On Friday, Manhattan-based pop artist MuMu released “Brooklyn Tonight [Unplugged],” a stripped-down, acoustic version of a single that she released last year.
MuMu
As can be deducted, queerness, women’s rights, and other themes relating to gender and sexuality are imperative to MuMu’s persona. In fact, you may already know the NYC-based artist from her viral song “Free the Nip,” which features the artist doing just that on the streets of the Big Apple. The music video has since racked up over a million streams on YouTube and counting.
‘Brooklyn Tonight Unplugged’ was initially inspired by a friend asking me to write a song about being the only queer person in the room. Then my love brain took over and it turned into a queer lady love song because, well, we need more of those. This is an acoustic version of the original for those queer lady slow jammers.
MuMu
Growing up in Manhattan’s Upper West Side, MuMu has been surrounded by the arts her whole life. At an early age, she attended a performing art high school studying Musical Theatre. She then went on to continue her studies at NYU.
MuMu
Since then, the artist has appeared in plays, movies, and television shows such as Nurse Jackie and Law and Order SVU. MuMu also makes sure to stay loyal to New York during her tours, having a history of performing in Rockwood Music Hall, Arlene’s Grocery, The Bitter End, and Bowery Electric.
Peter, Paul, and Mary were an iconic 60’s folk group formed in New York City. The trio was composed of Peter Yarrow, Mary Travers, and most notably Noel Paul Stookey. Amidst the revival of American folk music, they were incredibly popular in the era that they performed.
Noel Paul Stookey in studio, Photo by Sally Far
The group was initially formed in 1961 after each individual member was cast for their talents. They went on to perform in The Bitter End in Manhattan and quickly gained notoriety and attention. So much so, the group caught the attention of Warner Brothers. After recording, the group released their first self-titled debut album through the media giant and went on to lead successful careers.
Each of us is searching for our own authenticity and the more honest we are, the less we have to hide. My attempt to infuse folk music with what might be considered unusual chord structures has always focused on fulfilling what I see as the promise of a lyric’s emotional content.
Noel Paul Stookey
Six decades later, and at 84 years of age, Stookey is still recording solo albums. The icon’s upcoming release, FAZZ:NOW&THEN, is a twenty-track collection that seeks to infuse traditional American folk with jazzier and more colorful chords. Stookey speaks on the album.
The album will be available on Stookey’s website for a limited time from February, 22nd 2022 to March 22nd, 2022. For that limited period of time, pre-release purchasers will receive autographed copies of the new CD. They will also receive a link to access a private repository of unreleased Noel Paul Stookey songs and performances. After which, the album will be available on streaming services. For more information visit noelpaulstookey.com.
Blending funk, soul, and indie, Brooklyn band Pimps of Joytime showcases their unique artistry on their new single, “Are You Gonna?” The release comes in anticipation of their new album Reachin’ Up, set to release Friday, April 15th. Accompanying this release, the band will be performing at Brooklyn Made with additional shows throughout the country.
Pimps of Joytime
Forming in 2005, Pimps of Joytime embellished the unique Brooklyn culture of the 2000s. After four studio albums, the band has found a unique sound encompassing a multitude of genres. They are unique, and their next album release is set to demonstrate the magnitude of this talent.
The Brooklyn band is no stranger to the soul and funk scenes, and “Are You Gonna?” showcases their experience. Combining Cuban blue rhythms, blues guitar progressions, and a vocal delivery akin to Bob Marley, the band beautifully demonstrates their ability to encompass multiple genres with grace and poise.
Their prior release, “Lesson,” also set to be on the album, further highlights their unique artistry. Pulsating drums and hypnotizing blues guitar capture the immediate attention of the listener. Most prominently, however, Brian Jay displays masterful and unique vocals that give the band its respective personality and flavor. His voice sensationally bounces over the instrumentation in a way that exhibits experience and confidence.
The latest single “Reachin’ Up” features Antibalas‘ shekere player and vocalist Marcus Farrar and singer Carol C (Si*Sé) for a funk and soul track sure to put smiles on people’s faces all spring long. Brian J comments, “‘Reachin’ Up’ originated from a batch of instrumentals I created in a two-week studio bender in 2019. I hit up old friend and early PJT collaborator Marcus Farrar to come work on one of the tracks. Marcus pretty quickly came up with great melody and lyric ideas. I had the lyric ‘Reachin’ Up’ kickin’ around for a few years and it fit perfectly. I hit record and Marcus did his thing with a stellar vocal performance. Carol C of Si*Sé and Pete Shand of New Mastersounds were the missing puzzle pieces who graced this track with an incredible vibe.”
