With Phil Lentz Presents… Vol. II, New York City-based jazz composer and pianist Phil Lentz returns with his signature sound, crafting a genre-blending album with new emotional heights and technical finesse.
Building on the warm reception of his 2022 debut, Lentz delivers a fresh, diverse, and uplifting listening experience that feels both timeless and unmistakably current.
Featuring standout tracks like “Play Your Melody,” “I Remember the Early Days,” and “Bebopping Along,” the album weaves jazz, pop, folk, and classical influences into a seamless tapestry, making it an instant favorite for music lovers of all backgrounds. The album’s lush arrangements blend alto saxophones, violins, and rich vocal textures, creating a soundscape that invites listeners to lose themselves in a melodic journey filled with nostalgia, joy, and introspection.
“This time, I wanted to step beyond the boundaries of traditional jazz,” Lentz shares. “Drawing in elements of folk and classical felt natural, adding layers of texture and depth to the compositions. Each track aims to capture those fleeting moments of peace and joy we all seek.”
Phil Lentz Presents… Vol. II is brought to life by a talented ensemble, including Dennis Harte on guitar, Wolfgang Lugomarsini on bass, Dave Young on drums, and features the soulful sounds of Red Heller and Richard Philbin on alto sax, with Bob Cohen’s violin adding a dynamic flair. Produced by Dennis Harte, recorded at Studio Mozart in New Jersey, and expertly mastered by Tom Hutten at Bionic Mastering, the album offers a finely crafted and resonant listening experience.
Released on November 22 on CD and across all major digital platforms, Vol. II is more than just a follow-up, but rather a testament to Phil Lentz’s artistic growth and his boundless vision for contemporary jazz.
On a fateful Thanksgiving Day in 1965 in a Norman Rockwell town in Massachusetts, events began to unfold which would alter the life course of Arlo Guthrie in unexpected ways. He documented his story in a finger-picked folk song with the well-known chorus, “You can get anything you want at Alice’s Restaurant.”
What starts as a kind-hearted gesture to take out the garbage for friends Alice and Ray on Thanksgiving turns into a humorous romp through legal and bureaucratic systems, with a punchline about being deemed ineligible for the Vietnam War draft. Lasting in excess of 18 minutes, “Alice’s Restaurant Massacree” filled up an entire side of Guthrie’s first album. He never expected it to gain any airplay. However, in the politically-charged climate of late 60’s and early 70’s, the song became an anthem for war draftees and protesters.
The 1969 film Alice’s Restaurant features some of the people who were involved in the events, including a cameo by Alice Brock, who is immortalized in the song’s title. Radio stations began to play the song every year on Thanksgiving, a tradition that continues half a century later.
Today, Guthrie operates the Guthrie Center, which promotes cultural and spiritual experiences. The Institute is located at the church featured in the iconic song, and remains a pilgrimage destination for fans around the world.
Syracuse-based multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter Jess Novak has announced her newest release WOMAN, slated for December.
With a sharp electric fiddle, impactful vocals, and an enrapturing sound, Jess Novak is a musical force to be reckoned with. Having performed on stages from California to the likes of New York City’s own The Cutting Room in solo, duo, or band formation, Novak has played over 150 shows each year and has an impressive count of twelve original album releases under her belt- and a published book to boot.
In addition to her own musical endeavors, Novak is the founder and presenter of the F.I.R.E. Festival, an acronym for females inspire, rock, empower. Hosted for the first time in 2022, the annual F.I.R.E. festival continues to highlight and empower female artists, musicians, and business owners across the industry.
Returning for her 13th release since debuting as an artist in 2013, Jess has announced the WOMAN EP slated for release this December. A call to action for women as well as a celebration of those who take a stand in the face of seemingly daunting odds, WOMAN will feature two original songs in addition to a surprise cover of a Taylor Swift track.
Made in partnership with the producer and engineer behind her last EP Sonrise, Justin Spaulding, WOMAN is a promising fan to the already burning flame that is female empowerment.
“I felt like I needed to capture the spirit of the [F.I.R.E. Festival] in a song, specifically combining the words ‘fire’ and ‘woman.’ I did in this song, but didn’t expect the timing to be so meaningful. I want to give faith and inspiration to women who are standing up for themselves and others all the time.”
– Jess Novak
Jess Novak has also teased a music video publication coinciding with the release of WOMAN. While no further information is available on this exciting development, you can keep up to date on all of the latest updates on WOMAN and beyond on Jess’ official website here.
