The Robert Randolph Foundation announces Juneteenth Unityfest 2022, a national experience uniting diverse voices in commemoration and celebration of Juneteenth and Black culture.
Juneteenth is an important holiday to celebrate in the black community because it is the day when the last enslaved people were made aware of the Emancipation Proclamation.
The celebration will have many different entertainment, education, and activism events featuring performances by some of the world’s leading gospel artists, including Tye Tribbett, Deborah Cox, Israel Houghton, Mali Music, and more. It will celebrate black artists and provide a platform to unite a coalition of charitable grassroots organizations.
Grammy-nominated African-American artist Robert Randolph, founder of the Robert Randolph Foundation spoke about the importance of celebrating Juneteenth in a statement.
Juneteenth is a day to remember America’s past, recognize the resilience and strength of Black people, and celebrate the progress we have made. This year, given that Juneteenth falls on Sunday and on Father’s Day, we also wanted to celebrate the role that gospel music and the church have had in uplifting the Black community over the years, and celebrate the stories of Black fathers who are working to uplift their own communities and families at home.
Juneteenth Unityfest Schedule
JUNETEENTH UNITYFEST Block Party Location: Under the K Bridge, Greenpoint, Brooklyn Time: 2pm-7pm EST Partnership: In partnership with Heal America, KeiStar Productions, NAACBurners, and House of Yes
JUNETEENTH UNITYFEST Concert at BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Location: Lena Horne Bandshell at Prospect Park – Brooklyn Time: 7:30pm-10pm EST Partnership: In partnership with BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn and Heal America
JUNETEENTH After Party Experience Location: Brooklyn Bowl (61 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn) Time: 10:30-12am EST
The Long Island Music Hall of Fame has announced its 2022 Music Scholarship Winners: four Long Island high school graduating seniors from Dix Hills, Manhasset, and Woodbury. These distinction in Music Award Scholarships were awarded to graduating high school seniors who has college plan in music study and further career pursuing.
This year’s winners are Gioianna DiGiorgio and Andrew Arloro, both from Half Hollow Hills High School; Emily Wei from Great Neck North High School; and Stephanie Massimo from Syosset High School.
The Long Island Music Hall of Fame is honored to have the opportunity to support and acknowledge accomplished high school seniors who are pursuing a future in music. The talent that exists on Long Island is something we at LIMHoF want to celebrate. In addition to following their own dreams, we believe these students will encourage and inspire others.
Tom Needham, LIMHoF Education Chairman
Gioianna DiGiorgio from Dix Hills (Half Hollow Hills High School West)
Gioianna DiGiorgio (credit to Long Island Music Hall of Fame)
Gioianna found her passion in music since a young age. She believes that music is a connection to nature and other people and a beautiful way to tell a story and to express yourself and your emotions.
“As soon as I was old enough to understand the concept of theater, I was enamored with the idea of being on stage, and wanted to be a part of that world. My life-long passion for theater inspires me to push through the challenges so that I can pursue my passion.
– Gioianna DiGiorgio
Gioianna raised her career aspiration from her perform experience in local community theater productions. She became interested in being a soprano singer in musical theater and later a performer for the stage and screen.
As for the further plan, Gioianna DiGiorgio will be attending Baldwin Wallace University. She is intend to gain the BFA in their Acting program and a music minor. She is expecting to learn music theory and strong skillset to aid her professional life after college with the scholarship from LIMHoF.
Andrew Arloro from Dix Hills (Half Hollow Hills High School East)
Andrew Arloro (credit to Long Island Music Hall of Fame)
Andrew Arloro is a 17-year-old musician who lives on Long Island, New York. He is a recent graduate of Juilliard Pre-College and a current student at Half Hollow Hills High School East.
He has studied the French Horn under fanmous French Horn musicians such as Jen Montone and Jeff Lang, Principal Horn and Associate Principal Horn of the Philadelphia Orchestra; and currently studies with Erik Ralske and Brad Gemeinhardt, Principal Horn and Acting Principal Horn of the Metropolitan Opera.
Andrew is recognized by the Discovery Competition for Children’s Orchestra Society. He also has extensive performing experience from a dozen times’ solos at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center and tours in China, Spain, and Italy. He has been awarded the title of Principal Horn in various ensembles, including Juilliard Pre-College, All-State, SCMEA, Children’s Orchestra Society, Gemini Youth Orchestras’ Festival Winds and Symphony, and Cross Campus Wind Ensemble.
Next year, he will continue his studies with Erik Ralske at The Juilliard School, pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Performance on the French Horn.
I would like to thank the Long Island Music Hall of Fame for the amazing opportunity to work with them, create with them, and share with the world the Joy of Music.
