The 27th Annual Albany LatinFest will take place on Saturday, Aug. 24 featuring Taina Asili, DLG, Tony Succar, and talent from local artists.
Photo by Mabou Riddick
This year’s lineup includes Taina Asili, a Puerto Rican-American singer-songwriter and activist. Originating from Binghamton, her music contains a variety of styles and inspirations ranging from Afro-Caribbean and flamenco to hardcore punk and opera. Asili is also an extensive activist focusing on prisoner justice, climate justice, food justice, and female empowerment.
DLG (Dark Latin Groove) will bring some fun salsa music to LatinFest with a performance that incorporates reggae and hip-hop into salsa music. In 2009, the band was nominated for a “Best Tropical Album” Grammy Award as well as a Premio Lo Nuestro Award for “Best Tropical Group” the same year.
Lastly, Peruvian-American percussionist, Tony Succar will take the stage. Succar is also a composer and producer. In 2015 he became the youngest Latin Grammy winner of Producer of the Year and Best Salsa Album. Since then he’s had Grammy nominations in 2021, 2023, and 2024. His set at LatinFest is not to be missed.
Photo by Mabou Riddick
Along with exhibitions from local talent, the festival will offer raffles, Latino vendors, crafts, and a Kid Zone.
The event is held in Albany’s Washington Park from 11 AM to 6 PM and free to the public. In the case of rain, the festival will be moved to the I-90/I-787 interchange in Corning Preserve.
The Albany Latin Festival Association (ALFA) is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to promote and develop Hispanic cultural events in the Capital Region of the State of New York for the purpose of acknowledging the contributions of Hispanic performing artists and promoting an appreciation for multicultural diversity. For more information visit www.albanylatinfest.org
The Village of Saranac Lake has announced the artist lineup for the 2024 Music on the Green Summer concert series. The concert series will showcase a vast array of genres, including funk, folk, indie, and bluegrass. This year’s run will begin on July 3rd, and continue weekly until August 14th, with weekly concerts Wednesday 7-9pm.
Music on the Green is an annual tradition for Saranac Lake, bringing the community together to enjoy artists. The village’s mission is to provide its residents with live music that is accessible, both in location and price. Due to this, admission to all Music on the Green concerts is free.
Music on the Green began in 2013, and has since attracted over 68 performing artists to Saranac Lake. In the past, concert-goers have enjoyed performances ranging from alternative rock to swing to folk. The variety in this year’s lineup continues in this tradition of diversity.
The 2024 season kicks off on July 3rd with a concert from local folk band Nubble. The band’s style mixes alternative with folk. As the band says about their music “Sometimes we get a little sad, but mostly we stay pretty happy.” With this emotional range, it is sure to be a captivating show to start the season.
Frankie and the Moonlighters will perform on July 10th. The Saranac Lake-based band specializes in covers of well-known 1950s and 60s hits. Their smooth covers feature vocal harmonies, and rhythms that are sure to get audiences dancing.
Double Axel has captivated audiences for 50 years. This classic North Country band will perform at the July 17th concert. The group will take audiences back in time with decades worth of classic rock.
July 24th will feature a concert by Massachusetts’ Dis-N-Dat Band. The band’s sound is a fusion of Caribbean sounds, incorporating reggae, dancehall, and R&B. The band has toured the US for over 20 years, with its singer Sista Dee also being resident singer of Holland America cruises.
Waiting on Mongo will perform on July 31st with their signature funk stylings. Starting from their home of Asbury Park, NJ, the band has lit up concert venues across the country with their powerful psychedelic funk. With danceable guitar riffs, funky horns, and driving organs, each performance by the band is a groovy journey.
5 Pound Horse
5 Pound Horse will kick off the August portion of the season with a concert on August 7th. The Berkshires-based ensemble has traveled the world absorbing influences into their sound. The band began by playing roots rock, with steel guitar, fiddle, and driving rhythms. Since their travels, the group has incorporated aspects of African music, pop, and jazz, making each one of their performances extremely captivating.
An August 14th set by the Beat Authority will close out Summer Season. The Beat Authority has been a staple of North Country Public Radio since its inception. Led by DJ David Sommerstein, the program broadcasts dance music from around the world, ranging from Cumbia to Afrobeat. This set is sure to get audiences dancing to beats from around the globe.
Music on the Green Schedule
7/3 – Nubble
7/10 – Frankie and the Moonlighters
7/17 – Double Axel
7/24 – Dis-N-Dat
7/31 – Waiting on Mongo
8/7 – 5 Pound Horse
8/14 – Beat Authority
All Concerts take place in Saranac Lake’s Riverside park from 7-9pm. For more information on the summer festival, visit the village website here.
The Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery at Skidmore College announced the list of events they will be hosting during the summer season. Events include Frances Day, Family Saturdays, Crafts on the Grass, and the inaugural Skidmore College Juneteenth Celebration.
