Category: News Desk

  • Chenango Blues Festival Finalizes Lineup for 30th Anniversary Celebration

    The Chenango Blues Festival recently finalized the lineup for its 30th Anniversary Celebration, with the addition of two-time Grammy winner, Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience. Traveling from Louisiana and long-time area favorites, the band will kick off the two-day festival, which begins on Aug. 18 and concludes the next day, with a free admission show. Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience will anchor what promises to be a memorable 30th-anniversary celebration.

    Chenango Blues Festival
    The stage at Chenango County Fairgrounds. Credit: chenangobluesfest.org.

    The Chenango Blues Fest is a family-friendly event run by an all-volunteer staff. Their motto is “by fans, for fans” and they really mean it. If there is an opposite to the high dollar, corporate festivals proliferating around the country, this is it.

    John Primer, who was just announced as an inductee to the Blues Hall of Fame, will follow. Primer is one of the last Chicago bluesmen to have played with legendary artists like Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon, and Magic Slim. The show will close with Curtis Salgado, the Portland, Oregan based blues and soul man who is a past Blues Music Award winner as Artist of the Year. 

    The celebration will continue with a headlining set by Charlie Musselwhite on the Infield Stage, sponsored this year by Norwich Rehab; Kerry, Inc., and the Raymond Foundation. Musselwhite has received numerous awards, been inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame, and performed with several musicians. Preceding him on the infield stage will be Tommy Castro and the Painkillers, a dynamic mix of 1960s-influenced guitar blues, Memphis soul, and Latin-tinged East San Jose funk. 

    Leading up to those acts is Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds hailing from Brooklyn, who has built a loyal following on the strength of Arleigh Kincheloe’s dynamic vocals, a rock-solid rhythm section, horns, and a keen sense of fun. Kicking off the festival at 11:30 a.m. is Gabe Stillman, fresh off rave reviews for his performances on the recent Blues Cruise. Following is ace saxman Jimmy Carpenter, who, when he isn’t touring the world or sitting in with a who’s who of blues players he is the musical director of the Big Blues Bender – one of the premier events in the blues world.

    These are just a few of the acts scheduled to perform, and this year’s 30th Anniversary Celebration is sure to be one you won’t want to miss. Friday’s show is free, and Saturday’s is free for those 17 and under. Tickets for the 30th Anniversary Celebration of the Chenango Blues Festival are now available.

    Friday Schedule 

    Tent Stage
    Parking opens – 4:30 p.m.
    Festival gate opens – 5:00 p.m.  
    5:30 – 6:45 – Terrance Simien & the Zydeco Experience
    7:15- 8:30 – John Primer
    9:00 – 10:15 – Curtis Salgado

    Saturday Schedule

    Infield Stage
    Parking Gate Opens – 10:00 a.m.
    Festival Gate Opens – 11:00 a.m. 
    11:30 – 12:25 – Gabe Stillman Band
    12:45 – 1:45 – Jimmy Carpenter
    2:45 – 4:00 – Sister Sparrow & the Dirty Birds
    5:15 – 6:30 – Tommy Castro & the Painkillers7:40 – 9:00 – Charlie Musselwhite

    Tent Stage 
    1:45 – 2:45 – Guy Davis
    4:00 – 5:15 – Melody Angel
    6:30 – 7:40 – Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band
    9:00 – 10:15 – Honey Island Swamp Band

  • Lloyd Banks’ ‘The Course Of The Inevitable 3’ Remains Near the Top of iTunes Charts

    Lloyd Banks continues his run of quality projects with his latest release, The Course Of The Inevitable 3: Pieces Of My Pain. The PLK’s (Punch Line King) latest release came with little press-run and debuted near the top of the iTunes rap charts, eventually climbing its way up to number 1. However, this is a familiar feat for the Jamaica Queens native, whose Course of The Inevitable series has seen Lloyd Banks return to studio albums after years of free mixtape downloads.

    Lloyd Banks' The Course Of The Inevitable 3 is currently charting in iTunes top 5

    All in all, the response has been positive. The Course Of The Inevitable 3 currently sits at number 3 on the iTunes chart trailing only NF’s Hope and Youngboy Never Broke Again’s Don’t Try This At Home. Known for his introverted personality as much as for his lyrical prowess, Lloyd Banks kept the project’s features close to home as usual. With guest verses from Method Man, Dave East, Vado, 38 Spesh, Cormega and longtime friend and G-unit cohort, Tony Yayo.

    In light, Lloyd Banks has sculpted The Course Of The Inevitable 3 to be a New York-centric album, full of hustlers and survivors of the streets who can help Banks relay his message. As the album’s Apple Music synopsis says, “A haze of philosophical street raps and sleekly sinister production.”

  • NYYS Launches ‘Crescendo,’ New Orchestra for NYC Students Ages 10-18

    The New York Youth Symphony (NYYS) has announced the launch of a new 44-piece string orchestra for New York City residents ages 10-18 years old, named Crescendo.

