NYS Music 2024

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  • Governors Ball 2024 Food Lineup Announced

    Get ready to map out your culinary experience while rocking out to the killer lineup at Governors Ball 2024. The highly anticipated festival has revealed the food and beverage lineup, promising a culinary adventure alongside a stellar music lineup at Flushing Meadows Corona Park this June 7-9.

    This year, Gov Ball is emphasizing serving up a taste of New York City. Inspired by the borough of Queens and the city’s diverse culinary scene, the festival will feature a wide selection of local and national vendors. This commitment to variety ensures something delicious for everyone, reflecting New York City’s status as a global food destination.

    Queens Night Market: Photograph by Time Out/Ali Garber

    Queens Night Market fans take note: this year, there is an incredible selection of popular vendors featuring at the festival. Throughout the weekend, you can enjoy crowd-pleasing dishes from Mao’s Bao, Eemas Cuisine, Twisted Potato, La Braza, and Matyldas Polish. But that’s not all – iconic NYC staples like Roberta’s Pizza, Magnolia Bakery cupcakes, Cafe Habana, Sweet Chick, Luke’s Lobster, and Van Leeuwen Ice Cream will also be on hand to satisfy your cravings.

    Shutterstock/Nick Starichenko

    In terms of free perks, you can beat the heat with free water stations conveniently located throughout the festival grounds. If you need a morning pick-me-up, you can also grab a complimentary iced coffee and munchkins from Dunkin’ to start your day. Feeling a little peckish later on? Cabot Creamery is offering free grilled cheese bites to satisfy those hunger pangs. Craving something with a kick? Head to the Stella Artois x Hot Ones collaboration booth for spicy popcorn, fries, and a frosty Stella Artois to cool things down.

    Doughnuttery at Governors Ball 2022, photograph by Joseph Buscarello

    This year’s Governor’s Ball boasts an impressive selection of beverage partners. Enjoy the classics like Bud Light and Bud Light Seltzer, or try something new with Kona Big Wave. In the mood for a cocktail? Sip on a refreshing Aperol Spritz or a classic Espolòn Margarita. Vodka fans can indulge in Tito’s Sparkling Lemonade, while wine lovers can explore Chateau Ste. Michelle’s offerings. Don’t miss out on the exclusive frosé available at the Chateau Ste. Michelle Wine Experience.

    Full Vendor Lineup:

    The festival boasts a mouthwatering selection of food vendors, including:

    Savory Favorites: Roberta’s Pizza, Magnolia Bakery, Gotham Burger Social Club, Fuku, Sweet Chick, King of Pops, Luke’s Lobster, La Newyorkina, Walter’s Hot Dogs, New Territories Ice Cream, Big Mozz, Cafe Habana, Destination Dumplings, Flaming Wok, Thai Jasmine, John’s Juice, Renegade Lemonade, Tea and Milk, Gordo’s Cantina

    Tacos & More: Takumi Taco, Tica’s Tacos, Pizza Nova

    Queens Night Market Favorites: Mao’s Bao, Eemas Cuisine, Twisted Potato, La Braza, Matyldas Polish Food

    Sweet Treats: Doughnuttery, Fan Fan Doughnuts, Crumbl, Empanada Papa

    Vegetarian & Vegan Options: Butchery & Beyond, Dank Nugs, Try Vegan, No Good Burger

    Additional Vendors: Hebros Gyros, Mac Truck NYC, Bulldog Burgery, Nachos Libre, Smoke Stacks, San Matteo, Tica’s Hibachi

  • Bad Tuner Announces Latest EP, “look at me but through me”

    With his newest EP “look at me but through me” set to release on April 5, Brooklyn’s electronic sensation Bad Tuner is back with a bang.

    Photo by Anna Koblish

    With NPR Music comparing him to the legendary Daft Punk, it’s understandable why excitement for this release is high. The six tracks on the EP offer a different window into Bad Tuner‘s world. There is something for all fans of electronic music, ranging from glitchy hyper-pop flares to gritty and booming 90s Big Beat sounds, with samples from all over the world.

