The Flaming Lips performed their blend of psychedelic musical theatrics at Artpark for their ‘Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots 2024 Tour’ on a breezy Monday evening, July 22.
The mixture of long-time fans and new fans with different ages buzzed with excitement to share the moment with Flaming Lips, anticipating a jubilant celebration of their 2002 album: Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots.
Before the show started, “Okie from Muskogee” was playing in the background, carrying the fans slowly driven into an energizing mood. The Flaming Lips opened the stage with “Fight Test,” while the band shared the stage with four Pink Robots growing and dancing before their eyes.
The first set was the album Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots. The band took a break after the song “Approaching Pavonis Mons by Balloon,” leaving the audience eager for more.
The second set starts with their nonsensical hit “She Don’t Use Jelly” as fans of all ages sing along with the band. Wayne Coyne (lead singer) performed in his trademark giant plastic bubble, throwing balloons to the crowd, setting the tone, color, and phenomenal props for the extraordinary performance.
The whole night felt like a fun night at psychedelic karaoke as all the lyrics lit up the back of the stage so the audience could sing in unison for their two hour set. Although the audience really didn’t need too much help. The band finished their set with “Race for the Prize” and a oversized “Fuck Yeah Artpark” inflatable balloon and celebrated this beautiful moment with the crowd.
This moment of experiencing Flaming Lips performance would be remembered as one of the best and most colorful summer concerts at Artpark or even in Western New York. If you missed them or you hope to see them again, the Flaming Lips will be taking their Pink Robots tour to Toronto, September 8th.
The Flaming Lips – Artpark, Lewiston, NY – Monday, July 22, 2024
Set 1: Fight Test, One More Robot/Sympathy 300-21, Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, Pt. 1, Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots, Pt. 2, In the Morning of the Magicians, Ego Tripping at the Gates of Hell, Are You a Hypnotist??, It’s Summertime, Do You Realize??, All We Have Is Now, Approaching Pavonis Mons by Balloon (Utopia Planitia)
Set 2: She Don’t Use Jelly, Flowers of Neptune 6, The Gold in the Mountain of Our Madness, What Is the Light?, The Observer, The Yeah Yeah Yeah Song, Suddenly Everything Has Changed, Pompeii Am Götterdämmerung, A Spoonful Weighs a Ton, Race for the Prize
When it comes to NYC’s D.I.Y. rock scenes and their club catalysts, CBGB wasn’t the only game in town. In the late 1980s, when the now uber-glitzy and fully gentrified borough of Brooklyn was still mostly grit, grime and crime, there was one incredibly unassuming dive bar on the fringes of Park Slope where a handful of bands built a scene that captured the attention of the indie rock world.
Now this bar and the many bands it birthed are set to be the subject of an in-the-works documentary, Before It Was Cool: The Brooklyn Beat from Lauterbach’s, with an online crowdfunding campaign and reunion concert set for September 14.
Several years in the making, the nearly completed film is the passion project of three people who knew the scene best. Executive producer and director Michael West was there from the beginning, as a member of The Original Rays. Today a DJ and music director at Radio Free Brooklyn, Rachel Cleary stumbled into this seedy venue when she went to see her boyfriend’s band play and was floored by what she heard but saw in the way of the unforgettable characters who were habitues of the bar. A Brooklyn native, Cleary is a producer and the on-screen interviewer who relates the tale through interviews with several dozen musicians and fans who religiously frequented the venue. Another Brooklyn musician who emerged a decade later, Jeannie Fry of the band My Little Eye, also serves as a Producer and Technical Advisor for the project.
Lauterbach’s had a direct connection to CBGB’s. It all began in 1988 when Bob Racioppo, a former member of one of the original CBGB bands, The Shirts, walked into his neighborhood bar after a shift as a cab driver. In a 2023 interview with the Red Hook Star, Racioppo said: “It had a small stage and looked just like a mini-CBGB’s. It also had a pool table, just like the original CBGB’s. And in those days, the neighborhood was white and Puerto Rican working class, not yet upscale and gentrified.” Housed on the ground floor of a two-story building on an otherwise residential block, Lauterbach’s was a true curiosity in the early days of Park Slope’s gentrification.