    The brand-new orchestra Crescendo will provide access to outstanding music education for a diverse range of students affected by the pandemic. In addition to weekly ensemble rehearsals, students will receive chamber music coaching, workshops, and masterclasses with professional musicians as well as guidance on audience engagement, careers in the arts, audition preparation, and more. Students will study and prepare music by historically underrepresented composers, including women, members of the LGBTQIA community, and people of color, as well as standard works from classical composers.

    The New York Youth Symphony was founded in 1963, internationally recognized for its award-winning and innovative educational programs for talented young musicians. It was awarded the 2023 Grammy for Best Orchestral Performance – Classical, the first youth orchestra to win a Grammy in this category. The NYYS has provided over 7,000 students opportunities to perform at world-class venues including Carnegie Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Joe’s Pub, and The Times Center, all while learning valuable skills like commitment, discipline, focus, and collaboration.

    Music Director of Crescendo, Tanatchaya Chanphanitpornkit

    The Music Director of Crescendo is Tanatchaya (Tanya) Chanphanitpornkit, who is no stranger to the impact music can have on a child’s life. “I never had access to, or really knew about playing music until I came to the United States. In Thailand, it wasn’t part of the conversation at all, and it has made me understand the importance of access and education right here in our own backyard.” She was born into poverty in the farmlands of Thailand, and it wasn’t until she moved to New Jersey at the age of 10 that she had some exposure to classical music in middle school, and after her father’s death, she dived into playing the bass. “It is with that experience that I truly believe that Crescendo could not only help the lives of youth around NYC, but the world by bridging the gap in music education and teaching everyone the power of music and building a love for it,” she added.

    Crescendo’s Ensemble-in-Residence for the first year will be the Aizuri Quartet, who has had a relationship with NYYS for several seasons through the Chamber Music and Composition programs. They will be holding four sectionals – two for each concert cycle, performing with the orchestra at Carnegie Hall’s Zankel Hall on April 21, 2024, at 3 P.M. Crescendo will perform an additional concert at Merkin Hall on November 20, 2023, at 7 P.M. For more information, visit here.

  • City Parks Foundation 2023 SummerStage Season Begins June 3 in all 5 Boroughs

    The City Parks Foundation has announced the start of its 2023 SummerStage season, which begins June 3 and will host several events in Central Park and 12 neighborhood parks across the five boroughs.

    Returning for its 37th year, the 2023 season continues until September 30 and will combine free and benefit shows. City Parks’ 2023 season will continue to showcase established and emerging artists from across the globe, presenting many genres including salsa, jazz, hip-hop, indie rock, reggae, Afrobeats, soul, pop, global, contemporary dance, and more.

    Locations for the 2023 City Parks Summerstage season. Credit: Lauren Martin.

    The City Parks Summer 2023 season will additionally shine a celebratory spotlight on the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, highlighting the genre’s influence globally with a diverse, multi-faceted series of events showcasing all elements of hip-hop culture, from live performances and DJ sets to dance and graffiti displays across the five boroughs.

    SummerStage is back for another exceptional year of free programming. It’s an honor to bring to parks artists that are reflective of each neighborhood’s rich cultural fabric, whether these performers are familiar or completely new discoveries. Feeling the joy and wonder of live music with other New Yorkers is an experience that is unmatched and should not be underestimated. At a time when we are increasingly isolated, SummerStage uses our city’s parks — vital resources in every neighborhood — to connect audiences with each other in a very emotional and magical way and, ultimately, to create community.

    Heather Lubov, City Parks Foundation’s Executive Director

    This season will feature acclaimed local artists returning to their New York roots. Brooklyn-based artist Nick Hakim will bring his soulful R&B sounds back to Brooklyn when he performs on July 14 in Von King Park; R&B legends Kool & The Gang will return to SummerStage on July 22 in Queens’ Flushing Meadows Corona Park; salsa legend Eddie Palmieri will have crowds dancing on August 14 in Crotona Park; and fans of New York City’s Latin -infused freestyle sound will enjoy high-energy performances by DJ Frankie
    Cutlass and The Cover Girls on August 12 in Staten Island’s Stapleton Waterfront Park.

    The City Parks 2023 Season will also feature ticketed benefit shows in Central Park to help support City Parks Foundation’s free performances, and these shows begin at the start of the season on June 3, at Central Park with artists Hippo Campus and Gus Dapperton. More benefit shows will be announced throughout the season.

    The City Parks Foundation is dedicated to invigorating and transforming parks into dynamic, vibrant centers of urban life through sports, arts, community building, and education programs for all New Yorkers. Their programs — located in more than 300 parks, recreation centers, and public schools across New York City — reach over 275,000 people each year.

    The City Parks Foundation SummerStage is one of New York’s most beloved, broadly accessible, free outdoor performing arts festivals, with SummerStage annually presenting nearly 80 free and benefit performances in Central Park and neighborhood parks throughout the five boroughs to 217,000 fans. With performances in genres representing the cultural fabric of New York City ranging from jazz, hip-hop, Latin, global, indie, and contemporary dance, SummerStage fills a vital niche in New York City’s summer arts festival landscape. Since its inception nearly 40 years ago, more than six million people from New York City and around the world have enjoyed SummerStage.

