Caffe Lena has announced the return of blues-roots fan-favorite Professor Louie & The Crowmatix on October 26.
Professor Louie & The Crowmatix from Woodstock have been consistently returning to Caffe Lena. They have been expanding the borders of the Americana, Roots & Blues genres since the early 2000’s with Professor Louie’s stories, keyboard playing, singing and accordion. Their repertoire continually expands with Crowmatix songs from their 17 albums of originals, blues and Americana music.
Their connection with audiences at shows helps create a family rapport. Prof. Louie (keyboards vocals-accordion) is joined onstage by band mates Miss Marie (vocals, percussion and piano) Frank Campbell (bass, vocals) guitar-slinging skills of Todd Mihan and drummer Dan Hickey. Professor Louie & The Crowmatix create a show that is constantly evolving with songs consisting of elements of Rock n Roll, Blues, Folk & Gospel Music with a dose of Jam framed in solid songwriting.
Professor Louie is known for his production work with the famous rock group The Band. His performance style and songwriting has been known to captivate audiences in both The Crowmatix and his solo work. Caffe Lena is proud to host the multi-talented group yet again this October 26 from 8:00PM to 10:00PM.
Tickets to see the group play at Caffe Lena start at $15 and can be purchased online here. To learn more about the Crowmatix, click here.
Works & Process has announced a production of Peter & the Wolf by Sergei Prokofiev in direct collaboration with and featuring Isaac Mizrahi among other seasoned creatives at the Guggenheim.
A non-profit without walls, Works & Process promotes performing artists and their creative endeavors from studio to stage. Through longitudinal and fully funded creative residencies and commissioning support, Works & Process platforms creators from the world’s largest organizations and amplifies under-recognized performing arts cultures.
Presenting at the Guggenheim Museum, Manhattan West, and the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts with the Jerome Robbins Dance Division, Works & Process presents a variety of year round programs including their iconic summer dance programs with City Parks Foundation’s SummerStage and NYC Parks, all while their LaunchPAD program offers industry-leading residencies and amenities for rising creatives.
Veteran of practically every aspect of the entertainment industry, Isaac Mizrahi has worked as a performer, host, writer, designer, and producer for over 30 years. Most recently seen as Amos Hart in the Broadway production of Chicago and widely recognized for his annual residency at Café Carlyle in New York City among his archive of other iconic venues throughout the state and beyond, it’s no wonder why he’s been hailed as the pioneer of “a genre that fuses performance art, music, and stand-up comedy”- as put by The New York Times.
In addition to live performance, Mizrahi can be recognized through his television and film works including the Sundance Film Festival award-winning documentary Unzipped that followed the making of his Fall 1994 collection, his seven-year run as the host of his own talk show appropriately titled The Isaac Mizrahi Show, and his position as judge for all seven seasons of Project Runway: All-Stars.
The skill of Mizrahi, the mission of Works & Progress, and many other creatives’ efforts will be meeting in their production of Peter & the Wolf by Sergei Prokofiev on December 6 and 7. Not only has Mizrahi taken on the mantle of director for the production, the cast will be fully costumed in his designs and his voice will grace the stage as the show’s narrator.
Mizrahi is in great company- Peter & the Wolf is to feature the sound of Carnegie Hall’s Ensemble Connect conducted by Michael P. Atkinson and the moves of recognized choreographer John Heginbotham.
Photo: Shervin Lainez
New York City based composer, arranger, conductor, and instrumentalist Michael P. Atkinson is most recognized for his collaborations with the likes of Sufjan Stevens, Justin Peck, William Kentridge, New York Philharmonic, Amsterdam Sinfonietta, New York Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, International Contemporary Ensemble, BalletCollective, Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the list goes on.
An Associate Conductor of The Knights and guest conductor of the New York City Ballet, the Orlando Philharmonic, and the world premiere of seven ballets- including two of Justin Peck’s presented at Works & Process- it’s an understatement to say it’s exciting to see his skill lent to the production.
