Tag: Music News

Eclipse Events Across The Path of Totality – from Buffalo to Plattsburgh

A total solar eclipse is happening on Monday, April 8, 2024, visible across North America – especially New York State which is in the Path of Totality. To celebrate this monumental occurrence, venues and places across the state are hosting eclipse-themed events with great music, food, and community bonding.

Prepare for a celestial event of epic proportions as the Solar Eclipse 3-Day Music & Arts Festival comes to Gowanda, NY, from April 6-8. This extraordinary event offers a rare opportunity to witness the total solar eclipse with great music. Headlining are international sensations SVTOKO聡子 from Japan, E&I hailing from Harrisburg, PA, Vodden representing Toronto, and Beelzedubz from Philly. The festival also proudly showcases supporting music acts and artists from the surrounding Western NY region, including Erie, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Niagara, and Wyoming counties.

In the days leading up to the main event, the festival will have two exhilarating pre-parties. On Sunday, April 7, the Wobblepots Solar Eclipse Takeover will feature back-to-back sets from 7 PM to 2 AM. Meanwhile, on Saturday, April 6, the Greater Buffalo Collective will host a pre-preparty with performances from bands, hip-hop acts, DJs, comedians, and fire performers. The festival also features local vendors, food trucks, and artisanal crafts.

From April 7-8, The Heron is hosting a 2024 Total Solar Eclipse Celebration, transforming The Heron Campground and PFM Event Center into a sanctuary for sky-watchers, offering the perfect view of a phenomenon last seen in 1925 – not returning until 2144 in this part of the world. The Heron’s serene natural setting provides an idyllic stage for this awe-inspiring celestial show.

The celebration begins with a Sunday night dance party with The Sun King Warriors, setting the stage with a night of revelry. Then on Monday, connect with the rhythm of the land with drumming, chanting, and yoga sessions. Feed your soul and your appetite with a diverse range of food trucks offering delicious treats. And most importantly, you’ll be part of a community of enthusiasts, sharing this extraordinary moment. Every attendee also receives complimentary solar viewing glasses for a safe and unforgettable eclipse experience. Tickets are on sale now.

The Capital Region is hosting several events in honor of the eclipse. On April 8 from noon to 4 p.m. is Eclipse Day on the Skyway with DJ Tall Matt. The public is invited to experience this cosmic event with free #AlbToTheCore glasses for the first 500 attendees and complimentary popcorn courtesy of ParkAlbany (while supplies last). Boozy Moo! will also be on-site with ice cream available for purchase.

After, The Egg hosts a free Eclipse at the Ellipse event, featuring music from Julianna Barwick, Ami Dang, b e i n g – s o u n d with visuals by Alex Allauxis, Connor Armbruster, and DJ Harlan (in Hart Lobby). From 4-10 p.m., attendees can enjoy great music with iconic sci-fi movies like WALL-E, A Trip to the Moon, and 2001: A Space Odyssey, as well as Hudson-Valley-based projection artist B.A. Miale filling the venue with a stunning psychedelic light show.

Attendees will need a free ticket to enter – RSVP here. When checking out, there will be a chance to select an optional donation. While this is not required, every penny helps support more free programming at The Egg.

The Adirondack area is full of exciting events, like Annie in the Water at Whiteface Moutain. Come to watch this once-in-a-lifetime astronomical event at the mountain with a great view from the Cloudspin Bar & Grill deck at the Main Base Lodge. The band will perform at the Cloudspin between 1:30 pm and 4:30 pm; the cost is $40 for lift tickets. The partial eclipse begins at 2:12 pm. Totality begins at 3:24 pm. The maximum eclipse is at 3:26 pm. As a safety precaution, all lifts will close at 2:00 pm on this day, this includes the Cloudsplitter Gondola. Complimentary safety eclipse glasses will be provided as supplies last.

The City of Plattsburgh will be hosting a free eclipse viewing party at the Plattsburgh City Beach on Monday, April 8th from 12:00 – 5:00 PM with a performance by local indie psychedelic rock band, Ursa and the Major Key alongside local food trucks (Tammy’s Lunchbox, The Dogfather, Norma J’s and High Peaks Brew), activities and more! Local astronomy enthusiast Ephemer ADK will be on site sharing information about the eclipse and views of the sky from his telescope. For more information about where to view the eclipse in the Adirondacks, visit here.

