Tedeschi Trucks band made their debut with a ‘Garden Party’ at Madison Square Garden (MSG) on Friday, September 29, with the help of friends Trey Anastasio, Lukas Nelson and Norah Jones. There was some intense rain causing serious flooding around this day, but luckily the show went on.
The performance recalled Derek Trucks sitting in with Phish, just a month prior for the Vermont Flood benefit. And now it looked like New York City would be flooding, but only an outpouring of love and music rained down at MSG this evening.
Lukas Nelson and Promise Of The Real opened up the night with a rocking, bluesy set full of originals including a heartfelt “Georgia” and a thumping “Something Real” to close up their set.
When it was time for the main act, the first reaction was “Boy do they have a large band even without three special guests!” The full Tedeschi Trucks Band played a memorable show with their guests, one that was full of surprises which included “The Seeker” & “Layla” with Trey sitting in, Susan killing it on “Sugaree”, Norah and Susan on “Have a Little Faith in Me”, TTB bangers like “Midnight in Harlem” and “Made up Mind”.
The encore included “A Song For You” with Lukas Nelson and “Soul Sweet Song”. The band brought out the whole crew including Trey, Lukas, & Norah for two Sly and the Family Stone songs including “Sing a Simple Song” and “I Want to Take you Higher,” an incredible ending to a phenomenal night.
Tedeschi Trucks Band – Madison Square Garden, NYC – Sept. 29, 2023
Setlist: Anyhow, Playing With My Emotions, Ainât That Something, Part of Me, Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo (Heartbreaker) (The Rolling Stones), I Am the Moon, Pasaquan, Have a Little Faith in Me (John Hiatt) [1] [2], You Wreck Me (Tom Petty) [1] [2], Midnight in Harlem, Made Up Mind, I Want More > Beckâs Bolero (Jeff Beck), Angel From Montgomery (John Prine) > Sugaree (Grateful Dead), The Seeker (The Who) [2] [3], Bell Bottom Blues (Derek and the Dominos) [3], Layla (Derek and the Dominos) [3] [4]
Encore: A Song For You (Leon Russell) [5], Soul Sweet Song, Sing A Simple Song (Sly & The Family Stone) [6] > I Want to Take You Higher (Sly & The Family Stone) [6]
[1] Norah Jones on keys, vocals [2] First time played by Tedeschi Trucks Band [3] Trey Anastasio on guitar, vocals [4] Lukas Nelson on guitar [5] Lukas Nelson on vocals; with Susan (vocals) and Gabe (keys) only [6] Trey Anastasio on guitar, Lukas Nelson on guitar, Norah Jones on keys
The Shakti Lounge in Buffalo announces their new live music series lineup for 2023-24, with their first show on October 7th, presented by Lavender Haze Collective.
The first show features Ravi Padmanabha & David Muse on October 7th. The music duo encompasses a new found musical language using crystal bowls, gongs, tabla, hand pan, clarinet and ocean drum to create an ambient meditation that traverses to an ecstatic musical trance.
The Shakti Lounge offers musicians with a space to open their skills and invites a comfortable environment of community to hear innovative music. Shakti creates a salon-like setting offering guests the freedom to recline on the heated floor or take a seat in a chair, welcoming all. Offering a live music experience truly like no other in Buffalo.
The live music series features a diverse group of artists performing all genres including jazz, folk, classical and world music. Musicians are mainly local to Buffalo with the exception singer-songwriter Cammy Enaharo and Seth Faergolzia’s Multibird both from Rochester. The series also includes storyteller Tyler Westcott, string quartet fra/ctured, alto saxophonist Elliot Scozzaro, guitar driven artist Adam Bronstein & ABtrio and drummer John Bacon with his cast for JBQ.
Shakti lounge in Buffalo welcomes people of all ages to come join the forthcoming live music series and experience the duo host monthly concert every Saturday. For more information visit here.
Shakti Lounge 2023-24 Concert Lineup, Presented by Lavender Haze Collective
Festival of Firsts returns to the David Rubenstein Atrium as part of the Lincoln Center Presents fall/winter season, from Oct. 5-27.
The Festival of Firsts features artists embarking on new journeys and celebrating significant moments in their careers, with milestones spanning Lincoln Center debuts, World, U.S., and NYC Premieres, album releases, fresh collaborations, and more. With a wide array of genres and artists, Lincoln Center invites audiences to enjoy these free performances.
