Madison Square Garden, “the world’s most famous arena,” is in talks of being moved by NYC Mayor Eric Adams amidst the ongoing Penn Station Redevelopment talks.
Mayor Eric Adams, photo by Getty Images for Concordia Summit
Adams has been working on the Penn Station project for a while, and the MTA has recently approved a $57 million contract for the renovation’s architectural and engineering designs. The plan would bring “light” to the nation’s largest transit hub. MTA CEO Janna Lieber said the money would be used for vertical circulation. “That’s stairs, escalators, and elevators to get people on and off the platforms,” he said.
Madison Square Garden has been talked about being moved for a while now. Former Mayor Michael Bloomberg wanted to move the stadium closer to Manhattan’s westside but was shut down by opposition from James Dolan, CEO of the arena with a strong political force backing him, and the former, late state Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver.
James Dolan, photo by Getty Images/Ethan Miller
Mayor Eric Adams spoke on Sept. 21 about considering talks of moving the arena again. He says Pennsylvania Plaza, the space surrounding Madison Square Garden, would be a perfect place with new housing stock. “I think that we can find the right balance between office and housing,” he said. “We have to build more housing. There’s a real need for housing in the city and particularly in areas that have access to transportation, good health care, good schools.”
The plan is backed by Gov. Kathy Hochul but has been criticized as a cash grab that will serve to benefit real estate developers and drain city finances. Dolan was involved in secret talks to possibly relocate the arena to Hudson Yards, but reportedly Hochul got involved and killed the plan, according to Crain’s.
The moving of the arena hasn’t been confirmed or denied but it seems to be in talks right now between city officials and James Dolan, CEO of MSG.
Interviewing a band is like opening a wrapped present, you never know what you’re gonna get until you unwrap the gift. Having interviewed dozens of musicians over the past year, I am cautious about questions that can kill a conversation. I’m conscious about the third rail question,, “…so what do you do for a living?” The fear of going off the rails put aside, I became intrigued with each member of the band, Out East. This group of artists from East Hampton keep on giving through each creative moment, whether in the studio, on stage or through their work. Let’s open the box. Catch the full conversation on The Long Island Sound podcast.
The Trio Expands to a Foursome
Established three years ago in the Hamptons, Out East has grown to a foursome with the addition of a fantastic vocalist, and singer/songwriter, Starlight Tyler. Ms.Tyler’s sound is described as “a soulful singer blending the classic sounds of jazz with the earthiness of the blues”. The band’s music is as diverse as their day jobs as we get acquainted with the stories behind the artists.
Their original music spans the gamut, from Fusion to Reggae, with a foundation of Blues and the influence of Latin rhythms. The song “Flower Power” sparks the colors of psychedelia, which would be a welcomed theme song for any CBD/Cannabis shop poised to open in New York.
“So What Do You Do For A Living?”
John Jinks, the main songwriter and guitarist in the group, cut his teeth as a Commercial Illustrator in New York City. This transplant from the Midwest had artist reps in the USA and Japan, and has worked on national campaigns. Clients such as Perrier, Warner Brothers, Estee Lauder, USPS among others have added John’s art to their brands. Upon transplanting from the city to East Hampton, John got into computers taking his artistic eye creating documentaries and motion graphic work.
Besides his music work as the drummer in the band, Gerry Giliberti established himself as a print-based photographic artist, creating abstract and surrealistic images to bring us into his world. Gerry’s ability to see simple images in complex textures has established him as a notable artist on the East End.
Carlos Barrios plays Bass in the band and is a notable Master Luthier (Master Instrument builder). Born in Guatemala, Carlos emigrated to the United States, spent his early years in LA and they traveled to Long Island. His father’s influence as a carpenter set him on a firm foundation to become a luthier. He makes basses and guitars and repairs all sorts of instruments. His clientele includeG.E. Smith, and Nancy Atlas, among others.
Carlos on Bass
A New Documentary on Carlos’s Craftsmanship
A documentary featuring Carlos’ Master Skill in Guitar Building will premiere this fall at The Church,(Eric Fischil’s Art Gallery) in Sag Harbor.
Many musicians branch out to the visual arts; all are craftsmen in “wood-shedding” their instruments, and on this occasion, we meet a master builder, an artist-illustrator and an abstract conceptualist photographer. I will always be intrigued about professional musicians and their stories, I become envious of their skill, dedication and performance. Maybe it’s my own lack of skill or the excuse of “maybe someday, I’ll get to it” that insulates me from becoming a better musician or artist.
