Best Music January
Best Music January: Lez Zeppelin celebrates the 50th Anniversary of Led Zeppelin I. Plus local jazz, Latin Pop, The Smithereens, a Neil Young Tribute, Kacey Musgraves, CMS of Lincoln Center, and The Disco Biscuits. Plus Hot Ticket Alerts for Spring!
January
The Genesis Show: Seconds Out, Ridgefield Playhouse, Sat, 1/5: 8pm: The Genesis Show is a tribute band that focuses on the Phil Collins era of the band (1976-1982). Here they will perform a full album set of the 1977 Seconds Out. Followed by an encore set of songs from Genesis’ 1982 album Three Sides Live. (80 E. Ridge, Ridgefield, CT; www.ridgefieldplayhouse.org)
The Smithereens, ft. Robin Wilson of The Gin Blossoms, Ridgefield Playhouse, Fri, 1/11: 8pm: Special guest vocalist Robin Wilson of the Gin Blossoms will be joining Jim Babjak, Dennis Diken and Mike Mesaros of The Smithereens. Known for their catchy 1960s-influenced power pop that inspired countless alternative rockers, The Smithereens gained popularity with “11” the album that spawned college campus favorites “A Girl Like You”, “Blood and Roses” & “Blue Period”. (80 E. Ridge, Ridgefield, CT; www.ridgefieldplayhouse.org)
Broken Arrow, Neil Young Tribute, Tarrytown Music Hall, Fri, 1/11: 8pm: Broke Arrow performs the music of Neil Young, featuring both the rockin’ electric Crazy Horse tunes and the more acoustic, pedal steel driven country rock material. The band delivers these classic songs faithfully while taking them out on some jamming excursions and tastefully tweaking some of the arrangements. (13 Main St., Tarrytown; www.tarrytownmusichall.org)
Editors Choice! Lez Zeppelin, Emelin Theatre, Sat, 1/12: 8pm: The all-female Lez Zeppelin celebrates the 50th Anniversary (to the day) of the release of Led Zeppelin I. (Think “Good Times Bad Times”, “You Shook Me”, “Dazed and Confused”, “Communication Breakdown” and “I Can’t Quit You”.) With Steph Paynes on guitar and Marlain Angelides on vocals, Lez Zepp has performed at Bonnaroo and Madison Square Garden and have been lauded by Jimmy Page for their “extraordinary sensuality.” (153 Library n.,Mamaroneck; www.emelin.org)
Hot Local Event: Houston Person, Schoolhouse Theatre, Sun, 1/13: 7pm: Tenor sax giant Houston Person’s annual performance at the Schoolhouse is one of the highlights of life in Croton Falls. Person, a Eubie Blake Jazz Award winner, is best known for his soul jazz though he has performed in the hard bop and swing genres. (3 Owens Rd., Croton Falls;www.schoolhousetheater.org)
Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Capitol Theatre, Fri-Sun, 1/18-20: 8pm: “Not only does this quintet play tight and vicious versions of some of the most complex songs in the Grateful Dead’s repertoire, but they play them with a rawness & energy absent from the stage since the “Live” Dead era. – Jambase (149 Westchester Ave, Port Chester; www.capitoltheatre.com)
Kacey Musgraves, Capitol Theatre, Thurs, 1/17: 8pm: Rolling Stone named her 2013 song “Follow Your Arrow”, from her album Same Trailer Different Park, No.39 on their Top 100 Country Songs of All Time. In 2014 she received four CMA and four Grammy-noms and won for Best Country Album and Best Country Song “Merry Go Round”. She has opened for Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Willie Nelson and Katy Perry. (149 Westchester Ave, Port Chester; www.capitoltheatre.com)
Editors Choice! Gina Chavez, Performing Arts Center, Sat, 1/19: 8pm: Latin pop sensation, Gina Chavez is a nine-time Austin Music Award winner — including 2015 Musician of the Year and Album of the Year for her sophomore release, Up.Rooted, a collection of bilingual songs traversing cumbia, bossa nova, vintage pop, reggaeton, and folk. “Gina Chavez’s voice stops you in your tracks the first time you hear it.” –NPR (735 Anderson Hill Rd., Purchase; www.artscenter.org)
