NYS Music 2024

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  • Phish Return with New Album Evolve

    Legendary Vermont jam band Phish released their new album, Evolve, on July 12. This new album – the band’s 16th studio release – is the centerpiece of a busy year for Phish. It comes following a boundary-breaking four-night run at Las Vegas’ Sphere, a tour across the US, their first music festival since 2015, and appearances on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. The ambitious new album finds Phish bringing audiences tons of new material to experience. 

    Phish's Trey Anastasio

    In 2020, Phish announced a performance hiatus prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Following this announcement, fans waited four years for a studio follow up to 2020’s Sigma Oasis. That follow-up arrived on July 12, 2024, with Phish’s 16th studio album Evolve. The band, alongside producers Vance Powell and Bryce Goggin recorded the album throughout 2023 in their Vermont studio “the Barn.”

    Evolve is truly a testament to Phish’s staying power, showing that even 30 years into their career, the group still retains a mastery of genre-experimentation and fun jams. The album mostly consists of softer-rock tracks that still contain enough instrumental flourishes and lyrical complexities to keep listeners invested. Whether it is the lush strings of “Mercy” or the vocal harmonies of “Ether Edge” these tracks illustrate a musical prowess and maturity like few other bands. 

    Although much of the album is more subdued, Phish still knows how to turn up the volume. “Wave of Hope” kicks off with an overdriven guitar riff that sounds straight from Deep Purple before evolving into a rock jam. With energetic guitar solos and a bluesy piano part, the song takes staples of classic rock and imbues them with Phish’s loose playfulness. “Life Saving Gun” really illustrated Phish’s genre-bending prowess. It begins as a funk-rock number, but as the song progresses it morphs into a psychedelic passage, featuring affected guitars and space-age sound effects, with spacey instrumentation before returning to its groovy base. 

    One highlight of the album is the title track “Evolve.” The song builds off catchy instrumental lines with jangly funk-inspired guitars, upbeat percussion and melodic pianos. On top of all this is Trey Anastasio’s lyricism touching on finding peace with the growing complexity of the world around us. “Then came the people with their problems and hope that don’t mean a thing if they just knew the scope.” Like the lyrical themes suggest, this song was born out of the Covid-19 Pandemic, with Anastasio penning it in the early days of the Covid lockdown.

    This original version of the song was much more minimalistic than the final release, but still retained its beautiful ambience with whirling guitar lines and chimes. The album-version of “Evolve” is much more musically complex, evolving throughout its run. As the song progresses, it adds additional layers of strings, guitar lines, and energetic solos.

    An early version of “Evolve” recorded by Anastasio during the 2020 Covid Lockdown

    Overall, Evolve shows that Phish is still at the top of their game. The band takes their signature psychedelic jams, and imbues them with a toned-down maturity. Whereas for other groups, this could spell disaster, Phish pull it off especially well. As this album shows, “toned-down” is by no means boring, with each track containing complex instrumentation that keeps listeners going back to discover more. The album additionally retains Phish’s iconic genre-blending, knowing exactly when to splice in a harder track and add new flavor to its sonic palate. Evolve is a great testament to Phish’s experience and a sign of things to come in their future.

    Phish's Evolve

    To celebrate the release of this new album, Phish made a special guest appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. On top of a performance of “Evolve,” the group took part in the show’s cold open. The skit features Phish, Fallon, and the Roots together in the Elevator of 30 Rock. The group then bursts into a parody of Aerosmith’s “Love In an Elevator,” comedically stopping whenever someone hops on the elevator. 

    This album release comes as part of a busy year for Phish. They have already sold out four-nights at the Sphere in Las Vegas back in April in the leadup to Evolve’s release. Following inaugural shows by U2, Phish made history as only the second band to play the state-of-the-art venue. The band played extended jams of songs both old and new, all while psychedelic imagery played on a 160,000 square foot screen above the stage. Among the songs performed was “Life Saving Gun” off of Evolve, brought to life by the venues immersive sound equipment.

    Now, the band has announced a cross-country tour for the remainder of 2024. Beginning at the Xfinity Center in Mansfield, MA, Phish will snake westward to Colorado. This tour includes many shows in and around New York, including two sold-out nights at Connecticut’s Mohegan Sun Arena. Additionally, Phish will play three shows at the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, at the sight of the historic Woodstock Festival.

