The Harlem Gospel Travelers will release a new full-length album, Look Up! on September 16, via Colemine Records. Ahead of the album’s release, the trio shared their empowering title track and fun-filled music video, which you can see below.
With production by acclaimed soul singer-songwriter, Eli “Paperboy” Reed, the new album gives the trio their first collection of completely original material. The trio consists of Thomas Gatling, George Marage, and Dennis Bailey, all of whom grew up in different areas but refined their talents in Harlem. While the group is greatly influenced by the gospel quartet tradition of the ‘50s and ‘60s, they give a modern edge with this recent release.
Travelers Gaitling and Marage met producer Reed through an after-school program that grew their appreciation and knowledge of the deep history of the gospel quartet. The program allowed them to gain new perspectives, and tap into their true talents. After the 2019 release of the LP He’s On Time, Bailey joined the two, completing the group.
He’s On Time garnered rave reviews in 2019 along with high-profile fans such as Elton John, who invited them on his Rocket Man radio show. The LP also gave way for the group to perform at festivals like Pilgrimage and Telluride Jazz.
This newest title track, “Look Up” empowers listeners and the upcoming album is sure to not disappoint. The Harlem Gospel Travelers are reviving old sounds and reminding listeners how prevalent the music is still today. While gospel is always at the root of their music, the group also incorporates country, folk, rock, soul, and blues.
Check out The Harlem Gospel Travelers live, with the performance dates below.
Tour Dates:
July 23 – Staten Island, NY – Maker Park Radio
Aug. 3 – Bloomington, IN – Buskirk Chumley Theater
The 19th edition of the CGI Rochester International Jazz Festival returns to Rochester’s East End June 17 to 25. For Rochester’s music fans there’s no better way to welcome summer. After two years bereft the best nine days of live music of the year, this year’s festival is going to feel extra special.
The festival producers are constantly tweaking the formula every year, and this year is no different. The Hyatt Regency Ballroom joins as the new Club Pass venue this year and the Little Theater and Theater at Innovation Square (nee Xerox Auditorium) return after renovations. But the biggest change this year is the headliner program. Usually ticketed events held at the gorgeous Eastman Theater, this year they will be provided for free at Parcel 5. While we still maintain the best way to enjoy the festival is with a Club Pass (available in both 9- and 3-day options), we won’t fault anyone from going the free route this year. There are many great options, a whopping 130 free shows across five stages, ranging from fresh local talent to seasoned international megastars.
But as you head out to enjoy your free concerts, stick some cash in your pocket, say $30 or $60, and sneak in a club show or two. Tickets for the Club Pass concerts are $30 (or $35 for Kilbourn Hall) and can be purchased at the door right before showtime. Here are some can’t-miss artists you can catch before (or after) hitting the big outdoor shows.
All headliners are at the Midtown Stage at Parcel 5, unless otherwise noted.
Friday June 17 Chris Botti at 9pm, CMD at 7pm
Recommended club shows:
Giveton Gelin Max of Eastman Place, 6:15pm & 10pm
Young self-taught Bahamian trumpet player Giveton Gelin is a rising star, one of those you saw-em-when Jazz Fest stories you’ll be telling in a couple years to anyone that will listen.
The Cookers Kilbourn Hall, 6pm & 10pm
Just across Gibbs Street, the exact opposite show will be happening, but no less riveting. A supergroup of well-seasoned players, Billy Harper, Cecil McBee, George Cables, Eddie Henderson, and Billy Hart, will present one of the most impressive collective resumes of the festival.
https://youtu.be/Gh-PL6OWfks
Saturday, June 18 Devon Allman Project (with the Dirty Dozen Brass Band) 9pm, Samantha Fish 7pm
Recommended club shows:
Ranky Tanky Kilbourn Hall, 6pm & 10pm (also at the Hyatt Regency Rochester Ballroom Sunday June 19, 7:45 & 9:45pm)
This South Carolina-based quintet actually channel the music of West Africa adding in some American roots elements for a lively and infectious sound that is spiritual and uplifting.
Kind Folk Wilder Room, 6pm & 10pm
A young group with no defined leader, this Brooklyn-based quartet fuses styles and melds their talents to create a four-headed monster of jazz.
