Queens Public Library (QPL) has announced their commemoration of The 50th Anniversary Of Hip Hop, through an international partnership with over thirty organizations including libraries, museums, colleges, universities, and archives.
Born in the Bronx, hip hop has been making a global artistic and cultural impact on the world since August 11, 1973. In recognition of Queens role in hip hop’s ascension from a local art form to an international phenomenon, the QPL established a hip hop program in 2015.
Hip hop coordinator, Ralph McDaniels, also known as “Uncle Ralph,” constructed programming to educate the public about Hip Hop culture and its five core elements: MCing, DJing, graffiti, breakdancing, and knowledge. QPL also preserves hip hop’s legacy through its collection of artifacts such as photographs, periodicals, audio tapes, video tapes, writings, news articles, flyers, and oral histories from people involved with the genre from its origins until now.
QPL’s hip hop program has drawn people of all ages and backgrounds to our spaces and has created a unique community connected by a love for music and knowledge.
-Dennis M. Walcott, QPL President and CEO
Queens Public Library was founded in 1896 and offered free access to more than 5.4 million books in addition to materials in 200 languages, technology, and digital resources. Prior to the pandemic, the independent, non-profit organization hosted over 87,500 educational, cultural, and civic programs annually and welcomed 11.4 million visitors through its doors.
The six-month celebration “Collections of Culture: 50 Years of Hip Hop Inside Libraries, Museums and Archives” is financed through a $267,760 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). Dozens of in-persons and virtual programs including panel discussions, author talks, educational forums, and workshops will be hosted by participating institutions. The program aims to examine the history and influence of hip hop on American culture and the contributions of its musicians, DJs, dancers, MCs, graffiti artists, stylists, directors, photographers, entrepreneurs and educators.
For More Information On The Events Scheduled, Visit The QPL Website Here.
Alejandro Fernández, Mexican music icon announced his ‘Amor y Patria’ 2023 US tour. Fernández will be making a stop in Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
‘Amor y Patria’ encompasses the celebration of Fernández’s love of music, family, and his native Mexico. Alex Fernández, son of Alejandro Fernández will perform alongside his father for most shows throughout the tour.
“I’m excited to return to the US to celebrate Latino culture through my music. I’ve put together a totally new show. I can’t wait to see my fans and sing all our favorite songs together. Y que viva Mexico!”
-Alejandro Fernández
Alejandro Fernández embarked 2023 with the release of “Inexperto En Olvidarte”. The single is from the first single from his upcoming album that fans have been impatient waiting on. “Inexperto En Olvidarte” was an instant hit because of its heart-wrenching lyrics. The single reached #1 on Monitor Latino in México and Colombia and currently climbing US Radio charts.
Fernández is loved by the masses because his records speak of hard emotional truths. Throughout his career Fernández surprised his fanbase with his musical versatility in different genres. He is a two-time Grammy winner with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
In 2020, Fernández launched “Vota Por Nosotros” (Vote For Us). It was a campaign that encouraged Latino voters to vote on behalf of our entire community in the November 3rd elections. After winning a Grammy Fernández dedicated the award to the victims of the recent hurricanes in southern Mexico. He donated MXN $1,000,000.00 to the Mexican Red Cross to aid with the relieving of survivors. He’s also joined Mana’s Fher Olvera as the face of the “We Are Home” campaign calling for a just immigration policy that would improve the lives of millions of Latino immigrants living in the US.
The tour kicks off on Friday, September 8 in Sacramento, California. Tickets are available here.