    Phish Live 2024/2025 Dates

    JULY

    19 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center

    20 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center

    21 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center

    23 – Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun Arena (SOLD OUT)

    24 – Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun Arena (SOLD OUT)

    26 – East Troy, WI – Alpine Music Valley Music Theatre

    27 – East Troy, WI – Alpine Music Valley Music Theatre

    28 – East Troy, WI – Alpine Music Valley Music Theatre

    30 – St. Louis, MO – Chaifetz Arena

    31 – St. Louis, MO – Chaifetz Arena

    AUGUST

    2 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center

    3 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center

    4 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center

    6 – Grand Rapids, MI – Van Andel Arena

    7 – Grand Rapids, MI – Van Andel Arena

    9 – Bethel, NY – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts

    10 – Bethel, NY – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts

    11 – Bethel, NY – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts

    15 – The Woodlands, Dover, DE – Mondegreen

    16 – The Woodlands, Dover, DE – Mondegreen

    17 – The Woodlands, Dover, DE – Mondegreen

    18 – The Woodlands, Dover, DE – Mondegreen

    29 – Commerce City, CO – Dick’s Sporting Goods Park

    30 – Commerce City, CO – Dick’s Sporting Goods Park

    31 – Commerce City, CO – Dick’s Sporting Goods Park

    SEPTEMBER

    1 – Commerce City, CO – Dick’s Sporting Goods Park

    2025

    29 – Quintana Roo, Mexico – Phish: Riviera Maya 2025

    30 – Quintana Roo, Mexico – Phish: Riviera Maya 2025

    31 – Quintana Roo, Mexico – Phish: Riviera Maya 2025

    1 – Quintana Roo, Mexico – Phish: Riviera Maya 2025

    For more information on Evolve and Phish’s upcoming tour, visit their website here. 

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyNpEcNbZM4

  • Nicole Atkins Announces East Coast Tour, Three Shows in New York

    Rock singer-songwriter Nicole Atkins announced an East Coast Tour starting in September with a show at Daryl’s House in Pawling, NY. Justin & the Cosmics will serve as support for the entire run.

    nicole atkins

    A prominent figure in rock music for over two decades, Nicole Atkins has been actively touring and producing music since 2002. Mostly inspired by 1960s and 70s psychedelic rock artists like The Doors and The Sundays, she started writing what she termed “a mix of Americana, 60s, and indie rock.” In 2003, Atkins released her first EP, Bleeding Diamonds.

    Along with her tour, Atkins is currently working on her sixth studio album. “Now, with a bunch of new songs and a great band and some time before the studio, I can’t wait to figure out what these new songs want to be at the shows!” Atkins says about her upcoming album. “I’ve always wanted to do it that way like I did it before my first record, but now it actually feels like time is on my side and I have some to make it happen.” Her previous album, Italian Ice (2020), was her best-reviewed album to date, drawing rave reviews internationally.

    For the last two decades of her career, Nicole Atkins has performed in several festivals and concerts. Halfway into 2024, Atkins has already had an incredible year, opening for both Stevie Nicks and also her friends, The Mavericks, whose new album she is featured on.  Now, after remarkable stretches with rock icons and showstoppers, she reemerges with her own headlining tour.

    Starting on September 5, Atkins heads to Pawling, NY, for a night in Daryl’s House. Catch her at Woodstock and Ridgewood, Queens, on September 7 and 21, respectively. Atkins’ new album, which is yet to be named, is set to release in 2025.

    The full tour dates are listed below. Tickets are available now on Nicole Atkins’ website, linked here.

    SEPTEMBER

    5 – Pawling, NY – Daryl’s House

    6 – Montclair, NJ – Outpost In The Burbs

    7 – Woodstock, NY – Levon Helm Studios

    9 – Boston, MA – City Winery – Boston

    11 – Philadelphia, PA – 118 North

    12 – Asbury Park, NJ – Wonder Bar

    15 – Manchester Center, VT – Billsville House Concerts

    20 – Uncasville, CT – Wolf Den

    21 – Ridgewood, NY – TV Eye

  • Isaac Mizrahi returns to Manhattan’s 54 Below

    Designer, actor, and musician Isaac Mizrahi will return to Midtown Manhattan’s 54 Below. Back by popular demand, Mizrahi and his band will perform a set titled A Brief History. The performances will take place August 28-31st. 

