Kool & The Gang and En Vogue are coming to Tanglewood on June 23, performing at Koussevitzky Music Shed at 2:30 p.m.
Kool & The Gang is an R&B, funk group known for their hits from the 70’s and 80’s. They officially formed in 1969 signing to De-Lit Records and released their first album, Kool & The Gang. “Jungle Boogie” “Get Down On It” and “Ladies Night” are just a few of their many hits from their decades of discography.
The band formed in Jersey City as a Jazz ensemble. This included Robert “Kool” Bell on Bass, Ronald Bell on Keyboards, Robert “Spike” Mickens on Trumpet, Dennis “Dee Tee” Thomas on saxophone, Ricky West on keyboards, George Brown on drums, and Charles Smith and Woody Sparrow on guitar. Now, Robert Bell, trumpet player, Michael Ray and Keyboardist, Curtis “Fitz” Williams make up the Grammy Award winning group.
Soul trio, En Vogue are joining Kool & The Gang on stage performing their hits from the 90’s. They have sold 20 million records worldwide and have won seven MTV Music Video Awards along with three Soul Train Awards. In 1988 Dawn Robinson, Cindy Herron, and Maxine Jones and Terry Ellis made the final cut for the girl group and they were signed to Atlantic Records. Now the group is a trio consisting of Ellis, Rhona Bennett and Cindy Herron. They’ve released seven studio albums, most recently Electric Cafe in 2018.
Last Year, En Vogue performed at the Fourth of July Tanglewood celebration. This summer music festival is located in the Berkshire hills in Western Massachusetts.
For More Information and to purchase tickets you can visit the Tanglewood website.
From June 14th to June 16th, the Tribeca Film Festival hosted an extraordinary event, Deniro Con, celebrating the illustrious career and 80th birthday of New York icon and Tribeca co-founder, Robert De Niro.
This special tribute brought together a remarkable lineup of De Niro’s collaborators, including Chazz Palminteri, Quentin Tarantino, Billy Crystal, Whoopi Goldberg, Christopher Walken, Martin Scorsese, and Nas, among others.
A Star-Studded Celebration
Deniro Con was an extraordinary gathering that honored De Niro’s extensive career and contributions to cinema. The event featured a multitude of panels, discussions, and screenings, highlighting the legendary actor’s collaborations and iconic roles. The presence of industry giants and close associates underscored De Niro’s significant impact on film and his enduring legacy.
Opening Day: “Jackie Brown” Screening and Tarantino Conversation
The festivities kicked off on June 14th with a screening of “Jackie Brown” at the SVA Theater. Presented in its original 35mm format, the screening was followed by an engaging 45-minute conversation between Quentin Tarantino and Robert De Niro. The discussion delved into De Niro’s portrayal of Louis, a character marked by his minimal dialogue but profound physicality and nuanced expressions.
Tarantino admitted to a slight regret for not giving De Niro more lines, recognizing the actor’s exceptional talent with dialogue. However, he praised De Niro’s ability to convey depth through subtle gestures and expressions, capturing the complexity of a man dulled by prison but not devoid of intelligence. They also reflected on broader filmmaking aspects, such as the importance of authentic period settings and the dynamic relationships between actors and directors. Tarantino lauded De Niro’s versatility, acknowledging how he captivates audiences across diverse roles.
Day Two: “Mean Streets” and a Dialogue with Scorsese and Nas
On June 15th, the Beacon Theatre hosted a screening of “Mean Streets,” followed by a riveting conversation featuring Martin Scorsese, Robert De Niro, and moderated by rapper Nas. The dialogue, introduced by Tribeca co-founder Jane Rosenthal, provided a retrospective on the prolific 50-year collaboration between Scorsese and De Niro, which began with “Mean Streets” and spanned ten films, including their latest, “Killers of the Flower Moon.”
Scorsese discussed the enduring relevance of “Mean Streets,” highlighting its authentic depiction of New York City’s essence, loyalty, and immigrant experiences. He shared anecdotes about the film’s production challenges, including navigating local organized crime and funding obstacles. De Niro and Scorsese emphasized the authenticity and lasting impact of their work, comparing their cinematic influence to that of top-tier musicians in their fields.