With the blessing of the owners who lived upstairs, George and Alice Lauterbach, Racioppo began to bring in bands. “I brought in money and knew how to treat bands, so it took off right away.” The club soon began to attract aspiring bands from the borough and beyond.
These D.I.Y-minded bands weren’t content to just play; they began issuing a series of self-financed compilation CDs, starting with 1988’s Today Brooklyn, Tomorrow The World. Bearing the works of up to 20 bands in each CD, these compilations garnered national buzz, including radio airplay from popular stations like K-Rock and WNEW-FM and feature stories in outlets including The New York Times.
This down-and-dirty but big-hearted scene is coming to life via in-person interviews with well over two dozen musicians and the locals who made this downscale tavern a must-stop every weekend. All totaled, there is 60 hours of footage being culled for the project including many archival performances taped at Lauterbach’s and at Brooklyn Beat events at other venues including CBGB.
While artists including Joan Osborne and They Might Be Giants graced the stage in their early days, this film focuses on the bands who were the heart of the scene, with some musicians who have continued to perform professionally and others for whom their glory days in music are a cherished memory. Interviewees include members of Racioppo’s band, Chemical Wedding, The Fields, Frank’s Museum, Formaldehyde Blues Train, Al Lee Wyer, The Moe, Squirrels from Hell and more.
While much of the film is in the can, the producers are launching a campaign to secure completion funds for the film. They will use the monies to finalize its editing and to promote the documentary at leading film festivals in 2025.
The crowdfunding effort, housed at gofund.me/38eb3334, will be kicked off with an event on Saturday, September 14 at 8 pm at Young Ethel’s at 506 5th Avenue, South Slope, Brooklyn. The event will feature performances by reunited Brooklyn Beat bands including Kenny Young and the Eggplants, Squirrels from Hell, Chemical Wedding, Medicine Sunday, Frank’s Museum and Hari Karaoke Trio of Doom. Info at youngethels.com (Ed. note: This writer was a member of the latter two bands in the lineup).
“This film has come together much like the Brooklyn Beat scene itself,” begins West, “with a group of artists collaborating to create something more beautiful than any could’ve imagined or created on their own. This team, the interviewees and the subject matter have put us well on the road to producing a high-quality documentary about a fondly remembered corner of New York City’s rock history.”
Rachel Cleary adds: “Trying something new can redirect the trajectory of a person’s life. In our interviews, people spoke about breaking their routine to go into Lauterbach’s and that it led to their lives taking a completely different course, for the better. I hope people will leave this film with an appreciation for the power and importance of community, shared experience, and especially music made for the love of it. The Brooklyn Beat crew is a family that lived and continues to thrive well beyond the walls of a bar.”
The West Falls Center for the Arts will host a special fundraiser known as “Music Mends.” The fundraiser is held at the Admiral Room in Buffalo, on October 3, from 6-9 pm.
West Falls Center for the Arts is a nonprofit arts and cultural destination hub, offering programs designed to bring arts and culture enjoyment to all. Music Mends is yet another of the inspiring events hosted by the center.
Music Mends offers a wide variety of activities, including free music lessons for Veterans and their families, lessons from the accredited PBS program Kids Jam, and music mentoring for young artists. The nationally recognized Musical Memories Cafe hosts a special program for individuals with Alzheimer’s/Dementia and their caregivers. Performances from special musical guests and Buffalo natives The Kensingtons will take place all night, celebrating the classic artists of the 1960s and 70s like Roy Orbison. Music Mends will end with a Community Concert Series.