The most anticipated of these events is the 2024 rendition of its summer concert series, “Upbeat on the Roof,” located in Saratoga Springs, NY. The series will run each Thursday from July 11 through August 15. All events are free and open to the public. Art-making activities are geared toward children 5 and older, with an adult companion.
A wide variety of performers will attend the concert series, including both revisiting and new performers. This year, a new collaboration with The Orchard Project and a theater and performance incubator in residence at Skidmore are among the newcomers.
The Tang Teaching Museum – Official website
For 23 years, the Tang Teaching Museum has brought the summer concert series to Saratoga Springs. However, the concert series is not just for musicians, as the aforementioned arts and crafts events, as well as the debuting of art for the museum’s gallery, take place after the performances. Showcasing a diverse set of performers and artists, and spanning across several genres, Upbeat on the Roof brings the best of what Skidmore College has to offer.
The Tang Teaching Museum located at Skidmore College is a monumental feat in the world of education. With exhibition programs that bring together visual and performing arts with interdisciplinary ideas from history, economics, biology, dance, and physics, the Tang inspires learning on a higher level adapted to our modern times. The Tang has one of the most rigorous faculty engagement initiatives in the nation, as well as a robust publication and touring exhibition program that brings the Tang all around the world.
Staff at Upbeat on the Roof are dedicated to providing a family-friendly, fun space for their upcoming concert series. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, camping chairs, food, and drink to picnic on the lawn. Craft kits will be available at 5:30 pm; concerts begin at 6 pm.
Below is the full schedule of summer events hosted by the Tang, including the lineup of the 2024 rendition of Upbeat on the Roof.
Skidmore College’s Juneteenth Celebration – Saturday, June 22, noon to 3 pm
Celebrate Juneteenth at Skidmore College’s annual celebration. The event features Juneteenth-themed arts and crafts, storytelling, food, and performances, with ongoing activities and timed events inside and outside the Museum. Black-owned businesses will have items for sale, including clothing, hand-crafted products, flowers, baked goods, and more. Live musical performances are scheduled for the event, as well. It’s a great opportunity to support local Black artists!
Musical performances will be:
Noon-12:15 pm: Welcome and hip-hop dance performance by Prodigal B
12:15-1:15 pm: Neo-soul music performance by Adrian Emanuel
1:15-2 pm: Congolese dance and drumming workshop by Nkoula Badila and Angel Lau
2-3 pm: Gospel performance by The Heavenly Echoes Gospel Band
Family Saturdays – Saturdays, July 6, August 3, August 17, 2 to 3:30 pm
Our popular Family Saturdays foster multigenerational creative cooperation through looking at artwork, discussing it, and engaging in a hands-on art-making activity. The programs, which are free and open to the public, run from 2 to 3:30 pm. They are suitable for children ages 5 and older, accompanied by their adult companions. No registration required; supplies provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Led by Njeri Jennings, the Laurie M. Tisch Educator for K-12 and Community Programs at the Tang Teaching Museum, the programs are inspired by current exhibitions and art from the Tang collection. Details for each Family Saturday will be announced later.
Crafts on the Grass – Thursdays, July 11 to August 15, 5:30 pm
Before each Upbeat on the Roof concert, Tang museum educators will offer Crafts on the Grass, art-making kits for kids starting at 5:30 pm. A different kit with a craft project will be available each week. All projects are suitable for children aged 5 and up, with adult supervision. Materials will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Frances Day – Saturday, July 20, 2 to 6:30 pm
The Tang Teaching Museum’s annual open house features contemporary art exhibitions, art-making activities, tours, food, music, and more in honor of the museum’s namesake, Frances Young Tang. Details of Frances Day—including tours, art-making activities, and musical guests—will be announced soon and listed on the Tang website.
Visitors of all ages engage in art-making activities during the 2023 Frances Day community open at the Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery at Skidmore College. This year’s Frances Day is July 20. Photo by Megan Mumford.
Upbeat on the Roof Summer Concert Series
July 11 – Future of Broadway
The Orchard Project is a preeminent artistic development laboratory and accelerator for creators of performance and dramatic stories, in residence each summer in Saratoga Springs. This special Upbeat on the Roof performance features selections from project-in-residence Safety Not Guaranteed, a theatrical version of the 2012 feature film, with music by Guster’s Ryan Miller and Nick Blaemire, that will have a major New York City production this fall; and from composers-in-residence Jesse J. Sanchez, Anna DeNoia, and others
July 18: Great Mutations
Great Mutations is a Troy, New York-based rock band that brings melodic, intricate songs about love, work, and death to their performances. Since their formation in 2012, they have released four studio albums, including their most recent LP, Gifted Kids, in April. Band members are singer and guitarist Matthew Thouin, bassist Mitchell Masterson, drummer Ian White, and guitarist Tommy Krebs. Join them for the 2024 Upbeat on The Roof on July 18!
