Returning for its 17th year, the annual Pleasantville Music Festival has announced its lineup for the festival on Saturday, July 8, 2023. The main headliner for the event is They Might Be Giants, famous for “Birdhouse in Your Soul” and their version of “Istanbul (Not Constantinople).”
Also known as “New York’s Backyard Jam,” the Pleasantville Music Festival is sponsored by Northwell Health. Beyond music, there is local food and drink, a beer and wine garden, and a “Kids Fun Zone.” The event is a zero-waste program and will be held in Parkway Field in Pleasantville, NY. Bands are split between the Main Stage, the Chill Tent Stage, and the Party Stage.
Main Stage
They Might Be Giants is headlining both the festival and the Main Stage, with the alternative rock band from Brooklyn performing for over 35 years. Allman Betts Band is also playing on the main stage, a legacy band of the Allman Brothers. Another performer for the Main Stage is Allison Ponthier, who fuses many different musical flavors into a blend of upbeat, soul-baring, pop songs.
Other bands playing on the Main Stage include Blac Rabbit; Smooch with Matt Crossett; and Summer Fling, who is kicking off performances on the Main Stage. Summer Fling was also the winner of this year’s Battle of the Bands competition with the Pleasantville Music Festival.
Chill Tent Stage
Sophie B. Hawkins is the headliner for the Chill Tent Stage, known through her ’90s hits “Damn, Wish I Was Your Lover” and “As I Lay Me Down.” She is a Grammy-nominated and platinum-selling artist. Opening for the Chill Tent Stage is Ursula Hansberry, winner of the Chill Tent Battle of the Bands competition.
The Chill Tent Stage will also feature Pete Francis; Dave Casale; Petey Hop; The Moonrise Cartel; and Brandi and the Alexanders.
Party Stage
Headlining the Party Stage is The Criticals, a rock band out of Nashville. Hunter Road is opening for the Party Stage, another Battle of the Bands winner. Other performers include: Strange Neighbors; Moonunitt; SunDub; and Social Creatures.
Remember the days before Spotify and Apple Music? The feeling of huddling besides a radio as you waited for your favorite song to maybe come buzzing across those tinny speakers? Even if you don’t, you can find a bit of that old-time magic by listening to the Lost Radio Rounders, an acoustic-Americana trio giving a bit of polish and shine to historic tunes.
From left to right, Michael Eck, Tom Lindsay and Paul Jossman – The Lost Radio Rounders
The Lost Radio Rounders are composed of Michael Eck, Tom Lindsay and most recently Paul Jossman, who joined the band in 2021. Together, they play a range of instruments from banjo, to mandolin and even a dobro (a type of resonator guitar).
But it’s their collective voices that are the star attraction, more specifically the songs they sing and the stories they tell.
The Lost Radio Rounders have carved out a niche with shows that are presented as “themed programs,” each of which covers different aspects of America’s rich and varied musical history.
“We wanted to do something a little different, which was present these collections of songs, themed programs that sort of told a story,” band member Tom Lindsay said.
One such program titled, “Cowboy Songs and Frontier Ballads” finds the band pulling western ballads and folk music from the ranch and tv shows depicting the lone rancher life. “Song of Our Empire State” pulls listeners from the Big Apple to the relaxed rolling hills of upstate.
Politics and Patriots is another unique program featuring American presidential campaign songs.
“White House Blues” as performed by the Lost Radio Rounders.
“We look back to the early 1800s and there’s no PA system, there’s no TV, there’s no radio when the politicians were trying to get their message out,” Lindsay explained. “They would create these little pamphlets called songsters and they’d have sent some lyrics in them about how great their candidate is and how terrible the other guy is.”
None of the songs or programs feature original tunes; rather they’ve been passed down through the generations. Lindsay has also served as a teacher of New York State cultural and music history among other things. He has devoted much of his free time to cataloging old songs typically passed through word of mouth or through books.
“What we’re trying to do is keep the songs alive to keep the viewpoints of those people who created them alive,” Lindsay said.
But he also isn’t opposed to making a few stylistic tweaks of his own.
“With 20 verses of a song, we’re going to look at that song, we’re going to say which six of these verses tell the story in the best and linear way,” he said. “We are not going to be “Mr. Authentic” and bore audiences in 2023.”
The Lost Radio Rounders performing live.
The band still keeps some “old-timey” traditions though. When they play live, all three members huddle round a single condenser microphone to give a vintage sound.
But covering American folk tunes isn’t where Eck or Lindsay saw themselves nearly half a century ago. The two met on the local gig circuit and collaborated on a punk rock album in the 80s.
Now their audience is a bit different. The Lost Radio Rounders mostly play private shows, a lot of which are at senior centers and libraries.
“I think that if you talked to Michael and I, when we were 18 and told us we’d be doing this when we’re older, we’d be horrified,” Lindsay admitted. “But it’s wonderful, because you go in, and you play for these people … and the focus is on you.”
The Lost Radio Rounder’s first album, released in 2009.
