On April 13, 2021, The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) announced the winners of the 2021 ASCAP Pop Music Awards, celebrating well-known stars of the genre.
Some familiar faces who received awards are The Weeknd, celebrated as 2021 songwriter of the year with “Heartless,” and Post Malone, celebrating “Circles” as the song of the year.
The celebration kicked off with an Instagram Live interview with Lewis Capaldi and a performance of “Before You Go.”
For the complete list of winners, visit the ASCAP website. The American Society of Songwriters, Composers, and music Publishers is an official organization dedicated to license and promote their affiliates, ranging across every genre.
On April 13, Lincoln Center announced that their Josie Robertson Plaza is transforming into “The Green,” allowing New Yorkers to enjoy the space.
The Green is a part of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation-Lincoln Center Agora initiative, Restart Stages, whose mission is to help rebuild the arts sector and the city’s revival by reimagining and reactivating public spaces. It will create 10 outdoor performance and rehearsal spaces, an outdoor performing arts center, and more public venues.
Design by Mimi Lien Rendering by Timothy Leung
In coordination with NY PopsUp, part of Governor Cuomo’s New York Arts Revival, the initiative will go beyond the Lincoln Center. Restart Stages began on April 7, World Health Day with performances for healthcare workers by the New York Philharmonic.
Mimi Lien, set designer and MacArthur Genius grantee, is in charge of the plaza’s reimagination. She wanted to create it into a place of inclusion and inhabitation rather than just an area to walk through to see a performance or get to the Library. Lien envisions The Green as a park space where people can relax and a site of social infrastructure.
Before The Green, the plaza was 14,000 square feet of open concrete. After being redesigned, it will be made of recyclable and biobased SYNLawn grass-like material. It is provided by SYNLawn New Yorkand contains high soy content from U.S Farmers. Hudson Scenic Studio is providing the fabrication. To add to the community aspect of The Green, the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts is providing books for the public to borrow. A small snack bar will be in the northeast corner and there will be pop up performances in the Summer and Fall.
The Green opens on May 10 through September 2021, from 9 a.m to midnight. Due to the pandemic, safety protocols will be in place to follow guidelines.
37 years ago today, The Grateful Dead played their one and only show in Niagara Falls, NY. The band was certainly familiar with the state by this time in their touring career, but had never managed to play this section of Western New York before. In traditional fashion, the Dead started the year off with some shows in California and out west before heading east for spring tour. After a show in Rochester the night before, this would be the fourth show of the East Coast run, following two at Hampton Coliseum.
The Dead do a little extended tuning to rev up the Niagara Falls crowd even further to start and then its off to the races with “Jack Straw.” This one comes out of the gates clean, with Bob Weir leading the way on vocals. It’s later highlighted by a sparkling run on guitar by Jerry Garcia that takes this opener to another level. Garcia then uses “Dire Wolf” as another chance to drop down a pristine solo before the opening licks of “New Minglewood Blues” emerge next. This time, its keyboardist’s Brent Mydland’s time to show off thanks to a rousing organ solo delivered midway through. The traditional first set number builds up in intensity a little before coming to a close thanks to some more Garcia runs that follow and Weir using a pedal steel-like effect on guitar in the brief jam that ensues.
“Row Jimmy” then slows things down a tad, with Garcia noticeably stumbling early over some of the lyrics. It’s a fairly tame version that still seems like it’s trying to figure itself out. Afterwards, Weir “shadowboxes the Apocalypse” a little in the short-lived “My Brother Esau.” The first set excitement seems to return with “Ramble On Rose” that features a wicked feedback sound at the outset. Garcia has no issue with the lyrics this time and is complemented perfectly by Mydland with a harpsichord-like sound on keys throughout. This classic Dead number gets a loud roar of approval from the Niagara Falls crowd when all is said and done. The fairly short opening set then ends with “Looks Like Rain” > “Deal” with each allotting some time for a few more powerful Garcia-driven guitar solos.