De Niro Is an Icon: An Exhibit & Immersive Film
A central feature of Deniro Con was the exhibit “DE NIRO IS AN ICON: AN EXHIBIT & IMMERSIVE FILM,” held at Spring Studios in Tribeca. This career-spanning exhibit celebrated De Niro’s 80 years with over 300 items primarily sourced from his personal archive. The collection included rare images and videos, annotated scripts, costumes, research materials, and storyboards, offering fans a comprehensive look at his monumental career.
A standout element of the exhibit was the short film “De Niro, New York,” produced by Little Cinema and showcased within the Hexadome. This cutting-edge structure, crafted by Berlin’s Institute for Sound and Music, provided an immersive viewing experience, further highlighting De Niro’s deep connection to New York City.
Screenings Around the City
In addition to the central exhibits at Spring Studios, Deniro Con screenings took place across various theaters in New York City, including the iconic Beacon Theatre. These screenings allowed fans to revisit De Niro’s seminal works in classic cinematic settings, enhancing the celebratory atmosphere of the event.
Conclusion
Deniro Con was a fitting tribute to Robert De Niro’s monumental contributions to film and his indelible mark on the industry. Through insightful conversations, rare exhibits, and nostalgic screenings, the event encapsulated the essence of De Niro’s career, celebrating the man who has become a true icon of cinema and a beloved figure in New York City. As De Niro continues to inspire future generations, Deniro Con stands as a testament to his enduring legacy and unparalleled talent.
of Montreal played The Water Street Music Hall in Rochester on June 7. Touring in support of their newest album, Lady on the Cusp, Kevin Barnes brought his psychedelic fever dream of a show to an enthusiastic and sometimes costumed crowd.
Part of legendary Atlanta psych collective Elephant 6, the band has been around since the 90’s so they have a vast catalogue of experimental pop to pull from.
of Montreal shows include a circus like cast of costumed, eccentric, gender bending characters, who take over the stage and mess and tease both the crowd and Kevin Barnes. It feels like the drama club found some good acid and decided to crash the stage.
You have no idea what’s coming next and their playful presence adds some intrigue and often times hilarity to the show. They played several new tracks from their new album, while cherry-picking some crowd favorites and an old rarity or two.
Beetlejuice The Musical The Musical The Musical opened at Proctors Theatre in Schenectady on Tuesday, June 18, bringing in a packed audience who laughed and sang along to the beloved film, now in musical form.
Photo by Matthew Murphy
Telling the story of Lydia Deetz with greater empathy and backstory – she is at her mother’s burial at the onset of Act 1 – gives cause for Lydia to seek out the help of Beetlejuice, performed masterfully by Justin Collette.
With a recently diseased deceased couple, Adam (Will Burton) and Barbara (Megan McGinnis) Maitland, taking up residence in their former house – now the Deetz’ – they become visible to Lydia, leading to haunting hilarity and foot-tapping musical numbers amid a visually stunning series of sets that utilize the slant framed doors, windows and hallways of the Tim Burton film.
Photo by Matthew Murphy
Pulling from the source material effectively, but introducing Beetlejuice by the end of the first number, the focus in Act 1 on the demon in the striped suit was on par with that of Lydia (Isabella Esler, making her professional debut), a shift from the 1988 film. The 2018 debut on Broadway garnered Tony Award nominations for Best Musical, and well deserved given the production of songs “Dead Mom,” “That Beautiful Sound,” “Say My Name,” “Barbara 2.0” and of course, “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song).”
The first act was Beetlejuice’s time to shine, taking centerstage until he finally joins the world of the living by the end of the act. But Act 2 is greatly focused on Lydia, a time for actress Isabella Esler to be front and center, belting out number after number – “Home” being a show-stopping highlight. In Act 1, Lydia gives the story heart, a tease of what a treat audiences were in store for, both in Act 2 of Beetlejuice and Esler’s career potential as well.
Beetlejuice The Musical The Musical The Musical contains strong language, mature references, and a lot of the crazy, inappropriate stuff you would expect from a deranged demon, but great family fun nonetheless.
