NYS Music 2023

Category: Brooklyn

  • Celebrate México Now Festival Coming to NYC this November

    Celebrate México Now Festival (CMN) will be returning to NYC from Nov. 14 to 21, confirmed at locations in both Manhattan and Brooklyn. Programs are across literature, photography, culinary arts, film, dance, and music. Each is a part of the pipeline connecting the arts and culture communities of NYC and Mexico.

    The 20-year-old festival returned to live programming last year following the COVID-19 pandemic, run by award-winning curator and producer Claudia Norman of CN Management. Most events are free to attend. CMN has thus far showcased nearly 450 artists and partnered with over 150 venues and cultural institutions throughout NYC.

    Confirmed Dates

    Ximena Pérez Grobet: Reading Finnegans Wake – Center for Book Arts, Manhattan – Nov. 14 at 6:00 p.m.

    Ximena Pérez Grobet will take the audience through the nine-year process of creating, editing, and publishing the limited edition of Reading Finnegans Wake. Using a classic edition of Finnegans Wake by James Joyce that was published in 1965, Pérez Grobet unbound the book, carefully cut the text apart nearly line by line, then reassembled it. This resulted in four knitted versions of the text.

    Daniel Ramos: Eres Muy Hermosa – Camera Club of New York, Manhattan – Nov. 15 at 6:00 p.m.

    In the fifth year of collaboration with the Camera Club of New York, CMN will be hosting photographer Daniel Ramos. He will be discussing his solo exhibit Eres Muy Hermosa, which showcases a series of portraits made with a 4×5 large format view camera in bars and clubs at night in Monterrey, North Mexico.

    Mexico Writes Now: An Evening with Carmen Boullosa, Ximena Santaolalla, Naief Yehya, Alvaro Enrigue, and Oswaldo Zavala – The Center for Fiction, Brooklyn – Nov. 16 at 6:00 p.m.

    Some of Mexico’s leading voices in academia, poetry, novel, and essay writing will be assembled at the Center for Fiction, discussing their experiences living and working in NYC. Along with the acclaimed writer Carmen Boullosa, authors Ximena Santaolalla, Naief Yehya, Álvaro Enrigue, and Oswaldo Zavala will read their work and share their favorite Mexican films, photographs, and paintings with the audience.

    Boullosa’s novel La otra mano de Lepanto has been acknowledged as one of the top works of literature written in Spanish in the last 25 years. She has written a dozen volumes of poetry and has published nineteen novels, two books of essays, and ten plays.

    Diana Wangeman and Jesús “Pat Boy” Chablé: The Present and Future of Ancestral Practices – Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, Manhattan – Nov. 18, TBA

    A unique event featuring two indigenous creators seeking to preserve ancestral practices through very different forms of art. Diana Wangeman acts in the culinary preservation of ancient records of corn cultivation and preparation through her popular Brooklyn tortilleria and restaurant Sobre Masa. Jesús Chablé, better known as Pat Boy, performs rap in Mayan and teaches others to rap in Mayan, helping to preserve the language.

    A Tribute to Lourdes Grobet – King Juan Carlos I of Spain Center on NYU Campus, Manhattan – Nov. 20 at 6:00 p.m.

    CMN will pay tribute to the late Mexican photographer Lourdes Grobet, presenting the final two projects Grobet finished before passing. The first is Bering, Reunión Familiar, a documentary and a part of Grobet’s larger project on the Bering Strait. The second is Laboratorio de Teatro Campesino e Indígena, medio siglo de historia, a book that Grobet worked on for over 30 years.

    SHIFT with Antonio Sánchez and Bad Hombre, Thana Alexa, BIGYUKI and Lex Sadler; Echoes in Proximity; and Ampersan, Co-Presented with World Music Institute – Le Poisson Rouge, Manhattan – Nov. 21 at 7:00 p.m.

