NYS Music 202​2

Category: NYC Metro

  • Joshua Thew NYC Gem Releases Video For “Where Do Feelings Go?”

    NYC’s hidden gem Joshua Thew released his newest melancholic single and video, “Where Do Feelings Go?” on Friday, October 28th. Being a New York-based singer, songwriter, and former dancer at the New York City Ballet, ‘Where Do Feelings Go?’ navigates the cognitive dissonance that sets in after a relationship ends. Thew’s voice soars effortlessly as he reaches into the aftermath of a breakup, building up to an infectious chorus.

    London-born and NY-based, Joshua Thew gathered attention in 2019 with his debut single, “Think You’re Getting Through.” The single gained over 450,000 streams on Spotify alone and picked up notable press support. Now he returns with his soulful offering, ‘Where Do Feelings Go,’ which is out now on all platforms.

    Joshua Threw Releases Newest Single And Video "Where Do Feelings Go?"
    Processed with VSCO with kp9 preset

    On the inspiration behind the song’s themes, Thew explains:

    There is something so strange and absurd about the abruptness of a breakup; like air suddenly deflating from a balloon. I tried to capture as close to the moment of separation as possible. It felt cathartic making this song, and I leaned on the music when I needed it. Sometimes it was more personal than I intended. I see it like a nighttime dream that’s sensual and sad.

    About five years ago, Thew was dancing and performing for the New York City Ballet alongside top-tier talent for audiences from around the globe. Even though he worked his entire life for this, Thew couldn’t shake the feeling that he was missing something. In 2017, after nearly a decade at NYC Ballet, Thew left the professional dancing space behind to pursue another dream, and alongside producer Cale Hawkings, his new single, ‘Where Do Feelings Go,’ further demonstrates his ability to craft emotionally powerful songs. 

    ‘Where Do Feelings Go?’ is out now across platforms. To watch the video, click the link here.

    To listen to more Joshua Thew, click the link here.

  • Watch Steve Lacy Perform “Bad Habit” and “Helmet” in SNL Debut

    With just a few days before Election Day, Amy Schumer hosted Saturday Night Live with musical guest Steve Lacy making his SNL debut.

    Steve Lacy SNL

    Opening with a satire of President Biden’s speech on democracy from earlier this week, James Austin Johnson as Biden brought up a cavalcade of ‘new’ Democratic candidates meant to appeal to younger voters, among them, Marianne Williamson, Guy Fieri, the guy from 6ix9ine, Azaliea Banks, and Tracy Morgan (Keenan Thompson).

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXN3Q_ANckc&list=PLS_gQd8UB-hLzQQhvOY-wX2LNQPFTHSm4&index=2

    Amy Schumer used her monologue for a few minutes of standup where she riffed about childbirth and her husband being diagnosed with autism as an adult.

    Hitting home for many who have dealt with COVID and the week long isolation/quarantine that results, the COVID commercial featuring Sara Sherman was as timely as ever.

    To perform on SNL, Steve Lacy had postponed shows in San Diego, San Francisco, Oakland, Vancouver, Seattle and Portland on his Give You the World Tour. For his first song, Lacy performed “Bad Habit” off his second album Gemini Rights, released in July. The R&B vocalist and multi-instrumentalist performed in black leather pants and Geordi La Forge wrap around shades, with the Gemini Rights logo suspended behind him. Lacy, as well as the drummer and bassist wore white shirts with a single black S on them, making a dollar sign with their black ties hanging, a nod to the Dead Kennedys.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z566jZAVZ5Q&list=PLS_gQd8UB-hLzQQhvOY-wX2LNQPFTHSm4&index=8

    On Weekend Update, Tammy the Trucker (Cecily Strong) showed up to talk about gas prices (and definitely not abortion), much like how in November 2021 she showed up as Goober the Clown to talk about abortion. WU anchor Colin Jost noted voters are being driven by economic issues and not abortion, and Tammy responded with commentary on women’s rights and health care. The same deep and urgent message from last November was conveyed through truck driving references that intertwined concerns about the right for women to control their own bodies was being eroded, and ended with a call to action to vote on Tuesday.