Great Mutations – Bandcamp
July 25: Dust Bowl Faeries
Celebrating their tenth year in 2024, Dust Bowl Faeries perform a faerie-tale medley of dark cabaret and gothic polka music, infused with a dose of witchcraft and a dusting of woodland magic. Hailing from the New York Hudson Valley, the band draws inspiration from circus music, murder ballads, and Eastern European folk songs. Instruments like the accordion, lap-steel, electric bass, percussion, and acoustic guitar combine to create the Dust Bowl Faeries’ mystic sound. Founded by Ryder Cooley (“faerie queen”), Dust Bowl Faeries includes Jon B. Woodin (“rocket faerie”), Jude Roberts (“hobbit faerie”), Rubie LaRue (“feisty faerie”), and Andrew Stein (“time faerie”).
Dust Bowl Faeries, photo by Stephen Spera
August 1: Drank the Gold
Drank the Gold is made up of two members: fiddler Oona Grady and multi-instrumentalist James Gascoyne. In 2023, the band was named the Folk/Traditional Artist of the Year at the Capital Region Thomas Edison Music Awards. The duo plays North Atlantic dance tunes and traditional folk songs with their own original twist, bringing a new face to the folk scene. See them perform at Upbeat on the Roof on August 1.
Drank the Gold, photo by Elizabeth Pedinotti Haynes
August 8: Dan Carr and the Cure for Asthma
The band, in their own words: “Deep within the piney hills of Albany, New York, lurks a gaggle of obnoxious strummers, bangers, and sangers on an epic plot to take over all of Albany. Their music is so incredibly catchy it will brainwash and destroy all the evil-doers in Albany AND Troy. Rock, Country, distortion, they have it all. Tori, Juliana, Gabe, Joe, Sam, and Dan won’t stop ever.” Join them for a rock’n’roll night at Upbeat on the Roof on August 8.
August 15: Reese Fulmer & The Carriage House Band
The 2023 and 2024 Americana Artist of the Year at the Thomas Edison Music Awards, Reese Fulmer and his band are among the fastest-rising groups in the Capital Region. The Carriage House Band has appeared in duo, trio, quartet, 5- and 6-piece formats, and has featured artists including Chris Carey, James Gascoyne, Andy Arnold, Connor Dunn, Dustin DeLuke, Julia Alsarraf, JP Hubbs, Orion Kribs, Bobby Kendall, Chris Bloniarz, Matt Griffin, Connor Armbruster, Paul Guay, Sara Milonovich, Jimi Woodul, Katie Weissman, and Joe Woodul. Join them on August 15 as they close out Upbeat on the Roof!
Reese Fulmer & The Carriage House Band – Official Facebook
Performances will take place every Thursday from July 11 through August 15. Tickets and more information are available here.
The Ashokan Center, located in Olivebridge, NY, announced the lineup for the twelfth rendition of their Summer Hoot Music and Nature Festival. From August 23 through the 25, attendees can enjoy an array of activities, including parades, music workshops, nature walks and hikes, petting zoos, and more.
The festival will also feature live performances from local, regional, and nationwide musicians, comedians, and other performers.
Nestled deep within the Catskill Mountains, The Ashokan Center has dedicated more than five decades to the conservation, protection, and preservation of New York’s forests. As a non-profit retreat center, they host a variety of programs and community engagement activities. Most notable are their Music & Dance camps, an opportunity for people of all ages to engage in their favorite activities and collaborate with one another. The Ashokan Center’s unique educational offerings explore natural science, history, environmental issues, arts and music, and writing through programming for children and adults.
In February 2013, Mike Merenda and Ruth Ungar planned a festival to raise awareness for the Center. The plan was to create a fun, engaging space for all ages to enjoy the culture and nature of the Catskills. Over 400 people attended the first Winter Hoot, but that was only the beginning.
During the summer of that year, the team built two outdoor stages on “Hoot Hill,” giving the festival its name. This launched the Summer Hoot Music and Nature Festival we know today, which has brought in crowds of over 1,200 attendees year after year.
In addition to raising money for the Ashokan Center, the Hoot aims to invite locals and visitors alike to gather in the mountains for a friendly, upbeat celebration of the unique culture, community, and beauty of the Hudson Valley and Catskills region.
“The Hoot is a way to share the joy and freedom I was privileged to experience in my own childhood at Ashokan, and keep the party going for generations to come.”
Ruth Ungar Merenda
In addition to live music on two stages on Ashokan’s Hoot Hill, the Hoot Music and Nature Festival offers a wide range of programming for the entire family. All-day activities for children in the Kids Zone, including daily kids’ parades, will be hosted all weekend long. Music workshops, blacksmithing demonstrations, morning gong baths with Love Waves, yoga classes, guided hikes to Ashokan’s historic Cathedral Falls, and an all-hours Jubilee Jam Tent are merely just a few examples of the exciting weekend planned.
The full lineup and information for the Summer Hoot Music and Nature Festival are listed below. For more information, visit here.
