The Local, a new center for arts, culture, and community in Saugerties, has announced they plan to ramp up the venue with a new stage, enabling concert-goers to see the artists better and add to the audience experience.
Photo by Neil Segal.
Housed in a former Dutch chapel built in 1876, The Local is under the guidance of Isabel Soffer and Danny Melnick, co-founders of Hudson Valley Live. The two Saugerties-based music producers and performing arts professionals have each devoted more than 30 years to producing festivals, concerts, and curated arts experiences. Since opening its doors in September 2023, it has already welcomed more than 2,000 guests from throughout the region and beyond for Spanish flamenco, tango music and dance, West African Highlife, incredible jazz, and performances by noteworthy artists like Emel, Emily King, a tribute to Leonard Cohen, Sandy Bell, a Silent Disco with live DJs, and so much more.
They are kicking off their first fundraising campaign to purchase this highly needed stage with a $12,500 matching gift through their fiscal sponsor globalFEST. This means the donations received are tax deductible. The funds will be used to cover the stage, which will help audience members see the performers better, and also be used to cover programming, facilities maintenance, and other venue-related expenses until they become a not-for-profit and can raise money through grants and sponsorships.
Photo by Eric Delmar.
“As the only year-round music venue and cultural center in Saugerties, we are working hard to make The Local a stable, viable, fun, and accessible resource that encourages community, cultural diversity, creativity, discovery, and economic development in the Hudson Valley,” said the venue.
For every dollar people donate, it matches to two with the sponsors’ help. The campaign site has different tiers that people can donate to, with some including two tickets to an upcoming show, beer, wine or refreshments on the house, and shoutouts and additions to the venue’s Hall of Fame on their website.
For more information about The Local and to help their plans for a new stage, visit here.
The Local’s confirmed February-June 2024 season lineup:
Sat., Feb. 10, 8 pm – The Art of Arabic Maqam: Firas Zreik
Indie-rock Sam Roberts Band has announced they are embarking on a major North American tour with support from Grand Public, JayWood, Altameda, Miina, Brandon Wolfe Scott, Brandon Wolfe Scott, Art d’Ecco, and Social Creatures.
The North American tour features a stop at the Town Ballroom in Buffalo on February 16, and at the Le Poisson Rouge New York on March 16.
SAM ROBERTS BAND
Budweiser Stage, Toronto. August 19, 2021.
Photo by Dustin Rabin – 2853
Canadian based Sam Roberts first released his debut in 2002, following a popular independent demo recording he had made in Montreal. Before that point, he had been a violin player who eventually moved on to guitar and started a rock band with his friends. In 2003 he released his first full-length album, We Were Born in a Flame. The Certified Double-Platinum selling album was a huge hit in Canada and won the Juno Awards for Album of the Year, Rock Album of the Year, and Artist of the Year. The artist continued to release hit albums for the remainder of the decade, like in 2006 he released Chemical City which became Platinum-certified andLove at the End of the World in 2008 which became Gold-certified and each album winning him the Juno for Rock Album of the Year.
Sam Roberts Band continue to deliver their legacy of hit singles to take over the airwaves. The band’s legendary live show has seen them performing around the world including Australia, Japan, and other extensive tours through Europe and North America and brought them to festivals such as Bonnaroo, Austin City Limits, Lollapalooza and Bumbershoot, and alongside giants like the Rolling Stones and AC/DC.
With the tour announcement, the band also celebrated the release of their new LP, Adventures of Ben Blank. The new LP is also the singer/songwriter Sam Roberts’ eighth album, and 5th under the Sam Roberts Band moniker. The new record takes a twangy and conceptual turn, seeing Roberts embody the titular character, a lone wolf type with a hardened exterior that slowly fractures as the album runs on.
Sam Roberts Band will perform at the Town Ballroom in Buffalo on February 16, and at the Le Poisson Rouge New York on March 16 and fans can find tickets here.
