Charles Carlini Presents has announced the return of the inaugural Guitar Masters Festival in NYC this April. The bash lasts for five days from April 25 to 29, featuring a lineup curated with some of the world’s most exceptional guitarists, celebrating the art of string mastery.
The show will kick off at the John Birks Gillespie Auditorium with the wildly talented acoustic guitarist Kaki King. The following night will take place at Klavierhaus with six wonderous guitarists scheduled to perform. These artists are Steve Cardenas, Joel Harrison, Brad Shepik, Max Light, Pete McCann, and Grant Gordy. This entire show will be a diverse showcase of musical talent.
Guitarist Gilad Hekselman
Audiences can expect to be dazzled by several genres, styles, and musical artists throughout the progression of the event. The final night, April 29 will see a large lineup of top-of-the-line jazz musicians performing all-time hits for audience enjoyment.
Charles Carlini, the visionary behind the event, has an enthusiastic hope for an amazing, unforgettable music experience with only the best guitarists in the world. The Guitar Masters Festival is one to attend, and Carlini hopes to continue the tradition every year.
On the evening of Saturday, February 17, music enthusiasts gathered at the historic Landmark Jeanne Rimsky Theater in Port Washington for a memorable night of extraordinary performances headlined by the immensely talented guitarist Brandon “Taz” Niederauer and his friends. The event also featured the opening act, Circus Mind, which added its unique flair to the already electric atmosphere.
A Glimpse into the Past: Landmark Jeanne Rimsky Theater
The Jeanne Rimsky Theater in Port Washington stands as a cultural gem within the community, offering a vibrant space for artistic expression and entertainment. Named in honor of the esteemed philanthropist Jeanne Rimsky, this theater has become a focal point for local and regional performances, ranging from theatrical productions to musical concerts and dance recitals. With its intimate setting and state-of-the-art facilities, the Jeanne Rimsky Theater provides audiences with memorable experiences, while also serving as a nurturing ground for emerging talents. Its commitment to fostering creativity and enriching the cultural landscape of Port Washington makes it a cherished venue for both performers and spectators alike.
Circus Mind Sets the Stage Aglow
The evening kicked off with an engaging performance by Circus Mind, a band known for its fusion of jazz, rock, and soul. The ensemble showcased their musical prowess with members Mark Rechler on keys and vocals, Brian Duggan on guitar, Michael Amendola on sax, Dylan Niederauer on bass, Steve Finkelstein on percussion, and Dan Roth on drums.
Circus Mind’s setlist was a journey through a diverse musical landscape, beginning with the mesmerizing “Jazziest Time” and weaving through songs like “Swing Set,” “Whole Lot of Nuthin,” and “Baby Come Back Down.” The crowd was treated to an unforgettable cover of “Right Place, Wrong Time,” which left everyone craving for more.
Dylan Niederauer and Steve Finkelstein seamlessly transitioned into their roles as they joined Taz and his band for a dynamic collaboration later in the evening.
Taz and Friends: A Musical Extravaganza
Brandon “Taz” Niederauer took the stage with his band, accompanied by stellar musicians Nick Cassarino on guitar and vocals, Matt Godfrey on keys, and Kendall Lentz on drums. The crowd was in for a treat as the ensemble showcased their versatility and musical chemistry throughout the night.
Taz’s setlist featured an eclectic mix of classics and contemporary hits, with standout performances including a soulful rendition of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Fortunate Son,” a powerful take on Stevie Wonder’s “Living for the City,” and a heartfelt rendition of Prince’s “I Would Die 4 U.”
Adding an extra layer of magic to the night, Taz welcomed the talented Rita Panico to the stage for a series of captivating vocal performances. The highlight was a stunning cover of Chaka Khan’s “Ain’t Nobody,” along with renditions of “Let It Whip” and a soulful finale with “Red Hot Mama.”
The night at the Landmark Jeanne Rimsky Theater reached its crescendo with the energetic and soulful vibes of “Red Hot Mama,” leaving the audience on their feet and applauding the musical brilliance that unfolded throughout the evening.
The Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra has announced they will host the return of “Pops at the Forum,” a popular, long-awaited event. The event will take place February 24, at the Broom County Forum Theatre.