Sunday, June 19 Tommy Emmanuel 9pm, Andy McKee 7pm
Recommended club shows:
Bill Frisell Temple Theater 7pm, 9:15pm
Despite returning for his festival-leading 9th time, he, his magical guitar, and whatever group he brings, will never not top our list of must-see shows. This year his trio will include Thomas Morgan and Rudy Royston.
Under the Surface Glory House International 7:30pm & 9:30pm
Heavily improvised and full of that mystical ethereal quality that seems to always emerge from the Global Jazz Now Series year after year, this multi-generational trio of Danish musicians is going to turn some heads at this year’s festival.
Monday, June 20 Spyro Gyra 9pm, Bill Tiberio Band 7pm
Recommended club shows:
Sammy Miller and the Congregation Kilbourn Hall 6pm & 9pm
Drummer Sammy Miller leads this septet that plays what they appropriately call, “joyful jazz.” If you want to leave a set with a smile on your face, this is your place.
Ana Egge Little Theater 7pm & 9:15pm
Egge is a singer-songwriter that has lived a life and isn’t afraid to sing about it, with some honest and rich folk tunes that will stick with you. She’ll round out her trio for these shows with Alison Shearer on sax and the RT’s Alden Harris-McCoy on guitar.
Tuesday, June 21 Robin Thicke 9pm, The Dip 7pm
Recommended club shows:
Oskar Stenmark Trio Glory House International 730pm & 930pm
Music is in his blood, literally tracing back to 1762. Trumpet, cornet and flugelhorn player Stenmark leads his trio fusing sounds of his native Sweden with those of his adopted home of New York City.
Jeremy Beck and the Heavy Duty Horns RIJF Big Tent 8:30pm & 10pm (also on Monday at Montage 6pm & 10pm)
Keyboardist Jeremy Beck brings an eight-piece horn-heavy band that blends gospel, soul and rock into a funky stew. The Big Tent will be jumping.
Wednesday, June 22 Sheila E. 9pm, Sy Smith 7pm
Recommended club shows:
Arturo O’Farrill Quintet Kilbourn Hall 6pm & 9pm
Grammy winner and founder and director of the Afro Latin Jazz Alliance, O’Farrill most often plays with his Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra, he brings his smaller Quintet to the festival, but we still imagine there will be plenty of chair dancing.
Stephane Wrembel Theater at Innovation Square 6:30pm & 8:30pm
A Rochester favorite, Wrembel is one of the leading curators of Gypsy jazz guitar and other than just plumbing and recreating it’s history, he also redefines it with incredible guitar wizardry. If you seen him before, you won’t miss it, if you haven’t, here’s your chance get aboard.
Thursday, June 23 Booker T Presents: A Soul Stax Revue 9pm, Soul Stew 7pm
Recommended club shows:
Big Lazy Montage Music Hall 6pm & 10pm (also on Friday at the Little Theater 7pm & 9:15pm)
A trio of guitar, bass and drums, Big Lazy has honed their craft in the small spaces of New York City, arriving at a sound that overextends their number and instrumentation, simultaneously noir and pastoral, gothic and modern.
Itamar Borochov Quartet Wilder Room 6pm & 10pm
Israeli-born trumpet player blends influences, both religious and secular, from the Middle East and North Africa with more traditional jazz for a uniquely satisfying sound.
Friday, June 24 New Power Generation 9pm, Con Brio 7pm (also at MLK Park: The Bacon Brothers 9pm, Julia Nunes 7pm)
Recommended club shows:
Jonathan Scales Fourchestra Montage Music Hall 6pm & 10pm
Has there been a steel pannist at the festival before? Regardless, Jonathan Scales will be the best to have played it, and it won’t be a mere novelty act either. This might be your favorite discovery of the festival.
The Huntertones RIJF Big Tent 8:30pm & 10pm (also on Thursday at the Hyatt Regency Rochester Ballroom 7:45pm & 9:45pm)
The Huntertones return to the festival with their horn-heavy big sound funk party that seems custom built to fill the RIJF Big Tent.
Friday, June 24 G. Love and Special Sauce 9pm, Danielle Ponder 7pm (also at MLK Park: Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors 9pm, Ward Hayden and the Outliers 7pm)
Recommended club shows:
Immanuel Wilkins Temple Theater 7pm, 9:15pm
Wilkins’ debut was named the #1 jazz album of the year by the New York Times, and his 2022 follow-up with the same quartet was described by Pitchfork as “ocean-deep jazz epics.” This is a young saxophonist with a lot to say and contribute to the jazz world, an apt artist to close out the festival with.
