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Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes Brings Oktoberfest for Opening Concert on October 12
The Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes (OSFL) celebrates Oktoberfest this autumn with a musical journey through the works of legendary German and Austrian composers, including Beethoven, Brahms, and the Strauss family—Josef, Johann Sr., and Johann Jr.

This special concert will take place on Saturday, October 12, at 7:00 PM, at Christ Episcopal Church in Corning, NY.

The evening’s highlight will be a performance of the Brahms Violin Concerto, featuring Jinyoung Yoon, an award-winning violinist from Seoul, South Korea, whose stunning artistry has earned her international recognition. She has been a soloist with prominent orchestras, including the Seoul Philharmonic and Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra as the first prize winner of the ECSO concerto competition. Jinyoung is currently pursuing her Master’s degree at the Curtis Institute of Music under the tutelage of Ida Kavafian and Erin Keefe. Yoon continues to impress audiences as a rising star in the classical music world.

The OSFL, under the baton of Maestro Toshiyuki Shimada, will perform a program filled with iconic works, capturing the lively spirit of Oktoberfest. The repertoire for the evening includes Beethoven’s Fidelio Overture and Brahms’ Violin Concerto on the first half of the concert. The second half brings together the prolific output of the talented Strauss family with polkas, waltzes and more:
- The famous Blue Danube, Gypsy Baron Overture, Annen Polka, and Leichtes Blut “High Spirits” Polka composed by Johann Strauss, Jr.
- Frauenherz Polka “A Woman’s Heart” by his brother Josef Strauss
- Radetzky March by their father, Johann Strauss, Sr.
From Beethoven’s dramatic overture to the swirling waltzes and polkas of the Strauss family, “Oktoberfest at the Symphony” offers a perfect blend of elegance and festivity, reminiscent of Vienna’s golden age of music.

In an effort to make this cultural experience accessible to all, the OSFL is offering FREE tickets for children under 18 when accompanied by a ticketed adult. Tickets are available at $29, $44, or $59, with a discounted rate of $15 for college students with a valid ID.

This concert is presented in cooperation with Corning Rotary’s Crystal City Oktoberfest, promising a festive atmosphere that celebrates the intersection of music and community.

A sneak peak of this concert will be presented to Corning Painted Post Middle School students, with support from the Bobbie and John G. Ullman Family Foundation.

Programs of the Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes are made possible in part with general support from the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, the Hilliard Foundation, New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the governor and the New York State Legislature, and Corning Incorporated Community Impact & Investment. FREE Under 18 is provided by the Anderson Foundation.

For tickets, subscriptions, and more information, visit www.osfl.org or contact the OSFL office at (607) 936-2873.
September 23, 2024
Acoustic Duo Murray’s Law to Deliver Exclusive Performance at The Egg

Dynamic acoustic duo Murray’s Law is set to deliver an exclusive performance at Swyer Theater at The Egg in Albany on October 20.

The acoustic duo features Brian Murray and Jimmy Law from the acclaimed New Jersey jam quintet Dogs in a Pile. Murray’s Law delivers an acoustic experience that highlights their vibrant covers and a compelling mix of original compositions, making each performance a bold and engaging experience.

The intimate setting of the Swyer Theater offers the perfect backdrop for audiences to connect with the raw musical prowess and captivating energy that Brian and Jimmy bring to the stage.

Murray’s Law emerges from the profound creative synergy between Brian and Jimmy, known for their role in Dogs in a Pileâa band currently riding the wave of success with a string of notable achievements. Dogs in a Pile has captivated the Capital Region for years, recently making regional headlines after announcing their second annual headlining New Year’s Eve run at Saratoga Springs’ Putnam Place.

They further solidified their reputation with a stellar summer tour featuring sold-out performances at prestigious venues like Colorado’s Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater. Their participation in the “Pigeons Frasco Dogs Tour” showcased their ability to electrify audiences on large stages nationwide.

For more information on the upcoming performance by Murray’s Law and to purchase tickets to the show, click here.

September 23, 2024
Hearing Aide: Snailosaur’s “Nature & Kaleidoscopic Mind”

Snailosaur, consisting of NYC natives Paul and Dean Criscitiello, along with Jason Sabshon, released two brand new singles – “Nature” and “Kaleidoscopic Mind” – on September 13.

