NYS Music 202​0

Category: NYC Metro

  • Hearing Aide: Back From Nothing ‘Someone Say Something’

    Hailing from Westchester is a four-piece indie rock group called Back From Nothing. And they are bursting onto the scene with their brand new album Someone Say Something.

    The first track, “Rabbit Hole,” kicks off the album with an anticipating guitar and drum build that blossoms into a nostalgic punk-rock sound. Looking to accommodate the rock-driven sound are the raw vocals that tie the whole package together. As the track progresses, it opens up into an electrifying guitar solo that brings the energy to an all time high, ultimately leading to you shredding on your air guitar. The end of “Rabbit Hole” smoothly blends into the beginning of the next track to keep the party going with “Zombie Man,” a lighter song but one that still matches the energy of Someone Say Something.

    Digging deeper into the album, you’ll find “New Logic” that is dominated by the drums and is the ultimate head-bobber on this album. This track was written, recorded, and mixed in the band’s home studio. They later went on to make a music video for the track that really showcases how fun and interactive their shows are. It’s a total “in your face” track that takes influence from indie rock bands ranging back to the ’90s.

    Someone Say Something is the band’s album that refines their sound as a whole, and pioneers a new sound that combines punk and indie together in an even mix. If you ever went to Vans Warped Tour, this band is the one that would be jumping around on stage and playing a captivating show. Back From Nothing has proven themselves to be a great fit for performances ranging from festivals to packed house shows, and they are thrilled to show the world their new music.

    Follow Back From Nothing on their social media pages for new music and updates!

    Key Tracks: Rabbit Hole, New Logic, Zombie Man, Good Thing Going

    Watch the music video for “New Logic”

  • Spafford Slays The Brooklyn Bowl With Stellar Lights and Covers

    Arizona’s improvisational jam rock quartet Spafford kicked off a three night run on Friday night at the Brooklyn Bowl. They delivered high energy tunes to the sold out crowd immediately upon taking the stage- and never looked back. The band also brought a high tech light rig that elevated visuals throughout the show. They were supported by, and are currently on tour with, Connecticut’s Eggy.

    Known for blending rock, funk, jazz, reggae, ska and electro-pop, Spafford’s members include Brian Moss (guitar), Jordan Fairless (bass), Andrew Johnson (keyboards), and Nick Tkachyk (drums).

    Eggy’s line up consists of Michael Goodman (bass), Jake Brownstein (guitar), Dani Battat (keyboards) and Alex Bailey (drums).

    Brian Moss

    Eggy kicked off the festivities to sizable crowd, as their Connecticut fan base was out in full force. They installed an “Eggy” sign on Battat’s keyboard stand, and dove into their flawless set of jam rock that often reminded this reviewer of Moe. Towards the end, they paid homage to Blind Melon by covering “No Rain,” which was a hit with the crowd. Andrew Johnson from Spafford the keyboard space with Battat for this cover, and the synergy was quite notable. Eggy’s impressive execution felt more like a main course, despite being tonight’s appetizer.

    Johnson sits in with Eggy for Blind Melon’s “No Rain”

    Spafford quickly made haste by taking the stage and unleashing a monster “Shakedown Street” cover by the band who started the jam rock genre, The Grateful Dead. Their exquisite light rig heightened the already powerful house lights at the Brooklyn Bowl, much to the delight of NYC Metro region crowd. They were so massive, in fact, that they took up a sizable chunk of the stage’s real estate.

    The second set included more of Spafford’s signature improvisational rock, funk and electro fusion. Moss’s guitar work was on another level tonight, and was often seen exchanging smiles and jubilant glances with Fairless, Johnson, and Tkachyk. They also dispatched another notable cover of “Peaches”, by 90’s alt-rock band, The Presidents of the United States. The show wrapped up with the high energy “The Reprise” as an encore, sending the crowd home thirsty for more.

    Spafford wrapped up their soon to be legendary three night run Sunday night at the Brooklyn Bowl with a special Acoustic only performance. Visit their tour page for details on future performance dates.

