Category: NYC Metro

  • Glass Animals Brings The Euphoric Dreamland To Brooklyn Mirage

    The evening of August 9 will certainly be one for the books as hundreds of fans wait eagerly to enter Glass Animals’ Dreamland. The Brooklyn Mirage is known for hosting big events but nothing compared to what the Glass Animals put on.

    glass animals

    Glass Animals have come a long way since forming in Oxford in 2010 by childhood friends Dave Bayley, Joe Seaward, Ed Irwin-Singer, and Drew MacFarlane. In their live shows, they play re-worked, dance-heavy versions of their songs. Their song “Heat Waves” reached number one in Australia in February 2021 and was voted number one on the Triple J Hottest 100 of 2020. The song surpassed one billion streams on Spotify and eventually reached number one in the US Billboard Hot 100 and five on the UK Singles Chart. Recently, they received their first Grammy nomination in the Best New Artist category at the 2022 Grammy Awards.

    To celebrate the 2nd anniversary of their album, Dreamland.IRL, the band brought a one-of-a-kind celebration to Brooklyn Mirage. Dreamland is the album that brought us the global smash hit “Heat Waves.” The band now has over 5 billion global streams and 38 million monthly listeners, but it’s live events where Glass Animals come alive.

    As soon as guests entered the venue one can immediately tell this show would be like none other. Decorations, electronic displays, and a Pac-man game room were all part of the band’s numerous activations. As the band’s set time approached all patience was lost when the stage brought out pineapples. Fans have started bringing them to gigs and even dressing as them at shows – due to the lyric, “pineapples in my head” from the song “Pork Soda”. The detail and precision that went into the show’s visual displays were nothing short of astonishing.

    The band performed most of their set off their album Dreamland.IRL but also included fan favorites including “Life Itself” & “Youth”. As the sun set and night approached, fans refused to lower their energy level. Demanding 1 more song after the band wrapped up, Glass Animals couldn’t resist performing the staple song “Heat Waves”. Unfortunately, the band mentioned they won’t be in America for a while but the good news is they do not plan to slow down with live shows. Heading overseas, the band looks forward to several festivals including Mad Cool Sunset headlined by Rage Against The Machine.

    Setlist: Dreamland, Life Itself, Tangerine, Black Mambo/ Hot Sugar, The Other Side of Paradise, Space Ghost Coast to Coast, Waterfalls Coming Out Your Mouth, It’s All So Incredibly Loud, Your Love (Deja Vu), I Don’t Wanna Talk (I Just Wanna Dance), Youth, Helium, Gooey, Pork Soda

    Encore: Tokyo Drifting, Heat Waves

  • Brooklyn-based zannie Releases Hopeful ‘get that star’ Ahead of Debut Album

    Zannie Owens, a Brooklyn-based artist, has released their title track “get that star” ahead of their upcoming debut album, out Aug. 19 via Kill Rock Stars. Under the moniker, zannie, the artist has crafted a space-inspired single with a captivating music video to accompany it. 

    zannie crafted their new single based on the inspiration from the Voyager One Golden Record which Carl Sagan and Lynn Margulis sent into outer space in 1977. The Brooklyn singer-songwriter lyrically explores an alien who is trying to return home, and intertwines that story with a message of hope about human connection.

    With warm guitars, layered vocals, and whimsical instrumentation, “get that star” carries over hard-hitting but hopeful truths and lyrics of the human experience. zannie’s beginning vocals and dictation slowly draw you in before the melody takes off as the song builds. Despite being recorded in zannie’s bedroom, the video’s unique lighting effects, and focus on zannie, transform listeners into another space as they ponder over the song’s message.

    The single is just a glimpse at what may be to come off of zannie’s upcoming album, How Do I Get That Star. Written over the course of four years, zannie explores the unknown, the mystical, and more. During the process, they listened to artists such as Judee Still and Prince, and the album reflects some of those inspirations.

    If the single is any hint for what is to come on How Do I Get That Star, then listeners are in for some great new music to add to playlists on Aug. 19. To keep up with zannie as an artist, follow them on social media here. Listen to another single, “for a while,” off of the artist’s upcoming album, available below.