Andrew
Tiantian “Emily” Wei from Manhasset (Great Neck North High School)
Tiantian “Emily” Wei (credit to Long Island Music Hall of Fame)
Emily Wei, also called Tiantian Wei, is a graduating Senior at Great Neck North High School. She has been playing both the piano and violin since age 5. In 2021 she went to the Fete De L’ Alto LaSalle Summer Festival (France) and had master classes with Christophe Giovaninetti.
As the German poet E.T.A. Hoffmann said: ‘Where the language stops, the music begins.’ Music has no boundaries. It has unlimited possibilities and tremendous potential to be created and performed to express one’s unique understanding of music and sentiments, and to be shared with other people who may relate and empathize. I think that is the soul, and one of the missions of music is that it inspires and attracts people. It is an honor to be a LIMHoF recipient, I appreciate the recognition from Long Island Music Hall of Fame.
Emily Wei
Emily has won numerous awards for her music talents and has participated in a wide range of performances with various music organizations, including the New Jersey Youth Symphony Orchestra, NYSSMA, All County and All State Symphony Orchestras and more. Her most recent performances are with Great Neck North High School Symphony Orchestra at Carnegie Hall and also violin recitals at Oprea America Music Hall and Episcopal Church.
In this fall, Emily will attend Mannes School of Music. She explained her expectation of future that entering the New York Symphony Orchestra or forming her own chamber music group, performing in concert halls all over the world to show the beauty of music and expressing my unique understanding of music.
Stephanie Massimo from Woodbury (Syosset High School)
Stephanie Massimo (credit to Long Island Music Hall of Fame)
Stephanie Massimo, a Trombonist graduating from Syosset High School. She started playing the Trombone in second grade. She also plays the bass trombone and baritone horn. Throughout the years, she gained rich ensemble experience in Syosset, Nassau Suffolk, All-County, All-State, All National, and various summer camps.
I genuinely loved performing with these groups and meeting new people. Music has always been an important part of my life. It wasn’t until recently, though, that I decided to study music in college.
– Stephanie Massimo
In the fall, Stephanie plans to attend the Trombone major in University of Tampa (UT) to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Music. She hopes to further advance her skills in both music and performance with the scholarship from the Long Island Music Hall of Fame. Her plans in college is to participate in some UT bands/ensembles then eventually return to NY. She hope to work in a Broadway pit orchestra which allows her to use everything she learn in college while enjoying the music she likes best.
Reeperbahn Festival New York hosts a showcase with a diverse line-up of European artists and a panel addressing gender equality at the A2IM Indie Week on June 14.
The festival is the biggest club festival in Europe and the largest international European platform for pop culture and the music industry. For four days in September every year since 2006, all eyes in the international music scene have been on Hamburg’s Reeperbahn for the Festival
Reeperbahn Festival New York is committed to offering a forum at A2IM to address current socio-political and music-relevant topics that affect underrepresented groups of people including female, trans, and non-binary writers, artists, and producers.
On June 14, the Reeperbahn Festival New York will hold discussion panels and showcases. At 6 P.M. participants including representatives from UN Women, Shesaid.so and Keychange will have an interactive discussion with the audience on gender equality in music. At 8:30 P.M. there will be a showcase of many European artists, including ÄTNA from Germany, BILLIE MARTEN, (UK), and SOAK from Ireland.
It will also host two key music industry panels at A2IM Indie Week. On June 13 they will discuss monetizing music and maneuvering European royalties, and on June 14 they will discuss how EU and U.S. executives are implementing transformational leadership and diversity to build an inclusive and diverse work environment.
Bardavon will present performances from Resistance Revival Chorus and Imani Perry to celebrate Juneteenth at the Old Dutch Church in Kingston and the Bardavon Opera House in Poughkeepsie.
The Old Dutch Church was often referred to as “The Cathedral of Kingston,” which was originally built in 1660 in the colony of New Netherland. While the Bardavon 1869 Opera Houseowns and operates a 944-seat historic theater in Poughkeepsie and it is operated by the Bardavon.
The Resistance Revival Chorus (RRC) is a collective of more than 60 womxn, and non-binary singers who enjoy singing and express themselves with the music. The singers are in various occupations including not only professional singer and Broadway performers, but also political activists, educators, and more. They aim to be intersectional in our feminism and reveal that all social justice issues overlap heavily with woman’s issues. Tickets start at $20
The Princeton University African American Studies professor and author Imani Perry will speak on her new book South to America, followed by a Q & A and a book signing in the Bardavon lobby. She also wrote 6 other books, including Looking for Lorraine: The Radiant and Radical Life of Lorraine Hansberry, May We Forever Stand: A History of the Black National Anthem, Breathe: A Letter to My Sons, etc., which are renowned for the prizes they won.
Free tickets available at Poughkeepsie’s Adriance Memorial Library & Bardavon or UPAC box offices.