    Set One: Shakedown Street, Mind’s Unchained, Hollywood > The Remedy, Plans

    Set Two: America, Doghouse > Part II > Musette, My Road (My Road), Peaches, Galisteo Way 

    Encore: The Reprise

    Setlist courtesy of Spaffnerds.com

  • Iron & Wine and Calexico Join Forces at Webster Hall

    Back in June 2019, Sam Beam (a.k.a. Iron & Wine) joined forces with folk/Americana group Calexico for the full length LP, Years to Burn. This would mark the second time the two bands collaborated, the first being EP In the Reins from 2005. The bands musical styles perfectly complement one another, resulting in luscious harmonies and arrangements.

    John Convertino of Calexico at Webster Hall – Photo: Joseph Buscarello

    Before the show started, stage hands marched a seemingly endless amount of instruments on stage. Nine acoustic guitars moved in alone, followed by accordions, upright basses, electric guitars and horns. I have experienced seeing both of these bands individually and this collection of instruments is not surprising. Sam Beam typically brings a dozen or more musicians out for an Iron & Wine show and Calexico has such a full Americana sound with dense horns and strings. None of these attributes were lost in bringing the two bands together.

    Sam Beam of Iron & Wine at Webster Hall – Photo: Joseph Buscarello

    The set drew heavily from the two collaborative projects, but they also performed covers of each other’s songs and other bands. This first one was a cover of “Glimpse,” a track off Calexico’s 1996 debut Spoke. Sam introduced the song by saying “this song was the first Calexico song I ever heard.” The other Calexico cover was “Flores y Tamales” from 2018s The Thread That Keeps Us. While there were no Iron & Wine covers at Webster Hall, they were playing songs like “Boy With A Coin” and “Naked As We Came” at other stops. Full setlist below.

    Joey Burns of Calexico at Webster Hall – Photo: Joseph Buscarello

    The show ended with two more collaborative tracks, but with opening band Half Waif joining them on stage to provide additional vocals. Had you not known that this show was a collaboration between two separate groups, you would think this was a band that has been writing and performing together their whole career. Their musical styles are already complementary and there is a clear friendship that adds a ton of energy to the stage.

    Iron & Wine at Webster Hall – Photo: Joseph Buscarello

    Setlist: Father Mountain, Prison on Route 41, Follow the Water, In the Reins, Glimpse (Calexico cover), Sixteen Maybe Less, The Bitter Suite, Bring on the Dancing Horses (Echo and the Bunnymen cover), Flores y Tamales (Calexico cover), [Solos], Red Dust, I Lost It (Lucinda Williams cover), Midnight Sun, Burn That Broken Bed, What Heaven’s Left.

    Photo by: Buscar Photo (www.buscarphoto.com)
    Photo by: Buscar Photo (www.buscarphoto.com)
    Photo by: Buscar Photo (www.buscarphoto.com)
    Photo by: Buscar Photo (www.buscarphoto.com)
    Photo by: Buscar Photo (www.buscarphoto.com)
    Photo by: Buscar Photo (www.buscarphoto.com)
    Photo by: Buscar Photo (www.buscarphoto.com)
    Photo by: Buscar Photo (www.buscarphoto.com)
    Photo by: Buscar Photo (www.buscarphoto.com)
    Photo by: Buscar Photo (www.buscarphoto.com)
    Photo by: Buscar Photo (www.buscarphoto.com)
    Photo by: Buscar Photo (www.buscarphoto.com)
    Photo by: Buscar Photo (www.buscarphoto.com)
    Photo by: Buscar Photo (www.buscarphoto.com)
    Photo by: Buscar Photo (www.buscarphoto.com)
    Photo by: Buscar Photo (www.buscarphoto.com)
    Photo by: Buscar Photo (www.buscarphoto.com)
    Photo by: Buscar Photo (www.buscarphoto.com)
    Photo by: Buscar Photo (www.buscarphoto.com)
    Photo by: Buscar Photo (www.buscarphoto.com)
    Photo by: Buscar Photo (www.buscarphoto.com)
    Photo by: Buscar Photo (www.buscarphoto.com)
    Photo by: Buscar Photo (www.buscarphoto.com)

  • In Focus: Almost Queen, More Than A Tribute.