Pimps of Joytime Winter 2022 Tour Dates:
Saturday, February 19 – The Fillmore – Denver, CO
Thursday, March 24 – Starline Social Club – Oakland, CA
Friday, March 25 – The Venice West – Venice, CA
Saturday, March 26 – Mustache Bash – San Diego, CA
Friday, April 15 – Brooklyn Made – Brooklyn, NY
Saturday, April 16 – Park City Music Hall – Bridgeport, CT
Saturday, Apr 30 – The Parish – House of Blues – New Orleans, LA
Saturday, May 28 – Denver Day of Rock – Denver, CO
Saturday, June 11 – Hog Farm Hideaway – Laytonville, CA
Filled to the Brim, a rock band consisting of high schoolers from Utica, will be performing at The Stanley Theatre on Friday, February 25th.
The band consists of Victoria Haggerty on lead vocals, Alyssa Tomassi on drums, Owen Paz on bass, Jack Towns on keyboards and Johnny Mudge on lead guitar and was first formed in 2018, where the young talents met at Jim O’Mahony’s Rock Camp in Marcy, New York. During those two weeks, the band composed their first song, “Turn Back The Time,” and released a music video for the song less than a year later.
In March 2019, the band recorded a music video for their single, “Turn Back the Time” with Lisa Baron from Upstate Studios, now known as Baroness Films in Utica, NY. Over the course of 2019, they played shows and continued collaborating until they found that they had created enough songs for a full album. They headed back to the studio in December 2019 and recorded their 11 track self-titled with Andrew Greacen from MoreSounds Studios.
Since then, Filled To The Brim has continued writing songs and playing shows. In 2020, the band released their self-titled album and in 2021, the band released their single “Only U.” Both are available for streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.
The Stanley Theatre will be hosting the band on Friday, February 25th. The theatre operates as a non-profit organization run by the Central New York Community Arts Council. Since 1928, the theatre has hosted movie screenings, plays, concerts, and more.
Tickets start at $10 can be purchased through Ticketmaster.
In honor of Black History Month, Bardavon Presents in Poughkeepsie has announced several events. Two of these events are announced as a way to educate and promote conversation surrounding race for kids and teens K-12, with other events celebrating Black history also scheduled.
The first of these events is Virtual Step Afrika! The event is a 5-part series designed to educate the youth on stepping and its history. Stepping is a form of dancing that originated in African American colleges in the early 20th century. Steppers use their bodies as an instrument and often follow polyrhythmic time signatures. By doing so, the dance form created a way for people to musically express themselves through their bodies. Schools and teachers can register for Virtual Step Afrika! from now until Friday, February 18th.
Step Afrika!
Bardavon Presents will also host Virtual Rhapsody in Black. The event is a one-man show written and performed by LeLand Gantt and developed at NYC’s Actors Studio by Estelle Parsons. The show follows Gantt’s personal journey to understand and eventually transcend racism in America. Teachers It seeks to stimulate deep and uncomfortable, yet necessary conversations about race. A free stream of the performance will be available starting Monday, February 7th til Friday, February 18th.
Rhapsody in Black
On Friday, February 25th, a dual screening of Spike Lee’s Do The Right Thing, will be shown at both the Bardavon and Ulster Performing Arts Center. The classic 1989 film featuring Spike Lee, Martin Lawrence, Samuel L. Jackson, and Giancarlo Esposito, explores the racial tension in a Brooklyn neighborhood between African Americans and Italian-Americans. The movie has received unanimous positive reception in the way that it explores its themes, so much so that it has been admitted to the National Film Registry. Tickets for the screening start at just $6.
Do the Right Thing
On February 18th at 8 PM, BardavonPresents will host a free stream on their YouTube page. This stream will be a part of their HVP: Behind the Music series. The episode will focus on the Hudson Valley Philharmonic’s March 5th concert, which shines a spotlight on female composers. Notably, Composer Nkeiru Okoye will discuss her piece “Songs of Harriet Tubman,” dedicated to the abolitionist woman who helped free an estimated 70 slaves. The steam will also explore the broader title theme, Underground Figures. More information is available here.
Nora Brown is not a regular teenager. The 16-year-old is quickly rising to stardom using her talent of one unorthodox instrument: the banjo. “It’s kind of a unique instrument compared to other stringed instruments,” she says in an interview with Brooklyn Magazine, “it has a very unique sound that I was drawn to.
Nora Brown
Unlike most teenagers her age, Brown finds musical enjoyment in traditional bluegrass music and her musicianship on the banjo pays homage to the greats before her. Moreover, the Brooklyn native was mentored by the late New York native and legendary Renaissance man John Cohen, and his mentorship shines through on the rising talent’s strings.
