Legendary hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan has announced they are headlining “For the Love,” a collaboration between SiriusXM and Pandora that celebrates Hip Hop’s 50th anniversary.
“For The Love” includes an unforgettable day of events on Aug. 10 in Queens at the Knockdown Center, by the Wu-Tang Clan, considered by many to be the greatest hip-hop group of all time. Founded in Staten Island in the early 1990s, the group is comprised of members RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, U-God, Masta Killa, Inspectah Deck, Cappadonna, and the deceased Ol Dirty Bastard (ODB).
They have been touring as a unit since their debut record Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) came out in 1993. The now triple-platinum release vaulted the group with songs like “C.R.E.A.M.” (Cash Rules Everything Around Me) and “Protect Ya Neck.” Their live sets are a family affair, with every member of the crew representing their lyrical contributions to their eight studio albums, as well as notable cuts from the Wu-Tang solo discography. Every Wu-Tang Clan show is a celebration of prolific careers as individuals and especially as the most storied group in hip-hop history.
Earlier in the day, For the Love: Community Giveback Sponsored by Cricket invites fans to the Knockdown Center to celebrate hip-hop’s next 50 years with local students, families, and businesses in support of the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Queens. Throughout the afternoon, the event will feature a wide range of festivities from breakdancing performances and double-dutch to live, interactive broadcasts of SiriusXM Hip-Hop Nation’s Gray Rizzy and The Heat’s DJ Steel. SiriusXM personalities Mina SayWhat, Torae, Coach PR, D-Stroy, Bugsy, DJ Superstar Jay, DJ Wallah, and DJ Taj will also be on hand during the event to host, DJ, and more. Food will be provided by a host of local, BIPOC-owned and operated food trucks.
Hip-hop is not just music, it’s a culture which has defined and redefined our society through the years. Wu-Tang Clan has contributed so immensely to the hip-hop community, making a lasting impact on so many people’s lives, and we are honored to share this momentous occasion with these music pioneers and have them take the SiriusXM stage to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of hip-hop.
Joshua “J1” Raiford, Vice President, Music Programming, SiriusXM/Pandora
SiriusXM and Pandora will also have a multitude of special hip-hop programs, including countdowns, female only rap, underground cuts, and more. The Wu-Tang Clan headline show will be open to SiriusXM subscribers and Pandora listeners, 21+. RSVP is required for an opportunity to attend the in-person show here.
Nick Balzano of the LI Jam Scene has announced his new venture Watkins Jam, taking place July 28-30 at various places in the state, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the famous Watkins Glen Summer Jam.
Nick Balzano has performed in many bands over the years, with his love for music starting at a young age with drums and piano. For the past ten years, he has been the vocalist and performed multiple instruments in LI Jam Scene. He has also put on many events over the years with companies and venues like Liquid Shadows Entertainment, 89 North, and more, and has always strived to give artists the fair shake and audience they deserve. His newest project, Pine Barrens Jam, hopes to showcase Long Island’s creative talent for years to come.
Now, Balzano is celebrating the anniversary of the Watkins Glen Summer Jam, which featured The Band, Grateful Dead, and The Allman Brothers Band. On creating the tribute shows, he said “[they] have been some of my biggest inspirations and I’m sure the rest of the members of this project can say the same. The songs, drumming styles, and even the communities they’ve created have had a huge influence on the path I’ve chosen as a musician.” When putting together the lineup, he specifically chose bands and artists who were also inspired by the three legendary acts.
The tribute shows take place on July 28 at Deep Dive in Ithaca, July 29 at Courtyard in Rosecoe, and July 30 at LI Glass in Holtsville. The lineup is comprised of various supergroups taking on each band’s eclectic catalog. Whaley will be presenting a set of The Band with the help of Damien Pagan of Funkin A’/Albums We Love on Long Island. The Allman Brothers and Grateful Dead sets will feature John & Rob from Ernie & The Band, as well as Damien & other guests. The original drummer from Balzano’s time in A Band In Ship, Ryan McCloskey, will be joining for The Allman Brothers set for the Upstate dates and Jager Soss of Baked Shrimp will be holding down the second kit on Long Island.
