to begin their hike before dawn, to ensure arrival by 10am, when the music will begin with an acoustic set from Annie in the Water.

I never thought we’d see the day when live music was performed on New York’s tallest point. But here we are.
Colvin McBlake, 46er

The hike itself is 8 miles each way, with limited parking available at the Adirondack Loj and Heart Lake. Attendees should plan to pack in/pack out and bring ample hydration, as well as preparation for the elements. VIP ticket holders will be able to utilize SherpaNY™ to carry them up the peak when they get too tired (this feature is only available after reaching Indian Falls).

A food truck, featuring Michigan Dogs, Mozzarella Sticks (with choice of melba or marinara sauce), Garbage Plates, Chicken Spiedies and other New York State staples, will be available on-site, and will remain on the summit as a seasonal snack stop for Mount Marcy summiteers.

Just a 1 mile hike down from the peak, Lake Tear of the Clouds acoustic stage will feature singer/songwriters and acoustic musicians performing historic songs of the Adirondacks and the Hudson River headwaters.

MMMF will take place on Monday, June 31, 2024, from 10am-10pm. Tickets for Mount Marcy Music Festival are available exclusively at the Saranac Lake Price Chopper’s Ticketmaster counter. Ticket price does not include parking or black fly repellent, but does include a $25 donation to the NYS Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation.

Mount Marcy Music Festival Artist Lineup

Annie in the Water

Perfect Thyroid

Ra Ra Riot

Irv Lyons, Jr.

Let’s Be Leonard

Fishman (Jon, solo set)

ONYX

Ocupanther

Laura Leigh Band

Seapods

With MMMF announced, organizers also noted that in the works for 2025 is “Tipper Lake” with EDM legend Tipper bringing his legendary performance and light show to the shores of Tupper Lake, just 30 minutes from Mount Marcy.

This was an April Fools story. Had this been real news, the Department of Environmental Conservation would have probably stopped this during the permitting process.

April 1, 2024
Grand Reopening: Brooklyn Paramount Theater Shines Again with Damian and Stephen Marley

After years of eager anticipation, the historic Brooklyn Paramount Theater reopened its doors to music enthusiasts on Wednesday, March 27, with a spectacular concert featuring reggae icons Damian and Stephen Marley. Part of their highly anticipated 2024 Traffic Jam Tour, the event delighted fans with a night of rhythm, melody, and cultural celebration.

A Brief History of the Brooklyn Paramount Theater

Originally opened in 1928, the Brooklyn Paramount Theater stood as a beacon of entertainment in the heart of New York City. With its stunning art deco architecture and state-of-the-art facilities, the theater quickly became a beloved landmark, hosting a plethora of performances ranging from live music acts to film screenings.

Like many historic theaters, the Brooklyn Paramount faced periods of decline and neglect over the years. By the late 1960s, it had ceased operations as a theater and was repurposed for various other uses, including a disco club and a basketball arena. Despite efforts to revive it, the theater remained largely dormant for decades, with its grandeur fading into memory.

The Renovation Project

In recent years, a dedicated group of preservationists and investors embarked on a mission to restore the Brooklyn Paramount Theater to its former glory. Drawing inspiration from its illustrious past, the renovation project aimed to breathe new life into the venue while preserving its historic charm.

Through meticulous restoration efforts guided by archival research and architectural expertise, the theater underwent a remarkable transformation. From refurbishing the ornate faÃ§ade to upgrading its sound and lighting systems, no detail was spared in the quest to revive this cultural gem.

The Grand Reopening Concert

The reopening of the Brooklyn Paramount TheaterSetlist: was a momentous occasion, eagerly awaited by both locals and music enthusiasts from afar. And what better way to kick off this new chapter in the theater’s history than with a performance by two of reggae’s most influential figures?

Damian and Stephen Marley, sons of the legendary Bob Marley, graced the stage alongside their band, offering a mesmerizing display of their musical talent. Set against the backdrop of the newly renovated theater, the duo delighted the audience with a dynamic setlist.

