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  • A Mesmerizing Journey Through Time and Space: Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular at Patchogue Theatre

    On the chilly evening of January 19, music enthusiasts and Pink Floyd fans gathered at the Patchogue Theatre for an unforgettable experience—the Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular. This extraordinary event promised a unique blend of music, visual effects, and a journey through the iconic albums Dark Side of the Moon and The Wall.

    Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular

    As attendees entered the theater, they were greeted with a surprise: each person received two pairs of glasses, hinting at the immersive visual spectacle that awaited them. Excitement filled the air as fans took their seats, eagerly awaiting the start of the show.

    The first half of the performance was dedicated to the timeless masterpiece, Dark Side of the Moon. As the lights dimmed, the audience donned their 3D glasses, instantly transported to a world where music and visuals harmonized in an otherworldly dance. The stage came alive with a mesmerizing display of lasers, perfectly synchronized with the ethereal sounds of Pink Floyd.

    Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular

    A large screen on the stage served as a canvas for three-dimensional images that seemed to leap out into the audience. The combination of 3D glasses and intricate laser work created a surreal experience, immersing everyone in the music and the visual storytelling. Each note seemed to manifest as a burst of color, and the iconic album unfolded in a way that transcended the traditional concert experience.

    The transition to the second half of the show marked a shift in both sound and visuals. The focus turned to the legendary album The Wall, with a special twist. Audience members swapped their 3D glasses for prism glasses, adding a new layer of complexity to the visual experience.

    The prism glasses enhanced the vibrant and kaleidoscopic visuals, complementing the powerful narrative of The Wall. As classic songs from the album echoed through the theater, fans found themselves immersed in a dreamlike state, surrounded by an ever-evolving tapestry of lights and colors.

    The Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular at Patchogue Theatre wasn’t just a concert; it was a journey through the band’s iconic discography, brought to life with cutting-edge visual effects. The fusion of music, lasers, and 3D imagery created a truly immersive experience that left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to attend.

  • Boojum Go Through the Looking Glass for Debut Performance

    The New York City psychedelic rock scene gained a formidable new entrant when Brooklyn-born Boojum took the stage for their first-ever show on Saturday, January 20.

    Performing at the combination music venue/recording studio at Brooklyn’s Firstlive, the four-piece band of Chris Mackin (guitar/vocals), Josh Santiago (guitar/vocals), Sarah Elaz (bass/vocals), and Dan Shein (drums) debuted twelve original songs, with lyrics by poet and translator Tom Mackin. 

    Boojum was born out of a unique one-night-only event at New York’s Brooklyn Bowl that saw Elaz join the Beatles jam band Walrus (Mackin, Santiago and Shein) for a performance inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. Refining that original music and doing away with the theatrical trappings of the “Walrus in Wonderland” show, Boojum’s debut was musically focused, showcasing a creative abundance across an inspired two-sets that kept attendees rapt with refreshing original jams. 

    While the strength of Tom Mackin’s songwriting was apparent when the audience insisted on an unprompted call-and-response during “Vanish Away,” the highlight of the evening was the original “The Mouse.” This bass-driven funky groove led the audience into a fist-pumping “Oysters” to close the first set. When the band retook the stage attendees were treated to another series of originals, peaking with the grooving “Looking Glass House.”

    The full technical capabilities of Firstlive were also on display Saturday night, with Boojum not only leaning into the jam-scene trend of offering a multi-camera live stream of the show but also using the performance to begin recording an inaugural live album.

    In recording their debut EP live, Boojum heightened the atmosphere with added excitement for attendees. The decision to eschew the controlled environment of a studio for the spontaneity and vibrancy of a live performance demonstrated confidence in craft and a belief in the power of the band’s live presentation. 

    Boojum’s debut performance is sure to leave a lasting impression when the inaugural show turns into a full album this spring. Their next performance is at The Sultan Room on March 16. The show will feature dancers, visuals, and guests with the band performing wonderland inspired songs from their forthcoming EP and more. Tickets are on sale now.

    Boojum – Firstlive, Brooklyn – January 20, 2024

    Set 1: Cheshire Cat, Vanish Away, Pig Baby , Vorpal Blade, The Mouse > Oysters 

    Set 2: Mr W. Rabbit > Snark 1, Looking Glass House > Sundial, Caterpillar Hookah

    Encore: Mad Tea Party

  • SPAC Celebrates 75 Years of New York City Ballet with 2024 Season

    Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) has announced its 2024 New York City Ballet (NYCB) season, featuring four unique programs from July 9-13 as part of NYCB’s historic 75 anniversary and its 58 season in Saratoga.

