Malik B., a founding member of legendary Philadelphia outfit The Roots has passed away. Born Malik Abdul Basit, he was a recognized member of the iconic hip hop band — which includes Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson and Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter — for their first four albums, with his last appearance as a member of the group on 1999’s Grammy-winning Things Fall Apart.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uROfXQML7NY
Malik went on to release a solo album in 2005 titled, Street Assault, and a subsequent album in 2015 titled Unpredictable, with record producer Mr. Green. After several years apart, Malik B. was featured on two additional Roots album, including three tracks on 2006’s Game Theory, as well as two tracks from their 2008 album Rising Down.
The Roots, who currently serve as the house band for Jimmy Fallon’s “Tonight Show,” shared Malik B’s passing through a social media post that reads:
“We regretfully inform you of the passing of our beloved brother and longtime Roots member Malik Abdul Basit,” the group said on Twitter. “May he be remembered for his devotion to Islam and innovation as one of the most gifted MCs of all time. We ask that you please respect his family in our time of mourning.”
We regretfully inform you of the passing of our beloved brother and long time Roots member Malik Abdul Basit. May he be remembered for his devotion to Islam and innovation as one of the most gifted MCs of all time. We ask that you please respect his family in our time of mourning pic.twitter.com/NVHtb2CFWP
On the heels of his 38th birthday, Buffalo rapper Westside Gunn — along with the rest of his Griselda Records cohorts — have been on quite the roll. And fresh off of his critically-acclaimed EP Pray for Paris and the much recently released mixtape Flygod Is an Awesome God 2, the Shady Records rapper looks to keep the momentum on his side with his third project of the year. On Wednesday evening, the one known as the “FLYGOD,” made a lengthy Instagram post describing what exactly this latest project means to him, as well as the journey and the conviction he had in his artistry that led him to this point. Accompanied by what can be assumed as the album cover, the caption read:
“Everything I’ve done thus far has led up to this moment, when I said FLYGOD was a classic ppl didn’t see it at that moment, then I dropped Supreme Blientele and made ppl to start believing, then I dropped PRAY FOR PARIS and I knew I had my formula together and I was ready for my first major release album and now it’s officially here “WHO MADE THE SUNSHINE” every project has been painted diff and with purpose, I know soon I’ll be done rapping but I have to give u WSG on a diff level this project I swear is my best work to date and I know it’s great bc it took me a week to make and not 2 days lol… but this is what HIP HOP is ALL about I feel young on this Album and I can’t wait until I give u this offering, I promise u You never heard ANYTHING like this on @shadyrecords this is ALL BUFFALO BEAUTIFUL ART PIECE by WS POOTIE thank u so much Baby Daddy Loves YOU “ WHO MADE THE SUNSHINE” 8/28 on WESTSIDEGUNN DAY #CLASSIC#MASTERPIECE#CULTURE#ART#FLYGOD#GXFR#ICON this cant be compared to anything I’ve done beforE it’s IF “FLYGOD” and “SUPREME BLIENTELE” has a baby @shadyrecords@griseldarecords@interscope”
https://www.instagram.com/p/CCNDANVHqT8/
With his latest release only a few weeks old (July 3), and Pray for Paris the ripe age of 3 months old, his classification of this impending project as his “first major release album,” has caused some confusion. While signed to their own Griselda Records label, the trio of Westside Gunn, Benny the Butcher and Conway the Machine, have also inked paperwork with Eminem’s Shady Records, a subsidiary of the West coast based Interscope records. The trio have combined to release WWCD, under Shady but no individual albums.
The Hamptons in Long Island hosted a charity “drive-in,” concert that proved to be a public health threat after video footage revealed a mass crowd of people.
To the left, the Chainsmokers perform in front of a large crowd. On the right, they rep the tequila brand Ja Ja Tequila, which presented the concert.
The concert, Safe and Sound, went under investigation after the footage was posted. As a result, it created an uproar on social media.
A spokesperson for Goldman Sachs told CBS MoneyWatch that Solomon hadn’t witnessed any violations.
“David agreed to participate in an event for charity in which the organizers worked closely with the local government and put strict health protocols in place. He performed early and left before the show ended. The vast majority of the audience appeared to follow the rules, but he’s troubled that some violated them and put themselves and others at risk.”