The Music

Damian and Stephen Marley chose songs from their popular collection to create a setlist that pleased both longtime and new fans. They performed tunes about unity, love, and social justice, along with some catchy melodies. Some standout songs from the concert included”Welcome to Jamrock,” “Could You Be Loved,” “Exodus,” “Medication” “The Mission,” and “Rock Stone.” Each song transported the audience on a musical journey, infusing the Brooklyn Paramount Theater with the vibrant spirit of reggae and honoring the legacy of their famous father.

A Night to Remember

As the music ended and applause filled the air, it was obvious that the reopening concert at the Brooklyn Paramount Theatre was a big success. For those in attendance, it wasn’t merely a concert but rather a joyous celebration of culture, community, and the unifying power of music.

Damian and Stephen Marley – Brooklyn Paramount – Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Setlist: Big Youth – Intro, 10,000 Chariots, The Traffic Jam, So Much Trouble in the World, All Night, Pimpa’s Paradise, Still Searchin’, Tight Ship, It Was Written, Cast The First Stone, Jah Army, Medication, The Mission, Love and Inity / Punky Reggae Party, Jamming, Is This Love, Rock Stone, Road To Zion, Welcome to Jamrock, Exodus, Could You Be Loved

March 31, 2024
Ace Frehley And His “Rock Soldiers” Lay Rock and Roll Siege Upon Sony Hall

New York City has been given many nicknames like “the city so nice, they named it twice,” as well as “The Big Apple.” The city at any given moment can hold multiple events at one time. Friday, March. 28 saw country star Zach Bryan play at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn while President Biden hosted a fundraiser which featured former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton. The fundraiser was only steps away from where former KISS guitarist, Ace Frehley played as he filled up Sony Hall just a month after his newest release, 10,000 Volts.

Frehley has announced 15 dates to his itinerary for 2024. Three of those dates, including the Sony Hall show, are in New York. Frehley is playing at the Rome Capitol Theatre on April. 12 as well as the River Theatre in North Tonawanda on Aug. 21. These tour dates are also in support of his newest release which has been praised very highly by the music community.

Before the rock and roll siege of “The Spaceman,” the New York City natives known as Kore Rozzik warmed up the eager crowd. Kore Rozzik played seven songs and did their part well at getting the crowd hyped up for classic Kiss and original tunes from Frehley. Kore Rozzik, while a harder style of rock music than Frehley powered through technical difficulties and wonky mic feedback to deliver their brand of metal and hard rock. The fans who knew the band loved them and screamed wildly. It took a few songs for the band to win over fans that weren’t so familiar with them. Once lead singer Kore Rozzik graced the stage in different stage clothes for multiple songs and sprayed the audience with water after their final song, “Spellbound,” the band made multiple fans and left a lasting impression on the rowdy crowd.

Joining Rozzik on stage were Andrei Patorski and Alex Devious on guitars, Matias Sanes on bass and Crow Starbird on the drums.

As the house lights dimmed and one of Frehley’s instrumentals blasted of the speakers, a sudden surge rushed from the back of the general admission audience and pushed the crowd closer to the stage. With what seemed like one quick motion, Frehley and his band blasted into “Shock Me,” off Kiss’ 1977 record, Love Gun. Frehley played 14 total songs that took fans through memory lane of his Kiss days while also sprinkling in a few solo songs including the title track to his newest release. Frehley sported a sparkly jacket that draped over his NASA t-shirt to start the first few songs of the night. Dawning classic Rayban aviators and his classic Les Paul guitar, it was clear that Frehley and the rest of his band were indeed “back in the New York Groove.”

Accompanying Frehley on stage was bassist Ryan Cook, guitarist Jeremy Asbrock and drummer Scot Coogan. This was the same band that played on his record in addition to touring with Frehley across the United States recently.

Like Kore Rozzik, the Frehley band was not only battling the bad feedback from their speakers but at one point in between the band’s rendition of “Rip It Out,” and “Detroit Rock City,” Cook’s bass strap broke and had to be taped back together for the remainder of the show. But, with a calm smile, Cook took the minor setback like a true professional and continued to wave and point into the crowd of fans.

