Mariah Carey, the queen of Christmas, has just announced a 2024 Christmas tour, visiting 20 cities across the U.S. with two stops in New York State: one in Belmont Park and the other in Brooklyn.
The annual tour is particularly special this year, with 2024 marking the 30th anniversary of her Merry Christmas album and âAll I Want For Christmas Is You.â
The best-selling female artist of all time, with over 200 million records sold, Mariah Carey, has announced her highly-anticipated annual Christmas extravaganza is back and going national. Careyâs Christmas Time will visit 20 cities across the country, including a stop at Prudential Center in Newark, NJ, on Friday, December 13; UBS Arena in Belmont Park, NY, on Sunday, December 15; and Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY, on Tuesday, December 17, 2024.
This tour marks Carey’s grandest holiday spectacle to date and is the first of many surprises she has in store to celebrate the 30th anniversary of her legendary album Merry Christmas and its record-shattering single “All I Want For Christmas Is You.” The show will feature the global superstar’s timeless holiday classics alongside fan-favorite chart-toppers, promising an unforgettable festive experience.
Tickets will be available starting with a Verizon presale beginning Tuesday, August 6. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general on-sale beginning on Friday, August 9 at 10 a.m. at LiveNation.com. Fans can also purchase VIP packages, which may include premium tickets, access to the pre-show VIP Lounge, exclusive VIP merch items and more. VIP package contents vary based on the offer selected. For more information, visit here. See below for the full list of tour dates.
Photo Credit: Jeff Kravitz / Getty
Full Tour
Wed Nov 06 | Highland, CA | Yaamava Theater
Fri Nov 08 | Los Angeles, CA | Hollywood Bowl
Wed Nov 13 | Greater Palm Springs, CA | Acrisure Arena
Fri Nov 15 | Phoenix, AZ | Footprint Center
Sun Nov 17 | Austin, TX | Moody Center
Tue Nov 19 | Houston, TX | Toyota Center
Thu Nov 21 | Dallas, TX | American Airlines Center
Sat Nov 23 | Atlanta, GA | State Farm Arena
Mon Nov 25 | Nashville, TN | Bridgestone Arena
Wed Nov 27 | Rosemont, IL | Allstate Arena
Fri Nov 29 | St. Louis, MO | Enterprise Center
Sun Dec 01 | Washington, DC | Capital One Arena
Tue Dec 03 | Philadelphia, PA | Wells Fargo Center
On a picture perfect evening in the Southern Adirondacks, genre-blending guitarist Cory Wong held a unique and memorable performance with the Caroga Arts Collective in Caroga Lake, NY.
The venue itself is ungoing quite a transformation over the next few years, shifting into a small amphitheatre, with the shores of Caroga Lake right behind the stage. Located on the grounds of the former Sherman’s Amusement Park, Caroga Lake Music Festival brings a diverse and incredible array of live music events each summer, including an upcoming performance by David Alan Miller of the Albany Symphony Orchestra featuring Gerswhin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” in its centennial year.
This evening’s performance from the Poughkeepsie-born Cory Wong and company, including band members Yohannes Tona (bass), Kevin Gastongua (keys), Armando Lopez (percussion) and Eddie Arbash (saxophone), was illuminated by a small orchestra of 28, better known as the Caroga Arts Ensemble. The group of musicians is primarily strings and woodwinds, with a horn and marimba included for good measure.
During the evening, Wong’s original work was on display, interlacing jazz and rock elements throughout his compositions. A highlight later in the show was a well-polished rendition of the Beatles “Blackbird,” with a guest singer on vocals.
A tremendous highlight though was a performance of Bela Fleck and the Flecktones ‘Stomping Grounds,’ a song that reportedly helped Wong make the shift from college towards his music career.
All of this at a venue that in a few years will transform into a Southern Adirondacks destination for live music.
Caroga, NY is a great location for live music now, and will be an even greater one in the next few years. If you’re anywhere between Albany and Utica or the Southern Adirondacks, you need to put this on your destination list for live music.