SAM ROBERTS BAND TOUR DATES
2-Feb-2024 Montreal, QC, Théatre Beanfield w/ Grand Public
3-Feb-2024 Ottawa, ON, Bronson Centre w/ Grand Public
8-Feb-2024 Kitchener, ON, Centre in The Square w/ JayWood
9-Feb-2024 Toronto, ON, History w/ JayWood
10-Feb-2024 London, ON, London Music Hall w/ JayWood
16-Feb-2024 Buffalo, NY, Town Ballroom w/ Altameda
17-Feb-2024 Detroit, MI, St. Andrew’s Hall w/ Altameda
23-Feb-2024 Victoria, BC, The Capital Ballroom w/ Miina
24-Feb-2024 Vancouver, BC, The Commodore Ballroom w/ Brandon Wolfe Scott
25-Feb-2024 Vancouver, BC, The Commodore Ballroom w/ Brandon Wolfe Scott
27-Feb-2024 Kelowna, BC, Kelowna Community Theatre w/ Brandon Wolfe Scott
29-Feb-2024 Calgary, AB, Southern Jubilee Auditorium w/ Art d’Ecco
1-Mar-2024 Edmonton, AB, Northern Jubilee Auditorium w/ Art d’Ecco
2-Mar-2024 Red Deer, AB, Red Deer Memorial Centre w/ Art d’Ecco
14-Mar-2024 Philadelphia, PA, Underground Arts w/ Social Creatures
15-Mar-2023 Washington, DC, Union Stage w/ Social Creatures
16-Mar-2024 New York, NY, Le Poisson Rouge w/ Social Creatures
The leading fan-to-fan social ticketing platform, CashorTrade, has revealed their new collaborations with Joe Russo’s Almost Dead and the String Cheese Incident. These band partners are an effort to keep tickets in the hands of fans for two forthcoming concert runs, and also to enhance the company’s fight against ticket scalping.
Dusty and Brando Rich, founders of CashorTrade.org
As String Cheese Incident are getting ready to perform their most anticipated three-night performance at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in July, CashorTrade held a pre-sale on Thursday, February 1 through CashorTrade.org.
Additionally, the platform has also announced their collaboration with Joe Russo’s Almost Dead to make tickets available for the band’s forthcoming performance at The Fillmore in Charlotte, North Carolina on February 8.
CashorTrade proudly defines itself as the world’s only social network where fans can buy, sell and trade tickets at face value. The Vermont-based company was launched in 2009 through the efforts of Brando Rich and his older brother Dusty, who are passionate music fans. Their website includes the pre-sale feature as part of their continuous effort to help artists and guarantee fair ticketing procedures. By bypassing the middlemen and online ticket resale marketplaces, artists can establish direct connections with their fan base through their website.
“CashorTrade is thrilled to partner with The String Cheese Incident and JRAD to empower fans and combat scalping in the live music industry. Our mission has always been to prioritize the fan experience and provide a platform where tickets are traded ethically and securely.”
Brando Rich, CashorTrade co-founder
With more than a million followers on its social media, website, and app, CashorTrade has made a name for itself as a reliable spot for fans to exchange, buy, and sell face-value tickets. With its headquarters located in Vermont, the company employs thirty passionate music lovers and is getting ready to release its next-generation software, which will improve the ticketing experience for both artists and fans.
For more information about CashorTrade and the upcoming presale, fans can visit CashorTrade.org.
Dylan was at Proctors Theatre on Monday, October 30, and although he did not entertain one of the songs that follow, here is a look at the many songs written about Schenectady, as well as the songs that reference the notoriously difficult to spell Upstate city.
Prior to being settled by the Dutch in 1661, the Mohican originally lived in the area around the Mohawk River. The Mohawk referred to the area as “Schau-naugh-ta-da,” meaning ‘Over the Pine Plains” which eventually morphed into “Sche-nec-ta-dee” and finally, Schenectady. Part of the colony of New Netherland settled by Arent Van Curler of Nijkerk, Netherlands. The town was famously burned by the French and their Indian allies in February 1690 in what has been known as “The Schenectady Massacre,” killing nearly all inhabitants. Home to Union College and General Electric, the town’s sobriquet is “The City that Lights and Hauls the World,” a little more wordy than ‘The Electric City’ that many also refer to the town.