Festival of Firsts Schedule
Rami Khalifé’s LOST, Return to Beirut
Thursday, October 5 at 7:30 pm
David Rubenstein Atrium
LINCOLN CENTER DEBUT
*THIS EVENT WILL ALSO BE LIVESTREAMED*
Considered “a musician of extreme caliber and pure expression” by the Daily Star UK, the adventurous Lebanese pianist Rami Khalifé presents work that is as eclectic as it is bold, ranging from improvised concerts, original film soundtracks, reimagined electronic club music with his AUFGANG project, and live tours with his father, the famed composer and oud player Marcel Khalifé. His musicality has led him to classical training at Juilliard; solos with Globalis Orchestra, the Qatar Philharmonic, the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, and The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, as well as live performances at the Kennedy Center, the Sydney Opera House, and Queen Elizabeth Hall.
J Noa
Friday, October 6 at 7:30 pm
David Rubenstein Atrium
LINCOLN CENTER DEBUT
J Noa’s 2023 major label debut Autodidacta is a blazing-hot introduction to the San Cristobal rapper’s considerable gifts: tongue-tying rhymes, nonstop bars, and the skills to switch up her flow from heartbeat to heartbeat. Her intricate lyricism ties together relevant social and political statements on drug addiction, racism, homophobia, and clapbacks at local government mismanagement. At the ripe age of 17, J Noa can already boast a ten-year songwriting career and a million-plus viewed YouTube hit with “Betty,” depicting the challenges of teen pregnancy.
Vuyo Sotashe and Chris Pattishall
Wednesday, October 11 at 7:30 pm
David Rubenstein Atrium
NEW SINGLE RELEASE
Presented in collaboration with Jazz at Lincoln Center
Over the past decade, South African vocalist Vuyo Sotashe and American pianist/composer Chris Pattishall have become mainstays of the NYC live club scene, with each contributing separately to a wide range of projects spanning jazz, gospel, theater, and film. Now they will present their live debut collaborative performance at the Atrium with an evening of soulful original arrangements. In a program that references Duke Ellington, Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, and traditional South African Xhosa hymns, Sotashe and Pattishall will celebrate the release of their first single, “They Say I Look Like God.”
Photo by Yekaterina Gyadu.
Salty Brine’s And If You Listen Very Hard: The Led Zeppelin Show
Thursday, October 12 at 7:30 pm
David Rubenstein Atrium
LINCOLN CENTER DEBUT
The showy performance artist, playwright, and vocalist Salty Brine is the next big name in outré downtown alt-cabaret. As part of the Festival of Firsts, Brine makes his Lincoln Center debut with a show from his ongoing Living Record Collection, a thus far 20-chapter series of expeditions into the heart of popular music. Each event merges the live recreation of an entire classic album with stories of personal experience alongside literature and theater, autobiographical monologues, a musical celebration of great LPs, and a fresh look at the artistic process. This evening features Robert Louis Stevenson’s immortal pirate adventure Treasure Island and the heavy metal folk-rock masterpiece, Led Zeppelin IV.
Lady Wray
Friday, October 13 at 7:30 pm
David Rubenstein Atrium
LINCOLN CENTER DEBUT
A mainstay of the U.S. Billboard charts since the early 2000s, Nicole “Lady” Wray’s clear voice, potent storytelling, and deeply emotive performances combine the 70s soul and the hip-hop-inflected R&B of the 90s. The Guardian calls Lady Wray’s long-awaited third album, Piece of Me, which boasts a recent remix from New York’s own Pete Rock and a guest verse from Wu-Tang Clan’s Ghostface Killah, “a classy retro-soul LP… steeped in experience, familial warmth, and overcoming heartbreak.” She will make her long overdue Lincoln Center debut with songs from Piece of Me interspersed with favorite covers and classic hits, all supported by a full live band packed with special guests.
Story of the Sky by the Bruces & Friends
Saturday, October 14 at 11:00 am
David Rubenstein Atrium
DEBUT CHILDREN’S ALBUM
Husband and wife team Morley and Chris Bruce recently self-released and produced their debut family and children’s album, Story of the Sky. This multi-cultural and inter-generational beginning-of-life narrative centers our inter-belonging—connecting human beings with one another and the natural world.
