NYS Music 202​2

Author: Alain Clerine

  • Inaugural Elmwood Summerfest to be held in the heart of Buffalo

    Despite recent troubling times, the city of Buffalo has continued to band together and are now working towards showcasing the best of their city. The Beer Keep, Jack Rabbit, and Breezy Burrito Bar have announced the inaugural Elmwood Summerfest, to be held on Sunday, June 26, 2022. The festival is meant to celebrate summertime in Buffalo including beer, food, community, togetherness and, of course, music.

    Elmwood Summerfest will showcase over 15 bands and performers on a large outdoor stage located between 1000 & 1010 Elmwood Avenue. Besides musical performances, Buffalo Eats will host its first annual Hot Dog Eating Competition, followed by a Live Art installation, and a Genesee Brewing beer tent featuring your favorite beers, ciders and seltzers. The music lineup will spotlight acts from Buffalo as well as the Rochester area. It will feature bands like Sideways, Witty Tarbox, Farrow, Grosh, American Nosebleed, Folkfaces, Well Worn Boot, Johnny Hart and the Mess, Kevin Sampson and the Night Shift, plus more.

    For a next-level festival experience, The Beer Keep, Jack Rabbit and Breezy Burrito Bar will be opening their doors exclusively to VIP pass-holders. At all three locations, VIP pass holders will be able to enjoy air conditioning, private bathrooms, fully stocked bars, patio access and lounging areas.

    Why Elmwood Summerfest is Happening

    Recently, the Bidwell Park area of Buffalo’s Elmwood Village has been rejuvenated and seen a rebirth as an entertainment and hospitality destination.

    One of the many wonderful things about the Elmwood Village is its overwhelming sense of surprise. Surprise at what you see coming down the street or around a corner, something you missed on a previous visit. It’s that sense of endless possibility that we invite people to come experience at the first Elmwood Summerfest.

    – Cory Muscato, owner of the Beer Keep

    Elmwood Summerfest is a product of the new neighborhood bars, restaurants and venues (The Beer Keep, Jack Rabbit, Breezy Burrito Bar, among others) coming together to put on a neighborhood focused street festival. Because of the location and limited footprint of the festival this first year entry is limited to 21+

    Music has been a cornerstone of Jack Rabbit since our initial idea phase. Expanding that outside of our walls has been top priority since day one, we’re super excited to be working with our best buds, and neighbors, to bring this amazing event directly to the street.

    – Josh Mullin, Owner/Operator of Jack Rabbit.

    How to Purchase Tickets

    Festival gates will open at 12:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 26 with music and performances continuing all-day. General admission festival passes will be $25 in advance with a limited number of VIP passes available for $50. Tickets are available immediately at elmwoodsummerfest.com

  • Smashing Pumpkins Announce North American Arena Tour including stop at Madison Square Garden

    Grammy-winning alternative rock group, The Smashing Pumpkins, have announced their “Spirit on Fire” North American Tour that will see them make 32 stops and perform throughout all major Arenas. Featuring alternative rock cult heroes — Jane’s Addiction — and Poppy/Meg Myers (on select dates) The Live Nation produced expedition begins on October 2, in Dallas, Texas and concludes on November, 19 in Los Angeles a the Hollywood Bowl.

    Among the stops, The Smashing Pumpkins will be making their way to New York. On October, 14 they will be performing at the UBS arena at Belmont Park in Elmont, while they hit Madison Square Garden on October, 19.

    The Smashing Pumpkins first emerged out of Chicago in 1988, spinning together rock, pop, shoe-gaze, metal, goth, psychedelia, and electronic as part of the time’s invigorated alternative rock scene. As a result, they’ve sold over 30 million albums worldwide and collected two Grammy awards, two MTV VMAs, and an American Music Award. Their catalog is highlighted by the diamond-certified Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness(released in 1995), and is one of multiple platinum and gold efforts. Their 11th studio album, 2020’s CYR, saw them continue their run of prolific outputs, with no plans of stopping anytime soon.