Daniel Hege, conductor of Pops at the Forum of the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra
The return of “Pops at the Forum” also means the return of some long-awaited whimsy. The show consists of several different types of performed media from orchestral classics to movie scores to rock classics like Led Zepplin’s “Kashmir.”
The show will begin at 3pm local time on February 24, and will be led by Maestro Daniel Hege. The orchestra will offer this exhilarating concert with orchestral classics like “Flight of the Bumblebee,” “Ride of the Valkyries,” and various film scores featuring cellist Hakan Tayga.
Principal cellist, Hakan Tayga
Tickets are $25 to $65. Kids 17 and under attend free, thanks to M&T Bank. For more information, visit www.binghamtonphilharmonic.org. The show has so much to offer and is not one to miss.
PRIMUS and COHEED AND CAMBRIA have announced that they will be teaming up this summer for an extensive 25-date summer tour, coming to Outer Harbor in Buffalo on Aug. 9, Michelob Ultra Summer Stage at Tag’s in Big Flats on Aug. 10, and Broadview Stage at SPAC in Saratoga Springs on Aug. 12.
Photo by Joshua Davis for NYS Music.
The tour will be supported by GUERILLA TOSS, TOO MANY ZOOZ, and FISHBONE, who will be opening for the headlining acts throughout the summer.PRIMUS has had a busy few years – releasing their first new music in five years with the Conspiranoid EP. The band also completed their extensive “A Tribute To Kings” tour across North America, where they performed Rush’s A Farewell To Kings in its entirety, alongside a set of their music. Comprised of bassist/vocalist Les Claypool, guitarist Larry “Ler” LaLonde, and drummer Tim “Herb” Alexander, PRIMUS has been rocking out since 1984.
Most recently, Claypool toured the country with the Fearless Flying Frog Brigade for the first time in 20 years performing Pink Floyd’s Animals in its entirety.
“The music of PRIMUS has had a creative influence on me and it is a huge honor to get to share the stage with them,” says COHEED AND CAMBRIA frontman Claudio Sanchez.
Fans can elevate their night out with PRIMUS as an official VIP this summer with The Fat Bastard and Lucky Bastard VIP Experiences. These include a show ticket, early entry into the venue, an invitation to the exclusive pre-show Q&A, and a signed VIP tour poster. Fans can buy the Fat Bastard Front Row Super VIP Experience for a seat in the front row of the venue. All VIP Experiences will go on sale on Wednesday, February 21 at 10 a.m. local venue time and will require a password for purchase.
Regular tickets go on sale on Friday, February 23 at 10 a.m. local. For more information, visit here.
PRIMUS and COHEED AND CAMBRIA Summer 2024 tour dates:
July 12 – Redding Civic Auditorium – Redding, CA* July 13 – Hayden Homes Amphitheater – Bend, OR* July 15 – Mountain America Center – Idaho Falls, ID* July 18 – Marymoor Park – Redmond, WA* July 19 – Edgefield – Troutdale, OR* July 20 – Spokane Pavilion – Spokane, WA* July 22 – Kettlehouse Amphitheater – Bonner, MT* July 24 – Denny Sanford Premier Center – Sioux Falls, SD* July 26 – The Ledge Amphitheater – Waite Park, MN^ July 27 – McGrath Amphitheatre – Cedar Rapids, IA^ July 28 – The Astro – La Vista, NE^ July 30 – The Andrew J Brady Music Center – Cincinnati, OH^ August 1 – Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park – Indianapolis, IN^ August 2 – Breese Stevens Field – Madison, WI^ August 3 – Saint Louis Music Park – St. Louis, MO^ August 5 – Blossom Music Center – Cuyahoga Falls, OH^ August 6 – KEMBA Live! – Columbus, OH^ August 8 – Stage AE – Pittsburgh, PA~ August 9 – Outer Harbor – Buffalo, NY~ August 10 – Michelob Ultra Summer Stage at Tag’s – Big Flats, NY~ August 12 – Broadview Stage at SPAC – Saratoga Springs, NY~ August 13 – State Theatre Summer Concert Series at Thompson’s Point – Portland, ME~ August 14 – The Anthem – Washington, DC~ August 16 – Virginia Credit Union LIVE! – Richmond, VA~ August 17 – Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre – Charlotte, NC~
* with GUERILLA TOSS ^ with TOO MANY ZOOZ ~ with FISHBONE
Songwriter Cosby Gibson has released two videos to her YouTube channel to display both her music and the everyday activity of a songwriter. The music and videography are carried out with unique expression and inspiration.