Truth to Power Café
Wednesday, October 18 at 7:30 pm
David Rubenstein Atrium
U.S. PREMIERE
From Adelaide to Zagreb and now in New York for its U.S. premiere, Jeremy Goldstein’s Truth to Power Café is a profound theatrical reflection on loss, hope, and resistance. This inspirational event is told through memoir, image, film, poetry, music, and true and authentic stories in response to the question: “Who has power over you and what do you want to say to them?” Truth to Power Café is inspired by the political and philosophical beliefs of Nobel Prize-winning playwright Harold Pinter and his inner circle “The Hackney Gang,” which included Café creator Jeremy Goldstein’s late father, Mick Goldstein, and poet and actor Henry Woolf.
Photo by Kate Holmes.
Erni Lu
Thursday, October 19 at 7:30 pm
David Rubenstein Atrium
FIRST ALBUM & LINCOLN CENTER DEBUT
Peruvian-born singer-songwriter and guitarist Ernesto “Erni Lu” Lúcar has found his true musical home in New York. From a young age, he fell in love with the city’s music scene, particularly the rhythms of boleros, waltzes, acid jazz, and funk, using these genres and strains of contemporary Latin pop and traditional Peruvian folk in his sound. Over the past several years, Lu has gained significant experience composing film scores for movies such as Gary Terracino’s Elliot Loves and Gonzalo Benavente’s Rocanrol 68. He will make his Lincoln Center premiere, backed by a full live band performing a set of original songs celebrating the release of his debut album Siempre, including the new hit single, “Amor Platónico.”
¡VAYA!
Uptown Royalty
Friday, October 20 at 7:30 pm
David Rubenstein Atrium
LINCOLN CENTER DEBUT
A Lincoln Center favorite since 2015, ¡VAYA! is a showcase for the finest Latin dance traditions. It offers devotees of Latin music a friendly community, excellent orchestras, and the city’s most inviting dance floor. The husband and wife duo of trombone player and bandleader Ron Renaissance and the glamorous vocalist Jodi Music are at the heart of the NYC-based Uptown Royalty, a combo at the forefront of the future of the modern salsa revolution, fusing classic salsa with contemporary pop, disco, rock, and R&B. Backed by a multi-piece band, their fresh approach to live performance has irresistible charisma, energizing audiences with their spectacular energy.
Migguel Anggelo’s JOY
Wednesday, October 25 at 7:30 pm
David Rubenstein Atrium
WORLD PREMIERE
Venezuelan-born and Brooklyn-based artist Migguel Anggelo’s work explores the intersections of queer, Latiné, and immigration identities. As a musician, he has released three albums (English with an Accent, La Casa Azul, Dónde Estara Matisse). As a theater creator, he has been awarded residencies to develop new works at MASS MoCA, the Kimmel Center, Washington Performing Arts, and Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. For his new multidisciplinary project, Anggelo dons the whimsical persona of JOY, inspired by the mime Marcel Marceu’s immortal Bip the Clown, who asks us to consider the power of silence in new ways. With the addition of an all-star lineup of live musicians, JOY features original music by Migguel Anggelo and Michelle J. Rodriguez.
Truth Future Bachman’s Skyward: An Endling Elegy
Thursday, October 26 at 7:30 pm
David Rubenstein Atrium
WORLD PREMIERE
Brooklyn-based composer, playwright, vocalist, and La MaMa resident artist Truth Future Bachman interweaves three of the most compelling cultural threads of our moment: musical theater, gender fluidity, and superhero/sci-fi parables. Following the 2022 presentation of Luna and the Starbodies at last year’s Festival of Firsts, Lincoln Center is proud to host the world premiere of Bachman’s next great origin story within their multiversal mythos, Skyward.
Larissa Luz
Friday, October 27 at 7:30 pm
David Rubenstein Atrium
NYC & LINCOLN CENTER DEBUT
*THIS EVENT WILL ALSO BE LIVESTREAMED*
Presented in collaboration with AFROPUNK
The multitalented and Latin GRAMMY-nominated Brazilian singer-songwriter Larissa Luz also hosts a popular talk show, has acted in numerous television and film roles, and placed second this year in Brazil’s nationally televised edition of The Masked Singer. She is a social activist, speaking out against sexism, racism, and colorism in a field that’s still greatly defined by it. She is a regular performer in music festivals, including Lollapalooza and Rock in Rio, and will be performing music from across her career, including new songs and cuts from her most recent release, the trap pop EP Deusa Dulov.
