NYS Music 2023

Category: Genres

  • Best of the Boroughs: How Brooklyn Put Hip-Hop On Notice

    While Hip-Hop started in the Boogie Down Bronx, Brooklyn birthed hip-hop’s heart. As an art form, New York started hip-hop. How wondrous the gift of spinning records to make new records. Hustle never quits. From the DJ spinning on turntables to the space decked out in graffiti – real performers make bystanders break out and dance. In the beginning, Brooklyn seismically shook the genre to its core and showcased all four core elements of hip-hop masterfully.  

    Imitation remains the highest form of flattery and nobody does it better than cats from Brooklyn. Subsequently, those outside of New York may struggle to understand the sense of pride attached to being Brooklyn-bred. The confidence serves as a survival tactic and the greatest emcees of all time – Biggie and Jay-Z exemplify this to the fullest.

    Brooklyn Lineage

    Many significantly trace hip-hop’s lineage to the Native Tongues. Imagine a genre-wide family tree and the many roots/branches that sprout as time progresses. Individuals who emerged from the throws of Native Tongues travel far and wide. Real artists leave an incredulous mark on the genre through the element of timelessness. Jungle Brothers, Yasiin Bey, De La Soul and A Tribe Called Quest all blossomed ‘Straight out the Jungle’ of the Native Tongues.

    Hip-Hop as a Timeless Tool

    While hip-hop began to surround the sound of Brooklyn in the late eighties – it wasn’t until the next decade that hip-hop started to resonate across all boroughs. Accordingly, Brooklyn encapsulated the sound that everyone tried to emulate. While some might argue that Cutmaster D.C.’s “Brooklyn’s in the House” put Brooklyn on the map – it’s not about who did it first – rather who did it right. Artists like Notorious B.I.G. and Jay-Z stepped into the spotlight and left a footprint in the hip-hop world that could never be duplicated.

    Centrally, hip-hop exists as the single greatest knowledge-based tool for all to encounter. The sheer cultural wisdom and latitude that the platform provides outweighs all other genres by a landslide. Hip-hop changes the world when it allows artists to elevate from aspirational to generational. Essentially, nobody manifested their realities into existence quite like Brooklyn-area emcees.

    Surviving as a Brooklyn Artist

    Naturally, a Brooklyn artist may be known to overcompensate within their discography to reach their desired heights. Reason being, overconfidence and a tough demeanor come as prerequisites for anyone who aims to survive in Brooklyn. Simultaneously, the way that Brooklyn artists polish their renditions to overcome struggles and hardships contributes wonderful works of art as a whole. 

    Consequently, groundbreaking artwork emerges to reflect the socioeconomic conditions of the times. Hip-hop during the Reagan-era birthed many blossoming acts with illusions of grandeur. Only the strong survive, as the opportunities of the times gave many a chance to shine. Alas, Brooklyn-born artists consistently put forth the most bravado and gumption to properly represent New York – the mecca of hip-hop.

    Brooklyn We Go Hard

    After Biggie passed in 1997 – he left a major void. As time went on, Jay-Z continued to outshine his counterparts. In 1998, Mos Def and Talib Kweli purchased Nkiru Books in Park Slope to turn it into an education center filled with open mic events, workshops and lectures. Nevertheless, Brooklyn carries the most soul and flavor for all to appreciate. Throughout time, gentrification slammed Brooklyn as it hardly resembles the original infrastructure. Long live Brooklyn landmarks like Albee Square Mall and Fulton Mall where countless hip-hop heads would gather and legends were made.

    Today, nobody holds it down for Brooklyn quite like Joey Bada$$ and the Pro Era crew. The Beast Coast movement includes Flatbush Zombies, Underachievers and Pro Era which was started by Capital Steez. These prolific artists capitalize on the concept of tonal perception – which allows the listener to interpret the lyrics based upon how they sound. 

    Undoubtedly, hip-hop remains the most pivotal component to artistry as a whole. Nobody could replace the contributions made by hip-hop and the blessings continue to multiply within the genre. For those about to rap – we salute you!