AMOR Y PATRIA TOUR DATES:
Fri Sep 08 – Sacramento, CA – Golden 1 Center*
Sat Sep 09 – San Jose, CA – SAP Center*
Sun Sep 10 – Anaheim, CA – Honda Center*
Fri Sep 15 – Las Vegas, NV – MGM Grand Garden Arena*
Sat Sep 16 – Las Vegas, NV – MGM Grand Garden Arena*
Sun Sep 17 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre*
Fri Sep 22 – Los Angeles, CA – The Kia Forum
Sat Sep 23 – San Diego, CA – Viejas Arena*
Sun Sep 24 – Highland, CA – Yaamava Casino
Fri Sep 29 – El Paso, TX – UTEP Don Haskins Center
Sat Sep 30 – San Antonio, TX – AT&T Center
Sun Oct 01 – Edinburg, TX – Bert Ogden Arena
Thu Oct 05 – Dallas, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory*
Fri Oct 06 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center
Sun Oct 08 – Chicago, IL – Allstate Arena
Wed Oct 11 – Toronto, ON – Massey Hall
Fri Oct 13 – Washington, DC – The Theater at MGM National Harbor
Sat Oct 14 – New York, NY – Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden
Araya, a Thai-Chilean NYC native and multi-hyphenate artist announced the release of a track from his forthcoming ARENA EP, “Poison”.
If you have recently experienced a gruesome heartbreak, “POISON” is the song for you. Araya’s new track brings life to the feelings you cycle through while healing from challenging breakups. This is especially for instances where although someone isn’t right for you, they still have a strong hold on your heart. The drop in bass along with Araya’s voice symbolizes a sinking heart along with the remembrance of the relationships’ highs and lows.
Araya’s music video of “POISON” is an introduction into the world he’s created with this new music. It warns listeners of the deeply felt emotions that the lyrics replicate.
“Poison is one of the most honest songs on ARENA as it acts as a sort of confessional for me, acknowledging my part in toxic cycles that I felt like we’re bigger than me. I’m realizing both in my writing & in this song specifically that I always leave myself a trail of hope for a better me, even if in that moment I can’t project that into my actual life. Poison is my submission to a cruel love; accepting that & my previous choices, in hopes of eventually growing from it all.”
-Araya
Born and raised in Long Island, Araya attended the Fashion Institute of Technology and trained to become a graphic designer while dreaming of a career in music. Araya’s struggle with purpose, identity, and spirituality are visible through his music in how he mixes vintage and futuristic sounds into a mesmerizing blend of R&B, soul, hip-hop, and electronic music. The young star uses music as an outlet to comprehend and channel life experiences into reflective tales of self-acceptance and understanding.
In the February of 2022 Araya released his sophomore LP, Ethos. Following the release of Ethos, Araya has collaborated with a myriad of producers & artists such as CLIP, Y2K, Yeek, Monte Booker, Junior Varsity and Cautious Clay. “POISON” can be bought or streamed here.
SUGA, a South Korean rapper, songwriter, producer and member of 21st century pop icons, BTS announced his first-ever solo international tour. The tour begins with two nights at the UBS Arena in Belmont Park, NY, on April 26th & 27th. There will also be a show at Prudential Center in Newark, NJ, on April 29.
SUGA, also known as Yunki Min, is globally known for his record producing abilities. What makes this pop star special is his personal sense of musical philosophy, constantly pushing the boundaries through his works on BTS albums, solo projects and collaborations with other artists. The young Korean rapper has made music with Juice WRLD, Max, and So-ra Lee. SUGA has also contributed with the production the remix version of Coldplay x BTS’ “My Universe,” an Original Soundtrack for HYBE’s original story 7FATES
BTS is an acronym of Bangtan Sonyeondan or “Beyond the Scene”. They are a GRAMMY-nominated South Korean boy band that has been capturing the hearts of millions of fans globally since their debut in June 2013. Members consist of RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook The band has established themselves as 21st century pop icons breaking countless world records through their self-produced music, elite performances, and interactions with their fans. After BTS’ 2014 Skool Luv Affair, various BTS’s songs were produced by SUGA.
Produced by HYBE, BIGHIT MUSIC and Live Nation, the tour will begin in April and finish in June Tickets can be purchased here.
