Author: Henry Fisher

  • CREEM Entertainment Announces July Summer Sunburn Festival in Brooklyn

    CREEM Entertainment, celebrating the one-year anniversary of its relaunch and its Summer 2023 edition, has announced the first annual Summer Sunburn, an “all-day rock party” in Brooklyn. Summer Sunburn on July 22 will include: Nothing; Radioactivity, this being their first NYC appearance in five years; Godcaster; Loosey; Jobber; as well as DJ Edan and CREEM writer Hether Fortune playing between acts.

    Summer Sunburn Festival creem
    Summer 2023 cover. Credit: Nicole Rifkin

    Brought back after 33 years of absence, CREEM Entertainment is the modern reincarnation of Detroit’s famous CREEM Magazine, originally founded in 1969, and grew to be a staple of music journalism for twenty years.

    The magazine helped cultivate the talent of people such as Lester Bangs, Cameron Crowe, Patti Smith, Robert Christgau and Jaan Uhelszki (who returned as Editorial Director). In 2020, the magazine’s rise and fall was chronicled in the documentary “CREEM: America’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll Magazine.”

    We’re now a year into this journey of proving that BOTH rock and print aren’t dead so now’s the time to crack open a coldie and celebrate with the sickest lineup we could imagine!

    CREEM’s Vice President of Content Fred Pessaro

    CREEM Entertainment still covers the classics, bands like The Who, Peter Frampton, or Metallica, but also the new faces to the genre and those that they missed in their 33 years of hiatus. It is led by former VICE publisher John Martin as CEO, and Chairman J.J. Kramer, who is the son of original co-founder and publisher Barry Kramer.

    Taking place in Roberta’s backyard in Brooklyn, NY on July 22, the celebration will run from 2:00 to 10:00 p.m., with music, food, and drinks available. Summer Sunburn will continue CREEM’s partnership with Slane Irish Whiskey. Tickets are available on CREEM’s website, here.

  • 44th “Jammin’ at GPAC” Summer Concert Series in Guilderland

    The Guilderland Performing Arts Center (GPAC) is having its 44th summer concert series known as “Jammin’ at GPAC,” featuring free local music at Tawasentha Park in Guilderland, NY. Most events are held at 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays and feature a rotating cast of food trucks.

    Credit: allevents.in

    Work to build GPAC began in 1978 when a small group of citizens and members of the Guilderland League of Arts and the Town Band selected a site, which was cleared in 1979. Funds and expertise from Guilderland residents led to the completion of the stage platform in 1980, with future construction included a roof, sides, restrooms, and services for visiting artists.

    GPAC considers itself “by the people and for the people” and is dedicated to quality entertainment for the local community.

    Upcoming Shows

    Hot Club of Saratoga – July 6, 7:30 p.m.

    A 1930s Paris jazz and swing group, they are sponsored by Stewarts and Highmark Blue Shield of Northeastern NY. The food truck for the day is Buena Comida.

    Guilderland Town Band – July 13 & Aug. 3, 7:30 p.m.

    Conducted by Kathleen Ehlinger, the band dates back to 1969, organized through the Town of Guilderland Parks and Recreation Department. The food truck for July 13 is Muddaddy Flats, and is Buena Comida for Aug. 3.

    Big Fez and the Surfmatics – July 20, 7:30 p.m.

    Featuring classic surf music from the ’60s and beyond, this group has been sponsored by State Farm Agent Jolene Kahlor and Highmark Blue Shield of Northeastern NY. The food truck for the day is High on the Hog BBQ.

    River of Dreams – July 27, 7:30 p.m.

    A Billy Joel tribute band, River of Dreams has been sponsored by Tri-City Rentals and Highmark Blue Shield of Northeastern NY. The food truck for the day is Flaco’s Tacos.

    National Night Out – Aug. 1, 6:00 p.m.

    Featuring the band known as the Refrigerators, National Night Out has been sponsored by the Guilderland Police Department’s Community Services Unit. No food truck has been listed for this date.

    Jim Gaudet and the Railroad Boys – Aug. 10, 7:30 p.m.

    An award-winning country and bluegrass band, they have been sponsored by McNamara Financial Consultants and Highmark Blue Shield of Northeastern NY. The food truck for the day is High on the Hog BBQ.