Guests can enjoy complimentary wine, beer, and soda all night long. Throught the night, there are basket raffles, wine pulls, a gift card wall, and more fundraising activities. All proceeds go directly to the West Falls Center for the Arts, and help fund a wide variety of programs to bring music and art to the citizens of West Falls.
Tickets for Music Mends start at $75 each, or $130 for two – tickets and more information are available on the West Falls Center website, linked here.
The Admiral Room is located in the Marin apartment buildings, located at 237 Main Street, 14203, in Buffalo.
This year, the Schroon Lake Arts Council celebrates the 50th anniversary of its summer concert series, now named Schroon Lake Live.
To commemorate the golden anniversary, Schroon Lake Live offers two months of free concerts, having started on July 3 and held weekly on Tuesdays, and the 34th Adirondack Folk Festival.
Concerts for Schroon Lake Live! and the Adirondack Folk Festival are held at the 1874 Boathouse Theatre, or outdoors on the 1936 Bandstand. For Schroon Lake Live, this year’s program is more diverse than ever before and features artists of several genres, including Irish, folk, jazz, bluegrass, classical chamber music, and even a childrenâs and family program.
Also bringing fans to Schroon Lake is the Adirondack Folk Festival, celebrating and honoring the roots of of folk music from the region. Local and regional artists are set to perform, including Jamcrackers, House of Hamill, E.T.E., Vanaver Caravan, Matoaka Little Eagle and Julia Haines presenting Indigenous stories and music, and Three-Quarter North. The festival is Sunday, August 11, from noon to 6 pm. Food trucks and local vendors are available throughout the duration of the festival, and guests even have opportunities to meet the performers after the show.
In addition to the concerts, free open jam sessions are held in the Boathouse on Mondays from 7- 10 p.m. for all singers, musicians, and music lovers.
The full lineup for Schroon Lake Live is listed below. All concerts and events hosted are free, and welcome guests of all ages. For more information, visit the Art Council’s website, linked here.
Schroon Lake Live! Full Lineup
July 3: Get Up Jack
July 9: Dave Ruch
July 13: The Puppet People
July 15: Songs To Keep: Treasures Of An Adirondack Folk Collector with Dan Berggren
Blues-rock titan and New York native Joe Bonamassa has announced a spring 2025 tour, set to captivate audiences from coast to coast with the world-renowned guitaristâs electrifying live performances. The tour kicks off on February 16, 2025, and will make stops in major cities, including New York City, Buffalo, Boston, Chicago, and more.
Photo Credit: Haluk Gurer Birmingham
Blues-rock superstar Joe Bonamassa is one of the most celebrated performers of today. As a three-time GRAMMY-nominated artist and 15x Blues Music Award nominee (4-time winner), he achieved his 28th No. 1 album on the Billboard Blues Chart with his most recent live album and concert film, Live at the Hollywood Bowl With Orchestra. Only in his mid-40s, Bonamassa has become a living legend with an astounding multi-genre catalog. He has released more than 40 albums, including studio and live recordings, as well as collaborative albums with his adventurous side projects, Black Country Communionand Rock Candy Funk Party.
Bonamassa’s spring 2025 tour will feature a diverse array of venues, from the vibrant Fox Theatre in Atlanta, GA, to the historic Beacon Theatre in New York City. A native of New Hartford, NY, Bonamassa frequently returns to perform for his fans in his home state, even beginning his career opening for blues legend B.B King at the Rochester Lilac Festival in 1989, at just 12 years old. Bonamassa just recently headlined the Great South Bay Music Festival this month in Patchogue, NY.
Before embarking on the spring 2025 tour, Bonamassa will be busy with an extensive schedule of performances. Next month, he kicks off the highly anticipated Blues Deluxe Tour, celebrating his seminal albums, Blues Deluxe and Blues Deluxe Vol. 2. Blues Deluxe Vol. 2, Bonamassa’s most recent blues project, was a full-circle moment for the accomplished musician, acting as a sequel to his breakthrough album Blues Deluxe.