In her swift rise through the world of bluegrass, Brown has already collected a considerable amount of accolades. Her 2019 debut album, Cinnamon Tree, peaked at #7 on the Billboard Bluegrass Charts. Moreover, her second record, Sidetrack My Engine, was released last year and debuted at #6 on the Billboard Bluegrass Charts. Amazingly, the record was recorded in an underground brick arched cave under Brooklyn on an Ampex tape machine. The 16-year-old also has a Tiny Desk Concert on NPR Music, which is linked below.
The rising bluegrass talent has an exciting career ahead of her. She will be playing at Caffe Lena in Saratoga Springs on Saturday, Feb 12th from 8 PM to 10 PM. Tickets are available here.
March 30 Update: Gov’t Mule has postponed their tour following an injury to Warren Haynes. Read the full band statement below.
Gov’t Mule Tour Postponed
Following the release of their 2021 album, Heavy Load Blues, Gov’t Mule will be touring this spring. Several dates, which were originally set for last December, have been moved forward to accompany this tour.
The band will commence its tour in three New York cities over four nights. In their tour, they will hit the LandmarkTheatre in Syracuse, the Palace Theatre at Albany, and the BeaconTheatre in NYC. All dates can be found below.
Gov’t Mule
Warren Haynes, a former member of The Allman Brothers Band, leads the band. Moreover, the renowned musician also toured with The Dead and Phil Lesh and Friends, as well as the frontman for Gov’t Mule.
As impressive as Haynes’ accolades are, the band would also be nothing without New York native Danny Louis. Born right outside Woodstock, the cultural epicenter of jam rock, Louis’ calling was always one for musical brilliance. An alumnus of The Berklee School of Music in Boston, Louis dances around his keyboard with energy, confidence, and grace. You can also find the multi-instrumentalist playing guitar and providing backing vocals throughout the band’s discography.
Rounding out the band’s membership, Matt Abts drums with the soul of jam-rock legends before him, and Jorgen Carlsson’s bass guitar synthesizes perfectly. The jazzy atmosphere the band delivers would be nothing without the two of them.
April 6 – Syracuse, NY @ Landmark Theatre
April 7 – Albany, NY @ Palace Theatre
April 8 – New York, NY @ Beacon Theatre (originally 12/30/21)
April 9 – New York, NY @ Beacon Theatre (originally 12/31/21)
April 11 – McKee Rocks, PA @ Roxian Theatre
April 13 – Wilkes-Barre, PA @ F.M. Kirby Center
April 14 – Philadelphia, PA @ The Met (originally 12/29/21)
April 15 – Erie, PA @ Warner Theatre
April 16 – Chicago, IL @ Riviera Theatre
April 17 – Grand Rapids, MI @ 20 Monroe Live
April 19 – Fort Wayne, IN @ Clyde Theatre
April 21 – Memphis, TN @ Soundstage at Graceland
April 22 – Little Rock, AR @ The Hall
April 23 – St. Louis, MO @ The Pageant
April 25 – Oklahoma City, OK @ Jones Assembly
April 27 – Mobile, AL @ Saenger Theatre
April 28 – Atlanta, GA @ SweetWater 420 Festival
April 29 – New Orleans, LA @ TBA
April 30 – Tuscaloosa, AL @ Druid City Music Hall
June 3-5 – Chattanooga, TN @ Riverbend Festival
Artist presale tickets will be available on Wednesday, February 2nd at 10 AM EST. General sale tickets will be available Friday, February 4th at 10 AM local time. For more ticket information, as well as public health guidelines, visit mule.net.
Following both the release of their 2021 album and their performance debut on NBC’s Saturday Night Live, Bleachers have announced that they will be going on tour. Accompanying the tour announcement is the release of the music video for “How Dare You Want More,” a fan favorite off of their last project Take The Sadness Out Of Saturday Night.
Bleachers, Saturday Night Live
The indie-pop act first came to fruition in 2013. While on the road with Fun, Jack Antonoff worked on his own solo project. The first single, “I Wanna Get Better,” was released a year later in 2014 and received extraordinarily positive critical reception. Since then, the act has released three studio albums and Antonoff has continued to grow in notoriety, working with the likes of Charli XCX, Carli Rae Jepsen, and more. Their latest album features both Bruce Springsteen and Lana Del Rey.
