Category: News Desk

Dave Matthews Band Announces 2022 Tour With Shows at SPAC, Jones Beach and Bethel Woods

Dave Matthews Band has announced its 2022 North American summer tour, with over 40 dates including Jones Beach, Bethel Woods and a two night stand at the SPAC in Saratoga Springs.

Over the years, Dave Matthews Band has contributed to many charity and fundraising campaigns, including the Nature Conservancy’s “Plant a Billion Trees” campaign, and more. This year, they will be partnering with Reverb to neutralize carbon emissions associated with band and fan travel. This work will ensure a climate positive tour, and minimize their environmental footprint.

Concertgoers can also contribute to the Nature Conservancy’s efforts by adding an optional $2 to their concert ticket purchase. This contribution will lead to the planting of more trees by the Nature Conservancy. For more information, visit DMB Trees.

On Friday evenings during the tour, fans will be able to tune into DMB radio on SiriusXM–Channel 30. The channel will be broadcasting the group’s “Friday Night Concert Series” each week.

Ticket presale is available for DMB Warehouse Fan Association members and Citi cardmembers. Tickets will go on sale to the general public on February 25th at 10 AM.

5/11-Austin, TX-Moody Center at The University of Texas

5/13-The Woodlands, TX-The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

5/14-Dallas, TX-Dos Equis Pavilion

5/17-Brandon, MS-Brandon Amphitheater

5/18-Huntsville, AL-The Orion Amphitheater

5/20-Charlotte, NC-PNC Music Pavilion

5/21-Atlanta, GA-Cellairis Amphitheatre at Lakewood

5/25-Tampa, FL-MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre

5/28-West Palm Beach, FL-iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre

5/29-West Palm Beach, FL-iTHINK Financial Amphitheatr

6/3-Charleston, SC-Credit One Stadium

6/4-Charleston, SC-Credit One Stadium

6/6-Jacksonville, FL-Daily’s Place

6/7-Jacksonville, FL-Daily’s Place

6/10-Cuyahoga Falls, OH-Blossom Music Center

6/11-Bristow, VA-Jiffy Lube Live

6/17-Mansfield, MA-The Xfinity Center

6/18-Hartford, CT-Xfinity Theatre

6/21-Clarkston, MI-Pine Knob Music Theatre

6/22-Toronto, ON-Budweiser Stage

6/24-Noblesville, IN-Ruoff Music Center

6/25-Noblesville, IN-Ruoff Music Center

6/28-Wantagh, NY-Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater

6/29-Holmdel, NJ-PNC Bank Arts Center

7/2-East Troy, WI-Alpine Valley Music Theatre

7/3-East Troy, WI-Alpine Valley Music Theatre

7/8-Saratoga Springs, NY-Saratoga Performing Arts Center

7/9-Saratoga Springs, NY-Saratoga Performing Arts Center

7/12-Gilford, NH-Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion

7/13-Gilford, NH-Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion

7/15-Camden, NJ-BB&T Pavilion

7/16-Camden, NJ-BB&T Pavilion

7/20-Bethel, NY-Bethel Woods Center for the Arts

7/22-Raleigh, NC-Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek

7/23-Virginia Beach, VA-Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach

8/30-Stateline, NV-Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena at Harveys

9/2-George, WA-Gorge Amphitheatre

9/3-George, WA-Gorge Amphitheatre

9/4-George, WA-Gorge Amphitheatre

9/9-Greenwood Village, CO-Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre

9/10-Greenwood Village, CO-Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre

9/14-Phoenix, AZ-Ak-Chin Pavilion

9/16-Chula Vista, CA-North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre

9/17-Mountain View, CA-Shoreline Amphitheatre

9/19-Los Angeles, CA-Hollywood Bowl

9/20-Los Angeles, CA-Hollywood Bowl

February 2, 2022
“Grapplin’ Greg”, new Documentary About Albany-Area Promoter Greg Bell To be Released Fall 2022 from Mirth Films
Albany promoter Greg Bell, of Guthrie/Bell Productions, has been a staple in the Albany music community for more than three decades. Starting in the early 90s, he began a journey that led him to give countless new and rising bands from the Capital Region a stage to play on.

For bands touring from across the country, Bell has made Albany a stop to look forward to, and always with the support and enthusiasm you might find from a fan, rather than a promoter.

“Grapplin’ Greg” is an upcoming full-length film slated for release in late fall 2022. The film is shot, edited and produced by Frankie Cavone of Mirth Films, and co-produced by Kim Neaton of Guthrie/Bell Productions.

