NYS Music 2023

Author: perri sage

  • ‘A Very Merry Punxmas’ Returns to New York City

    New York indie pop punk label, Manic Kat Records is bringing the gift of pop punk, rock, emo and alternative to NYC with it’s annual holiday celebration A Very Merry Punxmas at The Bowery Electric on Saturday, December 16.

    A Very Merry Punxmas will feature sets from Todd Morse, The Lucky, Just Happy To Be Here, Triple Word Score, A New Violet and Cult Classic, with more special guests and surprise announcements to follow in the coming weeks. The artists include a versatile roster from alternative, rock, punk, and metal producing a unique curated lineup, highlighting bands known for their dynamic performances, raw talent and unapologetic realness.

    Manic Kat Records encourages a thriving hub for emerging talent fueling the underground scene, pushing artists to new heights and authenticity in music, keeping the punk spirit ignited.

    This years event is presented by NYC staple, 7 Crown, along with Glass Fun, the first platform that helps you earn exclusive rewards and experiences from your favorite brands and Boston America, manufacturer/distributor of creative and fun products to the gift and novelty market. The doors for the long awaited holiday performance open at 5:30pm with the final act wrapping up at 11pm, followed by the exclusive after party for VIP guests.

    “We love our local scene, but we felt this year to better accommodate the talent coming in from all over the country, it would be easier to hold the event at the crossroads of the world, New York City.”

    – Founder/CEO of Manic Kat Records, Peter James

    The annual holiday festivities tradition will be breaking down traditional expectations for holiday music at The Bowery Electric. This December, come feel the energy of mean, green punk-rock revival for yourself and don’t miss out on this unforgettable show. For more information please visit here.

  • The Sees Perform At The Bowery Electric for Their Album Release Party

    Brooklyn-based rock band ‘The Sees’ performed at The Bowery Electric on Wednesday, November 15, to celebrate their latest album release entitled Conversations With My Future Self.

    ‘The Sees’ have established themselves to capture the essence of life and humanity within their songs. The band includes frontman Jamie DiTringo, bassist Alex Daly, drummer Tim O’Brien and keyboardist Yoni Wilkenfeld. Their music has become a reminder to make the most of the time we do have and not be afraid to confront the harsh realities of it running out.

    The Bowery Electric was the perfect venue for a night of rock and roll, with a bar in the back and an intimate standing room allowing show goers to get personal with the band and enjoy their hypnotic pulse of synth sounds, strong drum beat accentuated with electric and bass guitar. The show on this Wednesday night, included three bands, Smoke Break, Newborn Kings and finished off strong with The Sees album release performance.

    The album explores a connective sense of global reflection, the nuances of time and the effects it has on us by always slipping away, the concept record tells its story through captivating rhythms and styles that push the boundaries of genre while exploring fresh perspectives. Stitched together by standout guitar riffs and a whirlwind of sonic textures, the group makes a noteworthy entrance onto the scene with this genre blend, encouraging listeners to not only connect deeper with the world, but ourselves. 

    “We hope that everyone who listens to the record can sit back, take it in, and recognize that while we are here on this mortal coil, we must take a moment to find space for positivity and love. Even with the world in chaos, we can always choose love.“ 

    – Jamie DiTringo

    In its entirety, the album crafts a thought-provoking musical experience, taking listeners on a profound ride through various facets of the human experience. The group of four interacted with the crowd and created a truly accomplished sound that left friends, family and fans excited for the future of their music ahead of them.

  • Drake Announces KeyBank Center and UBS Arena Shows On 2024 ‘It’s All A Blur Tour’ with J.Cole

    Four-time Grammy award-winning and multi-platinum-selling Canadian rapper Drake announced his 2024 US Tour “It’s All A Blur Tour – Big As The What” with American rapper and producer J.Cole featuring two stops at KeyBank Center in Buffalo on Tuesday, Feb. 27, and Wednesday, Feb. 28 and two in Belmont Park at UBS Arena on March 14 and 15.

    drake tour

    Drake is a Canadian born hip hop artist who first emerged in the music industry in 2009 when he debuted his EP So Far Gone, named the hottest mixtape of the year by MTV and selling over 650,000 copies. Since his emerging success Drake has focused on his development and creation of music, leading to some of his most praised work. Drake embraces the hip-hop culture while integrating R&B and pop to create a languid, grandiose sound. Some of his fan favorites include “Nice For What”, “God’s Plan”, “One Dance (with Wizkid and Kyla)”, “Controlla” and many other record breaking hits.

