Nestled in the picturesque rolling hills of Canandaigua, CMAC proved to be the perfect setting for an wonderful evening of music with Goose, the jam band phenomenon that has been capturing hearts and ears across the country.
As the sun dipped below the horizon after a bluebird day, casting a golden glow over the amphitheater, Goose took to the stage amidst thunderous applause. The band’s lineup—comprising Rick Mitarotonda on guitar and vocals, Peter Anspach on keyboard, guitar and vocals, Trevor Weekz on bass, Jeff Arevalo on percussion and Cotter Ellis on drums —immediately set a vibrant tone with their eclectic mix of rock, funk, jazz, and electronic elements. Known for their improvisational prowess, Goose wasted no time in diving into extended jams.
Photo by Derek Java
The first set started off strong with “Hot Love & The Lazy Poet,” and then “Mr. Action,” followed by a blistering cover of “Me and My Uncle,” the song by John Phillips of the Mamas and the Papas that was made famous by the Grateful Dead and one of the highlights of the show. “Seekers on the Ridge” Parts 1 and 2 were followed by “Drive,” and then “So Ready” to end the first set.
Photo by Derek Java
Individually, each member of Goose shone brightly throughout the night. Mitarotonda’s soulful vocals and intricate guitar work provided the backbone of many songs, while Anspach’s keyboard solos added fiery bursts of energy to the mix. Weekz’ basslines were deep and resonant, anchoring the rhythm section alongside Ellis’ dynamic and precise drumming, which drove the band forward with relentless energy. The chemistry between the band members was palpable, with each musician feeding off the others’ energy to create moments of pure musical synergy.
Photo by Derek Java
Set 2 started off with a cover of “Fish in the Sea” by the New Zealand band Fat Freddy’s Drop. Then came another highlight of the night, “Tumble,” an extended jam where Goose brought the crowd to joyous heights with blissful high-energy guitar. Next was a serene “Red Bird,” followed by “726,” and then a lengthy “Arcadia” to end the set. The encore was a rocking “Madhuvan” that ended with a triumphal bow to thunderous applause.
Photo by Derek Java
Goose’s performance at CMAC was nothing short of spectacular. From their electrifying musical explorations to their heartfelt connection with the audience, Goose proved once again why they are at the forefront of the jam band scene. As they continue on the road, fans and new followers looking to catch the wave should be sure to pick up a ticket and treat themselves to a wonderful night of music.
Photo by Derek Java
Goose – CMAC, Canandaigua, NY – June 15, 2024
Set 1: Hot Love & The Lazy Poet, Mr. Action > Me and My Uncle [1], Seekers on the Ridge pt I > Seekers on the Ridge pt II, Drive, So Ready
Set 2: Fish In The Sea [2], Tumble, Red Bird > 726 > Arcadia
Encore: Madhuvan
Coach’s Notes: [1] John Philips [2] Fat Freddy’s Drop
On the heels of a performance in Saranac Lake this weekend, jam band stalwarts since 2008, Dopapod, have announced an indefinite hiatus, beginning at the end of 2024.
The group also announced âBest Friends 2024â Fall Tour dates, with more to be announced.
Shared on the band’s social media channels, the band’s message stated:
To our family, friends, and fans:
Before we get into the details and such, we’ll just get right to the point: Starting in 2025, Dopapod will no longer be touring, recording, or writing for the foreseeable future.
The last sixteen years have been an unbelievable adventure. We really did get to experience the whole spectrum of having a full time, professional touring band. To paraphrase Homer Simpson: âThe dizzying highs, the crushing lows, the creaaaaamy center.â All of it, the highs, lows, and everything in between has been an absolute treasure trove of life and learning experiences.
However, the price we have paid mentally, financially, physically and otherwise can no longer be ignored. We feel deep down in our guts and our hearts that this is the best possible thing not for the band, but for four dudes who truly love each other and want the best for each other. And to be clear, our families have always offered full support of this lifestyle and did not play a role in this decision. The touring life has never been easy and it seems to be getting more difficult. We send our love to all the artists/crew that put so much of their heart and soul into making live music possible.