For the most part, Out East, plays the music scene out East. You can check them out when they play Best Pizza Dive Bar in Amagansett on Sept. 30 and Stephen Talkhouse on Oct. 28.
The awe of the craft, comforts music lovers everywhere as we experience the electricity of joy pulsating from a live performance. We traverse the roads of discovery among local neighborhoods, and music scenes abroad, forever searching. I’ll bet most of us will testify that music brings us joy, especially live music. If we are to heal the world through music, we’ll need to support our musicians and be generous with the joy we’ve received.
If you long for great music and art, my suggestion: head Out East!
Reggae Under The Bridge, part of the Coney Island Reggae Soundsystem Series, will take place on Sunday, September 25 from 12-7 p.m. at K Bridge Park (under the Kosciuszko Bridge) at 470 Scott Avenue in Brooklyn.
This year’s edition features the return of Downbeat The Ruler, selector Tony Screw, one of the most beloved and celebrated selectors in global soundclash culture. Downbeat earned his name as the legacy selector for Coxson Dodd’s iconic Sir Coxson’s Downbeat Soundsystem in the 1970s. As a result of this relationship, Downbeat boasts the largest collection of Studio One exclusives of any selector worldwide.
Other featured selectors at the event will be Lee Major from Earth Ruler, Digital English, and other guests from the Brooklyn and greater NYC community.
Founded in 2010 by DJ Carter Van Pelt, Coney Island Reggae On The Boardwalk has earned an international grassroots following as a showcase for reggae vinyl and soundsystem culture. The series is an anticipated part of summer culture in New York City, with Reggae Under The Bridge as one of the spinoff events in the series, which also inaugurated the opening of K Bridge Park in June 2021.
The series has featured more than 80 selectors from New York and beyond, including King Jammy, Jack Scorpio, Downbeat The Ruler, Tipper Tone, Jah Life, LP International, Sir Tommy’s, Earth Ruler, Digital English, and Federation Sound. Emcees and singers have included Luciano, Willi Williams, Al Campbell, Ranking Joe, Sister Carol, Mikey Jarrett, Screechy Dan, and Johnny Osbourne, among others. Brooklyn’s Chanter, The Timeless Sound has provided the soundsystem for the event since 2012. The events, which are free to the public, are supported by donations from individuals and in part by the Greater New York Arts Development Fund of the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, administered by the Brooklyn Arts Council.
Check out Downbeat with Carter Van Pelt in a Dennis Brown tribute at Coney Island in 2019.
After a hiatus in-between singles, Brooklyn bred rapper Jellz is back with his latest effort, “Infinity.” In his return from his musical sabbatical, he introduces a new version of himself. His prior releases like “Bullsh*t” and “Ghost” saw Jellz try his hand at his own wave of drill music. Bringing an extravagant feel to the violent-laden sub-genre. With a renewed focus and plan, Jellz returns to show fans that he has more in his bag.
Shot while on vacation in Los Santos, Colombia, the music video for “Ghost (Freestyle)” saw Jellz bring much more flair than the drill scene is accustomed to.
I still have drill music in the bag, but I’m more than just a drill artist. I have a lot of different flows, and feel like I’m just an artist honestly. So I wanted to give the fans a little something different this time around. In the future you’ll be hearing a lot of drill type beats mixed with my own melodies.
His New Single
The auto-tune laced “Infinity” brings the feel-good ambience of life’s never ending chase for success. In an enticing opening chorus, Jellz raps, “I done made some friends made some enemies, I can’t f**k with ni***s that move finicky, I just wanna ball with my day ones, know we got the sauce keep it A1.”
Jellz spends much of his time away from the States
The song’s theme of never-ending success keep in theme with what he wants to bring to the rap game. Since his initial release, he has amassed over 400 thousand streams and another 400 thousand in YouTube views, while remaining self-funded. Contrary to other rappers, rap isn’t the means to success, it’s one of the many avenues in running it up til infinity.
It’s been a while since I wrote it, but I think it’s just a culmination of life and what I want from it. One of my biggest values are friends and family, and I plan on living a great life with them in the future, and we all plan on achieving the goals we set for ourselves. In the song I talk about what the song has already brought and taught me. I’m also manifesting a lot of my future self in it.
In like manner, Jellz has operated his short rap-career as an extension of the life he has created for himself. The music video for “Ghost” was shot while on vacation in Los Santos, Colombia. In it, Jellz presents himself with a Jefe-like persona, surrounded by local women in bathing suits and ski masks. In the “Bachata” visuals, he channels his inner Escobar while in the South American republic, segueing between a game of soccer and a night out with a dame.