SUGA | AGUST D TOUR DATES:
Wed Apr 26 – Belmont Park, NY – UBS Arena
Thu Apr 27 – Belmont Park, NY – UBS Arena
Sat Apr 29 – Newark, NJ – Prudential Center
Wed May 03 – Rosemont, IL – Allstate Arena
Fri May 05 – Rosemont, IL – Allstate Arena
Sat May 06 – Rosemont, IL – Allstate Arena
Wed May 10 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum
Thu May 11 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum
Sun May 14 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum
Tue May 16 – Oakland, CA – Oakland Arena
Wed May 17 – Oakland, CA – Oakland Arena
Fri May 26 – Jakarta, ID – Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE BSD) Hall 5-6
Sat May 27 – Jakarta, ID – Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE BSD) Hall 5-6
Sun May 28 – Jakarta, ID – Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE BSD) Hall 5-6
Sat June 10 – Bangkok, TH – Impact Arena
Sun June 10 – Bangkok, TH – Impact Arena
Sat June 17 – Singapore, SG – Singapore Indoor Stadium
Sun June 18 – Singapore, SG – Singapore Indoor Stadium
This March, Flushing Town Hall announced the return of its Women’s History Trilogy as a celebration for Women’s History Month. The production is a three-part series which entails outstanding vocalists paying tribute to legendary music singers and songwriters.
The trilogy begins March 3, at 7pm featuring Golden Girls. The melodic vocalist Zoe Lyons Nieves will perform more than 40 years of popular songs made by living legends. Audience members will hear music from fan favorites such as Dionne Warwick, Shirley Bassey, Barbra Streisand, Carole King, Petula Clark, Katy Perry, Alicia Keys, and Lady Gaga.
Zoe Lyons Nieves is Boston born but has resided in New York City for over 25 years. The award-winning singer, songwriter, and producer has received a Boston Music Award, hit the charts of Billboard, and was signed to Sony under Epic Records. Her voice has been featured in several television and radio jingles, including with Disney, Showtime, Chevrolet, and Poland Springs. Nieves is a frequent performer at Mohegan Sun in addition to numerous special events throughout the country. You might’ve witnessed her performing at the NFL Commissioner’s Superbowl Ball, Fox Broadcasting Company’s Upfront parties, and the opening night parties for On the Town and Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet Of 1812.
March is for powerhouse female vocalists, and we look forward to celebrating their talents on our stage. Audiences will enjoy a range of popular music hits and are sure to hear some of their personal favorites
-Ellen Kodadek, Flushing Town Hall’s Executive & Artistic Director.
The second part of the trilogy begins March 17 at 7PM with Paris is for Lovers French Songs Made Famous by Women. The production will feature several romantic French songs by Edith Piaf, Jacques Prévert, Yves de Montand, and Michael Fugain. Additionally, Gabriele Tranchina will be joined on stage by her husband and music director Joe Vincent Tranchina.
Gabriele Tranchina is a German-born Parisian chanteuse, with Brazilian stylings, who now lives in New York City. She’s performed throughout the Tri State area with her ensemble and on annual tours to major European cities. It’s evident that Tranchina values her reputation as a well-respected, popular jazz and world vocalist. Her most recent album is Of Sailing Ships and the Stars in Your Eyes.
The concluding performance of the trilogy will be on March 31 at 7PM with I’m Every Woman. The final show will serve as a tribute to famous female pop singers who have passed. The outstanding vocalist, Emilie Surtees, will take the stage with her band and background singers to perform masterpieces from Amy Winehouse, Whitney Houston, Olivia Newtown John, and Aretha Franklin.
Emilie Surtees’s roots in New York City exposed her to a diverse music culture that is present in her music and performances. You can witness Surtee’s diversity in her written and co-produced tunes on her Reflections of You CD.
In-person tickets for each Women’s History Trilogy performance are $15 or $12 for Members, Seniors, and Students with ID. Flushing Town Hall is located at 137-35 Northern Blvd., in Flushing, Queens. For more information on the venue’s full schedule of 2023 Winter/Spring events, click here.
Brazilian songstress Gabby Bueno, commonly recognized as Gabby B, has released her new single titled “Violins,” from her latest project, The Essentials. Emphasizing women empowerment, the uptempo R&B/pop song urges women to reclaim their rightful position after a relational woe.