With 350 years of history, and a cultural landmark in Proctors Theatre, the historic Stockade District, miSci (Museum of Innovation and Science), Jazz on Jay, Music Haven Concert Series, the Schenectady-Saratoga Symphony Orchestra, and the still relatively new Rivers Casino, the town on the shores of the Mohawk River is experiencing a downtown Renaissance, with events for all tastes and interests found all throughout the city.
So this ‘Electric City’ of Schenectady is notable enough, both for spelling and history, that over time, a few songs have been written about the town. Two of the most notable, “I Can’t Spell Schenectady” and “Schenectady” from Synecdoche, New York, we’ll get to in a moment, but let’s look at a pair of songs written for the town.
First, there’s “Schenectady Song” from Jason Martin. A ‘love ballad to the Electric City,’ the tune was originally released on cassette in 1998 and a re-edited version from Martin’s Magic Recording Eye (2001) can be heard below. Featuring samples at the start and end mentioning ‘High Voltage Hall’ and tests of electricity, the experimental song is unique, odd, and worth a listen.
Then there’s “Schenectady’s the Place,” the Official City Song, written by Cliff Brucker in 2016, a graduate of The Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam and The College of Saint Rose. Brucker’s song has the ‘commissioned by the local Chamber of Commerce’ vibe, although the version by SCCC School of Music heard below does have a certain panache and inviting nature to it. For an official city song, this is spot on for style, lyrics and music.
Then there are quite a few songs – much to this author’s surprise – that reference Schenectady, including “Hamilton Hill” by Demmene Syronn, released in 2020 and referencing a small neighborhood near Mont Pleasant. “I was a witness to the cultural birth of Hip Hop / From Hamilton Hill, Schenectady, Upstate New York”
“Starlight in Schenectady” by Peter JB Carman, the first track on Life the Pain, was released on Stockade Records in 2019. The song was first played at Moon and River where Carman and wife Lynn can often be found playing. Carman is a Baptist minister, writing hymns, poems and songs about Massachusetts, Rhode Island, North Carolina and Upstate New York, all places where he has served churches.
“Walking by starlight in old Schenectady And I don’t know where I’m bound Listen to the songs from the café down the street I surely love the sound And the years they do so swiftly roll And all day long it’s trouble and toil But I’m walking by starlight in old Schenectady And it’s home, it’s home I’ve found”
“Starlight in Schenectady”
“Afro Angel” by Will Smith (yup, that Will Smith) “Nothing” by Raekwon – “He felt bad but respected me / Pass the watch and the chain off respectably / Moseyed off, ran through Schenectady” – and “Someone to Love” by Fountains of Wayne – “Seth Shapiro got his law degree / He moved to Brooklyn from Schenectady, ’93 / Got some clients in the food industry” – all mention the town.
There’s also “Grim Reaper” by MC Zappa – “Try me; you might find I’m not in my right mind / Heads will roll, and I’ll repossess ya soul / I’m murderin’ rappers from here to Schenectady / Turn around, you see a sight you didn’t expect to see” “DECAP” by Dicaprio – “And I’m from Brazil, but I’ll always representing the County of that city, electricity, Schenectady” and “Bon Soirée” by Clay Coughlin – “I was laid up in Schenectady / But I’ll be bedding down on rue Sainte-Catherine.”
But for a double dose of local Upstate references, look no further than “The End’s The Same” by Off Balance, who drop a Stewart’s reference – “So sweet you make me feel at home just like some Stewart’s ice cream” as well as one for the town – “Disorder’s light to me / I hear these grimy synths like Ludwig on the ivories / and ebonies / Like nights I’m in Schenectady”
Getting back to the history of Schenectady, the Dutch settlement was burned to the ground in February 1690 by a war party of French soldiers and allied Mohawk and Algonquin. This event may have produced the first song in the 1840s, “The Burning of Schenectady.” Originally a broadside, featuring just lyrics and sometimes a suggestion for a familiar tune to pair with, the ballad can be sung to the tune of “Auld Lang Syne.”