    Sara Mearns, in white, and company in “Swan Lake”, choreography © The George Balanchine Trust, New York City Ballet, David H. Koch Theater, Lincoln Center. Friday, May 26, 2023, 8 pm. Credit Photo: Erin Baiano.

    Called “the foremost creative ballet troupe in the world” by The New York Times, New York City Ballet will bring its roster of more than 90 dancers under the direction of Artistic Director Jonathan Stafford and Associate Artistic Director Wendy Whelan, accompanied by the New York City Ballet Orchestra, led by Music Director Andrew Litton. New York City Ballet, one of the foremost ballet companies in the world, was founded in 1948 by the legendary choreographer George Balanchine and arts patron Lincoln Kirstein and quickly became world-renowned for its athletic and contemporary style. Today, NYCB continues to be inspired by its founders who envisioned an authentically American expression of ballet with a company that reflects the rich cultural diversity of the city and nation.

    “This season marks the occasion of our beloved New York City Ballet’s historic 75 anniversary. We look forward to an incredible week celebrating our shared history over the past nearly six decades, while also pointing toward our exciting future together,” said Elizabeth Sobol, president and CEO of Saratoga Performing Arts Center.

    Opening the season on July 9 is “NYCB On and Off Stage,” hosted by NYCB principal dancers for a unique “behind the curtain” experience featuring excerpts from the week’s ballets and culminating with a celebratory after-party.

    Highlighting the residency is George Balanchine’s three-act work Jewels, returning for the first time since 2016 and featuring Fauré’s elegant Emeralds, Stravinsky’sjazz-inflected Rubies, and Tschaikovsky’s symphonic Diamonds.

    Emily Kikta in “Rubies”, JEWELS, New York City Ballet, David H. Koch Theater, Lincoln Center, Tuesday, September 17, 2019. Credit Photo: Erin Baiano

    Also featured are two evenings dedicated to works by contemporary choreographers including a new work by Amy Hall Garner, which is set to hold its world premiere as part of NYCB’s 2024 spring season. Other works include Gustave le Gray No. 1, a SPAC debut choreographed by Pam Tanowitz and set to the music of Caroline Shaw, Ulysses Dove’s dynamically charged, abstract work Red Angels, and Justin Peck’s sneaker ballet The Times are Racing, heralded by audiences and critics alike since its premiere in 2017.

    Rounding out the season will be two performances of some of Balanchine’s most beloved works, including the classic story ballet Swan Lake, the patriotic Stars and Stripes, the SPAC-commissioned work The Steadfast Tin Soldier, based on Hans Christian Andersen’s charming fairytale, and scenes from Coppélia, featuring children from the Capital Region, celebration the work’s 50 anniversary, which held its world premiere at SPAC in 1974.  

    Daniel Applebaum and Naomi Corti in Gustave Le Gray No. 2, choreography by Pam Tanowitz. New York City Ballet Art Series, Friday, April 29, 2022, David H. Koch Theater, Lincoln Center. Credit Photo: Erin Baiano

    Tickets will be available beginning on February 9 at 10 a.m. for members (tiered by level) and on February 22 at 10 a.m. for the general public. Visit here for details.

    NEW YORK CITY BALLET: JULY 9 – 13 

    NYCB On and Off Stage  

    TUESDAY, JULY 9 @ 7:30 P.M. 

    NYCB principal dancers host a unique “behind the curtain” experience featuring excerpts from the week’s ballets. A compelling evening for newcomers and fans alike. Immediately following the program is a celebratory “dance party” in the Hall of Springs.  

    Jewels 

    WEDNESDAY, JULY 10 @ 7:30 P.M. 

    THURSDAY, JULY 11 @ 2:00 P.M.  

    Emeralds (Fauré/Balanchine) 

    Rubies (Stravinsky/Balanchine) 

    Diamonds (Tschaikovsky/Balanchine) 

    Contemporary Choreography 

    THURSDAY, JULY 11 @ 7:30 P.M. 

    SATURDAY, JULY 13 @ 7:30 P.M. 

    New Garner* (TBA/Garner) 

    Red Angels (Einhorn/Dove) 

    Gustave le Gray No. 1* (Shaw/Tanowitz) 

    The Times Are Racing (Deacon/Peck) 

    Swan Lake & Stars and Stripes 

    FRIDAY, JULY 12 @ 7:30 P.M. 