    Downtown Horns – Aug. 17, 7:30 p.m.

    Playing brass-driven hits from the ’60s to today, Downtown Horns is sponsored by Stewarts and Highmark Blue Shield of Northeastern NY. The food truck for the day is Muddaddy Flats.

    More information can be found on GPAC’s summer schedule and on the Town of Guilderland website.

  • Doja Cat to Visit Brooklyn on North American “Scarlet Tour” with Ice Spice

    As a part of her “Scarlet Tour” across North America, Grammy award-winning star Doja Cat will stop at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Nov. 29 with special guest and Bronx native Ice Spice. This coincides with the recent release of Doja Cat’s new track “Attention,” to critical acclaim.

    With a start on Soundcloud at the age of 16 in 2013, Doja Cat first was catapulted into the mainstream through the release of “MOOO!” in 2018. One of her most popular tracks to date is the Grammy-nominated record “Say So” which has been RIAA certified 6x platinum. Doja Cat has over 20 billion worldwide streams to date.

    Recently, Doja Cat was named one of TIME100’s Most Influential People of 2023, featured on the cover issue in April 2023, and performed at the TIME100 Gala in New York City. The artist has a total of 16 Grammy Award nominations, as well as nominations for 20 Billboard Music Awards, 10 MTV VMAs, nine AMAs, nine BET Awards, eight MTV EMAs, and 5 BMI Awards alongside dozens more.

    Joining her on the tour are special guests Ice Spice and Doechii, who will appear at different shows in select cities during the 24-date tour. For the Brooklyn show, Ice Spice will be performing. General sale begins June 30 at 10:00 a.m., with VIP packages and experiences available. While the precise packages can vary, they may include premium tickets, a photo op in front of the stage, pre-show VIP Lounge access, and specially designed VIP gift items. For more information, visit here.

    Tour Dates

    San Francisco, CA – Chase Center – Oct. 31

    Los Angeles, CA – Crypto.com Arena – Nov. 2

    Las Vegas, NV – T-Mobile Arena – Nov. 3

    San Diego, CA – Viejas Arena – Nov. 5

    Anaheim, CA – Honda Center – Nov. 6

    Phoenix, AZ – Footprint Center – Nov. 8

    Denver, CO – Ball Arena – Nov. 10

    Austin, TX – Moody Center – Nov. 13

    Houston, TX – Toyota Center – Nov. 15

    Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center – Nov. 16

    Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena – Nov. 19

    Miami, FL – Kaseya Center – Nov. 21

    Tampa, FL – Amalie Arena – Nov. 24

    Charlotte, NC – Spectrum Center – Nov. 26

    Washington, DC – Capital One Arena – Nov. 27

    Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center – Nov. 29

    Newark, NJ – Prudential Center – Nov. 30

    Boston, MA – TD Garden – Dec. 2

    Columbus, OH – Nationwide Arena – Dec. 4

    Minneapolis, MN – Target Center – Dec. 7

    Omaha, NE – CHI Health Center – Dec. 8

    Detroit, MI – Little Caesar’s Arena – Dec. 10

    Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena – Dec. 11

    Chicago, IL – United Center – Dec. 13

  • Blanket Approval “Happy Alone Tour” this Summer to Visit Albany, Pleasantville, NYC

    Blanket Approval, an indie pop rock band out of NYC, is stopping in three NY destinations, Albany, Pleasantville, and NYC for its “Happy Alone Tour” this summer. A fourth destination in NY may be possible, but it has yet to be determined. This coincides with the release of their new single “Happy Alone, Pt. II.”

    “Born out of the ashes of the pandemic,” Blanket Approval began to form when singer/guitarist Jack Matteucci moved to Brooklyn in 2021 and met drummer Joey Hadden. From there, they met bassist Max Mena and guitarist/keyboardist Rahul Chakraborty. Blanket Approval began rehearsing and recording in January 2022.

    They had their live debut at Union Pool in Brooklyn in Spring 2022, going on to 200,000 streams on Spotify in less than 8 months, and featuring in Spotify’s Fresh Finds Indie. In 2023, they plan to release a summer EP.