The original Summer Jam.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit here.
The multitalented and legendary artists Lyle Lovett and John Hiatt are prepared to take the stage with one another this fall in an array of new announced tour dates. The joint performances will begin at the world renowned Carnegie Hall in NYC on October 2nd, halfway through Lovett’s “Together On Stage” tour which began July 18th.
The two highly acclaimed artists have had a long running history of performing with one another, and this specific stretch of performances will take the duo all over the Northeast and Ontario throughout the month of October. The select dates will feature arrangements of Lovett’s critically acclaimed album 12th of June released last year which represents a more reflective side of the artist’s present life.
Throughout the tour, Lovett will be joined by an arrangement of his Acoustic Group or his Large Band at each location. After Lovett and Hiatt’s performance at Carnegie Hall, the two powerhouse legends will make stops all around NY including in Ithaca, Westhampton Beach, and Buffalo. General sales for the performances go live on July 21st at 10:00 AM.
Lyle Lovett and John Hiatt tour dates
July 18—West Kelowna, BC—Mission Hill Winery*
July 19—Calgary, AB—Jack Singer Concert Hall*
July 20—Edmonton, AB—Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium*
July 22—Bonner, MT—KettleHouse Amphitheater*
July 23—Billings, MT—Downtown Billings*
July 26—Huber Heights, OH—Rose Music Center at The Heights*
July 27—Pittsburgh, PA—Stage AE*
July 28—Lancaster, PA—American Music Theatre*
July 29—Providence, RI—Veterans Memorial Auditorium*
July 30—Hammondsport, NY—The Pavilion at Point of the Bluff Vineyards*
August 2—Plymouth, MA—Plymouth Memorial Hall*
August 3—Lowell, MA—Boarding House Park*
August 4—New Brunswick, NJ—State Theatre*
August 5—Vienna, VA—Wolf Trap-Filene Center*
August 6—Charlottesville, VA—The Paramount Theater*
August 8—Richmond, VA—Dominion Energy Center*
August 9—Durham, NC—Durham Performing Arts Center*
August 10—Charlotte, NC—Knight Theater*
August 11—Charleston, SC—Charleston Gaillard Center*
August 12—Atlanta, GA—Atlanta Symphony Hall*
August 14—Nashville, TN—Ryman Auditorium*
August 15—Knoxville, TN—Tennessee Theater*
August 16—Birmingham, AL—Alabama Theatre*
August 17—New Orleans, LA—Orpheum Theater*
August 19—Houston, TX—Hobby Center for the Performing Arts*
August 20—San Antonio, TX—Majestic Theatre*
August 21—Austin, TX—ACL Live at the Moody Theater*
August 22—Austin, TX—ACL Live at the Moody Theater*
August 23—Austin, TX—ACL Live at the Moody Theater*
August 24—Fort Worth, TX—Bass Performance Hall*
September 3—Santa Fe, NM—The Santa Fe Opera*
September 5—Tucson, AZ—Fox Tucson Theatre†
October 2—New York, NY—Carnegie Hall‡
October 3—Ithaca, NY—State Theatre of Ithaca‡
October 5—Wilmington, DE—The Grand Opera House‡
October 6—Westhampton Beach, NY—Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center‡
October 7—Collingswood, NJ—Scottish Rite Auditorium‡
October 8—Troy, NY—Troy Savings Bank Music Hall‡
October 10—Buffalo, NY—Kleinhans Music Hall‡
October 11—Kitchener, ON—Centre In The Square‡
October 12—Toronto, ON—Massey Hall‡
October 13—Ottawa, ON—National Arts Centre‡
October 14—Burlington, VT—The Flynn‡
October 16—Waterville, ME—Waterville Opera House‡
October 17—Portsmouth, NH—The Music Hall Historic Theater‡
October 20—Concord, NH— Capitol Center for the Arts, Chubb Theatre‡
October 22—Easton, PA— State Theatre Center for the Arts‡
Funk n Waffles, a one-of-a-kind venue in Syracuse, will be hosting Kyle Smith and Pat Tato on August 11th as a stop on the “Grill Em All Tour.”