A very raspy Bob Weir and some fun audio effects begin the second set with everyone’s favorite crowd management game, “Take A Step Back.” With this out of the way, the set then takes off with a sped-up and high octane “Help On The Way” that feels like its shot out of a cannon. Although it may be quick, it begets a powerfully cohesive and psychedelic jam that patiently explores and develops for a while. So much so, in fact, that it seems to completely bypass the beginning and go right to the end of “Slipknot!” After a quick run through the main riff, the Dead quickly shift gears once again and use “Franklin’s Tower” to complete the traditional pairing that starts this second set with a bang.
After giving the crowd a chance to catch their breath, the Dead are off and running again with “Man Smart, Women Smarter.” This seems to pick up right where the “Frankin’s” jam left off, with another rapid-fire, cohesive effort that sees Garcia leading the way once again. The drummer tag-team of Bill Kreutzmann and Mickey Hart provide the needed rhythmic support on an infectiously bouncy take on this number.
The drum-heavy outro jam then suddenly yields to Garcia and the opening chords of “Eyes Of The World” begin to be heard, cementing an already impressive second set. Despite some ethereal tones from Mydland on keys, this “Eyes” starts fast and only gets faster as Garcia annihilates one guitar run after another, seemingly getting more powerful as the song progresses.
In a complete contrast, the band seems to be extra patient and exploratory in the “Space” portion of the evening that follows “Drums.” The Dead take their sweet time noodling around, with Garcia running up and down scales in a variety of tones and effects. As a discernable drum beat emerges from the madness, so too does “Black Peter.” Some noticeable “spacey” effects appear to seep into this one, giving this “Peter” a real jazzy, psychedelic vibe that meshes perfectly with the blues emanating from Garcia.
To close out tonight’s show at the Niagara Falls Convention Center, the Grateful Dead would mix in a few newer numbers, starting with the Weird-led “Throwing Stones.” A couple of dazzling keyboard fills from Mydland on piano highlight this one which was only premiered a few years prior. At its conclusion, Garcia immediately starts the introductory chords to Buddy Holly’s “Not Fade Away,” a second set Grateful Dead staple. As is tradition by now, some say beginning with the show in Binghamton last year, this keeps this crowd singing and clapping along throughout the encore break. “Touch Of Grey,” another newer song, played rather quickly and unfortunately a little sloppily, then closes out the Dead’s only show in Niagara Falls.
Grateful Dead Niagara Falls Convention Center – Niagara Falls, NY 4/17/84
Set 1: Jack Straw, Dire Wolf, New Minglewood Blues, Row Jimmy, My Brother Esau, Ramble On Rose, Looks Like Rain-> Deal
Set 2: Help On The Way-> Slipknot!-> Franklin’s Tower-> Women Are Smarter-> Eyes Of The World-> Drums-> ->Space->Black Peter-> Throwing Stones-> Not Fade Away
AFROPUNK returns virtually this year on April 23 with the theme “Black Spring” and has partnered with NPR Music.
For almost two decades, AFROPUNK has focused on breaking barriers and dismantling oppressive structures affecting Black communities all over. They work to create an inclusive and liberating space.
This year’s theme “Black Spring” combines their legacy of inclusion and activism by highlighting Afro-Latinx and Afro-Caribbean talents and culture. It aims to celebrate African lineage and embrace Black people globally despite the differences in language and location. “Black Spring” represents revitalization, reclamation, revolution and renewal as it represents freedom and change. It calls for Afro-Latinx and Afro-Caribbeans to embrace the intersectionality within their identities.
For the first time, AFROPUNK is collaborating with NPR Music this year. With over a decade of music journalism the Tiny Desk concert series, NPR Music has created a path of discovery for artists of all backgrounds and genres. The pandemic didn’t stop the Tiny Desk from taking place, the performances just came from home and allowed artists to perform from all over the world. “Tiny Desk Meets AFROPUNK” will capture the intimate and authentic feels from the home concert series with performances from international artists.
