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  • Lineup for 2024 Albany Tulip Festival Announced

    The City of Albany is hosting the 76th Annual Albany Tulip Festival presented by KeyBank on Saturday, May 11, and Sunday, May 12 in Washington Park.

    2024 Albany Tulip Festival

    The Albany Tulip Festival is Albany’s signature spring event, featuring nearly one hundred artisans selling their handmade crafts, a fine arts show, delicious food trucks, the KidZone family fun destination, three world-class live entertainment stages, a brand new wellness stage with free dance classes, Yogafest, and more than 100,000 tulips can be admired in the historic Washington Park. The festival will bring many genres from across the state and beyond performing on multiple stages for the many people that attend.

    Since Mayor Erastus Corning II read the first Tulip Festival Proclamation on May 14, 1949, the Mother’s Day weekend celebration has become one of the Northeast’s biggest and most beloved yearly events. Featuring area vendors, businesses, community organizations, and original local artists on every stage the Tulip Festival honors Albany’s four centuries of history while looking ahead to its future. As always, this event is free and open to the public.

    For more information about the 2024 Albany Tulip Festival, visit here.

    tulip festival albany

    SATURDAY, MAY 11, 2024

    HOT YOGA SPOT’S “YOGAFEST”

    Washington Park Parade Grounds

    9 a.m. – 10 a.m.

    FREE – RESERVE HERE

    TULIP QUEEN CORONATION CEREMONY

    Washington Park Lakehouse Stage
    Nominations are accepted through April 19th. NOMINATE HERE!

    11:30 a.m. –The Mendelssohn Club (Lakehouse Stage)

    A local institution for over a century, this acclaimed male chorus is the longest-continuously performing arts group in the Capital Region.

    11:45 a.m. – Tulip Queen Procession (Begins at formal Tulip Beds by Moses Statue)
    The 2023 Tulip Queen Olivia Owens, Mayor Kathy Sheehan, and the Dutch Settlers Society lead the 2024 Tulip Queen finalists to the Lakehouse Stage.

    Noon – Tulip Queen Coronation (Lakehouse Stage)

    Mayor Sheehan and MC Chad O’Hara of B95.5 crown the 76th Albany Tulip Queen in this traditional highlight of Tulip Fest weekend.

    tulip festival albany

    PARKALBANY’S MAIN STAGE

    Washington Park Parade Grounds

    1:30 p.m. –OF THE ATLAS: Catskill NY-based songwriter, guitarist, and vocalist Jay Woodruff has led the alternative rock band Of The Atlas through a range of styles and incarnations. Initially, it was a solo act by the enthusiastic and longtime member of the thriving and diverse regional underground rock community, Woodruff fleshed the group out into a powerful blend of introspective indie, vibrant art rock, and infectious power pop. Now joined by Ethan Klee and Kenny Rowe.

    3:00 p.m. –PRINCE DADDY & THE HYENAPrince Daddy & the Hyena is an American punk rock band from Albany formed in 2014. They have released three full-length albums and four extended plays. 

    4:30 p.m. –THE FRONT BOTTOMS: When you turn on a record from The Front Bottoms, you hear the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of two lifelong friends who stare down personal tragedy and the madness of a world gone haywire by simply playing a little louder together. The New Jersey natives went from playing in the woods to performing in high school bands. After the lead singer finished college, The Front Bottoms officially formed – creating their 2011 self-titled independent debut.

    A whirlwind of prolific output and countless gigs followed. The Front Bottoms reached a critical peak with 2017’s Going Grey. It received praise from The FADER, Stereogum, VICE, A.V. Club, and more. Along the way, the band performed on Late Night with Seth Meyers and NPR’s “Tiny Desk,” graced the stages of Coachella, Austin City Limits, and Bonnaroo, and toured with the likes of Blink-182, Manchester Orchestra, tallied nearly 100 million streams, sold over 500,000 album equivalents, and launched the annual holiday festival Champagne Jam, which expands year over year at an unprecedented rate.