    Isaac Mizrahi

    Since his youth in Brooklyn, Isaac Mizrahi has devoted himself to the arts. His career began at age 10 when he bought his first sewing machine. By 1987, Mizrahi presented his first fashion line, garnering critical praise. Since then, his clothing has been sold at chains like Bloomingdales and Nordstrom. Mega-stars like Julia Roberts, Natalie Portman, and Nicole Kidman have also sported his styles. 

    This success in the designing industry has allowed Mizrahi to pursue other artistic careers, notably music. Mizrahi views himself foremost as an entertainer. Following shows on E! And Oxygen, Mizrahi grew increasingly notable as a public figure. Using this notoriety, he has directed stage productions across the country, including A Little Night Music and The Magic Flute for the Opera Theatre of St. Louis, and Peter and the Wolf at New York’s Guggenheim. 

    A scene from the Guggenheim’s Peter and the Wolf, directed by Mizrahi

    Included in these artistic endeavors is stage performance. Starting with his show on Oxygen, Mizrahi has performed as a jazz singer. However, Mizrahi’s performance is so much more than just music. The New York Times has described Mizrahi as “a founding father of a genre that fuses performance, art, music and stand-up comedy.” His set at 54 Below – titled A Brief History – lives up to its name including everything from Billie Eilish to Cole Porter. On top of music, his shows contain jokes, cultural references, and sarcastic interjections into song lyrics. 

    Mizrahi will perform at Midtown Manhattan’s 54 Below Club. Broadway producers Tom Viertel, Marc Routh, Richard Frankel and Steve Baruch founded the club to celebrate New York City’s musical talent. 54 Below highlights not only Broadway musicians, but also cabaret, and performers of the Great American Songbook. The club’s intimate environment allows audiences to see their favorite performers in a more somber setting, and allows performers to workshop new materials and collaborate with other artists. Performances at 54 Below have helped develop new Broadway shows and musicals throughout the year. 

    Tony-Winning designers John Lee Beatty, Ken Billington, and Peter Hylenski designed the 140 person dining room, bringing their stage production know-how. The club’s layout makes it so that no tables are further than 24 feet from the stage, ensuring audience members get the best possible experience. The club also has broadcasting and recording capabilities to preserve its 3 nightly shows. With this unparalleled quality, the club received the 2022 Tony Awards Honor for Excellence in the Theatre. Additionally, 54 Below has gained the name “Broadway’s Living Room” for the number of performers who grace its stage. 

    Mizrahi and his band will perform August 28-31st. His set will begin at 7:00pm each night. Various ticket and seating tiers are available, starting at $78.50. For more information on Isaac Mizrahi’s performance, visit the 54 Below website here.

  • Beck To Perform With The Boston Pops At Tanglewood

    Artist and producer Beck will perform alongside the Boston Pops at the Tanglewood concert series on July 23.

    Beck’s vast discography exposes his genre melding experimental music. He rose to fame in the early 1990’s after he moved to NYC as part of the “anti-folk” movement. He moved back to his hometown of Los-Angelos and released his first hit single “Loser” in 1994. It remains his most streamed song on Spotify. 

    Beck has won eight Grammy Awards including Best Male Vocal Performance in 1997 for “Where It’s At.” Recently he has continued to collaborate with many other artists. For his 2019 album Hyperspace, He collaborated with Pharrell Williams. On July 12, Orville Peck and Beck released the alternative country single “Death Valley High.”

    Beck will also be collaborating with the Boston Pops conducted by Edwin Outwater, an esteemed conductor who has made appearances alongside New York Philharmonic, Cleveland Orchestra, Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Philadelphia Orchestra.

    The pops perform throughout the Tanglewood concert series. The venue is located in the Berkshire Hills of Western Massachusetts and is also the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. 
    To purchase tickets to Beck’s performance you can visit the Tanglewood website here.

  • Punk Icons NOFX Deliver a Farewell to Remember at Brooklyn Paramount

    Brooklyn Paramount was electric on Saturday, July 13, as NOFX delivered a powerful performance on the second of their three-night stand, part of their much-anticipated final tour.

    These shows were the only US dates on their tour, making them a unique and intimate experience compared to the rest of the Punk in Drublic festival.

