The race for the crown in NYS Music March Madness 2025, Presented by Upstate Canna, has reached its final stage! After a month of intense competition, the field has narrowed down to just two incredible bands. With only one spot left in the Championship Round, the competition has never been more fierce.
Now, it’s time for you to make your voice heard! Meet the finalists and cast your vote using the Google Form at the end of the article. The ultimate showdown has begun, and your vote could be the deciding factor.
Polls will be open until March 26 at 11:59 PM, so be sure to get your vote in before it’s too late. Check out the results from the Final Four and prepare to have your say!
Upstate Canna is the official partner of NYS Music March Madness 2025. Upstate Canna is a trusted retail destination for premium, locally sourced cannabis products in New York State. They offer a carefully curated selection for therapeutic use and personal enjoyment. Their sponsorship helps bring together the most exciting emerging talent and allows fans to discover new music. Alongside Upstate Canna, a selection of regional sponsors also plays a key role in making this event a reality.
NYS Music has partnered with incredible regional sponsors to showcase the 32 up-and-coming bands and artists of NYS Music March Madness. These include:
Dead of Summer Music Festival
Dead of Summer Music Festival is a three-day celebration of Grateful Dead-inspired music held in Manchester, VT. Now in its sixth year, the festival features live performances and community events. Their upcoming festival will take place from June 11-13 with an exciting list of headliners.
Radio Woodstock
Radio Woodstock has been curating music and live events in the Hudson Valley for over 40 years. Their long-standing presence has made them a staple in the local music scene. They work to support both emerging and established talent through their influential music audience.
Now Presenting the Finalists of NYS Music March Madness 2025, Presented by Upstate Canna
From Lark Hall Region…
Lark Hall is a historic performing arts and event venue in Albany. Initially built in 1916, the space has been carefully restored to host live music, comedy, theater, private events, and community gatherings. Lark Hall has established itself as a beloved space that fosters a welcoming atmosphere for artists and fans alike.
Darkside Skinny Dippers
Hailing from Saranac Lake, Darkside Skinny Dippers blends traditional rock with modern influences to create a sound that embodies diverse rock ‘n’ roll. With a mix of original tunes and reinterpreted covers, their performances evoke nostalgia and creativity. Their music works to showcase their signature mix of raw emotion and polished musicianship. Darkside Skinny Dippers are dedicated to delivering unforgettable musical experiences, ensuring they remain a compelling force in today’s rock scene. Check out their single “This Is Your High.” Ready to jam? Darkside Skinny Dippers will be live at Charlie O’s in Montpelier, VT on March 21.
We’re proud to be from a small town with the best fans in the world. Shout out to The Rusty Nail in Saranac Lake, NY! These folks have supported us in everything we do. They know when positive energy comes to us, it gets back to them. This competition has opened those doors further by allowing us to share our music with a wider audience. PERFECT! We’ve always said put us in front of people and we promise to leave it all on the stage. The effort’s of NYS Music and the awesome sponsors of this competition encourage us to keep it rollin’! For that we are humbled and grateful. Thank you.
From Funk ‘n Waffles Region…
Funk ‘n Waffles is a beloved music venue in downtown Syracuse. They have crafted the perfect balance between food and music by serving inventive waffles and live performances. Founded by Syracuse’s dynamic duo, Kyle Corea and Adam Gold, it has become a cornerstone of the city’s music scene.
Glass Pony
Albany’s Glass Pony specializes in psychedelic grooves and has gained a reputation for their unique, exploratory sound and live performances. Featuring Chanda Dewey on drums and vocals, Eddie Hotaling on guitar and vocals, Jeff Picarazzi on bass and vocals, and Greg Pitzz on lead guitar and vocals, the band combines rich harmonies, intricate guitar work, and intense lyricism to create an immersive musical experience. Their boundary-pushing approach and infectious energy have made them stand out in the psychedelic scene. Give their song “Bottom of the Ocean” some love. The band is hitting the stage at Ophelia’s on Broadway on March 29 in Albany. Make sure you’re there for this must-see show!
“Wow! Making it to the finals here is incredible. However, we would be remiss not to acknowledge that every one of the bands in this competition deserves to be here. Our state, and especially the Albany scene in particular, is filled with a truly ridiculous amount of tremendous original music, across all styles. You don’t need Ticketmaster to experience transcendence – just visit your local venues, and you’ll find tons of incredible bands who are crushing it. We’re honored to be counted among them. Thank you to all of our fans, family, and friends for supporting this thing of ours – we couldn’t do it without you. The groove is now.”
Special thanks to Mirth Films and Sterling Stage for providing incredible prizes to our participants. Mirth Films is a media powerhouse specializing in high-quality video production. They are offering the winner a professionally shot, multi-camera full set video. Sterling Stage, celebrating 30 years of live music, is known for hosting unforgettable festivals. They are awarding a coveted spot on the lineup of an upcoming Sterling Stage Festival.
Voting for the finals of NYS Music March Madness 2025, Presented by Upstate Canna, ends at 11:59 PM on March 26. Submit your votes using the Google Form below. Good luck to our final bands. Here’s to the madness!
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