Alternative Rock bands Gin Blossoms and Toad the Wet Sprocket announced their upcoming co-headling tour beginning this August. The 15-date tour sees a show at Artpark Outdoor Amphitheater in Lewiston, NY.
Gin Blossoms
Gin Blossoms and Toad the Wet Sprocket will combine hits and new music for an unstoppable feat of music. The acts will be joined by special guest, Vertical Horizon, a DC-based Alt-rock band. Gin Blossoms were formed in 1987 and have an impressive discography of 90s anthems. The band plans to perform various hit tracks like “Hey Jealousy” which reached 25 on the Billboard Top 100. The tour will also see tracks from their latest album, Mixed Reality.
Toad the Wet Sprocket is comprised of Glen Phillips, Todd Nichols, and Dean Dinning. This year marks a new milestone in their journey with the 30th anniversary of the 1994 platinum selling album Dulcinea. The band will celebrate Dulcinea throughout the year on tour with many songs from the album played in the band’s live set every night on tour.
Toad the Wet Sprocket
Gin Blossoms and Toad the Wet Sprocket 2024 Tour Dates
08-01 Oshkosh, WI – Waterfest Concert Series
08-02 La Vista, NE – The Astro
08-03 Mankato, MN – Vetter Stone Amphitheater
08-05 Grand Rapids, MI – TBA
08-07 Cleveland Heights, OH – Evans Amphitheater
08-11 Lewiston, NY – Artpark Outdoor Amphitheater
08-13 Medford, MA – Chevalier Theatre
08-15 Bethlehem, PA – Wind Creek Event Center
08-16 Cary, NC – Koka Booth Amphitheatre
08-17 Sugar Hill, GA – The Bowl at Sugar Hill
08-18 Huber Heights, OH – Rose Music Center at the Heights
08-20 Red Bank, NJ – Count Basie Center for the Arts
08-22 Selbyville, DE – Freeman Arts Pavilion
08-23 Middlefield, CT – Powder Ridge
08-24 Essex Junction, VT – Champlain Valley Fair
Ticket on-sales for Gin Blossoms and Toad the Wet Sprocket tour begin Friday, March 15 at 10am local time. Visit Gin Blossomsâ website or Toad the Wet Sprocketâs website for more information and to purchase tickets.
Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) has announced Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center’s 2024 summer season with six Sunday afternoon programs from June 16 to August 18 at the infamous Spa Little Theater.
Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center’s summer season will open with “Romantic Masterpieces,” showcasing works from Brahms and Arensky on June 16, followed by “Musical Mosaics” featuring Mozart, Puccini, Brahms and Dvořák on June 23.
“Mozart, Mendelssohn, and Brahms” with the Escher String Quartet will follow on July 14, an “Enchanting Winds” program on July 21 and “Beethoven, Ravel, and Schumann” on August 11. The season will close with “The Carnival of the Animals” on August 18, in its original instrumentation for chamber ensemble.
Announcing the exciting season, Elizabeth Sobol, the President and CEO of Saratoga Performing Arts Center shared that the summer season will “open the the Spa Little Theater doors for our community to experience world-class chamber music – now year round — is an important part of our expanded mission” and they’re also looking forward to continuing this new tradition with their partners at CMS under the brilliant direction of Wu Han and David Finckel.
Anchored by Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center Artistic directors Wu Han (piano) and David Finckel (cello), this season’s guest artists also include violinists Bella Hristova, Chad Hoopes, Kristin Lee, Adam Barnett-Hart, Brendan Speltz, Danbi Um, and Francisco Fullana; violists Paul Neubauer, Pierre Lapointe, Matthew Lipman, and Guillermo Figueroa; cellists Dmitri Atapine, Brook Speltz, Nicholas Canellakis, and Sterling Elliott; double bassist Nina Bernat; pianists Wu Qian, Anna Geniushene, Evren Ozel, and Michael Stephen Brown; clarinetists Romie de Guise-Langlois and David Shifrin; flutists Demarre McGill and Sooyun Kim; Hugo Valverde on horn; bassoonist Peter Kolkay; harpist Bridget Kibbey; percussionists Ian David Rosenblum and Ayano Kataoka, and The Escher String Quartet.