  • Beach Bunny Plays Two Nights at Brooklyn Steel w/ Sidney Gish and Ky Voss

    Chicago indie rock band, Beach Bunny, played two spectacular shows at Brooklyn Steel the weekend of August 7, 2022. The dates had originally been scheduled for May, but were postponed due to Covid. Initially a solo project by Lili Trifilio, Beach Bunny came into popularity when the song “Prom Queen” went viral on TikTok in 2019. The song has since gained more than a quarter billion streams, and Lili now tours with her four-person band. Ky Voss and Sidney Gish opened for Beach Bunny both nights.

    Beach Bunny plays Brooklyn Steel, photograph by David Reichmann

    Multi-instrumentalist Ky Voss opened the shows with synth-pop beats, moody lyrics, and a textured industrial sound. Her third full-length record, “The After,” released earlier this year. During her set, Ky mentioned she had lived in New York for a year or so, but this was her first time performing in New York. The crowd basked in her performance, the pristine lighting, and the crisp sound Brooklyn Steel is most known for. She thanked Beach Bunny for having her, and left after an excellent set to wild applause.

    Ky Voss opens for Beach Bunny, photograph by David Reichmann

    Sidney Gish took the stage next, quipping with the crowd as she tuned her guitar and got settled on stage. Her performance was unaccompanied, but she used layers of looping pedals to fill the room with acoustic guitar riffs and drum loops. Sidney’s trademark charm and wit were present at all times. She joked between tracks, thanked Beach Bunny, and praised Ky Voss’s set. She played a number of hits from her catalog, including some tracks off her breakout record, “No Dogs Allowed.” After closing her set, she thanked the audience and left the stage to a burst of applause.

    Sidney Gish opens for Beach Bunny, photograph by David Reichmann

    Anticipation rose among the crowd as they waited for the headlining set. The venue was abuzz with energy as the house lights dimmed. Suddenly the stage was backlit by shining beams of blue and white light. After a brief pause, Beach Bunny walked onstage to massive applause. They opened their intense 90-minute set with “Oxygen,” the first single off their latest record, “Emotional Creature,” which was released in July 2022.

    Sidney Gish plays Brooklyn Steel, photograph by David Reichmann

    After the second track, Lili told the crowd to crouch down and spring up when they started the next track, “Six Weeks.” By the time Beach Bunny finished the third track, the crowd had been worked into a frenzy by drummer Jon Alvarado’s driving beats, guitarist Matt Henkels’s energetic riffs, bassist Anthony Vaccaro’s pumping bass lines, and frontwoman Lili Trifilio’s catchy fan-favorite lyrics. Several times throughout the show, Lili encouraged fans to open up mosh pits, crowdsurf, jump, and dance. At one point, Lili even drew a tattoo on a fan’s homemade sign. She joked, “This is too much pressure!” to laughter and applause.

    Beach Bunny’s setlist included a number of hit tracks like “Good Girls (Don’t Get Used),” “Sports,” and their breakout viral singles, “Prom Queen” and “Cloud 9.” Towards the end of the band’s set, Lili told the audience, “I wrote this song about New York,” before playing “Fire Escape.”

    Beach Bunny jumps onstage at Brooklyn Steel, photograph by David Reichmann

    They closed out the show by instructing the crowd to separate down the middle, and rush together at the start of their final track, “Painkiller.” The crowd gleefully obliged, and sang along every word as they moshed and jumped until the last notes played. Beach Bunny took their bows, thanked the audience, and walked offstage to one final swell of cheers.

    Beach Bunny is slated to play several more shows in the US before heading overseas for their tour. You can listen to their catalog here. Listen to Ky Voss here and Sidney Gish here.

    Crowd surfing during Beach Bunny’s set at Brooklyn Steel, photograph by David Reichmann
    Beach Bunny parts Brooklyn Steel crowd for final song, photograph by David Reichmann
  • Baby Got Back Talk Release “Season Premiere” Single and Video

    New York city-based punk band, Baby Got Back Talk, has released a single and music video, “Season Premiere,” off of their upcoming full-album, Existential Shred, out on Sept. 9.