    City Parks 2023 Season Schedule

    Saturday, June 3, 7 p.m., Central Park – Hippo Campus & Gus Dapperton  – Benefit Concert

    Sunday, June 4, 6:30 p.m., Central Park – Indigo Girls – Benefit Concert

    Saturday, June 10, 6 p.m., Central Park – Opening Night American Blues – FREE Concert

    Wednesday, June 14, 7 p.m., Central Park – New York Sings Yiddish! – FREE Concert

    Thursday, June 15, 7 p.m., Central Park – Sammy Rae & The Friends – Benefit Concert

    Saturday, June 17, 4 p.m., Central Park – The Aussie BBQ – FREE Concert

    Sunday, June 18, 6 p.m., Central Perk – Buddy Guy’s Damn Right Farewell Tour – Benefit Concert

    Monday, June 19, 4 p.m., Central Park – Park Jams, a Juneteenth Celebration – Benefit Concert

    Tuesday, June 20, 7 p.m., Central Park – The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital ft. Gabriella Reyes / René Barbera / Will Liverman and Dimitri Dover – FREE Concert

    Friday, June 23, 7 p.m., Brooklyn Bridge Park – The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital ft. Gabriella Reyes / René Barbera/ Will Liverman / Dimitri Dover – FREE Concert

    Saturday, June 24, 5 p.m., Central Park – Stanley Clarke N 4ever / Kenny Garrett / Brandee Younger / DJ Logic in Association with Blue Note Jazz Festival – FREE Concert

    Saturday, June 24, 7 p.m., Jackie Robinson Park – The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital ft. Erika Baikoff / Thomas Glass / Cierra Byrd / Juan José Lázaro – FREE Concert

    Sunday, June 25, 3 p.m. – Dreamland – Pride in Central Park – Benefit Concert

    Monday, June 26, 6 p.m., Williamsbridge Oval – The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital ft. Erika Baikoff / Thomas Glass / Cierra Byrd / Juan José Lázaro – FREE Concert

    Wednesday, June 28, 6 p.m., Socrates Sculpture Garden – The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital ft. Erika Baikoff / Thomas Glass / Cierra Byrd / Juan José Lázaro – FREE Concert

    Wednesday, June 28, 7 p.m., – Michael Franti & Spearhead – Benefit Concert

    Friday, June 30, 7 p.m., Clove Lakes Park – The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital ft. Erika Baikoff / Thomas Glass / Cierra Byrd / Juan José Lázaro – FREE Concert

    Saturday, July 1, 5 p.m., Central Park – Andy Shauf / Leith Ross / Yves Jarvis in association with the Consulate General of Canada in New York – FREE Concert

    Sunday, July 2, 5 p.m., Central Park – Andy Shauf / Leith Ross / Yves Jarvis in association with the Consulate General of Canada in New York – FREE Concert

    Saturday, July 8, 5 p.m., Central Park – Catalan Sounds On Tour: Queralt Lahoz / Marala / Lia Kali with DJ sets by DJ Trapella in association with the Institut Ramon Llull – FREE Concert

    Sunday, July 9, 5 p.m., Coney Island – Tuff Gong Takeover feat Skip Marley & Friends – FREE Concert

    Monday, July 10, 6 p.m., Central Park – Noel Gallagher & High Flying Birds and Garbage – Benefit Concert

    Wednesday, July 12, 6 p.m., Central Park – Juanes / Conexion Divina in association with LAMC – FREE Concert

    Thursday, July 13, 5 p.m., Central Park – Bastille Day: Joachim Garraud & Marie Berson / Passi / Bénabar / Adèle Castillon in association with Consulate General of France – FREE Concert

    Thursday, July 13, 7 p.m., Von King Park – Works & Process at SummerStage: The Masterz at Work Dance Family with Courtney Washington – FREE Concert

    Friday, July 14, 6 p.m., Von King Park – Nick Hakim / June McDoom / Evan Wright – FREE Concert

    Saturday, July 15, 4 p.m., Von King Park – MIKE’S Young World III: Noname / Georgia Anne Muldrow / 454 – FREE Concert

    Saturday, July 15, 5 p.m., Central Park – TRUENO / Villano Antillano / Dawer x Damper / KEXP’s El Sonido with Albina Cabrera ft. Camola DJ set in association with LAMC – FREE Concert

    Sunday, July 16, 4 p.m., Coney Island – GOLDEN OLDIES ON THE BOARDWALK 2023 feat. The Duprees / The Coasters / Charlie Thomas’ Drifters w/ Jeff Hall / Bobby Wilson / Stan Zizka’s Del Satins / Vito Picone & The Elegants / The Chiclettes and More / Hosted by Joe Causi with DJ Vinnie Medugno in association with Fever Productions and Brian Rosenberg – FREE Concert