For more information about the free Festival of Firsts performances, visit here.
Kyle Gordon, the multi-talented New York-based comedian, actor, writer, and improviser, is once again turning heads with the release of “Ugliest Girl on the Beach” featuring Antonio Frankfurt.
“Ugliest Girl On The Beach” is not only a hilarious parody but also a window into Gordon’s unique creative universe. His upcoming album, KyleGordonIsGreat, is a collection of musical genre parodies, each featuring different characters Gordon has created. The debut hit single, “Planet of the Bass” featuring DJ Crazy Times and Ms. Biljana Electronica, already went viral with over 5.5 million streams and 250 million views across social media platforms.
“Ugliest Girl On The Beach” is a delightful parody of early 1960s Bossa Nova, humorously poking fun at luminaries of the genre like Antonio Carlos Jobim and Frank Sinatra. The song also marks the introduction of Gordon’s new character, Antonio Frankfurt, an artist from Germany who relocated to Brazil in 1945. In the early 1960s, Antonio Frankfurt made a name for himself performing in nightclubs and bars in his hometown of Praia de Pipa, quickly gaining a reputation as one of the most passionate musicians in Brazil. Interestingly, this single, recorded in 1963 at the legendary Miami jazz club, The Sapphire Lounge, is actually an English-language rendition of his original Brazilian hit, A Mulher Nojenta.
The album itself is a cleverly constructed journey through various musical genres (not just bossa nova) with interstitial fake radio broadcasts tying it all together. Gordon explains,
“This album is the culmination of years of work – writing and testing these songs in front of hundreds of audiences. So in many ways, this first album is kind of like a collection of my greatest hits. I titled the album Kyle Gordon Is Great, and to me, great comedy is a) unique, b) accessible, and c) most importantly, really, really funny. My goal on this album was to make great comedy music!”
Kyle Gordon
Kyle Gordon’s debut album, Kyle GordonIs Great, will be available on November 10 via BMG. In the meantime, be sure to catch him live as he embarks on US and UK tour dates this fall.
Tour Dates and Ticket Information
UK Dates:
10/26 – London, England @ Leicester Square Theatre
Get ready to laugh, groove, and appreciate the art of parody when Kyle Gordon Is Great drops on November 10. Until then, enjoy the catchy hilarity of “Ugliest Girl on the Beach” and mark your calendars for his upcoming tour dates.
Kyle Gordon – Ugliest Girl On The Beach (feat. Antonio Frankfurt)
BRIC, a leading, multi-disciplinary arts and media institution anchored in downtown Brooklyn, unveiled the artists slated to perform at this year’s BRIC JazzFest.
Set to take place at BRIC House from October 19-21 with two stages, this year’s festival promises to be an extraordinary celebration of jazz and its influences. In addition to the live acts, BRIC JazzFest will kick off the first night with a special panel discussion exploring the intersection of Jazz and Hip-Hop, with an ongoing film series taking place onsite during the festival.
Some of the artists announced for the festival include Reggie Workman, one of the most original and technically gifted bassists in jazz and American contemporary music, vibrant and versatile jazz saxophonist Alexa Tarantino, and multi-instrumentalist and rising staple Ciso Swank. Other acts include Sarah Elizabeth Charles, Nite Bjuti featuring Candice Hoyes, Val Jeanty, and Mimi Jones, Strings N Skins, and Panikkar Rosner & Leigh. Also happening at the BRIC Jazzfest is Jonathan Michel: L’Ouverture, a world premiere concert featuring Emeline Michel, Riva Precil, and Val Jeanty, celebrating the vital role of Haitian women in music and culture.
Photo by Liz Ligon.
Previously announced headliners include Georgia Anne Muldrow and Terrace Martin, as well as Isaiah Collier, Amina Claudine Myers Trio, Melanie Charles / Orrin Evans Duo, B. Cool-Aid, BIGYUKI, Miki Yamanaka, and George Burton.
