music

Our latest edition of The Batavian Sessions features Michael DiSanto, who is originally from Batavia and is now a full-time musician living in Buffalo.

If you would like your band featured on The Batavian Sessions, email howard@thebatavian.com.

To see previous videos click here (and subscribe to our YouTube channel to get free early access to our future releases).

Press release:

The Batavia Concert Band will be returning for their 94th season of public concerts in Batavia’s Centennial Park (rain venue is the Stuart Steiner Theatre at Genesee Community College).

Concerts will be held on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. on June 26, July 3, July 10,  July 17, July 24, July 31 and Aug. 7, as well as the ever-popular July 4^th Picnic in the Park sponsored by GO ART!.

The July 3rd^h concert will feature The Byrne Brothers, as part of the Pam Frisby Memorial Concert Series. The Byrne Brothers, consisting of a father and his three sons, are an internationally known Irish band currently touring the United States with their home base being the Ragland Road Bar in Orlando, Fla.

The Concert Band is pleased to host them for a 20-minute preview concert, as they will be performing throughout Genesee and Orleans counties on July 3 and 4^th.

The Batavia Concert Band’s repertoire has something for everyone: marches, Big Band and swing numbers, popular songs from musicals and movies, rock favorites, classical adaptations, and everything in-between.  

The Band consists of 45-55 brass, woodwind and percussion players ranging from talented high school students to 60-year veterans. Many have professional experience, others are advanced amateur musicians, but one thing is for sure -- all love to play!

Returning for his seventh season as conductor is John Bailey, Instrumental Music teacher at Lyndonville Central School.

The July 3^rd and July 4^th Picnic in the Park concert will be conducted by Batavia native and resident Joshua Pacino.

Additionally, the Concert Band is pleased to announced that Mike Thaine, director of High School Bands at Albion High School, will the guest conductor on Aug. 7^th.

Founded in the early 1920s, the Batavia Concert Band has brought musical pleasure to the region every year except World War II.

Concerts are currently supported and funded in part by GO ART!, local businesses, program advertisers, and individual patrons. Genesee Community College generously donates rehearsal space and a rain venue.

The Band also sponsors 50-50 raffles at every concert, bake sales, and other fundraisers.

Individuals or businesses interested in supporting the Band should contact a band member at any concert. 

The Batavia Concert Band is also excited to announce the return of radio station WBTA (AM 1490 / FM 100.1) as the Official Media Sponsor for our 2019 summer concert series!

Be on the lookout for appearance by band members on WBTA’s “Main & Center” program, where we will go into some depth about the band’s makeup and its history. Also be listening for weekly radio ads promoting the musical selections for the upcoming concerts, and announcing our weekly sponsors.

Today's edition of The Batavian Sessions features Delano Steele performing "By My Side."

If you're in a band and would like to be included in The Batavian Sessions, email howard@thebatavian.com.

Today we're officially launching a new series, "The Batavian Sessions."

Though I've recorded a couple of live performances in the past few months and called those videos "The Batavian Sessions," those were really tests of the concept. Last month, we started recording area bands for the launch of this new series. 

I'm a big rockabilly fan and a year or so ago I discovered a series on YouTube called "The Bopflix Sessions." I've watched all 200-plus of those videos, many multiple times. I loved the kind of web-native, intimate and immediate vibe of the videos and those videos, as much as anything, are why you've been seeing a lot more video on The Batavian since November.

We kick off the series with "A" Blues Band performing their original composition, "Shelby Swamp Boogie." 

Here's an invitation to all bands in the region: If you can meet me at an appropriate venue (well lit and quiet) somewhere in Genesee County ready for a live recording of two or three songs, we will include you in "The Batavian Sessions." If you're able and willing, email howard@thebatavian.com.

It was 1924, a world-renowned musician had a dream of creating a band in Batavia. Angelo Colarusso, a famous conductor and baritone player, formed the first Batavia Boys’ Concert Band as the conductor and instrumental instructor.

Over the next two years, the band was reorganized and called the American Legion Band. Edward Sullivan conducted the band until 1933 and was followed by conductor Angelo Zimmarino.

During World War II the group disbanded and restarted in the late '40s under the direction of Gordon Cox. Daniel Martino and Joseph Puccio were original boys' band members and continued to play through the early 1980s.  