Photo by Matthew Murphy
Beetlejuice The Musical The Musical The Musical at Proctors runs through Sunday, June 23. Tickets are available here.
What a wonderful world it is for Queens’ Louis Armstrong House Museum after winning the IMLS National Medal for Museums, the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries that demonstrate significant impact in their communities. The beloved monument was among the 10 Museum and Library Awards recipients, while the Louis Armstrong House Museum is the only honor recipient in New York State. Executive Director Regina Bain will accept the award at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. in July.
Executive Director Regina Bain will accept the award on behalf of the Louis Armstrong House Museum
In her role Brooklyn-based educator and artistRegina Bain look to preserve and further the legacy of America’s first Black popular music icon. Sharing, “This signifies recognition of our dedication to preserving the legacy of Louis Armstrong, a cultural icon whose impact transcends generations and borders. It also serves as a validation of our mission to preserve and interpret Armstrong’s house and grounds, collect and share archival materials that document Armstrong’s life and legacy, develop programs for the public that educate and inspire, and engage with contemporary artists to create performances and new works.” Moreover, in her role Bainfurther connects the LAHM’s family-friendly blend of arts and education with its surrounding community.
About the Louis Armstrong House Museum
Following Louis Armstrong’s passing in 1971. His wife, Lucille, continued to live in their home — on 107th Street in Corona, Queens — working to ensure that it became a National and New York Historic Landmark. After Lucille’s passing in 1983, she willed the home and its contents to the city of New York which designated the City University of New York, Queens College to shepherd the process. Despite a slow churn, the archives became public in the ’90’s, while the historic home opened for tours in 2003. In the time since the LAHM has become its own entity with official non-profit status.
Nestled in the picturesque rolling hills of Canandaigua, CMAC proved to be the perfect setting for an wonderful evening of music with Goose, the jam band phenomenon that has been capturing hearts and ears across the country.
As the sun dipped below the horizon after a bluebird day, casting a golden glow over the amphitheater, Goose took to the stage amidst thunderous applause. The band’s lineup—comprising Rick Mitarotonda on guitar and vocals, Peter Anspach on keyboard, guitar and vocals, Trevor Weekz on bass, Jeff Arevalo on percussion and Cotter Ellis on drums —immediately set a vibrant tone with their eclectic mix of rock, funk, jazz, and electronic elements. Known for their improvisational prowess, Goose wasted no time in diving into extended jams.
Photo by Derek Java
The first set started off strong with “Hot Love & The Lazy Poet,” and then “Mr. Action,” followed by a blistering cover of “Me and My Uncle,” the song by John Phillips of the Mamas and the Papas that was made famous by the Grateful Dead and one of the highlights of the show. “Seekers on the Ridge” Parts 1 and 2 were followed by “Drive,” and then “So Ready” to end the first set.
Photo by Derek Java
Individually, each member of Goose shone brightly throughout the night. Mitarotonda’s soulful vocals and intricate guitar work provided the backbone of many songs, while Anspach’s keyboard solos added fiery bursts of energy to the mix. Weekz’ basslines were deep and resonant, anchoring the rhythm section alongside Ellis’ dynamic and precise drumming, which drove the band forward with relentless energy. The chemistry between the band members was palpable, with each musician feeding off the others’ energy to create moments of pure musical synergy.
Photo by Derek Java
Set 2 started off with a cover of “Fish in the Sea” by the New Zealand band Fat Freddy’s Drop. Then came another highlight of the night, “Tumble,” an extended jam where Goose brought the crowd to joyous heights with blissful high-energy guitar. Next was a serene “Red Bird,” followed by “726,” and then a lengthy “Arcadia” to end the set. The encore was a rocking “Madhuvan” that ended with a triumphal bow to thunderous applause.
Photo by Derek Java
Goose’s performance at CMAC was nothing short of spectacular. From their electrifying musical explorations to their heartfelt connection with the audience, Goose proved once again why they are at the forefront of the jam band scene. As they continue on the road, fans and new followers looking to catch the wave should be sure to pick up a ticket and treat themselves to a wonderful night of music.