Graduate of The Juilliard School for dance, John Heginbotham is a powerhouse of a choreographer. Among countless other works, Heginbotham has choreographed Netflix’s The Umbrella Academy Season 3- which earned him a 2023 World Choreography Award nomination, the Tony and Olivier Award-winning revival of Oklahoma!, and has created works for ballet and opera companies including The Washington Ballet, Atlanta Ballet, BalletX, Dutch National Opera, LA Opera, and San Francisco Opera.
In addition to these accomplishments, Heginbotham has collaborated with the likes of Maira Kalman, Maile Okamura, Colin Jacobsen, Tyondai Braxton, Joshua Bell, Ethan Iverson, Brooklyn Rider, The Knights, Alarm Will Sound, and the production’s very own Isaac Mizrahi. He also lends his skills to Dance Heginbotham as Artistic Director, the Dartmouth Dance Ensemble as Director and faculty to the school, and the founding teacher of Dance for PD.
Each iconic figure in this collaboration guarantees a culminating unforgettable thirty minute production of Peter & the Wolf for the young and young at heart in the iconic Guggenheim Museum. With four shows over the course of December 6 and 7, the heartwarming show is not one to be missed.
No matter how big or small, all audience members will require a ticket- which are available now. Starting at $20, tickets can be purchased on the Works & Process website here.
BRIC, the Brooklyn-based leading arts and media institution announces the next event in the BRIC House Parties series – Disturbia.
The October 26 Halloween event at BRIC House in Brooklyn is a project in collaboration with The Culture LP. Disturbia is an eerie Afrofuturistic Halloween experience hosted by multi-talented DJs Quiana Parks, Vashtie, 9am and Eden. This one-of-a-kind Halloween party promises to transport guests into an Afrofuturistic realm with immersive visuals, haunting soundscapes, and pulsing beats.
BRIC House Party is a new series at BRIC House in Downtown Brooklyn that lets DJs take center stage in their own creative playground. It’s not just a gig; it’s a full takeover. DJs curate the vibe, from the layout and visuals to the crowd size, for a dynamic, 360-degree experience that fosters a tight-knit connection between them and the audience.
BRIC House Party builds on BRIC’s longstanding commitment to empowering the communities of Brooklyn. By handing the reins to local DJs, we create a platform for diverse voices and artistic visions, ensuring everyone has a chance to be seen and heard. This event sells tickets ranging from standard to VIP and is mandatorily 21+.
Disturbia takes place at 9:00pm at 647 Fulton Street in Brooklyn, NY. Standard tickets are being sold online for $27 while VIP tickets are $85. Come in your best futuristic attire and let the beats and visuals guide you through this dark, mystical voyage into the unknown. Disturbia is not just a Halloween event—it’s an odyssey into a haunted futurescape.
“Disturbia is my way of bringing together everything I love- art, music, and that eerie magic only Halloween can create. With New York’s best DJs and an art and sound exhibition that speaks to the soul, we’re crafting an unforgettable experience that invites everyone to step into the unexpected”
DJ Quiana Parks
For more information on BRIC House’s Disturbia event and to purchase tickets, click here.
On October 10, Madison Square Garden hosted an unforgettable evening with the legendary Stevie Wonder, as part of his “Sing Your Song! As We Fix Our Nation’s Broken Heart” tour. The concert not only celebrated Wonder’s timeless music but also delivered a powerful message of hope and unity, ahead of the upcoming presidential election.
The tour takes its name from Wonder’s latest single, “Can We Fix Our Nation’s Broken Heart,” released shortly after his performance at the Democratic National Convention in August. Speaking to the audience, Wonder explained the inspiration behind the song. “I wrote the song because in the air I could feel the hearts being broken by negativity, by hatred, by racism, by bulls—t,” he said. Before diving into the music, he reminded the audience of the importance of leadership, saying, “To have been given the gift of being a leader means that the Most High has given you the responsibility of living in the light of truth.”
