Category: Funk/Soul/R&B

SPAC Provides Blast from the Past with Shaggy & TLC

Saratoga Performing Arts Center played host to Sean Kingston, En Vogue, TLC and Shaggy on Friday June 16. SPAC stands head and shoulders above any outdoor venue in the Capital Region, and this evening, the venue lived up to its reputation as even the rain couldn’t stop a good time.

The way that thousands of people filed into SPAC in the name of R&B brought joy to my heart. It is wild how much we take basic necessities for granted until we lose access to them. Alas, a mix of live hip-hop, R&B, and dancehall always proves essential for the well-being of citizens.

R&B + Dancehall Concert in New York

Sean Kingston maximized his thirty-minute set with plenty of vibes. Dutty wine dancing, nostalgia, and vocal energy set the tone for the whole evening. Certainly, when “Beautiful Girls” blasted through the speakers, every person of age instantly reminisced about the era of ringback tones.

Next, En Vogue continued the theme of setting the tone with radiant energy. Not one drop of rain could stop their shine as they played renditions magnificently. Some people questioned the order of the setlist but nobody could debate the way En Vogue prepared the audience for the next act, TLC.

TLC-Waterfalls [06/19/23]

Now, TLC stole the spotlight if you ask me. It seemed as if the rain would subside during breaks and lesser-known songs. But when songs like “Red Light Special” and “Diggin On You” made their way through the airwaves the whole crowd started to feel the rhythm. Ironically, when the best songs came on the rain began to steadily flow.

Rain Washes Worries Away

This precipitation did not put a damper on things, whatsoever due to its light and misty nature. The beautiful woman by my side chose not to untie her rain jacket from around her waist as she embraced the evening elements. Altogether, the moment felt like it belonged in an R&B video.

The break between TLC and Shaggy proved to be well-deserved for the audience. After exiting the TLC trance, concertgoers gathered around for one last hurrah. Performers who emit strong stage presence tend to make you feel close to the stage no matter where you stand.

Toward the beginning of his set, Shaggy grew discontent with the energy level of the crowd. Calling an audible, he threw on “Red Red Wine” to lift the crowd to the level he desired. From there, not one person could resist swaying their hips to Mr. Wasn’t Me. While that song is the classic, “Boombastic” and “Guardian Angel” were the ones that really brought the house down.

Overall, this show at SPAC proved to be extremely worthwhile. Everyone needs an outlet and an opportunity to let loose. This dual-purpose event provided the chance to immerse within an incredible atmosphere and truly let any anxieties or worries dissipate for the entire evening.

June 21, 2023
In Focus: Lucky Moon Zooz at Lincoln Hill Farms, Canandaigua

Horn and percussion were powered and individually formed by NYC subway supergroup Lucky Moon Zooz, comprised of Lucky Chops, Moon Hooch, and Too Many Zooz. The group finished off their recent tour with a stop to Lincoln Hill Farms in Canandaigua on June 11.

A project years in the making, the LMZ live show featured each band performing in their usual configurations as well as a host of new combinations of the various bandsâ personnel. Drawing from their shared roots busking in the NYC subway to their years touring the world, this was the brass fueled evening to remember.

Their live show featured each band performing in their original configurations as well as a host of various impromptu combinations of each bands performers finally finishing up the night with all three bands performing together in their entirety.

June 20, 2023
Re:SET Forest Hills Day 1: LCD Soundsystem Bring The Funk To The Tennis Courts

Re:SET Concert Series kicked off its three day run at Forest Hill Tennis Stadium this past Friday, June 16th. The traveling mini festival is in their inaugural year, taking a stacked lineup on the road and commandeering local venues for a long weekend of music. The opening night of Re:SET Queens featured legendary NYC natives LCD Soundsystem supported by Jamie XX, IDLES, and fellow New Yorker L’Rain. Each band brings a distinct style of the music to the stage, creating a truly unique night of music you can’t get at a normal concert.

LCD Soundsystem, Re:SET Forest Hills 6/16/23. Photo by Joseph Buscarello

The atmosphere was electric from the beginning. General admission floor wristbands were given out on a first come first served basis, drawing a large crowd for the early start time. A brief thunderstorm pushed doors back an hour, but those first fans in the door were greeted to the amazing L’Rain welcoming them from the stage. Her uniquely experimental pop and R&B filled the stadium with dense layers of vocal loops and instrumentation. L’Rain finds herself on many bills throughout the city opening for all sorts of artists, keeping it fresh by bringing something new every time.