The Food Network featured venue truly embodies its name – not only do they serve delicious breakfast, lunch, dinner, desert, and of course, waffles, but they truly bring the “funk” with live music every night, and a full bar. Performances by Kyle Smith and Pat Tato ensure a night of ambitious music, delicious food, and talent that you won’t want to miss.
Kyle Smith, a singer-songwriter from Ventura, California, is best known for his unique blend of “Cali-Reggae,” influenced by Ska, Hip-Hop, and Punk-Rock, a combination that is simultaneously catchy, raw, and truthful. Kyle’s music often pays tribute to his troubled youth and addiction. His self-titled debut EP offers a glimpse into the life he endured, with songs like “Dope Fiend” and “Jaded” referencing his troubled past, all while keeping an uplifting spirit and tempo. Despite his roots, Kyle’s goal in life is to give hope and spread positivity through his music. His raw, natural talent is effortless, and his personality immediately warms up the room, inviting those around into his world.
Pat Tato, known for his unique, thought-provoking sound, was not always a solo artist. In 2013, the band Baked Potatoes could be found playing nearly every house party, skate shop, and dive bar at SUNY Oneonta. In the years following, Pat and the rest of the Baked Potatoes graduated college and recorded their first full length album, ‘Loaded’ (2016) to much critical acclaim. Following their graduation and album release, the band found themselves taking a hiatus as the original members moved to Ohio, Arizona, Tennessee, and Alaska. Aaron and Pat decided to live on a bus, continuing to play music and drive up and down the east coast, busking on the street. Eventually, Pat shifted focus and started releasing music as Pat Tato. The sound is different, ambitious, lyrical, and thought provoking.
Since then, Pat Tato has a new band and has started to emerge on the Festival Circuit as an early crowd favorite. He combines set lists of old Baked Potatoes songs with New Pat Tato songs, and continues to evolve and mature into the new sound that is ‘Pat Tato & the Baked Potatoes.’
To see Kyle Smith and Pat Tato at Funk n Waffles, get tickets here.
From never ending winters to erratic springtime temperatures, New York weather can be brutal. For communities across the Empire State, summer is a time to work outside, enjoy wildlife, and of course catch some live music. Residing in the southeastern corner of NY, the picturesque Catskill Mountains provide the perfect setting for local performances and shows.
Catskill Mountains – Taste of Country Music Festival
Warm weather means it’s time for residents in the region to trade in snowboards and skis for folding chairs and picnic blankets. Teeming with countless unique small towns and villages, there’s plenty of live performances to catch in the area. Below, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best Catskill summer concert series and performances to see this year.
Greenville Summer Concert Series
The Greenville Summer Concert Series is a free, family-friendly concert series that happens Tuesdays from 6–7:30 PM at Veterans Park in Greenville, New York. The concerts are held at the intersection of Routes 32 and 81. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair, pack a picnic, or buy dinner from Church Street Caterers. The kickoff event features the Michael Benedict Quartet and ice cream from Stewart’s Shops of Greenville. Other acts include Lustre Kings, Moonshine Mule, Dusk Til Dawn, and more. The series is sponsored by the Greenville Rotary, among others.
Voted “Best Place for Live Music” in the Best of Greene County Awards, enjoy Music in the Park every Thursday from 7-9 p.m. at Dutchman’s Landing Park on Main Street in Catskill. Concerts are free to the public. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy great live music on the shores of the beautiful Hudson River. If rainy, concerts are moved to the Historic Catskill Point at 1 Main Street. Presented by the Heart of Catskill Association. Photo credit: Keith Collesides.