Photo by Derek Java
Goose – CMAC, Canandaigua, NY – June 15, 2024
Set 1: Hot Love & The Lazy Poet, Mr. Action > Me and My Uncle [1], Seekers on the Ridge pt I > Seekers on the Ridge pt II, Drive, So Ready
Set 2: Fish In The Sea [2], Tumble, Red Bird > 726 > Arcadia
Encore: Madhuvan
Coach’s Notes: [1] John Philips [2] Fat Freddy’s Drop
On the heels of a performance in Saranac Lake this weekend, jam band stalwarts since 2008, Dopapod, have announced an indefinite hiatus, beginning at the end of 2024.
The group also announced âBest Friends 2024â Fall Tour dates, with more to be announced.
Shared on the band’s social media channels, the band’s message stated:
To our family, friends, and fans:
Before we get into the details and such, we’ll just get right to the point: Starting in 2025, Dopapod will no longer be touring, recording, or writing for the foreseeable future.
The last sixteen years have been an unbelievable adventure. We really did get to experience the whole spectrum of having a full time, professional touring band. To paraphrase Homer Simpson: âThe dizzying highs, the crushing lows, the creaaaaamy center.â All of it, the highs, lows, and everything in between has been an absolute treasure trove of life and learning experiences.
However, the price we have paid mentally, financially, physically and otherwise can no longer be ignored. We feel deep down in our guts and our hearts that this is the best possible thing not for the band, but for four dudes who truly love each other and want the best for each other. And to be clear, our families have always offered full support of this lifestyle and did not play a role in this decision. The touring life has never been easy and it seems to be getting more difficult. We send our love to all the artists/crew that put so much of their heart and soul into making live music possible.
Coincidence or not, we did say when we took our last break that we were inspired by an article where a company would take a sabbatical every 7 years, and it’s been 7. Plus, in 2017 we had a full solar eclipse and this year we had another. Regardless of all that, we are treating this as an indefinite hiatus.
We love you all and have endless appreciation for this journey and everyone who has enjoyed the music weâve put out into the world this last decade and a half. In the meantime, we will continue to play tons of shows through the remainder of 2024, including all of these âBest Friends 2024â fall tour dates in addition to the already announced summer dates. So come see us while you can. We fully intend on giving you the best shows we can possibly deliver, and savoring every second of it.
With immense love and gratitude,
Eli, Rob, Chuck and Neal,
dopapod.
While a surprise to many of the broader Dopasquad fanbase, artists are finding it tougher to be on the road financially, as well as the burden of touring consistently. Bands including Aqueous, Ghost Light, Baked Shrimp, and CBDB have all called it a day since 2021, many citing the costs of touring and the personnel that go with it, while others (Twiddle and Turkuaz in particular) see variations of the original lineup continuing on (Mihali, Cool Cool Cool, respectively).
Dopapod joining this fraternity – one that could be found gracing the lineups of numerous festivals in the past decade (Catskill Chill, among others) – is a symptom of the post-pandemic world where costs are higher, even if audiences are coming out to see and support artists.
Photo by: Andy Hill Dopapod at Catskill Chill 2014
Dopapod formed at Berklee College College of Music in Boston in 2008, with Eli Windermand and future Turkuaz drummer Michelangelo Carubba as a duo. Later, Rochester native Rob Compa joined the band, adding in Chuck Jones on bass and Neal Evans on percussion, shifting to drums when Carubba joined Turkuaz. Scotty Zwang replaced Evans from 2013-16 behind the kit.
NYS Music has covered Dopapod countless times in the past decade, from show reviews, interviews with band members, to reviews of many of the group’s palindromic albums – Radar, Drawn Onward, Redivider, Never Odd or Even, Megagem,Emit Time,Dopapod, and 2024 releases Aiboh and Phobia (combined, aibohphobia is the fear of palindromes). We wish the band members the best through their remaining shows and what lays ahead.
photo by Filip Zalewski
The band will continue to tour this summer, including a show at The Waterhole in Saranac Lake on Friday, June 21, Great South Bay Festival on July 20, and Bearsville Theater in Woodstock on September 13. Tickets go on sale Thursday, June 20 at Dopapod.com.