As a bonus after the evening was over and the stage was cleaned up, Wong, his band and members of the Caroga Arts Ensemble took a spin on the more than century-old carousel at Sherman’s, jamming out as they went around and around.
Woodstock’s Maverick Concerts will host After Spring Sunset: A Tribute to Peter Schickele a tribute to renowned composer Peter Schickele on Saturday, Aug. 10. The day will include two main acts- a free morning concert showcasing some of Schickele’s folk tunes, and an evening show full of many talented musicians further expanding on Schickele’s works.
The tribute is honoring Peter Schickele, a composer, arranger, and multi-instrumentalist with decades of accomplishments under his belt. Schickele, who passed away this past January, is remembered through the character, P.D.Q. Bach, and his public radio program “Schickele Mix.”
Having won multiple Grammy Awards for his work, Schickele found fame writing for folk musicians, as well as ensembles and solo work. Most notably, he arranged music for folk musician Joan Baez across multiple bodies of music. Throughout his career, Schickele created over a hundred orchestrations.
Aug. 10 will be an undeniably full day of music and remembrance with the first set taking place from 11 AM-12 PM, and the second, at 6 PM. To begin the day, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, Elizabeth Mitchell will lead a series of folk tunes written by Schickele. She will be joined by M Shanghai String Band, pianist Ray Bailey, and Schickele’s daughter, musician Karla Schickele. Additionally, folk musician, Marc Black will come out and perform the song “Tyrannosaurus Rex,” which he made with Schickele. The morning performance is free to attend and welcomes families.
Peter Schickele at Maverick Concerts by John Kleinhans
The latter half of the day brings an extravagant slate of performers to exemplify Schickele’s vast repertoire. After Spring Sunset: A Tribute to Peter Schickele will exhibit performances from a variety of different artists. Firstly, the Callisto String Quartet will perform Schickele’s Fifth String Quartet, A Year in the Country. Following the quartet will be their rendition of his P.D.Q. Bach work, The Moose Quartet.
Next, the M Shanghai String Band and surprise guests will perform a piece from a Schickele bluegrass concerto. Elizabeth Mitchell also returns to perform a song Schickele wrote for Joan Baez. The show will turn particularly personal when Karla Schickele along with her cousin, Nighttrain Schickele, and son, Emmet Schickele, perform special and generally unknown, Peter Schickele family songs. Marc Black will also join the lineup to sing an additional slate of special songs.
Continuing to honor P.D.Q. Bach, Mezzo Michele Eaton, along with tenors Wesley Chinn and Greg Purnhagen, will perform some of his vocal works. Overall, the show will serve as a testament to how significant Schickele was to not only his family and friends but fans all over the world. Maverick Music Director Alexander Platt, Woodstock Chimes founder and percussionist Garry Kvistad, and Karla Schickele will host the event and guide the show in Schickele’s honor.
For more information or to purchase tickets for After Spring Sunset: A Tribute to Peter Schickele visit maverickconcerts.org
The Krockathon Reboot on Saturday, July 27, brought a thrilling resurgence of rock music back to the NYS Fairgrounds. With a memorable lineup featuring Puddle of Mudd, Hoobastank, Nonpoint, Stabbing Westward, Boy Hits Car, and Brand New Sin, fans were in for an unforgettable day.
From the moment the gates opened, the festival grounds were alive with activity. Attendees indulged in classic festival pastimes like playing hacky sack and flocked to the Monster Energy booth to grab free drinks, fueling the vibrant atmosphere.
As the day wore on, the crowd’s energy only increased. Early in the day, fans enjoyed the performances while lounging on the grass, but as each band took the stage, the audience became more animated. By later in the day, Nonpoint’s powerful set had the crowd on their feet, with spontaneous crowd surfing and circle pits adding to the excitement.