    The only ticketed event as of present, the concert will conclude the CMN Festival. Audiences can expect a showcase of unique, yet contemporary sounds by award-winning musicians that blend genres and styles to create a dynamic music experience. The event will be co-presented with the World Music Institute.

    Tickets for the Celebrate México Now Festival are available here. For more information and for updates on future events, check out CMN’s website.

  • The Planes’ Release Triumphant Summer Single “Thrift Store”

    The Planes, a New York City indie rock band, has released their summer single “Thrift Store,” which is a part of the larger album Dark Matter Recycling Co. The new album will release on Sept. 15.

    The Planes

    The Planes were originally founded in 2010 by Stephen Otto Perry and are known for their deft songwriting and loud performances. Alongside Perry, who plays guitar and writes the songs, are drummer Don Lavis and bassist Jackie Perrone.

    “Thrift Store” is a loud, triumphant piece, the guitars, and drums layered above the vocals. The vocals provide a smooth undercurrent, maintaining a low volume throughout. This is contrasted by the instrumentals, which occasionally dive up and down in volume.

    The song flows into itself, with not many clear breaks between chorus and verse. There are sometimes absences in either instrumentals or vocals, which helps mix up the track.

    The full-length album, Dark Matter Recycling Co. will release on Sept. 15 through Totally Real Records in the United States and Safe Suburban Home Records in the United Kingdom.

    For more on The Planes, check out their Instagram, Facebook, Bandcamp, or Spotify.

  • The Day Party presents Ashanti, Jadakiss, the Lox and more at the Brooklyn Boardwalk

    On Sunday, July 30 at The Brooklyn Boardwalk, The Day Party and Empire Club NYC presented some of the most iconic names in hip-hop and R&B, with the lineup including Ashanti, Jadakiss and the Lox, and Tina (Hoodcelebrityy). Music was provided by Funk Flex and Nick Scalici, along with special guests. The event featured an afternoon and evening filled with pop-ups, food vendors, and other installations.

    All originating from New York, Ashanti originally from Glen Cove and Jadakiss and The Lox representing Yonkers, all played in their home state and city within Coney Island at the Brooklyn Boardwalk.

    Concertgoers enjoyed the music from five different DJs, few local artists, Tina (Hoodcelebrityy), Jadakiss and The Lox followed by the grand finale, Ashanti. Tina (Hoodcelebrityy) is a Jamaican born dancehall singer and songwriter, who moved the Bronx at a young age.

    The Lox, including Jadakiss, Sheek Louch and Styles P is an hip hop group formed in 1994 in Yonkers, NY. They were under a few labels until finally they launched their own label, D-Block.

    Ashanti is an well-known R&B American singer, songwriter and actress who grew up in New York and was signed to a label in 2002

    With lots of Empire Club vendors, everyone enjoyed themselves as Funk Flex DJ’d and had everyone dancing. Nems, a New York based rapper, opened the evening with a few of his songs, which was then followed by a long DJ set of dance music and partying. Hookahs and joints filled the air with smoke and laughter, as everyone was grooving and dancing to the beat.

    As the sun slowly went down, the the main three acts followed as the crowd continued to keep the energy and applause.

    The Day Party and Empire Club NYC hosted some of New York’s biggest artists and performers at The Brooklyn Boardwalk. The stacked lineup brought people from all boroughs filled with pride and joy for some of the biggest names in R&B and Hip Hop.

  • Declan McKenna’s Big Return to NYC

    Declan McKenna, the enigmatic and thought-provoking indie-pop sensation, set the stage ablaze with two back-to-back shows in New York City as part of his “The Big Return” tour. On June 20, he graced the iconic Brooklyn Steel venue with his infectious energy and magnetic presence, captivating the audience with his genre-defying sound and heartfelt lyrics. The anticipation was palpable as fans eagerly awaited Declan’s performance, knowing they were in for an unforgettable night of music and connection.