Kurt Elling “Super Blue” with Charlie Hunter Kilbourn Hall 6pm & 9pm
Seasoned and renowned jazz vocalist Kurt Elling will be featuring his new blues-based project, Super Blue, featuring none other than Charlie Hunter on his custom bass/guitar.
The Chelsea Music Festival 2022 in NYC has announced its 13 season and the theme is “Not Without You,” which explores the deep bond between Fanny and Felix Mendelssohn on the 175th anniversary of their passing. It will run from June 23-26. then finally on the 28.
The Chelsea Music Festival celebrates the creativity of one of New York City’s most dynamic neighborhoods and brings together world-renowned performers to celebrate great music. Since 2010, festival has established itself as a critically-acclaimed, accessible and interactive gateway to chamber music in non-traditional concert spaces like art galleries, churches, and more.
The 2022 festival theme reflects on the need to be with and encourage one another, especially due to the forced distance after the pandemic.
Chelsea Music Festival 2022 Lineup
June 23- Exhibition Reception- How To Operate in a Blue Room
Resident artist Jonathan VanDyke created the exhibition How to Operate in a Blue Room, which features the artist’s sewn paintings, a selection of the amaryllis flowers that the artist raises in his studio, sculptures, and scraps from his studio projects.
June 24- Festival Opening Night: Not Without You
The festival’s opening night concert includes music by J.S. Bach, V. Silvestrov, and a New York Premiere of a new work by Misato Mochizuki, as well as music by the people being celebrated in the theme, Fanny & Felix Mendelssohn.
June 25- Das Jahr: Twelve Months Personified at 7 P.M.
The evening features pianists playing “Das Jahr” by Fanny Mendelssohn. It is one of her most sparkling compositions, as it is a twelve-part piano suite based on the months of the year.
Later in the evening, award-winning string duo ARKAI Music will be performing a mix of original and classic songs, as well as a special premiere of their latest single release, “Patchwork.” They are known for their infusion of classical and rock music.
Pianist & composer Carmen Staaf joins the Festival for a matinee jazz performance and will be joined by the Ensemble-in-Residence Ulysses Quartet as they play Staaf’s own compositions and Mary Lou Williams’ Zodiac Suite.
The Ensemble-in-Residence Ulysses Quartet have been described by The Guardian as “emotively and dynamically astounding,” as they perform music that ties into the theme “Not Without You,” and to the artwork of Jonathan VanDyke.
Ulysses Quartet.
June 28- Festival Finale— Siblings & Soulmates
For the final day of the festival, the concert will tie together the Mendelssohn siblings lives through song, as well as through poetry and chamber music.
For more information and to buy tickets to the Chelsea Music Festival, go here.
Governors Ball Music Festival wrapped up its third and final day on Sunday, June 12. Narrowly avoiding passing thunderstorms, the weekend was punctuated by a headlining performance from J. Cole, who performed a career-spanning set, including songs off his 2021 LP The Off-Season.
J. Cole has lived much of his life in New York, and reminisced about writing some of his most influential music in the city. “It’s so crazy to be here, with the train going by…I used to live right down the street, writing songs as the trains go by.” J. Cole opened his set with a fiery performance of “95.South” and also brought out J.I.D. and Kenny Mason for “Stick.” J.I.D. broke his hand moshing during his set earlier in the day, and pleaded to the crowd: “Don’t be like me; safety first!”
Kaytranada, Governors Ball, 6/12/22. Photo by Buscar Photo
As with all three headliners over the weekend, a majority of the bands on the lineup are celebrating releases dating back to 2020. With a complete year and a half hiatus in the live music industry as a result of the pandemic, 2022 is jam packed with artists touring off releases a couple years old as well as albums that are hot out of the studio. Soccer Mommy is only two weeks away from her highly anticipated fourth LP Sometimes, Forever while Coin are only a few months into the life of their fifth LP Uncanny Valley. Clairo is also still touring behind her strong sophomore LP Sling, released last year.
Stay tuned later in the week for our full coverage of the entire Governors Ball weekend. In the meantime, check out more photos from Sunday from NYS Music photographers David Reichmann and Joseph Buscarello in the gallery below.