    Blanket Approval’s new single “Happy Alone Part II” builds from a calm, chill opening to powerful harmonies with many of the band’s members and swelling music. Chakraborty’s keyboards, which open the song and carry on throughout the piece give the song a nice echoing beat throughout.

    A personal favorite part of the song are the little crescendos, which often occur after the many vocal solos of the “Happy Alone Part II,” a feature fitting given the name. The pause in the instrumentals before these provides a brief return to the more cool opening of the song before returning with the explosive clamor of the instrumentals.

    Upcoming Happy Alone Tour Dates

    Albany, NY – June 30

    Greenfield, MA – July 1

    Pleasantville, NY – July 2

    Boston, MA – July 3

    Burlington, VT – July 5

    TBD Upstate NY, VT, NH – July 6

    Randolph, VT – July 7

    Southbridge, MA – July 8

    NYC, NY – July 22

    For more information on Blanket Approval, on tickets, and on future releases check out their website.

  • Hearing Aide: Tennis Courts’ Electrifying Anthem “Jamie’s Party”

    Tennis Courts, a Brooklyn-based alternative rock band, has released their new single “Jamie’s Party,” an electrifying anthem which is the second single off of their upcoming debut record. Calling back to the “power pop” bands of the ’70s, “Jamie’s Party” creates a new anthem for summer. The release of the single coincides with the band’s summer tour.

    Credit: Nicole Miller
    /* In-Read – Nysmusic.com */ (function() { var opts = { artist: “”, song: “”, adunit_id: 100005083, detect_artist: true, div_id: “cf_async_” + Math.floor((Math.random() * 999999999)) }; document.write(‘
    ‘);var c=function(){cf.showAsyncAd(opts)};if(typeof window.cf !== ‘undefined’)c();else{cf_async=!0;var r=document.createElement(“script”),s=document.getElementsByTagName(“script”)[0];r.async=!0;r.src=”//srv.tunefindforfans.com/fruits/apricots.js”;r.readyState?r.onreadystatechange=function(){if(“loaded”==r.readyState||”complete”==r.readyState)r.onreadystatechange=null,c()}:r.onload=c;s.parentNode.insertBefore(r,s)}; })();

    Originally founded by the singer-songwriter duo Patrick Walsh and Andrew Clarke in 2019, Tennis Courts first made itself known in the basements and bars of Charleston, SC. In 2021, they relocated to Brooklyn where they were joined by guitarist Brian McKenna and bassist Spencer Brigman.

    Keeping the noise and energy from their dive-bar days, their upcoming debut album “explore[s] the dread and confusion of navigating life in your 20s.” Beyond the main band members, the song features Matteo DeBenedetti and Luke Ivanovich for background vocals, Erik Kase Romero for bass, and Max Connery for organ. The track was produced by Erik Kase Romero in Oakhurst, NJ.

    After the dark and heavy first single “Am I Not Talking Enough” we wanted to follow up with something sonically a little lighter, but still thematically similar lyrically. We wanted to write a song that people could sing along to. We wanted something that felt like your favorite coming of age movie. It’s really just me thinking about my younger self and what I might say to them.

    Patrick Walsh, singer-songwriter for Tennis Courts

    If making “a song that people could sing along to” was the goal, Tennis Courts certainly succeeded. “Jamie’s Party” is a song for driving down the interstate with the windows down and for the crowded bar, with a combination of bombastic instrumentals, loud lyrics and a strong chorus.

    Walsh has claimed influence by ’70s bands such as Big Star and The Cars, and that effect is clear to see, though it still has some audio charms of the 2020s. Even the name “Jamie’s Party” evokes songs like “Jesse’s Girl” and “Stacy’s Mom,” cementing it as a song between generations, though whether this was intentional is unclear.

    The song’s opening slowly builds until the guitars burst in to give it an exciting start. There are various moments like this throughout the piece where the instruments get a moment to bust down the doors after vocals. It gives each line an explosive conclusion that suits the song very well.

    A personal favorite moment occurs around 2:55 with a guitar solo that feels straight out of ’70s classic rock. It precedes the conclusion of the song, and is an excellent send off on the instrumental side of things.

