The Brooklyn Public Library recently unveiled a tribute exhibition “The Book Of HOV,” in honor of legendary rapper Jay-Z. The exhibit, divided up between key elements of Jay’s career, is available for free to anyone with a library card. The display includes a recreation of Baseline Studios, a collection of records used as samples, artifacts, apparel, photos, and more.
Born Shawn Carter, Jay-Z grew up in the Marcy housing projects in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. Raised by his mother Carter grew an affinity for music, specifically hip-hop, at an early age. In 1995, Jay, along with two partners, originally established Roc-A-Fella records after multiple labels rejected them. It was under Roc-A-Fella that Carter would drop his now famous debut album Reasonable Doubt in ‘96. The project would catapult the artist to rap stardom and since then “HOV” hasn’t looked back.
In total the Brooklyn native has released 13 solo albums, 4 collaborative projects, and has amassed 24 Grammy Awards. The rapper’s pen game has long been praised as one of the best in hip-hop history. Equipped with an endless supply of lyrical flows, metaphors, stories, and rhyming patterns, Jay has become one of the most influential figures in music.
Carter’s artistic legacy could provide more than enough content for an exhibit by itself, however it’s the rapper’s business and cultural accomplishments that has solidified him as one of the most successful musicians of all time. The Book Of Hov aims to honor the influences and events that helped to shape Jay into the artist and person he is today.
Punctuated by an atmosphere of inclusivity and individuality, the exhibit looks to inspire guests from all walks of life to “always bet on yourself”. Designed by Bruce and Shelly Rogers, the display makes up two floors of the library. In collaboration with the event the library created 13 new custom cards to correspond with HOV’s albums. Organizers also encourage guests to bring their own phones and music to help add to the experience.
Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez devised the entire event reportedly without Carter’s knowledge. The organizers strategically placed the exhibit in a public space to ensure maximum accessibility. Roc Nation reportedly covered the costs of the entire exhibit and are expected to donate money, books, and records to the library.
Here for more information and details about The Book Of Hov.
Legendary blues guitarist Joe Bonamassa recently released a new song titled “Well, I Done Got Over It”. The track was originally released by Guitar Slim back in 1953. Bonamassa’s rendition is part of his upcoming Oct. 6 album Blues Deluxe Vol. 2. The project comes 20 years after the New York native’s breakthrough album Blues Deluxe.
Photo Credit: Robert Sutton
“Well, I Done Got Over It’ is a high-energy tune that perfectly captures all of the attitude and groove of classic blues-rock songs. Packed with the rich sounds of horns and capped off with an impressive guitar solo, the track showcases every ounce of Bonamassa’s artistic ability.
“My father introduced me to Guitar Slim a long time ago, back when I was a kid… He has such a velvety smooth voice, and he had such a way of delivering a song. We did a very British take on this Guitar Slim song, it’s like the Blues Breakers meets Guitar Slim meets Joe Bonamassa, Josh Smith and company”
Joe Bonamassa
Born in New Hartford but raised in Utica, Bonamassa discovered music at an early age. By the time he was 12, Bonamassa was traveling around the state playing various local shows. The guitarist made a name for himself off of debut 2000 album A New Day Yesterday, which reached the #9 spot Billboard Blues chart. From 2002-06 Bonamassa had five albums reach the Blues Top 10, including his 2003 effort Blues Deluxe.
Bonamassa’s new project will see the Grammy-nominated artist return to some of his original sources of inspiration. Blues Deluxe Vol. 2 features two new original songs as well as eight new covers. The album also gets contributions fromReese Wynans (keys), Calvin Turner (bass), Lamar Carter (drums), Kirk Fletcher (guitar), and Josh Smith (guitar).
“Well, I Done Got Over It” follows the release of the album’s previous single “Twenty-Four Hour Blues” which dropped back in June. The song is a rip-roaring interpretation of Bobby “Blue” Bland’s classic song which was released in 1974. Bonamassa’s version includes an inspired and passionate vocal and guitar performance.
