NYS Music 2024

Tag: news

  • 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.

  • The 3rd Annual Broadway Celebrates Earth Day Concert returns to Times Square

    The Broadway Green Alliance and Times Square Alliance are proud to announce the return of the Broadway Celebrates Earth Day Concert on Saturday, April 20th from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. ET in the heart of Times Square.

    Perkiomen Valley High School.

    This unique star-studded concert will feature live performances from Broadway’s top talent and young performers from around the region and interviews with environmental thought leaders. The concert will be held on Broadway between 45th and 46th Streets and is one of the key events for the NYC Department of Transportation’s “Car-Free Earth Day.”

    Broadway Celebrates Earth Day underscores the Broadway community’s commitment to raise awareness about the climate emergency and inspire steps towards a more sustainable future. The concert will be simultaneously live-streamed, offering audiences the opportunity to join this musical celebration of sustainability.

    The Times Square Alliance is thrilled to partner once again with the Broadway Green Alliance and the Department of Transportation to present a free Broadway Earth Day concert in the heart of Times Square as part of Car-Free Earth Day. Broadway in Times Square has been a leader in providing more space to pedestrians and we look forward to joining all the other neighborhoods throughout the five boroughs as we celebrate our public spaces and the great programming we can bring to them.

    Tom Harris, President of the Times Square Alliance

    Founded in 1992, the Times Square Alliance works to improve and promote Times Square, cultivating the creativity, energy, and edge that have made the area an icon of entertainment, culture, and urban life for over a century. It keeps the neighborhood safe and clean, promotes local businesses, manages area improvements, and produces major annual events.

    Broadway performers joining the event include host Ben Cameron (Broadway Sessions), Tony Award Winner Ruthie Ann Miles (Sweeney Todd), Tony Award Nominee Anika Larsen (Almost Famous), Michael Maliakel (Aladdin), Jelani Remy (Back to the Future), Alexandra Socha (Wicked), Nik Walker (Spamalot), and more to be announced.

    Young performers taking the stage include students from Epic Players, Marymount Manhattan College, NYU Steinhardt, Perkiomen Valley High School, R.Evolución Latina, and Wolf Performing Arts Center. The event will also feature guest speakers from Headcount and Julie Tighe, Director of New York League of Conservation Voters. David Alpert serves as the director of the event and Rick Hip-Flores provides musical accompaniment.

    Wolf Performing Arts Center.

    The Broadway Green Alliance (BGA) educates, motivates, and inspires the theatre community and its patrons to implement environmentally friendlier practices. Launched in 2008 as an ad hoc committee of The Broadway League it is a fiscal program of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, bringing together all segments of the theatre community, including producers, Broadway and Off-Broadway theatres in New York and around the country.

    “We are thrilled to collaborate again with the Times Square Alliance to harness the power of theatre to cultivate courage and community around the most pressing challenge of our time,” said Molly Braverman, Director of the Broadway Green Alliance.

    For more information about Broadway Celebrates Earth Day, visit here.

  • Stella Blue’s Band Returns to Free Dead in the Park This May

    Stella Blue’s Band is excited to announce the fifth annual Free Dead in the Park concert to benefit Riverkeeper, presented by The Capitol Theatre and RYTHM Cannabis, at the Naumburg Bandshell in Central Park in New York City on Tuesday, May 14.

    Free Dead in the Park, Riverkeeper

    Free Dead in the Park began in 2018 when Stella Blue’s Band first played in the bandshell to commemorate the 50 anniversary of the Grateful Dead’s epic free concert with Jefferson Airplane and the Paul Butterfield Blues Band. In the years following, the show has benefitted Riverkeeper and its mission to protect, clean up, and advocate for the Hudson River and surrounding ecosystems. 

    “Free Dead in the Park is our family reunion and it gets better every year,” said Steve Liesman, the band’s rhythm guitar player, a member of Riverkeeper’s board, and the senior economics reporter for CNBC. “It’s an honor to follow in the footsteps of the Dead in beautiful Central Park while helping support the vital cause of cleaning up the Hudson River.” An exclusive commemorative T-shirt featuring a photo of Bob Weir onstage taken by photographer Jay Blakesberg will be given to everyone who becomes a Riverkeeper member at the event.

    Stella Blue’s Band, founded in 2009, recreates the experience of being at a Grateful Dead show – lighting up the tri-state area for more than a decade with its six-piece line-up, including two drummers, strong, soulful vocals, and high-energy performances. 

    Stella Blue's Band @ Free Dead in the Park, Riverkeeper
    Photo by Zapshots Photography.

    “We’re thrilled to be back supporting Free Dead in the Park and Riverkeeper and bringing together the power of good music and collective action for the environment in the heart of New York City,” said Peter Shapiro, owner of The Capitol Theatre. 