    For a song released so close the beginning of summer, “Jamie’s Party” deserves to be the sound of summer. It is an almost nostalgic song that takes from the past without copying it, and still has room to add its own to the rock genre.

    Upcoming Summer Tour Dates

    Nashville, TN – The East Room – July 20

    Athens, GA – The Georgia Theatre – July 21

    Charleston, SC – The Royal American – July 22

    Savannah, GA – Starland Yard – July 23

    Greenville, SC – Swanson’s Warehouse – July 25

    Charlotte, NC – Snug Harbor – July 26

    Philadelphia, PA – Silk City – July 29

    To stream Tennis Courts’ “Jamie’s Party” check out this link to see available streaming services. For more on the band, take a look at their Linktree.

  • Kerry Washington to Visit the Bronx and Manhattan for Fall Book Tour

    As a part of her eight-city tour to support her upcoming memoir, “Thicker than Water,” Kerry Washington will be visiting the Bronx and Manhattan in NYC this September. The event will be an intimate evening with the award-winning actress, director, producer, and activist, spotlighting experiences both on and off-stage.

    Cover of Kerry Washington’s memoir, “Thicker than Water.”

    Kerry Washington is an Emmy-winning, SAG, and Golden Globe-nominated native of the Bronx. She was widely recognized for her role as Olivia Pope on the hit ABC drama Scandal, the first black woman to headline a network TV drama since 1974. She is a lifelong advocate and activist, using her voice to fight for justice and transformational change.

    The tour kicks off in Washington’s hometown of the Bronx before moving to various locations across the United States and United Kingdom. Washington will disclose to audiences the behind the scenes of her life as an artist, an advocate, an entrepreneur, a mother, a daughter, a wife, and a Black woman. In addition, she will share the lessons she has learned for healing childhood wounds, how she embraces adversity, and the wisdom she has gained over her life.

    Upcoming Shows

    The Bronx, NY – Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club “Day For Kids Festival” – Sept. 23

    Detroit, MI – The Fillmore Detroit in partnership with Source Booksellers – Sept. 24

    New York, NY – Perelman Performing Arts Center in partnership with The Strand – Sept. 26

    Washington, DC – George Washington University’s Lisner Theater in partnership with Politics & Prose – Sept. 27

    Chicago, IL – Athenaeum Center in partnership with The Book Cellar – Sept. 28

    Atlanta, GA – Tabernacle in partnership with A Cappella Books – Sept. 30

    Los Angeles, CA – Palace Theater in partnership with Booksoup – Oct. 1

    London, UK – Location TBA – Oct. 20

    Manchester, UK – RNCM Theatre – Oct. 21

    For more information and to purchase tickets, check out Kerry Washington’s website.

  • Take a First Look at “Rock & Roll Man” Musical

    On June 21, the new musical “Rock & Roll Man” opens at New World Stages in NYC. The musical celebrates the life of DJ Alan Freed, and features Tony Award-nominee Constantine Maroulis (who plays Freed) and Emmy Award-winner Joe Pantoliano.

    “Rock & Roll Man,” which won the 2019 Broadway World Berkshires Awards for Best Musical, is concerned with the foundation of rock. As such, its original score by Gary Kupper (known from “Freckleface Strawberry The Musical”) features genre hits, including “Rock & Roll Music,” “I Put A Spell On You,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Lucille,” “Peggy Sue,” “Jim Dandy,” “Wake Up Little Susie,” “Roll Over Beethoven,” “Yakety Yak,” “Maybellene,” “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes,” “Why Do Fools Fall in Love,” “Tutti Frutti,” “Good Golly,” and others.

    The story itself takes place in a fever dream on the last day of Alan Freed’s life within a fantasy courtroom with prosecutor J. Edgar Hoover and defense attorney Little Richard. The two debate, with Freed’s legacy on trial.

    Alan Freed himself was vital in bringing rock to the world and the popularization of Black artists like Chuck Berry and Little Richard. Freed played their music, produced concerts, and found audiences. He helped to unite audiences, regardless of race, and bring them together for their love of music.