The Burning of Schenectady – from a painting by Giles F. Yates, owned by A. A. Yates of Schenectady
There is some debate on the origin of the poem/ballad that led to the song, with folklorist ad historian Harold Thompson noting in his 1939 book Body, Boots & Britches that the original was written by Walter Wilie of Albany in June of 1690. Wilie notes before the lyrics (abbreviated below) “A Ballad – In which is set forth the horrid cruelties practiced by the French and Indians on the 8th of last February. The which I did compose last night, in the space of one hour, and am now writing, the morning of Friday, June 12th, 1690 – W.W.” Still, a debate continues as to the true origin of the first song of Schenectady.
God prosper long our King and Queen, Our lives and safeties all, A sad misfortune once there did Schenectady befall.
From forth the woods of Canada The Frenchmen tooke their way The people of Schenectady To captivate and slay.
They marched for two and twenty daies, All thro’ the deepest snow; And on a dismal winter night They strucke the cruel blow.
….
They then were murthered in their Beddes. Without shame or remorse; And soon the Floores and Streets were strew’d With many a bleeding corse.
The Village soon began to Blaze, Which show’d the horrid sight – But, O, I scarce can Beare to Tell The Mis’ries of that night.
They threw the Infants in the Fire, The Men they did not spare; But killed All which they could find Tho’ Aged or tho’ Fair.
O Christe ! In the still Midnight Air, It sounded dismally, The Women’s Prayers and the loud screams’ Of their great Agony.
…
And Here I End the long Ballad The Which you have just redde; And wish that it may stay on earth, Long after I am Dead.
Lyrics (partial) to “The Burning of Schenectady” – Walter Wilie, 1690
The aforementioned “Schenectady” from the motion picture Synecdoche, New York, stands out as one of the two most notable songs on the town. The title of the film makes a play on pronouncing the town name – Synecdoche (Sin-eck-duh-kee) while also being a literary expression alluding to a larger concept by bringing to mind a single part of the whole. Raul Yang notes “It perfectly captures the essence of the movie it was written for, and it stands on its own as a beautiful piece of music.” The deeply surreal film with a focus on aging and death, with director Charlie Kaufman including “Schenectady,” which introduces the idea of death in its last verse: “There’s always a never again.”
But of all these songs about Schenectady, the standard bearer has to be “I Can’t Spell Schenectady.” Written in 1948, let’s glance at the lyrics first.
Reading, writing and geography; But when it comes to spelling, I’m confessin’ There’s just one word that stumps me constantly. I can spell Dakota, can handle Minnesota, but I can’t spell Schenectady, I can spell Havana and figure out Savannah, but I can’t spell Schenectady. Why, one time at a spelling bee Said teacher all at once, “Now, Willie, spell ‘Schenectady’,” I felt just like a dunce! I spelled Anaconda and even Tonawanda, So what does she expect of me? I just can’t spell Schenectady. I can spell Pomona, Seattle and Tacoma, but I can’t spell Schenectady, I mastered Ypsilanti and Agua Caliente, but I can’t spell Schenectady.
Written by Al Trace, Arthur Terker, Abner Silver and Harry Clarkson, “I Can’t Spell Schenectady” is not in the range of “Weird” Al Yankovic for comedic songs, but rather resides in the realm of satire he would come to be known for, More so, this song is akin to a Bob Hope “Road To…” film featured song.
Starting out with a high pitched Alvin and the Chipmunks voice, the song laments Schenectady’s spelling difficulties with multiple voices joining in to drive home the orthographic dilemma they face.
The song was released on vinyl in July 1953, with a B-Side of “The Who is it Song,” both songs performed by Big Jon Arthur and No School Today Cast, and released on a 45 RPM Decca (9-88153) 7″ record, Children’s Series 1-252, with artwork by Sam Norkin.
