On February 24, the Binghamton Philharmonic performed a crowd-pleasing pops concert – with a twist. In “Pops at the Forum,” rather than sticking to the timeworn pops formula of show tunes and light classics, Maestro Daniel Hege led the orchestra in a satisfyingly dynamic mix of opera excerpts, overtures, film music, and even rock.
Percussionists Steve Mathiesen, Elaina Smales, Sam Lazzara, and Joel Smales
The show spotlighted the talents of several of the Philharmonic’s world-class musicians. Principal cellist Hakan Tayga, along with percussionists Julie Licata, Steve Matthiesen, Sam Lazzara, and the father-daughter team of Joel and Elaina Smales, provided dramatic solos in Tan Dun’s atmospheric “Crouching Tiger” Concerto. Principal flutist Karen Bogardus and oboist Evan Ocheret phrased their solo lines sinuously in Fauré’s delicate Pavane in F-sharp minor. The orchestra’s trumpet section – Frank Campos, Ben Aldridge, and Jud Spena – brought the heat in Leroy Anderson’s toe-tapping “Bugler’s Holiday.” And the whole audience whistled along enthusiastically to the “Colonel Bogey” March (known to some as the “Comet” song!).
Meg Cronin and Haiden Scanlan
Other highlights of the show were Wagner’s famous Ride of the Valkyries, the brass-heavy “Fanfare on Amazing Grace” by living African American composer and Upstate New York native Adolphus Hailstork, and a hard-driving orchestral arrangement of the Led Zeppelin classic “Kashmir,” with Sam Lazzara rocking out once again on solo drum.
Lisa Reynolds, Lois Zuck, and Dan Reynolds
As usual, it was a pleasure to see many children and teens in the audience; one young Hakan Tayga fan seated directly in front of this reviewer played air cello along with the soloist’s every note. The rest of the audience was just as appreciative, leaping to its feet spontaneously at the close of the concert. “Pops at the Forum” was a wonderful addition to the Philharmonic’s season line-up, and a great way to while away a winter day!
Katelyn Jackson, Elaina Neubert, Megan Lewis, Allayna Bidwell, and Ava CiriglianoJudi Hess and Vikki Collazo
Sad Summer Festival has announced its fifth-anniversary celebration this summer with an iconic mix of emo and punk bands, coming to The Rooftop at Pier 17 on Aug. 1 and Terminal B at the Outer Harbor in Buffalo on Aug. 6.
Sad Summer Festival was originally launched in 2019 by The Maine and Mayday Parade along with industry personnel mourning the loss of the long-running Vans Warped Tour. It has grown significantly each year, becoming a scene staple. The nationwide run features festival founders Mayday Parade and The Maine along with The Wonder Years, We The Kings, Real Friends, Knuckle Puck, and Daisy Grenade, with Like Roses, Diva Bleach, The Summer Set, and Hot Milk at select dates.
Unlike most major festivals that feature multiple stages and hundreds of bands each day, Sad Summer creates a more intimate experience with one stage and a smaller curated lineup each year, eliminating any competition and the need to decide which act you are going to watch, providing the smaller acts on the bill a real chance to be seen and heard. In addition, festival co-founders Mike Marquis, Josh Terry, and Tim Kirch made it a goal with Sad Summer to create an environment that is inclusive and independent. This conscious choice has been well-received making them one of Pollstar’s “Top Grossing Tours of 2021.”
Another important theme of Sad Summer is its ongoing commitment to non-profit partnerships and involvement. As they look to celebrate their fifth anniversary, the festival will continue to build upon their dedication to giving exposure and access to causes the artists, founders, and community are passionate about. This year fans can expect to learn more about previously involved non-profits like HeadCount and Reverb, and their new partnership with Calling All Crows. Each organization will have an on-site presence, providing education and resources.
Ten years ago, a group of friends from Tallahassee, FL formed a band and traveled the country, selling their CD to anyone that would listen in a parking lot at Vans Warped Tour. Building a following from the roots up, Mayday Parade has garnered a lifelong massive dedicated fanbase, in their evolution from a hard-working local band to a global force. With a catalog of six studio recordings, the band released their recent record What It Means To Fall Apart in 2021, taking matters into their own hands and releasing it on their own time.