    General on-sale tickets for the Spirit on Fire Tour can be purchased here, while the group’s touring schedule can be found below.

    NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES

    10/02 – American Airlines Center – Dallas, TX**

    10/03 – Toyota Center – Houston, TX**

    10/05 – Moody Center – Austin, TX**

    10/07 – Amalie Arena – Tampa, FL**

    10/08 – Hard Rock Casino – Hollywood, FL**

    10/10 – Bridgestone Arena – Nashville, TN**

    10/11 – State Farm Arena – Atlanta, GA**

    10/13 – Mohegan Sun – Uncasville, CT**

    10/14 – UBS Arena – Belmont Park, NY**

    10/16 – TD Garden – Boston, MA**

    10/18 – Capital One Arena – Washington, DC**

    10/19 – Madison Square Garden – New York City, NY**

    10/21 – Wells Fargo Center – Philadelphia, PA**

    10/22 – PPG Paints Arena – Pittsburgh, PA*^

    10/24 – Scotiabank Arena – Toronto, ON**

    10/26 – Bell Centre – Montreal, QC**

    10/27 – Centre Videotron – Quebec City, QC**

    10/29 – Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse – Cleveland, OH*^

    10/30 – Fiserv Forum – Milwaukee, WI**

    11/01 – Enterprise Center – St. Louis, MO**

    11/02 – Little Caesars Arena – Detroit, MI**

    11/04 – Xcel Energy Center – St. Paul, MN**

    11/05 – United Center – Chicago, IL**

    11/07 – Ball Arena – Denver, CO**

    11/09 – Spokane Arena – Spokane, WA**

    11/11 – Rogers Arena – Vancouver, BC**

    11/12 – Climate Pledge Arena – Seattle, WA**

    11/13 – Moda Center – Portland, OR**

    11/15 – Chase Center – San Francisco, CA**

    11/16 – Honda Center – Anaheim, CA**

    11/18 – Footprint Center – Phoenix, AZ**

    11/19 – Hollywood Bowl – Los Angeles, CA**

    ** with guests Jane’s Addiction + opener Poppy

    *^ with guests Jane’s Addiction + opener Meg Myers

  • Onyx Returns With Second Album in as Many Months

    Hip hop legends Onyx have added two new albums to their lengthy discography. First came, 1993, released on March, 4. The 13-track project is produced entirely by Ukrainian producer, Stasevich and is an ode to a rough and grimy era of mid-1990’s hip hop, hence the tittle. It samples some of the most iconic records from the 90’s including Public Enemy’s “Fight The Power” and Onyx’s own “Slam.”

    This past weekend saw the release of, Onyx Versus Everybody, which is more concise with only 10-tracks and 19-minutes of play-time. For this effort, Fredro Starr took control behind the keyboard, producing the entirety of the project. While 1993 is more of a concentrated effort to capture the aura of a certain time period, both albums contain the same rugged energy that have made Onyx such a distinguished hip hop act. Fredro’s production does vary slightly more than Stasevich’s, but without any major rollout for either project, it seems as though the duo is focused on making records for their core fans, as these two ominous/dark themed albums illustrate.

    The Southside, Jamaica natives made their break-though during the golden era of 1990’s hip hop. Known for singes like “Slam,” “Walk in New York,” “Throw Ya Gunz” and “Last Dayz,” Onyx has maintained their relevance for over two decades. Their raucous delivery along with the duo’s talent and business acumen have kept them in the game far longer than many of their contemporaries. Fredro Starr and Sticky Fingaz are also accomplished actors. Fredro is best-known for his role on the hit sitcom, Moesha, while Sticky has appeared in numerous film and television roles.

  • Fivio Foreign’s Coronation: B.I.B.L.E. Review

    The coronation of Fivio Foreign has long been in the works. Since the death  Pop Smoke over two-years ago, there has been a void within the New York music landscape and it seems as though Fivio Foreign has been handpicked to carry the torch.

