NYS Music 2024

Category: Western NY

  • “Abducted by the 80s Tour” Hits Syracuse and Elmira this Summer

    The Abducted by the 80s Tour is set to groove audiences and feature prominent hitmakers from the 1980s. These hitmakers include Wang Chung, Men Without Hats, The Motels, and Naked Eyes.

    Abducted by the 80s

    The featured acts have joined forces to create a musical extravaganza that transports audiences to the heart of the 80s. The neon-soaked, synth-driven decade is worshipped by the upcoming launch of the Abducted by the 80s Tour. This tour is all about those classic, nostalgic pop, rock, and new wave hits of the 80s.

    Wang Chung, Men Without Hats, The Motels, and Naked Eyes prepare to bring various hits like, “Everybody Have Fun Tonight,” “Dance Hall Days,” “Promises Promises,” and many more. Together, the artists have dozens of Billboard Top 100 hits, which they plan to unleash upon the audience for the month-long extravaganza.

    Abducted by the 80s
    Wang Chung

    The tour sees a stop at Sharkey’s Event Center in Syracuse on June 14. The Abducted by the 80s tour also stops at Elmira First Arena in Elmira, NY on June 15. The tour 17-date tour begins May 17 and wraps up June 25. Get ready to dance, sing along, and relive the magic of the 80s with this unforgettable music tour.

    The Motels

    Abducted by the 80s Tour Dates:

    WC = Wang Chung / NE = Naked Eyes / MWH = Men Without Hats

    Friday 5/17/2024 –
    Kyle, TX  The Railhouse       
    WC, Motels, NE

    Saturday 5/18/2024 –
    Katy, TX  Wildcatter Saloon       
    WC, Motels, NE

    Sunday 5/19/2024 –
    Dallas, TX  House of Blues       
    WC, Motels, NE

    Thursday 5/23/2024 –
    St Louis, MO  City Winery      
    WC

    Friday 5/24/2024 –
    Oak Grove, KY  Oak Grove      
    WC, MWH, NE, Animotion

    Saturday 5/25/2024  –
    Louisville KY  Mercury Ballroom      
    WC, NE

    Thursday 6/6/2024 –
    Marion, IL  Marion CCC       
    WC, MWH, Motels, NE

    Friday 6/7/2024 –
    Des Plaines, IL  Des Plaines Theatre     
    WC, MWH, Motels, NE

    Saturday 6/8/2024  –
    Decatur, IL  Devon Lakeshore Amp     
    WC, MWH, Motels, NE

    Sunday 6/9/2024 –
    Fort Wayne, IN The Clyde Theater
    WC, MWH, NE

    Thursday 6/13/2024 –
    Morristown, NJ  Mayo Performing Arts Center   
    WC, Motels, NE

    Friday 6/14/2024 –
    Syracuse, NY  Sharkey’s      
    WC, Motels, NE

    Saturday 6/15/2024 –
    Elmira, NY  First Arena       
    WC, Motels, NE

    Saturday 6/16/2024 –
    Hampton, NH  Bennie’s
    WC, Motels, NE

    Friday 6/21/2024-
    Jacksonville, FL  Florida Theatre      
    WC, MWH, Motels, NE

    Saturday 6/22/2024 –
    Clearwater, FL  Ruth Eckerd Hall      
    WC, MWH, Motels, NE

    Sunday 6/23/2024 –
    Ft Lauderdale, FL  Broward Center     
    WC, MWH, Motels, NE

    “For our brand-new tour this Spring, we have put together a group of acts that fit together musically, thematically, and harmoniously. We wanted to create a night of big hits, big songs from your favorite movies and numerous TV shows, plus a few deeper cuts too. So come along and see us, get Abducted by the 80s, and have some FUN TONIGHT as you relive that magical decade!”

    Wang Chung’s Nick Feldman

    The Abducted by the 80s Tour continues to add more dates to the event, so make sure you stay up to date on any new additions. For more information on the tour and to purchase tickets, click here.

  • Music is Art Festival to Returns to Buffalo AKG Art Museum After Seven-Year Hiatus

    The Music is Art Festival announced its grand return to Buffalo‘s AKG Art Museum after a seven-year hiatus on September 21 at Buffalo State University.

    This year’s festival promises an eclectic mix of music, live performances, art installations, and interactive experiences. The Music is Art Festival has always been a beacon of artistic expression and cultural gathering in Buffalo. The festival showcases what the creative and bright community has to offer. The scenic AKG and Buffalo State campus provide a canvas for Buffalo’s artistic prowess and vibrance.