    The following evening, June 21, found Declan at Webster Hall in Manhattan, where he continued to weave his magic, leaving the crowd mesmerized by his electrifying performance. With each song, Declan’s authenticity and vulnerability shone through, forging an unbreakable bond between him and his adoring fans. These two shows were a testament to his undeniable talent and his ability to create an intimate and unforgettable experience for his audience.

    Declan McKenna, the rising indie-pop sensation hailing from the UK, is making waves with his captivating blend of thought-provoking lyrics, infectious melodies, and undeniable charisma. With a musical journey that started at a young age, Declan’s eclectic upbringing exposed him to a wide range of influences, from classic rock to punk and indie music. This diverse palette has shaped his unique sound and sets him apart in the industry.

    Declan burst onto the scene with his breakout single “Brazil” in 2015, which earned him widespread acclaim and attention for his sharp social commentary and clever songwriting. His debut album, What Do You Think About The Car? released in 2017, further solidified his position as a talented singer-songwriter with a distinctive voice.

    Known for his insightful and introspective lyrics, Declan fearlessly addresses topics ranging from politics and societal issues to personal reflections on love and self-discovery. His ability to combine catchy pop hooks with meaningful storytelling has won the hearts of fans worldwide.

    With each subsequent release, including the singles “British Bombs” and “Beautiful Faces,” Declan continues to captivate audiences and expand his musical horizons. His sophomore album, Zeros, released in 2020, showcased a more experimental and ambitious sound, further cementing his status as a genre-defying artist.

    In addition to his musical prowess, Declan’s magnetic stage presence and engaging live performances have earned him a dedicated and enthusiastic fanbase. As Declan McKenna continues to evolve as an artist with recent hits such as “Sympathy”, he reaffirms his status as an exciting force in the music scene, capturing hearts with his authenticity, vulnerability, and undeniable talent.

    With his finger on the pulse of the issues that resonate with today’s youth, Declan’s music speaks to a generation, making him a relevant and essential voice in the modern music landscape.

    Declan McKenna’s electrifying performances at Brooklyn Steel and Webster Hall in New York City were nothing short of exhilarating. At Brooklyn Steel, a fan brought a stuffed Kermit the Frog plushie dressed as Declan, adding a whimsical touch to the show. During “Why Do You Feel So Down,” Declan took Kermit from the fan and playfully placed it on the speaker behind him. Later, during “Rapture,” he playfully threw Kermit into the air during a guitar breakdown, seamlessly blending fun and artistry.

    Declan’s boundless energy was infectious throughout the shows. He shed his suit jacket, fully immersing himself in the music, and asked the crowd if they wanted to dance before launching into “Isombard.” The response was overwhelming, with fans flailing and dancing passionately in the back of the crowd and pressing against the barricade up front, trying to get as close to Declan as possible.

    During “Sympathy,” the opener Eli Smart and his band joined Declan, playing tambourines and creating a church gospel choir vibe that had the crowd singing along with fervor. Declan’s skills on the keyboard were reminiscent of a piano virtuoso, adding another layer of talent to his already impressive performance.

    The encores were equally electrifying, with Declan taking off his shirt while keeping on his tie, exuding feral rockstar vibes. His cover of “All Things Must Pass” by George Harrison showcased his guitar prowess, and during the guitar solo, he ventured off the stage, held up by the crowd in a moment of sheer rock ‘n’ roll energy.

    The Webster Hall show was equally exhilarating, with Declan impressively leaping from piano to tambourine and back during “Isombard.” The crowd turned into a choir during the chorus of “Make Me Your Queen,” elevating the song’s emotional impact. Instead of the planned cover, Declan surprised the audience with “I’m the Man, That Will Find You,” by Connan Mockasin showcasing his versatility as an artist.

    As the second encore began with “British Bombs,” Declan took the energy to a whole new level, executing one-legged spin jumps and rolling on the ground while passionately belting out the last chorus. The show ended with Declan being handed bouquets from the adoring crowd, which he graciously accepted and posed triumphantly.

