Ashokan Center in Olivebridge, NY has announced a music celebration in honor of Ukrainian culture on September 22. The event is coined Ukrainian Community Day.
The event features a diverse lineup of Ukrainian music. This includes The Ukrainian Village Voices, singer Maria Sonevytsky, bandura player Olya Fryz, and Eva Salina, founder of Driftwood Chorus.
The Ukrainian American Youth Association of the Hudson Valley are selling a range of items. This includes shirts, sweatshirts, handmade jewelry, collectible Ukrainian stamps and more.
Activities include Ukrainian folk medicine plant walks, dance instruction, hands-on workshops showcasing Ukrainian potters, and wool spinning & weaving artists. Also included, an array of authentic culinary delights to be presented by Soyuzivka, the Ukrainian American cultural center in Kerhonkson.
Various performances are planned for the event by Zoya Shepko & YiYi Folk Ensemble, Ruby Pinyuh-Derovan, Bourbon & Breast Milk, and more. Each performance pays homage to the vast diversity of Ukrainian culture. Ukrainian Community Day is one for all to enjoy, and for all cultures to take part in and to experience this unique culture.
Ashokan’s all-age tickets work on a sliding scale with $20 as the suggested price of the event, $10 as the minimum, and $30 to be a supporter. This allows the Ashokan Center to provide tickets to those who are financially unable to attend otherwise.
50% of all proceeds are donated to Ukrainian-American Youth Association of the Hudson Valley. The support for Ukrainian American Youth Association’s (UAYA) efforts to aid children and hospitals in Ukraine is incredibly important, especially given the current challenges the country faces.
“The natural beauty and wooden architecture of the Ashokan Center invokes a sense of the Ukrainian mountain communities, creating a meaningful and resonant backdrop for this event. Showcasing and connecting with Ukrainian culture and community helps bring the issues in Ukraine closer to people’s hearts and helps support its resilience and fight for freedom.”
Danylo Mykula, Ukrainian American Youth Association
For more information on Ukrainian Community Day, and to purchase tickets, click here.
The Second Peace and Unity Festival, held at Snug Harbor on Staten Island, was a celebration of community, culture, and music. Hosted by the K Woods Foundation, this event brought together a diverse lineup of performers, both established and emerging, to uplift and engage the community.
Kareem “Kay” Woods and Method Man
Founded by Kareem âKayâ Woods, the K Woods Foundation is a Staten Island-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting underprivileged communities with a particular focus on youth development, education, and community engagement. Through events like this festival, mentorship programs, and educational initiatives, the foundation aims to empower young people and foster a positive impact on Staten Island and beyond. Their collaborations with local schools, community centers, and other organizations play a crucial role in this mission.
This year’s “Peace and Unity Festival” also partnered with POLARIS, a Black-owned television network, to launch a 2024 voter registration drive that successfully registered many attendees. POLARIS worked directly with Kay Woods to raise awareness around voter registration, tying this crucial initiative to the cultural significance of the hip-hop festival. POLARIS will continue voter registration activations over the next two months and plans to host a celebrity roundtable discussion as part of their efforts to engage the community in the electoral process.
Smif-N-Wessun
The festival featured a mix of local talent and established artists, creating an electric atmosphere that united the community in celebration. Among the performers were local acts such as Cosi PARI, Heff, JoJo Pellegrino, Who is Bravi, Waterteam Stumik Dezeagle, Yap City, and Smiff N Wess. Their performances showcased the rich musical diversity and talent within Staten Island.
Ghostface
The highlight of the festival came toward the end of the event with a series of unforgettable performances by some of hip-hop’s most legendary figures. Method Man, who had made a special appearance earlier in the day, returned to the stage alongside Ghostface, Raekwon, Cappadonna, and Sheek Louch, delivering a powerful set that captivated the audience. Beanie Sigel and Freeway kept the momentum going with their dynamic performance, setting the stage for the festival’s finale. Closing out the night, Jim Jones, Juelz Santana, and Freekey Zekey took the energy to its peak, leaving the crowd buzzing with excitement.