Schenectady is the home of General Electric, the early radio-drama pioneer WGY, the first television station with WRGB, not to mention bread so delicious, Jack Nicholson had Perreca’s ship him loaves of bread following the filming of Ironweed in 1987. Yet for all these, Schenectady does not get respect in song or other media as should be afforded. Sure, the town name is difficult to spell, but ‘Place Beyond the Pines’ is a bit wordy. Schen-ec-ta-dy – it’s just that easy!
Album art for “I Can’t Spell Schenectady”
FormerLate Show with David Letterman head writer Bill Scheft once referred to Schenectady as “the Xanadu of funny-sounding places” in an interview with the Daily Gazette. “Four syllables, good rhythm and that hard comedy ‘K’ right in the middle. It scans perfectly. Of course, it’s no Cohoes, but what is?” And with that, check back soon following a search for songs about Cohoes.
Meet Me @ The Altar, the vibrant and genre-defying trio, is redefining the punk and pop-punk scene with their electrifying energy and empowering anthems. With lead vocalist Edith Victoria, guitarist Tea Campbell, and drummer Ada Juarez, the band’s dynamic sound reflects their diverse influences and shared passion for breaking barriers in the music industry. Hailing from different corners of the U.S., MMATA found their common ground, and swiftly became a force to be reckoned within the world of punk.
MMATA’s “Say it To My Face Tour” stop at Irving Plaza on January 25 was an exhilarating celebration of punk, diversity, and unapologetic self-expression. The night kicked off with stellar performances by Elliot Lee, John Hardie, and Honey Revenge, setting the stage for a high-octane headlining act.
As MMATA took the stage, the atmosphere crackled with excitement. A fan in the front row held a sign that declared “Ada is my everything,” a testament to the profound connection the band fosters with their supporters. The show became a participatory experience when Edith let the crowd choose between two songs, playfully warning them about the sad backstory of “A Few Tomorrows” before launching into it, resulting in playful banter between the band and their adoring audience.
Edith, Tea, and Ada’s banter with the crowd showcased not only their musical prowess but also their genuine connection with fans. They acknowledged a dedicated fan who had attended 10 shows with applause, reinforcing the reciprocal love between the band and their followers. The concert marked a significant milestone for MMATA, as they headlined at Irving Plaza for the first time, reflecting on their journey from opening for MUNA in 2022 to sharing the stage at Madison Square Garden with 5 Seconds of Summer.
Inflatable beach balls bounced through the crowd, adding to the playful atmosphere, while Edith’s confusion about the continued existence of BeReal revealed a charming, down-to-earth side. The concert took unexpected turns, such as Tea’s witty remarks during the intro to “Hit’s Like a Girl,” celebrating love and adding a personal touch to the night.
A standout segment dubbed “Songs We Wish We Wrote” featured spirited covers, including “Since You’ve Been Gone” and “Burnin’ Up,” showcasing the band’s versatility and sense of humor. The fan project during “Garden,” where paper flowers bloomed in the crowd, was a visually stunning moment, and Edith’s acceptance of a flower from a fan emphasized the symbiotic relationship between the band and their admirers.
Meet Me @ The Altar used their platform for more than music, incorporating activism into the show with the presence of Headcount volunteers promoting voter registration. Crowdsurfing added a final touch of chaos to the night, encapsulating the raw, unfiltered spirit of punk.
In summary, Meet Me @ The Altar’s concert at Irving Plaza wasn’t just a show; it was a riotous celebration of individuality, shared experiences, and the unifying power of music. The trio’s ability to seamlessly blend punk, pop-punk, and heartfelt lyrics created an atmosphere that resonated with the diverse audience, making it a night to remember.
Setlist: Same Language, Now or Never, Try, A Few Tomorrows (Crowd voted for this over May the Odds Be Ever In Your Favor), Hit Like a Girl, It’s Over for Me, Since U Been Gone (Partial Kelly Clarkson cover), Take Me Away (Partial Christina Vidal cover), Burnin’ Up (Partial Jonas Brothers cover), T.M.I, Garden, Feel a Thing, Kool, Say It (to My Face)
“You knew instantly that she was an original,” Alan Bergman. For those who have waited a lifetime for this memoir, it was worth it. For all who were uncertain it would ever happen, arriving just before holidays 2023, finally in her own words, Barbra Streisand sets the record straight on her private and public life in My Name is Barbra.