    The Front Bottoms. Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty

    WEXT’S 518 STAGE

    Washington Park Lakehouse Stage

    1:00 p.m. – SIDE BFour-piece alternative rock band from Upstate New York consisting of drummer Dylan Travison, bassist Eric Mitchell, guitarist AJ Horton, and vocalist Ian Justino. Their debut release The Low Budget Romance EP is out now.

    2:15 p.m. – SOFIA CORTSSofia Corts is an 18-year-old singer-songwriter from the Albany area on the cusp of a national breakout. Self-taught on guitar and keyboards, her songwriting effortlessly blends genres, pop, R&B, and a hint of jazz, while generating infectious, memorable melodic hooks.

    3:30p.m – CAMTRON5000: Camtron5000, a rapper from Albany, has been creating alternative hip-hop music since 2016. He hopes to break the stereotypes of what it means to be a rapper. Channeling a dynamic yet playful energy with his skilled lyricism, and sporting a logo crafted from his gapped smile, Camtron5000 is a musical personality unlike any other.

    4:45 p.m. – THE INSOLENT WILLIESThe Insolent Willies is an upstate New York-based roots-rock band known for their hip-shaking mix of quirky, clever original songs and unpredictable interpretations of tunes from all over the musical map. The band consists of Bill Ackerbauer (acoustic guitar, harmonica, mandolin, vocals), Frank DeVer Pullen (bass, banjo, vocals), Paul Gavry (accordion, fiddle, vocals) and Evan Gavry (guitars, percussion, vocals).

    SUNDAY, MAY 12, 2024

    PARKALBANY’S MAIN STAGE

    Washington Park Parade Grounds

    1:00 p.m. – OFF THE RECORD: Off The Record Trio is the Capital District’s only 1960’s rock and roll lounge band. Awarded an “Eddie” for Best Capital District Party Cover Band two years in a row, the trio plays 60’s vintage tunes and some hidden nuggets with a modern twist. It is led by the dynamic and engaging Joanna Palladino on vocals with local favorite Geo on guitar/vocals along with Bob Resnick splashing rock and roll rhythms on a minimalist drum set.

    2:30 p.m. –FUNK EVOLUTION : Formed in 2010, Funk Evolution has been bringing top-shelf entertainment to the Northeast for 14 years and features a who’s who of musicians from New York and Massachusetts. They are best known for their high-energy delivery and unique arrangements; epic mashups of classic R&B with modern Top 40, 15-minute mega-medleys, and their legendary ‘Sax Battle’ featuring original 14-year member, Justin Godlewski on Alto saxophone. Funk Evolution is one of the most diverse entertainment groups in the region and has been recognized internationally as one of the top entertainment groups in the nation.

    4:30 p.m. –NEW YORK PLAYERS: New York Players are New York’s Dance Party Experts, an entertainment powerhouse with a focus on corporate and private events, nightclubs, concerts, and festivals.

    WEXT’S 518 STAGE

    Washington Park Lakehouse Stage

    1:00 p.m. –GIRL LOVE: Girl Love is the Albany-based, folk project of award-winning poet and songwriter, Laura Beth Johnson. She is known for her dark blend of story and soul – awarded the Lucy Monro Brooker Poetry Prize from the University of Indianapolis in 2017. In 2019, she received the Songwriting Scholarship by Image Magazine and a Poetry Scholarship from the Hudson Valley Writers Guild in 2022. In 2023, Girl Love was nominated for two Eddies.

    2:15 p.m. –THE E-BLOCK: The E-Block is a five-piece indie R&B band based in Upstate New York, blending the acoustic warmth of singer-songwriter music with an ice-cold rhythm section informed by modern R&B.

    3:30 p.m. –REESE FULMER & THE CARRIAGE HOUSE BAND: “Reese Fulmer & The Carriage House Band challenge the traditional relationship of a songwriter and his band, with a fluidly rotating cast of top-notch players and a flair for experimentation that combine for a unique and mesmerizing live performance. Add to that a keen lyricism that explores the human experience with a patient and poetic touch.

    4:45 p.m. –OOBLECK: Oobleck, founded in 2008, is an original, analog funk band out of the Capital Region. Known regionally for inciting dance parties wherever they land, they boast a big, in-your-face sound inspired by New Orleans street music. It’s a melee of horns, super heavy drums and bass, and your favorite type of chunky guitar riffing that leaves your bum shaking and your face grinning.

