Acclaimed rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers has announced that their Unlimited Love Tour will extend into 2024 across the U.S. Following massive 2022 and 2023 tour runs, the band shows no sign of slowing down as they announce their upcoming North America tour slated for next year.
The 2024 run includes a stop at Darien Lake Amphitheater in Darien Center, NY, on Friday, July 12. Special Guests Kid Cudi, Ice Cube, Ken Carson, Otoboke Beaver, Seun Kuti & Egypt80, Wand and IRONTOM will be joining the band on select dates throughout the tour as well.
After wrapping up dates in North America and Europe last year, the band continued their global trek into 2023 with several dates across New Zealand and Australia in January, followed by another run of shows throughout North America, Europe, the UK, Singapore and Japan earlier this year. Most recently, Red Hot Chili Peppers concluded their sold-out Latin America leg of their 2023 tour with two shows in Buenos Aires.
Last year, Red Hot Chili Peppers took home the prestigious Global Icon Award and delivered a show stopping performance at the MTV VMAs. Their No. 1 single “Black Summer” also won the award for Best Rock Video. In addition, “Black Summer” scored a Grammy nomination for “Best Rock Song” and the band garnered a MTV Europe Music Award nomination for Best Rock and earned three American Music Awards nominations for “Favorite Rock Artist,” “Favorite Rock Album” for Unlimited Love and “Favorite Rock Single” for “Black Summer.”
RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS 2024 UNLIMITED LOVE TOUR DATES
Tue May 28 – Ridgefield, WA – RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater +
Fri May 31 – Quincy, WA – The Gorge +
Sun Jun 02 – Wheatland, CA – Toyota Amphitheater +
Wed Jun 05 – Salt Lake City, UT – USANA Amphitheatre =
Fri Jun 07 – Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater ^
Tue Jun 18 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre *
Fri Jun 21 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre ~
Wed Jun 26 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park ~
Fri Jun 28 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach ~
Tue Jul 02 – Burgettstown, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake =
Fri Jul 05 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center *
Fri Jul 12 – Darien Center, NY – Darien Lake Amphitheater ^
Mon Jul 15 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage ^
Mon Jul 22 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center #
Thu Jul 25 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center @
Tue Jul 30 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre @
+ With Ken Carson and IRONTOM
= With Kid Cudi and IRONTOM
^ With Wand and IRONTOM
* With IRONTOM
~ With Ice Cube and IRONTOM
# With Seun Kuti & Egypt80 and IRONTOM
@ With Otoboke Beaver and IRONTOM
% Not a Live Nation Date
Tickets will be available starting with a Citi presale (details below) beginning on Tuesday, December 5. An artist presale will begin on Wednesday, December 6 at 10 AM. Additional presales will run Thursday, December 7 ahead of the general on-sale beginning on Friday, December 8 at 10 AM here.
For more information on the Red Hot Chili Peppers at Darien Lake, visit their website.
If you grew up in the past three decades paying attention to pop culture, then you know Britney Spears. She took America by storm since she was just a little girl with her raw vocal talent and knack for dancing. With her quick rise to fame came unexpected and unwanted attention: being scrutinized by the media for her clothes, her body, her virginity, and later on, her mental health.
It didn’t matter that she was successful; she shaved her head and went “rogue,” so she was “bad.” She was put under a conservatorship, a legal status where someone else is appointed to take care of personal and financial matters instead of the original person, typically reserved for the elderly or disabled: of which, she is neither. Britney Spears’ book The Woman In Me uncovers the Circus that was her life, the abuse she endured, and how she is recovering to this day.
Britney Spears revolutionized teen pop during the 1990s and early 2000s. She signed with Jive Records in 1997 at the young age of 15, and faced immediate success. …Baby One More Time and Oops!…I Did It Again are among the best-selling albums of all time.
She’s a famous artist, but she’s also a mother of two boys (Sean Preston Federline and Jayden James Federline), as well as an author, as of October 2023.
Spears, with the help of ghostwriter Sam Lansky, tells her story. She starts with her early life, hiding no tarnishes, such as her family’s struggles with mental health and her father’s alcoholism, and how both have affected her throughout her career.
Spears began taking dance lessons in her hometown of Kentwood, Louisiana, and from then, she was hooked. She later tried out for the 1990s revival of The Mickey Mouse Club, and after being rejected the first time and returning later with more experience, she was hired in December of 1992 as well as Christina Aguilera, Justin Timberlake, Ryan Gosling, and Keri Russell. After the termination of The Mickey Mouse Club, she realized she needed to pursue her true passion: music.
After a few rejections, Jive Records signed Spears and ordered a full album, which we know today as the infamous …Baby One More Time.