These two singles follow the release of Talk Therapy, the trio’s debut album which came out at the beginning of this year.

Snailosaur define themselves as “90s-tinged indie guitar poetry, incorporating elements of alternative rock, noise, art rock, shoegaze, and spoken word to create their distinct sound.” The band focuses on blending catchy melodies, distorted guitar solos, and vivid, relatable lyrics with psychedelic undertones. Snailosaur’s unique approach to their vocal arrangement’s create the fuzzy feeling of being wrapped up under a warm blanket.

“Nature & Kaleidoscopic Mind” was recorded by Nate Jasensky in Brooklyn. “Nature” encapsulates the feelings of longing to get away, and in Snailosaur’s case, needing a break from the chaos of city life to take refuge in Upstate New York. Spoken word, deep vocals pair with alternative rock and pop influence to round out the first of two singles.

This transitions into ““Kaleidoscopic Mind,” a more introspective piece, which hones in on feelings of doubt and acceptance. This single’s indie and alternative rock influence, most notably in the main guitar part, builds upon a unique soundscape of effects before dissipating as the song fades out.

“Nature & Kaleidoscopic Mind” by Snailosaur is available on all streaming services here. Find out more about Snailosaur here.
<a href="https://snailosaur.bandcamp.com/album/nature-kaleidoscopic-mind-2">Nature & Kaleidoscopic Mind by snailosaur</a>

September 23, 2024
Perelman PAC Announces First Icons of Culture Festival

The inaugural Icons of Culture Festival presented by BNY, will feature influential actors, artists, chefs, and more in conversation from Oct. 30 to Nov. 2 at the newly opened Perelman Performing Arts Center in Downtown Manhattan.

The Icons of Culture Festival will bring audiences into the room with trailblazers in music, comedy, film, sports, and more to talk about pushing boundaries, making a mark, and elevating the everyday to the iconic. The festival features cultural change-makers sharing their personal journeys and powerful insights, encouraging us all to be iconic in our own lives.
Featured conversations at the festival include Misty Copeland, The Dogist, Alex Edelman, Renée Fleming, Michael Imperioli, Baaba Maal, Philippe Petit, Questlove, Marcus Samuelsson, Kathleen Turner, Serena Williams, and Vanity Fair‘s Little Gold Men Live, and more to be announced.

PAC NYC on Fulton Street in Manhattan is the new home for artists in theater, dance, music, opera, and multi-disciplinary performances from New York and around the world. Since its opening in September of 2023, PAC has brought many concerts and series to their stages, to “create a range of unique experiences for audiences and be fully responsive to artists’ creative visions.” On their lobby stage, you can catch concerts throughout the year on most Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Series such as “Old Songs, New Songs” which features artists from the Middle East and North Africa, or “¡Oyeme!” which features hip-hop and Latinidad artists.

Tickets for the festival are on sale now. Learn more about Perelman Performing Arts Center and purchase tickets here.

September 23, 2024
Hudson Valley Votes Concert and Rally Will Be Held On Oct. 4

Hudson Valley Votes will hold a “Get-Out-The-Vote” rally and concert at the Ulster Performing Arts Center in Kingston on Oct. 4 at 7:30 pm.

A concert and rally with the primary goal of motivating citizens from Ulster County and the surrounding areas to vote in national and local races on Nov. 5, will be put on by Hudson Valley Votes and co-presented by Dayglo. The event will bring regionally-based artists and musicians to perform at the UPAC on Oct. 4. All net proceeds from this year’s concert/rally will be donated to Planned Parenthood of Greater New York.

The organization was originally founded in early 2018 by a group of friends in Woodstock, including Ulster County residents Abbe Aronson, Jason Bowman, and Acacia Ludwig. They have produced voter turnout events for the past six years, including concerts/rallies to bring attention to the importance of local elections, civic engagement, and to encourage turnout at the polls. In 2018, they produced the first sold-out concert/rally at UPAC. In 2020, they put on a virtual concert due to the pandemic.