Stabbing Westward’s darker, industrial sound provided a unique contrast to the day’s lineup, while Boy Hits Car and Brand New Sin set the tone with their high-energy opening performances. Hoobastank’s set was a highlight, with the crowd passionately singing along to every word of their hit song, “The Reason.”
The festival reached its peak when Puddle of Mudd took the stage. As the sun began to set, its golden rays cast a beautiful glow over the stage, creating a magical backdrop for the band’s performance. The crowd sang along to every hit and savored the moment as the sun set
Overall, the Krockathon Reboot was a triumph, offering a perfect blend of nostalgic rock hits and modern festival energy. The NYS Fairgrounds proved to be an ideal venue, accommodating the enthusiastic crowd and providing ample space for the day’s activities. With such a successful return, the future of Krockathon looks brighter than ever.
Northern Ireland’s alternative icons Two Door Cinema Club made a stop at Lewiston’s Artpark on July 29 for their North America tour. This band has provided the anthem for teenage youth throughout the years making their fanbase span from an array of ages.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
The indie band Flipturn opened up the night in Artpark with their cinematic sound. This Floridian group are no strangers to the alternative scene. Their slow burn of a rise in stardom is definitely one to watch out for. Their signature guitar riffs and airy vocals pave way for introspective nights. This is especially so with their performance of their hit single, “August.” Flipturn got to play a new song they’ve been working on called, “Juno,” that so many people loved.
Flipturn, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
The trio that makes up Two Door Cinema Club is Alex Trimble (singer/guitarist/programmer), Sam Halliday (guitarist/singer), and Kevin Baird (bassist/singer). The group met in school and chose to skip university in order to put full focus into their band. Luckily, that worked out for them. They released an EP in 2009 and numerous singles, but nothing gained huge traction until their debut album Tourist History came out in 2010.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
Their album had such a grip on the youth that they were charting numerous Billboard records and being used in soundtracks for films. The way Two Door Cinema Club is able to make the present moment feel nostalgic through their sound is why so many people love them. It’s also why so many people drove out to get a glimpse of their talent on a random Monday night in July.
In summertime feels fashion, Two Door Cinema Club opened with their song, “This Is The Life” off the very renowned album that got them so much traction. They are no strangers to the Buffalo area and their welcome back was legendary. They brought life into the crowd with their humor and electropop sound. Their music so punchy and full of energy it makes just about anyone want to groove to it.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
The band played an array of their discography making longtime fans so fulfilled. Songs off of their sophomore album Beacon were performed including, “Next Year” and “Sun.” They took the audience through the years of the 2010s not shying away from any of their bold musical decisions. Of course though they had to finish with the track that everyone knows from Two Door Cinema Club, “What You Know.”
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
This July night in Lewiston was one that took everyone down memory lane and had people in their feels. Artpark is the perfect venue for getting that beautiful sunset show and if you haven’t been then you’re missing out. Upcoming shows at Artpark include, Backroads Blue Festival on August 10 and Stray Cats on August 13. Get your tickets here.
Setlist: This Is the Life, I Can Talk, Sleep Alone, Sure Enough, Changing of the Seasons, Next Year, Do You Want It All?, Something Good Can Work, Costume Party, Bad Decisions, Everybody’s Cool, Come Back Home, Handshake, Lucky, Lavender, Are We Ready? (Wreck), The World Is Watching, Eat That Up, It’s Good for You, Undercover Martyn, Cigarettes in the Theatre, Messenger AD (Intro), Sun, What You Know
Classic blues band Blood Brothers announced their live performance at Schenectady’s Music Haven. Their concert is held on August 16, in between concerts from Elias Ochoa and Banda Magda. The band is supported by blues powerhouses Misty Blues and Piedmont Bluz.
Hot off of their most recent album, Live in Canada, a collection of their best live performances in the country released last October, Blood Brothers have reached incredible success in the world of Blues and Rock’n’roll, in both their solo and group careers. In the past, both guitarists Mike Zito and Albert Castiglia won Blues Rock Album of the Year at the Blues Music Awards for their solo works, Zito winning in 2022 and Castiglia in 2024. That same year, Castiglia won for Blues Rock Artist of the Year. Earlier this year, the duo won for Blues Rock Album as Blood Brothers, and Zito won for Blues Artist of the Year.