  • Brooklyn Group Strange Weather’s New Concept Album “The Last Man Alive” Slowly Awakens

    Strange Weather, the Brooklyn-based genre-bending group, has been slowly rolling out their newest record, The Fool’s Journey. The record is a concept piece, with one track released each month as the full story of the album unfolds. The most recent track to debut is “The Last Man Alive,” inspired by the classic Rip Van Winkle folk tale. 

    The Last Man Alive

    “The Last Man Alive” follows a story format about a man who wakes up to find himself, as one could guess, the last man alive. With lively vocals and whimsical tones, the track is truly an entertaining story in itself. The song breaks into guitar solos and maintains a bouncing musical undertone as the protagonist’s story unfolds.

    The Fool’s Journey follows a protagonist as he falls down the rabbit hole of love, leaving his private sunny abode. Throughout the album, he faces challenges, riddles, romance, and hardship. Through it all, however, The Fool learns to face those hardships and comes to represent many facets of the human condition.

    Strange Weather

    Strange Weather cites bombastic 90s rock, 70s Afrobeat, and spaghetti western, among others, as inspiration for their indie rock project. Strange Weather is led by songwriter and producer Sean Brennan, and includes Callie Brennan (vocals), Paul Peglar (keys and vocals), Philip Ambuel (bass), Alex Beckmann (drums and percussion), Isaac Gardner (drums and percussion), Evan Hamaguchi (saxophone), and Ethan Fox (tablas).

  • toriendofstory and B.Chaps/Freedom Stratton Featured on This Week’s EQXposure

    Each Sunday evening from 7-9 pm you’ll find EQXposure on WEQX, featuring two hours of local music from up-and-coming artists. Tune into WEQX.com this Sunday night to hear new music from toriendofstory and B. Chaps/Freedom Stratton.

    toriendofstory and B. Chaps/Freedom Stratton

    WEQX has long been the preeminent independent station in the Capital Region of New York, broadcasting from Southern VT to an ever-expanding listening audience. NYS Music brings you a preview of artists to discover each week, just a taste of the talent waiting to be discovered by fans like you.

    toriendofstory- “Cool For Now”

    toriendofstory is an indie-pop songwriter and singer from Albany. Some of her musical influences include Adele and Maggie Rogers, tying them into her music. She fuses powerful ballads and indie-style production to create a universally loved sound. She takes her listeners on a journey through relatable emotions, bringing people together with her range and strong vocals.

    B.Chaps/Freedom Stratton– “Sundaze”

    B. Chaps and Freedom Stratton are both MCs, born and raised in Albany. B. Chaps comes from an instrumentalist background with experience as a songwriter, producer, and engineer. Additionally, he has experience working in Albany’s premier studio. Freedom Stratton comes from a performance background. He is a trained actor, dancer, and vocalist with formal education in performing arts schools. Together the two have amassed millions of streams and worked with many reputable labels and artists.

  • In Focus: Albany Latin Fest 2023

    The 2023 Albany Latin Fest was held on Saturday, August 26 in Washington Park, with the day-long family-friendly community event hosting music and fun activities for children and adults alike. All throughout the park, families and friends celebrated Latin American culture while enjoying games, dominoes, food trucks, and live music performances.

    Photo by Mabou Riddick

    Live music and cultural performances were presented by Legacy Women, Son Latino, Lulada Club and Puncho & The Boricua Legends. Sibie LaVoz paid homage to Hip Hop’s 50th Anniversary, being celebrated in 2023. During the live performances, crowds were growing, dancing and grooving to the variety of Latin music on hand this afternoon. Sponsors, Congressman Paul Tonko and Organizers of Latin Fest spoke on Latin Culture and their yearly involvement with Latin Fest, and efforts within the Latin community of the greater Capital District.