The festival’s closing night jam session promises an unforgettable experience with the Trill Mega Jam Featuring The Jungle and Guests, culminating in an “expanded sense of jazz” led by a well-known NYC party The Jungle, which will feature artists spanning across multiple genres. It is comprised of DJs, musicians, and artists delivering a stimulating sonic experience that traverses the African Diaspora, embracing Latin, Jazz, Afrobeat, Amapiano, Percussion, Brazilian, Caribbean, House and Soul.
Tickets for BRIC JazzFest 2023 are available now, with options for daily and three-day passes.
LINEUP
Oct. 19
Terrace Martin Melanie Charles / Orrin Evans Duo Isaiah Collier Reggie Workman Alexa Tarantino Panikkar Rosner & Leigh
Oct. 20
Georgia Anne Muldrow BIGYUKI George Burton Jonathan Michel: L’Ouverture Cisco Swank Strings N Skins
Oct. 21
Amina Claudine Myers Trio B. Cool-Aid Miki Yamanaka Origami Project Sarah Elizabeth Charles Trill Mega Jam Featuring The Jungle And Guests Nite Bjuti feat. Candice Hoyes, Val Jeanty and Mimi Jones
Blind Boys of Alabama returned to play City Winery New York on September 17, following the release of this latest album Echoes Of The South, which was released on August 25.
The Blind Boys of Alabama have faced a great deal of struggles and success in the music industry than most musicians will in their lifetimes. Their eight decades of experience and pure talent has led them from street performances in the Jim Crow South all the way to being the soundtrack of the Civil Rights Movement, giving them the chance to perform for three different United States Presidents and landing them as legends in the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
This dedication and persistence to one another and to their love of music is epitomized in their newest single, as they will not only “work” but “sing” until their days are done. There is no stopping a powerhouse group like Blind Boys of Alabama, as they rely on one another and a shared agreement that “as long as everybody gives all that they have to give and we sing songs that touch the heart, we’ll live on forever.”
It was an extraordinary evening as the inaugural jazz concert of the upcoming Canterbury Woods Jazz Series took place at the new Canterbury Woods Performing Arts Center, featuring the magnificent Jane Bunnett and Maqueque. We want to express our immense gratitude to all of you, the jazz enthusiasts, and the JazzBuffalo Community.
We were faced with the formidable challenge of orchestrating a warm and welcoming reception for this award-winning ensemble in less than three weeks. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the nearly full-capacity audience and all the supporters who filled the new Canterbury Woods Performing Arts Center. The inspiration and enthusiastic reception you provided to these five incredibly talented women on stage were truly exceptional and unforgettable. They were filled with joy and were eager to share with others the fantastic JazzBuffalo experience, the incredible supporters, and the enthusiastic audience that our region has to offer.
Jane Bunnett and Maqueque delivered an exceptional performance. Bunnett led the all-female ensemble, drawing from the ten-year journey of Maqueque, encompassing their original self-titled album to their latest release, “Playing With Fire.”
In addition to Jane Bunnett’s enchanting soprano saxophone and flute, the ensemble featured Donae’ Olano’s beautiful piano performance, Tailin Marrero on the powerful bass, Joanna Majoko captivating with her vocals, and the drummer/percussionist extraordinaire, Yissy Garcia.
Read more and discover more photos from JazzBuffalo contributor Jack Zuff at JazzBuffalo.org
When You Wish Upon a Star – A Jazz Tribute to 100 Years of Disney is coming to Corning’s Museum of Glass on October 28 as part of their upcoming national tour. The tour will also make a stop at Newark, NJ’s Victoria Theatre at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center.
The show features musical direction by Sean Mason and the brand new house band of The National Jazz Museum in Harlem, as well as Kim Nalley and Sasha Dobson as vocalists.
Director Sean Mason leads the touring show, as one of the premier talents of his generation. Mason has performed and toured with jazz legends including Branford Marsalis, Wynton Marsalis, and Herlin Riley, and as a recent Julliard graduate, he is rolling out his upcoming debut album The Southern Suite. As a native North-Carolinan turned New Yorker, the record explores his southern roots from his current vantage point at the heart of the NYC music scene.
Credit: Martina DaSilva
Philanthropist and vocalist Kim Nalley will join the show, boasting a 3½ octave range and stunning performances. As the “Most Influential African American in the Bay Area,” Nalley has performed with greats such as Rhoda Scott, David “Fathead” Newman, and the San Francisco Symphony. In addition to Nalley, Sasha Dobson will join the show on vocals. A critically acclaimed performer, she is one-third of the hit triop Puss n’ Boots, alongside Catherine Popper and Norah Jones.