    “Maybe so,” the second track, offers us a preview of Bad Tuner’s impressive abilities. The track is an instant hit on the dance floor thanks to its breakbeat drums, rhythmic piano riff, repeating bell lead, and a sampled Soukous Congolese vocal. Bad Tuner says, “I wanted a song that would evolve into absolute chaos towards the end. I tried a few different arrangements of the song, landing on this one.”

    Bad Tuner is no stranger to success, having gained recognition from notable figures in the industry such as Pete Tong and making waves on BBCRadio1. With sold-out performances and tours with artists like Polo & Pan and TOKiMONSTA, he has earned his spot in the electronic music industry.

    Keep an eye out for April 5 and preorder “look at me but through me.” In the meantime, crank “maybe so” and learn more about the world of Bad Tuner.

    Bad Tuner’s “look at me but through me” Tracklist:

    caught up

    maybe so

    jade

    what’s the rush

    24 hours

    repeat to fade

  • Bands N’ Beans Festival Returns for 30th Year in Lake George

    Bands N’ Beans is making its anticipated return to Lake George for its 30th anniversary this April. The festival will showcase a slew of bands from across New York State, as well as over 20 restaurants’ homemade chili.

    Bands N' Beans

    The annual festival is brought to the forefront by Lake George Arts Project. Bands N’ Beans is held on April 14 at Fort William Henry Conference Center. The festival sees a lineup of nine total bands playing throughout the duration of the event from 2-7 pm. These artists play on two separate stages, one electric and one acoustic. Along with the diverse and fun musical element comes the “beans” element.

    Over 20 local restaurants are throwing down their best chili concoctions and vying for the sought-after People’s Choice Award. This event isn’t just a ton of fun, the proceeds from Bands ‘n Beans benefit the Lake George Arts Project’s free and open to all music and art programs like the year-round Courthouse Gallery exhibitions, Summer Concert Series and the popular Jazz at the Lake, a three-day Jazz Festival.

    Bands N' Beans

    Tickets for Bands N’ Beans can be purchased by April 12 for $25 or bought day of for $30. For more information on the festival and to purchase tickets, click here.

  • Stray Cats Announce Summer 2024 Tour Stops At Pier 17 and Artpark

    American rock band Stray Cats have announced the details for their summer 2024 tour which will include a stop at the Artpark Outdoor Amphitheater in Lewiston on August 13 and one at The Rooftop at Pier 17 in New York City on August 15.

    After first appearing in the New York area in the middle of 1979 performing under a number of names including the Tomcats, the Teds, and Bryan and the Tom Cats, Stray Cats will return on the road for a three-week tour starting July 27. The Stray Cats, which includes Brian Setzer on guitar, and vocals, Lee Rocker on upright bass, and vocals and Slim Jim Phantom on drums, and vocals, will rock their way across America this summer and will be joined by The Midnight Cowgirls as the supporting act

    The Midnight Cowgirls is an exciting band that’s on track to transform music with their electrifying blend of country, new wave, post-punk, and rockabilly. The band is led by charismatic vocalist and rhythm guitarist Kandle Osborne, backed by powerhouse rhythm section Jennie Vee and Leah Bluestein from Eagles of Death Metal, and lead guitarist Rex Elle and is also known for performances with Stray Cats’ drummer Slim Jim Phantom. 

    The tour will mark the Stray Cats’ first performances since the release of their critically acclaimed 2019 album 40 and subsequent reunion tour, which they followed with a live album Rocked This Town: From LA To London in 2020.  This tour, fans can expect to hear the band’s signature unparalleled virtuosity and red-hot rock & roll spirit through their classic tunes alongside their most recent material. Their setlists will include massive hits such as “Stray Cat Strut,” “Rock This Town,” “Runaway Boys,” “(She’s) Sexy + 17,” “I Won’t Stand in Your Way” and more.

    Tickets for the Stray Cats summer 2024 tour are currently on sale. Fans can find the tickets and sign up for the band newsletter at Straycats.com.