Here for more details and information | 518-943-0989
June 22 — Guilty Pleasure—pop rock
June 29 — Lustre Kings—rock and roll
July 6 — Back to the Garden—Woodstock tribute
July 13—Lex Grey and The Urban Pioneers—award-winning blues band
July 28—Lex Grey and The Urban Pioneers—blues/rock
Aug. 3—The Lost Cowboys—classic country
Aug.10—Soul Purpose—Motown soul
Aug. 17—In The Dust—country & Western
Aug. 24—Second Chance—local rock heroes
Aug. 31—Dead Beats—Grateful Dead tribute band
Sept. 7—Alexis P Suter—award-winning blues singer
WINDHAM MOUNTAIN RESORT, WINDHAM
Windham Mountain Facebook
Music on the Mountain Series
Music on the Mountain takes place Fridays from 6-8:30 p.m. at Windham Mountain. This free concert series features local artists, cover bands and some of New York City’s favorite performers. Additionally, there are raffles, a BBQ and scenic sky rides during the early portion of the event. No tickets or reservations needed. Outside food, beverages and pets are not allowed. Windham Mountain is located at 19 Resort Drive, Windham, NY.
Here for more details and information | 518-734-4300
July 7—10 Most Wanted —soul/funk/R&B/rock
July 14—Soul Purpose—soul/funk/R&B
July 21—Guilty Pleasure—pop rock
July 28—The Four 26—rock
Aug. 4—Serene Green—bluegrass
Aug. 11—Rollin’Rust—indie/folk
Aug. 18—Dial Up!—1990s songs
Aug. 25—Die Schlauberger—renditions of German favorites
Sept. 1—The Outcrops—blues-infused rock n’ roll
RIVERSIDE PARK, COXSACKIE
Coxsackie Music in the Park Series
Every Sunday from 6-8pm. Concerts are free to the public. Pack a chair or blanket and enjoy riverside entertainment at the spacious Coxsackie Riverside Park, Betke Boulevard, Coxsackie.
Here for more details and information | 518-731-2718
June 25—Lex Grey & the Urban Pioneers—fusion of old-school blues & classic rock
July 2—Donna Tritico Band—mix of blues, R&B and rock
July 9—Nite Train—award-winning rockin’ blues, funk & R&B
July 16—Samantha Jane Band—jazz standards quartet
July 23—Hammerhead Horns—old-timey blues, ragtime and honkytonk
July 30—Playing with Fire—classic rock & roots
Aug. 6—Night Moves—classic rock; country; 50’s thru 90’s
Aug. 13—Silver Chain Band—playing BB King, Muddy Waters & other greats
Aug. 20—Nite Train—award-winning rockin’ blues, funk & R&B
Aug. 27—Lustre Kings with Mark Gamsjager—rockabilly; real roots rock & roll
RIVERFRONT PARK, ATHENS
Athens Performing Arts Corporation 2023 Summer Concert Series
Athens Summer Concert Series takes place every Friday night from 7-9 p.m. at Riverfront Park, 1 Water Street, Athens. Spend a night under the stars and enjoy this free concert series on the banks of the Hudson River.
Here for more details and information | 518-522-9470
July 14—Les Dudek—rock music legend
July 21—Dark Desert Eagles—world premier Eagles tribute
July 28—Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen—Grammy-winning New Orleans funk
Aug. 4—Double Vision-The Foreigner Experience—rock cover band
Aug.11—Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds—soul, rock, dirty funk
Aug. 18—Conehead Buddha—rock, ska, funk, Latin, reggae, jam, hop
Philip Selway, Radiohead’s drummer, has announced an upcoming one-night only show. In celebration of his most recent album Strange Dance, Selway will be performing at Le Poisson Rouge in New York City on September 25.
Although perhaps best known as the drummer of iconic rock band Radiohead, Philip Selway is also a successful solo musician. Strange Dance is Selway’s third and latest studio album. His performance at Le Poisson Rogue will be his first time playing at the venue in eight years.
Founded by musicians in 2008, Le Poisson Rouge is located in the heart of Greenwich Village. The venue’s website names it an “underground live music sanctuary.” Audiences can expect to hear a wide variety of music when visiting, from indie rock to contemporary classic and everything in-between. Additionally, the venue includes a Gallery Bar that hosts art exhibitions, stand-up comedy, and drag queen bingo. Previous performances at Le Poisson Rogue include Charli XCX, Christina Aguilera, Florence & The Machine, and more.
Selway revealed the show in an Instagram post. Beginning the caption with his classic opening “Hiya,” Selway wrote that he was “delighted to announce” that he will be bringing his album to Le Poisson Rouge “for one night only.”
