Tag: Music News

Fretless Guitar God Ned Evett Rocks Buffalo, Syracuse, and Rochester This August

Ned Evett, a pioneer in the world of fretless guitarists, makes his return to upstate New York for the first time in over two decades this August.

Evett kicks off a string of live performances with a live concert at the Westcott Theater in Syracuse, on August 6. Immediately following, is his show at The Lounge at Revolution Gallery on August 7. Evett finishes off his New York stops with a live show at the Spirit Room in Rochester.

Over the last two decades, Ned Evett has cemented himself as an influential figure in the world of guitar players. In the early 1990s, Evett smashed his guitar after playing a show and handcrafted his own fretless guitar. Since then, Evett has mastered the style of fretless playing, which requires an immense understanding of the instrument’s sound and impeccable perfect pitch.

During his career, Evett has performed in over 30 countries with hundreds of touring artists, including Joe Satriani, Leon Russell, Kansas, Eric Johnson, George Thorogood, and John Scofield. Despite his extensive touring history, he has not made a return to upstate New York in over two decades. His name might be familiar to longtime guitar fans in the region, though. In 2003, Evett won the North American Rock Guitar Competition at the University of Buffalo. Since then, Evett has received massive critical acclaim. Described by Guitar Player magazine as “the world’s first fretless guitar rockstar” and dubbed “the king of the glass-necked guitar” by USA Today, Evett is the inventor of the glass-necked fretless guitar and the glass slide capo.

Evett will perform in a trio, with Rochester-based Steve Imburgia on drums and percussion and Brian Barr on bass for the New York shows. He will perform songs from his forthcoming record, Strange Kind of Freedom, which is set to release on November 8, as well as several fan favorites from his 12 prior solo releases.

Information for the New York shows are listed below.

Aug. 6 — Syracuse @ Westcott Theater
tickets: $20
doors: 7 p.m.
show: 8-10 p.m.
address: 524 Westcott St., Syracuse, NY 13210

Aug. 7 — Buffalo @ The Lounge at Revolution Gallery
tickets: free
doors: 5:30 p.m.
show: 6 p.m. start
address: 1419 Hertel Ave, Buffalo, NY 14216

Aug. 8 — Rochester @ The Spirit Room
doors: 7 p.m.
show: 8:30-10:30 p.m.
address: 139 State St., Rochester, NY 14614

8/2 Friday Syracuse NY Funky Town Comics & Vinyl
8/6 Tuesday Syracuse NY The Lounge at Revolution Gallery
8/7 Wednesday Buffalo NY Iron Works
8/8 Thursday Rochester NY The Spirit Room
11/8 Friday Okinawa Japan Kadena Festival
11/14 Thursday San Pedro CA Alvas Showroom
11/16 Saturday Mill Valley CA Sweetwater Saloon
11/23 Saturday Boise ID Sapphire Room

Any additional information and tickets are available on Ned Evett’s website linked here.

July 6, 2024
Rensselaer Announces City and Summer Jam Concert Series

The city of Rensselaer, NY, has two separate concert series on tap this summer.

The first, the RensselaerÂ City Concert Series, began on June 17 and will last until July 29 at Riverfront Park. The second, the Summer Jam Concert Series, began on June 26 and will last until August 7 at the North End Firehouse on Washington Avenue. Each concert for both series is weekly from 6 pm to 8 pm. The full lineups for both events are listed below.

While the city hosts two separate series at the same time, each serves a different purpose and centers on different artists and organizations. The Rensselaer City Concert Series is a government-affiliated program hosted by the City of Rensselaer. All events for the Rennselaer City Concert Series are free and available for all ages.

A wide variety of performers make the lineup of the City Concert Series, encompassing all genres for all listeners. Performances range from rock outfits like Gone Grey and Pete & Friends to Donny Elvis, a nationally known Elvis impersonator making an appearance at both series, to intimate smooth jazz from Standard Edition.

