Category: News Desk

  • Janelle Monáe to Visit Radio City And Kings Theatre

    Janelle Monáe recently announced her “Age of Pleasure Tour”, which will feature two stops in the Empire State. The Grammy-nominated artist will visit the iconic Radio City Music Hall and Kings Theatre in Brooklyn. The 26-city tour kicks off on August 30 in Seattle at the WAMU Theater. 

    The tour coincides with Monáe’s long-awaited fourth studio album The Age of Pleasure which is slated to drop on June 9. Monáe released her critically acclaimed concept album Dirty Internet more than four years ago. The project earned the artist two Grammy nominations including one for “Album of the Year”, it also peaked at number 10 on the Billboard 200. 

    Since her last album Monáe has explored writing and acting, appearing in the films Harriet and Glass Onion, she also received praise for her role in the series We the People. Earlier this May Monáe dropped the single “Lipstick Lover” to go along with her upcoming album. 

    Presale tickets started on June 1, while on-sale tickets are set to be released on Wednesday, June 6. Tickets and more information can be found here

    Janelle Monae ‘Age of Pleasure’ Tour Dates 

    Wed Aug 30 – Seattle, WA – WAMU Theater

    Thu Aug 31 – Vancouver, BC – UBC – Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre

    Sat Sep 02 – Portland, OR  – RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater

    Wed Sep 06 –Salt Lake City, UT – The Complex

    Thu Sep 07 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre

    Sat Sep 09 – Kansas City, MO – The Midland Theatre 

    Mon Sep 11 – Minneapolis, MN – Armory

    Wed Sep 13 – St. Louis, MO – Stifel Theatre

    Thu Sep 14 – Chicago, IL – Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom

    Sun Sep 17 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway

    Mon Sep 18 – Philadelphia, PA – The Met

    Wed Sep 20 – Montreal, QB – Mtelus

    Thu Sep 21 – Toronto, ON – Massey Hall 

    Sun Sep 24 – Washington, DC  – The Anthem*

    Tue Sep 26 – New York City, NY – Radio City Music Hall

    Thu Sep 28 – Brooklyn, NY – Kings Theatre 

    Mon Oct 02 – Charlotte, NC – Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre 

    Tue Oct 03 – Nashville, TN  – Ryman Auditorium

    Wed Oct 04 – Birmingham, AL  – Avondale Brewing Company

    Fri Oct 06 – Atlanta, GA – Fox Theatre Atlanta

    Mon Oct 09 – Dallas, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory

    Tue Oct 10 – Houston, TX – Bayou Music Center 

    Wed Oct 11 – Austin, TX – Moody Amphitheater

    Sun Oct 15 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre

    Tue Oct 17 – San Francisco, CA – Bill Graham Civic Auditorium

    Wed Oct 18 – Inglewood, CA – YouTube Theater

  • Cardi B Joins Latto for ‘Put It On Da Floor Again’ Remix

    Cardi B continues her run of prominent features, this time bringing her New York flair to Grammy-nominated Latto’s thumper “Put It On Da Floor.” According to Billboard, Latto’s “Put It On Da Floor” debuted atop the Hot Trending Songs rankings. The official music video premiered on April 24 on YouTube and has gained nearly 6 million views.

    Cardi B joins Latto for Put It On Da Floor Again Remix

    In like manner, “Put It On Da Floor Again” sees the hottest from New York add her Midas touch to an already buzzing record. Similarly, the duo have released an accompanying music video that is trending #1 on YouTube. Together with cameos from Offset and college hoops star Angel Reese, the duo prance without care through a jewelry store flashing loads of cash before taking the sultry production to a house party as Latto and Cardi exchange combative lyrics, asserting themselves as the ones to be reckoned with.

    Despite not releasing a studio album in five years Cardi B has maintained her threshold atop the hip hop mountaintop through a series of culture shifting features. Given that those records have been side-by-side with the likes of Megan Thee Stallion, Glorilla and Latto, Cardi B has also gained a reputation for wanting to help usher in the next generation of female rappers.

    After all, since its release, “Put It On Da Floor” sparked significant conversation on social media platforms. Some listeners believed Latto took subliminal shots at her rap rival Nicki Minaj in the song after the duo clashed on social media last year. “She thought I would kiss her ass, she must ain’t took her meds,” raps Latto on both version of “Put It On Da Floor.” For their part, Cardi B and Nicki Minaj have their own complicated history that has even resulted in fisticuffs.

  • Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Announces 50 Years of Hip Hop Exhibit

    The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has announced the opening of a new Hip Hop exhibit in commemoration of the genre’s 50 year anniversary. The exhibit, “Holla If Ya Hear Me,” will be the most in-depth of its kind and will open on June 29th at the Hall of Fame’s primary location in Cleveland, Ohio.

    hall of fame Hip Hop

    The exhibit, sponsored by Technics, will feature some of the most influential artists of hip-hop ranging back to its birth including: Jay-Z, Grandmaster Flash, Roxanne Shante, Chuck D, Salt N’Pepa, The Notorious B.I.G., Queen Latifah, and countless more. From these artists, “Holla If Ya Hear Me” will display handwritten lyrics, clothing, some of the earliest gear used to create hip-hop beats, as well as displays highlighting historic social issues that inspired infamous singles.

    More specific artifacts being highlighted include the handbill from the “All Star Birthday Bash for DJ Kool Herc”, which served as the birth of hip-hop at the 1520 Sedgewick Avenue house party in 1973, along with items from other key moments such as the release of Rapper’s Delight and hip-hop’s first rivalry of 1984.  

    “Holla If Ya Hear Me” will continue through “the new school” era featuring artifacts from the time’s most important moments like LL COOL J’s first single on Def Jam Records; First Album by female hip-hop act to go Gold & Platinum; Salt-N-Pepa’s jacket’s from the “Push It” video; and select items that commemorate hip-hop’s social consciousness which will feature artists from Public Enemy; Kendrick Lamar; Ice-T and Queen Latifah. The Moguls of hip-hop will end the exhibit with pieces from Jay-Z, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Russell Simons and more.

    hall of fame Hip Hop

    Salt N’ Pepa, the incredibly successful hip-hop group from the 80s and 90s who gave public audiences the music staples “Push It” and “Shoop,” commented on their extraordinary past in hip-hop and their anticipation for the new exhibit.

    Going on to receive multiple platinum records and becoming one of the best-selling hip-hop groups of all time, was more than we could have hoped for. It was a major milestone in hip-hop’s trajectory over the past 50 years and we are so excited to be able to celebrate this important moment in music’s history with the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. We are honored to be a part of the new Holla If Ya Hear Me exhibit and hope everyone enjoys seeing some of our most iconic and important pieces from our career.

    Salt N’ Pepa

    To further celebrate the anniversary, the Rock Hall Shop will be offering an assortment of merchandise including T-shirts, hoodies, and accessories from some of hip-hop’s most influential artists and brands. New styles will be released all summer long.

    Further information about the exhibition as well as the full artifact listing can be found here.

  • The Mansion of Saratoga’s Summer Dinner Concerts

    The Mansion of Saratoga is returning with its “supper club” format of dinner and a show for six Thursdays this summer. Performances range from Joe Posa’s Joan Rivers impersonation comedy show to “Aladdin” Broadway star Adam Jacobs singing songs from various Broadway hits.

    mansion of saratoga supper club
    Credit: Sawicki Studios

    The Mansion of Saratoga was originally built in 1866 by George West. West made his wealth as the inventor of the folded paper bag, and would eventually go on to serve in both the New York State Legislature and the United States Congress’s House of Representatives. The Mansion acted as his primary residence for over a decade before it became his summer home in 1875.

    For the Mansion of Saratoga’s “supper club” format, Executive Chef Rick Bieber will be creating a 3-course meal, with seating beginning at 6:00 p.m. on the tented deck of the mansion. Three entrée choices will be offered.

    At 7:30 p.m., guests will continue to the Mansion Carriage House Theatre for the 8:00 p.m. performances. Prior to dinner, during dinner, and in the rear of the carriage house, there will be a full cash bar available.

    Performances for Summer 2023

    “The B**ch is Back for Her 90th Birthday!” – June 8

    As a tribute to Joan Rivers for what would have been her 90th birthday, award winning actor and celebrity impersonator Joe Posa will be performing a 90-minute comedy concert. Posa was River’s favorite impersonator, and the pair kept in touch after first meeting in 2006. The event is 18+.

    Branden & James – June 22

    A celloist and a tenor vocalist seen on “America’s Got Talent.” Also featured will be Effie Passero, a special guest of “American Idol” fame.

    Stella Katherine Cole – July 13

    Performing covers of Sara Vaughan, Judy Garland, and Ella Fitzgerald, the 23-year-old Stella Katherine Cole first went viral on TikTok.

    Elizabeth Ward Land – July 27

    The event, “Still Within the Sound of My Voice,” features Broadway veteran Elizabeth Ward Land. She has been regarded as a perfect vocal match for the Songs of Linda Ronstadt. The performance includes rock, folk, light opera, and mariachi.

