Four-time Grammy award-winning and multi-platinum-selling Canadian rapper Drake announced his 2024 US Tour “It’s All A Blur Tour – Big As The What” with American rapper and producer J.Cole featuring two stops at KeyBank Center in Buffalo on Tuesday, Feb. 27, and Wednesday, Feb. 28 and two in Belmont Park at UBS Arena on March 14 and 15.
Drake is a Canadian born hip hop artist who first emerged in the music industry in 2009 when he debuted his EP So Far Gone, named the hottest mixtape of the year by MTV and selling over 650,000 copies. Since his emerging success Drake has focused on his development and creation of music, leading to some of his most praised work. Drake embraces the hip-hop culture while integrating R&B and pop to create a languid, grandiose sound. Some of his fan favorites include “Nice For What”, “God’s Plan”, “One Dance (with Wizkid and Kyla)”, “Controlla” and many other record breaking hits.
The upcoming tour follows Drake’s successful return to the stage after his 2023 “It’s All A Blur” Tour, which saw Drake perform 50 sold out area shows across North America throughout the summer and fall. Most recently, Drake released his eighth studio album For All The Dogs featuring ten collaborations with top charting artists SZA, Bad Bunny, J.Cole and more.
Pre-sale tickets will be available beginning on Wednesday, November 15, followed by general tickets on Friday, November 17. For more information please visit here.
DRAKE ‘IT’S ALL A BLUR TOUR – BIG AS THE WHAT?’ 2024 TOUR DATES:
Thu, Jan 18 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena +
Fri, Jan 19 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena
Mon, Jan 22 – San Antonio, TX – Frost Bank Center
Thu, Jan 25 – Oklahoma City, OK – Paycom Center
Mon, Jan 29 – New Orleans, LA – Smoothie King Center
Tue, Jan 30 – New Orleans, LA – Smoothie King Center
Fri, Feb 02 – Tampa, FL – Amalie Arena
Wed, Feb 07 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena
Thu, Feb 08 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena
Mon, Feb 12 – St. Louis, MO – Enterprise Center
Fri, Feb 16 – Pittsburgh, PA – PPG Paints Arena
Tue, Feb 20 – Columbus, OH – Schottenstein Center
Wed, Feb 21 – Columbus, OH – Schottenstein Center
Sat, Feb 24 – Cleveland, OH – Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
Tue, Feb 27 – Buffalo, NY – KeyBank Center
Wed, Feb 28 – Buffalo, NY – KeyBank Center
Sat, Mar 02 – Kansas City, MO – T-Mobile Center
Tue, Mar 05 – Memphis, TN – FedExForum
Sun, Mar 10 – Lexington, KY – Rupp Arena
Thu, Mar 14 – Belmont Park, NY – UBS Arena
Fri, Mar 15 – Belmont Park, NY – UBS Arena
Mon, Mar 18 – State College, PA – Bryce Jordan Center
Sat, Mar 23 – Sunrise, FL – Amerant Bank Arena
Wed, Mar 27 – Birmingham, AL – The Legacy Arena at BJCC
Seven-time GRAMMY Award-winning singer/songwriter Alanis Morissette has announced 31 North America shows for The Triple Moon Tour, with stops in Wantagh and Bethel. This new tour will feature special guest Rock and Roll Hall of Fame icon Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, along with support from Morgan Wade.
Since 1995, Alanis Morissette has been one of the most influential singer-songwriter-musicians in contemporary music. Her deeply expressive music and performances have earned vast critical praise and seven Grammy awards. Morissette’s 1995 debut, “Jagged Little Pill,” was followed by nine more eclectic and acclaimed albums. She has contributed musically to theatrical releases and has acted on the big and small screen.
Outside of entertainment, she is an avid supporter of female empowerment, as well as spiritual, psychological, and physical wellness. In 2001, Alanis was awarded the Global Tolerance Award by the Friends of the United Nations for her contributions to promoting tolerance through the arts. In 2016, Alanis launched Conversation with Alanis Morissette, a monthly podcast that features conversations with a variety of revered authors, doctors, educators, and therapists, covering a wide range of psychosocial topics extending from spirituality to developmentalism to art.