The Lords of 52nd Street, The Legends of the Billy Joel Band, Ridgefield Playhouse, Fri, 1/25: 8pm: Original members of the Billy Joel Band featuring Liberty DeVitto on drums, Richie Cannata on saxophone and Russell Javors on rhythm guitar. The band recorded and toured extensively with Billy Joel during the 70s and 80s. Hear all of Billy Joel’s greatest hits played by the original musicians! (80 E. Ridge, Ridgefield, CT; www.ridgefieldplayhouse.org)
Editors Choice! CMS of Lincoln Center: Esteemed Ensemble, Performing Arts Center, Sat, 1/26: 5pm: After extensive American and European tours, Wu Han (piano), Daniel Pope (violin), Paul Neubauer (viola) and David Finckel (cello) reunite for a program of piano quartet classics from Suk, Brahms and Dvorak. CMS of Lincoln Center performs a full New York season, tours internationally and on PBS’s Live From Lincoln Center. (735 Anderson Hill Rd., Purchase; www.artscenter.org)
Get The Led Out, Tarrytown Music Hall – Fri, 1/31: 8pm: This “no wigs or costumes” Led Zeppelin Tribute band uses six musicians (including three just to play the Jimmy Page parts) to recreate Led Zepp studio albums live with all the overdubs and multiple guitar parts that Zepp could never do live themselves. (80 E. Ridge, Ridgefield, CT; www.ridgefieldplayhouse.org)
The Disco Biscuits, Capitol Theatre, Thurs-Sat, 1/31-2/2: 8pm: Uniting elements of electronic dance music with more traditional forms of American rock, the Disco Biscuits have long established themselves as one of the most exciting – and influential – touring bands in the country. In the late 90s, the band pioneered a unique style of music, often referred to as “trance-fusion,” that distinguished them from their peers, while heavily influencing an entire generation of younger “livetronica” acts. (149 Westchester Ave, Port Chester; www.capitoltheatre.com)
February
Terrapin & Soulshine, Grateful Dead and Allman Brothers Tribute, Ridgefield Playhouse, Sat, 2/9: 8pm: Terrapin delivers The Grateful Dead experience on state of the art equipment designed to recreate the Dead’s wall of sound. Soulshine joins them to perform the best of the Allman Brothers from “Ramblin’ Man” to “Whipping’ Post”. (80 E. Ridge, Ridgefield, CT; www.ridgefieldplayhouse.org)
I’m With Her, feat. Sarah Watkins, Sarah Jarosz & Aoife O’Donovan, Ridgefield Playhouse, Wed, 2/13: 8pm: This Americana super/girl group features Sarah Watkins from Nickel Creek, Sarah Jarosz and Aiofe O’Donovan from Crooked Still. Collectively these multi-Grammy-winning artists have released seven solo albums, co-founded two seminal bands and contributed to critically acclaimed albums from a host of esteemed artists. (80 E. Ridge, Ridgefield, CT; www.ridgefieldplayhouse.org)
Kool & The Gang Valentine’s Day Celebration, Ridgefield Playhouse, Thurs, 2/14: 8pm: “Get Down On It”, “Jungle Boogie” and have a “Celebration” for Valentine’s Day with Kool & The Gang. This two-time Grammy-winners had nine Top Ten Hits including “Joanna”, “Cherish” and “Ladies Night”. There’s chocolates, champagne and a raffle before the show starting at 6:30pm. (80 E. Ridge, Ridgefield, CT; www.ridgefieldplayhouse.org)
Robin Spielberg, Performing Arts Center, Sat, 2/16: 8pm: Performing music from her vast repertoire of popular American melodies and originals, Robin has sold over a million recordings and has over a hundred million spins on Pandora Radio, making her America’s most popular contemporary female pianist. Spotify created an official “This is Robin Spielberg” playlist featuring music from her 18 recordings. Her current CD, On the Edge of A Dream, debuted at #6 on Billboard’s New Age chart. (735 Anderson Hill Rd., Purchase; www.artscenter.org)