    Photo by Mabou Riddick

    For many years, Albany Latin Fest has established itself as a unique platform in the Capital Region, providing the local Hispanic population with deserved recognition as a vital element of the community. At Latin Fest, the showcasing of local, regional and international performing artists provides commercial and non-profit businesses and organizations access to the local Hispanic population and engaging in coalition building efforts to address recent disaster relief efforts.  All photos by Mabou Riddick for NYS Music.

    The Crowd at Latin Fest

    The Food at Latin Fest

    The Speakers

    Latin Fest 2023

    Sibie Lavoz

    Vendors and Non-profits

    Lulda Club

    Legacy Women

    Puncho and The Boricua Legends

    And more of the Crowd at Latin Fest 2023

  • Billy and the Kids Announce Two-Night Run at Capitol Theatre

    On the heels of a performance on the Rooftop at Pier 17, Grateful Dead drummer Bill Kreutzmann will bring a mob of musicians, Billy and the Kids to the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester this October.

    photo by Filip Zalewski

    The pair of shows will take place on October 20 and 21, the only dates on the calendar for this talented group of musicians.

    The announcement arrived in a late-Thursday tweet from Billy and the Kids’ official account:

    Then on Friday, the announcement was official as Bill Kreutzmann said “I had so much fun going ‘Pier to Pier’ with the Kids last month, but now it’s time to pull into port – Port Chester, NY, that is – and drop anchor for two nights at Peter Shapiro’s Deadhead Palace.”

    Kreutzmann added “So I’m inviting all of you to my East Coast ‘Daze of the Dead’ parties. Please dress in costume (if the spirit moves). Billy and The Kids will be joined for both of these shows by some very special guests – I’ll keep you guessing for now, but I’m just over the moon about them.”

    Later that afternoon, it was revealed that the Capitol Theatre run will include frequent lineup contributors Tom Hamilton, Aron Magner, Reed Mathis, and unnamed guests, although as Jambands.com points out, most recently on the road, Kreutzmann invited Kanika Moore and Daniel Donato to join as special guests.

    Kreutzmann ended his message with a hint at future shows out west, saying “When we dance, we are all together, we are all one, and we are all very much alive. This ‘Daze of the Dead’ trick is for New York but don’t you worry California – stay tuned for a special treat.”

    Presale for Billy & The Kids at the Capitol Theatre is now underway.

  • Hearing Aide: Organ Fairchild “Leisure Suit”

    Organ Fairchild’s new album, Leisure Suit, was released on all platforms on September 8. The sophomore album from the Buffalo-based jam band, the group recorded, mixed, and co-produced the album in New York’s Hudson Valley.

    Leisure Suit Album Cover

    An eclectic instrumental mix from the band’s three members, Joe Bellanti, Corey Kertzie, and Dave Ruch, Leisure Suit carries an ever-positive energy and displays the group’s technical skill and creativity. A stand out feature of the album is the guitar tracks as well as, of course, the ever-present organ throughout the record.

    The title track and opening song on the record, “Leisure Suit,” has an earworm opening guitar track that captures the listener as it repeats throughout the song. This track especially highlights guitarist Dave Ruch’s laid-back yet technically impressive skills. 

    In addition, the group mastered a cover of the famed Grateful Dead’s “He’s Gone.” The beloved track with numerous live recordings, as per Grateful Dead usual, is a seamless fit with Organ Fairchild’s tone and musical presence. Instead of a vocal track, the band opts for a guitar playing the usual vocal melody. In addition, the group infuses an upbeat rhythm to the classic track.

    A third track on Leisure Suit that stands out is the final “Rusty Barge.” The band shared that this track came as engineer Justin Guip played effects pedals on his hands and knees, coaxing the song from the musicians. An eerie yet invigorating opening echo, the song opens into a sci-fi-like mysterious tune with a constant organ tone.

    Organ Fairchild Photo by Greg Meadows
    Photo by Greg Meadows

    Organ Fairchild is Joe Bellanti (organ/keyboard), Corey Kertzie (drums/percussion), and Dave Ruch (guitar). Leisure Suit was recorded and mixed by Juistin Guip at Milan Hill Studio, co-produced by the band and Guip, and mastered by Alan Evans at Iron Wax Studios.