On December 5, 2019, “Jagged Little Pill” the musical made its Broadway debut at the Broadhurst Theatre in New York City. The show was nominated for fifteen Tony Awards and won 2 Tony Awards at the 2021 ceremony. In July of 2020, Alanis released her ninth studio album, Such Pretty Forks In The Road, to rave reviews. In August of 2021, Alanis kicked off her sold out world tour celebrating 25 years of Jagged Little Pill. The tour became the #1 female-fronted tour from 2021 and also one of the Top Worldwide Tours of 2021 selling over 500,000 tickets. Alanis also stars in Fox’s sitcom, “The Great North,” which is set to return for season 4 in 2024.
To celebrate the upcoming holiday season, Morissette released a new Christmas single on November 3. The track “Last Christmas” is a part of an EP featuring previously released Alanis holiday covers of John Lennon & Yoko Ono’s “Happy Xmas (War is Over)”, William Chatterton Dix’s “What child is this?”, and Katherine Kennicott Davis’ “Little Drummer Boy”. All four covers are available on a limited edition red and green 10’ vinyl as well as all streaming platforms.
Joan Jett grew up during a time when rock ‘n’ roll was off limits to girls and women, but as a teenager, she promptly blew the door to the boys’ club right off its hinges. After forming her band the Blackhearts in 1979, with whom Jett has become a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, she has had eight platinum and gold albums and nine Top 40 singles, including the classics “Bad Reputation,” “I Love Rock ‘N’ Roll,” “I Hate Myself For Loving You,” and “Crimson and Clover.”
With a career that has spanned music, film, television, Broadway, and humanitarianism, Joan Jett remains a potent force and inspiration to generations of fans worldwide. As a producer, she has overseen seminal albums by Bikini Kill, and the Germs’ LA punk masterpiece ‘GI.’
Jett and Kenny Laguna (her longtime producer and music partner) co-founded Blackheart Records from the trunk of Kenny’s Cadillac after rejections from no less than 23 labels. 40 years later, Blackheart is a thriving entertainment company producing music, film and television, and continues to champion emerging bands. Joan Jett and the Blackhearts continue to tour the world with headlining shows alongside fellow rock legends like The Who, Green Day, Heart, and Foo Fighters. ‘Bad Reputation,’ a documentary about Jett’s life, premiered to critical acclaim at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival. Following up on the bands 2022 release Changeup, their first-ever acoustic album, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts EP Mindsets will be a RSD First vinyl release on 11/24. Mindsets is available to stream now.
“I am inspired and heartened and feel giddy inside to be going on this upcoming summer tour with Joan and Morgan and all our teams,” Morissette said. “Can’t wait to see you, can’t wait to perform!”
One of Nashville’s fastest-rising and most critically acclaimed young stars, Morgan Wade released her much-anticipated sophomore album, Psychopath, Aug. 25 via Sony Music Nashville. Possessed with a raw and unflinching voice anchored by a perfect tinge of twang; the rare ability to pen honest portraits of some of life’s most precious, painful, and unpredictable moments; and an onstage vulnerability that so seamlessly breaks down the wall between fan and artist, Wade has quickly made her mark on the country music scene — and the music world at large. Her stunning 2021 debut album, Reckless, was hailed as a critical triumph; it topped Rolling Stone’s Best Country and Americana Albums of 2021. In 2022, Wade was nominated as the Emerging Act of the Year at the Americana Music Honors & Awards. Followed by 2023, when Wade was nominated for New Female Artist of the Year by the Academy of Country Music and performed at major-market festivals including Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits.
While Reckless, and particularly its momentous lead single “Wilder Days,” busted down the doors and introduced Wade to a wider listenership, Psychopath is an astounding follow-up statement: the 13-track LP was crafted with the help of some of Nashville’s most extraordinary musical talents, from A-list songwriters (Julia Michaels, Natalie Hemby, Liz Rose, Lori McKenna) to studio musicians as well as Wade’s longtime producer Sadler Vaden. Most excitingly, Psychopath finds Wade peeling back layers of her psyche like never before. “I realized the more authentic you are and the more you pour yourself into your songs, and most importantly if you’re being honest, people will connect to that,” Wade says.