“The outro guitar solo is incredible… It happened live on the floor and has some deep lines you’ve probably never heard Joe play before. The band is absolutely smoking, and Calvin Turner did an incredible String and Horn arrangement. Super proud of this one”
Guitarist Josh Smith
Bonamassa has a slew of performance dates during the Summer and Fall. Stops in New York include shows at the Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater and Bethel Woods Center for the Arts.
Here for album pre-orders and details. Check out here for tour tickets and additional information.
Summer 2023 U.S. Tour
August 2 – Vina Robles Amphitheatre – Paso Robles, CA
August 4 – The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas – Las Vegas, NV
August 5 – Eccles Theater – Salt Lake City, UT
August 6 – Red Rocks Amphitheatre – Morrison, CO
August 9 – Hollywood Bowl – Los Angeles, CA^
August 12 – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater – Wantagh, NY
August 13 – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts – Bethel, NY
Fall 2023 U.S. Tour
October 23 – Memphis, TN – The Cannon Center
October 25 – Shreveport, LA – Shreveport Municipal Auditorium
October 27 – San Antonio, TX – Majestic Theatre
October 28 – Sugar Land, TX – Smart Financial Centre At Sugar Land
October 29 – Austin, TX – ACL Live
November 1 – Fayetteville, AR – Walton Arts Center
November 3 – Little Rock, AR – Robinson Performance Hall
November 4 – Grand Prairie, TX – Texas Trust CU Theatre
November 5 – Oklahoma City, OK – Civic Center Music Hall
November 8 – Tulsa, OK – Tulsa Theater
November 10 – Kansas City, MO – The Midland Theatre
November 11 – St. Louis, MO – The Fabulous Fox
November 12 – Cedar Rapids, IA – Paramount Theatre
November 14 – Rochester, MN – Mayo Civic Center
November 15 – Rockford, IL – Coronado Performing Arts Center
November 17 – Fort Wayne, IN – Embassy Theatre
November 18 – Detroit, MI – Fox Theatre
November 19 – Columbus, OH – Palace Theatre
November 21 – Reading, PA – The Santander Performing Arts Center
November 22 – Providence, RI – Providence Performance Arts Center
November 24 – Springfield, MA – Symphony Hall
November 25 – Baltimore, MD – The Lyric
November 28 – Savannah, GA – Johnny Mercer Theatre
November 30 – Sarasota, FL – Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
The Brunswick Summer Concert Series is back for its 23rd season. The performances are held on each Tuesday at the Brunswick Community Center from June 27 to September 5.
With concerts scheduled to run 6:30-8:00 PM, the community center’s vast lawn provides a perfect backdrop for summer evenings. In addition to live music there will also be food trucks and other refreshments available.
The Brunswick Summer Concert Series looks to provide guests with quality music from all different kinds of genres. This year’s lineup features acts from all over the region. Local standouts include New York’s favorite horn band The Refrigerators, Celtic-rock outfit Get Up Jack, as well as country-rock group Whiskey Highway.
Located northeast of Albany, Brunswick has a long and storied history. The town’s first inhabitants settled in the early 18th century and were originally considered to be part of Troy. Positioned near the Hudson River, Brunswick and its neighboring towns became stopping points during the Revolutionary War. Famed American writer Herman Melville was a school teacher in the town during the mid 1800s.
Concerts are free and open to the public. Guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs and/or blankets. Here for more details and information.
Summer Lineup
6/27 The Refrigerators- Funk/ R&B/Rock
7/11 The Tichy Boys- Country/Rokabilly
7/18 The Lustre Kings- Country/Rokabilly
7/25 Big Fez and The Surfmatics- Surf and Beach Music
8/1 Harmony Rocks- One Hit Wonders
8/8 Get Up Jack- Celtic / Americana
8/15 The Hammerhead Horns- Roots, Ragtime and Blues
The Sackets Harbor Historical Society recently announced its Concerts on the Waterfront Series. The performances will take place each Sunday from June 25 to September 3 and are free to the public. With its lakeview and beautiful scenery, Sackets Harbor Battlefield will host each of the concerts.