With so much success so fast, Spears realized that her life would never be the same. She was no longer a 15 year old girl in Louisiana: she was a national super star. And with all that attention came a lot of unwanted attention, too.
Male hosts, some who could be classified as Womanizers, constantly asked about her breasts, her virginity, and her “risqué” clothing. She noted that many of her male peers simply weren’t asked these questions. In fact, the sexism in the industry is very easily distinguished from her recollection of her time dating Justin Timberlake.
Their relationship was very serious very fast, which unfortunately led to many issues. Timberlake allegedly cheated on Spears with numerous women, but that’s not how he told the story. Through his music videos, he alluded to Britney Spears cheating on him, and how it hurt him so much– and everyone believed it, because why wouldn’t they?
What didn’t make it into the press was the abortion she underwent at Timberlake’s request, and the pain and heartache it caused her. Britney Spears recounts her loneliness at this time and how, no matter what, she felt her story would be overshadowed by Timberlake’s.
She fell into a deep depression, feeling as if the world was against her, and no matter what she did, it was wrong. She later married Kevin Federline, with whom she had their children, and ultimately divorced in 2007. During a long and difficult custody battle, Spears was often photographed at her worst: she lost her children, lost her voice, and lost any support system she had (if there even was one to begin with). The most infamous photos from this time are when she shaved her head, and proceeded to smash a car window with an umbrella. This image tarnished her reputation, changing her from being a pop star to a Crazy woman. She was put under a conservatorship for her well-being, but what she really needed was support and real, genuine help.
After 13 years of having her life controlled at the hands of her Toxic father, being told what to eat, when to eat, when to go to the bathroom, when to perform, and even being denied the removal of her IUD, she had enough when her father allegedly hurt one of her sons. She started searching for a good lawyer, and a court date was eventually set.
In November of 2021, the conservatorship was removed, and Britney was free. After years of other people telling her story– the press, her Criminal father, and numerous documentaries– she decided it was time to tell hers.
“Sometimes I talk trash on Instagram. People don’t know why I have such anger toward my parents. But I think if they were in my shoes, they would understand.”
Britney Spears’ “The Woman In Me,” pg. 171
Britney does not deny that the trauma she endured made her Stronger, and she makes it clear that she would not be the woman she is today if it weren’t for that trauma. But she also makes it clear that she, or any woman for that matter, shouldn’t have to be that strong in the first place, because no one should go through what she did.
Being a religious woman herself, one would think that she’d be preaching “forgiveness sets you free,” but it’s the opposite.
In our patriarchal society, women are indirectly, and sometimes directly, told to not express anger. It’s not feminine, it’s not pretty, so don’t do it. But Britney Spears has a lot of rage because of her past, and she doesn’t hide it, because women shouldn’t have to.
“In that moment, I made peace with my family– by which I mean that I realized I never wanted to see them again, and I was at peace with that.”
Britney Spears’ “The Woman In Me,” pg. 251
While there were some flaws, such as a vague description of some vital points in her career (such as the sexualization of her from such a young age and how that affected her later on, and her Instagram posts), one thing that this book really gets right is peace.
While she says that reaching peace is important, she actually defines her version of peace. “Peace,” to Britney, is not forgiving her family for what they did to her, or even keeping them in her life. Peace is being alone, and being at peace knowing that you are okay alone. So no, she does not forgive them– but she’s still free.
The idea that you have to forgive someone who traumatized you is absolutely ludicrous: and that’s really the takeaway from Britney’s book. Sometimes it’s okay to be angry, and it’s okay to feel that. Don’t let it destroy you, but remember that you don’t owe anyone anything.
The Buffalo Central Terminal invites the WNY community to join in seasonal merriment at the inaugural Winter Fest. As the cold weather sets in, Buffalo Central Terminal’s outdoor Winter Fest event promises a heartwarming and memorable experience for attendees of all ages.
Winter Fest at the Terminal features an ice sculpture display, horse-drawn carriage rides, a variety of winter characters, live saxophone performance and DJ music from Will Holton, Victorian-themed carolers, AKG Art Truck kids’ activity, and more.
The Central Terminal Restoration Corp. (CTRC) is a 501c3c non-profit organization driven by a mission to develop the Buffalo Central Terminal – a majestic historic landmark – as a lasting cultural and economic hub for the community. The CTRC has cared for this living landmark for more than 20 years. A prominent feature of Buffalo’s East Side and the Broadway-Fillmore neighborhood, the Buffalo Central Terminal is an opportunity to ignite a shared vision for a new future. The 2021 community-driven Master Plan re-establishes the Terminal as a vibrant local and regional destination—a beacon that attracts people and investment, celebrates and fosters community voice, and shapes broader equitable development.