Coincidence or not, we did say when we took our last break that we were inspired by an article where a company would take a sabbatical every 7 years, and it’s been 7. Plus, in 2017 we had a full solar eclipse and this year we had another. Regardless of all that, we are treating this as an indefinite hiatus.
We love you all and have endless appreciation for this journey and everyone who has enjoyed the music weâve put out into the world this last decade and a half. In the meantime, we will continue to play tons of shows through the remainder of 2024, including all of these âBest Friends 2024â fall tour dates in addition to the already announced summer dates. So come see us while you can. We fully intend on giving you the best shows we can possibly deliver, and savoring every second of it.
With immense love and gratitude,
Eli, Rob, Chuck and Neal,
dopapod.
While a surprise to many of the broader Dopasquad fanbase, artists are finding it tougher to be on the road financially, as well as the burden of touring consistently. Bands including Aqueous, Ghost Light, Baked Shrimp, and CBDB have all called it a day since 2021, many citing the costs of touring and the personnel that go with it, while others (Twiddle and Turkuaz in particular) see variations of the original lineup continuing on (Mihali, Cool Cool Cool, respectively).
Dopapod joining this fraternity – one that could be found gracing the lineups of numerous festivals in the past decade (Catskill Chill, among others) – is a symptom of the post-pandemic world where costs are higher, even if audiences are coming out to see and support artists.
Photo by: Andy Hill Dopapod at Catskill Chill 2014
Dopapod formed at Berklee College College of Music in Boston in 2008, with Eli Windermand and future Turkuaz drummer Michelangelo Carubba as a duo. Later, Rochester native Rob Compa joined the band, adding in Chuck Jones on bass and Neal Evans on percussion, shifting to drums when Carubba joined Turkuaz. Scotty Zwang replaced Evans from 2013-16 behind the kit.
NYS Music has covered Dopapod countless times in the past decade, from show reviews, interviews with band members, to reviews of many of the group’s palindromic albums – Radar, Drawn Onward, Redivider, Never Odd or Even, Megagem,Emit Time,Dopapod, and 2024 releases Aiboh and Phobia (combined, aibohphobia is the fear of palindromes). We wish the band members the best through their remaining shows and what lays ahead.
photo by Filip Zalewski
The band will continue to tour this summer, including a show at The Waterhole in Saranac Lake on Friday, June 21, Great South Bay Festival on July 20, and Bearsville Theater in Woodstock on September 13. Tickets go on sale Thursday, June 20 at Dopapod.com.
The Chenango Blues Foundation has announced its Thursday summer concert series spanning from July 11th to August 29th at East Park in Downtown Norwich, NY, who will host free concerts every Thursday in the leadup to the Chenango Blues Festival on August 16th. These Summer concerts are free, allowing concert-goers to enjoy world class talent at no cost. 2024’s lineup provides a diverse array of genres, including blues, roots rock, and psychedelic.
Since 2003, the Chenango Blues Foundation has put on free concerts for Norwich residents highlighting blues talent. This aids in their mission to foster the appreciation of American musical arts through accessible performances. As part of this mission, the foundation has presented free concerts by American blues legends such as Shemekia Copeland in 2021. The Summer concert series has also featured legends of big-band jazz, and zydeco, including multiple shows by the Glenn Miller Orchestra.
Eric Lindell will kick off the Summer series on July 11th with his trademark brand of Americana. Lindell’s strain of music mixes Southern R&B, West Coast Rock, and Soul to create an infectious sound. This performance marks Lindell’s third performance at the Chenango Thursday Concert Series, having previously played in 2007, and 2008.
Eric Lindell
New Orlean’s the Iguanas will grace the concert series with a July 18th show. The Iguanas have toured for three decades with few lineup changes, crafting a fun and almost brotherly attitude in their music. The band’s style of roots rock connects genres ranging from New Orleans jazz, blues, tejano rock, and Caribbean music.
The James Hunter Six will close out July with an evening concert on July 25th. MOJO magazine hailed Hunter as “the United Kingdom’s greatest soul singer.” Since starting his career over 30 years ago, Hunter has played guitar and backing vocals for Van Morrison, and received a Grammy nomination for “Best Traditional Blues Album.” Hunter will perform while in the US on a larger tour with Bonnie Raitt.