    Morgan James – Aug. 10

    Returning from their performance at the Mansion of Saratoga from last year, Morgan James will be performing fresh off of the release of her new album, “Memphis Magnetic,” alongside her husband, Doug Wamble, a renowned Memphis blues guitar player. The album features new arrangements of Memphis classics by Al Green, Otis Redding, Ann Peebles, Sam & Dave and Elvis.

    Adam Jacobs – Aug. 24

    A family-friendly event with Broadway star Adam Jacobs. Jacobs starred in both the original “Aladdin” on Broadway and as Simba in the “Line King” on Broadway. He will be singing hits from “Aladdin,” “Hercules,” “Newsies,” “Little Shop of Horrors,” and more.

    Travers Saturday Wine Pairing Dinner – Aug. 26

    A “bonus” event, taking place on a Saturday instead of the normal Thursday dates. The dinner will feature Edmund Bagnell, a violinist and Broadway singer.

    Beyond the main events, there are more events between these performances at the Mansion of Saratoga. Starting June 4, brunch will be served on Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.. On Wednesday night, beginning May 17, is “Dog Nights Out” from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., offering dog-friendly dining.

    Excluding the concert nights and starting in July, Thursdays will have “Thursdays are a Drag,” a trivia night with a drag queen. Starting in June on Friday nights will be a nightclub in the Mansion Carriage House called “Before Midnight.” This is exclusive to those over 30.

    For more information, menus, and tickets, visit the Mansion of Saratoga‘s website.

  • Fivio Foreign Releases Surprise EP ‘Without Warning’ With Ye as Sole Feature

    Fivio Foreign surprised fans with an unannounced 8-track EP titled, Without Warning. The unplanned mid-week release features Ye — formerly Kanye West — as the only guest on the song “Concussion.” Executive produced by managers Elliott Hardaman & Kahran Reefer, this latest project seems to have been strictly for his die-hard fans. In like manner, the free EP is only available on Soundcloud and Youtube and no other DSPs.

    Along with the EP, Fivio and his team released a 15-minute “Without Warning” documentary where the “City of Gods” rapper shared the thought-process behind this surprise release. In addition, Fivio pays ode to his fallen friend TDott Woo, who was fatally shot in the Brooklyn neighborhood both artists frequented. The album’s opening track is titled “T DOT BACC,” sees him pay tribute to his friend by angrily rapping “how many opps I got to kill? I’m trying to bring TDott back.”

    All in all, Without Warning sees Fivio return to his roots of sorts. Consequently, the catchy samples and expensive features that littered throughout his debut are not there. Rather, the project is laced with the fast-paced drill beats that have become synonymous with Fivio. Additionally, Fivio maintains his charisma, flow and contagious dialect that has made him the preeminent representative of New York hip hop culture.

  • Beacon’s Strawberry Festival on June 11 Promises Music and More

    Beacon’s Sloop Club will be holding their annual, family-friendly Strawberry Festival on Sunday, June 11. With free admission, the Strawberry Festival promises food, fruit, vendors, educational activities, and live music right on the shores of the Hudson River.

    The Beacon Sloop Club is a volunteer organization originally founded by folk singer and activist Pete Seeger. Through advocacy, education and celebration, the Beacon Sloop Club has dedicated itself to the preservation, protection and restoration of the Hudson River. They hold free music festivals throughout the year, such as the Strawberry Festival, the Corn Festival, and the Pumpkin Festival.

    Performances will be held on the Beacon Sloop Club’s two solar-powered music stages, and entertainment features both storytellers and musicians. This year’s lineup includes Arm of the Sea, Beacon High School Chorus, Beacon Songsmiths, Bindlestick Bill, Cosby Gibson, Ken Miller, April Mae & The June Bugs, Jonathan Kruk, Judith Tulloch, Restless Wanderer, Trouble Sisters, Rob May, Spook Handy, and Patrick Stanfield Jones with Laurie Siegel & Joe Boggess.

    Some of the educational activities featured this year are “Come Grow With Us! Seed Babies,” “Ask a Master Gardener,” and the Environmental Tent. The first, “Come Grow With Us!” has a potting station where children can learn to take care of a marigold seed. The second is tied to it, with anyone able to ask a “Master Gardener” for clarification. The Environmental Tent has hands-on science experience for children and their parents, explaining the state of the Hudson River, what it means, how it can improve, and more.

    Other activities for children are Compass Arts and Vincent’s Eat Paint Love.