Gabby was born in Goiania, Brazil to a performer mother and a father who was a professional master of martial arts. Due to her parent’s professions, Gabby was synchronized with two worlds that ignited her passion to entertain. In 2020, Gabby accumulated over 3 million followers on Tik Tok through her captivating personality and viral videos and continues to advance her career as an international pop singer with stellar music.
On February 4, Gabby B performed the National Anthem at the It’s Me Brands’ Celebrity Basketball Classic, in Las Vegas. The charity game also features Trevon Diggs, and a host of other top athletes in the league.
As a novice in the industry, Gabby made seven music videos, with six of those songs appearing on her first EP, Therapy. Following this, Gabby took to the stage at the Brazilian Festival, opening for the Brazilian sensation Iza. Not long after, Gabby toured with High School Nation during their South Florida run and performed live at Rolling Loud.
Fans can stream Violins on all streaming platforms. For more information on Gabby B please visit here.
Multi-disciplinary Upper West Side performing arts center, Symphony Space l, has announced their annual Wall to Wall Women of Soul performance. The production entails a night of commemorating the contributions of women to the music industry. You won’t want to miss a night of classic hits from your favorite female artists.
Kathy Landau, an executive director for Symphony Space revealed the details for 2023’s Wall to Wall Women of Soul. The event consists of marathon performances revisiting towering artistic legacies, which The New York Times has described as “an annual gift to New York City.”
Curated by Monique Martin, Wall to Wall Women of Soul showcases extraordinary singers, musicians, dancers, and thinkers celebrating the contributions of women across generations and genres. The event can be enjoyed at the Peter Jay Sharp Theatre at Symphony Space on April 1, from 3-11pm.
The Wall to Wall Women of Soul features stars including singer, songwriter, and producer Nona Hendryx, with an all women orchestra. Performing will also be Grammy-winning singer-songwriter J. Hoard, with other singers such as Xavier Smith, Martha Redbone, Marija Abney, Marcelle Davies Lashley, and Anthony Mills. Lastly, the pianist Dj Elew, author, producer, and creative executive Thembisa Mshaka, and the members of Ladies of Hip-Hop will also take the stage. Admission for both in-person and live-stream tickets are free.
Tony- and Emmy-winning actress, singer, and dancer LaChanze has joined the lineup along with the recent additions of all-female salsa band Lulada Club and poet Mahogany L. Browne, on video.
“The contributions of women to soul music are often overlooked or reduced to a few artists and hits. The truth is that women continue to expand the genre’s canon, using their voices to disrupt, heal, inspire, protest, and transmit joy, by creating music that speaks to the moment. Audiences will experience music they know and love to sing and dance to, as well as fresh interpretations and new music to discover, at Wall to Wall Women of Soul.”
-Monique Martin
Symphony Space’s foundational mission is to unite art, ideas, and community through performances and a commitment to literacy and education through the arts. Recognized for ground-breaking programs like Wall to Wall Women and their innovative Global Arts education, Symphony Space provides original and affordable/free programming for the people of New York City. You can also see the efforts of Symphony Space’s desire to build communities, transcend barriers, and celebrate both our similarities and differences through tours, public radio broadcasts, podcasts, and virtual events.
The independent creative producer, artist, curator Monique Martin, has partnered with and produced for Joe’s Pub, Disney Theatricals and Apollo Theater. Martin has additionally worked with New Victory Theater, Southbank Centre/UK, The Met Museum, Park Avenue Armory, NJPAC, Queens Theater in the Park and HBO.
More information about Symphony Space’s Wall to Wall Women of Soul can be accessed here.
Multi-genre hitmaker Jelly Roll has announced his 2023’s Backroad Baptism Tour with the 44-city arena tour making a stop at Darien Lake Amphitheater in Darien Center, on August 3, 2023.