Summer Hoot 2024 Lineup
THE MAMMALS are Indie folk ambassadors and songwriting ninjas featuring Hoot producers, Ruth Ungar & Mike Merenda. The band is known for its high-energy shows, original repertoire, and Americana sound. Their music blends old-timey, vintage pop, and contemporary folk.
TUBA SKINNY is a New Orleans-based traditional jazz street band. Known for their interpretations of early jazz, ragtime, and blues music from the 1920s and 1930s, they have recently branched into other genres such as traditional New Orleans soul and R&B. Their instrumentation includes cornet, clarinet, trombone, tuba, tenor banjo, guitar, frottoir, and vocals.
STEVE POLTZ is a Canadian-American singer-songwriter and guitarist. He is a founding member of the indie-rock band the Rugburns and collaborated on several songs with singer Jewel, including the 1996 single “You Were Meant for Me”, which reached number 2 in the US.
BRIDGET KEARNEY is a Brooklyn-based musician and songwriter. She is a founding member of the band Lake Street Dive and winner of the 2005 John Lennon Songwriting Contest in the Jazz category.
JAY UNGAR & MOLLY MASON have contributed immense vision and hard work to preserving the Ashokan Center and its music and nature programs. From organizing big-picture development to playing “Home Grown Tomatoes” and “Ashokan Farewell” for visiting 5th graders nearly every week, their leadership and love of Ashokan helped to preserve the land and a “safe place to try new things” for thousands of adults and children to experience yearly.
THE BIG TAKEOVER is a seven-piece band from New York’s Hudson Valley known for their original music that blends Jamaican pop genres like reggae, ska, and rocksteady. The band blends their own unique sounds with those of Motown, retro soul, and R&B. Jamaican-born singer and songwriter Nee Nee Rushie leads the band.
NAIIKA SINGS is a Brooklyn-based Hoot favorite known for soulful performances and creative, dynamic performances that engage any audience. A variety of genres, including R&B, folk rock, pop, world music, and jazz influences her music. Naika Sings surely stands out in a crowd. Join them for their performance at the Summer Hoot and Music Nature Festival.
JEFFERY BROUSSARD & THE CREOLE COWBOYS is a Creole & Zydeco group from Louisiana. One of the most influential accordionists and vocalists in modern Zydeco music, Jeffery Broussard continues to be one of the genre’s most dynamic performers. Join them for an unforgettable night of Zydeco music.
SETH BERNARD & JORDEN HAMILTON are a beloved singer/songwriter and hip/hop-influenced duo from Michigan. They perform original music on electric guitar and cello, combining classical music with a hip-hop influence to create a unique, fun, and original sound.
GUACHINANGOS is an energetic Latin-American ensemble from NYC fusing Mexican son jarocho with Colombian cumbia and other rhythms.
LAURAL MASSÉ & VINNUE MARTUCCI are a Hudson Valley-based vocal and piano jazz duo. As the founder of the band Manhattan Transfer, Massé toured worldwide and appeared on TV. Vinnue Martucci teaches jazz history part-time at the State University of New York at New Paltz. He accompanies Massé on a monthly live show on WAMC in Albany.
THE CITY STOMPERS are a percussive Appalachian dance troupe from New York City that will bring their dance performance to the Toshi stage and invite attendees to join in the evening square dance in the Pavilion.
ARM-OF-THE-SEA THEATER is an inventive, larger-than-life, storytelling troup focused on eco-educational stories and themes. Through visual storytelling and great live music in original works of mask and puppet theater, Arm of the Sea Theater has dedicated nearly 3 decades to family-friendly, creative environmental storytelling.
CAROLINA MAMA is an Argentinean songwriter. A graduate of prestigious arts programs at Buenos Aires’ Universidad Nacional del Arte and NYC’s New School of Jazz and Contemporary Music, Carolina also records and tours with Samir LanGus and the GRAMMY-nominated vocal group ROSA.
DAVID & JACOB BERNZ are a son-father duo from Beacon who have been performing throughout the Hudson Valley for many years. David is known for his tribute to The Weavers (Work O the Weavers) and as a two-time Grammy award-winning producer for Pete Seeger albums, Pete Seeger at 89 (2008) and Pete Seeger and the Rivertowns Kids (2010). Together David and his son Jacob sing original material and new versions of older tunes blending modern and traditional sounds.
GASLIGHT TINKERS is a band from Brattleboro, Vermont, known for their high-energy, danceable shows that blend traditional New England fiddle music with global rhythms. Their sound is a joyful, exciting journey with unexpected textures and turns. The band draws inspiration from their musical backgrounds in traditional folk, Caribbean, Celtic, and rock, creating a delightful blend of genres that are simply unforgettable.
BRENDAN DANIEL is a founding member of Town Meeting from New England. As a harmonica prodigy, Brendan Daniel is surely a performance you will never forget. His rich voice and skilled harmonica playing are a sight unlike any you have seen before.
