The Waddington Concert Series returns for its 14th year with “Rollin’ on the River!” Over the last five years the series has treated over 15,000 attendees to high quality performances by artists from across the state. This summer’s series will feature eight performances with concerts taking place directly on the St. Lawrence River at Island View Park Pavilion.
Waddington is located directly on the St. Lawrence River just along the US-Canada border. The town showcases some of the best sunsets in New York and has earned a reputation for its fishing and other wildlife opportunities. Surrounded by rolling fields, family farms, historic buildings, and dense forests, Waddington demonstrates the best of the North Country.
“Rollin’ on the River!” runs every Friday at 6:30 from July 7 to August 25 and is free to the public, however donations are always accepted. Attendees can enjoy the show from the pavilion or float by in a boat.
More and details and information about the Waddington Concert Series here.
Concert Lineup
July 7: Fritz’s Polka Band (Annual Memorial Dedication Concert)- everything from modern style polka to country to rock and even blues
July 14: Phil Hurley- a tasteful blend of country and rock
July 21: Double Axel- covering the classic tunes of Van Morrison, Bob Seager, The Beatles, and the Doobie Brothers
July 28: Bear Tracks- country and bluegrass with a hint of Roots rock
August 4: SFM- a premier party band specializing in 80s hits
August 11: Tas Cru- a unique take on Roots rock and blues
August 18: Mark Rust- classic covers and “sing alongs” played on guitar, fiddle, banjo and hammered dulcimer
August 25: Northbound- a variety of pop, rock, and folk favorites from the last five decades
Nearing the end of a 29-date tour of North America that kicked off on May 6 in Canada, Dermot Kennedy visited Madison Square Garden – “The World’s Most Famous Arena” – on Wednesday, June 14. In the span of a just a few years, the crooner of his own emotionally charged folk-pop anthems has gone from busking on Grafton Street in his native Dublin to selling out arena after arena on The Sonder Tour. His second studio album of the same name, released in November of last year, has been described by Kennedy as “the realisation that each random passerby is living life as vivid and complex as your own.”
In a world where we are all connected by social media, it often seems like we have never been more separated from one another. But for at least two hours on a weeknight in Midtown Manhattan, we were 20,000 strong as his music united us all under one roof.
On a gorgeous late-spring evening, the first of two female opening acts was Laila Mach, a pop singer and local native from New Paltz. Best known for her Season 19 appearance as a 16-year old contestant on American Idol (2002), Mach released her first music in 2020 via a six-song EP dubbed Lessons Learned. The following year, the singer/songwriter who also plays the piano and guitar released her debut studio album, Stuck on You.
Also providing support for Kennedy was Sasha Alex Sloan, born in Russia and who was discovered at the age of 18 when one of her Reddit posts went viral. Having moved to Los Angeles the following year, working at a coffee ship to support her music aspirations, it was not long before Sloan was penning lyrics for major pop artists such as Dua Lipa and Charli XCX. Her debut album released in October 2020, Only Child, was met with critical acclaim. Sloan released her sophomore studio album, Blame the World, in May 2022.
At 8:40 pm, the house lights went down and Kennedy’s set commenced with the large black screen at center stage suddenly appearing with a series of white handwritten text penned by Kennedy himself. The messages read as follows:
I know that you can feel it, magic hangs in the air. I’ve heard if you can make it here, you’ll make it anywhere. I had a dream, and it came true, so will you celebrate with me? Guide me home, keep me warm, hold me tight New York City.
Suddenly, appearing in the dark shadows of the stage were the backing quintet of Elize Kellman (backup vocals), James Bradshaw (backup vocals, keyboards), Benjamin Keys (keyboards), Kieran Jones (guitar) and Micheál Quinn (drums). The sell-out crowd, already at a fervent pitch, somehow took it up another level when Kennedy finally arrived on stage, opening with “Blossom” (Sonder, 2022). “Power Over Me” (Without Fear, 2019) came next, Kennedy’s second single from his debut studio album that essentially launched him into stardom and winning him the world’s collective ear.
A quartet of tunes (“One Life,” An Evening I Will Not Forget,” “Lost” and “Young & Free”) composed over the span of five years by the Irish singer-songwriter subsequently transpired. The chorus refrain of each one of these songs was belted out by Kennedy’s faithful fans, filling up the iconic venue to its rafters where only the retired jerseys of past NY Knicks and Rangers legends have dared to soar. Next, the romantic folk rocker whose tracks often include a collision with the rap genre performed a sublime rendition of “Dreamer,” another gem taken from Sonder. As the song neared its climax, it segued into a speech by Michael D. Higgins, the President of Ireland, encouraging everyone to pursue their dream of creating art.
