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Apple Valley Park will ‘Get The Led Out’ this June

Creative Concerts has announced yet another concert at Apple Valley Park in Lafayette, just south of Syracuse. Get the Led Out will perform on Friday, June 18th, bringing the sounds of Led Zeppelin with them.

Get The Led Out (GTLO) has captured the essence of the recorded music of Led Zeppelin and brought it to the concert stage. The Philadelphia-based group consists of six veteran musicians, intent on delivering Led Zeppelin live, like you’ve never heard before! Utilizing the multi-instrumentalists at their disposal, GTLO re-creates songs, in all their depth and glory, with the studio overdubs that Zeppelin themselves never performed. When you hear three guitars on the album, GTLO delivers three guitarists on stage. No wigs or fake English accents, GTLO brings what the audience wants, a high energy Zeppelin concert with honest, heart-thumping intensity.

Like previous events announced in this outdoor series, events will be socially distanced, with fans being able to purchase tickets in roped-off PODS for parties of 2, 4 or 6. In an effort to create a safe experience for guests, a carefully throughout site plan has been developed allowing for temperature screenings and surveys to be conducted upon entering the event grounds. To adhere to social distancing guidelines, all PODS are spaced a minimum of six feet apart. A variety of food and beverage options will be available for purchase. Site map and FAQ for the venue can be found at applevalleypark.com/faq

ABOUT APPLE VALLEY PARK: Apple Valley Park is located in beautiful LaFayette, NY. With its rural atmosphere, rolling hills, and expansive fall foliage, it has proven to be a wonderful home to the annual LaFayette Apple Festival since 1973. More recently it has expanded to host other live entertainment events, including a few successful drive-in concerts in the fall of 2020.

Tickets go on sale to the general public this Friday, May 14th at 10am at applevalleypark.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qmSuDl40Lc

May 13, 2021
Lineup Announced for 24th Brooklyn Film Festival

The Brooklyn Film Festival (BFF) has announced the film lineup for its 24th edition, titled “The Clearing.” Over the course of the 10-day festival, BFF will present 37 film programs online, and a partial line up of 22 programs in-person at Windmill Studios in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.

Brooklyn Film Festival’s organizers have been staging International, competitive film events since 1998. BFF’s mission is to provide a public forum in Brooklyn in order to advance public interest in films and the independent production of films. They seek to draw worldwide attention to Brooklyn as a center for cinema and to encourage the rights of all Brooklyn residents to access and experience the power of independent filmmaking. BFF, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit group that promotes artistic excellence and the creative freedom of artists without censure.

The 2021 edition will feature 36 World Premieres, 28 USA bows, 34 east coast debuts, and 25 first-time screenings in NY. In total, BFF will show in competition 147 features and shorts from 35 countries. The full lineup includes 13 narrative features and 9 documentary features highlighted in this release. The festival will also present 39 narrative shorts, 23 documentary shorts, 25 animation and 21 experimental films.

On June 5th, BFF will begin in-person screenings at Windmill Studios in Brooklyn at 3pm, with the feature documentary film Queens of Pain. At 6pm, there will be a short narrative program, led by the world premiere of Until, by Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick, and at 9pm, BFF will present the world premiere of the feature narrative, American Desert.

Along with the film screenings, BFF will offer parallel events, such as pre-recorded filmmaker introductions and Q&A sessions on the festival website. Live interviews and get-togethers will be staged on Facebook and other social media.

Tickets are available on the BFF website. Tickets for indoor screenings must be purchased in advance, online. All tickets and passes purchased online for BFF indoor programs can be picked up at Windmill Studios. Online, BFF will sell each film category for $10 and a Full Festival Pass for $24. All passes will be valid 24/7 from June 4-13.

The online lineup will be available 24/7 for the entire 10 days, and the indoor event will feature three programs a day on weekends, and two on weekdays. Each program is two-hours long. To find out both the online and indoor schedule, check BFF’s website.

Below is a partial line up of feature films playing in competition this year listed in alphabetical order. For further info on all the films, passes, and tickets, please check the BFF website.