The Blues Deluxe Tour includes 18 cities and features a mix of fan favorites and deep tracks, promising unforgettable shows for blues enthusiasts. Never one to slow down, Bonamassa will also be on the road this fall for a series of performances across the U.S., continuing to deliver his unmatched live experience to fans nationwide.
A special fan pre-sale for the spring 2025 tour begins on Tuesday, July 23 at 10 a.m. local time, followed by the public on-sale on Friday, July 26 at 10 a.m. local time. Visit here for information and tickets to any of Bonamassa’s shows. See below for a full list of dates and locations for all tours.
Photo Credit: Eleanor Jane
All Tour Dates
Joe Bonamassa Summer 2024 – Blues Deluxe Tour
August 2 – Albuquerque, NM – Sandia Resort & Casino
August 4 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre
August 6 – Omaha, NE – Orpheum Theater
August 8 – Topeka, KS – Topeka Performing Arts Center
August 9 – Durant, OK – Choctaw Grand Theater
August 10 – Jackson, MS – Thalia Mara Hall
August 12 – Birmingham, AL – BJCC Concert Hall
August 14 – Charleston, SC – North Charleston Performing Arts Center
August 16 – Evansville, IN – Old National Events Plaza
August 17 – Indianapolis, IN – Murat Theatre at Old National Centre
August 18 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium
August 20 – Kettering, OH – Fraze Pavilion
August 21 – Hershey, PA – Hershey Theatre
August 23 – Port Chester, NY – The Capitol Theatre
August 24 – Port Chester, NY – The Capitol Theatre
August 25 – Rochester, NY – West Herr Auditorium Theatre
August 27 – Albany, NY – Palace Theatre
August 29 – Hyannis, MA – Cape Cod Melody Tent
August 30 – Hampton Beach, NH – Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom
August 31 – Hampton Beach, NH – Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom
September 15 – Telluride, CO – Telluride Blues & Brew Festival*
Joe Bonamassa Fall 2024 Tour:
October 26 – Henderson, NV – Leeâs Family Forum
October 28 – Santa Barbara, CA -The Granada Theatre
October 30 – Rancho Mirage, CA – The Show at Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage
November 1 – Tucson, AZ – The Linda Ronstadt Music Hall
November 2 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre
November 3 – Long Beach, CA – Terrace Theater
November 5 – San Diego, CA – San Diego Civic Theatre
November 7 – San Jose, CA – San Jose Civic
November 8 – Sacramento, CA – SAFE Credit Union Convention Center
November 9 – Reno, NV – Grand Theatre
November 12 – Portland, OR – Keller Auditorium
November 13 – Boise, ID – Morrison Center
November 16 – Salt Lake City, UT – Eccles Theater
November 17 – Cheyenne, WY – Cheyenne Civic Center
November 19 – Park City, KS – Park City Arena
November 20 – Springfield, MO – Juanita K. Hammons Hall
November 22 – Minneapolis, MN – State Theatre
November 23 – Minneapolis, MN – State Theatre
November 26 – Springfield, IL – UIS Performing Arts Center
November 27- Appleton, WI – Fox Cities Performing Arts Center
November 29 – Davenport, IA – Adler Theatre
November 30 – Des Moines, IA – Des Moines Civic Center
Joe Bonamassa Spring 2025 Tour:
February 16 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena
February 19 – Milwaukee, WI – The Riverside Theater
February 21 – Chicago, IL – The Chicago Theatre
February 22 – Cleveland, OH – Playhouse Square
February 25 – Buffalo, NY – Sheaâs Buffalo Theatre
February 27 – New York City, NY – Beacon Theatre
February 28 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway
March 1 – Mashantucket, CT – Foxwoods Resort & Casino
March 3 – Easton, PA – State Theatre
March 5 – Charleston, WV – Clay Center
March 7 – Cherokee, NC – Harrahâs Cherokee Casino Resort Event Center
March 8 – Atlanta, GA – Fox Theatre
March 10 – Chattanooga, TN – Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Auditorium
March 12 – Greensboro, NC – Steven Tanger Center
March 14 – Charlotte, NC – Ovens Auditorium
March 15 – St. Augustine, FL – The St. Augustine Amphitheatre
March 16 – Mobile, AL – Saenger Theatre
March 18 – Evans, GA – Columbia County Performing Arts Center
Hailing from Ithaca, six-piece funk band NEO Project dazzles audiences with their energetic stage presence and hypnotic fusion music. Their unique, high-energy sound and performances have blown crowds away for the better part of a decade. With an interesting mix of genres and insatiable chemistry, NEO Project is sure to put on an unforgettable performance.
