NYS Music 2023

Category: News

  • Grammy Award Winner Ani DiFranco to Make Broadway Debut as ‘Persephone’ in Hadestown

    In a groundbreaking announcement, producers Mara Isaacs, Dale Franzen, Hunter Arnold, and Tom Kirdahy revealed that Grammy Award®-winning music icon Ani DiFranco will embark on her Broadway debut as ‘Persephone’ in the Tony® and Grammy Award-winning Best Musical, Hadestown, at the Walter Kerr Theatre starting February 9, 2024.

    DiFranco’s association with Hadestown dates back to 2010 when she extended an invitation to Anaïs Mitchell to release the original studio album on DiFranco’s label, Righteous Babe Records. Having originated the role of ‘Persephone’ on the album, DiFranco’s return to the character marks a significant moment in the evolution of the show.

    Expressing her excitement, Ani DiFranco stated, “I could not be more thrilled to be joining the cast of Hadestown. It’s like I get to rewind to my New York youth and follow the road not taken.”

    Mitchell added, “I can’t really overstate the influence of Ani’s music and example on me as a young songwriter. Poetic, bold, radically emotive and FUN, she simply has been a mythic figure in my life, and I can’t think of anything more beautifully full circle than Ani playing the role of ‘Persephone’ on Broadway. Grateful and awestruck.”

    Widely acknowledged as a feminist icon, Ani DiFranco pioneered the DIY movement, establishing her own record label in 1990. Beyond her reputation as the “Little Folksinger,” her music spans genres from punk and funk to hip hop and jazz. Her recent works include the 2021 album Revolutionary Love and the 25th-anniversary reissue of Little Plastic Castle in June 2023, both released on her label Righteous Babe Records. In addition to her musical endeavors, her memoir No Walls and the Recurring Dream became a New York Times Top 10 best seller in May 2019, and she recently released her debut children’s book, The Knowing.

    Hadestown’s current cast features Betty Who as Persephone (through February 4), Jordan Fisher as Orpheus, Tony Award winner Lillias White as Hermes, Phillip Boykin as Hades, and Solea Pfeiffer as Eurydice. The production, with its unique blend of modern American folk music and New Orleans-inspired jazz, has earned critical acclaim for reimagining the ancient tale and providing audiences with a captivating theatrical experience.

    In addition to her musical achievements, Ani DiFranco has left an indelible mark in her hometown of Buffalo. Renaming the 19th-century Gothic church she bought and renovated, the venue, originally dubbed The Church, is now known as Babeville. This multifaceted space houses her music label, Righteous Babe Records, and the Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center. A proud Buffalo native, DiFranco continues to contribute to the cultural vibrancy of her hometown.

    Tickets for Hadestown are available at www.seatgeek.com/hadestown-tickets or by visiting the Walter Kerr Theatre box office. Don’t miss the chance to witness Ani DiFranco’s Broadway debut in this transformative and resonant production.

  • ‘A Very Merry Punxmas’ Returns to New York City

    New York indie pop punk label, Manic Kat Records is bringing the gift of pop punk, rock, emo and alternative to NYC with it’s annual holiday celebration A Very Merry Punxmas at The Bowery Electric on Saturday, December 16.

    A Very Merry Punxmas will feature sets from Todd Morse, The Lucky, Just Happy To Be Here, Triple Word Score, A New Violet and Cult Classic, with more special guests and surprise announcements to follow in the coming weeks. The artists include a versatile roster from alternative, rock, punk, and metal producing a unique curated lineup, highlighting bands known for their dynamic performances, raw talent and unapologetic realness.

    Manic Kat Records encourages a thriving hub for emerging talent fueling the underground scene, pushing artists to new heights and authenticity in music, keeping the punk spirit ignited.

    This years event is presented by NYC staple, 7 Crown, along with Glass Fun, the first platform that helps you earn exclusive rewards and experiences from your favorite brands and Boston America, manufacturer/distributor of creative and fun products to the gift and novelty market. The doors for the long awaited holiday performance open at 5:30pm with the final act wrapping up at 11pm, followed by the exclusive after party for VIP guests.

    “We love our local scene, but we felt this year to better accommodate the talent coming in from all over the country, it would be easier to hold the event at the crossroads of the world, New York City.”