    Riverkeeper protects and restores the Hudson River, and safeguards drinking water supplies through community partnerships, science, and law. They improve water quality, restore habitat for an abundance of life, and address the impact of climate change on waterways. Founded in 1966 as the Hudson River Fishermen’s Association, Riverkeeper became the model for more than 320 Waterkeeper organizations and established globally recognized standards for waterway and watershed protection.

    “Listen to the river sing sweet songs with the Stella Blue’s Band at one of Riverkeeper’s most beloved events, Free Dead in the Park,” said Tracy Brown, President of Riverkeeper. “Join environmentalists and music enthusiasts in celebrating and supporting the preservation of the Hudson River.” 

    For more information, visit here.

  • New York Philharmonic Announces Jam-Packed 2024-25 Season

    The New York Philharmonic has announced their 2024-2025 season of events. The season is packed with hearty, unique, and diverse talent with Music and Artistic Director Gustavo Dudamel leading three weeks of subscription concerts.

    New York Philharmonic season
    Gustavo Dudamel

    The New York Philharmonic presents a wide range of new compositions, including 13 World, US, and New York Premieres this season. This consists of five World Premieres, two US Premieres, and six New York Premieres. These premieres encapsulate the diversity and broad perspectives of the Philharmonic’s community.

    For the first time, Dudamel leads New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks, presented by Didi and Oscar Schafer. The Philharmonic explores programming from a variety of musical perspectives. Pianist Yuja Wang appears in contexts that reflect her musical interests, including her first NY Phil appearances in
    which she leads the Orchestra from the piano.

    Also new for the upcoming season, New York Philharmonic musicians were invited to act as an Artistic Partner, curating a program that reflects their varied musical interests, and also celebrates the Orchestra’s brilliant history.

    The Philharmonic examines music of the African diaspora in America from the latter half of the 20th century through the present day. Artistic Partner International Contemporary Ensemble presents the beauty of Afromodernism. The program is curated by artistic director George Lewis; and a Young People’s Concert.

    Over the 2024–25 season the New York Philharmonic shines a spotlight on two French composers who transformed the musical landscape and left enduring legacies. The Pierre Boulez Centennial and Ravel’s 150th Anniversary are two programs that pay deep tribute to the French composers.

    The upcoming season sees several debuts from conductors and soloists alike. Along with this, there are many returning friends and favorites. The New York Philharmonic welcomes all those returning and the unfamiliar faces as well.

    For more information on the New York Philharmonic’s upcoming 2024-25 season, click here.

  • Chris Pellnat Releases Latest Multi-Sound Album “Cairn”

    Chris Pellnat announced the release of his latest folk, synth, rock fusion album, Cairn and it is certainly something unique. The album showcases several unique and intriguing sounds from Chris Pellnat’s repertoire.

    Cairn Chris Pellnat

    Chris Pellnat is a singer-songwriter based in Hudson, New York. In addition to his solo work, he plays guitar in the Poughkeepsie-based rock band, The Warp/The Weft. He is also half of the duo, Teeniest. He performs mostly in upstate New York. Chris creates melodic, memorable songs using unusual instrumentation, including vibraphone, clarinet and dulcimer in addition to guitar, bass, drums and
    synthesizers. His songs are sometimes cleverly humorous, but always with an underlying message.

    There is clear vocal and instrument influence from artists like Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, John Lennon, Paul Simon and more. Cairn combines elements of traditional American folk, orchestral music, acoustic rock, and even electronic. Each song on the Cairn has its own feel and theme. Some songs are about hope, some are about endings and beginnings, some are about nothing. The album has an overwhelming ability to calm, but also the ability to get your feet tapping or your head swaying.

    Cairn has a good deal of variety in terms of musical vibe and style. It starts off with “Ship on the Horizon,”
    a dulcimer-and-accordion-driven song that sets the tone with the sound of ocean waves. “Wandering Squandering” is a straight-ahead electric rocker. “Forest Giants” is a trippy, electronic exploration inspired by the wilderness. The album continues like that: you never know what the next song will sound like, and you’ll likely be surprised when you find out.

    For more information on Chris Pellnat’s music and to listen to Cairn, click here.

  • Caffe Lena in April Features Raul Midon, The Special Consensus, Michael Eck and More

    Esteemed music venue Caffe Lena in Saratoga Springs announced a stellar lineup of musicians for the month of April, with Raul Midon, Michael Eck, Vanessa Collier, and The Special Consensus among the featured acts.

    caffe lena april

    CaffeLena has presented New York State with extraordinary music in an intimate setting since the 1960s. It is widely recognized as the longest continuously operating folk music venue in the United States. Bob Dylan performed for two consecutive nights at the cafè in 1961, a year prior to the release of his debut album.

