Westchester rocks: Catch a Taylor Swift tribute, Ladysmith Black Mambazo and more
You don’t have to hightail it out of Westchester to catch a great summer concert.
Joe Bonamassa will scorch through bluesy guitar solos for two August nights at Port Chester’s Capitol Theatre.
Acts such as Toad the Wet Sprocket, the Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band, and Dweezil Zappa — son of legendary virtuoso Frank Zappa — will perform at Tarrytown Music Hall. And at Peekskill’s Paramount Hudson Valley Theater, there's comedian Pete Davidson of “Saturday Night Live” fame, and tribute bands doing Fleetwood Mac, early Genesis with Peter Gabriel, and Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young.
Check out the following Lower Hudson Valley concert venues’ websites — and others a short drive away — for all of the performers coming to the region through Labor Day. But here’s a selection, from rock and pop genres to jazz and classical.
Know of other venues and acts? Send to [email protected].
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Who's playing at The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester this summer?
The iconic Capitol Theatre is located at 149 Westchester Ave. in Port Chester. Learn more by going to thecapitoltheatre.com or call 914-937-4126.
July 26: Tab Benoit and Anders Osborne with Mike Zito — “One of the most impressive guitarists to emerge” from southern Louisiana in recent years, Benoit’s tone “can be recognized before his Otis Redding-ish voice resonates from the speakers," the venue's description says. His 2011 album "Medicine" received awards and he was voted "BB King Entertainer of the Year" at the 2012 Blue Music Awards in Memphis. Osborne has toured with his own band, solo, or as a guest, including with Toots and The Maytals, Derek Trucks, Warren Haynes, Keb Mo, The Grateful Dead’s Phil Lesh, and others, the description says. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets, per the venue, are $35 to $79.50.
Aug. 18: Westchester Reggae Festival — It will feature Etana, Big Youth, and Christopher Martin. Doors open at 6 p.m. Show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets, per the venue, are $49.50 to $79.50
Aug. 23 and 24: Joe Bonamassa — He is known for his fiery, bluesy guitar playing and “has been featured on the cover of virtually every guitar magazine multiple times,” the venue description says. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets, per the venue, are $80 to $154.
Sept. 11: The Australian Pink Floyd — The group is “the world’s biggest, best and greatest Pink Floyd tribute show, the description says. “From its humble origins in the bars and clubs of Adelaide, in recent years the band has become a truly international affair, with band members from Australia, the UK, France and the USA.” Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets, per the venue, are $45.50 to $91.
Who is playing at Tarrytown Music Hall in August?
The historic Tarrytown Music Hall is located at 13 Main Street in downtown Tarrytown. Learn more by going to tarrytownmusichall.org or calling 914-631-3390.
July 20: The Moody Blues’ John Lodge — Lodge is vocalist, bass player, and songwriter of the legendary band and “is continuing in his celebration of The Moody Blues‘ music, and their iconic album ‘Days of Future Passed,’” the venue’s description said. Starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $54 to $74, as well as a merchandise and video package for $174.
Aug. 4: Jerry Harrison and Adrian Belew — With what the venue describes as an all-star backing band, they will perform classics by The Talking Heads, such as “Once in a Lifetime,” “Psycho Killer,” and “Take Me to the River.” Belew is a guitar wizard whose career has including playing with Frank Zappa. Harrison played keyboards and guitar for The Talking Heads. Starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $56 to $86, as well as a VIP meet-and-greet for $205,according to the venue.
Aug. 6: Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band — Five-time Grammy nominated Kenny Wayne Shepherd, with his guitar skills and “unique blend of blues and rock,” will have his first appearance at Tarrytown Music Hall and has a new studio album out, “Dirt on My Diamonds, Vol. 1,” the description says. Tickets range from $75.75 to $115.75.