“What makes Hudson Valley Votes so special is how it brings together the arts and politics, reflecting the strength and creativity of our community, From making housing more affordable to protecting reproductive rights, this event shows how we can come together to create real, positive change. This election is one of historic importance—from electing leaders like Harris and Walz, to winning back the House, to securing the Equal Rights Amendment. We need to make sure every person exercises their right to vote. I’m excited to be part of this moment and to continue fighting for a brighter, more equitable future for all of us.”
Michelle Hinchey (New York State Senator)

This year, Hudson Valley Votes Concert and Rally 2024 will be hosted by activist and actor Thomas Sadoski with Mandy Patinkin and Kathryn Grody, and additional special guests. One of these special guests will be Natalie Merchant (formerly of 10,000 Maniacs) who will speak and perform.

The event is produced by all Hudson Valley locals including Natalie Merchant, Elizabeth Penta, and Elizabeth Mitchell, along with Political Directors, Liam Kahn and Jazmin Kay, and co-producers Tricia Reed, Suzanne Walton, Mary Gormley, and Kristy Engels.

This year, New York State Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado, Congress Member Pat Ryan (NY-18), New York State Senator Michelle Hinchey (SD-41), Assemblymember Sarahana Shrestha (NY-103), and Josh Riley (candidate for Congress, NY-19) will all speak.

“I’m incredibly proud to be part of a large and varied community of artists, here in the Hudson Valley, who are willing to show up when it matters…and this election really matters. With this rally, we’re doing all we can to put our Democratic candidates in the spotlight and amplify what they have to say.”
Natalie Merchant

Learn more and purchase tickets here.

Full Performer Lineup:

Mandy Patinkin & Kathryn Grody

Natalie Merchant

Thomas Sadoski

Jack DeJohnette

Gail Ann Dorsey

The Felice Brothers

Amy Helm

Nels Cline

Resistance Revival Chorus

Steven Bernstein

Lance Horn

Ely Kreimendahl

Reggie Earls

Rock Academy

Energy Dance Company

Elected Officials & Candidates to Speak:

New York State Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado

Congress Member Pat Ryan (NY-18)

New York State Senator Michelle Hinchey (SD-41)

Assemblymember Sarahana Shrestha (NY-103)

Josh Riley (candidate for Congress, NY-19)

Yvette Valdes Smith

September 23, 2024
In Focus: Say She She at Lark Hall

On Friday, September 20, Brooklyn based female singing trio Say She She made a long-awaited stop at Lark Hall in Albany. Lead singers Piya Malik, Sabrina Mileo Cunningham, and Nya Gazelle Brown are all classical trained singers but come together to create disco-funk music.

Say She She gave a beautiful performance filled with songs that had all of Lark Hall following their dances. Their stage presence was captivating; from the audience we were able to see the band’s friendship on display.

During the show, Say She She gave a speech about the upcoming election making huge impact on many controversial laws. They invited Lark Hall to join them in promoting change by sending post cards addressed to their Representatives, begging for stricter gun laws. The band also spoke out on abortion laws and asked the audience to raise their hands along with them in support of anyone who has been harmed by these laws.

They then sang “Echo In The Chamber” a song they stated is the soundtrack to their campaign for better gun laws. The song features the heartfelt lyrics “Call the shots, make it stop, what’s it gonna take?” and “Just because you know who they are, doesn’t mean they bear you no harm.” The song resulted in a sea of hands raised in support and all of Lark Hall rushing to fill out postcards.

September 22, 2024
Starcleaner Reunion Release new single “Plein Air”

NYC band Starcleaner Reunion have released “Plein Air” and announced the release of their Cafe Life EP, out September 20.

Photo Credit: Catrina Kokkoris

New York City-based, New Jersey natives, Starcleaner Reunion have released their second single from their upcoming EP, Café Life, due Sept 20. Singer Jo Roman, guitarists Pat Drummond & Neil Torman, and bassist Adam Kenter have been making music together since high school in New Jersey, After meeting drummer Sam Unger in New York in 2022, the band released their debut EP Club Estrella, a collection of their earliest ideas. The band has received praise from magazines such as FLOOD, Stereogum, and Paste in the recent past.