People performing and any details about how the show will go or whatever: This year’s lineup includes Rico Nasty, Seu Jorge, Seafoam Walls, DAWERXDAMPER, Black Pantera, ChocQuibTown, Projexx, and JUP DO BAIRRO. “Black Spring” will be hosted by Santana Caress Benitez. It is produced by veterans Anthony Maddox, Tina Farris, and Dominic Pearson along with Cyrus Dennis, Allen T. Lamb, Sango Amoda, Shauna Gray and Anita Asante. Performers for “Tiny Desk Meets AFROPUNK” are ChocQuibTown, Calma Carmona, Leudji Luna, and Nenny with AFROPUNK veteran Jorge “Gitoo” Wright as host.
The program “Tiny Desk Meets AFROPUNK” streams at 3 p.m. EST on April 23 on NPR Music’s website and Youtube. “Black Spring” airs right after at 4 p.m. EST on Planet Afropunk.
With inspiration from the Grateful Dead, Hiouchi Jewels, in partnership with Warner Music Artist Services, has debuted the officially licensed, hand-made Rose and Bolt jewelry collection, giving life to Sarah Lewis’ dedication to her craft.
A native New Yorker from Schenectady, Lewis attended Furthur Festival at SPAC in 1997, which led her to catch Ratdog, Phil Lesh and Friends, and later on, Dead and Company, among the rest of the side projects. When Gathering of the Vibes was held in Mariaville, NY, you could find Sarah among the 1000’s of attendees.
The Grateful Dead is so much more than music, it’s home. It’s always been a part of my life. My friends and the music have gotten me through some really tough time.
Sarah Lewis, Hiouchi Jewels
In the summer of 2015, Lewis moved from Philly to California, making a stop in Chicago for the three night of Fare Thee Well at Soldier Field. Now based in Evergreen, Colorado, Lewis is the heart & soul of Hiouchi Jewels. She’s been making jewelry all her life, and earned her BFA in Metals & Jewelry at the Savannah College of Art & Design.
Sarah’s career began designing for boho-chic brand Free People, before she launched her own brand, in 2009. Today, the collection is designed and curated by Sarah in her Colorado studio, and handcrafted by her, and by fair trade artisan partners.
The Rose & Bolt collection features handmade rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings, all featuring roses and the classic 13-point lightning bolt. Elegant, delicate styles come in sterling silver, rose gold, and 16k yellow gold. Bolder, statement styles feature turquoise stones and quartz crystals.
Although Rose & Bolt carries similarities to Sarah’s classic Hiouchi Jewels Collection, many aspects are new. This marks her first time using rose gold, appropriate for the rose motifs in the collection. Sarah has typically made jewelry for women, and is excited to debut her first unisex/gender neutral collection.
The Grateful Dead’s music has been an important part of my life and an inspiration for all of my creative work, so this collaboration is a dream project for me. I’ve carried my modern bohemian aesthetic from Hiouchi Jewels into this collection, adding the iconic Grateful Dead Roses & Bolts to each piece. The Grateful Dead is so much more than music- it’s a lifestyle, a community, a vibrant, unique culture. It’s truly an honor to have my jewelry join the rich lineage of licensed Grateful Dead artwork and merchandise.
Sarah Lewis, designer
Hiouchi (pronounced Hi-You-Chi) is the name of a wilderness area in Northern California, where Sarah lived and created for 3 years. She re-named her business to Hiouchi in 2018, to honor the time that she spent in this special place in nature, and to carry the magic of the Redwoods with her.
Both an artisan maker, and fashion jewelry lifestyle brand, Lewis sells her wares at HiouchiJewels.com, and through over 400 boutiques & companies internationally.
It took years of persistent outreach to bring a Grateful Dead jewelry line together. Lewis’ drive and perseverence, and especially her passion, drove her to bring this to fruition. “You gotta send a bunch of emails sometimes and magic can happen.” This puts Sarah in good company – she is one of only two officially licensed Grateful Dead jewelry makers.
For Rose and Bolt, Lewis uses rose gold. The reason for this she explained was that rose gold is trendy and new, and the same process in working with yellow gold. Rose gold is an alloy that has a little more copper. Thus, Rose and Bolt is made with rose and gold.