Aug. 8: Toad the Wet Sprocket — For the 30th anniversary of album “Dulcinea,” the trio of founding members Glen Phillips, Todd Nichols, and Dean Dinning will perform. Starts at 8 p.m. Tickets, per the venue, range from $45.50 to 75.50, as well as a $175.50 VIP package.
Aug. 29: Dweezil Zappa — The Grammy-winning guitar virtuoso has put out several albums of his own compositions – one was performed by a 100-piece orchestra in the Netherlands — and also performed live celebrations of his father Frank Zappa's music. Starts at 8 p.m. Tickets, per the venue, range from $64 to $94, as well as $184 to $194 for options that include soundchecks and Q and A, and $294 for an ultimate experience package.
Pete Davidson joins summer lineup at Paramount Hudson Valley Theatre
The Paramount Hudson Valley Theater is located at 1008 Brown Street in Peekskill. Learn more by going to paramounthudsonvalley.com or calling 914-739-0039.
July 20: The Boy Band Project Vs. The Girl Band Project: The Ultimate Throwback Throwdown — “Broadway’s fiercest talents converge for an epic evening, belting out tunes from the golden era of boy bands and girl groups,” the venue description says. “Are you Team NSYNC, Backstreet Boys, and 98 Degrees, or are you rolling with the fierce vibes of Team Spice Girls, Destiny’s Child, and Pussycat Dolls?” The description says the event was created specifically for the Paramount Hudson Valley Theatre “and recreates the vocals, harmonies, tight choreography, and energy of the most popular groups from the 90s and 00s.” Starts at 8 p.m. Tickets, per the venue, range from $54 to $68.50.
Aug. 10: RAEL, The Music of Genesis and Peter Gabriel — Step back in time to early Genesis, with Gabriel as its frontman, when the band was a progressive-rock colossus doing experimental forays in the 1970s (before the more hit-driven 1980s colossus when Gabriel had left and was building a popular solo career). “With an unwavering dedication to authenticity,” the venue description says, “RAEL faithfully captures the energy, originality, and theatricality that defined Genesis’ live performances during their formative years.” Starts at 8 p.m. Tickets, per the venue, range from $39 to $54.
Aug. 17: Pete Davidson Live — The comedian, a “Saturday Night Live” cast member from 2014 to 2022, performs. Davidson shot his first one-hour stand-up special for Comedy Central in 2016 and was named one of Forbes’ 30 Under 30 the same year, the venue description says. He released the stand-up special “Pete Davidson: Alive From New York” in 2020, and was listed as one of Time’s “100 Most Influential People” of 2022. Davidson also co-wrote, executive produced, and starred in the film “The King of Staten Island.” Starts at 7 p.m. Tickets, per the venue, range from $68.99 to $108.99.
Aug. 25: The Taylor Swift Experience – FEARLESS — It’s a tribute performance to Taylor Swift, in which “Rikki Lee Wilson’s uncanny resemblance to Taylor Swift, from her looks to her mannerisms, has ‘Swiftie’ fans across the globe feeling like they’re watching Taylor herself,” the venue description says. “Created, produced, and delivered with pride and professionalism, this show features an incredible live band and the highest attention to detail. It promises to be the most authentic recreation of a Taylor Swift concert you’ll ever experience. Starts at 5 p.m. Tickets, per the venue, are $49.
Who is playing at Uncle Cheef in Brewster this July and August?
Uncle Cheef is located at 988 Route 22 in Brewster. Learn more by going to unclecheef.com or calling 845-793-2717.
July 20: Guillermo Klein — A composer and pianist living upstate, Klein led and ensemble that released several albums, the venue description says. He has performed for almost two decades at New York City’s Village Vanguard. “Against the odds, Guillermo Klein has held together Los Guachos, his multinational 11-piece big band, for almost a quarter of a century. In those years, this Argentine-born pianist and composer has moved across continents four times, and most of Los Guachos’ members have ascended to prestigious careers of their own.” Klein has collaborated with jazz musicians such as Aaron Goldberg, Joshua Redman, Jorge Rossy, Rebecca Martin, Miguel Zenon, and Wolfgang Muthspiel, the description said. Tickets, per the venue, are $15 to $25. One ticket is valid for both sets (seating for 9 p.m. show is based on availability).