    This spring, his debut studio-album, B.I.B.LE., was delivered to the public as an inauguration of sorts. Executive produced by Kanye West, the album’s lead single — the West and Alicia Keys assisted — “City of Gods” attempts to create a moment in New York time. Similar to Jay Z’s “Empire State of Mind,” also featuring Keys. Despite the records contrived feel, it charted at number 46 on the Billboard charts. However “Magic City,” the second single featuring Quavo, failed to do so.

    Since the release of his viral hit — Big Drip— in 2019, Fivio has maintained cultural and musical relevance and is the latest bridge in the inevitable marriage between the drill music sub-culture and mainstream hip hop. His debut EP — 800 B.C.— was released in 2020 with features from Meek Mill, Lil Baby and Quavo. There was his guest-spot on Drake’s 2020 hit “Demons,” which charted at number 34 on the Billboard Hot 100. Later that summer, he teamed with Lil Tjay for the anthemic “Zoo York,” peaking at number 65 on the Hot 100. A year later, he was heralded as having the best feature on Kanye West’s star-studded, Donda, album.

    While not the most technically proficient rapper, Fivio has gotten to this point by wholeheartedly personifying New York. His charisma, flow and contagious dialect have made him the preeminent representative of New York hip hop culture.

    The results? Well, it depends on what scale is being used. B.I.B.L.E. reportedly sold 29 thousand equivalent album units its first week. Not bad, but low enough for Fivi to remind detractors of his humble beginnings.

    Nonetheless, it’s easy to see why he was next up on the mantle for New York supremacy. With Pop Smoke gone and Kay Flock in prison, he remains one of the few pioneers and recognizable faces of the drill scene and can steer the genre through its makeover.

    This watered down version of drill that is B.I.B.L.E. shows upside as “What’s My Name” and “World Watching” are inviting records but leaves the project lacking an overall grimy-ness. Fivio’s captivating flow is enough to carry him on most songs (“Whoever,” “For Nothin“) but, his lack of variance in his lyrics leave him badly exposed on others (“On God,” “Through the Fire”). Did DJ Khaled need a nearly 2-minute interlude?

    With the New York hip hop landscape lacking a leading-man, is Fivio Foreign was tasked with leading the charge for hip hop’s mecca? Are there now reservations after his heavily backed debut failed to make a dent on the Billboard charts?

    Despite all of this, B.I.B.L.E. remains a personal success for Fivio. If the King of New York goes to the city’s most visible rapper, then Fivio holds the crown. With features from some of the music indsutry’s biggest names, he has now completed a shedding of the skin. While B.I.B.L.E. will be recognized as a drill album for those not familiar with the sound, Fivio has managed to outgrow that label and has become more of a gatekeeper than an active participant. If a rapper wants to get that New York City drill co-sign, they can go through Fivio.

    Remove all context and this is a fine debut. But, just two years ago, Pop Smoke took over the world with the Woo movement. Prior to that, Tekashi 6ix9ine ran riot throughout the industry. There are certain expectations of grandeur that come with being King of New York that Fivio has yet to meet and if he wants that respect then it starts with the music.

  • Get Some Mo’ Love on Winter Nights

    They say love is all-around. Sometimes the feeling is as palpable as an embrace. Yet, finding the accurate words to frame love into its proper context remains one of the world’s greater mysteries. Love can be all-encompassing, it can be selfless, it can blossom out of desire and it can even be fickle. Only one thing is certain, once love is in the air, it builds its own cocoon within the consciousness waiting to be explored. And on Winter Nights, we get a first-hand look into how Mo’ Love handles his ever-changing disposition. 

    Lately I’ve been f****d up, all these feelings got me worked up.

    In five swift songs we see the enchanted crooner jostle between lust, desire, commitment and emotional weariness. Beginning with the anthemic “Pgp,” where he wastes no time addressing the point of contention. The record opens with voicemails from various women looking to get in touch demanding that he call them back. Instead, he makes himself readily available to all, where his promiscuous flair is captured.