    The legendary punk rock band kicked off their worldwide farewell tour on April 22, 2023, in Austin, TX. The tour spans forty cities across the globe, including stops in Australia in January, Europe in May and June, and North America from April to October 2024.

    Each night, NOFX performs 40 songs, featuring full albums and rare tracks, ensuring no setlist is ever repeated. This meticulous planning guarantees a unique experience for every show, culminating in their final performance in Los Angeles on October 6, 2024.

    Frontman Fat Mike, alongside bandmates Eric Melvin, Erik Sandin, and El Hefe, poured their hearts into the Brooklyn Paramount show. The setlist on July 13 was a blend of tracks from at least 12 different albums, with a heavy focus on Wolves in Wolves’ Clothing and Pump Up the Valuum. The night began with the energetic “60%,” and included fan favorites like “Murder the Government,” “Bob,” “What’s the Matter with Parents Today,” “The Longest Line,” and “Drugs Are Good.” The encore was a high-energy conclusion featuring “Bottle to the Ground” and the iconic “Kill All the White Man.”

    Opening the night was Fat Mike’s new project, Codefendants, whose set included “Brutiful,” “Prison Camp,” “Fast Ones,” and “Sell Me Youth.” Following them was Murphy’s Law, a staple of the New York hardcore punk scene since 1982. Despite numerous lineup changes, vocalist Jimmy Drescher remains the heart of the band. Their energetic set included “Quest for Herb,” “Crucial Bar-B-Q,” “Cavity Creeps,” and “Someone’s Gonna Get Their Head Kicked in Tonight.”

    Formed in 1983 in Los Angeles, NOFX has been a cornerstone of the punk rock scene for over four decades. Their rebellious spirit and distinctive sound have influenced countless bands and garnered a dedicated global fanbase. Despite the ups and downs of the music industry, NOFX has maintained their independence, releasing music through their own label, Fat Wreck Chords.

    Fat Mike, the band’s charismatic and often controversial frontman, has been vocal about his reasons for ending NOFX. “Because I don’t enjoy it like I used to,” he told Louder in December 2022. “And if I don’t get loaded, I really don’t want to do it. I don’t need to be onstage hearing people applaud and dance. I don’t need that. Some people are addicted to that.”

    He added, “I’ve started doing stand-up comedy and I like that way better, in front of 30 people. And writing music. I’ve been writing [string] quartets, which I really enjoy, and writing for other people. I have another band called the Codefendants, which is really exciting to me.”

    As the final tour progresses, fans worldwide are cherishing these last moments with NOFX. The Brooklyn Paramount shows are a testament to the band’s enduring legacy and their unwavering connection with their audience. For those in attendance on July 13, it was a night of nostalgia, high energy, and a bittersweet farewell to one of punk rock’s most influential bands.

    Codefendants Setlist: Brutifal, Defcons, Abscessed, Suicide by Pigs, Disaster Scenes, Prison Camp, Fast Ones, Counting Back From 13, Sell Me Youth

    NOFX Setlist: 60%, Seeing Double at the Triple Rock, Murder the Government, Bob, Pharmacist’s Daughter, 72 Hookers, All Outta Angst, Louise, The Man I Killed, Leaving Jesusland, What’s the Matter With Parents Today, 100 Times Fuckeder, The Marxist Brothers, Fuck the Kids, Juice Head, Hobophobic, Monosyllabic Girls, I’m Telling Tim, Instant Crassic, Can’t Get the Stink Out, The Longest Line, What Now My Love, I Don’t Like Me Anymore, Drugs Are Good, Benny Got Blowed Up, Radio, Shut Up Already, Green Corn, All My Friends In New York, The Seperation of Church and Skate

    Encore: Riff Raff, Dinosaurs Will Die, Herojuana, Bottles to the Ground, Kill all the White Man

  • Wilmington Beach Summer Concert Series 2024 Lineup Announced

    The High Peaks town of Wilmington, NY, has announced the lineup for their Wilmington Beach Summer Concert Series. The series will run between July 11 and August 29, with all shows taking place at the beautiful Wilmington Town Beach between 6 and 9 p.m.

    Wilmington, a small town nestled in the valley of the West Branch of the AuSable River, is a classic Adirondack destination filled to the brim with nature. The town is also the setting of the 3-time annual Wilmington Mountain Music Festival.