    SATURDAY, JULY 13 @ 2 P.M.  

    Swan Lake (Tschaikovsky/Balanchine) 

    Scenes from Coppélia (Delibes/Balanchine and Danilova, after Petipa) 

    The Steadfast Tin Soldier (Bizet/Balanchine) 

    Stars and Stripes (Sousa, orch. by Kay/Balanchine)

    *indicates SPAC premiere  

  • Jam Master Jay Murder Trial Nears As Jury Selection Begins For 2 Accused

    The unsolved slaying of beloved hip hop legend Jam Master Jay is close to finding closure. After all, jury selection began on Monday at Brooklyn Federal Court in the murder trial of Jason Mizell, known worldwide as Jam Master Jay.

    The influential Run-DMC DJ suffered a shot to the head outside of his studio in Jamaica, Queens in 2002

    Jam Master Jay mural

    Over the years, numerous theories have circulated regarding Jay’s death. Ranging from issues with the infamous Supreme Team to a drug deal gone bad. However, it seems to be the latter as Karl Jordan Jr., 40, and Ronald Washington, 59, will be on trial for the October 30, 2002 shooting. Moreover, a 10-count indictment unsealed in October, 2020 revealed the motive behind the alleged murder to be 10 Kilograms of cocaine purchased by Jam Master Jay. With the plan being to distribute the drugs between Washington, Jordan Jr. and other co-conspirators.

    Embed from Getty Images

    Trouble arose over who would help distribute the narcotics. With Washington, known as “Lil D” and the Godson of Jam Master Jay and son to Run-DMC road manager “Big D” excluded from the plans. All in all, Jordan Jr., Washington and Jam Master Jay are from the same Hollis neighborhood, with Jordan Jr. being his neighbor. Equally important, another accused Jay Bryant, who reportedly left behind an article of clothing at the crime scene that contained his DNA, has been charged and will be tried in 2026.

    https://youtu.be/PWxn6kebo54?si=iRrbA2aCsbxJpS6f

    Jam Master Jay in Hip Hop

    Jam Master Jay’s death hit the hip hop world hard, as the genre was still recovering from the tragic murder of Tupac and Biggie Smalls. The Hollis, Queens’ native’s legacy is that of a community hero. Known for helping out those in need and for helping budding acts, playing an influential role in the early careers of Onyx and 50 Cent among others. Yet, his death felt as tough one of the genre’s true innovators came to an untimely end.

    As a result there were celebratory tributes of his life throughout major award shows for the pioneering DJ. Meanwhile, fans held ceremonial vigils to honor the revolutionary DJ. When the case ran dry rap royalty put together reward money in hopes of finding closure. Opening statements in the trial against Jordan, Jr. and Washington will begin on January 29.

  • Magic City Hippies Perform at the Brooklyn Bowl for Winter Tour

    On Thursday, January 18, Miami’s alternative funk band Magic City Hippies performed at the Brooklyn Bowl in continuation of their ongoing winter tour featuring opening artists, The Palms and Josh Fudge.

    magic city hippies

    The Palms formed in Los Angeles in 2015, and have become commendable in today’s independent musical landscape. Some of their top hits include “Breakin’ Up,” “Push Off,” and “All4you,” from their 2016 EP Sway.

    Josh Fudge is an Oklahoma-born multi-instrumentalist who mixes modern vibrancy with alternative indie-pop that feels nostalgic. He is able to bring people together and creates an intimate, homegrown sensation throughout the crowd.

    magic city hippies

    Magic City Hippies are originally from Miami and first dubbed themselves Robby Hunter Band before being renamed back in 2015. They began self producing in 2013 when their first self-titled EP was released. Over the years, their sound has evolved while utilizing loop pedals and incorporating elements of electronic indie rock with a strong emphasis on groove.

    The band consists of lead vocalist and guitarist Robby Hunter, drummer Pat Howard, and guitarist John Coughlin. Some top hits include “Limestone” and “Fanfare” from the Hippie Castle EP and “Queen” and “Water Your Garden” from most recent album Water Your Garden.

    magic city hippies

    Overall, their energetic live performance put on quite the show, blending a mix of psychedelic pop and funk groove while receiving both fan and critical attention during their musical success. Thursday night saw a youthful exchange between the artist and the crowd, cementing a memorable fifth night as part of their winter tour. MCH’s next pit stop is in Boston as we look forward to seeing what’s in store for the  band’s evolution in the psych-funk music scene. 