    The book for “Rock & Roll Man” is by Gary Kupper, Larry Marshak (editor of “Night Beat Magazine” and “Rock Magazine”) and Rose Caiola (known from “Freckleface Strawberry The Musical”). The musical has been directed by Randal Myler (known from “It Ain’t Nothin’ But The Blues”), and choreographed by Stephanie Klemons (Associate Choreographer and Global Dance Supervisor of “Hamilton”).

    Members of the cast include Bob Ari as J. Edgar Hoover (“Bells Are Ringing”), Rodrick Covington as Little Richard (“Once On This Island” Broadway revival), Valisia LeKae as LaVern Baker (Grammy and Tony Award nominee for “Motown the Musical”), Joe Barbara (“Grease!” on Broadway), Jamonté (“Hairspray” tour), Andy Christopher (“The Baker’s Wife” Off-Broadway), Natalie Kaye Clater (“Dreamgirls”), Lawrence Dandridge (“Ain’t Too Proud” national tour), AJ Davis (“Dreamgirls” tour), Autumn Guzzardi (“Rock of Ages”), Anna Hertel, Matthew S. Morgan (Vegas and national tours of “The Lion King”), Chase Peacock (“American Idiot” on Broadway), Dominque Scott (“Rock of Ages” Tour), Bronwyn Tarboton (“Frozen” on Broadway) and Eric B. Turner (with latest single “Ain’t No Good”).

    Tickets to “Rock & Roll Man” are on sale on Telecharge.com or by calling (800) 447-7400. Group sales, which is for groups of 10 or more, are available through Broadway Inbound or by calling (866) 302-0995.

    New World Stages box office hours are Monday 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m..

    Additional information can be found on the musical’s website.

  • Cobblestone Live Announces P.U.N.T. Pediatric Cancer Collaborative as Primary Beneficiary

    The Cobblestone Live Music & Arts Festival has announced their partnership with the Buffalo-based nonprofit organization P.U.N.T. Pediatric Cancer Collaborative as the primary beneficiary of the event. The festival will be on July 14 and 15 in downtown Buffalo.

    cobblestone live 2023

    P.U.N.T. provides financial, practical, and emotional support to families in Western New York facing pediatric cancer, and also collaborates with hospital partners to ensure that money raised is brought to where it is most needed. The organization was originally founded in 2004 by former Buffalo Bills punter Brian Moorman and his wife Amber. The acronym itself stands for Perseverance, Understanding, Need and Teamwork.

    With support from the Western New York community, P.U.N.T.’s scope and impact has grown significantly over the past several years. A portion of the proceeds from the Cobblestone Live festival will now help support the organization and its initiatives.

    As a grassroots nonprofit with a critical mission for Western New York families facing the incomprehensible plight of pediatric cancer, we are honored to be the charitable partner of Cobblestone Live Music & Arts Festival…. [the Cobblestone Live team] will undoubtedly make this two-day festival a highlight of our Buffalo summer and an unforgettable event experience. The fact that it also will lift our cause in the process makes us exceedingly proud and grateful.

    P.U.N.T. Executive Director Gwen Mysiak

    Cobblestone Live is now in its fifth year, organized by Twenty6 Productions and Buffalo Iron Works. On top of their collaboration announcement with P.U.N.T., Cobblestone Live has announced its detailed list of over 50 food and craft vendors that will be present at the event.

    In addition, they have made several ADA improvements sponsored by the braille fashion company Aille Design. CEO Alexa Jovanovic and Director of Operations Jake Walsh of Aille Design will work with local members of the disability community to make the festival a more accessible experience. More details on the accessibility plan have not yet been announced.

    For more information on the festival, check out this article and the Cobblestone Live website. For more on P.U.N.T., take a look at their website.

  • Hearing Aide: Nevāda Nevada’s Single “CHARGE!”

    Nevāda Nevada, a rock band based in Brooklyn, has recently released their single “CHARGE!” which is a part of their upcoming debut LP Past Life. The piece is a rallying cry for activism, a song of unity in a time of crisis.

    The band’s four main members are Kathryn Musilek (of Burn Disco Burn and Deathships), Andrew Gerhan (of Our Lady of the Highway, Adam Arcuragi, and The Animals), David Olson (of The Poison Control Center, and The Wheelers), and Alicia Berbenick. The four are also joined by, Isiah Gage (cello) and Anya Combs (saxophone).