SPAC is a very special place to hear music. We always find the brief journey from the highway into the park totally transformative, preparing us to experience the greatness of music surrounded by the glories and miracles of nature. SPAC is so much more than a park: it’s a place for communal appreciation of the finest the world has to offer, and CMS is immensely proud to be a part of it.
CMS Artistic Directors Wu Han and David Finckel
The summer season follows two previously announced spring concerts offered by CMS. The final spring performance is slated for May 11 with pianist Wu Han, violinist Chad Hoopes, and cellist David Finckel featuring works by Mozart, Mendelssohn and Smetana.
The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center residency is presented by Charles Schwab – Maureen Parker from June 16 – August 18
June 16: Romantic Masterpieces
Wu Han, piano
Wu Qian, piano
Bella Hristova, violin
Dmitri Atapine,cello
Arensky – Six Children’s Pieces for Piano, Four Hands
Arensky – Trio No. 1 in D minor for Piano, Violin, and Cello
Brahms – Selections from Hungarian Dances for Piano, Four Hands
Brahms – Trio in C major for Piano, Violin, and Cello
June 23: Musical Mosaics
Chad Hoopes, violin
Kristin Lee, violin
Paul Neubauer, viola
Matthew Lipman, viola
David Finckel, cello
Dvořák – Drobnosti (Miniatures) for Two Violins and Viola
Puccini – Crisantemi for String Quartet
Mozart – Quintet in C minor for Two Violins, Two Violas, and Cello
Dvořák – Selections from Cypresses (Echo of Songs) for String Quartet
Brahms – Quintet in G major for Two Violins, Two Violas, and Cello
July 14: Mozart, Mendelssohn, and Brahms
Escher String Quartet
Adam Barnett-Hart, violin
Brendan Speltz, violin
Pierre Lapointe, viola
Brook Speltz, cello
Anna Geniushene, piano
Mozart – Quartet in B-flat major for Strings
Mendelssohn – Quartet No. 1 in E-flat major for Strings
Brahms – Quintet in F minor for Piano, Two Violins, Viola, and Cello
July 21: Enchanting Winds
Evren Ozel, piano
Demarre McGill, flute
Romie de Guise-Langlois, clarinet
Juri Vallentin, oboe
Hugo Valverde, horn
Peter Kolkay, bassoon
Rossini – Quartet No. 4 for Flute, Clarinet, Horn and Bassoon in B-flat major
Saint-Saëns – Sonata for Oboe and Piano
Taffanel – Quintet in G minor for Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, and Horn
Poulenc – Sonata for Flute and Piano
Mozart – Quintet in E-flat major for Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Horn, and Piano
August 11: Beethoven, Ravel, and Schumann
Michael Stephen Brown, piano
Nicholas Canellakis, cello
Danbi Um, violin
Beethoven – Sonata in G minor for Cello and Piano
Ravel – Sonata for Violin and Cello
Schumann – Trio No. 1 in D minor for Piano, Violin, and Cello
August 18: The Carnival of the Animals
Wu Han, piano
Wu Qian, piano
Sooyun Kim, flute
David Shifrin, clarinet
Bridget Kibbey, harp
Ian David Rosenbaum, percussion
Ayano Kataoka, percussion
Richard Lin, violin
Francisco Fullana, violin
Guillermo Figueroa, viola
Sterling Elliott, cello
Nina Bernat, double bass
Biber – Sonata representativa in A major for Violin and Continuo
Bach – Concerto in A major for Keyboard, Strings, and Continuo
Vivaldi – Concerto in D major for Flute, Strings, and Continuo
Ravel – Introduction et allegro for Harp, Flute, Clarinet, and String Quartet
Saint-Saëns – Le carnaval des animaux for Ensemble
All summer 2024 CMS events will be held at the Spa Little Theatre in Saratoga Springs, with tickets and subscriptions being available starting March 13, and fans can visit spac.org for more information
Rock icon Sting of The Police has announced an upcoming North American tour beginning this September. The “Sting 3.0” tour sees four stops in New York including three shows in Brooklyn and two in Port Chester.
Sting will perform the most electrifying hits from his timeless discography for multiple-night stints in some of the most legendary theatres across North America. The upcoming Sting 3.0 tour will play three shows at the Brooklyn Paramount and one show at The Capitol Theatre.