  • Genius IQ/BBQ Returns & Brings Culture Together at Knockdown Center in Queens

    In honor of hip hop’s 50th anniversary and lasting culture, Genius brought a return to their “IQ/BBQ” summer showcase. In the first edition of the annual event since Covid, hosts Miabelle and Jacques Morel took on the role of emcee, with DJ Saige, DJ Stacks, RNB House Party and DJ S’Wit serenading the crowd with memorable hip hop tracks.

    Held at Queens’ Knockdown Center, the day-long festivities provided a fitting end-of-summer experience for guests to enjoy. While in the midst of a year-long celebration of hip hop, IQ/BBQ expertly combined the best of hip hop and urban culture to provide all-around good time.

    Genis IQ/BBQ Main Stage
    Guests gather at center stage at IQ/BBQ. Photo by Ki Steiger-Dahl

    In light, Knockdown Center’s large terrain set the stage for a diverse live music experience, allowing for the ambience to differ with each change of location. Consequently for performers, it left the crowd scattered. As guests warmed up to performances by opening acts Rich Greedy and Wynne, their attention split between a number of enjoyable experiences at Genius IQ/BBQ.

    IQ/BBQ Brought the Culture

    After all, aside from a rich lineup of acts, IQ/BBQ offered experiences like the So Fresh, So Clean Shop. Presented By Paco Rabanne 1 Million, attendees had the chance to snag free barber shape-ups by Groomed Guys, along with sneaker cleanings by Fresh Kicks NYC. 

    Photos by Kia Steiger-Dahl

    In like manner, the outdoor Rap Cafeteria, presented by Showtime’s The Chi, created a true backyard barbecue vibe for Genius. This fun space featured picnic tables with designs that paid homage to iconic cities and eras from hip-hop’s first 50 years. Along with games, food from some New York City’s best food trucks and of course, great music.

    Genius IQ/BBQ Rap Cafeteria
    IQ/ BBQ’s Rap Cafeteria offered delicious eats from some of New York City’s best vendors

    Meanwhile, VIPs enjoyed sips of PATRÓN EL ALTO in the VIP Genius Lounge, which was adorned with famous song lyrics featuring PATRÓN.

    Photos by Kia Steiger-Dahl

    Performances

    As the acts warmed up so did the crowd. However, New York City’s “too cool for school” attitude reared its head, as less experienced and less-known performers struggled to captivate the crowd. Yet as the evening waned and guests had eaten and drank their fill, the center stage began to heat up. Performances from Luh Tyler and Lola Brooke got the crowd going. While Armani White showcased true stage presence and talent in getting a stubborn crowd to come alive.

    Photos by Spicy Rico

    As a result, a now-perked up and fully gathered crowd waited patiently for the headliners, Clipse, to make their appearance. After a near hour-long wait Pusha T dawned the stage, feverishly spitting out lyrics from his Grammy-nominated release, It’s Almost Dry.

    Pusha T came out to a very engaged crowd. Photo by Kia Steiger-Dahl,

    After performing records performing a slew of solo tracks, he brought out his brother Malice as they performed one of their classic album cuts, “Popular Demand” to a now-fully engaged crowd. The energy levels remained high throughout their set as they ran through a number of hit records including “Mr. Me Too,” and “What Happened to That Boy,” before ultimately performing a run of deep album cuts and closing out with one of hip hop’s classic records, “Grindin’.”

    Pusha T and No Malice are in the midst of a reunion 14 years in the making. Photo by Kia Steiger-Dahl.

    As Pusha T and Malice performed their last record, the duo thanked the crowd for repeatedly showing the Virginia natives love. Just as suddenly as the electrifying performance began, it was over, and guests dispersed knowing that hip hop delivered them another memorable day.

  • Beck and co-headliner Phoenix Celebrate the End of Summer with an All-Invite Party at “The Amp” In Bridgeport, CT

    Splitting the bill on a 23-date trek of North America which commenced in the Pacific Northwest in early August, dubbed the Summer Odyssey Tour, indie-rock heavyweight Beck and French pop rockers Phoenix descended upon the Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater in Bridgeport, CT this past Wednesday evening, September 6.