You can expect to see some of your favorite musicians on the Backroad Baptism Tour. Opening for Jelly Roll will be stars such as Ashley McBryde, Caitlynne Curtis, Chase Rice, Elle King, Merkules, Struggle Jennings, Three 6 Mafia, Yelawolf and Josh Adam Meyers.
Jelly Roll is quite literally on a roll, prior to his announcement the rapper dominated Billboard’s Emerging Artist Chart breaking the record of most weeks spent at No. 1. His single “Son Of A Sinner” secured his place as #1 for a record-breaking 25 consecutive weeks. Jelly Roll has also earned a two-week Rock No. 1, “cemented his rising mainstream stardom. Recently, he’s released “She” and his current radio hit, “NEED A FAVOR”.
Jelly Roll has quietly been building a remarkable career, under the radar and on his own terms. The outstanding lyricist went from selling mixtapes out of his car, to touring relentlessly and consistently topping various iTunes charts. Jelly Roll made his Grand Ole Opry debut in 2022 and independently amassed more than 4 billion career streams to date. His 2020 single “Save Me” was a confessional, vulnerable expression of self-doubt that resulted in the creation of a new season of life that took him to new heights. The single earned more than 155 million views on YouTube and Platinum certification from the RIAA. Furthermore, Jelly Roll’s music that blends Old-school Rap, Classic Rock, Country and Soul continues to resonate with fans and taps into his uniquely connective ability to bring fans “therapeutic music.”
The Backroad Baptism Tour kicks off on Friday, July 28. Beginning February 24 at 10 AM, tickets will be available for purchase here. Fans can also purchase VIP Packages, which may include premium seats, side-stage viewing for the entire length of Jelly Roll’s set, backstage tour and group photo, VIP lounge, limited edition tour poster and more. More information can be viewed here.
JELLY ROLL BACKROAD BAPTISM TOUR DATES:
Fri Jul 28 — Southaven, MS — BankPlus Amphitheater*
Sat Jul 29 — Alpharetta, GA — Ameris Bank Amphitheater*
Sun Jul 30 — Orange Beach, AL — The Wharf Amphitheater*
Tue Aug 01 — Huntsville, AL — Orion Amphitheater*
Thu Aug 03 — Darien Center, NY — Darien Lake Amphitheater+
Fri Aug 04 — Mansfield, MA — Xfinity Center!
Sat Aug 05 — Bangor, ME — Maine Savings Amphitheater!
Tue Aug 08 — Gilford, NH — Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion!
Wed Aug 09 — Bridgeport, CT — Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater*
Fri Aug 11 — Bristow, VA — Jiffy Lube Live>
Sat Aug 12 — Virginia Beach, VA — Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach>
Tue Aug 15 — Burgettstown, PA — The Pavilion at Star Lake<
Thu Aug 17 — Clarkston, MI — Pine Knob Music Theater<
Fri Aug 18 — Milwaukee, WI — American Family Insurance Amphitheater<
Sat Aug 19 — St. Louis, MO — Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre>
Tue Aug 22 — Evansville, IN — Ford Center*
Thu Aug 24 — Rogers, AR — Walmart AMP*
Fri Aug 25 — Omaha, NE — CHI Health Center>
Sat Aug 26 — Kansas City, MO — T-Mobile Center>
Tue Aug 29 — Lubbock, TX — United Supermarket Arena#
Wed Aug 30 — Albuquerque, NM — Isleta Amphitheater#
Fri Sep 01 — Las Vegas, NV — MGM Grand Garden Arena#
Sat Sep 02 — Salt Lake City, UT — USANA Amphitheatre#
Sun Sep 03 — Greenwood Village, CO — Fiddler’s Green<~
Tue Sep 05 —Rapid City, SD — Summit Arena at The Monument*
Vance Joy, the Australian global superstar announced the series of summer headline dates, including a stop in New York City. On August 30, you can watch Vance Joy perform at the SummerStage in Central Park.
The announcement of his new headline dates marks the end of the North American leg on Joy’s epic In Our Own Sweet Time Tour. Canada’s Dan Mangan and Ruby Waters, and fellow Australian Singer Songwriter Dan Sultan are in support of Joy’s upcoming shows.