    Photo: Kate Hoos

    The band’s previously released single, “Model Minority,” debuted back in June, and paid homage to the My Chemical Romance hit “I’m Not Okay (I Promise).” Baby Got Back Talk consists of four members: vocalist/bassist G’Ra Asim, synth op/vocalist Rhiana Hernandez, lead guitarist/vocalist Jake Lazaroff, and drummer Wes Ruiz and has been bringing listeners great music since 2017.

    Vocalist and bassist G’Ra Asim began working on the new single, “Season Premiere,”  during his office hours as an English professor. Some of the lyrics, “I was searching for a guide/in the pages of poets/But I’m still not bonafide/as a sage or a stoic” describe the idea that we must accept we cannot always find the answers. One must feel free to pursue them on their own.

    Baby Got Back Talk album cover

    I’d spent so much time studying literature in the hopes that the bards of old held the wisdom I could use to orient my own journey. Students were looking to me to share that wisdom, yet I was keenly aware that I had so much left to figure out myself. The eureka moment we sometimes think we’re pursuing doesn’t necessarily deliver. The closest you can actually get is accepting that there’s no grand design to uncover, which means you’re free to make your own. ‘Season Premiere’ is the sound of four weary but still wide-eyed weirdos doing exactly that, and inviting the listener to do so in their own right.

    – Vocalist and bassist G’Ra Asim

    “Season Premiere” highlights Baby Got Back Talk’s pop-punk sound, similar to the rhythms and electric guitars of the early 2000s. In the music video, catch the band jamming out with a full set of drums, electric guitar, and more, in addition to them exploring the streets and landmarks of the city. Fans of the band can keep up with them across all platforms with the username @babygotbacktalk.

  • INTERN$ 22 RAGER: A NYC Underground Artist Showcase

    On Thursday, August 4, an electric and explosive night to remember, ROT$ Worldwide, Inc. hosted their very own INTERN$ 22 RAGER underground artist showcase in Manhattan. These individuals, all relatively young, received the opportunity to present their artistry to one of the most musically creative and diverse cities in the world.

    INTERN$ 22 RAGER
    Photo Credit: Courtney Griffin

    According to Tiffany Swiney, Cofounder of ROT$ Worldwide, Inc., a communications agency with a focus on creative thinking free from socio-economic barriers, the company’s five summer interns brainstormed on a collective project, which in the end became the INTERN$ 22 RAGER event. Their challenge was to fulfill the behind-the-scenes tasks in preparation for the showcase. More specifically, the given instructions were to find a venue and several underground upcoming artists. After intense research, the location chosen was 404 Broadway New York, NY and those selected to perform were Arson, INDiGO, NuuDetta!, Fasquiat, Tenahoni, Hendo, Ka$hKenni, Vas, SANDWCH BOI, Daytona Levell, and Slick2x, along with a few others who were guests on different sets.

    ROT$ is all about bringing young NYC creatives together in a safe space to sharpen their skills. It was so great to see everyone working together to hype the performers, get their content in, network, and to just be free.

    Tiffany Swiney

    Arson, one of the performers of the night and the show’s MC, shed light on how the theme came to be. What worked best for everyone was “nightclub rager,” a show with music to last a lifetime. According to Arson, the main genres of the night were rap, emo, trap, and alternative. The intention of this event was to show the diversity of and bring back the great energy from the NYC underground artist scene. After three weeks of preparation for the show, each performer developed an unwavering supportive family bond with one another.

    Arson
    Photo Credit: Courtney Griffin

    Although this was Arson’s first opportunity as an MC, the sky was the limit, as she so effortlessly captivated the crowd with her magnetic energy. Her brand began in a middle school parent-teacher conference, in which she was told she has a fire in her. The name Arson began to encapsulate who she is, as she grew up more secure and self-confident. Regardless of Thursday being her second musical performance, her fiery stage presence left her audience in awe.

    Arson
    Photo Credit: Courtney Griffin

     I’m in love with who I was because she bled and fought for me today. I try to inspire as many people as I can and lend a warm safe space for people wherever I go. I have high energy, a fire burning bright in my soul and I feel like it comes out in my music. I will always be Elizabeth, but I’m also Arson.

    Arson

    Similarly to Arson, melodic, trap, and plugg rapper Ka$hKenni discovered their name as a result of their past. Since they were younger, their luck of finding random amounts of cash has yet to cease. Considering Ka$hKenni is perceived to be high class as well, they thought money should be incorporated into their rap name, with the meaning of luck and good fortune.