Since 2012, the band has been on a mission to make crowds dance with their stellar improvisation and musicianship. NEO Project is made up of Elly Holiday and Jimbo Scott as lead vocalists, John White on keyboards and backup vocals, Dwight Carroll on electric guitar and vocals, Franklin Henry on electric bass, and Mike McCoy on drums. As well-decorated veterans of the music industry, including past careers as music professors, soul practitioners, and even a former Motown sideman, they each hold a deep love and passion for funk, soul, jazz, and R&B music.
In their many years of touring and making music, NEO Project has worn many hats when it comes to performing. Originally, they began as a funk band, but soon after realized their true potential in becoming an all-out dance band that blends a multitude of genres. Bringing in inspiration from Afro-Caribbean music, as well as soul, jazz, and R&B, NEO Project combines the genres that were truly inspirational to them, with their own improvisational twist.
Eventually, through years of fine-tuning their sound, NEO Project became exemplary of the great diversity within the music industry, proving that genres can absolutely coexist and share the spotlight at the same time. Along with their own original music, NEO Project reinterprets some of the best soul, jazz, and funk music out there with their own unique twist, covering a wide range of artists from Deee-Lite to James Brown. Their unique sound has brought thousands from all over the state to bars, concert halls, and festivals to enjoy some new-age fusion in classic old-fashioned styles.
Throughout the last ten years, the NEO Project family has performed all over New York, bringing the energy to music festivals and concert series alike. On July 11, the band headlined a performance at the Ithaca Summer Concert Series; their most recent surmounting success right from their hometown. Their most recent gig at the Finger Lakes Cider House brought the house down with their incredibly dynamic and original performance.
NEO Project’s funky, charming tunes have brought them widespread critical acclaim, from magazines to newspapers and more. “There’s a new band based in Ithaca, NY that will have you tapping your toes and shakin’ your groove thing to its unique, fun style of Neo Soul, Funk, Jazz, Rock, and Afro-Caribbean world grooves,” says Roger Theies of What’s Hot? magazine. Harry Segal of The Dock calls them “the tightest funk fusion band in the land!”
After a rousing ten-year anniversary, NEO Project’s reign is far from over. Catch NEO Project at The Range, 119 E State St, Ithaca, for a surefire performance that will never make you want to throw away your dancing shoes. The end of a busy season awaits the band as August begins, with headlining performances at the Geneva Lakefront Summer Concert Series on Wednesday, August 14. On September 2, NEO Project will perform for a private member’s exclusive event at the Ithaca Yacht Club, followed by a headlining performance at the Corning Harvest Fest on Saturday, September 21.
For any information on the band, be sure to visit their official Facebook page, linked here.
The second day of the Great South Bay Music Festival on Friday, July 19, was a vibrant celebration of reggae music, transforming Shorefront Park into a haven of laid-back rhythms and positive vibes. The day featured an eclectic mix of reggae, ska, and rock, drawing fans from all over Long Island and beyond.
