music

'UnCaged Festival: A Toy Piano Festival' comes to the Hudson Valley later this week - Three days of miniature keys, maximum sound — chamber music, new works, and experimental performance built entirely around the humble toy piano.Described by the 'New York Times' as “meticulously whimsical,” the festival brings together musicians for a weekend celebrating one of music's smallest — and strangest — instruments.

Anthony Tommasini, the former chief classical music critic for 'The New York Times,' turns his attention to one of the most important American singers of the twentieth century in his new book, 'Voice of a Century: The Life and Artistry of Marian Anderson.'

In the mid-1980s, Paul Simon was looking for a way forward. What he found, beginning with a cassette of South African Township Jive, would become ‘Graceland,’ an enormously successful album, a political landmark, and the center of a fierce argument about art, politics, and apartheid. In his new book, ‘Days of Miracle and Wonder: Paul Simon and the Trials and Triumphs of Graceland.’

Nearly 50 years after 'Star Wars' first transported moviegoers to a galaxy far, far away, the film - and its music - remain unmistakable. On Friday, August 21st at 7:30, 'Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert' comes to the Saratoga Performing Arts Center.

Music journalist and author Tony Fletcher has spent decades chronicling rock and roll and the culture surrounding it. His new book 'POW, When UK Went Pop, 1980 to 1984,' turns the lens on his own youth, a coming-of-age story, set against a wildly creative moment in British music. Fletcher recalls life as a teenage journalist and aspiring musician navigating the record business, love.Sex and the hard lessons of growing up while trying to land his own band a record deal. This Sunday at 2PM, Fletcher brings 'Pow' to the Orpheum Theater in Saugerties, NY for reading, conversation, and videos from the era. It is a great pleasure to welcome Tony Fletcher to the round table this morning.

Sitarist Partha Bose brings the sounds of Indian classical music to Caffe Lena in Saratoga Springs this Sunday. Bose began playing music as a child in Calcutta and has since built an international career, performing across five continents and introducing audiences around the world to the beauty and improvisation of Indian music.His concerts combine centuries old musical traditions with the spontaneity and energy of a live conversation between musicians and audiences. Sunday show is part of Caffe Lena's Global Voices series, which brings music and traditions from around the world to Saratoga and does so this Sunday, August 16th at 7 p.m.

Josh Groban has built one of the most versatile careers in music, moving effortlessly between pop, Broadway, film, television, and the concert stage. The multi-platinum singer, songwriter, and actor is known for his soaring voice, best-selling albums, memorable performances in productions including 'Sweeney Todd,' and a deep appreciation for the orchestral tradition.On Friday, August 14, he'll bring that signature blend of genres to the Saratoga Performing Arts Center for 'Josh Groban: Stage, Screen & Symphony,' performing with The Philadelphia Orchestra. The show will bring to life selections from Josh’s new album 'Cinematic.'

'The Legend of Georgia McBride' is currently running at the Berkshire Theatre Festival’s Colonial Theatre through August 16th. The show is a glittering, laugh-out-loud celebration of chosen family, drag performance and music, packed with outrageous comedy, electrifying performances and unforgettable theatrical flair.Broadway’s Michael Wartella takes on the role of Casey, a down-on-his-luck Elvis impersonator whose life is turned upside down when he unexpectedly finds himself stepping into the fabulous world of drag performance. What begins as a last-ditch paycheck quickly becomes a heartfelt and hilarious journey into confidence, self-expression and the transformative power of stepping fully into the spotlight.

Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) welcomes back The Philadelphia Orchestra for a three-week summer residency from August 5–22 as part of its celebratory 60th anniversary season.Led by Music and Artistic Director Yannick Nezet-Seguin,the season pairs classical masterworks with SPAC premieres and performances by world-renowned artists, including Tony, Emmy, and five-time Grammy Award–nominated singer Josh Groban, Grammy Award–nominated indie-folk singer Gregory Alan Isakov, and two-time Tony Award–winning Broadway star Brian Stokes Mitchell.Christopher Shiley is President of Saratoga Performing Arts Center.

Erin Harkes, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Metroland Now, joins us this morning for our regular arts segment where she will talk about what’s in the pages of Metroland Now and preview each month’s events for First Friday in Albany.Erin is a local musician, comedian and Metroland publisher and has a brand-new album of music, just out, it’s called "Blue."