NATE THE GREAT is a master juggler, musician, and comedian who is hilariously fun for the entire family. Join him at the Summer Hoot for a fun-filled magic and comedy show!
Well, the instruments are packed up, the chairs are empty. But the spirit of Geneva Music Festival lingers on. For 14 years, musicians have come to Geneva for three weeks of the early summer to collaborate, perform together, and share their talents with audiences from across the Finger Lakes.
This season presented a beautiful circle, with opening band Biriba Union concluding their electric concert with an Appalachian fiddle tune, and The Brothers Blue closing out the festival season with their homegrown fiddle music.
photo by Jan Regan
The Night and Day resident artists’ finale was a gem in an already excellent themed season. It was also the most visually descriptive, with the musicians introducing their pieces with imagery like water over the sea and light through leaves, in a poetic synesthesia that remains with you even after the music has faded.
A highlight of this season was the world premiere of a Mark Olivieri piece, “Artifacts of a Valiant Past”, commissioned by Director Geoffry Herd specifically for the concert theme this year. Olivieri, composer and associate professor of music at HWS, said that he wanted to play with the idea of consciousness and memory as encompassing the theme of light and dark, and commented after the Thursday night concert, “That was just one of the most intuitive and energetic performances that I’ve had the pleasure of to hear, and I was very excited for them to be performing my piece. I look forward to working with them again in the future.”
The final concert also featured an intellectually challenging modern piece, “Light and Matter”, composed by Kaija Saariaho. Less approachable than the shimmering Haydn “Sunrise” string quartet earlier that evening, it presented a different form of light – light that is harsh, competing with darkness, struggling as it fades in and out of existence.
And it would be remiss not to mention Anna Petrova’s stunning piano solo at Night and Day. Since GMF is primarily a chamber music festival, there are generally few solos on the program. Petrova’s rendition of Scriabin’s Sonata No. 2, which was performed entirely from memory with a breathtaking finesse during the first movement and a tightly controlled passion that made the entire piano shake during the second, was an incredible treat. She received an immediate standing ovation both nights.
After the performance on Thursday night, Mark Gearan, President of Hobart and William Smith Colleges, commented, “I think as a Genevan, for 14 years this festival … every year … gets bigger, longer, more interesting, with a brilliant theme. We’re just so fortunate to be in these intimate settings and to have the musicians share their talent, describe it – the way they describe the music is such a highlight. Hobart and William Smith is proud to have it on our campus, but I think for everyone here the range of talent and musicians coming from literally all over the world, it’s great for Geneva.”
After the emotional intensity of the violin on Thursday and Friday night, it was a delight to finish out the season with the violin’s down-home brother for some danceable fiddle music outdoors.
The local bluegrass band The Brothers Blue brings home the special sense of place that the Finger Lakes offers – where else are you likely to hear bluegrass singers mention “glacial till” nostalgically in their music? Even a passing shower Sunday afternoon couldn’t dampen the audience’s enthusiasm, with attendees dancing through the rain. “These guys are awesome, I’ve seen them three or four other places. I’m very much a fan of this event and the whole [GMF] series, it’s incredible, absolutely incredible.” Said Dresden resident Donna Rae Sutherland.
Geneva Music Festival notes the following sponsoring organizations this year:
• Rochester Area Community Foundation • Nelson B. Delavan Foundation • Max and Marian Farash Foundation • Brenda & Dave Rickey Family Foundation • Williams Family Foundation • Wyckoff Family Foundation • New York State Council on the Arts • National Endowment for the Arts
The Geneva Music Festival was founded in 2011 by Geneva, New York violinist Geoffrey Herd as a weekend of chamber music in his hometown. The festival has grown over its fourteen years to a nearly month-long event that draws thousands of attendees from across the Finger Lakes region. Each year, the Festival continues its mission of inspiring people with world-class chamber music and engaging diverse audiences in its outreach programs. All concerts are wheelchair accessible. To learn more, and to purchase tickets, visit: https://genevamusicfestival.com/
Riot Fest has announced the lineup of its 2024 festival, along with a new venue and adventure experience, “RiotLand.” The festival is located in Chicago and, for the first time, will be held at the SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview.
This year, over 90 performers will take the stage over the span of three days. From September 20 through the 22, Riot Fest brings a top-tier lineup of punk-rock and alternative powerhouses and a fun, fully immersive theme park to the village of Bridgeview.
Headlining performances include hometown favorites Fall Out Boy, who make their first return to Riot Fest since their performance in 2013, Beck with special guest Pavement, and a reunion show from metal legends Slayer, who will be closing out the festival on Sunday, September 22.