Now, after their resounding season, they make their way over to New York for a performance at the Music Haven festival. This year, Music Haven celebrates several diverse performers, ranging in several genres from Brazilian Funk to Zydeco to Afrofusion.
Blood Brothers are the latest to join the lineup, making their Music Haven debut on August 16 as part of the Blues BBQ Concert Series. They are joined by their loyal band, including Doug Byrkit on bass guitar, Matt Johnson and Ephraim Lowell on drums and percussion, and Lewis Stephens on keyboards.
Opening for the band are fellow blues artists Misty Blues and finger-pick guitar specialists Piedmont Bluz. Blood Brothers’ headlining performance ends at 9:30 pm. Following the performances is a festive;-wide barbecue for all fans and attendees. After the show, they continue on the rest of their nationwide tour.
Blood Brothers On Tour
AUGUST
08/02 Notodden Blues Festival – Notodden, Norway – Info/Tix
08/15 Chenango Blues Festival Kick-Off in East Park – Norwich, NY – Info/FREE
08/17 Big Bull Falls Blues Fest – Wausau, WI – Info/Tix
While the band gets ready for their tour dates and upcoming festival performances, they are working hard on their solo careers. Mike Zito recently released his latest solo album, Life is Hard, in February earlier this year. Just a week ago, on July 19, Castiglia released Righteous Souls. Both albums have received widespread critical acclaim, ensuring Blood Brothers is a name that blues fans will never forget.
More tour dates are to be announced later this year. Information and tickets are available on the band’s official website. Check them out here.
The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF) in Stony Brook has announced an updated list of upcoming August and early September shows, including a must-see performance from The Bangles’ Vicki Peterson alongside The Beach Boys’ John Cowsill, as well as a historic hall of fame induction ceremony and performance honoring legendary hip-hop artists Davy DMX, DJ Hurricane and DJ Jazzy Jay.
Founded in 2004, the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame is an organization dedicated to the idea that Long Island’s musical and entertainment heritage is an important resource to be celebrated and preserved for future generations. The organization, which encompasses New York State’s Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, and Kings (Brooklyn) Counties, was created as a place of community that explores Long Island music and entertainment in all its forms.
August 4th – Linda Sussman
Linda Sussman is an award-winning singer-songwriter whose music is an eclectic mix of folk, alternative-folk and blues. Her strong vocals are often compared those of Joan Baez, and her versatile guitar style includes open tunings and, at times, a touch of slide. Sussman has shared her music over the years on stages ranging from the iconic The Bitter End and Kenny’s Castaways in NYC’s West Village to Prospect Park in Brooklyn to Radio Bean in Burlington, VT. Since 2018, she has released five full-length albums, several of which have ranked #1 on the Roots Music Report’s Alternative Folk Album Chart. Her music has been played on over 100 radio programs across the U.S. and abroad. Sussman is most grateful to her studio musicians, Mike Nugent (lead guitarist) and Kevin Kelly (bassist and mixing engineer), with whom she continues to collaborate, and all the stellar musicians who have added spice to her albums. And although Sussman typically performs solo, she and Nugent can occasionally be found onstage together. Additionally, Sussman co-hosts the music series SongBreak with fellow singer-songwriter Josie Bello.
August 9th – Vicki Peterson (The Bangles) and John Cowsill (The Cowsills, The Beach Boys) *tickets required
Vicki Peterson (The Bangles) and John Cowsill (The Cowsills, The Beach Boys) have been married for 20 years and playing music together for… maybe two. Peterson is a founding member of the 1980s group The Bangles, one of the most successful bands of that decade. She later wrote and performed with her good friend (and eventual sister-in-law) Susan Cowsill as The Psycho Sisters; the duo soon found themselves absorbed into the New Orleans’ songwriters collective The Continental Drifters and remain with them today. The Bangles reunited in the 21st century to release four more albums, including a collection of rarities and a collaboration with the Los Angeles bands Dream Syndicate, Rain Parade and the Three O’Clock.
