NYS Music 2023

Category: Rock

  • Forest Hills Stadium Announces Summer Events Celebrating Centennial

    Forest Hills Stadium in Queens is celebrating its centennial this summer with a stacked lineup of events showcasing the stadium’s rich past and celebrating its future.

    Forest Hills Stadium centennial

    Forest Hills Stadium was built in 1923, and ten years ago went under renovation to make it more modern and renewable, making shows as environmentally friendly as they can be. The venue is climate-positive and carbon negative, meaning the venue offsets more than what’s created, tracking recycling efforts from concession areas, backstage, and beyond all season long. The stadium also supports local community-driven initiatives in an effort to give back to Queens, including QueensWay (a project proposing to convert the former LIRR Rockaway Beach Branch (RBB) into a new, public park) and Queens Community House (a multi-site, multi-service settlement house that serves the diverse neighborhoods of Queens).

    This summer hosts the most diverse and exciting list of performances yet, celebrating the venue’s centennial. The new season will feature approximately 30 music and comedy performances from an exciting and eclectic mix of some of the biggest names in music and entertainment today. Some artists include one of the best-selling rock bands, the Dave Matthews Band, on June 6, the brand new Re:SET concert series featuring headliners like boygenius, Steve Lacy, and LCD Soundsystem, and up-and-coming indie artist Maggie Rogers in late July. Other artists include platinum-selling indie rock band The Strokes on Aug. 19, a former member of One Direction, the boy band that rocked the 2010s, Louis Tomlinson on July 29, indie rock group the Arctic Monkeys on Sept. 8 and 9, rock group in August Fall Out Boy and in July Weezer, and many more.

    Indie group Cigarettes After Sex perform at Forest Hills Stadium Sept. 15.

    Mike Luba, the executive responsible for the stadium’s rehabilitation produces concerts at the venue in coordination with The Bowery Presents, spoke about how exciting this summer will be, and the venue’s anniversary. “It’s hard to believe that it’s coming up on a full decade since we began the renovation of the stadium. We’ve come a long way since that first show with our brothers in arms Mumford and Sons, who bravely stepped up to play the opening night back in 2013. It’s been incredibly rewarding to ride along with the stadium crew, the hundreds of artists, our invaluable community neighbors and partners as well as the over 1 million folks who have found their way out to the magical oasis of a stadium smack in the middle of Queens.”

    Tickets for the summer events at Forest Hills Stadium are on sale now here, with more to be announced at a later date.

    2023 Forest Hills Stadium Centennial Season Calendar

    Saturday, May 20th & Sunday, May 21st – Head In The Clouds Music & Arts Festival Promiseland
    Saturday, June 3rd – Lane 8, Sultan + Shepard, Jerro, Massane (LIVE), Ocula
    Sunday, June 4th – Kevin Hart
    Friday, June 9th – Dave Matthews Band
    Wednesday, June 14th – BERT KREISCHER’S FULLY LOADED COMEDY FESTIVAL: Shane Gillis, Tiffany
    Haddish, Dave Attell, Big Jay Oakerson, Dan Soder, Rosebud Baker
    Friday, June 16th – Re:SET (LCD Soundsystem, Jamie xx, IDLES, L’RAIN & More)
    Saturday, June 17th – Re:SET (boygenius, Clairo, Dijon, Bartees Strange)
    Sunday, June 18th – Re:SET (Steve Lacy, James Blake, Toro y Moi, Fousheé)
    Friday, June 23rd & Saturday, June 24th – Zach Bryan, Charles Wesley Godwin
    Friday, July 7th – The Smile, Robert Stillman
    Saturday, July 8th – Two Friends, Matoma, NOTD, Deerock
    Thursday, July 13th – Weezer, Future Islands, Joyce Manor
    Thursday, July 27th – Maggie Rogers, Soccer Mommy
    Saturday, July 29th – Louis Tomlinson
    Tuesday, August 1st – Fall Out Boy, Bring Me The Horizon, Royal & The Serpent, Games We Play
    Saturday, August 5th – Rock The Bells Festival
    Saturday, August 12th – Queens of the Stone Age, Phantogram
    Thursday, August 17th – Jason Mraz & His Superband w/ The New York Pops
    Saturday, August 19th –  The Strokes, Angel Olsen, Seaton Smith, Promiseland
    Friday, September 8th & Saturday, September 9th – Arctic Monkeys, Fontaines D.C.
    Friday, September 15th – Cigarettes After Sex
    Sunday, September 17th – Willie Nelson’s Outlaw Festival
    Friday, September 22nd – Duran Duran, Grace Jones, Nile Rodgers & CHIC, Bastille
    Friday, September 29th – Sylvan Esso, Goth Babe, Charlotte Adigéry & Bolis Pupul
    Saturday, September 30th – Jungle

  • Robin Eaton Releases Classic Rock Single “Wishing Well” 

    Lower East Side legend and classic rock musician Robin Eaton is excited to announce the release of “Wishing Well.” The latest single from Eaton’s upcoming album, Memories of A Misspent Youth, due for release on May 1st. 

