Onoleigh has just released her powerful and emotional single “Walls,” co-written with John Oates and Nathan Chapman.
John Oates is one half of the iconic New York-based duo Hall & Oates. He is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the American Songwriters Hall of Fame and is a recipient of the prestigious BMI Icon Award as well as numerous American Music, MTV awards, and multiple GRAMMY nominations. Since forming his legendary pop duo with Daryl Hall in the early 1970s, they have gone on to record 21 albums, which have sold over 80 million units, making them the most successful duo in rock history.
Onoleigh started her career as a social worker in Missouri, going to Tennessee to pursue singing in her 20s. She blurs the lines between genres, creating a blend of Americana, rootsy rock & roll, and empowered country music. Years before outlets like CMT hailed her as one of Nashville’s newest stars, though, Onoleigh grew up in the small town of Mahomet, Illinois, where songs by the Eagles, Carrie Underwood, Fleetwood Mac, and Adele played on the local radio, influencing her to inspire others through her sharp songwriting and performances.
Onoleigh is a born performer…her connection with her audience is genuine, soulful, and authentic. Then there’s that knock your socks off, big-time voice of hers that she delivers with emotional energy and range. She’s got it all.
John Oates
“Walls” is dynamic and stunning, with Onoleigh singing about her childhood bedroom in a way that’s both evocative and electric. Co-written with John Oates and Nathan Chapman (Taylor Swift), the song finds her addressing the bedroom walls that watched her grow up, wondering what advice they’d give to her now as an adult. Featuring her powerhouse vocals and beautiful instrumentals, “Walls” is a strong addition to her eclectic discography.
Sphere in Las Vegas has announced that the Radio City Rockettes will be featured daily throughout the holiday season on the Exosphere, the fully programmable LED exterior of the venue.
The festive Christmas Spectacular activation debuted overnight, marking the first time the Exosphere has featured dancing wrapped 360 degrees around the venue. The content was developed in collaboration between Sphere Entertainment and MSG Entertainment, both part of the MSG family of companies.
Since it was first illuminated on July 4, the Exosphere captured worldwide attention for its impactful visuals. It is covered with nearly 580,000 square feet of fully programmable LED paneling, creating the largest LED screen in the world. The Exosphere consists of approximately 1.2 million LED pucks, spaced eight inches apart, capable of displaying 256 million different colors.
There is a magic here that we’ve created with Sphere, and there is a magic that is created by the Rockettes every year in the Christmas Spectacular. There is nothing more artful than the Rockettes or more scientific than Sphere, so bringing these two together on the Exosphere in such a unique way is the essence of what we do here at Sphere – uniting art and science to bring wonder to the world. This is particularly exciting because it is the most complex combination of real-life footage and animated content we’ve created for the Exosphere to date.
Guy Barnett, SVP, Brand Strategy & Creative Development, Sphere Entertainment
Founded in 1925, the Radio City Rockettes are the longest-running precision dance company in America. The Rockettes are world-renowned for their unity, athleticism, and iconic precision style combining elements of ballet, jazz, and tap, and techniques of modern and contemporary dance. In addition to the iconic Christmas Spectacular, the Rockettes perform annually in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Christmas in Rockefeller Center tree lighting, and have appeared at the Tony Awards, the MTV VMAs, the NYC Pride Parade, and Saturday Night Live.
The activation began with the first Christmas ornament to be displayed on the Exosphere. The top of the vibrant red and gold ornament spun off, revealing, in a nod to the “12 Days of Christmas” number in the Christmas Spectacular, the Rockettes’ legs, rising to reveal more of them. They performed their iconic choreography at 125 feet tall, concluding with their beloved kickline as it rotated around the Exosphere. The Rockettes’ were transparent through the screen, showcasing their backs, marking the first time the technique has been utilized on the immersive digital canvas. To close off, the iconic Radio City Music Hall marquee could be seen.
In order to achieve continuous dancing, 15 Rockettes were captured performing in groups of five, giving the Sphere Studios team three clips that were composited together. Those composite clips were then multiplied and stitched together to stretch all the way around the Exosphere. The Rockettes’ footage was shot in New York specifically for the Exosphere. The content was conceptualized, developed, and created exclusively by Sphere Studios.
