Best Music February

Posted OnJanuary 23, 2019

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Cathy Shaffer digs Grace Kelly and Kirsten Maxwell in Katonah

Best Music February: Harvey School goes alt-music! Plus Manhattan Transfer, Broadway’s Linda Eder, power folk trio I’m With Her, Dead & Zepp Tributes.

February

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)

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)

Cathy Shaffer’s Hot Picks! Harvey Presents Grace Kelly and Kirsten Maxwell, Walker Center for the Arts at The Harvey School, Thurs, 2/21: 7pm: Harvey Presents, in Association with Cathy Shaffer, a night of music with two up and comers! Grace Kelly (shown here) a regular in the house band on Late Night with Steven Colber was the Grand Prize winner of the 2018 John Lennon Songwriting Prize and Downbeat Magazine’s Rising Star Alto Saxophone in their 2016 Critic’s Poll. Kirsten Maxwell, whose voice has been compared to Joan Baez, recently performed with Paul Shaffer at The Cutting Room in Manhattan. (200 Jay St., Katonah; www.harveyschool.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)

1964: The Tribute, Palace Theatre Stamford, Sat, 2/223: 8pm: Rolling Stone called 1964: The Tribute the “best Beatles tribute on earth.” This Beatles tribute focuses on the pre-Sgt. Peppers Beatles to recreate withe period instruments an early 60s Beatles concert in all their mop-topped, silk jacketed glory. The show has sold out Carnegie Hall and the Red Rocks Amphitheater and has appeared on Abc’s Good Morning America and CBS’s The Early Show. (61 Atlantic St., Stamford; www.palacestamford.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)

The Musical Box, A Genesis Extravaganza, Tarrytown Music Hall, Sun, 3/10: 7pm: The Musical Box performs an intense 3 Act voyage into the world of early Genesis In an all-out performance of live visual stunts, a museum-worthy array of vintage instruments and a dizzying pace of iconic tracks and stage rarities, Performing here from Trespass, Nursery Cryme, Foxtrot, Selling England by the Pound, The Lamb Dies on Broadway, A Trick Of The Tail and Wind & Withering. (Tarrytown Music Hall, 13 Main St., Tarrytown; www.tarrytownmusichall.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)

Natalie Merchant and Lunasa, Tarrytown Music Hall, Sat, 3/16: 8pm: Natalie Merchant opens for Lunasa, who Folk Roots Magazine called “the Irish music dream team. Merchant will also perform six songs with Lunasa during their set. Merchant first collaborated with Lunasa on her album Leave Your Sleep in 2010. Lunasa has performed over 2000 shows in their 20 year career including Carnegie Hall and The Hollywood Bowl. (Tarrytown Music Hall, 13 Main St., Tarrytown; www.tarrytownmusichall.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 Local Event: Houston Person, Schoolhouse Theatre, Sun, 3/24: 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)

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)