NYS Music 2024

Tag: Westchester

  • Rob Mathes Announces 2024 Dates For Annual Holiday Concert

    Singer-songwriter Robert Mathes has announced the 2024 dates of his time-honored Annual Holiday Concert in Purchase.

    Celebrated as an Emmy-winning and Grammy-nominated arranger, producer, director, and musician, Robert Mathes is renowned for his craft. Working with the likes of Lady Gaga, Bruce Springsteen, Aretha Franklin, Elton John, Fall Out Boy, Rufus Wainwright, Rascal Flatts, and countless others, Mathes‘ repertoire is certainly one to admire.

    In addition, Mathes’ achievements this past year include a series of symphonic concerts with Sting in collaboration with the Philadelphia Orchestra, The San Francisco Symphony, and the Florida Orchestra. He also produced Melissa Errico’s Sondheim in the City album, musically directed both the MusiCares Artist of the Year event honoring Bon Jovi and the Songwriters Hall of Fame Awards.

    Even with all of these achievements under his belt for 2024, Mathes isn’t done quite yet- his annual Rob Mathes Holiday Concert will return for three nights at The Performing Arts Center at Purchase College.

    A blend of Mathes’ introspective singer-songwriter pop, jazz and blue overtones, and holiday classics alongside some Rob Mathes originals, his annual shows are beloved for their unique takes on the holiday tradition. 

    Photo: Evoto

    Accompanied by Will Lee on bass, Billy Masters on guitar, Gunnar Olson on drums, Rick Knutsen on keyboard, and a myriad of horns by Jeff Kievit, Tony Kadleck, Andy Snitzer, Aaron Helk, Mike Davis, and Jeff Nelson, the three nights of holiday cheer are sure to be unforgettable. In addition, R&B singers James “D Train” Williams and Vaneese Thomas will grace the stage before the show’s concluding fan-favorite “Choir of Saints & Friends”. 

    In addition to the holiday cheer, the Holiday Concert will once more be an event for the greater good. For the fourth consecutive year, Mathes’ holiday shows will benefit Food Rescue US of Fairfield County, an organization dedicated to eliminating hunger and food waste. Food Rescue US is offering exclusive VIP tickets with a donation of $150- for more information on this opportunity for good, visit their website here.

    Rob Mathes and his band will grace the Performing Arts Center of Purchase College for three nights on December 20, 21, and 22. Tickets are available now on the PAC’s official box office page.

    To learn more about Rob Mathes, check out his latest work, and keep an eye out for his future endeavors, be sure to visit his official website here.

  • New ArtsWestchester Exhibition Envisions Hudson Valley’s Future

    ArtsWestchester presents the new exhibition Futures, in which artists tackle the question “What could the Hudson Valley look like in 100 years?”

    Formed in 1965, ArtsWestchester is a not-for-profit cultural service organization that acts as Westchester County’s designated art council in addition to hosting special events and galleries, providing grants and various opportunities to local artists, and inviting local musicians and dancers into their space to perform.

    An organization dedicated to cultivating the arts scene of Westchester and beyond, ArtsWestchester looks within its community once more for its newest project- and forwards. Futures, the newly opened exhibition housed in the organization’s building is an immersive and large-scale consideration of how the county will transform physically and socially over the next century. 

    “ArtsWestchester places artists at the center of imagining our region’s next chapter. Artists work at the intersection of visual culture, craft, architecture, and design. Through their perspectives in this exhibit, we aim to explore concepts of historic land ownership, building inclusive communities, creative placemaking, and sustainable development.”

    – Kathleen Reckling, ArtsWestchester CEO

    Contributing artists include Noelia Abreau, Inez Andrucyk, Sheila Benedis, Mia Brownell, Mike Depasquale, Amanda Dorval, Marielena Ferrer, Natalya Khorover, Martin Kruck, Jessica Maffia, Norman Mgnusson, Susan Manspeizer, Jorge Otero-Pailos, Teresa Pereira, Rachel Sydlowski, and VASH- all of whom offer their own unique perspective on Westchester in their respective pieces and the show’s planning at large.

    Mike Depasquale: White, ArtsWestchester

    Above all, Futures is a testament to the necessity of the arts in all aspects of life, especially the social wellbeing of the area and creatives’ capacity to generate productive conversations about what the future may hold for it. A rapidly redoveloping suburban and exurban community, Futures prompts the people of the Hudson Valley to consider the region’s future beyond their own and the visionaries of today and tomorrow that will be at the crux of such growth.

    Funded in part by the National Endowment of the Arts, the Futures exhibition runs through January 12, 2025 in ArtsWestchester’s gallery during regular hours. For more information on how to visit and view Futures, visit the ArtsWestchester website here.

  • Fourth Annual Scarsdale Music Festival Returns this Year in June

    The annual Scarsdale Music Festival is returning for its fourth year June 1-12 to 6pm in Scarsdale Village. The six-hour music festival sees a hearty lineup of amazing talent from all over.

    The festival is hosted by the Scarsdale Business Aliance and benefits Daniel’s Music Foundation. The foundation aims to empower individuals with disabilities through music education and performance. The annual Scarsdale Music Festival boasts an extensive lineup of highly talented individuals and groups.

    The Scarsdale Music Festival is an exceptional, family-friendly community event that brings together
    thousands of people of all ages to celebrate their love of music, food, and community and is a not-to-be
    missed experience. The Scarsdale Business Alliance is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the Village of Scarsdale and its local businesses.