“Moments Passed” and “Glory,” each presented by Kennedy from his self-titled compilation album released in 2019, were succeeded by him taking a seat at his piano stage left for solo, heartfelt deliveries of “Rome” (Without Fear) and “Innocence and Sadness” (Sonder). Speaking of the heart, in between these songs – when a pin could be heard dropping – a young woman exclaimed “I LOVE YOU!” from the top of her lungs, immediately after which the entire arena erupted into laughter and applause.
Well into the second half of his 19-song set, Dermot Kennedy bestowed upon his legion of enthusiastic supporters a few more numbers dating to 2019, including fan favorite “Outnumbered,” “After Rain” and “Without Fear.” As the epic night entered its home stretch, the roof of The Garden was officially torn off with a goose bump inducing assemblage of five selections from Sonder – all of which are deemed classics despite their infancy – comprised of “Better Days,” “Don’t Forget Me,” “Homeward,” “Kiss Me” and “Something to Someone.” The last of which, accompanied by blasting canons that filled the sky with confetti bombs, was a fitting conclusion to the highly emotional show for everyone who bore witness. The night’s crowning moment saw Kennedy repeatedly serenading his fans with the chorus, and vice versa, “Once upon a time, I was something to someone.”
The excitement did not end when the house lights came back up at MSG. Immediately following his first ever headlining show in The Big Apple, Kennedy made a short trip downtown to the Swift Hibernian Lounge (his favorite Irish pub in Gotham) where he climbed atop the bar to thrill the punters with an acoustic rendition of “The Parting Glass,” a traditional ditty often sung at the end of a gathering of friends.
With a belly full of Guinness, Dermot Kennedy headed to Boston for a pair of dateson June 16 and 17, before moving onward to Saratoga Springs for an outdoor gig slated for June 19. The North American leg of The Sonder Tour culminates at Freedom Mortgage Pavilion in Camden, New Jersey on June 20, after which Kennedy will fly back home for a pair of outdoor shows at Marlay Park in Dublin on June 23 and 24. Ensuing the Emerald Isle performances will be an appearance on the main stage at Rock Werchter (Belgium) on July 2.
Setlist: Blossom > Power Over Me > One Life > An Evening I Will Not Forget > Lost > Young & Free > Dreamer > Moments Passed > Glory > Rome > Innocence and Sadness > Outnumbered > After Rain > Without Fear > Better Days > Don’t Forget Me > Homeward > Kiss Me > Something to Someone
On June 9, Alec Betterley released his new LP River Gone, a piece of ethereal and dreamy music that employs each of its instruments excellently. For the most part, the LP feels like a bedtime story, which is fitting given the opening song “Tell Me a Story.” This standard is mixed up throughout the LP, adding some extra variety.
Based in Upstate NY, Alec Betterley is a songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and music therapist who first got his start with a four track recorder all the way back in middle school. He has gone on to be a founding member of the groups My Friend Other, as well as Toys and Tiny Instruments. The LP was produced in a “30 songs in 30 days” project in May 2022.
“River Gone” was written and recorded in the very late/extremely early hours before the kids awoke. A record about parenting, anxiety, insomnia, sweet dreams, golden hour light, violence in America, longtime partnerships and all the sparkle and sorrow in between. The li’l stuff.
Alec Betterley
River Gone opens with “Tell Me a Story,” which features lyrics from Missy Lees. Her vocals, also included in “In City We Swing” and “River Gone,” help bring the LP into the ethereal, dream realm that it often finds itself in. It sets the standard for the rest of “River Gone” with its tone, and is a fitting opening given the vocalists askes for “a song of all of our days.”
Around 3:15 in “Tell Me a Story,” there is a music box-like sound that makes it feel as though the song takes place in a child’s bedroom. It is only there for a few seconds, but it is a nice detail.
The next two songs, “We’ll Never Go To Heaven” and “Anastasia” pick up the pace quite a bit from “Tell Me A Story.” While they do not fit as well as other songs in River Gone, but they are a welcome addition. “Anastasia” in particular is a personal favorite, echoing tunes somewhat similar to Elton John. After the halfway point, the electric guitar (Colin Summers) and the piano do their own version of a call and response, their notes bouncing off of each other and occasionally joining together in a dance-like fashion.