  • Violent Femmes to Perform Their Iconic First Two Albums from Cover to Cover at Beak and Skiff

    Seminal alt-rockers Violent Femmes have announced a Spring tour – performing their ground-breaking, debut, self-titled album, and their sophomore release, Hallowed Ground, from cover to cover during a limited run of shows – coming to Beak and Skiff on Aug. 17.

    violent femmes

    During these unprecedented performances, the Violent Femmes will start the show by playing their second album, Hallowed Ground, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2024, in its entirety. Following a brief intermission, the band will retake the stage and play their debut record, Violent Femmes, from cover to cover and a few fans- and band-favorites to finish the show.

    Serving as a sonic time capsule for the soul, these special shows will capture a pivotal moment in music as Femmes’ lead vocalist and guitarist Gordon Gano wrote the songs for both albums while in high school. The tracks for Hallowed Ground were made long before the release of Violent Femmes however the band wanted to focus on upbeat songs for the debut album and “confuse people” with the more experimental songs on Hallowed Ground. 

    The result was two unique releases that showcased very different sides of the Violent Femmes. Their eponymous record amplified teenage angst and alienation in the 1980s with such songs as “Kiss Off,” “Add It Up,” and “Gone Daddy Gone.” The mostly autobiographical album would later embody some of the most relatable and enduring anthems of youth – now having sold three million copies worldwide and is still in rotation on today’s top rock stations. Today, it stands as a pillar of an American underground movement and one of the best early examples of alternative rock. 

    violent femmes
    Photo by Mike Benson.

    Hallowed Ground incorporated elements of country, gospel, and blues and was a surprise to many critics and fans who were expecting another collection of teen-rage punk songs. They received an eclectic piece of art that fused different genres, sounds, and imagery. Songs like the bold and bluesy “Sweet Misery Blues” and the banjo-fueled “Country Death Song” proved that the Femmes are true to themselves, and stands as a tribute to their resilience, bravery, and unwavering indifference to the scrutiny of the industry. 40 years later, Hallowed Ground continues to mystify and excite listeners.

    For the remainder of the ’90s, Violent Femmes continued to record new material. Since then, the band has released ten studio albums including their most recent Hotel Last Resort (2019). Today, Violent Femmes continue to resonate with audiences of all ages.

    Upon the band’s 40th anniversary, Pitchfork wrote that “The Femmes don’t signify an era so much as a time of life,” adding that “for young people growing up in the internet age” their music “is part of a shared language.”

    For more information and to purchase tickets, visit here.

    Violent Femmes Tour Dates:

    Dates subject to change. 

    May 1               The Warfield                                         San Francisco, CA

    May 3               The Cuthbert Amphitheater                    Eugene, OR

    May 4               Commodore Ballroom                           Vancouver, BC

    May 5               Commodore Ballroom                           Vancouver, BC

    May 7               MacEwan Hall                                       Calgary, AB

    May 8               Winspear Centre                                   Edmonton, AB

    May 10             Burton Cummings Theatre                     Winnipeg, MAN

    May 11             Outdoors @ Fargo Brewing                   Fargo, ND

    May 12             The Palace                                           St. Paul, MN 

    May 14             Val Air Ballroom                                    Des Moines, IA

    May 15             Peoria Civic Center                               Peoria, IL

    May 16             Murat Theatre at Old National Centre     Indianapolis, IN 

    May 17             Riverfront Live                                       Cincinnati, OH 

    May 18             Masonic Cathedral Theatre                   Detroit, MI 

    June 20            Kresge Auditorium                                Interlochen, MI

    June 21            Ravina                                                  Chicago, IL

    June 22            Columbus Bicentennial Pavilion             Columbus, OH

    August 14        The Pines Theater                                Northampton, MA

    August 17 Beak and Skiff Lafayette, NY

  • The Black Keys’ “International Players” Tour Coming to MSG in October

    The Black Keys announced their 2024 North American headline tour – International Players Tour – in support of their new album, Ohio Players, out April 5. The 31-date run includes a stop at Madison Square Garden (MSG) on Oct. 30, 2024. The Head and The Heart will be joining the show as direct support. 