Unlike the last show that Frehley played at the Paramount Hudson Valley back in October, multiple fans put on his classic face paint and rushed to the front of the stage before the band’s set. The entire crowd, which consisted of all ages never left their spot in the general admission and continued to clap, throw up the rock horns and raise their fists to the loud wall of sound in front of them. If you closed your eyes and pictured what a Kiss concert sounded like in the mid-1970s’ when the band was at the height of their powers, without a doubt, it would have sounded something very close to last night’s show.

In classic Frehley showmanship, for the band’s rendition of “New York Groove,” Frehley brought out his classic guitar that lights up. When the special Les Paul guitar made its appearance, the crowd went crazy as they knew exactly what song was coming up. At the beginning note of every song, the crowd gave the band a thunderous cheer. The cheering was so loud at one point that it seemed like the roof was going to cave in.

It was extremely impressive to hear the band play their new material from the aforementioned 10,000 Volts. Despite the band only playing the title track, it was neat to hear the band acknowledge their new record. Throughout the show, fans were yelling for the band to play some of their favorite tunes from the brand-new record. Regardless of Frehley being 72 years old, he still had his skill from the ‘70s on guitar while also having his signature voice on lead vocals.

At the end of the show, when the doors were flung open and the cool New York air filled up the downstairs theater, there was not one unhappy fan in the venue. With Kiss now being retired and the band not playing, Frehley is one of two members still out on the road. With that being said, fans were extremely happy to have their night filled with Kiss tunes and seeing the one and only Spaceman

Kore Rozzik Setlist: Welcome To Rock Hell, I Am Your Savior, Can’t Stop Won’t Stop, Vengeance Overdrive, Mistress, Guilty As Charged, Spellbound

Ace Frehley Setlist: Shock Me, Rocket Ride, 10,000 Volts, Rock Soldiers, Love Gun, Parasite, New York Groove, Rip It Out, Detriot Rock City, Cold Gin, Strange Ways, Shout It Out Loud, Deuce, Rock And Roll All Nite

March 31, 2024
Crossroads Collective Show at Lost Horizon Supports Free Music Lessons for Inner City Kids on April 6

On April 6th, Crossroads Collective is hosting a fundraiser at The Lost Horizon with performances by Japanese Psych-Rock Band TEKE :: TEKE, and Syracuse’s own, GUNK! A masterful alternative prog-rock ensemble.

This meaningful fundraiser highlights great music and the inspiring work done by the Crossroads Collective and the Let’s Play program.

Crossroads Collective is a student-led organization that bridges the gap between Syracuse University and the local Syracuse community. Through their partnership with the Arthouse Collective, they organize music lessons, workshops, open mics, and performances within the area to foster a supportive and creative environment open to everyone.

Proceeds from the show will go to supporting the Let’s Play program. Currently, SU students are teaching a variety of free music lessons for inner city kids in local libraries and youth centers. Money raised from this event will go to supporting these lessons.

For more info and tickets, click here.

March 31, 2024
Opera Saratoga announces new Board Members ahead of 2024 season

Saratoga Springs’ own Opera Saratoga has elected four new members to its Board in preparation of the 2024 summer season, and under the leadership of General and Artistic Director, Mary Birnbaum.

New board members include: Saratoga Springs Commissioner of Public Works, Jason Golub; Supervising Judge of the Supreme Court in the Third Judicial District, Hon. Christina Ryba; local business owner and musician Derek Stannard; and, president and CEO of Empire Media Network, Abby Tegnalia.

“It is tremendously exciting to have these four new members joining our board. All community leaders in the Capital Region, each new member brings a valuable perspective and talent to our leadership team. I am looking forward to working with them as we continue to take Opera Saratoga forward.”
board President Steve Rosenblum

Opera Saratoga shares the following about the new Board Members

Jason Golub is a lifelong lover of musical theater but relatively new to opera. He currently serves as the Commissioner of Public Works for Saratoga Springs and has held professional roles as an anti-corruption lawyer and chief compliance officer at General Electric, and various leadership roles at hedge funds and law firms. He attended Connecticut College and Columbia Law School. He is excited to help continue to build on Opera Saratoga’s success by expanding the reach of Opera Saratoga to new audiences in Saratoga Springs and beyond, including his two kids, Zoe and Max.