Re:SET Forest Hills 6/16/23. Photo by Joseph Buscarello

IDLES were up next, who brought a drastic shift in energy with their classic, in-your-face punk rock. The band boasts an extremely loyal and engaged fan base that made it out to Forest Hills in droves. IDLES have been pretty active since their excellent 2017 debut Brutalism, releasing four LPs in that time span and embarking on countless tours. Over the course of their one hour set, IDLES hit each of their four LPs including crowd favorites “Crawl!” from 2021’s CRAWLER and “Never Fight a Man With a Perm” from their sophomore LP Joy as an Act of Resistance.

IDLES, Re:SET Forest Hills 6/16/23. Photo by Joseph Buscarello

The band loves to be engaged with the crowd, crowd surfing while singing and even jumping into the mosh pit and playing guitar while mixing it up with the kids. Before closing the set with “Rottweiler”, vocalist Joe Talbot thanked the fans for coming out, saying “the only reason we exist as a band is because of the love and passion you bring to the shows, so thank you.”

IDLES, Re:SET Forest Hills 6/16/23. Photo by Joseph Buscarello

After the punk infused mosh pits cleared off the tennis courts, UK garage and house infusion was up next courtesy of Jamie XX. One half of The XX, Jamie XX blends the classic garage sound with old school house and rhythm and blues beats to create a unique style of dance music. Parked in front of a giant disco ball projecting rays onto the crowd, Jamie XX played a rather deep setlist littered with snippets of some of his bigger hits hidden in the layers. He opened the set with “KILL DEM”, a one-off single from 2022 that features a vibrant, glitchy vocal array over a very tribal garage beat. Jamie XX followed that up with “Idontknow”, another single that mixes scattered percussions with trippy vocal loops.

Jamie XX, Re:SET Forest Hills 6/16/23. Photo by Joseph Buscarello

Jamie XX took a 5-song setlist and fleshed it out for his hour-long set by mixing his songs in and out of curious beats and musical tangents, without skipping a beat or allowing a second of dead space. He rolled on with the fun and vibrant duo of “I’ll Take Care of You” followed by “LET’S DO IT AGAIN” before ending things off with a funky edit of “Gosh”, the opening track from his stellar 2015 LP In Colour. The audience on the floor and in the stadium seats were dancing from the moment he took the stage

Jamie XX, Re:SET Forest Hills 6/16/23. Photo by Joseph Buscarello

LCD Soundsystem always draw quite a bit of hype when they are in town, regardless of the countless residencies they perform in the city. A staple in the city’s thriving music scene since their inception in 2002, the band is beloved in New York and can bring a tiny dive bar or an entire arena to its knees with their infectious dance rock. Forest Hills Stadium was packed to the upper deck before the band took the stage to an enormous reception on a gorgeous night in Queens.

LCD Soundsystem, Re:SET Forest Hills 6/16/23. Photo by Joseph Buscarello

James Murphy and company started things off with a bang with the driving drum beats of “Get Innocuous!”, the opening track from 2007’s Sound of Silver. The beat sent the audience into a dance groove that did not let up until curfew. The song continued to swell until a sudden transition to “I Can Change” instigated a loud sing along from the 13,000 fans in attendance. The set rolled along with endless crowd favorites, leading up to a climactic three song finale. “New York I Love You But You’re Bringing Me Down” always comes with a vocal outburst from the crowd, which was followed up by the thunderous jam “Dance Yrself Clean”. The band fleshed this song out a bit for the live show, sending an already amped crowd up into another gear. All good things must come to an end, with LCD Soundsystem ending the night with “All My Friends”. A truly joyous ending to day one Re:SET.

LCD Soundsystem, Re:SET Forest Hills 6/16/23. Photo by Joseph Buscarello

Re:SET has certainly established itself as one of the more unique traveling festivals in only its first year. Each day features a bill of four bands that could all headline shows on their own; many who just completed or are in the middle of their own tours. Each band brings something new to the stage when it’s their turn to play, drawing the interest of the fans who came out, and the other bands themselves. During the earlier acts for Re:SET, James Murphy and others from LCD Soundsystem were in VIP checking out the music, rocking along to IDLES and dancing to Jamie XX. During the headline set, many of the band members from the earlier acts made their way into the crowd to witness the legends themselves. It’s truly a great festival for fans who enjoy a wide array of music.