Vance Joy is additionally celebrating the premiere of the concert version of Joy’s RIAA gold-certified 2018 fan favorite, “Saturday Sun (Live At Sydney Opera House)”. The premier signals the upcoming release of Vance Joy Live At The Sydney Opera House. Arriving April 14, the 16-track album was recorded during two special headline performances at the world-famous Sydney Opera House Forecourt in Sydney, Australia.
Recorded November 18 and 19, 2022, Vance Joy Live At The Sydney Opera House includes electrifying performances from RIAA platinum certified hits “Georgia,” “Mess Is Mine,” and the 6x platinum certified classic, “Riptide.” Live versions of “Clarity” and “Catalonia are also among the many highlights of Joy’s acclaimed new album, In Our Own Sweet Time.
The multi-platinum superstar’s album, In Our Own Sweet Time, includes emotionally charged tracks like “Looking At Me Like That”, “Don’t Fade”, and the RIAA gold certified smash, “Missing Piece”. With over 43.5 million streams “Clarity” has proven to be a global favorite. The song is placed in the top 5 at Alternative radio outlets across America while also earning prestigious “Song of the Year” and “Best Pop Release” nominations from Australia’s 2022 ARIA Music Awards. Additionally, Vance’s “Every Side of You” recently took home the ARIA for “Best Video”
Tickets will be available for purchase beginning February 17 at 10am, here.
VANCE JOY IN OUR OWN SWEET TIME TOUR NORTH AMERICA 2023
FEBRUARY
15 – Hamilton, ON – FirstOntario Centre (SOLD OUT) *
17 – Columbus, OH – KEMBA Live! (SOLD OUT) *
18 – Chicago, IL – The Chicago Theatre (SOLD OUT) *
Young elite lyricist and producer Reuben Vincent announced the release of a new video for his soundtrack, “February 13th”. The soundtrack is from his recently released Jamla/Roc Nation debut album Love Is War.
“February 13th” entails Reuben and fellow Jamla/Roc Nation star Rapsody diving into the Love Is War theology and dissecting the complexities of relationships/situationships. The soundtrack highlights “Black Love Day”, a day designed to demonstrate love, forgiveness and acceptance among black people.
Conceptually, Love Is War is an acknowledgement that as young black men I feel like we aren’t taught, and given the tools of how to love properly. We don’t know how to love our people, our women, our brothers; and most importantly ourselves.
Reuben Vincent
Love Is War addresses the importance of self-love so that it can be possible to love others correctly. Vincent reveals that his goal is to establish a proper sense of self love for himself. The soundtrack is titled “February 13th” because of his realization that love is a constant battle to get to that center in your life. People battle themselves daily, to reach a place where they can both love and be loved.”
There is no doubt that Reuben Vincent was born to win. Recently named one of HipHopDX’s Rising Stars Of 2023, Vincent has spent the last few years honing his artistry. He was guided by Hip-Hop greats 9th Wonder and Young Guru.
Before the creation of “February 13th” Vincent and Rasposdy were living with Young Guru in LA during the pandemic. The three woke up together, shared experiences with one another, and learned from each other. According to Rapsody, the soundtrack and music video highlights their encounters with love. Vincent also says, “It was the day before Valentine’s Day so we wanted to make this the break up song. Everyone who is a part of this record experienced real emotions to get to this point.” The artist’s transparency allows you to feel genuine emotion as you listen to the soundtrack.
Reuben’s Jamla/Roc Nation debut album, Love Is War, is an emotional project that will place him at the forefront of debates about the new rap greats. Vincent uses warm soulful beats from 9th Wonder, Young Guru, The Soul Council and his own production, to unpack relationships and romantic entanglements. “February 13th” also features guest appearances from Reason (TDE), Domani and Stacey Barthe.
Reuben Vincent’s Love Is War is now available at all DSP’s via Jamla/Roc Nation Records. You can also purchase, stream, add and favorite Reuben Vincent’s Love Is War here.