FEATURE NARRATIVES:

AMERICAN DESERT
Dir: Adrian Bartol, United States, 82 min, 2020, Narrative Feature, World Premiere
It’s 2010, US Army veteran Matt Benning has returned from Afghanistan to a wrecked economy. Demons of war haunt him, a romance blossoms.

BONE CAGE
Dir: Taylor Olson, Canada, 89 min, 2019, Narrative Feature, NY Premiere
Jamie works operating a wood processor, clear-cutting for pulp. At the end of each shift, he walks through the destruction he has created.

CORRAL
Dir: Marcelo Brennand, Brazil, 84 min, 2020, Narrative Feature, US Premiere
Corral is a political drama that takes place in rural Brazil, in the city of Gravatá, where during the mayoral elections.

GOSSAMER FOLDS
Dir: Lisa Donato, United States, 95 min, 2019, Narrative Feature, NY Premiere
In 1986, nine-year-old Tate Millikin is uprooted and unwillingly moved to the suburbs of Kansas City. As his parent’s marriage unravels.

HELL IS EMPTY
Dir: Jo Shaffer, United States, 98 min, 2020, Narrative Feature, World Premiere
A self-styled messiah initiates a teenage runaway into his cult of sister-wives. Her rebellious nature upends the community.

KALOKHACHYA PARAMBYA [PROP SHOOTS OF DARKNESS]
Dir: Makarand Anaspure, India, 98 min, 2020, Narrative Feature, East Coat Premiere
Prop shoots of Darkness is conflict of young orphan Alif about spirituality and material world. Industrious and helping everyone in the village.

KRINGLE TIME
Dir: Matthew Lucas, United States, 103 min, 2021, Narrative Feature, World Premiere
After becoming the unlikely star of a children’s show, a public access TV station manager grapples with the problematic legacy of his predecessor.

MOVING IN 2008
Dir: Calogero Carucci, United States, 78 min, 2020, Narrative Feature, East Coast Premiere
A family tragedy during the recession of 2008, catalyzed by unemployment, personal crisis, and illness.

ONE NIGHT IN KATHMANDU
Dir: Mohan Rai, Nepal, 70 min, 2019, Narrative Feature, US Premiere
A GIRL, 26—together with a BOY, 33, who is a stranger to her– take an injured man to a hospital when an accident take places near them.

TANGO SHALOM
Dir: Gabriel Bologna, United States, 116 min, 2020, Narrative Feature, NY Premiere
“TANGO SHALOM”: Moshe Yehuda (Jos Laniado), a Hasidic Rabbi and amateur Hora dancer, enters a big televised Tango competition to save his Hebrew school.

TWO IS A MAGIC NUMBER
Dir: Holger Borggrefe, Stefan Hering, Germany, 85 min, 2020, Narrative Feature, US Premiere
A day at the lake. Andrejs ex-girlfriend Nadia pays him a visit. Nadia and Andrej’s former best mate Claudius are a couple now.

UNDER THE LANTERN LIT SKY
Dir: Michelle Bossy, United States, 75 min, 2020, Narrative Feature, World Premiere
The story of Blanche DuBois and her husband, who in different ways are coming to terms with their sexuality in 1920s Mississippi.

WALK WITH ME
Dir: Isabel del Rosal, United States, 112 min, 2020, Narrative Feature, NY Premiere
As she braves life after divorce, a young mother must challenge herself to take some personal risks after finding love in an unexpected place.

FEATURE DOCUMENTARIES:

AND SO I STAYED
Dir: Natalie Pattillo, Daniel Nelson, United States, 90 min, 2020, Documentary Feature, World Premiere
And So I Stayed is an intimate story of domestic violence survivors who killed their abusers in self-defense.

INTO THE LIGHT
Dir: Benjamin Schwartz, United States, 74 min, 2020, Documentary Feature, NY Premiere
In the 1980’s Chuck Connelly was recognized as a key figure among the New York-based Neo-expressionist painters.

LIFE & LIFE
Dir: NC Heikin, United States, 80 min, 2020, Documentary Feature, East Coast Premiere
Life & Life focuses on pressing criminal justice issues in America as seen through the life of recent parolee Reggie Austin.