    Almost Queen – The Capitol Theatre

    “It started out because of the love of Queen, and today it’s still going because of the love of Queen,” is how Randy Gregg characterizes his New York City based tribute band, Almost Queen. Now in their 16th year, Almost Queen is selling out shows across the U.S., including the The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, N.Y. where we caught the band performing.  

    Joseph Russo (as Freddie Mercury)

    Paying homage to one of the UK’s most iconic bands are Joseph Russo (as Freddie Mercury), Steve Leonard (as Brian May), John Cappadona (as Roger Taylor), and Randy Gregg (John Deacon). I spoke with Gregg a few days before the Capitol show to gather some insight into a “tribute” based rock and roll band.

     “Almost Queen is first and foremost, a proper band,” he proclaims. “I see a lot of tribute bands out there and they do a great job, but I see that they focus, (are) so focused on trying to emanate and trying to do this, that they have lost the sight of your first reason: to be a band and play. We play. If we weren’t doing Queen music and we were doing the Rolling Stones, we’d kill that too because these four guys are first and foremost, a band.”

    Almost Queen – The Capitol Theatre

    “Back fifteen; sixteen years ago, I don’t even know if there were any Queen tribute bands around.” Randy recounts. “It was like a dare you even try to attempt playing Queen music. We did a lot of rehearsal in that first year. Our goal was to perform the songs you hear on the radio, studio versions is what we wanted to shoot for. ”

    Randy Gregg (as John Deacon)

    It started out because of the love of Queen, and today it still going because of the love of Queen

    Randy Gregg, Almost Queen
    Almost Queen – The Capitol Theatre

    “We wanted to get as close to Queen as possible,” Gregg shares. “ We knew that we never could be what that band was. But we wanted to get into the ballpark. That’s why we call the band Almost Queen. ‘Cause there is no way we could be Queen and that’s just the end of it. So from day one we had an excuse that if you don’t feel we were that good, it’s called Almost Queen.”

    John Cappadona (as Roger Taylor)

    With 15 studio, seven EPs, two soundtracks and other recordings to draw from, determining what Queen songs to play on any given night can be a challenge. Gregg incorporates a technique based on where the band is performing. “If it’s the first time going into a venue, here’s the hit’s list. ‘Cause there is an expectation. You don’t want to hit them with anything out of the ordinary right away. Then boom, we did great, we are coming back for that next gig and here are these couple of songs we are going to take out and put these couple of songs in. Give it a different flavor. Third time back, lets put in a couple more, deeper cuts. I have set lists saved on my computer for years. If we’re playing (a) venue for the eighth time, in eight years, I will pull out eight different set lists. I never wanted to have it were we get a revue that says Almost Queen was great, but same set list. It’s always about keeping it fresh.”

    Almost Queen – The Capitol Theatre

    With 16 years performing as Almost Queen under their belt, I asked about the preparation before a show.  “It’s a pretty cool vibe backstage. One or two people could be cranking some tunes in the back. It’s a lively vibe; it’s an exciting vibe. We know what we are going to be doing in a half hour. It’s pretty chill but it’s pretty exciting. We are just doing our normal routine, getting dressed, stretching out, warming up vocals, having a beer, putting on makeup everything that’s involved with a rock and roll show. The excitement builds per minute as that goes on. “

    Steve Leonard (as Brian May)

    Being a tribute band, what happens as you walk on stage for that first number? Is there a loss of person and a transformation? A transformation into Queen? “It is very close to that,” Gregg reveals. “When the lights go out, the place becomes hysterical as the intro comes on. That moment of walking out on stage when that intro comes on, it’s like a real deal rock show. That is the vibe that you get when you walk out into it. Within that time of the intro, you are absorbing this energy coming from the crowd, this excitement, here it is, you feel it all. Then, at that first start of the note, all of our minds go right to the music.”

    Almost Queen – The Capitol Theatre

    The energy level at The Capitol Theatre was peaking the dials. The band played for almost two hours, with people singing and dancing throughout the night. Mid show, lead singer Joseph Russo engaged the audience in an impromptu a cappella vocal round, making everyone a member of the band.  The love for Queen was in abundance, emanating from the stage and being returned exponentially by those in the house.  