Beanie Sigel & Freeway
The 2nd Peace and Unity Festival was more than just a music event; it was a testament to the strength and resilience of the Staten Island community. By bringing people together through music and culture, the K Woods Foundation continues to make a lasting impact, fostering a spirit of unity and empowerment that will carry on long after the festival’s final note.
Ahead of Dave Matthews Band induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in October, the band has announced a Fall Tour. They will hit many big cities on the eastern half of the country including Madison Square Garden on Nov. 22 and 23.
Photo credit: Sanjay Suchak
Since 1993 when Dave Matthews Band’s first studio album was released, they have been a power house in the rock world selling 38 million CDs and DVDs. They have also sold over 25 million tickets since their birth making them the second largest ticket-seller in history. After the group’s 2018 album Come Tomorow, they became the first ever band to have 7 consecutive studio albums hit number one on the Billboard 200.
Dave Matthews Band released a new album, the first in five years, Walk Around The Moon in 2023. The album has been praised by many publications and the band has supported it with many concerts and tours since its release. Most recently, they played their traditional Labor Day weekend concerts at The Gorge in Washington state. They will arrive in New York City’s Madison Square Garden on Nov 22 and 23 closing out the six planned dates to take place in November.
Dave Matthews Band will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on Saturday, October 19 in Cleveland, OH. The induction ceremony will stream on Disney+, and will be released on Hulu the next day.
General on sale for tickets begins on Friday, September 20, at 10:00 a.m. ET. For more information, visit davematthewsband.com.
DAVE MATTHEWS BAND FALL 2024 DATES
11/15 Pittsburgh, PA PPG Paints Arena
11/16 Columbus, OH Nationwide Arena
11/19 Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun Arena
11/20 Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun Arena
11/22 New York, NY Madison Square Garden – The Arena
11/23 New York, NY Madison Square Garden – The Arena
On September 5, Upstate folk artist Kate McDonnell releases her sixth album, Trapeze. To celebrate, McDonnell returns to Caffe Lena in Saratoga Springs for the album release party on September 20.
This is the latest release from McDonnell since her last album, Ballad of a Bad Girl, released in 2021. The album explored heavy themes of female gender identity and the relationships that stem from it. This time, the complex, introspective political themes are back in full force and more prominent than ever.
In this album, McDonnell covers a wide range of topics, from the COVID-19 pandemic to the tragic shootings occurring in the United States. But while these political issues are a central focus of the album, they are by no means the only issues McDonnell sings about. Struggles between family members, personal mental health, the death of a loved one, and leaving your home to pursue an independent life are all abundantly clear themes.
The opening track, “Pretty Good Day,” begins the album with a deceptively positive note. No matter what the struggles of life mean to her, it’s going to be a pretty good day when she spends time with those who provide a sense of security in the wake of such an isolating time like the pandemic. However, tracks like “All On My Own” and “Madeline” depict those feelings of loneliness, sadness, and depression as clear as day. The album’s finisher, “You Won’t Blow Away,” however, reminds us that even if things do not go our way, or if bad things happen, it is not the end of the world.
McDonnell’s political tinges don’t end there. The track “Step Right Up” dedicates itself to those who lost their lives to gun violence throughout the United States. As a firm advocate for gun safety laws and ending gun violence, McDonnell pays a wonderful tribute to the children whose lives were lost to gun violence throughout the country.
On September 20, Kate McDonnell hosts a release party for Trapeze at Caffe Lena in Saratoga Springs. Trapeze is out now on all streaming platforms. For more information, visit Kate McDonnell’s website.
Troy-based indie rock band The Belle Curves release their new album titled Subject to Change which blends Americana and rock.
The Belle Curves is the primary creative vehicle for Troy-based songwriter Delaney Hafener. The group focuses on an indie sound but with a folky, americana twist. Their latest record Subject to Change displays a variety of the group’s sounds and abilities.
The opening track “Hand Rolled” is a soft rock tune with a classic sound, but still maintaining their roots with modern indie themes. The next track “Life in the Hinterlands” bolts out of the gate with a roadtrippin’ americana feel. It certainly has a country twang and still holds the indie sound close. Delaney’s voice is dynamic, with high highs and low lows. Her abilities speak for themself throughout this album. The track “Sister” really showcases the power in the softness of Delaney’s vocals.