Formed in Arizona back in 2007, The Maine have been together for over ten years with an extensive catalog to their name. Over the years, the band has been labeled as pop, alternative, rock, emo, and every style in between. Some of The Maine’s charm lies in frontman John O’Callaghan’s writing style. Their most recent record The Maine came out in 2023.
Bands The Wonder Years, We The Kings, Real Friends, Knuckle Puck, and Daisy Grenade round out the lineup with an electric mix of rock, metal, and hard punk.
To sign up for first access to tickets on March 1, visit here. On sale is March 8.
Sad Summer Festival Confirmed Dates
Friday, July 12, 2024 Sacramento, CA The Backyard%$
Saturday, July 13, 2024 Santa Ana, CA Observatory Festival Grounds%$
Tuesday, July 16, 2024 Denver, CO Mission Ballroom%
Friday, July 19, 2024 Milwaukee, WI Eagles Ballroom%$
Saturday, July 20, 2024 Chicago, IL Salt Shed Outdoor+$
Sunday, July 21, 2024 Pontiac, MI Crofoot Festival Grounds+$
Tuesday, July 23, 2024 Pittsburgh, PA Stage AE Outdoor+^
Wednesday, July 24, 2024 Columbus, OH KEMBA Live! Outdoor+^
Friday, July 26, 2024 Atlanta, GA Coca-Cola Roxy+^
Saturday, July 27, 2024 Clearwater, FL The Sound at Coachman Park+^
Monday, July 29, 2024 Cleveland, OH Jacobs Pavilion+^
Thursday, August 1, 2024 New York, NY The Rooftop at Pier 17+^
Saturday, August 3, 2024 Worcester, MA Palladium Outdoors+^
Sunday, August 4, 2024 Asbury Park, NJ Stone Pony Summer Stage+^
Tuesday, August 6, 2024 Buffalo, NY Terminal B at the Outer Harbor+^
Thursday, August 8, 2024 Philadelphia, PA Highmark Skyline Stage+^
Friday, August 9, 2024 Columbia, MD Chrysalis at Merriweather Park+^
New York-based garage rock artist Dmitry Wild has announced the release of a bold new video for his two-track single, “Rock-n-Roll is My Business/ Son of a Gun.” The new video was filmed at Amsterdam Castle in upstate New York.
Dmitry Wild’s track “Rock-n-Roll is My Business” is the subject of the music video at hand. The tune is a groovy mix of blues, garage, and psychedelic rock. The video has an overarching theme of devilishness, mischief, and naughtiness.
The video was filmed at the awe-inspiring Amsterdam Castle, which adds an extra layer of intrigue to the videography. Wild is a NYC native, and his grandiose style certainly reflects where he’s from. The video is also quite grand, as it depicts the nature both literally and satirically of the rock-n-roll business.
Various notable figures appear in the music video. The Rockstar is played by Jesse D. Leach of Killswitch Engage and The Father is played by Byron Frayne, who also recorded the B-side “Son of a Gun.” The video also features burlesque dancer and upcoming singer Tryst La Noir and Purple Goddess – the top pole dancer appearing on tour with Snoop Dog.
Dmitry Wild’s music is reminiscent of groups like The White Stripes, The Killers, and The Strokes. Inspiration from old blues rock and classic rock-n-roll bands can be heard as well.
To listen and learn more about Dmitry Wild’s music, click here.
Blues rock powerhouse Tedeschi Trucks Band have announced the “Deuces Wild” Summer tour which begins February and wraps up in October. The tour sees multiple dates across New York State. The band has recently added several new shows for this summer and fall.
Tedeschi Trucks Summer tour will begin on the west coast and make its way east as the tour progresses. Fans can expect to see dates in Saratoga, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Port Chester, and Bethel, along with a few other dates in the Empire State.