Cosby Gibson is an award-winning performing songwriter who lives near the Adirondack Mountains. She writes unique, original acoustic and folk-style songs on guitar and dulcimer. GRAMMY balloted, and winner Capital District Music Awards for Best Folk Album, 2017 and 2018.
She’s won Dorn Space Arts Award for Music Outreach, 2019, Best Folk Album, 2021, and Outstanding Folk Artist in 2023, and has been a nominee for the Eddies Music Awards for Best Folk Duo in 2023.
Cosby’s first video, “Day in the Life: A Song Writer’s Day Off,” details everyday activity that she participates in. The 15-minute video shows how Cosby creates and practices her music, delving into the ways she recharges and unwinds. The video also emphasizes the means in which she becomes inspired and how nature connects musical idea and artistic expression beautifully.
Gibson is seen in the video performing various tasks like making breakfast, taking in the atmosphere of the outdoors and doing laundry, showing that inspirations can be drawn from all types of activity.
“It’s almost as if Cosby composes from another time; simpler, more honest, more concise, without frivolous self-importance…Follow Cosby’s footsteps through the forest, to a cabin with a stone fireplace, warm and inviting.”
Greg Jackson, Upstate Live
The second video Cosby Gibson posted is a music video for the “The Hollow Crown,” an uplifting folk tale of kings and queens and knights who fought over the “hollow crown.” In the video, Cosby tells the story of how the once sought-after crown, became one that brought upon evil and misfortune. The tune is joyful, with a solemn background.
The tune ends on peaceful notes, and the music video does as well. The hymn is quite catchy and is reminiscent of a story book of sorts.
For more information on Cosby Gibson and to hear some more of her works, click here.
Conway the Machine remains prolific with his output, as New York City meets upstate New York in this latest release by the 2024 XXL lyricist of the year nominee. For his latest effort, Conway teams-up with Joey Bada$$ to bring “Vertino,” a classically inspired production with rugged lyrics and a gutter feel that sees both artists in their element. Produced by Camouflage Monk, this marks a return to the submerged production style where Joey Bada$$ made his bones. Notably, the duo go back-and-forth in a lyrical exchange as the nearly 6-minute record is a drawback to song structures of yesteryear. Set in the crux of Hell’s Kitchen, they take turns cheffing up rhymes and stamping their spots in the game. With Joey Bada$$ delivering a standout moment as he juxtaposes hip hop and drug game.
Could sell you news stories but this crack still sells Rule number one, never ghost the clientele Fiends linin’ at my door, they need that sh*t now Ten Crack Commandments, yo, I knows it too well This the same dope I’m dishin’ out, just on a different scale Let me break it down if you don’t see the vicious steel You see I got them hooked on the real I bossed up in and went to Columbia for the deal Like fuck the “pop a pill” shit, this that pure raw they wanna feel Scarcity in the market, now I’m spendin’ the margin And it’s only a problem if the product ain’t what it’s promised ‘Cause any competition get demolished These n*ggas know my sh*t hit the hardest, to be honest Graduated from the school of Hard Rock with my honors Started on the block and made it to the top from the bottom Used to cook it at my grandmama spot, we was starvin’ Right or wrong, the truth be timeless Block away from Marcy Projects, we was prospects
– Joey Bada$$, “Vertino”
Conway the Machine and Joey Bada$$ join forces on “vertino”
Released under Conway’s DrumWork Music Group, the Buffalo native has been on a tear since the release of 2022’s God Don’t Make Mistakes. In fact, 2023, was Conway’s most commercial and critically successful year to date. Notably releasing Wont He Do It (his second consecutive solo-album to top the DSP charts) in May of 2023, simultaneously launching a worldwide tour. He then put his label head hat on, returning with Conway The Machine Presents: Drumwork The Label. In like manner he then released the 38 Spesh collaboration Speshal Machinery, Palmero (with Wun Two), Conductor Machine alongside Conductor Williams and most recently, Hall & Nash 2,with Westside Gunn & The Alchemist — which also topped the DSP Charts.