Buffalo Central Terminal‘s Winter Fest is the perfect opportunity to embrace the winter spirit, bundle up for an outdoor celebration, and create lasting memories with friends and family, so clear your calendar on Saturday, December 9th, from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm.
“These events at Buffalo Central Terminal are all about uniting our diverse East Buffalo community. We’re creating an inclusive space right in our very own neighborhood where families can come together and celebrate the season without having to venture out of the heart of the city.”
Lindsey Taylor, events consultant for the Buffalo Central Terminal.
EVENT FEATURES
Ice Sculpture Exhibition: Renowned artist Stan Kolonko from The Ice Farm will craft a 7-ft tall Terminal Tower and other impressive ice sculptures.
Horse Drawn Carriage Rides: Enjoy scenic rides against the backdrop of Buffalo Central Terminal in charming horse-drawn carriages.
Winter Characters: Meet popular winter characters Elsa and Olaf from Frozen, the Grinch, and a festive Toy Soldier.
Live Jazz and DJ Music: Will Holton returns to the Terminal for a live saxophone and DJ performance.
Victorian-Themed Carolers: Experience the spirit of the season with holiday favorites performed by a trio of Victorian-themed carolers.
AKG Art Truck: Encourage creativity at the AKG Art Truck, offering engaging artistic activities for kids.
Crafts for All Ages: My Victorious Lifestyle will offer candle decorating for all ages.
Hot Beverages: Bubba’s Blue Coffee & Logan Berry will offer hot beverages for attendees to enjoy.
Winter Fest at the Buffalo Central Terminal is completely free to enter, and all are welcome. For more information and event updates, please visit the Buffalo Central Terminal website.
Jess Novak has released her EP Sonrise, a love letter to the two most important men in Jess’ life: her husband and her son. She also comes with news of future concert dates and other projects to come.
Jess Novak (electric violin, guitar, vocals, piano, percussion, looping) makes The Jess Novak Band what it is with the help of Byron Cage on drums, Anthony Saturno on electric guitar, Jay Fabbri on bass, and Gavin George and Marcus Oliver on drums.
Having traveled across the country and playing 200 shows every year, Jess Novak and her band are well-versed in music, determined to make their next concert even better than their last.
Novak boasts many talents: with her electric violin and other instruments, she also is credited with aiding in the creation of F.I.R.E Festival (Females. Inspire. Rock. Empower.). This event is meant to create a safe space for women in a male-dominated industry, inviting old and young from all kinds of backgrounds.
F.I.R.E is also accepting applications for participants, be it volunteering, performing, or sponsoring.
On top of this festival, she also boasts a future in being an author, with one already published book Dare to Begin published in September 2022, discussing her own musical journey and dreams. Another book is also on the way– a fiction novel “The House Musician” likely to hit the shelves in 2024.
Just when you think she can’t do anything else, Jess brings a life into the world. She and her husband, Ben, collaborated on an EP called Sonrise, an in-depth and vulnerable love letter to her son, the life she brought into the world, and the immediate connection they shared since his birth.
It’s an eclectic album with heartfelt vocals and rock instrumentals, from the loving “Falling” to the hard rock “My Baby,” this EP shows all the emotions that can be experienced when one becomes a parent, and how this forever alters one’s life.
“This album doesn’t feel like an album to me. It feels like a love letter to the two most important men in my life. It feels like a proud way to say how much I love them and how I can’t believe I’m this lucky to be sharing my heart in these songs.”
The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF) has officially opened its long-anticipated exhibit—‘Billy Joel: My Life, A Piano Man’s Journey.’ This exhibit is the first of its kind, as it is dedicated exclusively to a LIMEHOF inductee. The attraction opened to the public on November 24 and had a strong opening weekend with eager visitors who flocked to visit the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame.
This exclusive exhibit showcases over 50 years of Billy Joel’s most cherished items, which include rare memorabilia, behind-the-scenes video footage, dozens of awards, rare audio and video recordings, vintage instruments, and historic photos—many of which were donated by Billy Joel himself and have never before been displayed for public viewing. Billy Joel fans from near and far arrived to see the exhibit, which appeals to families and visitors of all ages.
“It was a thrill to see a long line of eager fans at our opening,” said LIMEHOF Chairman Ernie Canadeo. “Over 500 fans of all ages, many from out of state, enjoyed the exhibit this past weekend, from families with young children to middle age and older adults. The smiles on everyone’s faces after they experienced the exhibit and the Hall of Fame was priceless. Billy Joel truly touches people of all ages, and this exhibit is testament to his legacy as Long Island’s favorite entertainer.”
