Category: Manhattan

Billy Joel Postpones Dec. 19 Show at MSG

The Billy Joel concert at Madison Square Garden, originally scheduled for Monday, December 19, has been postponed until June 2, 2023.

In a statement from Billy Joel’s spokesperson, a viral infection that affected his vocals was the cause of the postponement.

Billy Joel is under strict doctor’s orders for vocal rest due to a viral infection and as a result, his concert scheduled for Monday, December 19th at Madison Square Garden is postponed to Friday, June 2nd. We understand the inconvenience this causes everyone who purchased tickets, and we apologize for this unexpected circumstance.

On Facebook, Billy said to fans, “I’m disappointed to share that I’m under doctor’s orders for vocal rest due to a viral infection so unfortunately, I must postpone my Monday, December 19th concert at Madison Square Garden to June. I’m so sorry to let you know so close to show day, but I was hoping to be closer to a full recovery by now. Sadly, that hasn’t happened. I look forward to seeing you in the New Year.”

All tickets purchased for the December 19, 2022 concert will be honored on Friday, June 2, 2023 and will not need to be exchanged. However, the June 2nd performance is subject to change if it conflicts with a Knicks playoff game. For more information, please visit msg.com.

Billy Joel will next perform at Madison Square Garden on January 13, 2023, making this Friday the 13th Joel’s 86th consecutive monthly show, and 132nd lifetime at The World’s Most Famous Arena.

In December 2013, Billy Joel was named Madison Square Garden’s first-ever music franchise, joining the ranks of the storied venue’s other original franchises – the New York Knicks and New York Rangers. The record-breaking residency began in January 2014 with Joel playing one show every month at The Garden, “as long as the demand continues,” says Joel.

Billy Joel is one of the biggest concert draws in the world, selling out arenas and stadiums across the globe. Having sold 150 million records over the past quarter century and scoring 33 consecutive Top 40 hits, Joel ranks as one of the most popular recording artists and respected entertainers in history. The singer/songwriter/composer is the sixth best-selling recording artist of all time and the third best-selling solo artist. In 2016, the Library of Congress selected “Piano Man” for preservation in the National Recording Registry for its “cultural, historic, and artistic significance.”

Joel received The Kennedy Center Honors, one of the United States’ top cultural awards, in December 2013. He is also the recipient of six GRAMMY® Awards, including the prestigious Grammy Legend Award. Joel has been inducted into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and has received numerous industry awards including a TONY AWARD for “Movin’ Out,” a Broadway musical based on Joel’s music. For his accomplishments as a musician and as a humanitarian, Joel was honored as the 2002 MusiCares Person Of The Year by the MusiCares Foundation and the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences.

December 18, 2022
Lizzo sings “Someday at Christmas,” Austin Butler serenades with “Blue Christmas” as Cecily Strong bids Saturday Night Live farewell

The Christmas episode of Saturday Night Live brought together Elvis (Austin Butler) and Lizzo for a remarkable show that saw long-time cast member Cecily Strong bidding the late-night institution farewell. Lizzo filled in for the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, who were originally scheduled to perform, but had to back out due to illness.

The cold open was a send up of an NFT scam put forth by the 45th president this past week, played much more comically than Alec Baldwin by James Austin Johnson.

Butler’s monologue recalled that the 2021 Christmas episode was mostly cast-free due to surging COVID infection rates. Butler spoke about growing up in Anaheim, CA, being home schooled by his mom, alongside his sister (who he wished a happy birthday to in the balcony). Talking about how his mother helped him break out of his shell of shyness, and how they watched Saturday Night Live together, Butler teared up in paying tribute to her memory and credited his acting career to her. Austin Butler made his Broadway debut in the 2018 revival of The Iceman Cometh and received a Golden Globe Award nomination for Elvis.