    The sloop itself, the Woody Guthrie, will be taking guests on free sails from the Beacon Harbor. The vessel is a replica of the popular gaff-rigged Hudson River sloop from centuries prior and was launched in 1978 to support the message of its predecessor, the Clearwater. Both vessels were made to help promote the clean-up of the Hudson River by Pete Seeger.

    The Beacon Sloop Club recommends that visitors bring a blanket or chair. Sign-ups for the sloop itself will begin at noon, weather permitting, at the festival’s T-shirt booth. More information on both the organization and the event can be found on the Beacon Sloop Club’s website.

  • NBT Summer Concert Series in Norwich Releases Artists

    Thursdays in Norwich, New York’s East Park are a highlight of the summer season, and for good reason. Every Thursday in July and August, NBT Summer Concert Series shows attract an all-ages crowd of locals and out-of-towners alike, bringing people together to enjoy great music and great food.

    Sponsored by NBT Bank and local foundations, all shows are free, beginning on July 6th and ending on August 31st.

    This season will feature some artists appearing for the first time, along with returning favorites. Highlighting the new comers will be the Southern tock legends, The Outlaws. Known as “The Florida Guitar Army” by their fans, achieved worldwide acclaim through gold and platinum hits like “Green Grass and High Tides” and “There Goes Another Love Song.” After more than forty years, their live performances continue to burn hotter than ever.

    The Outlaws are not the only performance you won’t want to miss. Southern Avenue will kick off the summer series on July 6th. New to East Park, Southern Avenue wowed admirers at last year’s Chenango Blues Fest. Additionally, Canada’s own Bywater Call is a newcomer that might become your next favorite band. Another artist making their series debut is contractually bound to secrecy. Stay tuned for details!

    In addition to new artists, the return of some exceptional acts promises a great deal of exciting performances. The Travelin’ McCourys never fail to draw large crowds of bluegrass fans, but their music appeals to many through its roots in Americana music. Additionally, The Garcia Project is returning with their faithful recreation of classic Jerry Garcia Band performances. This year will also see the return of Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas, whose performances nod to the two-step music of South Louisiana. Mr. Sipp will perform the unofficial kick-off of the 30th Chenango Blues Fest on August 17th. The series will conclude on August 31st with Shinyribs, one of the best performers touring today and a stalwart of the Austin music scene.

    Plan to bring a lawn chair to enjoy wonderful performances every Thursday. For more information, visit the Chenango Blues Association website here.

  • Organ Fairchild’s ‘Dead of Summer’ Tour Coming to Albany and Greenlawn

    Organ Fairchild has announced a special themed ten-date summer tour titled “Dead of Summer,” coming to Albany and Greenlawn at the end of July and early August.

    Organ Fairchild created their first original music together in 2020. Jam scene mainstays Joe Bellanti, Corey Kertzie, and Dave Ruch met in 1983 as members of Buffalo Grateful Dead cover band Wild Knights, a group that still plays reunion shows. Their debut gig was just a month before the COVID shutdown, and since then the group has won NYS Musics’ March Madness, supported Anders Osborne and Jackie Greene, Andy Frasco & the U.N., Sophistafunk, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, and more, and have each played with Bob Weir, Rob Wasserman, Robbie Krieger (The Doors), Nels Cline, Tony Rice, moe., and more.

    Fresh on the heels of a four-set appearance at last weekend’s Summer Camp Music Festival in Chillicothe, IL, the trio announced their “Dead of Summer” tour, featuring one set of the band’s award-winning original instrumental music followed by a full set of Grateful Dead songs performed funky organ-trio style. Band guitarist Dave Ruch said, “It’s been so much fun to take the parameters of our new organ trio format (no singing and no bass player!) and revisit some of our favorite Dead tunes. Fresh and funky is how it’s feeling, and the setlists will be unique each night!” The tour will hit Beau’s Bar in Greenlawn on July 29 and Lark Hall in Albany on Aug. 1.

    Tickets go on sale here on June 5 at 10 a.m.

    Dead of Summer Tour

    July 28 The 8×10 Club, Baltimore MD
    July 29 Beau’s Bar, Greenlawn NY
    July 30 Weekend at Bertha’s Festival, Townsend DE
    July 31 The Nest House Concerts, Ironia NJ
    August 1 Lark Hall, Albany NY (Jerry Garcia’s birthday!)
    August 2 ZenBarn, Waterbury Center VT
    August 3 Orlando’s, Burlington VT
    August 4 TBA
    August 5 Bear’s Picnic Festival, Blain PA
    August 6 Electric Haze, Worcester MA

  • Brooklyn Public Library Announces “Night in the Library: The Philosophy of Hip Hop”

    As a part of their celebration of the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop, Brooklyn Public Library will be holding a free event called “Night in the Library: The Philosophy of Hip Hop.” The event will take place on Saturday, June 17 and will feature performances, keynote addresses, music, discussions, debates, and activities that have been inspired by the genre.