    Almost Queen – The Capitol Theatre

    Taking the night to another level, the proceeds from the Almost Queen merch table are donated (as they are with every show) to The Mercury Phoenix Trust, which was founded by Brian May, Roger Taylor and Jim Beach in memory of Freddie Mercury, who died from HIV/AIDS in 1991.  The goal of MPT is to fund the work of global charities fighting aids worldwide. “We are very proud to donate our merch,” Randy noted with a gratifying tone to his voice.

    Almost Queen – The Capitol Theatre

    What started as love for a band, that has snowballed into sell out shows, and promotes compassion for one’s fellow man to boot, has me thinking that maybe the band should change its name from Almost to Absolutely Queen.

    Those were the days of our lives, yeah
    The bad things in life were so few
    Those days are all gone now but one thing’s still true
    When I look and I find, I still love you
    I still love you


    These are the days of our lives
    Brian May / Freddie Mercury / John Deacon / Roger Taylor
    almost queen

  • Garcia Peoples announce live release from October residency at Nublu NYC

    Fresh from their October residency, Garcia Peoples have announced the release of Nublu 10-10-19, NYC, ahead of their performance at Freaks Ball XX. Slated for a March 6 release, the residency featured the release of One Step Behind, with with special guest Tom Malach on sax throughout the 50 exploratory, barnburning minutes of the title track.

    Garcia Peoples live release

    Andy Cush, bassist in Garcia Peoples, shared his thoughts on the release: “Listening back to the recording of this show, I remember standing onstage, eyes closed, deep in concentration, hoping everything would hold together the way it’s supposed to. It was the first (and to date the only) time we’d ever played “One Step Behind” live as an ensemble with Tom’s dad, the great saxophonist Bob Malach, who’d overdubbed his contributions to the album version after the basic tracks were already in place. Naturally, and happily, hardly anything went quite the way we expected onstage. The music on this tape is at its most alive when you can hear us abandoning the plan and surrendering to the unknown.

    “From the outset, we knew we wanted to push ourselves at this show to take “One Step Behind” as far out as possible, searching at its boundaries for previously undiscovered zones. I like to think we found a few. In particular, there’s a groove-oriented stretch in the middle that we played with more openness than ever before, which—for me, at least—has directly impacted the performances we’ve given since then. Perhaps by the time this tape comes out, we’ll be exploring territories of “One Step Behind” that we didn’t even realize existed back when it was recorded. A map only gets you so far. Sometimes you just have to follow the sound.”

    Pre-order the album via Bandcamp and listen to Show Your Troubles Out here. Freaks Ball XX takes place on Saturday, February 15 at The Bell House in Brooklyn, NY.

  • Kamasi Washington Live at the Apollo Theater concert film to be released February 6

    Thursday, February 6 will see the release of Kamasi Washington Live at the Apollo Theater, streaming exclusively on Amazon Prime Video. Directed by Michael Garber, the film was recorded in February 2019 at Washington’s performance at the historic Harlem venue. Joining Washington in the film is his band, The Next Step, with special guests DJ Battlecat and vocalist Dwight Trible. 

    “Playing at the Apollo Theater is one of the greatest honors that a musician can have,” said Washington. “When I walked down 125th Street from my hotel in Harlem and saw my name on the marquee I almost couldn’t believe it. To be a part of that prestigious group of brilliant musical minds was truly humbling for me. To say that night was one of the most amazingly special nights of my life is a grave understatement. I’m so happy and thankful to be able to share this moment with people all over the world. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did!”

    The film includes one previously unreleased track, “The Bombshell’s Waltz,” initially recorded for Washington’s 2007 album, The Proclamation, which can be streamed below. Watch Kamasi Washington Live At The Apollo Theater beginning February 6 via Amazon Music. 

  • Queens has a new venue in Ridgewood with TV Eye

    TV Eye, a new venue/gallery located in Queens on the Ridgewood/Bushwick border, opened its doors recently, aiming to attract an audience with an appeal as a ‘funhaus, party palace, venue, dance club, bar, cafe, art gallery, courtyard and social club’ all in one. With multiple rooms, a capacity of 250 and a kitchen by Barker & Sons, this area of Queens that is also home to Trans-Pecos will have even more life added to it from 4pm-4am daily.