    The festival includes various diverse musical performances of many genres, choreographed dances, dazzling art exhibits, and unique, original vendors. The festival also includes theatrics, interactive experiences designed to engage, inspire, and entertain attendees of all ages.

    Over 100 bands and acts are set to perform. Hundreds of art exhibits are set to dazzle attendees. Various other games, performances and displays of artisanship look to encapsulate the beauty of multiple art forms at once.

    “We are thrilled to bring the Music is Art Festival back to the AKG where it really grew into the encompassing event that it is today. AKG Buffalo and Buffalo State are not just venues; they are symbols of the rich artistic heritage and vibrant community spirit that this festival celebrates. We’re committed to creating an immersive experience that highlights the incredible talent of Buffalo’s artists, musicians, and creatives.”

    Robby Takac, Festival Founder

    For more information about the Music is Art Festival, including how to participate or attend, please visit their website at MusicIsArt.org/festival.

  • Rochester’s Own Moses Rockwell Teams With Plain Old Mike for ‘Regular Henry Sessions’

    Rochester’s own Moses Rockwell and Wisconsin native Plain Old Mike initially began working together in 2021. Along the way the duo settled on the name, Regular Henry, and the rest as they say is history. Moreover, they each brought their extensive experiences — Moses having previously worked with billy woods, J-Live, Homeboy Sandman and Von Pea among others and Plain Old Mike with Armand Hammer, Defcee, & Curly Castro among others — to bring about Regular Henry Sessions. In light, this latest effort is a blend of neurotic, quirky, descriptive rap album with quirks about every day life that resembles an episode of Seinfeld.

    Rochester native Moses Rockwell teams with Plain Old Mike for "Regular Henry Sessions"

    Regular Henry Sessions

    With a heavy De La Soul influence (and some old Eminem) the duo have now released their Hipnott Records debut project, Regular Henry Sessions, and a new video for “Raise Hell.”  

    “The record was an attempt to accomplish a couple of things.  First, it’s an ode to each of our favorite De La Soul albums; Moses’ is De La Soul Is Dead, and mine is Buhloone Mind State (Miss You Dave!!!).   Second, we wanted to make a fun record” Plain Old Mike offers.  “Life can be so heavy, maybe if you put Regular Henry on, you can just laugh at stupid jokes for 40 minutes. That sounds ok to me.”

    With this in mind, Regular Henry Sessions is a blend of the respective rappers favorite sector of hip hop. After all, the album combines old school snare and low baseline to create a laid back feel as the duo tee off with introspective quips about every day life. In essence, Moses Rockwell and Plain Old Mike come off as huge hip hop nerds which makes the album that much more fun as it emotes and every man vibe.

    “I think what Mike and I were able to produce as a group makes total sense” Moses Rockwell states.  “We’re each hung up on the same oddities in rap music and laugh at the same jokes.  All of which shines through on the record.”

    Regular Henry Sessions is now available at all DSP’s. 

  • Comedian Tom Segura Announces Second Leg of “Come Together” Tour, Coming to KeyBank Center

    Tom Segura announced the second leg of his latest global stand-up comedy tour Tom Segura: Come Together. More than 20 shows were added, including a stop in Buffalo at KeyBank Center on September 27. 

    Segura’s highly anticipated new hour of comedy has been selling out globally, with his previous world tour, I’m Coming Everywhere, selling out venues with over 300 shows. He is best known for his Netflix specials Ball Hog (2020), Disgraceful (2018), Mostly Stories (2016), Completely Normal (2014), and Sledgehammer (2023), which debuted at number one on the streamer. In July 2022, Segura released his New York Times Bestselling book I’d Like to Play Alone, Please to wide praise with Forbes calling it “laugh-out-loud funny.”

    Your Mom’s House Studios is home to his hit podcasts Your Mom’s House which he co-hosts with his wife, comedian Christina Pazsitzky, 2 Bears 1 Cave which he co-hosts with Bert Kreischer, and many more podcasts that draw millions of listeners each week. His television credits include The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Conan, Workaholics, Happy Endings, The Late Late Show, Comedy Central Presents: Tom Segura, Mash Up, and How To Be A Grown Up.

    Tom Segura – credit Shaun Nix.

    Tickets are available via pre-sale starting Wednesday, March 27 at 10 a.m. ET. The general sale is Friday, March 29 at 10 a.m. ET.