The band’s upcoming tour will feature special guests Little Feat, Margo Price, and Greensky Bluegrass on select dates with shows in Bethel (8/25), Philadelphia (8/28), and Saratoga Springs (8/30-31) having three acts on the bill.
Tedeschi Trucks is known for having quite a wide reach and powerful, abstract jams. They are simply put a touring machine. The “Deuces Wild” tour is complete with a whopping 63 tour dates across North America.
Tedeschi Trucks Band 2024 Tour Dates
Feb 29 – New York City, NY – Beacon Theatre
Mar 1 – New York City, NY – Beacon Theatre
Mar 2 – New York City, NY – Beacon Theatre
Mar 5 – Washington DC – Warner Theater
Mar 6 – Washington DC – Warner Theater
Mar 7 – Washington DC – Warner Theater
Mar 9 – Baltimore, MD – Hippodrome Theatre
Mar 12 – Richmond, VA – Altria Theater
Mar 13 – Richmond, VA – Altria Theater
Mar 14 – Durham, NC – DPAC
Mar 16 – St. Augustine, FL – St. Augustine Amphitheatre
May 2 – Miramar Beach, FL – Sun, Sand & Soul
May 4 – Miramar Beach, FL – Sun, Sand & Soul
May 22 – Portland, OR – Keller Auditorium
May 23 – Portland, OR – Keller Auditorium
May 25 – Vancouver, BC – Queen Elizabeth Theatre
May 27 – Seattle, WA – Paramount Theater
May 28 – Seattle, WA – Paramount Theater
May 31 – Berkeley, CA – Greek Theatre^
Jun 1 – Berkeley, CA – Greek Theatre^
Jun 4 – Reno, NV – Grand Sierra^
Jun 5 – Santa Barbara, CA – Santa Barbara Bowl^
Jun 7 – Los Angeles, CA – The Greek Theatre^
Jun 8 – San Diego, CA – CalCoast Credit Union Open Air Theatre^
Jun 9 – Los Angeles, CA – The Greek Theatre^
Jun 11 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre&
Jun 14 – Tulsa, OK – Tulsa Theater&
Jun 15 – Arlington, TX – Globe Life Field (supporting Chris Stapleton)
Jul 24 – Grand Junction, CO – Las Colonias Park Amphitheater*
Jul 26 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre*
Jul 27 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre*
Jul 29 – La Vista (Omaha), NE – The Astro Amphitheater*
Jul 31 – Chicago, IL – Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island*
Aug 2 – Minneapolis, MN – The Armory*
Aug 3 – Minneapolis, MN – The Armory*
Aug 6 – St. Louis, MO – The Fabulous Fox Theatre*
Aug 7 – Toledo, OH – Toledo Zoo Amphitheater*
Aug 9 – Milwaukee, WI – BMO Pavilion*
Aug 10 – Kalamazoo, MI – Wings Event Center*
Aug 11 – Sterling Heights (Detroit), MI – Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill*
Aug 13 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center*
Sept 20 – Louisville, KY – Bourbon & Beyond Festival
Sept 21 – Nashville, TN – Ascend Amphitheater
Sept 24 – New York, NY – Beacon Theatre
Sept 25 – New York, NY – Beacon Theatre
Sept 27 – Brooklyn, NY – Kings Theatre
Sept 28 – Brooklyn, NY – Kings Theatre
Oct 1 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall
Oct 4 – Boston, MA – Wang Theatre
Oct 8 – Port Chester, NY – The Capitol Theatre
Oct 9 – Port Chester, NY – The Capitol Theatre
^Special Guest Little Feat
*Special Guest Margo Price
&Special Guest Joe Purdy
>Special Guest Greensky Bluegrass
The Tedeschi Trucks Summer tour sees 11 dates in New York. The “Deuces Wild” tour in its entirety sees 14 New York dates as it kicks off with three straight Beacon Theatre shows. Fans can expect to see soulful, powerful rock hits from the band at SPAC, Beacon Theatre, Kings Theatre, Artpark MainStage and more. The band has a reputation for being one of the most entertaining and talented live performance powerhouses in the world. Don’t miss it.