    Sunday, July 16, 6 p.m, Von King Park – dead prez / th1rt3en / Large Professor DJ Set – FREE Concert

    Wednesday, July 19, 5 p.m., Central Park – Julia Jacklin / Y La Bamba / Black Belt Eagle Scout -FREE Concert

    Thursday, July 20, 5 p.m., Central Park – Horsegirl / Iceage / Water From Your Eyes / Lifeguard – FREE Concert

    Saturday, July 22, 5 p.m., Central Park – Michael Brun Presents BAYO – Benefit Concert

    Saturday, July 22, 5 p.m., Flushing Meadows Corona – Kool and the Gang – FREE Concert

    Sunday, July 23, 5 p.m., Central Park – Taiwanese Waves: Waa Wei / The Dinosaur’s Skin / Mandarin Homework (DJ Mr. Skin) – FREE Concert

    Sunday, July 23, 6 p.m., Flushing Meadows Corona Park – DJ Rekha’s Basement Bhangra Bacchanal: DJ Rekha / Malkit Singh with live band / DJ Ana / Sikh Knowledge / Rolex Rasathy / Param Singh / Dholi Anuradha and guests – FREE Concert

    Monday, July 24, 6 p.m. – Café Tacvba – Benefit Concert

    Wednesday, July 26, 6 p.m., Central Park – Works & Process at SummerStage: Dorrance Dance – FREE Concert

    Saturday, July 29, 5 p.m., Central Park – Mdou Moctar / Meg Baird and Mary Lattimore / Rough Francis – FREE Concert

    Wednesday, Aug 2, 5 p.m., Central Park – The Comet Is Coming / Ibeyi / AceMo DJ Sets – FREE Concert

    Wednesday, Aug 2, 6 p.m., Crotona Park – Eddie Palmieri Salsa Orchestra / Lulada Club / DJ JFuse in association with The Salsa – FREE Concert

    Thursday, Aug 3, 6 p.m. – Bittersweet Daze – Benefit Concert

    Thursday, Aug 3, 6 p.m., Crotona Park – Ted Smooth’s Freestyle Jam ft. TKA and Judy Torres – FREE Concert

    Friday, Aug 4, 5 p.m., Crotona Park – “Birth of a Culture” Grandmaster Flash and Friends – FREE Concert

    Saturday, Aug 5, 5 p.m., Central Park – The Originals: Stretch Armstrong / Rich Medina / Tony Touch / Clark Kent / D-Nice – FREE Concert

    Saturday, Aug 5, 7 p.m., Crotona Park – Stonebwoy in association with Ghanafest-NY Crotona Park – FREE Concert

    Sunday, August 6, 4 p.m., Coney Island – Hip-Hop 50: SPECIAL EDITION: Nice N Smooth / Special Ed /Buckshot of Black Moon / Masta Ace / CL Smooth / Rah Digga / Rampage / Black Sheep Dres / Sweet Tee / Joeski Love / Sparky D / Hosted by Ralph McDaniels (Video Music Box) – FREE Concert

    Wednesday and Thursday, Aug 9 & 10, 7 p.m. Mt. Joy – Benefit Concerts – Sold Out

    Saturday, Aug 12, 5 p.m., Waterfront Park – Frankie Cutlass / The Original Cover Girls / Cynthia / Black Sheep / DJ Millo and DJ Medina in Association with Maker Park Radio Stapleton Waterfront Park – FREE Concert

    Saturday, Aug 12, 5 p.m., Central Park – VP Records Presents Roots Reggae Review – FREE Concert

    Sunday, Aug 13, 6 p.m., TBD – Orgullo Dominicano – Benefit Concert

    Sunday, Aug 13, 5 p.m., Coney Island – Funk Flex & Friends Birthday Concert Featuring Raheem DeVaughn, Rob Base & More – FREE Concert

    Sunday, Aug 13, 5 p.m, Waterfront Park – Las Cafeteras / Natu Camara / Justy / DJ Kitty the Disc Jockey in Association with Maker Park Radio and La Isla Bonita Stapleton – FREE Concert

    Thursday, Aug 17, 7 p.m., Marcus Garvey Park – Works & Process at SummerStage: The Missing Element with The Beatbox House / LayeRhythm – FREE Concert

    Friday, Aug 18, 7 p.m., Marcus Garvey Park – Jason Moran and the Big Bandwagon: James Reese Europe and the Harlem Hellfighters: From the Dancehall to the Battlefield in Association with Jazzmobile – FREE Concert

    Saturday, Aug 19, 5 p.m., Marcus Garvey Park – Mixtape (Film Screening) / DJ sets by Ron G / Doo Wop / Mister Cee / Tony Touch / Brucie B – FREE Concert

    Saturday, Aug 19, 5 p.m. – Cautious Clay, Wet, Christian Kuria, and Zindelphia – Benefit

    Sunday, Aug 20, 4 p.m., Coney Island – Jose Alberto “El Canario” / The Big 3 Palladium Orchestra: The Music Of Machito, Tito Rodriguez and Tito Puente – FREE Concert