    As Weekend Update ended, SNL gave a nod to Migos rapper Takeoff (Kirshnik Khari Ball), who had performed on SNL in 2018.

    A preview of the Bills/Jets game in the Meadowlands showed Jets fans (Andrew Dismukes, Thompson, Schumer, Strong) ripping on the visiting Bills fans, regardless of age or mobility. The casual chatting among the four of them would quickly devolve into taunting and heckling, giving heavy ‘Get Off the Shed’ vibes.

    Lacy’s second performance of the night found he and his band in the same outfit, same narrow room effect but with a heavier Stevie Wonder vibe in both voice and tone of the song.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4jGl-uUGxQ&list=PLS_gQd8UB-hLzQQhvOY-wX2LNQPFTHSm4&index=11

    Following a “Big Penis Therapy” sketch that is worth watching, Schumer sported a Jews shirt during the goodnights, following wearing a VOTE VOTE VOTE sweater.

    Next week SNL returns for a post-election episode with host Dave Chappelle – appearing post-election for the third time since 2016 – and musical guest Black Star.

  • Central Park Dance to Perform Nutcracker at The Capitol Theatre

    Central Park Dance will return to The Capitol Theatre with their annual production of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker on Sunday, December 11th at 12:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. With more than 100 students from the school, professional dancers and young dancers from the surrounding communities, audiences will have two chances to enjoy this timeless tale. 

    Central Park Dance

    In celebrating a legacy that has spanned across more than four decades, Central Park Dance has made its mark on the Westchester dance community. As a producer of original ballets, they invite their all levels to participate. Dancers of all ages will make up their large ensemble of performers, spanning from the littlest mouse to the blizzard of snowflakes.

    Central Park Dance Performs Nutcracker at The Capitol Theatre

    This year, the production will welcome back American Ballet Theatre soloist Luciana Paris to dance the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy, along with her Cavalier Jose Sebastian, who is currently a member of American Ballet Theatre’s corps de ballet as well as the director of ABT’s Incubator program. 

    Central Park Dance

    “In our more than 40 years in Westchester, we have watched several generations of students dance through our doors,” explains Maria Bai and Mario La Strada, founder and directors of Central Park Dance Studio.  

    Central Park Dance

    “We have made it our mission to offer students a well-rounded dance education that includes not only time in the studio, but opportunities to interact with and perform for our community. We are overwhelmed by the support we have received around our sold-out productions over the last 6 years, and we are so lucky to be able to expand the opportunity to more students and more families each year.” 

    Central Park Dance

    One of the longest running and most respected dance studios in Westchester for 40 years, Central Park Dance offers classic and progressive styles of dance and fitness for both adults and children. Central Park Dance is also home to the Signature and Remixx performance companies as well as the Ballet Academy, which provides the aspiring dancer with pre-professional training, performance opportunities and mentorships.

    The Nutcracker performances will take place on Sunday, December 11th at 12:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Ticket prices range from $45, $35 and $25 and are available by clicking the link here.

  • WhyHunger Honors Warren Haynes, Kevin Bacon and More at Annual Chapin Awards 

    WhyHunger held their annual Chapin Awards Gala on Tuesday, November 1, honoring actor Kevin Bacon, Stacy Huston from SixDegrees.org, Gov’t Mule frontman Warren Haynes and Bob Wolk with the Harry Chapin Humanitarian Award for their commitment to fighting hunger and its root causes. 

    The event raised over $460K to fight hunger and featured celebrities including Phil Lesh, Kyra Sedgwick and more. 

    (Photo credit: Diane Bondareff for WhyHunger)

    WhyHunger is a leader in the movement to end hunger and advance the human right to nutritious food in the U.S. and around the world.