    One of the town’s best recreational spots, Lake Everest, is home to the annual Wilmington Beach Summer Concert Series.

    This summer, the series is back with a fresh lineup of talented musicians. Some of the billed artists include Grey Wolf, The Harbingers and On3.

    Besides the series, Lake Everest has many family-friendly activities that are a perfect pairing for any evening show. Rentals are available for aqua bikes, kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards in the lake, and there is easy access to swimming, boating, volleyball and a playground. There is also a nature trail loop that begins to the right of the lake.

    Grills are available in the park for anyone looking to cook a meal to watch the show with.

    So if you’re in the area and looking to fill up an evening, come down to Wilmington Town Beach and kick back in a lawn chair, or get to your feet and dance to one of the many talented artists with Lake Everest as your backdrop.

    Visit here for more information. See below for the official graphic and a full written lineup.

    Wilmington Beach Summer Concert Series

    Full Series Lineup

    July 11 — Grey Wolf

    July 18 — The Harbingers

    July 25 — The Duo with Maggie

    August 1 — Bootleg Band

    August 8 — Damaged Goods

    August 15 — InCahoots

    August 22 — On3

    August 29 — Pale Horse

  • Sunshine Daydream: Peach at The Beach Rocks Atlantic City

    The Peach Music Festival just had their first “Peach at the Beach” at the Showboat Resort in Atlantic City. Although it was not at the usual Montage Mountain venue, this venue also had a waterpark, reminiscent of the festival people have grown to love, with familiar faces and favorite jams filling the air.

    The waterpark sets were mainly DJs including DJ Logic, aside from Dogs in a Pile, who played a funky set for all of the waterpark attendants. The Dogs are quickly solidifying their place within the jam band scene. This set included a masterful “Ship of Fools” and even a cover of Phish’s “Tube.”

    peach at the beach

    The main stage opened up with some reggae vibes from Mykal Rose of Black Uhuru. This featured a different, palette cleansing sound, which was quite different from the other music, yet lively and exciting.

    peach at the beach

    Next up for Peach at the Beach was Karina Rykman who played some tracks off her new album Joyride. The set was filled with high peaks, bass bombs, and lots of jams.

    Trouble No More played “Eat a Peach”, a great nod to the Allman Brothers roots of this festival. Highlights included “Blue Sky,” “Melissa,” and “Mountain Jam.” Taz’s guitar playing as a frontman just continuing toi get better with age.

    Dogs in a Pile took the stage with a memorable set, putting the crowd into party mode. The set included their hit “Trunk Run” which references Atlantic City within the song, encoring with a face melting “Fire.”

    After a longer break than expected, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead took the stage at 9:30 as opposed to 9 and played one long set as opposed to the advertised two. This proved to be rather disappointing but the band played an absolutely stellar set filled with genre-bending experimentation and mind-blowing peaks.

    JRAD opened up with “Scarlet Begonias,” a Deadhead favorite, but this group makes it clear that they are much more than a Grateful Dead cover band, pushing the music to new heights and making their unique sound prominent. The set also included a masterful “Estimated Prophet” and a jammed out “Playing in the Band”. They finished with “Uncle John’s Band.”

  • Dazed Cannabis Packed as Havoc and Cormega Preview Tracks From Forthcoming Album

    The essence of Queensbridge was alive and well inside Dazed Cannabis, as Havoc and Cormega played songs from their forthcoming album. Vibe Magazine editor-at-large Datwon Thomas hosted the Havoc x Cormega Album Listening Event, where the two hip hop legends welcomed fans to a behind the scenes look into their creative journey, inspirations, and the collaborative process behind their unreleased, untitled album.

    Dazed Cannabis Havoc and Cormega
    Cormega and Havoc’s untittled album brought out core hip hop fans/ Photo by Dazed Cannabis.

    As a result, the dispensary/event space was full to the brim by the time Havoc and Cormega graced the stage. As the duo entered the venue to lukewarm applause –Havoc in his now trademark shades, and Cormega with his assertive presence– they carried with them a steely determination and –Havoc in particular– a business like approach to this public appearance.