    Sunday, Aug 20, 5 p.m., Central Park – Everyday People – FREE Concert

    Sunday, Aug 20, 5 p.m., Marcus Garvey Park – Hip-Hop 50: Native Tongue Edition: Monie Love / Black Sheep Dres / Chi Ali / DJ Red Alert hosted by Ralph McDaniels (Video Music Box) – FREE Concert

    Wednesday, Aug 23, 4:30 p.m. – Manchester Orchestra and Jimmy Eat World – Benefit Concert

    Thursday, Aug 24, 8 p.m. – Regina Spektor – Benefit Concert

    Friday, Aug 25, 7 p.m., Marcus Garvey Park – Charlie Parker Jazz Festival: Orrin Evans and the Captain Black Big Band featuring Dianne Reeves / T.K. Blue in association with Jazzmobile – FREE Concert

    Saturday, Aug 26, 3 p.m., Marcus Garvey Park – Charlie Parker Jazz Festival: The Cookers / Endea Owens and the Cookout / Nduduzo Makhathini Trio / Akua Allrich and The Tribe – FREE Concert

    Sunday, Aug 27, 3 p.m., Tompkins Square Park – Charlie Parker Jazz Festival: Charles McPherson with Terell Stafford / Something Else! Vincent Herring Septet / HERA feat. Chelsea Baratz and Andromeda Turre /
    Michael Mayo – FREE Concert

    Sunday, Aug 27, 5 p.m., Central Park – Palmwine Festival: Show Dem Camp and Friends in association with Move Forward Music – FREE Concert

    Wednesday, Aug 30, 7 p.m. – Vance Joy with Dan Sultan – Benefit Concert

    Thursday, Aug 31, 6 p.m., Central Park – In Our Own Sweet Time Tour: Vance Joy / Dan Sultan Subaru Music Series – Benefit Concert

    Sunday, Sep 3, 5 p.m., Central Park – Emicida / Goyo / Screening: AmarElo: It’s All for Yesterday / in Association with 27th Inffinito Brazilian Film Festival – FREE Concert

    Thursday, Sep 14, 5 p.m., Central Park – Tanya Tucker / Nikki Lane Subaru Music Series – FREE Concert

    Saturday, Sept 30, 5 p.m. – Carl Cox – Benefit Concert

  • Kupferberg Center for the Arts presents Viva El Cinco De Mayo: Festival Del Son on May 6

    The Kupferberg Center for the Arts at Queens College will present its first Cinco De Mayo family celebration “Viva El Cinco De Mayo: Festival Del Son” on Saturday, May 6 at Colden Auditorium. This celebration will feature four world-renowned ensembles on stage presenting traditional Mexican music and dance, including Tlen Huicani, Mariachi Real De Mexico, Ensamble Huasteco, and Ballet Folklorico Mexicano de Nueva York, joined by special guest José Adán Pérez.

    Kupferberg Center for the Arts presents Viva El Cinco De Mayo: Festival Del Son on May 6
    Viva El Cinco De Mayo: Festival Del Son

    Kupferberg Center for the Arts (KCA) is the largest multi-disciplinary arts complex in Queens, and hosts performances by world-class artists, regional and local talent, and professionally-produced shows by Queens College’s students and faculty. KCA’s mission is to provide high quality, accessible and affordable cultural attractions to the Queens College community and the borough’s 2.3 million residents. Colden Auditorium, the venue host the Cinco De Mayo celebration, is the largest indoor venue space with 2,000 seats within the borough of Queens, conveniently located on the campus of Queens College in Flushing, NY.

    “We are thrilled to be hosting the first annual Cinco De Mayo festival this year. Our goal is to create a fun and inclusive event for all ages that celebrates Mexican culture and brings people together through the power of music and dance.”

    Jon Yanofsky

    Festival Del Son is a family-oriented music and dance festival that features the three most important “Son” musical styles from Mexico. In this Cinco de Mayo celebration, Ensamble Huasteco will bring traditional Son Huasteco, Mariachi Real De Mexico will share the traditional Son Jaliscience, and Tlen Huicani will feature the traditional Son Jarocho. Ballet Folklorico Mexicano de Nueva York will dance with all three groups to share both the beauty of dances and dresses from each region.

    This event is presented in partnership with Consulate General of Mexican in New York and Mexican Cultural Institute of New York. “Queens College and the Kupferberg Center for the Arts (KCA) have been instrumental in fostering cultural exchange and understanding. This Cinco de Mayo celebration exemplifies the power of collaboration and the beauty of our shared heritage. It is honored to bring Mexico’s vibrant traditions to life, creating a memorable and enriching experience for families in New York.

    Tickets for the Cinco De Mayo celebration are on sale now and can be purchased online or at the box office.

  • Long Island Music And Entertainment Hall Of Fame To Host Film Screening Honoring Harry Chapin May 6th

    The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF) will hold a special film screening, Q&A, and charity food drive event on May 6, featuring the documentary film Harry Chapin: When In Doubt, Do Something, which celebrates the extraordinary life and activism of LIMEHOF inductee singer songwriter Harry Chapin, from Huntington Bay.