    In 1975, GRAMMY-Award winning musician and activist Harry Chapin co-founded WhyHunger to protect the basic human right to nutritious food for all.  He dedicated his life to ensuring equitable food access and used his music and activism to inspire others to tackle the root causes of hunger and poverty.

    WhyHunger presents The Harry Chapin Humanitarian Award to shine a spotlight on artists and community leaders who have proven their commitment to building social justice and ending hunger worldwide.  

    Each of our honorees has demonstrated their strong support for WhyHunger, matched with an even stronger conviction to use their influence to make the world a better place. Warren, Kevin, Stacy and Bob have all been incredibly generous with their time and resources, using their voices and influence to drive real change in the food justice movement, while inspiring so many others to join them. WhyHunger is proud to call them friends and partners in the movement to end hunger and poverty, and we’re inspired by the dedication and impact that each honoree has made.

    Noreen Springstead, executive director, WhyHunger
    (Photo credit: Diane Bondareff for WhyHunger)

    Warren Haynes engaged with WhyHunger in a variety of ways over the years, making generous contributions to the organization’s work, donating several auction items and experiences that raised critical funds to support its mission. From his annual Christmas Jam and the important work of the W&S Foundation to his extraordinary support for Habitat for Humanity and career-spanning humanitarian efforts, Warren has led the music industry as an activist and visionary in creating a brighter future for all.   

    Harry Chapin has long been an inspiration to me, and I’m humbled to receive this award in his memory. I’m fully committed to using my music and platform to fuel meaningful change in the world. Thank you to WhyHunger for this honor.

    Warren Haynes

    WhyHunger was chosen by Stacy Huston and SixDegrees.org as one of the beneficiaries and partner in creating PlayOn, a 2020 TV special that uplifted the power of music, people, and philanthropy to fuel social change amid one of the most challenging moments in memorable history. Powered by SixDegrees.org, PlayOn raised critical awareness about hunger and injustice at the height of the pandemic and provided over $3.2 million to support WhyHunger’s mission. SixDegrees.org, along with Kevin Bacon, has transformed the nation and world in meaningful ways by using the power of connection to support grassroots nonprofits and their social missions.  

    Stacy and I are honored to receive the Harry Chapin Humanitarian Award, in recognition of the work we’ve been doing at SixDegrees.org and our support for WhyHunger. We believe our shared compassion has the power to unite, motivate and bring about positive change. We know WhyHunger is aligned in that mission.

    Kevin Bacon

    Bob Wolk first became engaged with WhyHunger after attending Harry Chapin concerts and hearing Harry’s message about food insecurity.  He later reconnected to WhyHunger by working at Hungerthon and hosting a number of Homemade Jams.  Bob served on the WhyHunger Board of directors from 2015 – 2020, both on the executive committee and as Vice-chair. Bob is a deeply philanthropic person in his professional and personal life.  

    Over the past 20 years, WhyHunger has honored a cadre of artists in Harry Chapin’s memory, including Harry Belafonte, Pete Seeger, Barbra Streisand, Yoko Ono Lennon, Tom Morello, Jon Batiste, Jason Mraz, John Mellencamp, Jackson Browne, Judy Collins, Emmylou Harris, Darryl ‘DMC’ McDaniels, Michael McDonald, Peter, Paul & Mary, and Kenny Rogers.  

    This year’s annual gala will corresponded with the kick-off of Hungerthon—WhyHunger’s annual month-long campaign to tackle the root causes of hunger in America and ensure everyone’s basic human right to nutritious food.  Both the gala and Hungerthon raise critical funds to support WhyHunger’s work in the U.S. and around the world. To learn more about the WhyHunger Chapin Awards gala and to purchase tickets, visit whyhunger.org/chapinawards.