    Datwon Thomas Havoc and Cormega
    Darwin Thomas hosted the Havoc X Cormega Listening Event/Photo by Dazed Cannabis

    In turn, Thomas warmed up the crowd, as he commenced the listening and Q&A portion of the event. Setting the tone with a couple of the duo’s classic collaborations in “Angel Dust,” (where Cormega revealed that Havoc’s standout chorus was due to his own unfamiliarity with song structures) and the Marley Marl produced “On The Real,” which served as a rite of passage between Queensbridge legends. “Getting on a Marley record was everything to us,” said Havoc.

    Havoc Havoc and Cormega
    The platinum producer did most of his talking behind the boards/Photo by Dazed Cannabis..

    Havoc X Cormega Listening Event: Music Review

    Cormega starred, playing the part of hood poet, enforcer and gentleman throughout the evening. And after quick intermission for ‘Mega to enforce the event’s strict no cell phone policy, Thomas transitioned into songs from the new album. Although unfinished, the duo previewed 10 quality tracks, gauging fan response and opinions along the way. Particularly due to Havoc’s meticulous approach, as Cormega enlisted the help of the crowd as he petitioned for his favorite beats to make the album’s final cut.

    Cormega and fans Havoc and Cormega
    Cormega starred and played the part of hood poet, enforcer, gentleman/Photo by Dazed Cannabis

    Nonetheless, Havoc, stoic as ever, kept answers short and sweet as Cormega fielded most of the questions. However, it seems as though Hav’ does most of his talking behind the boards. Hence why Dazed Cannabis experienced its first bobble head night this past Saturday, as heads bopped to one hard-hitting beat after the other. Havoc’s trademark gritty, bass-line heavy style and classical samples were in full-effect as he flawlessly captured the grimy, rugged, street tone with which Cormega does his best work.

    Dazed Cannabis
    Hip Hop fans showed love to the Queensbridge legends last night at Dazed Cannabis. Photo by Shaquan Bell.

    Yet the legendary producer was the least surprised at his excellence behind the boards. After all, earlier this year, Mobb Deep’s “Shook Ones Part II” was named the greatest hip hop beat of all-time. When Thomas broached the topic, Havoc nonchalantly responded with, “it took ya’ll this long to realize that?”

    After a few more records, and another brief intermission for Cormega to hilariously reiterate the no recording policy to an overzealous fan, he previewed the album’s only guest appearance, featuring a verse from Raekwon.

    Album Release Date?

    All in all, despite the intimate preview, neither a release date nor month was revealed. Even though a joint-project between the Queensbridge natives is years in the making, there doesn’t seem to be any rush. On Saturday night at least, Havoc and Cormega seemed content to let the creative process play itself out. And The Havoc X Cormega Listening Event was like a comic testing out jokes before a new special.

    Cormega
    Cormega autographs a t-shirt/Photo by Dazed Cannabis

    As Cormega delved into the journey behind the album, he revealed that there’s more at play than meets the eye. “I understand the healing process. Sometimes people forget we’re humans. This man just lost his brother and someone he considered a brother-in-rhyme. I understood it was going to take time for him [Havoc] to heal,” explained Cormega as he referred to Havoc’s loss of his brother Killa Black, and Mobb Deep partner Prodigy.

    Merch

    To commemorate the special occasion Dazed created a collectible, numbered (1-200), premium t-shirt, featuring exclusive artwork by Casa. Along with a pair of socks marked 40th and 41st side symbolizing the addresses to Havoc and Cormega’s project housing in Queensbridge. This limited edition capsule was unveiled at the Cormega x Havoc Listening Event with limited quantities for sale at Dazed Cannabis located at 33 Union Square W.

    Merch
    According to Cormega if you get two pairs you can have a 40th side pair and a 41st side/Photo by Dazed Cannabis

  • Canandaigua Announces 2024 Art and Music Festival

    The Canandaigua Business Improvement District has announced the 2024 Art and Music Festival, celebrating local musicians, artists, and businesses throughout the city.

    The festival begins on Friday, July 19 at noon and goes through the weekend, ending on Sunday July 21. From 12 pm-7 pm on Friday and 10 am – 5 pm on Saturday and Sunday, Historic Downtown Canandaigua will feature over 150 restaurants, artists, and musicians.

    canandaigua art and music festival

    For 34 years, the historic sidewalks of Downtown Main Street have hosted the Art and Music Festival, aimed to celebrate the works of artists belonging to several mediums. Although its start was small and featured a few artists scattered around the region, the festival has grown into a mounting success in the last three decades. Now in its 35th year, Downtown Main Street is home to over 150 artists and musicians and includes activities, classes, demonstrations, and raffles.

