NYS Music 2024

Tag: Music News

  • Brooklyn Public Library & Lincoln Center for Performing Arts Begin Open Call for Contemporary US Anthem

    As the musical landscape evolves sonically, the need for contemporary songs & hymns to connect to the ever-changing world is not lost on tastemakers. While, simultaneously, the United States is creeping closer to its 250th anniversary. With this in mind, the Brooklyn Public Library and Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts announced their latest project, “Anthem to US.” Presented in collaboration with Queens Public Library, “Anthem to US,” invites the public to join together in creating a contemporary song to add to the nation’s songbook.

    Brooklyn Public Library and Lincoln Center for Performing Arts presents Anthem to US.

    What is Anthem to US?

    Keeping with the anthem theme, the hope is that the final product from the “Anthem to US” will join in with some of America’s unifying musical pieces, such”America the Beautiful”, “We Shall Overcome”, “My Country Tis of Thee”, and “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” In essence, “Anthem to US” will create a modern piece that connects with a new-age audience. Notably, this latest chant is to be a reflection of today’s society, echoing our collective hopes, struggles, and untold histories. 

    Regulations

    Interested participants of all ages have until Tuesday, February 6 at 11:59 pm eastern time to submit their vision for an anthem. Following, up to 160 selected participants will embark on an immersive three-part writing workshop series led by experienced instructors. The workshops will explore themes, song structures and melodies across diverse styles. Furthermore, three applicants will advance to collaborate with composers, including Damien L. Sneed, Jaime Lozano, Martha Redbone and Aaron Whitby, to craft a finished piece.

    This project aims to transform the way we create meaningful art by inviting the public to create a piece reflective of their own stories and experiences living in the United States. Music and the written word have always had the power to help us face challenging realities, celebrate moments of triumph and, in the best cases, art fosters unity in the face of divisions.

    – László Jakab Orsós, Vice President of Arts and Culture, Brooklyn Public Library.

    Selection Process

    Eight anthem lyrics (one per workshop series) will emerge from the workshops, and a panel will select three outstanding sets of lyrics from that bunch. Additionally, the three final participants and their anthem lyrics will team-up with composers who will craft a final composition between May and June 2024. The final participants will then showcase their anthems with performances at Brooklyn Public Library and Lincoln Center on Saturday, July 6, 2024.

    Furthermore, interested candidates can find more information on the “Anthem to US” official website.

  • Benny The Butcher Releases Anticipated New Album, “Everybody Can’t Go”

    Benny The Butcher releases long-awaited Def Jam studio album, Everybody Can’t Go. Since claiming on X that he would have the best hip hop album on Def Jam since DMX’s debut, Benny has released timely singles in anticipation of the new project. First came the Lil Wayne assisted “Big Dog,” which offered a glimpse into Benny’s renewed vigor and flow.

    Promotional cover for Benny's single "BRON." Benny The Butcher Everybody Can't Go

    Moreover, The Black Soprano Family head honcho followed up with “One Foot In” featuring Stove God Cooks, reminding listeners that he hadn’t gone away from his roots. Lastly, Benny released “BRON,” as a final single where he muscles his way into the spotlight with his emphatic delivery.

    Everybody Can’t Go: What to Expect

    Overall, Benny has delivered 12 tracks produced entirely by Hit-Boy and Alchemist, with a mix of trunk thumpers and soul searching samples as Benny showcases the newfound duality in his music. However, the Buffalo native remains determined not to sell himself out as a result of his Def Jam deal. For instance, as he expands his songwriting and beat selection, the Grammy-nominated street general has made sure to maintain his musical identity. Rather than go for a catchy radio single, Everybody Can’t Go sees Benny challenge himself by trying different cadences, flows and rapping on beats that don’t fit into his gritty, east coast persona.

    Furthermore, Benny’s promotional tactics and music video’s have went up another level, surely the benefactor of working on a major label budget. Additionally, Everybody Can’t Go features some of the biggest names in hip hop. Produced entirely by Hit-Boy and Alchemist, the project sees appearances from Lil Wayne, Snoop Dogg and Jadakiss. In like manner, fans are treated to the Griselda linkup between Benny, Conway the Machine and Westside Gunn. Like Benny and Snoop rap on “Back Again,” Everybody Can’t Go signifies that the authentic gangster/street rappers are back to making a mark on the music industry.