Located on the shores of Lake Ontario, Sackets Harbor has long been associated with its military roots. The town became the Great Lakes headquarters for the United States during the War of 1812. Rich with history, Sackets Harbor celebrates its 39th season of music with this year’s Concerts on the Waterfront.
Visitors are recommended to bring their own picnic blanket or lawn chairs. More details and information can be found here.
Concerts on the Waterfront Lineup
July 16: Atlas
Atlas is an energetic group that plays everything from 80s hits to legendary soul and rock records. The group has opened for many prominent performers throughout its history, including Michael McDonald, Chaka Khan, Kool and the Gang, Patty LaBelle, and Earth, Wind and Fire.
July 23: The Jess Novak Band
Jess Novak is an immensely talented musician, who sings, writes, plays the fiddle and performs with powerful vocals. Along with Novak, the band is made up of Byron Cage, Anthony Saturno, Jabare McKinstry, and Gavin George. The Syracuse-based band performs pop, rock, and soul.
July 30: Letizia and the Z Band
Letizia and the Z Band are a multidimensional group focusing on 40s classics, 50s rock, Motown, disco, and 90s techno. Letizia’s captivating voice pairs well with horns, a guitar, and alto and tenor saxophones.
Aug 6: Hot Club of Saratoga
Mant of the songs Hot Club of Saratoga performs were written or recorded by legendary guitarist Django Reinhardt. The band reflects his style while also expanding upon the “gypsy jazz” sound.
Aug 13: The Kim Pollard Band
Kim Pollard is a Canadian songwriter and performer who has a diverse set of original music. Together with her band, Pollard infuses blues, jazz, and funk into powerful ballads and spirituals.
Aug 20: 10th Mountain Division Army Band
The 10th Mountain Division Army Band is composed of 41 soldier-musicians, capable of performing in a variety of configurations, styles, and venues.
Aug 27: The Large Flowerheads
The Large Flowerheads channels the energy and sound of the 1960s. Their repertoire includes songs by The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Sonny & Cher, Dusty Springfield, The Mamas & The Papas, The Monkees, and many more.
Sept 3: Maria DeSantis Orchestra
This legendary band features vocalists Keith Condon, Gary Branch, Michael Ranalli, and Maria DeSantis. The group is known for its signature big band sound which has been refined and perfected throughout the groups 70 year legacy.
The Empire State Plaza’s Center for the Performing Arts, or The Egg, recently announced that Maria Muldaur, Taj Mahal and Sona Jobarteh would all be joining the Albany venue’s 2023-24 programming. Muldaur is scheduled to perform on Sept. 15 with Taj Mahal and Jobarteh stopping by on March 7, 2024.
The Egg is a state-owned entity created to bring quality artists and performances to New Yorkers. Besides music, the venue showcases several forms of art including dance, comedy, film, and theater. Originally constructed in 1978, The Egg features two theaters and can comfortably house over 1,400 visitors.
Since its inception, the venue has attracted some of the biggest names in arts and entertainment. Past performers include Roger McGuinn, Chaka Khan, Dave Chappelle, Eric Burdon, Margaret Cho, and Buddy Guy.
Maria Muldaur- September 15, 7:30 PM
Making music for over 55 years, American folk/roots artist Maria Muldaur became a household name thanks to her 1973 hit song “Midnight at the Oasis”. Released as a single, the track received a Grammy nomination and has since become one of the quintessential songs in the genre. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the bubbly and infectious tune, she will perform the song along with the help of the Red Hot Bluesiana Band. Together, the two will showcase some of Muldaur’s classic blues, country, folk, swing, and pop offerings. The performance will also include some of the artist’s collaborative work with the Grateful Dead, Bonnie Raitt, Tuba Skinny, and Taj Mahal. Here for tickets and information about the performance at The Egg.