Put simply, the raucous energy of a crowded bar isn’t conducive to their play style, Lindsay said, which relies on giving a detailed history of the song’s origins.
“We will not get the attention in a bar and nightclub situation most of the time, to give context to material … and we just feel that that’s our strongest point,” Lindsay added.
A private audience on the other hand is more open to the holistic experience the Lost Radio Rounders offer.
“They want to hear more than just the songs,” Lindsay said. “In other words, it’s our philosophy, a good song is nice, but a good song with a good story behind it is even better.”
The band took a brief hiatus when member Michael Eck suffered a stroke in 2021. This prompted the addition of Paul Jossman on banjo, who like Eck is an inductee to the Capital Region Thomas Edison Music Hall of Fame.
Jossman’s addition added new life to the band’s sound, Lindsay said.
“It really injected new life and took us to some places we hadn’t been before and maybe made us look at how we arranged older songs and arrangements,” Lindsay explained. “Quite frankly, after Michael had the stroke, Paul Jossman saved us. He’s the guy who pretty much saved this duo and made it a trio.”
“The Bluestone Quarries” as performed by the Lost Radio Rounders
Eck still holds his own however. Although he needs to sit down at times during live performances, his playing is just as strong as it once was.
“Michael is one of those human beings who have to play music, you know, it’s like, it’s like oxygen for him,” Lindsay added.
But if you are interested in hearing Lost Radio Rounders live, they have a few public shows on the agenda. The band will be playing at the Bennington Museum in Vermont on June 9th at 5pm. On August 27th, they will play at The Linda WAMC Performing Arts Studio in Albany at 8pm. And just announced, they’ll be back at Troy Savings Bank Music Hall on October 10.
The band also has four studio albums, the most recent of which was released in 2016.
Upcoming Lost Radio Rounders shows Friday, December 22 @ 8:00 – Caffe Lena
Rounders co-founder Michael Eck can’t wait for the bands December 22 Caffe Lena presentation of the Holiday Sampler, a program he says is “A wonderful mix of songs about the winter season, sacred and secular Christmas carols, familiar tunes and hidden gems.” Banjo man Paul Jossman added that “Tom has created a musical setting Robert Frost’s “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” that people will really enjoy, and all in all, it will be a great way to close out the musical year!”
Enrique Iglesias, Ricky Martin and Pitbull have announced The Trilogy Tour with stops at Madison Square Garden and the Barclays Center. For the first time ever, the three artists will share the stage featuring three unique headlining sets, one from each artist.
The tour kicks off in Washington DC on October 14. They will perform at Madison Square Garden in New York, NY, on Thursday, October 26 and Friday, October 27, as well as at Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Saturday, October 28, 2023.
All three artists are hugely popular. To start, Enrique Iglesias is a global superstar recognized for his musical versatility across pop and urban genres in Spanish and English. He sold more than 180 million albums worldwide, released 11 studio albums and 3 greatest hits compilations. He also headlined 10 sold-out world tours and performed in front of 10+ million fans.
I am incredibly excited to be going on tour with my friends Pitbull and Ricky. The Trilogy Tour will be an amazing experience for ALL of our fans. It’s going to be a once in a lifetime tour.
Enrique Iglesias
Often refered to as the “King of Latin Pop,” Ricky Martin is a global music icon. Throughout his nearly four-decade career, Martin has brought Latin music and culture to the mainstream, paving the way for crossover talent. His recent successes include the Latin Grammy-winning EP “Pausa” and the album “PLAY,” featuring collaborations with acclaimed artists such as Bad Bunny, Residente, and Sting.
Beyond his artistic achievements, Martin is also a dedicated philanthropist. He established the Ricky Martin Foundation, which actively fights against human trafficking and modern-day slavery. As a Global Ambassador for UNICEF, he has provided significant support to communities affected by natural disasters. Martin has received numerous humanitarian awards, including the Hispanic Federation’s “Humanitarian Award” and the Human Rights Campaign’s “National Visibility Award.” In recognition of his contributions, the City of New York declared “Ricky Martin Day” to honor his artistic legacy and philanthropic work.
Going back on the road with not only Enrique, but now with Pitbull it’s very exciting. This tour will be a wild party from beginning to end so get ready, it’s going to be epic!
Ricky Martin
Armando Christian Perez, more commonly known as Pitbull, is a Grammy-award winning independent international superstar, education advocate, entrepreneur and motivational speaker. With billions of audio streams and video views plus hundreds of gold and platinum certifications, Pitbull has one of the most impressive careers in music history. Not only did he successfully help establish Sports Leadership Arts and Management (SLAM!), tuition-free public charter schools across the country, he also is co-owner of the NASCAR racing team Trackhouse.
Pitbull returned to the road in 2022 with the sold out North American Can’t Stop Us Now Tour along with his SiriusXM Globalization DJs packing amphitheaters and arenas coast-to-coast. He also performed for millions worldwide and even joined forces with the #1 life and business strategist, Tony Robbins, for numerous speaking engagements around the globe. This fall, Pitbull will release his next long-awaited Spanglish album titled Trackhouse.