    Robin Eaton Releases Classic Rock Single “Wishing Well” 

    The single “Wishing Well” combines cinematic Western music with classic rock instrumentals. Using sensibilities reminiscent of Eric Clapton, Robin Eaton evokes memories of days gone by with his haunting vocals. 

    On the single release, there are many layers of folk, Americana, and classic rock sounds infused with cosmic synths and reminiscent of the Lower East Side in the 1970s. Thus, where Eaton earned his stripes on the local music scene. The latest single, alongside “Drugs R 4 Kids” and “Tell Me Your Dream,” helps Robin Eaton continue to pave a sonic lane for himself. 

    As a prolific songwriter and producer, Robin Eaton is reintroducing himself as a performing artist in 2023. In addition to his background as a songwriter and artist, he was also in the original Broadway production of Hair.  

    In the 80s, Robin moved to Nashville and built the studios Alex The Great Recordings and Club Roar Recordings, where Memories of A Misspent Youth was recorded. Eaton is also a combination of a producer, recording engineer, and mixer with an instrumentalist able to fill in wherever there is a hole, be it a guitar gnat, bass bump, even a sitar squiggle.  

    There should be no shock in naming the latter instrument prior to mentioning Eaton’s status in Nashville, where he moved from his native Pennsylvania to follow the musical muse. The country & western capital, after all, is where the sitar was utilized on a whole series of hits at the height of pop music’s raga rage in the ’60s and ’70s. 

    Aside from his personal music, Robin Eaton is also a respected composer. Robin’s recent score credits include the film Mountain Rest and, written with collaborator Roger Moutenot, the Narcissa podcast (which was one of last year’s top dramatic podcasts). Both works were directed and written by Robin’s daughter, Alex O Eaton.  

    Listen to “Wishing Well” from Robin Eaton by clicking the link here. 

    Memories of A Misspent Youth is due for release on May 1st. 

    For more music by Robin Eaton, click the link here. 

  • Regina Spektor Confirms Summer Tour Dates with Three Shows in New York

    Acclaimed musician Regina Spektor is going on a 2023 summer tour, which includes performances at three music venues in New York: the Kodak Center in Rochester on Aug. 1, SummerStage in Central Park on Aug. 24, and the West Hampton Beach Performing Arts (WHBAC) on Aug. 25.

    The tour comes a year after the release of Spektor’s latest studio album, Home, before and after. Additionally, the performer will make an appearance at Mikhail Baryshnikov’s 75th birthday celebration at Kaatsbaan Cultural Park in Tivoli, New York, alongside Laurie Anderson, Diana Krall, and Kaoru Watanabe.

    Regina Spektor’s latest studio album, Home, before and after, has received acclaim from New York Times, NPR Music, and more.  

    Russian-Jewish-American singer, songwriter, and pianist Regina Spektor, whose genres range from Anti-folk, Indie-Pop, and alternative rock, was born in Moscow, Russia, and since moving to the United States, has made musical waves in New York. Spektor has received a sign on the Bronx Walk of Fame, and Mayor Bill Diblasio proclaimed June 11, 2019, as “Regina Spektor Day.” She has been making music for over 20 years, with her debut studio album, 11:11, being released in 2001, and 2022’s Home, before and after marked her eighth studio release.

    The album’s supporting single, “Up the Mountain,” has been praised by several media outlets, including the New York Times, which wrote, “It’s mystical and earthy, moving from tolling piano to implacable beat, with strings and horns ganging up.” Grammy-nominated Spektor first saw commercial success with the RIAA Gold-certified LP, Begin to Hope, which includes the singles “On the Radio,” “Better”, “Samson,” and “Fidelity,” which climbed the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart.

    Tickets for the Regina Spektor 2023 summer tour, which includes three stops at New York Music venues, go on sale on April 7.