The Chenango Blues Foundation has announced its Thursday summer concert series spanning from July 11th to August 29th at East Park in Downtown Norwich, NY, who will host free concerts every Thursday in the leadup to the Chenango Blues Festival on August 16th. These Summer concerts are free, allowing concert-goers to enjoy world class talent at no cost. 2024’s lineup provides a diverse array of genres, including blues, roots rock, and psychedelic.
Since 2003, the Chenango Blues Foundation has put on free concerts for Norwich residents highlighting blues talent. This aids in their mission to foster the appreciation of American musical arts through accessible performances. As part of this mission, the foundation has presented free concerts by American blues legends such as Shemekia Copeland in 2021. The Summer concert series has also featured legends of big-band jazz, and zydeco, including multiple shows by the Glenn Miller Orchestra.
Eric Lindell will kick off the Summer series on July 11th with his trademark brand of Americana. Lindell’s strain of music mixes Southern R&B, West Coast Rock, and Soul to create an infectious sound. This performance marks Lindell’s third performance at the Chenango Thursday Concert Series, having previously played in 2007, and 2008.
Eric Lindell
New Orlean’s the Iguanas will grace the concert series with a July 18th show. The Iguanas have toured for three decades with few lineup changes, crafting a fun and almost brotherly attitude in their music. The band’s style of roots rock connects genres ranging from New Orleans jazz, blues, tejano rock, and Caribbean music.
The James Hunter Six will close out July with an evening concert on July 25th. MOJO magazine hailed Hunter as “the United Kingdom’s greatest soul singer.” Since starting his career over 30 years ago, Hunter has played guitar and backing vocals for Van Morrison, and received a Grammy nomination for “Best Traditional Blues Album.” Hunter will perform while in the US on a larger tour with Bonnie Raitt.
Sister Sparrow & the Dirty Birds will kick off the festival’s August lineup. Headed by singer Arleigh Kincheloe, the Brooklyn based band has made a name for themselves with their electrifying soul. For their headlining shows, festival performances, and residencies, NPR hailed them as “one of the biggest voices in rock music.” With very limited dates, this performance is sure to be one of the group’s only free shows.
Sister Sparrow
August 8th will see a special performance by the Garcia Project. The Garcia Project is dedicated to faithful recreations of Jerry Garcia Band concerts from 1976-1995. These concerts are not covers, but thoughtful musical arrangements meant to evoke the emotions of classic Garcia concerts. This concert is perfect for enjoyers of Garcia’s classic work or those who enjoy psychedelic and jam band music.
August 15th will feature a special Blues Fest pre-show with Blood Brothers. The duo consists of blues guitarists Mike Zito and Albert Castiglia. Both Zito and Castiglia are renowned musicians in their own right. In 2022, Zito won the Blues Music Award for “Best Blues Album,” and Castgilia won the BMA for “Blues Rock Artist.” Together, the duo are more than the sum of their parts, featuring immensely collaborative performances and songwriting. This concert will kick off the weekend-long Chenango Blues Festival.
Following the Blues Festival, the Thursday concert series will return on August 22nd with a performance by Sam Bush. This legendary artist spearheaded the “newgrass” movement, creating a new progressive style of bluegrass. Bush’s sound melds traditional bluegrass with long rock jams, and even aspects of Bob Marley’s reggae. Bush is a Bluegrass Hall of fame inductee, 3x Grammy winner, and Americana Music Association lifetime achievement award winner. Since beginning his career, Bush has collaborated with legends like Emmylou Harris, Garth Brooks, and Bela Fleck.
Musical innovator Keller Williams will close out the summer season with an August 29th performance. Williams is not bound by conventional notions of genre, seamlessly shifting between rock, funk, and blues. With this eclectic mixing of styles, no two shows by Williams will ever be the same. Keller will play solo, accompanying himself on guitar, bass, synthesizer, and drum sampler. Williams has dubbed this style “Acoustic dance music,” which is sure to make for an engaging and danceable show.
