Janelle Bradshaw has wondered, “Why can’t the Finger Lakes be like Nashville?” As a local resident of the Finger Lakes region, Bradshaw has witnessed the sheer volume of talent the area has to offer. The problem was easy access to the region’s music scene. So Bradshaw pioneered a website to promote the various musicians and venues of the Finger Lakes area.
Created by Janelle Bradshaw, FLX Music 247 offers a meticulous planner, containing various artists’ and venues’ schedules throughout the entire Finger Lakes’ area. The website’s homepage hosts a master calendar organized by region, genre, and venue, allowing its users to discover live music without the hassle of scrolling through multiple websites for hours on end.
Janelle Bradshaw, the creator of FLX Music 247 and the co-founder of the Rocco Scott LaFaro Geneva Jazz Festival.
“The combination of what’s to eat, what’s to drink, and who’s playing the music all influence the decision of where to go out,” the creator of FLX Music 247, Janelle Bradshaw, stated. “If you don’t have all those pieces, you just stay home.” Bradshaw’s innovative website solves this dilemma, making planning effortless, whether it be planning for a night out or for a trip months in advance. The calendar currently promotes events from as recent as the current date to as far as five months in advance in December.
Since its creation in January of 2022, Bradshaw has publicized music from over 400 venues, promoted over 750 musicians, and advertised approximately 40,000 live music events. Around 90% of these events are free and are located within the rural Finger Lakes area. Professional venues, such as CMAC, aren’t included in the statistics, proving that the Finger Lakes area has much to offer.
It’s this sheer volume of musical talent in the Finger Lakes area that makes Bradshaw wonder why the Finger Lakes can’t be more like Nashville. She hopes one day artists will record in studios throughout the rural area, transforming the Finger Lakes into a musical hotspot. Bradshaw hopes her website can be an integral part in elevating the music scene as a whole, consistently presenting better and better music.
To reach this goal, Bradshaw wants to change people’s mindset. When planning a night out, she wants the band to be at the forefront of people’s minds, not the venue. “People get pigeonholed and can’t find new music, because they only go here and there. But would they go somewhere else if they were following a band?” Bradshaw wondered.
Instead of heading to a venue, hoping the music is good, people can head to FLX Music 247 and base their decision of where to go out on the band that’s performing. Bradshaw stated, “If I could see four different bands and they’re all within eight to ten miles of each other, I’m going to hear the band I want to hear, not just go to drink the venue’s beer.” With this new mindset, venues will shift their objective to promoting top-tier music, and in turn, artists will be pushed to perform to the best of their ability.
Janelle Bradshaw talks about the inception of the 1st annual Rocco Scott LaFaro Geneva Jazz Festival.
In addition to FLX Music 247, Bradshaw continues to promote the Finger Lakes’ music scene through the Rocco Scott LaFaro Geneva Jazz Festival, which she co-created with Michael George Gonzalez in 2023. The idea for the festival arose after Bradshaw realized that Philadelphia bassist and leading name in jazz, Christian McBride, was going to perform in Geneva to celebrate the life and legacy of Rocco “Scott” LaFaro. Geneva has previously celebrated LaFaro’s jazz legacy for six years; however, this was the first-time famed jazz bassist and composer McBride would be part of the celebrations. As a jazz enthusiast, Bradshaw wanted to generate a pathway of excitement for McBride’s upcoming performance. It was her passion for jazz and desire to spread this passion that led to the creation of the Rocco Scott LaFaro Geneva Jazz Festival.
The first annual Rocco Scott LaFaro Geneva Jazz Festival took place the week leading up to McBride’s concert. Artists like Jimmy Richmond, the Nancy Kelly Quartet, and Jimmie Highsmith Jr. performed across various venues in the Finger Lakes area. It was such a success that jazz fever told hold of the region. “Two years ago, there was no jazz in Geneva,” Bradshaw stated. “Last year, you could see jazz in Geneva about once a week. And this year, you can see jazz four times a week in the Geneva area.”
View the lineup of artists for the second annual Rocco Scott LaFaro Geneva Jazz Festival, which took place April 4-7 of 2024.
Local venues, like Brewery Ardennes and Geneva On The Lake, now host weekly jazz happy hours and jazz brunch. But this isn’t the only way local venues have joined the jazz community. During the second annual Rocco Scott LaFaro Geneva Jazz Festival this past April, ten venues hosted various jazz musicians’ performances.
One such venue was Club 86. Although it now acts mainly as a wedding venue, the club was once the spot for jazz legends, hosting the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie, Nat King Cole, Lionel Hampton, Buddy Rich, and Tony Bennett. Club 86 was brought back to life during the annual jazz festival. Not only did the jazz festival rejuvenate the club but it was also a thrilling experience for the performers. Bradshaw stated, “To be able to say, Hey, I played on the same stage as Ella Fitzgerald, is a cool thing to be able to say.”