– Goldman Sachs’ Spokesperson
Alongside the DJ’s, Southampton Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman played with his band, but never witnessed any violations. He stated in a news conference in Southampton that guests gathered later. Because of this, the town cited the Chainsmokers concert.
The event organizers, In The Know Experiences and Invisible Noise, made a statement to Billboard. They insisted they always enforced social distancing regulations and instead, blamed the angle of the video for not portraying how well they followed CDC guidelines.
According to the CDC website, everyone should stand at least 6 ft. apart in crowds and wear face coverings. The footage showed a cluster of guests less than 6 ft. apart. It is unclear whether any of them were wearing face-coverings.
Not only were civilians all over the U.S. angered by the concert, but also Governor Andrew Cuomo. Cuomo took to Twitter with his rage about the footage.
“Videos from a concert held in Southampton on Saturday show egregious social distancing violations. I am appalled. The Department of Health will conduct an investigation. We have no tolerance for the illegal and reckless endangerment of public health.”
-Governor Andrew Cuomo
Videos from a concert held in Southampton on Saturday show egregious social distancing violations. I am appalled.
The Department of Health will conduct an investigation.
We have no tolerance for the illegal & reckless endangerment of public health.https://t.co/gf9kggdo8w
— Archive: Governor Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) July 28, 2020
Governor Andrew Cuomo tweets about his dissatisfaction towards the video footage of the charity concert, Safe and Sound.
At this time, the concert is still under investigation but not coincidentally has led to the cancellation of moe.’s Miracle Mile in Vernon and Twiddle’s Drive-In, Jam Out trio of shows in Lake George, all slated for the weekend of July 31-August 2.
Summerstage Anywhere announced its plan to put on Global Performances. Summerstage Anywhere is being put on by Capital One City Parks Foundation and is hosting a variety of performances, DJ sets, conversations and more from the global sector of the digital series. The global series took off on July 21. The shows will be available on the SummerStage YouTube channel.
Summerstage Anywhere has been presenting nearly daily content since July with Mondays hosting Contemporary Dance, Tuesdays with Global content, Wednesdays Indie Rock with content, Thursdays with Latin content, Fridays with Hip Hop content and Saturdays with Jazz content. Their global content includes Brazilian Drag Queen, Pabllo Vittar and Brazilian singer/songwriter, Duda Beat on Tuesday, August 4at 8PM EST on SummerStage’s Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram. Tunisian singer-songwriter Emel Mathlouthi on Tuesday, August 11 at 8PM EST on to be announced platforms. There are more shows in the works with details to be announced in the near future.
SummerStage Anywhere Global Series has some content available to watch in full now on the SummerStage YouTube channel now. These include a Culture Talk with legacy SummerStage artist and Grammy award winner, Angelique Kidjo and veteran entertainment journalist and Executive Director of the Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts (MoCADA), Amy Andrieux. There will also be a session with the iconic Femi Kuti, who performed live exclusively for SummerStage Anywhere from the New Afrika Shrine in Nigeria.
Summerstage Anywhere is also hosting a variety of performances on their website for free daily. To check out the schedule visit their website. These free shows intend on providing exclusive content easily available to the public all summer long.
For more information on Summerstage Anywhere’s global performances visit their website.
The moe. Miracle Mile Drive-In concert was cancelled days before it’s shows on July 31 and Aug. 1. by venue management on July 29 due to safety concerns. Vernon Downs Casino Hotel was scheduled to host the performances but abruptly changed their minds with continuing concerns revolving around the COVID-19 pandemic.
Organizers of the event stated that, “Despite putting a comprehensive health and safety plan in place for the events, Vernon Downs management made the preemptive decision to not allow the concerts to be held on-site due to the continuing health and safety concerns surrounding the global COVID-19 pandemic,” according to the article in Observer-Dispatch.
The band announced via their Facebook that their moe. Miracle Mile Drive-In would have to be canceled due to the short notice given to them by Vernon Downs Casino Hotel. They also stated that refunds will be automatically issued by Ticketmaster to all original ticket purchasers.
