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.
There was quite a big fish market near MSG with thousands rushing to midtown for night 5 of Phish, as well as the post-shows that would follow. Dopapod had the honors of playing Sony Hall in NYC on Saturday, July 29, playing from just around midnight until almost 3 AM.
The band has long been a staple of the jam scene and a crowd favorite for many years. The funkiness of Eli Winderman on keys, with Rob Compa’s expert and original guitar playing, mixed with phenomenal Chuck Jones on bass and drummer Neal ‘Fro’ Evans, making a late-night force to be reckoned with.
Their late night set was full of energy, as should be after a Phish show, especially one where many fans had just seen an exhilarating show right beforehand. Their set included originals like “Trickery” & “Present Ghosts” as well as a rocking cover of “Dazed and Confused,” played in true Dopapod fashion.
Dopapod – July 29, 2023, Sony Hall, NYC
Setlist Trickery, Turning Knobs, Freight Train, Present Ghosts, Bubblehouse, Dracula’s Monk, Onion Head, Fannie, Dazed and Confused, We are Not Alone, Weird Charlie, End it on the Yeah, Nuggy Jawson
After their first weekend at Madison Square Garden, Phish took a day off and returned with even more energy, making the Tuesday, August 1 show stand head and shoulders above the three previous shows.
Opening up with a monstrous “Ghost” laid the groundwork for deep, exploratory jams, including an ethereal, outstanding version “Reba” that followed. You’d be remiss to find a version of Son Seals’ “Funky Bitch” that did not pair up as well with the energy that flowed from “Reba”‘s finale. “Timber (Jerry the Mule)” had a much longer presence in the first set than typically found, flowing into the debut of “Broken Into Pieces.” A rip-roaring 17-minute “Wolfman’s Brother” was quickly discussed at setbreak as one of the best versions ever seen, and the Beatles’ “I Am the Walrus” closed, easily the best first set of the run.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_mwN-I-OJU
Throwing it back to the Baker’s Dozen, Set 2 opened with the rarely jam-friendly “Sample in a Jar,” and tonight would end up being the longest version of the Hoist track, at more than 17 minutes in total. The jam would spill over to “Kill Devil Falls” which included quotes from a new song not played this evening “The Well” from Fishman, and made for two sets of the first two songs combining for more than 28 minutes of music to get things started. “Golden Age” was another substantial jam to follow this pairing, with “Shade” giving the crowd a breather before dipping into the warm waters of “Sneakin’ Sally Through the Alley,” funk filling in the round room. A short “Twist” and set closing “You Enjoy Myself” would be the cap to the second set, fully
For an encore, “Wilson” made an appearance where you might find “Cavern” or “Golgi Apparatus” following, but the ever rare “Sanity” making its first appearance in two years, giving fans a chance to cross this tune off their “Most Common Phish Songs Not Heard” list. Just when you thought it was over, the hi-hat intro of “David Bowie” gave way to an unexpected (now) three song encore, with a dialed in jam that seemed to be cut short after Trey and Fishman had a chat, only to close out “Bowie” and bring in “Character Zero” for the grand finale of the evening.
Phish – Madison Square Garden, NYC – Tuesday, August 2
Set 1: Ghost, Reba, Funky Bitch, Timber (Jerry the Mule), Broken Into Pieces[1], Wolfman’s Brother, I Am the Walrus
Set 2: Sample in a Jar > Kill Devil Falls[2] > Golden Age, Shade > Sneakin’ Sally Through the Alley > Twist, You Enjoy Myself
Encore: Wilson > Sanity, David Bowie > Character Zero
[1] Phish debut. [2] Unfinished.
If there is a theme emerging from this run of Phish shows, it would simply be that each show is better than the last. Wednesday, August 3rd put that theory to the test, opening up with a pair of animal tunes, “Possum” and “Guyute,” both of which might be a vanilla way to start the show, but tonight the energy was high. So high that the Apples in Stereo song “Energy” reemerged in the rotation for the first time since last summer, providing a wonderful jam that found its way into the “Meatstick.” The fan interaction tune was met with a jam that followed and one of the smoothest segues you’ll find this summer as it moved into “It’s Ice.”
Set two opened with a slow, funky jam, reminiscent of the Island Tour’s “Cavern” opener, and that was exactly the song that would emerge, a slow and funky version of the normally late-set tune. A fiery “Carini” followed, which brought back a jam on “Angels We Have Heard on High,” riffed by Trey quite a bit and also found in the “Kill Devil Falls” of Syracuse a few weeks prior. Following “Piper” was the new track, “The Well,” which at first sounds like “Wolfman’s Brother Part 2” but that’s just the first half. The second half of the song was one of the deepest jams the band could provide in a new song, one that fans will be clamoring for at SPAC and Dick’s later this summer.
Closing the set were the “2001” jam-adjacent “The Howling”, “Taste” and “About the Run,” with a “Chalkdust Torture” tacked on at the end for good measure. For an encore, keyboardist Page McConnell appeared on stage with his keytar, signaling “Frankenstein,” which hadn’t been heard live since before Covid. But that wasn’t all – Anastasio would end up playing the opening notes to “Slave to the Traffic Light” for the final song of the night, eliciting immense cheers from the audience when Trey sang “Seen the Greatest City.”