What’s the next Step?
Although brimming with career know-how beyond his years, Jellz’ obstacle remains his consistency. Despite success on visuals and streams from his singles, months usually go by in-between Jellz releases. Something he knows can be the difference in career trajectory.
I want to be more consistent this time around, with the releases and with the content. So, I was just taking time off to build my arsenal so I can be more consistent this time around. Because I know consistency is the final piece to the puzzle to get me where I want to be.
Expect a few more singles from Jellz until a project is released
Although family oriented, Jellz spends much of his time away from the states, citing New York City’s cold weather as the reason for his long respite’s. “I can record from anywhere in the world, but I still have my engineer from back home mix it for me,” he divulges. As cold temperatures near, expect Jellz to be somewhere warm, where he can create better. As for the next drop? Expect a slew of singles until he feels the time is right. Much like on “Infinity,” Jellz’ success cannot be rushed.
I don’t really do empty lyrics, a lot of the time my words do have a lot to of with my situation, or what I want my future to bring
Willie Nelson gave an intimate performance to 5,000 lucky fans at a sold out City Parks SummerStage show in Central Park on Tuesday night, September 20. The show was amidst the last few dates of Nelson’s Outlaw Music Festival. The festival ends om October 16 at FivePoint Amphitheatre in Irvine, California.
Willie Nelson at SummerStage 9.20.22
Willie sounded and looked great as he ran through decades worth of hits in his hour and a half performance. He started his set with “Whiskey River,” a Johnny Bush song made popular on his 1973 album “Shotgun Willie.” He followed that with “Still Is Still Moving to Me” (from 1993) and “Bloody Mary Morning,” a song inspired by his struggle to become a better parent, released in 1970.
Willie briefly turned the show over to his son Micah, aka Particle Kid. Micah told the crowd his dad once said to him, “If I die when I’m high, I’ll be halfway to heaven,” adding that it was the greatest song title he ever heard. Willie replied “Why don’t you write it”, so he penned “Die When I’m High (Halfway To Heaven.)” Continuing the theme of Willie’s well know pot smoking and cannabis activism, they also performed “Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die.” Willie has been arrested several times over the years for marijuana possession dating back to 1974. Fast forward almost 50 years and now marijuana is legal in many states. Willie even has his own weed brand called Willie’s Reserve.
Other highlights included mega hits “Mama, Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys” and “On The Road Again” as well as “Always on My Mind” and Georgia (On My Mind).” The show ended with “Will the Circle Be Unbroken/I’ll Fly Away” and “It’s Hard to Be Humble.”
SInger-songwriter Charley Crockett open the show for Willie. His latest album, The Man From Waco was the second album he released this year. Crockett also won two Austin Music Awards this year. One for Musician of the Year, the other award was for Best Country Artist.
Charley Crockett Setlist: Jukebox Charley, Jamestown Ferry, I’m Just a Clown, Baby don’t tell me that, Banjo Pickin Man, Going Back to Texas, The Man From Waco
Willie Nelson Setlist: Whisky River/Stay a Little Longer, Still Is Still Moving to Me, Bloody Mary Morning, I Never Cared for You, (Die When I’m High) Halfway to Heaven, Mamma’s Dont Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys, Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground, On The Road Again, Always on My Mind, Everything Is Bullshit, Good Hearted Woman, Georgia (On My Mind), I Been to Georgia on a Fast Train, I’ll Love you Till the Day I Die, Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die, Write Your Own Songs, Truck Drivin’ Man, I Thought About You Lord, Will the Circle Be Unbroken/I’ll Fly Away, It’s Hard to Be Humble
The Big Eyed Blues Festival returns to Brooklyn for its 12-anniversary celebration, featuring three days of blues with established and upcoming artists on Sept. 22, 24, and 25.
The Blues Festival was created by Blues singer Beareather Reddy, who resides in Brooklyn to showcase talented Blues singers and provide a venue where these artists can be seen and heard. She noticed there was a lack of Blues venues in the city, and she wanted to create a solution to the problem.
Her passion to help keep Blues music striving, inspired her to found the not-for-profit organization, the Brooklyn Blues Society. “In some way, I feel it is my purpose to open the gateway to some and to bring others back to the realization, that Blues music is an integral part of their rich heritage,” she said.
