NYS Music 20​19

Category: Manhattan

  • Biscuits Bring the Heat to NYC for annual New Year’s Run

    Trance-fusion pioneers, The Disco Biscuits, laid down some serious jamtronica heat at NYC’s PlayStation Theatre on Saturday during their annual New Year’s run. PlayStation Theatre is closing permanently at the conclusion of this run, and the Biscuits are ensuring the venue goes out with a bang. The Disco Biscuits members include Allen Aucoin (drums), Marc Brownstein (bass), Jon Gutwillig (guitar), and Aron Magner (synthesizers).

    Saturday’s first set included a delicious “Munchkin Invasion” jam sandwich, filled with an inverted “The Great Abyss.” The second set intensified with jam vehicles “Caterpillar” and “Spraypaint” seguing into a fresh and dirty “Tractorbeam Jam,” and then right back into both.

    Tickets are still available for the two remaining nights of this soon to be legendary run at this link. FOMO can truly be damned because the band is webcasting this historic run as well. Head over to their Youtube page for more details.

    Set One: King Of The World> Munchkin Invasion> The Great Abyss*> Story Of The World> Freebis Slinky> Munchkin Invasion

    Set Two: Caterpillar> Spraypaint> Humuhumunukunukuapua’a**> Tractorbeam Jam> Caterpillar, Air Song> Spraypaint

    Encore: Bazaar Escape

    * inverted version

    ** unfinished

  • Medeski, Martin, Metzger and Cline Kick Off Phish After Party Season at Sony Hall

    Just as Phishmas at YEMSG got underway last night, so too did after party season. Night one’s offerings were numerous, highlighted by the one-off supergroup of John Medeski (keys), Billy Martin (drums), Scott Metzger (guitar, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead), and Nels Cline (guitar, Wilco) at Sony Hall. Not to discount the draws of Metzger and Cline, but MMW’s acid jazz has been intertwined with the Phish scene since 1995 and this highly anticipated show would eventually sell out in the hours before its 1:00 am start, leaving many fans outside on the sidewalk. 

    Medeski Martin Metzger Cline

    Sony Hall occupies the footprint of The Diamond Horseshoe, a celebrated and historic Times Square dinner theater with a standing room capacity of 1,000. The room is trimmed with gold paint, coffered ceilings and a disco ball, and lounge seating around the perimeter, lending to its historic feel. The room sounded great, although overcrowding was a serious deterrent for many. 

    Medeski, Cline, Metzger, and Martin were arranged audience left to right respectively, and began their two hour improvisational journey just before 1:00 a.m. Medeski would contribute the evening’s bass lines on his keys, as he and Martin provided the anchoring rhythm section for guitarists Cline and Metzger to explore in, on, and around. There were gorgeous moments of Metzger shred amidst a backdrop of effects heavy psychedelic exploration from Cline. The tempo was deliberate and purposeful and, coupled with the intense crowding, didn’t create much of a dancing atmosphere. At times the music felt almost transcendent, as Medeski and Martin created an ambient space for guitarists Metzger and Cline to play, their guitar work totally dictated by the tempo and beat of the drums and keys.

    These musicians clearly enjoyed playing with one another as they treated those who braved the crowds and the late hours to a two hour set of improvisation that ended at 3:00 a.m. Sony Hall will host after shows on nights two and three as well, with Star Kitchen on 12/29 and Ghost Note plays Prince on 12/30.

    • Medeski Martin Metzger Cline
    • Medeski Martin Metzger Cline
      Photo by Chad Anderson
    • Medeski Martin Metzger Cline
    • Medeski Martin Metzger Cline
    • Medeski Martin Metzger Cline
    • Medeski Martin Metzger Cline
    • Medeski Martin Metzger Cline
    • Medeski Martin Metzger Cline
    • Medeski Martin Metzger Cline

  • In Focus: Phish kicks off 2019 New Year’s Run at Madison Square Garden

    It’s been 25 years since their first New Year’s Run show at Madison Square Garden, and Phish kicked off four nights of shows to end 2019 with some new material, a second set chock full of improv, and an “On Broadway” jam.