“Café Life is indebted to a certain slowness, a ‘not-hurrying’ – title is a reference to a certain European way of life – refusing to rush anything and taking one’s time.”
Starcleaner Reunion

This new EP was recorded in a makeshift home studio that allowed the band more time to experiment during the recording process. Including bringing on Ruben Radlauer of Model/Actriz for mixing duties. Last month the band released their first single of the cycle, “The Hand That I Put Down.”

The band refers to themselves as “Euro-pop,” and it is a shockingly fitting moniker. French band Air immediately comes to mind while listening to their music, but Starcleaner Reunion puts it on the dancefloor. Jo Roman’s lyrics describe feelings rather than events which produce images that seem to only be viewed through a warped, foggy, mirror. “Take it back/stepping back the time/Every step back and every single moment.”

If you like, Stereolab, of Montreal, The Hit Parade, Broadcast, Sweet Trip, or Air, you’ll love Starcleaner Reunion.

Starcleaner Reunion Upcoming Tour Dates:

Sep 20: Binghamton, NY @ The Bundy Museum

Oct 24: New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom w/ Hello Mary

Nov 1: Philidelphia PA @ Spruce Street Harbor Park

September 22, 2024
Spyro Gyra Release “50/50″ off new Album “Jubilee”

Buffalo jazz band, Spyro Gyra, have released a new single “50/50” commemorating their 50th anniversary.

The group have also announced an upcoming anthology album out Nov. 8 that covers their first decade of recorded music. They hit three cities in NY on their upcoming tour, Patchogue, Peekskill and Manhattan in 2025.

Since 1974 when Spyro Gyra first came together in Buffalo, they began experimenting with a fusion of jazz with R&B, Latin, and world music that has lead to great success and many achievements such as 13 Grammy nominations along with multiple Gold & Platinum albums. Their newest album, Jubilee, is an anthology compilation album that commemorates the 50th anniversary of Spyro Gyra’s formation. The album will contain classic songs and fan favorites from the years 1977-1987, including the Billboard hits, “Shaker Song” and “Morning Dance.”

This year the band, whose current line up consists of, Jay Beckenstein (saxophone), Julio Fernandez (guitar), Chris Fischer (keyboards), Scott Ambush (bass), and Lionel Cordew (drums) will embark on a world headline tour, which will land them in New York for three dates in Patchogue, Peekskill, and Manhattan.

Their new single, “50/50,” is out now through Amherst Records/Reservoir Recordings. The song is a precursor to the upcoming album Jubilee, which will be released on Friday, Nov. 8 on 2CD and 2LP gold and purple colored vinyl which you can preorder from their websire. These editions will include never-before-seen photos from the band and exclusive liner notes from veteran music journalist Jonathan Widran.

For more information, visit their website.

Sypro Gyra 2024/25 Tour:

28 – New Orleans, LA – International Arts Festival

10/1 – Knoxville, TN – Bijou Theatre

10/3 – Nashville, TN – City Winery

10 – St. Louis, MO – City Winery

10/11 – Chicago, IL – City Winery

10/13 – Bethesda, MD – Bethesda Theater

11/1 – Assens, Denmark – Tobaksgaarden

11/2 – Zurich, Switzerland – JAZZNOJAZZ Festival

11/4 – Bad Meinberg, Germany – Hotel Bad Meinberg

11/5 – Zoetermeer, Netherlands – De Boerderij

11/9 – Stuttgart, Germany – BIX Jazzclub

11/10 – Milan, Italy – Blue Note Milano

11/11 – Leverkusen, Germany – Leverkusener Jazztage

11/21 – Oakland, CA – Yoshi’s

11/22 – Oakland, CA – Yoshi’s

11/24– Cerritos, CA – Cerritos Center For The Performing Arts

12/1 – Bend, OR – Riverhouse Convention Center

3/5 – Clearwater, FL – Capitol Theater

3/6 – Clearwater, FL – Capitol Theater

3/7 – Ormond Beach, FL – Ormond Beach PAC

3/8 – Fort Lauderdale, FL – The Parker

3/9 – Melbourne, FL – King Center

3/13 – Patchogue, NY – Patchogue Theater

3/14 – Peekskill, NY – Paramount Hudson Valley Theater

3/15 – Glenside, PA – Keswick Theater

5/8-11 – Seattle, WA – Jazz Alley

6/14 – Sony Hall – New York, NY

6/26 – Blue Gate PAC – Shipshewana, IN

September 22, 2024
Deftones Set to Embark on North American Tour, Making a Stop at MSG

GRAMMY Award-winning band Deftones have announced their 2025 North American tour, making a stop at Madison Square Garden on April 3, 2025.