The Honorable Christina L. Ryba was elected in 2015 to serve as Justice of the Supreme Court of New York in the Third Judicial District and in 2023 she was appointed Supervising Judge of the Supreme Court in the Third Judicial District. She also serves as Co-Chair of the Permanent Commission on Access to Justice whose mission is to ensure equal access to justice in New York State. Prior to beginning her judicial term in 2016, she held various positions in the court system for the Office of Court Administration (OCA) and in the NYS Supreme Court Appellate Division, Third Department, including Special Projects Counsel to the Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for Courts Outside New York City and Special Projects Counsel to the Presiding Justice of the Appellate Division, Third Department. Prior to her work with the judiciary, Judge Ryba was an associate at Nixon Peabody. She also served as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of New York Litigation Bureau. Additional public service includes appointments first as General Counsel and then as Deputy Director for the City of Albany Community Development Agency. She began her career in public service with the City of Albany Corporation Counsel’s office. Judge Ryba is Second Vice President of the Association of Justices of the Supreme Court of the State of New York; member of the New York Women Judges Association; past-president of the Albany County Bar Foundation; past-president of the Albany County Bar Association; member of Judicial Friends Association; member of the American Bar Association; and a Trustee of Albany Law School, where she chairs the Law Committee and is a member of the Executive Committee.

Derek W. Stannard, pianist, organist, tenor, and conductor, is a graduate of the Crane School of Music with degrees in Performance and Music Education. From 2014-2019, Mr. Stannard was the Artistic Director and founder of Auriel Camerata, an acclaimed fully professional choral ensemble in the Capital District. He is currently the organist at Bethesda Episcopal Church, Saratoga Springs, and has served as Organist and Director of Music Ministries at Church of the Immaculate Conception, Glenville, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Bennington, Christ Church United Methodist, Glens Falls, and Grace Church, Canton, among others. From 2015 to 2021 he served as Associate Conductor of Burnt Hills Oratorio Society (now called Saratoga Voices), and served on their board until 2022. As a soloist, Mr. Stannard has been featured with many ensembles, including with Aoede Consort (Carnegie Hall premier of works by Vladimir Pleshakov), Albany Pro Musica, Burnt Hills Oratorio Society, Battenkill Chorale, Adirondack Voices, Voices of Cooperstown, and the Berkshire Choral Festival. In 2006, Mr. Stannard had the privilege of premiering the opera The Sailor-Boy and the Falcon at the Crane School of Music with Metropolitan Opera mezzo-soprano Stephanie Blythe. In addition to his vocal and choral work, he has given organ recitals throughout the capital district including Christ Church Methodist, Glens Falls, St. Peter’s Church, Bennington, Silver Bay Chapel, Silver Bay, and the Cathedral of All Saints, Albany. Mr. Stannard is the proprietor of The Pampered Pooch and Pals, a pet supply store in Ballston Spa. He is delighted to be serving on the board of Opera Saratoga.

Abby Tegnelia is the president and CEO of Empire Media Network, which publishes Saratoga Living and Capital Region Living magazines, a hyper-local Substack email newsletter, and the programs for Albany Symphony Orchestra and the SPAC summer classical season—while also producing a vibrant calendar of community and private events. A lifelong supporter of the performing arts, she attended a magnet school for the arts for dance (and performed in Don Quixote with American Ballet Theater principal dancer Leslie Browne) before moving to NYC to get her masters in journalism at Columbia University and begin her journalism career at New York magazine. She has written for Glamour, Marie Claire, Robb Report and many others, and served as editor-in-chief of several regional magazines on the west coast before moving to Saratoga Springs in 2019 for her work with Empire Media.

March 31, 2024
Geneva Jazz Festival Returns April 4-7

The second annual Geneva Jazz Festival returns April 4-7, featuring 20 performances at nine venues over four days.

The Geneva Jazz Festival is held in Geneva, known for innovation and forward-thinking businesses. It is the gateway to the Finger Lakes, providing access to historical landmarks, natural beauties, wineries, breweries, food, shopping, and more.