    Harry Chapin was an American singer-songwriter, philanthropist, and hunger activist best known for his folk rock and pop rock songs. He achieved worldwide success in the 1970s. Chapin, a Grammy Award-winning artist and Grammy Hall of Fame inductee. As a dedicated humanitarian, Chapin fought to end world hunger. He was a key participant in the creation of the Presidential Commission on World Hunger in 1977.

    In 1987, Chapin was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for his humanitarian work. That medal is on display along with other Harry Chapin artifacts at the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame.

    Chapin, who was inducted into LIMEHOF in 2006, is an excellent example as someone who was involved with a wide range of charity organizations including co-founding WhyHunger in 1975 and Chapin also founded Long Island Cares in 1980. Today the organization is headquartered in Hauppauge, NY with food pantry locations throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties including Freeport, Lindenhurst, Huntington Station, and Hampton Bays.

    Told through archival footages and new interviews, When In Doubt, Do Something explores key moments in Chapin’s life, including performing with his brothers and working on the Academy Award-nominated documentary Legendary Champions, to his solo success with hits like “Taxi,” “W.O.L.D.” and “Cat’s In The Cradle” and his tireless philanthropic work, which included his efforts with WhyHunger and a seemingly endless run of benefit performances, all of which led to him being posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.

    This documentary paints a new picture of the singer-songwriter who used his fame as a launching point to help others and influence politics. It features testimonials from Chapin’s family (including Tom Chapin and Steve Chapin), as well as peers including Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, Pete Seeger, Kenny Rogers, Robert Lamm (Chicago), Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, Pat Benatar, Bob Geldof, Ken Kragen, longtime bassist John Wallace, and WhyHunger co-founder Bill Ayres. 

    Harry Chapin

    As a dedicated humanitarian, Chapin fought to end world hunger. He was a key participant in the creation of the Presidential Commission on World Hunger in 1977. In 1987, Chapin was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for his humanitarian work. That medal is currently on display along with other Harry Chapin artifacts at the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame.

    The event is also part charity food drive as there will be collection boxes and LIMEHOF is asking that attendees bring food donations for Harry Chapin’s Long Island Cares organization whose CEO Paule Pachter is featured in the film and will be participating as a panelist.

    The event is free with the purchase of a general admission ticket. The Q&A portion with the filmmakers will be hosted by LIMEHOF Vice Chairman and the longtime host of the Sounds of Film Radio Show Tom Needham.

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

  • JazzBuffalo to Host Free Annual International Jazz Day Celebration on April 30

    JazzBuffalo will celebrate this year’s International Jazz Day this Sunday, April 30, from 1 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. International Jazz Day began in 2011 and will be the fifth annual celebration of the event at JazzBuffalo, which has made this year’s International Jazz Day a free event in the spirit of promoting community and global peace at Seneca One in downtown Buffalo.

    The lineup for this year’s International Jazzday Celebration. Credit: JazzBuffalo.

    Scheduled to perform are some of Buffalo’s best jazz trios and jazz artists. JazzBuffalo is presenting a Jazz Trio Festival and then a special closing concert featuring a quintet of our finest next-generation jazz musicians. The schedule is planned as follows:

    1:15 pm – The Andrew Nixon Trio
    2:45 pm – Donny Frauenhofer
    4:00 pm – Livestream of International Jazz Day Global Concert
    5:00 pm – The Cousins Trio
    6:30 pm – The Lindsey Holland Unit

    There will be approximately 20-30 minutes between each performance to allow for changeover and set up.

    jazzbuffalo

    International Jazz Day was established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2011 in honor of jazz music’s ability to promote intercultural dialogue, tolerance, and mutual understanding, aiming to raise awareness about the importance of jazz music as a common medium for peace, unity, and creativity.

    Herbie Hancock will take viewers on an international tour of sights and sounds showcasing jazz in all its diversity featuring performances from China, Lebanon, Morocco, South Africa, Zimbabwe, France, Brazil, Austria, Honolulu, New York, San Francisco, and Washington, DC.

    The live-streamed concert event will feature performances by some of the world’s most accomplished jazz artists, such as Cyrille Aimée (France), Thana Alexa (USA), Sérgio Mendes (Brazil), Thandi Ntuli (South Africa), Antonio Sánchez (Mexico), Somi (Rwanda) among others. Renowned Mbira player Musekiwa Chingodza (Zimbabwe) will duet with Oran Etkin (Israel) on baritone clarinet; the Blue Note China Jazz Orchestra joins the Global Concert from Beijing; and JazzWomenAfrica celebrates from Casablanca.

    JazzBuffalo will make every effort to live-stream the annual International Jazz Day Global Concert so fans can see and hear the event on the big screen.

    Visit EventBrite to register and save a spot for what promises to be a memorable time celebrating International Jazz Day. Donations are suggested and will be kindly accepted by JazzBuffalo.