An Acoustic Evening with Lyle Lovett and John Hiatt, Tarrytown Music Hall, Fri, 2/22: 8pm: Austin music scene BFFs Lyle Lovett and John Hiatt take their show on the road. Lovett is a winner of four Grammy Awards and the Americana Music Association’s Trailblazer Award. The LA Times called John Hiatt “one of rock’s most astute singer-songwriters of the last 40 years.” He penned Mystic Pinball’s hit “We’re Alright Now” and Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, BB King, Bonnie Raitt and Iggy Pop have covered his songs. (Tarrytown Music Hall, 13 Main St., Tarrytown; www.tarrytownmusichall.org)
Editors Choice! Linda Eder, Ridgefield Playhouse, Sat, 2/23: 8pm: North Salem resident Linda Eder, made her Broadway debut in the Jack Wildhorn musical Jeckyl and Hyde. She recently reunited with the Broadway and pop composer on a new album Now. Over two decades Linda has performed her repertoire of American standards, Broadway, pop and jazz at Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall, and has collaborated with Marvin Hamlisch and Michael Feinstein. (80 E. Ridge, Ridgefield, CT; www.ridgefieldplayhouse.org)
March
Procol Harum, Ridgefield Playhouse, Fri, 3/1: 8pm: Procol Harum returns to “The Playhouse” with original lead vocalist Gary Brooker. Their international smash hit, “A White Shade of Pale” is one of only 30 singles ever to sell over 10 million copies. Their follow-up hits include “Conquistador” and “Salty Dog”. (80 E. Ridge, Ridgefield, CT; www.ridgefieldplayhouse.org)
CMS of Lincoln Center: Hungarian Fire, Performing Arts Center, Sat, 3/2: 5pm: With Alessio Bax on piano, and Yura lee on viola, CMS of Lincoln Center showcases the widespread influence that Hungary’s deep musical roots in folk tradition has had on composers throughout Europe. Featuring works by Kodaly, Bartok, Liget, Dohnany and Brahms’ Hungarian Dances for Violin and Piano. (735 Anderson Hill Rd., Purchase; www.artscenter.org)
Lea DeLaria, Performing Arts Center, Sat, 3/9: 8pm: “Big Boo” on the Netflix hit Orange is the New Black, brings her live show to The PAC for one night only. Her new show features hits from her latest album House Of David: delaria+bowie=jazz, and shows off not just DeLaria’ s comic genius but her spectacular vocal range. “[DeLaria] swings hard, and scats and bends notes in a style that suggests a no-frills Betty Carter on steroids.” The New York Times (735 Anderson Hill Rd., Purchase; www.artscenter.org)
Phil Lesh & Friends 79th Birthday Celebration, Capitol Theatre, Thurs-Sat, 3/14-16: 8pm: Grateful Dead bassist, and Deadhead fave, Phil Lesh will celebrate his 79th birthday at The Cap on March 14, 15, and 16 by playing with a fresh lineup of old friends and first-time collaborators. So sit tight, The Capitol will be announcing the latest news on Phil’s friends in the coming months. But don’t wait to find out or the shows will be sold out! (149 Westchester Ave, Port Chester; www.capitoltheatre.com)
Jefferson Starship, Ridgefield Playhouse, Fri, 3/15: 8pm: Starship original members guitarist David Freiburg and drummer Donnie Baldwin team up with Grammy-nominee Cathy Richardson on female vocals for a night of “Jefferson” hits from “Volunteers” and “Crown of Creation” to “Miracles. (80 E. Ridge, Ridgefield, CT; www.ridgefieldplayhouse.org)
Editors Choice! Channeling The Masters, Peter Serkin, The Sanctuary Series South Salem, Sun, 3/17: 4pm: “Peter Serkin is one of the handful of pianists who not only possess a cerebral understanding of the music of our time but the ability to communicate it with feeling. In his hands, even the most formidable works are fluid and expressive.“ – The New York Times Here Peter performs Mozart’s Piano Sonata in B-Flat Major, JS Bach’s Goldberg Variations and more. (S. Salem Presbyterian Church, 111 Spring St., S. Salem;www.thesanctuaryseries.org)