LCD Soundsystem, Re:SET Forest Hills 6/16/23. Photo by Joseph Buscarello

Night two on Saturday featured headliners Boygenius along with Clairo, Dijon, and Bartees Strange. The final day was on Sunday, with a stellar performance by Steve Lacy supported by James Blake, Toro y Moi, and FousheÃ©. Stay tuned for our coverage of nights two and three and check out our gallery from the opening night below.

LCD Soundsystem, Re:SET Forest Hills 6/16/2023

June 19, 2023
From Asphalt to Lush Grass: Governors Ball 2023 Shines In New Home

Ten years ago in 2013, Kendrick Lamar made his way to Randall’s Island for a late afternoon set on the smaller of the Governors Ball stages. It was only a few months after the release of good kid, m.A.A.d. city as Kendrick’s meteoric rise was just underway. Fast forward to 2023; Governors Ball finds itself in a new (and hopefully, permanent) home in Flushing Meadows Corona Park and Kendrick Lamar is closing out the festival unopposed and under the fireworks. This past weekend, Governors Ball proved once again why it is New York City’s favorite music festival.

Kendrick Lamar at Governors Ball 2023. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil

After spending many years on Randall’s Island followed by a two year rental of the Citi Field Parking lot, Governors Ball finally made its long desired move to Flushing Meadows Corona Park. The vast park in central Queens has been woefully underused by the city for decades; a trend that will hopefully be reversed after the success of this year’s festival. The park was designed and built with large-scale events in mind, hosting two World’s Fairs in 1939 and 1964. Flushing Meadows sits on the intersection of two major highways, is adjacent to a subway line with access to Manhattan, and has ample parking lots from the numerous stadiums in the vicinity.

Governors Ball organizers did an incredible job of laying out the festival to take advantage of all of these features, creating a wide open festival experience that never felt too crowded at any point during the weekend. Three stages occupied the larger fields while the vendors and centralized area of the festival was nestled under large trees providing ample shade and character to the grounds. The towering Unisphere greeted fans at the entrance while the main stage was set up right in front of the New York State Pavilion, giving an iconic backdrop to the festival.

The lineup for the 2023 edition of Governors Ball attempted to model the diversity of Queens, the World’s Borough, as well as the eclectic music tastes of New Yorkers. There was a heavy lean towards rap and hip-hop overall, but festival organizers did sprinkle in rock, pop, indie and EDM throughout the weekend. International artists graced the stages as well including Korean pop superstars Aespa, Puerto Rican rapper Eladio Carrión and Japanese singer/dancer Rina Sawayama. Indie and rock was represented by Girl in Red, Black Midi, KennyHoopla, and Haim while Odesza was the lone EDM act for the weekend.

Odesza at Governors Ball 2023. Photo by Joseph Buscarello

Kendrick Lamar Trades The Production For a Microphone

Kendrick’s latest album Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers was released a little over a year ago, but its relevance lived on with his Governors Ball performance. Although the stage production did not include the same amount of intricate detail that the “Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers” tour held, the set had a simplistic yet empowering feel. The only additions to Kendrick on the GovBall NYC stage were some lights on either side, large Henry Taylor backdrops, a couple of flares, and a few dancers. Kendrick proved that he does not need the fancy add-ons to pump up a crowd. He had all of Flushing Meadows screaming the words to his songs like they were the national anthem at a playoff sporting event.

Kendrick Lamar at Governors Ball 2023. Photo by Joseph Buscarello

Kendrick did the majority of the set solo, running through tracks like “King Kunta” and “LOVE.” and even his iconic feature on Pusha T’s track “Nosetalgia” (sadly, no Pusha T appearance even though he performed on the adjacent stage before Kendrick). Near the end of his captivating performance, Kendrick brought out his cousin and protegé, Baby Keem, to perform their RIAA Platinum song “Family Ties.” Through his crowd control and high energy performance, Kendrick Lamar further established himself as the best of the best in the rap game.