    Declan McKenna’s performances were nothing short of extraordinary, leaving the audience in awe of his talent, charisma, and sheer passion for his craft. With each song, he demonstrated his prowess as a musician and captivated the crowd with his authentic and unforgettable performances

    Declan McKenna Setlist: The Kids Don’t Wanna Come Home, Beautiful Faces, You Better Believe!!!, Be An Astronaut, My House, Why Do You Feel So Down, Humongous, Isombard, Daniel; You’re Still a Child, Rapture, Make Me Your Queen, Paracetamol, Twice Your Size, The Key to Life on Earth, Brazil, Sympathy

    Brooklyn Steel Encore: All Things Must Pass (George Harrison cover), British Bombs

    Webster Hall Encore: I’m the Man, That Will Find You (Connan Mockasin cover), British Bombs

    Stay up to date with Declan on socials and any updates from the tour here. 

  • Specialists and Space Carnival Set To Stop At Brooklyn Bowl on August 9

    Specialists and Space Carnival, two New York-based bands, will perform at Brooklyn Bowl on August 9. The show will also feature funk fusion group ShwizZ. Since 2017, the venue has not hosted Space Carnival, while Specialists are scheduled to make their Brooklyn Bowl debut.

    Specialists

    Spanning 23,000 sq. ft. Brooklyn Bowl is one of the most unique and dynamic event spaces in New York. Boasting a bowling alley, music venue, conference space, and much more, the Williamsburg location offers something for everyone. 

     I saw my first show at the Bowl in 2014, when I was just 16… My 16 year old self cannot believe this.

    Specialists’ guitarist Billy

    Specialists are a Brooklyn outfit that expertly blend together elements of rock, dance, and funk to create a fun and playful sound. The group puts together high energy performances that showcase the band’s extraordinary songwriting and musicianship. Specialists have performed all over NYC, including shows at Brooklyn Made and Wonder Bar. The band’s style and groove is the perfect sonic addition to any summer day. 

    Space Carnival

    Space Carnival is made up of Jeremy Kraus on guitar, Cameron Fitch on keys and vocals, Chris Meier on bass, and Josh West joining on drums. Originally created in 2013, the Oneonta band has amassed a following for its one-of-a-kind mixture of progressive rock, alternative rock, disco, and funk. 2023 has signaled the return of Space Carnival, as the group has plans to stop at festivals across the country as well as release new music. 

    Click here for tickets and information about the August 9 performances.

  • Are Women Gaining More Power As Artists?

    A question has been floated as of late: Are Women Saving New York Rap? The answer may not be as definitive as you think. Artists like Maiya the Don put forth lyrical bodies of work that provide refreshment and flavor to save the genre one song at a time. Do more of those individuals tend to be women?

    Maiya the Don in a gold parka

    No debate surrounds the fact that New York hip-hop could use saving. Much of what hits the mainstream airwaves recycles and regurgitates the same radio-friendly formulas. Therefore, I see the original question and raise it: Are Women Gaining more Power as Artists? While all signs point to yes, one Brooklyn individual, Maiya the Don particularly embodies the notion that women have become hip-hop powerhouses, not just an accessory.

    Women Increase Industry Footprint 

    As hip-hop grew, opportunities afforded to female artists were often limited. Often, having a woman in your crew was seen as the thing to do. Eve from Ruff Ryders exists as a prime example. Known as “a pitbull in a skirt,” Ruff Ryders chose her because she fit their rough-and-tumble type mold and she could rap very well. Without ascribing status or making assumptions – it is fair to say women have elevated their role within the hip-hop ecosystem.

    Cover Art for Maiya the Don’s hit single, Telfy

    Maiya the Don stomped confidently into her spot as a New York star. After gaining a large following on TikTok with videos displaying her beauty, makeup and personality – her manager helped position her within the music industry. While on TikTok, she promoted her music as a piece to the content puzzle. Doing so granted her the ability to speak as a representative of Black Visionary Voices – a TikTok initiative that recognizes Black creatives, business owners and cultural changemakers.