Phish – Madison Square Garden, NYC – Wednesday, August 3
Set 1: Possum, Guyute, Axilla (Part II) > Energy -> Meatstick -> It’s Ice > Blaze On
Set 2: Cavern[1] > Carini > Piper > The Well > The Howling > Taste > About to Run, Chalk Dust Torture
Encore: Frankenstein[2], Slave to the Traffic Light[3]
[1] Slow, funky version. [2] Page on keytar. [3] Lyrics changed to “see the best city.”
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.
Phish began their seven-night run at Madison Square Garden (MSG) on Friday, July 28, a well-anticipated run in the middle of their Summer Tour, which was recently extended to include two benefit shows at SPAC in late August.
photo by Cory Schwartz
Kicking off Night 1 with the re-emergence of “Evening Song,” which hadn’t been played live in more than a year, Phish shifted into an extended and spaced out “Wave Of Hope,” two common themes through each set of music so far. Friday’s first set also featured a funked out “Cities,” an all-too-fitting “Old Home Place” for the band’s 73rd performance at Madison Square Garden, and an explosive “My Soul” to cap things off.
photo by Cory Schwartz
Friday’s second set began with “More” and the band took this to heart and applied it to the massive “Ruby Waves” that followed, one of the new truer jam vehicles of this era. Seamless segues into a riveting “Plasma” and “Simple” also highlighted the set before a super dark, scary and all around amazing “Split Open and Melt” served as a momentous set closer.
photo by Cory Schwartz
Phish – Friday, July 28th, 2023 – Madison Square Garden (MSG), New York, NY
Set 1: Evening Song > A Wave of Hope, Cities, The Old Home Place > Free, Brian and Robert, Stash, My Soul
Set 2: More > Ruby Waves-> Plasma > Simple > Mountains in the Mist, Split Open and Melt
Encore: Good Times, Bad Times
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6E3fslzpJiU
Saturday evening’s show picked up right where Friday’s left off in terms of energy and musical cohesiveness beginning with the show-starting “Get Back On The Train.” Phish again delivered a massive blow in the two-spot with an early but effective “Down With Disease.” More familiar first set tunes like ”Sugar Shack” and “Horn” also made appearances. And the band continues to mix in newer material in their sets with songs like Anastasio’s quarantine tune “Evolve,” a song quickly growing in popularity. A classic take on “Foam” followed by a rousing cover of David Bowie’s “Moonage Daydream” ended the first set in fine fashion.
photo by Cory Schwartz
Phish continued to kick out the jams in the second set, courtesy of a super extended and exploratory “Fuego” that clocked in at close to thirty minutes in all. This was followed by another one of the new songs that is quickly making a name for itself, “Oblivion.” The set was punctuated by an absolutely raucous “2001” that had all of Madison Square Garden in a collective uproar. Things lightened up a bit afterwards with the first “Cracklin’ Rosie” cover in eleven years. There was still room for one more rocker though and “First Tube” in its typical encore slot more than served that purpose, with the Garden loudly showing its collective appreciation once more.
Phish – Saturday, July 29th, 2023 – Madison Square Garden (MSG), New York, NY
Set 1: Back On The Train > Down With Disease, The Dogs, Bug, Sugar Shack, Evolve, Horn > Foam, Moonage Daydream
Set 2: The Wedge, Fuego > Oblivion > Wingsuit > Also Sprach Zarathustra,->Hold Your Head Up > Cracklin’ Rosie > Hold Your Head Up, Say It To Me S.A.N.T.O.S
Encore: Farmhouse, First Tube
The “can’t miss” Sunday show featured a first set of all old school songs played in the new school fashion, beginning with a show-opening “AC/DC Bag” that took a stroll for a bit before melding into “My Friend, My Friend.” The opening stanza also featured a truly interesting and slightly funked out “Theme From The Bottom,” the “newest” song played in the set. Things amped up even further with the rollicking “Llama” that followed which featured some mesmerizing lighting effects.
Phish then reintroduced some newer material in the second set with a “Sigma Oasis” opener that set the table for the first ever performance of “Life Saving Gun.” The “No Men In No Man’s Land” that followed featured one of the heavier and more experimental jams of the evening and the band even dusted off “Frankie Says” for a rare second set appearance. The second set concluded with “Light” and its typical powerhouse accompanying jam. An encore of “Suzy Greenberg” and a fiery take on Jimi Hendrix’s “Izabella” served as a fitting conclusion for the first weekend of Phish’s summer residency at MSG.
Phish – Sunday, July 30th, 2023 – Madison Square Garden (MSG), New York, NY
Set 1: AC/DC Bag->My Friend, My Friend->Bathtub Gin, Theme From The Bottom>Llama, Tube>Golgi Apparatus
Set 2: Sigma Oasis, Life Saving Gun>No Men In No Man’s Land>Lonely Trip>Frankie Says>Gotta Jibboo>Light
Described as a “mini-residency,” Nick Hakim will be playing at Blue Note Jazz Club in NYC for four days in November. Each day will have two shows, an 8:00 p.m. performance and a 10:30 p.m. performance.