It’s a true honor to tour with Enrique and Ricky, 2 music icons, who broke global music barriers for our culture and open doors for someone like myself. We’re excited to take The Trilogy tour around the world and give our fans the time of their Trilogy lives, Dale!
Pitbull
Verified Fan presale starts on Wednesday, June 7. A limited number of tickets will be sold during a general on sale starting on Friday, June 9 at 10 am at ticketmaster.com while supplies last.
Tour Dates
Sat Oct 14 – Washington, DC – Capital One Arena
Tue Oct 17 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
Wed Oct 18 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
Fri Oct 20 – Montreal, QC – Bell Centre
Sat Oct 21– Boston, MA – TD Garden
Thu Oct 26 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
Fri Oct 27 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
Sat Oct 28 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center
Wed Nov 01 – Chicago, IL – United Center
Thu Nov 02 – Chicago, IL – United Center
Fri Nov 03 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena
Thu Nov 09 – Orlando, FL – Amway Center
Fri Nov 10 – Miami, FL – Kaseya Center
Sat Nov 11 – Miami, FL – Kaseya Center
Fri Nov 17 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center
John Oliver and Seth Meyers, two Emmy Award-winning comedians, will be combining their individual stand-up tours on August 17th at The Beacon Theatre in New York City.
As two prominent television personalities, Meyers and Oliver have been increasingly impacted by the Writers Guild of America Strike of 2023 which has put Last Week Tonight With John Oliver and Late Night With Seth Meyers on an indefinite stand still. The hosts are continuing to move forward in spite of the controversy and have both announced stand-up tours to last the summer.
Oliver is a long-time participant and pro in the stand-up world and continues to perform sold-out venues across the country. He is best known for being the host and producer of his tonight show along with select appearances in television and film including Disney’s The Lion King, Community, Big Mouth, Bob’s Burgers, and many more. For his work as a writer and comedian, Oliver has gone on to receive twenty-three Primetime Emmys, five Writer’s Guild Awards, two Critics’ Choice Television Awards, four Television Critics Association Awards, and two Peabodys.
In a similar light, Meyers is no stranger to the stage or the screen as he began his television career with “Saturday Night Live” in 2001. He has been given the title of everything from host to executive producer and has been nominated for an Emmy Award twenty-six times for his work on the screen. In addition, Meyers was named one of the 2014 TIME 100, Time magazine’s 100 most influential people.
Tickets for their combined show in August have already become available as local presales began on June 6th and general sales will start on June 9th. Both can be accessed with Ticketmaster.
“For the Music!” is a live music event created to help raise funds for Brooklyn non-profit Spoke The Hub. The fundraiser features performances from seven different musicians, many of whom are Brooklyn locals. The event gets underway on Saturday, June 10 at 6 p.m.
Spoke The Hub is an arts organization that offers classes, performance spaces, and community events for the Brooklyn community. Originally created in 1979, Spoke The Hub has helped to foster and nourish the arts scene in New York City throughout the years. The organization has contributed to the work of thousands of artists through their multiple different series.
Proceeds from “For the Music!” will go toward finding an upright piano to better serve musicians, vocalists and musical theater artists who want to rehearse and teach at Spoke the Hub.
Victor V. Gurbo and his band are known for their unique and multi-faceted folk music. While Gurbo’s sound is reminiscent of traditional American folk, there are unmistakable flavors of blues, jazz, rock and even ragtime. High in tempo and energy, Gurbo’s music is made for dancing.
Petra Jasmiina a Finnish singer-songwriter who has crafted her own lane and sound in New York City. Jasmiina’s music has the catchy and bubbly nature of modern indie-pop with the soulful features of folk. Cinema and storytelling are however the most pervasive influences through her work, helping to create songs that are perfect to sing along to.
Kathryn “Kat” Lewis enjoys playing mostly classic country songs but is also a fan of reggae and pop. She often performs with The Sheriff of Goodtimes at the Thompson Street Medicine Show, Billygoat, and her band Country City.
Guitarist and composer Carlos Pavan has been creating intricate and delicate music for over a decade. Despite the classical nature of his music, the sounds of guitars and strings help to bring a liveliness to each one of Pavan’s songs. He is currently the composer/artistic director of Trio Concertante & Park Slope Chamber Players.
Buffalo native Don Militello is a jazz pianist and educator who has done just about everything in his musical career. Besides going on an international tour, Militello has shared the stage with Etta Jones and performed at the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival. Alongside Militello, bassist Charles Ruble will also be performing. Ruble is currently a member of the High School Jazz Academy at Lincoln Center.
A longtime friend of Spoke, David Goddy will also be performing as part of the fundraiser.
Celebrating 30 years as a band, the original quartet of Schleigho will hit the road for select shows in New York and Pennsylvania in June and August.
Schleigho (pronounced shlay-ho) is a NYC four-piece that came together while attending Boston’s Berklee School of Music in the early 1990s. Drummer Erik Egol, flutist/guitarist Suke Cerulo, jazz pianist Jesse Gibbon, and bassist Drew McCabe became entranced with jazz early on and molded a sound similar to the likes of Bela Fleck and Medeski, Martin, & Wood.