    REGINA SPEKTOR TOURDATES

    May 21—Corona Capital—Guadalajara, Mexico
    July 15—Royal Festival Hall—London, UK
    July 16— Royal Festival Hall—London, UK
    July 18—Dalhalla—Rättvik, Sweden
    July 28—Riverside Theater—Milwaukee, WI
    July 29—Out of Space—Evanston, IL*
    July 30—Brady Music—Cincinnati, OH
    August 1—Kodak Center—Rochester, NY
    August 2—Keswick Theatre—Philadelphia, PA
    August 3—Wolf Trap—Vienna, VA †
    August 5—Chateau Ste. Michelle—Woodinville, WA
    August 7—Mountain Winery—Saratoga, CA
    August 8—House of Blues—Anaheim, CA
    August 10—The Greek Theatre—Los Angeles, CA†
    August 24—SummerStage—Central Park, NY
    August 25—WHBPAC—West Hampton, NY
    August 27—Beach Road Festival—Martha’s Vineyard, MA

    *with Allison Russell
    †with Aimee Mann

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfdQ5WfF5BM

  • In Focus: Melody’s Echo Chamber astound at Music Hall of Williamsburg

    If Melody’s Echo Chamber were to release a recording of their performance at Music Hall of Williamsburg on Sunday, April 2, the second of back-to-back sold out shows, I would buy it immediately. This was their first show in New York City in nearly eight years, and based on how the crowd responded to this one, they won’t have trouble selling out more whenever they come back.

    The band was an absolute force on stage from the moment they kicked off their set with “Endless Shore.” And throughout their set, they brought already-excellent songs to life in rollicking fashion while staying true to the vibe established in the studio versions. It’s one thing to listen to a band’s records, but when a band is this good live, getting to feel the music and have it played loud hits harder.

    Hailing from France and led by Melody Prochet on vocals in both French and English, synth, and tambourine, the band featured Reinhardt N. Fischer on guitar, bass, and synth, Frederik Swahn on bass and guitar, Johan Holmegard on drums, and Jay Pich on guitar and backing vocals. And all five of them were excellent.

    Not that there were any doubts about where the night was going after the first few songs, but “Some Time Alone, Alone” off the band’s self-titled 2013 release was an early standout in the set, showcasing the band’s collective and individual talents. And the setlist was very well crafted, with a mix of songs from all of the band’s studio releases intertwined, with songs from the self-titled album serving as the backbone.

    “Quand les Larmes D’un Ange Font Danser la Neige” closed out the main set, and about halfway through the song, Prochet exited the Music Hall of Williamsburg stage, allowing the full focus of the audience to remain on the rest of the band as they blasted through a jam that felt like it could last forever.

    Music Hall of Williamsburg

    As for the encore, the band kicked into the super popular “I Follow You,” one of their catchiest. And they closed out with “Cross My Heart,” the first track off Bon Voyage, another one that felt like time had stopped specifically for the audience to bask in the sound of this incredible band.

    If you’re looking to catch the band live and happen to be out west in the fall, they’re playing Seattle, Portland, and San Francisco. Those shows are just days before Desert Daze, and while there’s no lineup info about the festival yet, it wouldn’t be surprising if they wound up playing there, too.

    Setlist: Endless Shore, Looking Backward, Mount Hopeless, The Hypnotist, Some Time Alone, Alone; Personal Message, Quand vas-tu rentrer?, Pêcheuse de Lune, Bisou Magique, Unfold, Where the Water Clears the Illusion, Crystallized, Shirim, Visions of Someone Special, on a Wall of Reflection; Alma, Quand les larmes d’un ange font danser la neige

    Encore: I Follow You, Cross My Heart

  • Shayfer James delivers Shipwreck to Photo City Music Hall in Rochester

    Indie artist, composer, and New York native Shayfer James brought his Shipwreck tour to Rochester’s Photo City Music Hall on April 2. Opening the show for the mostly under 30 crowd was Rochester based Bellwether Breaks and Atlanta’s Sarah and The Safe Word.

    Bellwether Breaks opened the show right about 7pm and immediately got the crowd into it. Lead singer, Elyse Coughlin was donning a 70s style wardrobe, and had some vocals reminiscent of the era. Her range and smooth sounds were similar to Amy Winehouse, with some early cabaret hints being tossed around. Playing a 9 song set, including newly released The Oracle, the band consists of: drummer Dave Goebel, guitarist Peter Goebel, vocalist Elyse Coughlin, keyboardist Chris Coon, and bassist Eugene Bisdikian. Chris Coon also plays a mean sax, as displayed at this show.