    Ticket buyers in a select number of cities will have the option to purchase a Platinum charity ticket. Segura will donate a portion of these Platinum ticket sales to the World Central Kitchen, a non-profit devoted to providing meals in the wake of natural disasters.

    Tom Segura “Come Together” Tour Dates

    Thursday, April 4 – Salt Lake City, UT – Delta Center
    Friday, April 5 – Boise, ID – ExtraMile Arena
    Saturday, April 6 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena
    Sunday, April 7 – Portland, OR – Moda Center
    Friday, April 12 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena
    Saturday, April 13 – Charlotte, NC – Spectrum Center
    Sunday, April 14 – Raleigh, NC – PNC Arena
    Friday, April 26 – Atlanta, GA – Fox Theatre
    Saturday, April 27 – Atlanta, GA – Fox Theatre
    Thursday, May 2 – Pittsburgh, PA – PPG Paints Arena
    Friday, May 3 – Rama, ON – Casino Rama
    Saturday, May 4 – Cincinnati, OH – Heritage Bank Center
    Thursday, May 9, 2024 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum (Netflix is a Joke Fest)
    Friday, May 10 – San Jose, CA – SAP Center at San Jose
    Saturday, May 11 – Lincoln, CA – Thunder Valley Casino Resort
    Saturday, May 25, 2024 – Abu Dhabi, UAE – Etihad Arena
    Thursday, June 6 – Des Moines, IA – Wells Fargo Arena
    Friday, June 7 – Kansas City, MO – Starlight Theatre
    Saturday, June 8 – Camdenton, MO – Ozarks Amphitheater
    Wednesday, June 12 – Wilkes-Barre, PA – Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza
    Thursday, June 13 – Jamestown, NY – Northwest Arena
    Friday, June 14 – Verona, NY – Turning Stone Casino
    Saturday, June 15 – Bangor, ME – Cross Insurance Center
    Friday, July 19, 2024 – Winnipeg, MB – Assiniboine Park
    Saturday, July 20, 2024 – London, ON – Harris Park
    Wednesday, August 7, 2024 – Asheville, NC – ExploreAsheville.com Arena
    Thursday, August 8, 2024 – Roanoke, VA – Berglund Center
    Friday, August 9, 2024 – Ottawa, ON – LeBreton Flats
    Saturday, August 10, 2024 – Halifax, NS – Garrison Grounds
    Friday, August 23, 2024 – Spokane, WA – ONE Spokane Stadium
    Saturday, August 24, 2024 – Calgary, AB – Prince’s Island Park – Early & Late Show
    Friday, August 30, 2024 – Tuscaloosa, AL – Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater
    Thursday, September 5, 2024 – Lincoln, CA – Thunder Valley Casino Resort
    Friday, September 6, 2024 – Coachella, CA – Spotlight 29 Casino
    Saturday, September 7, 2024 – Las Vegas, NV – Dolby Live
    Thursday, September 12, 2024 – Eugene, OR – Cuthbert Amphitheater
    Friday, September 13, 2024 – Vancouver, BC – Stanley Park – Brockton Point
    Saturday, September 14, 2024 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena
    Thursday, September 26, 2024 – Cleveland, OH – Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
    Friday, September 27, 2024 – Buffalo, NY – KeyBank Center
    Saturday, September 28, 2024 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
    Friday, October 4, 2024 – Columbus, OH – Schottenstein Center
    Saturday, October 5, 2024 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena
    Sunday, October 6, 2024 – Grand Rapids, MI – Van Andel Arena
    Friday, October 18, 2024 – St Louis, MO – The Fabulous Fox Theatre
    Sunday, October 20, 2024 – Mount Pleasant, MI – Soaring Eagle Casino
    Saturday, October 26, 2024 – Norfolk, VA – Scope Arena
    Sunday, October 27, 2024 – Richmond, VA – Altria Theater
    Friday, November 8, 2024 – San Diego, CA – Pechanga Arena
    Saturday, November 9, 2024 – Phoenix, AZ – Footprint Center
    Wednesday, November 27, 2024 – Hollywood, FL – Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
    Friday, November 29, 2024 – Tallahassee, FL – Donald L. Tucker Civic Center
    Saturday, December 7, 2024 – New Orleans, LA – Lakefront Arena
    Sunday, December 8, 2024 – Pensacola, FL – Pensacola Bay Center

  • 8th Annual Beau Fleuve Music & Arts Celebration Announced

    Beau Fleuve Music & Arts has announced its eighth annual celebration for Sunday, Aug. 25, 2024, on the historical grounds of the Buffalo Central Terminal.