The track “The Process” in particular caught my attention quite soon during the first play. The track progresses wonderfully from lowkey to fierce and powerful. It then concludes in such an angelic and completing way with the vocals and instruments coming to a head followed by a fade out.
For more information on The Belle Curves and their upcoming album Subject to Change visit their Bandcamp by clicking here.
The Queens United International Party (QUIP) presents the seventh annual World Music Festival, taking place in Sunnyside Gardens Park on Saturday, September 21.
An annual celebration of all 120 countries and 135 languages represented in Queens, the QUIP World Music Festival brings the entire borough and beyond together to enjoy the music, art, culture, and food of the community, for the community, by the community.
This yearâs QUIP offers a full roster of events for all ages- music, arts and crafts, dance contests, a wide array of food vendors spanning from arepas to momos, and all that the historical community park has to offer.
Musical performances will occur on two alternating stages from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM with a lineup that is sure to stun, including but not limited to the renowned kora player Yacouba Sissoko, dancer and educator Malini Srinivasan, all-women, trans, and nonbinary Brazilian Samba Reggae drum line Fogo Azul, and the ever-entertaining Pinkie Special.
Tickets are $15 at the door, and kids under 12 years old are free. For further information, please visit here.
The twelfth Summer Hoot was held at the Ashokan Center in Olivebridge, NY over the course of three days, August 23 – 26, offering an eclectic mix of people spanning generations came together to celebrate their love for music.
Tucked away in the Catskill Mountains, the Ashokan Center offers 385 acres of pristine forestry accentuated by the Esopus Creek, which rolls through it. Augmenting this paradise, a wide array of musical talents performed at the Hoot. This harmony of nature and music created the ideal environment for co-founder Mike Merenda to declare Summer Hoot 12 as Zen.
Summer Hoot 2024 at The Ashokan Center
In the span of three days, more than twenty musical acts showcased their creative talents. The diverse lineup included folk, indie rock, jazz, and singer-songwriters, as well as Mexican, Argentinean, Creole, and Jamaican stylings.
Friday night began with Hoot founders Mike & Ruthy welcoming the early arrivals. Entertainment followed with performances by Tuba Skinny, Jeffery Broussard & the Creole Cowboys and others setting the tone for the weekend.
Ashokan Center Board of Director Kale Kaposhilin described the Hoot and the center as “a chosen family of loving intention.” This spirit was evident as people of all ages laughed, sang, and danced throughout the Hoot.
An Instrument Petting Zoo with guitars, bongos, violins, tambourines, and banjos was set up to offer the young (and young at heart) the opportunity to try out instruments and embark on their creative journey.
Summer Hoot Instrument Petting Zoo
Saturday and Sunday featured three stages from which to choose. The music began mid-morning and continued late into the night, including a “singers in the round” session at midnight. For those interested in making their own music, the Jubilee Jam tent in the Magical Musical Campground was open 24/7.
Dotted throughout the Ashokan Center grounds are a series of small buildings, one of which is The Pewter House. Stepping into this room feels like entering the 19th century, with its wood beams and wood burning stove. The intimacy of this space allowed for a deep connection with the performers.
The Pewter House
A select few performed in this unique setting. Naiika Sings, a Brooklyn-based chanteuse, gave a standout performance. Naiika, who began her career performing on NYC subway platforms and trains, elevated The Pewter House to a space of spiritual revelation with her performance.
Performers on the Pete Seeger and Toshi Seeger stages came from around the globe. Highlights included Bridget Kearney, founding member of Lake Street Dive; Steve Poltz, a Canadian folk singer; Carolina Mama, an Argentinean singer-songwriter; and Laurel Massé & Vinnie Martucci, a jazz and swing ensemble.
The Mammals
Local talent from the Hudson Valley was also well-represented. The Big Takeover, David & Jacob Bernz, and Jay Ungar & Molly Mason performed. No Hoot would be complete without Mike Merenda & Ruthy Unger Merenda and their band, The Mammals. Mike & Ruthy and band closed out the Toshi Seeger stage on Saturday night.