Fan club presale for these new ‘Deuces Wild’ Tour dates will begin on Wednesday, February 28 at 10am local time. The general on sale will be Friday, March 1 at 10am local time. To purchase tickets and for more information, please visit TedeschiTrucksBand.com.
Jelly Roll will bring his headline “Beautifully Broken” tour to MVP Arena in Albany on Sept. 24, at Madison Square Garden on Sept. 27, and the KeyBank Center in Buffalo on Oct. 6
Nashville native singer and songwriter Jelly Roll first debuted at number two on the top country album charts with his debut Whitsitt Chapel, released in June 2023. The album earned him the biggest country debut album in Billboard consumption chart history.
Prior to entering the country music scene, Jelly Roll began his career in hip hop, getting inspiration from rappers like UGK, 8Ball & MJG, and Three 6 Mafia. He started selling mixtapes out of his car, releasing tracks from his debut project, The Plain Shmear Tape, in 2003. In 2010, he released “Pop Another Pill” in collaboration with Memphis-based artist Lil Wyte, later leading to the album Year Round by the hip-hop group SNO, of which Jelly Roll was a member. Over the next few years, Jelly Roll continued to release many mixtapes and independent solo albums including collaborations with Lil Wyte, and Struggle Jennings.
Following his sweep at the 2023 CMT music awards where he earned three awards to become the most awarded artist of the night, the Billboard Country Power List cover star Jelly Roll was named the country’s “most authentic new artist” by the New Yorker and received the Billboard’s breakthrough award in 2023. His hit single “Save Me” features a confessional, vulnerable expression of self-doubt, set on the stage for his new season of life. It later took him to new heights including a Platinum certification from the RIAA on the heels of his 28-week reign at No. 1 on Billboard’s Emerging Artists chart.
This summer the artist will bring his “Beautifully Broken” tour to the MVP Arena in Albany on Sept. 24, Madison Square Garden on Sept. 27, and the KeyBank Center in Buffalo on Oct. 6. Tickets will be available starting with various presales beginning on Monday, February 26. Additional pre-sales will run throughout the week ahead of the general on-sale beginning on Friday, March 1 at jellyroll615.com.
Jelly Roll “Beautiful Broken” 2024 Tour Dates:
Tue Aug 27 – Salt Lake City, UT – Delta Center
Wed Aug 28 – Nampa, ID – Ford Idaho Center
Fri Aug 30 – Spokane, WA – Spokane Arena
Sat Aug 31 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena
Sun Sep 1 – Portland, OR – Moda Center
Tue Sep 3 – San Jose, CA – SAP Center
Wed Sep 4 – Sacramento, CA – Golden 1 Center
Fri Sep 6 – Los Angeles, CA – Crypto.com Arena
Sat Sep 7 – Anaheim, CA – Honda Center
Mon Sep 9 – El Paso, TX – Don Haskins Center
Wed Sep 11 – San Antonio, TX – Frost Bank Center
Fri Sep 13 – Lafayette, LA – CAJUNDOME
Sat Sep 14 – New Orleans, LA – Smoothie King Center
Tue Sep 17 – Orlando, FL – Kia Center
Thu Sep 19 – Charleston, SC – North Charleston Coliseum
Fri Sep 20 – Raleigh, NC – PNC Arena
Sat Sep 21 – Washington, DC – Capital One Arena
Tue Sep 24 – Albany, NY – MVP Arena
Thu Sep 26 – Boston, MA – TD Garden
Fri Sep 27 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
Sat Sep 28 – Belmont Park, NY – UBS Arena
Sun Sep 29 – Newark, NJ – Prudential Center
Tue Oct 1 – State College, PA – Bryce Jordan Center
Wed Oct 2 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center
Sat Oct 5 – Pittsburgh, PA – PPG Paints Arena
Sun Oct 6 – Buffalo, NY – KeyBank Center
Wed Oct 9 – Columbus, OH – Nationwide Arena
Fri Oct 11 – Chicago, IL – United Center
Sat Oct 12 – Louisville, KY – KFC Yum! Center
Tue Oct 15 – Wichita, KS – INTRUST Bank Arena
Fri Oct 18 – Tulsa, OK – BOK Center
Sun Oct 20 – Bossier City, LA – Brookshire Grocery Arena
Tue Oct 22 – Little Rock, AR – Simmons Bank Arena
Wed Oct 23 – St Louis, MO – Enterprise Center
Fri Oct 25 – Knoxville, TN – Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center
Multi-faceted alt/pop band Bedbug has announced the released of their new groovy single “Postcard” out everywhere now.