THE TRIPLE MOON TOUR DATES:
Featuring special guest Joan Jett & the Blackhearts and support from Morgan Wade
Sun Jun 09 – Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre
Wed Jun 12 – Austin, TX – Moody Center
Fri Jun 14 – Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion
Sun Jun 16 – Houston, TX – Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Presented by Huntsman
Wed Jun 19 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre*
Thu Jun 20 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre*
Sat Jun 22 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheater
Sun Jun 23 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena
Wed Jun 26 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion
Thu Jun 27 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
Sat Jun 29 – Columbia, MD – Merriweather Post Pavilion
Fri Jul 05 – Bethel, NY – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
Sat Jul 06 – Hartford, CT – Xfinity Theatre
Tue Jul 09 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center
Wed Jul 10 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
Tue Jul 13 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage
Tue Jul 16 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre
Wed Jul 17 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center
Tue Jul 23 – Maryland Heights, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
Wed Jul 24 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center
Sat Jul 27 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center
Sun Jul 28 – Milwaukee, WI – American Family Insurance Amphitheater
Wed Jul 31 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena
Thu Aug 01 – Salt Lake City, UT – USANA Amphitheatre
Sat Aug 03 – Auburn, WA – White River Amphitheatre
Sun Aug 04 – Portland, OR – Moda Center
Wed Aug 07 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre
Thu Aug 08 – Palm Springs, CA – Acrisure Arena
Fri Aug 10 – Inglewood, CA – Kia Forum
*With support from Joan Jett and the Blackhearts only
Tickets will be available starting with a Citi presale (details below) beginning on Tuesday, November 14. Additionally, fans can sign up for Morissette’s mailing list by Wednesday, November 15 to get first access to presale tickets. More presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general on-sale beginning on Friday, November 17 at 10 am at alanis.com.
Citi is the official card of the Triple Moon Tour. Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets beginning on Tuesday, November 14 at 10 am until Thursday, November 16 at 10 pm through the Citi Entertainment program. For complete presale details visit this website.
The tour will also offer a variety of different VIP packages and experiences for fans to take their concert experience to the next level. For more information, visit alanis.com.
The Bacon Brothers are set to play two upcoming shows in New York, as they continue their fall tour lineup across the country. Brothers Kevin and Michael Bacon banded together in 1995 to form The Bacon Brothers, an official name to the musical pairing that has been around since their childhood.
Having released 11 collections of music since then, the duo is looking ahead to two shows in New York State: November 17 at Albany’s The Egg, and November 18 at Westbury’s The Space.
Photo Credit: Jeff Fasano
The Bacon Brothers titled their first album, Forosoco, after their self-described genre, blending folk, rock, soul, and country influences. Most recently, they released “Philly Thing,” a single dedicated to their hometown of Philadelphia. The song benefitted charities Rock to the Future and Kevin Bacon’s own SixDegrees.org.
NYS Music had the chance to interview The Bacon Brothers ahead of their upcoming NYS shows, talking all things music, family, and upcoming projects.
Cara Denton: You’ve coined your own genre – forosoco. As you began your music careers, did you ever feel limited by genre categories, or was it a natural part of your philosophies to work outside those categories?
Michael Bacon: Forosoco is a non-category. Genre distinctions have been a part of popular culture since the radio was invented. It helps the music business focus on narrow marketing strategies that streamline their business model. The key to success in any endeavor is to find out what is different about yourself and get really good at that.
Kevin Bacon: We just go where the song takes us. Sometimes they feel more folky, rocky, soulful, or country. We’ve always said to ourselves let’s not try to stick to a “sound” let’s have our lack of a sound be our sound.
CD: What artists, instruments, or genres of music have shaped your musical education throughout your lives?