    – Founder/CEO of Manic Kat Records, Peter James

    The annual holiday festivities tradition will be breaking down traditional expectations for holiday music at The Bowery Electric. This December, come feel the energy of mean, green punk-rock revival for yourself and don’t miss out on this unforgettable show. For more information please visit here.

  • Crandell Theatre in Chatham to Show Classic Holiday Films Starting Thanksgiving Weekend for $5 a Show

    The historic Crandell Theatre on Main Street in Chatham will celebrate the holiday season with screenings of classic holiday films for just $5 a ticket.

    Beginning Friday, November 24, after Thanksgiving, the lineup includes The Polar Express, Gremlins, The Nutcracker: The Motion Picture, Elf, The Grinch (2018), An American Tail and It’s a Wonderful Life.

    crandell theatre chatham

    The Crandell Theatre in Chatham, NY, is one of a few community-based, nonprofit theaters in the United States devoted to film and one of fewer than one hundred single-screen movie theaters nationally. Since 2010, Crandell Theatre, Inc., has raised more than $1 million to purchase the historic theater and make needed repairs. The current Crandell board is engaged in a multi-million-dollar campaign to renovate and restore the area’s oldest, largest, single-screen theater and enhance the moviegoing experience for generations to come.

    The Polar Express

    2004. Rated G. 100 min.

    Friday, November 24 at 10 am

    In this beloved animated family classic, an 8-year-old boy, doubting whether Santa Claus exists, is swept up on a magical nighttime journey to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. Tom Hanks, in multiple roles, stars. Children are encouraged to wear their pajamas to this special morning screening.

    Gremlins

    1986. Rated PG. 106 min.

    Friday, November 24 at 1 pm

    Called a “wacky, satirical spectacle of chaos” (Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian), this sci-fi-comedy-horror-fantasy was written by a young Chris Columbus (Home Alone, Mrs. Doubtfire, the first two Harry Potter films) and produced by Steven Spielberg. Spielberg polished Columbus’s script, after successive drafts, into the classic tale of a cuddly, seemingly innocuous gift named Gizmo and the multiplying pack of destructive loonies he unleashes. Even if you are familiar with Mogwai ways, you haven’t truly experienced these magical creatures until you’ve seen them on the Crandell’s 26-foot screen.

    crandell theatre chatham

    The Nutcracker: The Motion Picture

    1986. Rated G. 89 min.

    Saturday, November 25 at 12:30 pm

    The colorful holiday classic comes to the big screen in a close adaptation of the original story by E.T.A. Hoffmann. Designed by famed children’s author and artist Maurice Sendak and based on the Pacific Northwest Ballet’s original production, it is a magical and heart-warming celebration of dance, music, art and fantasy.

    Elf

    2003. Rated PG. 97 min.

    Saturday, December 2 at 1 pm

    Raised as an elf but clearly cut from a different cloth, Buddy travels from the North Pole to New York City to meet his biological father, Walter Hobbs, who doesn’t know he exists and is in desperate need of some Christmas spirit. Bring the whole family to re-experience the hilarious delights of New York City during the holidays as only Will Ferrell’s relentlessly optimistic oversized elf can.

    The Grinch

    2018. Rated PG. 85 min.

    FREE

    Saturday, December 9 at 1 pm

    The Grinch (the animated version by Illumination Entertainment) is part of the theater’s popular series Crandell Kid Flicks. Everyone is encouraged to wear their favorite, silliest or ugliest holiday sweater to the show. This special free screening, happening during Chatham’s all-day, village-wide WinterFest, is sponsored by Chatham Area Businesses and Arts (CABA). Several very special guests will also stop by and join the fun!

    An American Tail

    1986. Rated G. 80 min.
    December screening times TBA.

    Animator Don Bluth directed this animated tale of Fievel Mousekewitz and his family, who emigrate from Russia to the United States to escape the cats in their homeland. When Fievel gets lost, he must find a way to reunite with his family. Steven Spielberg produced this charming animated parable about immigration, new beginnings, family and home.

    It’s a Wonderful Life

    1946. Rated PG. 130 min.

    Saturday, December 23 and Sunday, December 24 at 1 pm.

    Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed star in Frank Capra’s penultimate family classic about a small-town man, ready to throw in the towel, who meets an angel named Clarence summoned to give him another chance. Clarence treats George Bailey to a masterclass in perspective, showing him what life would have been like had he never existed. Many critics say this is among a handful of classics that deserves annual viewing, especially if you’re lucky enough to see it on the big screen.