Following these, the LP returns to its dreamy theme for the most part. The next song of note is “Spectators,” which feels like a very personal song with no other part credited in the piece. Betterley’s warm vocals and the soft tunes of an acoustic guitar dominates the song, though some strings near the end begins to elevate the piece back to that ethereal realm. The guitar closes off the song alone, the very slight creaks of wood at the end adding a special charm.
“We Talk About Everything” goes back to the quick pace of “We’ll Never Go To Heaven” and “Anastasia,” but this is done in a slow increase throughout the piece. It rises from more mumbled vocals and few instruments to the upbeat and instrument-filled conclusion.
The titular song, “River Gone” starts with something no other song seems to do, a rise from the last note of the previous song, “Only Me” to the pace and the pitch of “River Gone.” Betterley and Lees perform a beautiful call and response for this song, with Lees’s chorus having nearly every word punctuated by a note from the piano. There’s a notable exception around 2:05 where most of the instruments cut suddenly, letting Lees’s vocals stand out.
The “River Gone” from Alec Betterley is available on Bandcamp and on Spotify. For more information on the artist, be sure to check out his website.
Basilica Hudson is gearing up for a busy summer 2023 with six Jupiter Nights events taking place from June-August in the gallery building. Additionally, Basilica Hudson will host legendary NYC electronic music party The Bunker Hudson Valley on July 8th in both the main hall and gallery space.
Melissa Auf der Maur, a musician, and filmmaker Tony Stone founded Basilica Hudson in 2010. It is housed in a reclaimed, solar-powered 1880s industrial factory on the riverfront of Hudson, NY. The organization welcomes over 20,000 visitors each season. They enjoy genre-pushing music festivals, large-scale marketplace events, regular film screenings, an artist residency program, public installations, and other community gatherings. The majority of its programs are free or sliding scale.
Through its programs, Basilica Hudson supports the creation, production, and presentation of independent arts and culture. The organization strives to forge experiences that aspire to the scale, grit, and beauty of its surroundings. It draws inspiration from Hudson’s epic history, the region’s artistic legacy, and environmental advocacy for its mission and programming.
Jupiter Nights
Jupiter Nights is a twice-monthly series held every other Thursday. The series, celebrating regional musicians and community through adventurous live concerts, rotating art exhibits, and local food, returns June 15.
Series highlights include Water From Your Eyes, whose latest album Everyone’s Crushed (Matador) just received a Pitchfork “Best New Music” nod. Kalia Vandever, an exploratory trombonist currently on tour with Harry Styles as part of his backing band, will also be featured.
Eclectic, cross-genre programming spotlights next-generation regional talent while creating space for both locals and visitors to come together and build community on a weekly basis. Admission for events goes directly towards supporting the artists and Basilica Hudson’s mission to be a platform for innovative voices in arts and culture.
There will be six Jupiter Nights events in Summer 2023, presented with additional support from Basilica’s green energy partners at SunCommon. Each event unfolds in tandem with monthly visual art exhibitions, connected to the performers whenever possible.
The Bunker New York is set to bring a full-on dance party to Basilica Hudson with The Bunker Hudson Valley on July 8th.
In the spirit of collaboration between the Bunker and Basilica, the event will feature three back to back sets in the Main Hall. The event will feature rising starts such as AceMo x DJ SWISHA, Analog Soul, and Sister Zo x Scotia.
Those who need a break from the dance floor can head over to the gallery for the “Going In” room. The “Going In” room is a quiet space with meditative music, featuring a durational set from Nyhne incorporating live and DJ elements. Community Rave Network’s Luv Bruvs aka SVB and Villi Manilli will hold down the room for the rest of the night.
There will be full production onsite with a custom sound system by White Rabbit Audio, and lights and lasers by Nitemind. Local 111 will be on hand with delicious food. Additionally, the party will feature a stocked bar.
More Information
Tickets to The Bunker Hudson Valley are available here. For additional information on the Summer 2023 season, visit Basilica Hudson’s website.
Standout singer, songwriter, and bassist Karina Rykman dropped her first single and title track from her upcoming debut album JOYRIDE. The project is set to be released on August 18 and marks Rykman’s first collection of songs since she’s put out a slew of acclaimed singles dating back to 2019.
Karina Rykman was born and raised in New York City. She found music at an early age, making her way around the city performing at and attending live music venues. By the end of her time at NYU she had appeared on America’s Got Talent and the TODAY show. As part of Marco Benevento’s band, Rykman performed dates with Vulfpeck, Dispatch, and The Claypool Lennon Delirium.