Western New York based arts and cultural non-profit venue Artpark has announced the induction of their new president, Dave Wedekindt.
Established in 1974 in collaboration between New York State Parks and the Artpark & Company nonprofit, Artpark has presented the folks of Western New York with astounding performing arts programs each summer for the past fifty years.
With over 150 acres to their name, Artpark hosts a myriad of creative endeavors including but not limited to those of visual artists, dance and cirque arts performers, cutting-edge theater casts, local, national, and international musicians across all genres, poets, writers, and more.
Artpark weaves their creative environment with that of the Niagara River and Gorge through forested trails, sculpture gardens, and outdoor recreation areas that encourage visitors to not only appreciate the creative minds around them but the earth that enables such endeavors and its significance within Western New York’s Indigenous population.
Now in its 50th year, Artpark has announced the appointment of their newest president, Dave Wedekindt. A lifelong Western New Yorker and Amherst local, Wedekindt has worked with Artpark & Company for six years already, first as Director of Marketing & Sales and then as Vice President of Concerts & Marketing, eventually being promoted to Vice President in 2022 before stepping up as the Interim President in April of this year, just prior to the non-profits anniversary.
Wedekindt’s career as an arts management professional spans nearly 30 years. With extensive experience in strategic planning, leadership, programming, marketing, development, finance, and event operations for other large not-for-profit organizations, his new position is promising.
Beyond and prior to his work with Artpark & Company, Dave is a graduate of SUNY Fredonia with a BS in Business Management and subsequently an alumnus of internship programs at Rockefeller Arts Center, Chautauqua Institution, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Rockwell Hall, and Shea’s Performing Arts Center where he took on his first full-time role as Associate Director of Development in 1995.
From there, Wedekindt was recruited for the University At Buffalo Center for the Arts’ Associate Director of Marketing role. Growing the presence of the then only four-year-old organization, Dave was promoted to Director of Marketing in 2003 and served on a number of committees beyond his personal responsibilities across the University.
Flaming Lips at Artpark – photo by Patrick Htoo
Dave is also a steadfast advocate for a wide variety of arts organizations in the area, having served on the Board of Directors of MusicalFare Theatre in Amherst since 2017 in addition to chairing the Marketing Committee and serving as a member of the Board of Directors for Arts Services Inc. in Buffalo from 2017-2023. Throughout his career, Wedekindt has volunteered his time and expertise across several other committees, professional panels, and more.
In his new position, Dave is pointing the organization forwards towards its Power 2030 strategic plan alongside the Board and its many stakeholders to include a continued revitalization of Artpark’s grounds and venues, expansion of its programmatic season, and more.
To learn more about Wedekindt’s initiatives as Artpark’s newly announced president and the organization at large, be sure to check out their official website here.
On Sunday, November 24, Madison Square Garden hosted the Soulshine Concert, a powerful evening of music and charity dedicated to hurricane relief and recovery.
Net proceeds from the event supported the SOULSHINE Concert Fund at the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation, benefiting non-profits aiding communities in North Carolina and Florida heavily impacted by recent storms. At the heart of the event was Warren Haynes, renowned for both his musical talent and commitment to philanthropy.
Through ticket sales, merchandise, sponsorships, and donations, the event raised over $4.5M for the Soulshine Concert Fund, which will distribute funds to a variety of organizations on the ground in North Carolina and Florida.
While Haynes played a pivotal role in curating the lineup, the concert was a collaborative production by Dayglo Presents and Live Nation, delivering an unforgettable night of performances for a worthy cause.
A Star-Studded Lineup
The concert began with an intimate acoustic performance of “Soulshine” by Warren Haynes and Dave Matthews, setting the tone for the night with heartfelt emotion. The baton was then passed to Goose, whose electrifying set featured collaborations with some of the biggest names in music. Highlights included:
“Give It Time” with Robert Randolph
“Hungersite” with Derek Trucks
“Baby Donât You Do It” with Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks
“The Way It Is” (a Bruce Hornsby cover) with Dave Matthews
The collaborative spirit continued as Haynes joined forces with Tedeschi and Trucks for a moving acoustic rendition of “700 Houses”, a song with deep emotional resonance.
The stage then welcomed the Warren Haynes Band, who delivered a fiery set punctuated by guest appearances:
“Man in Motion” with Trombone Shorty
“This Life as We Know It” with Robert Randolph
“Shakedown Street” with Joe Russo
“These Changes” with Derek Trucks
A show-stopping “Whipping Post” featuring Trucks and Russo
Next, Susan Tedeschi and Dave Matthews delivered an acoustic version of “Angel from Montgomery”, honoring John Prineâs timeless legacy.
Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats Bring the Party
The soulful energy of Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats followed, featuring crowd favorites like “Look It Here”, “You Worry Me”, and “Call Me Whatever You Like”.
The set crescendoed with Mavis Staples joining for a heartwarming rendition of “Friendship”, culminating in a raucous performance of “S.O.B.”, with Robert Randolph and Trombone Shorty adding their flair.
Closing Acoustic and Dave Matthews Band Finale
Warren Haynes and Dave Matthews returned for a poignant acoustic segment, performing:
“Carolina on My Mind”
“Southern Accents” with Derek Trucks
“Waste” with Trey Anastasio
Finally, Dave Matthews Band headlined the evening with a dynamic set, launching with “The Weight”, featuring Susan Tedeschi, Nathaniel Rateliff, and Trey Anastasio. The band delivered a mix of classics and collaborations, including:
“Rapunzel”
“So Much to Say” into “Too Much”
“Jimi Thing” with Trombone Shorty
“Brick House” with Trombone Shorty
“Lie in Our Graves” with Trey Anastasio
A beautiful rendition of the Allman Brothersâ “Melissa” with Warren Haynes, Derek Trucks, and Trey
The grand finale brought all the nightâs performers back on stage for a powerful rendition of “Come Together”, symbolizing the unity and purpose of the evening.
A Night to Remember
The Soulshine Concert was more than a musical extravaganzaâit was a testament to the power of music to bring people together in the face of adversity. With its all-star lineup and heartfelt performances, the event left an indelible mark on attendees while raising much-needed funds for hurricane relief.
As Warren Haynes has proven time and again, music can shine a light in even the darkest times, and the Soulshine Concert at MSG was a beacon of hope for those in need.
The first ever WAV (World A Vibes) Music Fest has been announced for Mar. 28, 2025.
At UBS Arena, Spice, Skeng, Valiant, and Kraff, with more to be announced, will perform at the first full dancehall show at the venue.
The Jamaican musical genre, dancehall, while historically only finding widespread popularity on the island, has risen in popularity by extraordinary amounts in the past few years. Thanks to advocates such as Nicki Minaj among others, the excitement has culminated in bringing the first-ever Dancehall show to UBS Arena, located only 30 minutes from Penn Station or Grand Central via LIRR in Belmont Park.
The festival lineup reveals the presence of some of the biggest stars of dancehall, while also featuring many young and exciting talents. The “Queen of Dancehall”, Spice, innovative and top streaming dancehall artists Skeng, Valiant, and the rising star Kraff have been announced to perform. More electrifying artists are set to be announced in the first week of Dec. Nicki Minaj has said of Skeng, “No one is a bigger fan than me!” while Spice has collaborated with major artists such as Minaj, Missy Elliott, Busta Rhymes, and more.
The organizers highlight New York’s vibrant energy as the perfect setting for the WAV Music Fest, emphasizing a platform to showcase and support emerging talent while fostering cultural and artistic appreciation within society. In the dynamic city of New York, known for its entertainment hub and cultural diversity, the festival aims to provide an unforgettable musical celebration of dancehall.
On Wednesday, November 20, New York Public Radio, home to WNYC and WQXR, hostedits 2024 annual gala, celebrating WNYC’s 100 years on the air.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 19: A view of atmosphere during the New York Public Radio 2024 Centennial Gala hosted by Seth Meyers at The Glass House Tavern on November 19, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for New York Public Radio)
The centennial event paid tribute to WNYC’s century of service, from its origins as New York’s first City-run radio station to its transformation into an independent, listener-supporter public radio station and global leader in audio storytelling.
NYPR produces innovative, critically acclaimed programming for local and national broadcast, on-demand and live streaming audiences. NYPR’s brands include WNYC, WQXR, WNYC Studios, Gothamist, New Jersey Public Radio, and The Jerome L. Greene Performance Space. The WNYC newsroom and Gothamist produce award-winning local journalism for New York City, New Jersey and the surrounding region. WQXR, the City’s only all-classical radio station broadcasts new and archival classical recordings and makes live performances from New York City’s esteemed performance venues available to all.