During this time the band consisted of only 15 to 20 professional musicians. Over the next 10 years, the band expanded to include qualified adults who enjoyed playing and added advanced high school and college music students. Now the band had 40 to 50 participants.

In the '90s, the band consisted of several music teachers throughout Genesee County, several adult amateurs, and students from area high schools and colleges. The Batavia Concert Band always welcomed community musicians to join the band.

Today the Batavia Concert Band is proud to have an equal number of men and women that includes players with ages that range from advanced high school players in their teens to musicians who have enjoyed playing for 50 to 60 or more years.

Instruments that make up the band are saxophones, French horns, trumpets, baritones, tubas, flutes, trombones, and percussion.   

Members of the band learn from each other. The main objective of the Batavia Concert Band is to bring quality live band music to an appreciative audience. The band’s goal has always been to give free concerts to the public in an outdoor family-oriented atmosphere and it remains the same today.

The Batavia Concert Band programs have varied. To name a few; Civil War Concert, Music from Around the World, Italian-American Night, Irish Folk Song Suite, Marches, Jazz, Show Tunes, Plays the Pops, Polka Fest, Baseball Hotdogs & Apple Pie, Sock Hop & Cruise Night, and Swing’s the Thing.

Every band needs an excellent conductor. Returning for his seventh season as conductor is John Dailey, Instrumental Music teacher at Lyndonville Central School.

Other conductors that have led the Batavia Concert Band are, in alphabetical order: Roger Bolton, Phil Briatico, Wayne Burlison, Frank Dow, Donna Flood, Jane Haggett, Gordon Hardy, Neil Hardwick, Ken Hay, Kevin McLaud, Josh Pacino, John Ranalli, Derek Reiss, Don Rogers, Mike Rudnicki, and Skip Taylor. 

The Batavia Concert Band’s main financial support is provided by a variety of sponsors. Their main sponsor is, in part, funds from the Decentralization Program, a re-grant program of the New York State Council on the Arts, administered locally by GO ART! In the past, local service organizations and local businesses have supported the Batavia Concert Band.

The Batavia Concert Band also offers a scholarship to a high school graduate. Preference is given to a student majoring in Music Education or a Music major, and they must also demonstrate a commitment to community bands and music.

Every Wednesday, beginning June 26  through Aug. 7, the Batavia Concert Band will be performing at 7 p.m. in Centennial Park. They will also be at the Picnic in the Park at 11 a.m. on July 4th.

This organization has purchased their own chairs and a trailer to haul them and their equipment. If you see a musician in a green shirt with the logo Batavia Concert Band, you are looking at a musician who has dedicated his or her talent to giving you a night of music.

During the summer if you are driving down Ellicott Avenue or Richmond Avenue and you hear beautiful band music coming from Centennial Park and notice many lawn chairs on the grass, you can thank the music teachers from the area and the very talented high school and college students who are performing for your pleasure.   

They hope to keep band music alive and to continue to generate interest in band music, inspire children to study music, and encourage students and adults to continue playing, and in doing so the band will have accomplished its worthwhile goal.

Lots has changed over the years, but the Batavia Concert Band has remained a wonderful addition to the music community of Batavia. Hope to see you at Music in the Park!

Photo: File photo.

The Genesee Chorale offers up a musical celebration not to be missed at 4 p.m. Sunday, May 19, at Northgate Free Methodist Church.

"Andrew Lloyd Webber: A Musical Celebration" will feature songs from the serious (“Pie Jesu” from "Requiem") to the silly (“Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats” from "Cats"). Add some "Phantom of the Opera," "Love Never Dies" and "Evita," and your entertainment is guaranteed.

The program also includes solo and small group performances of other Webber favorites.

The performance will be at Northgate's South Campus, 350 Bank St., Batavia.

Tickets are $10 through geneseechorale.com or at the door. Please note that seating for this popular concert is limited.

Further information is available at the Chorale website, or by calling (716) 531-8986.

Darien Lakes State Park 2019 Concert Schedule

All concerts are on Tuesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. at Shelter #2 and they are free to attend. Day area admission to the park is free after 5 p.m.

Darien Lakes State Park is located at 10475 Harlow Road, Darien Center. Phone is 547-9242.

Please remember that Darien Lakes State Park is a “Carry in/Carry out” park.

Please help support park events by supporting the Natural Heritage Trust. Donations to the Natural Heritage Trust for Darien Lakes State Park can be made at the park or online at www.nysparks.com.