  • Laivy, Son of Matisyahu, to Perform at Buddha Jams Barefoot Concert Series

    Buddha Jams has announced the continuation of their Barefoot Concert Series, this time with special guest Laivy for an exclusive show on Long Island. The event is being held on April 18 at Buddha Jams Yoga in Glen Cove.

    The show marks Laivy’s first headliner in Long Island, and his first in the New York area since last year. Laivy is the son of legendary reggae singer Matisyahu. Laivy sees the stage to perform his own acclaimed genre-transcending folk, reggae, and acoustic hits.

    The Barefoot Concert Series continues at Buddha Jams Yoga in Glen Cove to bring strong soulful melodies to the community. The venue offers visitors an immersive experience designed to enlighten and fill your body, mind, and spirit with lasting positive energy and vibes.

    Inspired by soulful artists who are relatable in their lyrics and sound, Laivy hopes to follow in their footsteps, those who can summon the common chord of a generation and unite them through song.

    Buddha Jams Yoga and Event Center offers an event space complete with two stages, professional sound, along with a spiritual journey through yoga and music. Laivy sees the stage for this exclusive performance and hopes to draw in a crowd of fun-loving individuals of all ages.

    Tickets are available now for $20 in advance, $25 day of show. Don’t forget to bring your own water bottle. Get tickets at www.buddhajams.com.

  • Caroga Arts Celebrates The Man in Black with Memorial Day Weekend Concert

    Caroga Arts Collective has announced The Man in Black – A Tribute to Johnny Cash as the 2024 Memorial Day weekend concert on May 25.

    the man in black

    Kick off the summer at Sherman’s Park with Caroga Arts, with Shawn Barker performing as The Man in Black for his Tribute to Johnny Cash. Barker hosts a striking resemblance, spot-on mannerisms, and a baritone voice, bringing the legend back to life in an upbeat, energetic show for the generations.

    Sherman’s Park carousel will be open and available for rides starting two hours prior to show for all ticket holders. Food and drink vendors, including Stump City Brewery, will be onsite for the event. The concert is sponsored by Brown’s Ford in Johnstown.

    The mission of Caroga Arts Collective is to reimagine the Caroga experience through the power of the arts. In 2012, Kyle Price invited friends to his grandmother’s house on Caroga Lake, where they presented a week of free concerts, ambitiously calling themselves the Caroga Lake Music Festival (CLMF). Today, Caroga Arts presents over 50 performances and community events annually bringing world-class artists from various genres of music, visual art, poetry, and film to the Southern Adirondacks.

    Tickets are $20 GA and $40 pavilion seating, with free general admission for students and concert goers age 17 and under for all concerts at Sherman’s. Buy tickets here.

  • In Focus: Couch Brings Sunshine, Dynamic Sounds to Westcott Theater

    Dynamic jazz-pop band Couch brought their Sunshine, Part 2 Tour to the Westcott Theater in Syracuse on Friday, March 29.  It was a fittingly beautiful, sunshine-filled spring day in Central New York. The show was the second stop on a lengthy, cross country tour for the band, which features Sophia James as the opener.

    Hailing from Boston, Couch have been turning heads since their formation in 2021. Described as a blend of jazz, rock, pop and R&B, the band has performed at major festivals like Boston Calling, and toured in support of Lake Street Dive. The seven-piece band is currently touring in support of the recently released Sunshower EP (October 2023).

    Opener Sophia James rewarded those who arrived to the theater early this evening. James performed on stage solo, but brilliantly mixed in drum and vocal loops to build dramatic layers to her songs. She excitedly touted her upcoming release, Clockwork, due April 19, an EP that is sure to garner lots of listens from those who were in attendance tonight.