    This year’s event was modeled after the “Night of Philosophy and Ideas,” which received 7,000 attendees between 2018 and 2022. The entire Central Library building will be taken over for the night from 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m..

    We are thrilled to once again welcome New Yorkers to join us for Brooklyn’s most exciting celebration of culture and exchange of ideas. On the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, we’re proud to honor the legacy of the genre and take a deep dive into this multifaceted art form that has transcended music and had a tremendous influence on our cultural fabric on a global scale.

    László Jakab Orsós, Brooklyn Public Library’s Vice President of Arts and Culture

    “Night in the Library” will include several Roc Nation artists, such as Grammy-nominated rapper Rapsody, Johnny Cocoa, HDBeenDope, and Reuben Vincent. There will be several notable speakers, such as: Honorary Dr. Gloria Carter of the Shawn Carter Foundation; Mitchell S. Jackson, Pulitzer Prize-winning writer; Emerson Sykes of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU); hit rapper Topaz Jones; Naima Cochrane, Founder of Hip-Hop Sermon; and Bill Adler, Def Jams’ first publicist.

    The event will be co-curated by the Founder of Really Just Hip-Hop, LeBrandon Smith, as well as Kelly Harrison, and April R. Silver, founder of Akila Worksongs. Additionally co-curating is MACRO, a company that represents the voice and perspectives of Black people and persons of color.

    Hip-Hop has outgrown anything imagined, as it continues to evolve culturally and musically. Arguably the most influential artform in the world, it has permeated all parts of society including fashion, media, sports, language and even politics.

    LeBrandon Smith, Founder of Really Just Hip-Hop

    For more information and to register for the event, visit the Night in the Library’s website.

  • 5th Annual Afterglow Concert Series Showcases NYU Talent Throughout the Summer

    CAD Management and Equity Residential kicked off their Afterglow Concert Series on May 31st. The series, which runs until September 7th, features headlining performances by students and alumni of the NYU Clive Davis Institute (CDI) of Recorded Music at venues across New York City and New Jersey.

    CAD Management is a consulting firm that advises in the development and growth of artists and brands which has partnered with multifamily owner and operator Equity Residential to produce the fifth iteration of the Afterglow Concert series. This years series is a collection of free intimate rooftop and lounge performances that aims to support the development of NYU CDI student performers as well as independent artists across the tri-state area.

    “We are extremely excited to continue this great partnership with Equity Residential. Not only does this concert series give incredibly talented student performers from NYU’s Clive Davis Institute a unique opportunity to grow their fanbase, but provides a platform for them to tackle the biggest struggle we see many young artists trying to overcome, which is building their hard ticket value and tour history in a competitive market like New York City.”

    Clayton Durant, Founder of CAD Management

    The headliners from the institute include Jackson Craig and Chloé Sauntereau with special appearances by students such as Zoe Tan and SENAIDA. The tour will also feature a set by SK Da DJ and regional support from NYU Steinhardt alumni Mari Barbieri and New Jersey based Jackie Nese.

    The Afterglow Concert series is presented at a time in which the demand for concerts has reached an all time high, giving independent artists the unique opportunity to tap into the environment of insistent concert requests as well as continue to support the independent live music scene across New York and New Jersey themselves. 

    Equity Residential Afterglow Concert Series 2023

    Event DateCommunityAddress
    31-May-2377 Park Ave77 Park Avenue Hoboken NJ 07030
    14-Jun-23The Brooklyner111 Lawrence Street Brooklyn NY 11201
    21-Jun-23The Rivington1130 Grand St, Hoboken, NJ 07030
    28-Jun-2371 Broadway71 Broadway New York NY 10006
    12-Jul-2370 Greene70 Greene St, Jersey City, NJ 07302
    26-Jul-23The Pier1 Harborside Pl, Jersey City, NJ 07311
    2-Aug-23170 Amsterdam170 Amsterdam Avenue New York NY 10023
    9-Aug-23Hudson Crossing400 West 37th Street New York NY 10018
    23-Aug-23Murray Hill Tower245 East 40th Street New York NY 10016
    7-Sep-23Beatrice105 W 29th Street New York NY 10001