    Beau Fleuve Music & Arts strives to celebrate all music, arts, and culture. In 2017, they launched the annual celebration to drive their purpose and mission by standing on the pillars of diversity to build bridges in the community through the arts. Beau Fleuve has been attracting artists and visitors from across the region and abroad throughout New York State, Southern Ontario, and the Northeast to enjoy the festivities.

    The Annual Celebration has built a reputation and niche for hosting featuring nationally and internationally touring artists as their careers are ascending, such as Danielle Ponder, Benny the Butcher, Super American, DJ Shub, Venzella Joy, Zuri Appleby, Stove God Cooks, Eric Van Houten, and more.

    “I’m always extremely grateful for what we are able to cultivate each year and provide spaces for all to enjoy,” said Lindsey Taylor, Founder. The festival has multiple stages from regional, national and international musical acts, art installations & exhibitions, interactive activation spaces, a family fun zone, live podcast, Canna Lounge, Pullup & Pitch contest, street art, fashion, sports culture, film, backyard games, food trucks, beer & wine garden,  mind + body + soul health & wellness, vendors village and more.

    Photo by John Adams II.

    One of the confirmed artists for this year’s Beau Fleuve Music & Arts Celebration is a soft rock sibling band from New York City INFINITY SONG. With a blend of tight vocal harmonies, dreamy lyricism, and sublime guitar riffs, the band creates a transcendent experience – amassing millions of views and attention from some of Hollywood’s biggest names. Their sound has led many listeners to compare the band to legendary 70s groups such as Fifth Dimension, The Mamas and the Papas, and ABBA.

    Through Beau Flueve’s foundation, they create music and arts programs for Inner City Youth ages 5-22 and service the community at large through arts, cultural, and community placemaking such as after-school programs and workshops, summer arts programs, public art initiatives, paid summer internship program, community cleanups, seasonal givebacks, high school scholarships, and more.

    For more information about Beau Fleuve, visit here.

  • Excision Performs a Double Header in Buffalo 

    The Dad of dubstep himself, Excision, kicked off his two night event in Buffalo on March 19. Buffalo Riverworks got two shows on the famous Nexus tour which has steam-rolled not only the EDM world, but the mainstream music scene as well due the innovative production quality. 

    Excision
    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Openers Bring the Heat

    When Excision stops into town he is a master when it comes to putting on a performance. He brings out the best of the best openers that help curate that energetic environment he is known for. Night one started off high intensity sets from Jkyl & Hyde followed by LAYZ. LAYZ has been a continuing growing force in the bass music scene with her heavy hitting beats and new age sound. 

    Excision
    LAYZ, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Ray Volpe followed up with his set that only continued to fill Riverworks with more energy. Ray Volpe’s highly sought after ID “Laserbeam” is one that immediately gets the crowd raging. Bass music icon Eptic wrapped up the line of openers with his cutting edge baselines and masterwork song structures. 

    Excision
    Eptic, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    This stacked line-up of openers paved the way for yet again another undeniably jaw-dropping performance from Excision. Of course this festival creator is no stranger when it comes to wowing the crowd. His booming success at Lost Lands each year goes to show his mastery at not only producing music, but producing a high quality show. It’s the reason Excision, also known as Jeff Abel, resides in the epicenter of an ever-expanding realm of bass music.   

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    This DJ legend opened up his set with visuals that outlined his famous “X” symbol as fans signaled out to him in the crowd. The suspense filled the room as the music intensified and Jeff took over the stage.

    Excision
    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    The bass was booming that night as Excision played his numerous hits including “Name Drop” and “Titans.” He invited humor into his sets for those who are able to catch the memes he cuts into segments of different songs. One famous meme this producer always has in his set is “my name’s Jeff” from the movie 21 Jump Street.

    Excision
    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    A New Age for Production

    Countless people were head banging, opening up huge mosh pits, and grooving with flow toys. The insane energy at an Excision show can’t be replicated anywhere else. His visuals are are so advanced that even mainstream artists like Kanye are trying to figure out how to replicate the quality. 

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Excision has implemented 3D visuals into his Nexus tour. This has taken the rave experience to a whole new level and is a must see. On night two he had one segment during his show where Shrek was seen dancing from a distance. Then as the beat dropped Shrek appeared to be popping out of the screen towards the crowd. This had fans wide-eyed and looking towards each other in shock. No one could believe how immersive the projections was. 