    An excited energy filled the theater as Couch made their way to the stage. Opening with the energetic “Saturday,” all of the hallmark staples of a Couch show were immediately on display:  the dramatic horn section of Jeffrey Pinsker-Smith (Trumpet) and  Eric Tarlin (saxophone) which blended with singer Tema Siegel’s dynamic vocals. Throughout the set, each of the band members were given ample time at the center of the stage. Guitarist Zach Blankstein delivered a fierce guitar solo during the interactive “Poems,” while Jared Gozinsky (drums) and Will Griffin each took turns showcasing their talents. Keyboardist Danny Silverston added layers of synths and also took his turn at the mic, leading the audience in a three-piece layer of sing along harmony during “Poems.”

    While much of the evening showcased the band’s high energy tracks, the band brilliantly weaved several slower ballads in to the mix. Siegel told the tale of finding love before performing “Autumn,” while later in the set the band performed the beautiful “Let Me Hold You.”  In between their own songs, they worked in several cover songs, including Billy Joel’s “Vienna” and Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Have You Ever Seen the Rain,” the latter of which saw opener Sophia James returning to the stage to share vocals.

    After a brief encore break, the band triumphantly returned to the stage to perform the upbeat “Easy To Love.” Clearly a fan favorite, the song offered fans one last opportunity to sing and dance before the spilling out in to the streets. The sunshine of earlier in the day was gone, but it was not lost in the mood of those who attended this evening.

  • Unsigned518: Host Andy Scullin Brings the Best of Capital Region Music Twice a Week

    There are an unknown number of bands and musicians in any town, at any given time. Across the 518, dozens if not hundreds of unsigned, fledgling artists that are getting their start, with dream and aspirations pushing them forward. The goal varies for each individual, but getting signed to a record deal, an agency or a management company is typically where sights are set.

    Unsigned518 andy scullin

    Andy Scullin, creator, host and producer of Unsigned518, has a passion for local music that has led to more than 120 episodes and counting of regular, weekly podcasts. On Tuesdays you’ll find guests range from bands and musicians to figures in the 518 scene who sit down to have a genuine conversation about their music with Andy, as well a share a few songs, sometimes performing live.

    A new addition to the budding podcast is the Thursday release of “Weekend Spotlight,” which are recorded on Wednesday evenings and released a couple of hours later at midnight. These episodes offer a quick look at a few local shows happening that coming weekend, and feature a few songs or a guest joining in on the call to discuss the show. This is also a spot for Andy to premiere music by local bands, giving listeners a taste of what they can see live that coming weekend.

    Unsigned518 andy scullin

    But this isn’t a new endeavor for Scullin, who got his start in radio in 1992 at a small adult/alternative station in West Dover, VT – station WVAY. “I was an on-air talent (at just 19 years old) and while I was there, learned how to edit audio. When I first started editing, “cut and paste” literally involved a razor blade and tape. I did that for a few years, and then pursued other jobs outside of broadcasting.”

    Scullin would later work at WEQX a few years on, becoming Production Director and host of EQXsposure before once again leaving radio for other ventures. Andy later went on to be producer of The Joe Gallagher Show on WGY for several years.

    From these experiences, the idea for Unsigned518 populated in Scullin’s head for nearly 20 years. Combining his love of local music with a love of talking into a microphone would lead to creating a free-form show that gives the artist a chance to have their story told in the way they want it to be, not having to adhere to pre-planned questions.

    What’s more, Andy Scullin is a musician himself, playing bass and singing for ShortWave RadioBand, a high-energy punk/garage band based in Schuylerville, infusing elements of punk, ska, and alternative into the music. The group started in 2020 as an acoustic duo with Lonny Eaton (ShortWave’s guitarist/vocalist), playing cover songs in the corner of Argyle Brewing’s taproom. After a year and a half as a duo, the pair met drummer John Woods, immediately hit it off and started jamming, with Scullin shifting to bass.

    In October 2021, the trio recorded and released their first original song, “Don’t Care,” following it up with “SomeDay” in early 2022. Horns were included in the recording, and would lead to Abby Stone joining the band on trumpet, followed by Ryan Shaw joining as a second guitarist to fill out the band’s sound.

    Since becoming a five-piece, ShortWave RadioBand have gigged all over the 518, playing with and becoming friends with dozens of local bands. The group has played WAMC’s Summer on Central series, Putnam Place in Saratoga and other venues in the region. With a live EP and eight singles recorded, they also have a few videos under their belt, including “So Long, The Hopeful” which features members of nine local bands playing roles, including The Sugar Hold, Seize Atlantis, Gozer and more.