The classic family concert series where kids and parents can rock out to the classics, The Rock and Roll Playhouse celebrates a special run of shows in celebration of fathers. This concert takes place June 18 and 19 on Father’s Day and Juneteenth Weekend, hosting 19 concerts nationwide of the music of Bob Marley for Kids. This will be the playhouse’s biggest show return since the pandemic.
The Rock and Roll Playhouse’s goal is to introduce the next generation to timeless classics while providing kids with early music exposure and encouraging creativities. The Playhouse was founded in 2013 at its flagship venue Brooklyn Bowl by Peter Shapiro, entrepreneur and co-owner of the Bowl and owner of The Capitol Theatre, and Amy Striem, a certified Early Childhood and Elementary teacher.
The Playhouse was designed to create an experience live music to bring families together, along with an experience in historic venues. This project continues to unite families through music with hundreds of unforgettable shows nationwide. A portion of the weekend’s sales will be donated to the Preservation Hall Foundation.
The Rock and Roll Playhouse has established itself as the premier family-friendly national concert series and we are thrilled to welcome them to The Troubadour for their LA debut. Their incredible band will introduce the next generation to Bob Marley, spreading his messages of love, peace, freedom and unity, as we celebrate both Juneteenth and Father’s Day
Jordan Anderson, Talent Buyer for the Troubadour.
Rock and Roll Playhouse Fathers Day and Juneteenth Weekend Schedule:
The Park Theater in Glens Falls will present free weekly Summer Series Concerts at the Crandall Park Bandshell each Friday evening in July.
The Park Theater is a premiere theater, concert, and private event destination in the heart of downtown Glens Falls. The newly renovated century-old theater holds a long and storied history within the historic town of Glens Falls.
Summer Series Concerts Poster
This free concert series will consist of five 90-minute live musical performances featuring local musicians and will serve to enhance the accessibility of the arts within the local community.
It’s amazing to think that just over a year ago we were announcing our first Summer Series in Crandall Park. What a long, meandering road it’s been between now and then. We’re so lucky and proud to offer our second summer of free performances to our community. These concerts are a way for us to say “Thank You” to all those who supported us through this past season. We look forward to welcoming you back – both indoors and out.
The Park Theater will partner with Doc’s Restaurant to offer a variety of small plates that will be available for purchase on-site each evening.
Summer Series Concerts Lineup
Friday, 07/01 – Let’s Be Dead (A Dead Band Plays “The Dead” – Formerly Let’s Be Leonard) Friday, 07/08 – Dylan Perrillo Orchestra (11-piece Big Band/Old School Jazz Orchestra) Friday, 07/15 – Josh Morris Band (70’s Singer/Songwriter meets 90’s Alt/Rock) Friday, 07/22 – Hartley’s Encore (Funk/Soul Band) Friday, 07/29 – Chestnut Grove (5-Piece Rock-n-Roll Band)
For more information, visit www.parktheatergf.com/events or phone the box office at 518-792-1150.
Veteran Concert Promoter Peter Shapiro has announced his new book The Music Never Stops, a master class for anyone who wants to work in the entertainment industry.
In Shapiro’s book The Music Never Stops, he shares an inside story of how he became a powerhouse in the music industry through the lens of 50 of his most iconic concerts.
In his book, Shapiro discusses what it was like to work with legendary artists like The Grateful Dead, U2, The Roots, Bob Dylan, and more. He also gives advice on how a fan can make a career in music without ever picking up an instrument, what it takes to put on a show, and the ins and outs of bringing a concert from concept to reality.
Celebrities have nothing but good things to say about Peter Shapiro, like Jimmy Fallon from The Tonight Show.
Peter Shapiro is a unicorn. He has a magical / mythical quality to him. We met back in the days of Wetlands, which you’ll read about in this book. You never knew who you were going to see there—some nights it could be Dave Matthews Band, the next night Toots and the Maytals, another night it’s Pearl Jam. I don’t know any venue that existed that could pull that off. I remember wondering who was behind this, who could make these nights happen—and that was Shapiro.
The Music Never Stops is a master class to the music industry, and it is available for purchase here.
France Rocks Summer fest, the largest festival of French music in the United States, have announced their 5th anniversary lineup. Beginning on Saturday, June 4, this month-long festival will feature 15 concerts across Brooklyn and Manhattan, and will culminate with a celebration at Central Park’s SummerStage.
Gracing the France Rocks stage will be legendary French hip hop artist MC Solaar, the Nice-based electro-pop artist Hyphen Hyphen and electro-pop trio Bon Entendeur. Co-presented with FiAF (French Institute Alliance Francaise), the performances on June, 21 will also mark the 40th Anniversary of “La Fête de la Musique”, an International day of music that derived from France.
We are thrilled to celebrate the 5th edition of France Rocks Summer Fest and the return of live music to New York City, which is once again thriving.
