The Bronx Music Heritage Center (BMHC), located at 1303 Louis Nine Blvd. in New York City’s northern-most borough, will close out their May programming with a series of events featuring dancing, Latin music and a multicultural celebration. Events will also be held at Bronx Music Hall Plaza, located at 438 E. 163rd St.
Although the Bronx was once a hub for music creation and performance, the disinvestment in the 1970s and 1980s destroyed many performance venues, devastating the music scene. As a result, access to arts and cultural programming has become scarce in the Bronx.
The BMHC, created by WHEDco, is committed to preserving and promoting Bronx music, cultivating Bronx artists, spurring neighborhood revival, and providing free cultural programs for the community. T The BMHC hosts music performances, art exhibits, artists-in-residence, workshops throughout the Bronx.
On Saturday, May 21, the Bronx Rising! program will feature Irish, U.S. and Cuban traditional traditions highlighting percussive dancing with the groups OYU ORO and CITY STOMPERS. The show starts at 8:00 pm at the BMHC, and the cost is $7 at the door.
On Friday, May 27, BMHC will present ABAZOS ARMY as they gear up to promote their upcoming CD release. ABAZOS ARMY combines music in a fusion of funk, reggae, Latin music, jazz and hip hop. This is a free show starting at 8:00 pm.
BMHC ends the month with a concert in partnership with the Multicultural Music Group featuring FELIPE FOURNIER & SUPERMAMBO on Saturday, May 28th. This is as free show, held at BMH Plaza. If it rains, the concert will be held at the BMHC.
From the BMHC archives, watch the last program held before the pandemic began. In February 2020, celebrating International Mother Tongue Day, the video features the Bangladesh Academy of Fine Arts performing a Bengali folk dance. BAFA is a Bronx-based group and led by Margia Shiriti.
Flushing Town Hall has announced the Summer 2022 run of their popular “Common Ground : Mini-Global Mashups” series. There will be one show per month, starting May 17 and continuing until August 21.
Performers L to R: Cillian Vallely, Samir Langus, Yungchen Lhamo, Martin Vejarano, Joshua Nelson, Vado Diomande
Curated by trumpeter and Composer Frank London, the concert series will feature performances from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines. Each performance will combine elements of different cultures to create a unique experience.
The summer series will kick off May 15, with a collaboration between Irish piper Cillian Vallely & Gnawa master Samir LanGus. They will be accompanied by Brooklyn native and multi-instrumentalist Matt Mancuso. “Ireland Meets Morocco” brings together three decorated musicians for a night of inspired entertainment.
“Tibet Meets Colombia” will feature Tibetan singer Yungchen Lhamo and Colombian artist Martín Vejarano, accompanied by guitarist Jorge Iván “Tito” Duarte. Lhamo’s calming voice will promote healing and relaxation as Vejarano’s traditional Colombian background provides a well built foundation.
“Gospel Meets Côte d’Ivoire” showcases the musical talent of American gospel singer Joshua Nelson and Ivory Coast traditional dance and drum master Vado Diomande. On July 24, Nelson’s focus on Jewish Gospel will meet Diomande’s vast knowledge of African dance and drumming tradition.
“Ukraine Meets Cuba” will close out the series on August 21, with a performance from Ukrainian bandura (Ukrainian lute/harp) master Julian Kytasty and Cuban artists Danae Blanco and Juan Carlos Formal. Although the individual regions seem very different, they will come together in a smooth appreciation for all walks of life.
More information, as well as tickets, can be found here. The performances will also be live streamed on the Flushing Town Hall’s youtube channel.
Flyday Music Festival will return this fall, September 29 through October 2, 2022 at Blackthorne Resort in East Durham, NY in the heart of the Catskills.
Flyday Music Festival, in its fifth year at Blackthorne Resort, is a non-corporate, intimate festival put on by two musicians who love great music. A celebration of life and creativity, freedom, spirit, heart and soul, and friends and family through music, art, and movement, Flyday has grown since inception in 2017, and brings together a stellar lineup and community.