    ShortWave RadioBand and Unsigned518 recently collaborated with Poison Noises on a guitar pedal called the Pork Pi – a play on the popular Muff Pi pedal and Andy’s signature orange Pork Pie hat – which is a monster distortion pedal for guitar or bass.

    Below you’ll find some of Andy’s favorite Unsigned518 episodes, and there are many more where these came from. Be sure to check out and subscribe to Unsigned518.

    https://open.spotify.com/episode/3mhS2vSnY37UvdrFQuJre9?si=c05d40ec3f924234
    https://open.spotify.com/episode/3Fc3e8JciYWDap9vRZsoZ7?si=8ec957c5bc8e4cd5
    https://open.spotify.com/episode/46rBUhoXxNEyyvMMWMqTR5?si=1a6691f1763c434e
  • Sleepy Hallow Shuts Down Palladium Times Square

    Over the Easter Weekend, Sleepy Hallow’s Boy Meets World Tour arrived in New York City. Prior to Sleepy coming on stage and bringing down the Palladium, fellow New York artists such as Rah Swish, Rowdy Rebel and others graced the stage for the warmup.

    After a roaring ovation upon taking the stage, Sleepy performed some of his more introspective tracks including “Anxiety,” featuring Doechii, where he’s opened up about his mental health, the hardship he has faced in the past year crafting and releasing his latest album, Boy Meets World. The crowd joined in singing word for word while Sleepy Hallow performed other hits such as “Die Young,” featuring 347AIDAN, “Pain Talk” featuring Lil TJAY, and more.

    During the show, Sleepy Hallow invited label mate Eli Fross to perform alongside him.

    Sleepy Hallow decided to surprise the New York crowd by inviting some of their own on stage. He brought out Bronx artists: Cash Cobain and Bay Swag who bought the Slizzy Experience to the Palldium in performing viral hit “Fisherrr.” 

    Sleepy Hallow ended the night with some of his classic hits, “2055,” “Deep End Freestyle,” “Basketball Dreams,” and “1999.” Tickets for the rest of the Boy Meets World Tour are available here.

  • NOISE FOR NOW’s ‘Vol. 2’ Abortion Access Benefit Album Drops June 21

    With Vol. 2, a musical masterpiece that is set to be released on June 21, NOISE FOR NOW will return. This time, the group is promoting reproductive rights and access to abortion while also causing waves in the industry.

    Exclusive tracks from a star-studded lineup including Faye Webster, Courtney Barnett, Julia Jacklin, and more are featured on this limited-edition vinyl extravaganza. However, the message is just as important as the music. The timing is perfect as the Supreme Court currently considers important issues related to access to abortion.

    In the struggle for reproductive justice, NOISE FOR NOW is a crucial nationwide project that unites grassroots organizations. Artists are empowered to advocate for access to reproductive health care, including abortion, through benefit events and campaigns. Additionally, with partnerships with more than 450 artists and over $1.25 million raised, the project is having a big influence.

    Also, with the help of ADA, NOISE FOR NOW is expanding its influence and making sure that people all over the world hear this important message. It’s all about getting the word out and helping independent clinics that are at the forefront of the reproductive justice movement.

    Additionally, Abortion Care Network’s Brooke Thomson adds, “Art and music are essential to our struggles. When artists, musicians, advocates, and providers work together, we change the culture.”

    NOISE FOR NOW Vol. 2 will be released June 21, pre-save, and pre-order now. Make your voice known by joining the movement.

    NOISE FOR NOW Vol. 2 Track List

    01. Julia Jacklin – “Dead From the Waist Down”

    02. Courtney Barnett – “Boxing Day Blues”

    03. Becca Mancari – “It’s Too Late”

    04. The War On Drugs – “Victim”

    05. MC50 ft. Arrow De Wilde – “High School”

    06. AJ Haynes (of Seratones) – “Everything Is Change”

    07. Claud – “Spare Tire”

    08. Faye Webster – “Thinking About You”

    09. SOFIA ISELLA – “Hot Gum”

    10. David Byrne and Devo – “Empire”

    11. Big Freedia – “Hotlatta”

  • The Stone Pony Celebrates 50 Years with Summer Concert Series

    The Stone Pony, the iconic Jersey Shore music venue and cornerstone of musical history for the past 50 years, revealed its 2024 summer concert series for its 50 anniversary season. 