Club 86 pictured sometime between the late 1940s and early 1950s when it was at its high of jazz performances.
Bradshaw has already begun planning the third annual Rocco Scott LaFaro Geneva Jazz Festival, which is scheduled to take place from April 3-6 in 2025. She hopes the festival will be not only a celebration of the Finger Lakes’ jazz scene but a reminder of the exceptional music the Finger Lakes’ area has to offer. To view all the music the Finger Lakes provides, head to Bradshaw’s website FLX Music 247 or click here.
Hailing from Ithaca, six-piece funk band NEO Project dazzles audiences with their energetic stage presence and hypnotic fusion music. Their unique, high-energy sound and performances have blown crowds away for the better part of a decade. With an interesting mix of genres and insatiable chemistry, NEO Project is sure to put on an unforgettable performance.
Since 2012, the band has been on a mission to make crowds dance with their stellar improvisation and musicianship. NEO Project is made up of Elly Holiday and Jimbo Scott as lead vocalists, John White on keyboards and backup vocals, Dwight Carroll on electric guitar and vocals, Franklin Henry on electric bass, and Mike McCoy on drums. As well-decorated veterans of the music industry, including past careers as music professors, soul practitioners, and even a former Motown sideman, they each hold a deep love and passion for funk, soul, jazz, and R&B music.
In their many years of touring and making music, NEO Project has worn many hats when it comes to performing. Originally, they began as a funk band, but soon after realized their true potential in becoming an all-out dance band that blends a multitude of genres. Bringing in inspiration from Afro-Caribbean music, as well as soul, jazz, and R&B, NEO Project combines the genres that were truly inspirational to them, with their own improvisational twist.
Eventually, through years of fine-tuning their sound, NEO Project became exemplary of the great diversity within the music industry, proving that genres can absolutely coexist and share the spotlight at the same time. Along with their own original music, NEO Project reinterprets some of the best soul, jazz, and funk music out there with their own unique twist, covering a wide range of artists from Deee-Lite to James Brown. Their unique sound has brought thousands from all over the state to bars, concert halls, and festivals to enjoy some new-age fusion in classic old-fashioned styles.
Throughout the last ten years, the NEO Project family has performed all over New York, bringing the energy to music festivals and concert series alike. On July 11, the band headlined a performance at the Ithaca Summer Concert Series; their most recent surmounting success right from their hometown. Their most recent gig at the Finger Lakes Cider House brought the house down with their incredibly dynamic and original performance.
NEO Project’s funky, charming tunes have brought them widespread critical acclaim, from magazines to newspapers and more. “There’s a new band based in Ithaca, NY that will have you tapping your toes and shakin’ your groove thing to its unique, fun style of Neo Soul, Funk, Jazz, Rock, and Afro-Caribbean world grooves,” says Roger Theies of What’s Hot? magazine. Harry Segal of The Dock calls them “the tightest funk fusion band in the land!”
After a rousing ten-year anniversary, NEO Project’s reign is far from over. Catch NEO Project at The Range, 119 E State St, Ithaca, for a surefire performance that will never make you want to throw away your dancing shoes. The end of a busy season awaits the band as August begins, with headlining performances at the Geneva Lakefront Summer Concert Series on Wednesday, August 14. On September 2, NEO Project will perform for a private member’s exclusive event at the Ithaca Yacht Club, followed by a headlining performance at the Corning Harvest Fest on Saturday, September 21.
For any information on the band, be sure to visit their official Facebook page, linked here.
Western New York’s summer got a little brighter as Norah Jones’ latest tour with Mavis Staples blew through CMAC in Canandaigua and ArtPark in Lewiston on July 5th and 6th, despite the rains pouring down Friday night in Canandaigua.
Gospel legend, civil rights icon and sole surviving and torch-bearing Staples Singer, Mavis Staples and her band of bass, drums, guitar and backup singers, took the stage first. She needed assistance walking to the front of the stage, and took some breaks with a seat and some sips of tea in between songs, but when the mic was in front of her, she was a ball of fire. The stage, and the entire venue, was in her control.
Her voice, gravelly and soulful, belted out affirmations of love, for oneself, others, and of course God. Like a preacher from the pulpit, in case you missed the message, she repeated it a couple more times in her banter.
The set mixed Staples classics like “I’m Just a Soldier,” and “Heavy Makes Too Happy,” with Gospel standards like “I Belong to the Band, Hallelujah!” and more contemporary rock hits like Funkadelic’s “Can You Get to That” and the Talking Heads’ “Slippery People.” Mavis molded these latter tunes to her will, secular messages becoming spiritual. “What’s the matter with him? He’s alright. How do you know? The Lord won’t mind.” hits a little different coming from mouth of Mavis Staples than it does from David Byrne.