  • Gregory Dwane: A Music Industry Veteran Worth Emulation

    After interviewing dozens of music industry up-and-comers to bonafide professionals, there is certainly much to learn from Gregory Dwane who is a music industry veteran worth emulating. I was captivated by his song, “When You Say California”, which has a Tom Petty feel to it and was a great introductory track exposing me to want to dive deeper into his catalog. You can find Gregory Dwane on Spotify. 

    Gregory Dwane Smiles

    I had the pleasure to interview Mr. Dwane on The Long Island Sound podcast. This minstrel hails from a small town in North Carolina and ultimately settled into the New York City music scene in the 90’s.

    He’s a sort of a utility man in the music industry where the road to success is littered with its own detours and off ramps, Gregory Dwane is a survivor whose skill was to not only be good at his craft, but through an honest demeanor, made the best of the opportunities set before him.

     A Road Well Chosen

    Touring the world with Alanis Morrisette, Gregory Dwane worked with David Navarro, Macy Gray, Jane’s Addiction and Joan Osborne. The serendipitous twists and turns, set him on a trajectory from alcohol abuse to sobriety.

          “I went from thinking my world was over to touring the world”

    Gregory Dwane

    Dwane’s resume would detail skills in record engineering, producing, fine art,  singer/songwriting, jingle writing, and Country music entertainment. Sojourning from New York to Nashville, and from L.A. to Connecticut, provided this multi-talented music industry professional with a multi-dimensional group of experiences. HIs keen ear manages to guide an artist through the wormhole of production frustration to a fully produced album ready to launch on the market. 

    Alternative Country, a place worth the visit

    With a firm footing in the Alt-Country genre, Gregory Dwayne’s songwriting presents an artist weathered by life’s experiences moving from rebellion to redemption. After a short hiatus from the music business, it was his reinvention as a fine-art painter that would eventually lead him back to songwriting. 

    I want my MTV

    When I read Gregory Dwane’s EPK, I thought I spied a misprint. How could this rural North Carolinian be inspired by a combination of MTV, and the movie Beat Street and then move to New York City in the 90’s, finally settling in as an Americana and Alt-Country Singer/Songwriter?

    I believe what separates the creatives in our world from the rest of us, is that an artist acts on the muse and opportunities they find within reach. Gregory Dwane’s humility and good-nature seemed to open doors, as his cohorts recognized his honed craft, ultimately opening doors to further expose his art. 

    Gregory Dwane is unstoppable. While continuing to produce his own music, he has also applied his expertise as a producer for Amy Ray of the Indigo Girls as well as other artists. 

    During the interview, I found a skilled artist whose creativity could not be contained. Dwane mirrors the desire we have to find understanding and equilibrium in our lives. Enrich your playlists with his music, and you will not be disappointed.

  • New NYC Venue Racket to Open Next Year

    A brand new venue called Racket will be opening in the heart of the Chelsea neighborhood of New York City, a mid-size 650-capacity club.

    racket

    The Bowery Presents, the East Coast regional partner of AEG Live, shared the news on social media. The Racket is set to fill the holes of the many other mid-sized venues that have closed their doors over the years. For example, the Highline Ballroom in Chelsea closed its doors on Feb. 18, 2019, after it was unable to renew its lease. Other venues that closed their doors in the surrounding areas in 2018 and prior include Output, Cielo, and Cornelia Street Cafe. Also recently, the Knitting Factory in Brooklyn announced it was closing forever.

    The venue will officially open its doors in 2023, with acts to follow. The catchphrase of the venue, from their social media, seems to be “let’s make a racket.” People can sign up on the venue’s website to get email notifications when shows will officially be announced.

    People are reacting well to the news on social media, with excitement and joy about the venue opening. After so many venues closing over the years in NYC and beyond, it is refreshing to see big names coming together to create new ones.

    h/t Relix

  • Stella Rose Makes Striking First Impression On Gothic Single “Muddled Man”

    Stella Rose, a NYC musician and the daughter of Depeche Mode singer Dave Gahan has made her debut with “Muddled Man,” a menacing track with a palpable atmosphere of darkness.