  • Willie Nelson’s Outlaw Music Festival Comes to SPAC and Forest Hills Stadium this Fall

    The Outlaw Music Festival has added an additional 16 shows to its lineup, including a performance at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) and Forest Hills Stadium this fall. Additionally, it was previously announced that the festival would have a performance at the Darien Lake Amphitheater and Bethel Woods Center for the Arts this July.

    Presented by Wheatley Vodka, the largest-ever Outlaw tour continues the celebration of Willie’s milestone 90th birthday just as Willie wants it – on the road with his friends, family, and beloved fans.

    Willie Nelson performing in 2004. Credit. willienelson.com

    The Outlaw Music Festival first began in 2016, and the sold-out show was so well received that Blackbird Presents and Nelson have developed it into one of North America’s biggest annual touring franchises. Musicians such as Robert Plant, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, ZZ Top, Eric Church, Bonnie Raitt, Luke Combs, Chris Stapleton, Sheryl Crow, Sturgill Simpson, The Avett Brothers and many more have been a part of the Outlaw Tour.

    “I am so thrilled to announce these additional dates for our 2023 Outlaw Music Festival Tour,” said Willie Nelson. “I can’t wait to keep the celebration of my 90th birthday going into the fall with this great lineup of artists, my friends and family, and of course, the amazing fans.” 

    David Binder, Willie and Wheatley fan and brand director at Sazerac, said “Wheatley Vodka is thrilled to be hitting the road with Outlaw Music Festival this year. Our vodka is made in the heartland of the USA in Frankfort, KY, and is crafted to be the smoothest, most sippable vodka on the market. It’s the perfect spirit to enjoy when rocking out to music from all the talented artists on tour with Outlaw this summer.”

    Tickets to the Outlaw Music Festival, which includes a performance at SPAC and Forest Hills Stadium, go on sale April 28 at 10 a.m.

    Information on individual Outlaw Music Festival tour dates and lineups:

    Friday, September 8, 2023

    Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park @ Walnut Creek

    Willie Nelson & Family

    Tedeschi Trucks Band

    The String Cheese Incident

    Los Lobos

    Particle Kid

    Saturday, September 9, 2023

    Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion

    Willie Nelson & Family

    Tedeschi Trucks Band

    The String Cheese Incident

    Particle Kid

    More TBA

    Sunday, September 10, 2023

    Franklin, TN – FirstBank Amphitheater

    Willie Nelson & Family

    Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros. featuring The Wolfpack

    Particle Kid

    More TBA

    Tuesday, September 12, 2023

    Simpsonville, SC – CCNB Amphitheatre at Heritage Park

    Willie Nelson & Family

    Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros. featuring The Wolfpack

    Particle Kid

    Friday, September 15, 2023

    Saratoga Springs, NY – SPAC

    Willie Nelson & Family

    Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros. featuring The Wolfpack

    The String Cheese Incident

    Los Lobos

    Particle Kid

    Saturday, September 16, 2023

    Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center

    Willie Nelson & Family

    Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros. featuring The Wolfpack

    The String Cheese Incident

    Los Lobos

    Particle Kid

    Sunday, September 17, 2023

    Forest Hills, NY – Forest Hills Stadium

    Willie Nelson & Family

    Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros. featuring The Wolfpack

    The String Cheese Incident

    Los Lobos

    Particle Kid

    Wednesday, September 20, 2023

    Bridgeport, CT – Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater

    Willie Nelson & Family

    Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros. featuring The Wolfpack

    Particle Kid

    Friday, September 22, 2023

    Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre

    Willie Nelson & Family

    Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros. featuring The Wolfpack

    The String Cheese Incident

    Particle Kid

    Friday, October 6, 2023

    West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre

    Willie Nelson & Family

    The Avett Brothers

    Gov’t Mule

    Elizabeth Cook

    Particle Kid

    Saturday, October 7, 2023

    Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre

    Willie Nelson & Family

    The Avett Brothers

    Gov’t Mule

    Elizabeth Cook

    Particle Kid

    Sunday, October 8, 2023

    Orange Beach, AL – The Wharf Amphitheater

    Willie Nelson & Family

    The Avett Brothers

    Gov’t Mule

    Elizabeth Cook

    Particle Kid

    Wednesday, October 11, 2023

    Huntsville, AL – The Orion Amphitheater

    Willie Nelson & Family

    The Avett Brothers

    Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs

    Particle Kid

    Friday, October 13, 2023

    Brandon, MS – The Brandon Amphitheater

    Willie Nelson & Family

    The Avett Brothers

    Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs

    Elizabeth Cook

    Particle Kid

    Saturday, October 14, 2023

    Southaven, MS – BankPlus Amphitheater at Snowden Grove

    Willie Nelson & Family

    The Avett Brothers

    Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs

    Elizabeth Cook

    Particle Kid

    Sunday, October 15, 2023

    Pelham, AL – Oak Mountain Amphitheatre

    Willie Nelson & Family

    The Avett Brothers

    Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs

    Elizabeth Cook

    Particle Kid

  • Jazz is PHSH Spring Tour Dates include Nublu and Buffalo Iron Works

    Jazz is PHSH will be heading out on a late spring tour covering the Northeast and Midwest from May 31 to June 11. The instrumental group bring electrifying interpretations of the Phish song book for Phish phans and Jazz fans to dive into, including shows at Buffalo Iron Works and Nublu in NYC.

    jazz is phsh

    Don’t let the name of the band fool you – while the arrangements for Jazz is PHSH are steeped in jazz, the funky, rocking fusion interpretations of the music will bring you to your feet.