Taj Mahal & Sona Jobarteh- March 7, 7:30 PM
Taj Mahal has established himself as one of the world’s premier blues musicians throughout his extensive career. The Harlem-born artist is known for melding together the sounds of traditional American blues with elements from the Caribbean, Africa, South Asia, and the Pacific Islands. Originally rising to prominence in the 1960s, Taj has earned three Grammy awards and ten nominations. In 2014 he was awarded the Americana Music Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Sona Jobarteh is a Gambian singer, composer, and instrumentalist credited for being a master of the Kora stringed instrument. With her diverse and ethereal sound Jobarteh has been hailed as one of the biggest upcoming stars in world music. Blending traditional West African, blues, pop, and even afro beats, Jobarteh has amassed fans from all over the globe. Here for tickets and information about the performance.
To check out The Egg’s full schedule of performances click here.
Port Jefferson plays host to several different concerts and festivals throughout the summer months. Perfect for any music lover, the Long Island town boasts local concerts nearly every Wednesday and Thursday, July 5 through Aug. 30.
All of the shows are set to take place at Harborfront Park. The Sunset Concert Series runs from 6:30-8 on Wednesdays on the Harborfront performance stage. However, the Harborside concert series takes place at 7 on Thursdays in the Harborfront Park. The Harborside series will run each week July 6 through 20 and then two dates in August.
Port Jefferson is not the only town in the region to put on local shows. Over in Riverside, about 20 miles south of Port Jefferson, there will be a free African American Educational and Cultural Festival on July 15. The event is scheduled from 3-8 p.m. at Grangebel Park in Riverside. Alongside live music performances from some of the best local talent, the festival will also feature food trucks, merch vendors, and raffles. Visit here for details and information.
Staying close to Port Jefferson, the Port Jefferson Station & Terryville Free Summer Concert Series will happen in July and August. Scheduled for each Wednesday, July 5 to August 2, the concert series takes place at the Chamber Train Car Park. The shows are free and will feature performances from several local artists. Visit here for more details and information.
Port Jefferson Summer Concert Lineup
July 5- The Well Diggers- 6:30 PM
July 6- Solid 70s- 7 PM
July 12- Quarter Horse- 6:30 PM
July 13- Bangos- 7 PM
July 19- Arbutus & Vine- 6:30 PM
July 20- Southbound- 7 PM
July 26- “Pure Joy” with Paige Patterson- 6:30 PM
August 2- Roger Street Friedman- 6:30 PM
August 9- The New Students- 6:30 PM
August 10- Fleetwood Macked (tribute band)- 7 PM
August 16- Teddy Kumpel and Nome Sane?- 6:30 PM
August 23- Gene Casey & The Lone Sharks – 6:30 PM
August 24- Foreign Journey- 7 PM
August 30- Kaido- 6:30PM
All concerts take place at Harborfront Park. Here for more details and information.
Liverpool Is The Place (LITP) is back with another summer of concerts in Johnson Park, with 22 acts in total. The series started back on Memorial Day and runs until Aug. 16. With almost two shows per week, concerts take place on Monday and Wednesday at 7 PM.
Liverpool is located just North of Syracuse, on the shores of Onondaga Lake. Liverpool Is The Place is focused on organizing cultural events and raising money for local programs. The goal of LITP is to encourage community gatherings between people of all ages and backgrounds in the Greater Liverpool area.
Each concert takes place at Johnson Park, where guests are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs or blankets. This summer’s lineup of performers features a wide variety of sounds and genres. Rock, pop, folk, country, and blues will all be represented by a diverse set of artists.
JazzBuffalo announced the lineup for this summer’s Jazz on the Plaz! concert series. The event takes place in downtown Buffalo every Friday at 5 PM from July 7 to Aug. 25 at the West Plaza of Seneca One Tower. The concerts feature some of the best jazz artists from around Western New York.
The Seneca One Tower is one of the mainstays of the Buffalo skyline. Originally built between 1969-1974, the building has long served as headquarters for banking institutions. Now, the tower has become a multi-use space, housing start-up companies and apartments. Thanks to recent updates, the building now aims to be a collaboration hub within the city.