Sting will perform selections from his vast and diverse catalogue accompanied by virtuoso guitarist Dominic Miller. Also accompanying Sting is Chris Maas of Mumford and Sons. The Sting 3.0 tour will begin on September 17 in Detroit and wrap up on November 13 in Los Angeles.
Members of Sting’s Fan Club will have the opportunity to access a special pre-sale by visiting sting.com, starting on Monday, March 11. The general on sale will begin on Friday, March 15 at 10 am at sting.com.
“STING 3.0” TOUR ITINERARY
Tue. Sept. 17 Detroit, MI Fillmore Detroit
Wed. Sept. 18 Detroit, MI Fillmore Detroit
Fri. Sept. 20 Toronto, ON Massey Hall
Sat. Sept. 21 Toronto, ON Massey Hall
Mon. Sept. 30 Philadelphia, PA The Met Philadelphia presented by Highmark
Tue. Oct. 01 Philadelphia, PA The Met Philadelphia presented by Highmark
Fri. Oct. 04 Boston, MA MGM Music Hall @ Fenway Park
Mon. Oct. 07 Brooklyn, NY Brooklyn Paramount
Wed. Oct. 09 Brooklyn, NY Brooklyn Paramount
Thu. Oct. 10 Brooklyn, NY Brooklyn Paramount
Sat. Oct. 12 Port Chester, NY The Capitol Theatre
Sun. Oct. 13 Port Chester, NY The Capitol Theatre
Tue. Oct. 15 Washington, DC MGM National Harbor
Sun. Oct. 20 Miami, FL Fillmore Miami Beach
Tue. Oct. 22 Atlanta, GA Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
New Found Glory announced their upcoming tour Catalyst 20 Years Later this week, which stops in Buffalo, and Huntington, Long Island. The Paramount in Huntington gets a visit from the band August 21 and Buffalo Riverworks August 25.
New Found Glory is inviting fans to join themin celebrating 20 years of their 2004 album Catalyst. The two-leg tour sees them playing the iconic record in full including hits like “All Downhill From Here”, “Truth Of My Youth”, and more. Also on the tour, the band is set to perform a number of other songs from throughout their discography. The show also features special guests Sincere Engineer.
New Found Glory brings the hardcore energy and razor-sharp riffage everywhere they go. Their style of music blends melodic, angsty vocals and upbeat, youthful themes, with the hardcore, punchy and fast-paced instrumentation. The 2000’s powerhouse has influenced many bands, and left a lasting impact on listeners of the genre to this day.
New Found GloryUpcoming Tour Dates
8/16 – Orlando, FL @ House of Blues
8/17 – Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade
8/18 – Raleigh, NC @ The Ritz
8/19 – Silver Spring, MD @ The Fillmore
8/21 – Huntington, NY @ The Paramount
8/22 – Philadelphia, PA @ The Fillmore
8/23 – Boston, MA @ Roadrunner
8/24 – Asbury Park, NJ @ Stone Pony Summer Stage
8/25 – Buffalo, NY @ Buffalo Riverworks
8/27 – Detroit, MI@ The Fillmore
8/28 – Columbus, OH @ Kemba Live
8/29 – Cleveland, OH @ Agora Theater
8/30 – St. Louis, MO @ The Pageant
9/1 – Nashville, TN @ Marathon Music Works
10/11 – Dallas, TX @ House of Blues
10/13 – Tempe, AZ @ The Marquee
10/15 – San Diego, CA @ The Observatory North Park
10/16 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Wiltern
10/17 – Anaheim, CA @ House of Blues
10/18 – San Francisco, CA @ The Masonic
10/19 – Las Vegas, NV @ When We Were Young Festival
10/20 – Las Vegas, NV @ When We Were Young Festival
10/22 – Salt Lake City, UT @ The Depot
10/23 – Denver, CO @ Mission Ballroom
This is not a show you want to miss. General on sale begins this Friday, March 15. For more information on New Found Glory, please visit www.newfoundglory.com.
New York alternative punk band Bad Mary announced the re-release of their track “Forget About It” from their Better Days album. The album has been remixed and remastered as the Better(er) Days EP. Along with the rerelease, comes the band’s latest music video for the track.
“Forget About It” is a song that Bad Mary has been playing in their sets for years. Now with the re-release of the track on their latest EP, its only appropriate they finally crafted a creative new video to complement it. The band hails from Long Island and NYC, and have played various venues like The Highline Ballroom, The Knitting Factory, and Bowery Electric.