Photo Credit: Brantley Gutierrez
Rykman’s own band is made up of Adam November (guitar, loopers, effects) and Chris Corsico (drums). Together the group has made a name for themselves due to their strong instrumentation, funky groove, layered production, and often genreless sound.
All these elements help to make “Joyride” such an interesting and fun listen. The track features a strong vocal performance from Rkyman, whose breathy voice and wistful lyrics could compete with any indie-pop record. The song’s tasteful synths and syrupy bass drive the beat toward an almost psychedelic sound. Joyride also features a guitar performance from JOYRIDE co-producer Trey Anastasio.
’Joyride’ is about being driven insane as you’re kept awake by music in your head all night – so much so that eventually, you give up and ask your partner to take you on a joyride instead of tossing and turning
Karina Rykman
The connection between Rkyman and Anastasio goes back to childhood. Rykman went to middle school with the Phish star’s daughters and became family friends because of it. However, the two had no musical relationship until they both performed at Peach Music Festival in Scranton. Anastasio became interested in being a part of Rykman’s first album, offering the use of his iconic Vermont studio “The Barn.”
When I first heard the early demos, the first thing I said was more Karina… Turn up the bass, sing more, and step out. What makes me most happy about the finished album now is that to my ears, it sounds like Karina unapologetically. It has her nature. It has her incredible joyous outlook that I know is real because I saw it in her when she was a kid.
Trey Anastasio
Photo Credit: Jesse Faatz
JOYRIDE was written and recorded with Rykyman’s childhood friend, producer Gabe Monro. Trey Anastasio’s guitar appears on five of the album’s nine tracks. Legendary mixer Bryce Goggin (Pavement, Swans, Ramones) also helped to create the project.
“You only get to make your first album once,” she adds, “and I couldn’t be prouder of what we created with this one. It’s a moment in time – the first of what I hope to be a lifetime of making records and touring behind them.
Governors Ball kicked off the 2023 edition on Friday, June 9th, showing off their new digs in the sprawling in Flushing Meadows Park. After many years on Randall’s Island, and a brief stint in the parking lot of Citi Field, Governors Ball made the long anticipated move to the famed Queens park. Nestled amongst the giant trees and iconic landmarks, the festival feels right at home in the World’s Borough. The Canadian wildfire smoke cleared out entirely for the day, letting perfect weather shine for most of the day.
Lizzo, Governors Ball, 6/9/2023. Photo by Joseph Buscarello
On the GovballNYC stage, Saba set the tone with his early afternoon performance. He got the crowd going with hits like “Ziplock” and “Photosynthesis.” Over at the GoPuff stage, Tai Verdes kept it cool with “A-O-K” to get the crowd ready for Brooklyn’s own Joey Bada$$. Joey went through songs across his entire discography and made sure to let his hometown crowd feel his energy. Joey made a tribute to XXXTENTACION by performing their song “infinity (888).”
Joey Bada$$, Governors Ball, 6/9/2023. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
The GoPuff stage did not disappoint with later sets from Ice Spice, Metro Boomin, and Lil Uzi Vert. Ice Spice drew one of the biggest crowds of the day, and took the house down with her viral songs “Much” and “In Ha Mood.” Metro Boomin’ followed up Ice Spice’s performance with an intricate DJ set. Rain started to pour but that didn’t stop the fans from screaming every word, bar for bar, during Metro’s performance. Over on the Bacardi stage, the brief rain shower made for an even raunchier set than normal from pop icon Kim Petras.
Kim Petras, Governors Ball, 6/9/2023. Photo by Joseph Buscarello
Lil Uzi Vert closed out the night with a bang. Interacting with fans throughout the set, he even announced that the highly anticipated “Pink Tape” will drop at the end of the month. Uzi went through the hits, brought out Ken Carson and Destroy Lonely and ended the night with their latest hit “Just Wanna Rock.”
Lil Uzi Vert, Governors Ball, 6/9/2023. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Meanwhile, over on the GovBallNYC stage, Lizzo dominated the stage with her larger than lifer performance. Flanked by a sea of dancers, backup vocalists, a killer live band, and several outfit changes, Lizzo’s powerful voice reverberated through Flushing Meadows.
Lizzo, Governors Ball, 6/9/2023. Photo by Joseph Buscarello
Day 2 gets going today, with sets from Finneas, Snail Mail, Rina Sawayama, Lil Baby, and Odesza. Stay tuned for our Saturday recap tomorrow morning.
On May 31st, Hayley Kiyoko took over Irving Plaza in the heart of NYC, igniting a firestorm of excitement and pure musical magic. This show was incredible and energetic as she played Irving Plaza for the second day in a row on “The Panorama Tour”; delivering one breathtaking performance after another.