Courtesy of JazzBuffalo.com
Jazz on the Plaz! is part of JazzBuffalo’s extensive programming of shows, educational opportunities, and events. Created to build appreciation for the genre, JazzBuffalo is committed to impacting and encouraging the arts scene in the city. There will also be food trucks and beverages available as part of the performances. All concerts are free and open to the public. Donations are encouraged and will go toward the Keep Jazz Alive Fund. Click here for parking information and here for more details about the performances.
Summer Lineup
July 7: My Cousin Toné
July 14: Wendell Rivera Latin Jazz Ensemble
July 21: Jay Sharp-tet
July 28: Donny Frauenhofer Trio: Jazz Fusion Exprience
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees The Zombies will perform in Adler Hall at New York Society for Ethical Culture in NYC on October 27. The stop comes as the group celebrates their long awaited album Different Game which was released earlier this year.
Tom Toomey
The Zombies are one of the most iconic bands in Rock & Roll history. The group came together in 1961 and grew in large part because of their role in the British Invasion. The Zombies have fostered a massive fan base throughout the years due to their unmistakable melodies, breathy vocals, and elegant harmonies.
In 1967 the band found worldwide success after their song “Time of the Season” reached #3 on the Billboard charts. The song would go onto be one of the most recognizable tracks of the 60s. It has since appeared throughout pop-culture, featuring in hit TV shows like “Friends” and “NCIS”.
Rod Argent
Rolling Stone has named The Zombies’ 1968 album Odyssey and Oracle to the “Greatest Albums of All Time” list twice. In total the band has released nine albums and has established itself as one of the most influential groups in music.
For tickets and more information about the show in Adler Hall click here.
Different Game Tour (North America)
Oct, 1 – New Westminster, BC – Massey Theatre
Oct, 2 – Seattle, WA – Washington Hall
Oct, 3 – Portland, OR – Aladdin Theater
Oct, 5 – San Francisco, CA – Palace of Fine Arts
Oct, 6 – Glendale, CA – Alex Theatre
Oct, 7 – Solana Beach, CA – Belly Up Tavern
Oct, 9 – Santa Fe, NM – Lensic Performing Arts Center
Oct, 11 – Boulder, CO – Boulder Theater
Oct, 13 – St. Paul, MN – Fitzgerald Theater
Oct, 14 – Milwaukee, WI – South Milwaukee PAC
Oct, 15 – Chicago, IL – Old Town School of Folk Music
Oct, 17 – Toronto, ON – Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Oct, 18 – Royal Oak, MI – Royal Oak Music Theatre
Oct, 19 – Nashville, IN – Brown County Music Center
Oct, 20 – Cincinnati, OH – Ludlow Garage
Oct, 22 – Northfield, OH – MGM Northfield Park
Oct, 24 – Alexandria, VA – The Birchmere
Oct, 26 – Beverly, MA – The Cabot
Oct, 27 – New York, NY – Adler Hall at the NY Society of Ethical Culture
Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts revealed the details of Hip-Hop Week, an event to honor the 50th anniversary of the genre. The celebration runs August 9-12 and will coincide with the end of the Summer for the City festival.
Hip-Hop Week will feature a slew of different events, performances, conversations, and workshops. The goal is not just to celebrate the music of hip-hop but also appreciate the wider impact that the genre has had across the world.
Rakim is set to participate as part of the celebrations
Born out of the Bronx in the early 1970s, hip-hop has since become a musical and cultural force. The genre has given birth to countless subgenres and sounds, not to mention its effect on other art forms like dance, fashion and design.
We recognize and celebrate the profound significance of Hip-Hop as a powerful New York-born culture. It connects generations and propels a number of contemporary art forms
Shanta Thake, Ehrenkranz Chief Artistic Officer of LCPA
All of the Hip-Hop Week events are free and operate as first-come first-serve. The celebration starts on August 9 with a “Dance Storytime” during the day and a dance battle and silent disco during the evening.