The EGOT winner chronicles her 60 year career with honesty, poignancy, humor and questioning. Her achievements have made her legendary, which includes 46 GRAMMY nominations.
In addition to her fabulous music career, Barbra Streisand was also the first woman to write, produce, direct and star in a major motion picture. She is also the only recording artist in history earning number one albums over six decades.
New York is where it began, growing up in Brooklyn, on to Catskills summer camp which she hated, Summer Stock at Malden Bridge Playhouse at 15, the Cecilwood Theatre in Fishkill, then her beginnings in New York Nightclubs. Later on with success, Hello Dolly! would film scenes in West Point and Garrison, then scenes from The Way We Were were shot in Schenectady.
Singing as a start, was a way to earn a living. Early on, success came from the musical and film versions of Funny Girl.
From her early career and throughout it, Barbra Streisand’s talents were often overshadowed by society’s labels pertaining to beauty and unfair comments directed towards her. She serenely handled this and carried on with creativity, not letting it defeat her. Thankfully by the time she reached twenty, some would refer to her looks as “pharaonic” “Nefertiti” and “Babylonian Queen” appreciating the beauty that she so obviously had in addition to her immense talent and drive.
The cover of My Name is Barbra
As she mentions straightaway beginning the memoir, the negativity pertaining to her appearance was disheartening. As she also points out, it would stick with her throughout her career.
She had been asked to write her memoir for so long, finally deciding it was time to set things straight and correct any misconceptions lingering about her.
Her memoir is an inspiration to anyone that doubts following their dreams, because success “actually makes you more of who you really are” she states.
Like with so many talented and creative people, perhaps Barbra Streisand’s journey into music and theater stemmed from early dissatisfaction with everyday life being unfulfilling. At 14, journeying into Manhattan seeing marquees everywhere showed her seemingly “endless possibilities.”
Movies showed her a world “so much more vivid and alive than anything I was experiencing.” Barbra recalls the excitement of her first play Teahouse of the August Moon at Malden Bridge Playhouse where she performed with her best friend. She refers to that time as a “glorious summer.”
A local newspaper gave her performances great reviews, bolstering her confidence. Not unlike Ella Fitzgerald, she declared on the playground that one day she would be famous.
It was in the Catskills at 13, that her mother was told about a studio where you could make your own record; Barbra and her mother would then go to Nola Studios in December 1955 to do that. She recalls how inspirational that experience was for her. One of the memoir’s themes is that of honesty.
Barbra Streisand gives us a compelling glimpse into the creative process of her movies and albums, her journey from struggle to star, along with personal anecdotes on her friendships and romances. Life includes loss, and loss is another of the memoir’s themes with what comes across as the pain of losing her father while she was so young and some of her close friends and colleagues.
When once asked: “How do you hold a note so long?” “Because I wanted to” was her response.
Barbra Streisand has received the American Film Institute’s Lifetime Achievement Award, the Kennedy Center Honor, the National Medal of Arts, France’s Légion d’Honneur, and America’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. She founded The Barbra Streisand Women’s Heart Center at Cedars-Sinai, raising awareness for more research into women’s heart disease.
The Streisand Foundation, which she established in 1986, has supported national organizations working on preservation of the environment, voter education, the protection of civil liberties and civil rights, women’s issues, and nuclear disarmament. In 2021 she launched the Barbra Streisand Institute at UCLA, dedicated to finding solutions to the most vital social issues.
The Cayuga Chamber Orchestra in Ithaca/Finger Lakes has announced its introduction of a third Orchestral Series Program, Beethoven’s playful, exuberant Symphony No. 2 caps the evening. The show will begin on 7:30 pm on February 24.
Conductor Michelle Di Russo (Left) and Kebra-Seyoun Charles (Right)
The concert opens with Astor Piazzolla’s whimsical Tangazo, followed by Andrés Martin’s soulful Concerto for Contra Bass.