    The festivities began with the debut of a new Phish original, “Evening Song.” Sung by guitarist Trey Anastasio, the opener had many looking around and checking phones to find out what exactly it was. From there, the first set took a second set type of turn with a rousing “No Men In No Man’s Land” and a monstrous “Down with Disease” that followed. Another first timer then appeared in the form of “20-20 Vision” as bassist Mike Gordon took the reigns and sang the cover song originally recorded by the great Gene Autry. “Ghost” then seemed to shift things back to the second set frame of mind courtesy of a locked in, psychedelic groove it produced. Another first set highlight was the first “Dog Faced Boy” since 2016. The opening stanza closed with a powerful “Say It to Me S.A.N.T.O.S.” which was a nod to the New Year’s spectacle of last year.

    phish 2019

    With sprits high, “Everything’s Right” was an ideal choice to open the second set. Phish let it be known to all that they were on point and having fun with discernable “On Broadway” teases from Anastasio and keyboardist Page McConnell that highlighted a “Set Your Soul Free” that transitioned seamlessly into “Gotta Jibboo.” about the second set jams, Barry Mann wrote “On Broadway” and the Guy Forget lyrics in the “Drowned” jam. Another true highlight was the triumphant return of “Drowned,” the Who cover that hadn’t been played in more than a year. Things then got a little silly thanks to “Ass Handed,” sung as usual by drummer Jon Fishman. This led to a wacky “Chalkdust Torture Reprise” of sorts that was sung to the tune of “Ass Handed” before “Character Zero” showed up in its predictable set closing slot. Further showcasing their ability to be sensitive and fun at the same time, an encore of “A Life Beyond the Dream” and “Rocky Top” closed the book on night one of the 2019 New Year’s run.

    Setlist via Phish.net

    Phish, December 28, 2019, Madison Square Garden, NY, NY

    Set 1: Evening Song[1], No Men In No Man’s Land, Down with Disease, 20-20 Vision[2], Ghost, Gumbo > Rift, Weigh, Dog Faced Boy, Twenty Years Later > Tube > Say It To Me S.A.N.T.O.S.

    Set 2: Everything’s Right > Beneath a Sea of Stars Part 1 > Set Your Soul Free -> Gotta Jibboo > Free > Piper, Drowned, Ass Handed > Chalk Dust Torture Reprise[3] > Character Zero

    Encore: A Life Beyond The Dream, Rocky Top

    [1] Debut.
    [2] Phish debut.
    [3] With lyrics changed to Ass Handed.

    • phish 2019
    • phish 2019
    • phish 2019

  • Multi-Sensory “Jerry Dance Party” returns after Phish at MSG

    “The Jerry Dance Party,” a unique and immersive late-night audio/visual experience held at ZeroSpace in New York City will return to close out 2019, immediately following Phish at Madison Square Garden on December 28, 29, and 30. Fans can walk one convienent block to ZeroSpace.

    “The three-night Jerry Dance Party at ZeroSpace is a chance for Deadheads and Phisheads alike to experience the mind-bending marriage of cutting-edge audio-visual technology with the timeless music of the Grateful Dead.” says concert promoter and Relix publisher Peter Shapiro.

    The three-night art-tech event will feature “custom projections, interactive LED screens, projection mapped floors, synchronized illuminations, the largest augmented reality sandbox in the world and more, all tuned to the magical sounds of the Dead.” Additionally, ZeroSpace will feature a 3D mapped, 30-foot geodesic dome synchronized to “Drums & Space” all night long.

    A successful inaugural edition of “Jerry Dance Party” was held following Dead and Company’s Halloween run at Madison Square Garden, leading to the three-night event being announced. Helming the events music will be DJ Jerrbrother.

    “The shows we did around Dead & Company were over the top and we can’t wait to return to ZeroSpace,” says Stephen Grybowski, co-producer of The Jerry Dance Party. “We’re taking some of the most psychedelic art-tech available and pairing it with the most amazing song catalog known to man. Our goal is to bring the energy and vibe of the early events produced by The Merry Pranksters into 2019. I have a feeling they’d be very proud.”

    And as if these three nights weren’t enough, the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, N.Y. is hosting a similar event, “A Very Jerry Holiday Dance Party,” on Dec. 27. “At the Dec. 27 ‘Very Jerry Holiday Dance Party’ you can experience The Capitol Theatre like never before, as the ghosts of Grateful Dead past come alive to our amazing, state-of-the-art sights and sounds,” adds Shapiro.

    The Jerry Dance Party will feature concert-quality sound throughout each room so jam fans can dance to the Dead until dawn. Tickets are $30 per night.

  • ASAP Ferg ‘Floor Seats’ Tour Arrives at Terminal 5

    ASAP Ferg paid a visit to Terminal 5 on Friday and brought with him  an ensemble of artists for his second to last stop on the Floor Seats Tour. Prior to the show, the crowd’s anticipation came to a head, initiating a few mosh pits before the opening act. The openers arrived just in time to release the tension. Heater IV raved about glitter and glasses, MadeinTYO performed his biggest hits, and Mudra Beatz maxed out the energy with a DJ set.