Having already made a name for himself as former classmate Spike Lee’s go-to cinematographer over the preceding decade, in 1992 Ernest R. Dickerson embarked on his own directorial career with Juice, a propulsive, noir-tinged coming-of-age drama starring Omar Epps as Q, a Harlem teen and aspiring DJ whose talents at the turntable seem to promise an authentic means of thriving within, and perhaps transcending, the material confines of his working-class upbringing. Meanwhile, a 20-year-old Tupac Shakur, fresh off the success of his debut album—with which he had swiftly established his own status as a bona fide star, and a leading figure in the ascendant genre of politically conscious West Coast rap—delivers a tour de force performance as Bishop, the mercurial wild card of Q’s tight-knit crew of friends, who harbors a hot temper and a budding violent streak that threatens to derail Q’s musical ambitions and place the futures of all four young men in jeopardy. With an assured hand and cool virtuosity, Dickerson reconsiders the themes and real-world concerns that were animating Hip-Hop culture at the time, refracting them through a distinctly cinematic lens.
Friday, June 30 at 9:00pm– Damrosch Park– Film at Lincoln Center
Co-writers and producers Ice Cube and DJ Pooh originally envisioned Friday as a boisterous corrective to the despairing hood dramas that proliferated in the pop-cultural landscape of the early ’90s, most of which emphasized violent conflict and ingrained hopelessness as endemic conditions of the inner-city milieu. First-time feature filmmaker F. Gary Gray, who had recently come up in the industry as an acclaimed director of music videos, handily translated his talents to the longer narrative format in order to chronicle a sprawling day in the life of newly unemployed Craig (Ice Cube) and his stoner friend Smokey (Chris Tucker) as the two South Central residents scramble to settle a $200 debt with their drug dealer. A riotously funny high-water mark in the tradition of successful Hip-Hop artists pivoting to assume the role of Hollywood auteur, Friday quickly achieved the status of genuine cult hit, equally celebrated for its affectionate, lived-in evocation of life in the hood and for its chart-topping, double-platinum soundtrack.
Wednesday, July 12 at 9:00pm– Damrosch Park– Film at Lincoln Center
Celebrated as a foundational depiction of early Hip-Hop culture—and one of the first to engage cinematically with the lives and perspectives of the young people whose creativity fueled its development—Wild Style was conceived as a collaboration between young No Wave filmmaker Charlie Ahearn and the renowned street artist Fab 5 Freddy. The loose narrative follows Raymond (played by fellow practitioner Lee Quiñones), a precocious teenage graffiti writer in the Bronx known by the pseudonym “Zoro,” and his friend Phade (Fab 5 Freddy), a club promoter, as they navigate a scene fraught with artistic rivalries and a creative community that’s ambivalent about the interest it’s attracting from the upper-crust art world. Filling out the cast with the Rock Steady Crew, Grandmaster Flash, and other pioneering talents of early Hip-Hop culture playing versions of themselves, Ahearn’s film offers an extraordinary semi-documentary portrait of a vibrant cultural movement in its first flowering. A New Directors/New Films 1983 selection.
Wednesday, August 9 at 11:30 am– The Garden at Damrosch Park– Dance Storytime with Hip-Hop dance artist TweetBoogie and DJ Go BIZZY!
Presented in collaboration with New York Public Library for the Performing Arts
The staff of the Jerome Robbins Dance Division and internationally renowned dance teacher and artist TweetBoogie and DJ Go BIZZY! present a storytime focusing on the music and dancing styles of Hip-Hop. Beats and books combine for an activity that the whole family can enjoy. Participants will listen to the story, When the Beat was Born: DJKool Herc and the Creation of Hip-Hop by Laban Carrick Hill, and learn a short dance routine to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop.
Wednesday, August 9 at 6:00 pm– The Dance Floor at Josie Robertson Plaza
Presented in collaboration with New York Public Library for the Performing Arts
To celebrate the recording of five street dance life story interviews by the Dance Oral History Project of the Jerome Robbins Dances Division at the Library for the Performing Arts, Gabriel “Kwikstep” Dionisio and Ana ‘Rokafella’ Garcia bring together the legendary Violeta Galagarza, Anthony G. “Cholly Rock” Horne, Kim D. Holmes, Float Master John, and Emilio Austin Jr. aka Buddha Stretch for a dance battle and silent disco on The Dance Floor. Different street and club styles will be on display as the invited Top eight competitors go toe-to-toe for a cash prize. Hosted by TDK Zone with DJ KS 360, come outside and check out NYC’s finest as we help celebrate the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop!