Albany-based band Glass Pony will bring its psychedelic and jam-focused rock to Blue Mountain Lake from 12:30 p.m.- 2:30 p.m. They offer a sound that translates through generations, with a stylistic blend built to engage a broad listenership. With a focus squarely set on delivering the most captivating live performance possible, the band utilizes infectiously danceable grooves colored with virtuosic individual performances that deftly blend into a cohesive whole. Visit here for information.

Stay safe during this monumental event! Here are even more local eclipse events Statewide.

April 2, 2024
Albany Symphony Announces Return of Peter and the Wolf: Tiny Tots Concert this Spring

Albany Symphony announced the anticipated return of Peter and the Wolf: Tiny Tots concert for three shows this spring. The shows will take place on April 30 and May 1 in Albany and May 2 in Saratoga Springs.

Peter and the Wolf

The Albany Symphony Tiny Tots concerts are geared for children between the ages of 18-months and 7 years. Tiny Tots concerts are interactive school day performances that have thrilled preschool audiences, teachers, and parents, presented by the orchestra for over 30 years.

David Alan Miller and the Albany Symphony plan to take you and your children on a wonderfully interactive, magical adventure. Peter and the Wolf is a classic symphonic fairy tale for children by Sergei Prokofiev. The story will be personified through music for children and adults alike to enjoy. In addition, you and your children will meet and get to hear all the instruments of the orchestra and the amazing musicians who play them.

Albany Symphony Tiny Tots Concert

Albany Symphony is renowned for performances featuring classic orchestral favorites, lesser-heard masterworks, and a diverse array of new music. The symphony strives to present the community with virtuosic talents and homages to all-time classics.

The Albany Symphony Tiny Tots concert is a prime example of the level of community the organization possesses. The April 30 and May 1 shows are held at Congregation Beth Emeth in Albany. The May 2 performance of Peter and the Wolf takes place at the SPAC School of Arts in Saratoga.

Tickets for this event are just $5 and are available for purchase on AlbanySymphony.com.

March 30, 2024
Michael Franti and Spearhead Announce Togetherness Tour Feat. Stephen Marley and Trevor Hall

Michael Franti and Spearhead have announced they will be touring throughout the US beginning this April. The tour will see three dates in New York – Hutton Brickyards Event Center in Kingston, Beak and Skiff Apple Orchards in Lafayette, and Pier 17+ in New York City.

Michael Franti and Spearhead || Photo Credit: Wayan Rodesh

The tour’s name, Togetherness, was birthed from Michael Franti’s idea that folks are simply not close enough to each other. Franti believes that we should connect with one another more often and feel that powerful togetherness.

Michael Franti and Spearhead will perform their funk, reggae, and jazz hits from April 6 through August 25. The tour will also include musical support from huge reggae artists like Stephen Marley and Trevor Hall. The show will consist of high-energy, uplifting and inspirational music for the spirit.

The tour will kick off April 6 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and wrap up in Santa Cruz, California. The tour will stop three times in New York – Kingston on June 20, Lafayette on June 22, and Pier 17+ on July 12. Franti and Spearhead’s music is all about the spreading of love and togetherness, which is the theme of this tour.

Pre-sales will begin February 7 at noon local time and general on-sale will begin Friday, February 9 at 10 a.m. local time at MichaelFranti.com. Newly added dates go on sale March 29 at 10 a.m. local time.