MB: I’ve always had two parallel worlds in art music (cello, oboe) and folk music (banjo, guitar ukulele, etc…). As a composer and songwriter, every day I draw from the unique musical ambiance provided by our parents in the house in which the 6 of us grew up.
KB: Wow so many. Starting with Michael and our sister playing guitars and harmonizing. Motown. British Invasion. TSOP. James and Joni. And on and on. I love drums. I had a drum kit in our basement. And congas. Bongos. Etc.
CD: What does playing a show in New York City look like for you? Any pre-show rituals, sightseeing, or food spots you like to hit?
MB: It’s our hometown and beats flying or driving to distant venues. It’s a ten-minute subway ride to City Winery.
KB: Sightseeing?! I’ve lived in NYC since 1976 so pretty much seen the sights. My favorite slice is Joe’s on Carmine if that helps.
CD: Family is a binding force and an important factor in your musicianship – how does that shape your performances, songwriting, or experience as musicians?
MB: Ours is a family business. Families draw apart when they lack connection. I’m really proud, and I take some credit for my brother’s success in the music business.
KB: Family is everything.
CD: Do you have any practices or hobbies outside of music that you turn to to find inspiration or rejuvenate your creativity?
MB: I enjoy sailboat racing, motorboats and crossword puzzles.
KB: Animals and nature. Being on a horse, riding through the hills.
CD: What’s next for the Bacon Brothers? Any new styles, collaborations, or new developments you’re particularly excited about trying?
MB: I’m hoping one of the new songs catches a wave and a lot of people love it.
KB: Very excited about the new record. Never thought we would make this much music!
An ever-musical family, The Bacon Brothers continue to yield tour dates and new music to come. Their recent EP, Erato, released in July of 2022, with five brand new songs. The title track features a belting chorus, resonant guitar strumming, and catchy lyrics. The duo is touring across the country now, with tickets for their shows in Albany and Westbury now available.
BACON BROTHERS UPCOMING TOUR DATES
Nov 11 – Larchwood, IA – Grand Falls Casino and Golf Resort
New Kids on the Block, the Boston native pop act, announced the Magic Summer 2024 Tour, reviving their 1990 tour of the same name.
Special guests Paula Abdul and DJ Jazzy Jeff will join the group as they embark, with stops in Wantagh, Saratoga Springs, and Darien Center.
The tour will kick off on June 14 in Cuyahoga Falls, OH, with stops in Denver, Phoenix, Dallas, Philadelphia, and Toronto. The group will make stops in New York at Wantagh’s Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater on August 4, Saratoga Springs’ Broadview Stage at SPAC on August 11, and Darien Center’s Darien Lake Amphitheater on August 22.
The true ‘magic’ of this tour is in the music, the moments and the memories that we get to create – and recreate – with our amazing fans each night. Feeling all the nostalgic feels of the original Magic Summer, with the bond that we’ve shared throughout the years, will make for a most magical time indeed.
Donnie Wahlberg
As a revival of their 1990 Magic Summer Tour, New Kids on the Block will perform a selection of their greatest hits, fan favorite tracks, and deep cuts for diehard fans. The tour is their first predominantly outdoor tour in 15 years, with many of the same venues from the 1990 tour.
New Kids on the Block will release a revamped version of their 2008 comeback album, The Block Revisited, on November 3. The release will celebrate 15 years since their return from hiatus.
TICKETS: Tickets will be available starting with Fanclub and CITI presales beginning on Wednesday, November 1. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general on-sale beginning on Friday, November 3 at 10 AM at LiveNation.com.