This event will be preceded by a screening of oral history clips and a panel discussion at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts.
Wednesday, August 9 at 8:00 pm– Damrosch Park– Featuring Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, and Special Guests
Brooklyn DJ and producer J.PERIOD (The Hamilton Mixtape) is renowned for his “audio-biography” mixtapes—featuring icons like Nas, Q-Tip, Lauryn Hill, and The Roots—which have solidified his reputation as a top-tier producer, a trusted collaborator, and a groundbreaking musical historian. His long-running performance series J.PERIOD Live Mixtape transforms the traditional Hip-Hop stage show into a high-energy moment of record, captured live onstage in one take. On August 9, Lincoln Center continues its celebration of 50 years of Hip-Hop with J.PERIOD Live Mixtape: Gods & Kings Edition, a commemoration of 2023’s golden anniversary with performances from two of New York’s most legendary emcees, Rakim and Big Daddy Kane, along with more special surprise guests.
This performance integrates ASL-interpretation.
Thursday, August 10 at 7:00 pm – The Dance Floor at Josie Robertson Plaza
Get your groove on at New York City’s largest outdoor dance floor with a 10-foot disco ball and celebrate Hip-Hop’s 50th Anniversary with the Ladies of Hip-Hop, an all-female collective dedicated to empowering girls and women in Hip-Hop culture. Enjoy a summer celebration of Hip-Hop dance culture with DJs, a dance lesson, and even a performance or two!
ArtDontSleep, World Music Institute, and Lincoln Center join Jazz Is Dead to present the first-ever NYC performance by Arthur Verocai. Accompanied by a full orchestra, Verocai will travel from his native Brazil to perform his 1972 seminal self-titled debut album in its entirety. Sampled by MF Doom, Ludacris & Common, Little Brother, Action Bronson, Curren$y, and countless others, the album is a staple for Hip-Hop producers and is now considered a “holy grail” within the crate-digging community. Hosted by composer, arranger, and music producer Adrian Younge and DJ, record producer, and rapper Ali Shaheed Muhammad (A Tribe Called Quest) in Damrosch Park, Jazz Está Morto will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience one of the greatest Brazilian arrangers/composers of all time.
Friday, August 11 at 10:00 pm – The Dance Floor at Josie Robertson Plaza
In the summer of 1973, Bronx DJ Kool Herc spun tunes at a backyard block party and kicked off a musical and cultural movement. Flash forward to today, that legacy continues in this evening with DJ Spinna, a founding member of The Jigmastas who has worked with everyone from Mary J. Blige to Stevie Wonder, and DJ Cocoa Chanelle, a native Brooklynite, recording artist, and radio personality (Hot 97 and Kiss FM) named one of the top 17 DJs by Vibe Magazine. Jam with us at a Silent Disco in honor of the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop!
Saturday, August 12 at 11:00 am– The Art of Wellbeing– LeFrak Lobby, David Geffen Hall
Presented in collaboration with NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
Perfect for anyone looking to learn the styles and moves of some of the most popular social dances, this unique workshop incorporates wellness, movement, and joy! Based on popular dances born from African American & Diasporic culture and celebrating Hip-Hop Week, this class will provide a space for participants to connect with their bodies, minds, and community through movement.
Led by experienced instructor Ethel Calhoun, the class will begin with exercises that include elements of mindfulness and breathwork, before engaging participants in a variety of social dance forms from swing, salsa, soca, Hip-Hop, and more. Experience is not necessary; the instructor will guide guests through each step to help them feel comfortable on the floor, creating a welcoming and inclusive space for all.