‘Billy Joel: My Life, A Piano Man’s Journey’ was created by renowned designer and LIMEHOF board member Kevin O’Callaghan, who designed the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame and this current exhibit to great acclaim.
First in line were longtime Billy Joel fans, Joe and Jenn Mammina from Wading River.
“Really well done,” said Jenn. “There’s a lot of stuff. It’s laid out great. You can get right up to it. We really enjoyed it.”
Her husband, Joe, said he particularly enjoyed the interactive elements of the exhibit.
“In each of the albums’ sections—starting from the early years to the later years—you put the headset on, and you can hear snippets of some of the songs, and it brought back memories from back in that time frame in our lives,” he said.
Scott Wood, from North Carolina, visited New York to see Billy Joel perform at Madison Square Garden and stayed on to check out the opening of the exhibit.
“It was fantastic,” Wood said afterward. “I saw in a news article recently that when Billy came through, he was pretty touched and said: ‘This is a lot more personal than I thought.’ And while I get it, there’s a huge gap between his personal and my personal. This was personal for all of his fans who came here, too. We’re reliving a lot of the memories he gave us over the years, and the things we were doing when those albums came out.”
As further proof that this event is an experience that genuinely appeals to all ages, Dan Bod and his family came from East Northport to see the exhibit. His eight-year-old son, Jared, said that he himself was thinking about learning to play the piano and was amazed by everything that was on display.
“My favorite thing that I got to see was the screen with the spinning piano. I got to see lots of the concerts on the screen,” Jared said.
“The layout and all the items are just fantastic,” said Dan. “I loved to see The Hassles and the music kit and the drum kit and the organ—that’s fantastic. For the average fan, it’s definitely a learning experience and a walk down music history lane.”
Marni Alexis Thomas, from Massachusetts, arrived at the exhibit where she showed off her license plate that reads ‘JOELFN’ after having seen him perform at Madison Square Garden.
“I said: ‘I’ve got to be there the first day that it opens.’ He’s like the greatest show on Earth. Billy Joel rocks my world and soothes my soul,” Thomas said. Upon walking into the exhibit and seeing so many pictures of him, she joked: “This is like walking into my bedroom as a teenager.”
This exhibit is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity where families and visitors from all walks of life may experience Billy Joel’s life-spanning career—from his roots in Hicksville/Levittown through his albums, tours, inspirations, and personal experiences.
LIMEHOF is open Wed-Sun 11am-6pm. Tickets are available for sale at here or may be purchased in person at LIMEHOF (97 Main Street, Stony Brook, NY). This is a timed entry exhibit, so tickets will be sold by time block availability. There is also the option to purchase VIP ’any time‘ tickets—which may be presented at any time for the duration of the exhibit.
For more information about LIMEHOF and ‘Billy Joel: My Life, A Piano Man’s Journey,’ visit this website.
Busta Rhymes, 12-time GRAMMY® Award nominee and one of the most influential rappers of all time, will launch a massive North American headline tour, BLOCKBUSTA, set for 2024.
Busta Rhymes persists and perseveres as one of history’s most indomitable, impactful, and influential rappers. His patented tongue-twisting flow and lyrical fireworks changed the art form, flooding the culture with speed and begging it to maintain pace.
He has garnered a staggering 12 GRAMMY® Award nominations, sold over 10 million albums worldwide, and delivered seven Top 10 debuts on the Billboard 200. Dubbed “the greatest performer of all time” by JAY-Z and “the James Brown of hip-hop” by Phife Dawg, he notably made it from the humblest of beginnings in East Flatbush Brooklyn, all the way to the White House visiting with President Barack Obama.
He is a rare force of nature who started off with Leaders of the New School and has collaborated with everyone from Dr. Dre, Janet Jackson, Kendrick Lamar, Eminem, Missy Elliott, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, and Mariah Carey to Dave Chappelle, Ozzy Osbourne, and Chris Rock. Esteemed outlets such as Billboard, Vibe, and The Source placed him on their list of the Top 50 MCs of All Time, while MTV has called him “one of hip-hop’s greatest visual artists.” BET Jams crowned Busta’s “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See” as the “Greatest Hip-Hop Video of All-Time.”
Produced by The Conglomerate Entertainment and Live Nation, this will be the first headlining run in support of his acclaimed new full-length offering, BLOCKBUSTA, out now. This jaunt includes a stop at Brooklyn Paramount in Brooklyn, NY, on April 21, 2024. Busta will be joined by a special guest in select cities – stay tuned to his socials for more.