Sister Sparrow & the Dirty Birds will kick off the festival’s August lineup. Headed by singer Arleigh Kincheloe, the Brooklyn based band has made a name for themselves with their electrifying soul. For their headlining shows, festival performances, and residencies, NPR hailed them as “one of the biggest voices in rock music.” With very limited dates, this performance is sure to be one of the group’s only free shows.
Sister Sparrow
August 8th will see a special performance by the Garcia Project. The Garcia Project is dedicated to faithful recreations of Jerry Garcia Band concerts from 1976-1995. These concerts are not covers, but thoughtful musical arrangements meant to evoke the emotions of classic Garcia concerts. This concert is perfect for enjoyers of Garcia’s classic work or those who enjoy psychedelic and jam band music.
August 15th will feature a special Blues Fest pre-show with Blood Brothers. The duo consists of blues guitarists Mike Zito and Albert Castiglia. Both Zito and Castiglia are renowned musicians in their own right. In 2022, Zito won the Blues Music Award for “Best Blues Album,” and Castgilia won the BMA for “Blues Rock Artist.” Together, the duo are more than the sum of their parts, featuring immensely collaborative performances and songwriting. This concert will kick off the weekend-long Chenango Blues Festival.
Following the Blues Festival, the Thursday concert series will return on August 22nd with a performance by Sam Bush. This legendary artist spearheaded the “newgrass” movement, creating a new progressive style of bluegrass. Bush’s sound melds traditional bluegrass with long rock jams, and even aspects of Bob Marley’s reggae. Bush is a Bluegrass Hall of fame inductee, 3x Grammy winner, and Americana Music Association lifetime achievement award winner. Since beginning his career, Bush has collaborated with legends like Emmylou Harris, Garth Brooks, and Bela Fleck.
Musical innovator Keller Williams will close out the summer season with an August 29th performance. Williams is not bound by conventional notions of genre, seamlessly shifting between rock, funk, and blues. With this eclectic mixing of styles, no two shows by Williams will ever be the same. Keller will play solo, accompanying himself on guitar, bass, synthesizer, and drum sampler. Williams has dubbed this style “Acoustic dance music,” which is sure to make for an engaging and danceable show.
Keller Williams
Summer Concert Series Schedule
7/11 @ 7:00pm – Eric Lindell
7/18 @ 7:00pm- The Iguanas
7/25 @ 7:00pm- James Hunter Six
8/1 @ 7:00pm- Sister Sparrow & the Dirty Birds
8/8 @ 7:00pm- The Garcia Project
8/15 @ 6:30pm- Blood Brothers
8/22 @ 7:00pm- Sam Bush
8/29 @ 7:00pm- Keller Williams
For more information on performers, location, and times, visit the Chenango Blues Festival website here.
The Broadway Collection released their first ever documentary short film on June 6. Aimed at the travel industry, the short film emphasizes Broadway’s importance to New York culture, proving no trip to NYC is complete without a trip to the theater.
Produced by The Broadway Collection and directed by two time Emmy-nominated Jonathan Theodore Baker, the short film is the first of an ongoing video series. Known for the MSNBC films’ documentary “Serving in Secret”, Baker’s prolific career includes award winners and work on box office hits.
The film features Gavin Creel, a Tony and Olivier Award-Winning Bradway star. Following Creel, the film chronicles his journey to Broadway from childhood. Creel and Baker have been lifetime friends, from performing in their hometown of Findlay, Ohio, to the professional stage.
The documentary features actress/singer Sara Bareilles (Waitress), Tony-nominated actress Eva Noblezada (Hadestown, The Great Gatsby), director Sammi Cannold (How to Dance in Ohio), and actress/singer Jacqueline Arnold (Moulin Rouge!). Filmed at pre- and post-show hotspot Bond 45, Creel and the special guests discuss the state of Broadway in 2024.
The aid from hotels and restaurants is testament to the deep ties Broadway has to the community. The theater’s importance to New York’s culture and tourism is difficult to overstate. The Broadway Collection is dedicated to helping New York City visitors experience the theater, including Broadway and off-Broadway productions, the Metropolitan Opera, and the New York City Ballet. The Collection has tickets to suit various tastes and budgets, and has deep connections to the professional travel industry.