    The “Johnny P’s Caddy” rapper has put together an honest project that despite the commonplace rapper braggadocio is an ode to self-belief, perseverance and hard-work.

  • Emo Orchestra to Tour Alongside Escape the Fate with 3 Stops in NY

    Emo Orchestra, an orchestral group that specializes in combining with emo music, has announced their spring tour to take place beginning April 17, along with emo-rock band Escape the Fate. The groups will get together to perform their original tracks, as well as emo classics from bands like My Chemical Romance, Panic! At The Disco, and more.

    Emo Orchestra
    Emo Orchestra in 2023

    The tour will begin in Cincinnati, Ohio on April 17, and end May 24 in Portland, Oregon. Along the way, the acts will stop in New York for three dates. Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, Rome Capitol Theatre, and Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts will all be visited on the tour.

    “We are so grateful to have been invited by EO to participate in this tour, we have been on the road almost 20 years now so to do something this different and special is very exciting for us as artists and we hope it’s just as exciting for you. I can’t wait to meet and perform with a full orchestra and not only play our songs but some classic personal favorites of mine from other artists, don’t forget to dress fancy. Thank you, EO”

    Craig Mabbitt of Escape the Fate
    Emo Orchestra
    Escape the Fate

    Emo Orchestra W/ Escape The Fate Tour Dates 

    4/17/2024 Cincinnati, OH – Brady Center 

    4/18/2024 Flint, MI – Capitol Theatre

    4/19/2024 Cleveland, OH – TempleLive at Cleveland Masonic 

    4/20/2024 Carteret, NJ – Carteret Performing Arts Center 

    4/22/2024 Boston, MA – The Wilbur 

    4/23/2024 Glenside, PA – Keswick Theatre

    4/25/2024 Troy, NY – Troy Savings Bank Music Hall 

    4/26/2024 Rome, NY – Rome Capitol Theatre 

    4/27/2024 Patchogue, NY – Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts 

    4/28/2024 Washington, DC – The Fillmore 

    4/30/2024 Augusta, GA – Miller Theater

    5/02/2024 Charleston, SC – Charleston Music Hall 

    5/03/2024 Clearwater, FL- Bilheimer Capitol Theater

    5/04/2024 Fort Lauderdale, FL – The Parker

    5/05/2024 Orlando, FL – Plaza Live 

    5/07/2024 Jacksonville, FL – Florida Theatre 

    5/09/2024 San Antonio, TX – Tobin Center for the Performing Arts 

    5/10/2024 Austin, TX – ACL Live at Moody Theater

    5/11/2024 Plano,TX – Lexus Box Garden at Legacy Hall

    5/12/2024 Wichita, KS – Orpheum Theatre  

    5/16/2024 Phoenix, AZ – Celebrity Theatre 

    5/18/2024 Los Angeles, CA – Orpheum Theatre 

    5/22/2024 Sacramento, CA – Crest Theatre

    5/24/2024 Portland, OR – Roseland Theater

    Tickets are on sale now, so act fast. To find out more about the tour and to purchase tickets visit EmoOrchestra.com. To learn more about Escape the Fate visit their website, EscapeTheFate.com.

  • Hearing Aid: Elephant Back, “The Black Album” and “The White Album”

    If there’s one thing musicians should have in order to appeal to a large audience, it is musical diversity. Elephant Back maintains their own unique sounds whilst having dynamic, ranging styles. The two latest albums by the duo showcase exactly that. The Black Album and The White Album have their own categories of sound, and one is not like the other.

    Dave and Sarah of Elephant Back in 2023

    Starting with The White Album, the initial track “Home,” is reminiscent of an Appalachian Folk song, mixed with Lumineers-esque soaring indie vocals. The opening track sets the tone and vibe of this album, preparing the listener for folky, indie, emotional odes to love and life-changes. The song “W.T.F.I.C.??” has a spunky indie-pop feel, but simultaneously shows clear Beatles influence in the chords and bass licks.

    A great way to describe some of the songs on The White Album would be campfire-song. Songs you can gather around with your friends. Songs where you can pull out a guitar and sing, sitting on some grass just vibing together. The album’s closing track, “Move Me” is quite touching and did, in fact, move me to tears. With the album consisting of six main tracks and one hidden track, the record comes out to less than a half hour of music, yet in these 25 minutes, the band achieves great range and emotional depth.