Lizzo And Odesza Headline With All The Fanfare

Lizzo was the Friday night headliner and she did not disappoint. Her band and numerous dancers lined the stage as the lights went out, leading up to a grand entrance to “Cuz I Love You”, the opening track of her 2019 sophomore LP of the same name. Lizzo’s thunderous voice reverberated throughout the festival grounds, especially when she dropped into her mega hit song “Juice” which sent the crowd into a dance frenzy. The glamorous staging featured retro big band style decor and backdrops, with sultry visuals playing along on the giant LED screen on the stage. Lizzo ran through her setlist with a powerful grace, performing her signature flute solo leading into “Truth Hurts” along with a fan favorite cover of Chaka Khan’s legendary “I’m Every Woman”; a song and a sentiment that has become a mantra behind Lizzo’s approach to music writing and performance.

Lizzo at Governors Ball 2023. Photo by Joseph Buscarello

Odesza fulfilled headlining duties on Saturday, with their larger than life EDM show filled with lasers, flaming pyro, guest vocalists, and a fireworks finale fit for a music festival. The duo took to the stage and started their set off with a bang with “This Version of You” and “Behind The Sun”. There was no shortage of pyro, as large fireballs erupted behind the DJs throughout the show, sending waves of heat into the crowd. Lasers fanned out over the crowd to interact with the tall trees in the back of the field, with house beats driving the dance floor until curfew. Odesza sprinkled in a Pretty Lights cover in “One Day They’ll Know” as well as a “TENSE” and “KEEP MOVING” from their BRONSON collaborative project with Golden Features. They closed out their set with a huge fireworks display over the stage while 2022’s “The Last Goodbye” pulsed through the night.

Filling Out The Days

Lil Uzi Vert was the perfect addition to the rap-filled GoPuff stage. Their Friday night performance had fans in awe. They came down from the stage to rock out with the fans on the barricade, and made sure fans that fell over were able to get up and continue jamming. They brought out rappers Ken Carson and Destroy Lonely, and got the crowd going with songs like “Do What I Want” and “Money Longer.” They left fans with a feeling of anticipation for what is to come in the following weeks by announcing that they have a new album releasing this month.

While rock and indie were not as prevalent on the lineup this year, the biggest draw in the category was certainly Haim on the GovBall NYC stage. The three sisters burst onto the scene in 2013 with their debut record Days Are Gone featuring the utterly infectious song “The Wire”. Throughout the set, the three sisters alternate vocal roles and instruments while also engaging heavily with the fans. Their dynamic performance style creates a light and fun atmosphere that is perfect for the summer festival stages.

On Saturday, KennyHoopla and Snail Mail kept the rock vibes going on the GoPuff stage. KennyHoopla’s vigorous post-punk dominated the crowd first, bouncing all over the stage while delivering a rambunctious vocal performance over heavy guitars. Snail Mail came up next, keeping the punk rock going, featuring a set full of songs from their two excellent LPs: 2018’s Lush and 2021’s Valentine.

Governors Ball Artists March On

In the wake of Governors Ball, many of the artists who played use the opportunity to announce new projects and tours. Many of the artists are on their own headlining tours and mix in the festival appearances. Right before Governors Ball weekend began, Metro Boomin released his highly anticipated soundtrack to the movie Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse. Just after the weekend, Eladio Carrión announced a North American tour with a stop at The Theater at MSG in October. Philadelphia’s major music festival, Made in America, announced their lineup with Lizzo making another headlining appearance along with Ice Spice, and Metro Boomin. Joey Bada$$ is running through the festival circuit with a dozen appearances including Glastonbury, Rolling Loud, and Lollapalooza.

Odesza at Governors Ball 2023. Photo by Joseph Buscarello

Kendrick Lamar, fresh off the epic Big Steppers World Tour, is also hitting the summer festivals, taking his minimal yet relentlessly in your face festival show to the biggest stages in the world including Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, Rokslide, Austin City Limits, and Summer Sonic in Japan. If any of those festivals are within reach, it is worth the opportunity to catch a generational talent at his very best.