However, the Summer Jam Concert series is hosted by Kiwanis, a charity that provides after-school programs to children and schools across the country. Summer Jam Concert Series promotes rock artists of all subgenres: classic rock, hard rock, pop rock, contemporary, and even a night of Celtic folk music. Each week, the artists performing at Summer Jam bring the audience back to the roots of rock and roll. Celebrate the summer with a throwback to the classic rock songs everyone knows and loves. The series is a free event enjoyed by the whole family.

The full lineup for the Summer Jam Concert Series

June 26: The Lost Art Band (classic rock)

No concert on July 3

July 10: Hands of Time (rock oldies)

July 17: Diva and the Dirty Boys (60s and 70s rock)

July 24: Kilashandra (contemporary and Celtic)

July 31: Donny Elvis

August 7: Bobbie VanDetta and the Split (pop, rock, and country)

The full lineup for the Riverfront Concert Series:

June 17: Pete & Friends

June 24: Gone Gray

July 1: Donny Elvis

July 8: Paul Slingerland & Friends

July 15: Standard Edition

July 22: Joe Adee & The Lug Nuts

July 29: Donny Elvis

For more information on both of the summer concert series, visit the City of Rensselaer’s website here.

July 6, 2024
BAM Announces New Artistic Director and Fall Season Events

The Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) has announced the program for the Fall 2024 season, along with their new musical director, Amy Cassello. Since 2013, Cassello has filled several roles for BAM, including programming, artistic director, and producer. During her decade-long run, Cassello produced and oversaw numerous concerts, plays, festivals, and series at BAM.

This fall, BAM will host a multidisciplinary variety of programs, including plays, poetry readings, multimedia demonstrations, dance shows, holiday concert series, and a new set of in-house resident musicians. Among the events is this year’s rendition of Next Wave, an arts showcase contextualizing the artistic visions projected for the near future. Also featured this year is the return of BAMboo!, The Best of BAMkids Film Festival, and a film program featuring repertory screenings alongside new releases.

Amy Cassello, Artistic Director, BAM Brooklyn Academy of Music, Brooklyn, New York, June 7, 2024. Photograph © Beowulf Sheehan

Each year, the Next Wave 2024 & Emerging Visions events represent dynamic elements integral to BAM’s path into the future. With a renewed focus on works-in-process, increased presentations from the Global South, and greater investment in presenting partnerships, Next Wave and Emerging Visions support musicians and artists from all over the country. These events provide artists with the space and resources necessary to showcase their hard work and serve as a reminder to all that BAM will always welcome creative visionaries, no matter where they are from or where they trained.

This is an exciting moment for BAM as we bridge our past with our future. Amy is a deep thinker who considers the needs of artists and arts workers at every turn. As a longstanding BAM programmer and creative producer, she intimately understands our role in the arts ecosystem. I could not have a better partner in leading BAM’s artistic programming at this pivotal moment.
Gina Duncan, BAM President

This year’s Next Wave presents well-known creators who bring their groundbreaking theater, music, poetry, multi-media, and dance to the BAM stage. Works being presented at Next Wave include Bill T. Jones’s Still/Here, Hanif Abdurraqib’s election week poetry program honoring the legacy of June Jordan, Dana Gingras’ Frontera, Guillermo Cacace’s Gaviota, Tiago Rodrigues’ Catarina and the Beauty of Killing Fascists, Silkroad Ensemble with Rhiannon Giddens’ American Railroad, Liquid Music’s Sun Dogs, Modesto Flako Jimenez’s Mercedes, Part 1, Journey LIVE with American Composers Orchestra, and ONX Studio’s TECHNE.

Among the new works being presented at BAM, the theatre has also announced its resident artists for the 2024 season. This year’s BAM residents include Baba Oludaré, Hope Boykin, Mayfield Brooks, Delano Burrowes, Kayla Hamilton, Soomi Kim, and Yaa Samar! Dance Theatre.