Bad Mary is powerhouse lead vocalist Amanda Mac, her husband Mike on bass, her dad Bill on drums, and her professor David on guitar. The band weaves rhythmic power and brain worm riffs as if it were 1979 all over again. They draw much influence from bands like Green Day, Blondie and The Ramones.
The new music video shows an all-white background with Amanda in a pop art style. The song is loud and punchy much like what the music video portrays with its bold art style and pop-up lyrics. The video and music together serve to convey flashiness and power. The punky, poppy music behind the video really carry the theme till the end.
“Forget About Itâ is a song we’ve been playing in our sets for years. It’s probably the song that we have played the most as a band. An important part of every set, it’s been a crowd favorite forever. With Better(er) Days we really wanted to capture the live energy and the chaos of a song with less than two chords, one line of lyrics, and a one-note guitar solo”.
Bassist Mike Staub
To learn more about Bad Mary and their up-and-coming music visit their website or click here.
There are dozens of Irish pubs offering the best in Irish music throughout New York City. But what’s really the best of the best? Let this list of the top Irish Pubs in NYC act as your tour guide for this upcoming St. Patrick’s Day – or any day you want to enjoy some jigs and reels!
https://youtu.be/AGkDTFjHNVU?si=NKmcIqJKf2rVRp_Q
Hozier celebrates his birthday at Paddy Reilly’s on St. Patrick’s Day in 2023.
Located in the heart of Kips Bay, Paddy Reilly’s has grown into a staple for live Irish music. Just last St. Patrick’s Day, Hozier celebrated his birthday at the pub and performed there live. Except to hear music every day at Paddy Reilly’s, not just on St. Patrick’s Day! For the past 27 years, the pub has been the home to local Irish band The Prodigals. When The Prodigals aren’t playing, expect to hear a blend of Irish classics with rock, folk, and alternative songs. Pub goers can take their own hand at singing too every Tuesday night at Paddy Reilly’s Open Mic Night. The following night is Irish Traditional Night hosted by Niall O’Leary. Every Wednesday night starting at 9pm, Paddy Reilly’s provides a space to enjoy traditional Irish music and stepdance. If you’re in Kips Bay, go to Paddy Reilly’s, sit on a barstool, order a Guinness, and enjoy the music for some good craic.
Cillian Vallely of the band Lúnasa plays at The Dead Rabbit’s Sunday seisiún.
2) The Dead Rabbit – 30 Water Street, Manhattan
Since its opening in 2013, The Dead Rabbit has won numerous awards, and rightfully so! The Dead Rabbit was awarded “World’s Best Bar” in 2016 at the 9th annual Tales of the Cocktail’s Spirited Awards. One could see why when they step into The Dead Rabbit, which seems to be three separate bars seamlessly blended into one. The bar is split into the Taproom, the Parlor, and the Occasional Room. The Parlor hosts various cocktails and comfortable seating; while, the Occasional Room is available for private events. But if it’s live music and good craic you’re looking for, head no further than the Taproom. The Taproom hosts numerous artworks from various contemporary Irish creatives. The Dead Rabbit’s commitment to the arts is also heard every Sunday night from 6-10pm. The seisiúns (sessions) host different musicians every week. You’ll hear everything from the fiddle and guitar to the Irish whistle and bodhrán. Pair it with a Sunday roast and Irish coffee for the perfect way to end your weekend.
James Margolis Trio performs at An Béal Bocht Cafe.
3) An Béal Bocht Cafe – 445 W 238th Street, Bronx
Translating to “the poor mouth” in Irish Gaelic, An Béal Bocht Cafe is named after Irish novelist and playwright Flann O’Brien’s 1941 novel. Living up to its literary name, An Béal Bocht Cafe is covered in portraits of Irish literary legends, such as James Joyce. The pub has been home to the Arts in Riverdale for over 30 years. Every second Wednesday of the month is Writers / Poetry Night hosted by Melinda Wilson and Erin Lynn. Not only does the pub highlight literature but also music. An Béal Bocht Cafe is home to the Bronx’s longest running Irish traditional session. Spanning over 25 years, the session is hosted every Sunday from 4-7pm by Lindsey Ceitinn and Michelle Bergin. So head up to the Bronx, right next to Manhattan College, to join in on the live music every Sunday evening.