“We are all about precision,” said Danelle Morgan, Radio City Rockette, dance captain and assistant choreographer. “But with Sphere, we really need to make sure that every single thing – from the tip of our finger to the height of our signature eye-high kicks – is completely in sync because of the scale of the Exosphere. It’s such an honor to see the Rockettes on Sphere, spreading Christmas joy in Las Vegas while we perform in the Christmas Spectacular at our home in New York City.”
A staple of the holidays in New York City, the Christmas Spectacular stars The Rockettes and features nine show-stopping numbers throughout the 90-minute production. The show features intricate choreography and thrilling performances that leave audiences with a sense of wonder and amazement. Since it opened at Radio City in 1933, the Christmas Spectacular has brought holiday joy to more than 70 million people from around the world.
Tickets for the 2023 Christmas Spectacular start at $49 and can be purchased online here.
Comedian, actor, and podcast host Sebastian Maniscalco has announced his 2024 It Ain’t Right Tour, stopping in New York City, Albany, Rochester, Buffalo, and Syracuse.
Sebastian Maniscalco is the undisputed king of physical comedy, hailed by The New York Times as the “hottest comic in America.” He has been performing for over two decades gaining a massive loyal fanbase. With his tireless work ethic and undeniable talent, Maniscalco commands the crowd with his witty jokes and honesty. During his latest tour, he conquered New York City by selling out Madison Square Garden, Barclays Center, UBS Arena, and Prudential Center. With residencies at the Borgata Event Center in Atlantic City, as well as the Wynn, Encore Theatre in Las Vegas, he continues his record-breaking arena shows that earned him the top spot on Pollstar’s Top Comedy Tours list.
He has also starred in six comedy specials for networks such as Netflix, Showtime, and Comedy Central. Maniscalco’s success in comedy extends beyond the stand-up stage. His talents have translated to film, television, and podcasting. His new series Bookie, co-produced by Maniscalco and Chuck Lorre, premieres in November of 2023 on HBO MAX. The show follows a veteran bookie navigating the impending legalization of sports gambling and the evolving culture that bounces him around Los Angeles.
Credit: Peggy Sirota.
Maniscalco can be seen on the big screen in projects such as the animated feature film The Super Mario Bros. Movie, the Neil Bogart biopic Spinning Gold, and the dramedy Somewhere in Queens with Ray Romano and Laurie Metcalf. In 2023, Maniscalco marked his first role as a leading man when he co-wrote and starred in About My Father, loosely based on his Italian family experience, alongside Robert De Niro. Maniscalco also appeared in Martin Scorsese’s crime drama, The Irishman, and Peter Farrelly’s Oscar-winning Green Book.
Along with TV and standup, Maniscalco currently hosts two podcasts, Daddy vs. Doctor and The Pete and Sebastian Show. He is also the author of the national best-selling memoir, “Stay Hungry,” an inspiring, and honest collection of essays that traces his career from trials and tribulations – to reaching the pinnacles of comedy success.
“Hop on the ‘It Ain’t Right’ tour, where I’ll roast today’s absurdities – nonexistent manners, wallet-wincing prices, and the social media circus,” said Maniscalco. “Join me in laughing at the wrongs in this shameless world!”
Tickets will be available starting with artist presale on Wednesday, November 29. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general on-sale beginning on Friday, December 1 at 10 a.m.
IT AIN’T RIGHT 2024 TOUR DATES:
Thu Jul 11 – Norfolk, VA – Norfolk Scope Arena
Fri Jul 12 – Raleigh, NC – PNC Arena
Sat Jul 13 – Asheville, NC – ExploreAsheville.com Arena
A new live music venue called Electric Grinch has officially opened in Schenectady, a revamp of a once popular bar in the 1970s and 80s.
The venue opened its doors on November 16. The owner is Mitchell Ramsey, who also owns Jay St. Pub in Schenectady. What used to be a popular place for food, drinks, and live music more than 40 years ago on Erie Boulevard is now getting revamped into this new and exciting venue. The inside has a full bar, table seating, a stage large enough to accommodate full bands, a 1,000-square-foot back patio, and a 2,500-square-foot roof deck.