Below are the dates for Emerging Visions and Next Wave. For more information and tickets, visit BAM’s website here.

Emerging Visions

Sep 17—Oct 20: Safety Not Guaranteed, directed by Lee Sunday Evans, with music by Guster’s Ryan Miller

Oct 24—27: Preview performances of a new play, Reconstructing (Still Working but the Devil Might Be Inside), directed by Rachel Chavkin and Zhailon Levingston

Next Wave 2024 – BAM Howard Gilman Opera House, 30 Lafayette Ave Brooklyn

Oct 25—27 Music engagement (to be announced June 26)
Oct 30—Nov 2 Bill T. Jones’s Still/Here
Nov 5—9 Hanif Abdurraqib’s I Guess It Was My Destiny To Live So Long poetry series
Nov 8 & 9 Dana Gingras’ Frontera
Nov 13—23 Guillermo Cacace’s Gaviota
Nov 13—17 Tiago Rodrigues’ Catarina and the Beauty of Killing Fascists
Nov 18 & 19 Liquid Music’s Sun Dogs with Alarm Will Sound
Nov 23 Silkroad Ensemble with Rhiannon Giddens’ American Railroad
Dec 3—8 Modesto Jimenez’s Mercedes, Part 1
Dec 6 & 7 Journey LIVE with American Composers Orchestra
Jan 4—19 ONX Studio’s TECHNE

Holiday Offerings

Dec 12—22: Mark Morris Dance Group’s The Hard Nut
TBD: Music engagement

July 4, 2024
Goose sell out Forest Hills; Biggest show yet

On Saturday, June 29, Forest Hills Stadium in Queens saw Goose fans flocking towards the venue well before doors opened. With strong but pleasant winds blowing in alongside them, the anticipation was undeniable as large lines formed to snag posters and merch. Long time friends reuniting, new friends being made, the vibes were high as everyone in the audience eagerly awaited what was to come.

Forest Hills was their second stop in New York on what has been a lengthy nationwide spring and early summer tour. If it wasn’t already hard enough to deny how unstoppable this band is, the announcement that this show was their biggest headlining show to date all but solidifies it, selling out the venue of 13,000 people. This isn’t the first time their draw power in New York was in full view, the band previously sold out two nights at Radio City Music Hall, boasting crowds of more than 6,000.

Excitement was at its peak when Goose hit the stage, greeted by the audience chanting “Gooooose” loudly, but low pitched. As is also usual custom, Peter Anspach saluted the crowd with “What’s up, New York City?!” before embarking on what was to be an evening of pure music-magic. The super catchy and funky notes of “Hot Tea” rang out to open the first set. Hips and arms swayed side to side, smiles were everywhere as fans matched lead singer and guitarist Rick Mitarotunda’s scatting.

The first set featured covers, foreshadowing what would come much later. The band tapped into their deep catalog by busting out “Hot Love & the Lazy Poet” from their own side project, Vasudo, and following that, “I Would Die 4 U,” a tribute to the illustrious Prince. The evening’s exceptional vibes were expounded during set-break, as the audience bore witness and cheered on a marriage proposal which saw the bride to be saying yes enthusiastically.

Goose showcased just how deep and expansive their catalogue of music is during the second set, with electrifying renditions of “Travelers” and “Elmeg The Wise.” A beautiful version of “Thatch” came after, bringing the evening to uncharted heights. Closing out set 2 was the title track off their 2023 album, Dripfield, a song that truly exemplifies the essence of what Goose represents as a band.

A brave and bold new frontier, honoring the footsteps of their predecessors, but carving out their own path. An exciting contemporary take on the classic jam band model, incorporating new sounds and tech with traditional instruments and improvisation. Jams that serve very well written songs, not songs that serve the epic jams. All of this enhanced by an impressive lighting design by Andrew Goedde, seeing Goose live is a must for any fan of live music.