Busta notably Executive Produced the album alongside legendary heavyweights, Pharrell Williams, Timbaland, and Swizz Beatz. It boasts a bevy of bangers, including the latest single “OK” [feat. Young Thug], “LUXURY LIFE” [feat. Coi Leray], and “Beach Ball” [feat. BIA].
This tour maintains his momentum from a triumphant turn supporting 50 Cent this year on the historic sold out global Final Lap Tour. As always, expect a supernova-level set night after night from Busta as he delivers earth-shaking classics and choice cuts from BLOCKBUSTA.
BLOCKBUSTA 2024 TOUR DATES
3/13 San Francisco, CA The Masonic
3/15 Los Angeles, CA Hollywood Palladium
3/16 Anaheim, CA House of Blues
3/17 San Diego, CA SOMA
3/19 Las Vegas, NV House of Blues
3/20 Phoenix, AZ The Van Buren
3/22 Denver, CO Fillmore Auditorium
3/24 Dallas, TX South Side Ballroom
3/26 Austin, TX Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheater
3/28 Houston, TX 713 Music Hall
3/30 Atlanta, GA Coca Cola Roxy
4/1 Orlando, FL House of Blues
4/2 Miami Beach, FL Fillmore Miami Beach At Jackie Gleason Theatre
4/4 Raleigh, NC The Ritz
4/5 Charlotte, NC The Fillmore Charlotte
4/7 Philadelphia, PA The Fillmore Philadelphia
4/8 Silver Spring, MD The Fillmore Silver Spring
4/9 Boston, MA House of Blues
4/11 Detroit, MI The Fillmore Detroit
4/12 Toronto, ON HISTORY
4/14 Chicago, IL Radius Chicago
4/17 Nashville, TN Marathon Music Works
4/18 Cincinnati, OH Andrew J. Brady Music Center
4/21 Brooklyn, NY Brooklyn Paramount
Tickets will be available starting with Citi presale which began on Tuesday November 28. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general on-sale beginning on Friday, December 1 at 10 AM at LiveNation.com.
Citi is the official card of the BLOCKBUSTA Tour. Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets beginning on Tuesday, November 28 at 10 am ET until Thursday, November 30 at 10 pm through the Citi Entertainment program. For complete presale details visit www.citientertainment.com.
The tour will also offer a variety of different VIP packages and experiences for fans to take their concert experience to the next level. Packages vary but include general admission tickets, individual Meet & Greet, photo op, and Q&A with Busta Rhymes, autographed item, early entry with priority access to the floor & more. For more information, visit vipnation.com.
Spaghetti Eastern Music is returning with two new singles that demonstrate the range of guitarist Sal Cataldi’s project, the acoustic vocal ballad “Sweet Home Anywhere” and a blues-inflected electric guitar instrumental “Jungle Blue.”
Critics from prestige outlets like The New York Times have heaped praise on Cataldi’s work since his debut album under the Spaghetti Eastern Music moniker, Sketches of Spam. This is a 16-track, 69-minute surf through a slew of contrasting moods, largely with guitar-driven instrumentals inspired by the acid funk of 70’s Miles, Krautrock, Ennio Morricone’s Spaghetti Western movie soundtracks and the icy sound of ECM Records guitar great Terje Rypdal. The disc’s acoustic titles included originals like “Wild One” and “Mama Called,” a cover of the Zappa instrumental rarity “Sleep Dirt” and a DADGAD-tuned, ballad paced reinvention of the Beatles’ “Ticket to Ride.”
In 2020, Cataldi followed his debut album with a trio of acclaimed atmospheric singles, “Her Lemon Peel Raincoat – Because It’s Raining,” “Peace Within” and “And This is Their New Hoax,” a COVID-19 musical editorial featuring samples of President Trump’s most noted denials to Cataldi’s soundpainting guitars and synths. In 2021, he released “Blues for A Lost Cosmonaut,” a much-praised nine-minute plus maxi single, again in the ambient mode and “Solo Guitar Score for 2x2x4.” The latter EP is the soundtrack for a dance piece recorded live at the Avant-Garde Arama Festival in Woodstock inspired by his work with the guitar orchestra of Rhys Chatham and his love of Fripp and “White Light, White Heat”-era Velvet Underground.
“He’s the hippie guitarist playing to another dimension.”
John Swenson, Rolling Stone
In June 2020, Cataldi returned to the acoustic singer-songwriter mode with the single, “I Believe in Love,” which received significant critical praise and airplay, including promotion as song of the day by a NY artist, a “New York Slice” on WFUV-FM. In 2022, Spaghetti Eastern released three additional singles, the jazz and metal-infused instrumentals “A Fresh Kill,” “A Scanner Darkly,” and another delicate acoustic ballad, “I Believe In Love.”