As Mavis was helped back off stage after her 45 minutes, she and her band received a rare and well-deserved opening-set standing ovation. One performance from a legendary lady in the books, one more to come.
After a short break, Norah Jones took the stage with Brian Blade behind the drums and Josh Lattanzi on bass, opening their set with “What Am I To You” off Jones’ second album Feels Like Home. Then just minutes in, Mavis Staples came back out to perform “I’ll Be Gone” which she recorded with Jones in 2019. Certainly an early-set show highlight to be blessed with both iconic voices playing off each other. Pete Remm, who wrote the song, was also on board on organ for that and off and on for the remainder of the show.
With that out of the way, Jones’ invited the rest of her band out, Sasha Dobson on guitar and vocals and Sami Stevens on keys and vocals. They kicked into some material from her stellar new release, Visions, with “Paradise” and “Running” before dropping back to early hit “Sunrise.”
The set continued to span her entire catalog, each song it’s own gift. Perfect little moments of musical joy popped out here and there, each tied off in a colorful bow, like from the streamers hanging as a backdrop. A singular smile-inducing note to close “Running,” beautifully bowed bass in “Sunrise,” Blade’s infectious groove in “Staring at the Wall,” the three-part vocal round on “I’m Awake.” Attentive ears were rewarded with these plentiful gifts throughout the night.
As Staples could bend a songs meaning to her will, Jones could likewise bend entire genres to her will. On the hushed and haunting “Little Broken Hearts,” she took on an indie-rock persona, strapping on a guitar. Then on “Queen of the Sea” she was belting out a country ballad. Her classic “Come Away With Me” was stripped back to the trio, with spare upright bass notes and subtle drums, it was Jones at her jazziest, taking control with her piano and voice. But she isn’t a rocker, singer/songwriter, country crooner, jazz musician or pop star. She’s Norah Jones and there’s no one else sounding quite like her.
She waited until the encore for the lone cover of the night, Tom Waits’ “Long Way Home,” before closing out the night properly with her classic hit “Don’t Know Why,”
Note: Review from CMAC, all photos from ArtPark by Patrick Sone Lin Htoo.
CMAC Setlist: What I Am To You, I’ll Be Gone (with Mavis Staples), Running, Sunrise, Begin Again, Tragedy, I’m Awake, I Just Wanna Dance, Out on the Road, Little Broken Hearts, Queen of the Sea, Staring at the Wall, Come Away With Me, All This Time, Happy Pills, Carry On E:ncore Long Way Home (Tom Waits), Don’t Know Why
Papadosio brought their Summer Sequence Festival to Wonderland Forest on June 21 and 22 in Lafayette, New York. Summer Sequence has been around in different variations since 2017. This summer they decided to give the new venue in the Finger Lakes a try, moving the festival from their home in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville, North Carolina.
Wonderland Forest, still in it’s nascent phase, was a great low-key location for a music festival, as it was intimate and hassle free. Everything was centrally located with two campgrounds on either side of the venue, and besides a trek up the hill for the late-night stage, you were never a far walk from anything. The main stage, nestled in the forest was intimate, and the trees offered a great spot for people to set up their hammocks and set up their own home bases away from their camp site. I did not venture into the other campground area, so I’m not sure if they had any other food options out that way, but the main stage did have a small menu for food. They cooked it made-to-order and they had a pretty damn good wood-fired pizza as an option. If you are camping there for a festival in the future it would probably be smart to not depend on those options for the whole weekend though. The Finger Lakes offers a ton of opportunities to take in some nature in the afternoon, both onsite and offsite, exiting and entering the venue was a breeze.
Papadosio are a mix of Prog Rock, Livetronica, Jazz and Jamband, and their eclectic style reflected on the wide-ranging line-up. Along with Psy-Dub producer Ott, both acts were scheduled to play longer sets each night. After some afternoon Yoga, the music started both days around noon. The afternoons started off laid back, with sparse crowds but as the days went on, the crowd thickened out and were really ready to go by 7 or so.
As it was a new venue, there were still a few kinks to the weekend. As reported, a neighbor in the area is not exactly excited about the venue, and the late-night stage on Friday was shut down early at 2 AM (it was supposed to go until 5). Because of the legal issues with the sound, the late-night for Saturday was entirely canceled. The late-night stage itself was a hike up the mountain, but the venue had shuttles to remedy this and escorted people back down into the late of the night. To no fault of anyone, Ott’s Saturday’s set was cut short after only 45 minutes, as a lighting storm appeared in the area. Everyone went back to take shelter at their camp sites, some left but most stayed in the hopes that Papadosio would still be able to properly close out their festival. During the break the storm turned into a torrential downpour, but as quickly as it started, it stopped. Right before their scheduled set at 10, you could hear some sounds from the stage, and the lights turned back on. Someone from venue drove around in an ATV and let people know that Papadosio would be coming on soon.