Main Stage Highlights
Pepper: Formed in 1997 in Hawaii, Pepper has been a staple in the reggae rock scene for over two decades, known for their infectious energy and dynamic sound. They kicked off their set with the energetic “Bring Me Along,” followed by “Rent,” keeping the energy high. Their set also included crowd favorites like “Stone Love” and “Brand New Day,” showcasing their unique blend of reggae and rock. They closed their performance with the powerful “Warning,” from their 2019 album Local Motion.
Streetlight Manifesto: Before Pepper took the stage, Streetlight Manifesto delivered a memorable performance, opening with “Watch It Crash.” They followed with “A Better Place, A Better Time,” captivating the audience with their energy. The band wrapped up their set with “Here’s to Life,” leaving a lasting impression with their blend of ska and punk.
Bandshell – Five Town College Stage
Badfish and Tropidelic: Both bands added to the day’s vibrant atmosphere. Badfish, known for their tribute to Sublime, and Tropidelic, with their funky, high-energy style, kept the crowd dancing and singing along throughout their sets.
The Bandshell – Five Town College Stage featured a diverse lineup of bands that kept the reggae vibes flowing all day long.
Samsara kicked off the performances, followed by the smooth sounds of Aqua Cherry. Nonstop to Cairo brought their high-energy mix of ska and hip-hop, keeping the crowd on their feet. Oogee Wawa closed out the stage with their unique blend of reggae, rock, and hip-hop, creating a perfect end to the dayâs performances.
Jambalaya Stage
The Jambalaya Stage was a hub of reggae and rock fusion, showcasing both local and up-and-coming talent.
IRIEspect started the day with their authentic reggae sound, followed by the Chris Ruben Band, who brought a mix of rock and reggae influences. Enrose and Roots Foundation continued the reggae vibes, with Roots Foundation delivering a standout performance. Formed in 2008 by bassist Corey Browd, this Long Island-based band pays homage to the roots style of reggae, drawing inspiration from legends like Bob Marley, Burning Spear, Steel Pulse, and Peter Tosh. The day on this stage concluded with the dynamic sounds of Half Breeds.
A Day of Unity and Celebration
The reggae-themed day at the Great South Bay Music Festival was a testament to the unifying power of music. With a lineup that honored the roots of reggae while embracing its modern evolutions, festival-goers experienced a day of peace, love, and rhythmic bliss. As the sun set over Shorefront Park, the sounds of reggae continued to echo, leaving everyone eagerly anticipating the next day of this incredible festival.
Pepper Setlist: Bring Me Along. Rent, Things That You Love, Nice Time, Stormtrooper, Your Face, B.O.O.T., Tradewinds, Too Much, Freeze, Drum Solo, Stone Love, Seven Weeks, Crazy Love, Green Hell, Brand New Day, No Control, Warning
Streetlight Manifesto Setlist: Watch it Crash, A Moment of Silence, A Moment of Violence, A Better Place, a Better Time, Intro: This Is a Call to Arms, Here’s to Life
Badfish Setlist: Smoke Two Joints, Caress Me Down, Garden Grove, We’re Only Gonna Die, Waiting for My Ruca, Feel Like That, Get Ready, Badfish, Doin’ Time, My Girl, Pawn Shop, Changes, Regulate, Santeria, The Final Countdown, Date Rape, What I Got
Round Lake Auditorium, located in the historic Round Lake village, has served as a cultural center for over a century. Beginning as a religious settlement, the Round Lake Auditorium has evolved into a unique piece of capital region history. Notable figures, including Ulysses S. Grant and Cornelius Vanderbilt have visited the village of Round Lake, enhancing its deep history.
Round Lake History
Founded in the post-Civil War Era, the Auditorium served as a religious gathering place since 1868. A group of Methodists from Troy made Round Lake their designated spot for “campmeeting”. Round Lake began as a covered open air speakerâs platform with the audience sitting on rough boards set on top of tree stumps.