    Ka$hKenni has been creating music for almost two years now, with her first performance at the INTERN$ 22 RAGER event. Ka$hKenni’s favorite song to perform on Thursday was “Find Me,” because of how suspenseful and intriguing the buildup of the 808s are. Nonetheless, it holds a special place in their heart because it was produced with their brother. After discovering the beat for the song, Ka$hKenni was not too fond of it at first, but their brother encouraged them to record to it, in case of a change of heart.

     Ka$hKenni
    Photo Credit: Courtney Griffin

    I didn’t know what kind of flow I wanted to have over the track, and I was stuck. I started thinking more and writing and that’s when I got the hang of it. It reminds me of something old Chief Keef would hop on and that inspired me to keep writing. I wanted the chorus to be very simple and I wanted to sing a little and that’s exactly what I did. We made that song in less than 30 minutes. The next day we played it on the speaker, and we honestly were shocked. I couldn’t believe I could make something like that. I played it for my friends and my brother played it for his and they couldn’t believe we made such a hit.

    Ka$hKenni

    Sometimes people have to step outside of their comfort zone to reach a new level in their life, and Ka$hKenni is a prime example of this. Ultimately, they want to be remembered as the one who never gave up.

    Although the last to showcase their music, Slick2x’s artistry was nothing less than emotional, powerful, and moving. He said music means everything to him, which was undoubtedly noticeable. His performance is yet another step in the right direction, towards success and fulfilling the promise he made to his brother to always follow his dreams three days before his passing.

    Slick2x
    Photo credit: Courtney Griffin

    Every artist has a different journey and personal motivation for fulfilling their music dreams. For Daytona Levell, developing as an artist was a challenge. Nonetheless, nothing deterred him from moving forward and pushing himself against all odds, even 100 to 1.

    Daytona Levell
    Photo Credit: Courtney Griffin

    I have had a tough journey and at one point did not know what my image and brand should be. However, I decided to do what I love, and it came natural to me.

    Daytona Levell

    Artist, actor, and creative visionary SANDWCH BOI, chose his name as a joke in high school, during a rap battle and held onto it ever since. His artistry and persona differ exponentially from the average person, which is why his rap name falls under the same concept.

    Even though Thursday night was SANDWCH BOI’s first time performing his own music, he’s been grasping his audience since 10-years-old, as an actor within the theater community. Therefore, his self-confidence only grew as the INTERN$ 22 RAGER event neared, especially with the support of his brother and friends, of whom the majority are fellow creatives.

    SANDWCH BOI
    Photo Credit: Courtney Griffin

    I had time to watch my friends grow in their craft and when it was my time to shine, they were nothing but supportive. We were just feeding off of each other’s energy it was amazing.

    SANDWCH BOI

    Out of SANDWCH BOI’s discography, “Saturn” was his favorite to perform at the showcase because of its amped up energy that gets the crowd jumping. Interestingly enough, “Saturn” is a freestyle that was made in just one take, a skill that usually takes years to master, because of how raw it is.

    SANDWCH BOI
    Photo Credit: Courtney Griffin

    Considering how his performance created a shift in the night, with multiple mosh pits, everyone’s full attention and endless smiles to go around the room, SANDWCH BOI’s wish to have people “remember seeing this dude in an orange mask going crazy and turning the whole spot up” will undeniably be granted.

    INTERN$ 22 RAGER will forever be a night of great nostalgia and euphoria for everyone in attendance, especially for the performers. This was an unforgettable learning experience for the artists involved and will help each one of them grow not only within their craft, but with their audience as well. August 4th, 2022 will forever be a raging night full of immeasurable vibes and timeless music.

  • Gov’t Mule Brings More Heat To Long Island

    New York is already experiencing record breaking temps this summer, but that didn’t stop Gov’t Mule from bringing more heat by playing two fire sets at The Paramount in Huntington, Long Island on Sunday, August 7th. The band, led by guitar legend Warren Haynes, is currently in the middle of a tour that will conclude in January of 2023 with Island Exodus 13 in Jamaica. They will also be doing their New Years run at the Beacon Theatre in New York City on December 30th and 31st.