    Beck | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger

    No strangers to one another, Beck joined Phoenix during their Los Angeles residency at the Fonda Theater in 2018, performing the tracks “Lost Cause” (Sea Change, 2002) and “Jack-Ass” (Odelay, 1996). And this past June, the two artists joined forces on a new single titled “Odyssey,” with vocals from both Beck and Phoenix’s lead singer Thomas Mars. Prior to the collaboration, Phoenix released Alpha Zulu (Glassnote Records) in November of last year (their seventh studio album), while Beck most recently issued his fourteenth studio album Hyperspace (Capitol Records) in 2019.

    Thomas Mars of Phoenix | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger

    On a late afternoon filled with sweltering heat, the festivities kicked off promptly at 5:45 pm as the first of two opening acts, Sir Chloe, took to the boutique amphitheater stage nestled along the Long Island Sound waterfront. Despite the early start time on hump day, the quintet hailing from Bennington, VT, led by frontwoman Dana Foote, had amassed a strong contingent of die-hard fans along the steel barricade of the general admission floor area. Although their set was over all too quickly, the collection of young alt-rock musicians (rounded out by Foote’s brother Palmer, Teddy O’Mara, Emma Welch and Austin Holmes) made the most of their allotted 25-minutes while braving 90+ degree temperatures – particularly that of Foote, who rarely stood still.

    Sir Chloe | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger

    As the picturesque, 6,000-capacity venue that opened in July 2021 continued to fill up with fans of all ages, Natalie Laura Mering, professionally known as Weyes Blood (pronounced Wize Blood), was next up to perform support duties on behalf of Beck and Phoenix. Born in Santa Monica, CA and raised in Doylestown, PA, Mering is touring in support of her fifth studio album, And in the Darkness, Hearts Aglow (Sub Pop), released in late-2022. A talented artist whose musical catalog crosses several genres – chamber pop, indie pop, folk rock, noise music and experiment rock – Mering sported an elegant, off-white dress with a flowing cape while backed by a guitarist, bassist, drummer and keyboardist. Her set piece was decorated with numerous candelabras perfectly matching the romantic tone of her glorious, nearly 45-minute long set.

    Weyes Blood | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger

    The sun having mercifully set and temperatures finally bearable beneath the amphitheater’s massive canopy, co-headliner Phoenix entered stage left at 7:40 pm to a raucous ovation from the packed house. With a history dating to 1995, when Phoenix started releasing synth pop singles which were later featured in their debut album United (Rhino/Parlophone) released in 2000, the band has remained unchanged since their formation, comprised of the aforementioned Mars, Deck d’Arcy (bass, keyboards), Christian Mazzalai (guitar) and Laurent Brancowitz (guitar, keyboards). In Bridgeport, the French band was rounded out with touring musicians Thomas Hedlund (drummer) and Robin Coudert (keyboards, percussion).

    With a stage backdrop of stunning visuals continually plastered across a jumbotron video wall, Phoenix offered up an 18-song set spread across five albums in their discography, with the most presentations (eight in total) coming from their 2009 studio album, and fourth overall, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix (V2 Records). Mars and his bandmates transformed The Amp with the lushness and beauty of their arrangements, exquisitely balancing swirling guitars and synthesizers on songs such as “Lisztomania,” “Too Young” and “Love Like a Sunset, Pt. 1,” with its guitar ostinatos and driving percussion.

    Phoenix | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger

    As the set turned for the homestretch, the beloved group from Versailles gifted their fans “Funky Squaredance,” with its country-inspired slide guitar couple with bluesey-funk and “Winter Solstice,” a tune drenched in vocal distortion and building synths. Before Phoenix’s night closed with “1901,” the tune which propelled the band to immense popularity and recognition, the charismatic Mars thrilled his fans by leaving the stage for a journey into the crowd, making his way to the rear of the venue, and back again. He paused several times along his route, interacting with ecstatic souls who would no doubt remember this night forever.