Ultimately, Conway continues to release music at a prolific rate, having announced the release of Won’t He Do It: Side B “Vertino” serving as the lead single.
Hip hop’s golden age comes together as Saigon recruits the legendary Pete Rock for his new single “Get Loose.” Coupled with Swedish, multi-platinum producer Fredro, “Get Loose” is the second single release from Saigon and Fredro’s forthcoming album, The Jordan Era. “I’ve always thought Pete was a dope rapper since “The Creator,” reveals Saigon. “I took the opportunity to get him to step away from behind the boards; where he is most comfortable, and ‘Get Loose’ with me,” he resonates. “With all of the negativity in Hip-Hop, and the world, I just wanted to create something fun with Pete.”
Saigon & Fredro team-up with Pete Rock
After announcing their new album and releasing the first single and video, “Lyrical Genius,” featuring Grandmaster Caz, Saigon continues to pay homage to hip hop’s golden era with this latest release with The Jordan Era‘s production entirely by Fredro. After all, on “Get Loose” the Brooklyn native channels the frenzied, experimental sound of hip hop from the early 90’s, while Pete Rock is at his introspective best. Moreover, the project features guest appearances from the aforementioned Grandmaster Caz and Pete Rock. Along with Big Daddy Kane, Kool G Rap, Grand Puba, Sadat X, Rockness Monsta, Craig G, Ill Skratch and possibly more.
Saigon and Fredro’s The Jordan Era album is set for release on May 3 via the iconic Payday Records.
Singer, songwriter, guitarist and storytellers in harmony, Reggie Harris and Pat Wictor will take the stage together for a powerfully harmonic concert at the 8th Step at Proctors (GE Theatre) in Schenectady on Saturday, February 24.
Often known as a performer of uncommon depth and talent; Reggie Harris writes from a personal but accessible place that reveals his deep sense of humanity and a uniquely positive world view. Harris is also known as a one-half of the eminently prominent duo, Kim & Reggie Harris, the musical trailblazer and master songwriter continues to criss-cross the country, carrying the message of joy, unity, tolerance and peace through the powerful medium of live music.
Upstate NY-based artist performs for audiences of all ages and his 2018 album Ready To Go was ranked as the #5 CD on the Folk DJ Charts and was in the top 30 on the US Folk DJ charts for 5 months of 2018. The title cut was the #1 song for May 2018. In 2019 Reggie and Greg Greenway released Deeper Than the Skin in response to their challenging and insightful presentation of the same name. Reggie is currently a rotating DJ featured on Prisms: The Sound Of Color on SiriusXM’s The Village.
Pat Wictor, of the late lamented band “Brother Sun” is a songwriter rooted in traditional blues, but ranging much wider than that. His strong clear voice and tasty slide guitar accompaniment characterizes his performance, and have made him highly sought after in backing up innumerable other performers on recording and performance. Wictor first burst onto the folk and acoustic scene as an innovative slide guitarist known for fresh and memorable interpretations of traditional and contemporary songs. Since then, he has made his mark as a singer-songwriter penning lean and poetic songs that honor and extend rural blues and gospel traditions. For seven years he toured as one third of Brother Sun, the powerful harmonizing trio with Joe Jencks and Greg Greenway, garnering critical acclaim, two #1 CDs on the Folk DJ charts, and a continent-spanning tour schedule.
Pat spent his early years in Venezuela, the Netherlands, Norway, England, and East Texas and his time abroad gave him an outsider’s wide perspective and set him on a journey to understanding America – and his own American-ness – through music. His early experiences of living amidst different languages and cultures made him accustomed to charting his own course and being ready for the unexpected.
Tickets for Pat Wictor and Reggie Harris at the 8th Step at Proctors (GE Theatre) in Schenectady on February 24 are $26 advance, $28 day of show and $40 Gold Circle (front center section seats & 6:30 pm Meet & Greet onstage), are available here.
Two independent movie theaters in Albany have announced their closing. Landmark Spectrum 8 Theaters on Delaware Ave., and Madison Theatre on Madison Ave. announced the news last week on back to back days.
Spectrum Theatres will hold its final screening on February 22, while Madison Theatre will close its doors on February 25.