    @maiyathedon

    Laquan Smith Sping show NYFW 2023 Rainbow room 🫶🏼

    ♬ original sound – Maiya The Don
    Maiya the Don and Lola Brooke goof around backstage

    TikTok serves as a primary vehicle to transmit any message given that it has the least amount of barriers or hierarchy. Many artists will tease a snippet of their song as a ‘sound’ so that users can create videos which may cause the song to reach more listeners. Once snippets of Maiya the Don’s hit single, “Telfy” started to make the rounds – the beast of a song became difficult to contain.

    Starting from Scratch

    Maiya the Don knows how to communicate what she wants while making music. Her novice knowledge of the terms producers use does not limit her process, whatsoever. She still finds a way to verbalize where she wants what sounds to be placed to invoke maximum effect. When making a hit, all elements must be on point and that deals directly with tasteful tactics employed by people with expertise.

    Women who speak from the vantage point of strength and authenticity continue to receive their just due. As ladies become less of an accessory, Maiya the Don created massive viral buzz around her household hit, “Telfy.” Maiya’s fashionable accessory – the Telfar bag – served as the thematic cornerstone for the song that propelled her into the spotlight. The song carries all the core components of a hit sonically, makes fashion statements and most importantly – popularizing self-worth, confidence and hyper-femininity. 

    Women Evolve within Hip-Hop

    Throughout hip-hop history, many people presented women to the world through a one-dimensional lens. Nowadays, women like Maiya the Don reclaim power, demand respect and utilize fashion to reshape their role as hip-hop artists. A person who owns their narrative and creates a unique adaptation of their own aesthetic continually dismantles stereotypes and evolves as a powerhouse.

    Maiya the Don’s Second Single – Dusties

    Women of today refuse to be treated as lesser. Maiya the Don firmly cements her feet in hip-hop concrete by embracing sexual objectification in order to use it to her advantage. Today’s women operate with liberation in mind, speak up for what they want and function as empowered sexual beings. Having her needs fulfilled cannot come second as Maiya the Don will not stop until she reaches her goals.

    Catch her live in concert on Day 3 of Rolling Loud in Miami, FL on July 23rd, although Maiya has the best stage presence in New York.

    Maiya spoke with BleuMag about her favorite performance, saying “Probably Albany, New York. It was a huge crowd, and I got to open up for Glorilla, who I love. I think she’s so hard. That was my best performance by the way. I’ve never felt like that before.. I was shocked because I was pretty far from home. The fact that they were going that hard for me had me, like, Period!”

    @maiyathedon

    light showwwwwww ALBANY NY💛💛💛💛💛

    ♬ original sound – Maiya The Don

  • Watch: Sleepy Hallow Puts Sheff G On The Phone at Rolling Loud

    As Rolling Loud Miami came and went, fans got to enjoy a host of performances by over 100 of hip hop’s best acts. Likewise, there were those unable to take part for various reasons. Notably, Lil Durk did not perform due to his recent hospitalization for dehydration. Likewise, Sheff G did not take part but due to his recent legal troubles. The troubled-but-talented Brooklyn native was to make his much-awaited return at Rolling Loud Miami after serving nearly two years behind bars for gun possession. However, the “We Getting Money” rapper got himself in hot water after he and close friend Sleepy Hallow were part of a large-scale gang indictment.

    Winners Circle Entertainment/ Sleepy Hallow – Rolling Loud Miami 2021 (Show Recap)/Youtube

    As for Sheff G in particular, the indictment accuses him of offering up money and expensive jewelry in exchange for the commission of violent acts. In one alleged incident, Sheff G organized a crew of three shooters, drove them to a crime scene, and then acted as the getaway driver.

    “Sheff G became a prominent member of this gang and became central to our investigation,” said Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez. “Sheff G used a lot of the money that he earned to facilitate further gang activity. He encouraged gang members to participate in violent crimes.”

