Category: News Desk

  • Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire 2024 “Heart and Soul” Tour – Jones Beach and SPAC dates

    In an extraordinary musical alliance, the legendary Earth, Wind & Fire and Chicago, two of the most celebrated and successful bands in music history, are set to reignite the stage with their iconic co-headlining tour across North America, the Heart & Soul 2024 Tour.

    This tour promises an unforgettable night of music that brings together the timeless melodies of Chicago and the iconic repertoire of Earth, Wind & Fire. The tour, spanning 30 cities, kicks off in St. Louis, MO, on July 10, and features a special stop at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh, NY, on Sunday, July 28, followed by an electrifying performance at PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ, on Saturday, August 3, 2024.

    Earth, Wind & Fire

    This tour is still proof of the timeless appeal and extraordinary talent of two of the most recognizable musical groups in America, having sold over 200 million albums, earned 11 GRAMMY® awards, and received nearly 30 nominations between them. Billboard describes Chicago as “one of the most successful American rock bands of all time, in terms of both albums and singles,” having consistently filled arenas with satisfied fans. Earth, Wind & Fire, a funk-fusion powerhouse, has left an indelible mark on the sound and history of popular music, according to Rolling Stone. Both bands have received the highest honor with induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, with Chicago in 2016 and Earth, Wind & Fire in 2000.

    HEART AND SOUL 2024 TOUR DATES

    – Wed Jul 10 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre

    – Fri Jul 12 – Rosemont, IL – Allstate Arena

    – Sat Jul 13 – Saint Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center

    – Tue Jul 16 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center

    – Wed Jul 17 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre

    – Fri Jul 19 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center

    – Sat Jul 20 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center

    – Tue Jul 23 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage

    – Wed Jul 24 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Broadview Stage at SPAC

    – Sat Jul 27 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center

    – Sun Jul 28 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater

    – Tue Jul 30 – Bridgeport, CT – Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater

    – Wed Jul 31 – Camden, NJ – Freedom Mortgage Pavilion

    – Fri Aug 02 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live

    – Sat Aug 03 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center

    – Mon Aug 12 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek

    – Tue Aug 13 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion

    – Fri Aug 16 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre

    – Sat Aug 17 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre

    – Mon Aug 19 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre

    – Tue Aug 20 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena

    – Fri Aug 23 – Fort Worth, TX – Dickies Arena

    – Sat Aug 24 – Houston, TX – Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

    – Mon Aug 26 – North Little Rock, AR – Simmons Bank Arena

    – Thu Aug 29 – Phoenix, AZ – Footprint Center

    – Sat Aug 31 – Chula Vista, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre

    – Sun Sep 01 – Concord, CA – Toyota Pavilion at Concord

    – Tue Sep 03 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena

    – Fri Sep 06 – Los Angeles, CA – The Kia Forum

    – Sat Sep 07 – Palm Desert, CA – Acrisure Arena

    Ticket sales kick off with a Citi presale beginning on Tuesday, November 14. Additional presales will run throughout the week leading up to the general on-sale starting on Friday, November 17 at 10 am at EarthWindAndFire.com and ChicagoTheBand.com

    From the infectious beats of “Let’s Groove” to the timeless rock anthems of Chicago, this tour is a celebration of musical history, cultural impact, and the shared memories that these iconic bands have created over the years.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lzgNh9qXdA
  • 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.

  • Porno For Pyros to Bid Farewell, Two March Dates in New York

    Alternative rock group Porno For Pyros announced a North American tour for this coming spring, originally breaking a 26-year touring hiatus, but now will be a farewell tour. Titled the “Horns, Thorns, En Halos Tour” includes two stops in New York State, Port Chester on March 7 and NYC on March 8, 2024.

    Porno For Pyros Upcoming Tour

    Porno For Pyros formed in 1992 in Los Angeles, following vocalist Perry Farrell and drummer Stephen Perkins’s departure from 90’s rock group Jane’s Addiction. Their first record, a self titled album released in 1993, charted immediately on Billboard’s Top 100. The group followed up with Good God’s Urge in 1996, and later disbanded in 1998.

    The group has been teasing a full return since 2013, and is set to release a brand new EP next year. Their most recent release, a single titled “Agua,” released on November 16. The new track is inspired by environmental concerns, and reminiscing memories from surfing trips the group took in the 90’s.