    Stone Pony 2024

    New Jersey State Legislature, Monmouth County, and the City of Asbury Park recently commemorated the Stone Pony’s golden anniversary with a proclamation of Stone Pony Day on February 8, 2024.

    The Stone Pony in Asbury Park, one of the world’s best-known music venues, opened its doors on Feb. 8, 1974, in a building that formerly housed a popular restaurant called Mrs. Jay’s. Founders John P. “Jack” Roig and Robert “Butch” Pielka first met while working in a club on the boardwalk in Seaside Heights, and the rest was history, Locals like Bruce Springsteen, Southside Johnny, and Steve Van Zandt helped put the venue on the map, while today’s top artists and rising stars continue building a musical legacy. Artists that have graced the stage include Elvis Costello, The Ramones, Cheap Trick, Green Day, Oasis, No Doubt, blink-182, The Band, Iggy Pop, AFI, Warren Zevon, Joan Osborne, Luke Combs, Weezer, The 1975, Bleachers, and many more.

    Highlights of the Stone Pony 2024 summer concert series include two shows with Fletcher & Friends as part of Pride Weekend on June 1 and June 2; Lake Street Dive on June 14; Bleachers on June 15; T-PAIN on June 21, Jake Owen on June 22; O.A.R. with Fitz and the Tantrums on July 19; Sad Summer Festival on August 4; The Gaslight Anthem on August 16; and more.

    For 50 years the Stone Pony has been an essential part of the soundtrack of summer for so many who reside or visit Asbury Park, NJ. We are so excited for our upcoming 50th anniversary summer celebration with so many wonderful artists who will join us some incredible nights of live music under the stars. Once again, we’re on pace to be a record setting summer.

    Caroline O’Toole, General Manager, The Stone Pony.

    Pride Week, New Jersey’s 32nd Annual Statewide LGBTQ+ Pride Celebration will kick off with a four-day series of concerts at the Stone Pony Summer Stage, the largest in Pride Week history from Thursday, May 30 through Sunday, June 2, 2024. It gets underway with the Pride Kickoff Party featuring Solid Pink Disco with DJ Trixie and DJ Mateo Segade on Thursday, May 30. The festivities continue with Dreamland Pride In Asbury Park with Purple Disco Machine on Friday, May 31; FLETCHER, a music phenomenon who is from Asbury Park, performs two homecoming shows on the Stone Pony Summer Stage as Fletcher & Friends on Saturday, June 1 featuring G Flip, and Ari Abdul; and on Sunday, June 2 featuring Maude Latour and Ari Abdul.

    The Stone Pony Summer Stage’s 50 anniversary season food and beverage lineup includes crowd favorites Windmill, with Jersey Shore’s famous hot dogs and cheese fries; Rocco’s Pizza; Bubbakoos, and a new smoothie station with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

    Tickets for the Miller Lite concert series are on sale now. For additional information on these or other upcoming performances, visit here.

    Stone Pony Summer Stage 2024 Miller Lite Concert Series

    May 4              Sum 41 with The Interrupters

    May 17            Joe Russo’s Almost Dead

    May 24            Pigeons Playing Ping Pong

    May 30            Pride Weekend Kick Off Featuring Solid Pink Disco with DJ Trixie

    May 31            Dreamland Pride and Asbury Park: Purple Disco Machine

    June 1              Fletcher & Friends

    June 2              Fletcher & Friends

    June 12            North 2 Shore Presents Gary Clark Jr.

    June 13            North 2 Shore Presents Band of Horses

    June 14            North 2 Shore Presents Lake Street Dive

    June 15            Shadow of the City: Bleachers

    June 21            T-PAIN

    June 22            Jake Owen

    June 29            Orville Peck

    July 4              moe.