Rising indie star Beabadoobee will also be joining the band on tour in their three New York stops. She is a Filipino-British songwriter reminiscent of Phoebe Bridgers or Clairo. Her soft vocals which lullaby over acoustic guitar progressions create a cozy and nostalgic atmosphere for the listener. You may know her for her viral hit remix with Powfu, “death bed (coffee for your head),” which has since racked up over a billion streams on Spotify alone since its release in 2020. At only 21 years old, the young talent has since built a cult following and shows a promising future in the indie scene and her newest song, “Cologne,” shows both versatility and promise.
Beabadoobee
The band will pass through three New York venues in July, including the designated New York City landmark Radio City Music Hall. Other venues include ARTPARK Amphitheater, located alongside the Niagra River, and Brewery Ommegang in Cooperstown, home of the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
Mar 24 – Roadrunner, Boston, MA (SOLD OUT)
Mar 25 – Roadrunner, Boston, MA (SOLD OUT)
May 17 – House of Blues, Orlando, FL
May 18 – Jannus Live, St. Petersburg, FL
May 20 – The Fillmore, New Orleans, LA
May 21 – Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheater, Austin, TX
May 24 – House of Blues, Houston, TX
May 25 – South Side Ballroom, Dallas, TX
May 29 – BottleRock, Napa Valley, CA
Jun 10 – Primavera Sound, Barcelona, Spain
Jun 15 – Tabernacle, Atlanta, GA
Jun 17 – Bonnaroo, Nashville, TN
Jun 18 – Bonnaroo SuperJam, Nashville, TN
Jun 20 – Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison, CO (SOLD OUT)
The artist pre-sale for the tour begins at 12 PM EST on Monday, January 31st. Spotify pre-sale starts on Thursday, February 3rd at 10 AM EST. Moreover, Citi cardmembers will have access to pre-sale tickets for three select days: Monday, January 31st at 2 PM EST until Thursday, February 3rd at 10 PM EST.
Access for everyone starts Friday, February 4th at 10 PM EST.
Violinist Grace Park and Composer Jonathan Cziner will be featured at legendary Carnegie Hall on Sunday, March 13th. They are set to perform with the New York Youth Symphony (NYSS).
Training violin since five years old, Grace Park is performing her debut recital as a part of the Roy and Shirley Durst Debut Artist Series. The San Francisco Chronicle praised Park for being “fresh, different, and exhilarating.” She will be joining the New York Youth Symphony, recognized as one of the nation’s most prestigious orchestral programs, and is set to perform Barber’s Violin Concerto, Op. 14.
Grace Park
Furthermore, Jonathan Cziner’s new work, Rauch (And Other Delights), is set to premiere during the event. Cziner’s dichotomous composition tiptoes the line between colorful and dark, which sets him apart from his contemporaries. For this reason, he is regarded as a new-age visionary, and his accolades support this claim. His orchestral work, Resonant Bells, received two accolades for its outstanding excellence. Furthermore, Cziner’s works have been performed throughout the United States.
Jonathan Cziner
Music Director Michael Repper will be leading the concert. Tickets from $30 are available at carnegiehall.org.
Happy birthday to Joey Bada$$! Born in 1995 out of Brooklyn, New York, today the East Coast rapper turns 27.
Critically regarded as one of the top lyricists in the contemporary generation, Joey Bada$$ proudly represents his home borough in his discography, going even so far to release a song parading his Brooklyn roots in “Brooklyn’s Own.”
After first gaining internet popularity in 2010, Joey’s professional rap career quickly came to nascency in 2011, where he formed the Brooklyn-based hip hop collective Pro Era. The collective consisted of rappers such as CJ Fly, Kirk Knight, and the late Capital STEEZ. A year later, Joey would go on to release his first mixtape, 1999. This project featured classics such as “Killuminati” and “Survival Tactics,” both featuring Capital STEEZ. The lyricism that Joey showcased in these two respective songs would foreshadow his future success in hip hop.
Get your intel right, your intelligence is irrelevant/But it’s definite, I spit more than speech impediments/Brooklyn’s the residence, the best and it’s evident/We got ’em n—-s P.E. nuts, like they elephants
-Joey Bada$$, Survival Tactics
After the release of his debut mixtape, Joey went on to release the Summer Knights mixtape in 2013 and two studio albums, B4.Da.$$ released in 2015 and All-Amerikkkan Badass released in 2017. He also continued closely collaborating with Pro Era and other Brooklyn hip hop collectives, Flatbush Zombies and The Underachievers, and in 2019, the three respective groups came together for one album, Escape From New York, under the “supergroup” name Beast Coast.
Beast Coast
At only 27 years old, Joey Bada$$ has cemented himself as a Brooklyn legend, and according to a recent Instagram live stream, his anticipated third studio album Is expected to drop this year. In the meantime, his latest single, “THE REV3NGE” is available on all streaming platforms.