The perfect pint of Guinness poured at Grace’s in Manhattan.
4) Grace’s Pub – 252 West 14th Street, Manhattan
Opening just six years ago in 2018, Grace’s has already cemented itself into the weekly lineup of can’t miss Irish music sessions. Every Wednesday night starting at 8pm, Matt Stapleton and guests host an Irish music session where any musician can join in, such as Come From Away musician Pat Mangan, who has joined in on many a session at Grace’s. The traditional Irish music coupled with the pub’s classic Manhattan bar decor offers a comfy and chic atmosphere that is the perfect oasis from the hustle and bustle of the city. If you can’t get enough of Grace’s, head to its sister bar Hartley’s located at 14 Putnam Avenue, Brooklyn for an even homier atmosphere and for live music every Monday night starting at 8pm.
Musicians perform at Mary O’s weekly Thursday night session.
5) Mary O’s – 32 Avenue A, Manhattan
Located in the East Village, Mary O’s has been committed to keeping the tradition of Irish music alive since 2009. Even when Mary O’s was closed during the pandemic, musicians longed for the pub’s sessions so much that session regulars Catilin Warbelow and Chris Ranney started virtual Mary O’s sessions via Tune Supply on YouTube. The virtual sessions kept Mary O’s Irish music community alive, and now, the sessions can be enjoyed in-person every Thursday from 8-11pm with different guest leaders every week. Visit to join Mary O’s musical community while enjoying their staple Irish soda bread scones.
Scarsdale Music Festival has announced its fourth annual lineup- featuring amazing talent who will perform on two main stages throughout the day and an all-new acoustic stage. Twelve bands from Scarsdale and the greater Tri-State area were chosen through an extensive selection process from over 70 submitted applicants.
SMF is an exceptional, family-friendly community event that brings together thousands of people of all ages to celebrate their love of music, food, and community. The fourth annual festival, hosted by the Scarsdale Business Alliance (SBA), will take place rain or shine on Saturday, June 1st, from 12-6 pm in Scarsdale Village, benefitting Daniel’s Music Foundation, which empowers individuals with disabilities through music education, performance, and socialization.
This year’s Grand Tasting Village will feature elite wines from around the world, specialty cocktails, and food pairings. In addition, guests 21+ can also purchase beer and wine by the glass. The Family Fun Zone will feature carnival games, face painters, arts and crafts, musical demonstrations, DIY and STEAM activities, sports, inflatables, and more!
Scarsdale Music Festival Lineup
Artia Tobia, a NYC-based artist who infuses his Americana roots with a modern edge, will deliver heartfelt lyrics and soulful melodies that resonate with audiences across genres. Conversing with Oceans is a fully evolved indie rock band based in Westchester looking to their rock past to explore new sounds and musical landscapes. Their debut LP WILD / DREAMS is a dedicated rock album, displaying what these four musicians can do. The Del Bocas have been a Scarsdale-based band for over ten years, seeing themselves as a “wild jukebox” – with a large repertoire of songs from the ’60s to today.
Doni Nicole and the DNE Band is a multifaceted artist, entrepreneur, and mother, based in New Rochelle, whose music spans various genres, from gospel to world music. Notable achievements include singing background for iconic artists like Patti Labelle and releasing chart-topping singles such as “New Joy2” and “Drummer Boy.” Euphoria is a five-person band from New York with a unique brand of performance style, entertaining audiences with a refreshing take on beloved songs. Hunter Roa is a band whose sounds harken back to when rock was rock and originality was essential, drawing influences from Soundgarden, Aerosmith, and other greats – leading the Rock Renaissance. Lauren Minear is a critically acclaimed indie folk-pop singer-songwriter, psychotherapist, and mother based in New York, drawing inspiration from her eclectic background to craft soulful melodies and introspective lyrics that captivate audiences with their authenticity and depth.
The Men of Soul is a talented, dynamic three-man vocal group from NYC, accompanied by a four-piece band bringing classic, neo-soul, and R&B music to the stage. Rennie Pincus & Friends is a Scarsdale-based band whose recent album, DEAL, explores the music of The Grateful Dead and features guests Elliot Easton (The Cars), Jack Petruzelli (Joan Osborne), Matt Rae (Arlen Roth), and Annalyse & Ryan. NYC/Westchester-based band Skyfactor released their newest album A Thousand Sounds, and they’re behind the song “OK” from MTV’s hit show Teen Mom. Trinity is a versatile artist whose eclectic sound seamlessly blends elements of R&B, hip-hop, and pop, captivating audiences with her soulful vocals and introspective lyrics, advocating for social justice and empowerment.