    A rare treat, Jazz Is PHSH creates an exhilarating experience, journeying through the catalogue of Phish while seamlessly weaving the songs together with the music of jazz legends such as Miles Davis, Jaco Pastorius and Herbie Hancock.  

    Figuring out the songs as they are rearranged and reimagined is equally as fun an aspect of Jazz Is PHSH that Phish phans enjoy as much sharing in the groove of the music. For jazz fans and those unfamiliar with the music of Phish, the deep dives into the history books of jazz as well as the references to current artists like Robert Glasper and Nate Smith provide a never ending stream of auditory pleasure. 

    jazz is phsh

    The upcoming Spring Tour includes a mix of sit down jazz clubs like the Bop Stop in Cleveland on June 1 and famous rock club venues like Nectars in Burlington on June 8.

    The mix of rooms will give fans an opportunity to catch a few different shows on the tour to have a range of experiences with the band. While their catalogue is not quite as big as Phish’s hundreds of songs spanning over 40 years, Jazz Is PHSH has been touring since 2015 and has created an impressive catalgoue of their own. 

    With mashups of Phish’s “You Enjoy Myself” with Nate Smith’s “Bounce” and Phish’s “Divided Sky” with the John Coltrane masterpiece “A Love Supreme” along with a plethora of other mashups of Phish songs, the band is able to craft unique setlists each night so that fans that travel with the band can have unique experiences each night. 

    JAZZ is PHSH Spring Tour 2023

    May 31 – Cincinnati OH – Fretboard Brewing 

    June 1 – Cleveland OH – Bop Stop 
    June 2 – Baltimore MD – 8×10 (w/ The Chase Brothers)
    June 3 – Toronto ON – Adelaide Hall 
    June 7 – Buffalo NY – Buffalo Iron Works 
    June 8 – Burlington VT – Nectars 
    June 9 – New Market NH – Stone Church
    June 10 – Manchester CT – Main Pub
    June 11 – New York, NY – Nublu 

    Click Here For Tickets

  • Gretsch Drums Announce 140th Celebratory Concert at NYC’s The Cutting Room

    Gretsch Drums have announced “Gretsch Night in New York City,” a special one-night-only event to celebrate 140 years of Gretsch Drums history, featuring performances by revered drummers Mark Guiliana, Will Calhoun, Nate Wood, and Bill Stewart, on May 23 at The Cutting Room.

    Founded in Brooklyn in 1883, Gretsch Drums is an iconic American drum brand manufactured in Ridgeland, South Carolina. For 140 years, this award-winning company has been providing “That Great Gretsch Sound” to drummers around the globe, including Phil Collins, Vinnie Colaiuta, Cindy Blackman, Ash Soan, Steve Ferrone, and Keith Carlock, among others. The 140th celebratory concert will take place on May 23 at The Cutting Room in NYC.

    The Cutting Room sits at its new location on East 32nd Street between Park and Madison, building on a decade of history that includes some of today’s top performers like John Mayer, Lady Gaga, Sting, Sheryl Crow, and David Bowie, all of who have graced the stage at the previous location. “We wanted a place where up-and-coming artists could get seen and established artists felt comfortable playing club gigs. We wanted a place with great sound, creative food, and cocktails where the venue itself was as beautiful as the music,” says Steve Walter, the venue’s owner.

    There are multiple revered drummers performing at the celebratory concert, including Mark Guiliana, who has played on over thirty recordings including David Bowie’s final album Blackstar, and has been described by the New York Times as “a drummer around whom a cult of admiration has formed.” Bill Stewart has played in the John Scofield band since the early ‘90s, although his extensive credits have seen him record with artists including Maceo Parker, Pat Methany, and Lee Kopnitz, as well as solo records.

    Other drummers included in this special event include multiple GRAMMY award winner and longtime drummer for Living Colour Will Calhoun, who has performed and recorded with a diverse array of notable artists such as B.B. King, Mick Jagger, Paul Simon, Lou Reed, Carly Simon, Public Enemy, and more. The final musician is Grammy-nominated drummer and multi-instrumentalist Nate Wood, founding member of the quintet Kneebody. He has also performed or recorded with many notable artists including Taylor Hawkins and the Coattail Riders, Brian May and Roger Taylor (Queen), Sting, and more.

    For more information about this special one-night-only concert celebrating Gretsch Drums 140th anniversary and to buy tickets please visit here.