Westchester County-based Bedbug consists of four members bringing together incredible performance, vocals, and unique songwriting. Their new single “Postcard” is a second single from the band’s upcoming fourth studio record, featuring sweet and nostalgic tones, constant percussion, captivating unique guitars, and catchy sounds. The band succeeds at fully captivating their listeners by evoking all the thrilling and uneasy emotions.
Moving further away from their bedroom pop roots, their new record sparkles, shimmers, and shines with that particular PNW indie rock glow that their fans are very fond of. With the release of their single, Bedbag has also announced their new LP pack your bags the sun is growing, released on March 15.
The indie-pop band was the acclaimed bedroom pop project of Dylan Gamez Citron (they/them). Their newly expanded full band iteration sees them find new urgency as they channel Cap’n Jazz and Built to Spill on their new record – their first since 2020. Their new single “postcard” is the second single from the album that follows their January surprise “halo on the interstate” available to stream everywhere.
In the dimly lit, historic Birdland theater, a magical atmosphere enveloped the audience as the “Year of Alice” event unfolded. Hosted by the John and Alice Coltrane Home, the evening was a celebration of the legendary jazz couple, John and Alice Coltrane, whose impact on the world of music continues to resonate. Held in the same venue where John and Alice first crossed paths, the event promised a journey through the Coltrane legacy and a glimpse into the upcoming events, concert series, exhibits, and special projects planned for the year 2024-2025.
Ravi and Michelle Coltrane
The evening began with Michelle Coltrane, Alice’s daughter and John’s stepdaughter, setting the tone by warmly welcoming everyone. She spoke passionately about her mother’s enduring influence on the world of music, laying the foundation for an evening that would be a tribute to the Coltrane’s artistic brilliance.
Michelle Coltrane
The founder and President of the Coltrane Home, Steve Fulgoni, took the stage to make an exciting announcement â the restoration of the Coltrane home in Dix Hills had commenced, with plans to open its doors to the public within two years. This revelation sparked anticipation among the audience, eager to witness the preservation of the historic space where the Coltranes once lived and created.
Grammy-nominated harpist Brandee Younger, leader of the Alice Coltrane Ensemble and board member of the John and Alice Coltrane Home, shared insights into the world of harps, the instrument Alice mastered. Joined by Ravi Coltrane, the duo mesmerized the audience with two enchanting renditions of Alice’s compositions, a heartfelt tribute to her exceptional skill and talent.
Ravi Coltrane and Brandee Younger
Ravi Coltrane took a moment to share his thoughts about his iconic parents, providing a personal touch to the evening. The family’s warmth and love for music were clearly felt in Ravi’s words, creating a special connection between the audience and the Coltrane legacy.
Ravi Coltrane
President of Impulse records, Jamie Krents, stepped forward to share exciting news about the upcoming release of “Alice Coltrane at Carnegie Hall” on March 22nd. The revelation was met with enthusiastic applause, affirming the continued appreciation for Alice’s vast musical contributions.
The evening also featured Matthew Garrison from Shapeshifter Plus, a Brooklyn-based non-profit he co-founded with Ravi Coltrane and Fortuna Sung. Their mission, to promote innovative artistic expression, resonated with the audience as they announced their involvement in curating Alice’s music.
Brandon Bibbi, Senior Preservation Architect for the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, took the stage to discuss their role in saving the family home from demolition. Their dedication to preserving cultural heritage underscored the significance of the Coltrane legacy in the broader context of American history.
Christopher Collins, President and Artistic Director of the Detroit Jazz Festival, unveiled plans for a special event on Labor Day weekend 2024. Curated by Ravi Coltrane, the festival promised an ambitious musical experience, featuring both Ravi’s musical associates and local string players.