New Kids on the Block Upcoming Tour Dates
June 14 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center
June 15 – Tinley Park, IL – Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre
June 18 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre
June 19 – Burgettstown, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake
June 21 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center
June 22 – Maryland Heights, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
June 23 – Prior Lake, MN – Mystic Amphitheater
June 25 – Kansas City, MO – Starlight Theatre
June 26 – Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP
June 28 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena
June 29 – Salt Lake City, UT – USANA Amphitheatre
July 1 – Highland, CA – Yaamava’ Theater **
July 2 – Wheatland, CA – Toyota Amphitheatre
July 3 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre
July 5 – Inglewood, CA – Kia Forum
July 6 – Palm Desert, CA – Acrisure Arena
July 7 – Chula Vista, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
July 9 – Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre
July 10 – Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater
July 12 – Austin, TX – Germania Insurance Amphitheater
July 13 – The Woodlands, TX – Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Presented by Huntsman
July 14 – Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion
July 16 – Franklin, TN – FirstBank Amphitheater
July 17 – Franklin, TN – FirstBank Amphitheater
July 19 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
July 20 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre
July 21 – Jacksonville, FL – Daily’s Place
July 25 – Charleston, SC – Credit One Stadium
July 26 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
July 27 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion
July 28 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park
August 1 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach
August 2 – Hartford, CT – XFINITY Theatre
August 3 – Hershey, PA – Hersheypark Stadium
August 4 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
August 8 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center
August 9 – Gilford, NH – BankNH Pavilion
August 10 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center
August 11 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Broadview Stage at SPAC
August 15 – Philadelphia, PA – TD Pavilion at the Mann
August 16 – Columbia, MD – Merriweather Post Pavilion
August 17 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage
August 22 – Darien Center, NY – Darien Lake Amphitheater
August 23 – Columbus, OH – Nationwide Arena
August 24 – Milwaukee, WI – American Family Insurance Amphitheater
New York duo Frog return with their fifth album, Grog, a collection of gorgeous Indie Americana full of the nostalgia, hope, defeat, and lust.l
Frog is made up of brothers Danny (songwriting) and Steve Bateman (drums, percussion, backup vocals).
While Steve believes a lot of his albums felt as if they took place in real-world cities (such as New York, and LA in the 70s), Steve describes this new album as taking place in Hades. He writes, “The whole thing is bathed in flames and the grooves are bubbling and the devil is a DJ smiling broadly.”
Eclectic and wildly creative, Frog’s new fully-realized LP veers from the gorgeous grooving funk of “Black on Black on Black” to the classic pop of “Maybelline” before “New Ro” exemplifies the “gothic and cartoonish” characteristics that songwriter Daniel Bateman describes his latest work with.
Sometimes it’s Jonathan Richman, sometimes it’s Hall & Oates, sometimes it’s Billy Joel, sometimes it’s Steely Dan, sometimes it’s Townes Van Zandt…but it’s always Frog.
“There are really exciting places we were able to get to on this record, places that I didn’t know existed before I found them. It feels both gothic and cartoonish to me, big gargoyles, dark skies, storms, but the statues are of ‘Aaahh!!! Real Monsters.’ Every song is a step deeper into the abyss.”
Daniel Bateman
Grog will be released both via CD and digital on November 17 and launched with a performance at YoFi Fest 11 (Yonkers, NY) which accompanies a screening of their “Kings of Blah” documentary.
On the evening of Tuesday, October 24, Huntington, Long Island was treated to a blistering performance by the legendary punk rock band Bad Religion. The Paramount, a renowned venue on Long Island, was almost sold out as fans eagerly awaited a night of high-energy music and a setlist spanning the band’s impressive 40-plus-year career.
Formed in 1980 by a group of punk rock enthusiasts in Los Angeles, California, Bad Religion has since become a driving force in the punk and alternative music scenes. Known for their thought-provoking and socially-conscious lyrics, the band has released numerous albums that have left a lasting impact on the genre. With a unique blend of punk and melodic sensibilities, they have earned a dedicated fan base worldwide. The current lineup includes Greg Graffin as the lead singer, Jay Bentley on bass, Brian Baker on guitar, Mike Dimkich on guitar, and Jamie Miller on drums.
The October 24 show was part of Bad Religion’s 2023 North American tour, which consisted of an impressive 22 shows. This leg of the tour was set to culminate at the Starland Ballroom in New Jersey on October 29, after which the band was scheduled to take their electrifying act overseas to Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Colombia in December.