    The upcoming tour follows Drake’s successful return to the stage after his 2023 “It’s All A Blur” Tour, which saw Drake perform 50 sold out area shows across North America throughout the summer and fall. Most recently, Drake released his eighth studio album For All The Dogs featuring ten collaborations with top charting artists SZA, Bad Bunny, J.Cole and more.

    Pre-sale tickets will be available beginning on Wednesday, November 15, followed by general tickets on Friday, November 17. For more information please visit here.

    DRAKE ‘IT’S ALL A BLUR TOUR – BIG AS THE WHAT?’ 2024 TOUR DATES:

    Thu, Jan 18 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena +

    Fri, Jan 19 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena 

    Mon, Jan 22 – San Antonio, TX – Frost Bank Center

    Thu, Jan 25 – Oklahoma City, OK – Paycom Center 

    Mon, Jan 29 – New Orleans, LA – Smoothie King Center

    Tue, Jan 30 – New Orleans, LA – Smoothie King Center 

    Fri, Feb 02 – Tampa, FL – Amalie Arena 

    Wed, Feb 07 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena

    Thu, Feb 08 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena

    Mon, Feb 12 – St. Louis, MO – Enterprise Center

    Fri, Feb 16 – Pittsburgh, PA – PPG Paints Arena 

    Tue, Feb 20 – Columbus, OH – Schottenstein Center

    Wed, Feb 21 – Columbus, OH – Schottenstein Center 

    Sat, Feb 24 – Cleveland, OH – Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse 

    Tue, Feb 27 – Buffalo, NY – KeyBank Center 

    Wed, Feb 28 – Buffalo, NY – KeyBank Center

    Sat, Mar 02 – Kansas City, MO – T-Mobile Center 

    Tue, Mar 05 – Memphis, TN – FedExForum

    Sun, Mar 10 – Lexington, KY – Rupp Arena 

    Thu, Mar 14 – Belmont Park, NY – UBS Arena

    Fri, Mar 15 – Belmont Park, NY – UBS Arena

    Mon, Mar 18 – State College, PA – Bryce Jordan Center

    Sat, Mar 23 – Sunrise, FL – Amerant Bank Arena

    Wed, Mar 27 – Birmingham, AL – The Legacy Arena at BJCC

  • Boy George Returns to Broadway in ‘Moulin Rouge! The Musical’

    Moulin Rouge! The Musical will be welcoming GRAMMY award-winning singer, songwriter and trailblazer Boy George in his return to Broadway as he performs the the role of “Harold Zidler” at Broadway’s Al Hirschfeld Theatre, starting February 6, 2024.

    Boy George rose to fame as the lead singer of the iconic band Culture Club, first appearing on Top of the Pops with Culture Club in 1982, he instantly had people talking. The pop sensation achieved seven UK Top 10 singles, nine Top 10 singles in the USA, and nine Top 20 singles in Australia including, “Karma Chameleon” and “Do You Really Want to Hurt Me”.

    Boy George was last represented in the Broadway production Taboo in 2003, where he performed and wrote the music for the production. Taboo became well respected for highlighting the 80’s club scene, and focusing on George’s life before and after achieving fame.

    Boy George attracted high praise and gained global recognition, creating a world-wide presence that transcends age, race, colour, creed, nationality and even religion. He began his solo career in 1987 and became part of the New Romantic movement which emerged in the late 1970s to early 1980s.

    Moulin Rouge! The Musical is the winner of ten 2021 Tony Awards, directed by Alex Timbers and choreography by Sonya Tayeh and music supervision, orchestrations and arrangements by Justin Levine. Moulin Rouge! The Musical enters a world of splendor and romance, eye-popping excess, glitz, grandeur, glory and a world where bohemians and aristocrats rub elbows to revel in electrifying enchantment. Pop the champagne and prepare for the spectacular Baz Luhrmann’s iconic film come to life onstage, remixed in a musical mash-up extravaganza celebrating truth, beauty and freedom.

    For more information on Boy George in Moulin Rouge! The Musical, please visit here.

  • The 16th Annual Bushwick Film Festival Announces Award Winning Films

    The Bushwick Film Festival celebrates it’s 16th edition this year screening over 125 films from Brooklyn and around the world from October 25th through 29th.

    Over the past 16 years, BFF has showcased the works of nearly 1000 independent filmmakers from Brooklyn and more than 50 different countries. The BFF has evolved into one of Brooklyn’s most highly anticipated cinematic events and is celebrated for its significant contributions to the borough’s artistic, cultural, and economic development.