Saturday, August 12 at 11:00 am– Hess Grand Promenade, David Geffen Hall
Join a hands-on, creative Pre-Show Family Workshop led by Lincoln Center Teaching Artists! Open to visitors of all ages and ability levels who are excited and curious to explore art-making inspired by the performance that follows.
This performance integrates ASL-interpretation.
Saturday, August 12 at 12:00 pm– Hess Grand Promenade, David Geffen Hall– A Party Featuring Rap’s Next Generation
Lincoln Center’s celebration of Hip-Hop looks to the future with the Art of the Cypher for kids, teens, and families. Cyphers, improvisational circles where rappers share their freestyle skills, are a foundational Hip-Hop tradition. Join host Dr. Chris Emdin, founder of #HipHopEd, for a rap Cypher and Hip-Hop celebration featuring some of our city’s talented teen rappers selected especially for their exceptional rap prowess. Before the show, take part in a hands-on, creative Pre-Show Family Workshop led by Lincoln Center Teaching Artists! Open to visitors of all ages and ability levels for art-making inspired by the performance.
This performance integrates ASL-interpretation.
Generous support for this event provided by Amazon.
Every year, nearly 100 teams and more than 1,000 young people audition for Step It Up NYC, a program designed to create positive change across all five boroughs. A program of the City of New York’s Department of Youth and Community Development, Step It Up began in 2009 as a youth engagement program focused on fusing the passion to move with the drive to create change. This year’s teen dance groups were challenged to incorporate themes of celebrating 50 years of Hip-Hop and minimizing violence within NYC communities. And this year, the winning team premieres their final dance routine at Lincoln Center, sharing their piece with you, perfected, fine-tuned and ready for the big stage!
Saturday, August 12 at 6:00 pm – The Dance Floor at Josie Robertson Plaza– Featuring DJ Fannie Mae
Founded by international sensation DJ Fannie Mae and Grammy Award-nominated songwriter and producer Dennis Reed, Sainted is a trap choir offering audiences an eclectic range of gospel, R&B, Hip-Hop, and trap music. Paying homage to the Southern Black Church experience, Sainted highlights the spectrum of Black musical excellence throughout the decades and takes you on a journey that identifies Black Church music as the bedrock of countless musical traditions. Through a combination of scholarly and formal training, along with a unique improvisational approach to music learned in the Black Church, the ensemble reinvents choral norms. Audiences will experience this vibrant celebration of a full choir accompanied by a live band, original choreography, and DJ Fannie Mae herself on the decks.
No serious conversation about history’s top five rappers can be had without mentioning Rakim. A technical innovator whose use of internal rhyme and complex lyrics helped the form evolve, Rakim remains your favorite emcee’s favorite emcee nearly forty years after his debut. With his partner DJ Eric B, Rakim’s record releases in the 1980s and 90s established him as a world-class storyteller whose calculated flow and extended use of metaphor set the bar for future generations. As part of Lincoln Center’s series of shows honoring Hip-Hop’s 50th anniversary, The God MC headlines the big stage at Damrosch Park for a concert of classic cuts, supported by a select roster of special guests, including Rapsody. The Jamla/Roc Nation artist has spent the better part of the present decade lapping peers and counterparts while mesmerizing fans who still prefer their rhymes detailed and nutritious. One-of-a-kind Bed-Stuy native Mr. Life Of Your Party fka DJ FLY TY gets the party started as opening act, and extends the night leading a Silent Disco at 10pm. Don’t miss this once-in-a-generation celebration of an eternal exemplar of New York’s Hip-Hop excellence!
This performance integrates ASL-interpretation.
Saturday, August 12 at 10:00 pm– The Dance Floor at Josie Robertson Plaza
Our celebration of Hip-Hop Week culminates in a Silent Disco led by Mr. Life Of Your Party fka DJ FLY TY! Brooklyn’s own, born and raised, from Bedford Stuyvesant, Mr. Life Of Your Party – the name speaks for itself! He’s played drums since age 12, performing since 18; he brings life to everyone’s party as soon as he steps into the room! From clubs to venues, churches to houses, blocks to businesses… and now straight to you at Lincoln Center!