The story told in ‘Grapplin’ Greg‘ will share how Bell fell in love with live music, then began booking a couple small bar shows for friends, and later events at venues like The Palace Theatre, Albany Armory and beyond. Greg Bell doesn’t just book shows, he has helped nurture a music scene that truly feels like a community.

To tell the story, Mirth Films is in the process of speaking with musicians, venue owners, fans, promoters, family and friends that help to piece together this three-decade legacy. Shot at venues including The Hollow in downtown Albany and the Palace Theatre with those that know him best, the interviews have proven to be full of stories both heartfelt and hilarious.
photos by Frankie Cavone
The title of the documentary derives from the Eastbound Jesus song, for whom Bell serves as manager, of the same name. The song tells a tale of Bell as a wrestler, defeating a bear that attempts to start a drum circle at his legendary festival, Bellstock. Perhaps he never went toe to toe with a bear, but from being a star wrestler to threatening to burn drums, much of the tale is true. The song, like his life, is an entertaining ride.
February 2, 2022
Postponed – Gov’t Mule Spring Tour Stops in Syracuse, Albany, and NYC

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 Landmark Theatre in Syracuse, the Palace Theatre at Albany, and the Beacon Theatre 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.

February 1, 2022
“Rent” 25th Anniversary Tour is Coming to Proctors Theatre

The world renowned and award winning musical RENT is coming to Schenectady for it’s 25th Anniversary Farewell Tour, as the musical will be at Proctors Theatre for back to back nights on February 11th and 12th.

RENT, the musical created by Jonathan Larson, follows the lives of a young group of artists pursuing their dreams in Lower Manhattan. Debuting on February 13th, 1996 at the New York Theatre Workshop, RENT then went to Broadway in April of that same year, winning a Pulitzer Prize award as well as a Tony award.

The musical was adapted into a movie in the year 2005. RENT also became one of the longest running musicals on Broadway, showcasing the production for 12 years.

After its run on Broadway, RENT began to tour all over the United States and the rest of the world performing in six continents and 27 countries. For international tours, RENT was translated into different languages.

RENT has toured around the world for 24 years and this year will be fans last opportunity to see it.

To purchase tickets to see RENT for it’s 25th and final tour, go to Proctors.org. You may also purchase tickets in person at the box office or by dialing 518-346-6204, Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-2 p.m

February 1, 2022
Black History Trilogy Returns to Flushing Town Hall

Black History Trilogy returns to Flushing Town Hall for the celebration of Black History month. The trilogy will feature ward-winning performers paying tribute to influential African-American artists, entertainers, and musical traditions.

The Trilogy event will kick off with Third Stone from the Sun – A Tribute to Jimi Hendrix on February 12, 2022 at 7 PM. The event will showcase Jimi Hendrix’s most popular songs performed by Jimy Bleu. Bleu is one of the longest-running and most authentic tribute artists of Jimi Hendrix. He will be joined on Flushing Town Hall’s stage alongside Moby Medina on bass guitar and Ted Edwards on drums. When Jimy Bleu is not rocking out on stage, he gives lectures as a “Hendrix historian” on radio, TV, and at colleges throughout the country about Hendrix’s wide-ranging impact on music, politics, fashion, and art.

The second event of the trilogy will take place on Sunday, February 20 at 7PM with a presentation of The Black King of Vaudeville – Remembering Bert Williams in Song featuring Tony-nominated actor Larry Marshall celebrating the life and music of Bert Williams. Bert Williams (1874-1922) was one of the pre-eminent entertainers of the Vaudeville era and one of the most popular comedians of his time. He became the first Black American to pioneer leading roles, both on Broadway and in the 1914 film Darktown Jubilee, pushing back racial barriers and subverting the usual tropes. Larry Marshall is best known for his starring roles in Jesus Christ Superstar, Hair, and Porgy & Bess.

The Trilogy will wrap up with a soulful homage to Gospel featuring award-winning Broadway veteran Tina Fabrique on Thursday, February 24, 2022 at 7PM with The Power & The Glory – Music of the Black Church. In her Trilogy performance, Tina Fabrique (star of Ragtime, Bring in da’ Noise, Bring in da’ Funk, The Wiz, Bubbling Brown Sugar, and Gospel at Colonus) will bring the power and glory of Gospel to Flushing Town Hall in a rousing, soul-affirming performance.

In-person tickets for each Trilogy performance are available for $15/$12 Members. Those unable to attend in person can view the live stream for free here. Donations are also accepted and encouraged.