Papadosio was able to play their final set, you could tell that everyone was enjoying getting a win at the end. Wonderland Forest was a great spot for their Summer Sequence Festival, the weekend was a success with only a few hiccups. Hopefully the venue is able to work out some of the issues and they will be able to come back next summer. Papadosio still has several dates planned throughout the summer, including the Secret Dreams Music & Arts Festival in Ohio and AVL Fest in North Carolina. Wonderland Forest will be bringing back the Disco Biscuits over the 4th of July weekend for their second Biscoland music festival.
Coming this summer to libraries in the Chemung, Steuben, Schuyler, and Tioga counties is the “Stories With Music” concert series. The series is sponsored by the Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes (OSFL), which brings classical music to venues all across the Southern Tier of New York.
Stories With Music is geared specifically towards young children and encourages all to learn and appreciate the arts. All events and performances are free and an enjoyable experience for all ages.
Since 1995, the OSFL has captivated audiences with its captivating performances and community engagement. Composed of talent from all over the Southern Tier, the OSFL was created with the merger of two orchestras: the Corning Philharmonic Society and the Elmira Symphony and Choral Society. For almost 30 years, the OSFL has devoted itself to working with young people, creating and maintaining family-friendly programs in schools, libraries, youth competitions, and their Youth Orchestra.
Formed in 2018, Stories With Music truly started from the bottom. The original series was performed at only one library. In the beginning, OSFL presented one group of chamber musicians, who only performed one concert. Over the last six years, the concert series gained innumerable popularity and a steady following. This year, the lineup consists of over 3 different chamber groups, 30 performances, and 15 libraries in four different counties. Residents of the Chemung, Steuben, Schuyler, and Tioga counties can now enjoy the family-friendly experience that is Stories With Music.
During the series, Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes musicians present classic children’s stories to music, providing the audience with an immersive and captivating experience. Each performance has a live read-aloud of iconic storybooks, including Little Red Riding Hood, The Adventures of Pinocchio, and more.
Listed below are the groups and stories performed live at Stories With Music. See if Stories With Music is heading to your local library by visiting this link. For live updates, visit the OSFL’s Facebook page.
The Adventures of Pinocchio, narrated and performed by the Brass Quintet
– Larry Burroughs, trumpet
– Lindsey Burroughs, trumpet
– Claire Tuxill McKenney, horn
– Duane Smith, trombone
– Adam Peck/Keith Alcius, tuba
Scottish Fairy Tales, Myths, and Legendsnarrated and performed by the String Duo
– Rosanna Moore, harp
– Shade Zajac, cello
Three Billy Goats Gruffand Little Red Riding Hood, narrated and performed by Storied Winds
– Lesley McClelland, oboe
– David Resig, bassoon
– Claire Tuxill McKenney, horn
Below are the dates that have already been announced. Make sure to check this link, as new shows are added daily.
Wind Trio 7/3 at 2:00 PM Horseheads 7/5 at 10:30 AM Dormann (Bath) 7/31 at 1:00 PM Waverly 8/15 at 3 PM Big Flats
Brass 7/26 at 10:30 AM Dormann (Bath) 7/30 at 1 PM Waverly City Hall 8/1 at 1 PM SE Steuben County (Corning)
String Duo 7/25 at 3 PM Big Flats 7/25 at 6 PM Steele Memorial (Elmira) 7/26 at 11 AM Fred & Harriett Taylor Memorial (Hammondsport) 8/2 at 10:30 AM Dormann (Bath)
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
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/
After several weeks of great performances, the Geneva Music Festival is wrapping up for the 2024 season. The final week of performances begins on June 4, with a free lakefront concert. This concert is followed by a photography exhibition and chamber performance on June 7 while June 9 marks the end of the season, with an outdoors blues concert closing out the festival.
Violinist Geoffrey Herd founded the Geneva Music Festival in 2011, as a weekend to spread appreciation of classical music. The festival soon evolved into a four-week long celebration, attracting artists from across the globe. While originally based in classical music, the festival also now highlights jazz, and bluegrass artists. The festival’s mission is to spread music appreciation to everyone, being an all-ages event. The event now attracts thousands of concert-goers from across the Finger Lakes.
2024 has already been a busy season for the Geneva Music Festival, hosting a number of spectacular performances. The festival kicked off with a sold-out Musicology Mixer night at Geneva’s Linden Social Club. Week two of the festival saw the acclaimed Brentano Quartet play Hobart and William Smith Colleges’ Gearan Center. The Juilliard-formed quartet played a selection from Haydn, Shostakovich, and Mendelssohn.