Cataldi also made more beautiful sounds with “One Act Sonix,” the critically-buzzed about 2020 debut album from his spoken word/music side project, The Vapor Vespers, with noted Alaskan playwright/slam poet Mark Muro. The duo recently followed this up with two new singles in early 2022, “Sex” and “You Changed.” Cataldi is also one half of the improvisational and ambient Hudson Valley-based guitar and efx duo, Guitars A Go Go, with Rick Warren. Their first single, a 12-minute improv opus called “The Volcano Lovers,” was a preview of the bold experimentation featured in their recent CD debut, “Travel Advisory.”
“If Walt Disney World’s Space Mountain had a secret chill detour, Spaghetti Eastern Music would be the soundtrack.”
“Sweet Home Anywhere” is a delicate DADGAD-tuned ballad, indie-songcraft that highlights the artist’s pristine acoustic guitar work, close vocal harmony and emotional lyricism. It’s a song that tells a troubled former lover that, though they are no longer together, his door is always open.
“She’s sweet home anywhere// Good night baby, you can come back again, if you need a friend.”
Many have experienced breakups, but the worst are the ones where you have to breakup while still in love. This single perfectly voices this phenomenon. It can also be translated to friendships: when you are no longer friends with someone for one reason or another, but would always welcome them back with open arms.
Maybe it’s really about growth, and while growth is good– it can really sting.
“Jungle Blue” is a 360-departure from the above, an atmospheric electric instrumental driven by percussive cross-rhythms, dreamy washes of electronics and echoed pianos, a duo of sustained Ebow guitars and the guitarist’s always melodic, blues-inflected guitar runs. Cataldi calls it a cinematic marriage of new beats and electronic sounds with melodies and improvisation that harkens to the British blues boom of the ‘60s.
This song, completely unlike “Sweet Home Anywhere” has an almost alien feeling to it, as if it were from another universe or planet, and somehow made its way to Earth. It’s unsettling yet comforting. It should be in a spy movie, and yet, it should be the credit scene of a murder mystery.
“Jungle Blue” is a paradox itself– it’s beautiful and unsettling in all the right ways, and the only way to understand it is to listen.
Coming December 1, Spaghetti Eastern Music will release a trippy guitar solo “Health,” set for a short film by Kingston filmmaker/choreographer Hanna Bass. Her short film, “Fragments of Light,” is a tale of Bass’ cinematic journey, including her original career as a professional ballerina, and the transition from the ballet world to the realm of cinema.
Catch their monthly gigs at City Winery Hudson Valley starting on December 6, as well as a double gig live at The Falcon on December 15 with Teddy Kumpel and Nome Sane.
NFA Jazz Masters Concert will continue for the 18th year in a row at the Flushing Town Hall. This beloved event is an annual highlight for New York City’s many jazz aficionados who know the Queens venue to be one of the city’s finest to find the best jazz artists.
Flushing Town Hall began a significant tradition when it hosted the first-ever NEA Jazz Masters concert on November 17, 2006. This remarkable occasion showcased three iconic NEA Jazz Masters: Jimmy Heath (saxophone); Clark Terry (trumpet); and Dr. Billy Taylor (piano). Since then, the Smithsonian affiliate has continued to dazzle jazz enthusiasts by welcoming a roster of luminaries most often found frequenting Manhattan’s renowned clubs. The Queens stage has witnessed performances by Earl May, Benny Powell, Albert “Tootie” Heath, Cándido Camero, Paquito D’Rivera, Reggie Workman, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Joey DeFrancesco, Dr. Barry Harris, Sheila Jordan, Antonio Hart, Bill Charlap, Gustavo Casenave, and many other jazz greats.
This year, the NEA Jazz Masters concert will bring arrangements of several NEA Jazz Masters and their own compositions to the stage, including performers Jimmy Owens, Gary Bartz, Louis Haves, Joann Brackeen, Ron Carter, and Wycliffe Gordon.
Jimmy Owens (2021 NEA Jazz Master) has over forty-five years of experience as a jazz trumpeter, composer, arranger, lecturer, and music education consultant. His experience covers a wide range of international musical achievements, which include extensive work as a studio musician, soloist, bandleader, and composer of orchestral compositions, movie scores, and ballets. Owens is one of the few trumpeters of his generation who performed with many extraordinary jazz leaders, including sitting in with Miles Davis at age 15 and playing with Kenny Barron, Count Basie, Kenny Burrell, Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, Benny Golson, Lionel Hampton, Charles Mingus, Max Roach, Archie Shepp, Billy Taylor, and Gerald Wilson.