The promoter of the show, Creative Concerts Inc, states in their Facebook post that Vernon Downs Casino Hotel breached their contract and forced the show to be canceled. “We’re devastated by this turn of events and are still committed to bringing safe socially distanced events to upstate and central NY….Thank you for being so supportive of our efforts hopefully we can find a new venue in the near future that will honor their promises and commitment,” stated Chuck Chao, President of Creative Concerts Inc.
moe. also announced that, “While [we] can no longer play for you in a live concert setting, we will still perform for you live via webcast. We have been rehearsing in an historic church-turned-recording studio and will broadcast two full moe. shows from this setting, starting at 7pm on Friday and Saturday evenings. We hope you can join us virtually. For tickets and more information, please visit tourgigs.com/shows”
Buffalo’s Intrepid Travelers welcome two new members to the band, saxophonist Ellen Pieroni (Folkfaces) and bassist Zak Beutel, who join the already stellar IT lineup of Donny Frauenhofer (keys, vocals), Brian Calisto (guitar, vocals) and Jon Fohl (drums, vocals).
photo by Sam Murray
Pieroni shared her thoughts on joining Intrepid Travelers:
I’ve considered myself to be IT fam for the better half of the 5+ years Donny and I have been dating. Over the years, I’ve attended a bunch of shows, sat in on countless tunes, worked the merch table, and volunteered for IT fest. I’ve jokingly said for years “you should just let me join the band!” Well, recently they decided to finally listen and let me try IT out. It’s been a blast so far, immersing myself in new experiences like deep improvisation, exploring and building my pedal rig, composing new music, and taking on a larger role vocally than I have in any band before. It feels really good to be creative in new ways and be thrown into a band where folks are just as excited for the next chapter. The group chat is constantly lighting up with new ideas and I’m super happy to be a part of it.
Beutel looks as his joining IT and the long journey from fan to band member
One night in September 2014, I went to EBC, a staple in the town of Fredonia where I was attending college, to check out this band that all my upperclassman friends had exclaimed to be THE band to see in Fredonia. Upon entering, I was overtaken by the range of blissful sounds, to downright funk, and all the spaces in between. It was Intrepid Travelers, and immediately I was taken aback by their dynamic musicianship, inspired improvisation, and creative songwriting ability, as it had far exceeded any local acts I had previously seen. I bought a CD, and the Have You Seen My Rainbow Monkey EP was a mainstay in my old car that only took CDs and is now what I consider to be one of the ‘soundtracks’ to my first year at Fredonia.
Years later in late 2019, my buddy and I needed a drummer for a charity gig, and Jon (Fohl)n was the first person that came to mind, so we reached out and he joined us for a fun show. A few months later, I saw a post of his on Facebook that he was looking for some gigs, to which I reached out and suggested a side project, and let him know I was available if he needed bass for anything. In a somewhat serendipitous way, he let me know that he had been thinking about reaching out to me as Intrepid Travelers had taken a hiatus and weren’t sure what the steps would be moving forward, but that he thought I would be a welcome fit in the group and that we should give it a go. A few months after quarantine, and after many jam sessions with Jon and Brian, I headed over to Donny’s for the first practice with Intrepid Travelers as a whole, where we warmed up with the classic “Photobooth Youth” and launched into a 15-minute jam segment out of it, and the rest is history. It feels full circle in a way, as I can still remember watching these guys on stage in Fredonia and wishing I was up there with them, and to say I’m honored and excited to be in this band would be an understatement. Everything fell into place, and it’s only up from here. I can’t wait to see what the coming years hold for the band, and I’m so grateful to be along for the ride.
Naturally, keyboardist Donny Frauenhofer is excited for the band to return with two new members:
Intrepid Travelers is back with new songs, new members and new energy! I know its a strange time to be “back” as a band that primarily existed as a live act considering what has happened to the live music industry, but it really ended up being the perfect time to get the wheels turning again in a low pressure environment. We had already been talking since the fall about going hard on making content, and just having a greater focus on creating rather than just playing shows constantly.
Taking a break in the past year was both timely and necessary for Intrepid Travelers to get the creative juices flowing again:
In our time off, we were able to focus better on what we wanted Intrepid Travelers to be as both an entity and for each of us personally. The band being a living, breathing thing that evolves has been at our foundation since Day 1 (one of our earliest songs was called “Always Evolving”). The nice thing is theres very little pressure, so we’re just having fun – and our longtime fans, friends, and supporters seem to be really enjoying it. We played an outdoor show on a neighbors porch and the turnout was incredible.