June 25 -- Corfu/Pembroke Community Band

Come and kick off the beginning of the 2019 concert series with the hometown sounds from the Corfu/Pembroke Community Band. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the classic concert band ensemble.

July 2 -- NY Rockin’ Revue Gone Country

It’s all country tonight. They will be bringing out the banjo, fiddle and pedal steel guitar. It’s Patsy Cline, Charlie Daniels, Hank Williams Sr. and many more.

July 9 -- Ghost Riders

The Ghost Riders will lift your spirit with drivin’ “hardcore country” music with a twang that makes listeners of all ages want to get out and dance and have fun.

July 16 -- The Swooners

Enjoy the music of every decade, from the Roaring '20s thru the Big '80s and beyond. They will make you want to dance, sing, laugh -- and cry.

July 23 -- Auslanders

German night is back with the sounds of the Auslanders! This popular Buffalo band has been entertaining for years, as one of the area's most enjoyed Oktoberfest bands. Authentic German selections and a polka here or there will keep your feet stomping and spirits high!

July 30 -- Old Hippies

The music of the Old Hippies is acoustic and a varied brand, be it their own creative songs or recognizable covers from a golden musical era: the '50s,'60s, '70s and on and on...nostalgic to those who lived it and romantic to those who didn’t.

Aug. 6 -- The Batavia Swing Band

Listen and dance to Batavia’s premier swing band as they play the most popular swing, jazz, and Big Band music from over the years.

Aug. 13 -- The Band Anastazja

Armed with a banjo, mandolin, fiddle, guitar, bass, spoons, eight kids, Mom, Dad and Gramma. The Band Anastazja travels here, there and everywhere to entertain folks with their unique style of music and their genuineness in real life stories that they tell and the songs to accompany them.

Aug. 20 -- In The House

Their repertoire includes dance hits and classics from the '40s to present. Their music includes R&B, blues, disco, country, gospel and classic rock.

Aug. 27 -- The Boomers

The Boomers have a vast repertoire of classic songs, which includes favorites from the '40s thru the '90s.

Sept. 1 -- NY Rockin' Revue  ***Fireworks Afterward***

Whether it’s classic rock, country or old-time favorites, NY Rockin’ Revue provides it all. Enjoy a night of great music and dancing, along with a firework show following.

Press release:

On Tuesday, April 9, Byron-Bergen students in grades three through seven gathered for a surprise assembly at the Jr./Sr. High School. They were treated to a special performance and conversation with Rochester-based electro hip-hop violinist Svet Radoslavof, or Svet, as he is known professionally, demonstrated his considerable talents on his electric violin, shared some of his experiences including his performance on "America’s Got Talent," answered student questions, and gave out lots of high fives.

As the assembly commenced, Beethoven’s "Fur Elise" filled the room. Then, from behind the curtain, Svet emerged and performed a modern interpretation of the iconic piece. Next, he performed a medley of pop rock hits during which he jumped off the stage and danced through the audience to cheers and applause. After this performance, Svet shared his story with the students emphasizing the importance of education and hard work.

“You have to go to school,” said Svet, who chose to skip his initial opportunity to appear on "America’s Got Talent" to take a final exam. “Study hard because, one day, you guys are going to succeed. You guys are the leaders of tomorrow so school is the most important thing.”

Svet was not the only one performing on the stage that day. He was invited to be a judge along with Elementary Music teachers Bob Lancia and Karen Tischer in a Byron-Bergen’s Got Talent skit. Hosted by sixth-grade teacher Megan Wahl, several faculty members took to the stage to demonstrate their talents. Christopher Chapman, Lara Ezard, Taylor Haupt, Heather Painting, Ken Rogoyski, and Heather Young delivered comedic talent routines before making way for two very talented students. Genevieve and Solomon Smith performed a contemporary dance to Keala Settle’s "This is Me" from "The Greatest Showman" to uproarious applause from their peers.

For a finale, Svet performed an original composition accompanied by a group of Byron-Bergen faculty commonly referred to as the Byron-Bergen House Band or The Hives. The Hives consists of Christopher Chapman, Bob Lancia, and Karen Tischer with a special guest appearance from Jr./Sr. High School Band teacher Kevin Bleiler.

“The assembly generated lots of enthusiasm,” said Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High Assistant Principal Scott Bradley. “Svet is very engaging and delivered a good message to our students.”