    Now we’re here, and that same heart, that same desire to make music together, has returned. Getting together with these guys has been some of the most fun, the happiest times in my life

    Perry Farrell, vocalist

    Porno For Pyros will play two shows in New York State on their upcoming tour, in Port Chester and NYC. The group will play The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester on March 7. Finally, they will make a stop at NYC’s Manhattan Center Hammerstein Ballroom the following day on March 8.

    Porno For Pyros band

    Tickets will be available for presale as early as 12 pm on November 15, with the general on-sale taking place on Friday, November 17 at 10 AM at LiveNation.com

    PORNO FOR PYROS – HORNS, THORNS EN HALOS FAREWELL TOUR DATES: 

    Tue Feb 13 – Santa Ana, CA – Observatory Orange County

    Thu Feb 15 – San Diego, CA – Observatory San Diego

    Sat Feb 17 – Ventura, CA – Ventura Theater

    Sun Feb 18 – Los Angeles, CA – The Belasco

    Wed Feb 21 – Aspen, CO * – Belly Up Aspen

    Thu Feb 22 – Denver, CO – Fillmore Auditorium 

    Sat Feb 24 –- Omaha, NE – Astro Theatre

    Mon Feb 26 – Chicago, IL – Salt Shed

    Tue Feb 27 – Detroit, MI – The Fillmore Detroit 

    Thu Feb 29 – Toronto, ON – HISTORY 

    Sat Mar 02 – Philadelphia, PA – Parx Casino

    Sun Mar 03 – Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore Silver Spring 

    Tue Mar 05 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway

    Thu Mar 07 – Port Chester, NY – The Capitol Theatre 

    Fri Mar 08 – New York, NY – Manhattan Center Hammerstein Ballroom 

    Sun Mar 10 – Montclair, NJ – The Wellmont Theater

  • Sesame Street Live! Say Hello Tour Hits the Road in 2024 with 6 Stops Across New York

    In the world of family fun, Sesame Street has been a go-to for decades. Now, get ready for something extra special as Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and the whole Sesame Street gang hit the road in the brand-new live production, Sesame Street Live! Say Hello.

    This musical road trip is set to hit cities all across the U.S. and Canada, bringing the magic of Sesame Street to life starting in April 2024.

    Sesame Street Live! Say Hello promises more than just a show – it’s an interactive musical adventure. Join in the fun as your favorite characters come to life on stage. Expect surprises, laughter, and all the timeless magic of Sesame Street. This is an experience that goes beyond the screen, bringing the heartwarming spirit of Sesame Street to a live and tangible stage.

    This tour is no small affair, hitting major cities from Portland, ME, to Vancouver, and everywhere in between. The kickoff is at Merrill Auditorium in Portland on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, and the fun won’t stop until it’s made its way through more than 50 cities.

    SESAME STREET LIVE! SAY HELLO TOUR DATES:

    Tuesday, Apr. 16 – Merrill Auditorium – Portland, ME

    Wednesday, Apr. 17 – Lowell Memorial Auditorium – Lowell, MA

    Thursday, Apr. 18 – Palace Theatre – Albany, NY

    Friday, Apr. 19 & Saturday, Apr. 20 – Emerson Colonial Theatre – Boston, MA

    Sunday, Apr. 21 – Toyota Oakdale Theater – Wallingford, CT

    Wednesday, Apr. 23 – The Forum – Binghamton, NY

    Tuesday, Apr. 24 – KeyBank State Theatre – Cleveland, OH

    Thursday, Apr. 25 – Landmark Theatre – Syracuse, NY

    Friday, Apr. 26 & Saturday, Apr. 27 – Benedum Center for the Performing Arts – Pittsburgh, PA