    The festival culminated with an award ceremony on Sunday, October 29th where over 10 films and filmmakers received awards featuring categories including Best Feature Narrative, Best Short Narrative, Feature Documentary, and Short Series. The award winners told bold stories that embody an independent spirit and featured extraordinary characters revealing tales of change, self-discovery, transitions and new phases of life.

    This year’s jurors included Theo Rigby, Danelle Eliav, Melody C Roscher, Amenya Makuku, Courtney Andrialis-Vincent, Niki Williams, and BFF Founder Kweighbaye Kotee. During opening night, Oviation TV awarded The Bushwick Film Festival with a $10,000 check through the Stand For The Arts Awards a partnership with Spectrum that recognizes local arts, cultural, and educational organizations and programs. These contributions support artists that are community driven, advocating for equality with the access of arts and providing accessible spaces for creative expression.

    Full list of winners:

    FEATURE NARRATIVE CATEGORY

    Best Feature Narrative

    Darla in Space

    Director: Susie Moon, Eric Laplante

    Special Jury Prize

    Bittersweet

    Director: Haroldo Borges

    Honorable Mention

    Playing Sam

    Director: Ramon Felipe Pesante

    SHORT NARRATIVE CATEGORY

    Best Short Narrative

    The Old Young Crow

    Director: Liam LoPinto

    Special Jury Prize

    The Vacation

    Director: Jarreau Carrillo

    Honorable Mention

    Bodies Will Tumble and Roll

    Director: Eli Vazquez

    FEATURE DOCUMENTARY CATEGORY

    Best Feature Doc

    Storming Caesar’s Palace

    Director: Hazel Gurland-Pooler

    Special Jury Prize

    Estamos Unidos

    Director: Alvaro Manuel Morales

    Honorable Mention

    Esu and The Universe

    Director: Thiago Zanato

    SHORT SERIES CATEGORY

    Best Series

    Story of Godia

    Director: Mouayed Zabtia

    Special Jury Prize 

    Awesome

    Director: Paul Munger

    Honorable Mention

    Monologue

    Director: Nick Clifford, Stef Smith

  • Kevin McGuire Announced as Director of Theatrical Programming at Collaborative School of the Arts

    The Collaborative School of Arts in Schenectady has announced Kevin McGuire as the new director of theatrical programming.

    Mcguire has served as an associate artist and has frequently been on stage at Capital Repertory Theatre, which is also a part of Proctors Collaborative. As the new director of theatrical programming, McGuire will continue to direct the Broadway Camp productions as well as the High School Musical Theatre Awards, which recognizes outstanding local musical theatre productions and students. McGuire will also help support the development of student training classes and be a consultant on theatrical training classes across Proctors Collaborative.

    “When looking for someone to fill this important position, we didn’t have to look further than Kevin. He has proven through his time as the director of Broadway Camp and his experience on and off Broadway that he is the perfect person for this role. We’re honored that our students will constantly have the opportunity to learn from one of theatre’s greats.”

    – Christine Sheehan

    McGuire will also be using his skilled experience from Broadway productions such as “Les Miserables,” “Phantom of the Opera,” “The Secret Garden” and many more productions as theREP such as “Man of La Mancha,”  “The Full Monty,” “The Irish and How They Got That Way” and “The Wizard of Oz” to teach and direct the students at CSOA, allowing them to explore and reach their full potential in theatrical arts.

    “It has always been my contention that the most important thing I can do is pass on to a new generation the incredible training I had in my youth. I love to teach. I love watching talent emerge.”

    – Kevin McGuire

  • Indie Rock Band Divining Rod release new single “King of The Night”

    Indie country-rocker band Divining Rod released the first single “King of The Night” on Friday, October 20, from their upcoming EP entitled The House Will Always Win, due for release in January 2024.

    Originally, Divining Rod was the solo project of Hawaiian native Miyuki Furtado of the former TooPure recording artists, The Rogers Sisters. The band includes lead Miyuki Furtado, guitarist/vocalist Patrick Harmon, bassist Matt Svigals, and drummer John Malone.

    “King of The Night” combines a vocal performance that’s full of confidence and force with dynamic chords and soulful production to create a blues rock gem. The song explores themes of nightlife and the excitement of hitting the town on the weekend, with the monotony of misbehaving with the same folks, listening to the same tunes and ordering the same rounds of drinks. The song uses prominent and smooth country driven vocals, fused with the rhythm of rock and blues. The backbeat sets the tone and emphasizes the vocal-centric structure to make up the story of two gamblers who are headed for romance and heartbreak.