    Continuing onto Elephant Back’s The Black Album, it is a blatantly stark contrast from The White Album. This album’s opening track, “A Lot To Do” immediately grasps the listener with its 60s-style surf rock. The next song, “Bad Love” rings with clear indie-rock/alternative sound, reminiscent of bands like The White Stripes or Arctic Monkeys.

    Each track on the album has its own distinct sound, while still tying in a common style. With elements of grunge, indie-rock, surf-rock, and pop-punk, this album is dynamic in its sound and its influences. Upon listening, you can really hear specific influences in each song. For some, Nirvana or Soundgarden can be heard, for others you can hear The Smashing Pumpkins or Blink-182.

    To listen to the two latest Elephant Back albums The White Album and The Black Album, check them out on Spotify or YouTube, also be sure to visit their website at ElephantBackMusic.com.

  • New York Youth Symphony to Welcome John Kilkenny as New Chief Director

    The New York Youth Symphony (NYYS) has announced they will be appointing John Kilkenny as the new executive director, effective this March. NYYS has been extensively searching for an executive director after their last director of 12 years, Shauna Quill stepped down. Now with a promising future in the hands of John Kilkenny, NYYS is thrilled at what lies ahead.

    John Kilkenny

    John Kilkenny has served both the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera and the Sewanee Music Festival, where he was Executive Director. His experience in leading orchestra and chamber music is extraordinary. Mr. Kilkelly has also led programs in composition and has supported music education for aspiring young artists for years.

    “We are thrilled to have John at the helm of our organization. John’s experience and impressive knowledge of music education will surely help to
    propel NYYS to the next level. We are excited to see what John can do as he helps to shape our future and
    make our mark on young musicians even stronger and more impactful.”

    Bill Kappel, President of New York Youth Symphony’s Board of Trustees

    As Executive Director, John Kilkenny will be overseeing community outreach, fundraising, artistic programming and marketing. He will also be in charge of all programs throughout the organization from writing and composition to musical theatre, conducting, and the newest orchestra – crescendo.

    NYYS at Carnegie Hall

    “NYYS is an incredible organization and a fantastic match for my passion and skillset – I cannot wait to get started and write the next chapter! They are one of the premiere arts education programs in the nation – leading the way in the training of young musicians. This is a dream opportunity for me!”

    John Kilkenny’s enthusiastic response to his thoughts on being appointed Executive Director of NYYS

    For more information on the New York Youth Symphony and its upcoming plans, visit NYYS.org.

  • Monarch Releases Cathartic Rock Single “If You Ask Me”

    monarch’s If You Ask Me is unapologetically raw, with a refreshing theme of self-ownership. The clear-cut language adds intensity to the song’s powerful message- stressing the resistance to give in to outside influence or control.

    monarch if you ask me
    Photo by, @pawprints777 on Instagram

    Lyrically, the song takes us to the aftermath of boundary-pushing chaos in a compelling way. The relationship between the lyrical skill and instrumental intensity elevates the overall experience that the song brings. 

    Based in Brooklyn, rock group monarch formed in 2021. This spirited band has always gone beyond the limits of musical expression, captivating audiences with their powerful performances. With a reputation for powerful live performances, this group is a noteworthy act that will leave a mark on the local music scene. Monarch has plans to take the stage all over NYC in 2024 and amaze a wide range of audiences with their electrifying energy. 

    Sarah hopes the song lyrics and feel can bring comfort to those who can, regrettably, relate to this kind of circumstance. The song should also let listeners know that “they’re not alone in the feeling of feeling taken advantage of”. Sarah adds, “I had trouble writing a song of this essence, our music isn’t typically ‘angry’ in this sense, so I had trouble at first going into that headspace. Although it is part of my story, we created a powerful song out of it.”

    “I wrote the lyrics for this song after the countless times someone has crossed my boundaries, made me uncomfortable, someone being too touchy etc. On the other hand you shouldn’t have to teach someone how to respect people and their space.”

    -Sarah Michelle Lee (Vocalist)

    If You Ask Me is more than just a song; it’s an experience that guides listeners to a place where chaos and order clash. 

    Discover more from monarch here.

  • X Ambassadors Complete North American Tour with Stops in NYC and Ithaca

    Multi-platinum pop-rock band X Ambassadors have announced they will embark on a headlining tour across North America this spring, stopping in Manhattan, plus a hometown show in Ithaca.