The 2022 Flyday Music Festival lineup includes more than 20 bands, with a variety of genres including funk,
The lineup includes Ghost-Note, Black Rock Funk Allstars, Yam Yam, Schleigho, Gnarbot, Space Junk is Forever, Shwizz, Baked Shrimp, Glass Pony, The Magnetic Pull, Screaming Headless Torsos, Honker, Ampevene, Level:Memory, Eugue Tyler Band, Children of the Judge, Laura Leigh and Denise Parent, Dr. Jah and the Love Prophets, Sungazer, Now vs Now, Nigel Felony and K-Weef.
Artists will perform on two side-by-stages at the 100+ acre Blackthorne Resort, with 80+ rooms on site, camping and RV sites, a pool and tiki bar, in addition to a creek, hiking, a bar, a restaurant, a playground and play fields and courts, and a haunted house. Amenities include free showers, flush toilets and charging stations for all campers.
The quality of the music and the coming together of friends and the ever-growing Flyday Family is the main focus of Flyday today. Besides some of the best music the Northeast has to offer, there will be workshops (tie-dye, juggling, and more), vendors (massage, artisan, clothing, food, microbrew) and glass blowing and other artisan demonstrations. There will be live, interactive art exhibits as well as a black-light art gallery/lounge.
More info and tickets for Flyday Music Festival 2022 are available at flydaymusicfestival.com.
The acclaimed home for Global Music, the DROM celebrates their 15th anniversary with a special series of 15 shows in 2022.
DROM is a music venue that celebrates diverse and intersecting cultures with hundreds of performances over the last 15 years from international, national, to New York-based artists. Numerous music fans and thousands of artists have ventured to the venue to experience the live music.
Our goal from the beginning was to bring cultures from different regions into one room. We created a scene with contemporary world music and Jazz sounds
Serdar
Together, Sedar IIhan as the owner and director and Mehmet Dede as programming director bring DROM to life as the home for musicians and passionate listeners to live music and performances. Jazz-based artists like Robert Glasper, Snarky Puppy and Gregory Porter have performed at DROM along with a sold out show from pop singer Sammy Rae just before the start of the pandemic.
DROM 15th Anniversary Series – More shows to be announced throughout the year:
Drom 15th Anniversary Series – More shows to be announced throughout the year
Wed, July 14 – Pedrito Martinez presents Echoes of Africa –tickets
Fri, July 22 – NY Gypsy All Stars with special guest Ibrahim Maalouf – tickets
Sat July 30 – Summer for the City at Damrosch Park, globalFEST at Summer for the City, Presented in collaboration with Drom NYC and Barbès Brooklyn – free
Grammy winner Angélique Kidjo released a remix and music video of her song “Choose Love”. The “Choose Love” remix comes on the back of her Grammy Award win for Best Global Music Album for her album Mother Nature in April.
Kidjo at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 1, 2017 in New York City. Credit: Taylor Hill
Mother Nature was released in June of 2021. The album, met with career-best raves, tackles major issues like the climate crisis and the struggle for freedom. The album continues to reinforce her status as a true icon of African music as she was joined by a host of young African stars which she influenced, including Burna Boy, Mr. Eazi, Yemi Alade and Sampa The Great.
Kidjo is a 12-time GRAMMY nominee and 5-time winner. In addition to her win for Best Global Music Album she was also nominated twice in the Best Global Music Performance category. Once as a lead artist on “Do Yourself” from Mother Nature, featuring Burna Boy, and again as a featured artist for the recording of “Blewu” by Yo-Yo Ma.
In 2021 Kidjo was named to TIME’s 100 Most Influential People list, where Alicia Keys wrote her introduction. She also had several notable performances including at the Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony and a sold out Carnegie Hall in November. She was also cast in a film alongside Viola Davis.
The “Choose Love” remix was produced by Grammy nominee Synematik. The music video for the “Choose Love” remix was shot by famed British photographer Platon, who was recently the subject of a Netflix documentary.
“Angélique shows us the true meaning of leadership today,” Platon said. “With this song, ‘Choose Love’ she inspires us with her extraordinary music talent, her compassion, optimism, and hope.
This is Platon’s first collaboration with Kidjo.