Bad Religion took the stage to raucous applause and immediately launched into their set. They opened with “The Defense,” and from that moment on, it was non-stop punk rock euphoria. The band expertly weaved their way through their extensive discography, performing fan favorites like “Against the Grain,” “Infected,” “No Control,” “Sorrow,” “Generator,” and many more.
One remarkable aspect of the performance was the relentless mosh pit that raged at the center of the floor, where bodies surged and collided in a frenetic dance of exhilaration. People were continually crowd surfing, their figures soaring over the rail, borne aloft by a sea of outstretched hands. In the midst of this chaotic fervor, Bad Religion displayed their unwavering energy and enthusiasm, traits that have been the hallmark of their live shows for over four decades. Their music, often delving into pressing societal and political issues, struck a deep chord with the crowd. Fans not only sang along and shouted their approval but also joined the relentless mosh pit, passionately responding to the band’s contagious punk anthems.
The climax of the night came with the encore, which featured one of their most iconic songs, “American Jesus.” In total, Bad Religion played an impressive 26 songs, showcasing the depth of their catalog and their enduring ability to captivate audiences.
A special mention must be made of the opening act, Speed of Light. Comprised of a group of young, talented musicians, this band had the honor of warming up the crowd for Bad Religion. Riley Christensen, a 16-year-old prodigy, took center stage as the lead singer, bassist, and songwriter. Her older brother, Cameron Christensen, at 19 years old, played guitar, sang backup, and also contributed to the band’s songwriting. Completing the trio was Tyler Christensen, the drummer, who not only kept the rhythm but also provided backup vocals and songwriting.
The night of October 24 at The Paramount in Huntington, Long Island, was a memorable one for punk rock enthusiasts. Bad Religion delivered a performance that not only showcased their enduring talent but also underlined the continued relevance of their music. As they continued their North American tour and looked forward to their international dates, it was clear that Bad Religion’s legacy in the world of punk rock remained as vibrant as ever. The show was a testament to the timelessness of their music, and fans left the venue with a sense of satisfaction, knowing they had been part of something truly special.
Setlist: The Defense, Against the Grain, Past is Dead, Anesthesia, Wrong Way Kids, To Another Abyss, Fuck You, Requiem for Dissent, Infected, My Sanity, Portrait of Authority, Delirium of Disorder, No Control, Do What You Want, Recipe for Hate, We’re Only Gonna Die, Los Angeles is Burning, 21st Century (Digital Boy), Drunk Sincerity, Candidate, I Want to Conquer the World, Sorrow, You, Fuck Armageddon…This is Hell, Generator, American Jesus
As the Thanksgiving season approaches, Long Island prepares to offer a special treat to music enthusiasts and fans of the legendary Billy Joel. The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF) proudly presents the ‘Billy Joel – My Life, A Piano Man’s Journey’ exhibit, set to open this Thanksgiving weekend for a limited time.
This exhibit invites visitors to embark on an extraordinary journey spanning over five decades, exploring rare memorabilia, personal experiences, and the remarkable career of the iconic “Piano Man.” Don’t miss your chance to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The team responsible for this remarkable exhibit, along with music enthusiasts and the press, came together on Friday, October 20, for an exciting press conference to unveil their plans. During the conference, they shared insights about the exhibit’s development, its significance in celebrating Long Island’s musical legacy, and the excitement of honoring Billy Joel’s storied career. We are thrilled and honored to present the Billy Joel exhibit everyone has been waiting for,” exclaimed Ernie Canadeo, Chairman of the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF). Canadeo’s enthusiasm reflects the dedication of the entire LIMEHOF team in making this exhibit a reality.
Renowned designer and LIMEHOF board member, Kevin O’Callaghan, is the creative mastermind behind the exhibit. O’Callaghan has an impressive track record, having previously designed the Hall of Fame and its current exhibit to much acclaim. The collaboration between O’Callaghan and Canadeo has been instrumental in bringing the exhibit to life. They have worked closely with Billy Joel throughout the past year, presenting exhibit plans and designs to him multiple times and receiving his valuable input. Their dedication has culminated in a final design that is ready to be created, ensuring a captivating and authentic representation of Billy Joel’s remarkable journey. The expertise and vision of these individuals have played a pivotal role in making the ‘Billy Joel – My Life, A Piano Man’s Journey’ exhibit a reality that promises to exceed expectations.