LITTLE PAKISTAN – FUTURE HISTORIES
Dir: Sana Akram, United States, 120 min, 2021, Documentary Feature, US Premiere
Little Pakistan – Future Histories is a dérive—a drifting in an online environment illustrating an immigrant neighborhood of Pakistani-Americans.

MAYOR MOHAMED
Dir: Jeffrey M., United States, Syria, Turkey, 86 min, 2021, Documentary Feature, World Premiere
In this quintessential film about the Muslim-American immigrant experience, Mayor Mohamed Khairullah risks his life to bring humanitarian relief into Syria.

ORGAN STOPS – SAVING THE KING OF INSTRUMENTS
Dir: James Dawson, United Kingdom, 70 min, 2021, Documentary Feature, US Premiere
Martin has spent his life playing and building pipe organs; nowadays he dedicates all his time to rescuing them – “It’s a real crisis.”

QUEENS OF PAIN
Dir: Cassie Hay, Amy Winston, United States, 75 min, 2020, Documentary Feature, NY Premiere
One of the most successful teams in New York sports history, Gotham Girls Roller Derby is a feminist powerhouse of elite athletes, misfits, and renegades.

TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES
Dir: Hannah Jayanti, United States, 103 min, 2020, Documentary Feature
Truth or Consequences is a speculative documentary about time and how we weave the past into the present and our possible future.

THE WISDOM OF TRAUMA
Dir: Zaya Benazzo, Maurizio Benazzo, US, Canada, 88 min, 2021, Documentary Feature, World Premiere
Trauma is the invisible force that shapes our lives. It shapes the way we live, the way we love and the way we make sense of the world.

May 13, 2021
Hearing Aide: FRANK ‘Dreams and Fears of the Outside’

FRANK, a Brooklyn based group made up of Christian Linsey (drums and percussion, vocals), Billy Ziff (bass) and Scott Porter (guitar, vocals). On April 23, FRANK released their most recent piece of their already great discography. The title, Dreams and Fears of the Outside, is a perfect reflection of where we are now.

With the opening lyrics, “Things will never be the same now, somehow everything’s the same” FRANK puts forth their most eclectic album to date by changing everything while keeping their unique style intact. With a collection of folksy, lyrically driven tunes and funky dance numbers, this latest release offers something that everyone can enjoy. For that matter, this album is loaded with really unique songs that flow nicely into one another.

The album opens with “The Confusion”. This acoustic track builds brilliantly throughout and transitions into an incredibly danceable song, “New York (How I Feel)”. The group finds their groove here before moving on to a song that sounds like it could be right from The Big Pink. Big credit to the band for being able to span such a vast gamut of styles through the first half of the album. Though each song is so different, there is a cohesiveness to the atmosphere of the record.

The bass goes wild on “Namaste” as the drums groove with a spry pep. The energy picks as the anthemic “Can You Hear Me Now?” injects a bit of a Neil Young with guitarist Scott Porter’s dirty yet wonderfully melodic vocals. “Big Sur” is a great downtempo song with lush harmonies and a really harrowing guitar part that hovers like a cloud above the song. “Have a Good Time” is a beautifully written song. It has everything you want from a Rolling Stones influenced vibe. It still maintains the characteristic heavy drums and renegade guitar that FRANK has been putting on display throughout the record.

The last couple songs are a nice come down from the meaty middle of this release. “Today” is a perfect bookend for the album to pair with the opening track. This whole work is a pleasure to listen to, and as guitarist Scott Porter puts it, “The record is like calling a friend.” While each song oozes influence from past artists, FRANK does a spectacular job of making each tune their own. From top to bottom, there is not a song that you should skip. There is plenty of replay value. Keep on the lookout for more from this group. While they are split between the Catskills and NYC area currently, they are still able to release gems like this while apart. Stream the album and access all streaming platforms here. Check out their YouTube, Instagram and Facebook for more info.