    The name of the band, Nevāda Nevada, originates from frontperson Musilek’s hometown of Nevada, Iowa. Olson is also from Iowa, with Gerhan and Berbenick both being New Yorkers. The band is currently working with Rocks In Your Head Records, founded by Sonny Smith of Sonny and the Sunsets.

    The Past Life LP is said to be “about time and activism, love and rage, and being stuck while still building something,” with figurative and feminist lyrics by Musilek. This is clear in “CHARGE!,” with the first line being “Good news, you cannot save the world.” The song itself is a question of who is in charge, who is responsible for the world, and who can do things beyond the human scale.

    The vocals and the message of the song feel like the focus, but this is mixed up through gaps in the lyrics that let the instruments get their chance to shine. There is a repeated sequence throughout the piece that fills this hole at around 0:55. At 2:35, an electric guitar cuts through this sequence, a good addition.

    A nice touch that starts at 3:00 is the echoing effect on the line “we’re callin’” which makes it seem as though the call is traveling through space. This is helped by the relatively long delay between the line itself and the echo, which is in itself distorted.

    “CHARGE!,” will be followed by another single “The One About the Sky” on June 23, with the full Past Life LP to come out on July 21. For more information on the band and links to their music, check out their website.

  • Elysium Furnace Works’ 2023 Hudson Valley Lineup Receives New Additions

    Elysium Furnace Works (EFW) has announced that the Bass Bridge Quartet will be joining their 2023 seasonal lineup in the Hudson Valley. They are now one of five bands who will play with EFW from July until December 2023.

    Co-led by Mike Faloon and James Keepnews, Elysium Furnace Works is a cooperative project that seeks to present the work of upcoming artists in dedicated art-focused settings. While not exclusive to live music, EFW primarily works through live music venues in and around the Hudson Valley.

    2023 Lineup

    Brass Bridge Quartet – Ballet Arts Studio, Beacon – July 22 at 8:00 p.m.

    The new additions to the season, Brass Bridge Quartet, features four celebrated multi-instrumentalists all performing on upright double bass. A new band formed in 2023, members include: Che Chen, a guitarist for the band 75 Dollar Bill; Dave Hofstra; William Parker; and Dave Sewelson, an accomplished, veteran baritone saxophonist. The band seeks to “explore the lower frequencies of improvisation.”

    They will be performing at a new location for EFW, the Ballet Arts Studio at 107 Teller Avenue in Beacon. Tickets are $20 in advance and $30 at the door, though the advance discount ends at midnight on the evening before the performance. Tickets can be found here.

    exclusiveOr – Cunneen-Hackett Arts Center, Poughkeepsie – Sept. 23

    A duo that uses electronic sound to leave behind conventional definitions of music. The two members of the group are Sam Pluta, a Peabody Institute professor of Computer Music and Music Engineering & Technology, as well as Jeff Snyder, a director of Electronic Music and the Princeton Laptop Orchestra at Princeton University.

    Sana Nagano’s Smashing Humans – Cunneen-Hackett Arts Center, Poughkeepsie – Oct. 21

    Led by the Brooklyn-based noise-jazz violinist Sana Nagano, the band also features Anna Webber on saxophones, Jonathan Goldberger on guitar, Kim Cass on bass, and Danny Sher on drums.

    Joe McPhee with Strings – Cunneen-Hackett Arts Center, Poughkeepsie – Nov. 18

    The group, which features legendary Poughkeepsie-based multi-instrumentalist Joe McPhee, is a large string ensemble that includes: bassists Michael Bisio and Hillard Greene; cellists Fred Lonberg-Holm and Lester St. Louis; violists Melanie Dyer and Mat Maneri; violinists Rosi Hertlein and Gwen Laster; and guitarists James Keepnews and Billy Stein.

    Joe Fielder – Cunneen-Hackett Arts Center, Poughkeepsie – Dec. 16

    A solo performance by consummate trombonist, composer, and arranger Joe Fielder. It is built on his recent solo recordings of “The Howland Sessions,” and will close EFW’s 2023 season.

    For more information, check out Elysium Furnace Works’ Facebook page.