Traveling the Northeast college circuit in the 90s led to them being regulars at the Knitting Factory in NYC and played with jazz aficionados Fleck, Maceo Parker, and Galactic. Schleigho will take you on a musical journey through edgy improv, hypnotic vibey grooves, and intricately composed and heady, progressive originals spanning three decades.
It’s a great feeling to enter a fresh creative cycle as we enter a fourth decade of playing together. We have so much new material and so many new ideas as a result of individual growth as musicians and humans that we can’t work on it all at once. It’s a blessing and we’re really excited about sharing our new Schleigho songs and sounds.
It’s also great to play songs we wrote in a basement in 1993 which makes the whole current Schleigho experience feel like past, present and future all at once. It’s surreal at times and pretty damn cool. We are grateful for our fans and families for the love and support for all these years and we are grateful and excited to share some special nights with you
– Drew McCabe
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see one of the best of the early 90’s jam band scene as they debut new material and reflect on three decades of making music together.
Schleigho 30th Anniversary Tour Dates
Friday, June 9 – Parish Public House, Albany, NY Saturday, June 10 – Upstate Boogie Fest, Hemlock, NY Friday, August 4 – TBA, Buffalo, NY Saturday, August 5 – Erie’s Blues and Jazz Fest, Erie, PA
Brooklyn-based artist Elijah Wolf released a new single “Fading” on May 23. The single previews his upcoming album,Forgiving Season, scheduled for release on June 23 via Mtn Laurel Recording Co. The song was co-written with Wolf’s longtime creative partners Sam Cohen, the album’s producer, and drummer Joshua Jeager.
“Fading” was written “about the experience of meeting someone special while fighting the impulse to self-sabotage. The song deals with the tangled emotions of excitement, fear, and the euphoria of total surrender,” explained Wolf.
Furthermore, Wolf explained that he wrote the song “after meeting someone who made me feel present and in sync. As good as it felt, I couldn’t help but feel the anxiety of allowing someone in. To me this song is about the process I went through to reach acceptance and an openess to new experiences and the happiness it brought me.”
“While recording, I was incredibly inspired by the changing season outside the studio, where I would watch the trees grow greener by the day. The outro is particularly inspired by the sounds of the earth coming back to life—crickets at night, wind through the trees, the hum of frogs, the thawing of the ground all into a spring dance.”
“Fading” follows the release of the official video for other songs on the album, “We Talked About It” and “Care Anymore.“ Elijah Wolf’s childhood friends created the videos using footage of New York City from early 2020.”Care Anymore” was praised by Under the Radar who said, “Wolf has managed to both wrangle the disaffected swirl of emotions he was dealing with when writing the record and crystalize those feelings into vibrant indie rock.”
After a successful 2021 album Brighter Lighting, accompanied by notable tour dates and festival performances, including Newport Folk Festival, Austin City Limits, and The End of the Road in England, Wolf returned to New York feeling lost and plagued by self-doubt. Through this, Wolf found himself unable to write or record. Finally, months later, he called producer Sam Cohen who urged him to visit the studio and scrap his previous work, starting fresh.
“At Sam’s direction, we made a decision to take a leap and not recreate anything I had done already. We wanted to get away from the folk-rock band sound of traditional instruments in a room together,” Wolf explains. “In the end, I wrote a record about vulnerability, about the ways that mechanisms of self-protection can make you miss the good around you. It’s about allowing the walls to come down and accepting your own failures and imperfections.”
Forgiving Season follows Wolf’s 2021 album Brighter Lighting, standalone single “Yesterday, With You” featuring Fleet Foxes’ Robin Pecknold, and an Aquarium Drunkard Lagniappe Sessions release.
Seven Lions, known for his melodic and emotionally-driven music, curated a setlist that took the audience on an unforgettable sonic journey at Brooklyn Mirage on Friday, May 26. From his signature blend of dubstep and trance to his mesmerizing future bass compositions, each track was carefully selected to evoke a range of emotions.
The crowd was transported through euphoric highs and introspective lows, as the artist seamlessly weaved together his own productions, remixes, and crowd-favorite collaborations. Notably, tracks like “Strangers” and “Rush Over Me” resonated deeply with the audience, resulting in countless hands raised to the sky and voices singing along in unison.
The atmosphere at the Brooklyn Mirage was nothing short of magical as electronic dance music (EDM) enthusiasts gathered to witness the awe-inspiring performance of none other than Seven Lions. The open-air venue, with its towering walls and intricate lighting design, created an ethereal ambiance that perfectly complemented the artist’s unique sound. The warm spring night added an extra touch of enchantment to the evening, making it an ideal setting for a captivating musical journey.
The energy pulsating through the crowd was electric from the moment Seven Lions took the stage. The passionate fans, adorned with vibrant neon accessories, exuded an undeniable sense of excitement. As the music began to fill the air, an incredible unity swept through the sea of people. From start to finish, the audience was engaged and fervently moved to the rhythm, igniting a palpable energy that could be felt throughout the entire venue. It was truly a testament to the artist’s ability to connect with his fans on a profound level.