Sketches including a rip-off of Wheel of Fortune “The Phrase That Pays” was a deeply weird SNL game show concept, as was the the It’s a Wonderful Life spoof “A Christmas Epiphany,” where the viewpoint of an ideal family inside a house being observed by a voyeur was a fresh twist on the holiday classic.

On the rise featured player Sarah Sherman made a stand out appearance as Jewish Elvis, with Austin Butler in the front row in drag as one of the old women who get overly-stimulated by the Semetic singer.

Lizzo, who hosted in April, performed her first song “Break Up Twice” with a setting paying homage to artist Annie Lee’s Blue Monday. Lizzo, in white negligee, is seen sitting on the edge of the bed, having just woken up, exhausted but ready to press ahead with the day. Then, belting out the seventh track on her 2022 release Special, Lizzo stepped forward to reveal the full band, singing about a man who left her in tears but whom she does not want to leave, referencing her relationship with Myke Wright.

“Break Up Twice” had Lizzo singing direct to the camera and lit in white while the band was lit in blue, with notable samples of “Doo Wop (That Thing)” by Lauryn Hill and Judy Clay and William Bell’s “Private Number” found throughout.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnvPKUUueFc&list=PLS_gQd8UB-hJ4H8PK-BjG8jwVyBVEzZuO&index=7

Weekend Update saw the final appearance for Cecily Strong’s desheveled Cathy Anne, who joked about having to go to prison. Making slightly-cringe conversation with Michael Che, Cathy Anne switched back to Cecily Strong, breaking character to say, “I had a lot of fun here and I feel really lucky that I got to have so many of the best moments of my life in this place with these people that I love so much.”

Lizzo’s second performance found her covering Stevie Wonder’s 1967 holiday classic “Someday at Christmas,” dressed in a half silver, half gold angel dress, wrapped up like a shiny gift. The track is among those featured on Amazon Music, with musicians offering classic covers of Christmas songs. Lizzo said of the song “I chose to cover ‘Someday At Christmas’ not just because it’s a classic, but because it’s a reminder to us that almost 60 years later, we are still fighting for peace, compassion, and equality, a friendly reminder to spread love and kindness this holiday season.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJjTRUCfZ7c&list=PLS_gQd8UB-hJ4H8PK-BjG8jwVyBVEzZuO&index=10

For the finale, Kenan Thompson (as Frank Lasagna) introduced Cecily on her last day working at Radio Shack, noting her 11 year run and giving a heartfelt ode to her longevity on the show, fitting, coming from the show’s longest running cast member.

Butler then appeared as “Casual Elvis” to serenade Strong with Elvis Presley’s “Blue Christmas” as Strong smiled and choked up, with Thompson’s final lyrics altered to “You’ll be doing alright, every saturday night” for the finale, as the cast joined in on stage for the end of the tribute.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvTmjdhBRVs&list=PLS_gQd8UB-hJ4H8PK-BjG8jwVyBVEzZuO&index=17

Saturday Night Live returns in January 2023.

December 18, 2022
Latin Band Bacilos Announces ‘Back In The USA ’23’ Tour, Irving Plaza Date Set for May

The hit Latin band, Bacilos, featuring Jorge Villamizar and André Lopes, have announced their first tour in the United States since 2004. Produced by Live Nation, the nine-city — Back in the USA ‘23 — tour kicks-off on April 27, 2023 at North Beach Bandshell in Miami, FL, and will make stops in Orlando, Atlanta, Houston, Boston and New York‘s own Irving Plaza on May 12, before wrapping up in Chicago, IL at House of Blues on May 14.

Bacilos’ first tour in the U.S. in 19 years will make a stop at Irving Plaza in New York City on Friday, May 12, 2023.

When curating their set the duo decided to give an exciting spin to their classic records while bringing sensational new material into their performance. In addition to Villamizar and Lopes, Bacilos will be accompanied by their high-caliber band. Moreover, having performed across Latin America to huge crowds with immense success, Bacilos’ show is representative of their vibrancy and impact-fulness as critical trendsetters in modern Latin Pop music.