    The Black Keys

    The tour announcement follows two stand-out performances by The Black Keys at SXSW earlier this month, where they also debuted their new documentary This is a Film About The Black Keys to rave reviews. Ohio Players is set to be an album unlike any of the band’s others, featuring collaborations with friends and colleagues, including Beck, Noel Gallagher, Dan the Automator, Greg Kurstin, Juicy J, Lil Noid, and others. Listeners have heard what to expect from the new project with the lead single, “Beautiful People (Stay High),” which recently reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Alternative Airplay chart and AAA Airplay charts.

    Stereogum commented, “The Black Keys are entering another pop crossover phase.” In its four-star review, Mojo said, “This is the most streamlined and tunes-packed Black Keys album since El Camino. The sound of a band rejuvenated.” Pre-order Ohio Players here. 

    Photo credit: Larry Niehues.

    Formed in Akron, Ohio in 2001, The Black Keys are singer/guitarist Dan Auerbach and drummer Patrick Carney – called “rock royalty” by the Associated Press and “one of the best rock ‘n’ roll bands on the planet” by Uncut. Cutting their teeth playing small clubs, the band has gone on to sell out arena tours and has released eleven previous studio albums: the debut The Big Come Up (2002), followed by Thickfreakness (2003) and Rubber Factory (2004), along with their releases on Nonesuch Records: Magic Potion (2006), Attack & Release (2008), Brothers (2010), El Camino (2011), Turn Blue (2014), “Let’s Rock” (2019), Delta Kream (2021), and Dropout Boogie (2022). The band has won six GRAMMY Awards, a BRIT, and headlined festivals in North America, South America, Mexico, Australia, and Europe. 

    American Express Card Members can purchase tickets before the general public on Tuesday, April 2 at 10 am through Thursday, April 4 at 10 pm. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general on-sale beginning on Friday, April 5 at 10 am. For more details and to purchase tickets to their tour, which includes a stop at Madison Square Garden, visit here.

    The Black Keys – 2024 International Players Tour

    Date City Venue 

    September 17*       Tulsa, OK                   BOK Center

    September 18*       Austin, TX                  Moody Center

    September 20         Dallas, TX                   American Airlines Center

    September 21*       Houston, TX                Toyota Center

    September 24         Denver, CO                  Ball Arena

    September 26*       Phoenix, AZ                Footprint Center

    September 27*       Los Angeles, CA          Kia Forum

    September 28*       Palm Desert, CA           Acrisure Arena

    September 29*^     Mountain View, CA       Shoreline Amphitheatre

    October 2                 Portland, OR                Moda Center

    October 3                 Seattle, WA                  Climate Pledge Arena

    October 10*           Pittsburgh, PA                PPG Paints Arena

    October 11*           Toronto, ON                   Scotiabank Arena

    October 12*           Cleveland, OH               Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse

    October 13*           Grand Rapids, MI          Van Andel Arena

    October 16*           Charlotte, NC                 Spectrum Center

    October 18*           Nashville, TN                 Bridgestone Arena

    October 19*           Atlanta, GA                    State Farm Arena

    October 21*           Philadelphia, PA             Wells Fargo Center

    October 23              Louisville, KY               KFC Yum! Center

    October 24*           Columbus, OH                Nationwide Arena

    October 26*           Indianapolis, IN              Gainbridge Fieldhouse

    October 27*           Knoxville, TN                 Food City Center

    October 30*           New York, NY                Madison Square Garden

    November 1            Boston, MA                    TD Garden

    November 2*         Baltimore, MD                CFG Bank Arena

    November 3            Uncasville, CT                Mohegan Sun Arena

    November 7*         Chicago, IL                      United Center

    November 9*         Milwaukee, WI                Fiserv Forum

    November 10         Minneapolis, MN             Target Center

    November 12*       Detroit, MI                       Little Caesars Arena

    * With supporting act The Head and The Heart

    ^ Not applicable for American Express® pre-sale

  • SWV & Xscape To Headline The Queens Of R&B Tour With Mya, Total & 702, Featuring 3 Stops in NY

    Some of the biggest names of R&B‘s golden era will be coming to a city near you as SWV and Xscape announce The Queens of R&B Tour alongside fellow golden era stapes in Mya, Total and 702. Following a social media teaser that ignited fervent excitement among fans, the legendary songstresses are will be teaming up for a nearly two-month, nationwide expedition stopping in 30 different cities, including 3 stops in New York.