The Future Of New York City’s Premier Music Festival

By all accounts, the first edition of Governors Ball in Flushing Meadows was a major success. The layout of the venue was nearly perfect, transit in and out of the festival went smoothly, and three days of music went on without skipping a beat. Governors Ball has been at it for many years and are no strangers to throwing such a large party in NYC, but expectations were sky high this year. One could have argued that the very future of the festival rested with this weekend going off without a hitch. The cost of putting on these events has never been higher, and fans have so many choices of shows these days that it was unclear if Governors Ball could even draw a large enough crowd. Last weekend in Queens put all of the chatter to bed. With the Canadian wildfire smoke clearing out just in the nick of time, a glorious weekend of sunshine and music ensued. There is no doubt Governors Ball will be back at it in 2024; now we can all start dreaming of our ideal lineup we would want to see grace the stages in Flushing Meadows.

June 17, 2023
The Brewster Summer Music Series Is Back For A Third Year

The third annual Brewster Summer Music Series returns with seven straight weeks of programming. Organized by the Town of Southeast Cultural Arts Coalition (CAC), the concerts will run every Wednesday from June 14 through July 26.

All of the performances will take place at the Veterans Park Gazebo in Brewster. The concerts will also feature contests, raffles, and food. The artists performing come from a diverse set of genres including rock, pop, jazz, and more.

CAC is a non-profit group that aims to create and preserve the cultural arts of the Town of Southeast and nearby communities. Along with the Summer Music Series, the organization is also involved with a space to showcase local art and the renovation of Southeast’s Old Town Hall.

Brewster is a village located in southeast Putnam County and is part of the town of Southeast. The village made a name for itself as it was a prominent stop on the railroad line that ran from New York City.

The Brewster Summer Music Series is free and open to members of the public. Details and more information is on the website.

Summer Lineup

June 14- Jake Wildhorn (Rock, Pop, Americana) and Genevieve Faivre (Latin, New Orleans Jazz)

June 21- George Gierer (folk) and Artie Tobia Band (Roots Rock)

June 28- George Mallas (singer-songwriter) and ⅓ of Sophie (Funk)

July 5- Francine Tesler and Jay Prince & Friends (Rock, Funk)

July 12- Bob Stanhope and North Country Band (Country, Western, Americana)

July 19- Ivan Polanco (singer-songwriter) and Santa Barbara Jazz Quartet (Jazz, Soul, Latin)

July 26- Erik Rabasca and The Song Island Band (Acoustic Rock)

June 14, 2023
‘PB&J’ Brings Great Blues and Jazz to Plattsburgh All Summer

Plattsburgh Blues and Jazz will host some of the biggest and most recognizable voices in blues this summer. It all starts on June 17 when Dawn Tyler Watson and Curtis Salgado visit downtown-venue Retro Live. Then, on July 7, Grammy-nominated blues and funk artist Sugaray Rayford will perform at The Strand Center for the Arts.

Both events are put on by Plattsburgh Blues and Jazz (PB&J), a non-profit organization that looks to promote and cultivate the arts and music scene in the Plattsburgh area. PB&J has brought the likes of Kenny Neal, Southern Avenue, John Nemeth, and Vanessa Collier to shores of Lake Champlain.

Dawn Tyler Watson

Dawn Tyler Watson is a Canadian Jazz and Blues artist that has been making music since the early 2000s. Through her career she’s captivated audiences with her energetic and passionate onstage performances. Her 2019 project titled Mad Love earned a Juno Award for Best Blues Album. She’s also picked up six Maple Blues Awards and a BMA nomination for Best Vocalist. Watson brings an impressive vocal range and hints of R&B to her music to create a truly unique and powerful sound.

Curtis Salgado, Carlos Santana and Buddy Guy

Curtis Salgado

Salgado has established himself as one of the most notable and respected blues musicians in the world. Salgado has featured in several influential and important blues groups including The Nighthawks, The Robert Cray Band, and Roomful of Blues. He has won multiple awards including Soul/Blues Album of the Year at the 2019 Blues Music Awards for his album “Damage Control”. Salgado was also nominated for a Grammy in 2018 for Best Traditional Blues Album.

Sugaray Rayford

Sugaray Rayford is an American blues artist who has found the perfect balance between jazz, soul, funk, R&B, and of course blues. Rayford began singing in his local church at the age of 7, by 15 he was already the lead singer of San Diego band. His project Somebody Save Me was nominated for a Grammy for Best Contemporary Blues Album. He’s also won three Blues Music Awards, including B.B. King Entertainer of the Year.

Tickets for Sugaray Rayford.

Tickets for Dawn Taylor Watson and Curtis Salgado.