Finally, the Zac Hoina Trio is a dynamic blues trio known for their electrifying live shows, where they skillfully blend raw emotion with authentic blues sounds, captivating audiences with their soulful performances and masterful musicianship.
The Daniel Music Foundation has featured performers, including Daniel & Gerry, performing folk-rock songs that focus on kindness and understanding, with an overall message of acceptance. George Dennehy will perform his heart and soul on stage, telling his story, while Opera singer Iolanta Mamatkazina shatters stereotypes. Finally, Jake Nielsen brings the rock vibes.
Tickets are now on sale for the 2024 Scarsdale Music Festival.
EDM producer Kaivon returned to Buffalo on March 8 performing at his largest venue to date in Western NY, Town Ballroom. The melodic bass artist got to perform is latest tunes off of his 2024 album Ultraviolet.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
Local talent Electric Dad and ZWAAN kicked off this night of future bass music. This was followed by Drezo. LA-based producer Drezo introduced the crowd to a style of G-House which pays homage to hip-hop elements. He brings those rap mixes that everyone knows blended with his bold beats.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
Then the transformative artist known as Kaivon brought an uplifted vibe as soon as he stepped on the stage. His visuals instantly give a euphoric feel especially with the use of colorful lighting.
Even though Kaivon is loved for his melodic heartfelt songs he still designates sections of his set for lovers of heavy dubstep. The way he can make people teary eyed from his mix of Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For” and then headbang right after to the following song is why so many people keep coming back to a Kaivon set.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
Kaivon’s performance brings attention to the parts of life people love most. His set is meant to reconnect the crowd and bring a nostalgic feel. He does this through powerful visuals and several mixes of popular songs. Artists he mixed into his set included Paramore, Rufus Du Sol, The Fray, and Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
Finally getting to hear songs for the first time off of his sophomore album Ultraviolet was a euphoric feeling. Especially with the performance of “Pretty” which gets everyone in their feels with its angelic rhythm. This only grew more when he performed his throwback fan favorite song, “I Love You.”
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
Kaivon’s shows bring a unique force to EDM culture. He is a reminder of why living in the present moment is so important. He creates a space that grounds people and invites people to reborn in a positive framework.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
These next few weeks are packed with EDM shows in Western NY that you don’t want to miss. INZO performs on March 15 and Excision has a double header at Buffalo Riverworks the following week. Get your tickets here.
Afrobeats artists Shallipopi and Odumodublvck have announce a co-headline ‘Nigeria’s Most Wanted Tour 2024’, the first-ever joint tour in Afrobeats history. The nine-city tour includes a stop at Irving Plaza on Thursday, May 2.
Shallipopi (Crown Uzama), also known as Pluto Presido, stands as a testament to the boundless potential of creativity and the rapid influence of social media in the music world. Hailing from Benin in Nigeria, Shallipopi has crafted a unique niche for himself as an exceptionally talented singer and trendsetter.
It was 2023 that witnessed his meteoric ascent, as he unleashed his hit single “Elon Musk.” The song became an instant sensation, catapulting him into the spotlight and setting the stage for a series of subsequent triumphs. Hits like “Sharpiru” and the electrifying remix of “Elon Musk” further solidified his status as a musical force to be reckoned with.
Marking another milestone in his extraordinary journey, he launched his record label -“Plutomania Records” in October of 2023 with two signees – Zerrydl & Tega Boi Dc who have both featured on previous projects with him. Shallipopi’s fusion of raw talent, unrelenting determination, and unwavering dedication positions him as a true trendsetter.
Odumodublvck, born Tochukwu Gbubemi Ojogwu, has emerged as a prominent voice in Nigerian Hip-Hop, seamlessly blending drill, grime, and Afrobeat influences. His viral 2023 single, “Declan Rice,” showcased his shapeshifting flows, paving the way for his critically acclaimed mixtape “EZIOKWU” on NATIVE Records/Def Jam.