    Sleepy Hallow Puts Sheff G on The Phone

    While Sleepy Hallow was able to bail out and make his Rolling Loud dates, the latest charges were a major setback for Sheff G who was initially scheduled to be released sometime in June and had teased his return to the stage at Rolling Loud. In light of his close friend’s circumstances, Sleepy Hallow bridged the gap between Sheff G and the fans by putting the incarcerated rapper on the phone, to much fanfare from the crowd.

    In the short clip, Sheff G gets the Rolling Loud crowd amped by telling them to “turn the f**ck up.” With the drill scene’s recent stagnation Sheff G’s presence woud’ve been a major boost for New York hip hop. The Brooklynite is one of the most talented young rappers from the new-age and is one of the key figures that helped spark the drill scene in New York.

  • Brooklyn’s Paramount Theatre To Be Renovated with Live Nation Partnership

    Long Island University’s (LIU) long-running restoration of the Brooklyn Paramount Theatre is expected to be completed in the first or second quarter of 2024. This will be accomplished with the aid of Live Nation, which currently has a 25-year operating lease for the building.

    Brooklyn Paramount Theatre exterior in 1948. Credit: Long Island University.

    Plans originally began in 2015 with Onexim, a company owned by Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov, but progress halted as Onexim looked for new investors to take over operations. This, combined with the COVID-19 pandemic, significantly offset any chance of an as-planned 2019 reopening.

    In a recent meeting in June 2023 with Brooklyn’s Community Board 2’s Health, Environment & Social Services Committee, progress was shown by Live Nation representatives, though the page on LIU’s website has yet to be updated. It will be opening as the LIU Brooklyn Paramount Theatre.

    Rendering of Flatbush Avenue facade of LIU Brooklyn and the Brooklyn Paramount signage. The current plan for the exterior has changed to be less pronounced than this rendering. Credit: H3 Hardy Collaboration Architecture.

    The Paramount Theatre originally operated from 1928 to 1962 as a live performance venue and was also the first theater designed to show talking movies. It helped introduce Jazz to Brooklyn and was an early home to Rock. The Theatre had performances by iconic musicians, such as Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis, Bing Crosby, Buddy Holly, and Chuck Berry.

    In 1962, the Paramount Theatre closed its doors. LIU would go on to turn the location into a gym, though it retained the original Rococo-style ceiling and other decorative details. The gym at what once was the Paramount would be replaced, and plans for the restoration would be made. It is hoped by LIU that the renovations will bring opportunities for internships and hands-on experience across disciplines.

    The original 2015 plan had a $50 million budget, but current numbers have not been released.

    Brooklyn Paramount Theatre interior in 1937. Credit: Long Island University

    The theatre is still home to one of two working models of the Wurlitzer 4/26 orchestral organ, the other at home in Radio City. The 1928 instrument is the only one that is still 100% original, and it is maintained by the New York Theatre Organ Society (NYTOS). It is capable of replicating the sound of a full symphony orchestra through a single, very intricate instrument.

  • Les Claypool’s Frog Brigade Announces Fall Tour, Palace Theatre and Brooklyn Steel Shows

    Tickets are now available for Les Claypool’s Fearless Flying Frog Brigade’s “Hunt For Green October” fall tour, with dates in Brooklyn and Albany. The rock band recently reformed after a 20-year hiatus, and has just completed their “Summer of Green” tour.

    The band was originally formed by Les Claypool in 2000 during a break from his other band, Primus, with a debut appearance at the Mountain Aire Festival. They would go on to tour around the U.S., release two live albums, and release the studio album, Purple Onion.

    Claypool himself has also been involved with Primus’s recent “A Tribute To Kings” tour, as well as Primus’s first new music in over five years. This 3-track EP, Conspiranoid, includes the 11-minute “Conspiranoia.”

    Les Claypool’s Frog Brigade will have a new, two-set show for their fall tour, going more into their catalog. The “Hunt For Green October” tour will be the last opportunity to hear the Frog Brigade’s take on Pink Floyd‘s Animals. The song will be played at every show in its entirety.