The Brooklyn Mirage proved to be the perfect backdrop for Seven Lions’ captivating performance. The sprawling outdoor venue, with its industrial charm and impressive architecture, provided an immersive experience like no other. The stage, positioned at the center of the venue, allowed for optimal sightlines and enhanced the connection between the artist and the crowd. As the night progressed, the lighting design transformed the space into a captivating kaleidoscope of colors, further enhancing the visual spectacle. The venue’s ample space and strategic layout ensured that everyone had an unobstructed view, allowing fans to fully immerse themselves in the artist’s sonic world.
Seven Lions’ concert at Brooklyn Mirage was an enchanting EDM experience that left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to be in attendance. The ethereal atmosphere, fueled by the venue’s unique design and lighting, set the stage for a night filled with soaring melodies and immersive beats. The crowd’s infectious energy and unwavering passion further amplified the magic of the evening. Seven Lions’ thoughtfully curated setlist captivated the audience, taking them on a sonic journey that touched the depths of their souls. The Brooklyn Mirage proved to be the perfect canvas for this unforgettable performance, adding an extra layer of wonder to an already extraordinary event.
NYC’s City Parks Foundation’s SummerStage is back for another year of concerts and entertainment. This season the series features everything from folk music icons to some of hip-hop’s most innovative voices. Most of the notable concerts will take place at Rumsey Playfield in Central Park. 12 different neighborhood parks across all five boroughs of NYC will also serve as venues. Concerts begin on June 3 and run until September 30.
Since its inception in 1986, SummerStage has established itself as one of New York City’s premier concert series. With 80 shows Summerstage showcases a diverse set of artists from various genres week after week. Apart from some ticketed benefit concerts, SummerStage events are usually open to the public and free.
In addition to concerts, Central Park will also screen films and host a multitude of different celebrations. The iconic greenspace has become an inseparable from NYC, hosting some of the most well known artists throughout the years. Curtis Mayfield, Elvis Costello, Crosby, Stills & Nash, and Jazmine Sullivan have all graced the stage in Central Park.
The other parks and outdoor spaces hosting SummerStage in 2023 include Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem, Tompkins Square Park in the East Village, Von King Park and The Coney Island Amphitheater in Brooklyn, Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens, Crotona Park in the Bronx, Stapleton Waterfront Park in Staten Island, and SummerStage’s flagship venue at Rumsey Playfield in Central Park.
This year SummerStage will celebrate hip-hop as the genre celebrates its 50th anniversary. The series aims to highlight not only its significance to NYC but also the impact it has had worldwide.
As part of the celebration, a special edition showcase will take over Coney Island on August 6. The event will feature artists Special Ed and many more, hosted by Ralph McDaniels. Frankie Cutlass and Black Sheep’s Dres will join the festivities on August 12 in Staten Island. A day later DJ Funk Flex will bring his birthday celebration to Brooklyn on August 13.
SummerStage’s 2023 roster boasts several international musicians but also tries to celebrate some of the city’s local artists. Argentina’s TRUENO and Puerto Rico’s Villano Antillano highlight the influence of Caribbean and reggaetón. Meanwhile Brooklyn-based artist Nick Hakim looks to bring his soulful R&B sounds back to his hometown.
We are thrilled to present another vibrant season filled with captivating artists from around the world and introduce music fans to their diverse sounds
Erika Elliott, Executive Artistic Director of SummerStage.