    Released shortly before Halloween, the song evokes the energy of gothic acts such as Bauhaus with its urgent opening and Rose’s deep, shaky vocals.

    stella rose muddled man
    “Muddled Man” cover art.

    Produced by Yves Rothman, every bit of the track’s meticulous composition shines through. From its sludgy synths to its pounding snare to its mystical string notes to the echo of Rose’s singing and beyond, “Muddled Man” oozes ounces of haunting energy.

    This is equally reflected in its lyrical content, which seems to describe some sort of sinister love affair. Lines like “I’ll have you once again, until then I’m well fed,” and “a muddled man who loves me the way I am” reflection narration of someone looking for romance through personal chaos.

    While this song is split into two parts, the loud and brooding first section transitions perfectly into the spacy, gloomy second. Backdropped by muddied drums, arpeggiating strings, and echoing piano, Rose’s delivery calms down drastically and her lyrical content sacrifices its aggression. “How does it feel, when the feeling isn’t enough?” Rose wistfully asks.

    While “Muddled Man” is a debut effort from Stella Rose, nothing about it speaks inexperience. This collaboration with Yves Rothman is a gripping and chilling track that espouses some of gothic music’s best qualities.

  • ‘Cassette Roulette’ NYC Residency Announced by John Cameron Mitchell and Amber Martin

    Prominent actor and screenwriter, John Cameron Mitchell, and 1972 Cabaret film lead actress, Amber Martin, will collaborate together in the premiere of their Cassette Roulette show performances at MassMOCA and BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn. A series of songs, stories and characters will be featured in their performance, which will be backed by Justin Craig and the Hedwig house band Tits of Clay, additionally featuring an introductory set from J. Hoard. 

    Cassette Roulette John Cameron Mitchell and Amber Martin

    Songs covered will be from notable works directed by John Cameron Mitchell, such as the films Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Big River and The Secret Garden and his musical Anthem: Homunculus. Amber Martin is performing works derived from roles played and paying tribute to some characters part of her casted roles during her acting career. 

    Their vibrant stage acts are planned to be continued in 90-minute shows, designated for a smaller range of audiences, at Joe’s Pub on Jan. 21, Feb. 4, Feb. 11, Feb. 19, Feb. 26. Each will start at 6:30p.m., with tickets being on sale at The Public Theater, located at 425 Lafayette Street near Astor Place in Manhattan.

    Tickets for the Cassette Roulette Residency at Joe’s Pub can be bought on the Public Theater website.

  • Emmet Cohen flexes on ‘Uptown in Orbit’

    In the 1920s, “Rent Parties” were a common place in Harlem. As the end of the month approached, with rent looming and no way to pay, tenants would host a musician and invite friends, raising money and having fun, dancing and listening to music with their community in a place safe from discrimination. In 2020, as the pandemic struck, esteemed jazz pianist Emmet Cohen started hosting Rent Parties in his own Harlem apartment. He played with his trio and live streamed the event, calling it “Live From Emmet’s.” This event isn’t where his inspiration from Harlem’s jazz scene ends, though; Emmet Cohen’s newest record was made in Harlem’s spirit as well — Uptown in Orbit was released on October 28.

    Emmet Cohen

    Uptown in Orbit presents huge energy through bright and powerful chords while showcasing immense talent and control. When listening, you see the view of bustling Harlem like you’re looking down on the streets from an upstairs apartment window. It’s all perpendicular and over-excited, but still perfectly harmonious, timed absolutely naturally. It feels like the song’s subject is orbiting, either we’re all circling around it or it’s circling us, either way the album brings the listener straight into this orbit. 