Hobart and William Smith Colleges’ Gearan Center for Performing Arts
The festival’s final week will kick off with a free lakefront concert on June 4th, at 8:15pm. This concert will be a preview for the festival’s final artist-in-residence concert. The theme of this year’s final concert is “Night and Day,” with pieces meant to illustrate the progression from dawn to dusk. World-renowned cellist Clive Greensmith, pianist Anna Petrova, and other talented musicians will perform. The concert will begin with “String Quartet Op. 76, No.4” by Haydn, meant to represent the sunrise. It will also feature modern composer Mark Olivieri’s “Artifacts of a Valiant Past”, a Scriabin solo by pianist Anna Petrova, a piano trio by Kaija Saariaho, and a Schoenberg tone-poem for a string sextet.
“The solo piano piece that I’m playing has to do with day and night. The first movement represents the day and the sea in daylight. [Scriabin] was inspired to write this piece when he first saw the sea, and so you can hear the peacefulness and the beauty of that; and the second movement is very turbulent and represents the stormy sea”
– Pianist Anna Petrova
Hobart and William Smith Colleges’ Gearan Center will host the concert on June 7th, at 7:30pm. Prior to the concert, a photography exhibition highlighting local artists will be held at the center’s Melly Lobby.
The final concert of the season will be The Brothers Blue, a local cross-genre bluegrass band. Back by popular demand, the concert will be held outdoors at Geneva on the Lake. The Brothers Blue will close out the season with their invigorating fiddle, mandolin, and banjo playing. This concert will take place June 9th, at 2:00pm.
The Brothers Blue
Tickets for these concerts are currently on sale. Standard ticket price is $35, with discounts for college students available. Children under 18 can attend concerts for free. For more information on the Geneva Music Festival and ticketing, visit the link here.
The acclaimed Brentano Quartet is scheduled to perform at the Geneva Music Festival on May 30. The string quartet will play a number of classical pieces in the festival’s intimate performance space.
Violinist Geoffrey Herd founded the Geneva Music Festival in 2011, to spread appreciation of classical music in his hometown. Originally intended to be a weekend of chamber performances, it soon evolved into a four-week long event, drawing artists from around the world. The festival has expanded to include jazz, bluegrass, and other contemporary musicians on top of classical performances. The festival is an all-ages event, spreading music engagement everywhere from Geneva’s schools to senior living facilities
2024 has been a busy season for the Geneva Music Festival, already hosting spectacular performances, with more scheduled for the near future. The season kicked off with a sold-out musical mixology night at the Linden Social Club. This night was followed by two “Love and Loathing” concerts, which illustrated the intimacy and passion the festival is known for.
The Brentano Quartet will kick off week two of the festival. The quartet began at the Juilliard School in 1992, and have been legends of modern classical performance since. They have traveled across 5 continents on tours, most recently holding a residency at the Yale School of Music. Despite these travels, this performance marks the quartet’s first visit to Geneva. Violinist Serena Canin was especially excited, stating “Being in nature centers us, connects us to the Earth, and opens our spirits. The way we connect to our music and to each other changes. I can’t wait to be near the lakes, the breeze, the trees and the open sky and see what happens.”
The Brentano Quartet will play three classical pieces at the festival. The quartet will begin with Haydn’s “String Quartet in G Major, Op. 33, No. 5.” They will follow this performance with Shostakovich’s “String Quartet No. 8 in C Minor, Op. 110,” which is a new addition to the quartet’s repertoire. Following an intermission, the quartet will close their set with Mendelssohn’s “String Quartet in D Major, Op. 44, No. 1.”
Hobart and William Smith Colleges’ Gearan Center
The Brentano Quartet is only one of many performance during the festival’s second week. On May 31st and June 1st, there will be a performance of “War and Peace,” featuring works by Beethoven, Shostakovich, and Antoine. This is followed by a June 2nd performance by the Kate McGarry and Keith Ganz Ensemble. This show by Grammy-nominated jazz virtuosos is sure to enchant audiences.
The Brentano Quartet will perform Thursday, May 30th, at 7:30pm. The concert will take place at the Gearan Center on the Hobart and William Smith campus. General admission tickets for the concert are $60. Children under 18 enter free, and college students with Valid ID have reduced ticket prices. Tickets are on sale now at the link here.
Pride month is upon us once again, and New York has no shortage of inclusive pride events. From live music events to festivals, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Below you’ll find a complete guide to New York State’s pride events this coming June, from Long Island to Rochester.
Albany
May 31, 5:00 PM: Start Pride on the right foot with the Waterworks Pub’s Pride Kick-Off block party and BBQ. Admission is free!