Cowsill began working in clubs, singing and playing drums with his brothers when he was seven years old. The band grew to include their mother and little sister, and The Cowsills became a sensation in the late 1960s, enjoying several Top 20 hits. In 1981 John did some session work, landing on the Tommy Tutone hit “867-5309 (Jenny)” and recorded and toured with Dwight Twilley. He also toured with Jan and Dean before becoming a mainstay of the Beach Boys touring band, playing guitar, piano, and finally sitting at the drum kit for over 20 years.
Peterson and Cowsill, along with their friend actor/musician Bill Mumy, recorded three albums as The Action Skulls, including a pandemic-themed bluegrass record and their latest, From A Running Horse, released just this year. A loving tribute featuring songs written by two of John’s brothers, Bill and Barry Cowsill, was recently finished by Peterson and Cowsill. Long After the Fire is due for release in early 2025.
For tickets and more information on this performance please visit here.
August 11th – Frank Latorre & the King Bees
Seasoned Long Island artist and musician Frank Latoree formed the King Bees in 1990. A five-time winner of the Long Island Blues Society, Latoree is a veteran in the industry. Now, as a three-piece blues rock ensemble with Louie Giusto on drums, Gary Grob Jr. on bass guitar and Latorre on lead vocals, guitar and harmonica, the King Bees will focus on original material written and arranged by Latorre.
August 18th – Shindig!
Shindig! is a classic rock band that has been playing on Long Island for thirty years. From bars and restaurants to outdoor public parks and private events, they’ve been entertaining the public since 1994. As the years have gone by, some band members have moved out of state and are involved in other musical projects, but these days the band gathers together once or twice a year and reunites for special occasions. “It’s like getting back on a bicycle; it all comes naturally,” say the band members. The special occasion this year is an upcoming performance at the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame in Stony Brook. For this special show, in addition to some original material, the band will be focused on performing covers of material by many of the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame’s inductees.
August 24th – Performances & Induction of Hip Hop Legends DJ Hurricane, Davy DMX, and DJ Jazzy Jay with a performance by DJ Johnny Juice *tickets required
LIMEHOF will induct legendary hip-hop artists Davy DMX (Run-DMC, Kurtis Blow, The Fat Boys), DJ Hurricane (The Beastie Boys) and DJ Jazzy Jay (Def Jam) into the hall of fame on August 24th. The three are planning to perform and will be joined by LIMEHOF inductee DJ Johnny Juice (Public Enemy). “The induction of DJ Hurricane, Davy DMX, and DJ Jazzy Jay into the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame highlights the importance of DJs in hip-hop’s early days,” said LIMEHOF Vice Chairman Tom Needham. “These pioneers transformed the art of DJing, making it a central element of the genre and influencing countless artists. Their legacy is a vital part of hip-hop’s story, and we are proud to honor them.” This induction and performance ceremony will celebrate the monumental contributions of these legendary artists to the genre of hip-hop. They will join an impressive line-up of hip-hop performers from the region already inducted, including LL COOL J, Public Enemy, EPMD, Run-DMC, Kurtis Blow, Eric B. & Rakim, The Fat Boys, Salt-n-Pepa and Whodini.
DJ Hurricane
DJ Hurricane, born January 12, 1965, is renowned for his electrifying work with the Beastie Boys. Starting his journey in the Hollis, Queens area of New York City, DJ Hurricane honed his skills alongside Run D.M.C. and later became a pivotal figure in the Beastie Boys’ success. His career includes three solo albums featuring collaborations with prominent artists like Xzibit, Public Enemy, Kool G Rap, Black Thought, Papoose, and Talib Kweli. Known for his dynamic performances and innovative production, DJ Hurricane’s influence on hip-hop is immeasurable.