    Let’s put it this way… I think, with Primus and without, I’ve played every music festival in the last ten years, except Lilith Fair. You could say I’m the guy who doesn’t fit in anywhere, but a little bit everywhere.

    Les Claypool

    Upcoming Tour Dates

    Oct. 11 – Fox Theater – Oakland, CA

    Oct. 12 – Riverside Municipal Auditorium – Riverside, CA

    Oct. 14 – El Rey Theater – Albuquerque, NM

    Oct. 15 – Mission Ballroom – Denver, CO

    Oct. 17 – The Factory – St. Louis, MO

    Oct. 18 – Salt Shed – Chicago, IL

    Oct. 20 – The Palace Theatre – Albany, NY

    Oct. 21 – Toyota Oakdale Theatre – Wallingford, CT

    Oct. 22 – Brooklyn Steel – Brooklyn, NY

    Oct. 24 – Wellmont Theater – Montclair, NJ

    Oct. 25 – Fillmore – Philadelphia, PA

    Oct. 27 – Hulaween – Live Oak, FL

    Oct. 29 – The Fillmore – Charlotte, NC

    Oct. 30 – Andrew J. Brady Music Center – Cincinnati, OH

    Oct. 31 – Ryman Auditorium – Nashville, TN

    More information and tickets can be found on Les Claypool’s website.

  • Brooklyn Conservatory of Music’s Upcoming Midsummer Nights Concert Series

    The Brooklyn Conservatory of Music (BKCM) has announced the dates of events for its upcoming Midsummer Nights concert series, which will kick off with a special event featuring the recent recipients of the Jazz Leader Fellowship. The free events will take place in July and August, and will be outdoor in front of the BKCM building.

    BKCM is dedicated to giving every New Yorker access to high-quality music instruction and music therapy, as well as to supporting the musical talents of traditionally underserved New York communities. The all-ages event has been curated by BKCM Jazz Leaders Fellow Jasmine Wilson. All events are held at 6:30 p.m..

    Upcoming Shows

    Courtney Wright and Jazz Leader Fellowship Recipients – July 20

    Courtney Wright is a composer and baritone saxophonist based in Brooklyn, and she leads her own quintet and jazz orchestra that plays her original compositions. She will be joined by the winners of the third year of the BKCM Jazz Leaders Fellowship, Melanie Charles and Olithea Anglin (also known as Miss Olithea).

    Melanie Charles has made a name for herself through genre fusions with jazz, soul, rhythm and blues. She has lead a project called “Make Jazz Trill Again” since 2016, focused on taking jazz out of the museum and onto the streets.

    Miss Olithea is a singer, songwriter, producer, and sound healing practitioner, as well as a proud member of the renowned Burnt Sugar Arkestra Chamber. In November 2020, she started her own private studio known as “The Vocal Journey.”

    Courtney Wright

    Akua Dixon – July 27

    Akua Dixon is a cellist, composer, conductor, and educator. She has been at the forefront of improvising string since 1973, and was the first cellist to win the Downbeat Critics Poll. Dixon is also a multi-laureate of the National Endowment for the Arts in composition and performance.

    Akua Dixon

    Milena Casado – Aug. 3

    Milena Casado is a composer, flugelhorn, and trumpet player hailing from Spain. Casado has played with prominent artists, such as Terri Lyne Carrington, Kris Davis, Aaron Parks, Jazzmeia Horn, Jorge Rossy, Francisco Mela, and Kenny Werner.

    Milena Casado

    Charisa the ViolinDiva – Aug. 10

    Charisa the ViolinDiva is a souljazz violinist and vocalist who has challenged the preconceptions of what a violinist can do in contemporary music. Her talent has led her to perform alongside artists such as Lauryn Hill, Paul McCartney, Vivian Green, Kim Burrell, Cyndi Lauper, and Quincy Jones.

    Charisa the ViolinDiva

    No RSVP is needed to attend any of these free events. More information can be found on BKCM’s website.