June 1, 9:00 PM: Pay homage to queer art with ICONS: A Pride Variety Show and Party at Lark Hall. The celebration begins with a pre-show party from 9-11, where there will be giveaways and teaser performances. The main show, ICONS- The Variety Show, will feature drag queens Brita Filter, Lagoona Bloo, Amanda Blair, and many more. The fun does not stop after the show. An after party with DJ Synes will begin at midnight and continue until 2 AM. Tickets are available here.
June 9, 11:30 AM: Capital Pride Parade & Festival will take place in Washington Park. Registration can be found at the following link, and proceeds go to the Pride Center of the Capital Region’s programming advocating for the LGBTQ+ community.
Troy
June 15, 2:00-6:00 PM: Join Collar City Pride for their picnic in Troy’s Prospect Park. The barbecue will feature vegan and non-vegan options, snacks, and beverages. There is a suggested donation on a sliding scale, and everyone is invited to bring lawn games, speakers, and frisbees.
July 14: The pride celebration continues into July, with performances by Typhoid Mary and DJ Lovely Candela. More queer artists and drag performers are to be announced. Good Karma Studios will also be performing an acrobatic act. There will be a family section with balloon animals and a drag story hour. There will also be over 40 vendors, most of whom are from Rensselaer County and LGBTQ+ owned and operated. The festival will be held in Riverfront Park, further details can be found on the facebook page linked here.
Schenectady
June 1, 10:00 AM: The Dynasty will introduce their first ever wrestling event for this year’s pride celebration. “Sounds Gay, I’m In” will be held at Gateway Park. The festival will begin at 10:00 AM, and the wrestling will begin at 6:00 PM. All ages are welcome, and more information is available at the following link.
Saratoga Springs
May 30, 2:45: Join the Ballston Spa High School in the raising of the pride flag.
June 27, 6:00 PM: LGBTQ parents and children are invited to Saratoga Arts’ “POP” Gathering (parents of pride). The event will feature arts, crafts, and community building activities for the whole family. More information can be found here. Saratoga Arts hosts the event monthly, so dates will be available all year!
July 11, 6:30 PM: Join Saratoga Pride members for their Cornhole League. The informal, weekly drop-in league costs $15 a ticket, which offers guests a 20% discount on all food and drinks. Tournaments will be held at Saratoga Winery, and guests are encouraged to support the local restaurant. There will be more sessions every Thursday throughout the summer, with the tournament finals on August 29.
June 23, 2:00 PM: Saratoga’s Pride festival will return to High Rock Park this year, with an after party to follow. The family friendly event will feature live music, family activities, and community groups. Food and ice cream will also be available for purchase on site.
Lake George
Lake George Pride Festival, ages 16+ (under 16 admitted with parent/guardian only), featuring DJs from the community representing, vendor village, disc golf, frisbee golf, lawn games, walking trails, photo areas, cash bar and more! $20 to enter, brought to you in partnership by Warren County and The Lake George Area and powered by Rocavaka and Goldstein Auto Group.
Binghamton
June 20, 6:00 PM: Binghamton Pride Coalition will host a clothing swap from June 3-10. Participants are asked to donate gently used, clean clothes and accessories at Butterfields. On June 20, the clothes will be organized and displayed for people to choose. There is a suggested donation of $10, which will be donated to Identity LGBTQ+ Youth Center in Binghamton. The invitation is available at the following link.
June 8, 12:00 PM: Pride Palooza will return this year to Otsiningo Park. Guests are invited to bring their own picnic blankets and lunches to enjoy live music and entertainment. Local food vendors will be available, and admission is free! The flyer is available at the following link. There will also be a firework show in Martin Luther King Jr. Park & Promenade.
June 21, 5:00 PM: Join Southern Tier Aids Program (STAP) in celebrating their 40 year anniversary. STAP will hold a gala at the Binghamton DoubleTree, and admission costs $50. Tickets are available at the following link. STAP will honor the dedication of Drew and Gertrude Noden, whose support of their AIDS Ride for Life fundraiser has been instrumental. STAP also thanks JPMorgan & Chase for their generosity and allyship. A cash bar will be available, and there are menu options for vegetarian and vegan guests.
Otsego County
June 1, 2:00 PM: Otsego Pride Alliance will host their annual Pridefest. The festival will be held on Main Street in Oneonta. Parade line up begins at 1:00 PM, and the route will begin at 27 Market St to Elm St. Guests are asked to bring a chair, water, cash to tip performers and flags. The full schedule can be found below, and the event is open to the public.
June 13, 7:00 PM: Otsego Pride Alliance will host a Baseball Pride Night at Damaschke Field. Admission is $5, with discounts available to seniors and students.