    Sunday, Apr. 28 – Palace Theatre – Stamford, CT

    Tuesday, Apr. 30 – Shea’s Performing Arts Center – Buffalo, NY

    Wednesday, May 1 – Kodak Center for the Performing Arts – Rochester, NY

    Thursday, May 2 – PPL Center – Allentown, PA

    Friday, May 3 & Saturday, May 4 – Kings Theatre – Brooklyn, NY

    Sunday, May 5 – State Theatre New Jersey – New Brunswick, NJ

    Tuesday, May 7 – Appalachian Wireless Arena – Pikeville, KY

    Wednesday, May 8 – Charleston Municipal Auditorium – Charleston, WV

    Thursday, May 9 – Stranahan Theater – Toledo, OH

    Friday, May 10 – Embassy Theatre – Fort Wayne, IN

    Saturday, May 11 – Taft Theatre – Cincinnati, OH

    Sunday, May 12 – Clowes Memorial Hall – Indianapolis, IN

    Tuesday, May 14 – Adler Theatre – Davenport, IA

    Wednesday, May 15 – Rialto Square Theater – Joliet, IL

    Thursday, May 16 – DECC Symphony Hall – Duluth, MN

    Friday, May 17 & Saturday, May 18 – State Theatre – Minneapolis, MN

    Sunday, May 19 – Scheels Arena – Fargo, ND

    Tuesday, May 21 – MetraPark Arena – Billings, MT

    Wednesday, May 22 – Adams Center – Missoula, MT

    Thursday, May 23 – First Interstate Center for the Arts – Spokane, WA

    Friday, May 24 – Queen Elizabeth Theatre – Vancouver, BC

    Saturday, May 25 – Angel of the Winds Arena – Everett, WA

    Sunday, May 26 – Keller Auditorium – Portland, OR

    Tuesday, May 28 – Toyota Center – Kennewick, WA

    Wednesday, May 29 – Ford Idaho Center – Nampa, ID

    Friday, May 31 – Eccles Theater – Delta Hall – Salt Lake City, UT

    Saturday, Jun. 1 – Orleans Arena – Las Vegas, NV

    Sunday, Jun. 2 – City National Civic – San Jose, CA

    Tuesday, Jun. 4 – Bob Hope Theatre – Stockton, CA

    Wednesday, Jun. 5 – SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center – Sacramento, CA

    Thursday, Jun. 6 – Reno Events Center – Reno, NV

    Friday, Jun. 7 & Saturday, Jun. 8 – The Curran Theatre – San Francisco, CA

    Sunday, Jun. 9 – Kavli Theatre (Bank of America Performing Arts Center) – Thousand Oaks, CA

    Wednesday, Jun. 12 – Mechanics Bank Theater – Bakersfield, CA

    Friday, Jun. 14 & Saturday, Jun. 15 – Terrace Theater – Long Beach, CA

    Sunday, Jun. 16 – Fox Performing Arts Center – Riverside, CA

    Tuesday, Jun. 18 – Saroyan Theatre – Fresno, CA

    Wednesday, Jun. 19 – San Diego Civic Theatre – San Diego, CA

    Thursday, Jun. 20 – Linda Ronstadt Music Hall – Tucson, AZ

    Friday, Jun. 21 – Findlay Toyota Center – Prescott Valley, AZ

    Saturday, Jun. 22 – Arizona Federal Theatre – Phoenix, AZ

    Sunday, Jun. 23 – Abraham Chavez Theatre – El Paso, TX

    Tuesday, Jun. 25 – Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center – Midland, TX

    Wednesday, Jun. 26 – Amarillo Civic Center Auditorium – Amarillo, TX

    Thursday, Jun. 27 – Rio Rancho Events Center – Rio Rancho, NM

    Friday, Jun. 28 – Pueblo Memorial Hall – Pueblo, CO

    Saturday, Jun. 29 – United Wireless Arena – Dodge City, KS

    Sunday, Jun. 30 – Budweiser Events Center – Loveland, CO

    Tickets for this musical journey go on sale Friday, November 17th, with early access starting Tuesday, November 14th. Don’t miss out – head to SesameStreetLive.com to snag your tickets. This event is for everyone, from the littlest fans to those young at heart.

    For the most up-to-date information visit SesameStreetLive.com

  • 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
  • TR3 Featuring Tim Reynolds Announces January Tour, Coming to Hudson Falls and NYC

    TR3 has announced it will go back on the road early next year to support their new studio album Watch It, due January 19. The tour is coming to Hudson Falls on Jan. 21, and NYC on Jan. 27.

    Photo Credit: Stephan Pruitt Photography.

    Fronted by two-time GRAMMY nominee and Dave Matthews collaborator Tim Reynolds, the acclaimed trio promises a jam-packed season ahead with expanded tour dates and the arrival of Watch It. With a career spanning more than four decades, sonic innovator Tim Reynolds is praised as one of the most adept and unrivaled instrumentalists ever. With many contributions to the American music canon, he continues to demonstrate masterful command of melody and timing, improvisational prowess, and great guitar virtuosity, shown in both his role as lead guitarist of Dave Matthews Band and frontman of TR3.

    Founded in the mid-1980s, the trio welcomed Dan Martier and Mick Vaughn on drums and bass, respectively, in 2007 and now remains a fixture in the international jam scene. On the heels of its 2019 studio album, The Sea Versus the Mountain, and 2022 live release Wild in the Sky, the group will soon unveil a fresh batch of songs written and arranged during the pandemic. The highly anticipated collection features ten mostly instrumental tracks that see the trio in its most perceptive, harmonious, and imaginative form yet. Watch It, a striking tapestry of funk, jazz, and rock varieties, boasts innovative arrangements that both defy classification and invoke boundless musical curiosity.