Michael Franti & Spearhead’s Togetherness Tour 2024
April 6 // Tortuga Music Festival // Ft. Lauderdale, FL
April 10 // Soul Kitchen Music Hall^ // Mobile, AL
April 12 // The Key West Amphitheater^ // Key West, FL
April 13 // Florida Groves Music Festival // Orlando, FL
April 28 // New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival // New Orleans, LA
May 17 // Pure Imagination // Prescott, AZ
May 24 // Los Colonias Park Amphitheater^ // Grand Junction, CO
May 25 // Hipico^ // Santa Fe, NM
May 26 // Durango Mesa Park^ // Durango, CO
May 29 // Belly Up^ // Aspen, CO
May 31 // Red Rocks Amphitheater$ // Morrison, CO
June 1 // Chautauqua Auditorium // Boulder, CO
June 3 // McGrath Amphitheatre*^ // Cedar Rapids, IA
June 5 // EPIC Event Center*^ // Green Bay, WI
June 6 // The Sylvee*^ // Madison, WI
June 7 // Hilde Performance Center*^ // Plymouth, MN
June 8 // KC Live!*^ // Kansas City, MO
June 11 // Steelhouse*^ // Omaha, NE
June 13 // Riverfront Live*^ // Cincinnati, OH
June 14 // Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park*^ // Indianapolis, IN
June 15 // Ravinia Festival+^ // Highland Park, IL
June 16 // Evans Amphitheater*^ // Cleveland, OH
June 18 // Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort*^ // Middlefield, CT
June 19 // Summer Stage at Tree House Brew Co*^ // Deerfield, MA
June 20 // Hutton Brickyards Retreat & Event Center*^ // Kingston, NY
June 21 // Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course*^ // Grantville, PA
June 22 // Beak and Skiff Apple Orchards*^ // Lafayette, NY
June 23 // Maine Savings Amphitheater+^ // Bangor, ME
June 25 // Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom+^ // Hampton Beach, NH
June 26 // Freeman Arts Pavilion+^ // Selbyville, DE
June 28 // Salvage Station+^ // Asheville, NC
June 29 // Salvage Station#^ // Asheville, NC
June 30 // Roanoke Island Festival Park#^ // Manteo, NC
July 5 // Greenfield Lake Amphitheater^ // Wilmington, NC
July 6 // Greenfield Lake Amphitheater^ // Wilmington, NC
July 7 // Greenfield Lake Amphitheater^ // Wilmington, NC
July 9 // The Chicken Box // Nantucket, MA
July 10 // The Chicken Box // Nantucket, MA
Aug. 25 // Mountain Sol Festival // Santa Cruz, CA

Newly Added Dates

July 2 // Coves Amphitheater^ // Union Hall, VA
July 12 // Pier 17+ // New York, NY
July 13 // Seaside Heights Beach Stage+ // Seaside Heights, NJ
July 14 // Vibe Fest Presents Hearts and Hands at Ting Pavilion+ // Charlottesville, VA
July 25 // The Sound%^ // Del Mar, CA
July 26 // The Greek Theatre%^ // Los Angeles, CA
July 27 // Pepsi Amphitheater%^ // Flagstaff, AZ
July 31 // Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheater at Deer Valley Resort%^ // Park City, UT
Aug. 1 // Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater%^ // Nampa, ID
Aug. 3 // Salmonfest // Ninilchik, AK
Aug. 6 // Centennial Hall Convention Center // Juneau, AK
Aug. 9 // Ironstone Amphitheatre@% // Murphys, CA
Aug. 10 // Redding Civic Auditorium Outdoor Lawn%^ // Redding, CA
Aug. 13 // Britt Pavilion%^ // Jacksonville, OR
Aug. 14 // Hayden Homes Amphitheater%^ // Bend, OR
Aug. 16 // McMenamins Edgefield Amphitheater%^ // Troutdale, OR
Aug. 17 // BECU Live at Northern Quest%^ // Airway Heights, WA
Aug. 18 // Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery%^ // Woodinville, WA
Aug. 22 // Grand Theatre at The Grand Sierra Resort%^ // Reno, NV
Aug. 23 // The Backyard%^ // Sacramento, CA
Aug. 24 // Fox Theater%^ // Oakland, CA

March 30, 2024
Hearing Aide: The Folklorkestra’s “A Strange Day in June”

NYC-based folk group The Folklorkestra are releasing a new unique and titillating album titled, A Strange Day in June on March 29.

A Strange Day in June is an album that had me intrigued instantly. The sounds that emanate from this album are nothing short of mystical and diverse. Many of the tunes feature much mandolin, woodwind, and acoustic percussion.

The opening track, “The Girl I Never Knew” consists of a kind of eastern melody coupled with a very Mediterranean sound. The usage of mandolin, shakers, accordion, and operatic vocals make for something real captivating.

Each song on the album has a unique sound that almost entrances the listener. The second track, “My Cousin the Spy” has a sort of Latin-folk sound that starts off like ballroom music. It later evolves with its saxophone-heavy progression, with many backing instruments carrying the melody.