Gary Bartz (2024 NEA Jazz Master) was born in 1940 in Baltimore, Maryland, to nightclub-owning parents. Because of his upbringing, Gary Bartz was exposed to many great jazz artists early on. Renowned for his “informal composition” (as opposed to improvisation) on alto saxophone since the 1960s, he collaborated with jazz luminaries like Max Roach, Charles Mingus, Art Blakey, and Miles Davis. With over 45 solo albums and 200 guest appearances, Bartz also mentors emerging jazz talents today. Music serves a higher purpose for him, passionately advocating for Black Americans and their musical heritage. Through his saxophone (alto and soprano) and vocals, Bartz communicates profound convictions about the role of Black Americans today.
Louis Hayes (2023 NEA Jazz Master) was born in 1937 in Detroit, Michigan. Hayes’ musical journey began with piano, before his father gave him a set of drums at age 10. Guided by a cousin who recognized his talent and was inspired by Detroit’s vibrant music scene in the 1950s, he honed his skills alongside luminaries like Yusef Lateef, Kenny Burrell, and Doug Watkins. At age 18, Hayes joined the Horace Silver Quintet in New York, making his mark with the iconic “Six Pieces Of Silver.” Over the next decade, he led and co-led dynamic, electrifying ensembles which included talents like Freddie Hubbard, Kenny Barron, and Dexter Gordon. Notable recent engagements include The Kennedy Center for the Arts and the Chivas Jazz Festival in Brazil. His latest endeavor, “Serenade for Horace,” pays tribute to his mentor Horace Silver, and marks his debut as a leader on Blue Note Records.
Joanne Brackeen (2018 NEA Jazz Master) was a child prodigy and learned piano at 11 in six months by transcribing eight Frankie Carle solos and began professional performances at 12. Early influences include Art Farmer and Dexter Gordon. She was offered a full scholarship from the Los Angeles Conservatory and attended classes less than one week before deciding the bandstand was more significant. Her distinct style demands attention in various musical settings, from solo to quintet. Her captivating improvisations and intricate, rhythmically daring compositions span a wide range of styles. As a full-time professor at Berklee College of Music (Boston, MA) and a guest professor at the New School (New York City), Brackeen imparts her expertise. Brackeen, an award-winning artist, tours globally, having played in 46 countries.
Ron Carter (1998 NEA Jazz Master) is among the most original, prolific, and influential bassists in jazz. He has recorded over 2200 albums and has a Guinness world record to prove it. From 1963 to 1968, he was a member of the acclaimed Miles Davis Quintet. Over his 60-year career, he has recorded with many of the jazz greats: Lena Horne, Bill Evans, B.B. King, Dexter Gordon, Wes Montgomery, Bobby Timmons, Eric Dolphy, Cannonball Adderley, and Jaki Byard. He can be heard on many iconic jazz records of the 60s and 70s such as Speak No Evil, Maiden Voyage, Red Clay, Speak Like a Child, Nefertiti, and Miles Smiles, to name a few. In 2015 Carter earned a Guinness World Record as the most recorded jazz bassist with 2,221 recordings and has recorded hundreds more since then.
Trombonist Wycliffe Gordon boasts an impressive career touring the world, performing to great acclaim from audiences and critics alike. He received the “Trombonist of the Year” accolade from the Jazz Journalists Association a record-breaking 13 times and claimed “Best Trombone” in the Downbeat Critics Poll an unprecedented six times (2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2013 & 2012). With a mantle adorned by the “Louie Award,” the International Trombone Award, and the Satchmo Award, among others, Wycliffe stands out as a prolific recording artist. He is celebrated for his distinctive signature sound, plunger technique, and unique vocals. His music graces numerous recordings, soundtracks, live DVDs, and documentaries, resonating with musicians and ensembles worldwide, and his arrangement of NPR’s “All Things Considered” theme song is heard daily across the globe.
“I feel truly privileged to welcome two of the newest NEA Jazz Masters, Gary Bartz, and Louis Hayes, alongside the return of some seasoned Masters and outstanding jazz talents to our stage…”Queens is the borough so many jazz legends have called home, and our annual NEA Jazz Masters concert upholds the borough’s history as a go-to destination for jazz icons and audiences alike.”
Ellen Kodadek, Executive and Artistic Director at Flushing Town Hall
The Legendary Jazz Masters concert at Flushing Town Hall on Friday, December 15, begins at 8:00 PM. Tickets are $40/$32 members and seniors, $20 students with ID. Table packages for two with refreshments are available for $130/$110 members.
From 5:00- 6:30 PM, patrons with paid tickets for the concert are invited to join a free pre-concert workshop, “NEA Jazz Masters in Conversation,” discussing the icons that the Masters have performed with, including Max Roach, Oscar Peterson, Charles Mingus, Art Blakey, and Billy Taylor.