    A total of 16 musical artists and bands are set to hit the stage on June 1. The lineup is diverse and dynamic with genres like Americana, indie-rock, world, hard-rock, pop, R&B, opera and more. Some artists include Artia Tobia, Conversing with Ocean, Hunter Road, The Men of Soul, George Dennehy, and more.

    This year’s line-up of amazing talent performs on two main stages throughout the day as well as an all-new acoustic stage. Twelve bands from Scarsdale and the greater Tri-State area were chosen through an extensive selection process from over 70 submitted applicants.

    This year’s Grand Tasting Village features elite wines from around the world, specialty cocktails, and food pairings. In addition, guests 21+ can also purchase beer and wine by the glass. Food trucks and other food vendors offer a selection of sweet and savory items. The Family Fun Zone features carnival games, face painters, arts and crafts, musical demonstrations, DIY and STEAM activities, sports, inflatables, and more.

    Tickets for the annual Scarsdale Music Festival are on sale now. For more information on the festival and to purchase tickets, click here.

  • The Driver Era Rock Out in Port Chester

    The Driver Era is a dynamic sibling duo comprising Ross and Rocky Lynch, born from the talents honed during their time in their sibling band R5. Hailing from LA, the Lynch brothers have cultivated a unique sound that blends elements of alt-rock and pop. This all results in a captivating discography that resonates with audiences worldwide.

    Since their start as The Driver Era, Ross and Rocky have embarked on a creative journey of artistic exploration. With a passion for pushing musical boundaries and a commitment to authenticity, they captivated listeners with their electrifying live performances.

    The Driver Era made a triumphant return to NY at The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester. This marks a highly-anticipated follow-up to their electrifying show at Pier 17 in NYC the previous summer. Amidst a backdrop of euphoric energy, Ross and Rocky delivered a spellbinding performance that left the audience spellbound.

    The Show

    From the opening notes of “OMG” to the encore of “A Kiss,” The Driver Era unleashed irresistible hooks that had the crowd roaring from start to finish. The Lynch brothers showcased their dynamic stage presence and undeniable chemistry, commanding the stage with effortless charisma and boundless energy.

    Throughout the night, the band treated fans to hits, including “Feel You Now,” “Scared of Heights,” and “Afterglow”. Special moments such as Riker Lynch bringing out his wife to dance during one of the songs added a touch of intimacy to the performance. Rydel Lynch’s presence in the photo pit served as a testament to the band’s close family dynamic as well.

    The audience was fully immersed in the experience, with many fans sporting pink cowboy hats and waving handmade signs. One sign read “I’ll trade my hat for your shirt”, demonstrating audience dedication. The electric atmosphere reached a high when two fans threw their bras on stage during “Preacher Man,” a testament to the band’s magnetic appeal.

    As the night started to close, The Driver Era left the crowd wanting more. They decided to end the show with a euphoric encore performance of “Heart of Mine” and “A Kiss.” With their infectious energy and undeniable talent, The Driver Era proved once again why they are a force to be reckoned with in the world of music.

    Setlist: OMG, Feel You Now, Heaven Angel, Scared of Heights, End of Your Life, Afterglow, Low, Rumors, On My Own (from Teen Beach Movie), Get Off My Phone, Cray Z Babe E, Take Me Away, Giveuwhatuwant, Malibu, Nobody Knows, Fantasy, Preacher Man

    Encore: Heart of Mine, A Kiss

  • Rock The River Benefit Concert to Return to Capitol Theatre

    Sunrise Association has announced the 11th annual Rock The River benefit concert in Port Chester, taking place Thursday, April 11 at the Capitol Theatre.

    photo by Scott Harris

    Rock The River is meant to honor supporters at the “original rock palace” and benefit Sunrise Day Camp-Pearl River. The honorable awards will be presented to owner Peter Shapiro, General Manager Bruce Wheeler, and Head of Special Events, Emily Schmalholz. The awards in question are known as the Sunrise Community Partner Award and the Sunrise Champion Award.

    Money raised from this benefit will support the vital work Sunrise Day Camp–Pearl River does for the community. Sunrise Day Camp brings the simple pleasures of childhood back to children struggling with cancer, changing months of loneliness and isolation into summers filled with sunshine, laughter and happiness.

    The Capitol Theatre welcomes a performance by the legendary Steve Augeri, the former lead vocalist for Journey. In years prior, artists like Wyclef Jean, Melissa Etheridge, Max Weinberg and many more music icons.

    The 11th annual Rock The River sponsored by Sunrise Association sees a wonderful evening of uplifting music by Steve Augeri. Along with this, the wonderful fundraising for ill children in need.

    This is an evening of togetherness, music, and benefits for those in need. It showcases both the power of fundraising and the unity that music brings.

    “We are honored & grateful to be the host venue of Rock The River for 10 years! Live music provides an impressive and organic sense of connection, this event is a natural fit. Over the years, we have formed an amazing partnership with Sunrise which has grown Rock The River year after year, working together to raise money for this incredibly important cause. I play just a small part in the success of this event and will continue to do my best to champion the cause in every way possible. I have no doubt that this partnership between The Capitol Theatre and Sunrise Day Camp will continue to grow so that we can continue to raise as much money as possible to send hundreds more children with cancer & their siblings to this incredible camp.”

    Emily Schmalholz, Sunrise Champion Award Nominee

    Doors to the concert open at 6:30pm, and music begins at 8pm. For more information on the Rock The River Benefit Concert or to make a donation, click here.