Together with band members Ahmad Johnson on drums, Corentin Le Hir on bass, Alicyn Yaffee on guitar and Anthony Hervey on trumpet, the musicians will bring the jazz arrangements of Disney’s popular soundtracks to the stage on the nationwide tour this fall.
As shown in their vast collection of animated feature film soundtracks, Disney has always had an affinity for jazz music. In 2009, Disney released an album of reimagined songs based on their soundtrack catalog. With over 600 songs to choose from, the album features some of the most talented contemporary jazz stars of the age, as well as rising up-and-comers. This fall, the new generation of emerging talent will perform the live touring version, titled When You Wish Upon a Star – A Jazz Tribute to 100 Years of Disney.
Although not associated with Disney, When You Wish Upon A Star will feature fan favorite tunes from iconic movies such as Snow White, Lady and the Tramp, Mary Poppins, and Toy Story. The reimagined songs have been arranged and recorded by Disney music fans such as Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, and Dianne Reeves.
The touring band personnel is Sean Mason (piano, bandleader), Kim Nalley (vocals), Sasha Dobson (vocals), Ahmad Johnson (drums), Corentin Le Hir (bass), Alicyn Yaffee (guitar), and Anthony Hervey (trumpet).
Upcoming Tour Dates
Sept. 29, 2023 –Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center, Livermore, CA
Sept. 30, 2023 – Grand Theatre Center for the Arts, Tracy, CA
Oct. 1, 2023 – Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center at College of the Canyons, Santa Clarita, CA
Oct. 3, 2023 – Brigham Young University Performing Arts Series, Provo, UT
Oct. 4, 2023 – College of Southern Idaho, Twin Falls, ID
Oct. 6, 2023 – CU Presents – University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO
Oct. 7, 2023 – SF Jazz, San Francisco, CA
Oct. 8, 2023 – Carpenter Performing Arts Center at CSU Long Beach, Long Beach, CA
Oct. 10, 2023 – Numerica Performing Arts Center, Wenatchee, WA
Oct. 12, 2023 – Pepperdine University, Smothers Theatre, Malibu, CA
Oct. 14, 2023 – Fox Tucson Theatre, Tucson, AZ
Oct. 15, 2023 – Chandler Center for the Arts, Chandler, AZ
Oct. 17, 2023 – Traverse City Opera House, Traverse City, MI
Oct. 18, 2023 – Michigan State University, Wharton Center, Pasant Theatre, East Lansing, MI
Oct. 19, 2023 – Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Oct. 20, 2023 – Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts, Bloomington, IL
Oct. 21, 2023 – College of DuPage McAninch Arts Center, Glen Ellyn, IL
Oct. 22, 2023 – Door Community Auditorium, Fish Creek, WI
Oct. 24, 2023 – The Grand Theater, Wausau, WI
Oct. 27, 2023 – Millersville University, The Ware Center, Millersville, PA
Afropunk returned to Brooklyn for 2 days of music on August 26th & 27th. The festival took place at Brooklyn’s Greenpoint Terminal Market for 2023.
As on brand for Afropunk, the lineup for the festival was all black artists from various genres. Some notable names included Tobe Nwigwe, Baby Tate, and Vince Staples. The lineup also included New York’s own Joey Bada$$, and day 2 headliner, Teyana Taylor.
Unlike last year, this year had a theme, which was Circus of Soul. Motifs of this theme could be seen throughout the event. Both on stage and in the crowd, fans and artists dressed as though they were part of a circus. R&B artist Cleo Reed really leaned into the theme by dressing them selves and other stage performers in clown attire during their set. There were performers on stilts wearing kente cloth patterns walking throughout the crowd. There were also Aerial Ring performers periodically doing stunts throughout the weekend.
This year was truly one to be at, as there were many performances and attractions that festival goers could really interact with all day.
A festival of the Arts
Afropunk is a festival that is bigger than music. Though music may be the highlight, it also features art and artists from all over the globe that center their creativity around the African diaspora. Inside the Spin Thrift Market, there were vendors selling things like clothes, jewelry, books, and weed products. Outside the Market, there were spaces for health and beauty. Festival goers were able to get their hair and makeup done, henna tattoos, and facials. Most of the vendors were also African American owned and operated.