    The August 7th show at The Paramount also paid tribute in the form of covers to greats such as Tom Waits, Elton John and of course The Allman Brothers Band. Set one started with “Traveling Tune” as well as other Mule classics such as “Game Face” with an added “Mountain Jam” interlude, and and a cover of Tom Waits “Make it Rain.” The quartet which also features Jorgen Carlsson on bass, Danny Louis on keys and Matt Abts on drums sounded phenomenal as they ended set one with another Allman Brothers cover “Kind of Bird.”

    After a short break, the boys returned to the stage to start the second set with an Elmore James cover of “Blues Before Sunrise” which is also featured on their latest album Heavy Load Blues. Other highlights of set two included an Elton John cover of “Have Mercy on the Criminal” and “Birth of the Mule” which is off of their 1998 album Dose. They also snuck in a little Jimi Hendrix “If 6 Was 9” in the middle of “Larger Than Life” which was also on the 1998 album Dose. They concluded the second set with “Thorazine Shuffle”, yet another song of of their second album Dose.

    The encore paid tribute to Jerry Garcia and The Grateful Dead by interjecting “The Other One Jam” in the middle of “Fallen Down” from their 2000 album Life Before Insanity. You can see all of the remaining Gov’t Mule tour dates here.

    Setlist: Traveling Tune, Blind Man in the Dark, Steppin’ Lightly, Game Face / Mountain Jam / Game Face, Make It Rain (Tom Waits cover), Come and Go Blues (Allman Brothers cover), Which Way Do We Run, Kind of Bird (Allman Brother Band cover), Blues Before Sunrise (Elmore James cover), I Asked For Water, (She Gave Me Gasoline)(Howlin Wolf Cover), Have Mercy on the Criminal (Elton John cover), Birth of the Mule, Monkey Hill, Stone Cold Rage, Larger Than Life / If 6 Was 9 / Larger Than Life, Thorazine Shuffle

    Encore: Fallen Down / The Other One Jam / Fallen Down

  • Blue Note Jazz Club to Celebrate Rolling Stones’ Charlie Watts

    From Aug. 29-31, the Blue Note Jazz Club will honor and celebrate the life and music of legendary Rolling Stones’ drummer Charlie Watts. Each night will hold two shows, beginning at 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. respectively.

    The series of shows will feature members of The Rolling Stones Touring Band, Bernard Fowler, Darryl Jones, and Tim Ries, as well as special guests. Other features include David Gilmore, Gary Versace, and Jeff “Tain” Watts.

    Charlie Watts became a member of the iconic rock ‘n’ roll band in 1963, and helped The Rolling Stones gain immense popularity with tracks such as “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction,” “Get Off My Cloud,” and “Paint It, Black.” With his subtle and reserved personality, but talent and inspired drums, the musician gave the band the beat it needed for over 50 years. During his music career, Watts also toured with his own group, the Charlie Watts Quintet.

    The iconic drummer passed in 2021 but is often regarded as one of the best drummers of all time. A Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Famer, husband, father, and grandfather, Watts surely left behind a legacy few would soon forget. Blue Note Jazz Club’s concerts in Watts’ honor will begin on Aug. 29 with shows at 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. with special guest Randy Brecker. On Aug. 30 and 31, the concert will feature guest John Patitucci.

    Tickets for the celebration can be purchased on the Blue Note Jazz Club website. Attendees can enjoy a full bar and dinner menu, and there will be a required $5 minimum per person. All seating is first come first serve. Table seating for the event is for all ages, but bar area tickets are only for patrons over 21.

  • Goose Release Radio City Music Hall Short Film

    On Aug. 3, Connecticut-based rock band Goose released the ninth episode in their short film series, Day of Show. The newest episode focuses on the band’s debut show at NYC’s iconic Radio City Music Hall on June 24-25.

    Goose Live at Radio City Music Hall. (L-R): Trevor Weekz (bass), Ben Atkind (drums), Rick Mitarotonda (vocals, guitar), Jeff Arevalo (vocals, percussion) Peter Anspach (vocals, guitar, keys). Photo: Adam Berta

    The jam band Goose consists of Rick Mitarotonda (vocals, guitar), Peter Anspach (vocals, keys, guitar), Trevor Weekz (bass), Ben Atkind (drums), and Jeff Arevalo (vocals, percussion, drums). Their sound fuses multiple genres and their most recent release, Dripfield, combines pop and psychedelic elements into one. Goose recorded the full album in Woodstock with production by D. James Goodwin at The Isokon. 