    All tickets are available on the Crandell Theatre website, crandelltheatre.org.

  • Syracuse Opera Cancels Remainder of Season, Furloughs Staff

    The future is uncertain for the Syracuse Opera, announcing it has canceled the remainder of shows for the 2023-2024 season.

    Photos courtesy of Syracuse Opera Facebook and Bunn Hill Photo (Randy Cummings).

    Syracuse.com has reported that the Syracuse Opera board chair Camille Tisdel said ticket sales are down 40-60% from where they were prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The company planned to have three more productions: “All is Calm,” The Fantasticks,” and “The Barber of Seville.”

    Tisdel, in a note to members Friday, wrote “While our recent productions have been artistically excellent and impactful, like many opera companies across the country, ticket sales have been considerably lower than projected, and we do not have the financial ability to continue the season.” She also went on to stay that grant support, donations, and sponsorships are all in jeopardy because of the uncertainty in our world post-pandemic.

    She also said that Syracuse Opera has one full-time and four part-time employees that will be furloughed.

    A scene from Syracuse Opera’s April 30 production of “The Marriage of Figaro.” Photo courtesy of Bunn Hill Photo. 

    The current season opened on Oct. 20 with “I Am a Dreamer Who No Longer Dreams” at the Redhouse Arts Center. The Syracuse Opera was founded in 1974, and was the only year-round professional opera company, opening many doors for the Central New York music community. Due to the pandemic, their revenue had decreased dramatically, with majority of the opera’s coming from donations, grants, and sponsorships.

    As audience members keep declining, it is becoming more difficult to attract sponsors, Tisdel said. Government grants that helped keep organizations afloat have mostly gone away, making situations like these hard to deal with.

    “The next 24 months, let’s say, are going to be a big challenge for theaters around the country,” Syracuse Stage artistic director Bob Hupp told the Post-Standard | syracuse.com in April. “It’s going to be tough before it gets better.”

    The future of Syracuse Opera remains uncertain, and the board will decide in the coming months what to do next. Tisdel said ticketholders and subscribers will be contacted in the coming weeks about refunds.

  • Cool Cool Cool Release Funky Debut Single “Never Noticed”

    Cool Cool Cool, an unapologetically unique band blending funk, house, and R&B, will release their debut single from Color Red called “Never Noticed” on November 17. 

    Cool Cool Cool blends the best of funk, house, and R&B to create a sound that is truly unique, with dynamic female-led vocals, a tight horn section, and swirling synths. Made up of various talented individuals– Shira Elias (vocals), Sammi Garrett (vocals/percussion), Craig Brodhead (guitar/keyboard/synth), Chris Brouwers (trumpet/keyboard/synthesizer), Michael Carubba (drums), Greg Sanderson (tenor sax, EWI), and Josh Schwartz (vocals/baritone sax) – this band knows how to deliver an electrifying performance. When you see Cool Cool Cool in person, you’ll be swept up by the energy of their music and unforgettable live shows. 

    “Cool Cool Cool, a super slick collective of funkateers with tight vocal harmonies, punchy horns, clavinet soul and stage presence to spare.”

    After spending more than a decade traveling the world together with the touring act Turkuaz, the members of Cool Cool Cool decided to team up and form their own band in 2022. Their shared experiences– from playing dive bars to international festival stages– helped them develop a close bond that goes far beyond music. This bond translates into a powerful synergy that allows each band member to showcase their individual talents, creativity, and passion. 

    “Never Noticed” is the much anticipated debut single from Cool Cool Cool. The track is loaded with entrancing vocals, hard hitting horn lines and an ever-driving groove, marrying vintage tones with modern production. At its core, “Never Noticed” is the first true collaboration from a group of people who, while having performed together for years, perhaps didn’t quite understand what they had together. 

    This song lays a funky beat mixed with lofi-type vocals, making a truly different sound. It’s relaxing, yet makes you want to get up and dance. The most striking part of this arrangement are the horns– so powerful and yet seamlessly weaved into the music so that they’re not overbearing. “Never Noticed” will transport you to a funky club down in New Orleans: a place where you can relax and just feel the music.

    It’ll be exciting to see what else they have in store, as they just keep one-upping themselves.