For ticket information, visit this website. For the Flushing Town Hall schedule, visit this website.
The Clayton Opera House, a year-round performance center for the Thousand Islands region, has announced the 2024 lineup of event. From rock and roll to Celtic musicals to comedians, everyone will find their niche at this historic opera house.
The Clayton Opera House, a historic brick building nestled in downtown Clayton, has been a staple in the area for music lovers and enthusiasts. The opera house has been a vital part of Clayton since it was completed in 1904, and had its first taste of music that same year with a quartet and an elocutionist. Though it currently stands as an opera house, it has taken many other shapes: from being a library, furniture store, funeral parlor, jewelry and clothing stores, a beauty salon, the Thousand Islands Museum, an antique boat museum, and a hand-weaving museum, to what it is today– an opera house.
The Clayton Opera House had a renovation and revival in 2007. This was a pivotal point in the opera house’s history. When the government offices were added to the bottom floors, it became not only a musical venue, but a community center.
Since they have such large attendance rates (between 12,000 and 15,000), the Clayton Opera House has already announced 18 confirmed shows for 2024– with more shows to come.
Clayton Opera House 2024 Season Schedule
March 8 – Celtic Angels – Celtic Singers and Dancers
March 30 – Diggery Dinosaur Show – Interactive Show
May 4 – Gridley Paige – Rock n’ Roll**
May 25 – Jen Kober – Comedian
June 1 – The Gibson Brothers – Bluegrass
June 7 – Official Blues Brothers Revue – Tribute Band
June 27 – Tapestry – The Carole King Songbook with Suzanne O’Davis
July 6 – Letters Aloud, From the Front – Letters from War by Soldiers
July 18 – Good Witch/Bad Witch – Broadway
July 25 – The High Kings – Celtic Music
July 27 – The Bacon Brothers – A Mix of Folk, Rock, Soul & Country
August 1 – Jim Messina – Classic Rock
August 8 – The Music of Billy Joel and Elton John – starring Michael Cavanaugh
August 14 – Top House – Americana/Folk Music
August 22 – Martha Redbone – Blues/Soul Singer
August 29 – Fran Lebowitz – Speaker/Author
September 7 – Henry Cho – Comedian
October 12 – Haunted Objects – Paranormal Researchers Greg & Dan Newkirk
** This performance will be set up with a standing room (general admission) in the performance hall and a cash bar.
For more information on the Clayton Opera House, and to see any new performances added to their lineup, visit their website.
The Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes (OSFL) has announced its upcoming holiday concert, “Holiday Traditions Together,” set to charm the community in early December at the Clemens Center in Elmira. As the region’s premier holiday event, this concert is not just a performance but a vibrant celebration of community spirit and festive joy.
Featuring a dynamic collaboration with the Honors Chorus from the Alternative School for Math & Sciences, soprano Rachel Schutz from the faculty at Ithaca College, and skilled dancers from Rafael Grigorian Ballet, “Holiday Traditions Together” on December 9 promises an afternoon of enchanting music and dance. The concert will include a special singalong segment, inviting the audience to participate in the holiday cheer.
“Dancing to the vibrant strains of a live orchestra is a rare and exhilarating opportunity for these young dancers…This concert embodies the spirit of togetherness and celebrates the rich tapestry of talent we have right here in our community.”
Toshiyuki Shimada, Music Director of the OSFL
The OSFL offers four regular season full orchestra concerts, including a side-by-side Youth Orchestra and professional musician collaboration, a Musicians’ Choice Chamber Music Series, concerts by the Chorus of the Southern Finger Lakes, concerts by the Youth Orchestra, and educational concerts for children. Under the guidance of Music Director and Conductor, Toshiyuki Shimada, the OSFL is a strong supporter of highlighting the musical achievements of young musicians with its own youth ensembles and the Hertzog Concerto & Aria Competition for young artists in grades 9 through
The OSFL collaborates with regional cultural partners, artists, and like-minded organizations to advance mutual artistic growth in the greater Elmira-Corning area. Support for the OSFL comes from the Corning Incorporated Foundation, the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, Hilliard Foundation, and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the governor and the New York State Legislature.
“We are proud to offer this musical gift to the community. With tickets starting at just $25 and free admission for children under 18, we are making the joy of live music accessible to all. This is our way of saying thank you to the community that supports us year-round.”
Karen Dusek, OSFL’s Managing Director
Tickets start at $25 and college students pay $15 if they show their student ID. Entry is free for all youth under 18.
Tickets for “Holiday Traditions Together” on December 9, 2023 at 3:00pm can be purchased online at their website, by calling (800) 724-0159, or in-person at the Clemens Center Box Office.