Key Features of the Exhibit
Rare Memorabilia: The exhibit will feature an array of rare memorabilia, from original sheet music to instruments used during Joel’s performances. Fans can expect to see treasured artifacts that will transport them back to the moments that shaped Billy Joel’s career.
Interactive Displays: Visitors can immerse themselves in the world of Billy Joel through interactive displays that allow you to get a feel for his iconic piano performances. These displays will transport you to the front row of some of his most memorable concerts.
Behind-the-Scenes Insights: Discover the man behind the music with personal anecdotes and insights from Billy Joel himself. These glimpses into his life will provide a unique perspective on his journey.
Music and Lyrics: Explore the creation process of some of his most famous songs through handwritten lyrics and original musical compositions, giving visitors an intimate understanding of his artistry.
Videos and Interviews: The exhibit will also feature a collection of rare videos and interviews, shedding light on Joel’s thoughts, inspirations, and experiences over the years.
The ‘Billy Joel – My Life, A Piano Man’s Journey’ exhibit at the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame is a Thanksgiving gift to music lovers and Billy Joel enthusiasts alike. With over five decades of rare memorabilia, personal insights, and limited-time engagement, this exhibit promises to be a memorable experience for all who attend. Join in the celebration of Billy Joel’s legendary career and the enduring power of music at this extraordinary event. Get your tickets now and make your Thanksgiving weekend truly special by discovering the remarkable journey of the iconic “Piano Man.”
In addition to the thrilling ‘Billy Joel – My Life, A Piano Man’s Journey’ exhibit, the celebration of the iconic musician doesn’t stop there. Billy Joel’s profound connection to his hometown has been recognized and honored in a remarkable way. In a heartfelt gesture, Oyster Bay, Long Island, decided to pay homage to its musical legend by renaming a section of Audrey Avenue to ‘Billy Joel Way.’ This act of appreciation culminated in a poignant ceremony where the town also bestowed upon Billy Joel a Key to the City.
On Saturday night, October 14, the Patchogue Theatre in New York came alive with the spellbinding music and visual artistry of the legendary guitarist, Andy Summers. The crowd gathered in anticipation of a performance that promised to be much more than just a concert. As part of his tour entitled “The Cracked Lens + A Missing String,” Andy Summers combined his exceptional guitar skills with a unique multimedia presentation.
The show kicked off with the hauntingly beautiful “Tru Nature,” setting the tone for what was to come. With his distinctive guitar style and unparalleled skill, Summers effortlessly transported the audience into a world of musical wonder. The setlist was an eclectic mix of his solo works and iconic songs from his time with The Police, making it an experience that catered to fans both old and new.
What truly set this evening apart were the interludes between songs, during which Summers shared captivating anecdotes. These stories offered a glimpse into the inspirations and experiences that shaped his music and life. One unforgettable tale involved an accidental overdose of Ambien, which left him with no memory of how he made it from the plane to his hotel. This candid storytelling offered a humorous yet humanizing perspective on the legendary artist.
The evening continued with songs like “The Last Dance of Mr. X” and “Tea in the Sahara,” which not only showcased Summers’ musical virtuosity but also his storytelling ability. Each song became more than just a composition; it transformed into a vivid narrative that resonated deeply with the audience.
Another remarkable story recounted Summers’ adventures with the late John Belushi, where they embarked on a journey involving magic mushroom omelets. The audience was transported into this wild and unexpected adventure through Summers’ vivid storytelling, making them feel like they were right there with him.
The visual component of the show was equally mesmerizing. Behind Summers, a large screen displayed a collage of photographs he had taken throughout his storied career. These visuals served as a stunning backdrop, creating a visual narrative that harmonized with the music. The result was an immersive experience that combined sound and sight, forging a profound connection between the artist and the audience.
The show culminated with the iconic “Message in a Bottle,” leaving the audience with a lasting memory of an extraordinary evening that transcended the boundaries of a typical concert.
