The Levitt AMP Utica Music Series returns. Here’s who’s performing
This summer, local music fans can once again enjoy music they wouldn’t hear anywhere else as part of the Levitt AMP Utica Music Series, in the beautiful setting of Kopernik Park in the Oneida Square neighborhood.
Once again, it is the most diverse lineup of a concert series imaginable and will feature top artists from all over the world.
And again: it’s all free.
The format is the same every Monday night, with a local opening act at 5:30pm, a youth act during intermission at 6:30pm, and a national (or international) headliner at 7pm, but with genres including jazz, blues, Afro-Cuban, country, alternative rock, pop, hip-hop, and more, the format is the only thing that stays the same from week to week.
The series will open on June 17th with Shamarr Allen from New Orleans, who will bring a mix of jazz, hip-hop, rock, funk rhythms, blues and country to the stage. The local gospel ensemble Rebirth Fellowship Chorale will kick things off.
On June 26, Ukrainian band Kommuna Lux will debut with their unique combination of klezmer music and popular gangster folk songs from their hometown. The Halfmoon Orchestra will open the show.
Grammy and Latin Grammy nominated and JUNO Award winning Cuban duo OKAN will take the stage on July 1, combining Afro-Cuban roots with jazz, folk and global rhythms in songs about immigration, resistance and love.
The sounds of soul-funk will resonate through the park on July 8 when Joslyn & The Sweet Compression perform, inspired by Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan and Whitney Houston. The opening will be the first of three “collaborative stage performances” with rap artists Bradeee, Gab-Bee, Jaschubs, Pb Mogul, Tori Sway and Tr3boy, all accompanied by DJ Mase.
On July 15, the Mallett Brothers Band, an independent rock, Americana and country band from Portland, Maine, will present their mix of alternative country, jam band and roots rock. A special opening set includes the debut of the Shawn Smith Band.
On July 22, reggae takes center stage with Joe Samba, a singer, songwriter and guitarist from New Hampshire who combines Caribbean bliss with punk energy. Opening the show will be Syracuse pop/funk artist Stephen Phillips.
On July 29, versatile multi-instrumentalists and singer-songwriters Larry & Joe will play a mix of Venezuelan and Appalachian folk music on harp, banjo, fiddle, maracas, guitar and upright bass. Regional hits Count Blastula will open the show.
Detroit’s Laura Rain & the Caesars will present funky soul, blues and R&B on August 5th after an opening set by veteran dance band Soul Injection
The sensational Barnes Brothers from Memphis headline the show on August 12th, after the second “Shared Stage” opening act with local singers Cassandra Dolan and Yara.
Hard country songs with Latin American roots bring the series to a rousing conclusion on August 19th with former “Voice” candidate Angie K. The opener includes the last “Shared Stage” performance of the season with H Melody and Strings Attached.
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