Steve Lacy sold out the Apollo Theater, his fifth stop on his first ever solo tour, despite touring since the age of 15 with the group The Internet.
Steve Lacy walked on stage in his pink gown and played Apollo XXI end to end. He spent a great portion of the show singing with either a guitar or bass in hand, but ran around with only the microphone for a few bangers. After finishing the album and a couple of his singles, Lacy had run out of music to play. He decided to perform “Dark Red” twice to close out his set.
White Denim blew the proverbial roof off of the new White Eagle Hall in Jersey City, bringing their sweet Austin, Texas rock sound to the East Coast and fans throughout the tri-state area. The two-hour headlining set from the high powered rock outfit never skipped a beat and was virtually non-stop. Night after night, this band displays communal showmanship and a loud lesson for how to make rock and roll work very well in 2019. White Denim presented a two hour clinic is proof that a diversified rock sound played by very talented musicians still deserves a spot in the debate of today’s best contemporary music.
Ty Segall & The Freedom Band are playing extended residencies in cities all around the world. They are playing his new album First Taste in full as well as many of the eccentric artist’s older albums. After a five-night stay at The Bowery Ballroom, the word is out on the amazing double drum, guitar-less new album that fans are boasting is his best yet.
The performance of First Taste really makes the most of the two-drummer setup, with Ty moving back and forth from a kit positioned at the front of the stage at least once every song. It is his great connection with The Freedom Band that blends so many different styles of music, leaving no trouble in making a crazed, heavy and loud as hell rock n’ roll experience.
On her latest single, “Greytopia,” Karolina Rose is a bright and rhythmic indie-pop track, full of energy and passion. Serving as step one to Karolina’s upcoming visual EP project, “Greytopia” is the start of a tale of love, loss and healing through four video experiences.
Combining an upbeat pop rhythm with shimmering guitar strums, the Elliot Jacobson (VÉRITÉ, Allie X, Elle King) produced track imagines an idealistic world where its inhabitants can reach their highest self and live out their dreams, despite life not being perfect.
Speaking about “Greytopia,” Karolina explains:
“This song refers to taking in all the nuances of life on the spectrum of white to grey to black and accepting it, meanwhile enjoying life in your most productive, idealistic manner. It’s in another world where things aren’t jaded and morals and ethics are high. We have all the amenities of Earth but use them in a positive, productive way. Just do your best with what you have and create your own perfection within something that isn’t. You can lounge; you can work; feel happy; feel sad. It’s all okay. It’s a fairytale land. We’re in another world – another planet.”
The new music comes after Karolina’s Polish primetime television debut and an exclusive deal with Universal Music Poland. A Polish-American singer based in Brooklyn, Karolina was born and raised in Philadelphia to Polish parents and graduated from the Wharton School. She worked on Wall Street, before making the decision to quit her career in the investment industry in order to commit to making music her full-time profession. Karolina released her first single “Move With Me” in February 2017 and her debut EP INVICTAon February 1, 2019.
Yung Gravy brought the love to Terminal 5 on Saturday in the form of rotisserie chicken. A 23 year old rapper out of Minnesota, Yung Gravy’s music is inseparable from its humor, defined by its positive quality and littered with charismatic moments such as that of gassing up Mrs. Butterworth.
His live performance radiates the same spirit, hand delivering water and scraps of rotisserie chicken. All this while still maintaining an exceptional energy with moments like parting the crowd down the entire venue and backflipping out of crowd-surfs.
Later in the show, bbno$ joined the stage and closed the show performing “1 Thot 2 Thot Red Thot Blue Thot” along side SavageRealm in a giant thrifted doll mask.
On Saturday night at Industry City, Antibalas delivered their infectious Afrofunk, closing out the Summer Series presented by City Farm Presents. They were joined by the sassy High and Mighty Brass band, rooted in sounds from New Orleans funk to R&B and hip-hop. Both bands exceeded expectations, despite missing parts of their regular lineup, in this new and exciting venue within a redeveloped section of Sunset Park, Brooklyn.
High and Mighty Brass Band
The High and Mighty Brass band brought their energy and unique covers to Industry City. The bands stealthy line up included Charlie Kay (vocals), Evan Howard (drums), Tyler Tritt (trumpet), Nolan Tsang (trumpet), Dan Lehner (trombone), Corey Wilcox (trombone), Vija Brown (guitar), Chauncey Yearwood (percussion and vocals), and Steve Duffy (sousaphone). Two notable covers included TLC’s “Waterfalls” and Ginuwine’s “Pony.” The band recently released “Pony” on video, shot in their hometown of NYC.