KaytranadaKaytranadaJazmine SullivanJapanese BreakfastJapanese BreakfastJapanese BreakfastJapanese BreakfastClairoJ. ColeJ. Cole and J.I.D.J. Cole and J.I.D.100 GecsCoinGlass AnimalsGlass AnimalsGlass AnimalsJ.I.D.Soccer Mommy
Governors Ball Music Festival continued on Saturday, June 11th, outside of Flushing Meadows in Queens. Saturday featured a triumphant headlining set from Edison, New Jersey native Halsey who is still running strong off her fourth LP If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power released in 2021.
Halsey had a setback earlier this week when her show on June 8th at Merriweather Post Pavillion had to be abruptly cancelled due to severe flooding at the venue. Unfazed by the heartbreak, Halsey delivered a powerful performance for the Flushing crowd. Governors Ball will always be a special occasion for Halsey; she attended the festival in 2014 (the day she signed her record deal), played an early evening set in 2018, and headlined on Saturday.
Halsey, Governors Ball, 6/11/22. Photo by Buscar Photo
During Halsey’s set, she admitted she “couldn’t resist” playing a cover of Kate Bush’s timeless classic “Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)” and also treated fans to the live debut of her just-released new single, “So Good.” Other performers included Flume, Denzel Curry, DJ Diesel (Shaq), Tove Lo, and Dehd. Photos from day two of Governors Ball by David Reichmann and Joseph Buscarello are below.
Denzel Curry, Governors Ball, 6/11/22. Photo by Buscar Photo
Day two was not without it’s hiccups. With a packed main stage waiting for Roddy Rich, the festival announced halfway through his set-time that Roddy Rich would not be performing. The disappointed crowd flooded over to the other stages and packed in for Joji and Denzel Curry.
Flume, Governors Ball, 6/11/22. Photo by Buscar Photo
The third and final day of the festival is today and features a headline performance from J. Cole. Other bands NYS Music are excited to see include Kaytranada, Japanese Breakfast, 100 Gecs, Soccer Mommy, and J.I.D.. Check back tomorrow for photos from the Governors Ball finale.
The 2022 edition of the Governors Ball Music Festival got underway on Day One, June 10th, outside of Citi Field in Flushing, Queens. The festival has revamped itself in the new location with greater accessibility via mass transit, a dive bar area featuring intimate acoustic sets from artists on the bill, and more of a focus on local food vendors.
Kid Cudi, Governors Ball, 6/10/22. Photo by Buscar Photo
Friday was headlined by Grammy Award winning recording artist Kid Cudi who released Man On The Moon III: Chosen back in 2020 and is set to release his eighth LP later this year. Kid Cudi previewed the new record with “Do What I Want” as well as playing the all-time hit “Memories.”
NYS Music photographers David Reichmann and Joseph Buscarello are on site all weekend covering Governors Ball. Other artists on Friday included Channel Tres, Black Pumas, JPEGMAFIA, and Jack Harlow. Lil’ Wayne was booked as a last minute replacement for Migos who dropped off the lineup earlier in the week. However, only a couple of hours before his set, the festival announced that due to “flight delays” Weezy would be replaced by Harlem native A$AP Ferg.
Black Pumas, Governors Ball, 6/10/22. Photo by Buscar Photo
Saturday is going to be a packed day with sets from Denzel Curry, DJ Diesel (Shaq), Dehd, Tove Lo, and Flume. Halsey headlines the Governors Ball Stage, making her return to the festival after last playing in 2018. Tune back in tomorrow for photos from those sets and more.
Indie-electronic artist-producer Wooter releases his first single “Epigraph” this Friday, June 10th. “Epigraph” is a chill psychedelic pop track that may calm you down and drive you away from the current chaos.
Wooter
Wooter, also called Rowan Brind, is a Brooklyn-based artist and producer. He is an engineer and mixer while he also learned multiple instruments. Meanwhile, he is a prolific songwriter who works mainly on his laptop alone.
However, in this signle, he collaborates with the experienced jazz drummer Caleb Estey. Followed his non-traditional songwriting process that first writing to a drum take, then inserting melody and lyrics, Wooter added new sounds in this new single as well.
Wooter is fond of obscure, niche audio equipment and instruments, which gives his music a distinctive sound. His perfectionism in audio production and mixing improved the listening experience of his productions. His perfectionism and interest in sound also benefited his produce skills as an entirely self-taught producer. He always searches for new sounds and evolves with each album.