    She think I’m a player cause she like what I’m saying. I’m not into selling dreams, you should buy what you like. And if you don’t, you can return me after the night.

    Mo’ Love – Pgp

    While the project intros with an emotional free-for-all, the more tightly wounded “The Same” is the inverse of its predecessor. With his distinct singing voice and sultry delivery, the r&b singer confronts the feelings of complacency that comes from a long-standing relationship. From fighting about the same things, noticing changes in a partner’s feelings and behavior, while dealing the subsequent yearn for the person responsible for your pain.

    Comparatively, “Slow Dance” is next on the queue and sees the South Bronx native do a complete 180. While “The Same” left him picking up the pieces of his dissolved relationship, on “Slow Dance” he goes from prey to vulture, picking at the remains of a woman’s freshly severed union as he looks to seduce her. As the third of five records on the project, the song placement seems to be indicatory of the middle ground between committed and spending time, as he lulls,

    flowing through the vibes, I can it in your eyes, Oh I love.

    – Mo’ love, Slow Dance

    Mo’ Love shows his talents for performative arts with his thespian-like display of character arc, going from player, to sucker and back to the life of easy virtue in just three songs.

    Won’t you slow dance for a n****a yea, if you want these bands from a n***a yea.

    We keep fighting about the same thing, I need some space so I could maintain Since you left, I haven’t been the same. 

    – Mo’ Love, The Same

    Winter Nights follows this ebb-and-flow throughout all five records, where each mirrors its predecessor and vice versa. It’s a Ying and Yang of commitment versus freedom and promiscuity, with an intermission to ponder giving up both on “F****d Up Anthem.”

    Who doesn’t want to be in a nice healthy relationship? But then, also I like my peace. I’m on a journey, I’m trying to get somewhere and there’s distractions. A lot of people are distractions more than help. Me knowing that, I definitely battle with being in relationships, wanting to take one serious. It takes a big, big person to make that leap and I battle with that all the time.

    – Mo’ Love

    It can be played frontward or backwards and the same message still echoes, combine that with the concise length of the EP and it is a reflection of the fleeting emotions that we share with one another.

    I’m losing myself. The only thing I want in this life is bad for my health.

    – Mo’ Love, Dirty Diana

    Such is the uncertainty that surrounds many modern-day relationships, with not only the number of options, but the availability of it all. Lust can turn to infatuation, which metamorphoses into commitment, yet can just as quickly transform into weariness.

    I deserve more than this, hurt on my mind so it’s hard to reminisce.

    I’m hoping they [fans] go through the rides of emotions that I felt when I made it and the attention that I put into it. I know I wanted people to dance to it, I know I wanted people to feel good to it, but also, I wanted people to understand that there’s always a message in everything that I’m saying. There’s a message in every song that I put out and that means the most to me.

    – Mo’ Love

  • ‘Check In’ With MVW’s First Single from Upcoming Album, Featuring Matt Ox

    Michael Vincent Waller’s foray into the world of hip hop continues with his latest single, “Check In,” featuring teenage YouTube star and rapper, Matt Ox. The highly touted classical composer’s latest endeavor comes on the heels of his debut hip hop project, the Lex Luger assisted, CLASSIC$.

    MVW now recruits the frenetic Matt Ox, who has amassed tens of millions of views, with his breakout song “Overwhelming” amassing 31 million views. “Check In” will serve as promotion for MVW’s sophomore album, Connections. Continuing to draw on the parallels between his life as a composer and hip-hop producer.

    The theme of the upcoming project is entitled ‘Connections,’ MVW reveals.” “This first single channels that ethos of branching out into the hip hop landscape and making revelations through collaboration and furthermore, the title for the project was derived from a bar in [the song’s first verse], “I am way too connected, too many connections.