“I love Platon’s passion for Art and people,” Kidjo said. “He has photographed the leaders of these world but also people from all over the World, from all social classes and all origins. He has shown us through his art the common humanity we all share.”
This summer Kidjo will embark on her first foray into musical theater with Yemandja. Named for Yoruban deity, the musical is a work of magical realism set against the backdrop of slavery in 19th-century West Africa. It is a parable about gods and humans that illuminates through song what can happen when people are robbed of their culture.
Global Tour Dates
Saturday, May 6, 2022: The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. (Yemandja)
Sunday, May 7, 2022: The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. (Yemandja)
Tuesday, May 10, 2022: McCarter Theatre Center in Princeton, NJ
Thursday, May 12, 2022: Bass Concert Hall in Austin, TX
Thursday, May 26, 2022: Africa Festival in Würzburg, Germany
Wednesday, June 1, 2022: Bergen International Festival in Bergen, Germany
Friday, June 3 – Saturday June 4, 2022: Holland Festival in Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Thursday, June 9, 2022: Dresden Music Festival in Dresden, Germany
Saturday, June 11, 2022: Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris France
Sunday, June 12, 2022: Meltdown Festival at Southbank Centre in London, United Kingdom
Thursday, June 16 – Saturday June 18, 2022: Holland Festival in Amsterdam, The Netherlands (Yemandja)
Wednesday, June 22, 2022: Klangvokal Festival in Dortmund, Germany
Friday, June 24, 2022: Holland Festival in Amsterdam, The Netherlands (Symphonic)
Wednesday, June 22 – Sunday June 26, 2022: Glastonbury Festival in Glastonbury, England
Friday, July 1, 2022: Jazz a Vienne in Vienne, France
Friday, July 8, 2022: Festival dei due mondi in Spoleto, Italy
Friday, July 22, 2022: Molde Jazz Festival in Molde, Norway
Friday, July 29, 2022: WOMAD UK festival in Malmesbury, United Kingdom
Sunday July 31, 2022: Newport Jazz Festival in Newport, RI
Wednesday August 3, 2022: Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA
Saturday, August 6, 2022: Caramoor in Katonah, NY
Friday, August 19, 2022: H2U Open Air in Uster, Switzerland
Sunday, October 23, 2022: Palladium Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel, IN
Saturday, January 28, 2023: Chateau Rogue in Annemasse, France
Thursday, March 30, 2023: Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, The Netherlands
On Friday, April 29th, Consider the Source brought their eclectic instruments and extreme talents to Lark Hall in Albany during the last leg of their “Acoustic-Electric Hybrid” tour to celebrate the release of their album Hybrid Vol. 1: Such As A Mule. Lark Hall was the perfect space to enjoy a slightly toned-down version of this hard-rocking band. To kick off what was one of the most musically interesting night’s of my life was delightful duo Cosmal.
Cosmal
Ryan Coyle and Alison Lazarus are two delightfully well-rounded and multi-talented individuals and they created an amazing group called Cosmal. While Ryan creates incredible electronica jams with his midi-controller, chaos pad, and guitar, Alison live-paints and sings. This band is made of two truly unique individuals with an incredible idea — you should check them out as soon as you get the chance.
Consider the Source
Consider the Source is easily one of the most unique bands I have ever had the pleasure to listen to. They call their sound “Sci-fi Middle Eastern Prog Fusion” and if you think that sounds interesting you should hear what they actually sound like. If you’re looking for something different from the usual stuff, this is your band.
Hybrid Vol. 1: Such As A Mule
John Ferrara (bass), Jeff Mann (percussion), and Gabriel Marin (guitar, etc) have truly created a unique, eclectic, and delightful sound. Friday night’s show was a rare treat — fans of the band had never seen them play in such an environment before. They played their new album in its entirety and threw a couple of older songs in there too. They used instruments many of us had never seen or heard before as well including a Banjo Bass, Dombra, Uzbek/Tajik Dutar, Doumbek, a Ukulele Bass, and many more. The set was certainly a departure from what we were used to, but it was killer nonetheless.