    The venue’s mission is to keep a diverse set of programs and artists, regardless of fame, to present to the community. Caffe Lena is where musical discovery begins on all fronts. All shows held in-person in Lena’s historic listening room are also streamed live to living rooms around the world.

    Caffe Lena’s April shows are not ones to miss. The itinerary is complete with various well-known artists with utmost talent. Various genres like bluegrass, jazz, folk, blues, poetry, funk rock and more are set to light up the intimate venue with energy, love, and art. Artists like Michael Eck see the stage for heartfelt performances signifying great milestones.

    Vanessa Collier

    Michael Eck celebrates his 60th birthday with release of sixth album, fermata, and a performance at Caffe Lena, 8 p.m. Friday, April 19. Eck will be joined by an all-star ensemble, including bassist/vocalist Bob Buckley, guitarist Sten Isachsen, and elusive vocalist Rosanne Raneri.

    Michael Eck

    Caffe Lena’s Top Shows For April

    April 2, 7 PM Live Stream: Storytelling Night Featuring Julia Biaculli

    April 3, 7 PM Poetry Open Mic Night featuring Susan Jefts

    April 4, 8 PM Ruthie Foster

    April 5, 8 PM The Special Consensus

    April 6, 8 PM Peter Mulvey with Opener Zachary Lucky

    April 7, 7 PM House of Hamill

    April 9, 7 PM Songwriting with Eliza Gilkyson

    April 19, 8 PM Live Stream: Michael Eck

    April 26, 8 PM Vanessa Collier

    April 27, 8 PM Bright Series: The Clements Brothers

    April 28, 7 PM Intersectional Voices: Raul Midon

    For more information on Caffe Lena’s April shows and to purchase tickets, click here.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OK9dLM8_cKE

  • Adequate Phil Release Latest Single “Limes,” Marking Final Track Before Debut Album

    Rochester psychedelic indie rock band Adequate Phil have released their latest track, “Limes” which is out on all streaming services now. The song marks their final single before the release of their debut album.

    adequate Phil Limes

    Adequate Phil, hailing from Troy, is an experimental psychedelic indie rock powerhouse with influences from Radiohead, Animal Collective, The Beatles, and The Shins. With the release of their debut album on the horizon and in spite of recent personal difficulties and lineup changes, Adequate Phil continues to captivate audiences with their magnetic stage presence and innovative sound. Since 2021, they’ve been an eclectic and relatively underground driving force in the local scene.

    adequate Phil Limes

    The track “Limes” is nothing short of unique. Its monumental psychedelic influence just oozes out of each pore of the track. You can hear the influence from classic psychedelic bands like The Beatles, Grateful Dead, Jimi Hendrix, and more. You can also hear influence from artists like King Gizzard and even Yoko Ono.

    The vocals are haunting and obscure, the lead and rhythm guitar are hallucinogenic. Nothing about this song is conventional, but it has an eerie familiarity. The more you listen, the more you become entranced by the sounds the band emanates.

    For more information on Adequate Phil and to lay ears on their latest single, “Limes,” click here.

  • Waterparks: Live from MGM Music Hall

    Waterparks is a dynamic, genre bending trio hailing from Houston, Texas, consisting of charismatic frontman Awsten Knight, guitarist Geoff Wigington, and drummer Otto Wood. With their high-energy stage presence and genre-defying sound, Waterparks has become a force to be reckoned with in the alternative music scene.

    Waterparks brought their electrifying energy and infectious enthusiasm to the MGM Music Hall at Fenway Park as part of “The Sneaking out of Heaven Tour,” with fans lined up around the venue as early as 3 AM, these fans left in awe with a high-octane performance and unforgettable moments.

    From the moment they stepped onstage, frontman Awsten Knight and his bandmates captivated the crowd with their signature blend of pop-rock anthems and irresistible hooks. The atmosphere was electric as fans sang along to every word, their voices blending harmoniously with the band’s infectious melodies.

    Throughout the night, Waterparks delivered one memorable moment after another, from Awsten’s impromptu phone call to a fan’s boss, quitting their job on their behalf, to the spirited chants of “fuck these kids” and “support the moms.” Awsten’s playful banter and charismatic stage presence kept the energy levels high, while guitarist Geoff whirlwind performance earned him the endearing nickname “Hurricane Geoff.”

    The band’s setlist was a perfect mix of old favorites and new hits, with standout moments including fans making Awsten wear a gifted shirt that said “I F*ck Fish”, followed up by their hit “Fuck About It” resulting in a hilarious exchange between Awsten and Otto. Awsten’s solo piano performance on the B stage showcased his versatility as a musician, while his humorous attempt to coax crew member Lucas into an Ed Sheeran cover provided a lighthearted moment of fun.

    As the night came to a close, Waterparks left the crowd wanting more with an electrifying encore performance of “Turbulent” and “Real Super Dark” solidifying their status as one of the most exciting acts in modern alternative music. With their infectious energy and undeniable talent, Waterparks proved once again why they are a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.