The heart of the Hoot is music and nature. The heart of the Ashokan Center is the appreciation of the natural world. Hoot + Ashokan = Zen.
Summer Hoot Performers
The City StompersThe MammalsJordan Hamilton & Seth BernardThe Gaslight TinkersDavid & Jacob Berns joined by Josiah Longo & Tink LoydSteve PoltzBridget KearneyNaiika SingsBrendan Daniel
Next generation Jam bands Eggy and Dogs In A Pile have announced the meeting of minds this November for a two-night run at The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, presented by Relix.
Eggy
This collaboration arrives as both bands are experiencing breakout years, touring across the country and capturing national attention. Eggy is gearing up for the release of their new album Waiting Game on September 6. The band is slated to set out on a lengthy tour this fall in support of the new record.
Dogs In A Pile has been making significant strides in 2024, selling out headlining shows in major cities such as Washington D.C., Austin, Texas and Denver. The New Jersey-native quintet will soon embark on an extensive fall tour and are in the process of recording their forthcoming album.
Dogs In A Pile
Eggy and Dogs In A Pile have worked for an opportunity like this to arise for quite some time. It is beyond exciting to see how the two unique sounds combine to create something new this November. The two-night run spans November 29 and 30.
Each night will feature an alternating closer, as Eggy and Dogs In A Pile will both perform approximately 90-minute sets on Friday and Saturday night. The evenings will culminate in a special collaborative encore where both bands will come together for a closing song. Their distinct sounds are mashed up for a one-of-a-kind memorable musical experience for fans in attendance.
On August 16, Jim Andralis, known for hosting the country music variety show Grand Ole Pubry at Joeâs Pub in downtown Manhattan, released his fifth LP, Ghosts.
The 11-song collection is a stark reflection on life, death, and what it means to be human. The raw emotion behind Ghosts inspires the listener to reflect on the interactions taken for granted set to the tune of soothing country guitars and Andralis’ harmonies.
Ghosts starts with “The Worst Thing,” a somber introduction to the concept of grief. The track gives us a different perspective on human emotion. It may not be the worst thing to let yourself feel your emotions and process them completely before moving on. It may not be the worst thing for things to not work out the way we expect them to. It’s a lesson that everyone could use; life isn’t very fair, after all.
The following two tracks, “5 Minutes” and “You,” are both exemplary of the album’s themes of grief and loss. “5 Minutes” is a testament to the loss of Andralis’ dog, Nikko. “You” is a poignant elegy for Barbara Maier Gustern, Andralis’ vocal coach and cherished friend. Both tracks reflect on his experiences with these adored loved ones, the time spent with both, and how love transcends romantic feelings. It is clear that these losses deeply affected Andralis and inspired him to put these feelings to music, a coping mechanism that brings him, and by proxy, his listeners, a sense of peace.
Songs like “Manhattanhenge” and “Brooklyn” bring another theme into light: the haunting of New York City. In a duet with his husband Larry Krone, “Manhattanhenge” explores the idea of an afterlife in a city loved by millions. What will happen when they’re gone, and how will New York play a part in their afterlife? Will they haunt the city they fell in love with, or move on to somewhere new? Andralis and Krone’s voices blend together in an almost perfect fashion, and it leaves listeners hoping that if there is an afterlife, they get the chance to spend it together.
Jim Andralis’ fifth album, Ghosts, gives fans an opportunity to explore some of life’s darkest themes. However, there is a comforting feeling in knowing that we are not alone when it comes to these emotions. Andralis’s country guitars provide a soothing feeling to those who are suffering from the hardships of grief and losing a loved one.
Fans can find more information and music on Jim Andralis’ website, including work with the NYC-based queer punk band The Isotoners and duets with his husband, Larry Krone.
While not in New York proper, the Berkshires are an essential part of live music for those in Eastern New York and beyond. Intersecting multiple state lines, these highlands boast a vibrant community of artists and art alike- drawing both locals and those from beyond the mountains into its captivating live performance scene. From grandiose theaters to intimate speakeasies, the Berkshires offer a venue fit for every event and occasion.