John Kruth

The Folkorkestra is led by John Kruth, who has been active in the music industry for decades. He’s worked with countless other notable names like Meat Puppets, Jim Belushi, Steve Buscemi, Allen Ginsberg, Laurie Anderson, and more.

The group draws inspiration from various genres and sounds from around the world including American folk, jazz, chamber music, as well as eastern instruments, and European melodies. The group consists of versatile, multi-instrumentalists, Kathy Halvorson, Premik Tubbs, Kenny Margolis, Ray Peterson, and Rohin Khemani.

The Folklorkestra’s recent album, A Strange Day in June is certainly one to check out. It is complete with unique, diverse, and intriguing sound. Each song has a different feel and tells a different story. Each song combines multiple sounds together and makes it something you’ve never heard before.

The artisanship exhibited throughout the album is something to gaze at. There are miniscule sounds that inhabit every crevice of the songs. The songs are sonic portraits, displaying moving images via the music. There is a lot of character and charm from this album.

To learn more about The Folklorkestra and their upcoming work, click here. Stay up to date on the release of A Strange Day in June, releasing March 29.

March 29, 2024
“Abducted by the 80s Tour” Hits Syracuse and Elmira this Summer

The Abducted by the 80s Tour is set to groove audiences and feature prominent hitmakers from the 1980s. These hitmakers include Wang Chung, Men Without Hats, The Motels, and Naked Eyes.

The featured acts have joined forces to create a musical extravaganza that transports audiences to the heart of the 80s. The neon-soaked, synth-driven decade is worshipped by the upcoming launch of the Abducted by the 80s Tour. This tour is all about those classic, nostalgic pop, rock, and new wave hits of the 80s.

Wang Chung, Men Without Hats, The Motels, and Naked Eyes prepare to bring various hits like, “Everybody Have Fun Tonight,” “Dance Hall Days,” “Promises Promises,” and many more. Together, the artists have dozens of Billboard Top 100 hits, which they plan to unleash upon the audience for the month-long extravaganza.

Wang Chung

The tour sees a stop at Sharkey’s Event Center in Syracuse on June 14. The Abducted by the 80s tour also stops at Elmira First Arena in Elmira, NY on June 15. The tour 17-date tour begins May 17 and wraps up June 25. Get ready to dance, sing along, and relive the magic of the 80s with this unforgettable music tour.

The Motels

Abducted by the 80s Tour Dates:

WC = Wang Chung / NE = Naked Eyes / MWH = Men Without Hats

Friday 5/17/2024 –
Kyle, TX The Railhouse
WC, Motels, NE

Saturday 5/18/2024 –
Katy, TX Wildcatter Saloon
WC, Motels, NE

Sunday 5/19/2024 –
Dallas, TX House of Blues
WC, Motels, NE

Thursday 5/23/2024 –
St Louis, MO City Winery
WC

Friday 5/24/2024 –
Oak Grove, KY Oak Grove
WC, MWH, NE, Animotion

Saturday 5/25/2024 –
Louisville KY Mercury Ballroom
WC, NE

Thursday 6/6/2024 –
Marion, IL Marion CCC
WC, MWH, Motels, NE

Friday 6/7/2024 –
Des Plaines, IL Des Plaines Theatre
WC, MWH, Motels, NE

Saturday 6/8/2024 –
Decatur, IL Devon Lakeshore Amp
WC, MWH, Motels, NE

Sunday 6/9/2024 –
Fort Wayne, IN The Clyde Theater
WC, MWH, NE

Thursday 6/13/2024 –
Morristown, NJ Mayo Performing Arts Center
WC, Motels, NE

Friday 6/14/2024 –
Syracuse, NY Sharkeyâs
WC, Motels, NE

Saturday 6/15/2024 –
Elmira, NY First Arena
WC, Motels, NE

Saturday 6/16/2024 –
Hampton, NH Bennieâs
WC, Motels, NE

Friday 6/21/2024-
Jacksonville, FL Florida Theatre
WC, MWH, Motels, NE

Saturday 6/22/2024 –
Clearwater, FL Ruth Eckerd Hall
WC, MWH, Motels, NE

Sunday 6/23/2024 –
Ft Lauderdale, FL Broward Center
WC, MWH, Motels, NE

“For our brand-new tour this Spring, we have put together a group of acts that fit together musically, thematically, and harmoniously. We wanted to create a night of big hits, big songs from your favorite movies and numerous TV shows, plus a few deeper cuts too. So come along and see us, get Abducted by the 80s, and have some FUN TONIGHT as you relive that magical decade!”
Wang Chung’s Nick Feldman

The Abducted by the 80s Tour continues to add more dates to the event, so make sure you stay up to date on any new additions. For more information on the tour and to purchase tickets, click here.