This year, Riot Fest hosts about 90 different artists, ranging from some of the biggest names in rock to up-and-coming artists. Rock band NOFX will be celebrating their last hoorah with Riot Fest, putting on show-stopping performances for the entire weekend. Something Corporate will play their first Chicago show since 2010. Attendees will also get to experience the reunion of the iconic hip-hop group Public Enemy. Also making a comeback this year is Slayer, who will be closing out the show on Sunday. Fans can also witness a rare live performance from Dr. Dog, who retired from full-time touring in 2021.
For fans of reggae and ska, The Marley Brothers, featuring Ziggy, Stephen, Julian, Ky-Mani, and Damian, are performing a full Bob Marley tribute set along with original music. The full album plays this year are The Offspring playing “Smash,” Manchester Orchestra playing “Cope,” and Mastodon performing their classic, “Leviathan.”
For the first time, Riot Fest will also be including the aforementioned “RiotLand,” an immersive “Choose Your Own Adventure” experience. Activities include a casino, a gay punk and dance club, carnival games, and more. RiotLand also features a wide variety of concessions, including the World’s Largest Festival Bar, Professor Pizza, and Nihilist Arby’s. RiotLand features fan favorites from years past, including the Wedding Chapel, the Riot Pop!!, Skate Ramp, free arcade games, Professor Pizza, the rock-n-roll circus freak show Hellzapoppin Circus, mini golf, and more.
Founded in 2005 by Mike Petryshyn and Sean McKeough, Riot Fest showcases the best and biggest names in the alternative rock scene. In the almost 20 years since its inception, the fest has brought in crowds of thousands each day. This year, the festival expects to draw in approximately 50,000 people each day.
Tickets are now on sale for Riot Fest 2024 and can be purchased through the festival’s website. Options for 1-day, 2-day, and 3-day tickets are all available.
As the Grateful Dead found themselves in between tours in the early summer of 1982, side projects were apparently the name of the game in order to stay musically limber. And a new music venue in South Fallsburg, NY was more than happy to have them. Jerry Garcia Band kicked off a string of shows in the Northeast at Music Mountain on a co-bill with Bob Weir’s Bobby and the Midnites. This new venue in Sullivan County at a revamped hotel lodge that never quite made it actually played host to the first permissible concerts in the area since Woodstock in its very brief existence.
One of the last of the few shows ever played here was this heralded Jerry Garcia Band show on this day in 1982 that’s loaded with classic cover song selections and a few JGB “originals.” This particular iteration of the band features some of Garcia’s closest and longtime collaborators playing together and it certainly comes through in the sound. Bill Kreutzmann, his Grateful Dead cohort, is on drums with John Kahn manning the bass guitar. Longtime JGB member Melvin Seals is joined on keys by Jimmy Warren. And Julie Stafford and Liz Stires provide the backup vocals.
Jerry Garcia Band ticket stub – June 16, 1982
The show begins with a vintage take on Smokey Robinson’s “How Sweet It Is,” a staple in the Jerry Garcia Band songbook. A sizzling early guitar solo sets the stage for responses from Melvin Seals and Warren on keys with everyone in the band getting a chance to shine right from the start. The harmonized vocals add a layer of authenticity to this cover. Bill Kreutzmann then starts up the next number on the bass drum by himself as the rest of the band patiently merges into the beginning of “Catfish John,” a much lesser known cover song that JGB has also made one of its own. Garcia takes the wah pedal/effect out for a spin much to the delight of the Music Mountain crowd with the rhythm section maintaining a steady pocket of groove throughout. After some fun interplay with Seals, Garcia then fires in one last funky guitar solo on this well cooked “Catfish.”
Music Mountain – South Fallsburg, NY
In the three-spot is another Jerry Garcia Band regular, “That’s What Love Will Make You Do.” Originally credited to Little Milton in 1971, the song was played numerous times by Legion Of Mary, an all-too-brief previous side project of Garcia’s from the 70s that also featured Kahn, Martin Fierro on saxophone and flute along with Merl Saunders on keys. Their familiarity with this number comes through in spades as Garcia and Saunders take turns ripping through their respective solos on another groove-heavy funk vehicle that has Music Mountain in full swing.
Things finally cool off a bit with “Valerie,” a Robert Hunter-penned song that would go on to appear on Garcia’s Run For The Roses which would be officially released later this year. It’s got elements of “Loser” woven throughout and all the feel of an early 70s Dead song dressed up in a JGB jacket that fits perfectly in this spot. And, of course, it wouldn’t be a Grateful Dead-related show without a nod to Chuck Berry and the band takes care of this in the form of a ripping cover of “Let It Rock” that sees Garcia unleashing another bevvy of scintillating guitar runs. This funnels right into a set-closing “Deal” that’s as tight as any GD version with the harmonized backup vocals from Stires and Stafford adding some additional flavor to it.