The program is led by Argentinian-Italian conductor Michelle Di Russo is known for her compelling interpretations, passionate musicality, and mastery of contemporary music.
Di Russo has served as Interim Director of Orchestras at Cornell University, Assistant Conductor for the Phoenix Youth Symphony Orchestra. Along with this, she was a conductor for San Diego Symphony, Ballet Arizona, and The Phoenix Symphony.
The show will also feature double-bassist, Kebra-Seyoun Charles. The versatile bassist has an extensive and impressive musical history. Kebra has experience with chamber orchestras, jazz musicians, and various notable composers like Jon Batiste.
With a combination of Di Russo, Kebra-Seyoun Charles, and the orchestra, the show should be one to honor the legendary Beethoven like never before.
Tickets are on sale now. To find out more about the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra performance of Beethoven’s music, the acts and ticket sales, click here. The Cayuga Chamber Orchestra has been “Ithaca’s Orchestra” since 1976. Don’t miss out on a piece of New York history, buy before time runs out.
Hard rock icons Rob Zombie and Alice Cooper will embark on their Freaks On Parade Tour visiting 21 different cities this summer. The artists will perform at the Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview in Syracuse on Sept. 4
Rob Zombie has always pushed audiences by pushing the limits of music and also films as a legendary rock singer and as a visionary director. The Massachusetts-based singer and film producer is one of the few artists to have achieved unheard-of success in both music and film, having written and directed eight feature films with a combined global box office receipt of over $150 million.
Throughout his career, the rick-singer has demonstrated unquestionable box office success, creating and directing beloved horror films like House of 1,000 Corpses, The Devil’s Rejects, and 3 From Hell. Among Zombie’s accomplishments is the creation of the Freaks on Parade tour, which started in 2022.
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, his ensemble put on a theatrical production complete with electric chairs, guillotines, fake blood, and boa constrictors.
Over two decades into the new millennium, Cooper remains incredibly active and prolific in the rock scene. The singer writes, records, and produces music for his syndicated radio show every night in addition to touring all over the world.
Rob Zombie and Alice Cooper’s tour will also be accompanied by Al Jourgensen’s band Ministry and Richard Patrick’s band Filter, tickets for the Freaks on Parade Tour are available here.
2024 FREAKS ON PARADE TOUR DATES:
Tue Aug 20 – Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater
Thu Aug 22 – West Valley City, UT – Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre
Sat Aug 24 – Lincoln, NE – Pinnacle Bank Arena ^^
Sun Aug 25 – Saint Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center
Tue Aug 27 – Milwaukee, WI – American Family Insurance Amphitheater – Summerfest Grounds
Wed Aug 28 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center
Fri Aug 30 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre
Sat Aug 31 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center
Sun Sep 01 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
Tue Sep 03 – Burgettstown, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake
Wed Sep 04 – Syracuse, NY – Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview
Fri Sep 06 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center
Sat Sep 07 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center
Sun Sep 08 – Camden, NJ – Freedom Mortgage Pavilion
Tue Sep 10 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live
Wed Sep 11 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion
Thu Sep 12 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
Sat Sep 14 – Austin, TX – Germania Insurance Amphitheater
Sun Sep 15 – The Woodlands, TX – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
The students of Berklee NYC were treated to an intimate and fascinating experience with pop legend Cyndi Lauper in January.
The 2024 Berklee NYC Career Expo was an event held at the Berklee NYC campus on January 22. The event featured several music icons including Cyndi Lauper, who took center stage.
Cyndi Lauper shared valuable knowledge about experiences in the entertainment business. Ms. Lauper was joined by several NYC songwriters, producers, and other accomplished industry leaders to discuss the many aspects of music and entertainment.
The entire event saw many students excited to listen and learn from such greatness. The program included a discussion on how a song is written, produced and marketed, as well as an interactive workshop for theater writers.
Further, students were shown a behind-the-scenes demonstration of the modern music festival setup with first-hand insights from creative designers.