After this heartfelt message, Wonder quickly added with a smile, “But I’m not here to preach,” before sitting at his piano to perform “Can We Fix Our Nation’s Broken Heart,” captivating the audience with both his message and his music.
From there, Stevie Wonder took fans on a journey through his five-decade-long career, filled with a dazzling mix of hits and deep cuts. Accompanied by a string section, brass section, background vocalists, dancers, and various other musicians, he performed songs that ranged from the smooth grooves of “As If You Read My Mind” and “Master Blaster (Jammin’)” from his Hotter Than July album, to the urgent funk of “Higher Ground,” a track that feels as relevant today as it did 51 years ago.
Throughout the evening, Wonder kept the crowd energized with a mix of his most beloved classics. Highlights included “My Cherie Amour,” “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours),” “For Once in My Life,” and the soulful ballad “Overjoyed.”
Halfway through the show, Stevie Wonder introduced rising star Sheléa, who took center stage for a breathtaking performance of Aretha Franklin’s “Until You Come Back to Me” and “Something’s Coming.” The collaboration continued when Wonder returned to the stage, and together they performed feel-good hits like “It’s All Right” and “Don’t You Worry ’Bout a Thing,” their voices blending seamlessly.
Wonder then treated the audience to more timeless hits, including “Living for the City,” the upbeat and joyous “Sir Duke,” and the celebratory “Isn’t She Lovely.”
Fittingly, he ended the night with the final two tracks from his iconic Songs in the Key of Life album: “As” and “Another Star.” The entire arena sang along, closing the show on a high note of unity and optimism.
Setlist: Can We Fix Our Nation’s Broken Heart, As If You Read My Mind, Master Blaster (Jammin’), Higher Ground, You Are the Sunshine of My Life, For Once in My Life, Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours, My Cherie Amour, Chapel of Love, Overjoyed, Until You Come Back to Me, Somethings Coming, Contusion, It’s All Right, Don’t You Worry ’bout a Thing, All I Do, Village Ghetto Land, Living for the City, Sir Duke, I Wish, Isn’t She Lovely, Just the Way You Are, Send One Your Love, Do I Do, I Just Called to Say I Love You, Superstition, As, Another Star
The Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra has announced an exciting collaboration with Jeans ‘n Classics, “Dancing Queen: The Music of ABBA,” as the first performance of the Philharmonic’s 2024-2025 Visions Federal Credit Union Pops Series.
Acting as the Southern Tier’s largest and longest-serving professional symphony orchestra, the Binghamton Philharmonic serves up to 10,000 people annually through a variety of innovative, engaging, educational, and affordable programming upon the core philosophy of “building community through the power of music.”
Partnering with the Philharmonic is Jeans ‘n Classics, who have a remarkable 27 year legacy of their own. Since its inception, the group bridges the skill of symphony orchestras with that of emerging world-class rock musicians. Creating new interpretations of orchestral scores through a rock lens, Jeans ‘n Classics transcends both genre and generational boundaries to create a broader community of music lovers at large.
The two class acts will combine for one timeless evening celebrating all things ABBA in Dancing Queen: The Music of ABBA. Featuring beloved hits like “Fernando,” “Waterloo,” and the title track of the evening “Dancing Queen,” it’s sure to be an unforgettable night of orchestral, rock, and Swedish pop fun.
Known for their particular spin on classic hits with orchestra, Jeans ‘n Classics’ skills will shine as their dynamic stylings meet the sonic grandeur of the Binghamton Philharmonic in a love letter to ABBA’s works. A lifelong fan or uninitiated to the 70s Swedish pop craze, Dancing Queen: The Music of ABBA promises an unforgettable night of pure joy, celebration, and powerful live music.
Tickets are available now, with prices starting at $28. Kids 17 and under can attend free thanks to Pops Series Sponsor Visions Federal Credit Union. For more information on ticket purchasing and the Binghamton Philharmonic’s other events, visit their website here.