    Having only been around for a few years, BB has developed a great following and in 2022 both Elyse and Chris received nominations for local “best of…” competition and the band was nominated for best rock band as well. Pretty damn good for this newly formed quintet.

    Setlist: Say it Like it’s True; Headed Home; Peaches; About a Girl; Perfect Universe; The Oracle; I Put a Spell on You; The Prime Directive; Blow the Roof Off.

    Following Bellwether Breaks was Sarah and The Safe Word. While not normally the music I gravitate to, this group from Atlanta left it all on the stage, with the crowd looking for more. Sara Rose is the leader and made their presence known. Smooth, clean vocals with a story behind every song, the band had the crowd moving all over the place.

    Not normally politically charged performers, the band is strong advocates for the LGBTQ+ community and promotes support groups on their website. While they don’t necessarily put it on the forefront of the show, they are not afraid to slip in the well-placed political jab between songs, which also work as segways for next song.

    The band consists of: Sarah Rose (vocals), Kienan Dietrich (guitar, vocals), Susy Reyes (violin, vocals), Beth Ballinger (keys, vocals), Maddox Reksten (bass, vocals), and Carlos Gonzalez (percussion, vocals).

    As stated before, this is not normally the music I gravitate towards, but Susy Reyes absolutely blew me away. Jumping around on stage while playing violin, Lindsay Sterling-esque, Reyes stole the show for me. Amazing voice, with the occasional deep scream (think Jinjer), Reyes will leave you in awe every time.

    Shayfer James. If you aren’t familiar with him, you need to be. James has released 10 albums, including his newest, Shipwreck.

    James is known for his silky piano skills as well his thought out lyrics. Sometimes dark, sometimes sentimental, sometimes cliche. Regardless of how you hear them, James will leave you tapping your feet or bopping your head before you even realize what he is singing about.

    The crowd at Photo City Music Hall had dissipated by the time James took the stage, but those who were still there, crowded the front of the stage almost within arm’s reach of this talented composer. They were treated to an amazing, intimate performance, as James played songs from most of his albums, including Welcome Back, Misery; For the Departed; and Weight of the World.

    Follow Shayfer James and check out his music: Shayfer James

  • JAWNY Electrifies New York City’s Bowery Ballroom

    On Friday March 31st, lo-fi pop rocker JAWNY took over Manhattan’s infamous Bowery Ballroom. JAWNY and his opener Wallice had performed their first night in New York City at Brooklyn’s Baby’s Alright just a couple nights before, but they expressed their bottled excitement they withheld for the ballroom. Just over half way through their North American tour, the JAWNY and his crew still had lots of energy to rock with.

    Photograph by Sophie Gurwitz

    The opening act, Wallice, put on a full indie-rock concert of her own. The crowd was immediately responsive to her sound, as they sang all her lyrics right back to her. Her stage presence was inviting, and commanded a sort of confidence most artists aim to possess. The Bowery Ballroom show was Wallice’s last with JAWNY, because as he revealed later in his set, she will be supporting The 1975 on their Australian leg of tour set to start on April 8th. She kicked off JAWNY’s North American Tour at the start of March, and concluded her contribution with an electric bang.

    When Wallice bid her farewells, the floor of the ballroom volumized tight with fans. Conversation was buzzing under the fluorescent blue lights, and the clock ticked down meticulously to JAWNY’s set. Finally, the lights dimmed and the universal music-listener’s hype song “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers took over the speakers. The conversational buzz erupted into an animated sing along. When the first chorus fell into silence, the crowd jumped and called out for JAWNY.

    Photograph by Sophie Gurwitz

    The instrumental intro mimicked the “Twin Peaks Theme” song. The eerie guitar riff turned hype as it successfully revved up the crowd. On the stage was a tall mannequin with a long-haired platinum wig adorned in a suit to mimic JAWNY’s presentation, a green electric guitar, a bass, and a drumset. Out came JAWNY’s supporting band members, Gambee on the bass and Curtis Kelley on the  drums, and they took to their instruments. They played their own welcoming intro for JAWNY before he ran onto the stage, pumping his arms to elicit screams from the crowd. He wanted noise, and unsurpassable volume is what he got.