June 13, 2023
Toosii’s R&B and Rap Talent Shine in Debut Studio Album “NAUJOUR”

After “Favorite Song” caught fire globally, becoming the Syracuse rapper’s highest charting single to date, Toosii builds off this excitement from his recent success, dropping his first studio album NAUJOUR on June 2.

Gaining traction in the industry in 2020 with his debut project Poetic Pain, Toosii’s melodic, raspy voice matched with rap and R&B instrumentals has made him a unique music industry member. Tracks “Sapiosexual,” “Love Cycle,” and others launched Poetic Pain to peak at number 14 on the Billboard 100, a glimpse into his skill set moving forward.

Late 2020 and early 2021 saw him generate more widespread buzz in Thank You For Believing where Toosii collaborated with DaBaby, Latto, and Key Glock, displaying his versatility by bouncing between genres. The overall hype around this project and past performances earned him a spot on the 2021 XXL Freshman List, and from there his career continued to explode.

Fast forward to 2023, Toosii’s first full-length studio album as a member of Capitol Records, NAUJOUR, hypnotizes his audience by evolving his R&B skills since his 2022 EP Boy’s Don’t Cry: Men Do.

In addition to his advanced R&B knowledge, he provides unique sample loops similar to earlier projects but acts as the foundation for more personal storytelling lyricism concerning his past.

Album Rollout and Overview

Coming in at 19 tracks, NAUJOUR‘s announcement came on May 5, 2023, via the rapper’s Instagram, while also continuously hinting at the album’s release in early 2023 through his lead singles and remixes of “Favorite Song.” Khalid and Future both appear in their own versions of the track, with Future’s being known as the “Toxic Version.”

Originally appearing on the aforementioned Boy’s Don’t Cry: Men Do before NAUJOUR, “Love Is…” utilizes a sample from Julia Michaels’ “Love Is Weird” for the project’s lead single. A vulnerable, heartbreaking song, it sticks out in Toosii’s discography as one of his more personal performances.

From track to track, we trek across his rise to stardom and come up in the highly competitive music industry, not skipping on any of the tough feats he had to endure from his childhood to the present day.

Featuring only 21 Savage, Wallo 267, Future, and Khalid, the project is a prime look into Toosii’s solo abilities and one-of-a-kind vocals that have driven him to the top of the R&B pyramid.

Standout Tracks

“Rule Number 1” kickstarts the project on a family-oriented note, opening with a voice message from his mother sending love to the rapper and disclosing core memories from his younger years.

He lists three rules for listeners to follow, going in on his past lack of trust with women, patience in waiting for his moment, and advice for future generations.

Across much of Toosii’s discography, we dive deeper and deeper into his past love life and current relationship with Samaria Davis, as the third track “Another Love Song” showcases. His struggle to find that perfect balance of love between both parties is heard through the strong vocal delivery over a catchy, melodic sample loop.

Despite the differences between Toosii and Davis, “Another Love Song” still ensures that he is there for her in the end no matter the situation.

This another love song, this another anthem, somethin’ to bawl your eyes out to, when you’re feelin’ damaged, call me, tell me you need me there, when you wasn’t carin.’
– Toosii on “Another Love Song”

Track six “Villains & Heroes” pins this past relationship as a devil, angel situation, while also describing some of his wrongdoings that cause him pain.

Another melodic sample loop lays out Toosii’s toxic lyricism towards his own actions and his partner’s as well, again a common theme when dissecting the pain of his past relationships.

Pouring pain in his voice, each R&B song touches on the longing for love and the presentation of his life experiences learned through hardship.

The stretch of “Go Go Go” and “Pull Up,” featuring 21 Savage, are fast-paced, upbeat rap performances, flaunting his capability in more than one genre.

Behind the flawless production from the well-known producer team The LoopHoles, 21 Savage and Toosii create one of the project’s most entertaining and energetic tracks. The menacing tone set by the two artists makes for a moshpit anthem for any concert crowd and is not the first one of these to sneak into Toosii’s discography.

Final Thoughts

Mixing heart and soul into his R&B tunes and intense energy into rap, Toosii’s NAUJOUR encapsulates the multi-genre talent he has been mastering for years.

On May 10, Toosii would announce his NAUJOUR Tour, a 22-city journey this Summer to showcase the rapper’s work to his fans.