Keller Williams
Summer Concert Series Schedule
7/11 @ 7:00pm – Eric Lindell
7/18 @ 7:00pm- The Iguanas
7/25 @ 7:00pm- James Hunter Six
8/1 @ 7:00pm- Sister Sparrow & the Dirty Birds
8/8 @ 7:00pm- The Garcia Project
8/15 @ 6:30pm- Blood Brothers
8/22 @ 7:00pm- Sam Bush
8/29 @ 7:00pm- Keller Williams
For more information on performers, location, and times, visit the Chenango Blues Festival website here.
The Broadway Collection released their first ever documentary short film on June 6. Aimed at the travel industry, the short film emphasizes Broadway’s importance to New York culture, proving no trip to NYC is complete without a trip to the theater.
Produced by The Broadway Collection and directed by two time Emmy-nominated Jonathan Theodore Baker, the short film is the first of an ongoing video series. Known for the MSNBC films’ documentary “Serving in Secret”, Baker’s prolific career includes award winners and work on box office hits.
The film features Gavin Creel, a Tony and Olivier Award-Winning Bradway star. Following Creel, the film chronicles his journey to Broadway from childhood. Creel and Baker have been lifetime friends, from performing in their hometown of Findlay, Ohio, to the professional stage.
The documentary features actress/singer Sara Bareilles (Waitress), Tony-nominated actress Eva Noblezada (Hadestown, The Great Gatsby), director Sammi Cannold (How to Dance in Ohio), and actress/singer Jacqueline Arnold (Moulin Rouge!). Filmed at pre- and post-show hotspot Bond 45, Creel and the special guests discuss the state of Broadway in 2024.
The aid from hotels and restaurants is testament to the deep ties Broadway has to the community. The theater’s importance to New York’s culture and tourism is difficult to overstate. The Broadway Collection is dedicated to helping New York City visitors experience the theater, including Broadway and off-Broadway productions, the Metropolitan Opera, and the New York City Ballet. The Collection has tickets to suit various tastes and budgets, and has deep connections to the professional travel industry.
Syracuse native Charley Orlando has released his newest single, “Slipstream.” Featuring an easy-listening guitar melody accompanied by a hint of a folky/country twang, the song presents itself with a laid-back, calming presence to all listeners.
Over the last 30 years, Charley Orlando has developed an impressive reputation as a musician. With an impressive 28 Grammy Ballot nominations, 18 releases, and over 30 years of touring, he has cemented his place as an influential and respected musician in the industry. Other than his career as a solo musician, Orlando is an active group performer. He has performed as part of Ruha, which releases its own, original music, and bob., a Bob Dylan tribute band. His music is a unique blend of blues, folk, and rock, with heartfelt lyrics that resonate with audiences around the world.
Orlando’s latest single, “Slipstream,” is the second of a series of singles that he plans to release over the next year. Much like his last single, “California,” Slipstream embodies the best elements of music from the late 60s and early 70s. The easy-going vibes set by the instrumental, along with masterful lyrics that display sensitivity and vulnerability, are reminiscent of artists like Bob Dylan, Seals and Crofts, Steely Dan, and more. The instrumentals offer a perfect blend of blues and rock that makes the single stand out as an easy listening tool. Despite its ongoing themes of anxiety, pain, and struggle, Charley Orlando’s “Slipstream” offers a relaxed, comforting, and secure peace of mind.
Lyrically, the single reads as a plea for help in times of struggle. The line “My sweet friend, get me out of this slipstream” repeated throughout each chorus tells us where Orlando is coming from. But despite the pleas to be saved, Orlando’s steady, delicate voice tells us that there is still hope. Whatever may have caused the metaphorical slipstream, someone will be there to help get you out of it. Even if he is unsure, he knows that there is someone who will always be by his side. It is a message of a precious relationship that one can only hope to have. For those who do, it would only make them even more appreciative of their loved ones.
Following the release of “Slipstream,” Charley Orlando announced a series of live performances happening this summer. All events are listed below. Slipstream is available on all streaming platforms. To download for free, visit this link, and use code n1aw-hv0b.