    The highlight of this album is the title track, “Uptown in Orbit.” Use of hemiola gives the song veritable bounce, as the ¾ rhythm is coupled into rhythmic pulses of three against two beats. The timing is swinging, and though Cohen likes to call back to the jazz hay days of the early 1900s, this track still has a modern feel with its energy and brightness. A saxophone comes soaring in during the second half of “Uptown In Orbit”  — wailing with so much passion and grace, before turning brassy and raspy, almost like the voice in Pink Floyd’s Great Gig In The Sky. 

    Cohen has said jazz boils down to connections; between the musicians performing and the audience, as well. This album exhibits that connection flawlessly, with brass that floats over Cohen’s dextrous, easy-going piano, drums that shake the background, adding fuzzy sparkles and backbone to the other instruments’ colorful musicality. 

    Since he was three, Cohen has been devoted to the piano. He earned a Master of Music from the Manhattan School of Music after graduating from University of Miami, and has since performed in international events, such as the Newport, Monterey, Detroit, North Sea, Bern, Edinburgh and Jerusalem jazz festivals, in addition to playing in some of the most storied jazz clubs across the world. 

    The pianist is currently touring Europe, but in December he will be back in NYC for five days at Dizzy’s Club with his trio and Mary Stallings, starting December 8. You can RSVP for tickets here. 

  • Greensky Bluegrass Winter Tour Starts in Buffalo, Port Chester and Utica

    Greensky Bluegrass have announced their Winter Tour 2023, featuring 16 dates with a kickoff on January 12 in Buffalo, followed by stops in Port Chester and Utica. The Michigan jamgrass band will make their debut performances at the Stanley Theater in Utica, as well as the historic Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank, NJ.

    They’ll bring along with them support acts including Mikaela Davis, Neighbor, Mihali, Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country, Railroad Earth and Holly Bowling.

    Greensky Bluegrass are widely known for their thoughtful lyricism, edgy and genre-expansive sound, dazzling live performances and relentless touring schedule. Featuring Anders Beck [dobro], Michael Arlen Bont [banjo], Dave Bruzza [guitar], Mike Devol [upright bass], and Paul Hoffman [Mandolin], the five are connected through a deep bond, just as they are seasoned road warriors, they’re a band of brothers who have seen each other through decades of ups and downs, personal and collective highlights, and the moments when life turns it all upside down. 

    For the past century, bluegrass music has traditionally relayed real tales of American life, struggle, tragedy, and triumph. It gives a voice to the quiet, yet colorful stories woven into the fabric of the country itself. Greensky Bluegrass live these stories through their records and performances. 

    Greensky is and always has been very unique in our world. We put our love, energy, and focus into what we appreciate about our music. We come together as a band in a way that’s organic. We take a lot of pride in how we grow and challenge each other too. We’re maturing together. I think we get more Greensky all of the time.

    Paul Hoffman

    Tickets can be purchased at greenskybluegrass.com. 

    Greensky Bluegrass 2022 Winter Tour

    1/12 @ Town Ballroom | Buffalo, NY*

    1/13 @ Capitol Theatre | Port Chester, NY# 

    1/14 @ Capitol Theatre | Port Chester, NY<> 

    1/15 @ The Stanley | Utica, NY*

    1/18 @ Count Basie Center For The Arts | Red Bank, NJ# 

    1/19 @ Flynn Theatre | Burlington, VT – An Evening With

    1/20 @ MGM Music Hall at Genway | Boston, MA #

    1/21 @ The Fillmore Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 

    1/25 @ The Agora Theatre | Cleveland, OH+

    1/26 @ Stage AE | Pittsburgh, PA+ 

    1/27 @ The Anthem | Washington DC=

    1/28 @ The Anthem | Washington DC+

    2/1 @ Kemba Live! | Columbus, OH!!

    2/2 @ The Pageant | St. Louis, MO!!

    2/3-4 @ The Vic Theatre | Chicago, IL!!

    * Mikaela Davis
    # Neighbor
    <> Mihali
    + Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country
    = Railroad Earth
    !! Holly Bowling