Rose & Bolt Jewelry is sure to attract fans of all ages. Each piece comes in beautiful, collectors boxes and microsuede drawstring pouches. Classic styles can go from day to night, office to dance floor, from formal events to Zoom parties. Rose & Bolt jewelry will prove to be coveted pieces in any Deadhead’s collection.
Watch a video of Sarah showing a few pieces from the collection, the packaging and free gifts that come with each order, as well as a tour of her studio in Evergreen, Colorado. She is currently running a promotion of 20% off at Hiouchi Jewels with code ‘spring.’
Chances are high that you haven’t had your usual dose of funk over the last year. The global pandemic has slowed the release schedule of many bands and while we have gotten some great releases over the last few months, it’s nothing compared to past years. That all changes today with Garage A Trois’ newest offering, Calm Down Cologne.
This sensational release from the band’s original lineup of prolific drummer Stanton Moore, master guitarist Charlie Hunter and multi-instrumentalist Skerik marks 22 years since their debut album, MysteryFunk. The band still delivers the same energy and excitement that they first showed over two decades ago.
The new album was recorded in 2019, across the street from Nectar’s Lounge in Seattle where the band was playing a 3-night, sold out run in Skerik’s hometown. Most of this offering is an improvisational documentation of what the trio was able to elicit together in that studio session, save for one pre-composed track. The resulting five songs are a testament to the prowess and musical moxie that each member possesses and is able to showcase as a group.
“No Zone” is the perfect choice to start the album and illustrates how sync’d up the members of GAT are. Guitar and Organ blend seamlessly as Moore’s drumming drives the trio through nine minutes of head-bobbing, in-your-face funk. The aptly named “The Epic” is a spooky and funky carnival ride, as if a funhouse had its own effects-pedal laden jam session with it’s driving funk and electro-cacophony.
The title track is the only non-improvised song on the album, but it’s one that you’ll find yourself listening to on repeat. Skerik’s ability to play horns and organ blend magically with Hunter’s bass as Moore provides hints of New Orleans throughout the short, but sweet ditty.
“In-A-Pro-Pro” is the longest track on the album and is a jam that’ll get you to stand up and dance. This song is nothing short of incredible as each instrument bubbles to the surface to play their perfect part. “In-A-Pro-Pro” is like a good seltzer… effervescent with the perfect amount of flavor. Hunter has the chops and energy of at least two guitar masters as he lays out a flurry of sounds from the guitar and bass that comprise his Hybrid Big6. The album closes with the laid-back fuzzy funk of “Numinous,” a track that is reminiscent of walking off into the sunset. The drums, bass and keys paint a canvas that allows the horns and guitar to really pop in and shine.
It might only be April, but this release will certainly be in the running for Best Album of 2021. Stream on various platforms here, and purchase the LP from Royal Potato Family or on GAT’s Bandcamp, where you can also purchase the digital album as well.
Key Tracks: Calm Down Cologne, The Epic, In-A-Pro-Pro
Safe & Soundz festival will take place June 11-13, 2021 at Magic Forest Farm in Coeymans Hollow, outside of Albany, NY.
The festival lineup includes Space Bacon, Wax Future, Escaper, Leon Trout, Pheel, Pi Wrecks, Weird Phishes, Ampevene, Baked Shrimp, Boogie knights, Chyld, Bobby Ganache, Father Figure, The Business, and Saturday morning yoga with Ilas.
Held at Magic Forest Farm and produced by Shepheard Productions, the festival is a small event with only 150 tickets sold and 9 campsites. Each campsite came with their own fire-pit and 2 Car-side parking spots and is good for up to 8 campers maximum. They also offer 3 rental options: Tipi (4 people), Yurt (3 people) and Cabin (6 people), each with its own charm and amenities. Attendees are also encouraged to find a nice secluded spot away from others to pitch their tent, hang their hammock and relax on any of the beautiful 230 acres in the Catskill mountains.