NYPR’s largest gala ever raised over $2.1 million to support its vital work providing New Yorkers trusted local, national, and international news, civic conversation, and cultural and classical music programming.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 19: Guests attend the New York Public Radio 2024 Centennial Gala hosted by Seth Meyers at The Glass House Tavern on November 19, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Image)
The event, held at The Glasshouse, was hosted by Seth Meyers — comedian, best-selling writer, and host of NBC’s Late Night with Seth Meyers. Notable attendees included special guests actress Meryl Streep, actress Julia Stiles, actress Rosie Perez, actor and filmmaker John Turturro, comedians Samantha Bee and Jason Jones, Principal Clarinet of the New York Philharmonic Anthony McGill, and more.
Special musical performances featured Grammy- and two-time Tony Award nominee Shoshana Bean (currently starring in Broadway’s Hell’s Kitchen); acclaimed jazz pianist and composer Aaron Diehl; and the award-winning Young People’s Chorus of New York City, led by Francisco J. Nuñez. The evening included remarks from NYPR President/CEO LaFontaine E. Oliver and Board of Trustees Chair Timothy Williams. Attending WNYC hosts included Brian Lehrer (The Brian Lehrer Show), Alison Stewart (All of It), Latif Nasser (Radiolab), Brooke Gladstone, and Micah Loewinger (Peabody award-winning On the Media), John Schaefer (New Sounds), and WQXR hosts Annie Bergen, Elliott Forrest, and Paul Cavalconte.
The evening honored the Leon Levy Foundation, which enabled the digitization of WNYC’s archives through a generous $2.5M contribution — ensuring access to historical documents, recordings, and photographs that chronicle the institution’s public engagement and role in New York City’s history since 1924.
The ‘Black Tie optional/Centennial Chic’ gala also recognized the outstanding commitment and vision of NYPR’s Trustees, past and present, including Judith M. Carson, Peter H. Darrow, Eduardo Mestre, Mayo Stuntz, Jr., Nicki Newman Tanner, Wilma S. Tisch, Cynthia King Vance, Alan G. Weiler, and posthumous honoree Alexander Kaplan.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 19: Seth Meyers speaks onstage during the New York Public Radio 2024 Centennial Gala hosted by Seth Meyers at The Glass House Tavern on November 19, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images)
Gala Highlights included a warm and intimate cocktail hour where NYPR’s esteemed hosts and staff mingled with dedicated donors, members, and special guests. The night opened with an enchanting performance by the award-winning Young People’s Chorus of New York City, led by Francisco J. Núñez.
Comedian Seth Meyers delivered a witty and heartfelt opening monologue, including playful jabs at the room and a touching tribute to WNYC’s Alison Stewart, who recently recovered from brain surgery.
NYPR President and CEO LaFontaine E. Oliver took the stage to reflect on the organization’s extraordinary century of impact. In his remarks, he celebrated the contributions of Laura Walker, who led NYPR for 23 years, and honored long-serving staff members with over 25 years of service. Board Chair Timothy Wilkins also recognized Centennial Stewards, mentors, and predecessor chairs for their long-standing commitment.
A thrilling live auction hosted by renowned auctioneer Harry Santa-Olalla, which included a headline-grabbing $81,000 bid for a private castle retreat, contributing to the record-breaking funds raised to support NYPR’s mission.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 19: Brian Lehrer and Rosie Perez speak onstage during the New York Public Radio 2024 Centennial Gala hosted by Seth Meyers at The Glass House Tavern on November 19, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images)
Actress Rosie Perez, a devoted WNYC listener, charmed the crowd with her heartfelt reflection on the station’s impact, sharing her personal connection to public radio and her love for Brian Lehrer. Jazz pianist Aaron Diehl and bassist David Wong delivered an elegant dinner performance. Broadway star Shoshana Bean closed out the dinner program with a show-stopping rendition of “Give My Regards to Broadway” and an excerpt of “Empire State of Mind.”
The evening concluded with a lively after-party hosted by filmmaker and author New York Nico, which embodied the city’s eclectic spirit. Hip-hop artist and activist Talib Kweli took on DJ duties, as guests mingled with WNYC & WQXR hosts indulging in classic NYC treats and an open bar.
More information about programs, podcasts, and stations may be found at www.nypublicradio.org.