July 26: Eduardo Belo — A New York-based bass player originally from Brasilia in Brazil, Belo is known to pivot between Brazilian music and jazz “with total fluidity,” the venue description says. “His tone is incredibly large, warm and full sounding.” Belo has worked with Michel Camilo, Claudio Roditi, Steve Wilson, Kevin Hays, Bebel Gilberto, and more. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Sets at 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. Tickets, per the venue, are $15 to $25. One ticket is valid for both sets (seating for 9 p.m. show is based on availability).
Aug. 2: High and Mighty Brass Band — Groups such as Galactic, Eli “Paperboy” Reed and Lake Street Dive have collaborated with High and Mighty Brass Band, which Evan Howard, a New York City drummer, started in 2009, the description says. “They entertain crowds with both their original music and fresh take on current and classic cover songs.” Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Sets at 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. Tickets, per the venue, are $15 to $25. One ticket is valid for both sets (seating for 9 p.m. set is based on availability).
Aug. 17: Steve Shapiro — Shapiro is “a veteran NYC studio vibraphonist, composer, and arranger” who has has recorded with Steely Dan, Ornette Coleman, Phil Collins, SpyroGyra, Whitney Houston, They Might Be Giants, Pat Martino, and others, the description says. His work has been in hundreds television and film projects. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Sets at 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. Tickets, per the venue, are $15 to $25. One ticket is valid for both sets (seating for 9 p.m. set is based on availability).
Aug. 25: Brazilian Jazz Brunch, with Leandro Pellegrino — Born in S?o Paulo, Brazil, Pellegrino has steadily gotten a reputation as one of his generation's best guitarists, the description says. He has performed with everyone from John Pattittuci to Romero Lubambo, Eric Harland, Donny McCaslin, Gerald Clayton, and Erik Truffaz. Pellegrino was also part of Grammy-winning album “Beautiful Life” by jazz singer Dianne Reeves. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Sets are at noon and 1 p.m. The venue encourages a $20-a-person cash donation to the band.
Who's performing at Jazz on Main in Mount Kisco this summer?
Jazz on Main is located at 37 S. Moger Ave. in Mount Kisco. Learn more by going to jazzonmain.com or calling 914-730-2399.
July 21: Altus — Made up of five musicians — Dave Adewumi, Isaac Levien, Neta Raanan, Nathan Reising, and Ryan Sands — the group’s performances are “marked by playfulness and narrative focus, promise a unique exploration into the unknown, fueled by a shared love for improvisation,” the description says. Starts at noon. Food/drinks $25 minimum a person.
July 25: Benno Marmur Quartet, featuring Grant Stewart — New York City-based jazz guitarist Marmur has played alongside jazz musicians such as Grant Stewart, Jimmy Madison, and Warren Chiasson. Starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20. Food/drinks $25 minimum a person.
Aug. 2: Late Night Comedy with Andrew Ginsburg — Ginsburg, a stand-up comedian, actor, and author of “Pumping Irony: How To Build Muscle, Lose Weight, and Have the Last Laugh, had appeared on “Saturday Night Live” and “The View,” the description says. In 2023, he headlined his own show in The New York Comedy Festival, and his writing has been published in The New York Times, Washington Post, Boston Globe, and The Guardian. Starts at 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $25. Food/drinks $25 minimum a person.
Aug. 10: The Laura Meade Trio — A classically trained soprano and singer-songwriter, Meade has a fondness for the American Songbook, the venue description says, and she is a pianist, musical theatre performer, a vocalist in a progressive rock band, and solo artist. She is performing a set of standards with upright bass and piano. Her album of original music is “The Most Dangerous Woman in America.” Starts at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $30 to $94. Food/drinks $25 minimum a person.