    Setlist: Watch What Happens Next, Blonde, Greatest Hits Medley (Fuzzy / Violet! / American Graffiti / The Secret Life of Me / Just Kidding / See You in the Future / Lowkey As Hell), Why Can’t I [Liz Phair cover], Stupid for You, You’d Be Paranoid Too (If Everyone Was Out to Get You), SOULSUCKER, SNEAKING OUT OF HEAVEN, Magnetic, RITUAL, SELF-SABOTAGE, BRAINWASHED, FUCK ABOUT IT, High Definition, Snow Globe, Crying Over It All, 21 Questions, I Miss Having Sex but at Least I Don’t Wanna Die Anymore, FUNERAL GREY

    Encore: Numb, Turbulent, REAL SUPER DARK

  • Caroga Arts Announces 2024 Spring Residency

    From April 11-13, Caroga Arts will welcome back its world-class musicians for its exciting Spring Residency Concert series, featuring performances of major chamber music works.

    Caroga Arts

    The Spring Residency concerts are completely free of charge, but donations are encouraged to support arts programming in the community. The mission of Caroga Arts Collective is to reimagine the Caroga experience through the power of the arts, founded in 2012 by Kyle Price when he invited friends to his grandmother’s house on Caroga Lake – where they presented a week of free concerts, calling themselves the Caroga Lake Music Festival (CLMF). Today, Caroga Arts presents over 50 performances and community events annually bringing world-class artists from various genres of music, visual art, poetry, and film to the Southern Adirondacks.

    On Thursday, April 11 and Friday, April 12, Caroga Arts welcomes Aaron Schwartz (violin), Stephanie Price-Wong (viola), Ken Kubota (cello), Kyle Price (cello), and Chi Wei Lo (piano), performing music by Arensky and Brahms, plus a mix of jazz and pop favorites. The performance is at 7 p.m., but audiences are encouraged to come early at 6:30 p.m. for a special Season Preview where Executive & Artistic Director, Kyle Price, will unveil the thrilling 2024 Caroga Lake Music Festival lineup. April 11th’s show takes place at Karpeles Museum in Gloversville and the other at the Cobleskill United Methodist Church.

    You can also catch saxophonist Eddie Barbash, former member of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’s house band, with the Caroga-based KASA Quartet on the road at the Louis Armstrong House Museum in Queens on April 13 and Ravinia Festival at Highland Park, IL. For tickets, visit here.

    For more information about Caroga Arts, visit here.

  • The Ghost Club Rock Out at Elsewhere

    The Ghost Club’s concert at Elsewhere, as part of “The King Whatever Tour,” was a riveting display of indie rock energy and resilience. Led by the enigmatic frontman Domenic Dunegan, the five-piece band delivered a performance that was as emotionally charged as it was musically compelling.

    Ghost Club

    Despite facing a momentary setback when Domenic accidentally hit his head while standing up on the bar, he soldiered on with unwavering determination, embodying the band’s ethos of perseverance against the odds.

    Ghost Club

    From the moment they took the stage, The Ghost Club commanded attention with their incisive songwriting and sharp commentary on themes of masculinity, self-reflection, and resilience. Hits like “Creature of the Shadows” and “I Feel Fine” had the crowd entranced, while live debuts of “It’s Your Call” and “I’m Sold” showcased the band’s willingness to push boundaries and explore new sonic territories.

    Ghost Club

    A defining moment of the evening came during their cover of Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs,” where Domenic’s electrifying stage presence and raw emotion electrified the audience. Despite his injury, he continued to deliver a mesmerizing performance, captivating the crowd with every lyric and melody.

    Ghost Club

    As the night progressed, The Ghost Club treated fans to a string of live debuts, including the poignant “If I Fell (Don’t Wait Here for Me)” and the anthemic title track “King Whatever.” Closing out the set with the haunting ballad “Don’t Let Go,” Domenic and the band left an indelible mark on everyone in attendance, proving that they are a force to be reckoned with in the indie rock scene.

    Ghost Club

    Overall, The Ghost Club’s performance at Elsewhere was a testament to their resilience, passion, and unwavering commitment to their craft. Despite facing challenges along the way, they delivered a show that was both powerful and unforgettable, leaving fans eagerly anticipating their next performance.

    Stay tuned for their upcoming album “King Whatever” set to release ahead of this summer!

    Setlist: Creature of the Shadows, All I Know, It’s Your Call (Live Debut), I’m Sold (Live Debut), I Feel Fine, War Pigs (Black Sabbath cover), Sucker, Two Steps Ahead, If I Fell (Don’t Wait Here for Me) (Live Debut), Hate Me Too, King Whatever(Live Debut), Same Graves, Don’t Let Go

    Ghost Club