Key Tracks: New York (How I Feel), Have a Good Time, Today

May 13, 2021
LOVE ROCKS NYC Returns to The Beacon Theater in June 2021

Live music comes back to New York’s Upper West Side this summer. The fifth annual LOVE ROCKS NYC benefit concert for God’s Love We Deliver returns on Thursday, June 3, 2021. Produced by John Varvatos, LOVE ROCKS NYC will be shown as a live stream event courtesy of platform Fans.Live from the historic Beacon Theatre in New York City. Rochester native drummer Steve Gadd will perform as part of the amazing house band put together by Music Director and band leader Will Lee.

The stellar house cast will include Steve Gadd, Shawn Pelton, Eric Krasno, Larry Campbell, Jeff Young and Ricky Peterson. Ken Dashow will serve as the house DJ. The event will be hosted by Jeff Garlin from Curb your Enthusiasm, Michael Imperioli from The Sopranos, New York Yankee Bernie Williams and Special Guest Tina Fey of SNL. This years featured performers all-star lineup of pop, rock, blues and soul music stars to include Sara Bareilles, Jon Bon Jovi,, Gary Clark Jr., Billy F Gibbons, Warren Haynes, Joe Bonamassa, Emily King, Ledisi, Pedrito Martinez, Tash Neal, Fantastic Negrito, Ivan Neville, Robert Randolph, Nathaniel Rateliff, Jimmy Vivino, Yola and more to be added.

Steve Gadd, Robert Plant, Will Lee, Eric Krasno LOVE ROCKS NYC 2019

The past four LOVE ROCKS NYC benefit concerts have delivered a staggering array of music stars from legendary headliners such as Keith Richards, Dave Matthews, Mavis Staples, Robert Plant, Warren Haynes, Emmylou Harris, Buddy Guy, Andra Day, Ziggy Marley, Ann Wilson and Sheryl Crow to rising stars such as Leon Bridges, Marcus King, Allen Stone, Larkin Poe, Hozier and The War and Treaty.

LOVE ROCKS NYC 2020 served as a milestone as the first of many live streams last year with the touchdown of the pandemic before its performance last March. Upper West side resident Trey Anastasio helped carry the virtual torch at the end of last year with an 8 week residency to help raise money under the Beacon Jams for a charitable cause. This year’s concert event will also pay tribute to the NYC Front line workers who have played a critical role in supporting the city during the pandemic.

Dave Matthews LOVE ROCKS NYC 2020

Fans anywhere can experience this memorable night of music by signing up at loverocksnyc.com to receive a free live stream link. You can help support the organization through the special $20 = 2 Meals suggested donation option on the website. Love Rocks NYC has helped raise more than $13 million to date.

Derek Trucks and his wife, Susan Tedeschi were surprise musical guests at last March’s Love Rocks NYC benefit. Attendance was limited to venue and production staff, artists and their teams and media. “That was the day they shut down, no gatherings over 500 people. So they did the show just for the webcast with maybe 200 or 300 guests in the audience,” Trucks said of the night. “It felt so strange to look over the Beacon and see a few hundred people dancing and having a good time but keeping their distance. It was an odd scene. That one felt like the last party before the end of the world.”

Paul Shaffer, David Letterman, Jeff Coffin LOVE ROCKS NYC 2020

Last March’s most special guest David Letterman reunited with Paul Shaffer on stage in New York City for the first time in five years. Letterman made light of the newly presented restrictions for the live music entertainment world by quoting Tom Petty’s song “Letting You Go.” “It’s a restless world, uncertain times, you said hope was getting hard to find.”

Letterman elaborated, “After listening to that song, tonight it occurs to me that when things are hard, harder than they’ve ever been, even more troubled, you have got to look for something positive and one of the great gifts, one of the great blessings of life, honest to God, is live music.”

May 13, 2021
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Announces 2021 Inductees Including Jay-Z, Foo Fighters and Tina Turner

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has announced the 2021 inductees, including big names like Jay-Z, Foo Fighters and Tina Turner. This year’s inductees are one of the most diverse groups in the history of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with three different women artists being inducted into the performers category for the first time ever.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation decided back in 1985 where to open its physical museum and ultimately decided on Cleveland, Ohio. In 1986, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame announced its first group of inductees which consisted of Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, Fats Domino, James Brown, Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard, Ray Charles, Sam Cooke and the Everly Brothers.