Syracuse native Charley Orlando has released his newest single, “Slipstream.” Featuring an easy-listening guitar melody accompanied by a hint of a folky/country twang, the song presents itself with a laid-back, calming presence to all listeners.
Over the last 30 years, Charley Orlando has developed an impressive reputation as a musician. With an impressive 28 Grammy Ballot nominations, 18 releases, and over 30 years of touring, he has cemented his place as an influential and respected musician in the industry. Other than his career as a solo musician, Orlando is an active group performer. He has performed as part of Ruha, which releases its own, original music, and bob., a Bob Dylan tribute band. His music is a unique blend of blues, folk, and rock, with heartfelt lyrics that resonate with audiences around the world.
Orlando’s latest single, “Slipstream,” is the second of a series of singles that he plans to release over the next year. Much like his last single, “California,” Slipstream embodies the best elements of music from the late 60s and early 70s. The easy-going vibes set by the instrumental, along with masterful lyrics that display sensitivity and vulnerability, are reminiscent of artists like Bob Dylan, Seals and Crofts, Steely Dan, and more. The instrumentals offer a perfect blend of blues and rock that makes the single stand out as an easy listening tool. Despite its ongoing themes of anxiety, pain, and struggle, Charley Orlando’s “Slipstream” offers a relaxed, comforting, and secure peace of mind.
Lyrically, the single reads as a plea for help in times of struggle. The line “My sweet friend, get me out of this slipstream” repeated throughout each chorus tells us where Orlando is coming from. But despite the pleas to be saved, Orlando’s steady, delicate voice tells us that there is still hope. Whatever may have caused the metaphorical slipstream, someone will be there to help get you out of it. Even if he is unsure, he knows that there is someone who will always be by his side. It is a message of a precious relationship that one can only hope to have. For those who do, it would only make them even more appreciative of their loved ones.
Following the release of “Slipstream,” Charley Orlando announced a series of live performances happening this summer. All events are listed below. Slipstream is available on all streaming platforms. To download for free, visit this link, and use code n1aw-hv0b.
Located right along the scenic Champlain Valley, sandwiched between New York and Vermont, lies the town of Crown Point, NY. The town is home to the recently renovated War Cannon Spirits, a bar and live music venue with a rich history and a unique, authentic architectural heritage.
The Tasting Room
Originally used as a lumber mill, the building has been standing for over 200 years and has had several owners. The building was erected in 1820 and conveniently located near Putnam Creek, where the previous dam, along with the ponds behind the building, served as the perfect location for the town’s mill. Several decades later, the mill would see multiple different owners, usually continuing its lumber production. The Crown Point Cooperative G.L.F. Service bought the building in 1933, producing lumber and wooden products.
In 1957, the service sold the building, and for the first time, it was not used as a mill. For the next 50 years, the mill became the Crown Point Agway, locally known as “The Old Agway Building.” In 2000, it operated as Porterâs Mill Hardware & Feed. Unfortunately, the location was abandoned after only 8 years.
After years of abandonment, War Cannon Spirits purchased the mill in 2016. Since then, they have renovated the building to capture its full potential as a bar, distillery, and restaurant, while restoring its former glory. Through constant use, harsh weather conditions, and neglect, two centuries of costly damage amounted to the building. The mill was in dire condition, but War Cannon Spirits was determined to maintain its integrity.
History, authenticity and creativity matter to us. Demolishing the mill would have been an injustice to the community.
War Cannon Spirits, “History”
This year, War Cannon Spirits have officially finished renovations on the abandoned mill. The last seven years were a slow, painstaking process for the company. Fixing damages from the last 200 years of neglect is no easy task. However, after all this time, a fully renovated mill and upper floor known as “The Loft” is ready to make its debut.
Since 2016, War Cannon Spirits has repurposed the 200-year-old mill into an elevated industrial rustic building oozing with character. Integrity was especially important to the company, which swore to preserve the history of the mill. The company and regional architect Nils Luderowski gave the mill a much-needed makeover. The recent renovations make the mill something the community can be proud of. There is no doubt that War Cannon Spirits will make the mill an iconic destination for Crown Point.