To learn about Jeans ‘n Classics, listen to their works, and keep up to date on future events like Dancing Queen, visit their website here.
Contemporary pop visionary and musician Stranger Cat has released the second pre-release single off of her upcoming sophomore album, “Hollow Heartbreak”.
With her hands on every step of the creative process, New York City based Stranger Cat is a vocalist, producer, composer, light artist, video maker, DJ, and dancer- creativity is her calling, and each contemporary pop release of hers encompasses Cat’s inner mind, bringing it into the physical for others to appreciate and connect to.
Cat’s self-made range of creative skills have earned her merits such as the New York Foundation of the Arts Women’s Grant in 2020 and the NYFA/NYC City Corps Grant in 2021, in addition to a performance spot at the iii Points festival in Miami in 2023 and installations of her self-programmed light sculptures at Art Basel Miami events from 2021-2023.
Stranger Cat’s skills have also made their way into collaborations with musical luminaries like Sufjan Stevens, Sharon Van Etten, Son Lux, Lucius, and the Shins on Saturday Night Live, among many others.
Following her debut album In the Wilderness, Cat’s sophomore album Slow Jam Love Letters To My Body In Pieces gives the listener permission to feel and express every emotion, no matter how embarrassing or big- “the kind of dance you do alone when no one is looking.”
This album in particular encapsulates several experiences of high emotions, as the tracks were produced from bed while Cat recovered from a life-threatening accident that kept her completely immobilized for five months, doctors predicting that she would not be able to dance again. As Cat healed physically and emotionally, Slow Jam Love Letters To My Body In Pieces was brought into fruition, piece by piece.
Despite predictions of the worst, Cat returned to dancing and left all of her pain, heartbreak, and hope in ten tracks that would become her upcoming album. Slow Jam Love Letters To My Body In Pieces may have been largely a tool for healing and an emotional outlet for herself in a moment of great emotional stress, but it has become larger than just the singular- the project channels these emotions and connects with the listener, allowing them to reflect and heal as well.
“Hollow Heartbreak” allowed Cat to process the ache of loss, opening the track and the production process with the idea of angels weeping in mind. Throughout the iterations of vocals and audio mixing, the music became cleansing- it enabled emotional realization and reflection in a way other things simply couldn’t. “By the end of building the track I’d reached a total 180,” Cat admits- “through creating an 808s and synths dance party, letting it all go.”
A synth-heavy anthemic dance track, “Hollow Heartbreak” invites the listener along the journey to rediscovering the relief and joy at the end of the grieving process when coping with a breakup. A testament to Cat’s personal journey and desire to bring listeners the same emotional catharsis, “Hollow Heartbreak” bares emotions raw and dances without care.
Stranger Cat will be performing alongside Laura Burhenn of The Mynabirds in New York City and Brooklyn for two nights at the end of October. Night one will be held at the Francis Kite Club as a part of the Artists For Ceasefire + Special Guests event on October 26, and night two will be held on October 27 at the Agrarian Loft in Brooklyn.
To learn more about Slow Jam Love Letters To My Body In Pieces, Stranger Cat’s other projects, and keep up with her latest releases, you can visit her website here.
Caffe Lena in Saratoga Springs has announced the return of their free annual pop-up health and wellness clinic on October 20.
Medical professionals from Saratoga Hospital and community organizations will provide testing, evaluation, health & wellness education, as well as assistance obtaining access to ongoing care during a one-day pop-up health clinic. These services are available free of charge to anyone in the creative community, including artists, musicians, designers, photographers, filmmakers, writers, and all others who work in a creative capacity and live in the Saratoga region.
The clinic was brought to life three years ago through the vision of Saratoga Hospital Community Health Center nurse and musician Jill Burnham RN, BCEN of “Mark and Jill Sing the Blues”. This year’s event is made possible by the generous support of the Rotary Club of Saratoga, with additional support from Caffè Lena, Sight and Sound Vision Care for the Music Industry, and Saratoga Hospital.