  • Mother Mother and Cavetown Join Forces for Upcoming Co-Headlining Tour

    Canadian Alt-rock group Mother Mother and multi-platinum singer/songwriter Cavetown come together for a huge co-headlining tour across North America this summer. The tour will see two dates at NYC’s The Rooftop at Pier 17 on July 9 and 10.

    Mother Mother, known for being Canada’s number one alt-rock export, and Cavetown, indie/bedroom-pop artist who’s amassed over a billion global streams. Together, the two headliners are certain to make noise across the country this summer. The tour will be promoting new music from both acts. Mother Mother has released their latest single, “Nobody Escapes,” and Cavetown has announced the release of new music to come sometime in early 2024.

    Mother mother Cavetown
    Mother Mother in 2021

    Mother Mother Cavetown 2024 North American Tour Dates

    June 7               Phoenix, AZ                   Arizona Financial Theatre

    June 8               Los Angeles, CA            The Torch

    June 9               San Diego, CA               Gallagher Square at Petco Park

    June 11             Berkeley, CA                  The Greek

    June 14             Troutdale, OR                Edgefield

    June 15             Vancouver, BC              Rogers Arena

    June 16             Seattle, WA                   Seattle Zoo

    June 18             Salt Lake City, UT         Granary Live

    June 20             Morrison, CO                 Red Rocks Amphitheatre

    June 22             Dallas, TX                      South Side Ballroom

    June 23             Austin, TX                      Moody Amphitheatre at Waterloo Park

    June 25             Houston, TX                  713 Music Hall

    June 28             Miami, FL                      FPL Solar Amphitheater

    June 29             Orlando, FL                   Orlando Amphitheater

    June 30             Atlanta, GA                    Coca-Cola Roxy

    July 2                Washington, DC            The Anthem

    July 3                Philadelphia, PA            Skyline Stage at The Mann

    July 5                Toronto, ON                   Budweiser Stage

    July 7                Boston, MA                    MGM Music Hall at Fenway

    July 9               New York, NY                The Rooftop at Pier 17

    July 10              New York, NY               The Rooftop at Pier 17

    July 12              Sterling Heights, MI        Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre 

    July 13              Chicago, IL                    Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island

    Artist pre-sales go live on January 22 at 11 am, with general on-sale beginning on January 26 at 10 am. Click HERE for ticket information. To hear Mother Mother’s latest single, see below.

  • Tucker Woods Explores The Importance of Going With The Flow in “Are You Glass?”

    New York-based duo Tucker Woods has released a new single “Are You Glass?” from their upcoming album Sunshine Blues, set to be released on March 15.

    Tucker Woods is a band that delivers an authentic and dynamic sound with an energetic and youthful spirit. The duo consists of Chris Hurd on guitar, vocals, and songwriter and Brian Motel on bass and keys. The two met on a whim nearly a decade ago and instantly found that not only did their capabilities gel perfectly, but also an ever-important part of the equation fit seamlessly: their music is held together by an unspoken mantra to serve the song.

    Are You Glass?” was produced/engineered by Warren Trunz and it features the traces and importance of going with the flow. “With tried-and-true rock ‘n’ roll influences, the music on Sunshine Blues is a modern throwback, with tinges of Oasis and The Who, the Kinks, Tom Petty, and the Foo Fighters throughout. It’s a varied, inventive set of melodies and hooks infused with a message of hope and endurance”, Hurd stated. 

    With the release of a new track, the duo has also announced the release of their new album Sunshine Blues set to be released on March 15. Presave the album here.

    “Are You Glass?” from Tucker Woods is available to stream everywhere. For more information about the band, visit here.

  • Rail Rider Jamboree 2024 in Ellicottville to Feature Infamous Stringdusters, Karina Rykman and more

    The Rail Rider Jamboree will return to Ellicottville in March 2024, boasting a lineup of music that includes Karina Rykman, The Infamous Stringdusters, Organ Fairchild, Dirty Blanket and Buffalo Brass Machine.

    rail rider jamboree 2024

    The one day event on Saturday, March 23 takes place at Holiday Valley Ski Resort.

    rail rider jamboree 2024

    March 23 will be an incredible day of music, skiing, pond skimming, craft beer, food, vendors and more in store.

    rail rider jamboree 2024

    Holiday Valley Resort (AKA, Holiday Valley) is a family-friendly ski resort in Ellicottville, opened in 1957, with four runs and a T-bar lift.