    Connections are what MVW has continued to foster, as he has developed working relationships with many talented acts like Atlanta-bred Lil Gotit and Good Music artist Valee. Jumping head-first into a new creative space, an invigorated MVW has churned out his second project in less than a year.

    Matt Ox, whose newer releases have seen him experiment with his vocal ranges, shows his versatility. On “Check In” he rhymes in a start & stop flow focusing on cadence and annotation. 

    As a producer MVW is equally parts free-wheeling and controlling. Preferring to give leeway on artistic freedom while focusing on the song’s structure and vocal tones on his beats. 

    Overall, Matt was given freedom to be inventive and true to his voice in the chorus and verse, but how the final arrangement and orchestration played out was very meticulous and true to the way I like to work on records that is starting to feel like a melodic signature for the music I’m working to produce and release into the world.

    MVW’s quest to explore classical sounds within the frame of contemporary trap sounds require a great attention to detail. On “Check In” Matt Ox’s enigmatic flow on eerily inviting loops are structured for rhythmic optimization and his pursuit has brought him, Connections. 

    The vocals could be considered more complex in their delivery and intonation than maybe appears on the surface, or from first listen. I think the more one sits with the material and marinates on how the vocals are arranged with the beat, the exact placement and timing in relation to the bars and feel of the cadence.

    MVW’s continues the road to Connections with another Matt Ox assisted single, also featuring Valee and 645AR releasing on April 22 and a spring/summer timetable set for the album.

  • Scorpions to perform benefit show at MSG in Support of Bangladesh

    German rock band, Scorpions, are set to perform a historic concert fit for the world’s most famous arena, Madison Square Garden, on Friday, May 6. The rock outfit will take the stage in celebration of Bangladesh’s 50th year of independence. Joining them on the special occasion will be Bangladeshi fusion/rock band, Chirkutt.

    The charitable event will be organized by The Bangladesh Information and Communication Technology (ICT) division, with the support of the Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority, the United Nations Development Programme, the U.S. Embassy in Bangladesh and local sponsors. The large-scale performance will be held in hopes of gaining a global audience and celebrating Bangladesh’s half-century anniversary through this live, one-night-only musical performance. Keeping the philanthropic tone of the event, proceeds from the concert will benefit the United Nations Development Programme’s global awareness campaign on cyber security programs for the youth and children, with a focus on under-developed countries.

    With over 110 million records sold around the world and over 2.2 billion views on YouTube, Scorpion will more than likely play fan favorites from their impressive catalogue, which includes hits like “Wind of Change,” “Still Loving You,” “Rock You Like a Hurricane,” “Send Me an Angel,” and many more. Founded in Hannover, West Germany in 1965, they were part of the first wave of metal in the 1970’s with their debut album, Lonesome Crow, released in 1972. The band was ranked #46 on VH1’s Greatest Artists of Hard Rock, while their hit “Rock You Like a Hurricane” came in at #18 on VH1’s list of the 100 Greatest Hard Rock Songs. 

    The long-standing rock band has received multiple honors including World Music Award winners and a Star on the Hollywood Rock Walk. Most recently, they were honored with the Lower Saxon State Award. 

    Chirkutt is one of the most popular fusion band music troupes in Bangladesh. Founded in 2002, the band has also worked on several local film music scores in their home country. After releasing their debut full-length album “Chirkuttnama” in 2010, and through live performances, they had a rapid upsurge in growth.

    Tickets will go on sale on Monday, April 4 at 10 a.m. (EST) through Ticketmaster. Scorpions Rock Zone fan club members will have an exclusive, first access to tickets available starting Thursday March 31 at 10 a.m. (EST). For more information and to join the community visit The-Scorpions.com/RockZone

  • Benny The Butcher: Tana Talk 4 Review

    As Benny the Butcher and his Griselda cohorts further entrench themselves in the music industry and the lines between mixtapes and studio albums continue to blur, the Buffalo-bred rapper returns with another edition of his cult-like mixtape series. The array of Tana Talk mixtapes helped lead Benny’s ascension including his breakout third edition, which featured standout tracks like “Langfield,” and “Rubber Bands & Weight.”