Expect music videos to come along with multiple singles off the project, with Toosii already dropping a video for track four “FWLM” on the same day as the album’s release.

June 12, 2023
Governors Ball Day 2: Odesza, Lil Baby, Rina Sawayama And More

Governors Ball is in full swing over in Flushing Meadows Park with day 2 wrapping up on Saturday. Picture perfect weather settled in for the day, while a diverse lineup did their thing across the three stages, punctuated by a thunderous spectacle courtesy of Odesza.

Odesza, Governors Ball, 6/10/2023. Photo by Joseph Buscarello

At the GoPuff Stage, KennyHoopla brought the energy. Fans were deeply invested in Hoopla’s rash, indie rock tone as his live band brought the lyrics to life. Kenny Beats rocked the BacardÃ stage with a stellar DJ performance, mixing current favorites and old school classics. Before the set began, Kenny brought numerous fans onstage to enjoy his set from a platform behind him. Kenny Beats had the moshpit raving over his bass-heavy beats and high climax drops, frequently turning around and dancing along with the fans on stage.

Kenny Beats, Governors Ball, 6/10/2023. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil

Saturday also highlighted two of the biggest artists from South Korea and Japan who are making waves in the United States. The GovBallNYC Stage hosted Rina Sawayama earlier in the day. The Japanese singer dazzled the devoted fans with her energetic interpretive dance sequences and mega vocal prowess. Later on in the afternoon, fresh off throwing out the first pitch at a Yankees game, South Korean girl group Aespa brought their signature K-pop and hyper-pop music to the stage. Self-proclaimed “number one fans” flanked the barricade for their chance to see Aespa up close and personal.

Aespa, Governors Ball, 6/10/2023. Photo by Joseph Buscarello

Back at the GoPuff Stage, Oliver Tree brought his wacky pop music to the festival stage. Utilizing a keytar, Oliver played unreleased music and got the fans rocking with his viral song “Miss You.” To close off the night at the GoPuff Stage, Lil Baby put on a show stopping performance. Baby circled his discography going through hits like “Drip Too Hard,” “On Me,” and “Yes Indeed.”

Lil Baby, Governors Ball 6/10/23. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil

While Lil Baby drew a big audience over at the GoPuff Stage, an eager crowd gathered at the GovBallNYC to catch Odesza’s headlining set. The Washington state electronic duo are known for larger than life production and they did not disappoint. The show opens with a drumline appearing out of thin air at the front of the stage followed by relentless stage pyro, sprawling laser shows, and an epic fireworks finale while driving electro-house keeps fans moving.

Odesza, Governors Ball, 6/10/2023. Photo by Joseph Buscarello

Governors Ball wraps up today, Sunday with a much anticipated headlining performance from Kendrick Lamar. Black Midi, Pusha T, Lil Nas X, and Giveon fill out the day; a proper finale to another installment of New York City’s premier summer music festival. Stay tunes for Sunday’s recap and check out a gallery from Saturday below.

June 11, 2023
Melissa Etheridge and Motown Legends to Perform at Binghamton University

Binghamton University’s Anderson Center for the Performing Arts announced its annual roster of summer concerts, featuring several opportunities for regional music lovers to get out and boogie.

The Anderson Center, located on the main campus of Binghamton University in Vestal, NY, aims to enhance the local community and support Binghamton University’s educational vision through enriching performances. This summer’s lineup is a testament to their commitment.

Friday, June 30

The Anderson Center presents The Temptations and the Four Tops, iconic Motown groups, for a night of solid gold hits.

The Temptations came to define Detroit’s Motown sound in the ’60s and ’70s with hits like “My Girl,” “Ain’t to Proud to Beg,” and “Papa Was a Rolling Stone.” The Temptations were ranked #1 “Greatest R&B/Hip-Hop Artist of All Time” by Billboard. Additionally, Rolling Stone hailed them as “the greatest black vocal group of the Modern Era,” highlighting their profound influence on the evolution of American music. The group is still touring with founding member Dr. Otis Williams.

The Four Tops emerged from the same Detroit neighborhoods as the Temptations, the Supremes, and Smokey Robinson. They too released their own string of chart-topping hits for the Motown label including “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)” and “It’s The Same Old Song.” The Four Tops continue to tour with founding member Duke Fakir.