    It seemed as though the crowd’s volume exceeded Bowery’s usual noise capacity. As the strobe lights cascaded onto the crowd and the percussion pounded against the venue’s foundation, the building’s body began to shake. Before singing his first song, JAWNY affirmed into the mic, “It feels good to be home in New York City baby.”

    Photograph by Sophie Gurwitz

    He dove into his setlist with one of his most popular songs “strawberry chainsaw.” The song’s lyrics preached the paradoxical sweet violence of young love, as did many of the songs on his setlist. JAWNY’s lyrics paid ode to the blissful oblivion of being young and the tumultuous and continuous transition into the awareness that’s only awarded to a person by time. His rocker presence invoked a surge of movement in the audience. As he jumped and kicked around on stage while shredding his guitar, members of the crowd bounced on and off of each other.

    In between songs, he paused to tell a story he “hasn’t told on tour yet.” He reminisced on a Whitney concert he saw at the Music Hall of Williamsburg, another renowned New York City venue, in 2016. He told his girlfriend at the time that he was going to sell out a venue like this. She and his friends laughed at him, because he had never put out a song. The crowd also collectively laughed in response, but he interjected and declared his dreams fruition, “But you all made that dream come true. I just sold out two nights in New York City!”

    Photograph by Sophie Gurwitz

    His music held such an individual sound, but shared the affectivity of artists like Twenty-One Pilots, COIN, Still Woozy, and Peach Pit. This promised a night of dancing and scream-singing various fan-favorite lyrics. JAWNY revealed that the Bowery Ballroom show was going to have “the longest set on tour.” He went on to play new and old songs, like his aged song “4Tounce,” that weren’t usually on his setlist.

    Photograph by Sophie Gurwitz

    As the night flowed on, JAWNY expressed his gratitude for New York City. “Y’all are f*ckin’ fun,” he praised. Sadly, the neon lights had to fade and the high energy had boiled down to a steaming simmer. When JAWNY made his final departure and the ballroom lights turned on signaling the crowd’s exit, there was a brief moment of the surreal. Music was still playing in everyone’s ears and the lights danced behind their eyes. Everyone stood still.

    Photographs by Sophie Gurwitz

  • 75th Annual Albany Tulip Festival Features Guster, American Authors, and More

    The City of Albany announced the 75th annual Tulip Festival will take place on Saturday, May 13 and Sunday, May 14 in Washington Park, featuring many notable New York State artists and headliners Guster, American Authors, and more.

    Tulip Festival

    The Albany Tulip Festival is Albany’s signature spring event, featuring nearly one hundred artisans selling their handmade crafts, a fine arts show, delicious food trucks, the KidZone family fun destination, three world-class live entertainment stages, a brand new wellness stage with free dance classes, and more than 248,000 tulips in 175 different varieties. The festival will bring many genres from across the state and beyond performing on multiple stages for the many people that attend.

    Saturday, May 13

    Main Stage, Washington Park Parade Grounds

    1:30 p.m. – Precious Metals is a solo project led by Troy native singer-songwriter J Lee White, featuring a band of established local musicians including Mateo Vosganian (drums), Jesse Bolduc (bass), and Chase Keener (keys, guitar). The band’s high-energy alt-rock sound pulls from the early 2000s emo explosion and 2010s indie rock revival.

    3:00 p.m. – Karina Rykman has garnered a lot of attention and avid listenership through her playing of the bass, singing, and enjoying herself through her performances, like jumping and dancing while she sings. Her music straddles the worlds of jam rock and indie pop with touches of psychedelia. She has only released six singles so far but continues to be an unmissable live act.

    4:30 p.m. – Guster is an American alternative rock band from Boston founded in 1991. They are known for their unique style of live shows with notable humor and touches of their own tastes. The band is comprised of Adam Gardner, Ryan Miller, and Brian Rosenworcel, formed when they did band practices at Tufts University.

    Local 518 Stage, Washington Park Lakehouse Stage

    1:00 p.m. – Space Trash is a local quartet combining rhythm, blues, rock, funk, and pop originals.

    2:15 p.m. – Frank Palangi is an indie rock recording artist from Upstate New York, reigniting the fuel on a genre that refuses to die. He has received numerous awards, including Best In the Region for Glens Falls and Albany areas, the national unsigned-only competition finals, radio artist of the year (radio wigwam), and an LA Music Award single Nomination.

    3:30 p.m – OHZHE is a hip-hop artist from Albany, bringing his charisma and versatility to the stage, connecting with his audience through his reliability and vulnerability. He looks to inspire his city with his lyrics, perspective, and lifestyle.