By 1884, an 80 by 140 foot building was erected with furnished seating for 2,000 people. As Round Lake grew in popularity, it expanded its facility to accommodate for a greater audience. The popular religious revivals attracted as many as 20,000 worshippers each summer for rousing sermons.
From the late 1880s to early 1900s, the Auditorium hosted church services, lectures, conventions, concerts, movies, and ice skating in the winter. The Auditorium’s physical space evolved from a platform surrounded by benches to an enormous tent, then to an open-sided pavilion with canvas sides, and, in 1912, to the glass-enclosed building we see today.
Round Lake Gallery
Its literal and metaphorical center, the Auditorium is an integral part of Round Lake’s cultural community. The Auditorium fell into ruin and was nearly bulldozed in 1950, but the venue was revived. Today, the auditorium continues to serve as a cultural venue for concerts, performances of all kind, art shows, and community gatherings.
David Ferris Pipe Organ
It is impossible to discuss the Round Lake Auditorium without mentioning the David Ferris Pipe Organ. The David Ferris Pipe Organ, built in New York City in 1847, came to the Round Lake Auditorium in 1888. The organ is the oldest of its kind in the United States, and was designated as a landmark in 2016.
Round Lake Organ
The organ is a feat of American manufacturing and craftsmanship. The organ remains largely unaltered, and it has remained the remarkable instrument it was when it was built over 200 years ago
The organ’s “trackers”, thin wooden pieces that connect the keyboard to the pipes, allowing the organist more control of the sound. The non-wooden pipes in the organ contain Zinc, which adds strength to pipes that otherwise would have been made of lead. Lead pipes, with many of the organ’s contemporaries were constructed with, tended to fold in on themselves and collapse.
Playing the David Ferris Organ is a unique experience some organists compare to, “typing on a manual typewriter versus the light responsiveness of a computer keyboard”.
Present and Future
The Auditorium’s rich history adds to the intimate ambiance of the venue. The Auditorium is capable of accommodating 300 guests, along with orchestras, and stage productions. The Auditorium also holds community events and contributes to local creative arts. An open mic will be held on July 19, offering a perfect opportunity for artists to showcase their gift and build connections with the community.
Round Lake hosts a market event every summer, with food trucks, vendors, and concerts. The free event offers an opportunity to engage with the community while enjoying live music.
Today, the Round Lake Auditorium continues to bring the arts to the capital region. Organ recitals will be presented on August 25 by Craig Williams, September 8 by Tom Dressler, and September 15 by Gail Archer. A lecture series, open mic events, community events, tours, chamber music and master classes will all be part of the summer series. Their full event schedule is available here, and a previous organ performance is available below.
On a sunny Friday, July 19, the fields of Walsh Farm in Oak Hill, NY, came alive with the strums of banjos and mandolins as the Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival kicked off day two of this year’s annual celebration. This festival isn’t just a series of concerts; it’s a community where every chord and lyric weaves deeper into the tapestry of bluegrass tradition.
Grey Fox isn’t just a stop; it’s a destination steeped in the heritage of bluegrass. Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, the festival draws enthusiasts and families annually, promising not just a top-tier lineup but a vibrant, living celebration of music. With educational tents like the Bluegrass Academy for kids and Jam Central, Grey Fox ensures that the legacy of bluegrass vibrates through every attendee and echoes beyond New York’s borders.
As dawn breaks, Grey Fox awakens to serene yoga and meditation, setting a peaceful tone. This tranquility transitions into lively jam sessions at Jam Central and the Bluegrass Academy for kids, as well as impromptu jams throughout the camping areas. As the day progresses, the smaller stages like Creekside and Gig Rig come alive with intimate performances.
Throughout, attendees navigate a bustling schedule, often catching artists multiple times on different stages, sometimes with special guests. By late afternoon, the energy crescendos with larger crowds gathering at the main stages, where the tents strain to contain enthusiastic fans.