    Tana Talk 4 is officially Benny’s third studio album and the intro track serves as a reminder of Benny’s current standing within the industry. The lead single — “Johnny P’s Caddy”– features a strong J. Cole verse, while the rest of the appearances remain close to home in the likes of Stove God Cooks, Westside Gunn, Conway The Machine,  38 Spesh and fellow Griselda signee, Boldy James. While Benny commands that street presence throughout his projects, the Tana talk series has always maintained a more personal feel and has seen the Def Jam signee at his most introspective. 

    This ain’t my story about rags to riches, more about how I mastered physics. 

    The records opening line sets the tone for the entire body of work as Benny weaves through street tales and the specific details of the drug game, while giving attention to his growth in the music industry and the supposed dissension between Conway and the rest of Griselda records after his departure from the label. Songs like “Johnny P’s Caddy” sees Benny flex his muscles in the rap game, as he went from making street dollars to legitimate rap money. 

     In the game, I used to train like Rocky catchin’ chickens. I was nice, but they was right when they told me that rap a business. 

    While once again flexing his loyalty to the ones he entered the game with.

    Besides Con’ and West, tell me, who else I gotta respect?

    Benny effortlessly exchanges his street and rap personas. His production is composed of Griselda in-house producer Daringer’s grimy, raw, slowed down beats, combining that with famed hip hop producer Alchemist’s soul-samples. On the 38 Spesh assisted, “Uncle Bun,” Benny is raw and unforgiving about his street dealings.

    I sold dope to a fiend while she pregnant, emotionless. I’m not a case worker, that’s not the reason I sold the shit.

    While the more soulful “Weekends In The Perry’s” featuring Boldy James, sees the Def Jam signee portray himself as simply an author to his own motion picture, which is the sort of bob-and-weave that is displayed throughout the 12-track, 40-minute long project. 

    Tana Talk 4 isn’t all drug and industry talk, as Benny also addresses the relationship between him, Westside Gunn and Conway The Machine. On “Tyson vs. Ali” featuring Conway The Machine, he addresses the media and fans attempts to pin the former label-mates against each other, while unbeknownst to them, the trio remain tethered.

    So confused when ya’ll compare two n**gas from the same movement. Only for ya’ll amusement is funny to me. Ya’ll do it, truth is, while I’m killing shit Conway is somewhere rootin’.

    Conway The Machine responds with his own salute to his cousin,

    Ayo, Benny, I remember what we used to do to the fiends. That’s why it feel so good to see you doin’ your thing.

    As the entire Griselda empire has grown within the past few years, they’ve maintained their model, even as they’ve ventured with bigger labels and entertainment entities. The making of Tana Talk 4 — a renowned mixtape series — into a studio album exemplifies just that. Benny The Butcher continues to elevate and flexes his industry connections with the J.Cole feature, while remaining true to his core fanbase. 

    Overall, fans of Benny can be left satisfied with this project, as it has plenty of rugged street talk, but more importantly growth, as fans can see the fruits of Benny’s ascension as he rubs elbows with the hip hop industry’s elite. 

  • Big Daddy Kane, Greg Nice and Majah Hype to Perform at Antigua the Takeover

    There won’t be any half-stepping from legendary MC, Big Daddy Kane, as he is set to perform while aboard the Antiguan shores. Hosted by travel association, The Ultimate Soul Escape, the storied hip hop veteran will see himself, beatboxing pioneer Greg Nice of Nice & Smooth, as well as comedian Majah Hype — known as the King of Caribbean Comedy – in the ultimate mixture of business and pleasure.

    Set for July 21-25, The five-day cruise/excursion will see the performers and attendees alike enjoy live musical performances, comedy concerts, music jamborees, and beach parties that will be held throughout the tropical island of Antigua. The event is expected to bring revelers to Antigua and contribute an estimated $10 million to the local economy.