Christopher Collins
Erin Christovale, curator of the Alice Coltrane exhibit, provided a thrilling finale by announcing the showcase of Alice’s archive at the Hammer Museum. For the first time, the public would have access to photographs, posters, handwritten letters, paintings, sculptures, and more, offering a comprehensive view of Alice’s multifaceted artistry.
As Michelle Coltrane wrapped up the evening with heartfelt gratitude, the audience left Birdland with a profound appreciation for the Coltrane legacy and an eagerness to witness the “Year of Alice” unfold. The event was not just a celebration; it was a promise of a year filled with musical treasures and a continued exploration of the extraordinary contributions of John and Alice Coltrane to the world of jazz.
Queens-based punk act Bayside have announced the release of their latest single, “The Devils,” along with new album There Are Worse Things Than Being Alive.
Bayside creates music to captivate audiences with a mix of introspective storytelling and powerful blend of punk, rock, and metal. The band’s latest single and album are set to leave an indelible mark on the music scene. Bayside hopes to be reviewed as one of the most influential bands of their generation.
The band has always focused on creating songs that are relevant to people who want substance, rather than a specific genre. Bayside rejects coasting on past success and proves time and again that the best is yet to come.
The new single, “The Devils” has a very catchy melody with soaring vocals and a mix of chugging and wailing guitar riffs. This textbook pop-punk track has quite punchy drumbeats throughout, impressive metalcore guitar solos, and vocals packed with emotion.
The single offers a sound that resembles that of an action movie soundtrack. The band’s music has changed quite a bit over the years. It has turned from alt-punk to more pop-punk, and both sounds fit the musicians well.
“We just wanted to write a ripper that keeps you on your toes. The chant was a melody that I kept humming to myself when I was walking my dogs. I put some words to it and we were going to use it as a bridge. We loved it so much we thought the song had to start that way.”
Frontman Anthony Raneri on the latest single “The Devils”
To give Bayside’s “The Devils” a listen, click here. To learn more about the band’s upcoming tours, albums, and other works, click here.
The Schenectady-Saratoga Symphony Orchestra have announced it is time for “Animaniacs- IN CONCERT.” The show takes place February 24, 8pm, at MainStage at Proctors.
Animaniacs is an iconic, animated, Warner Bros series from the early 90s. The show includes the classic, energetic hits of the show’s soundtrack coupled with the wonderful, majestic talent of the Schenectady-Saratoga Symphony Orchestra.
This tour stop of Animaniacs: In Concert stars the show’s original Emmy-Winning composer, Randy Rogel, on piano and the voice talents of Emmy winner Rob Paulsen.
Fans of all ages will experience “Animaniacs” like never before-especially those who grew up watching the series. The show is for adults and kids alike.
Voice Actor Rob Paulsen
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit AtProctors.org.
The Pit Brothers Band has announced the release of their latest album, Through The Fog. The band consists of four members including two brothers, Eric and David Pitagorsky, who hail from Queens, NY. The album showcases the band’s multi-genre talents and intense groove.
Through the Fog is a testament to The Pit Brothers’ dedication to their craft and their commitment to delivering unforgettable live performances. This album serves as a milestone in the band’s journey to a new era while paying homage to their roots. Listeners can expect a captivating experience that showcases the band’s raw talent and vibrant energy.
The album is compiled of nine live tracks. Many of the songs on the album have very strong Grateful Dead and Allman Brothers Band inspiration to them that is very apparent. The sound that The Pit Brothers Band achieved is comparable to groovy, bluesy jam bands. A common theme throughout the album is a high intensity groove with various titillating sounds playing parts of their own.
The live album has unique and captivating energy and sound. The group displays compelling organ sounds, quick and witty guitar riffs, and a jovial vocal style that keeps the listener bopping. There is much Pink Floyd, Rolling Stones, and even Bob Dylan undertones sprinkled throughout.
To listen to The Pit Brothers Band’s latest album, Through The Fog, click here.