March 28, 2024
Chelsea Music Festival is “Connecting the Dots” this Summer
Chelsea Music Festival has announced its 15th season of events with all new Connecting the Dots performance this Summer. The festival consists of nine evenings of shows from June 21 to 29.

This summer festival is led by Artistic Directors Melinda Lee Masur and Ken-David Masur. Connecting the Dots consists of concerts, conversation, visual and culinary arts over the span of the nine nights. The festival will focus on the restorative powers of the arts in the ways that music and art both calm and reinvigorate the brain and nervous system.

The festival sees a multitude of talented and diverse performers and artists. Each exhibit and performance take place at various locations around NYC and some locations are yet to be announced. Each night of the festival will be different from the last and the diversity allows all types of audiences to be included and wowed.

Aizuri Quartet

2024 CHELSEA MUSIC FESTIVAL LINE-UP
- Connecting the Dots— 15th Season Opening Night
Friday, June 21 at 7pm – location to be announced

World Premiere of A Night at Birdland by composer Nicky Sohn performed by WindSync

Featuring Aizuri Quartet, pianist Andrea Lam, violinist Max Tan

Chamber works by John Williams & Tebogo Monnakgotla

Performance of Dancing Stars by Augusta Read Thomas with conductor Ken-David Masur
- My Super Awesome Brain | Family Night
Saturday, June 22 at 10:30am at Pier 57, 25 11th Avenue, NYC

10:30am – Family Event featuring WindSync
- Jazz Doubleheader | Birnbaum & the Bach Preludes and Cardume Trio
Saturday, June 22 at 7pm – location to be announced

7pm – Preludes Album (Chelsea Music Festival Records label) featuring pianist Adam Birnbaum, percussionist Keita Ogawa (Snarky Puppy), bassist Matt Clohesy (Darcy James Argue’s Secret Society) based on 12 preludes from Bach’s Well-Tempered Clavier

8:30pm – Late Night with Cardume Trio featuring jazz percussionists Rogério Boccato (Orquestra Jazz Sinfônica do Estado de São Paulo), Keita Ogawa, and Brazilian bassist Cleber Almeida
- Festa Junina
Sunday, June 23 at 7pm at Pier 57, 25 11th Avenue, NYC

Traditional Brazilian Forró music to celebrate summer featuring percussionist Rogério Boccato, Brazilian bassist Cleber Almeida, and accordionist Vitor Goncalves
- Patitucci & Friends — 15th Season special event with Jazz, Song & Chamber Music
Monday, June 24 at 7pm at High Line Nine, 507 W. 27th Street, NYC

Jazz bassist John Patitucci and pianist Renee Rosnes – with Caleb Hudson on trumpet

Austrian duo baritone Daniel Gutmann (prize winner at Elīna Garanča’s ZukunftsStimmen) & pianist Maximilian Kromer (International Brahms Competition winner)

Featuring pianist Robert Fleitz (1st Prize in 2022 John Cage Award)

Reception curated by Chef Rachel Snyder
- Midsummer Night Magic— Visions & Stories
Tuesday, June 25 at 7pm at Czech Center, 321 E. 73rd Street, NYC

Selections from The Lee Trio album “Midsummer Night Magic” (Chelsea Music Festival Records label releasing June 2024)

Fern Flowers by Uljas Pulkkis

Five Trios by Edmund Finnis

Piano Trio No. 2 in F Major, Op. 80 by Robert Schumann

Fantasiestücke, Op. 88 by Robert Schumann

Robert Schumann lieder with Austrian duo baritone Daniel Gutmann and pianist Maximilian Kromer