Doors open at 7:00 pm and the show begins at 8:00 pm. Tickets are available for purchase here.
Held annually in the parks of Round Lake, just north of Albany, the Markets at Round Lake announced the music lineup and information for the 2023 extravaganza, held on the second weekend of August.
Taking place Saturday, August 12 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sunday, August 13 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, the free event highlights local music, food options, and shops that shine in the community.
Including 12 different food trucks, over 40 local vendors, and 5 performers, Markets at Round Lake ensures to have something for everyone in attendance.
Saturday’s music lineup will roll through the entire day including four artists, while Sunday will feature an all-day set by DJ Selector David Suede.
In addition to the shops and live entertainment, a book market will be held at the Round Lake Auditorium, an annual sale featuring more than 15,000 used and rare books available in hardcover and paperback.
Rain or shine, the event will go on as planned. Free and paid parking options are also available for those who attend.
Admission is free. The music lineup and event/parking map are below.
Starting July 21, visitors to White Feather Farm in Saugerties can expect to take part in the second annual Soil Fest, a three day celebration of soil. The second annual festival includes live performances, workshops and food intersecting art, science and ecology.
The host of Soil Fest, White Feather Farm, located in Saugerties takes place at White Feather Farm, which “aims to create connection between community, culture, and land,” according to their website, They do so by advancing, and promoting education about, “sustainable farming and other food production, distribution and consumption techniques and practices that reduce climate change and create healthy soil and a vibrant ecosystem.” They also showcase local talent, artists, writers and experts.
Soil Fest Events
Soil Fest kicks off Friday, July 21 and continues through Sunday, July 23. The first event begins at 2:00 pm Friday, called “Sensory Kinship of the 3rd Kind.” This workshop will be led by Lisa Schonberg and Allie Wist. The two will conduct a series of exercises using multi-sensory means of communication, like smell, taste and sound. Later that day, Schonberg will also host a performance of percussion and electronic music featuring and responding to soil soundscapes.
On Saturday, Soil Fest attendees have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities. Some of these include a chromatography workshop, a carbon sponge workshop, and alternative grain beer tasting. There will also be food available from a locally owned and operated mobile catering company, From the Ground Up.
Additionally, Saturday night will feature a live performance by the band Dust Bowl Faeries. They are a New York based cabaret-inspired indie rock band. Described as a “faerie-tale fusion of gothic polka, dark carnival and angsty folk music,” they draw inspiration from circus songs, murder ballads, vaudeville, jazz and klezmer music.
On the third day of Soil Fest, attendees can participate in workshops where they make easy to ferment foods with harvest from White Feather Farm. There is also a workshop entitled “Drawing with Biochar,” where participants choose among various sizes and types of wood to make a set of charcoal drawing sticks.
Finally, Soil Fest closes with a live performance of “Arm of the Sea: Riparian Rhapsody.” Arm of the Sea is a mask and puppet theater that combines art, ecology and social action. The “Riparian Rhapsody” performance explores Catskill ecology to reveal the intricate interactions between forest and stream, while it lyrically makes the case for protecting streamside buffer zones.
Hip hop pioneer Slick Rick has announced he will make his New York State Fair debut on Aug. 26 at 2 p.m. as part of the statewide I Love NYSummer of Hip Hop celebration.
With his British accent, witty lyrics spoken through a leisurely cadence, and nasally voice, Slick Rick has one of the most recognizable voices in hip-hop. Featuring legendary lyrics and note-worthy fashion, he has inspired many artists including JAY-Z, Eminem, and Idris Elba. Dubbed “the most sampled hip-hop artist in history,” it all started in 1984 when Slick Rick – who went by “Ricky D” at the time – joined Doug E. Fresh and the Get Fresh crew to record the breakout hit, “La-Di-Da-Di.” He then signed to Def Jam Records and had several multi-platinum albums, including The Great Adventures of Slick Rick (1988) and The Art of Storytelling (1999), his highest-charting album to date.