Davy DMX
Davy DMX, also known as David Franklin Reeves Jr., has left an indelible mark on hip hop through his collaborations with Run-DMC, Kurtis Blow, and The Fat Boys. An early associate of Russell Simmons and Larry Smith, Davy DMX’s work in the 1980s set the stage for many future hip-hop sounds. His solo album, “Davy’s Ride,” and his groundbreaking productions have been sampled by top artists like Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Common. Davy DMX’s contributions as a musician, songwriter, and producer have solidified his legacy in the genre.
DJ Jazzy Jay
DJ Jazzy Jay is a foundational figure in hip-hop, instrumental in the creation of Def Jam Recordings alongside Rick Rubin. Jazzy Jay met Rubin and assisted him in laying the foundation for what would become Def Jam Recordings. The label’s first official single was “It’s Yours” by T La Rock and DJ Jazzy Jay. Jazzy Jay also put out Def Jam’s third 12″ in 1985, entitled “Def Jam,” backed with “Cold Chillin’ In The Spot.” In 1986, he participated in the recording of Planet Rock – The Album. Jazzy Jay’s pioneering efforts include producing early recordings by A Tribe Called Quest, Diamond D, and Fat Joe. His own label, Strong City Records, and his influential studio in the Bronx have been critical in shaping the sound of hip-hop. As a DJ, producer, and mentor, Jazzy Jay’s impact on the music industry continues to resonate.
For tickets and more information on the induction ceremony please visit here.
August 25th – Joe Piket & the Storm
Joe Piket has been voted Long Island’s best piano entertainer for the last three years. The LIMEHOF is proud to present Joe Piket and the Storm to kick off their new season of Sunday concerts. Piket has written for movies, cable and television and performed with some very well-known musicians, including some of the musicians on his solo CD, Nine Times Framed. The critical acclaim he received for Nine Times Framed led to the formation of his current band, Joe Piket and the Storm. “People kept asking where they could hear these songs live, so I decided it was time to put a band together and get out and play again,” Piket said. Audiences in New York City and on Long Island have been blown away by Joe Piket and the Storm’s energy, their musical integrity, and their lyrical originality. They have appeared with Dee Snider of Twisted Sister, Randy Jackson of Zebra, and Jason Bonham, son of legendary Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham. They have also charted on CMJ, and their music is currently being played on most college radio stations. Rave reviews have appeared in Newsday, Good Times, Aural Fix, and L.I.E., as well as many online publications.
September 8th – James O’Malley
Brooklyn-born songwriter James O’Malley has composed some of the most endearing and relatable songs that a music lover could hear. Along the way, he’s appeared on TV, radio, concert stages, and festivals throughout the area. His influences include Tim Hardin, Chuck Pyle, Donovan, Joni Mitchell, Laura Nyro, Mickey Newbury, Mississippi John Hurt, Randy Newman, Big Bill Broonzy, Bert Jansch, Gordon Lightfoot, etc. and he learned his fingerpicking basics from legendary folk guitarist Eric Darling.
This summer, the Americana trio, Lost Radio Rounders, has been busy creating a series of YouTube videos between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The band uploads performance videos every three days, and over the course of three months will have around 40 videos posted.
For Lost Radio Rounders, “YouTube Summer” is a creative effort to expand audience reach. By sharing their jam sessions, the trio of Tom Lindsay, Michael Eck, and Paul “Bowtie” Jossman, show viewers the joy playing music gives them.
Lost Radio Rounders‘ specialty is paying homage to older songs. While they mostly play to intimate live audiences, they’re broadening their repertoire by utilizing social media, and in this case specifically, YouTube. Through these videos, their music can extend past their regular audiences and venues, reaching a more national and even international realm.
In 2023, we had 60 paid performances, but only about a dozen of those were public. Venues such as libraries, historical societies and even the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall’s Music at Noon series have been perfect spots for our blend of music and American history, however those venues can only book us once a year at best. Michael, Paul and I wanted a way to share what we do with more folks, and the Lost Radio Rounders YouTube Channel was a great option.