    For more information on Tim Reynolds and TR3, visit here.

    TR3 Featuring Tim Reynolds 2024 Tour Dates

    01/18 – Jimmy’s on Congress – Portsmouth, NH

    01/19 – REX Theatre – Manchester, NH  

    01/20 – Bayside Bowl – Portland, ME 

     01/21 – The Strand Theatre – Hudson Falls, NY  

    01/24 – Sellersville Theater – Sellersville, PA

     01/25 – Infinity Music Hall – Hartford, CT 

    01/26 – Newton Theatre – Newton, NJ

     01/27 – The Iridium – New York, NY

    01/28 – Phantom Power – Millersville, PA 

    01/31 – Kent Stage – Kent, OH 

    02/01 – Hi Fi – Indianapolis, IN 

    02/02 – Castle Theatre – Bloomington, IL 

    02/03 – City Winery – St. Louis MO

  • 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

  • Marco Benevento To Release ‘Barn Burner: Live At Levon’s’

    Marco Benevento has announced a new double album, Barn Burner: Live at Levon’s, to be released March 29, 2024 via Royal Potato Family.

    marco benevento live at levon's

    Recorded earlier this year live with his band featuring bassist Karina Rykman and drummer Chris Corsico over a two night, sold out run on January 13-14, 2023 at Levon Helm Studios in the keyboardist’s adopted hometown of Woodstock, the exhilarating 13-track set spans Benevento’s career with tracks from across his eight studio albums, as well as a cover of Bob Dylan & The Band’s “This Wheels On Fire” with special guest Scott Metzger on guitar.

    Benevento will celebrate its release with a return to Levon’s aka The Barn for a two-night stand on March 29-30, 2024. Tickets go on-sale this Friday, November 17 at 10am ET.

    Our shows at Levon’s barn are always among my favorites. I can literally walk to the gig from my house, but even more important, the vibes are amazing. The staff, the sound, the intimacy and energy of the audience, and of course, Levon’s spirit burning bright inside those four walls, is like nowhere else in the world. After several years of playing there, it seemed like the right time to multitrack the shows and pick my favorites for official release. We were on fire both nights. Karina and Chris sound so, so good playing these tunes! I think our fans will love having a document of the band at this point in our history.

    Marco Benevento

    Benevento has spent less time touring over the past year to instead focus on several studio projects. He’s recorded with Mark Ronson, Black Thought, El Michels Affair, Clairo, Roge, Molly Lewis and even a posthumous collaboration with Bernie Worrell, while he’s also deep into tracking his ninth album inspired by his favorite Italian movie score composers.

    marco benevento live at levon's
    photo by Rachel Brennecke

    With his own band, he’s pivoted to inviting fans to destination performances in the Hudson Valley, including his festival Follow The Arrow in Accord, NY, as well as, reoccurring two nights stands at Levon Helm Studios. A cornerstone of the reinvigorated and flourishing arts and music scene in and around Woodstock, NY, Benevento most recently headlined a benefit, Stop Woodstock National LLC, raising funds for the Woodstock Land Conservancy in its efforts to halt the construction of a golf course and luxury condominium complex on 625-plus acres of pristine, untouched forest. 

    After the pandemic, we made a decision to slow things down a bit on the touring front. There’s been lots of opportunities to work on recording projects and record artists at my studio, Fred Short Recording, while getting to spend a little more time with my family. It’s so beautiful up in the Catskills, so we’re playing more shows around these parts and inviting our fans come up to hang with us in the country!

    Marco Benevento

    Marco Benevento Barn Burner: Live At Levon’s is available now for pre-order/save on 2-LP, 180-gram classic black vinyl and digital formats here.

    Barn Burner: Live At Levon’s Track Listing

    1. Coyote Hearing
    2. Let It Slide
    3. I Can’t See The Light
    4. Follow The Arrow
    5. Send It On A Rocket
    6. Atari
    7. Oh Baby Can’t You See
    8. Do You Want Some Magic
    9. Bus Ride
    10. This Wheels On Fire
    11. You Must Be A Lion
    12. Heartbeats
    13. At The Show

  • Sammy Hagar will Drive 55 to SPAC with “The Best of All Worlds” Tour

    Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Sammy Hagar today announced the long-awaited “The Best of All Worlds” 2024 tour, where Hagar will be joined by rock heavyweights and longtime bandmates Michael Anthony (bass, backing vocals), Jason Bonham (drums) and Joe Satriani (guitar). In addition to Sammy Hagar, the tour will also feature special guests Loverboy, the 28-date tour will feature a stop at Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) on July 22, performing on the Broadview Stage.