This past year, Bacilos released new classic songs and collaborations with Latin America’s most outstanding young artists. Their music has reached around 22 million people around the globe, reaching up to 180 countries. In addition, with more than 1 million creations, Caraluna — the tittle of their Latin Grammy winning album and single — became a Worldwide trend when the community accomplished a very successful TikTok movement with new choreography.

BACILOS BACK IN THE USA ‘23 TOUR DATES:

Thursday, April 27, 2023 – Miami – Miami Beach Bandshell

Friday, April 28, 2023 – Orlando — House of Blues

Sunday, April 30, 2023 – Atlanta – Buckhead Theatre

Thursday, May 4, 2023 – Houston – House of Blues

Saturday, May 6, 2023 – Austin – Emo’s

Sunday, May 7, 2023 – Dallas – The Echo Lounge & Music Hall

Wednesday, May 10, 2023 – Boston – Paradise Rock Club

Friday, May 12, 2023 – New York – Irving Plaza

Sunday, May 14, 2023 – Chicago – House of Blues

Tickets for Bacilos go on sale starting on Friday, December 9 at 10 a.m. at Ticketmaster.

December 16, 2022
American Authors Announce “The Best Night Of My Life” Tour, Stop at Racket in Chelsea

Alternative rock band American Authors will be back on the road for the new year. The band has just announced a full US headline tour this winter, titled the “Best Night Of My Life Tour” featuring Billy Raffoul. The month-long tour kicks off on February 10th in Fairfield, then makes a stop in New York City February 12^th at the new venue in Chelsea, Racket.

Frontman Zac Barnett shares about the tour: “It’s been so long since we’ve done a proper tour, we’re pulling out all the stops on this one! Playing all your favorite American Authors songs from the past, new jams from our upcoming album, & who knows, maybe even some requests & cover songs. Oh ya, & there might be some special collaborations with our good friend Billy Rafoul who will be opening the shows every night too.”

Since releasing their debut album Oh, What a Life in 2014, pop-rock outfit American Authors have experienced milestones most bands only dream about. Their anthemic hit single “Best Day of My Life” has been featured in over 600 movie trailers, TV shows, commercials, and as a theme song for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Despite this, lead singer Zac Barnett states, “We just want to keep going. We can’t wait to continue this adventure.”

Earlier this year, the American Authors pushed their limits with six different versions of their new single “Blind For Love.” They even recently released a brand new music video for this track. They’ve also been getting into the holiday spirit with the festive “Christmas Karaoke” and “Sleigh Ride.”

Fans can look forward to more new music soon, as the band gears up to release a new album in early 2023.

Upcoming Tour Dates:

12/29 – Bombay, India @ Mood Indigo

1/23-1/28 – Miami, FL @ Rock Boat XXII

2/10 – Fairfield, CT @ The Warehouse

2/15 – Virginia Beach, VA @ Elevation 27

2/16 – Washington, DC @ Union Stage

2/17 – Philadelphia, PA @ World Café Live

2/18 – New York, NY @ Racket

2/19 – Boston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall

2/21 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Thunderbird Music Hall

2/23 – Madison, WI @ Majestic Theatre

2/24 – Minneapolis, MN @ Fine Line Café

2/25 – Chicago, IL @ Bottom Lounge

2/26 – St. Louis, MO @ Old Rock House

2/28 – Denver, CO @ Gothic Theater

3/2 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Metro Music Hall

3/3 – Las Vegas, NV @ Rocks Lounge

3/5 – Phoenix, AZ @ Last Exit Live

3/4 – Anaheim, CA @ House of Blues (Parish)

3/7 – Solana Beach, CA @ Belly Up

3/8 – Los Angeles, CA @ Troubadour

3/9 – San Francisco, CA @ August Hall

3/11 – Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theatre

3/12 – Seattle, WA @ Neumos

For more information on upcoming news and events from the American Authors, click the link here.