    The new single will accompany four other songs to be released on their upcoming EP The House Will Always Win due for release in January. The EP was crafted during the same sessions as their previous EP, Santa Monica And Other Golden Classics. Divining Rod headed into the studio after a month-long residency on New York’s famed Circle Line. The House Will Always Win speaks of the affordability and accessibility of the city. Despite being a fun town, Miyuki sees a sense of sadness and desperation in the city. 

  • Dizzy’s Club at Lincoln Center Announces Fall Programming

    Jazz at Lincoln Center have announced the fall programming at Dizzy’s Club featuring a range of artists from diverse backgrounds celebrating mentors and musical heroes; debut performances, Latin-influenced sets, and more.

    Dizzy’s Club at Lincoln Center celebrates the community for jazz through performance, entertainment, education and advocacy, encouraging personal freedom and individual expression. Welcoming the fall program for October and November, packed with artists including vocalist  Ashley Pezzotti whose repertoire allows her to take stylistic risks that elevate her artistry and spotlight her warm, resonant tone.

    The month of November highlights the Louis Hayes Quintet featuring Abraham Burton, Steve Nelson, David Hazeltine, and Dezron Douglas and pianist and composer Bill O’Connell. The Quintet delivers a high energy performance intercutting clave, bebop, lyrical ballads, and surprising critically acclaimed arrangements with a heavy ensemble of master practitioners and legends including Randy Brecker, Craig Handy, Santi Debriano, and Billy Hart. 

    The Fall programming also features first-time appearances at Dizzy’s including sets by drummer and composer Lenny White and singer-songwriter Antonia Bennett who will perform songs from her recent album in addition to tunes she performed with her father Tony Bennett. Late Night Sessions also return with a packed weekly lineup of established and emerging talent.

    dizzys club lincoln center
    Artiste : Jacques Schwartz Bart Groupe : Festival : Caraib in Jazz Festival 2010 Date : 23/01/2010 Lieu : Paris – l’Olympia

    OCTOBER 2023

    Oct 23 – Juilliard Jazz Ensembles: Mary Lou Williams: The Secular and the Sacred

    Oct 24 – Julius Rodriguez

    Oct 25 – Ashley Pezzotti

    Oct 26-29 – Wycliffe Gordon & Friends

    Oct 30 – Lou Donaldson’s 97th Birthday Celebration ( 7pm )

    dizzys club lincoln center

    NOVEMBER 2023

    Nov 1 – Ron Blake Quartet: Mistaken Identity Album Release

    Nov 2 – Claudia Acuña

    Nov 3-5 – Sonido Solar: A Tribute to Eddie Palmieri featuring special guests Brian Lynch, Conrad Herwig, Nelson Gonzalez and Little Johnny Rivero 

    Nov 6-7 – Louis Hayes Quintet

    Nov 8 – Bill O’Connell Quintet

    Nov 9 – Jacques Schwarz-Bart Presents “The Harlem Suite”

    Nov 10-11 – The Heavy Hitters with Mike LeDonne and Eric Alexander

    Nov 12-13 – Papo Vázquez Mighty Pirates Troubadours

    Nov 14 – Terell Stafford: Between Two Worlds

    Nov 15 – Will Calhoun

    Nov 16-18 – The Musical World of Lenny White*

    Nov 19 – Songbook Sundays: Cy Coleman

    Nov 20 – Rufus Reid Presents Caelan Cardello (7:30 pm)

    Don Braden’s 60th Birthday Celebration (9:30 pm)

    Nov 21 – Armstrong Now: Louis at Newport with Sean Jones, Bruce Harris and Giveton Gelin

    Nov 22-26 – Herlin Riley Quintet

    Nov 27 – Manhattan School of Music Jazz Ensembles

    Nov 28-29 – At Play: Romero Lubambo, Helio Alves, Edu Ribeiro and Reuben Rogers

    Nov 30 – Antonia Bennett

    For more information visit here.

  • John Mellencamp Confirms Continuation of Acclaimed Tour with “Live and In Person 2024”

    Folk-inflected rock artist John Mellencamp confirms the continuation of his acclaimed tour “Live and In Person 2024”, performing in 27 cities including Schenectady and kicking off in Rochester on March 8, 2024.