The festival honors the late Scott LaFaro, who grew up in Geneva. At 18, he started learning to play the double bass. In 1961 he was killed in a car accident at age 25. He became the most influential jazz bassist ever after his performance with Stan Getz at the Newport Jazz Festival and subsequent recordings with the Bill Evans Trio, which still impacts jazz today.

The nine headline concerts are hosted at the historic Club 86, featuring a high-fidelity sound system by George’s Pro Audio for an immersive jazz experience. These performances represent some of the finest jazz musicians working and creating in New York State. Evening concerts on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday – plus matinee shows on Saturday and Sunday.

Schedule

On the opening night on April 4, the festival celebrates women in jazz at the historic Club 86. Trombonist and vocalist Melissa Gardiner brings her organ trio MG3 (8 PM), with singer Vanessa Vacanti & Jazz Mafia (6 PM) and saxophonist Ellen Pieroni & Encyclopedia of Soul (4 PM) performing. There also is a free concert at Ventosa Vineyards with Annie Wells Trio featuring Mike Kaupa (5 PM) and the free FLIMA Open Jazz Jam at 10 p.m.

On Friday, April 5, The Ryan Johnson Project performs at 2 p.m. It has become a known name in the music industry, featuring informed, professional, outgoing attitudes, and beautifully written pieces of music that have caught the ears of many worldwide. Ryan and his group have played with, opened for, and collaborated with artists such as Cabo Frio, Chuck Mangione, Maynard Ferguson, Soulive, Sharon Jones, Gary Clark Jr., and Robert Randolph.

At 4:30 p.m., The Mellow Warblers perform playful renditions of jazz standards and deviations – setting the perfect mood with an ever-mellow attitude. At 5, The Craig Snyder Trio plays a wide variety of jazz-rock material steeped in groove, ensemble unity, and melodic soloing. The Rochester band is fronted by veteran guitarist, teacher, and composer Craig S Snyder. Others include Tony Hiler + Giancarlo, A Tribute to Sam Venuti, Mike Melito Quartet, and the free FLIMA Open Jazz Jam.

On Saturday, April 6, the Greg Lofaro Quartet begins the day at 1 p.m., with the Mike Titlebaum Quartet preceding. Mike directs the jazz studies program at the Ithaca College School of Music, teaching jazz saxophone, arranging, improvisation, and theory. Before teaching, he lived in New York City where he played at the Blue Note, Smalls, Augies, Fez/Time Café, and the legendary CBGB’s. He has performed with dozens of internationally recognized artists and groups including John Hollenbeck, Gary Versace, Branford Marsalis, Jason Robert Brown, the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra, and more.

At 3 p.m., the Banjo Juice Jazz band performs an eclectic blend of vintage blues, jazz, and swing. Founded by bandleader, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Tyler Westcott in 2017, the group features musicians from many notable bands. At 4:30, the Swordfish Trio brings a soulful, blues-infused, and high-energy improv experience that takes you on a journey from tight riffs and funky Afrobeat grooves to soulful jazz and subtle bass virtuosity.

At 8, the Bill Tiberio Sextet performs. In his 40th year as a music educator, he has been a band director at Fairport (NY) High School for 36 years, directing two concert bands and three jazz ensembles, and is also an adjunct faculty member at the Eastman Community Music School – directing the Educator Wind Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble and a high school wind ensemble camp. He is an active saxophonist and clarinetist in the Rochester music scene and has recorded four albums with his contemporary jazz quintet, the Bill Tiberio Band.

The final day begins early at 11 a.m. with the Evan Dobbins Quartet feat. Bill Dobbins. At noon, the Dave Solazzo Duo plays modern interpretations of jazz standards and original compositions in the spirit of Oscar Peterson, Keith Jarrett, and Brad Mehldau. Dave Solazzo has been a mainstay of Central New York’s music scene for over two decades, working with artists from a wide mix of genres – jazz, fusion, R&B, and beyond.