JAY-Z, Dave Grohl, Tina Turner (Getty Images)

This year’s inductees includes Jay-Z and the Foo Fighters who only just became eligible this year. It also includes Carole King, Tina Turner, and The Go-Go’s, which is the first time three different women artists were inducted into the performers category in the same year. Dave Grohl (previously with Nirvana), Turner (previously with Ike Turner), and King (previously with Gerry Goffin) have all been inducted before. Turner and King follow Stevie Nicks as the only women to be inducted multiple times before.

This is the most diverse class of inductees in the history of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
John Sykes, Chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, to Pitchfork.

Outside the “Performers” induction category, several iconic artists received recognition from the Rock Hall. Early Influence Awards went to Kraftwerk, Gil Scott-Heron, and Charley Patton this year. The Musical Excellence Award went to LL Cool J, Billy Preston, and Randy Rhoads. Music executive Clarence Avant is this year’s Ahmet Ertegun Award honoree.

For more information on the 2021 inductees visit the RRHOF website.

2021 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees

Performer Category
Foo Fighters
The Go-Go’s
JAY-Z
Carole King
Todd Rundgren
Tina Turner

Ahmet Ertegun Award
Clarence Avant

Musical Excellence Award
LL Cool J
Billy Preston
Randy Rhoads

Early Influence Award
Kraftwerk
Gil Scott-Heron
Charley Patton

May 13, 2021
Firefly Festival announces 2021 Lineup

Firefly festival is back. The unparalleled East Coast music festival, nestled in Delaware’s picturesque Woodlands, has announced its return over September 23-26, 2021. The 2021 Firefly Festival, in conjunction with AEG Presents, will features a lineup that includes headlining sets from Billie Eilish, The Killers, Tame Impala, and Lizzo.

As the largest East Coast camping festival, Firefly has earned its reputation as one of the country’s rite-of-passage destinations for music lovers across the U.S. With a similar approach to bringing fans the larger than life experiences that helped establish the likes of Glastonbury and Reading/Leeds as must-attend events, Firefly has grown into one of the biggest, most-beloved music weekends in America.

Firefly’s return in 2021 will be exactly what fans needed from the live setting they’ve been missing for over a year — incredible sets from iconic artists; the best food and beverage offerings within the Delaware Valley; unique, festival-exclusive moments that only Firefly could provide; and so much more.

Sign up for exclusive presale access at fireflyfestival.com for your chance to secure weekend passes at the lowest price possible. Presale begins Friday, May 14th at 10 am ET. Pass Prices Start At $299 for Weekend GA and $699 for Weekend VIP.

With many camping packages and amenities to choose from, there is something for every fan. Camping packages include access to daily yoga, a beach club, silent discos, intramural sports, and permanent showers as well as a farmers’ market and general store. Ranger Stations throughout the campgrounds act as a community resource where festival-goers can access information, find support, and engage in other activities throughout the weekend. Camping Rangers are thoughtful, friendly, caring and informed staff whose sole focus is to ensure a positive festival experience for everyone.

Firefly Music Festival is conveniently located within driving distance from major metropolitan areas on the East Coast, including Philadelphia (under two hours), Baltimore (under two hours), Washington D.C (under two hours) and New York City (three hours). Fans can also take advantage of Amtrak service to Wilmington, Delaware as well as SEPTA and Greyhound bus line service.

Visit FireflyFestival.com for more information.