    Hagar has some history near Saratoga Springs, one that is captured in “I Can’t Drive 55.” The former Van Halen front man shared in 2019 how a drive on I-87 North was the inspiration behind the song after he was pulled over for speeding on a drive from Albany to Lake Placid.

    The tour follows on the heels of the chart-topping success of THE COLLECTION II, the box set released October 6 featuring newly remastered versions of the four consecutive #1 albums released during the Hagar era of Van Halen: 5150 (1986), OU812 (1988), FOR UNLAWFUL CARNAL KNOWLEDGE (1991), and BALANCE (1995). A reminder to fans of the arsenal of hits, many which haven’t been played live since the band’s 2004 reunion tour.

    sammy hagar I can't drive 55

    Collectively, Anthony, Satriani and Bonham have played together in nearly every phase of Hagar’s career including Van Halen, Chickenfoot and The Circle, so fans can expect a setlist which draws from some of the biggest rock anthems of the last 4-decades, including, Finish What Ya Started, 5150, Your Love is Driving Me Crazy, Best of Both Worlds, Poundcake, Sexy Little Thing, One Way To Rock, Right Now, Good Enough, Eagles Fly and more. They’ve also enlisted legendary Australian musician, Rai Thistlethwayte on keyboard and backing vocals. The tour represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see this band of brothers deliver one of the most legendary hits-packed live shows of their career.

    It’s crazy to think that it’ll be 20 years since Mikey and I played these songs with Van Halen on the 04’ Best of Both Worlds Tour. With Joe on board, we can take a deeper dive into those years. We’re going to touch on some hits from my entire career but seeing fans old and new really embrace the new collection set off something in Mikey and I. We were at my Birthday Bash in Cabo for my 76th and looked at each other and high fived, like ‘let’s do it.’ We pulled out a couple of them and it was an instant lovefest with the fans from our first riffs. The music we created is going to outlive us all. They deserve to be heard so it’s time we go out and serve the fans that music, while we still can.

    Sammy Hagar

    Pre-sales begin Wednesday, November 15 at 10 am. General on-sale begins on Friday, November 17 at 10 am. For tickets and more details, go to RedRocker.com.

    Sammy Hagar The Best of All Worlds 2024 Tour Dates

    July 13 West Palm Beach, FL               iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre

    July 14 Tampa, FL                                MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre        

    July 16 Alpharetta, GA                         Ameris Bank Amphitheatre                             

    July 19 Charlotte, NC                           PNC Music Pavilion

    July 20 Bristow, VA                              Jiffy Lube Live

    July 22 Saratoga Springs, NY               Saratoga Performing Arts Center                     

    July 24 Bridgeport, CT                         Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater                  

    July 26, Mansfield, MA                        Xfinity Center

    July 27 Holmdel, NJ                              PNC Bank Arts Center                          

    July 29 Cuyahoga Falls, OH                  Blossom Music Center                         

    July 31 Toronto, ON                               Budweiser Stage                                  

    August 2 Clarkston, MI                          Pine Knob Music Theatre

    August 3 Tinley Park, IL                        Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre 

    August 9 Las Vegas, NV                        MGM Grand Garden Arena                                   

    August 11 Morrison, CO                         Red Rocks Amphitheatre                     

    August 13 Spokane, WA                         Airway Heights, WA BECU Live at Northern Quest

    August 14 Ridgefield, WA                      RV Inn Style Resort Amphitheater                   

    August 16 Wheatland, CA                      Toyota Amphitheatre

    August 17 Concord, CA                         Toyota Pavilion at Concord                  

    August 19 Los Angeles, CA                    Kia Forum

    August 20 Phoenix, AZ                           Talking Stick Resorts Amphitheatre    

    August 22 Dallas, TX                              Dos Equis Pavilion

    August 23 Houston, TX                            Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion         

    August 25 Rogers, AR                              Walmart AMP              

    August 27 Cincinnati, OH                         Riverbend Music Center

    August 28 Nashville, TN                           Bridgestone Arena                               

    August 30 Noblesville, IN                         Ruoff Music Center

    August 31 St. Louis, MO                          Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre

  • 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.