A spirited Music Mountain crowd welcomes the Jerry Garcia Band back for a second set that starts with another cover, this time it’s “(I’m A) Road Runner,” a song first recorded by Junior Walker and the All-Stars in 1965. This would become another JGB live show staple throughout the years. Seals and Garcia get into some heavy interplay on this one as the the band stretches this “pop” hit into a fun, relaxed jam. “Love In The Afternoon” then follows, another Robert Hunter-penned song that first appeared on Garcia’s Cats Under The Stars album from 1978, his first LP using the band name Jerry Garcia Band and his first LP on the Arista label.
The real meat and potatoes of the second set, and perhaps the show itself, is the “Don’t Let Go” that comes next. It’s a near 20-minute joy ride of deep funk and some of the more exploratory jamming of the evening. The rhythm section of Kahn and Kreutzmann is hard at work once again and develop a deep groove that Garcia plays off of effortlessly. With Seals adding additional layers of sound atop it all, it makes for a lively jam that’s rife with musical cohesion and craftsmanship. Almost suddenly, the rest of the band then eases up that allows for a brief Kreuztmann drum solo that then turns into a bass duel with Kahn before Garcia slowly reenters the mix. It’s a loose, acid jazzy type jam that’s one of the show’s true highlights.
Although there would be no traditional encore tonight, the rest of the set almost feels like one, starting with a super slow take of The Band’s “The Night They Drove Ol’ Dixie Down.” With the tempo dialed down to an absolute crawl, this gives one of the last Garcia guitar solos of the night some added poignance and emotion. The beautiful backup vocals from Stires and Stafford certainly doesn’t hurt either. The show then comes to a close with “Run For the Roses,” the title track of the soon to be released album and another classic Garcia-Hunter collaboration. And with that, Jerry Garcia band puts the finishing stamp on one of the last shows to ever take place at the ill fated Music Mountain.
An apparently rain-soaked show from Bobby and the Midnites that went well into the night then followed – check out the audio here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uE27loWjRq0
Jerry Garcia Band – Music Mountain, South Fallsburg, NY – June 16, 1982
Set 1: How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You), Catfish John, That’s What Love Will Make You Do, Valerie, Let It Rock > Deal
Set 2: (I’m A) Road Runner, Love In The Afternoon, Don’t Let Go, The Night They Drove Ol’ Dixie Down, Run For the Roses
On Thursday, June 13 the 8th Jazztopad Festival kicked off with performances from composer and pianist Kris Davis accompanied by the Lutosławski Quartet at Dizzy’s Club of Jazz At Lincoln Center.
The Jazztopad Festival, running from June 13 to 27, will have shows across New York, Philadelphia, and Canada. The Polish festival celebrates Jazz music and the talents of musicians worldwide. By bringing Jazztopad to North America and legendary venues like Dizzy’s Club, the music and artists featured are exposed to new audiences. Its partnership with the Polish Cultural Institute New York makes the festival possible.
Thursday’s performance included the premiere of Kris Davis’ new piece “The Solastalgia Suite,” written for the Lutosławski Quartet. Specifically, this show marks the first time she composed for strings. The quartet includes Roksana Kwaśnikowska on 1st violin, Marcin Markowicz on 2nd violin, Artur Rozmysłowicz on the viola, and Maciej Młodawski on the cello.
The first piece played, “The Solastalgia Suite,” started slow and bitter, as the audience patiently anticipated the brand-new composition. The music eventually built up to the extravagant song everyone was waiting for. Undeniably, attendees’ genuine respect and appreciation for the music echoed throughout the room. As Davis led on the piano and the Quartet responded accordingly, their synchronization exemplified their talents.
Set to the backdrop of the sun setting on the iconic Columbus Circle view, the performance began the festival with a heartwarming and celebratory experience.
At Caffe Lena in Saratoga Springs, a captivated audience was on hand for the June 9 performance from Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams.
The second of two nights for the Woodstock couple at the historic venue, each night was opened by Jenna Nicholls, who brought a unique voice to the stage, one that is tailor made for Caffe Lena. With Jon LaDeau on guitar alongside her, Nicholls opened with a ukulele song that had an old timey radio sound, making horn sounds via bilabial fricative while she plucked away.
A resident of Saugerties, Nicholls cited the Jalopy Music Hall scene for her folk/Americana sound, one that is as unique as it is intriguing. Add in some cowboy songs and a little yodeling, and Nicholls rightfully has earned her first headline show at Caffe Lena on January 18, 2025.
Woodstock locals Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams, fresh off the release of All This Time earlier this year, took the stage around 9pm for a mesmerizing set. Joined by former Hot Tuna drummer (and longtime Midnight Ramble production manager) Justin Guip and bassist Branden Morrison (whose tone was on point all night), the band opened with the lead single from All This Time, “Desert Island Dreams.”
During the show, Campbell was impressively augmenting his guitar sound to have that of a slide guitar, minus the slide. He mentioned that his father grew up in The Bronx, while Williams mentioned her home of Peckerwood Point, TN, in a dry county, just north of Memphis.