The Interview: A Surprise Announcement
I sat down with Ferrara, Mann, and Marin before their set. They told me that they had finished recording Hybrid Vol. 1: Such As A Mule right before the pandemic hit. They used the lockdown to finish mastering the album. However, and here is the big surprise: they also spent that time recording a second album — keep your eyes on their social media to find out when you can check it out. And from what I am told, it will be their hardest-hitting album yet.
Tour inspiration
Consider the Source has such a ground-breaking sound, they could just call it a day and continue to tour for as long as they can handle it. However, they continually want to change it up for their fans. And that was the whole idea behind their most recent album as well as the tour they just completed to celebrate the release. The venues they visited for this tour were the type where you sit down, which is a huge departure from the dancehalls they usually frequent. In short, they wanted to change things up for their fans, and wow — they delivered.
Future Plans
If you weren’t able to catch them on their “Acoustic-Electric Hybrid” tour, don’t fret. Consider the Source has several tour dates coming in the following months in New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Check out the gallery below.
Caffe Lena is known for its extraordinary music and for being the longest operating folk music venues within the United States. Caffe Lena has now taken it to another level with their launch of their brand new app “Caffe Lena TV.”
The app allows easy access to live streaming concerts, archived videos, and the opportunity to be an interactive audience member by texting comments throughout the show. To download the app, just search “Caffe Lena TV” in your AppStore (iOS), PlayStore (Android) or Roku Store or click the link above and follow the instructions to sign in!
Caffe Lena launched a School of Music in 2020 which helps to carry on the folk tradition of music for students, children and adults. Some of America’s best loved songwriters have gotten their careers launched from Caffe Lena like American-blues songwriter, Sawyer Fredericks.
Caffe Lena was called “An American treasure” by The Library of Congress and is recognized for their help in the development of American music from The GRAMMY Foundation.
Check out Caffe Lena in Saratoga Springs and the world-class performers that will get your foot tapping to the music. The Caffe Lena App thanks those for supporting their non-profit venue and keeping independent music alive!
This new NYC 420 celebration coming to Queens will be an unforgettable event for all people; hip hop lovers, rastas and hippies can join in dance and share good vibes. This event is the longest running, largest, private cannabis event in the state, The New York Harvest Festival & Freedom Fair.
420 Celebration Brings Cannabis Culture to Queens, NY
The NYC 420 Celebration will provide a fine art’s gallery, cannabis culture vendors, speakers, workshops, multimedia, high end sounds, a fashion show, competitions (including NYC first Cannabis Cup), food trucks, full bar, outdoor smoking area. This event will be a profound combination of cultural diversity fusing musical genres and NYC legends.
Reggae Allstars such as The Original Wailers are headlining this multi genre event by bringing the classic tunes of Bob Marley. Similarly, joining the lineup is Tony Touch, the legendary “Mixtape King.”
The “Godfather of EDM,” DJ Keoki will also be joining the lineup with his iconic style. Also joining these historic performers are the Real Radio Rahim and his Old School Dance Party featuring Grandmaster Dee, DJ Jeffrey D, DJ Mad Marv & DJ Red Boy.
Join this tribal gathering where human interests and the natural spirit take precedence, the 25th Harvest Fest on October 7-10, 2022. There will also be a hosting of the longest running Cannabis Cup (competition) in America.
The Harvest festival also features guest speakers like Dan Goldman (Marijuana Tomorrow Podcast, NY Cannabis Alliance), Dana Beal (Cures Not Wars, Founder Global Marijuana March) and Louise Vincent & Michael Galipeau (Urban Survivors Union)
Tickets are only $25, and are also $10 after 11pm. For more information, here.
Brooklyn collective Underground System has recently released “Desnuda.” The single comes in anticipation of their forthcoming EP, Into The Fire, which is set to release on May 6th.
Underground System is a compelling collective that blends reggaeton, funk, and house music. The deep bass lines on this cut mixed with the ethereal Spanish vocals create an atmosphere that only a few other artists can replicate. Underground System may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but if any of the former genres interest you then it is definitely worth checking out.
Photo Credit: Maurizio Mascetti
The collective will be touring this summer and they will pass through New Jersey and New York. Tour dates are available down below.