Amayo from Antibalas
Antibalas took the stage and continued the high energy affair with their signature blend of Afrobeat, which incorporates elements of improvisation, jazz, funk and traditional drumming. Vocalist and original member Amayo engaged the crowd with his positive vibes and inspirational spirit throughout the night. The talented band members on stage included Jordan Mclean (trumpet), Marcos Garcia (guitar), Reinaldo De Jesus (percussion), Giancarlo Luiggi (shekere), Timothy J Allen (guitar), Kevin Rackza (drums), Raymon Mason (trumpet), Eric Biondo (trumpet), Michael Buckley (baritone sax), Lynn Ligammari (saxophone), and Vince Chiarito (bass). Notably missing from the lineup was the founder, saxophonist Martin Perna, however the replacements held their own, making for a memorable night of music in Brooklyn.
In advance of their upcoming fall tour, which starts in Washington D.C. on Wednesday, October 2, Break Science has shared the downtempo and lyrically esoteric single, “Oshun.”
“This song is a dedication to Oshun, the Goddess who governs love and freshwaters,” shared Break Science keyboardist and producer Borham Lee. “She is the protector of the poor, healer of the sick, the bringer of music and dance, prosperity and fertility. With this song, we hope to invoke the divine feminine essence of nature to instill a higher thought and create spiritual balance.”
With over a decade of creation under their belts, and arguably among the artistic pioneers of the mid-2000s electronic music explosion, the duo –comprised of keyboardist, producer and jazz pianist, Borahm Lee (Pretty Lights Live Band) and funk, hip-hop drummer extraordinaire, Adam Deitch (Lettuce) – adds a layer of intrigue and depth to their music with the incorporation of Deitch’s live drumming and Lee’s real-time performance behind the synthesizer and keyboard.
Break Science Fall Tour Dates
10/2 – Washington, DC – Gypsy Sally’s 10/3 – Brooklyn , NY – The Brooklyn Bowl 10/4 – Richmond, VA – The Broadberry 10/5 – Asheville, NC – Asheville Music Hall 10/10 – Salt Lake City, UT – Soundwell 10/11 – Seattle, WA – The Crocodile 10/12 – Portland, OR – The Star Theater 10/16 – Minneapolis, MN – The Varsity Theatre 10/17 – Grand Rapids, MI – The Stache @ The Intersection 10/18 – Chicago, IL – The Chop Shop 10/19 – Indianapolis, IN – The Mouse Trap 11/29 – Portland, ME – Port City Music Hall 11/30 – Philadelphia, PA – Ardmore Music Hall
Madison Square Garden was given a heavy dose of uptempo funk on Saturday September 28 as the entire arena was surging with energy as Fearless Flyers and Vulfpeck brought their A-game to a sold out MSG.
Fearless Flyers, one of Vulfpeck’s many side projects, opened the night. Right out of the gate they came out swinging with heavy bass lines at an incredibly quick pace. All dressed in fighter pilot jumpers, the band was cool and clean as they ripped through each song.
Vulfpeck came out to a roaring arena, its members being announced one by one. They started the set with their incredibly upbeat “Animal Spirits” and went quickly into “Cory Wong.” After each song, the band moved seamlessly around the stage, changing instruments and showing off their incredible versatility.
After several songs, Antwaun Stanley joined the band on stage for “1612” which sent the fans into a frenzy, and appeared to be the climax of the night until the band got the crowd singing the chorus to “Back Pocket,” the intensity roared on for the rest of the night.
Vulfpeck Setlist: Intro, Animal Spirit, Cory Wong, My First Car; Daddy, He Got a Tesla; Smile Meditation, Running Away, Baby I Don’t Know Oh Oh, 1612, Funky Duck, Aunt Leslie, Wait For the Moment, Back Pocket, Beastly, Christmas in L.A.,Dean Town
The Empire State Youth Orchestra has announced the 2019-2020 season which includes: a 40th birthday celebration for the organization, a concert with an ESYO alumnus who is assistant principal cellist for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and a tour to South America.
The organization is comprised of 13 performing ensembles and the successful CHIME (Creating Harmony Inspiring Musical Excellence) program. ESYO will also participate this season in two national music cohorts: Presto Sistema USA, and Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute PlayUSA. ESYO’s Symphony Orchestra will once again be led by music director Carlos Agreda.
This year also marks the organization’s 40th birthday. In celebration, there will be a concert on Saturday, Nov. 2 at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall.
Hailing from the Capital Region, Kenneth Olsen, the assistant principal cellist in the Chicago Symphony Orchestra will also be joining Agreda. The Times Union will be sponsoring the November concert.
This upcoming season is particularly exciting. We have the celebration of our 40th Anniversary and also the appearance of an amazing soloist, who once played in ESYO. We are also going on an international tour to Argentina and Uruguay. But, on top of that, we are working on our new partnership with the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall that will bring a greater value to arts in the Capital Region.