The encore saw the band once again tapping into their deep arsenal, busting out one more cover from Vasudo, “Give It Time”, which was the perfect note to end to the evening on. As light wind and rain began to trickle in, the audience flocked out the venue paying the elements no mind as the anticipation began once again for their next show. Goose will embark on another lengthy fall tour, which tickets are on sale for now.

Goose – Forest Hills Stadium, Queens – Saturday, June 29, 2024

Set 1: Hot Tea, Lead Up, Turned Clouds, Yeti , Hot Love & the Lazy Poet, I Would Die 4 U, So Ready

Set 2: Travelers, Elmeg the Wise, Thatch, 726, Dripfield

Encore: Give It Time

July 1, 2024
Jazz Icon Max Redko Offers Piano Master Class at Kaufman Center

On Tuesday, July 2, jazz piano visionary Max Redko will offer a master class on new developments in jazz theory. Attendees will learn and discuss new techniques and theories from an incredibly gifted and highly acclaimed professional. For all those who wish to attend, the master class is located in Manhattan’s own Kaufman Center at 7 pm.

The basis of Max Redko’s master class is the art of improvisation. Redko believes that the musical structures, especially for jazz, are incredibly antiquated. For decades, musicians learned that jazz is composed according to a specific standard. Rules about chord progressions, rhythm, and meter created a “norm” for the genre. Deviation from this standard was actively discouraged.

While musicians obviously hold these practices in high regard, these old-fashioned techniques prevented them from being able to create newer, fresher music. Musicians have stuck to what is reliable, instead of taking the risks essential to the art of jazz. Reliance on the “correct” theory forced jazz musicians to play pre-composed music learned by heart, which steered away from the core meaning of the genreâimprovisation.

Redko’s master class plans on changing these ideas entirely. As the author of the Theory of Harmony of Music, Max Redko made a name for himself through his revolutionary theories in the world of jazz. Redko was the first who explain how to harmonize any note using all existing methods. His theory challenges ideas of the past and offers musicians an opportunity to embrace the spontaneity of jazz while giving the player complete autonomy.

Every time you listen to a pianist, you hear music that
characterizes past times, mainly retro style, while art must reflect modernity. The world
needs new quality!
Max Redko

For more information on Max Redko, his classes, and private lesson information, visit his website here. Sign up for the master class using this link.

July 1, 2024
38 Spesh & Grafh Tab Talib Kweli ‘Right Now’ With Collab Album On The Way

Upstate meets the boroughs in this latest track between New York mainstays. 38 Spesh and Grafh team-up with Talib Kweli and Halie Supreme on “Right Now.” The first single from the duo’s upcoming collaborative album, God’s Timing.

Grafh and Talib Kweli go back-and-forth on “Right Now.”

“Right Now” is an ode to hip hop‘s backpack era with the drums as laidback and soothing as the lyrics are ferocious. Grafh and Kweli take turns attacking the track as their verses sees them have a career full-circle moment and acknowledge their place in hip hop while giving haters and doubters a piece of their mind. Additionally, Halie Supreme’s bridge and background vocals aide in the record’s ambience and add to the record’s intellect, providing a soothing backdrop to the hard-hitting lyrics and flow.

Set for release on July 26, God’s Timing features production in its entirety by 38 Spesh. With the Rochester native also providing several verses. The project also includes appearances from Jim Jones, Talib Kweli, Method Man, Vado, Freeway, Memphis Bleek and Peedi Crakk.

Moreover, “Right Now” showcases 38 Spesh’s versatility as a producer. After all on this latest track his slower, sample-heavy production gives way to a more upbeat, minimalist style. With Spesh curating his sound to mesh with Kweli, the possibilities are endless with the remaining features.

July 1, 2024
Black Soprano Family Duo Fuego Base and OT The Real Release Collab Project ‘Moving Base OT’

The Black Soprano Family continues to build its name in hip hop’s underground scene. This time around the two newest signees to Benny the Butcher’s imprint come together as OT The Real and Fuego Base release Moving Base OT.