December 15, 2022
Rosanne Cash and Steve Earle Head Lineup for Nic Pagano LGBTQIA Scholarship Benefit at City Winery

Rosanne Cash, Steve Earle, Marshall Crenshaw, Bettye LaVette and Martha Redbone are just a few of the luminaries coming out to support the launch of the Nic Pagano LGBTQIA+ Scholarship Fund at a benefit concert at The City Winery in NYC on January 26 at 8 PM.

The organization was created to honor the memory of Nic Pagano, son of veteran NYC drummer/producer/bandleader Rich Pagano, best known for his work with the Fab Faux. The charity enables ongoing assistance for families and individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community in need of financial help after agreeing to treatment for a substance use disorder. Pagano and his wife, Karen Marks, have partnered with The Release Recovery Foundation and Caron Treatment Centers to present the benefit event, entitled 1st Annual “Songs of Deep Emotion and Bright Light.” Tickets are on sale now here.

Cash, Earle, Crenshaw and LaVette are being joined by other artists including Amy Helm, Kate Pierson, Rachel Yamagata, Martha Redbone and Willie Nile and additional national and local music acts will be confirmed in the coming weeks. Each artist will perform a short set that illustrates an emotional and compromising element and/or a level of promise and faith. The flow will range from ‘melancholy blue to electric heat’. Pagano will serve as musical director.

In addition to raising proceeds from ticket sales, the event will feature an auction segment of coveted music-related photographs, including donations by Mark Seliger, William Coupon, Bob Gruen, The Gordon Parks Foundation and more. The auction will take place thanks to the outreach of Karen Marks, director of Howard Greenberg Gallery, one of the premiere photographic galleries in the world. Phillips Auction House has generously offered to facilitate.

One month prior to his accidental death due to fentanyl poisoning on July 2, 2021, Nic and his parents were eating lunch near the sober house that he was residing in at the time. At the lunch, the conversation turned to the plight of the LGBTQIA+ community and its fear of ostracization and assumption of lack of communal inclusion within the treatment world. Nic, leaning to an eventual career in social work, singled out the transgender community in particular for its marginalization. Unfortunately, this month’s hateful incident in Colorado is a clear indication that the stigma, fear and threats against the gay community need to be confronted, disarmed and dispelled.

As referenced above, the Release Recovery Foundation and Caron Treatment Centers have partnered in the creation of the Nic Pagano Scholarship Fund which is based at Caron Treatment Center in Pennsylvania. This scholarship aims to improve access to care for the LGBTQIA+ community.

Since its inception in the fall of 2021, the Nic Pagano LGBTQIA Scholarship Fund has awarded six financial scholarships to clients in need of substance use treatment. Services also address stigma, heterosexism, internalized homophobia, and discrimination as well as addiction. Over the last 18 months overdose deaths are up 25% in New York City with the LGBTQIA community as a group up 30% due to lack of treatment information or simply a fear of being different.

For the latest update on talent, visit City Winery.

December 14, 2022
20 Years Later: Phish perform on Saturday Night Live

On December 14, 2002, Phish made their first – and to date – only appearance as the musical guest on NBC’s Saturday Night Live. The band performed two songs and even got involved in one of the sketches. An animated segment also featured the use of their seminal tune “You Enjoy Myself.” Here’s a look back at what transpired on TV 20 years ago today.

The episode was hosted by Al Gore, who just two years and a day removed from conceding the 2000 election. It was a rare instance of a politician hosting SNL, joining Ralph Nader (1977), Jesse Jackson and George McGovern (both in 1984), Steve Forbes (1996), then-NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani (1997), John McCain (2002), Al Sharpton (2003) and Donald Trump (2015).