The Machine Performs Pink Floyd, Ridgefield Playhouse, Fri, 3/22: 8pm: America’s top Pink Floyd tribute band, celebrates it’s thirtieth anniversary with a special performance of three Pink Floyd albums: Dark Side of the Moon,. Wish You Were Here, and Animals. Plus an extended encore set. The Machine has performed at Bonnaroo, Gathering of the Vibes and with the Atlanta, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Jacksonville, and San Diego Symphonies. (80 E. Ridge, Ridgefield, CT; www.ridgefieldplayhouse.org)
Editor’s Choice! Portland Cello Project: Homage to Radiohead, Performing Arts Center, Sat, 3/23: 8pm: Portland’s premiere alt-classical group brings a huge, orchestral ensemble – including brass, percussion, and guest vocals by Patti King of The Shins – to perform a night in homage to Radiohead. The first set features unique renditions of classical Radiohead pieces. In the second set PCJ will perform Radiohead’s seminal OK Computer album in its entirety. (735 Anderson Hill Rd., Purchase; www.artscenter.org)
Hot Ticket Alerts
Editors Choice! John Prine, Capitol Theatre, Fri, 4/12: 8pm: Two-time Grammy-winner, 2019 Rock & Roll and Songwriter’s Hall of Fame nominee (and WTD Fave Rave), John Prine makes a rare Westchester appearance. One of the greatest song-writers of all time Prine is best-known for the Bonnie Raitt classic “Angel from Montgomery”. His classic song list is endless but includes “Sam Stone”, “Illegal Smile”, “Dear Abby”, “Christmas in Prison, “The Great Compromise” and “Come Back To Us Barbara Lewis Hare Krishna Beauregard. Johnny Cash, Carly Simon, Bette Midler, Bonnie Raitt, Norah Jones, George Strait, Miranda Lambert and Zac Brown Band have all recorded his songs. (149 Westchester Ave, Port Chester; www.capitoltheatre.com)
Editors Choice! Michael Feinstein Trio, Ridgefield Playhouse, Wed, 4/17: 8pm: Here’s a great get for The Ridgefield. The Ambassador of the Great American Songbook has earned five Grammy-noms. His Emmy nominated PBS-TV specials and his acclaimed NPR series and concerts have been broadcast round the globe. He has performed at iconic venues such as The White House, Buckingham Palace, Hollywood Bowl, Carnegie Hall and Sydney Opera House. (80 E. Ridge, Ridgefield, CT; www.ridgefieldplayhouse.org)
Joan Baez Fare Thee Well Tour, Capitol Theatre, Fri, 5/3 & Sun, 5/5: 8pm: Joan Baez celebrates her new album, Whistle Down the Road, with this new tour. A folk icon, Baez debuted onstage at the Newport Folk Festival in 1959. Many songs that she introduced in her early years found their way into the rock vernacular: “House Of the Rising Sun” (the Animals), “Babe, I’m Gonna Leave You” (Led Zeppelin), “What Have They Done To the Rain” (The Searchers), and “Long Black Veil” (The Band), to name a few. She is best known for songs “Joe Hill”, that she performed at Woodstock, “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down”, and “Forever Young”. (149 Westchester Ave, Port Chester; www.capitoltheatre.com)
The String Cheese Incident, Capitol Theatre, Sat-Mon, 5/25-27: 8pm: Jam band legends from Colorado, The String Cheese Incident celebrates its 25th anniversary with three nights at The Cap. Incorporating everything from an electric mandolin, violin, lap steel guitar to an accordion, the band’s music delivers elements of bluegrass, rock, electronica, country, calypso, jazz, reggae and psychedelia, (149 Westchester Ave, Port Chester; www.capitoltheatre.com)
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