    After an extensive jury process, artists are selected to display their works throughout the entirety of the festival. Each year, new artists in almost every category, including ceramics, pottery, jewelry, woodworking, fiber, glass, photography, and gourmet foods, showcase and sell their creations at booths. Art students at local schools join in on the fun, too, showing off their coursework for all to see.

    Musical acts at the festival will take place for the entire weekend on the Maxion Stage at Commons Park. The concerts start at noon every day. This year, the Art and Music Festival features select musical acts from all genres, including Bluegrass, Blues, Rock & Roll, Jazz, and singer-songwriter Acoustic performers from all over Upstate New York. Returning performers and newcomers alike, the musicians performing at the Art and Music Festival will be bringing their best for the entire weekend.

    Throughout the entirety of the festival, a wide range of activities are available in Historic Downtown. Activities include a musical petting zoo, an interactive experience complete with instruments to explore. Demonstrations of pottery making, candle creation, and glass flameworking are readily available. Lastly, the Golden Palette Studio Trail includes special events and access to original art, crafts, classes, services, and unique gift items.

    For more information, visit the city’s website, linked here.

  • Chris Stapleton and Marcus King Pack Darien Lake

    Playing to a sold-out crowd, Chris Stapleton brought his country rock show to Darien Lake Amphitheater on July 11. With support from Marcus King and Nikki Lane, the crowd of nearly 21,000 was treated to a night of amazing music and perfect weather to compliment.

    Not really new to music, Marcus King is taking country music scene by storm in recent years. With heavy mix of southern rock and classic country licks, King delivers a stellar performance as he precedes the headliner on stage.

    King’s touring band includes, Jack Ryan on drums, Stephen Campbell on bass, Drew Smithers on guitar, Mike Runyon on keys, and Chris Spies on sax.

    Heavily influenced by acts like the Allman Brothers and Waylon Jennings, King produces the perfect sounds for a hot summer day.

    Chatting up conversation with fans lined up at the photo pit barricade, I came across young and old fans like. There was a young lady dressed as Stapleton, who was attending her first concert. There were best friends who splurged to get up close, and there were families front and center ready to tap their boots to some “Tennessee Whiskey.” Parenting done right, it will always bring a smile to my face to see children at the front the shows. Music is awesome, but live music like that is on a whole other level.

    Running about 15 minutes late, Stapleton hit the stage to a loud and boisterous round of cheers and applause as he immediately rolled into “White Horse”, “Nobody to Blame”, and “Second One to Know.” For some it was the first time seeing the country star, for others it was another notch in the belt. Either way, Stapleton had the fans on their toes for the next 90 minutes.

    Not one for much chatter during the set, Stapleton rolled through the 23-song set with his wife, Morgane, within arm’s reach. Providing background vocals as well as duets with her husband on most songs, she makes them quite a dynamic duo.

    21,000 fans packed into lawn and shell seats for a night of amazing music and 21,000 fans were treated to an unbelievable show by a country mega star and a mega star in the making. This was a night to remember for so many, especially for that young lady in front who got see Chris Stapleton from the very front row.

    Leaving the show a little early avoid the notoriously horrific Darien Lake parking lot traffic, you could still hear Stapleton belting out “Fire Away”, “Tennessee Whiskey”, and “Broken Halos”. As I made my way to my car, the crowd was perfectly in sync, just as they were from the first note of the night.

    Stapleton continues his tour with Lane and King this summer, as well as stops to perform with George Strait along the way.

    Chris Stapleton setlist: White Horse, Nobody to Blame, Second One to Know, Millionaire (K. Welch cover), Crosswind, Trying to Untangle My Mind, South Dakota, Might as Well Get Stoned, What Am I Gonna Do, Think I’m In Love With You, Whiskey and You, Arkansas, Starting Over, Joy of My Life (J. Fogerty cover), Parachute, Mountains of My Mind, You Should Probably Leave, Cold, Free Bird/The Devil Named Music, Traveller, Fire Away, Tennessee Whiskey, Broken Halos

    Marcus King
    Marcus King
    Marcus King
    Marcus King
    Marcus King
    Marcus King
    1Marcus King