This Sacramento-bred 80s band has left an irreplaceable mark on the music scene, and that is shown through the millions of albums sold and billions of streams under their belts. Deftones’ 2024 was busy to say the least. With successful acts at Coachella, Lollapalooza, and Primavera Sound, to then selling out an event at Golden Gate Park with over 50,000 fans, their momentum shows no signs of slowing down.

The tour kicks off on February 25 in Portland, OR, and comes to a close on April 8 in Boston. Deftones will be making a stop in New York City to perform at Madison Square Garden on April 3. Featuring special guest acts from The Mars Volta and Fleshwater.

Photo by Clemente Ruiz

The full list of dates for Deftones’ tour can be found below. For more information and to purchase tickets to the Deftone at MSG visit here.

Deftones Tour Dates

2/25 Portland, OR – Moda Center

2/27 Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena

3/1 Sacramento, CA – Golden 1 Center

3/4 San Francisco, CA – Chase Center

3/6 Inglewood, CA – Kia Forum

3/8 Las Vegas, NV MGM – Grand Garden Arena

3/9 Phoenix, AZ – Footprint Center

3/12 Austin, TX – Moody Center

3/13 San Antonio, TX – Frost Bank Center

3/15 Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center

3/16 Houston, TX – Toyota Center

3/18 Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena

3/20 Orlando, FL – Kia Center

3/22 Sunrise, FL – Amerant Bank Arena

3/24 Charlotte, NC – Spectrum Center

3/26 Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena

3/28 Indianapolis, IN – Gainbridge Fieldhouse

3/29 Columbus, OH – Nationwide Arena

3/31 Chicago, IL – United Center

4/1 Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena

4/3 New York, NY – Madison Square Garden

4/4 Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center

4/6 Washington, DC – Capital One Arena

4/8 Boston, MA – TD Garden

September 22, 2024
In Focus: Band of Horses Stomp in to Ithaca

Indie rock fans flocked to the State Theatre in Ithaca on Tuesday, September 17 as Band of Horses wrapped up their summer tour with a performance in the picturesque town.

This show was a long time coming for fans of the Seattle rockers, as illness forced postponement of the originally scheduled show in February. The delay did not deter a strong contingent of fans from turning out, as the show was nearly sold-out.

The evening kicked off with a passionate performance from singer-songwriter Nolan Taylor. The Ohio native performed forty minutes of what he called “sad songs”. Taylor strummed an acoustic guitar and was flanked by friend and bandmate Clarke Sexton, also on guitar.

Taylor’s vocals soared through the theater, as he performed heartfelt tracks such as “Wicked Ways” and “68” the later of which oozed with emotion and previously served as the introduction to Taylor for many, when a video of him performing the track in the woods went viral last year.

After a brief set change over, the audience took their seats for Band of Horses. Singer Ben Bridwell took his place behind a pedal steel while his four band members gathered round. Bridwell began the opening strums of “Monsters”, a stand out track from the band’s 2006 debut release. The band would follow with “The First Song” and “The Great Salt Lake” all from their debut album, and serving as an impressive 1-2-3 punch to open the evening.

Bridwell and his band mates performed a set spanning the band’s 20 year career. Ballads like “Is There a Ghost” and No One’s Gonna Love You” brought the audience to their feet and illuminated the lower portion of the theater in cell phone lights, while “The Funeral” had the audience shouting the song’s anthemic chorus.

After a 17 song main set, the band returned to the stage for one final number; the rollicking, foot stomping “The General Specific”. The track saw the band calling members of their crew to the stage to join in on the fun, grabbing a hold of tambourines, cowbells, and what ever else could be used as a percussion instrument. It was a fun end to the evening in Ithaca, and a celebratory way to end a long tour for Band of Horses.

September 21, 2024