    Big Daddy Kane began his career as a member of the fabled Juice Crew and is considered to be one of the most influential and skilled MCs in hip hop. Known for his advancement of hip hop lyricism and multi-syllabic rhyming, Kane has been an inspiration for many historic rappers that have come behind him. His proteges include the likes of Jay – Z, whom Kane mentored and took on tour during the late 1980’s, exposing him to a much greater audience.

    The Ultimate Soul Escape is a travel association that brings together professionals, event planners, promoters, entrepreneurs, and friends. Up to 400 people from around the country travel to exotic destinations such as St. Lucia, Costa Rica, Aruba, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, and St. Maarten, to expand their networks, socialize, and have fun.

    It is always an honor to work with Ultimate Soul Escape. The professionalism of their staff and the 5-star quality of services, visually energizes their guests. It is such a worthwhile travel experience!

    Big Daddy Kane

    Ticketing information and further announcements on Antigua Takeover 2022 can be found here.

    The ultimate soul escape is the ultimate escape for Grown folks to congregate. You can wine and dine maybe even meet a new playmate. The hospitality is straighter than straight so get your tickets now because you don’t want to miss this date July 21st-25th Greg Nice Approved!

    Greg Nice

  • Announcing Queens Rising: A Celebration of Arts and Culture 

    As the Queens community continues its upturn from the effects of the pandemic, various Queens-based arts and culture organizations have gathered to present, Queens Rising. A celebration of arts and culture, the month multi-disciplinary arts celebration was created to highlight the borough’s culture and creative diversity.

    QUEENS, NY – April 15, 2017: A mural on “The Ramp” in Rego Park honoring The Ramones. Credit: Clay Williams for 111 Places in Queens You Must Not Miss. © Clay Williams / http://claywilliamsphoto.com

    As the most diverse place on the planet, Queens is rich with an arts and culture community that reflects that diversity and its unmatched beauty. I’m thrilled Queens Rising will kick-off in the summertime to welcome visitors to the World’s Borough, said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. 

    Now more than ever, it’s important to showcase the resilience and creativity of our artists and cultural institutions — because even in the darkest days of the pandemic, culture never closed — as we work to rebuild our economy and come back stronger.

    The initiative arose from an Arts Advisory Board meeting of the Kupferberg Center for the Arts, with Northwell Health signing on as a leading sponsor. Comprised of a volunteer Planning Committee representing Queens arts and cultural institutions and several working Groups that includes over seventy-five artists, arts administrators, and other creatives from throughout the borough.  

    As such, part of the Queens rising mission will be to unify neighborhoods by providing audiences with easy-to-find event and calendar listings featuring artistic and cultural findings. Amplify venues, performance companies, cultural centers, institutions, while connecting artists, venues and businesses to provide as many opportunities as possible. 

    QUEENS, NY – April 15, 2017: The Afrikan Poetry Theatre in Jamaica. Credit: Clay Williams for 111 Places in Queens You Must Not Miss. © Clay Williams / http://claywilliamsphoto.com

    As a community hospital that not only serves the health care needs of Queens but also draws the majority of our staff from within the diverse neighborhoods that make up our borough, LIJ Forest Hills is Queens, said Lorraine Chambers Lewis, PA, Executive Director of Long Island Jewish Forest Hills, part of Northwell Health.

    We were at the epicenter of COVID and came through it with the help of our community more resilient than ever. That’s why we’re so thrilled to be part of Queens Rising NYC to celebrate the rich tapestry of arts, culinary and creative communities that make our borough so unique.

    Queens rising will provide its artists with the opportunity to promote themselves through Queens rising socials and other media, connect with performance and showing opportunities, as well as provide information on grants and funding. 

    Artists can click here to join the Queens Rising artist database. More information on Queens Rising can be found on their official website.