Photo Credit: Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 19: LaFontaine E. Oliver speaks onstage during the New York Public Radio 2024 Centennial Gala hosted by Seth Meyers at The Glass House Tavern on November 19, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images)NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 19: LaFontaine E. Oliver attends the New York Public Radio 2024 Centennial Gala hosted by Seth Meyers at The Glass House Tavern on November 19, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images)NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 19: Harry Santa-Olalla speaks onstage during the New York Public Radio 2024 Centennial Gala hosted by Seth Meyers at The Glass House Tavern on November 19, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for New York Public Radio)NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 19: Guests attend the New York Public Radio 2024 Centennial Gala hosted by Seth Meyers at The Glass House Tavern on November 19, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for New York Public Radio)NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 19: Meryl Streep attends the New York Public Radio 2024 Centennial Gala hosted by Seth Meyers at The Glass House Tavern on November 19, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for New York Public Radio)NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 19: Alexi Ashe and Seth Meyers attend the New York Public Radio 2024 Centennial Gala hosted by Seth Meyers at The Glass House Tavern on November 19, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for New York Public Radio)NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 19: Peter Shapiro (R attends the New York Public Radio 2024 Centennial Gala hosted by Seth Meyers at The Glass House Tavern on November 19, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images)NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 19: Seth Meyers speaks onstage during the New York Public Radio 2024 Centennial Gala hosted by Seth Meyers at The Glass House Tavern on November 19, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for New York Public Radio)NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 19: Timothy Wilkins attends the New York Public Radio 2024 Centennial Gala hosted by Seth Meyers at The Glass House Tavern on November 19, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for New York Public Radio)NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 19: Brian Lehrer and Rosie Perez speak onstage during the New York Public Radio 2024 Centennial Gala hosted by Seth Meyers at The Glass House Tavern on November 19, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for New York Public Radio)NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 19: Shoshana Bean performs onstage during the New York Public Radio 2024 Centennial Gala hosted by Seth Meyers at The Glass House Tavern on November 19, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for New York Public Radio)NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 19: <> attends the New York Public Radio 2024 Centennial Gala hosted by Seth Meyers at The Glass House Tavern on November 19, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for New York Public Radio)NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 19: Brian Lehrer and Rosie Perez speak onstage during the New York Public Radio 2024 Centennial Gala hosted by Seth Meyers at The Glass House Tavern on November 19, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for New York Public Radio)
Avant-pop superstar Charli XCX has announced the “Brat 2025” Arena Tour which currently consists of five dates, two of which see Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
Pop and electronic superstar Charli xcx has become an iconic figure in the arts, having helped expand the landscape of popular music over the last decade by seamlessly traversing the underground and mainstream with her artistic output. Over the course of a trailblazing career, the multi-hyphenate creative has earned critical acclaim for her innovative style and entrepreneurial spirit and seen her forward-thinking approach reshape pop culture in the process.
She released her sixth studio album ‘BRAT’ in June which stands as the most critically acclaimed album of the year and landed at Number 1 on the UK Official Album Chart in October. ‘BRAT’ has well and truly made its mark on the cultural zeitgeist this year; the audacious campaign has seen Charli cause roadblocks around the world with her pop-up ‘PARTYGIRL’ DJ sets, break the internet with viral videos and surprise collaborations with the likes of Billie Eilish, Lorde, Addison Rae, Robyn, Yung Lean, Julia Fox, Chloë Sevigny, and Rachel Sennott and introduce a new tone of green to the social lexicon.
The album was nominated for the Mercury Prize 2024 while ‘Guess featuring Billie Eilish’ debuted at Number 1 on the UK Official Singles Chart, making Charli the first British artist to land at the top of the charts this year. In October, Charli followed it up with ‘Brat and it’s completely different but also still brat’ – a brand-new version of the critically acclaimed album featuring reimagined takes and innovative reworks of tracks from ‘BRAT’ featuring the likes of Julian Casablancas, Bon Iver, The 1975, Shygirl, Ariana Grande, Caroline Polachek and more.
The “Brat 2025” Arena Tour kicks off on April 22 at Moody Center in Austin, TX. The tour then wraps up on April 30 and May 1 with two iconic shows at Brooklyn’s famous Barclays Center.
CHARLI XCX – BRAT 2025 – ARENA TOUR:
April 22 – Austin, TX – Moody Center
April 26 – Minneapolis, MN – Target Center
April 28 – Rosemont, IL – Allstate Arena
April 30 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center
May 1 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center
For more information on Charli XCX’s “Brat 2025” Arena Tour and to purchase tickets, click here.
Caffe Lena in Saratoga Springs has announced four-piece jazz project, “Old Friends Beckoned, New Sounds Reckoned,” slated to hit the stage on January 11, 2025.