Tom Lindsay
Some of their covers include sea chanties like “Leave Her Johnny, Leave Her,” and “Drunken Sailor,” and Pete Seeger’s New York classic, “Sailing Down My Golden River.” Through these covers, the joy the band finds in playing these songs is evident, giving the world access to their profound authenticity.
These videos are as far from AI as one could imagine; no overdubs, edits or pitch correction, just each note that the three of us sang and played.
Tom Lindsay
Following their video series, this fall, the trio will put on three free, public performances. For information about the Lost Radio Rounders visit lostradiorounders.com. Watch “YouTube Summer” here.
Lost Radio Rounders Fall Shows
Saturday, September 7 at 2 PM- The Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield, MA
Sunday, October 20 at 2 PM- Guilderland Public Library, Guilderland, NY
Sunday, November 3 at 2 PM- New Scotland Historical Assoc., Voorheesville, NY
Harbor Walk, Liberty Hound, and Jeff Miers Music are teaming up to present the Thursday Night Summer Concert Series “Music Matters.” The series takes place on the New Harbor Walk Facility at the Erie Basin Marina in Buffalo. Concerts take place on Thursdays at 7 pm, so don’t miss the last few weeks of eclectic performers.
Now in its final weeks, the Music Matters concert series features a wide variety of regional artists and organizations for attendees to enjoy. Local businesses set up their booths all over the boardwalk, offering special creations just for the event. Private special events on the boardwalk are held after each concert for fans who wish the night would never end.
“I’m excited to be teaming with my friend Jason Davidson and the Liberty Hound to present this summer concert series at the new Harbor Walk venue,’” says Music Matters Series co-producer Jeff Miers. “There’s a long history of live music on Thursday nights in the Canalside region, and it feels great to be able to assemble this lineup of incredible Buffalo talent to continue that tradition at one of our city’s most breathtakingly beautiful sites.”
Music Matters brings an incredibly diverse and talented batch of musicians to Harbor Walk every year. This year, a lineup of rock, country, and funk artists take the stage. In its home stretch, bands like Critt (joined by special guest Blaised and Confused), Funktional Flow, and The Strictly Hip, along with a special announcement for the show on August 8, are ready to turn up the funk for Buffalo crowds.
Don’t miss the last few performances of Music Matters, every Thursday starting at 7 pm. More information is available here.
2024 marks the 150th anniversary of the Chautauqua Institution’s founding. The world-renowned institution has become famous for its annual summer programming.
This year is no different, with the 2024 Summer Season featuring a number of lectures, performances, and more to celebrate the anniversary.
The Chautauqua Institution traces its history back to 1874. In that year inventor Lewis Miller alongside Bishop John Heyl Vincent founded the institution. From its start, Chautauqua represented an experimental approach to traditional education. The institution – then known as the Chautauqua Lake Sunday School – sat on 750 acres of lakeside property. At its founding, Chautauqua was a pioneer in “vacation learning,” with people out of school traveling to the site for instruction.
Although it was originally dedicated to religious education, Chautauqua’s programming soon expanded into a number of other fields. In addition to religion, classes on arts, music, and other subjects were soon offered. In 1878, the institution founded the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle. This program was intended to provide education to those not fortunate enough to attend university. In addition, Chautauqua used these programs to advocate for morality – which they defined as abstention from activities like drinking, gambling, and dancing. By 1880, Chautauqua hosted over 100 Summer lectures.
Due to the success of Chautauqua’s academic programming, the institution’s musical facilities evolved quickly. In 1875 – one year after its founding – the institution hosted the Fisk Jubilee Singers. The all-African American a capella group broke racial barriers with their performance at the height of the Reconstruction Era. Throughout the years, Chautauqua continued to highlight pioneering African American performers. Legendary singers like Marion Anderson and Paul Robeson performed at the institution in their heydays.