    SVW and Xscape Headline The Queens of R&B Tour With Mya, Total & 702
    The Queens of R&B Tour will be a celebration of the genre’s golden age

    Produced by Mona Scott Young’s Monami Entertainment and Live Nation and represented by Seth Shomes through Day After Day Productions (DADP), The Queens of R&B Tour will highlight some of the biggest names from R&B’s golden age whose work also serves as the soundtrack for the oft-romanticized decade.

    To announce this HERstorical tour during Women’s History Month means everything. It speaks to the power of our ability as women to overcome adversity and emerge triumphant. 702, Total, Mýa, SWV, and Xscape have all weathered storms and are still here and better than ever! We are so excited to bring the fans an incredible and undeniable performance experience that truly celebrates R&B music. 

    – Mona Scott-Young

    Furthermore, the Queens of R&B Tour will circle New York three times, beginning with a July 24 performance at Madison Square Garden. The tour returns 9 days later with a stop in Syracuse’s Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview. Additionally, they conclude their east-coast trek with an August 6 performance at Darien Lake Amphitheater in Darien Center, NY.

    The Queens of R&B Tour will consist of 30-shows.
    The Queens of R&B tour will consist of 30 shows.

    Moreover, fans have rejoiced on X (formerly known as Twitter) with this latest tour announcement. After all, with songs like SWV’s “Right Here,” Xscape’s “Just Kicking’ It,” Mya’s “Best of Me (part 2),” Total’s “Kissing’ You,” and 702’s “Get It Together” R&B history will be reenacted with one era-defining record after another. Tickets for this monumental event are available on Ticketmaster’s official website.

    THE QUEENS OF R&B TOUR DATES:

    Thu Jun 27 – Concord, CA – Toyota Pavilion at Concord  

    Sat Jun 29 – Las Vegas, NV – Bakkt Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino  

    Tue Jul 02 – Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre  

    Wed Jul 03 – Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater  

    Fri Jul 05 – Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion  

    Sat Jul 06 – Houston, TX – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presented by Huntsman  

    Tue Jul 09 – North Little Rock, AR – Simmons Bank Arena  

    Wed Jul 10 – Birmingham, AL – Legacy Arena at The BJCC  

    Fri Jul 12 – Jacksonville, FL – Daily’s Place  

    Sat Jul 13 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre  

    Sun Jul 14 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre 

    Tue Jul 16 – Atlanta, GA – Lakewood Amphitheatre  

    Wed Jul 17 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion  

    Fri Jul 19 – Washington, DC – Capital One Arena*  

    Sat Jul 20 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park  

    Sun Jul 21 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach  

    Wed Jul 24 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden  

    Thu Jul 25 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center  

    Fri Jul 26 – Boston, MA – TD Garden  

    Sat Jul 27 – Atlantic City, NJ – Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall

    Fri Aug 02 – Bridgeport, CT – Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater  

    Sat Aug 03 – Syracuse, NY – Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview  

    Sun Aug 04 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena  

    Tue Aug 06 – Buffalo, NY – Darien Lake Amphitheater  

    Fri Aug 09 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena  

    Sat Aug 10 – Cleveland, OH – Blossom Music Center  

    Sun Aug 11 – Chicago, IL – Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre  

    Tue Aug 13 – St. Louis, MO – Chaifetz Arena  

    Wed Aug 14 – Oklahoma City, OK – Paycom Center  

    Sun Aug 18 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum  

    *Without Mýa

  • Golden Oldies Spectacular Comes to Proctors Theatre in Schenectady this April

    Proctors Theatre in Schenectady is proud to host Golden Oldies Spectacular on April 13. The show is headlined by the Doo Wop Project and includes a multitude of talented, authentic acts.