5.12 – Rockaway Music Live//co-curated by Found Sound Nation & Majel Connery: Rockaway Hotel & Spa 5.26 – Strasbourg (FR): Pelpass Festival 5.27 – Ajaccio (FR): Aghja 5.28 – Le Bieymard (FR): Festival D’Olt 6.01 – Paris (FR): Le Hassard Ludique 6.02 – Lille (FR): La Gara Saint Sauveur 6.03 – Angouleme (FR) Festival Musiques Métisses 6.04 – Rouen (FR): Rush Festival 6.17 – Brooklyn, NY: Brooklyn Made (Homecoming Record Release Show) 6.18 – Coeymans Hallows, NY: Circus of Life Festival 8.12 – New York, NY: Hudson River Park
A new single will be available for streaming on April 22nd. For more information, visit www.undergroundsystembk.com.
Grammy Award winning artist Mr. Worldwide a.k.a. Pitbull, is back and better with another North American tour featuring Australian singer Iggy Azalea, and Jamaican artist Sean Paul. The “Can’t Stop Us Now” tour will run from July 28 to October 19 with performances at Darien Lake Amphitheater in Darien Lake on July 31 and Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh on August 5.
Other big industrial city stops during the tour will be Montreal, Cincinnati, Houston, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles. Additionally, Pitbull’s openers will be SiriusXM Globalization DJ’S, while his performance in Darien Lake is a part of Evans Bank concert series.
Pitbull is an outstanding example of having one of the most impressive careers considering all of his success. In fact, he has countless awards, dozens of international number ones, hundreds of gold and platinum certifications, millions of single sales, 25 million album sales, and cumulative video views in excess of 15 billion.
Along with being a worldwide superstar, Pitbull is an education advocate, business entrepreneur and motivational speaker. In addition to being the co-owner of Team Trackhouse, a NASCAR racing team, he has a variety of partnerships. These include but are not limited to 305 Worldwide, a new multicultural marketing agency, Espanita Tequila, LivexLive, and “From Negative to Positive” Podcast.
Tickets for this tour go on sale Friday, April 15 at 10 A.M. on Ticketmaster. However, fans can also register now for early access to tickets for the artist presale. Those who register will receive the presale password via text and email 25 minutes before the presale begins.
CAN’T STOP US NOW TOUR DATES:
*Not a Live Nation Date | ^On Sale Now | +With support from Iggy Azalea | #With support from Sean Paul
Thu Jul 28 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek+
Fri Jul 29 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live+
Sat Jul 30 – Hershey, PA– Hersheypark Stadium+
Sun Jul 31 – Darien Lake, NY – Darien Lake Amphitheater+
Tue Aug 02 – Camden, NJ – Waterfront Music Pavilion+
Wed Aug 03 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center+
Fri Aug 05 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater+
Sat Aug 06 – Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun Arena*
Tue Aug 09 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center+
Thu Aug 11 – Bangor, ME – Maine Savings Amphitheatre+
Fri Aug 12 – Montreal, QC – Bell Centre+
Sat Aug 13 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage+
Wed Aug 17 – Omaha, NE – Baxter Arena+
Fri Aug 19 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre+
Sun Aug 21 – Des Moines, IA – Wells Fargo Arena+
Tue Aug 23 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center+
Wed Aug 24 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center+
Thu Aug 25 – Highland Park, IL – The Pavilion at Ravinia*+
Fri Aug 26 – Milwaukee, WI – American Family Insurance Amphitheater+
Sun Aug 28 – St. Paul, MN – Minnesota State Fair*+
Tue Aug 30 – Grand Rapids, MI – Van Andel Arena+
Wed Aug 31 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre+
Fri Sep 02 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center+
Sat Sep 03 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre STL+
Sun Sep 04 – Oklahoma City, OK – Paycom Center+
Thu Sep 08 – Durant, OK – Choctaw Casino*
Fri Sep 09 – San Antonio, TX – AT&T Center#
Sat Sep 10 – Laredo, TX – Sames Auto Arena#
Sun Sep 11 – Houston, TX – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presented by Huntsman#