The Safe & Soundz festival will be taking many COVID-19 safety precautions. The stage will have socially distanced viewing pods. These pods will be on a first come, first served basis throughout the day/night and capacity will not exceed 1 group per pod (8 people max). People are also expected to wear a face mask anytime they leave their campsite or their viewing pod. In addition to following all state and local safety guidelines the festival will also be checking attendees temperatures upon admission, supplying sanitation sites throughout the grounds, masks will also be required when moving around campsites. These rules are subject to change come mid-June, but for right now, they’re taking the most precaution to ensure everyone’s safety.
Although the festival is sold out, Safe & Soundz festival tickets may be available on resale sites and groups. For more information visit Shepheard Production’s Facebook Page.
Live music returns to The Sultan Room in Brooklyn, who will host a series of outdoor concerts titled “Sultan Room Under the Stars” and a series of Sunday day parties, “Sultan Sundays.”
Photo credit: Jeff Brown
The Sultan Room music venue opened in 2019, and along with The Turks Inn and Doner Kebab, the venue is owned by Varun Kataria and Tyler Erickson. Since COVID-19 halted live in person performances, the Sultan Room’s doors have been closed. However, it is reopening this Spring with several outdoor performances on the Turks Inn rooftop, Kismet Garden.
“Sultan Room Under the Stars” has several upcoming concerts beginning on April 21 with Native Sun. Other performers for the series’ lineup include Jachary, Ron Gallo, TOTH, Melanie Charles, Daddy Long Legs and more. Most of the show dates feature two performances from each artist and doors opening at both 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. All shows will be seated and following CDC’s guidelines with masks and face shields worn by both performers and the audience.
“Sultan Sundays’ ‘ begins this Sunday, April 18 also taking place on the Turk Inn’s Rooftop. Every event starts from 3 p.m and will end at 9 p.m. featuring a rotation of local DJs and party promoters. This weekend’s event is “The Sultan Room Presents: Discosis”. Upcoming “Sultan Sundays” include Sailor Boom, Mickey Perez + Toribio + Jimmy Perez, a Mariah Carey Party and more.
With the venue slowly reopening, they host a variety of entertainment. They are hosting a new drag show called “Gigs” with Bushwig’s co-founder Horrorchata as the host. The Sultan Room also will have a comedy event, and even more shows with local and national artists, Lespecial, HNRY FLWRand Sophia Rei’s album release show. Their new cafe will present smaller events and concerts. The Sultan Room’s website has more information and ticket sales.
Upcoming shows at The Sultan Room
April 21 – Native Sun April 28 – Jachary May 5 – Ron Gallo May 12 – Toth May 19 – Toth May 26 – Melanie Charles June 2 – Daddy Long Legs June 9 – Adeline June 16 – Araya June 23 – Garcia Peoples June 30 – Mirah
In 2022, a bio-musical about Brooklyn born singer-songwriter Neil Diamond is coming to Broadway in summer 2022.
Neil Diamond performs onstage during the Songwriters Hall of Fame 49th Annual Induction and Awards Dinner on June 14, 2018. (Photo: Larry Busacca/Getty Images for Songwriters Hall Of Fame)
The show, “A Beautiful Noise,” was announced in 2019, but pushed back due to the pandemic. Thanks to things slowly opening up, the show will premiere in Boston at the Emerson Colonial Theater in June 2022 and then move to Broadway after four weeks. It will show audiences Neil Diamond’s life, from growing up to stardom.
Although we don’t know the cast yet, Steven Hoggett (Once, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) will choreograph, Oscar-nominated screenwriter Anthony McCarten (Bohemian Rhapsody, The Theory of Everything) will write the book, and Michael Mayer, who won a Tony in 2007 for Spring Awakening will direct.
Neil Diamond (1976). by Danny Gutierrez
Even though Broadway has seen a lot of jukebox bio-musicals, Tony award-winning producer Ken Davenport says that this new show is different. It is “a biographical musical drama and not a jukebox musical. He’s “excited to show people what separates it from some of the jukebox musicals that have been around.”
Neil Diamond thinks that “A Beautiful Noise” opening will be “a moment of relief, unity, strength and love” much like when he performed “Sweet Caroline” at Fenway Park in 2013 after the Boston Marathon bombing.