Executive produced by Benny The Butcher, Moving Base OT features appearances from Benny & Fellow Black Soprano Family member Rick Hyde & Sule. The 10-track project serves as a sophomore effort for street rhymers Fuego The Base and OT The Real, with the duo releasing the music video for “Battle Scars” featuring Benny The Butcher in promotion of the project.

The lead single keeps it raw and gritty as the BSF trio present themselves on a corner block, a basketball court and a local fur/leather shop. Moreover they exchange war stories as the production maintains the street corner to plug aura that Benny has established with BSF.

Thus with Benny’s aide Philadelphia-bred OT The Real and Hartford native Fuego Base look to build on their fanbase outside and generate buzz outside of the hardcore underground hip hop types. Following the release of their respective BSF-debuts (Zombie and Biggest Since Camby) they’ve each done solo work with OT The Real releasing two full-length projects on his own label. Now they look to capitalize on their momentum.

June 30, 2024
Dispatch and Stolen Gin serenade the moon at Art Park

Dispatch performed on a cloudy summer evening at Artpark on Friday, June 28. Thousands gathered at the outdoor venue, located on the edge of the Niagara Gorge to see Dispatch, a band that performs a mixture of indie, reggae, rock and folk. Stolen Gin opened the show.

Stolen Gin has been around for 5 years and they are known for indie, pop, funk and rock, said the drummer, Josh. This is their first show touring with Dispatch in 2024. Stolen Gin gave the crowd a unique taste of their music throughout the show and set the stage for the Dispatch.

As the sun went down, Dispatch took the stage as the gentle breeze carried into the crowd. They seamlessly transitioned between genres, and the band members swapped instruments throughout their set. The memorable moment was when Brad Corrigan wrote a song about the moon on the stage after he saw the street light and thought that it was a full moon. The lyrics went “I see three moons, maybe four. There are more coming for more, we eat berries in the woods”. He said I will keep working on that song until we all sing together. Fans were singing along and dancing along as they played their iconic songs “The General”, “Bang Bang”, “Only The Wild Ones” and “Bond By Love”. Dispatch ended the show with a Birthday song for the band member Matt Embree who play guitar and bass.

Dispatch will continue their US tour throughout 2024. They will come back to the gorgeous vanue Artpark to singalong with their audience in near future.

STOLEN GIN

DISPATCH

June 30, 2024
Ballston Spa Presents Concerts in the Park Series
The Ballston Spa Business and Professional Association, located in Ballston Spa, NY, has announced its summer concert series, “Concerts in the Park.” Events and performances will take place weekly on Thursdays from 6-8 pm in Lions Music Park at the historic Iron Spring Park on Front Street. Attendees can enjoy performances from a wide variety of performers, including community symphonic bands and local rock groups.

Formed in 1983, the BSBPA is committed to making Ballston Spa a thriving, prosperous community that is great for both business and everyday life. Since its inception, they have promoted local vendors, merchants, and businesses alongside artists and musicians in and surrounding the area. The Concerts in the Park series is one of their many events promoting the extensive talent in the thriving neighborhood.

From chamber ensembles to indie rock bands, the Ballston Spa Concerts in the Park series celebrates musicians of all kinds. Listed below is the full list of those performing for Concerts in the Park.

June 27 at 6 pm – Ballston Spa Community Band

The Ballston Spa Community Band makes their return to the concert series just in time for the opening performance. Since 2005, the volunteer musicians that make up the band have bonded over their love of music. About a dozen times each year, the Ballston Spa Community Band performs in schools, parks, and theaters in the area. Join them for a sensational opening performance on June 27.

July 11 at 6 pm – HEARD

For the last 15 years, HEARD has brought captivating fusions of jazz, improvisational, and world music to festivals and concerts all over the country. Their vibrant sound incorporates influences from West Africa, Brazil, the Caribbean, and beyond.