    If Phoenix weren’t enough to satisfy your indie rock taste buds, there was still one headliner left – Mr. Beck David Hansen of Los Angeles, CA – who if you don’t know, rose to fame in the early-1990s after living in a rat-infested shed and dead broke. Armed with a Silvertone 1448 guitar made of particle board that he bought from the Sears catalog, the lo-fi, art pop musician guru would never look back as he released album after album to critical acclaim, beginning with the breakthrough single and worldwide hit “Loser” from 1994’s Mellow Gold.

    Appearing onstage with musicians that have contributed to his success in one way or another during the span of his 35-year career, Beck’s set got underway at 9:40 pm with “Devils Haircut,” lifted from his fifth studio album Odelay (DGC Records) released in 1996. Beck would later bequeath upon his faithful listeners two more incredibly successful singles from said album including “The New Pollution,” and the final number of the set, “Where It’s At,” a tune during which he would be accompanied onstage by Phoenix, Weyes Blood and Sir Chloe for an epic party atmosphere conclusion, complete with a conga line.

    Beck & Co. | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger

    The crowd already in a fervor from the jump, a performance of the humorous ode to a girl named “Debra” from Beck’s seventh studio album released in 1999, Midnite Vultures (DGC Records) at the half-way point put us all over the top. Hilariously improvising his signature falsetto lyrics as the soul R&B-ballad pastiche went along – about meeting a girl named Jenny who works at JCPenney and who had a sister named Debra that Beck wanted to ‘get with’ – I had to reproduce some of them here:

    I just wanted to do something nice for her, to show her how much I cared. So, I went down to Bed Bath & Beyond. And I went straight to the back, to the beyond section. And in the beyond section, there’s a little door. That’s where they keep all the potpourri and the scented candles and the apricot exfoliator. I bought all that shit. And I loaded it up in the car. And I drove down to the shopping center where she works. And I came to surprise her after work on a Wednesday night. I said “Lady, step inside my Hyundai.”

    Beck | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger

    The hits kept coming, including “Gamma Ray” and “Chemtrails” from 2008’s Modern Guilt (DGC Records/XL Recordings), “Lost Cause” from 2002’s Sea Change (Geffen), and of course a duet execution of “Odyssey” with Mars reappearing to contribute his share of the vocals. As the clock struck 11:00 pm and the show neared its denouement – having showcased more than two decades of material traversing eight albums (from Stereopathetic Soulmanure released 1994 via Flipside Records to Colors released in 2017 via Fonograf Records) – the summer party was officially over, and I was glad to have been invited. The Summer Odyssey Tour wraps on September 10 with an outdoor gig at the Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, MD.

    Phoenix Setlist: Lisztomania > Entertainment > Lasso > Too Young > Girlfriend > Alpha Zulu > Ti Amo > After Midnight > Armistice > Love Like a Sunset, Pt. 1 > Love Like a Sunset, Pt. 2 > If I Ever Feel Better > Funky Squaredance > Tonight > Winter Solstice > Rome > Trying to Be Cool > 1901

    Beck Setlist: Devils Haircut > Mixed Bizness > The New Pollution > Qué Onda Guero > Girl > Wow > Nicotine & Gravy > Debra > Gamma Ray > Soul of a Man > Chemtrails > The Golden Age > Lost Cause > Odyssey (Beck & Phoenix cover) > Dreams > Loser > E-Pro > One Foot in the Grave > Where It’s At

    WEYES BLOOD

    PHOENIX

    BECK

  • Tommy Stinson’s Cowboys in the Campfire Release Music Video, Upcoming NYC Show

    Tommy Stinson’s Cowboys in the Campfire released a video for their new track “Here We Go Again,” alongside an upcoming Eastern US tour this September. The group will make a stop at New York City’s Bowery Electric on Sept. 9, and will continue with stops across Washington, DC, Winston-Salem, NC, and more.