    Golden Oldies proctors

    The Doo Wop Project consists of five Broadway stars from smash hit shows like Jersey Boys and Motown: The Musical. This supergroup of Broadway stars transforms hits from the classic and modern American songbook into revamped renditions of your favorites. The group is excited to play hit-songs from the classic American squalls of Doo Wop, Motown, and other golden oldies.

    The Golden Oldies Spectacular sees four other spectacular acts including co-headliners The Brooklyn Bridge, who perform a slew of 1950s defining hits. Also performing in the event are The Capris, Bobby Brooks Wilson, and E’stefano DiStanto. Together, the acts set to encapsulate the authenticity and originality of the 50s and 60s music boom.

    Golden Oldies proctors

    The Golden Oldies Spectacular takes place 7 pm on April 13 at Proctors Theatre in Schenectady. Tickets range from $45 to $75 and can be purchased on the Proctors Theatre website. To learn more about the upcoming show and to purchase tickets, click here.

  • Brooklyn Alt-Rockers Castle Black Release Single “Heart Can’t Feel”

    Brooklyn-based alternative/post-punk group Castle Black recently released their latest single titled, “Heart Can’t Feel.” The single is off of the band’s upcoming album, The Highway at Night.

    castle black "Heart Can't Feel"

    Castle Black is an ever-evolving thunderstorm of sound on a backdrop of captivating hooks and edgy soundscapes. Castle Black draws elements from punk, post-punk, grunge, alternative and new-wave music. The band sees the release of their first full length album, The Highway at Night in June.

    The single, “Heart Can’t Feel” is the second released single off the album. The group has released six EPs since 2015. Castle Black hopes to reach new heights with the release of their first full-length album.

    “Heart Can’t Feel” begins with captivating chords, vocal tones, and immediate action. The song has strong influence from a band like Hole. The fierceness of the vocals, the upbeat yet grungy sound, and the song structure are very reminiscent of Hole and other alternative bands from that era.

    The riffs throughout the song catch the listener right away and refuse to stay static. The track is certainly very post-punk in its vocals, grunge in its tone, alternative in its pace and instruments, with a bit of a new-wave aura to it. Castle Black does an excellent job here of crafting a catchy, punchy, and fun piece of music.

    To give “Heart Can’t Feel” a listen and to learn more about the minds behind the music, click here.

  • Spectrum 8 Theatre in Albany will Reopen this Spring

    Albany’s Spectrum 8 Theatre has found new management and will reopen this spring, potentially in late April, per multiple reports last week.

    spectrum 8 landmark theatres
    photo via Spotlight News

    As reported in February, Spectrum 8 was slated to close, with owner Landmark Theatres withdrawing from management after nearly 9 years. Scene One Entertainment has stepped in to take over management, bringing back a few notable aspects of Spectrum 8 that regulars missed in the past decade.

    Scene One Entertainment owner Joseph Masher said in a press release, “The overwhelming response to the theatre’s closing last month prompted me to move faster with the building’s owner to get the cinema reopened. I’ve been working very closely with [Spectrum 8 co-founder] Keith Pickard to bring the heart and soul back into the Spectrum. The art gallery will be reactivated and the calendar that was published monthly will return.”

    Among the changes are the return of the theater’s locally-sourced cakes, pastries, cookies, mint brownies, and real butter on the popcorn. The Spectrum reports it will also serve alcoholic beverages once it obtains a liquor license.

    Spectrum 8 has been in operation since 1983, beginning as a single screen theater before expanding to eight screens, offering a wide number of independent movies, Oscar nominated films that are hard to find in theaters, including foreign language films and live and animated short films, in addition to Hollywood blockbusters.

    Spectrum 8 marks the third theater for Scene One Entertainment in Upstate New York, including Scene One Movieland in Schenectady and Scene One Wilton Mall Cinemas.