Available services will include:
Vision Screenings and Free Eyewear/Sight and Sound Vision Care
Insurance Navigation Services
Connection to Primary Care Services/Saratoga Hospital Community Health Center
Narcan Training & Distribution
Blood Pressure Screenings
Nutrition Services
Cancer Screening Program
Hearing Screenings
To learn more about Caffe Lena’s pop-up health and wellness clinic on October 20 visit their website by clicking here.
Brooklyn based project Bands Do BK has announced the official VHS compilation release of live performances from a 3-day, 15-band event held at Arlene’s Grocery earlier this May.
Born out of a desire to bring musicians to fans and vice versa throughout Brooklyn and beyond, Bands do BK is a project designed to offer readers uncut perspectives of the borough from their favorite local artists and musicians. From personable conversation, spotlights on new releases, and events hosted for fans and creators alike, Bands do BK avoids pomp and pretense in favor of genuine content curated for music lovers and makers, by music lovers and makers.
Back in May of this year, Bands do BK put on a powerful three-day event at the iconic Arlene’s Grocery comprised of 15 emerging bands of the local indie scene. Capturing the liveliness of the tightly knit NYC music scene throughout every set while in a historically significant area that has consistently provided a space for creatives and musicians alike, the event was a major hit.
Now, in an exciting one-of-a-kind VHS compilation, the project and its impactful message have been further immortalized. Spearheaded by Executive Producer Marc Seligman and Production Coordinator (and Bands do BK Curator) Sam Sumpter, The Music Matters NYC is a 67 minute testament to the immortality of music in New York City and the newest voices taking that charge.
Artists featured in the compilation correspond with the original performance dates- day one’s Big Girl, Tilden, A Very Special Episode, Tetchy, and TVOD are showcased alongside day two’s O. Wake, NEVVA, Two-Man Giant Squid, Mary Shelley, and day three’s AVATAREDEN, Jelly Kelly, Go Home, Night Spins, and SKORTS.
Largely inspired by the authentic work of these artists and a vision of capturing the essence of their performances in a genuine way, a simple documentary-style idea quickly developed into the nostalgic experience that is a VHS release- a perfect call back to analog recordings that pays homage to the timelessness of New York City’s indie music scene alongside a uniquely nostalgic viewer experience.
“My hope is that this doc serves as a window into our community—what’s happening in venues, parks, bars, backyards and basements across the city on any given day or night. I hope it inspires you to fall in love with these artists like I have and to buy music and merch, go to local shows and support this sweet, sweet scene that we, as New Yorkers, are unbelievably lucky to have access to. NYC isn’t even close to dead, and I’m beyond stoked to showcase some of the incredible bands who are out there proving it.”
– Sam Sumpter, Bands do BK Curator
The event’s performances were subsequently recorded by a top-tier crew including Brad Wagner and Juan Soria on audio and video production assisted by Charlie Peterson, Jeff Schaer-Moses on photography, and Jason Toledo on video editing in addition to being a co-producer.
To be released on Friday November 1, the official The Music Matters NYC VHS compilation will be available through Bands do BK, Arlene’s Grocery, Village Revival Records, and all of the bands featured at their shows.
In addition, Bands do BK has announced an exciting upcoming watch party at the very same Arlene’s Grocery. Bringing together fans, friends, and artists in a larger community of creativity and appreciation for live performance, the once-in-a-lifetime chance to relive the magic in the same room where it was made is not to be missed.
No official date for the watch party has been announced yet, so to keep up to date on the latest updates as well as all of Bands do BK’s endeavors, visit their website here.
On Sunday, October 13, Marcus King took the stage at Brooklyn Paramount, delivering a solid performance that highlighted his powerful vocals and guitar work.