The 2021 Firefly Festival line up (in ABC order):

Almost Monday
Aluna
Anna of the North
Arlo Parks
Atlas Genius
Badflower
Band of Horses
Big Wild
Billie Eilish
Binki
Blackbear
Blossom
Cage The Elephant
Cannons
Caribou
Carolesdaughter
Cassy
Chris Lake
Claud
Clever
Clozee
Deep Sea Diver
Denzel Curry
Des Rocs
Diplo
Dominic Fike
Duckwrth
Duke Dumont
Elohim
Flo Milli
GG Magree and Mija
girl in red
Glass Animals
Gracie Abrams
Grandson
iann dior
Jordy
Judah and the Lion
JXDN
Kenny Mason
Kennyhoopla
Khruangbin
The Killers
Kim Petras
Laundry Day
Lizzo
Lost Frequencies
Lovelytheband
LP Giobbi
Machine Gun Kelly
Madds
Madeon
Marc Rebillet
Maria Isabel
Megan Thee Stallion
Michigander
Middle Kids
Missio
Mt. joy
Nelly
Noga Erez
Oliver Tree
ONR
Orion Sun
Peach Pit
Phoebe Bridgers
Portugal. the Man
Positive Movement Drumline
redveil
Remi Wolf
REZZ
Ritt Momney
Roddy Ricch
Role Model
Royal & The Serpent
Rossy
Rozet
Serena Isioma
Slander
$NOT
Sofi Tukker
St. Panther
Still Woozy
Sub Urban
Surf Mesa
Sylvan Esso
Taking Back Sunday
Tame Impala
Tate McRae
Trevor Daniel
Turnstile
White Reaper
Wiz Khalifa

May 13, 2021
10,000 Maniacs to Perform at Beak and Skiff Apple Orchards

Legendary alt-rock band from Jamestown, 10,000 Maniacs featuring Mary Ramsey, will be performing at Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards on Friday, June 11th, marking their first performance since February 29, 2020.

10,000 Maniacs has been kicking it for 40 years at this point. The band still consist of four of the six original members: Mary Ramsey, who replaced the lead singer in 1993 on lead vocals and viola; Steven Gustafson on bass and guitar; Dennis Drew on keyboard; Jeff Erickson who replaced founding member Robert Buck on guitar; John Lombardo on guitar; and Jerome Augustyniak on drums.

After nearly 15 months off the road, 10,000 Maniacs is excited to finally get back to playing shows. The time off the road has also given the band time to write new material, with a couple dozen new tunes in the works and the prospect of recording a new studio album. Releasing close to 20 albums over their storied career, 10,000 Maniacs has become recognized as one of the most enduring bands from the early “alternative rock” movement. Their critically acclaimed, break-out album, “In My Tribe”, was included in Rolling Stone Magazine’s “100 Best Albums Of The Eighties.”

It will be a happy day when we all in the arts and everyday life can experience the freedom to breathe and be in a safe and nurturing environment. I am looking forward to being energized again by our amazing and loyal fans
Mary Ramsey, Lead Singer

Tickets are offered in pods of 2 people ($130-$190) and 4 people ($260-$380). For more information call 315-696-6055 or visit beakandskiff.com

May 12, 2021
In Focus: Pink Talking Fish pay tribute to Cornell ’77 at State Theatre of Ithaca
On Saturday, May 8, Pink Talking Fish played at State Theatre of Ithaca, to celebrate the town’s Grateful Dead Day and pay tribute to the Grateful Dead’s 5/8/77 Cornell Show. This year marked the 44th anniversary of the Barton Hall show,

photo by Casey Martin

Fusing Pink Floyd, Talking Heads, Phish and Grateful Dead songs from the May 8, 1977 performance at Cornell, Pink Talking Fish dove deep and honed in on the Dead catalog and the spirit of the original show.

The show is set to rebroadcast Thursday, May 27 on Fans.Live.

photo by Casey Martin

Pink Talking Fish May 8th, 2021 The State Theater Ithaca, NY

Set 1: New Minglewood Blues >Happiest Days Of Our Lives >Another Brick In The Wall Part 2 >Another Brick In The Wall Part 3 >Free, They Love Each Other, Nothing But Flowers, Jack Straw, Pigs (3 Different Ones) >This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody), Deal, Run Like An Antelope

Set 2: Scarlet Begonias >Fire On The Mountain, Divided Sky >Fearless* >Divided Sky, Crosseyed And Painless, Estimated Prophet >Alumni Blues >Letter To Jimmy Page >Alumni Blues, Wish You Were Here >Not Fade Away >St Stephen Outro >Once In A Lifetime

Encore: Morning Dew*w/ Prince Caspian tease
May 12, 2021
March on Broadway: Actors Stream in Protest of Inequity
Tuesday, May 11 kicked off a three-part streaming event to combat racism and inequity in the Broadway community. The March on Broadway includes actors Laura Benanti, Stephanie J. Block, Sierra Boggess, Kelli O’Hara, and Celia Keenan-Bolger have joined March on Broadway’s fight against the treatment of minority Broadway workers.