After a couple political sketches/segments featuring Gore – “Hardball” and “Gore Goes Inside ‘The West Wing,’” Phish joined in the fun with Jimmy Fallon and Horatio Sanz on a semi-popular segment called “Jarret’s Room.” Set at Hamphire College in Amherst, MA, Jarret (Fallon) immediately expressed excitement for having acquired two tickets to Phish’s then-upcoming reunion show at Madison Square Garden on December 31, 2002. Gobi (Sanz) joins in, dressed as Santa (and is that Seth Meyers in a gimp outfit?), as does Gore as their professor Dr. Ralph Wormley Curtis, who is there to address their absence from class.

Another knock at the door reveals the four members of Phish joining in, with Trey Anastasio explaining “We were just driving through on the tour bus, thought we’d stop by, we love the show” but is corrected by Page McConnell that they actually had hit Gobi and came on the show in case he threatened to sue. It then becomes clear that the stoner Gobi mistook Anastasio for Chuck Norris.

Gore’s Dr. Curtis chimes in, regarding his tenure at UVM, giving them the same advice as before, “Get a job you damn dirty hippies.” Phish then agreed to play a song with Jarret and Gobi, who was introduced as Zamfbeer, master of the beer flute. All seven then joined together singing “Contact” for a moment before signing off.

Phish would perform the traditional two songs this evening, starting with the then new (and yet to be performed live in concert), “46 Days” off Round Room which was released just four days prior. Only alloted about four minutes for a song, the straight rocker fit well in the moment and best choice from the album. They would perform “Chalkdust Torture” in the second slot, giving a slightly accelerated take on a classic late-in-the-show performance, and at a record clip of three and a half minutes. (watch below)

The animated portion of the episode titled “TV Funhouse” made prominent use of “You Enjoy Myself” in a spoof of the Charlie Brown Christmas special where waving hands in the air improved everything, including Schroeder playing piano with Pigpen on bass, turning into Phish and segments of “You Enjoy Myself.”

Watch the full of episode of Saturday Night Live with Al Gore and musical guest Phish on Peacock, Internet Archive, or below.

December 14, 2022
Whitney Brings SPARK to New York City’s Webster Hall

This past Sunday, Dec. 11, Whitney performed at New York City’s Webster Hall, bringing songs off their third album, SPARK, and many others. Expanding their touring lineup from the original two-piece, lead singer and drummer, Julien Ehrlich, and guitarist, Max Kakacek, were joined by a keyboard player, brass section, bass player, and additional drummer, evolving their sound (much like SPARK) and filling the music hall with their resonant melodies and R&B backbeats.

Whitney, 2022 Photo by Parker Alexander

Prior to the night’s headline act, the crowd was welcomed to Boston singer and songwriter Ella Williams, also known Squirrel Flower. She set the tone with songs off her debut album, I Was Born Swimming, and Sophomore album, Planet (i), which released last year.

Squirrel Flower, 2022 Photo by Parker Alexander

Whitney began their set with the group’s very first single, “No Matter Where We Go”, followed by Forever Turned Around‘s opener, “Giving Up”. The group seamlessly weaved through both new and old material, providing some with new instrumentals, most notably, “Kansas”, the original version of Forever Turned Around‘s title track.

Whitney, 2022 Photo by Parker Alexander

At one point, towards the end of the show, Julian exclaimed, “this has been the best New York show”, to much enthusiasm from the crowd, who had been singing along and raucously applauding after every song.

Whitney, 2022 Photo by Parker Alexander

A new, unreleased song, “Rolling Blackout” was performed. The band was joined on stage by Charlie Boss to play the song dating back to 2017.

The tour has a few dates left, concluding in their hometown of Chicago at the end month.

December 13, 2022
The Van Pelt Returns With New Music in 2023

After twenty-five years of anticipation, NYC indie-cult fan favorites the Van Pelt return with a new album titled “Artisans & Merchants” in 2023. The Van Pelt has returned to explore what was left behind with a new collection of hit songs, including the latest track, “Grid.”