    4:45 p.m. – T.V. Doctors are a trio from Upstate New York comprised of Bob Morris, Acoustic & Electric Drums, Josh Witmer, Guitar, Guitar Synth, Keys, Samples, and Evan Conway, Bass, Bass Synth, and Keys.

    Tulip Festival
    Albany Tulip Festival.

    Sunday, May 14

    Starting off the day from 9-10 a.m. is the annual Yoga Fest on the Main Stage. The event is free, but those who wish to attend must register here.

    Main Stage

    1:30 p.m. – The Age is a project of Adrian Lewis, who makes music so the audience can get a glimpse of how he sees the world, through fragments of introspection and humility. He touches on themes of insecurity, devotion, heartache, and more.

    3:00 p.m. – Eastbound Jesus doesn’t fit into one genre, they shred on the banjo, play ballads, and make you jump to their fast-paced rocking tunes in what they call “Northern rock.” Everything they do comes from a real, genuine place that makes for a sound all their own.

    4:45 p.m. – American Authors are a New York-based pop-rock band that has accomplished what many bands dream of doing, having their music climb to the top of the charts and singles go multi-platinum. Their single “Best Day of My Life” has been featured in over 600 movie trailers, commercials, and TV shows, also appearing as the theme song for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. American Authors has played award shows and hit the stages of legendary venues all over the world.

    Local 518 Stage

    1:00 p.m. – Caity and the Gallaghers are the full band iteration of the folk singer-songwriter Caity Gallagher, joined by the talented bassist Ben Woodul, pianist Dan DeKalb, and percussionist John Morris. Compared to a modern combination of The Cranberries and Jackson Browne, she elevates melodic, emotional, and lyrical expression in her music.

    2:15 p.m. – Glass Pony is an Albany collective that plays a variety of genres spanning multiple decades from psychedelic and jam-focused rock to funk, post-punk, and more. The band offers a sound that truly translates through generations with a stylistic blend that engages a broad listenership, with the focus squarely set on delivering captivating live performances

    3:30 p.m. – Nickopotamus combines elements of jam, funk, rock, punk, groove, and zydeco to provide the listener with an exciting experience that will have them singing along. Hailing from Albany, the four-piece is led by singer/songwriter/ guitarist Nick Souder, with Andy Flemming on Bass, Dave Pemrick on Drums, and Kate Beauvais on Aux Percussion.

    4:45 p.m. – DJ HollyW8D, originally from Brooklyn, is an influencer who curates shows for independent artists and hosts a radio segment on WCDB 90.9 FM. He energized crowds throughout the Upstate New York Capital Region and believes music brings joy, energy, nostalgia, and good vibes. His latest venture is titled #MoreMusicLessViolence which is a community concert series focused on bringing creatives of all ages together along with community members through positive music.

    For more information about the Albany Tulip Festival, visit here.

  • A.J. Croce Announces 2023 “Croce Plays Croce” 50th Anniversary Tour

    Singer/Songwriter A..J. Croce has announced he is hitting the road again in celebration of two more of his father Jim Croce’s legendary albums, 1973’s Life and Times and his final release, I Got A Name.

    Croce Plays Croce jim A.J.

    Jim Croce is best known for his five studio albums and numerous singles between 1966 and 1973. Croce’s breakthrough came in 1972 with his third album, You Don’t Mess Around with Jim, which produced three charting singles. The follow-up album, Life and Times, included the song “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown”, which was the only No. 1 hit he had during his lifetime.

    On September 20, 1973, after performing at Northwestern State University and the day before the lead single to his fifth album I Got a Name was released, Croce and five others, died in a plane crash on their way to Jim’s next show at Austin College.

    The Croce Plays Croce 50th Anniversary show will feature a legendary band (including drummer Gary Mallaber, bassist David Barard, guitar/violin James Pennebaker) and a moving multi-media presentation accompanying Jim’s songs. A.J. Croce says besides the two albums Life and Times and I Got A Name, tracks from the popular You Don’t Mess Around With Jim – which fueled last year’s run – will also be part of the new show.

    It was fan-demand for more, and the camaraderie that A.J. felt with the audience, the players, and the connection to his father’s timeless music that inspired A.J. to embark on the Croce Plays Croce 50th Anniversary tour for 2023. “The audience reaction has been so great,” says A.J. “The shows we did last year were not only met with a huge response, but I learned so much about what works and what resonates, we knew we had to keep going.” 