Formed by the merging of the Berkshire Theatre Festival and The Colonial Theatre, two of the county’s oldest cultural organizations, the Berkshire Theatre Group has a long history of bringing live performance to its community. Boasting a catalog of performances dating back to 1928 and an ever-expanding repertoire of both time-honored classics and works from new and emerging artists, the performances of the Berkshire Theatre Group span four stages- The Colonial Theatre, The Unicorn Theatre, The Fitzpatrick Main Stage, and The Garage, each with their own unique personality and purpose.
Address: 6 East St, Stockbridge, MA 01262 (The Unicorn Theatre, The Fitzpatrick Main Stage)
Address: 111 South St, Pittsfield, MA 01201 (The Colonial Theatre, The Garage)
Known for their contemporary productions, Chester Theatre Company hosts a series of shows made and performed by those in the community every summer. In addition to their own works, the Company hosts talkbacks, cast conversations, and panel discussions.
Built completely upon and around the talents and works of those local to the Berkshires and beyond, The Great Barrington Public Theater performs in the Daniel Arts Center of Bard College at Simon’s Rock, either on the 300 seat mainstage McConnell Theater with orchestral and balcony seating or the 100 seat Liebowitz Black Box Theater.
Address: 84 Alford Road, Great Barrington, MA 01230
The Mac-Haydn Theatre has been producing musical theater performances for the area for over fifty years now- bringing the founding wish to spread professional musical theater beyond Broadway to fruition. Each performance comes to life on their 350 seat theatre-in-the-round stage, creating an engaging and intimate audience experience. Shows run each season between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day Weekend.
Constructed in 1904 and opened in 1905, the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center has acted as a community cornerstone for live performance, film, and cultural events since its inception. Boasting theater seats just under 700, year-round arts programming, and a range of events from entertainment to education, the Mahaiwe is the centerpiece to the town’s vibrant art scene.
Address: 14 Castle Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230
An abbreviation for Performance Space 21, this black box theater sits atop a mountain. PS21 is home to contemporary dance, theatre, and music that hosts cutting edge artists from across the globe. Like many performances at this venue that invite the audience to interact- oftentimes more workshop than production- visitors can explore the fields and view of the Hudson below.
Founded in 1978, Shakespeare & Company boasts a wide range of theaters to fit each production’s needs. With tried and true Shakespearean classics, reimagined pieces, and newly debuted shows, Shakespeare & Company utilizes every seat of their 540-seat open air Arthur S. Waldstein Amphitheatre, 400-seat scaffold-and-canvas inspired Tina Packer Playhouse, intimate five row Elayne P. Bernstein Theatre, Elizabethan inspired 280-seat outdoor Roman Garden Theatre, and the 250-seat Rose Footprint Theatre, a reconstruction of the first level of Shakespeare’s first London theater.
With a rich history of live music and musical education, an open-air venue with both indoor seating and an outer lawn that provides a variety of listening experiences, and a star studded performance archive that ranges from Ella Fitzgerald to Dolly Parton, it’s no wonder Tanglewood has been consistently voted a fan favorite concert venue. In addition to individual performances, Tanglewood houses the Popular Artists Series festival, the Boston Pops, and the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s training academy.
An informal, cozy venue nestled in an old barn at the Egremont Village Inn, The Egremont Barn offers a more casual audience experience complete with pub style comfort foods and a stage boasting little more than a piano. The venue’s charm shines through in its community built around the year-round program of singer-songwriters, theater companies, open mics, and musical acts across genres.
A small speakeasy style venue tucked beneath the Red Lion Inn, The Lion’s Den offers an intimate musical experience with a timeless atmosphere. Thursday through Saturday evenings feature folk, rock, and blues acts from their Den Sessions, and Sunday evenings are the host to their Jazz series.
Address: The Red Lion Inn, 30 Main St, Stockbridge MA 01262
A Tony Award-winning theater, The Williamstown Theatre Festival is a resident summer theatre on Williams College’s campus that hosts a yearly season of shows and community immersive theatre programs year-round.