    Cool Cool Cool will release their debut single from Color Red, “Never Noticed” on November 17. The band, featuring former members of Turkuaz, creates a blend of Funk and R&B with a mix of lo-fi vibes for this grooving and dreamy track recorded at Color Red Studios. The release comes right after their recent performances as the band for Jerry Harrison and Adrian Belew’s Remain In Light tour, as well as support for Andy Frasco’s L’Optimist tour, and Cool Cool Cool teases that this is just the beginning. 

    While the New York part of their tour has ended, if lucky, you can catch them at the remaining venues of their tour in Florida and California. 

    12/28 – San Diego, CA – Balboa Theater

    12/29 – Anaheim, CA – City National Grove of Anaheim (City National Grove Outdoors)

    12/30 – San Francisco, CA – The Warfield

    12/31 – Napa, CA – JaM Cellars Ballroom

    02/22-25 – Brooksville, FL – Florida Sand Music Ranch

    02/24 – Miami Beach, FL – Miami Beach Bandshell

    02/25-03/01 – Miami, FL – Jam Cruise 20

    Follow Cool Cool Cool on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, or visit their website for more information.

  • The Olayan Group Partners with Kristopher Hull, Bringing Live Music to 550 Garden

    The Olayan Group announced they have partnered with Kristopher Hull to bring classical music out of the concert hall and into The 550 Garden, the largest green space to be built in East Midtown in decades.

    550 Garden

    As part of the artist residency, the Garden will host live performances on Tuesdays and Thursdays in a limited engagement. Kristopher Hull is a cultural fixture in New York City, known for pushing his custom-mounted 1964 Baldwin Upright Piano around lower Manhattan, bringing a mix of Chopin études, preludes, and nocturnes into the Garden for the enjoyment of all New Yorkers.

    Referred to as the “Pianist Errant” after the knight-errant Don Quixote, the majority of Hull’s work is performed in front of murals and in public gardens around Greenwich Village and the Lower East Side. Now, in partnership with 550 Madison, he is bringing live classical music to Midtown. Inspired by 550 Madison’s architectural heritage and the natural history of the region, the 550 Garden is East Midtown’s first new publicly accessible space in decades. Designed by architects Philip Johnson and John Burgee, 550 Madison Avenue is one of the city’s most recognizable architectural masterworks. It is a postmodern gem known for its distinctive “Chippendale” curved roof pediment and pink granite façade.

    The reawakened space, open year-round and features a heated hearth seating area, embraces nature as an amenity for building tenants, area residents, and visitors. New Yorkers find solace within the Garden among trees and plants and now live classical music.

    The 550 Garden offers an elegant and welcoming space where New Yorkers can immerse themselves in nature without stepping outside the heart of Midtown. We are pleased to make Hull’s extraordinary performances of classical music accessible to the public, further enhancing the dynamic experience in the Garden.

    Erik Horvat, Head of Real Estate at Olayan America.

    Hull is a self-taught classical pianist who began learning the instrument at 20 years old, inspired by recordings of his favorite 20th-century pianists such as Vladimir Horowitz and Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli. He has also performed at some of the city’s most renowned street art venues like Freeman Alley, First Street Green Art Park, and the Park Avenue Tunnel. His performances at the Garden will feature Chopin and Mozart.

    “My work as a pianist centers around the belief that pairing classical music and art provides an entirely new type of experience,” said Hull. “I’m thrilled to bring live music to complement 550 Madison’s serene Garden and Philip Johnson’s renowned post-modern architecture.”

  • Benny The Butcher Snags Lil Wayne Feature With New Album On The Way

    Benny The Butcher has graced fans with a prolific new single from his forthcoming album, Everybody Can’t Go. Featuring the legendary Lil Wayne, “Big Dog” is the first new music from Benny since 2022’s Tana Talk 4 broke inside the Top 25 on the Billboard 200 album chart last year, and notably his first release for Def Jam Recordings, who he signed with after his contractual obligations to his cousin Westside Gunn’s Griselda imprint ended.

    Cover art for the new Benny The Butcher single "Big Dog."

    Co-produced by famed hip hop producer, Alchemist, “Big Dog” sees Benny The Butcher try his hand at another lyrical back-and-forth with a platinum selling rapper. His last effort, “Johnny P’s Caddy” — featuring J. Cole — peaked #14 Hot Rap Songs hit. Moreover, it was Benny’s first single to break inside the Hot 100. Furthermore, the Buffalo native was able to earn his first gold record and the first for any Griselda affiliate.