“We were honored to welcome the inimitable Cyndi Lauper to Berklee NYC, an artist who has left an indelible mark on music history just as she did with the audience at the expo. We extend our gratitude to all of the brilliant artists and industry leaders who shared their experiences with our students. Our team places an extremely high value on delivering meaningful and relevant industry insights to the aspiring professionals in our program, and this event reaffirmed that shared passion within our community in every way.”
Betsie Becker – acting executive director
The Berklee NYC Career Expo was a successful means of engaging the student body with a meaningful night of intrigue and networking. Every audience member present on January 22 left with something of value to take away from the experience. For more information on the career expo with Cyndi Lauper, visit Berklee NYC’s Website.
Coachella’s 2024 lineup will include five artists from New York between all three days of both weekends. Among these artists includes Lana Del Rey, who also headlines the festival along with Tyler the Creator and Doja Cat.
Lana Del Rey, born in Manhattan, will be the opening performer on Friday, April 12 and 19. The Bronx native Ice-Spice and Brooklyn-based indie-pop band The Drums will perform at the festival on Saturday, April 13 and 20. Performers on Coachella’s final nights include Brooklyn-born Bebe Rexha and rock band Taking Back Sunday from Long Island.
Cover of Lana Del Rey’s latest album, Did You Know There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd. Credit: YouTube Music.
Grammy-nominated singer Lana Del Rey was born in Manhattan, and raised in Northern New York State. In 2005, Del Rey moved to New York City to pursue a career in the Music Industry. Her self-titled debut studio album was released in 2010, and her second studio album, Born to Die (2012), put the New York native on the map. Since then, Del Rey has released a total of nine studio albums, most recently 2023’s Did You Know There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd, and has been nominated for and won several awards. Currently, the singer is up for four Grammy Awards at the 2024 Ceremony, including Album of the Year and Best Alternative Music Album for her latest release.
Ice Spice during an Interview discussing a collaboration with Nicki Minaj. Credit: Billboard.
Born and raised in the Bronx, rapper Ice Spice is a young and emerging artist in the music industry, and this year will be her first time performing at the Coachella festival. Her debut extended play, Like, was released in 2023, and her debut studio album, Y2K, is due for release this year. The rapper also collaborated with English singer and record producer on the song “Boy’s a Liar.”
Jonathan Pierce, founder and last remaining member of The Drums. Credit: Bandcamp
Indie pop band The Drums was initially formed in 2008, by Jonathan Pierce and Jacob Graham as Goat Explosion, and later added Adam Kessler and Connor Hanwick. Graham exited the band in 2016, and since then Pierce has operated The Drums as a solo project. The Drums’ self-titled debut album was released in 2010. Since then, The Drums’ has released six albums, most recently Jonny (2023.)
Cover of Bebe Rexha’s third studio album, Bebe. Credit: beberexha.com
Brooklyn native Bebe Rexha first found success as a songwriter, with credits on Eminem’s single “The Monster” as well as other songs for Shinee, Selena Gomez, and Nick Jonas, among others. Her debut studio album, Expectations, was released in 2018, and was preceded by its lead single “I’m a Mess.” One week before the release of Expectation, Rexha performed live 2018 Summer Jam Music Festival, the same day on which “I’m a Mess” was released. Since then, she has released three albums, most recently 2023’s Bebe, and has been nominated for and won several awards.
The Members of Taking Back Sunday, from left to right: Mark O’Connell, Jesse Lachey, Shaun Cooper, and Adam Lazzara
Taking Back Sunday was formed in November 1999 by guitarists Eddie Reyes and Jesse Lachey in the Long Island town of Amityville. The band is currently made up of four members, John Nolan (lead guitar, keyboards, vocals,) Adam Lazzara (lead vocals,) Mark O’Connell (drums, percussion,) and Shaun Cooper (bass guitar.) Their debut studio album, Tell All Your Friends, was released in 2002, and their eighth and most recent work, 152 (2023,) was their first studio in seven years since 2016’s Tidal Wave.
Visit the Coachella website for tickets. Read the full 2024 Coachella Music and Arts Festival lineup below, which includes five artists from New York.