The actors are each hosting guest speakers live to talk about the treatment of those with minority status on Broadway. Yesterday at 9AM, Lauren Benanti (@laurabenanti) talked with Davon Williams and Courtney Daniels about the Black Theatre Matters Bill, a monumental piece of legislation that has passed through the Actors’ Equity Association’s First Inaugural National Convention that stands poised to radically change the union and the industry at large.

Tonight, May 12, at 9PM, Stephanie J. Block (@stephaniejblock) will host Jaime Cepero, Shakina Nayfack, and L Morgan in a conversation centered around Trans, Non-Binary, and Gender Non-Conforming Artist inclusion in the theatre industry.

Tomorrow, May 13, at 2PM Sierra Boggess (@officialsierraboggess) will talk with Nattalyee Randall, Ryan J. Haddad, and Joshua Castille about Deaf and Disabled community within the theatre industry and its issues with accessibility. An ASL interpreter will be present for the duration of the livestream. Viewers are encouraged to participate in every conversation and share their thoughts.

The March on Broadway, April 22. Photo by Rebecca J Michaelson (@rebeccajmichaelson)

The March on Broadway was held on April 22nd in protest against the Broadway League and the Actors’ Equity Association (AEA), the union for live theatre performers. The protest was a response to the inequitable treatment of marginalized communities and hoped to create change which would make Broadway a safer place to work when shows open.

The protest was also sparked by the Hollywood Reporter’s cover story about Scott Rudin, a Broadway and film producer with an Oscar, Emmy, Grammy, and 17 Tonys. Several interns have come out with horror stories about the way he treated them. Each was subject to nearly constant verbal and physical abuse. Kevin Ghram-Caso, Rudin’s executive assistant from 2008-2009, developed PTSD after working for the producer and later committed suicide.

Sis and Ashley De La Rosa. Photo by Rebecca J Michaelson

The protest and live streams focus on the following five demands:
1. Following Scott Rudin’s resignation from the Broadway League, the Actors’ Equity Association must take immediate action in adding him to the “Do Not Work” list.
2. A full report on how the 2019-2020 Equity dues were spent and what percentage was spent to help conversations around diversity.
3. A full list of organizations that AEA is working with to help Black, Indigenous, and POC feel safer.
4. Specific plans of action and a timeline for how the Black Theatre Matters bill will be implemented as well as greater visibility on how the national council votes on policy.
5. Working to achieve greater inclusion for Trans, Non-Binary, and Gender Non-Conforming union members. Working to achieve greater inclusion and accessibility for Deaf and Disabled union members.
Protest organizers Nattalyee Randall and Courtney Daniels said, “At a time where marginalized communities are doing most of the heavy lifting, it is essential for our allies to accept their role and position in dismantling white supremacy.”

Photo by Rebecca J Michaelson

Days after the Hollywood Reporter published the story on Rudin, the AEA and other entertainment industry unions released a joint statement speaking out against workplace harassment. On April 17, AEA asked Rudin to release his staff from NDAs, which force his assistants to remain anonymous or silent. A spokesperson for Rudin said “he is stepping back from his professional work, so that he can do the proper work to address these issues.”

Still, the fight is far from over. The Broadway League has not commented on the March on Broadway or Rudin’s abusive behavior. “Now can you believe what we have done in six days?” Courtney Daniels asks. “Now could you imagine what we could do in a month?” The streams are leading up to the meeting between the AEA and March on Broadway’s organizers on the 14th to talk about these demands.