    X Ambassadors cayuga sound festival
    Photo by Graham Fielder

    The group will make its rounds throughout Canada, and the US, with one stop in Mexico as well. Two New York shows are on the calendar as well – at State Theater of Ithaca and Irving Plaza in Manhattan. X Ambassadors, originally hailing from Ithaca, will return to their hometown for what is sure to be an incredible show on June 1.

    X Ambassadors originated in Ithaca as a pop-rock band. The group has performed with acts like Imagine Dragons, Panic! at the Disco, and recently made works with artists from the likes of Rihanna, The Weeknd and SZA. The band has recently relocated from Ithaca to Brooklyn but remain loyal to the crowds of their hometown as they tour across the nation.

    The band’s sound certainly has aspects of several different subgenres. They draw large influence from the indie-pop sound, with an acoustic-alternative mashup of sounds with overdrive chords and heavy drumbeats with backing acoustic chords. Their most popular song “Renegades” has over 340 million views on YouTube.

    The tour kicks off April 5 in conjunction with the release of their latest album, Townie. Songs from the new album, as well as the band’s classics will be performed on the tour. The dates for the tour in the US will feature support from Rowan Drake and New West. In Canada, the band will see support from Noah Gundersen.

    General on-sale begins on Friday, January 26 at 10:00am local time. Full details can be found at XAmbassadors.com.

    X Ambassadors 2024 Tour Dates

    April 5—Vancouver, BC—Vogue Theatre*

    April 6—Kelowna, Canada—Big White Ski Resort

    April 9—Calgary, AB—The Palace Theatre*

    April 11—Edmonton, AB—Union Hall*

    April 12—Saskatoon, SK—Coors Event Centre*

    April 13—Winnipeg, MB—Burton Cummings Theatre*

    April 16—London, ON—London Music Hall*

    April 17—Montreal, QC—Mtelus*

    April 18—Ottawa, ON—Bronson Centre*

    April 19—Quebec City, QC—Impérial Bell*

    April 23—Waterloo, ON—Maxwell’s Concerts and Events*

    April 24—Toronto, ON—Danforth Music Hall*

    May 4—San Diego, CA—The Observatory North Park+

    May 5—Pioneertown, CA—Pappy & Harriet’s+

    May 7—San Luis Obispo, CA—Fremont Theater+

    May 8—San Francisco, CA—August Hall+

    May 10—Portland, OR—The Hawthorne Theatre+

    May 11—Seattle, WA—The Showbox+

    May 13—Salt Lake City, UT—The Depot+

    May 14—Denver, CO—The Ogden Theatre+

    May 15—Colorado Springs, CO—Pikes Peak Center+

    May 17—Omaha, NE—Slowdown+

    May 18—Minneapolis, MN—Varsity Theater+

    May 19—Des Moines, IA—Wooly’s+

    May 21—Chicago, IL—House of Blues+

    May 22—Grand Rapids, MI—Elevation+

    May 24—Detroit MI—Saint Andrew’s Hall+

    May 25—Milwaukee, WI—The Rave II+

    May 26—Cleveland, OH—House of Blues+

    May 28—Millvale, PA—Mr. Smalls Theatre+

    May 29—Philadelphia, PA—Brooklyn Bowl+

    May 31—New York, NY—Irving Plaza+

    June 1—Ithaca, NY—State Theatre of Ithaca+

    June 2—Boston, MA—Paradise Rock Club+

    June 4—Washington, D.C.—9:30 Club+

    June 5—Norfolk, VA—The Norva+

    June 7—Charlotte, NC—The Underground+

    June 8—Atlanta, GA—Buckhead Theatre+

    June 9—Nashville, TN—The Basement East+

    June 11—Dallas, TX—Granada Theater+

    June 12—Austin, TX—Mohawk+

    June 14—Phoenix, AZ—The Van Buren+

    June 15—Los Angeles, CA—The Fonda Theatre+

    June 22—Mexico City, Mexico—Foro Puebla

    *with special guest Noah Gundersen
    +with special guests New West and Rowan Drake

  • Dave Matthews Band Tour Heads to SPAC and Jones Beach This Summer

    GRAMMY award-winning rock band Dave Matthews Band has announced their 2024 US Summer headline tour. The band will stop in Saratoga Springs for a show at SPAC’s Broadview Stage. Along with this, the band plans to stop in Long Island at the Northwell Health sponsored Jones Beach Theater.