    The new Day of Show, episode highlights the band’s first show at Radio City Music Hall as they celebrate the release of their critically acclaimed album. Directed by Bryan Murphy, viewers can watch Goose in intimate behind-the-scenes footage during their sold-out shows at the venue. Featuring the band, crew, close friends and family, and fans watching the band perform some of their best work, the just over 20-minute video is a must-see. 

    Goose’s performances at Radio City Music Hall included one acoustic and two electric sets, with sit-ins from Phish frontman Trey Anastasio, Father John Misty, Stuart Bogie, Dave Nelson, and Dripfield’s producer D. James Goodwin. The video gives all a chance to take in the legendary Radio City Music Hall during one of the band’s most exciting moments.

    Trey Anastasio (R ) and Rick Mitartonda (L) – Photo: Michael Nuchereno

    With previous performances at landmark festivals such as Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, High Sierra Music Festival, Peach Music Festival, and Newport Folk Festival, the band is currently having a career-defining season. Fans of Goose’s music, and short film, can catch the group at more performances this summer. To see the upcoming tour dates, and the full short film release, see below. Tickets can be found at Goose’s website.

    DRIPFIELD FALL TOUR 2022:

    8/12 – Columbia, MD – The Chrysalis Amphitheater

    8/13 – Columbia, MD – The Chrysalis Amphitheater

    8/16 – Dillon, CO – Dillon Amphitheater (SOLD OUT)

    8/17 – Dillon, CO – Dillon Amphitheater (SOLD OUT)

    8/18 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre (SOLD OUT)

    8/20 – Las Vegas, NV – Brooklyn Bowl

    8/21 – Los Angeles, CA – Greek Theatre

    8/23 – Stateline, NV – South Shore Room at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe (SOLD OUT)

    8/25 – Portland, OR – The Square

    9/29 – Richmond, VA – The National (SOLD OUT)

    9/30 – Richmond, VA – The National  (SOLD OUT)

    10/1 – Atlanta, GA – Pullman Yards

    10/2 – Atlanta, GA – Pullman Yards

    10/4 – St Louis, MO – The Pageant

    10/6 – New Orleans, LA – Joy Theater

    10/7 – New Orleans, LA – Joy Theater

    10/7-10/9 – Austin, TX – Austin City Limits

    10/11 – Kansas City, MO – Arvest Bank Theatre

    10/13 – Fayetteville, AR – JJ’s Live

    10/14 – Oklahoma City, OK – The Criterion

    10/15 – Dallas, TX – South Side Ballroom

    10/14-10/16 – Austin, TX – Austin City Limits

  • Kendrick Lamar Takes Over The UBS Arena During The Big Steppers Tour

    Sunday, August 7, will go down in history as a euphoric night for the thousands of fans that saw Kendrick Lamar’s artistry at the UBS Arena. Although, The Big Steppers Tour has gone viral since last month, no one was prepared for the show they were about to experience. 

    Kendrick Lamar
    photo by Lucas Kurzweil

    Back in May, Lamar released his fifth studio album, Mr. Morale and The Big Steppers after five years, and according to his fans it was worth the wait. Therefore, when he announced his tour, it was a no brainer for thousands to see his masterpiece live.

    To describe it as amazing is an understatement, when today a good percentage of mainstream rap music has become an outlet for hit singles and TikTok trends, rather than complete works of art. However, Lamar is far from a one hit wonder, and if anyone was uncertain of his creative skills, his latest album and tour undoubtedly proved otherwise. 

    photo by Lucas Kurzweil

    Baby Keem, fellow rapper, who’s album charted at #5 on Billboard 200, performed a few of his hit songs including “Range Brothers” featuring Lamar, along with “16”, before passing the torch onto one of the most legendary rappers of all time. Lamar immediately started out strong leaving the crowd in awe, within the first 10 seconds.