    ASAP Ferg

    ASAP Ferg then charged the stage to the tour’s title song “Floor Seats” and the room exploded with every color of the rainbow. Various other artists joined him on stage to perform their featured songs, including MadeinTYO, Murda Beatz, Brent Faiyaz, and Antha. It was all good vibes and love coming from ASAP Ferg, referring to his fans as family and reminding everyone to check up on their loved ones’ mental health.

    • ASAP Ferg
    • ASAP Ferg
    • ASAP Ferg

  • PEAK announce Winter Tour 2020; perform at Mercury Lounge December 30 with Digital Frontier, Teddy Midnight

    PEAK had a truly remarkable 2019, and they’re looking forward to winter tour 2020 with a slate of Northeast shows, as well as one big show to close out the year.

    Combining the characteristic flair that a weathered live band brings to the table, PEAK has the instrumental prowess and focus that draws crowds in. The group’s music, described as psychedelic indie funk, is a mix of poetic, melodic songwriting, moody electrofunk, riffed-out blues-rock, and exploratory danceable improvisations. Some of their many influences include artists such as The Band, The Talking Heads, Phish, The Grateful Dead, Radiohead, James Brown, and Miles Davis, as well as modern songwriters such as Conor Oberst, Mac Demarco, Kurt Vile, and Jack White to name a few. 

    peak winter tour 2020

    PEAK consists of singer-songwriter and guitarist Jeremy Hilliard, drummer Kito Bovenschulte (Particle), bassist Josh T. Carter (Hayley Jane and the Primates) and Johnny Young on keys.

    Their latest album, Electric Bouquet, offers a staple sound that PEAK can use to differentiate themselves from an ever-growing list of funk/rock bands.

    Joining PEAK on December 30 are Digital Frontier, who lay down robotic dance beats and driving bass lines, producing progressive, multi-dimensional, synth-laden soundscapes; Teddy Midnight, who mix house, disco, techno and breakbeat with drum and bass to bring high energy to the dance floor; and Up & Orange, who bring soaring melodies, chunky grooves, and drum and bass driven electronica. For more information visit here.

    PEAK WINTER TOUR 2020

    12/30 New York, NY Phish After Party**

    2/1 Krogh’s, Sparta, NJ ^

    2/7 Sarah Street, Stroudsburg, PA*

    2/21 Stone Church, Newmarket, NH#

    2/22 Riverstreet Jazz Cafe, Wilkes Barre, PA#

    2/27 Thunder Road, Boston, MA#

    2/28 The Acoustic, Bridgeport, CT#

    *w/ Jabbawaukee

    ** w/ Digital Frontier

    ^ w/ Crow’s Wine

    # w/ Space Kadet

  • Fab Faux to perform 5 special shows in NYC in late December

    Over five of the final days of December, The Fab Faux – featuring Jimmy Vivino, Will Lee, Rich Pagano, Frank Agnello and Jack Petruzzelli – will be bringing their versions of the Beatles songbook to the Cutting Room in NYC.

    Each of the five gigs will have its own theme, including ‘Animal Songs,’ and favorites from Revolver and The White Album on the final two nights. Food and drinks will be served during the show. Check out themes and ticket links below:

    Dec. 26 Beatles In The Wild – Animal Songs

    Dec. 27 Beatles Opposites – Yin and Yang

    Dec. 28 Beatles Hits and Rarities

    Dec. 29 Revolver Favorites & more

    Dec. 30 Beatles White Album Favorites

  • Governors Ball anticipates move to the Bronx

    Governors Ball may be moving to the Bronx in the future, relocating from Randall’s Island to Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx. While the festival has been denied a permit to move locations in 2020, the company behind the festival made a pitch to members of Bronx Communty Board 8 last week.

    governors ball bronx

    Concerns over the event’s size and duration were part of turning down the move in the past, but organizers are now appealing that decision. With 50,000 people expected to attend the June 5-7 festival each day, a relocation would need to factor in the strain on local infrastructure caused by the arrival of the GovBall crowd.

    Recently, a new age policy was revealed, as well as an updated VIP experience. The festival says regarding raising the minimum age from 18 to 21, “In a change from previous years, for the 2020 festival all persons 18 and over are welcome at the festival, but a valid proof of ID is required for entry. All persons aged 17 and under MUST attend with an adult who is 21 or older. Each adult must have a valid form of ID and may accompany up to TWO ticket holders aged 17 or younger.”