Saturday, June 3, 7 p.m., Central Park – Hippo Campus & Gus Dapperton – Benefit Concert
Sunday, June 4, 6:30 p.m., Central Park – Indigo Girls – Benefit Concert
Saturday, June 10, 6 p.m., Central Park – Opening Night American Blues – FREE Concert
Wednesday, June 14, 7 p.m., Central Park – New York Sings Yiddish! – FREE Concert
Thursday, June 15, 7 p.m., Central Park – Sammy Rae & The Friends – Benefit Concert
Saturday, June 17, 4 p.m., Central Park – The Aussie BBQ – FREE Concert
Sunday, June 18, 6 p.m., Central Perk – Buddy Guy’s Damn Right Farewell Tour – Benefit Concert
Monday, June 19, 4 p.m., Central Park – Park Jams, a Juneteenth Celebration – Benefit Concert
Tuesday, June 20, 7 p.m., Central Park – The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital ft. Gabriella Reyes / René Barbera / Will Liverman and Dimitri Dover – FREE Concert
Friday, June 23, 7 p.m., Brooklyn Bridge Park – The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital ft. Gabriella Reyes / René Barbera/ Will Liverman / Dimitri Dover – FREE Concert
Saturday, June 24, 5 p.m., Central Park – Stanley Clarke N 4ever / Kenny Garrett / Brandee Younger / DJ Logic in Association with Blue Note Jazz Festival – FREE Concert
Saturday, June 24, 7 p.m., Jackie Robinson Park – The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital ft. Erika Baikoff / Thomas Glass / Cierra Byrd / Juan José Lázaro – FREE Concert
Sunday, June 25, 3 p.m. – Dreamland – Pride in Central Park – Benefit Concert
Monday, June 26, 6 p.m., Williamsbridge Oval – The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital ft. Erika Baikoff / Thomas Glass / Cierra Byrd / Juan José Lázaro – FREE Concert
Wednesday, June 28, 6 p.m., Socrates Sculpture Garden – The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital ft. Erika Baikoff / Thomas Glass / Cierra Byrd / Juan José Lázaro – FREE Concert
Wednesday, June 28, 7 p.m., – Michael Franti & Spearhead – Benefit Concert
Friday, June 30, 7 p.m., Clove Lakes Park – The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital ft. Erika Baikoff / Thomas Glass / Cierra Byrd / Juan José Lázaro – FREE Concert
Saturday, July 1, 5 p.m., Central Park – Andy Shauf / Leith Ross / Yves Jarvis in association with the Consulate General of Canada in New York – FREE Concert
Sunday, July 2, 5 p.m., Central Park – Andy Shauf / Leith Ross / Yves Jarvis in association with the Consulate General of Canada in New York – FREE Concert
Saturday, July 8, 5 p.m., Central Park – Catalan Sounds On Tour: Queralt Lahoz / Marala / Lia Kali with DJ sets by DJ Trapella in association with the Institut Ramon Llull – FREE Concert
Sunday, July 9, 5 p.m., Coney Island – Tuff Gong Takeover feat Skip Marley & Friends – FREE Concert
Monday, July 10, 6 p.m., Central Park – Noel Gallagher & High Flying Birds and Garbage – Benefit Concert
Wednesday, July 12, 6 p.m., Central Park – Juanes / Conexion Divina in association with LAMC – FREE Concert
Thursday, July 13, 5 p.m., Central Park – Bastille Day: Joachim Garraud & Marie Berson / Passi / Bénabar / Adèle Castillon in association with Consulate General of France – FREE Concert
Thursday, July 13, 7 p.m., Von King Park – Works & Process at SummerStage: The Masterz at Work Dance Family with Courtney Washington – FREE Concert
Friday, July 14, 6 p.m., Von King Park – Nick Hakim / June McDoom / Evan Wright – FREE Concert
Saturday, July 15, 4 p.m., Von King Park – MIKE’S Young World III: Noname / Georgia Anne Muldrow / 454 – FREE Concert
Saturday, July 15, 5 p.m., Central Park – TRUENO / Villano Antillano / Dawer x Damper / KEXP’s El Sonido with Albina Cabrera ft. Camola DJ set in association with LAMC – FREE Concert
Sunday, July 16, 4 p.m., Coney Island – GOLDEN OLDIES ON THE BOARDWALK 2023 feat. The Duprees / The Coasters / Charlie Thomas’ Drifters w/ Jeff Hall / Bobby Wilson / Stan Zizka’s Del Satins / Vito Picone & The Elegants / The Chiclettes and More / Hosted by Joe Causi with DJ Vinnie Medugno in association with Fever Productions and Brian Rosenberg – FREE Concert
Sunday, July 16, 6 p.m, Von King Park – dead prez / th1rt3en / Large Professor DJ Set – FREE Concert
Wednesday, July 19, 5 p.m., Central Park – Julia Jacklin / Y La Bamba / Black Belt Eagle Scout -FREE Concert
Thursday, July 20, 5 p.m., Central Park – Horsegirl / Iceage / Water From Your Eyes / Lifeguard – FREE Concert
Saturday, July 22, 5 p.m., Central Park – Michael Brun Presents BAYO – Benefit Concert
Saturday, July 22, 5 p.m., Flushing Meadows Corona – Kool and the Gang – FREE Concert
Sunday, July 23, 5 p.m., Central Park – Taiwanese Waves: Waa Wei / The Dinosaur’s Skin / Mandarin Homework (DJ Mr. Skin) – FREE Concert