After performances start “and we’re all able to safely be in the same space together, experiencing the thrill of live theater, I imagine those same emotions will wash over me and the entire audience,” Diamond says. The emotions will be just as high when “A Beautiful Noise” opens on Broadway after over a year of darkness.
It will be a while until Broadway is back to normal. “At this point we’re thinking early fall, perhaps early September. That’s the way things are pointing,” President of the Broadway League Charlotte St. Martin said to NBC. “We believe that some of the longer-running shows may be first to come back, because a lot of the cast has muscle memory.”
Until then, you can still see live theatre in NYC. Sign up to be able to get tickets to the Neil Diamond musical “A Beautiful Noise” 24 hours before everyone else once they’re available.
On April 14th, Mexican singer Alejandro Fernández announced his fall 2021 “Hecho en México” U.S. tour. The announcement comes on the heels of four consecutive number one singles.
The 19-date tour, produced by Live Nation, will kick off on September 10th in Reno at the Grand Sierra Theatre with stops in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Dallas, Houston, Chicago, Miami, New York and more, before wrapping October 24th in Phoenix at Arizona Federal Theatre.
A portion of proceeds will be donated to Families Belong Together – a campaign of the National Domestic Workers Alliance, that works to end family separation and promote dignity, unity, and compassion for all children and families.
The multiple Grammy winner and son of the legendary Vicente Fernández, has conquered stages all around the world with his personal interpretation of Mexican music.
He has sold more than 35 million records worldwide and won countless awards and nominations. Alejandro is the first act to achieve No. 1s on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums in the 1990s, ‘00s, ‘10s, and ‘20s.
His most recent album, Hecho en México, debuted #1 on Billboard’s Top Latin Album chart. The album marked Alejandro’s return to the mariachi format and garnered him a Latin GRAMMY win for Best Ranchero/Mariachi Album and a GRAMMY nomination for Best Regional Mexican Music Album.
The album has earned four consecutives #1 singles at radio in the United States and Mexico with “Caballero,” “Te Olvidé,” “Decepciones,”and his current single, “Duele.”
Throughout 2020 while live touring shut down, Alejandro Fernández remained very active, looking for new and innovative ways to be close to his fans and lend his voice to important causes impacting our community.
In the early days of the pandemic, Alejandro partnered with Univision TV’s Dr. Juan Rivera in sharing vital information about health and COVID-19 on television and social media platforms.
Seeing the impact of the shutdown on the artist community, Fernández released a stirring rendition of Joan Sebastian’s classic “Eso y Más” as a fundraiser for out of work musicians, donating 100% of the proceeds to MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund in the United States and MúsicaMéxico COVID-19 in Mexico.
In October 2020, the singer offered a historic live streaming event, América A Una Sola Voz (America Together in One Voice), a breathtaking concert viewed by over 150,000 fans in 19 different countries across the American continents.
During the show Alejandro paused to remind his fans of the importance of voting in the upcoming elections. Following this performance he launched (along with a coalition of artists) the “Vota Por Nosotros” (Vote For Us) get-out-the-vote campaign airing on Estrella Media, encouraging Latino voters to vote on behalf of our entire community in the November 3rd elections.
In accepting his Latin GRAMMY, Alejandro dedicated the award to the victims of the recent hurricanes in southern Mexico donating MXN $1,000,000.00 to the Mexican Red Cross to aid with the relief efforts.
Most recently Alejandro joined Mana’s Fher Olvera as the face of the “We Are Home” campaign calling for a fair and dignified immigration policy for the millions of Latino immigrants living in the US.
Alejandro will be joined by his son Alex Fernandez and latin-pop duo HA*ASH on certain dates in the tour.
Tickets go on sale beginning Friday, April 16th at 10AM local time on Ticketmaster.com.
ALEJANDRO FERNÁNDEZ TOUR 2021 DATES:
Fri, Sep 10 – Reno, NV – Grand Sierra Theatre^
Sat, Sep 11 – Sacramento, CA – Golden 1 Center*
Sun, Sep 12 – Fresno, CA – Save Mart Center*
Wed, Sep 15 – Las Vegas, NV – MGM Grand Garden Arena*