    Head to railriderjam.com for Rail Rider Jamboree 2024 GA & VIP Tickets, on sale now. Save $10 when you purchase early-bird passes. Discounted lodging rates are also available through Holiday Valley at railriderjam.com.

  • In Focus: 2024 NYC Winter Jazz Fest, Manhattan Marathon & Brooklyn Marathon

    Over the weekend of January 12-13, 2024, NYC Winter Jazz Fest marked its 20th annual celebration. Talented artists captivated the audience with electrifying stage performances and incredible music across lower Manhattan and near downtown Brooklyn.

    LPR Venue – 1.12.24

    In 2005, Brice Rosenbloom initiated the NYC Winter Jazz Fest with the aim of providing exposure to underserved jazz artists. As the festival has grown over the past 16 years, The New York Times calls Winter Jazzfest “the city’s most renowned jazz festival.” 

    Rafiq Bhatia at Music Hall of Williamsburg – 1.13.24

    The Manhattan Marathon took place at diverse venues, including City Winery, Zinc Bar, LPR, Zurcher Gallery, RACKET Future Sounds, Radio Nublu, and Nublu. Whether it was a smaller or larger venue, each location was filled with enthusiastic crowds eager to enjoy fantastic music.

    Mamas Gun at Brooklyn Bowl – 1.13.24

    Union Pool, Loove Labs, Music Hall of Williamsburg, Super Ingredients, Brooklyn Bowl, Jolene Sound room, Baby’s All Right, and several other venues played host to the Brooklyn Marathon. Despite the chilly weather, the excitement of fans remained undeterred as they eagerly gathered to listen to their favorite and new music. Every artist displayed exceptional talent, showcasing their dedication through singing or instrumental prowess. If you happened to miss this year’s Winter Jazz Fest, you definitely wouldn’t want to miss the next one.

    Cisco Swank at Baby’s All Right – 1.13.24
    Cisco Swank at Baby’s All Right – 1.13.24
    Alexis Lombre at Zinc Bar – 1.12.24
    Mark Guiliana at Super Ingredient – 1.13.24
    Chiquita Magic at RACKET Future Sounds – 1.12.24
    Mamas Gun at Brooklyn Bowl – 1.13.24
    Brandee Younger playing the harp with blue smoke and golden light illuminating her.
    Brandee Younger at LPR – 1.12.24
    LPR – 1.12.24
    Ambrose playing the trumpet with his eyes closed in a dark room.
    Ambrose Akinmusine at ROCKET Future Sounds – 1.12.24
  • Albany Symphony Orchestra to Celebrate “100 Years of Rhapsody in Blue” in February

    The Albany Symphony Orchestra announced a February concert to Celebrate 100 years of Rhapsody in Blue with Kevin Cole. The concert will take place on Feb. 10 at the Proctors Theatre.

    albany symphony orchestra Rhapsody in Blue

    The Albany Symphony celebrates its living musical heritage through its adventurous programming, commissioning, and recording of new work, and broad community engagement beyond the concert hall. The Two-time Grammy winning Symphony will host a 100th birthday party concert for Rhapsody in Blue, featuring Kevin Cole, the world’s foremost interpreter of George Gershwin’s piano music. The program will include, An American in Paris, Carlos Simon’s AMEN! and Simon Says, and a world premiere trombone concerto by Jack Frerer.

    Cole, who has performed with over 100 orchestras worldwide, has appeared several times with the Albany Symphony. He was the first pianist to perform all four of Gershwin’s works for piano and orchestra with the Symphony.

    Albany Symphony Orchestra Rhapsody in Blue david alan miller

    The concert also coincides with the release of a Naxos recording David Alan Miller created with Cole and the National Orchestra Institute Philharmonic. The concert will also feature a trombone concerto created by Jack Frerer and featuring the principal trombonist of the Albany Symphony, Greg Spirdopoulos.

    Founded in 1930 in New York’s Capital Region, the Albany Symphony serves a diverse regional audience covering more than seven counties and parts of three states. In addition to an eight-concert subscription season, an annual multi-day American Music Festival including performances by the orchestra’s genre-bending ensemble Dogs of Desire, and a host of education and community outreach events, the Albany Symphony regularly serves as an ambassador for new music and Upstate innovation beyond the Capital Region. 

    Recognized as one of America’s most innovative and creative orchestras, Albany Symphony is renowned for virtuosic performances featuring classic orchestral favorites, lesser-heard masterworks, and a diverse array of new music from leading and emerging voices of today.

    The concert will take place on Feb. 10 at the Proctors Theatre and Tickets are available here