Fred Armisen, Ladysmith Black Mambazo coming to Ridgefield Playhouse
Ridgefield Playhouse is located at 80 East Ridge in Ridgefield, CT (just over northern Westchester's border). Learn more by going to ridgefieldplayhouse.org or calling 203-438-5795.
July 26: Orianthi — Orianthi has played virtuoso lead guitar for Alice Cooper, Michael Jackson and Carrie Underwood, the description says, and “was featured accompanying Carrie Underwood during the 2009 Grammy Awards telecast, performed on American Idol in 2010, and appeared in Michael Jackson’s documentary concert film, ‘This Is It.’” She won Guitar International magazine’s 2010 “breakthrough guitarist of the year” award. Starts at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $45 to $65.
Aug. 10: Ladysmith Black Mambazo — A worldwide audience learned about the group from its prominent role on Paul Simon’s 1987 album “Graceland.” According to the venue’s description, Ladysmith Black Mambazo were called by Nelson Mandela “South Africa’s cultural ambassadors to the world.” The five-time Grammy winners are known for dazzling vocal harmonies and dance, and, the description adds, they perform in a traditional style called “isicathamiya (Is-Cot-A-Mee-Ya), a type of secular a cappella choral singing developed in South Africa by migrant Zulu communities.” Starts at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $45 to $55.
Aug. 11: Eric Johnson — An Austin, Texas, guitar legend, Johnson conjures a tone that all at once packs a throaty distortion with a piano-like, cascading, watery clarity. Rolling Stone ranked him among the 250 greatest guitarists, according to the venue description, and his instrumental showpiece is “Cliffs of Dover.” He’s toured over the years with other guitar gods such as Steve Vai and Joe Satriani. Starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $39 to $49.
Aug. 14: Fred Armisen — The comedian, who was a “Saturday Night Live” cast member for 11 seasons, a co-writer and co-star of Emmy-nominated series “Portlandia” and is now on Netflix’s “Wednesday,” will perform “Comedy for Musicians but Everyone is Welcome.” Starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $45.
Shows coming to Caramoor in Katonah this summer
Caramoor Center for Music and Arts is located at 149 Girdle Ridge Road in Katonah. Learn more by going to caramoor.org or calling 914-232-1252.
July 25: Our Song, Our Story: The New Generation of Black Voices — The performance, in the venue's Spanish Courtyard, will include operatic arias, art songs, and spirituals, “paying homage to the eternal legacies of operatic legends Marian Anderson and Jessye Norman” — the latter had lived in northern Westchester's Croton-on-Hudson. “Created and directed by composer, conductor, and multi-genre musician Damien Sneed,” the venue description says, “this powerful program symbolically passes the torch to two of today’s most exciting operatic voices, Justin Austin and Brandie Inez Sutton, and features works by African American composers past and present — including Margaret Bonds, Harry T. Burleigh, Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson, Wynton Marsalis, and Damien Sneed.” Starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $49 for general admission but people can also buy select premium seats on the venue's website.
July 26: Time for Three — A self-proclaimed “classically trained garage band,” according to the venue description, the three musicians are all instrumentalists and singers. The ensemble will perform at the venue's Friends Field, and “is rocking the music scene with mind-bending mashups that toss classical, modern pop, jazz, bluegrass, and gypsy vibes into a musical blender using their strings and vocals.” Starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $49 for adults, $29 for children.
Aug. 2: Richard Goode — "Revered globally as one of today’s foremost interpreters of Beethoven," the venue description says. Goode will perform in the venue's Venetian Theater three piano sonatas by the composer who launched music's expansive 19th-Century Romantic period in which astounding virtuosity, adventurousness and sheer scale took flight. "Renowned for his extraordinary ability to infuse each note with profound power, depth, and expressiveness, Goode offers an exquisite showcase of artistry." Starts at 7:30 p.m. Go to website to select a seat.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Westchester NY summer concerts and shows are coming. Find out where