Performance of the Dumky Piano Trio No. 4 in E minor, Op. 90, B. 166 by Antonín Dvořák (120th anniversary of his death)
- Completed Resonances— Vu, Beranek, Fauré & Smetana
Wednesday, June 26 at 7pm at Czech Center, 321 E. 73rd Street, NYC

World Premiere commissioned by the Festival by Czech composer Jacob Beranek

Music by Ania Vu featuring soprano Marisa Karchin, pianist Robert Fleitz

Piano Trio in G Minor by Bedřich Smetana (200th anniversary) performed by pianist Andrea Lam, violinist Max Tan, and cellist Angela Lee

Piano Quartet No. 2 in G minor by Gabriel Fauré (100th anniversary of his death)
- Closing Reception | 2024 Art Exhibition – Kelly S. Williams
Thursday, June 27 at 7pm at High Line Nine Gallery 8, 507 W. 27th Street, NYC

Closing Reception for Kelly S. Williams, 2024 Visual Artist-in-Residence

Art Exhibition open June 3-29 at High Line Nine

Featuring Harlem Quartet performing Jessie Montgomery and Dizzy Gillespie
- Reimagined Gems— Vignettes Across Time
Friday, June 28 at 7pm at St. Paul’s German Church, 315 W. 22nd Street, NYC

Featuring Harlem Quartet performing Caroline Shaw and Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel

World Premiere by Ania Vu

Soprano to Marisa Karchin and Caleb Hudson on trumpet

Pieces from Caleb Hudson’s 2024 album, Nothing Less, including Corelli arrangements

Reception curated by Chef Rachel Snyder
- Superhero Brain | Family Event
Saturday, June 29 at 10:30am at St. Paul’s German Church, 315 W. 22nd Street, NYC

10:30am – Family Event featuring family-friendly, interactive activities led by music neuroscience scholar Dr. Jessica Phillips-Silver (Growing Brains)
- Festival Finale | Jazz Plasticity with Helen Sung
Saturday, June 29 at 7pm at DiMenna Center, 450 W. 37th Street, NYC

JazzPlasticity features the Helen Sung Quartet with pianist Helen Sung (2021 Guggenheim Fellow), drummer Kendrick Scott, saxophonist/clarinetist John Ellis, an bassist David Wong; this program was inspired by Helen’s time as jazz artist-in-residence at the Columbia University Zuckerman Mind Brain Institute and in partnership with Arts & Minds.

Reception curated by Chef Rachel Snyder

John Patitucci

Tickets for Chelsea Music Festival’s Connecting the Dots go on sale Wednesday, May 15, 2024. For more information, visit ChelseaMusicFestival.org.
March 28, 2024
Albany Symphony to Present Works Composed by Viet Cuong and Beethoven this April

The Albany Symphony presents works from alluring composer Viet Cuong and sound-shifting legend Beethoven this Spring. The shows take place Saturday, April 13 and Sunday, April 14 at Troy Savings Bank Music Hall.

Composer Viet Cuong

The show features extraordinary new works by composer Viet Cuong, who has captivated audiences across the globe. Mastermind Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 4 is showcased for both dates as well. Beethoven’s Symphony No. 4 is particularly memorable for its humor and brilliant virtuosity, along with its powerful rhythms and structure. Cuong’s works will also be recorded for Albany Records and will complete an important new disc that also includes his Sub-marine, a gorgeous, commissioned work, premiered by the orchestra last season.

The dates see soloists like Justin Benavidez on Tuba and Sandbox Percussion. The Tuba Concerto is performed by soloist Justin Benavidez and begins with him performing a bass line that blossoms upward with every note. The two awe-inspiring shows from the Albany Symphony include several unique and soul-altering performances that cannot be missed.

“The Albany Symphony and I are so proud and excited to be collaborating with Viet Cuong on this beautiful concert and on Viet’s first full commercial recording. Viet is fast becoming one of America’s most celebrated and performed composers, and he is absolutely one of our favorite partners! We commissioned his breakthrough piece, Re(new)al, seven years ago, and have marveled at the way it has been taken up by orchestras EVERYWHERE!”
Music Director, David Alan Miller

For more information on this April’s events from the Albany Symphony and to purchase tickets for the performances by Viet Cuong, click here.

March 27, 2024
Music is Art Festival to Returns to Buffalo AKG Art Museum After Seven-Year Hiatus

The Music is Art Festival announced its grand return to Buffalo‘s AKG Art Museum after a seven-year hiatus on September 21 at Buffalo State University.