Not just an inspiring artist, he also is active in the New York City real estate community, providing affordable housing to communities in the Bronx. As a philanthropist, he supports efforts to fight youth incarceration and poverty, and works to raise awareness about homelessness, food insecurity, and children’s literacy. In 2020, Slick Rick and his wife co-founded the Victory Patch Foundation, which empowers underserved and overlooked communities by partnering with FreshDirect, City Harvest, and the New York City Department of Youth & Community Development.
I Love NYSummer of Hip Hop is a statewide celebration held in partnership with cultural organizations around the state – including Lincoln Center in New York City, The Plaza in Albany, and The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester. “Since The Fair is a showcase of New York State, we also appreciate Slick Rick’s connections to New York. Hip hop was founded in The Bronx, which is where Slick Rick settled when he moved to this country at age 11, and where he spends time advocating for community causes today. It’s always great when we can highlight New Yorkers in our musical line-up!” said Sean Hennessey, Interim Fair Director.
New York State Fair Lineup
Chevy Court
Aug. 23 at 1 p.m.- Chubby Checker
Aug. 23 at 6 p.m.- Salt-N-Pepa
Aug. 24 at 6 p.m.- Quiet Riot
Aug. 26 at 1 p.m.- Peppa Pig Live! Peppa Pig’s Adventure
Aug. 26 at 6 p.m.- Julio Iglesias Jr.
Aug. 27 at 1 p.m.- The Prodigals
Aug. 27 at 6 p.m.- Matt Stell
Aug. 28 at 1 p.m.- Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone
Aug. 28 at 6 p.m.- Anne Wilson
Aug. 29 at 1 p.m.- Tommy James and the Shondells
Aug. 29 at 6 p.m.- Bret Michaels
Aug. 30 at 1 p.m.- Danielle Ponder
Aug. 30 at 6 p.m.- Chapel Hart
Sept. 1 at 6 p.m.- The Fray
Sept. 2 at 12-9:45 p.m.- JAMS Funk Fest Featuring: Brick (6:45 p.m.) & Dazz Band (8:15 p.m.)
Sun. Sept. 3 at 1 p.m.- Disney Junior Live On tour: Costume Palooza
Sept. 4 at 12 p.m.- The High Kings
Suburban Park
Aug. 23 at 2 p.m.- Steven Page
Aug. 23 at 8 p.m.- Lainey Wilson
Aug. 24 at 8 p.m.- Theory of a Deadman
Aug. 26 at 2 p.m.- Slick Rick
Aug. 26 at 8 p.m.- George Thorogood and the Destroyers
After teasing their return at Pharell’s Louis Vuitton Fashion Show, legendary rap brothers Pusha T and No Malice — known as Clipse — will continue their resurgence with a headlining performance at Genius’ IQ/BBQ. Presented in partnership with Infiniti, Paco Rabanne, Patron El Alto, and Paramount+ with Showtime’s The Chi, the all-day event takes place on August 19 at Knockdown Center in Queens, N.Y., and will feature live performances from some of the hottest names in hip-hop, including the platinum-selling duo.
In addition to the show, IQ/BBQ will feature experiences like the So Fresh, So Clean Shop from Paco Rabanne 1M, an art installation from Infinity featuring the new QX60, a VIP “Genius Lounge” presented by Patrón El Alto, and a Rap Cafeteriafilled with lyric-inspired dishes from local NYC food vendors – presented by Showtime Original Series, The Chi.
Clipse Making a Comeback
With this performance, The Clipse continue their teased reunion. After previewing their first joint-record in 14 years the Virginia-bred brothers have garnered fans attention with the teased record. Their last collab was the outro to Pusha T’s most recent album It’s Almost Dry, titled “I Pray for You.”
Moreover, since their days as The Clipse, the duo have been part of some of hip hop’s most iconic records. Notably, records like “Grindin’,” “Mr. Me Too,” and “What Happened to That Boy.” Since their last album — 2009’s Til The Casket Drops — Pusha T has embarked on a successful solo career that has resulted in several Grammy nominations and recognition as one of the best rappers ever. Meanwhile, No Malice left the music industry to become a pastor making sporadic feature appearances since, including an album cut on Ye’s 2019 release Jesus Is King.
Tickets for the Genius IQ/BBQ are free and are now available at dice.fm, while the event maintains a 21+ age restriction.