June 1: Winners of the “Pets for Pride” event will be announced at the OPA’s Pridefest. Voting is open to decide on the winner, cast your ballot at the following link.
Hudson Valley
May 30, 6:00-10:00 PM: Dutchess County Pride Center is throwing Poughkeepsie’s Kick off Party for pride month. The Factory at Sloop Brewing will host the party, with appetizers and drinks available. There will be special programing to commemorate the 100 year mark of the modern pride movement, and guests will be offered a sneak peek of the Annual Pride Auction items before they’re released to the public. Tickets are available at the following link.
June 1, 8:00 AM- 1:00 PM: Habitat Newburgh will host a Pride Build, bringing together members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies to help those in need. Attendees will help build affordable homes for local families, and celebrate pride while making a difference. Volunteers can register here.
June 1, 12:00-5:00 PM: New Paltz Pride Coalition and Hudson Valley LGBTQ Community Center will host their annual Pride March & Festival in Hasbrouck Park. Voting for local Pride Marshall is also open, cast your ballot at the following link. More information about the festival and parade is available here.
June 1, 12:00-4:00 PM: Join Opus 40 and Queer Conspiracy for a family-friendly celebration of pride in the Hudson Valley. The picnic will be held at Opus 40 in Saugerties, and carpool tickets are available here. The event will feature a drag story hour, live music, a kids dance party, and local vendors.
June 1, 4:00-7:00 PM: Join DJ Trevor for an afternoon tea party in Pine Plains. More info about the dance celebration is available here.
June 1, 7:00: Join Hudson Valley Improv for their celebration of PrideProv! Doors open at 6:45 and the show starts at 7:00. The show will be held at Boughton Place in Highland. Tickets are only available online at the following link. A portion of ticket proceeds will be donated to GLSEN, a non-profit dedicated to ending discrimination against LGBTQ+ people.
June 2, 9:00-10:15 AM: Inspired by Holi and powered by pride, Pound Ridge Partnership and the Human Rights Advisory Committee have come together to host the 3rd annual Pound Ridge Color Run. The 5K race will begin at Pound Ridge Elementary School, and runners of all ages and abilities are welcome. Registration is available at the following link. Highlights from the 2022 race are available below.
June 2, 11:30 AM: Watch the White Plains raising of the Pride Flag outside the Michaelian Office Building. More information is available on The Loft LGBTQ’s instagram here.
Didn’t find an event in your town? A full list of Hudson Valley Pride Events is available here.
Catskills
June 15, 5:30: Catskills Pride will host an Awards Gala to honor champions of the LGBTQ+ community. The awards ceremony and following reception will be held at The Eldred Preserve. Tickets are available at the following link.
June 8, 1:00 PM: Woodstock Public Library will host a drag story hour and sparkle party with Katrina Mirage, who will read a book about peace, acceptance, and love. More information is available here.
Syracuse
June 13, 5:00 PM: Join the Syracuse Mets in their pride celebration. Enjoy a tailgate party with giveaways, a DJ, $1 hot dogs, and $2 beers. Everyone is welcome, tickets are available here.
June 22, 11:00 AM: Central New York Pride will host a Pride Parade and Festival in Progress Park. The parade will begin at 11:00 AM, and the festival will go from 12:00 to 5:00 PM. More information is available at the following link.
Watertown
June 2, 12:00 PM: Watertown NY Pride, Lewis County Pride, and Planned Parenthood of the North Country New York, Inc., have joined together to host their annual Pride Picnic.
June 14, 11:00 AM: Join Watertown NY Pride for their pickleball activity. Foster community while picking up a new hobby at the downtown YMCA. The event is open to beginners, and no sign up is necessary. 30 spots are available, the announcement is available at the following link.
Rochester
July 20, 11:00 AM: Celebrate pride at the Rochester Pride Festival at Highland Park. The festival will feature food, wine, beer, games, vendor tables, and live music and performances. Tickets are available for purchase at the following link.
July 14, 11:00 AM: Join the Rochester Rainbow Riders in this year’s Pride Ride. The race is 18+, and registration is available at the following link.
July 14, 12:00 PM: Celebrate pride at the annual Rochester Pride Picnic. There will be food trucks, DJs and dancing, a piano bar, a gift raffle, and community information tables. Check this link for ticket information, which is TBD.
Finger Lakes
June 7, 4:00 PM: Join Southern Finger Lakes Pride for their “Twas the Night Before Pride” event. There will be an official raising of the pride flag at 6:00 PM, and several activities throughout the evening. Art installations, drag bingo, and tarot readings are among the exciting activities SoFLX has scheduled for the event; find the full schedule here.
June 7: Southern Finger Lakes Pride will also host a 21+ dance party, featuring performances 5 DJs. There is a suggested donation of $5 for entry, which supports SoFLX and local breweries and restaurants. More information is available here.