Setlist: True Nature, Metal Dog, The Bones of Twang Zu, The Last Dance of Mr X, Tea in the Sahara, Round Midnight, Spain, Roxanne, Manha de carnaval, A Felicidade, Triboluminescence, Spirits in the Material World, Bring on the Night, Message in a Bottle
The Illusion, a Long Island based psychedelic rock band from the 1960s and 70s was recently inducted into the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHoF). At the induction ceremony, the group performed onstage for the first time in 51 years.
The Illusion made a name for themselves touring with the likes of The Who, The Allman Brothers Band, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, and more. The group’s first single was released in 1968, with their debut album, The Illusion, released on Steed Records the following year. The band continued with two more albums and ultimately dissolved in the early 1970s. The group notably worked alongside Jeff Barry (Tina Turner, The Crystals), who served as the band’s producer for all three of their albums.
The group was inducted into the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame on October 7, celebrating original members John Vinci, Rich Cerniglia, Chuck Alder, Mike Ricciardella, and the late Mike Maniscalco. Cerniglia, Alder, and Ricciardella took the stage alongside friends to play a selection of hit songs from their original discography.
The Illusion has had such a major impact and influence on so many of the performers who later themselves became inductees into the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, it is high time they themselves became inductees. Congratulations to the Illusion on being inducted into the LIMEHoF.
Barry Fisch, General Manager of LIMEHoF
The Illusion is credited with being an influential figure in the Long Island rock scene, as well as a key influential figure for their friend and collaborator Jimi Hendrix. The group met Hendrix by chance at a recording studio early in their careers and went on to become close friends, frequently playing together across the country.
In performances incorporating not only his musicianship, but also his photography, writing and storytelling, Andy Summers performed at the Hart Theatre at the Egg in Albany on Wednesday, October 11. He will also be performing Saturday night, October 14, at the Patchogue Theatre in Patchogue, Long Island, with these marking the only two New York shows during his current Cracked Lens + Missing String Tour.
The tour’s title is a metaphor for vulnerability and life’s imperfections, Summers has explained.
Andy Summers with his band mates in The Police, would make history becoming the best band of their day, with “Every Breath You Take” still being the most played song on radio in history, making Andy Summers the most listened to guitarist of his time.
This tour is a long way from his first time on the East Coast playing with The Police at The Chance in Poughkeepsie with only four people in attendance, their first tour of the U.S. before becoming a phenomenon.
In a phone interview we did last week, he spoke of it fondly, recalling how grateful they all were to get the gig and to be touring America at the time. “What it signified was how we had to maintain our spirit and do a raging show despite a small audience possibly due to a snowstorm at the time.”
With his photography show looming large behind him on stage, the performance is a multi-sensory emotional experience for audience members, taking them along on his creative journey with The Police and as a solo musician having toured the world.
The audience will be treated to a set list that includes both his Police and solo work as one of music’s most prolific artists and the most listened to guitarist.
“I’m matching my ideas – my music and assembled images; you get a broader view of my guitar work, a fuller show than when I started out,” Summers said in the interview. He mentioned some of the songs he incorporates into the shows. “Bring On The Night” will take some back to decades ago upon first hearing the classically inspired guitar arpeggio.
“Roxanne” may not be putting on the red light, refined now in the instrumental way Andy Summers has chosen to portray her: still sprightly, still sultry. His recent flamenco flavored instrumental version of “Roxanne” portrays this classic which fans describe as masterful musical visual storytelling.
“Tea in the Sahara” is a song, he stated in the interview, that he enjoys putting in this show as “it sits very well on the guitar to be played beautifully and I add to it. And I went to the Sahara, took a lot of pictures there and feel very lucky to have done that.”
Andy Summers has stayed with his fans for decades since his history-making time with The Police.
His photography is still being exhibited in galleries world wide; he is still writing fiction and non fiction best selling books. His plans to write The Trouble with Guitars is already in the works, as is a plan to make a film of this tour.
You can see him next here in New York on Saturday night, October 14 at the Patchogue Theatre.