Despite his diverse musical aesthetics, Odumodublvck emphasizes the universality of his songs, aiming to connect with a broad audience. Originally a soccer enthusiast from Abuja, Odumodublvck absorbed Ghanaian music from his father’s collection and later drew inspiration from artists such as Sisqó, Sean Paul, Lil Wayne, 50 Cent, and JAY-Z. Stylistically influenced by 50 Cent and inspired by JAY-Z’s journey to superstardom, Odumodublvck navigates the music scene with determination.
Their joint single, “Cast” was released in November 2023 and peaked at #1 on TurnTable Top 100 and at Top 10 on Billboard US Afrobeats.
Shallipopi & Odumodublvck’s individual projects “Presido La Pluto” and “EZIOKWU” also peaked at #1 on the TurnTable Top 100 Albums lists with #1 hits “Elon Musk” and “Ex-Convict” from Shallipopi and “Blood On the Dance Floor” feat. Wale & Bloody Civilian + “Declan Rice” from Odumodublvck.
It was a night of celebration and honor in the Eastwood neighborhood of Syracuse on Friday, March 8, as the 2024 SAMMY Awards took place at the Palace Theater. It was the 31st year of the event, with this year’s rendition awarding winners in 13 different musical categories. The night also honored individuals in four specialty categories, as well as four People’s Choice categories.
The Critics Choice receive the Founder’s Award at the 2024 SAMMYS
Hosted by Syracuse news anchor and devoted local music supporter Tim Fox, the evening kicked off on a somber note. Fox asked the audience to take a moment of silence to honor former SAMMYS Board Member Jordan Davies. Davies, who lost his life last month, played integral piece in the planning of the event and in the preparation of the run-of-show.
Sydney Irving performs at the 2024 SAMMYS
Following the tribute, Fox turned the audience’s attention to the first musical performance of the evening, Sydney Irving & the Mojo. Irving greeted attendees with a stunning rendition of “All I Need is You,” which saw Irving perform acoustic with George Newton on pedal steel. Her bandmates would join the party and finish the remainder of the set. Additional performers this evening included 2024 Hall of Fame inductee Jeffrey Pepper Rogers, Shawn Seals & SMX, Steven Cali, and the Rollin’ Rust Band.
Tyjhier receives the Brian Bourke Award for Best New Artist at the 2024 SAMMYS
Along with the diverse musical performances, awards were handed out in thirteen musical categories. The big winner on this evening was 24 year-old R&B and Neo-Soul star, Tyjhier. Tyjhier, who was awarded the trophy for Best R&B, also won the Brian Bourke Award for Best New Artist, a prize that includes a free recording session at Subcat Studios.
Steven Cali performs at the 2024 SAMMYS
The evening not only celebrated the recent accomplishments of those on the Syracuse music scene, but also honored many of those who have played a key role in the area’s rich music history. Frank Malfitano awarded the Founder’s Award to jazz group The Critics Choice. Lori Newcomb received the Jack O Bocchino Spirit of the SAMMYS award for her many years chronicling the music scene through her photography. News anchor Carrie Lazarus received the Community Spirit Award. The evening concluded with the awarding of several “People’s Choice” awards.
Nate Gross receives the award for Best Blues at the 2024 SAMMYS
2024 SAMMY Award Recipients
Best Jazz – Bob Holz
Best Americana – Mike Powell and the Echosound
Best Jam Band – Count Blastula
Best Other Style – Ama Kutin
Best Pop – Sydney Irving
Best Rock – The Flashcubes
Best Hardrock – From Ruins
Best R&B – Tyjhier
Brian Bourke Award for Best New Artist – Tyjhier
Best Hip Hop – A Kid Called Danger
Best Blues – Nate Gross
Best Alternative – Vagabonds
Best Country – Christian Parker featuring Earl Poole Ball
Best Single – Al Papers
The Founder’s Award – The Critics Choice
Jack O Bocchino Spirit of the SAMMYS – Lori Newcomb
Best Venue – 7 Hamlets Brewing
Best Music Series – Beak and Skiff Summer Concert Series
Best Academic or Musical Organization – Perform 4 Purpose
Best Artist – Shawn Smith
Hall of Fame Inductees – Steve Schad, Jon Liebing, Sepp Herbert, Westcott Street Cultural Fair, Jeffrey Pepper Rogers, Sean O’Loughlin