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    This made it even more so with Buffalo Riverworks assistance by allowing Excision to use the side screens so more people could relish in this renowned production quality. No other artists at Riverworks utilizes the side screens so it’s safe to say Buffalo holds a special spot for Excision. 

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Excision may be the king when it comes to dubstep, but he also knows how to get people right in their feels. Every time he performs his collaboration with Illenium titled, “Feel Something,” it does just that. People were seen embracing each other and teary eyed as it played.

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Trying to describe an Excision show will never do it justice. So northeast music lovers take that drive to go see a stop on this tour. The Nexus tour has stops at Boston on March 24 and Cincinnati on March 27. Get your tickets here.

  • Umphrey’s McGee Adds Lincoln Hill Farms to Summer Touring Schedule

    Midwest jam band mavens Umphrey’s McGee has recently announced some additional dates for this year’s summer tour. Included among these is a stop at Lincoln Hill Farms in Canandaigua, NY on July 7. The tour will also see the band finally “check off” and play in South Dakota for the first time ever.

    It will also be the first time Umphrey’s McGee plays at Lincoln Hill Farms, the family-owned and operated farm and venue situated on almost 100 acres of in the Canandaigua countryside. In addition to their Western New York stop, the summer tour will also feature stops in Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Maine.

    Umphrey’s then heads back out west for rare Pacific Coast summer dates with a handful of co-bills with Blues Traveler starting July 16. Pre-sale (for most dates) is Wednesday, March 20 at 10:00 am local time using code firstpitch.

    Tickets are now on sale for all dates. Visit Umphrey’s website for more info.

    Umphrey’s McGee Summer Tour
    June 13 — TBA — Salt Lake City*
    June 14 — Gerald R. Ford Amphitheate — Vail, Colo.
    June 15 — Red Rocks Amphitheatre — Morrison, Colo.*
    June 20 — the District — Sioux Falls, S.D.
    June 21 — Big Top Chautauqua — Bayfield, Wisc.
    June 22 — TBA — Milwaukee
    June 23 — Relctric Forest — Rothbury, Mich.
    July 4 — Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts — Westport, Conn.
    July 5 — Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom — Hampton Beach, N.H.
    July 6 — State Theatre — Portland, Maine
    July 7 — Lincoln Hill Farms — Canandaigua, N.Y.
    July 16 — Hayden Homes Amphitheatre — Bend, Ore.+
    July 17 — Britt Pavilion — Jacksonville, Ore.
    July 18 — Redding Civic Auditorium Lawn — Redding, Calif.+
    July 19 — Blue Note Napa Summer Sessions at Meritage Resort — Napa, Calif.+

    * w/ Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country
    + w/ Blues Traveler

    Lincoln Hill Farms – Canandaigua, NY

  • Buffalo Blues & Roots Festival Announce 3rd Annual Event this April

    Barry Entertainment & Three Chord Bourbon proudly present the 3rd Annual Buffalo Blues & Roots Festival Saturday, April 20, at Buffalo RiverWorks.

    Buffalo Blues & Roots Festival

    This all-day event features the best in national, regional and local blues and roots acts, as well as over 20 local vendors and artisans, food/drinks and more. Some of the acts include Victor Wainwright & The Train, Tas Cru, Miller & The Other Sinners, and more.

    The Buffalo Blues & Roots Festival returns for its 3rd year this April. The lineup is hefty with names like Patti Parks, Tonemah, The Growlers, Dave Thurman and more. GRAMMY-nominated Victor Wainwright & The Train see the stage to dazzle and move the audience with their immense soul, and creative fire.

    Victor Wainwright & The Train

    VIP tickets run for $60, while general admission tickets are selling for $30. For more information on the Blues & Roots Festival and to purchase tickets, click here.

  • The Chesterfield Kings Release Rockin’ “Meet You After Midnight”

    Garage rockers The Chesterfield Kings announced the release of their latest single, “Meet You After Midnight.” The band also announced their first live shows in over 15 years.

    The Chesterfield Kings formed in the late 70s, heavily influenced by the bluesy and rugged sounds of the 60s. The group hails from Rochester and has toured for decades but hasn’t since the early 2000s.

    The single is reminiscent of 60s bands like The Doors, Beach Boys, The Who, and more. The Chesterfield Kings add an element of that ’70s dirty garage sound as well. The track feels like entering a portal to the classic era of rock n roll, super well done in its instrumentation, lyricism, and catchiness.

    The band plans to tour for five dates across the US beginning March 16 and wrapping up March 22. The tour stops in Austin, Los Angeles, Pheonix, Las Vegas, and San Francisco.