In addition to vendors that were selling merchandise, there were also areas for festival goers to interact. In the center between the two stages, there were tents set up for festival goers to play games and run through a bubble pit. It seems as though they learned from last year as most activities and vendors were set up under large tents to protect against any potential rain.
Nonetheless, as much as there was to do off stage, there was much to watch on stage. There was a two stage setup to accommodate for about 30 performances. In between performances on both stages were DJ SNS and DJ Mohogany. They helped to keep the party going as people awaited some of their favorite artists to take the stage.
Day 1 Highlights
Day 1 had strong performances from Cleo Reed and a collaboration from the Soapbox presents on the 3 Ring Stage. The Soapbox brought together vocalists and musicians to bring a rock, R&B, and gospel like performance. This was one of the many perfect displays of how African American music is has roots in so many different genres that tend to overlap one another. The performance had fans feeling cool in the end of summer heat.
One of day 1’s most notable and electric performances was from Tobe Nwigwe. Originally from Houston, TX, Tobe holds on to his Nigerian roots well as they could be seen in his performances. He is always recognizable with his seafoam green outfits and sets. He brought out his wife, Martica Nwigwe, for a few songs from his set. He also had Olu from Earthgang come out for a song. Olu came out on brand, wearing seafoam green wings to sing “WILDLINGS” with Tobe. The performance was full of energy and surprises that keep the audience screaming for an hour.
Tobe’s performance was evened out by a more mellow from Vince Staples. Vince stared as “Maurice” earlier this year in the Emmy award winning show, Abbott Elementary. His Long Beach, CA vibes really brought the crowd down from their state of choas from before. Though his set did not features as many theatrics like Tobe’s, he still had the attention of the crowd. Vince had the crowd singing along to his hit song, “Norf Norf,” before there was a mass exodus from the event.
An uneventful end to the hype
The first night was headlined by Flying Lotus. He is a producer and DJ who has worked on many projects on TV shows and film. One of the most notable projects was Netflix’sYasuke, an anime centered around the story of Japan’s first black samurai. He makes a lot of EDM and electronic rap songs primarily.
Flying Lotus did not receive much of an introduction which left many fans confused. Though his fans would be familiar with his music and style, this may have been many’s first exposure to him. He could barely be seen from behind his DJ booth and did not say a word for at least the first 20 minutes of his set. About halfway through, he was joined by rapper Smoke DZA, who he is working on a collaborative album with. Smoke DZA did bring some excitement and energy to his performance.
After Smoke DZA’s exit, Flying Lotus played a few more songs and was about to leave. He did not realize that his set was not over and played for about another 15 minutes. Flying Lotus had a pretty anti-climatic exit, as it was a pretty bleak end to day 1 of Afropunk 2023.
A stark turn around from Day 1’s mishaps
Day 2 still featured a full lineup that had Greenpoint full. What was nice about this year’s festival was the scheduling of performances. With the stage schedules pretty staggered, fans were able to see all their artists without really having to miss a performance. This really set Afropunk apart from other festivals as many usually have fans contemplating which artists they wanted to see more. If they wanted to, fans could see just about every artist and take in the full Afropunk experience.
Some notable performances from Day 2 were from Baby Tate and Joey Bada$$. Baby Tate brought a fun energy out of the crowd. With a lot of positive sexual messages infused in her lyrics, her music and performance made Greenpoint a safe space for women to express themselves. In the middle of her set, Baby Tate took a break and her DJ Sky Jetta tapped into a different side of her fans. Though Baby Tate makes rap music, Sky Jetta played alternative rock hits, including “I write sins not tragedies” that absolutely killed.
Baby Tate came back and continued to kill. She played unreleased song “Wig” and ended on her hit “I am” to leave things on a high. Joey Bad$$ proceeded her and continues to bring smiles.
New York showing out for New York artists
Joey Bad$$ was happy to be back in his hometown as he expressed his love for Brooklyn all through out his performance. The theme around his performance was love as he turned the camera toward the audience to celebrate black love. He had a kiss cam going on for a bit before singing “Love is only a feeling.” He dedicated a few songs to fallen black artists including, XXXTentacion, Nipsey Hustle, Pop Smoke, Young Dolph, and more.