“It was an amazing experience for everyone,” said Elementary Assistant Principal Betsy Brown. “I want to thank fourth-grade teacher Alyson Tardy for taking the initiative to reach out and invite Svet to share his music and story with our students. I’m so glad she did!”

Svet is a native of Bulgaria but immigrated to Rochester with his family at the age of 11. He began playing violin at 3 and continued his studies at the Eastman School of Music. He went on to study Economics at the University of Rochester.

The annual All-County Music Festival is underway and began with a performance this afternoon by the Elementary Chorus, Middle School Band, and Senior High Chorus at Batavia High School.

The performances followed rehearsals yesterday and this morning at the high school.

Next Saturday, April 6, at 2 p.m. there will be performances by the Elementary Band, Middle School Chorus, and Senior High Band at Attica High School. It is located at 3338 E. Main St. in Attica.

From Oakfield-Alabama Central School District:

The Oakfield-Alabama Music Department will be presenting a “Cabaret” concert tonight, March 27, as part of the Music In Our Schools Month initiative.

Performing groups will include Middle School Band and Chorus, Sr. High Band and Chorus, Swing Choir, and Jazz Ensemble. Numerous small ensembles and student soloists will be featured as well.

The atmosphere for this event will be energetic yet casual and will be highlighted with music ranging from cinematic to jazz to contemporary hits. The concert starts at 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium with reception to follow.

Suggested donation for admission is $5 for adults, $1 for students. Proceeds go to the Music Department Boosters.

The school is located at 7001 Lewiston Road in Oakfield.

Press release:

Spring is a season when thoughts often turn to Earth. It is thus fitting that the Genesee Chorale celebrates nature and the planet in its April 5 and 7 concerts, “Voices of the Earth.”

The April 5 concert begins at 7 p.m. at Pavilion High School, 7014 Big Tree Road, Pavilion.

The April 7 concert begins at 4 p.m. at St. James Episcopal Church, 405 E. Main St., Batavia., and will have the added feature of a display of art work by area students created in connection with GO ART!

In a time of concern about climate change the future of our planet, “Voices of the Earth” was a theme that came easily to Ric Jones, who directs the 70-member Chorale.

“As a lover of nature and spending time outdoors, I am always drawn to themes of nature in music,” he said. “As I was researching music, I found myself selecting music with themes of nature, and music that centered around beautiful poetry.

"It was a natural step from there to decide to make a program focused on the Earth. And with the devastation we are seeing in our world, I think it is important to draw attention to it, and our responsibilities for it.”

He looked for music that would challenge singers, and that would be both enjoyable and inspiring for singers and audience. Several of the selections are taken from poetry. For example, “There Will Come Soft Rains” and “The Cloud” are poems by Sara Teasdale, and “The Peace of Wild Things” is a poem by Wendell Berry.

Another poem, “Little Birds” by Octavio Paz in Spanish, was set to music by Eric Whitacre, who incorporated bird calls into the piece, as well as a surprise ending.  Listeners may also be surprised by special effects in “Whispering Waters.”

“I think the audience will really enjoy some of the nontraditional things we are doing with the choir,” Jones said. “Bird calls, sounds of water, etc. I also think they will really enjoy our special guest musicians, Bob Holley on bongos and Fran Woodworth on flute. The bongos help give 'Gently (Walk on the Earth)' a pop/world beat feel."

More traditional pieces include “The Pasture,” which invokes a pastoral America; “Linden Lea,” a Dorset (a coastal county in Southwest England) folk song; “All Things Bright and Beautiful,” an Anglican hymn; and an arrangement of “For the Beauty of the Earth.”

“I most want the audience to listen to the words,” Jones said. “The text is so important in these works. There are many moving words and much poetry designed to make us, as humans, stop and think  about the world around us.”

Tickets are $10 each. They may be purchased via credit card or PayPal through Chorale’s website box office, www.GeneseeChorale.com. They are available as “will call,” or from Chorale members, or at the door. Further information is available on Chorale’s website.

No Blarney! performed a concert of traditional Irish music Friday night at the Holland Land Office Museum.

Here are two videos from that performance, one of "Drink It Up, Man," and the other "Drunken Sailor."

Thank you to No Blarney! and the audience for allowing me to make these two videos. Happy St. Patrick's Day!