    Dave Matthews Band jones beach SPAC tour

    The tour is set to kick off on May 22 in Tampa, Florida, and make its way to NY around July 5. Dave Matthews Band will be introducing new sustainability measures as part of its “On The Road To Zero Waste” initiative. This will be introduced as a part of this summer’s tour.

    Dave Matthews Band jones beach SPAC tour
    Dave Matthews live at Madison Square Garden

    An online ticket presale for members of the DMB Warehouse Fan Association is underway now at Dave Matthews Warehouse. 

    General on sale for tickets begins on February 16, at 10 am local time. For the complete itinerary, visit davematthewsband.com.

    Dave Matthews 2024 US Summer Tour Dates

    5/22 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre

    5/24 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre

    5/25 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre

    5/28 – Jacksonville, FL – Daily’s Place Amphitheater                     

    5/29 – Jacksonville, FL – Daily’s Place Amphitheater

    5/31 – The Woodlands, TX – Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

    6/1 – Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion

    6/12 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre

    6/14 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park

    6/15 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater

    6/21 – East Troy, WI – Alpine Valley Music Theatre

    6/22 – East Troy, WI – Alpine Valley Music Theatre

    6/25 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center

    6/26 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre

    6/28 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center

    6/29 – Noblesville, IN  – Ruoff Music Center

    7/5 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Broadview Stage at SPAC

    7/6 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Broadview Stage at SPAC

    7/9 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater

    7/10 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center

    7/12 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center

    7/13 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live

    7/16 – Gilford, NH – BankNH Pavilion

    7/17 – Gilford, NH – BankNH Pavilion

    7/19 – Camden, NJ – Freedom Mortgage Pavilion

    7/20 – Camden, NJ – Freedom Mortgage Pavilion

    8/23 – Greenwood Village, CO – Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre

    8/24 – Greenwood Village, CO – Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre

    8/27 – Bend, OR  – Hayden Homes Amphitheater

    8/30 – George, WA – The Gorge Amphitheatre

    8/31 – George, WA – The Gorge Amphitheatre

    9/1 – George, WA – The Gorge Amphitheatre

  • The Doobie Brothers and Steve Winwood Tour to Stop in NYC and Saratoga Springs

    Four-time GRAMMY award winners and Rock & Roll Hall of Famers, The Doobie Brothers have announced a 2024 Tour this summer.

    The rock legends will make their way to 38 cities across the nation, including two stops in New York. They will play Madison Square Garden on August 7, and Broadview Stage at SPAC in Saratoga Springs on August 13. The Doobie Brothers will be joined on the tour by special guests Robert Cray and Steve Winwood on various dates.

    The Doobie Brothers tour steve winwood

    Both of these artists have extensive and impressive musical histories. Robert Cray and Steve Winwood,　Rock and Roll legends, have created countless hits over the span of their career. The Doobie Brothers have had five top-10 singles, 16 top-40 hits, 3 multi-platinum albums, 7 platinum albums, 14 gold albums. The tour, featuring so many massive talents, will not be one to miss.

    The Doobie Brothers: The 2024 Tour Dates

    Saturday, June 15 Seattle, WA, White River Amphitheater

    Sunday, June 16 Ridgefield, WA RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater

    Tuesday, June 18 Bend, OR Hayden Homes Amphitheater

    Thursday, June 20 Wheatland, CA Toyota Amphitheatre

    Saturday, June 22 Concord, CA. Concord Pavilion

    Sunday, June 23 Los Angeles, CA The Kia Forum

    Tuesday, June 25 San Diego, CA North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre

    Wednesday, June 26 Phoenix, AZ Footprint Center

    Saturday, June 29 Dallas, TX Dos Equis Pavilion

    Sunday, June 30 Houston, TX Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

    Tuesday, July 2 Tulsa, OK BOK Center

    Wednesday, July 3 Durant, OK Choctaw Casino and Resort

    Saturday, July 6 Rogers, AR Walmart AMP

    Monday, July 8 Jacksonville, FL Daily’s Place

    Wednesday, July 10 West Palm Beach, FL iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre

    Thursday, July 11 Tampa, FL MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre

    Sunday, July 14 Knoxville, TN Thompson-Boling Arena

    Tuesday, July 30 Charlotte, NC PNC Music Pavilion

    Wednesday, July 31 Raleigh, NC Coastal Credit Union Music Park

    Saturday, August 3 Camden, NJ Freedom Mortgage Pavilion

    Sunday, August 4 Bristow, VA Jiffy Lube Live

    Tuesday, August 6 Holmdel, NJ PNC Bank Arts Center

    Wednesday, August 7 New York, NY Madison Square Garden

    Friday, August 9, 2024  Bridgeport, CT Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater

    Saturday, August 10 Gilford, NH BankNH Pavilion

    Monday, August 12 Boston, MA  Xfinity Center

    Tuesday, August 13 Saratoga Springs, NY Broadview Stage at SPAC

    Thursday, August 15 Detroit, MI  Pine Knob Music Theatre

    Saturday, August 17 Noblesville, IN  Ruoff Music Center

    Sunday, August 18 Cincinnati, OH Riverbend Music Center 

    Tuesday, August 20 Pittsburgh, PA The Pavilion at Star Lake

    Thursday, August 22 Cleveland, OH Blossom Music Center

    Saturday, August 24 St. Louis, MO Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre

    Sunday, August 25 Tinley Park, IL Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre

    Tuesday, August 27 Omaha, NE CHI Health Center

    Thursday, August 29 Denver, CO Ball Arena

    Friday, August 30 Salt Lake City, UT USANA Amphitheater

    The Doobie Brothers in 2021

    General on sale begins Friday, January 26 at 10:00 AM local time, and a limited number of VIP Packages will also be available, including amazing seats, access to the pre-show soundcheck, preferred entrance and more. Citi is the official card of the Doobie Brothers 2024 Tour. Cardmembers will have access to presale tickets beginning Tuesday, January 23 at 10am local time. For complete tour and ticket information visit LiveNation.com.

  • Horseheads Venue “The L” Permanently Closes

    A live music venue in Horseheads, NY has decided to permanently close its doors to the public for reasons out of their control.

    “The L,” which operates out of the Journey Church has been an attractive venue for a multitude of shows in the same space where the church holds services.

    The L Horseheads
    “The L” in action at the Journey Church

    A variety of events were offered by The L, including musical concerts, martial arts performances, film festivals, comedy, and fashion shows. As reported by WETM18, the main reason for the disappointing shutdown is the sheer volume of noise complaints the venue has caused over the years. It has also been reported that a large reason for closing stems from the church’s reduction in its tax-exempt status. The L is organized by third-party organization, iMatter, a non-profit foundation which has been facilitating events with the venue since its creation in 2021.

    Given the situation with the Town, the reduction of our property tax-exempt status, the multitude of noise complaints, the difficulty and expense of mitigating the noise issues and the strain on our people caused by putting on the “L” events, there is no way that we can continue to host The “L” at our facility at the conclusion of the 2023 season’. 

    Given these facts, the effort required to memorialize an agreement with iMatter seemed to me to be better placed elsewhere.

    From an October 30 email to Town of Horseheads Attorney John Mustico from Reverend Kevin O’Shell, interim senior pastor at the Journey Church, home of “The L”

    With these unfortunate circumstances, members of the Horseheads community are saddened and let down. Some speculate there are other motives behind the owner of the venue.

    Joey Lanzillotto, booking agent for the venue said via a post on Facebook that he hopes no one else is “duped” by the “criminal hiding behind his holy facade,” in reference to the owner and his motives. He also said “All good things must come to an end, but I’ll never forget seeing everyone pack this room and truly experience the venue this area has deserved for so long. I truly appreciate everyone who supported this vision. We love you all. We’ll be back.”

    Alexandra Kay performing at The L in Horseheads – November 2023 – photo by Allison Marie

    Many other members of the community have voiced their opinions on the WENY News Facebook page explaining that the closure of the venue is unreasonable and “a win for the Karens,” suggesting NIMBYism is at play in the closure of The L in Horseheads. A good number of commenters have stated the noise complaints are nothing short of falsehoods, and that The L has done more for their community than the church itself.

    With the closure of The L, Horseheads is now a town without a single music venue. The nearest one is Tag’s Summer Stage, 10 miles away in Big Flats. Aside from Tag’s Summer Stage, there are practically no other venues in the Southern Tier, leaving the population in this region of the state without a home for rising artists and regular, accessible live music throughout the year.