Friday, August 11

Melissa Etheridge’s tour bus rolls into campus later this summer for a stop on her Summer ’23 Tour. Etheridge’s confessional lyrics and raspy, smoky vocals have made her a beloved singer-songwriter. Her string of ’90s hits solidify her enduring legacy. Familiar favorites include “Come to My Window,” “I’m the Only One,” and “I Want to Come Over.” Etheridge, who previously played at the Anderson Center in 2009 solo, will return with a full band this time.

Tickets and More Information

An additional concert by the Jazz Ambassadors of the United States Army Field Band, scheduled for Wednesday, June 28, has already sold out. However, tickets are available for The Temptations, The Four Tops, and Melissa Etheridge.

Tickets for the Temptations and the Four Tops cost $75/65/55 inside, $30 on the lawn. Tickets for Melissa Etheridge: Summer Tour ’23 cost $65/55/45 inside, $25 on the lawn.

A full 2023-24 season announcement is expected in mid-June. For more information, visit anderson.binghamton.edu, contact 607-777-ARTS, or stop by the Anderson Center Box Office between 12-4 p.m., Monday-Friday

June 11, 2023
Catch Dogs In A Pile at 3 NY Festivals This Summer and Fall

Dogs In A Pile, a rising funk, jazz, rock, and psychedelia fusion quintet, has announced their Fall 2023 tour dates, bringing their total sound to three music festivals in NY this summer and fall.

Dogs In A Pile in San Diego, CA. Credit: Dogs In A Pile Instagram / @dogsinapileband

Hailing from Ashbury Park, NJ, the band began when guitarist Jimmy Law, a student of the Philadelphia University of the Arts, and drummer Joe Babick, a student of the Count Basie Theater program, began to play together.

They were joined by Berklee School of Music student and bass player Sam Lucid, who recommended Berklee student and keyboard player Jeremy Kaplan. The final addition to Dogs In A Pile came in 2019 with Berklee student and guitarist Brian Murray.

Their latest work is their studio album “Bloom,” featuring nine tracks by the band. It can be found on Spotify alongside the band’s other works.

The band has credited a string of local shows with their quick rise in popularity, leading to their tours in the summer and fall. Keeping with the theme, Dogs In A Pile calls their fanbase the Dog Pound.

Concert Dates

June 7 – Madame Lous – Seattle, WA

June 8 – Jack London – Portland, OR

June 9 – Domino Room – Bend, OR

June 10 – Hogfarm Hideaway – Laytonville, CA

June 15 – Weiser River Fest – Weiser, ID

June 17 – Northlands Festival – Swanzey, NH

June 23 – Beardfest – Hammonton, NJ

June 24 – Back Home Festival – New Martinsville, WV

June 25 – Electric Forest – Rothbury, MI

June 30 – Peach Music Festival – Scranton, PA

July 14 – Gambler’s Run Festival – Lake Tahoe, CA

July 21 – Gathering at Chaffee’s – Girard, PA

July 28 – Rye Bread Music Festival – Schaghticoke, NY

July 29 – Weekend at Bertha’s – Wilmington, DE

Aug. 5 – Flood City Music Festival – Johnstown, PA

Aug. 11 – Catskill Mountain Jubilee – East Durham, NY

Aug. 12 – Jam Packed – Richmond, VA

Aug. 19 – Oxbow Music Festival – Morrisville, VT

Sept. 7 – Lincoln Hall – Chicago, IL

Sept. 9 – Basement East – Nashville, TN

Sept. 10 – Cohab Space – High Point, NC

Sept. 27 – The Summit – Columbus, OH

Sept. 28 – Magic Bag – Ferndale, MI

Sept. 29 – Mr. Smalls – Pittsburgh, PA

Oct. 6 – NY Harvest Festival – Trumansburg, NY

Oct. 7 – The Sinclair – Boston, MA

Oct. 8 – Ramble Music Festival – Darlington, MD

Oct. 12 – Elevation 27 – Virginia Beach, VA

Sept. 7 – 5 Points Music Sanctuary – Roanoke, VA

Sept. 8 – Pour House – Raleigh, NC

Pre-sale will begin June 7, and tickets will go on sale June 9 for their Fall tour dates. More information on both the band and tickets can be found on their website.

June 9, 2023