    As reported by Brooklyn Vegan, the new venue is owned by Caleb Braaten, owner of Sacred Bones Records; Todd Abramson, current buyer at Jersey City’s White Eagle Hall and Monty Hall; party-thrower Jonathan Toubin, owner of Bowery Ballroom and Mercury Ballroom; Michael Swier; Brian Swier, architect of Bowery, Mercury Lounge and Music Hall of Williamsburg among others; and Amanda Haase and Jasper McGandy of Home Sweet Home. Brandon Stosuy, a former Pitchfork/Stereogum editor and Creative Independent founder, as well as Caleb’s partner in managing bands, has mentioned he will be involved in the programming of TV Eye’s Zone 6 Art Gallery.

    queens ridgewood tv eye

    Doors opened on New Year’s Eve at TV Eye with Toubin’s NY Night Train 13th Annual New Years Ball, followed by Toubin’s New Year’s Day hangover party. Although the full calendar of events has not been announced yet, notable shows this month include a rare NYC show on Friday, February 7, featuring Kid Congo Powers (Cramps, Gun Club, Nick Cave & The BS), Mick Collins (Gories, Dirtbombs), & Bob Bert (Sonic Youth, Pussy Galore), new supergroup Wolfmanhattan Project and Skull Practioners.

    Friday, February 14 is the 6th annual Panache/NY Night Train Valentines Day Village of Love show and dance to benefit Planned Parenthood, with a live review beginning at 8 pm. Join your favorite NYC vocalists singing their favorite love songs backed by an all-star band led by Dylan Fernandez, Acacia Fusco of The Advertisers and Alana Asha Amram of Hunx And His Punx. Then on February 19, join North Carolina garage punks Paint Fumes, The Advertisers and Cold Dice.

  • The Lawn Boys Celebrate Phish With Sweet Jams at Sera Phi

    The Lawn Boys celebrated Phish at Sera Phi in Greenpoint on Saturday night, and said goodbye to local artist Alex Anastas with a dream set list of Phish songs crafted by Anastas himself. The band consists of Darren Rodney (guitar), Andrew Mega (drums), Bruce Raskin (bass), and David Kaufman (keyboards), and primarily plays Phish covers.

    Sera Phi is also known as the Sera Phi Social Club, which lived up to its name as the crowd was exceptionally friendly. The row of couches in the back created a great ambiance and the vibrating floor echoed the crowd’s enjoyment through movement. The walls were filled with projections of partially inverted images of Phish throughout the evening, courtesy of videographer Aylon Ben-Ami.

    Alex Anastas

    The show began on a high note, with the band announcing the departure of Anastas to Australia, and stating that the proceeds from the event would benefit those impacted by the Australian bush fires. The first set contained many heavy hitters. “Bathtub Gin” included notable jam solos by Rodney, who was firing on all cylinders. Also, “Maze” > “David Bowie” felt like the real thing, as this band effectively channeled Phish. Anastas took the stage and sang during “Dirt” and “Waste.”

    After a delicious DJ set that included re-mixes of Pink Floyd, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead and the Talking Heads, the boys returned for another monster set. “Down With Disease” was the prevalent theme, as the band jammed into and out of this song several times. During “Glide,” the lyrics were changed to “We’re glad glad glad that Al’s alive.” The encore was equally exciting and well executed, with versions of “Harry Hood” and “Chalkdust Torture” that made the crowd long for the real thing.

    Overall, the Lawn Boys’ skills were quite impressive, and paired well with the social crowd at Sera Phi. They are a talented cover band who portrays Phish with vigor and delighted the crowd throughout the night.