Sunday, July 23, 6 p.m., Flushing Meadows Corona Park – DJ Rekha’s Basement Bhangra Bacchanal: DJ Rekha / Malkit Singh with live band / DJ Ana / Sikh Knowledge / Rolex Rasathy / Param Singh / Dholi Anuradha and guests – FREE Concert
Thursday, Aug 3, 6 p.m., Crotona Park – Ted Smooth’s Freestyle Jam ft. TKA and Judy Torres – FREE Concert
Friday, Aug 4, 5 p.m., Crotona Park – “Birth of a Culture” Grandmaster Flash and Friends – FREE Concert
Saturday, Aug 5, 5 p.m., Central Park – The Originals: Stretch Armstrong / Rich Medina / Tony Touch / Clark Kent / D-Nice – FREE Concert
Saturday, Aug 5, 7 p.m., Crotona Park – Stonebwoy in association with Ghanafest-NY Crotona Park – FREE Concert
Sunday, August 6, 4 p.m., Coney Island – Hip-Hop 50: SPECIAL EDITION: Nice N Smooth / Special Ed /Buckshot of Black Moon / Masta Ace / CL Smooth / Rah Digga / Rampage / Black Sheep Dres / Sweet Tee / Joeski Love / Sparky D / Hosted by Ralph McDaniels (Video Music Box) – FREE Concert
Wednesday and Thursday, Aug 9 & 10, 7 p.m. Mt. Joy – Benefit Concerts – Sold Out
Saturday, Aug 12, 5 p.m., Waterfront Park – Frankie Cutlass / The Original Cover Girls / Cynthia / Black Sheep / DJ Millo and DJ Medina in Association with Maker Park Radio Stapleton Waterfront Park – FREE Concert
Saturday, Aug 12, 5 p.m., Central Park – VP Records Presents Roots Reggae Review – FREE Concert
Sunday, Aug 13, 5 p.m., Coney Island – Funk Flex & Friends Birthday Concert Featuring Raheem DeVaughn, Rob Base & More – FREE Concert
Aug 13, 5 p.m, Waterfront Park – Las Cafeteras / Natu Camara / Justy / DJ Kitty the Disc Jockey in Association with Maker Park Radio and La Isla Bonita Stapleton – FREE Concert
Thursday, Aug 17, 7 p.m., Marcus Garvey Park – Works & Process at SummerStage: The Missing Element with The Beatbox House / LayeRhythm – FREE Concert
Friday, Aug 18, 7 p.m., Marcus Garvey Park – Jason Moran and the Big Bandwagon: James Reese Europe and the Harlem Hellfighters: From the Dancehall to the Battlefield in Association with Jazzmobile – FREE Concert
Saturday, Aug 19, 5 p.m., Marcus Garvey Park – Mixtape (Film Screening) / DJ sets by Ron G / Doo Wop / Mister Cee / Tony Touch / Brucie B – FREE Concert
Saturday, Aug 19, 5 p.m. – Cautious Clay, Wet, Christian Kuria, and Zindelphia – Benefit
Sunday, Aug 20, 4 p.m., Coney Island – Jose Alberto “El Canario” / The Big 3 Palladium Orchestra: The Music Of Machito, Tito Rodriguez and Tito Puente – FREE Concert
Aug 20, 5 p.m., Central Park – Everyday People – FREE Concert
Aug 20, 5 p.m., Marcus Garvey Park – Hip-Hop 50: Native Tongue Edition: Monie Love / Black Sheep Dres / Chi Ali / DJ Red Alert hosted by Ralph McDaniels (Video Music Box) – FREE Concert
Wednesday, Aug 23, 4:30 p.m. – Manchester Orchestra and Jimmy Eat World – Benefit Concert
Thursday, Aug 24, 8 p.m. – Regina Spektor – Benefit Concert
Friday, Aug 25, 7 p.m., Marcus Garvey Park – Charlie Parker Jazz Festival: Orrin Evans and the Captain Black Big Band featuring Dianne Reeves / T.K. Blue in association with Jazzmobile – FREE Concert
Saturday, Aug 26, 3 p.m., Marcus Garvey Park – Charlie Parker Jazz Festival: The Cookers / Endea Owens and the Cookout / Nduduzo Makhathini Trio / Akua Allrich and The Tribe – FREE Concert
Sunday, Aug 27, 3 p.m., Tompkins Square Park – Charlie Parker Jazz Festival: Charles McPherson with Terell Stafford / Something Else! Vincent Herring Septet / HERA feat. Chelsea Baratz and Andromeda Turre / Michael Mayo – FREE Concert
Sunday, Aug 27, 5 p.m., Central Park – Palmwine Festival: Show Dem Camp and Friends in association with Move Forward Music – FREE Concert
Wednesday, Aug 30, 7 p.m. – Vance Joy with Dan Sultan – Benefit Concert
Thursday, Aug 31, 6 p.m., Central Park – In Our Own Sweet Time Tour: Vance Joy / Dan Sultan Subaru Music Series – Benefit Concert
Sunday, Sep 3, 5 p.m., Central Park – Emicida / Goyo / Screening: AmarElo: It’s All for Yesterday / in Association with 27th Inffinito Brazilian Film Festival – FREE Concert
Thursday, Sep 14, 5 p.m., Central Park – Tanya Tucker / Nikki Lane Subaru Music Series – FREE Concert
On the heels of releasing her eighth solo studio album on April 14, Keep Your Courage (Nonesuch Records), Natalie Merchant played the Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center for two consecutive sold-out shows this on the evenings of Friday, June 2 and Saturday, June 3.
A huge fan of hers since the heyday of the 10,000 Maniacs in the late-1980s and early-1990s, I was “blessed and lucky” enough to be in attendance for the night two performance on June 3.