June 8, 11:00 AM-5:00 PM: Southern Finger Lakes Pride will welcome back its Pride fest for the fifth year, with an exciting lineup of performers and a weekend of celebration. More details are available at the following link.
Ithaca
June 5, 8:30 PM: Ithaca Pride Alliance hosts weekly support meetings for LGBTQ+ youth. This is the first meeting of pride month, but the meetings take place every Wednesday. More information is available here.
June 8: The evening of June 8th will mark the beginning of the celebration, with speeches from Ithaca Pride Alliance and notable LGBTQ+ leaders in the community. The ceremony will take place on the Bernie Milton Pavillion at 6 PM, more details are available at the following link.
June 9, 2:00 PM: Pride in the Park will celebrate Ithaca’s LGBTQ+ community with food vendors, arts and crafts, and a resource fair. Performances will be held on the Pride Stage, including local bands, dance groups, and drag performances. More information is available here.
Buffalo
June 2, 202411:00 AM: Show off your pride at the Buffalo Pride Parade. The march is free and open to the public, though registration has ended. The parade will march along Elmwood Avenue, and volunteering positions are available at this link.
June 15, 11:00 AM-3:00 PM: Oliver Street Merchants’ Association presents the 4th annual Pride Fest at Heritage Park. Admission is free, and over 70 vendors will be there. All are welcome, more information is available here.
New York City PRIDE
Manhattan
June 28, 7:30 PM: City Winery at Pier 57 will host a documentary concert exploring the history of the Stonewall Uprising. Proceeds from ticket sales go to The Stonewall Community Foundation, which works towards liberation for all LGBTQ+ people. Enjoy the musical performances and oral history that make up the story of the Stonewall Uprising and the vibrant community culture it stemmed from. Tickets are on sale at the following link.
June 29, 12:00 PM: The South Street Seaport will host a Youth Pride event, celebrating LGBTQ+ teens and youth. The event is free, and a wide range of activities will be available, including carnival activities, free food and snacks, DJs, and musical performances. More information is available at the following link.
June 30, 11:00 AM: Join New York City’s 30th annual Pride March. The march began in 1970, on year after the Stonewall Uprising, and has continued the legacy of civil rights and awareness. The march will form on 25th St and 6th Ave, and move down to Christopher Street, passing the Stonewall Inn. Footage of the 2023 Pride Parade is available below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGl2QbxsjrI&t=51s
Brooklyn
June 7, 7:30 PM: In New York, enjoy Brooklyn Pride’s Movie Night for a screening of Sekiya Dorsett’s inspiring short film Caribbean Queen. RSVP here for a free ticket.
June 15, 12:00 PM: Join the Brooklyn LGBTQ+ community for a youth festival. Intended for kids and teens age 13-21, there will be arts and crafts, food, music, and giveaways. RSVP to attend at this link.
June 8, 12:00 PM: Brooklyn Pride’s Main Stage offers an exciting lineup this year, with a wide range of genres and performances. Find the full lineup of up and coming artists here.
Queens
June 2, 12:00 PM: Celebrate your Pride at the 32nd Queens New York Pride Parade. The parade will start in Jackson Heights, and the multicultural festival will memorialize Jackson Heights resident Julio Rivera, whose murder sparked community activism. Learn more about Julio Rivera here, and find more details about the parade at the following link.
June 28, 7:00 PM: Join the New York Mets in celebrating pride at Citi Field. The first 15,000 fans to arrive will receive an exclusive Mets hat. Festivities will include a DJ, in-game entertainment, Mets merchandise, and themed cocktails. Tickets are available here.
The Bronx
June 18,7:00 PM: Join the New York Yankees in celebrating Pride Night. A portion of every ticket sold will go to The Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative. Purchase of a special event ticket includes a special edition hat, a hot dog, and your first drink of the game. More information is available here.
July 20, 11:00 AM: The 13th Annual Bronx Pride Fair will be held at the Crotona Park Amphitheater.
Staten Island
June 1, 12:00 PM: Celebrate pride with the Pride Center of Staten Island at the Snug Harbor Cultural Center. The event will feature live music, art, activities, food, and performers. More information is available here.
Long Island
June 9, 12:00-5:00 PM: Huntington Village will host the 34th Annual Pride Parade and Festival. The parade will end with a concert and festival. More information is available here.
July 1-July 7: Commemorate the Fire Island Invasion of 1976 by recreating the event with the New York LGBT community. A longtime landmark in LGBTQ+ history, Fire Island has served as a safe haven for members of the community to express themselves freely. In 1976, after a restaurant in Fire Island Pines denied entry to a visitor in drag, the visitor and their friends stormed into the Pines dressed in drag. More information about this year’s recreation is available here.