    Not only did Lamar perform songs from Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers like “N95”, “Count Me Out”, “Savior” and more, but other selections from his discography as well, including “Money Trees”, “Loyalty”, and” “m.A.A.d city”. 

    photo by Lucas Kurzweil

    If anyone could have started August with such a bang, regardless of performing three nights in a row, it would be the one and only Kendrick Lamar. In addition to his iconic artistry seen through his effortless flow, unbelievable lyricism, and unmatched connection with his audience, Lamar along with his team’s choreography was nothing less than stellar. The unification in their dancing, as well as the incomparable acting captivated the audience, making it crystal clear that this was more than just a music show. 

    The hidden messages and subtle references Lamar made were only a fraction of what led this show to be such a dynamic experience. His creativity was otherworldly, as he displayed the arrows in his back, which represents his healing process during his darkest days, of carrying the pain he was not only baring from his own trials and tribulations, but of those he loves as well. Lamar even made being administered a COVID test mid-performance look undeniably astounding. Furthermore, his puppet act, which went perfectly with his choice of clothing that resembled a ventriloquist, gave the audience an essential point of view into the life of Lamar, as if he was looking into his own eyes. His fans could finally fully experience the true emotion of his album right alongside him.

    Ultimately, Kendrick Lamar knew his tour had to make up for his time away from his loyal fans and he of course without question delivered a show to remember. If they did not know before, fans now understand why Lamar takes his time with his high-quality music. Therefore, next time around more will patiently wait since they know he will only produce some of the greatest gems ever in rap history. 

    With tears in their eyes, hands in the air, and feet leaving the ground jump by jump, Lamar’s fans were left starstruck from the very first second to the very last. 

    Setlist: United in Grief, N95, ELEMENT., Worldwide Steppers, Backseat Freestyle, Rich Spirit, HUMBLE., Father Time, m.A.A.d city, We Cry Together (Snippet), Purple Hearts, King Kunta, Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe (Remix), Die Hard, LUST.(Snippet), DNA., Count Me Out, Money Trees, LOVE., Alright, Mirror, LOYALTY., Silent Hill, family ties (Baby Keem cover) (with Baby Keem), Crown, Mr. Morale (with Tanna Leone), Savior

    photo by Lucas Kurzweil
  • Symphony Space Announces Upcoming Season Highlights

    Symphony Space has announced its upcoming 2022-2023 season, bringing musicians, authors, actors, comedians, and other talents to NYC for a full list of events. The new season will be available in person as well as streamed in high definition to audiences worldwide.

    Symphony Space venue as of 2008 with people outside.
    Photo Credit: NewYorkDolls CC BY-SA 3.0

    Located at 2537 Broadway at 95th Street, Symphony Space is a multi-disciplinary performing arts center that aims to connect art, ideas, and community together through performances and programming. The upcoming season continues well-known programs at the center, including Selected Shorts, Wall to Wall concerts, and much more. Symphony Space has offered entertainment for over four decades, and this upcoming season is sure to shine.

    The 2022-23 season is a testament to the joys of the shared experience. Reuniting in-person last year, after so much time apart, was exhilarating. As we continue to invite authors, actors, and musicians to convene and grow their own work and communities at Symphony Space, we are committed to celebrating both individual artists and the power of the arts as a whole. We know that each event can be a source of delight, hope, and connection to all.

    – Executive Director Kathy Landau

    Musical entertainment for the season includes Wall to Wall Stephen Sondheim on Oct. 15, which will honor one of the musical theater’s greatest composers/lyricists. The free celebration features music, dance, and conversation spanning Sondheim’s entire career at the Peter Jay Sharp Theater. 

    An artist-in-residence from bandleader, composer, drummer, and dhol player, Sunny Jain, will occur at the space on Jan. 28, Feb. 4, and Feb. 9, with music spanning multiple cultures and genres. Singer and legendary guitarist Richard Thompson will also grace the 2022-2023 season with a rare concert from Dec. 15 to Dec. 17. Audiences members are invited to submit song requests to Thompson which will remain unknown to him until the live performance onstage.

    Other entertainment for the season features the expansive literature series, Selected Shorts, where renowned actors recreate well-known writers’ stories. The comedy series, Uptown Showdown, hosted by Matthew Love, will bring much laughter and energetic debate. For the full list of events and talents coming to the Symphony Space, visit the venue’s website.