“Epigraph” is the music shelter to escape from the daily hustle and bustle. Turn it on, and relieve the expectation and burdens on you for the two minutes and 44 seconds. This is music for those trying to break from the routine.
The book The Sun Also Rises inspired Wooter to express the feelings of characters. They are living aimless lives and yet live happily unfazed by the world crumbling around them. For the sound design, Wooter composed his new album on the OP1 which has a lush sound of synthesizers during a trip to New Orleans. He absorbed the feelings of artists like Tame Impala, Mild High Club, and Gorillaz. And now it is time to enjoy the realm of Wooter in the “Epigraph”.
The City of Albany and Albany Parking Authority are holding a free Father’s Day celebration at Washington Park on June 19 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The Albany Dad Fest celebration will feature a classic car show, live music, great food, and family fun. Washington Park, settled in the Capital Region of Albany, has abundant amentities and is surrounded by a variety of bars and restaurants.
The Classic Car Show will be presented by Albany Parking Authority. During the show, 32 trophies produced whenever will be awarded. There will also serve great food, live bands, vendors, and a Radio Station with DJ. Registration $15 day of the show. Benefiting Henry Johnson Vet House.
Singer-songwriter and standup comedian Erin Harkes will convey the power in her music to the Dad Fest audiences. Erin is regularly voted Best Singer/Songwriter, Solo Musician and Comedian in the Capital Region by the Times Union Reader’s Poll, The Alt and the Metroland.
Albany-based singer-songwriter Sydney Worthley will bring her performance to the Washington Park from 12:30pm to 2:00pm. With the power released in her songs, she has two nominations at the Eddie’s Music Awards, a feature on NPR’s Heavy Rotation list, and a new project right around the corner.
Grateful Dead tribute band, The Wheel, is going to perform for the Dad Fest in Washington Park. The group consists of rhythm guitarist and bandleader Andy Morse, bassist Dave Pallas, drummer Joe Sorbero and percussionist Pete Andriakos.
The Wheels
Attendees to Dad Fest should know that glass containers are not allowed in the park. Animals or pets are also not allowed. Please do not record performances in the festival. All City of Albany parks are now tobacco-free.
For more information on Dad Fest and all of the City of Albany’s free, family-friendly events, visit www.albanyevents.org. As for parking information, visit www.parkalbany.com.
Northern Current, a free annual music festival based in the northern Adirondacks, will return for its third time this Labor Day Weekend. Hosted on September 4 in Saranac Lake’s Riverside Park, the event will feature six different acts from noon to 9:30 PM.
Promotional poster for Northern Current.
Having held its inaugural celebration in 2019, Northern Current replaced Hobofest, a community festival held annually on the Sunday of Labor Day weekend for the decade prior until the organizers’ retirement.
With North Current being cancelled in 2020 and holding a “pared down” event in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 2022 marks the return of a full fledged festival. In addition to music, the day will include kid-oriented activities and sale from local food vendors.
Headlined by TEKE::TEKE, a female-fronted Japanese psych-rock band from Montreal, Northern Current states that its mission “is to enrich the cultural diversity of the town by celebrating a myriad of musical heritages.”
Supporting TEKE::TEKE are female-led reggae band The Big Takeover, Brooklyn ten-piece funk group Ghost Funk Orchestra, Ithaca country/bluegrass band Rose & the Bros, New Jersey roots rock group The Outcrops, and the ukulele-led Crackin’ Foxy, a local Saranac Lake band.
Additional information about Northern Current’s partners, location and more can be found on their website.
The Tribeca Festival will be held June 8-19 in New York City. The 20 year-old annual arts festival celebrates film, television, podcasts, musical performances and video games. This year’s highlights include 88 film premieres and musical performances from Lil Baby and Of Monsters and Men.
The Tribeca Festival will feature both live and virtual events at this year’s edition.
A Brief History of the Tribeca Festival
The festival began as a series of dinner parties hosted by Robert De Niro in Lower Manhattan in an effort to revitalize the area following 9/11. The most popular of which had almost 800 people and included former President Bill Clinton. After the initial popularity of the dinner parties, De Niro and fellow co-founders Jane Rosenthal and Craig Hatkoff decided to launch a fully fledged film festival.