We sought an iconic venue to boldly represent War Cannon Spirits. We wanted something authentic, not a generic prefabricated building or pole barn.
War Cannon Spirits, “About Us”
As a distillery, War Cannon Spirits is a firm believer in promoting the spirits produced in the Lake Champlain region. Since the company began, they partnered with regarded chief distiller Joel Elder, due to his specific focus and experience on locally sourced agribusinesses. The distillery offers whiskey, beer, mead, liquor, and other alcoholic beverages resourced in the area. They are also distributors of other New York-based brands, spanning as far away as Long Island.
War Cannon Spirits is divided into two floors. The first floor, which managed to stay intact during most of the renovations, is the Tasting Room. The Tasting Room offers selections of these products, including a bar with its own signature cocktails and a coffeehouse. Next to the bar is a restaurant and dining area with an elevated pub fare-type menu and one-off high-end dining experiences.
Nancie Battaglia
The most recent and notable addition to War Cannon Spirits is The Loft. Located on the second floor, The Loft offers a large stage perfect for concerts and live performances. This year marks the beginning of War Cannon Spirits hosting concerts, starting with a live performance from “A Man Named Cash” featuring Eric Hofmanis, a tribute to Johnny Cash and June Carter on June 15.
After seven long years, War Cannon Spirits is ready to showcase the best of what Crown Point has to offer. The highly anticipated opening of the distillery’s Loft is expected to officially put War Cannon spirits on the map. But from what they have been able to accomplish so far, it’s clear that this is only the beginning for the brand.
Tickets and information for events at The Loft at War Cannon Spirits are available here.
War Cannon Spirits Upcoming Events
Friday, July 12 @ 7:00 pm – Roadhouse 60’s Jukebox Rock n Roll
Roadhouse 60’s is a New York-based tribute band dedicated to bringing the audience the sweet sounds of the 1960s. Join them on July 12 at the Loft at War Cannon Spirits for a night of 60’s nostalgia.
Friday, August 30 @ 7:00 pm – Roadhouse 60’s Jukebox Rock n Roll
Roadhouse 60s make their return to the Loft at War Cannon Spirits on August 30th!
Saturday, October 19 @ 8:00 pm – KISS THIS! KISS Tribute – Fully Electric & Live at the “Birthplace of the Electric Age”
Performing a full KISS tribute show, including makeup and costumes, is tribute band KISS THIS!
Kommuna Lux, the acclaimed ‘Odesa Urban Folk’ band from Ukraine, is set to embark on a 30-city US charity tour this Summer, blending thrilling Klezmer and Ukrainian folk music to raise funds for humanitarian causes back home.
Just as the streets of their hometown of Odesa are rich with nostalgia and a diverse, bohemian Black Sea coastal vibe, Kommuna Lux’s melodies are filled with dazzling rhythms, refreshing anarchy, and plenty of joie de vivre! These conservatory-trained musicians combine traditional Klezmer, Balkan, and Urban Chanson, with a dash of Ukrainian Folk and inject it with rocket fuel for a high-energy Big Band sound from the bygone days of speakeasies and rum runners.
The first stretch of the tour will bring this unique ensemble to leading venues in the Hudson Valley, Upstate New York and New York City. Performances will including Drom in NYC (June 21), Live at the Falcon in Marlboro (June 23), The Levitt/AMP Concert Series in Utica (June 24) and Ithaca’s Unitarian Church (June 25).
Leading Kommuna Lux is Bagrat Tsurkan, whose hot buttered voice and nonstop energy compel everyone to the dance floor. The remaining band, Volodymyr Gitin (clarinet), Oleg Vasianovich, (accordion), Andrei Okhramovich (trumpet), Yaroslav Besh (trombone), Viktor Kirilov (acoustic guitar), and Sergei Poltorak (percussion), miraculously manage to play with perfection while creating equally dizzying energy on stage. Watch an example of their live show here.
Kommuna Lux has been fundraising at their shows since 2022 and raised $16,000 in donations on their fall 2023 US tour. They created KMLX, a 501-c3 charity, after their first US tour, ensuring that 100% of donations received at their concerts are used for humanitarian aid. Virtual donations can be made on the website kmlx.org
On a balmy summer evening in Buffalo, the KeyBank Center buzzed with anticipation as legendary acts Lionel Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire took the stage for a night of soulful melodies and electrifying performances.