Photo by Chuck Miller
Madison Theater owner Kevin Parisi said to the Times Union, “It’s just good timing for us, for our other businesses and where we’re heading. We think it’s ready for someone to take over and take it to the next level, and the busy season is coming in, so it’s the right time for a transition.”
The June 2024 closing of The College of Saint Rose will not help the new owners of Madison Theatre, whoever they may be. The college is within walking distance of Madison Theatre and ‘The Point’ with many bars and restaurants, all which will be taking a financial loss due to lack of college students’ patronage.
“We love Albany and all of its untapped potential. We are so thankful for all of our customers and supporters. You made us what we are. Thank you to our Pine Hills neighborhood for caring and loving our beautiful theatre.”
from a statement posted on Madison Theatre’s Facebook page
The closings come just two months after Pauly’s Hotel, Albany’s oldest bar and a rite of passage for bands of all genres, was closed and put up for sale by the owner. Common among all three, Covid-19 took a toll on customer bases, with fewer people packing into venues of all sizes since March 2020, opting for streaming entertainment at home.
In the same Facebook post, Madison Theatre mentioned Spectrum Theaters closure, saying in solidarity, “The Madison Theatre wants to express our sympathy for the recent news of the Spectrum Theatre closing. Small business owners everywhere can truly understand how hard of a decision it was to make. We know just how much The Spectrum means to the Delaware Avenue neighborhood, and Albany in general. We are extremely confident that they will be back up and running in no time at all. We want to wish all involved an easy transition and look forward to the reopening in what will hopefully be the near future.”
Spectrum 8 has been in operation for more than 30 years, 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.
Landmark Theaters took over Spectrum 8 in 2015, and in announcing the closure, said in a statement, “Landmark Theatres is constantly evaluating its business strategy and has decided to close the Landmark Spectrum Theatre. We are proud to have served the community over its many years of operation. We look forward to adding new Landmark Theatres soon.”
While Landmark stepped in nine years ago to take over Spectrum and keep the Delaware Avenue staple running at full speed, attendance has dwindled since the pandemic, and the decision to close its doors was rapid, leaving employees blindsided, with seven or eight current workers having to look for new employment with less than two weeks notice. With ownership and management changing in the course of those nine years, the focus drifted away from cinema, and thus towards closure.
Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan said in a statement regarding the sudden closing of Spectrum: “I am confident the closure of the Spectrum Theatre will be temporary. I have been in contact with representatives from one of the prospective parties interested in operating the Theatre and look forward to there being a new operator so the shows on Delaware Avenue can go on.”
While these two closures are back to back punches in the gut for Albany, there are still a great deal of movie theaters in the area, including Bowtie Cinemas and Rotterdam Square Mall, as well as Regal Cinemas at Colonie Center, Crossgates Mall and Clifton Park. Still, independent films are hard to come by at these national chain theaters.
Despite the closures, recent openings of venues in the Capital District should be noted. Electric Grinch has opened in Schenectady, and Ophelia’s on Broadway will open its doors soon in the former Parish Public House (née Red Square). Add to this a revitalized downtowns in Albany, Schenectady and Troy, and these theater closures should be seen as exceptions, not the rule, when it comes to entertainment in Albany.
Pink Sweat$ delivered a soulful and electrifying performance at the Gramercy Theatre on February 16, 2024, leaving the audience mesmerized by his unique blend of R&B and pop.
The intimate venue provided the perfect setting for the artist to connect with his fans on a personal level, as he effortlessly transitioned between heartfelt ballads and upbeat tracks. Pink Sweat$ showcased his vocal prowess, hitting every note with precision and emotion, creating a captivating atmosphere that resonated throughout the venue.
Pink Sweat$’s presence was equally impressive, as he engaged the audience with genuine charisma and charm. The intimate nature of the performance allowed him to share anecdotes and stories behind some of his songs, creating a sense of intimacy that enhanced the overall experience.
The energy in the Gramercy Theatre was palpable, with fans singing along and swaying to the rhythm, creating a night that will undoubtedly be etched in their memories. Pink Sweat$’s ability to create a genuine connection with his audience, combined with his musical talent, made for an unforgettable and enjoyable concert experience.