Artist-in-Residence Della Mae‘s set featured surprise guests Casey Driessen and Darol Anger
As the night wound down, nobody was in a rush to leave. Instead, they lingered, guitars in hand around campsites, recounting the day’s performances and what they are looking forward to from the rest of the festival. It’s clear why Grey Fox is more than just a festival; it’s a cornerstone of bluegrass culture. With plans already buzzing for next year, it’s evident that for many, Grey Fox is an annual pilgrimage, essential for anyone who cherishes bluegrass and vibrant community gatherings.
Blue Grass Academy for KidsTwisted Pine on the High Meadow day stageWoodstock’s The MammalsCharlie ParrDel McCoury Band opened the main stage for day 2I Draw Slow on the High Meadow main stageMolly Tuttle & Golden HighwayMolly Tuttle & Golden Highway2023 IBMA grant recipients Country Gongbang
On Saturday, July 20, hundreds of passionate music fans gathered at Arrowood Farms in Accord, NY, for Larry & Teresa’s July Jam, a one-day celebration of classic Americana, hosted by industry legends Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams.
Photo Credit: Anthony Mulcahy
July Jam, the brainchild of Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams, is a brand-new festival with a mission to celebrate some of the best performers in Americana music in a picture-perfect Hudson Valley setting. This year’s lineup consisted of Connor Kennedy and Onestar, The Secret Sisters, Jackie Greene, Hot Tuna, and the headliners, Larry & Teresa. July Jam came hot on the heels of Campbell and Williams’ most recent album, All This Time, which was released on April 5.
Walking into the festival in its early hours, the energy was off the charts. A steady line of guests holding blankets and lawn chairs patiently filed into the picturesque Arrowood Farms and began densely packing the designated chair area, quickly turning the zone into a colorful wall of people. Another area for only those willing to stand was positioned in front of the chair section. All eyes pointed toward the centerpiece of the festival, the main stage.
Photo Credit: Anthony Mulcahy
The performance stage, a wooden platform decked out with all the lights and speakers that one would expect, was the perfect setting for the stacked lineup of talented Americana artists. A thick forest behind the stage provided the perfect atmospheric backdrop. To the left of the stage was a spacious chicken coop, with the roosters occasionally capping off the ends of songs with a “cock-a-doodle-doo,” which guests always appreciated.
Multiple artisanal stands dotted the back line of the music area. A merch table, a stand with clothing and mini dolls and a face-painting booth had a constant swarm of people eyeing up their goods and services. Off to the side of the main stage was a section for food vendors, which had a diverse variety of offerings for guests, from ice cream to lobster rolls to kebabs. A grid of wide picnic tables ensured that no guest went without a seat to eat.
Throughout the day, periods of intense rain came and went, but the guests stood their ground, unwilling to let a little water ruin the historic day of Americana. During the periods of clear skies, a gentle breeze blew the tantalizing smells of freshly cooked foods throughout the whole grounds.
With the perfect setting of Arrowood Farms for an evening of great music, the performers did not disappoint. From the opening set of Connor Kennedy and Onestar to the night’s finale of Larry & Teresa and Friends, every performance had the crowd going. By the time that the day turned to the evening, the standing area had fully filled up, and the energy rose to new peaks.
Photo Credit: Anthony Mulcahy
After a wonderful set from Hot Tuna, Larry and Teresa capped off the night and were joined by many of the day’s previous artists, perfectly ending July Jam with a full-circle moment. All the billed artists have had a close relationship with Larry and Teresa for years, which made the final moments of the night even more special. Right around 9:30, the last set ended, and the guests left. Based on the inaugural July Jam’s overwhelming success, a second festival next year should be a no-brainer for Campbell and Williams.
Visit here for information on other upcoming events at Arrowood Farms.
Photo Credit: Anthony MulcahyPhoto Credit: Anthony MulcahyPhoto Credit: Anthony MulcahyPhoto Credit: Anthony Mulcahy