Matt Steckler, Yayoi Ikawa, Lonnie Plaxico & Tony Lewis present an evening of original jazz that draws upon collective inspiration, touching the heart with one cohesive brushstroke. The names Steckler, Ikawa, Plaxico and Lewis suggest four musicians who have intersected at different points on a jazz timeline. With the project Old Friends Beckoned, New Sounds Reckoned, their shared histories converge as singular new ideas emerge. Using original scores as a canvas, the quartet strives for a deeper vibe rooted in shared sacrifice.
Matthew Steckler, aka Matty Stecks, performs and composes in several musical settings internationally. Primarily as a saxophonist, he brings a dynamic, holistic approach to the live musical experience. As a composer and bandleader, Matthew has been recognized for his seminal work with the projects Pretzil Stex, Dead Cat Bounce, Persiflage & Musical Tramps, and been featured at festivals and major concert series in North America and Europe.
Born in Tokyo, Japan, but raised musically in New York, pianist/composer Yayoi Ikawa is an experience of ingenuity and compassion. After recording a straight-ahead jazz piano trio on Nippon Crown release “Angel Eyes” in 2004, she self-produced “Color of Dreams” displaying her original compositions. Since then, her group has featured in various music festivals and concerts in the U.S., Italy, Japan, Costa Rica, Guadeloupe and Martinique. Yayoi believes that Jazz is a social activity, and strives to learn from elders, collaborate with peers and pass it on to future generations.
Bassist Lonnie Plaxico’s musicianship is probably best expressed in his masterful integration of different forms combining the rigorous technique of classical, the improvisation of jazz, and the rawness of funk into one exhilarating musical experience. Plaxico’s recording and performance catalog is equally impressive for its caliber, depth and diversity. He has appeared with such luminaries as Sonny Sitt, Junior Cook, David Murray, Alice Coltrane, Stanley Turrentine, Joe Sample, Abbey Lincoln, and Dizzy Gillespie. He has also recorded five critically acclaimed albums as leader.
Tony Lewis is a drummer/songwriter from the South Bronx, New York who has worked with a variety of stellar artists including Little Richard, Sting, B.B. King, Dizzy Gillespie, Vernon Reid, Cyndi Lauper, Me’Shell N’degeocello, Rakim, Sam Moore (Sam & Dave), Michael Hill’s Blues Mob, and Craig Harris. As a child growing up in the Bronx, Tony’s early influences being around family and friends would prove to be a launching pad that led him to attend New York’s prestigious LaGuardia High School of the Arts.
Together, this 4-piece union of ultra-talented jazz musicians are sure to light up Caffe Lena with an amazing display of their capabilities. Tickets are available online and are currently at $30.37. The exciting new show takes place on January 11 from 8:00-9:00PM. Caffe Lena is located at 47 Phila Street in Saratoga Springs.
For more information on “Old Friends Beckoned, New Sounds Reckoned” and to purchase tickets, click here.
Warren Haynes will hit the road this winter on the “Million Voices Whisper” tour in support of the album of the same name. Haynes and his band will hit the Town Ballroom in Buffalo to close out the tour on Feb. 22.
On Nov. 1, Grammy Award-winning Gov’t Mulefront man, Warren Haynes, released Million Voices Whisper, Warren’s first solo album in almost a decade. The album debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Blues Albums Chart. Haynes will go on a 9-date run that will kickoff Feb. 7 in Knoxville and see the Warren Haynes Band travel throughout the Midwest and Northeast, stopping in such cities as Huntsville, Toledo, Des Moines, and Burlington, before finishing off in Buffalo on Feb. 22.
Ahead of the “Million Voices Tour,” Hayes will perform with his band, Gov’t Mule in their annual New Year’s residence in NYC at the Beacon Theater. Learn more about those shows here.
Performing alongside Haynes (vocals, guitar) will be the current, all-star lineup of the Warren Haynes Band: longtime drummer Terence Higgins (of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band), Gov’t Mule bassist Kevin Scott, Matt Slocum on keys, and Greg Osby on sax.
$1 from every ticket sold for the winter tour will be donated to assist with hurricane relief.
General on-sale begins Nov. 22. Learn more and purchase tickets here.
New Year’s Performances w/ Gov’t Mule:
December 28 – New Haven, CT @ College Street Music Hall
December 30 – New York, NY @ Beacon Theatre
December 31 – New York, NY @ Beacon Theatre
Million Voices Whisper Tour 2025:
Feb. 7 – Knoxville, TN @ Bijou Theatre
Feb. 8 – Huntsville, AL @ Mars Music Hall
Feb. 11 – Toledo, OH @ Stranahan Theater
Feb. 13 – Northfield, OH @ MGM Northfield Park – Center Stage