    Catch The Chesterfield Kings on the The Wicked Cool Records Revue!, presented by Hard Rock and Little Steven’s Underground Garage, which marks the fabled garage rockers’ first live shows in over 15 years.

    To check out The Chesterfield Kings’ latest track, “Meet You After Midnight,” click here. For more information on the band and their upcoming shows, click here.

    The Chesterfield Kings Upcoming Shows:

    16 – Austin, TX – Continental Club (SXSW) *

    * w/ The Jellybricks and Bobby Mahoney

    19 – Phoenix, AZ – The Crescent

    20 – Los Angeles, CA – Lodge Room Highland Park

    21 – Las Vegas, NV – The Shag Room at Virgin

    22 – San Francisco, CA – Brick & Mortar Music Hall

  • Albany Ranked Top Among Best Places to Live in New York

    Albany has been ranked as the best place to live in the state, according to a survey by the U.S. News & World Report. Some may also be shocked that New York City ranked fifth in the 2023-24 list of best places to live in the state, behind Albany, Syracuse, Rochester, and Buffalo, respectively. What we find less surprising is that all five cities have a large music presence.

    Best Place to Live New York albany
    The Palace Theatre in Albany is one of the Capital Region’s premier music venues. Credit: Palace Theatre.

    Ranked as the #1 best place to live in New York State, the Capital Region is home to several music venues and recording studios. White Lake Music and Post, one of the recording studios on Albany’s roster, has produced, recorded, and mixed multiple Billboard Top 40 singles and provided audio services for clients including Netflix, Discovery, Lifetime, Universal, Disney, Nickelodeon, and HBO. Additionally, the Palace Theatre, which first opened its doors in 1931, has been graced by the presence of musical greats like the Rolling Stones and is home to the Albany Symphony Orchestra.

    Best Place to Live New York syracuse
    Central New York’s premier professional theatre, Syracuse Stage. Credit: Syracuse Stage

    Ranking second on the list, Syracuse is home to many venues, among them Syracuse Stage, which is approaching its 50th anniversary this year. The premier professional theatre in Central New York, Stage is part of Syracuse University and is a member of The League of Resident Theatres (LORT), the largest professional theatre association in the country. America’s leading actors, directors, and designers work and/or have worked at Stage including Tony Award-winners Jason Alexander, Lillias White, Chuck Cooper, and Elizabeth Franz, Emmy recipients Jean Stapleton, Sam Waterston, John Cullum, James Whitmore, and Ben Gazzara.

    Drive By Truckers at Water Street Music Hall – photo by Brian Ferguson

    Rochester ranks as the third best place to live in New York State. Rochester is home to Water Street Music Hall, the city’s largest and oldest concert venue. Originally opened in 1976 under the name The Country Warehouse, the venue has brought hundreds of large artists including Phish, George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic, Ashanti, David Byrne, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Iggy Pop, Jack Harlow, Sublime, St. Vincent, King Gizzard and the Wizard Lizard, Maroon 5, Weezer, and many more.

    Shea’s Theatre in Buffalo. Credit: Shea Performing Arts Center.

    Coming in fourth is the Queen City of Buffalo, a major music and entertainment region of its own. Buffalo is home to GCR Audio, a recording studio that has worked with Buffalo natives the Goo Goo Dolls, who recorded their self-titled debut album as well as Jed, Hold Me Up, Superstar Car Wash, A Boy Named Goo, Jessie J, and Who You Are at the studio. The city is also home to the nearly 100-year-old Shea’s Theatre, which this year alone has held performances of classic musicals such as Les, Mamma Mia, and in previous years Beetlejuice, Dear Evan Hanson, A Christmas Story: The Musical, The Nutcracker, and Mean Girls: The Musical, among others.

    Exterior of MSG – photo by Rob Tellerman

    As we know, New York City is the music and entertainment capital of the Empire State, if not the country. With countless music venues such as the Beacon Theatre, Knockdown Center, Brooklyn Bowl and Madison Square Garden, plus dozens of recording studios such as Electric Lady, the Big Apple has earned its title as one of the best cities for music in the world. MSG has hosted more than thousands of sports events and concerts, including upcoming tours by Fall Out Boy and Nicki Minaj. Electric Lady Recording Studio has made music for several big names in the industry such as Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, as well as New York natives Christina Aguilera and Lana Del Rey.

    The state of New York is home to several of the most prestigious and oldest music venues in the country, making it clear to see why the aforementioned cities rank in the top five best places to live in New York State.

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