    During last year’s raved-about performances, A.J. shared intimate aspects of his dad’s career. He also drew praise for his own style and musicianship as well as his sensitive insight into Jim Croce’s enduring musical canon. While Jim Croce’s indelible music catalog still resonates on classic radio, streaming platforms, and more recently on hit films and TV shows like Django Unchained and Stranger Things, it is A.J.s unique showmanship that has helped enliven Jim’s amazing legacy. 

    A.J. says the upcoming Life and Times and I Got A Name shows will continue to be fresh and spontaneous.  “People were surprised when they came that the show wasn’t just Jim Croce’s ballads,” he says. “I think one of the things the audience will appreciate if they haven’t seen us yet, is how alive these songs sound.  All the musicians have a level of improvisation that makes it a lot of fun.” 

    The shows have renewed interest in Jim Croce and garnered praise for A.J: “I think they come as a Jim Croce fan but also leave as fans of mine. That’s something that has also made this whole experience really amazing.”    

    Croce Plays Croce 50th Anniversary Tour Dates

    Oct 27 / Aria Ballroom @MGM Springfield / Springfield, MA

    Oct 28 /The Wilbur / Boston, MA

    Oct 30 / Count Basie Center for the Arts / Red Bank, NJ

    Nov 1 / Santander Performing Arts Center / Reading, PA

    Nov 2 / Sandler Center for the Performing Arts / Virginia Beach, VA

    Nov 4 / The Town Hall / New York City, NY

    Nov 5 / Keswick Theatre / Glenside, PA

    Nov 7 / Kodak Center / Rochester, NY

    Nov 8 / Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall / Munhall, PA

    Nov 9 / Taft Theatre / Cincinnati, OH

    Nov 12 / Royal Oak Music Theatre / Royal Oak, MI

    Nov 15 / Hoyt Sherman Place / Des Moines, IA

    Nov 17 / Pantages Theatre / Minneapolis, MN

    Nov 25 / Florida Theatre / Jacksonville, FL

    Nov 26 / Parker Playhouse / Fort Lauderdale, FL

    Nov 28 / Capitol Theatre / Clearwater, FL

    Nov 29 / King Center for the Performing Arts / Melbourne, FL

    For more information, and to purchase tickets, please visit A.J.’s website.

  • Tedeschi Trucks Band 2023 Garden Parties Arena Show Coming to MSG

    Tedeschi Trucks Band has announced two arena shows dubbed “The Garden Parties” at TD Garden in Boston, MA on Sept. 27 and Madison Square Garden on Sept. 29.

    Tedeschi Trucks Band
    Photo by David McClister.

    Tedeschi Trucks Band is a Grammy Award-winning 12-piece rock and soul powerhouse, led by the husband/wife duo of guitarist Derek Trucks and singer/guitarist Susan Tedeschi. They are known for their world-class musicianship and contemporary blend of a wide range of American musical influences. The band continues to tour in support of I Am The Moon, their acclaimed fifth studio project which “explodes with joyful, powerful and positive music” (Guitar Player). The album was made off the road during the pandemic and includes four albums released over the summer of 2022.

    Since forming in 2010, the band has traveled countless miles to bring their music to fans all over the world, from sold-out multi-night residencies across America to tours through Europe and Japan, and their flagship annual summer amphitheater tours. Their extensive catalog isn’t geared towards one genre, spanning rock, blues, jazz, and even country, and no setlist is ever the same. Today the band announced two arena show performances happening at TD Garden in Boston, MA on Sept. 27 and Madison Square Garden on Sept. 29. “The Garden Parties” are presented by Live Nation & Peter Shapiro’s Dayglo Presents. The special guest for these performances will be fellow Grammy Award-winner, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real.

    These performances come on the heels of their recently expanded summer run of tour dates across the US. Tickets for these performances go on sale to the general public on Friday, April 7 at 10 a.m. ET, with the TTB Fan Club presale beginning Tuesday, April 4 at 10 a.m. ET. The artist, venue, promoter, and Chase Bank presales begin Wednesday, April 5 at 10 a.m. ET and fans can download the Tedeschi Trucks Band app in both the Apple and Google Play Stores to get easy access to tour dates and up-to-date information about the band. To purchase tickets, visit here.