    July 5              Railroad Earth and Leftover Salmon

    July 12            The Used

    July 19            O.A.R. with Fitz and the Tantrums

    July 20            Stoke for the Summer: The Bouncing Souls

    July 21            Dark Star Orchestra

    July 26            Two Door Cinema Club

    August 2         Iration and Pepper

    August 4         Sad Summer Festival

    August 16       The Gaslight Anthem

    August 21       Whiskey Myers

    August 23       Something Corporate

    August 24       New Found Glory

    August 25       Sublime with Rome

    August 30       Almost Queen

    September 1    WAXAHATCHEE

    September 10  Dashboard Confessional

    September 27  Justin Moore & Randy Houser

    NOTE: Lineup is Subject to Change; More Shows to Be Added

  • WindSync to Perform at Whalen Center in Ithaca

    Classical wind quintet WindSync is set to perform in Ithaca at the Hockett Family Recital Hall in the James J. Whalen Center for Music on April 10. The group plays their own unique approach to honoring one of the most influential boy bands of all time, NSYNC. Not only this, but the group plans to play original works, as well as covered works by various other artists.

    WindSync is made up of five classically trained virtuoso musicians who approach artistry, education, and community building with the charisma and openness of the boy band that inspired their name. The concert is free and open to the public. Earlier that afternoon at 4pm, WindSync will also offer a masterclass in the Hockett Family Recital Hall.

    The show celebrates the release of the group’s WindSync Plays Miguel del Aguila album which is set to be released five days prior on April 5. The album features music by Miguel del Aguila, a contemporary composer whose sound is highly influenced by his Latin American roots. 

    The April 10 program takes place at the James J. Whalen Center for Music as part of the Robert G. Boehmler Community Foundation Series. The program features the woodwind rendition of various artists, along with the group’s original compositions.

    April 10 Program:

    Shawn Okpebholo: Rise – premiered this season, the Nigerian-American composer’s work explored racial injustice.

    Mozart, Serenade in C minor K. 388 – this is a different kind of wind serenade. It’s brooding versus chipper, and Mozart wrote it at a time when wind music was trendy in Vienna.

    Marc Mellits: Apollo – in honor of the 2024 total solar eclipse – WindSync commissioned Marc Mellits to write Apollo in connection with the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 lunar landing. 

    Dieterich Buxtehude: Passacaglia in D minor, BuxWV 161 – hear how the wind arrangement of this solemn piece makes it even more haunting.

    For more information on the upcoming program by WindSync hosted at the James J. Whalen Center for Music, click here.

    • Jake Trevor Releases Powerful New Single “Should I”

      NYC Singer-songwriter Jake Trevor has released a new powerful single “Should I” ahead of his new self-titled album Jake Trevor – set to release on May 24.

      Jake Trevor

      Jake Trevor started his career performing in the subway system, with his original music that included soul, pop, folk, and alt-rock, and songs inspired by other artists such as Coldplay, Lady Gaga, Amy Winehouse, and Rihanna. His songs explore self-discovery, doubt, sexuality, confidence, and achieving one’s dreams.

      Trevor is an artist who resists categorization, with a sound that is dark and upbeat. “I believe anything is possible”, Trevor says. Having had a turbulent childhood, growing up in a hostile and homophobic family and finding refuge in creativity from an early age, he credits music for saving his life, making him resilient and giving him purpose.

      In his newly released single “Should I”, Trevor sings about being overwhelmed and wondering what to do next. His heartfelt lyrics and deeply moving voice are like a boat dancing on the piano’s ocean waves, especially when he hits the high notes singing, “What would you do if you had one day left to live / Who would you love if your heart had one last chance?” 

      With the release of a new single, Trevor also shared that he will release his debut self-titled album Jake Trevor on May 24, taking his fans on a journey from piano balladry and electropop club bangers, to coffeehouse folk and soulful indie-pop. “This album has a throughline of rebellion and empowerment. It spans from deeply sad or romantic ballads to the utter jubilant glee of my heart-pounding dance anthems,” he said. The self-titled album takes on topics of family, homophobia, religion, love and sex – all through a lens of passion and hope. 

      Fans can stream “Should I” on all streaming platforms, and to learn more about Jake Trevor, visit here.