    Setlist:

    Set One: Curtain With > AC / DC Bag, Bathtub Gin -> Ghost* > (funk jam) > Tweezer > Maze , Dirt, Waste^, Bouncing Around the Room,  David Bowie > Highway to Hell 

    Set Two: Down With Disease > Crosseyed and Painless > Down With Disease, Glide, Heavy Things, YEM, Tube > Tweezer Reprise

    Encore: Chalkdust Torture, Harry Hood

    Notes: *DWD teases; ^Darren acoustic, Al on vocals

  • The 2020 Rock and Roll Playhouse Includes Multiple Shows in New York

    The Rock and Roll Playhouse has expanded to include even more dates across the United States, including many in New York City. The performances will also make their way to Brooklyn Bowl in Nashville, Cubby Bear in Chicago, The Varsity Theater in Minneapolis, and Terrapin Crossroads in San Rafael, CA. 

    The Rock and Roll Playhouse is a family-minded live event series that tries to find new ways to inspire creativity and particularly foster a relationship between children and music. It’s a national concert series that gives back to local communities. The program has donated to the Can’d Aid Foundation’s Tunes Programs, VH-1 Save the Music Foundation, and Keep the Music Alive, as well as ticket donations to local school fundraisers and auctions.

    The event series will make stops at Brooklyn Bowl New York, Garcia’s at the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, NY, Industry City in Brooklyn and Rockefeller Center in New York City. For more information and to purchase tickets visit The Rock and Roll Playhouse official site. 

    The Rock and Roll Playhouse 2020 Winter/Spring Tour Dates:

    Ardmore Music Hall – Philadelphia, PA 

    2/8 – Purple Party ft. Music of Prince and More for Kids with Johnny Shortcake

    3/29 – The Music of Phish for Kids ft. Bathtub Gin 

    Brooklyn Bowl New York – Brooklyn, NY 

    2/9 – The Music of Grateful Dead for Kids

    2/16 – Purple Party ft. Music of Prince and More for Kids

    2/23 – Mardi Gras Celebration for Kids ft. Black Tie Brass 

    3/1 – The Music of Fleetwood Mac for Kids

    3/8 – The Music of Phish for Kids ft. Uncle Ebenezer – Purim Celebration with Because Jewish

    3/15 – The Music of Grateful Dead for Kids // Family-friendly Tribute to Phil Lesh Celebrating his 80th Birthday

    3/22 – Broadway Rock for Kids ft. Musicians and Singers Direct from Broadway  

    3/29 – The Music of Dave Matthews Band for Kids ft. Rhyme and Reason 

    Brooklyn Bowl Nashville – Nashville, TN

    3/29 – The Music of Grateful Dead for Kids ft. Los Colognes 

    4/19 – The Music of Queen for Kids

    5/10 – Music of The Beatles for Kids // Mother’s Day Celebration 

    Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas – Las Vegas, NV

    2/22 – Purple Party ft. Music of Prince and More for Kids! 

    3/28 – The Music of Grateful Dead for Kids 

    Bluebird Theater – Denver, CO

    2/8 – The Music of Phish for Kids ft. Kings of Prussia 

    Garcia’s at the Capitol Theatre – Port Chester, NY 

    2/15 – The Music of Queen for Kids

    2/29 – Music of The Beatles for Kids

    3/15 – The Music of Grateful Dead for Kids // Family-friendly Tribute to Phil Lesh Celebrating his 80th Birthday

    3/21 – Jazz for Kids 

    Charleston Pour House – Charleston, SC

    2/8 – The Music of Phish for Kids w/ Runaway Gin 

    3/14 – The Music of Grateful Dead for Kids // Family-friendly Tribute to Phil Lesh Celebrating his 80th Birthday

    Crystal Ballroom – Portland, OR 

    2/9 – The Music of Talking Heads for Kids

    3/15 – The Music of Grateful Dead for Kids // Family-friendly Tribute to Phil Lesh Celebrating his 80th Birthday

    Fairfield Theatre Company – Fairfield, CT  

    2/9 – The Music of Phish for Kids ft. Uncle Ebenezer 

    3/1 – One Love ft. Music of Bob Marley for Kids and More! 