In 2009 director Damien Chazelle would premier his musical romantic drama Guy and Madeline on a Park Bench. The movie is a heartfelt story of a jazz trumpeter who goes through an unusual break up. Chazelle would go on to direct movies about music throughout his career, such as La La Land and Whiplash.
Tribeca would continue to expand its programming offerings in 2016 when it decided to include television shows in the festival. The same year would also include a commemorative screening on the 40th anniversary of De Niro’s classic film Taxi Driver.
The 2022 edition of the Tribeca Film Festival will feature 111 movies from 40 countries.
This 2022 feature film program leaves us proud and humbled by the boundless ingenuity and passion of our indefatigable filmmaking community. Whether a comedic breath of fresh air or a trenchant expose of the most urgent contemporary issues, this year’s official selections again remind us of the vitality and urgency of independent film in a world that needs it more than ever.
Cara Cusumano, Festival Director and VP of Programming
In addition, to several music films Tribeca will also feature several live performances throughout the weeklong festival. This Thursday at the Indeed Theater Icelandic band Of Monsters and Men will celebrate the 10 year anniversary of their debut album, My head is An Animal with a special live performance. On Saturday, June 11 Lil Baby will perform following the debut of his documentary Untrapped: The Story of Lil Baby.
Music has always been an integral part of Tribeca, from the live performances to the countless music docs we’ve celebrated at the Festival. This unique series of events aims to highlight the true power of music and underscores Tribeca’s ongoing commitment to year round programming.
Jane Rosenthal, Founder and CEO of Tribeca Enterprises
To celebrate the relationship between music and film at the Tribeca Festival, here are a few recommendations from both this year’s edition and past ones. The list below includes feature length movies that are specifically about music in New York State
Mr. Soul!
The titular Mr. Soul is Ellis Haizlip, the producer and host of “Soul!” the first Black variety show in America. Which makes “Mr. Soul!” a documentary not about musicians and performers but rather about someone, like Haizlip, who created places for them share their music. Haizlip was a trailblazer for making a TV show centered exclusively on black identity and art. And he was a tastemaker for introducing television audiences to acts such as Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight and The Pips, and Al Green. Interspersed throughout the movie are readings of passages from Haizlip’s journal. In it he regularly uses phrases such as “uplift voices” and “create a safe space” when talking about Black artists. Terms that might be familiar to a contemporary audience until we remember he wrote them in 1968 when they were genuinely revolutionary. Not just because they sought to overturn a status quo (although that was certainly the case) but because he’d thought them up himself. At the end of the documentary, when discussing the show’s eventual cancellation, the poet Sonia Sanchez comments, “I was sad not just because of the demise of Soul! but because I knew they wouldn’t replace it”.
Other Music
Another documentary that isn’t about musical artists but rather about the people that surround them—in this case music listeners. “Other Music” is the story of a legendary, alternative record store in New York City run by co-owners Josh Madell and Chris Vanderloo, which was forced to close in May 2016. If someone ever asked you “What is passion?” you could show them this documentary. Its focus isn’t Other Music’s owners—a falling out with an estranged third partner is hinted at but never addressed—or its customers—although the famous ones are interviewed for the movie. The core of this movie is the question of what does it mean to fill your life with art? The record store, its shelves brimming with esoterica and its staff with their trademark curtness is a testament to how fulfilling a life spent in the arts can be. In all likelihood, if you’re on this website you’d be a fan of “Other Music”. Hell, you may have even shopped there.
Woodstock: Three Days That Defined a Generation
The documentary with the most famous subject in our list. It’s also the only documentary to take place outside of New York City. “Woodstock: Three Days That Defined a Generation” is composed entirely of archival footage so expect to see lots of long hair, hippie outfits, and blurred out nudity. The movie doesn’t spend too much time with the famed musical acts and their legendary performances instead it focuses on the festival’s organizers and attendees. The voices of the talking heads are always played over grainy, archival footage from 1969. We never see any of their faces. Which maybe is the point, because it’s not important who went to Woodstock so much as what they went there for: three days of peace and music.
Blue Note Records: Beyond the Notes
The documentary opens with a montage of famous Blue Note Records releases. If you’re like me you probably didn’t recognize the album covers but did recognize the names: Thelonious Monk, Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock. “Blue Note Records: Beyond the Notes” is not interested in the chronological, nuts and bolts of Blue Note’s time in the music business or a history of jazz music. It’s a worthwhile addition to this list because it’s about the significance of that label. It shows us what happens when well-meaning afficionados, like the label’s founders Alfred Lion and Franck Wolff, work with talented artists. In an interview towards the end of the documentary Hancock explains jazz music in one minute when recounting a recording session with Miles Davis. If nothing else watch the documentary just for that anecdote.