Carlos Agreda
Since its founding in 1979, the Empire State Youth Orchestra (ESYO) has challenged and inspired young people to achieve excellence through music in a rigorous learning environment leading to high-level performance opportunities. Over 600 youth from the Capital Region of New York and western New England are selected by audition each year for the ESYO program. They then participate in one of the ten performing ensembles that collectively give approximately 30 performances a year. In 2015, ESYO launched ESYO CHIME (Creating Harmony, Inspiring Musical Excellence). ESYO CHIME seeks to expand access to music in underserved communities making sure that every child has access to musical excellence regardless of economic status.
ESYO concert attendees are once again able to use Access ESYO to attend the concert. Access ESYO allows ticket purchase for as little as $1.00 per seat, and will be sustained through a pay-it-forward campaign inviting donors to deposit the cost of a seat in an online ticket bank. For more information on ticketing click here.
2019 – 2020 Concert Dates
*locations and times
are subject to change
Nov. 2 – Troy Savings Bank Music Hall – Troy, NY
Nov. 4 – Shaker Junior High School – Latham, NY
Nov. 24 – TBA
Dec. 6 – TBA
Dec. 15 – Massry Center for the Arts, College of Saint Rose – Albany, NY
Dec. 19-22 – Proctors Theatre – Schenectady, NY
Feb. 1 – Crossgates Mall – Albany, NY
Feb. 12 – TBA
Feb. 13 – TBA
Feb. 27 – Massry Center for the Arts, College of Saint Rose – Albany, NY
Mar. 9 – UAlbany Performing Arts Center – Albany, NY
Mar. 29 – UAlbany Performing Arts Center – Albany, NY
Apr. 1 – Proctor’s Theatre – Schenectady, NY
Apr. 26 – Troy Savings Bank Music Hall
May 1 – TBA
May 2 – Arthur Zankel Music Center, Skidmore College – Saratoga Springs, NY
May 3 – Brown School – Schenectady, NY
May 10 – Massry Center for the Arts, College of Saint Rose – Albany, NY
May 17 – Massry Center for the Arts, College of Saint Rose – Albany, NY
May 31 – Saratoga Performing Arts Center – Saratoga Springs, NY
June 20 – GE Theatre at Proctors – Schenectady, NY
Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Blue Engine Records celebrates the most wonderful time of the year with the release of Big Band Holidays II, a sequel to a beloved and festive album released in 2015, performed live by the world-renowned Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis.
The Big Band Holidays concerts have been a New York City tradition among jazz lovers and families for more than a decade. Every December, the critically acclaimed Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra ,Wynton Marsalis and an all-star roster of guest vocalists explore the canon of holiday standards to perform both new and traditional arrangements of Yuletide favorites. Blue Engine Records has assembled highlights from these historical performances, making them available on record for the first time.
Big Band Holidays II includes an electric, never-before-released solo piano performance of “O Tannenbaum” by Aretha Franklin. The Queen of Soul sang the holiday classic in English and German, while accompanying herself on piano, at a surprise performance at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s 2015 Big Band Holidays concert. “O Tannenbaum,” exclusively on Big Band Holidays II, is one of only a handful of tracks to be released since Franklin’s passing on August 16, 2018.
Additional guests on Big Band Holidays II include some of today’s commanding new voices in jazz: Catherine Russell, Veronica Swift, Denzal Sinclaire and Audrey Shakir. This newest collection of holiday classics is now available for pre-order and will be available on all digital platforms on October 25, in stores as a CD on November 8, 2019, and available on 2xLP audiophile vinyl later in the holiday season.
Big Band Holidays II tracks include holiday favorites “Silver Bells,” “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” and “Silent Night.” They feature the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra’s signature sense of swing, New Orleans-flavored nuances, and deeply soulful, church-rooted grooves.
To celebrate this special Blue Engine Records release, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and guest vocalists Denzal Sinclaire and Alexis Morrast will embark on a 12-city Big Band Holidays U.S. Tour. Kicking off the holiday season with messages of peace and good cheer, the Big Band Holidays tour commences on November 30 in Toronto, Canada and ends with four performances December 18-22, including a special matinee at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Rose Theater at Frederick P. Rose Hall, located at Broadway at 60th Street in New York, New York.
TRACK LISTING 1. It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year 2. Cool Yule (ft. Catherine Russell) 3. We Three Kings (ft. Denzal Sinclaire) 4. O Tannenbaum (ft. Aretha Franklin) 5. Rise Up, Shepherd, and Follow 6. (Everybody’s Waitin’ for) The Man with the Bag (ft. Veronica Swift) 7. What Will Santa Claus Say? (When He Finds Everybody Swingin’) (ft. Catherine Russell) 8. Brazilian Sleigh Bells 9. Silver Bells (ft. Catherine Russell) 10. Snowfall 11. Silent Night (ft. Denzal Sinclaire)