    Funky Biscuit – Boca Raton, FL

    2/9 – Music of The Beatles for Kids

    Grey Eagle – Asheville, NC 

    2/23 – The Music of Grateful Dead for Kids

    Higher Ground – Burlington, VT

    2/9 – The Music of Grateful Dead for Kids

    3/8 – The Music of Phish for Kids

    Industry City – Brooklyn, NY

    2/8 – One Love ft. Music of Bob Marley for Kids and More w/ David Langlois and the Brooklyners – Bob Marley’s 75th Birthday Celebration  

    2/15 – Music of The Beatles for Kids  

    2/22 – Mardi Gras Celebration for Kids ft. Black Tie Brass

    2/29 – Broadway Rock for Kids ft. Musicians and Singers Direct From Broadway

    3/14 – The Music of Grateful Dead for Kids // Family-friendly Tribute to Phil Lesh Celebrating his 80th Birthday 

    Mohawk- Austin, TX

    2/9 – Purple Party ft. Music of Prince and More for Kids 

    Port City Music Hall – Portland, ME 

    2/9 – Purple Party ft. Music of Prince and More for Kids 

    3/1 – The Music of Phish for Kids 

    Rockefeller Center – New York, NY

    2/9 – Reggae for Kids ft. David Langlois and the Brooklyners  

    Saturn – Birmingham, AL 

    2/9 – The Music of Grateful Dead for Kids

    The Sinclair – Boston, MA 

    2/9 – Purple Party ft. Music of Prince and More for Kids 

    3/8 – The Music of Phish for Kids

    The Stone Pony – Asbury, NJ

    2/9 – Purple Party ft. Music of Prince and More for Kids 

    Sweetwater Music Hall – Mill Valley, CA

    2/8 – Purple Party ft. Music of Prince and More for Kids! 

    3/22 – The Music of Talking Heads for Kids 

    Terminal West – Atlanta, GA

    2/9 – Purple Party ft. Music of Prince and More for Kids! 

    3/22 – The Music of Phish for Kids

    Terrapin Crossroads – San Rafael, CA

    3/14 – The Music of Grateful Dead for Kids // Family-friendly Tribute to Phil Lesh Celebrating his 80th Birthday

    Thalia Hall – Chicago, IL 

    2/9 – Music of The Beatles for Kids (AM Show // SOLD OUT)

    2/9 – Music of The Beatles for Kids (PM Show) 

    3/1 – The Music of Phish for Kids 

    3/29 – The Music of Grateful Dead for Kids

    UC Theatre – Berkeley, CA 

    2/2 – Music of The Beatles for Kids

    Varsity Theater – Minneapolis, MN 

    2/22 – The Music of Grateful Dead for Kids 

  • Vevo and Fat Joe Present Live Performance of ‘Heaven & Hell’

    Vevo announced rapper Fat Joe, as the next artist in their Ctrl series, with a performance of “Heaven & Hell.” Vevo’s Ctrl series highlights the work of hard-hitting, cutting-edge musicians, both emerging and established, making an impact on today’s music scene. These artists demand attention and Vevo’s Ctrl shines a deserving spotlight.

    Shot in Vevo’s Brooklyn studio, Fat Joe’s performance of “Heaven & Hell” follows sessions from Fabolous, Rick Ross, Common, Rapsody, Jeezy, Jadakiss, A$AP Ferg and more, according to their official website.

    Sampling Wendy Rene’s 1964 record “After Laughter (Comes Tears)” – made famous throughout the hip-hop community by Wu Tang Clan for their sampling of it in 94’s “Tearz” – Fat Joe & Dre, spend roughly the first two-minutes detailing their past lives in the inner-city through a braggadocious lens, before a beat switch halfway through the record sees the two men double down on their affinity for jewelry and their status as bosses in their respective professions, before fading out the record with the original Rene sample.

    Hailing from the South Bronx, Fat Joe is one of hip-hop’s first Latino superstars. The Terror Squad founder has parlayed his streets smarts and lyrical ability into a legendary rap career. While he began as a gritty lyricist known for his inner-city tales, he soon developed a sense for penning hits and has provided some of hip-hop’s most memorable records with hit such as; “Lean Back,” “All the Way Up,” and ‘What’s Luv,” among others. Apart from his individual projects, Fat Joe has shown a knack for discovering and developing talent, with his most prominent protégé being late-rapper Big Pun and renowned emcee Remy Ma.