Coheed and Cambria Honored with Key to Nyack

News Summary

Coheed and Cambria received the key to the village of Nyack during the SpringFest Street Fair, celebrating their strong ties to the community. Lead vocalist Claudio Sanchez, a Nyack native, expressed gratitude during the ceremony, which also declared April 13 as ‘Coheed and Cambria Day.’ The band’s musical journey began locally, and they continue to connect with their roots through their recent album and upcoming North American tour.

Nyack, NY – The popular rock band Coheed and Cambria was honored with the key to the village of Nyack on April 13, 2025, during the annual SpringFest Street Fair. This significant acknowledgment celebrates the band’s deep connection to the community, particularly with lead vocalist and primary songwriter Claudio Sanchez, who is a Nyack native.

In recognition of the band’s contributions and roots, the Mayor of Nyack, Joe Rand, along with Chamber of Commerce trustee Tristan Dunnigan, declared April 13 as “Coheed and Cambria Day.” The decision reflects enthusiasm for the band, which has maintained a strong relationship with the village since its inception.

Ceremony Highlights

The key to the village was presented as a handcrafted, guitar-shaped ceremonial gift by local artist Peter Cheney. This symbolic gesture represents not only the band’s musical achievements but their commitment to Nyack’s cultural landscape. During the ceremony, Sanchez expressed how this moment felt surreal, linking it to his formative years in the area and the influences that have shaped his music career.

Musical Journey

Coheed and Cambria initially formed as a rock trio named “Shabutie” in 1995, frequently performing locally, including at a well-known event called Backdoor Café. Officially established in 2001, the band is known for fusing progressive rock with narratives derived from Sanchez’s sci-fi saga, “The Amory Wars.” The band’s latest release, the eleventh studio album titled “Vaxis – Act III: The Father of Make Believe,” debuted on March 14, 2025, further exploring the expansive universe of “The Amory Wars,” which comprises 78 planets and seven stars.

Recent Releases and Local Ties

The lead single from the new album, titled “Someone Who Can,” has resonated with audiences and features visually striking music video scenes filmed in prominent Nyack locations, such as Olive’s and Nyack High School. These local connections reinforce the band’s roots in the community as they prepare for an upcoming North American tour.

Upcoming Tour

Coheed and Cambria plans to co-headline their tour with fellow rock group Mastodon, beginning on May 10, 2025. The tour includes several performances in New York, with dates scheduled for May 26 in Saratoga Springs and May 30 in Syracuse. Previous performances at Rupp Arena in Kentucky in 2009 and in 2012 mark the band’s strong presence in the region, making this tour particularly anticipated by local fans.

Artistic Themes

Sanchez has indicated that the themes in their new album dive into personal experiences related to family and loss, which listeners may find both relatable and impactful. The community has shown significant support for the band, and Sanchez expressed gratitude for the importance of nurturing local artists.

SpringFest Celebrations

The SpringFest event, which serves as a backdrop for the ceremony, attracted thousands of attendees, promoting a vibrant atmosphere that celebrated both the band and the town. Sanchez dedicated the key to the late Burt Hughes, a music teacher who played a pivotal role in guiding his early music ambitions.

This acknowledgment of Coheed and Cambria serves as recognition of their contributions to the music scene and their lasting connection to Nyack, reflecting the band’s journey from local performers to international rock icons.

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Additional Resources

• Nyack News and Views
• Wikipedia: Coheed and Cambria
• Lambgoat
• Google Search: Coheed and Cambria
• Syracuse.com
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Coheed and Cambria
• The PRP
• Google News: Coheed and Cambria
• Rockland News
• Google Scholar: Coheed and Cambria