    Tommy Stinson's Cowboys in the Campfire Upcoming Tour

    “Here We Go Again” is the first track off Cowboys in the Campfire’s debut record, WRONGER. As a founding member of The Replacements, Tommy Stinson and his close friend Chip Roberts combined their talents to form the group alongside touring member Chops LaConte this year. “Here We Go Again” features Stinson on the ukulele, with the quirky video showing clips of tour life, Stinson getting a haircut, and the group across chicken coops and living rooms.

    Tommy Stinson's Cowboys in the Campfire

    In a previous interview with NYS Music, Tommy Stinson discussed his love of performing, saying, “I gotta play for the peoples a little bit because it’s what keeps me alive.” Keeping Cowboys in the Campfire on the road is the group’s current priority, as they embark on their tour this September.

    Tommy Stinson’s Cowboys in the Campfire is Tommy Stinson and Chip Roberts, with live accompaniments by Chops LaConte.

    More information and tickets for the upcoming tour are available here.

    Upcoming Tour Dates

    Sep 6 – Cambridge, MA – Q Division Studios

    Sep 7 – Sandy Hook, CT – Backyard Show  

    Sep 8 – Lambertville, NJ – More Than Q

    Sep 9 – New York, NY – Bowery Electric

    Sep 12 – State College, PA – 145 Recording Studio

    Sep 13 – Pittsburgh, PA – The Government Center

    Sep 14 – Washington, D.C – Backyard Show

    Sep 15 – Norfolk, VA – Sanctuary DMZ

    Sep 19 – Knoxville TN – Next Level Brewing 

    Sep 20 – Louisville, KY – Spanish Fly Barbershop

    Sep 21 – Dayton, OH – Blind Rage Records

    Sep 22 – Akron, OH – BuzzBin

    Oct 1 – Halifax, NS – The Carleton

    Oct 4 – Charlottetown, PE – Trailside Music Hall

    Oct 6 – Quebec City, QC – L’Anti

    Oct 7 – Bolton, QC – The Thirsty Boot

    Oct 8 – Kingston, ON – The Mansion

    Oct 10 – Kitchener, ON – The Hub

    Oct 11 – Toronto, ON – Bovine Sex Club

    Oct 12 – St. Catherine’s, ON – The Warehouse

    Oct 13 – Windsor, ON – Dominion House Tavern

  • An Evening with LaChanze Comes To NYC’s Brand New Perelman Performing Arts Center

    Three-time Tony Award winner LaChanze announced a solo performance on Oct. 1 for the inaugural season of the Perelman Performing Arts Center, or PAC, titled ‘An Evening with LaChanze.’

    Three-time Tony Award winner LaChanze

    An Evening with LaChanze was co-written by LaChanze and Daniel “Koa” Beaty, directed by Jerry Dixon, and includes musical direction by Marco Paguia. 

    The evening is the first of PAC NYC’s Downtown Sessions series, which seeks to expand the facility’s music program with performances by Tony-winning artists. PAC is one of Manhattan’s newest performing arts spaces, opening this fall in the Financial District’s World Trade Center.

    Perelman Performing Arts Center
    Perelman Performing Arts Center Aerial View. Credit: Bill Saltzstein

    An Evening with LaChanze will feature original music by Crystal Monee Hall, American Standards, and Broadway favorites.

    We’ve designed an inspiring evening of music and moments, filling this beautiful new space in lower Manhattan with love, light, and laughter.

    LaChanze

    PAC NYC’s Downtown Sessions will extend throughout the fall, including other performances by Brian Stokes Mitchell and Ben Platt. The series seeks to bring audiences closer to beloved artists in intimate performances.

    LaChanze, as founder and current president of Black Theatre United, will also perform at BTU’s inaugural gala on October 30 at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York City. Supported by Business for Good, the gala’s theme will be “A Salute to Broadway Legends: Past, Present, and Future,” and will highlight legends such as Common, Billy Porter, and Samuel L. Jackson.

    Tickets and more information are available here.