Marian Anderson performing at Chautauqua in 1957
The institution’s musical facilities increased with the installment of the Massey Memorial Organ in 1907. The high-precision organ now performs regular recitals during the summer season. By 1920, symphony orchestras regularly performed on the institution’s grounds. 1929 saw the official founding of the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra. Since its founding almost 100 years ago, the orchestra has grown into one of the institution’s most recognizable features. Housed in the institution’s 4,400-person amphitheater, the orchestra now plays three weekly performances each season.
Marking this full adoption of music, a number of composers and performers began visiting Chautauqua in the 1920s. In 1925, George Gershwin made a Chautauqua practice shack his home while he composed his Concerto In F.
Chautauqua’s embrace of musical programming extended to dance and theater. In 1929, the Chautauqua Opera Company began alongside the orchestra, performing regularly in the art-deco Norton Hall. Nowadays, the aforementioned Amphitheater and Norton Hall, as well as the Bratton Theatre regularly host contemporary and ballet dance performances.
A Tent Chautauqua in Mechanic Falls, Maine
The success of the Chautauqua Institution’s programming led to a nationwide phenomenon. By the early 1900s, “Tent Chautauquas” traveled the country, bringing entertainment and education to places as far as South Carolina and Colorado. However, by the 1930s, these road shows grew out of fashion. As cinema and radio expanded, the need for the Tent Chautauqua exhibitions was seen less and less.
The 1930s also marked an era of hardship for the Western New York institution. Following the stock market crash of 1929, the United States entered the Great Depression. Countless businesses and organizations went bankrupt, putting much of the country out of work. The Chautauqua Institution was no exception to this. In 1933, it entered a period of receivership, unable to handle its debts. The Chautauquan community, however, remained dedicated to keeping the institution alive. They founded the Chautauqua Foundation to raise funds, successfully creating an endowment to fund the institution in 1937.
Since 1937, the institution has persevered as a staple of Western New York’s academic landscape. Throughout its history, Chautauqua has presented lectures and performances by countless famous artists. Legendary bandleaders like John Philip Sousa and Duke Ellington have led performances at the institution. On top of this, the institution has featured pop artists ranging from Toby Keith to Ben Folds. Additionally, six presidents have visited the institution in their lifetimes. Starting with Ulysses S. Grant in 1875, James Garfield, William Mckinley, Theodore Roosevelt, FDR, and Bill Clinton have all visited.
Theodore Roosevelt speaking at the Chautauqua Institution
During his visit to Chautauqua, Theodore Roosevelt described the institution, saying “it is a source of positive strength and refreshment of mind and body to come to meet a typical American gathering like this—a gathering that is typically American in that it is typical of America at its best.”
The government has recognized Chautauqua’s importance to education and performance since the 1970s. In 1973, the National Park Service recognized the institution’s campus as a National Historic Place. This was followed by a 1989 designation as a National Historic Landmark District.
As 2024 marks the 150th anniversary of the institution’s founding, it will feature a number of special events. Throughout August, the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra will perform weekly performances. Each performance celebrates a different legendary composer, highlighting works by Brahms, Stravinsky, Shostakovich, and more. In addition to these performances, Chautauqua will host shows by Jazz at Lincoln Center and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra in the amphitheater August 21-23rd. The institution’s Elizabeth S. Lenna Hall will also host weekly chamber performances each Monday and Saturday.
On top of these instrumental performances, a number of pop groups will perform at the institute’s famous amphitheater. Among these groups is the legendary Jamestown-based alternative group 10,000 Maniacs. The August 19th concert likewise celebrates the groups 40th anniversary that launched them to international stardom. In addition, Indigo Girls, Squonk, Twisted Pine, and more will perform throughout August.
On top of these musical performances, the Chautauqua Institute will host a number of other activities throughout August. These activities include daily interfaith lectures, theater performances, art exhibitions, and campus tours. For more information on the Chautauqua Institution’s upcoming events, visit its website here.