The venue is located at 116 Jay Street. The Electric Grinch is open Wednesday and Thursday from 4 p.m. to midnight, Friday from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m., and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.
The original Electric Grinch, courtesy of Times Union.
A full schedule and website are unavailable now, but check out their Instagram or Facebook for more information.
Saratoga Arts and local singer/songwriters have teamed up to present “Tis the Season”, a concert event featuring holiday classic songs, original songs, and a VIP reception in the Saratoga Arts gallery and atrium.
Saratoga Arts’ mission is to enrich the region by cultivating a vibrant arts community and ensuring the arts are accessible to all. It is a non-governmental, non-profit organization, relying on the support of members, friends, and community. In its 30+ years, Saratoga Arts has brought the arts to over one million people through its programs and provided performing and visual artists the opportunity to earn over $3,000,000 in art sales and performance fees.
The concert features Billboard-charting artist Cassandra Kubinski, who recently released her piano-driven EP, The Saratoga Sessions, with a sold-out show at Caffe Lena. She was described as “very similar to the singer/songwriters of the late 70’s…proves that the genre (singer/songwriter) can still be transcendent,” by Billy Joel. Previous performances include opening slots for the Goo Goo Dolls, 10,000 Maniacs, Dickie Betts, Anna Nalick, and others. Expect song selections from the EP, as well as songs from her Billboard-charting holiday album Holiday Magic.
“Tis The Season” also features Marcus Ruggiero. With his deep gravelly voice and insistent acoustic guitar playing, he writes thematic songs about love, tragedy, spirit, and redemption. Notable performances include Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie, opening for national bands in Albany, Caffé Lena, the famous Bluebird Café in Nashville, and more. He also has an award-winning song in the movie The New Weapon on Netflix and is currently the lead in The Johnny Cash Express.
The final performers are Ria Curley with special guest Chuck Lamb, her talented music partner, and her cherished husband. Her music has been described as a “retro-hip mix of poignant, melodic rock and sultry, romantic R&B.” She has 22 of her original songs signed to publishing giant Warner Chappell Music, Int’l, released the critically acclaimed album Take Me, and has airplay in cities such as NYC, Albany, Denver, and LA. She also has appeared on multiple soap operas and taught the legendary actor Jimmy Stewart the finale dance routine for the Night of 100 Stars TV special at Radio City Music Hall.
Chuck Lamb has been the pianist for the renowned Brubeck Brothers Quartet for two decades and has composed for and played with the Quartet all over the world, including at the Newport Jazz Festival, Lincoln Center, and more. Since 2017, he has been the artist-in-residence for the popular monthly “Jazz at Caffe Lena” series in Saratoga Springs, where he has hosted and performed with jazz greats such as Joe Locke, Chico Freeman, Dick Oatts, and many others.
Ria Curley and Chuck Lamb.
Tickets are $35 VIP and $25 General Admission, available here.
The future is uncertain for the Syracuse Opera, announcing it has canceled the remainder of shows for the 2023-2024 season.
Photos courtesy of Syracuse Opera Facebook and Bunn Hill Photo (Randy Cummings).
Syracuse.com has reported that the Syracuse Opera board chair Camille Tisdel said ticket sales are down 40-60% from where they were prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The company planned to have three more productions: “All is Calm,” The Fantasticks,” and “The Barber of Seville.”
Tisdel, in a note to members Friday, wrote “While our recent productions have been artistically excellent and impactful, like many opera companies across the country, ticket sales have been considerably lower than projected, and we do not have the financial ability to continue the season.” She also went on to stay that grant support, donations, and sponsorships are all in jeopardy because of the uncertainty in our world post-pandemic.
She also said that Syracuse Opera has one full-time and four part-time employees that will be furloughed.
A scene from Syracuse Opera’s April 30 production of “The Marriage of Figaro.” Photo courtesy of Bunn Hill Photo.
The current season opened on Oct. 20 with “I Am a Dreamer Who No Longer Dreams” at the Redhouse Arts Center. The Syracuse Opera was founded in 1974, and was the only year-round professional opera company, opening many doors for the Central New York music community. Due to the pandemic, their revenue had decreased dramatically, with majority of the opera’s coming from donations, grants, and sponsorships.