We have some new, but familiar faces in the band. Zak Beutel, who I actually collaborated with over quarantine a few times, but I’ve just met recently, is taking over the bass and vocals role. Additionally, Ellen Pieroni of Folkfaces is joining on vocals/saxophone/mandolin/whatever other instrument she picks up. We also have a team for the first time since 2016 – Brandon Keller, who had put on Woodhenge Sustainability, Music, and Art Festival is helping manage and book for us, and we also have Tim Merrill who had worked as Witty Tarbox’s manager for a while is joining us to help in a more creative role.
Intrepid Travelers have also announced IT Fest IV to be held in Hannibal, NY for August 28-29, with very limited capacity. More information coming soon.
First opened in 1874, Cohoes Music Hall is the fourth oldest operational music venue in the country.
An independent review committee was presented with proposals from six companies including the Music Hall’s former management company, Music Hall Arts Alliance before Park Playhouse’s bid was accepted last week by Cohoes Mayor Bill Keeler. The other four proposals included Guthrie/Bell Productions from Albany; the Hall, from Niskayuna; Lopolito, from Monroe; and Just Imagine, from Rensselaer.
“It is our goal to bring a variety of entertainment to the stage, while making the theater accessible for everyone in the community” said Park Playhouse Producing Artistic Director Owen Smith.
Management change became necessary as the City of Cohoes was forced to slash funding in the budget as the city still reels from the COVID-19 pandemic. The new contract will save taxpayers between $200,000 and $300,000 annually.
“Through this agreement we are able to save Cohoes taxpayers around a quarter of a million dollars annually while sustaining the arts and the vibrancy of our business district” said Mayor Bill Keeler. “This implements a business model that is fiscally prudent for the City of Cohoes for years to come, thus assuring the viability of the Music Hall over the long term.”
According to a press release from the city, Cohoes paid out more than $285,000 in Music Hall management costs and show support in 2019, receiving back just $90,326 in ticket and other revenue. Under the new agreement, the City will pay out nothing for management or show support, and receive $2 per ticket sold.
For the past four years The Playhouse has brought plays and musicals to the Music Hall stage. While maintaining the same caliber of showmanship, plans are in the works to incorporate other standards to the Music Hall including stand-up comedy, musicians, and variety acts.
Jazz musicians from around the world connect with their audience in virtual jam session.
The free online series is Flushing Town Hall’s attempt to keep the public safe from the spread of CODIV-19. As a result of it being completely virtual, their mission is to bring global arts to global people.
Hundreds of artists flock to the jam ever since its formation four months ago. Participants span from New York to Italy and Germany. It has also become a showcase of the global arts institution.
The Jazz Jam invites all members of the public to watch the live stream through Facebook or Zoom.
Flushing Town Hall’s website directs anyone interested in participating to email a three to four minute tune to education@flushingtownhall.org. 20 musicians will be selected to play along with the theme of the month.
The website states, “the mission of Flushing Council on Culture and the Arts (FCCA) is to present multi-disciplinary global arts that engage and educate the global communities of Queens, New York and New York City, New York, in order to foster mutual appreciation.”
So far the 2021 line up includes: moe., Umphrey’s McGee, Ween, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Billy Strings, Three 6 Mafia, Rezz, STS9, Tipper, Snails, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Shpongle (Simon Posford DJ set), The Wood Brothers, Houndmouth, The Floozies, Lettuce, Cherub, Manic Focus, Emancipator, CloZee, Jade Cicada, Boogie T, EOTO, Twiddle, ScaryPoolParty, The Record Company, LSDream, Whipped Cream, Yonder Mountain String Band, Here Come the Mummies, Andy Frasco & The U.N., Aqueous, Badfish, Banyan featuring Stephen Perkins, Willie Waldman and more, Big Something, Boogie T.rio, BoomBox, Break Science, Cycles, Detox Unit, Doom Flamingo, Dopapod, Everyone Orchestra, GG Magree, Horseshoes & Hand Grenades, Keller Williams, Kursa, Kyle Hollingsworth Band, Lawrence, Maddy O’Neal, Marvel Years, Monophonics, Moody