For lovers of The Van Pelt, listening to “Artisans & Merchants” is like hearing the voice of a dear friend you haven’t seen in years. This is a stand-alone album, incredible vital songwriting regardless of the long history this band has. Pitchfork even stated that, “The lines between post-hardcore, indie rock, and emo blurred on the two mid-’90s full-lengths from the Van Pelt.”

The Van Pelt is an American indie rock band from New York City that were active from 1993 to 1997, but have reformed briefly several times since then including now. The band formed around 1993 at New York University, with Chris Leo on vocals and guitar, David Baum on guitar, Barry London on bass, and Neil O’Brien on drums. In a reunion show, soundchecks revealed that the band has a voice that was prematurely muted by their inability to see clearly in the thick of their rise.

“New York City’s The Van Pelt are an influential, but too often overlooked indie rock band — cult favorites for many an emo-inclined crate digger.”
– Consequence

The Van Pelt’s newer album can be viewed as “a friend you used to share countless beers with over banter that went nowhere other than delivering a solid night. Your friend is older, they’ve changed. In some ways you’re worried for them, looks like they might be teetering on the brink of something. In other ways it’s the same old them, a nugget of a soul too unique to ever be altered.”

The chores of the single “Image of Health” describes the beautiful desperation of the album best, “And you never felt more alive / Than when the priest came to read you your rites!”

Stream The Van Pelt and their newest album coming in Spring 2023 by clicking the link here.

Listen to the latest track from The Van Pelt, “Grid,” below.

December 13, 2022
In Focus: Lovejoy Plays Second Ever New York Show at Mercury Lounge

Lovejoy made a stop on Wednesday on December 7th at the Mercury Lounge in New York City. Selling out every one of their shows within minutes of announcing their US tour, the upbeat indie-rock band put on an amazing performance, full of jumping, head-banging, and enthusiastic crowd interaction. The UK-based band played various songs from their first EP Are You Alright, and their latest release, Pebble Brain.

Lead singer Wilbur Soot and bassist Ash Kabosu

Lovejoy, consisting of lead singer Will Gold—better known by his Youtube name, Wilbur Soot—guitarist Joe Goldsmith, bassist Ash Kabosu, and drummer Mark Boardman, played their second ever show in New York this past week. The band formed in 2020 when Wilbur Soot, with his already large fanbase of 6.35 million followers on Youtube and Twitch for video game streaming, uploaded his comedic yet catchy song, “Your New Boyfriend.” The song pushed Soot to pursue music on a more serious level. Already friends with guitarist Joe, Soot met bassist Ash Kabosu at a burger shop and drummer Mark Boardman through the freelance company Fiverr. After Soot and Goldsmith’s first day of recording music with their newly found instrumentalists, the four decided to form their band.

Lovejoy first entered the stage by pushing through the crowd, generating screams of excitement from the crazed fans, many of whom brought their parents with them to the packed venue. Given that Lovejoy had only four scheduled tour dates in the US, many dedicated followers traveled hours from far away states like Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and even Florida to see their favorite band play.

A teenager from the crowd handed guitarist Joe Goldsmith a black-and-white striped beanie, which he wore during the entire show. Prior to playing their song “Model Buses,” the crowd collectively booed Boris Johnson and sang along to lyrics like “We can barely see your hair receding..” and “Sound as good with slurred speech as I do when I’m sober…” After facing some technical difficulties during their performance of “Concrete,” the band replayed the song with the whole crowd screaming the lyrics and jumping eagerly to the beat.

Before their encore, the band members pretended to leave the stage and re-enter from behind the curtains, prompting the crowd to scream in excitement once again. Lovejoy is continuing their US tour with two last shows in California on December 9th and December 11th.