As audience members keep declining, it is becoming more difficult to attract sponsors, Tisdel said. Government grants that helped keep organizations afloat have mostly gone away, making situations like these hard to deal with.
“The next 24 months, let’s say, are going to be a big challenge for theaters around the country,” Syracuse Stage artistic director Bob Hupp told the Post-Standard | syracuse.com in April. “It’s going to be tough before it gets better.”
The future of Syracuse Opera remains uncertain, and the board will decide in the coming months what to do next. Tisdel said ticketholders and subscribers will be contacted in the coming weeks about refunds.
Each Sunday evening from 7-9 p.m. you’ll find EQXposure on WEQX, featuring two hours of local music from up-and-coming artists. Tune into WEQX.com this Sunday night to hear new music from The Grandstand Jockey’s, Sime Gezus, and Josh Morris.
WEQX has long been the preeminent independent station in the Capital Region of New York, broadcasting from Southern VT to an ever-expanding listening audience. NYS Music brings you a preview of artists to discover each week, just a taste of the talent waiting to be discovered by fans like you.
The Grandstand Jockeys – “Gun”
The Grandstand Jockeys are from Waterford, New York, combining hard-edge rock with pop sensibilities. Their newest EP &$how is out now. “Gun” from the EP will be played on EQXposure.
Sime Gesuz -“What’s Your Problem”
“I’m laid-back, the quieter dude in the room, just chilling,” said Simon Grimes. Since 2004, Grimes has produced and rhymed under the name Sime Gezus. He hosts a weekly radio show on WSPN College-based 91.1 FM to promote local and underground hip-hop. “What’s Your Problem” is out now.
Josh Morris – “Ready For Your Love”
Hailing from NYC, Josh Morris has cultivated an identity all his own while taking inspiration from artists such as The 1975, Jeff Buckley, and Pearl Jam. Concealed underneath his playful lyrics are conversations we should all be engaging in. The music itself is consistently supported by thoughtfully executed production and laser-focused performances. His first single “Ready For Your Love” is out now.
The Olayan Group announced they have partnered with Kristopher Hull to bring classical music out of the concert hall and into The 550 Garden, the largest green space to be built in East Midtown in decades.
As part of the artist residency, the Garden will host live performances on Tuesdays and Thursdays in a limited engagement. Kristopher Hull is a cultural fixture in New York City, known for pushing his custom-mounted 1964 Baldwin Upright Piano around lower Manhattan, bringing a mix of Chopin études, preludes, and nocturnes into the Garden for the enjoyment of all New Yorkers.
Referred to as the “Pianist Errant” after the knight-errant Don Quixote, the majority of Hull’s work is performed in front of murals and in public gardens around Greenwich Village and the Lower East Side. Now, in partnership with 550 Madison, he is bringing live classical music to Midtown. Inspired by 550 Madison’s architectural heritage and the natural history of the region, the 550 Garden is East Midtown’s first new publicly accessible space in decades. Designed by architects Philip Johnson and John Burgee, 550 Madison Avenue is one of the city’s most recognizable architectural masterworks. It is a postmodern gem known for its distinctive “Chippendale” curved roof pediment and pink granite façade.
The reawakened space, open year-round and features a heated hearth seating area, embraces nature as an amenity for building tenants, area residents, and visitors. New Yorkers find solace within the Garden among trees and plants and now live classical music.
The 550 Garden offers an elegant and welcoming space where New Yorkers can immerse themselves in nature without stepping outside the heart of Midtown. We are pleased to make Hull’s extraordinary performances of classical music accessible to the public, further enhancing the dynamic experience in the Garden.
Erik Horvat, Head of Real Estate at Olayan America.
Hull is a self-taught classical pianist who began learning the instrument at 20 years old, inspired by recordings of his favorite 20th-century pianists such as Vladimir Horowitz and Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli. He has also performed at some of the city’s most renowned street art venues like Freeman Alley, First Street Green Art Park, and the Park Avenue Tunnel. His performances at the Garden will feature Chopin and Mozart.