Good, Mungion, The New Deal, Papadosio (Microdosio), Ryan Montbleau, Southern Avenue, Spafford, Sunsquabi, The Werks, Aaron Kamm and the One Drops, Brass Against, Chicago Farmer & The Field Notes, Chomppa, Consider the Source, Dogma, Family Groove Company, Fate Nite ft. Brendan Bayliss +, Friends, Filibusta, Funk You, Gangstagrass, GoodSex, Hot Buttered Rum, The Jauntee, Joe Hertler and the Rainbow Seekers, Jon Stickley Trio, K+ Lab, Kitchen Dwellers, Lee Dewyze, LTX, Marcus Rezak’s Shred is Dead, Mike Dillon and Punkadelic, Mize, Neal Francis, Nobide, Old Shoe, Pert Near Sandstone, Porn and Chicken, Red Wanting Blue, Steady Flow, Sun Beard, Sun Stereo, Tropidelic, AHZ, Alison Hanna Band, The Althea Grace Band, APO10, Audiodacity, Backyard Tire Fire, Badman, Barefuzz, Ben Miller Band, DJ Belly, Berth, Biomassive, BluePrint Metro, Bones Jugs, Brainchild, Daniel Rodriguez, Dark Moon Hollow, The Dawn, Dizgo, EGi, Electric Orange Peel, Fall Classic, Fletcher’s Grove, Float Like a Buffalo, Funkstatik, FUX, Guerrilla Theory, The Iceman Special, Ifdakar, Jack Cloonan Band, Joslyn and the Sweet Compression, Junkyard Samurai, JUULS VERNE, Kadela, KVZ, Levity, Little Stranger, Magnolia Boulevard, Medusa, Nicholas Gerlach, The North 41, Positive Vibr8ions, Pushing Daisy’s Band, The Ries Brothers, The Rockstar DJ Tre, Since JulEYE, Still Shine, Stormy Chromer, DJ Tim Williams, Travers Brothership, The Textures, Thee Delinquents, The Tripp Brothers, Trouble Chasin’,TruFeelz, Undercover Organism, Victoria Canal, Vine, Vintage Pistol, WokeZan, Yam Yam, ZOSKA, and more to be announced.
Ian Goldberg who is the festival’s founder made the official call to move the 20th anniversary festivities to 2021 last week. Ticket holders will have the option to roll over this year’s pass to next year or receive a refund. People can request refunds from July 13 – 31 st at 11:59pm CST.
For more information visit Summer Camp Music Festival website.
A Screening of ‘Mavis 80, A Newport Folk Revival’ was announced by “Caffè Lena @ SPAC.” The screening will take place on the SPAC (Saratoga Performing Arts Center) grounds on July 31, 2020 at 8PM EST in Saratoga Springs, NY.
The film was originally recorded live in Los Angeles at The Theatre At Ace Hotel on May 22, 2019 will be premiering as the only place where the concert will be streamed in person is on the SPAC grounds. The grounds will be open with a limited capacity of only 50 people, and with carefully mapped out, socially-distanced seating and rigorous COVID protocols for the screening.
The broadcast of ‘Mavis 80, A Newport Folk Revival,’ is the premiere of Mavis Staples’ 80th birthday celebration in Los Angeles, following shows in New York and Nashville. Staples was joined by big names like Jason Isbell, Phoebe Bridgers, Brandi Carlile, M. Ward, Talking Heads’ Jerry Harrison, Dawes’ Griffin and Taylor Goldsmith, Benjamin Booker, Ben Harper, Lucius, Trombone Shorty, Joe Henry, Son Little, the War & Treaty, and more. The show was produced by Newport Festivals Foundation, Inc. and proceeds from the “Caffè Lena @ SPAC” screening will support the Foundation’s music education programs.
The screening will take place rain or shine around SPAC’s new concession building. There are designated 10X10 lawn spaces will be allocated and reserved for ticket buyers. Tickets are available to purchase for $25 as a box, which can seat up to two people. All guests are required to purchase tickets in advance here; tickets will not be available for purchase at the door. Guests are permitted to bring chairs, blankets, factory sealed water bottles and essential personal items. Food and alcohol are not permitted on the grounds, however Mazzone Hospitality will be on site to provide food and beverage options
Everyone attending the event will need to enter through the Hall of Springs Gate and are required to complete a health screening questionnaire upon entry. Guests are required to wear a face mask at all times unless situated in their reserved box. Restrooms will be available with social distancing and enhanced cleaning and sanitation protocols in place in accordance with recommended guidelines.
For those unable to attend in person, the event will be streaming on Fans website at 8:30 PM EST. Tickets went on sale on Tuesday, July 14 for this viewing experience. The proceeds are going to support the Newport Festival Foundation’s educational initiatives that celebrate innovation while preserving the deep traditions inherent in Jazz and Folk music.
For more information please visit SPAC’s website and Fans’ website.