Setlist: Tomorrow, You’ll Understand When You’re Older; Oh Yeah, You Gonna Cry?; Taunt, Consequences, Model Buses, Cause for Concern, The Fall, It’s Golden Hour Somewhere (unreleased), One Day, Sex Sells

Encore: Perfume, It’s All Futile! It’s All Pointless!, Concrete

Guitarist Joe Goldsmith and Drummer Mark Boardman

December 11, 2022
Steve Martin and Martin Short Co-host SNL This Week, With Musical Guest Brandi Carlile

This week’s episode of Saturday Night Live features SNL veterans Steve Martin and Martin Short co-hosting, with musical guest, singer-songwriter, Brandi Carlile.

The cold open features Kenan Thompson, Cecily Strong, Ego Nwodim, Bowen Yang, and Sarah Sherman sharing how they keep their cool during the holiday season. They sing a jingle about current events happening in the world, including Elon Musk buying Twitter, Kanye West’s antisemitic comments, and the unexpected album drop from convicted pedophile R. Kelly.

The monologue saw Martin Short and Steve Martin talking about how many times they have hosted in a montage video, with Martin hosting an incredible 16 times, and Short comically having hosted only three times, including this evening. They joked about how nostalgic it felt to be back and meet the new cast. Martin and Short are celebrating the third season of their Hulu show Only Murders in the Building as well. The two also jokingly read about what each other’s eulogies would be. Selena Gomez made a guest appearance at the end of the monologue.

The first sketch features Short and Martin premiering on a spin-off of a scientific PBS Kids TV show. The two use cast members Cecily Strong and Mikey Day as kids helping out in demonstrating different scientific scenarios, but they are comically unhelpful and make obscene jokes. Both Martin and Short become increasingly frustrated at the kids, and the segment cuts out.

The next sketch features the SNL writing room. They are making fun of a cast member’s ex and saying she smelled bad, and more. The funny joke is that they got back together, and she was in the room, with the family members seeing them talking badly about the ex. Martin and Short show up, and as the two cast members try to get themselves out of it, it keeps progressing.

Another holiday-themed sketch follows, taking place on a train ride. Martin Short and Steve Martin, along with Cecily Strong and Kenan Thompson are sitting in a booth together. They break out into a song and dance about snow, wanting to see it and be in it, having not experienced it before. The sketch takes a turn, where Strong, Martin, and Short turn into bears, hibernating through the snow.

The next sketch features Martin as Santa and Short as an elf named Sprinkles. He is short-tempered and yells at each child as they try to tell Santa what they want. Following is a sketch about A Christmas Carol, with Short being The Scrooge. He comically blinds an orphan trying to give him money. Martin, being the Spirit or Christmas Present, also blinds people when throwing coins, even accidentally stabbing someone.

Brandi Carlile recently released a deluxe record titled In The Canyon Haze. This isn’t Carlile’s first time performing on SNL, having been featured as a guest earlier in the year. She will be opening for P!nk at Citi Field on Aug. 3, and tickets are on sale here. She carried a lot of energy in her performance of her song “The Story” dressed in a festive suit. Her unique and powerful vocals shine as she smiles at the audience several times.

https://youtu.be/CpNqR-ff_TQ

Weekend Update with Colin Jost and Michael Che talked about the political race, including Herschel Walker losing the election, with the audience clapping. They made a lot of jokes about Brittney Griner being released from prison as well as talking about the World Cup finals.

The next sketch features Short as Minky Carmichael on a show, teaching women how to treat their men. It gets funny as Cecily Strong makes fun of him, and humiliates him on the show. Brandi Carlile came back out, in a different black and blue outfit. She is singing a much chiller song, “You and Me on the Rock ft. Lucius” with the same powerful and beautiful vocals.

https://youtu.be/-sEbBaXMImY

The final sketch is a Father of the Bride spinoff, featuring Martin and Heidi Gardner as his daughter, celebrating her eighth wedding, with Short being a wedding planner. Kieran Culkin makes a guest appearance, as he was in the original movie along with Martin and Short. Selena Gomez also makes an appearance as the wedding singer.

Next week’s Saturday Night Live show features Austin Butler hosting, with musical guest Lizzo.

December 11, 2022