Big Blue Eyed Blues Festival Schedule
Sept. 22, 7-9 P.M.- “The Acoustics” The Jalopy Theatre, 315 Columbia Street Brooklyn
The night features Junior Mack “Exploring The Blues And The Truth”, Mimi Block, and Keith “The Captain” Gamble will play “Blues in the Key of Violin”. Michael Hill’s Acoustic Blue Duo ends the night with electric blues. The event will be live streamed and is in partnership with the Jalopy Theatre.
Michael Hill is the MC for the event, which features talented singer/songwriter and guitarist from Paterson, NJ, Clarence Spady. Also performing are Beareather & The Brown Liquor Sounds as well as the musical and historically focused group the Antoinette Montague Experience. Brooklyn’s own The Alexis P. Suter Band will end the night with her earth-shattering vocals and electrifying rhythm. The schedule for the evening is as follows:
7:00 P.M. – 7:05 P.M. – Master of Ceremonies – Michael Hill 7:05 P.M. – 7:40 P.M.– Clarence Spady 7:45 P.M. – 8:20 P.M. – Beareather & The Brown Liquor Sounds 8:20 P.M. – 8:35 P.M. – Break 8:35 P.M. – 8:45 P.M. – Citation Presentation & Board Members Introductions 8:45 P.M. – 9:20 P.M. – The Antoinette Montague Experience & Band 9:20 P.M. – 10:00 P.M. – The Alexis P. Band
Sept. 25, 12-3 P.M.- “A Day in the Park” The Prospect Park Boat House Brooklyn.
The free final event is The Tilden Senior Center Drama Club presenting their version of “The Classic Blueswomen,” written by Beareather Reddy and directed by Evria Ince Waldron, in partnership with NIA Theatrical Production and The Prospect Park Alliance.
Tickets for the events on Sept. 22 and 24 are available here.
Harry Styles wrapped up his 15-consecutive night at Madison Square Garden, creating history at his “Love On Tour” dates and becoming the newest banner to be raised at the rafters.
Photo: Lloyd Wakefield/MSG Entertainment
Styles’ residency at The World’s Most Famous Arena wrapped up on Sept. 21, starting on Aug. 20. He joins only a few legends having their banners at the arena, presented to Styles by CBS Mornings host Gayle King during the encore of the final show.
Selling out 15 consecutive nights at Madison Square Garden is a massive accomplishment and reinforces Harry Styles as one of the most impactful artists of his generation. It is a testament to Harry and his fans that a banner celebrating this remarkable achievement will hang from the rafters alongside some of the most legendary artists and athletes in history. Harry has already headlined The World’s Most Famous Arena several times in his skyrocketing career, and we’re honored that MSG was Harry’s House for these 15 incredible nights.
Jim Dolan, executive chairman and CEO, MSG Entertainment
Fans traveled from all over the world to see Styles at MSG and to celebrate his brand new album Harrys House, with interactive photo activations placed around the venue for fans to share their best “Love On Tour” styles; custom postcards distributed at each show with various designs, and exclusive specialty food and beverage options. His fans wore feather boas to each show, and the final show saw them being placed at each seat in the lower bowl, courtesy of the Garden.
Harry Styles’ critically acclaimed single “As It Was” continues to smash records on the Billboard charts with a 14th week at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and a record 15th week atop the Billboard Global 200. It is also the first song to spend its first 24 weeks in the top three positions on the same chart, with 23 of the 24 in the top two, extending its record.
He joins only two other musical legends with banners at the arena, with Billy Joel and Phish occupying the rafters. It is a remarkable accomplishment for Styles, showing the new generation of artists are being loved by new and old, and his career is just beginning. He will continue his “Love On Tour” in cities like Austin, TX, and Chicago, IL.
Famed English singer-songwriter Elvis Costello has revealed “100 Songs and More,” a concert series featuring 10 performances at Gramercy Theatre from February 9 to 22.
Promotional poster for the concert series.
Each night will have a completely distinct 10-song setlist, along with “at least ten more” different unprogrammed tracks from Costello’s discography. He’ll perform the first five nights solo, with longtime backing pianist Steve Nieve joining the series for the last five. Tickets go on sale September 23.
Costello wrote a sonnet in promotion of the production:
For ten nights at the Gramercy Theatre I’ll name ten songs to set the scene I’ll play those ten and then ten more Shake off the old routine Each night will tell a different tale So come to one or come to all “100 Songs” is what I promise But twice that number is quite a haul I will start this stand alone, that’s fine Nights One to Five, the Feast Day of St. Valentine Steve Nieve will join me for Nights Six, Seven, Eight & Nine But what else may happen is a secret of mine Let’s just set up the chair or two and play In case some friends turn up along the way
A London native, Costello’s decorated career includes 23 different albums over more than 40 years, including those with his backing bands the Attractions, the Costello Show, and the Imposters. His 1977 solo record My Aim is True has sold platinum in the US, and his most recent album work is his Elvis Costello and the Imposters album The Boy Named If, released in January.