July 18 at 6 pm – Fenimore Blues

Based in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., Fenimore Blues performs an eclectic mix of blues, R&B, and rock. The blend of genres comes from multiple inspirations, including Bonnie Raitt, Aretha Franklin, the Neville Brothers, the Allman Brothers, Linda Ronstadt, Etta James, Santana, and even Tedeschi Trucks. Their unique stage presence stems from its instrumentation – Sherian Nolan’s powerful vocals are backed by guitar, keyboards, saxophone, bass, and drums, and one band member doubling on accordion.

July 25 at 6 pm– Tom’s House

Tom’s House offers a special amalgamation of several unique styles, from ambient jams to driving prog-rock grooves.
August 1 at 6 pm– Annual Ice Cream Social with The Union Fire Company Band

Concerts in the Park once again welcomes the Union Fire Company Band with an ice cream social, accompanied by a performance from the Union Fire Company Band. Support the Ballston Spa local fire department on August 1st.

August 8 at 6 pm– SIRSY

Hailing from Upstate NY, Sirsy is a sassy pop-rock duo with an amazing musical ability. Drummer Melanie Krahmer, who also plays keyboards, is joined by her husband John (guitar), these multi-instrumentalists manage to sound like a full band. Sirsy is known for their passionate, honest, heartfelt live performances. The Boston Globe calls SIRSY the “little band with the big sound.”

August 15 at 6 pm – Lustre Kings

For the last 30 years, Lustre Kings have cemented themselves as focused, driven, and passionate musicians returning to their roots. Their reverb-driven sounds of early rock lean on touchstones of country, blues, and R&B.

August 22 at 6 pm –The Protones

The Protones are a group of well-seasoned musicians bringing back the classic sounds of 70s rock to venues and festivals all over the state. Join them as they close out the Concerts in the Park series on August 22!
June 30, 2024
DRAG: The Musical Will Premiere in New York This September

Fresh off its stellar premiere in Los Angeles, DRAG: The Musical is making its way over to New York City for its official off-Broadway premiere. Previews begin on September 30, with its official opening on October 21.

DRAG: The Musical will make its home in off-Broadway’s New World Stages. Be sure to hold on to your wigs during this incredible performance of drag culture, fashion, family, and forgiveness.

DRAG: The Musical tells the story of two Houses competing for success and fame after a bitter split. In the wake of intense rivalry, up-and-coming Queen Alexis Gilmore opened her club, The Fishtank, and the glamorous Miss Kitty opened The Cathouse. Fueled by their individual heartbreak (and a lot of spite) for one another, the two queens do everything they can to make sure their club comes out on top, while simultaneously fighting against homophobia, transphobia, and financial struggles, even if it means scuffing their platform shoes. Old and fresh wounds open as the two see their clubs, their careers, and their beloved Houses compete for love, attention, and fame in Hollywood.

Written by drag superstar Alaska Thunderf*ck, along with critically acclaimed songwriters Thomas Costanza and Ashley Gordon, DRAG: The Musical brings drag performance culture to the next level. Unlike traditional drag, there’s only one rule: No Lip Synching Allowed. Even with this distinction, DRAG: The Musical brings the heat to the stage, featuring incredibly dynamic and energetic performances quintessential to the world of drag.

DRAG: The Musical – Billboard

DRAG: The Musical has garnered rave reviews during its West Coast runs, taking home the Broadway World Los Angeles Award for “Best New Play or Musical” and the Queerties Award for “Live Theater.” The epic cast of drag, theater, and LGBTQ+ icons features iconic drag queen and winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race: All Stars Alaska Thunderf*ck (through 1/11/25), Jujubee, Jan Sport, Lagoona Bloo, J. Elaine Marcos and features New Kids on the Block’s, Joey McIntyre (through 11/24/24). Additional cast members will be announced shortly.

For more information and tickets to Drag: The Musical, visit their website here.

June 27, 2024