“My work as a pianist centers around the belief that pairing classical music and art provides an entirely new type of experience,” said Hull. “I’m thrilled to bring live music to complement 550 Madison’s serene Garden and Philip Johnson’s renowned post-modern architecture.”
TR3 has announced it will go back on the road early next year to support their new studio album Watch It, due January 19. The tour is coming to Hudson Falls on Jan. 21, and NYC on Jan. 27.
Photo Credit: Stephan Pruitt Photography.
Fronted by two-time GRAMMY nominee and Dave Matthews collaborator Tim Reynolds, the acclaimed trio promises a jam-packed season ahead with expanded tour dates and the arrival of Watch It. With a career spanning more than four decades, sonic innovator Tim Reynolds is praised as one of the most adept and unrivaled instrumentalists ever. With many contributions to the American music canon, he continues to demonstrate masterful command of melody and timing, improvisational prowess, and great guitar virtuosity, shown in both his role as lead guitarist of Dave Matthews Band and frontman of TR3.
Founded in the mid-1980s, the trio welcomed Dan Martier and Mick Vaughn on drums and bass, respectively, in 2007 and now remains a fixture in the international jam scene. On the heels of its 2019 studio album, The Sea Versus the Mountain, and 2022 live release Wild in the Sky, the group will soon unveil a fresh batch of songs written and arranged during the pandemic. The highly anticipated collection features ten mostly instrumental tracks that see the trio in its most perceptive, harmonious, and imaginative form yet. Watch It, a striking tapestry of funk, jazz, and rock varieties, boasts innovative arrangements that both defy classification and invoke boundless musical curiosity.
For more information on Tim Reynolds and TR3, visit here.
The area around Citi Field might look very different in future years with Mets owner Steve Cohen’s proposed $8 billion plan to create a new development, dubbed Metropolitan Park, featuring a casino and new live music venue.
What is now 50 acres of asphalt surrounding Citi Field might transform into something completely different, bringing together fans, neighbors, and visitors with 20 acres of new public park space, world-class entertainment, and authentic local global cuisine. It is meant to be enjoyed by not only those located in Queens and New York City but could become a tourist destination.
“It’s time the world’s greatest city got the sports and entertainment park it deserves,” said New York Mets owner Steve Cohen. “When I bought this team, fans and the community kept saying we needed to do better. Metropolitan Park delivers on the promise of a shared space that people will not only want to come to and enjoy but can be truly proud of.” Owning the Mets is a civic responsibility to Cohens, and extends beyond the ballpark walls. For over 85 years, this area has been nothing but parking lots that have not served the community or fans to their full potential, and he wants to change this under-developed area.
Over the last three years, Cohen and his team have met with community groups, elected officials, Mets fans, and those who live and work in the surrounding neighborhoods to develop their vision, giving life to a sports and entertainment park. With over 15 community workshops, 20,000 door-to-door conversations, and hundreds of meetings with local leaders, this project has the community’s best ideas in mind.
The vision includes an investment of $8 billion, nearly 15,000 good-paying permanent and construction jobs, 20 acres of new park space with five acres of community playgrounds and athletic fields, climate-ready infrastructure, an accessible and renovated mass transit station, improved and modernized road network, and much more.
The big ticket item everyone is excited about is the new world-class entertainment experience that will bring people to the area every day of the year. Cohens wants to bring a Hard Rock to the area, known for its best-in-class hospitality, with memorable live music experiences and casino and sportsbook gaming. Hard Rock has been committed to New York for nearly four decades with its iconic Cafe in Times Square.
Now spanning the globe in over 70 countries with hotels, casinos, cafes, rock shops, and sports betting namesake venues and properties, Hard Rock is rooted in the spirit of music and philanthropy, embracing the culture and character of each location.
“Hard Rock at Metropolitan Park will be rooted in the spirit of music while embracing the unique culture and character of Queens,” said Jim Allen, Chairman of Hard Rock International. “Metropolitan Park captures the energy and vision of bringing people together for memorable shared experiences that exemplifies the company’s mottos to Love All Serve All, All is One, Save Time to Be Kind and Save the Planet. We’re excited to bring our unique brand of world class entertainment to Queens.”
For more information about Metropolitan Park, visit here.