At the midway point of a 45 date tour that shares the same name as her new album, the Jamestown, NY native brought her trademark, unmistakable alto chops to the Adrienne Arsht Stage, within the warm, wood veneer confines of the Starr Theater. In celebration of her first new material since 2017, Merchant has been performing several shows on the tour while backed by an orchestra. And Friday and Saturday’s concerts were no different as The Knights, a symphonic orchestral collective based in New York City and led by Associate Conductor Michael P. Atkinson, accompanied Natalie Merchant onstage for lush arrangements of career-spanning tunes.
On an atypically chilly evening for late-spring on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, patrons began to congregate in Alice Tully Hall’s foyer one hour before showtime to relax with a drink from the bar and to check out the ‘merch’ table, which included signed vinyl copies of Keep Your Courage selling for $50. At 7:30 pm, doors to the 1,086-capacity theater renovated in 2006 and known for its exceptional acoustics officially opened. Walking into the theater alongside other attendees to take our respective seat in the orchestra section or balcony, we were immediately taken aback by the theater’s grandeur, particularly the venue’s centerpiece, a cathedral-sized, 19-ton, Swiss-made pipe organ built in 1974.
Running slightly behind schedule, the house lights suddenly dimmed at 8:10 pm and the moment we all had been waiting for was finally upon us! Entering stage right in the first of two elegant, long skirt and blouse ensembles Merchant would be rocking tonight, the epic 23-song show comprised of two sets (separated by a 20-minute intermission) and an encore was officially underway with “Lulu,” from her self-titled studio album released in 2014. At the song’s conclusion, Merchant explained that she wrote the song about Louise Brooks, the American film actress and Jazz Age icon of the 1920s and 1930s who of all things, popularized the bob hairstyle.
With a setlist mimicking Friday night’s selections and order (despite Merchant and The Knights reportedly sound checking “Seven Years” and “My Skin” at rehearsals earlier in the day), Merchant’s voice was in top form, like a fine wine, as she gracefully danced, twirled and flowed from one end of the stage to the other, frequently interacting with her beaming audience.
Speaking of superb vocals, Merchant was joined onstage by two back-up vocalists for several songs, including “Lady Bird,” “Break Your Heart,” “Big Girls,” “Come On, Aphrodite,” “Kind & Generous” and “Tower of Babel.” One of the vocalists who teamed with Merchant during both Lincoln Center performances was Abena Koomson-Davis, a renowned performer and the musical director of the Resistance Revival Chorus, who also sings two duets on 2023’s Keep Your Courage.
As The Knights continued to compliment Merchant’s repertoire of current and past array of heartfelt melodies Saturday night, her innocent charm was palpable. Having matured into a beautifully refined artist over the course of nearly four decades, her songs have the ability to touch the inner soul of her listeners. Tonight, during “Beloved Wife” (Tigerlily, 1995) and “Sister Tilly” (an homage to powerful women from Keep Your Courage), she pulled on her own heartstrings as she was brought to tears during each of these emotional song deliveries. Poking fun at herself as she continued to wipe away the tears, the 2 hour, 30 minute display of live solo material was unfortunately nearing its climax.
The second set consummated with the entire house rising to their collective feet for a rousing rendition of “Kind & Generous” (Ophelia, 1998), followed by thunderous applause which lasted for minutes until Merchant appeased her adoring fans for a three song encore consisting of “Tower of Babel” (Keep Your Courage), fan-favorite “Carnival” (Tigerlily) and “These are Days” (Our Time in Eden, 1992), the lone 10,000 Maniacs number of the night. Before commencing the encore, Merchant quipped, “You are [all] gluttons! A three hour show, that’s what you all get, like Bruce Springsteen!”
Well past 11:00 pm, Natalie Anne Merchant fans of all ages, including a generous sampling of teenagers with their Gen X parents, gleefully filed out of the concert hall and into the Gotham night. Despite all of us going our separate way, we unanimously agreed on one thing – that it’s true, we are all “blessed and lucky” to have witnessed firsthand an emotionally-captivating performance by an artist that oozed both life and passion.
The North American leg of Merchant’s Keep Your Courage Tour will resume in St. Louis, Missouri on June 22. And in case you missed either of her Lincoln Center shows in the Big Apple, or you just need another dose of ‘90s nostalgia, Merchant will be back in the tri-state area to perform with a full orchestra again at New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) in Newark, New Jersey on June 25. The thirty-sixth and final show in the lower 48 will occur on September 30 in Los Angeles, California.
Following a much-needed respite during October, Merchant will then continue her tour abroad with nine more shows, including five across the pond in the United Kingdom, as well as stopovers in Dublin and Amsterdam, with the tour finale scheduled for November 14 in Brussels, Belgium.
Setlist
Set 1: Lulu > Maggie and Milly and Molly and May > The Feast of St. Valentine > The Worst Thing > Frozen Charlotte > Ladybird > Giving Up Everything > The Letter > Narcissus > Break Your Heart > Big Girls
Set 2: River > Ophelia > Guardian Angel > Beloved Wife > Sister Tilly > Wonder > Come On, Aphrodite > Life Is Sweet > Kind & Generous
Encore: Tower of Babel > Carnival > These Are Days (10,000 Maniacs song)