With his new album Blood Orange recently released, the show was a blend of older fan favorites and fresh material, showcasing King’s mix of blues, rock, and Southern soul.
Backed by a talented band, King was joined by Jack Ryan on drums, Drew Smithers on guitar, Mike Runyon on keys, and Eric Vogel on bass, all of whom contributed to the full, rich sound of the night. Kicking off with “The Well,” King set a steady pace. His voice carried depth, particularly on tracks like “Hero” and “Beautiful Stranger,” while “Goodbye Carolina” brought a bluesy vibe that resonated with the crowd. Songs from Blood Orange reflected a more refined sound, thanks in part to Rick Rubin’s stripped-back production, which allowed King’s musicianship and storytelling to come through clearly.
One of the highlights of the evening was a cover of “Me and Bobby McGee,” where King invited opener Brittany Spencer and 18-year-old guitarist Grace Bowers to join him on stage. Their performance of the classic song was a nice change of pace, and the blend of voices and guitar added a fresh layer to the song.
Brittany Spencer opened the night with a strong set of her own, performing tracks like “Night In,” “If You Say So,” “Bigger Than The Song,” and “My First Rodeo.” Spencer’s voice was clear and powerful, and she kept the audience engaged with her mix of country and soul influences. Over the years, she’s shared stages with artists like Willie Nelson and Jason Isbell, and her reputation as an up-and-coming artist continues to grow.
For the encore, King returned with a soulful rendition of “When a Man Loves a Woman,” followed by a cover of Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs.” Grace Bowers joined him again for the latter, adding a punch to the performance with her impressive guitar skills.
Overall, Marcus King’s show at Brooklyn Paramount was a solid mix of blues, rock, and heartfelt performances. The new material from Blood Orange stood out, marking a step forward in King’s evolving sound, while the mix of covers, collaborations, and a talented backing band made the night memorable for fans.
Setlist: The Well, Hero, Inglewood Hotel, Beautiful Stranger, Honky Tonk Hell, Die Alone, Bipolar Love, Goodbye Carolina, F*** Up My Life Again, Lie, Lie Lie, Me and Bobby McGee, Delilah, Wildflowers & Wine
On Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025 at Kleinhans Music Hall of Buffalo, the 120th birthday of legendary composer Harold Arlen will be celebrated.
Presented by JazzBuffalo in collaboration with Kleinhans Music Hall, a special 120th birthday celebration and concert will pay tribute to one of Buffalo’s most legendary musical icons, Harold Arlen, in the Mary Seaton Room at Kleinhans Music Hall.
Born on Feb. 15, 1905, Arlen was the composer behind some of the most beloved songs in the Great American Songbook such as, “Stormy Weather,” “Come Rain or Come Shine,” “Get Happy,” and, of course, “Over the Rainbow.” The latter is of course the iconic song from The Wizard of Oz that earned him an Academy Award and is frequently hailed as the greatest song of the 20th century.
Since passing away in 1986, Arlen’s compositions have left a mark on American music, shaping the landscape of jazz and popular music for generations.
This concert aims to highlight Arlen’s Buffalo roots by exploring where he grew up, performed, and began his illustrious career. From his early days playing piano on the S.S. Canadiana to his rise as a Broadway and Hollywood composer, Arlen’s Buffalo upbringing was integral to his success, and the event will honor the city’s role in shaping his career.
The concert will be headlined by acclaimed jazz pianist and Western New York native Pete Malinverni, who has made a name for himself as a composer, arranger, and educator based in New York City. Joining Malinverni will be internationally renowned violinist Julie Kurtzman and rising star jazz vocalist Anaïs Reno. Together, they will bring new life to Arlen’s cherished songs, including “Over the Rainbow” through fresh arrangements and performances, offering audiences a unique opportunity to experience the music of this Buffalo-born legend.
Early bird ticket pricing is available throughout Oct. at $35 and tickets are priced at $40 afterward. Purchase tickets here.