To make the night even more unforgettable, the incredibly talented Allison Ponthier opened her the night, adding an extra layer of brilliance to an already sensational evening. With Irving Plaza’s intimate setting, the energy in the room was palpable as fans eagerly awaited a night they knew would leave a lasting impact on their hearts and souls.
Allison Ponthier, the mesmerizing singer-songwriter hailing from Texas, has been making waves in the music scene with her unique sound and captivating storytelling. In a serendipitous turn of events, Ponthier’s journey took a remarkable leap forward when she shared her heartfelt song “Harshest Critic” on social media platforms, catching the attention of listeners around the world. Her raw vulnerability and haunting melodies struck a chord with audiences, leading to a growing fanbase and critical acclaim.
With her debut EP Faking My Own Death released in 2021, Ponthier showcased her introspective lyrics and ethereal vocals, solidifying her place as an artist to watch. Drawing inspiration from personal experiences and the human condition, Allison Ponthier’s evocative music resonates deeply, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and souls of those who listen.
Allison Ponthier Setlist: Autopilot, Hollywood Forever Cemetery, Hardcore, Crash Test Dummy, Cowboy, Faking My Own Death, I Lied, Character Development
Hayley Kiyoko, the charismatic 28-year-old artist hailing from California, has been making waves in the music industry with her unwavering talent and unapologetic authenticity. In an unanticipated but welcomed turn of events, Kiyoko’s journey took a remarkable pivot from acting when she released her breakthrough single “Girls Like Girls” in 2015. The empowering anthem not only resonated deeply with audiences but also caught the attention of major influencers in the industry.
Garnering a devoted following, Kiyoko continued to captivate hearts with her distinct sound and emphasis on sharing queer stories. With each subsequent release, including her debut album Expectations in 2018, Kiyoko solidified her position as a force to be reckoned with. Embracing her role as an LGBTQ+ icon and advocate, she fearlessly uses her platform to champion self-acceptance and love. Hayley Kiyoko’s undeniable talent, combined with her unwavering dedication to authentic expression, has firmly established her as a rising star, destined to leave an indelible mark on the music scene.
Kiyoko’s electrifying performance left the audience in a state of pure euphoria. From the moment she took the stage and launched into the opening chords of “Found My Friends,” the crowd was swept up in a whirlwind of energy and emotion. Kiyoko’s magnetic presence and infectious enthusiasm had everyone dancing and singing along, creating an atmosphere of unity and celebration.
In a surprise moment, Kiyoko treated the crowd to a nostalgic rendition of “Determinate,” a throwback to her performance as a main character in the Disney Channel Original Movie, Lemonade Mouth, which had the entire audience belting out the chorus. As a dedicated fan named Jennifer was called out, Kiyoko dedicated a heartfelt rendition of “Pretty Girl” to her, further solidifying the connection she has with her dedicated fanbase.
As the familiar notes of “Girls Like Girls” rang out, the energy reached its peak, with the crowd erupting in a chorus of voices, an amazing start to Pride month, and affirming Kiyoko’s impact as an LGBTQ+ icon. The introspective and empowering “Gravel to Tempo” followed, further solidifying Kiyoko’s message of self-acceptance and authenticity.
The night drew to a close with the poignant “Well…” and the empowering anthem “For the Girls,” leaving the audience with a sense of empowerment and unity. However, the crowd’s fervent cheers and applause brought Kiyoko back for an unforgettable encore, culminating in the breathtaking “Panorama.” As the final notes echoed through the venue, there was a collective understanding that this was a performance that would be etched in their memories forever.
Hayley Kiyoko’s show at Irving Plaza was a masterclass in connecting with an audience and creating an atmosphere of love, acceptance, and celebration.
In terms of upcoming shows, “The Panorama Tour” has come to a close, but updates for any future Hayley Kiyoko shows can be found on socials, and her website. The same goes for Allison Ponthier, and you can find her socials and website linked here.
Hayley Kiyoko Setlist: found my friends, luna, sugar at the bottom, What I Need, underground, deep in the woods, Greenlight, flicker start, Curious, Determinate [Lemonade Mouth song], Pretty Girl (Dedicated to Jennifer, fan from crowd), forever, Sleepover, demons, Girls Like Girls, Gravel to Tempo, Hungry Heart [Steve Aoki, Galantis feat. Hayley Kiyoko], well…, for the girls, panorama
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
“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.
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)