Information regarding tickets and more for Elvis Costello at Gramercy Theatre can be found here.
The newest release from New York bred ambient duo MoonTree, “Lullaby For Our Last Night,” is the anti-single: it lacks a catchy chorus, surprising bridge or album teasing theme. Instead, the haunting new track finds meaning in its formlessness, hitting a chord that though familiar, is truly singular. The song is saying goodbye, and though drifting, aimless and without structure, it still feels final.
MoonTree is made up of Purchase College students Ben Cuomo and Jaya Franceschini.
MoonTree is composed of Ben Cuomo and Jaya Franceschini, two 18-year-olds attending Purchase College. They released their first song last year, followed by an EP, For The Time We Have Left, of eight songs. The group shows an inclination toward odes in their song and album titles; each piece feels dedicated and specific to a time, place or person. Their tone has been honed in on since that album but their harmonic, off-kilter melodies and slow, paced-out rhythms have remained consistent through their discography.
In “Lullaby For Our Last Night,” Franceschini is droning and repetitive, probing the listener over and over “Will you say goodbye?” Then, “Be on time,” she orders, repeated by her counterpart Ben Cuomo’s technologically distorted voice. With their voices layering; they are begging — eachother, themselves — “Be on time.” The song, an ode to goodbyes, to the act of leaving, comes down to not wasting time, to honoring last moments. Though slow, the song is steady, not one second of its four minutes are wasted.
MoonTree’s sound is self described with many hyphens: avant-garde, neo-jazz, ambient-soul. Their sound doesn’t lend itself to most existing music genres; it’s easier to describe visually: like a glow and a glower, like a dark room over a busy street. MoonTree’s artist bio says they are “creating a soundtrack to twenty-first century city life,” and its true, but this new song more references the specific loneliness of a night in New York City — not just the sadness but the allure and dreaminess that loneliness holds. “Lullaby For Our Last Night” is out on all streaming platforms, and you can find MoonTree on Instagram.
On Friday September 16, 2022 Tom Petty sideman, Mike Campbell, brought his band The Dirty Knobs to Port Chester for their first appearance at the Capitol Theatre. For two hours they did what they love: performing music that is dirty, gritty, with no regrets. Joined by John Sinay on guitar, Matt Laug on drums, and Lance Morrison on bass, Campbell and crew performed songs from their two albums along with much more. Opening with “Wicked Mind” from their latest release External Combustion, the tone was set. This was all about rock ‘n roll.
When Jerry Garcia passed away in 1995, people wondered if the Grateful Dead’s music would live on. Bob Weir and surviving members answered with a resounding, “Yes.” The passing of Tom Petty almost five years ago brings about that same type of question. The Dirty Knobs answered without hesitation.
Mike Campbell and The Dirty Knobs
Petty / Heartbreakers tunes would find their way sprinkled liberally into the night’s setlist. “Even The Losers” started it off early. Then, strapping on his twelve string Rickenbacker, Campbell shared the distinctive opening notes of “Listen To Her Heart.” Late in the evening, the band offered up a dark version of “Refugee.” With the song concluding and the crowd singing the refrain, Mike stepped forward and knelt at the foot of the stage, paying homage to the might rocker from Gainesville, Florida. The spotlight then faded to black offering a sober reminder how fragile life is.
I’m a sinner, with a rebel soul, got a wicked mind, and a heart of gold.
“Wicked Mind”
A few songs into the evening the band broke from its normal performance mode, to share John Lennon’s “Working Class Hero,” acknowledging another fallen soldier. But this was also a night for fun. Campbell had everyone singing along as the night progressed. One of the crowd favorites was “Fuck That Guy”: a tune so named by fellow rocker Chris Stapleton because we all know someone like that.
Alvin Youngblood Hart
Grammy nominated guitarist Alvin Youngblood Hart opened the night. Performing solo, Hart presented his Mississippi inspired style of blues. Throughout his set Alvin would move between electric, resonator, and acoustic guitar, accentuating the different flavors of the genre. To close, Youngblood took a turn north and performed a powerful rendition of Neil Young’s “When You Dance I Can Really Love.”
Mike Campbell and The Dirty Knobs “External Combustion” tour continues through October finishing up November 1 at the Hollywood Bowl.