The show, a close sellout, drew fans from across the region from Toronto to Rochester, eager to witness two iconic bands in one unforgettable concert experience. There was a countdown clock on the stage video screen telling fans when the show would kickoff.
Earth, Wind & Fire, no strangers to the Buffalo area (last played Buffalo area at Artpark in 2022), kicked off the evening with an explosive energy that instantly captivated the audience. Opening with their timeless hit “Shining Star,” the band set the tone with their trademark blend of funk, soul, and R&B.
The crowd erupted in cheers as they seamlessly transitioned into “Let Your Feelings Show,” showcasing their impeccable musicianship and infectious groove. Their set was a celebration of musical mastery, with intricate horn arrangements, tight percussion, and the soulful vocals that have defined their legacy over decades. They played all of their fan favorites, “Boogie Wonderland”, “Sing a Song”, and closed with their big hit “September”.
After Earth, Wind & Fire left the stage to thunderous applause, the anticipation for Lionel Richie reached its peak when the lights blacked out and a montage video hit the screens. Richie, returning to the Buffalo area for the first time since his memorable performance in Niagara Falls in August 2022, began his set with the iconic ballad “Hello.”
The audience swayed in unison, singing along to every word, as Richie’s smooth voice filled the arena with nostalgia and emotion. One of his most energetic songs he played was his second song of the show, “Running with the night”. Digital cityscapes were displayed on the background video screens and the use of smoke blasts caught some fans by surprise.
Throughout his set, Richie delivered hit after hit, each song resonating deeply with the crowd. From the heartfelt “Say You, Say Me” to the infectious groove of “Dancing on the Ceiling,” Richie proved why he remains a beloved figure in music. His stage presence was magnetic, effortlessly engaging the audience with his charisma and charm Lionel told stories and joked with the crowd. He stated “there will be singing tonight, but not by me……..you the crowd will be singing and dancing”.
As the night drew to a close, Lionel Richie brought the audience to their feet with the ultimate feel-good anthem for his encore, “All Night Long”. The arena transformed into a dance party, with fans of all ages dancing and singing along, united by the joyous spirit of Richie’s music.
The collaboration between Lionel Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire was a testament to the timeless power of soul and R&B. Together, they created a night that transcended generations, reminding everyone in attendance why their music continues to endure for decades. For fans in Buffalo, this concert was not just a musical event but a cherished memory that will resonate for years to come. Both acts will be having their own residency this summer/fall in Las Vegas.
Earth, Wind and Fire’s setlist: Shining Star, Let Your Feelings Show, System of Survival, Serpentine Fire, Verdine White Bass Solo, Sing a Song, Got to Get You Into My Life (The Beatles cover), Devotion, After the Love Has Gone (David Foster cover), Reasons, That’s the Way of the World, Fantasy, Boogie Wonderland, Let’s Groove, September.
Lionel Richie setlist: Hello, Running With the Night, Easy / My Love (Commodores song/Lionel Richie song), Penny Lover, Stuck on You, Sail On (Commodores song), You Are, Dancing on the Ceiling (With a snippet of Van Halen’s “Jump”), Three Times a Lady (Commodores song), Fancy Dancer / Sweet Love / Lady (You Bring Me Up) (Commodores song), Just to Be Close to You (Commodores song), Endless Love (Diana Ross & Lionel Richie cover), Brick House (Commodores song) (With a snippet of Ohio Players’ “Fire”), Still (Commodores song), Say You, Say Me, We Are the World (USA for Africa cover)
Encore: All Night Long (All Night)
EARTH, WIND, AND FIRE’SHEART AND SOUL TOUR 2024 DATES:
Wed Jul 10 – Maryland Heights, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
Fri Jul 12 – Rosemont, IL – Allstate Arena
Sat Jul 13 – Saint Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center
Tue Jul 16 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center
Wed Jul 17 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre
Fri Jul 19 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center
Sat Jul 20 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center
Tue Jul 23 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage
Wed Jul 24 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Broadview Stage at SPAC
Sat Jul 27 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center
Sun Jul 28 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
One of the most intimate show venues in all of New York, The Yard Amphitheater at Ray Brothers BBQ in Bouckville, has announced its summer 2024 concert series lineup.