    Governor’s Ball also unveiled an updated VIP experience, offering access to special viewing areas, as well as air-conditioned, flushable bathrooms; a private wi-fi network; a separate lane at ferry docks and shuttle pick-up points; free water at VIP areas and more.

  • Premiere: Intercity rocker Diamond Jones releases brilliant short film for his latest single ‘Ashes and Diamonds’

    For someone shuffling between cities like Brooklyn and Toronto, the term ‘intercity’ is best to define their mild case of vagabondary. For solo rock n roller Justin “Diamond” Jones, who has been on the inside of the scene for the past 18 years, it aptly describes his constant travel between London, Los Angeles, Toronto and Brooklyn.

    Ashes and Diamonds (Full) from Justin Jones on Vimeo.

    Having just released his debut single, “Ashes and Diamonds,” Jones also is releasing a short film based around the track, as well as a music video. Having played on stage with John “Twink” Alder from Santa Barbara Machine Head, in groups such as Tomorrow, The Pretty Things and The Pink Fairies, and recorded in The Clash’s studio, Jones is a rare remnant of artistic integrity with a story to be told.

    “Ashes and Diamonds” is Diamond Jones’ return to the rock n’ roll and film scene after a period of solitude and devise. Jones solely shines this feat himself: all instruments are played, recorded and produced on his own. Likewise, the film is written, directed, and stars Jones.

    Born in Toronto, Ontario, Justin “Diamond” Jones as a young adult was involved with a group of semi-professional skateboarders during a time that rock n’ roll was seeing a revival, stemming from the skateboarding community. At that time he stumbled upon Bob Dylan’s Bringing It All Back Home and shortly after disappeared off the grid to develop his craft as an artist.

    Years later, Jones found himself in London, and quickly began performing around the city on guitar and piano. Jones has spent the past three years in Canada, isolating himself to refine his skills and prepare for his prolific return to the music & film scene.

  • Natalie Merchant to be Honored at 39th Annual John Lennon Tribute

    In celebration of what would have been John’s Lennon’s 79th birthday, grassroots non-profit Theatre Within has announced artists for the 39th Annual John Lennon Tribute on Friday, December 6, including Natalie Merchant. The event will be held at Peter Jay Sharp Theatre at Symphony Space on Broadway and 95th street.

    In addition to artist-activist Natalie Merchant, who will be honored as the sixth recipient of the “John Lennon Real Love Award,” the Tribute will feature performances by Joan Osborne, Rachael Yamagata, Sam Amidon, Willie Nile and Raye Zaragoza, backed by a band led by drummer Rich Pagano, one of the founding members of the Fab Faux.

    Merchant, who will be appearing in the long-running charity concert for first time, said in a statement:

     “John and Yoko’s activism had a profound impact upon me as a child. Through their ingenious war protests they challenged the entire world to reflect upon itself. In my estimation, ‘Imagine’ remains the most powerful three minutes and eight seconds of music ever recorded. It contains a vision of our highest aspirations in the most concise language and simple melody. John and Yoko realized that popular art and celebrity could be used to push society closer toward equity and compassion. I’ve tried to follow their example throughout my life, as an artist and citizen. It’s such an honor to be recognized for my work with the John Lennon Real Love award this year.”

     “With her beautiful songs, social activism, and support of charitable causes, Natalie Merchant has truly brightened our world and our hearts,” said Yoko Ono. “Natalie’s outspokenness on the environment, domestic violence, and special-needs children shines light on these vitally important issues. I am so happy that Theatre Within is honoring her with this year’s John Lennon Real Love Award.” 

    Theatre Within Artistic Director and longtime Tribute producer/host, Joe Raiola says of Merchant, “John Lennon combined music and social activism in a unique and remarkably positive way. Natalie Merchant is a great artist blazing a similar path with heart, caring and compassion, and she is very deserving of this honor.”

    Proceeds from the Tribute will support Theatre Within’s ongoing free workshops – in songwriting, art, meditation and more – at Gilda’s Club NYC for those whose lives have been impacted by cancer. Workshops include the John Lennon Real Love Project, a visionary songwriting program for children, which will be made available to public schools and libraries in the NY tri-state area starting in the spring of 2020.

    Tickets for Theatre Within’s 39th Annual John Lennon Tribute are currently sold out. However, additional seats may be released for sale. For seat availability, visit LennonTribute.org. A limited number of VIP packages with up-close center orchestra seats are available at LennonTribute.org/join-friends.

    Theatre Within’s Annual John Lennon Tribute is produced in association with Music Without Borders. It is the only ongoing John Lennon Tribute concert in the world sanctioned by Yoko Ono.