Before he left, he expressed his happiness to be playing at an event where he could see so many black faces. He also threw a jab at Afropunk for being a bit unprofessional behind the scenes. He still left things on a high with “Devasated” before handing the stage over to Teyana Taylor.
The energy from day 2 was drastically different than from the previous day. Day 2’s lineup featured so many artist that people knew and loved. They had performances that people wanted to be a part of and sing along with. Day 2 was originally supposed to end with Grammy award winner Jazmine Sullivan. Due to some personal reasons, she could not perform, but Teyana Taylor was passed the torch to close out the weekend.
Rose of Harlem feeling the love
Nicked named the “Rose of Harlem”, Teyana Taylor closed out to packed audience in her city. Teyana had mentioned during her performance that she was nervous to headline a show as she felt as though no one would stay for her. Though some mic issues may have fueled those nerves early on, New York showed her so much love that it brought her to tears.
The sound was getting too much for Teyana as she asked for just the keys to play during one of her songs. She was able to get real close and emotional with the crowd before turning things back up. The crowd screamed “Issues” and ” Gonna Love Me” with Teyana.
She was joined on stage by her daughter ,”Junnie,” and husband Iman Shumphert, for a few songs. Her daughter helped her throw out free t-shirts to the audience. Teyana also had 3 outfit changes that synced up with the many different vibes of her performance.
She exited the stage, but quickly came back for an encore. Teyana ran into the middle column of the pit to slap the hands of her fans before closing out the night. She thanked New York for showing her so much love and making this performance one worth leaving retirement for.
Afropunk continued to bring peace, love, and education about African American culture to one of the biggest melting pots of the world. With Afropunk’s voice continuing to reach millions, it’s only a matter of time before it starts to expand to other cities across the globe.
The Blues Project, a band first formed in the mid 60s, will be performing in Saratoga Springs on Oct 8 at Caffe Lena. With the eclectic experiences of each band member, all with different backgrounds and history, it’s sure to be an experience audience members won’t forget.
The Blues Project was formed in the mid-’60s in Greenwich Village by guitarists Danny Kalb and Steve Katz, flutist/bassist Andy Kulberg, drummer Roy Blumenfeld, and singer Tommy Flanders. Al Kooper joined later in his early twenties after sitting in on the band’s Columbia Records audition (though they ended up signing to Verve).
The eclectic résumés of the musicians– folk, jazz, blues, and rock backgrounds– reflected their choice of material. While they did sing covers, they also sang the group’s own originals. These original songs were typically penned by Kooper, who had already built songwriting credentials as the co-writer of Gary Lewis’ huge smash hit “The Diamond Ring,” as well as his contributions to Bob Dylan‘s mid-’60s records.
After the release of their debut live album, they recorded their second album Projections in the fall of 1966. Projections is a good reflection of their eclectic group, as the album combines blues, R&B, jazz, psychedelia, and folk-rock.
…we’re not reviving the blues, we’re looking to interpret what’s happening today.
Danny Kalb (guitarist), 1966
Soon after Projections‘ release, Kooper and Katz left the band, and in 1968 they joined forces to form their own: Blood, Sweat & Tears. Kooper led the band on its first album Child Is Father to the Man, but he did not take part in any releases after that. Later, Kooper– then a producer for Columbia Records– recorded with Blumenfield, Stephen Stills, and Harvey Brooks for the album entitled Super Session. Katz remained with Blood, Sweat & Tears until the 1970s, and went on to produce Lou Reed’s best-selling and still-influential live LP Rock ‘n’ Roll Animal.
The Blues Project reformed briefly in the early ’70s with a modified lineup, releasing three further albums: Lazarus, Blues Project, The Original Blues Project Reunion in Central Park. Once they were again disbanded, Blumenfeld formed Seatrain and in the 2000s performed with former Country Joe & the FIsh member, Barry Melton.
The original Blues Project disbanded one final time in the 90s, but realizing they still had a passionate fan base who cared about the band and its music, Katz and Blumenfeld decided to give it another go in 2021.
Fast forward to 2023, and The Blues Project is alive and well, with Blumenfeld leading a powerful new lineup including three new talented members: Chris Morrison (lead guitar), Scott Petito (bass), and Ken Clark (keyboards/vocals).
Catch them at Caffè Lena on October 8, from 7-9PM. Doors open promptly at 6:30pm.
For more information on The Blues Project, visit their website and follow their FaceBook.