This year’s festival promises an eclectic mix of music, live performances, art installations, and interactive experiences. The Music is Art Festival has always been a beacon of artistic expression and cultural gathering in Buffalo. The festival showcases what the creative and bright community has to offer. The scenic AKG and Buffalo State campus provide a canvas for Buffalo’s artistic prowess and vibrance.

The festival includes various diverse musical performances of many genres, choreographed dances, dazzling art exhibits, and unique, original vendors. The festival also includes theatrics, interactive experiences designed to engage, inspire, and entertain attendees of all ages.

Over 100 bands and acts are set to perform. Hundreds of art exhibits are set to dazzle attendees. Various other games, performances and displays of artisanship look to encapsulate the beauty of multiple art forms at once.

“We are thrilled to bring the Music is Art Festival back to the AKG where it really grew into the encompassing event that it is today. AKG Buffalo and Buffalo State are not just venues; they are symbols of the rich artistic heritage and vibrant community spirit that this festival celebrates. We’re committed to creating an immersive experience that highlights the incredible talent of Buffalo’s artists, musicians, and creatives.”
Robby Takac, Festival Founder

For more information about the Music is Art Festival, including how to participate or attend, please visit their website at MusicIsArt.org/festival.

March 27, 2024
Rochester’s Own Moses Rockwell Teams With Plain Old Mike for ‘Regular Henry Sessions’

Rochester’s own Moses Rockwell and Wisconsin native Plain Old Mike initially began working together in 2021. Along the way the duo settled on the name, Regular Henry, and the rest as they say is history. Moreover, they each brought their extensive experiences — Moses having previously worked with billy woods, J-Live, Homeboy Sandman and Von Pea among others and Plain Old Mike with Armand Hammer, Defcee, & Curly Castro among others — to bring about Regular Henry Sessions. In light, this latest effort is a blend of neurotic, quirky, descriptive rap album with quirks about every day life that resembles an episode of Seinfeld.

Regular Henry Sessions

With a heavy De La Soul influence (and some old Eminem) the duo have now released their Hipnott Records debut project, Regular Henry Sessions, and a new video for “Raise Hell.”

“The record was an attempt to accomplish a couple of things. First, it’s an ode to each of our favorite De La Soul albums; Moses’ is De La Soul Is Dead, and mine is Buhloone Mind State (Miss You Dave!!!). Second, we wanted to make a fun record” Plain Old Mike offers. “Life can be so heavy, maybe if you put Regular Henry on, you can just laugh at stupid jokes for 40 minutes. That sounds ok to me.”

With this in mind, Regular Henry Sessions is a blend of the respective rappers favorite sector of hip hop. After all, the album combines old school snare and low baseline to create a laid back feel as the duo tee off with introspective quips about every day life. In essence, Moses Rockwell and Plain Old Mike come off as huge hip hop nerds which makes the album that much more fun as it emotes and every man vibe.

“I think what Mike and I were able to produce as a group makes total sense” Moses Rockwell states. “We’re each hung up on the same oddities in rap music and laugh at the same jokes. All of which shines through on the record.”

Regular Henry Sessions is now available at all DSP’s.

March 27, 2024
Buffalo Blues & Roots Festival Announce 3rd Annual Event this April

Barry Entertainment & Three Chord Bourbon proudly present the 3rd Annual Buffalo Blues & Roots Festival Saturday, April 20, at Buffalo RiverWorks.

This all-day event features the best in national, regional and local blues and roots acts, as well as over 20 local vendors and artisans, food/drinks and more. Some of the acts include Victor Wainwright & The Train, Tas Cru, Miller & The Other Sinners, and more.

The Buffalo Blues & Roots Festival returns for its 3rd year this April. The lineup is hefty with names like Patti Parks, Tonemah, The Growlers, Dave Thurman and more. GRAMMY-nominated Victor Wainwright & The Train see the stage to dazzle and move the audience with their immense soul, and creative fire.

Victor Wainwright & The Train

VIP tickets run for $60, while general admission tickets are selling for $30. For more information on the Blues & Roots Festival and to purchase tickets, click here.

March 24, 2024

Built in Breakdance