For more information on the Black History Trilogy returning to Flushing Town Hall visit their website.

February 1, 2022
Brooklyn Band Le big Zero announces April release of new album, “A Proper Mess”

Brooklyn based rock band Le Big Zero announced the release of their second album, A Proper Mess, on April 8.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7ozo1vt8zg

As part of the announcement, Le Big Zero released their first single and music video from the album, “Horror Movie Pie Fight.” According to a press release from the band’s label, Know Hope Records, the upcoming album, and newly released single, are “exploration[s] of monotony and anxiety in the modern age.”

Le Big Zero’s band members include guitarist and vocalist, Michael Pasuit (center),vocalist Carolina Aguilar (far right), bassist Ben Ross (right) and drummer Lukas Hirsch (left).

To put together their new single,”Horror Movie Pie Fight”, lead vocalists Michael Pasuit and Carolina Aguilar took on a novel approach to recording this particular song: they never harmonized. Meaning they don’t sing in the same octave and instead let their voices exist side by side to one another on the track.

Unique to the song is that Carolina and I don’t harmonize. It’s the only song that’s sung in parallel octaves instead…When we didn’t come upon a decent harmony for HMPF, (Horror Movie Pie Fight) we decided to go that route as an experiment, and we really liked the result.
Michael Pasuit, vocalist and guitarist

The song tells the story of an individual that writes a horror movie only to lose creative control over the project after a studio buys the movie rights. Despite addressing concerns that may be widespread and frighteningly possible for artists, “Horror Movie Pie Fight” has an absurdist tone that makes the song palatable while still being thought provoking.

Le Big Zero released their first studio album, Ollie Oxen Free, in 2019. A Proper Mess will be available on all streaming platforms.

January 31, 2022
Bleachers Tour to Make Stops in NYC, Cooperstown, Lewiston this Summer

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)

Jun 23 – Orpheum, Vancouver, BC

Jun 25 – Marymoor Park, Seattle, WA

Jun 26 – Grand Lodge, Forest Grove, WA

Jun 28 – San Jose Civic Center, San Jose, CA

Jun 29 – The Forum, Los Angeles, CA

Jul 22 – Thompson’s Point, Portland, ME

Jul 26 – Radio City Music Hall, New York, NY

Jul 27 – ARTPARK Amphitheater, Lewiston, NY

Jul 29 – Brewery Ommegang, Cooperstown, NY

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.

For more details visit www.citientertainment.com or https://www.bleachersmusic.com.

January 31, 2022
Bowery Ballroom hosts Space Bacon, Escaper and Microcave on Feb. 5

On Saturday, two of New York City’s hottest rising bands, Space Bacon and Escaper, will take the stage at Bowery Ballroom along with Microcave, for one of the hottest shows of this frigid winter snap that has engulfed the Northeast.

Space Bacon’s relationship with New York City has been well documented over the years. The city sunk its claws into their sound many moons ago. The energy of the Big Apple carved itself into the bedrock of their foundation. Their personality reflects their humble beginnings in beer- stained basements and all that’s taken place since that fateful night in The Bronx. As they travel across the country and gain new fans in new cities, they’ll always carry the palpable tenacity and unwavering hustle of the city that never sleeps.

It’s been two years since they sold out The Mercury Lounge and now, they make their long-awaited return to NYC. It’s finally happening. Although 2021 presented some unavoidable issues for the live music world, Space Bacon was able to rally and finish the year strong with big shows in Denver, Philly, and Chicago.

Their sound has continued to evolve, and they’re excited to bring it back home to the core of their fanbase. Whether you’ve been following them from the beginning, or you just hopped the turnstile and sprinted onto the train, this will undoubtedly be a monumental night for Bacon and their fans as Space Bacon takes over the Bowery.

Escaper is another well-known band in NYC and the northeast festival circuit. Known for thoughtful songwriting and danceable psychedelic jams. Signed to Ropeadope Records, they have released three studio albums which have been met with critical acclaim.

Escaper will be featuring Luke Bemand (lespecial) as a special guest bassist and will also have Johnny Butler (Beyonce, Sister Sparrow) joining them on sax. Escaper has welcomed past guests from members of The Disco Biscuits, Thievery Corporation, Turkuaz, Cabinet, Rubblebucket, and have shared bills with the likes of Karl Denson, Jon Fishman and many others.

Space Bacon and Escaper will be joind by Microcave, a four-piece improvisational electronica powerhouse based out of the NYC area. The band excels in blending electronic music with a wide array of genres including rock, funk, classical, and more, and features members of Tractorbear: A Tribute To The Disco Biscuits, and Horizon Wireless.