    “Big Dog”

    The new single is a change of pace for Benny The Butcher as the sped-up production departs from his usual laid-back, soulful, or sample heavy beats. What remains the same is his fervor, as he perfects his aggressive, braggadocios, grimy style. Backing him up is a looping classically inspired beat full of urgency. In like manner, Benny attacks the beat with the same intensity as if he was rapping about bricks on the table over a Daringer beat. Rather, Benny follows a formulaic song structure. While his subject matter remains close to home, the production and flow is a nice change of pace. Likewise, Lil Wayne continues to prove that he remains a rapper to be reckoned with, delivering a prolific verse in his own right in the duo’s first collaboration since “Timeless” from Benny’s 2020 album, Burden of Proof.

    Over the last year, Benny has spent time promoting his Black Soprano Family artists including Fuego Base and Rick Hyde. However, the first quarter of 2024 will see Benny release his new album, Everybody Can’t Go.

  • Dave East & Vado Release ‘Deniro & Pesci’ With New Album On The Way

    Two of Harlem‘s finest — Dave East and Vado — have graced the hip hop world with a new single. “Deniro & Pesci” is the latest record from 2/3 of hip hop collective “The Council” (which includes Dave East, Lloyd Banks and Vado). The ominously themed record is an ode to the lifestyles of mobsters James Conway and Tommy DeVito portrayed by Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci from one of hip hop’s most referenced films, Goodfellas.

    Dave East and Vado single cover art,

    In like manner, Vado and Dave East metaphorically reference the film and other famous mobsters. For instance, East begins the song with an introspective recounting of his rough upbringing that inspired his hustler mindset. Similarly to how Goodfellas begins with the telling of Henry Hill’s youth. Meanwhile, Vado juxtaposes Dave East, playing the role of the fully realized hustler. For his part, Vado’s verse is full of vivid imagery, whether it be intimate hustler tales, or stories of lavish expenditures. Together, the duo captures the evolvement from impressionable youth to “goodfella” as well the surrounding factors that play a role.

    Best Lyric

    With a vision like Bugsy, I’m Warren Beaty inspired, or like LL, standing at the crowd at Supreme Team party with murderers all around. Kingpins on stage, reppin’ the seven crowds. Analyzing they style, wishing that I was down.

    – Vado, “Deniro & Pesci”

    Album On The Way

    Meanwhile, “Deniro & Pesci” serves as a prelude to the duo’s forthcoming collaborative album set for release in the first quarter of 2024. Dave East’s last EP Fortune Favors the Bold was released in July, while Vado dropped V-Day 4 in May. This will be their second joint-project together following 2017’s It’s Harlem, hosted by DJ Kay Slay.

    V and I have been locked in for the longest, that’s family, it’s only right we team and up do something for the town. 

    -Dave East

    2/3 of The Council are back with more heat, and just wait until we drop the album  

    – Vado

  • Drake Announces KeyBank Center and UBS Arena Shows On 2024 ‘It’s All A Blur Tour’ with J.Cole

    Four-time Grammy award-winning and multi-platinum-selling Canadian rapper Drake announced his 2024 US Tour “It’s All A Blur Tour – Big As The What” with American rapper and producer J.Cole featuring two stops at KeyBank Center in Buffalo on Tuesday, Feb. 27, and Wednesday, Feb. 28 and two in Belmont Park at UBS Arena on March 14 and 15.

    drake tour

    Drake is a Canadian born hip hop artist who first emerged in the music industry in 2009 when he debuted his EP So Far Gone, named the hottest mixtape of the year by MTV and selling over 650,000 copies. Since his emerging success Drake has focused on his development and creation of music, leading to some of his most praised work. Drake embraces the hip-hop culture while integrating R&B and pop to create a languid, grandiose sound. Some of his fan favorites include “Nice For What”, “God’s Plan”, “One Dance (with Wizkid and Kyla)”, “Controlla” and many other record breaking hits.

    The upcoming tour follows Drake’s successful return to the stage after his 2023 “It’s All A Blur” Tour, which saw Drake perform 50 sold out area shows across North America throughout the summer and fall. Most recently, Drake released his eighth studio album For All The Dogs featuring ten collaborations with top charting artists SZA, Bad Bunny, J.Cole and more.

    Pre-sale tickets will be available beginning on Wednesday, November 15, followed by general tickets on Friday, November 17. For more information please visit here.