I am proud to present this diverse group of edgy, up-and-coming artists and can’t wait to witness the beautiful energy of audiences enjoying this tremendous music.
France Rocks founder, Michele Amar
France Rocks highlights the most exciting music coming out of France today, as well as international artists who draw their inspiration from French culture. Attracting more than 50,000 music lovers across all backgrounds, free and ticketed shows will be held across eight venues throughout the month, including Brooklyn Steel and Blue Note Jazz Club.
This year’s France Rocks festival is supported in part by the city’s programming initiative, NY Music Month, the official celebration of New York City’s vibrant and dynamic music ecosystem. In turn, France Rocks hopes to present its most eclectic roster of music to-date, ranging from gypsy jazz, electro-pop, Latin inspired French music and more.
France Rocks SummerFest is also supported through partnerships with France Rocks, French Institute Alliance Francaise, the Cultural Services of the French Embassy, Make Music New York, French Morning, A2IM Indie Week, SummerStage in Central Park, and the Lincoln Center.
Fore more on France Rocks Music Festival, visit their official website. While the entire festival lineup can be found below.
FRANCE ROCKS SUMMER FEST 2022 LINEUP: Sat, June 4 – Las Rubias del Norte @ Barbes – 8PM
Sun, June 5 – La Femme @ Brooklyn Steel – 8PM
Fri, June 10 – Clovis Nicolas @ Blue Note Jazz Club – 12:30PM & 2PM
Newburgh Illuminated in Newburgh, NY, has announced its 8 annual festival happening on June 4. Named Hudson Valley Magazine’s “Best of Hudson Valley,” the festival has grown from a few thousand to over 40,000 proud Newburghers and delighted visitors.
The Newburgh Illuminated Festival is a free event from Noon-10 P.M. that celebrates the best of Music, Art, Fashion, Drama, and Dance in the Hudson Valley. This year the festival will feature five stages with over 30 street performers, more than 40 bands, 50 dance troupes, and 175 vendors.
Notably, singer-songwriter Rachael Sage will be performing at the festival. She is a 6-time Independent Music Awards winner who has released over a dozen albums over her career. Her latest album Character charted high on the Billboard charts. At the festival, she will also be celebrating the release of her new Revelation Ground maxi-single and video.
Newburgh is a town with less than 30,000 people, and has a very bad economy, with the median household income estimated to be less than $40,000. However, the festival has boosted the economy and has allowed five new restaurants, four new clothing boutiques, a bicycle museum, a French bakery, a new hair salon, and more to all be open.
The Newburgh Illuminated Festival will be happening on June 4 on Liberty Street in Newburgh, NY, and there will be a lot of free different activities, food, and live music to enjoy.
Music Haven in Central Park in Schenectady is back for a lineup of summer concerts, as it kicks off its 32 season of “traveling the world one concert at a time.” The lineup features a variety of national and international touring artists and some theater and film and will be held from July 10–Aug. 27.
This Music Haven season is stacked with Grammy, Blues Music, and other award-winning and nominated artists. Producing Artistic Director, Mona Golub, spoke on the wide variety of music that is going to be at Music Haven.
Given the domestic journeys we’ve endured for the last couple of years, I set my sights on curating an uplifting and unifying season of world class music and events. On top of a boisterous itinerary that includes sun splashed reggae, South Louisiana Zydeco, Balkan party music, harmony-driven bluegrass and more, I am thrilled to present Finnish folk music for the first time, to expand the Blues BBQ to a mini-festival, to welcome DakhaBrakha back for a tribute to Ukraine, and to screen Questlove’s award-winning musical documentary about the 1969 Harlem Cultural Fest in the company of neighbors and friends.
Sammy Miller & The Congregation’s main focus is to share global consciousness through joyful jazz. They expand and enhance America’s original musical art form. They will also have the SUNY Schenectady School of Music Faculty Jazz Combo as a guest.
DakhaBrakha will have a powerful tribute to Ukraine as the phenomenal Ukrainian ‘Ethno-Chaos’ quartet joins them with entrancing vocal roots music of Eastern Europe.
The SSO is performing “A Night at The Movies” – selections from your favorite films, along with some other surprises, with Artistic Director Glen Cortese.
Steep Canyon Rangers are a Grammy-winning, Billboard-chart-toping sextet that plays bluegrass with elements of pop, country, and folk-rock.
Aug. 20—Summer of Soul
Summer of Soulis a multi-award-winning music documentary that pays homage to the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival. The festivities begin with soul food, music, art, and community.
The Finish fiddle band Frigg have carved themselves a top-notch spot in folk with their feel-good tunes and amazing musicianship.
Aug. 26–27—Will Kempe’s Players: A Comedy of Errors
Will Kempe’s Players has a twist on a classic Shakespeare comedy, with unexpected role reversals, mistaken identities, and a lot of slapstick humor guaranteed to make you laugh.