We have a union that is interlocked in supremacy. We are tired of the town halls. We have waited an entire year for our union to work for us. To give us answers. To show us transparency. No, we will not be easily distracted.
Courtney Daniels

Find more information about March on Broadway here. Follow on Instagram @50milerunforjusticeprotest and @randomblackgirllll
May 12, 2021
Blue Note Jazz Club Reopens with Summer Music Festival

New York’s Blue Note Jazz Club returns this summer with a lineup ready to get back to live performances. Kicking off June 15, Sony Presents Blue Note Jazz Festival will feature Ron Carter, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, Robert Glasper, Jacob Collier, Eddie Palmieri, John Scofield and Al Di Meola, among many other musicians scheduled to perform through August 15.

Performances will take place both indoors at the iconic Blue Note Jazz Club in Greenwich Village and Central Park Summerstage. The performances at the Blue Note Jazz Club mark the return of musicians to the legendary stage following closure in March 2020.

Reopening the Blue Note and re-establishing the Festival in 2021 is a significant and important step toward restoring the vibrant music community of New York City. The reopening will also allow us to celebrate the 10th anniversary of our Festival this year as well as the 40th anniversary of the Blue Note New York.
Steven Bensusan, President Blue Note Entertainment Group

Variety notes that four artists performing in the 10th anniversary Blue Note Jazz Festival appeared in its inaugural edition: Chris Botti, Eddie Palmieri, Ron Carter, and Eric Krasno. The festival also welcomes artists making their Blue Note debuts, Brasstracks, Ghost-Note, and Digable Planets.

Blue Note Jazz Club adheres to the reopening guidelines as set forth by the City of New York, New York State, and the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Tickets can be purchased here.

BLUE NOTE JAZZ FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

SummerStage in Central Park:
Sunday, June 20 – Chris Botti
Sunday, June 27 – George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic
Sunday, July 11 – Galactic feat. Anjelika ‘Jelly’ Joseph & MonoNeon

Blue Note (Greenwich Village):
Tuesday, June 15 – Sunday, June 20 – Robert Glasper
Monday, June 21 – Jacob Collier and Friends
Tuesday, June 22 – Wednesday, June 23 – Ghost-Note
Thursday, June 24 – Sunday, June 27 – Ravi Coltrane w/ Orrin Evans, Dezron Douglas, Johnathan Blake
Monday, June 28 – Joel Ross
Tuesday, June 29 – Thursday, July 1 – Eric Krasno Trio (E3 FT Eric Kalb & Eric Finland)
Friday, July 2 – Saturday, June 3 – Brasstracks
Sunday, July 4 – Monday, July 5 – Eddie Palmieri Residency
Tuesday, July 6 – Wednesday, July 7 – Maurice “Mobetta” Brown
Thursday, July 8 – Sunday, July 11 – John Scofield
Monday, July 12 – Thursday, July 15 – Keyon Harrold
Friday, July 16 – Sunday, July 18 – Talib Kweli with Live Band
Monday, July 19 – Eddie Palmieri Residency
Tuesday, July 20 – Wednesday, July 21 – James Carter Quartet w/ James Hurt, Gerald Cannon, Kahlil Kwame Bell
Thursday, July 22 – Saturday, July 24 – Ms. Lisa Fischer
Monday, July 26 – Michel Camilo
Tuesday, July 27 – Judith Hill
Wednesday, July 28 – Thursday, July 29 – Joe Lovano Quartet
Friday, July 30 – Sunday, Aug 1 – Al Di Meola
Monday, Aug 2 – Eddie Palmieri Residency
Wednesday, Aug 4 – Sunday, Aug 8 – Ron Carter Quartet w/ Renee Rosnes, Jimmy Greene, Payton Crossley
Monday, Aug 9 – Tuesday, Aug 10 – Isaiah Sharkey
Wednesday, Aug 11 – Thursday, Aug 12 – Digable Planets
Friday Aug 13 – Sunday, Aug 15 – John Pizzarelli Better Days Ahead (Solo Guitar Takes on Pat Metheny)

May 12, 2021