    2023 Tour Dates New dates in bold
    4/28 – N. Little Rock, AR – Simmons Bank Arena
    4/29 – Birmingham, AL – BJCC Concert Hall
    4/30 – New Orleans, LA – Jazz & Heritage Festival
    6/22 – Jacksonville, FL – Daily’s Place*
    6/23, 24 – Atlanta, GA – Fox Theatre*
    6/27, 28 – Vienna, VA – Wolf Trap*

    6/29 – Richmond, VA – Virginia Credit Union Live~
    7/1 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Saratoga Performing Arts Center~
    7/2 – Scranton, PA – Peach Music Festival

    7/3 – Gilford, NH – Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion at Meadowbrook~

    7/5 – Bangor, ME – Maine Savings Amphitheater~
    7/7, 8 – Bridgeport, CT – Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater~
    7/11 – Canandaigua, NY – Constellation Brands – Marvin Sands PAC~

    7/13 – Toronto, Canada – Budweiser Stage~
    7/14 – Rochester Hills, MI – Meadow Brook Amphitheatre~
    7/15 – Indianapolis, IN – TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park~

    7/18– Cincinnati, OH – PNC Pavilion~
    7/19 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center~
    7/20 – Milwaukee, WI – BMO Pavilion*
    7/22 – St. Louis, MO – Fabulous Fox Theatre*

    7/24 – Kansas City, MO – Kansas City Convention Center Music Hall*
    7/25 – Lincoln, NE – Pinewood Bowl Amphitheater*
    7/28, 29 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre*
    9/27 – Boston, MA – TG Garden^
    9/29 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden^

    • with Vincent Neil Emerson
      ~ with Ziggy Marley
      ^Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real

  • Elvis Costello & The Imposters Announce New Tour With Dates At Beacon Theatre And Landmark Theatre

    Elvis Costello & The Imposters has announced their newest 23-date tour “We’re All Going On A Summer Holiday” with special guests Nick Lowe and Los Straightjackets.

    Elvis Costello

    The tour, with their special guest Charlie Sexton, includes a stop at the Beacon Theatre in New York, NY, and the Landmark Theatre in Syracuse.

     The “We’re All Going On A Summer Holiday” dates will follow two headlining appearances at the Byron Bay Bluesfest in Australia, three nights at the Sydney Opera House and a show at the Palais Theatre in Melbourne. In May, Costello and Steve Nieve will return to the concert hall stage together for the first time in twenty years, in Reykjavik, Iceland.

    Last summer, Elvis Costello and the Imposters performed a number of concerts with Nick Lowe and Los Straightjackets opening the show, and who will open again this year. That tour followed the release of Costello’s album The Boy Named If.

    More recently, Costello shared the deluxe edition of The Songs of Bacharach and Costello, a celebratory collaborative album created with Burt Bacharach, who died earlier this year.

    “We’re All Going On A Summer Holiday” Tour Dates

    Wed Jun 07 – Vancouver, BC – Queen Elizabeth Theatre

    Fri Jun 09 – Woodinville, WA – Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery

    Sat Jun 10 – Bend, OR – Hayden Homes Amphitheater

    Sun Jun 11 – Reno, NV – Silver Legacy Casino Reno

    Tue Jun 13 – San Francisco, CA – Golden Gate Theatre

    Wed Jun 14 – Ventura, CA – Ventura Theatre

    Fri Jun 16 – Los Angeles, CA – Greek Theatre

    Sat Jun 17 – Las Vegas, NV – Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort 

    Sun Jun 18 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre

    Tue Jun 20 – Oklahoma City, OK – The Criterion 

    Wed Jun 21 – Omaha, NE – Steelhouse Omaha

    Fri Jun 23 – Hammond, IN – The Venue at Horseshoe Casino

    Sat Jun 24 – Milwaukee, WI – Summerfest*

    Sun Jun 25 – Nashville, IN – Brown County Music Center

    Wed Jun 28 – Rochester Hills, MI – Meadow Brook Amphitheatre

    Sat Jul 01 – Lenox, MA – Tanglewood*

    Sun Jul 02 – Hampton Beach, NH – Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom

    Wed Jul 05 – Bridgeport, CT – Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater

    Thu Jul 06 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway

    Sat Jul 08 – Syracuse, NY – Landmark Theatre

    Sun Jul 09 – Baltimore, MD – The Lyric

    Wed Jul 12 – New York, NY – Beacon Theatre

    Fri Jul 14 – Philadelphia, PA – The Met Philadelphia

    For more information, and to purchase tickets, please visit Elvis Costello’s website.