    Mellencamp is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a recipient of the John Steinbeck Award, ASCAP Foundation’s Champion Award, The Woody Guthrie Award and Americana Music Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award and more recently, the Founders Award, the top honor assigned by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers and a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

    “Beyond being just a rock star, he’s written songs that moved people, American anthems about teenage romance, about coming of age into adulthood, about families suffering through hard times in a trickle-down economy.” 

    – Pittsburgh Post Gazette

    Last year, he released a deluxe edition reissue of his beloved seminal album, Scarecrow, which features a massive collection of bonus tracks, rarities and more never previously shared before. His critically acclaimed studio LP, Strictly A One-Eyed Jack, was released early last year to praise from The New York Times, NPR Music, Associated Press, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes and more.

    The tour will kickoff in Rochester on March 8th with stops including Newark, Hartford, Schenectady, Washington D.C. and more with tickets going on sale Friday, November 3rd. The new tour dates will celebrate Mellencamp’s most recent album ‘Orpheus Descending’, recorded as his 25th studio album, exploring political and personal themes that compliment his American rocker artistry. He will continue to perform songs from the LP including standout tracks “The Eyes of Portland” and “Hey God” that highlight social issues Mellencamp continues to passionately advocate for.

    JOHN MELLENCAMP LIVE AND IN PERSON 2024 TOUR

    March 8—Rochester, NY—West Herr Auditorium Theatre

    March 10—Newark, NJ—New Jersey Performing Arts Center

    March 11—Worcester, MA—The Hanover Theatre

    March 13—Hartford, CT—The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts

    March 14—Schenectady, NY—Proctors

    March 16—Erie, PA—Warner Theatre

    March 17—Toledo, OH—Stranahan Theater

    March 19—East Lansing, MI—Wharton Center

    March 20—Richmond, KY—EKU Center for the Arts

    March 22—Muncie, IN—Emens Auditorium

    March 23—Springfield, IL—UIS Performing Arts Center

    March 25—Green Bay, WI—The Weidner

    March 26—Madison, WI—Overture Center for the Arts

    March 27—Rockford, IL—Coronado Performing Arts Center

    April 4—Duluth, MN—DECC Symphony Hall

    April 5—Des Moines, IA—Des Moines Civic Center

    April 7—Omaha, NE—Orpheum Theater

    April 9—Springfield, MO—Juanita K. Hammons Hall for Performing Arts

    April 10—Little Rock, AR—Robinson Center

    April 12—Birmingham, AL—BJCC Concert Hall

    April 14—Greensboro, NC—Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts

    April 15—Chattanooga, TN—Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium

    April 17—Fayetteville, NC—Crown Theatre

    April 18—Washington, D.C.—DAR Constitution Hall

    April 20—Columbia, SC—Township Auditorium

    April 21—Norfolk, VA—Chrysler Hall

    April 23—Savannah, GA—Johnny Mercer Theatre

    For more information please visit here.

  • Brooklyn Electro-Pop Duo ‘FIIZ’ Announce New Single “ALL MY WORLDS”

    Electronic-Pop duo ‘FIIZ’ return to ignite dance enthusiasts with their new energetic single “ALL MY WORLDS”, released on November 2nd.

    FIIZ was born from the deep bond between best friends Fiona (Fi) and Isabelle (Iz) during shared quarantine, and a desire to fearlessly represent the LGBTQ+ community, defying norms in pop culture. United by their friendship, they create queer empowerment through music, challenging heteronormative standards with unapologetic expression.

    The Brooklyn based duo FIIZ entrance their listeners by exploring themes of imagination, the multiverse and questioning the boundaries between reality and the power of the mind. They draw concepts from the endless possibilities that lie beyond our perception which intertwine with their unique musical expression fusing electronic-pop, hyper pop and EDM into a groundbreaking sound that can be heard in the latest single.

    “ALL MY WORLDS”, forefronts the duos consistent pursuit of enlightenment, fluidity of time and the liberation of both the mind and body. FIIZ invites audiences to embark through the multiverse—an idea that has long captivated their creative spirit,  the track becomes an anthem, chanting a powerful mantra, “All my worlds are real, all my dreams are true.”

    With its pulsating beats, ethereal synths, and thought-provoking lyrical concepts, “ALL MY WORLDS” is poised to capture audiences worldwide. Hailing from the diverse and kinetic music scene of Brooklyn, FIIZ has once again encapsulated its progress in creating electrifying pop anthems that resonate deep within the mind space of its audience.