2022 Tribeca Festival Recommendations
Halftime
Tribeca is a downtown film festival and JLo is an uptown girl. Few artists made their New York roots as important to their identity as JLo did. The Netflix documentary “Halftime”, directed by Amanda Micheli, follows Jennifer Lopez over the last few years. In it she prepares for major shows including her 2020 Super Bowl halftime show and the presidential inauguration in 2021. “Halftime” is billed as a documentary in which Lopez prepares for the second half of her career and life. In it she evaluates her own contributions to American pop culture and more specifically Latinx culture. “The Tribeca Festival is eager to bring audiences from all over the world together to honor the importance of purpose-driven creative expression,” said Robert De Niro, the festival’s founder. Likely part documentary, part commercial “Haltfime” promises to be at the very least an entertaining 98 minutes with a charismatic, beloved star and at most a meditation on activism and middle age. Either way Jenny from the Block is here.
Beauty
Gracie Marie Bradley stars as the titular Beauty in the film “Beauty” which will make its world premier at the 2022 Tribeca Festival.
The only Tribeca Festival narrative feature included on this list, “Beauty” is the story of Beauty (Gracie Marie Bradley) a talented singer on the verge of industry success in the 1980s. When Beauty innocently signs her first contract she’s met with the realities of pop stardom, asked to hide her relationship with her girlfriend, compromise her identity as a black woman, and intentionally mispresent her own art in pursuit of audience approval. It’s apparent from the description alone that this movie is as much about legendary real-life singers, such as Whitney Houston, Patti LaBelle, and countless others as it as about the fictional Beauty. Written by Lena Waithe “Beauty” is about the timeless themes of ambition, identity, and love as told through the lens of the music industry.
LIFT
The New York Ballet’s Project Lift offers scholarships to homeless children to learn ballet. This documentary follows international ballet star, Steven Melendez, as he teaches young dancers ballet. The catch? Melendez himself was a homeless seven-year-old before joining the LIFT program. The doc follows Melendez and his students over the span of ten years. The movie culminates in a stage performance from the LIFT students that addresses the pain of homelessness.
Music Performances at Tribeca
Thursday, June 9
8 p.m.: Machine Gun Kelly at the Beacon Theater After the premier of the semi-autobiographical Taurus the rap-rocker will make a special appearance.
8 p.m.: Of Monsters and Men at the Indeed Theater Icelandic band Of Monsters and Men will perform after a screening ofTIU, a feature documentary about the band.
Friday, June 10
6:00 p.m.: Pharrell in Conversation at BMCC Tribeca PAC Pharrell Williams will sit down for a live interview to discuss his career.
8 p.m.: The DOC 54th Birthday Party feat. DJ Quik, Das, and Kurupt at the Beacon Theater Rapper The DOC will celebrate his birthday with the premier of a documentary about his life followed by a live performance.
Saturday, June 11
3 p.m.: A Conversation with Taylor Swift at the Beacon Theater The Grammy winning artist will showcase her movie Red, All Too Well: The Short Film and discuss her creative process with filmmaker Mike Mills.
8 p.m.: Lil Baby at the Beacon Theater Atlanta rapper Lil Baby will premier Untrapped: The Story of Lil Baby, a documentary about his life and career. Following the screening will be a special performance from Lil Baby.
8 p.m.: Inner City and Blake Baxter at the Indeed Theater The electronic music group, Inner City, will perform after the screening of God Said Give ’Em Drum Machines, a documentary about the origin of techno music.
8 p.m.: Performance by Onyx Collective and Duenditaat Baby’s All Right Onyx Collective is a jazz ensemble founded in NYC that will be performing with Another artist who is Duendita, a singer-songwriter from Queens.
12 a.m.: DJ sets by Huerco S and Ade Kassim at Baby’s All Right. The two DJ’s will perform at a festival afterparty.
Tribeca Festival Tickets
Screenings will take place across New York City from June 8-19. The festival’s complete schedule is available online. Tickets for both in person and virtual events are available on the festival website.