With 2024 marking The Yard Amphitheater’s 10th anniversary, a stop at Ray Brothers BBQ is a must for anybody in Central New York who enjoys authentic BBQ and great live music.
Ray Brothers BBQ opened in Bouckville, in 2014 with a mission to make mouth-watering slow-cooked BBQ to feed the masses. But alongside the restaurant, Colin Ray also completed another mission: to build his very own outdoor music venue.
The same year that the renowned Ray Brother BBQ opened, The Yard Amphitheater opened as well. Located right next to the restaurant, the amphitheater has transformed from a simple stage of plywood screwed to pallets set in the backyard into an annual center of community gatherings.
10 years later, The Yard Amphitheater is thriving more than ever. The amphitheater now has a guest capacity of 1,500 people but still maintains the intimate feel of a smaller venue. Watching a show at The Yard Amphitheater is like being in your own backyard for a concert, only the backyard has a fully stocked outdoor bar, delicious BBQ and nationally touring acts.
This year, Ray Brothers BBQ will be hosting nearly 10 events between June 15 and September 1. This year’s lineup includes music from a variety of artists performing many genres, including country, funk and folk. July 20 will even host an entire rock festival, with six artists playing throughout the single day.
So if you’re in the area, bring some chairs or blankets and stop by Ray Brothers BBQ to catch a show. What’s better than some delicious BBQ, a cold beer and live music?
Yard Amphitheater 2024 Lineup
July 6: Cassidy Lynn with special guest Brian Nelson
July 20: Cows Rock Festival featuring Jason Michael Carroll with special guests The Old Main, Jason Wicks Band, Nina’s Brew, Grit n Grace and Williams Road
July 25: G. Love & Special Sauce with Brett Dennen and Mihali
August 3: Weird Phishes and Hayley Jane Band
August 11: bob. an interpretation of Dylan Featuring Al and Vin of moe., Brian Lauri, Zach Fleitz, Charley Orlando
August 17: Ryan Montbleau with special guest Mike Powell
August 24: Cool Cool Cool with special guest The Laughing Buddha Episodes
September 1: Hop Harvest Smoke Out with Jimkata with special guests Chris Eves and the New Normal and Adam Brooks
This fall, ArtsWestchester will hold its annual JazzFest from Sept. 11- 15, a night market on Sept. 21, and an art exhibition on Oct. 13.
Throughout the coming fall, the public will have the opportunity to experience the exciting events ArtsWestchester will have to offer. The variety of events will offer something appealing to everyone interested in attending.
ArtsWestchester begins the fall season with the big bang of our annual JazzFest that presents nationally prominent musicians. We will quickly pivot to a string of events that include our returning night market and a new art exhibition.
Kathleen Reckling, incoming CEO of ArtsWestchester
To kick the season of events off is White Plains’ annual Jazzfest taking place from Sept. 11- 15. The festival will include 18 live shows ranging from free musical experiences to performances from Grammy-winning artists. Friday, Sept. 13, Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Nicole Zuraitis will play. The following night the Vijay Iyer Trio feat. Tyshawn Sorey and Linda May Han Oh will take the stage. Other shows, including noon and Sunday performances, will be free to the public.
On Sunday, Sept. 15, the festival will end with the addition of the White Plains Jazz & Food Festival from 12:30-7:30 PM on Mamaroneck Ave in White Plains.
On Sept. 21 from 4 to 8 PM, ArtsWestchester will celebrate the harvest moon by turning their gallery into the Mooncake Night Market. The event will be full of music, crafts, food, and workshops. Attendees can have hands-on experiences in Chinese calligraphy and lantern-making. Admission to the market is $15.
Beginning on Oct. 13 through Jan. 12, ArtsWestchester will present the Futures Art Exhibition. Attendees can explore an immersive look into visions of Hudson Valley’s future as well as themes of historic land ownership, inclusive communities, creative placemaking, and sustainable development interpreted into art installations.
For more information about ArtsWestchester and the events, visit artswestchester.org.