    DRAKE ‘IT’S ALL A BLUR TOUR – BIG AS THE WHAT?’ 2024 TOUR DATES:

    Thu, Jan 18 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena +

    Fri, Jan 19 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena 

    Mon, Jan 22 – San Antonio, TX – Frost Bank Center

    Thu, Jan 25 – Oklahoma City, OK – Paycom Center 

    Mon, Jan 29 – New Orleans, LA – Smoothie King Center

    Tue, Jan 30 – New Orleans, LA – Smoothie King Center 

    Fri, Feb 02 – Tampa, FL – Amalie Arena 

    Wed, Feb 07 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena

    Thu, Feb 08 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena

    Mon, Feb 12 – St. Louis, MO – Enterprise Center

    Fri, Feb 16 – Pittsburgh, PA – PPG Paints Arena 

    Tue, Feb 20 – Columbus, OH – Schottenstein Center

    Wed, Feb 21 – Columbus, OH – Schottenstein Center 

    Sat, Feb 24 – Cleveland, OH – Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse 

    Tue, Feb 27 – Buffalo, NY – KeyBank Center 

    Wed, Feb 28 – Buffalo, NY – KeyBank Center

    Sat, Mar 02 – Kansas City, MO – T-Mobile Center 

    Tue, Mar 05 – Memphis, TN – FedExForum

    Sun, Mar 10 – Lexington, KY – Rupp Arena 

    Thu, Mar 14 – Belmont Park, NY – UBS Arena

    Fri, Mar 15 – Belmont Park, NY – UBS Arena

    Mon, Mar 18 – State College, PA – Bryce Jordan Center

    Sat, Mar 23 – Sunrise, FL – Amerant Bank Arena

    Wed, Mar 27 – Birmingham, AL – The Legacy Arena at BJCC

  • Concept for Metropolitan Park includes Live Music Venue in Flushing

    The area around Citi Field might look very different in future years with Mets owner Steve Cohen’s proposed $8 billion plan to create a new development, dubbed Metropolitan Park, featuring a casino and new live music venue.

    What is now 50 acres of asphalt surrounding Citi Field might transform into something completely different, bringing together fans, neighbors, and visitors with 20 acres of new public park space, world-class entertainment, and authentic local global cuisine. It is meant to be enjoyed by not only those located in Queens and New York City but could become a tourist destination.

    “It’s time the world’s greatest city got the sports and entertainment park it deserves,” said New York Mets owner Steve Cohen. “When I bought this team, fans and the community kept saying we needed to do better. Metropolitan Park delivers on the promise of a shared space that people will not only want to come to and enjoy but can be truly proud of.” Owning the Mets is a civic responsibility to Cohens, and extends beyond the ballpark walls. For over 85 years, this area has been nothing but parking lots that have not served the community or fans to their full potential, and he wants to change this under-developed area.

    Over the last three years, Cohen and his team have met with community groups, elected officials, Mets fans, and those who live and work in the surrounding neighborhoods to develop their vision, giving life to a sports and entertainment park. With over 15 community workshops, 20,000 door-to-door conversations, and hundreds of meetings with local leaders, this project has the community’s best ideas in mind.

    The vision includes an investment of $8 billion, nearly 15,000 good-paying permanent and construction jobs, 20 acres of new park space with five acres of community playgrounds and athletic fields, climate-ready infrastructure, an accessible and renovated mass transit station, improved and modernized road network, and much more.

    The big ticket item everyone is excited about is the new world-class entertainment experience that will bring people to the area every day of the year. Cohens wants to bring a Hard Rock to the area, known for its best-in-class hospitality, with memorable live music experiences and casino and sportsbook gaming. Hard Rock has been committed to New York for nearly four decades with its iconic Cafe in Times Square.

    Now spanning the globe in over 70 countries with hotels, casinos, cafes, rock shops, and sports betting namesake venues and properties, Hard Rock is rooted in the spirit of music and philanthropy, embracing the culture and character of each location.

    “Hard Rock at Metropolitan Park will be rooted in the spirit of music while embracing the unique culture and character of Queens,” said Jim Allen, Chairman of Hard Rock International. “Metropolitan Park captures the energy and vision of bringing people together for memorable shared experiences that exemplifies the company’s mottos to Love All Serve All, All is One, Save Time to Be Kind and Save the Planet. We’re excited to bring our unique brand of world class entertainment to Queens.”

    For more information about Metropolitan Park, visit here.