Performing much of their new album in order – “All this Time,” “Ride with Me,” “The Way You Make me Feel” and others, Campbell and Williams would pause between songs to share stories, including those involving legendary drummer, Levon Helm. Sharing a story from the recording of Electric Dirt, Campbell recalled that Levon suggested the duo start their first record, which would be recorded at Levon’s barn in Woodstock. One of those tracks would end up on their recent release, the George Jones/Gene Pitney composition, “That’s All it Took.”
A mid show cover of Duke Ellington’s “Caravan” was time for all four on stage to shine, as seen below.
A deep cut of American comedy and vaudeville came to light with “A Little Better,” a song referencing Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, bringing to mind the simple joys of life that can make you feel better, by watching ‘Stan and Ollie Dance.’
Stories from Williams of ‘pew jumpers’ at revivals down south peppered the set, noting the spirit of the music that compelled even the most devout to rise from their seats in joy and exultation. A cover of “Long Black Veil” by Lefty Frizzell featured Larry Campbell on mandolin and tugged at your emotions as Teresa Williams belted out the lyrics in the small confines of Caffe Lena.
A cover of Helm’s “Poor Old Dirt Farmer” off Dirt Farmer, which featured Campbell as producer and on multiple instruments and was engineered by Guip, was presented as a ‘cajun waltz’ but had a distinct sound of having Irish and Appalachian roots.
The penultimate song, “When I Stopped Loving You” was a highlight of the night, as was the Julie Miller penned “I Love You.” The encore of “Down on My Knees” was followed by a rousing rendition of the Grateful Dead classic, “Sugaree.” The duo spent time meeting fans in the lobby of Caffe Lena, discussing songs and their show and taking photos, a treat to close out a spectacular performance.
On July 20, 2024, catch Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams with musical friends old and new at their inaugural July Jam at Arrowood Farms in Accord. Get tickets here.
Dreamer Boy is the alter ego of Zach Taylor, a rising star in the indie pop scene known for his dreamy soundscapes and heartfelt lyrics. Hailing from Nashville, Tennessee, Dreamer Boy blends elements of lo-fi pop, bedroom pop, and indie rock to create a unique musical experience that resonates with listeners across various genres. His music often explores themes of love, self-discovery, and nostalgia, wrapped in lush, atmospheric production.
Dreamer Boy released his debut album Love, Nostalgia in 2018, receiving praise for its introspective lyrics and innovative sound. Following this, he released All the Ways We Are Together in 2021, further establishing his presence in the indie music world. Dreamer Boy’s ability to craft emotionally resonant songs with a laid-back vibe has earned him a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim.
Dreamer Boy’s performance at Baby’s All Right in Brooklyn on June 11th was nothing short of magical, marking his triumphant return to New York City with a late-night show that left the audience enchanted and wanting more.
Eager fans filled the intimate venue to capacity, creating an electric atmosphere that perfectly set the stage for Dreamer Boy’s unique blend of indie pop. As the lights dimmed and the first notes filled the room, Zach Taylor, adorned in a painted clown face with a giant star over his eye, cowboy hat, and cowboy boots, took the stage with an infectious energy.
A Cowboy’s Charm
One of the most endearing aspects of Dreamer Boy’s performance was his playful and carefree demeanor. Throughout the night, he delighted the crowd with goofy little dance moves, his cowboy boots adding a whimsical touch to his already charming stage presence. His lightheartedness was contagious, and the audience couldn’t help but smile and dance along with him.
Audience Participation
Dreamer Boy’s interaction with the audience was a highlight of the night. He exclaimed early in the set, “We made it to the big city!” which the crowd met with enthusiastic cheers. His genuine excitement and gratitude for being in New York City were palpable, adding a layer of authenticity to his performance.
At one point, he playfully asked the crowd, “Can I get a yeehaw?” The audience responded with a resounding “Yeehaw!” that echoed through the venue, solidifying the bond between the artist and his fans. Later in the night, he expressed his appreciation by saying, “Thanks for having us yâall, this is too fun, this is too fun,” capturing the joyous spirit of the evening.
Dreamer Boy’s setlist for the night included a mix of fan favorites and newer tracks, each performed with an emotional depth that drew the audience in. His vocals, layered over dreamy instrumentals, created a sonic landscape that transported listeners to a place of introspection and bliss. Songs like “Falling for the Wrong One” and “Crybaby” showcased his lyrical prowess and ability to connect with the audience on a personal level.
The intimate venue allowed a close connection between Dreamer Boy and his fans, making the performance feel shared. Dreamy visuals and ambient lighting enhanced the show’s ethereal vibe, creating a captivating atmosphere that perfectly complemented his music.
Dreamer Boy’s show at Baby’s All Right showcased his growth as an artist. His playful personality and engaging presence stood out. Heartfelt music and fun moments made the performance emotionally resonant. As he rises in indie music, Dreamer Boy’s unique sound and genuine audience connection shine. Fans left the venue smiling and with hearts full of his dreamy melodies. They eagerly anticipate his next visit to the big city.