Don’t miss Space Bacon, Escaper and Microcave at Bowery Ballroom on Saturday, February 5th. Get tickets here.

January 31, 2022
Pigeons Playing Ping Pong Announce New Album ‘Perspective’, Show At Terminal 5 this Spring

Jam/funk quartet Pigeons Playing Ping Pong announced the release of their new album, Perspective, and winter/spring tour dates, with a stop at Terminal 5 in NYC on April 9.

Pigeons Playing Ping Pong Tour Dates.

The group —Greg Ormont [vocals, guitar], Jeremy Schon [guitar, vocals], Ben Carrey [bass, vocals], and Alex “Gator” Petropulos [drums, vocals]- will celebrate their sixth LP with a big tour and a few festival appearances.

The album is another milestone in the band’s impressive history, having played countless sold-out shows, acquired millions of streams, and developed a loyal fan base known as “The Flock.”

Pigeons Playing Ping Pong at Westville Bowl. Photo by Vic Brazen

Ormont spoke about the album and spoke of how the pandemic sparked it.

The album title speaks to the perspective of the pandemic as well as our growth over the years. During this turbulent time, everyone in the world has been forced to look in the mirror and ask what’s truly important. If there’s anything we’ve all gained from this, it’s perspective, and a recurring theme from our band is to not waste time. Now more than ever, we recognize that you only get one life, so you might as well live it to the fullest and lift people up in the process.

PPPP will be going on tour in the spring, and have a stop at Terminal 5 in NYC. Their new album Perspective will be released on April 8, and tickets for their tour can be found here.

The group has also debuted a never-before-heard single from their forthcoming studio project, Perspective with “Elephante,” an infectious dance groove ad the first single off of the album. Combining PPPP’s signature catchy songwriting and flair for jocularity, the hard-hitting groove features a jumbo horn line from Nashville funk collective Here Come The Mummies, who previously appeared on PPPP’s 2020 single “King Kong.”

Accompanying the release is a zany, fairy tale themed video, captured at Clark’s Elioak Farm in Ellicott City, MD, current home of the once revered local attraction, The Enchanted Forest. Directed by Don Cherel, the video is a charming snippet of enchanting lore, featuring the band dressed as kings and swashbuckling heroes on a quest to save a princess.

“As soon as I heard the first demo of Elephante, I was overwhelmed with excitement and just let it rip vocally,” smiles singer “Scrambled Greg” Ormont. “Musically, it knocks you off your chair. Lyrically, it’s about living life to the fullest. As for the music video, we just let our imaginations run wild on this one.”

January 30, 2022
Katy Perry Shows She’s Never Really Over On SNL

Katy Perry has returned to Studio 8H. Joined by host Willem Dafoe, this is her fourth time as a musical guest on SNL and her first since 2017.

Katy Perry performing “When I’m Gone” on Saturday Night Live.

A lot has happened since Perry’s last SNL appearance five years ago: motherhood, a new album, a judging spot on American Idol, and most recently, a residency in Las Vegas. Titled Play, the show began at the tail end of 2021 and will run through the end of summer 2022. While Perry hasn’t seen as much chart success lately, she seems more confident and self-assured in a post-Witness world.

The episode began with a cold open, featuring James Austin Johnson as President Biden dealing with the Russia-Ukraine situation. Pete Davidson appeared as Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who refuses to get vaccinated for COVID.

Rodgers wasn’t the only NFL player to appear tonight. Peyton Manning made a surprise appearance during Weekend Update, where he gushed about Emily in Paris whenever Colin Jost asked him about football news.

Katy Perry’s first song of the night was “When I’m Gone,” her new collaboration with Swedish DJ Alesso. With set pieces ripped straight from Super Mario’s Mushroom Kingdom, it’s clear that she hasn’t lost her signature camp. The song’s lyrics are about a previous romance, but they could easily be about Perry’s relationship with fame and stardom. Around the time of her last SNL appearance, everything from her music to her blonde pixie cut was criticized after a seemingly unstoppable run throughout the 2010s.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCUzL7iHV7E

Perry closed out the night with an acoustic rendition of “Never Really Over,” her 2019 comeback single. Originally an upbeat dance-pop song, the new version has more in common with her ballads like “Thinking of You.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksMzWT40U24

SNL takes a break during the Winter Olympics, then returns on February 26 with host John Mulaney and musical guest LCD Soundsystem.

January 30, 2022