At 2 p.m., Dennis Winge + John Viavattine perform, with the Nancy Kelly Quartet following. Over her 40-plus-year career, Nancy Kelly has perfected her signature swing/bop take in front of audiences all over the U.S.A. and abroad. She performs regularly in New York City, including at The Blue Note and Birdland, The Rainbow Room, and Dizzy’s Jazz Club, Lincoln Center. Finally, at 6 p.m., The Pickle Mafia, a dynamic trio from New York, performs their unique brand of Arena Jazz Fusion. The visual appeal the band brings to audiences across the globe is an important element that adds to their musical artistry.

To purchase tickets for the many performances at the Geneva Jazz Festival, visit here.

March 31, 2024
Albany Symphony Announces Return of Peter and the Wolf: Tiny Tots Concert this Spring

Albany Symphony announced the anticipated return of Peter and the Wolf: Tiny Tots concert for three shows this spring. The shows will take place on April 30 and May 1 in Albany and May 2 in Saratoga Springs.

Peter and the Wolf

The Albany Symphony Tiny Tots concerts are geared for children between the ages of 18-months and 7 years. Tiny Tots concerts are interactive school day performances that have thrilled preschool audiences, teachers, and parents, presented by the orchestra for over 30 years.

David Alan Miller and the Albany Symphony plan to take you and your children on a wonderfully interactive, magical adventure. Peter and the Wolf is a classic symphonic fairy tale for children by Sergei Prokofiev. The story will be personified through music for children and adults alike to enjoy. In addition, you and your children will meet and get to hear all the instruments of the orchestra and the amazing musicians who play them.

Albany Symphony Tiny Tots Concert

Albany Symphony is renowned for performances featuring classic orchestral favorites, lesser-heard masterworks, and a diverse array of new music. The symphony strives to present the community with virtuosic talents and homages to all-time classics.

The Albany Symphony Tiny Tots concert is a prime example of the level of community the organization possesses. The April 30 and May 1 shows are held at Congregation Beth Emeth in Albany. The May 2 performance of Peter and the Wolf takes place at the SPAC School of Arts in Saratoga.

Tickets for this event are just $5 and are available for purchase on AlbanySymphony.com.

March 30, 2024
In Focus: Mong Tong at No Fun in Troy

Tuesday nights are usually reserved for a simple McDonalds dinner after I sit through an hour of my daughter’s gymnastics class. This past Tuesday I decided to add the Mong Tong show at No Fun in Troy to the lineup of Tuesday’s to-do list. This turned out to be a welcome addition as I watched 2 men get on the stage, do a quick sound check, and then blindfold themselves before performing a very unique brand of Asian-infused Psychedelic sound.

Mong Tong is a 2 man instrumental group consisting of Taiwanese brothers Hom Yu and Jim Chi and are no strangers to the United States. They’ve performed multiple times in the South By Southwest festivals and have gathered a decent following. This particular appearance at NoFun is the 7th stop of their 9 location US tour with their 9th and final stop being at TV Eye in New York City on March 29th. This tour celebrates their new EP 銘 Epigraphy which dropped on March 8th.

Blindfolded musicians performing music is something everyone should see at least once in their lives. Dressed simply in black pants, white shirts, and red blindfolds, and using an arsenal of electric and electronic gear, the 2 brothers create intricate and complex arrangements that capture the essence of kung-fu movies mixed with punchy beats and well thought out melodies. Staccato guitar arpeggios dance over conga laden drum lines. Traditional Asian instruments and unidentifiable synth sounds mash together in a strange 70s Psychedelic rock jam. All accentuated by the smooth and groovy bass that anyone could get next to.

The duo takes you on a trip though soundscapes that vary from ethereal to hectic to confusing to serene and you’re not sure where its going next. The energy is positive and contagious and while some people are dancing, others are taking in the light show, and others are still amazed at the blindfolded-ness of it all, none are missing out on this one-of-a-kind experience.

With polyrhythmic beats and sampled and non-sampled traditional Chinese instruments it’s safe to say that Mong Tong has few competitors. Since I’m struggling to find a similar band to compare them to I’ll just say I’d classify Mong Tong as Psychedelic Asian Electro-Funk Trip-Hop with a dash of Techno. They’re continuing their tour of the US with shows at the Columbus Theater in Providence, RI on March 28th and at TV Eve in New York City on March 29th. Tuesday to-do lists aren’t the same any more.

March 30, 2024