Based in New York, Nick Hakim debuted in 2017 with his album Green Twins, music that resisted classic genre categorization. Last year, Hakim released Cometa, his third studio album, which was widely appraised by critics. Hakim’s songs have also made it to video streaming, as Max’s “Insecure” series used his music.
Hakim draws on music that he listened to growing up in Washington, D.C. with his older brother and parents who had emigrated from Peru, a combination of American soul with South American political folk.
Blue Note owns and operates New York’s Blue Note Jazz Club, Sony Hall, and Arthur’s Tavern as well as Washington, D.C.’s The Howard Theatre and several Blue Note Jazz Clubs around the world. Founded in 1981, they are dedicated to showcasing up-and-coming jazz, soul, R&B and funk artists, though jazz remains at its core.
Nick Hakim will be playing Nov. 14, 15, 28, and 29, with two shows each day at 8:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.. For more information and for tickets, check out the link here.
“Christmas in July” takes on even greater meaning as MSGE has recently announced the return of the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes for 2023. America’s favorite holiday show will begin on November 17 this winter and stretch to January 4 of next year at Radio City Music Hall.
This year’s show will allow the Rockettes to put their amazing skills on display through incredibly difficult routines and will once again feature the fan-favorite scene “Dance of the Frost Fairies,” which was fully reimagined in 2022 making the Christmas Spectacular a one of a kind experience. The scene sees the Rockettes as fantastical winged fairies, performing alongside fairy-drones that dance high above the audience creating an immersive experience for anyone lucky enough to be involved. The remainder of the ninety-minute show will be jammed packed with nine show-stopping numbers by the professional dance group.
The Rockettes were originally founded in 1925 and are two years shy of celebrating their 100th anniversary, making them the longest-running precision dance company in America. The dancers are known all around the world for their incredible athleticism, unity, and immeasurable precision through their unique style combining elements of ballet, jazz, and tap dancing.
Not only is the group a staple of Christmas, but the dancers also appear in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Christmas in Rockefeller Center tree lighting among numerous other appearances including award shows and national television. Most recently, the Rockettes were featured in the Hallmark movie “A Holiday Spectacular” where they performed with Mariah Carey in her holiday special filmed at Madison Square Garden, “Mariah Carey: Merry Christmas to All!”
The Rockettes are not the only aspect of a New York Christmas that has been around for almost 100 years, however, as the Christmas Spectacular itself originally began at Radio City back in 1933. With a mission not only to meet the needs of guests and ensure diversity all around, Radio City’s Spectacular and the Rockettes have brought joy and holiday spirit to more than 70 million people from around the world and will continue to do so in their 90th season. Tickets for the shows are now available and can be found here.
Legendary comedian Dave Chappelle recently announced his fall tour which includes four stops in NYC. Dave Chappelle Live gets underway on August 22, 23, 25, and 26 from the world famous Madison Square Garden.
Chappelle is widely regarded as one of the greatest comedians of all time. His work includes multiple stand-up specials, his own sketch show, appearances on Saturday Night Live, and acting. In 2019 Chappelle was awarded the illustrious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. All in all the comedian has racked up five Primetime Emmy Awards and four Grammys.
Attendees at the show will be prohibited from using cell phones, cameras, or other recording devices during the performances. Upon arrival, all phones and smart watches will be secured until the end of the show. Guests will still have possession of their phones however use is only permitted in designated areas. Anyone caught with a cellphone in the venue will be immediately ejected.
Dave Chappelle Live is presented by Pilot Boy Productions. Originally founded by Chappelle in 1992, Pilot Boy looks to deliver quality and thought-provoking concerts, films, television shows, and live events.
Pre-sale tickets start on July 26 with general on-sale tickets dropping on July 27. Here for tickets and more information.
Dave Chappelle Live Dates
Tue Aug 22 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
Wed Aug 23 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
Fri Aug 25 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden – NEWLY ADDED SHOW
Sat Aug 26 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden – NEWLY ADDED SHOW
The book dives into the history of the Brothers and Sisters album, the Allman Brothers Band’s best-selling album with an influential cultural and musical legacy. Alan Paul notably includes never-before-heard interviews conducted by Kirk West, the Allman Brothers Band’s “Tour Mystic.” Stories within feature familiar faces like Jimmy Carter, Cher, Bob Dylan, Jerry Garcia, and Susan Sarandon.
Several chapters are dedicated to the Summer Jam at Watkins Glen in 1973. The event drew in 600,000 attendants near the small town of Watkins Glen in the Finger Lakes region. It has been remembered as a record-smasher in terms of size and legacy.
The Summer Jam at Watkins Glen in 1973.
Alan Paul himself also is a part of the tribute band Friends of the Brothers, in which the members were closely associated with the original band. They continue to bring the sounds of the Allman Brothers Band to new audiences and will play on July 29 at Lincoln Farms to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Watkins Glen as well as on July 30 to promote the book at the City Winery in New York City. More details after the interview.
New York State Music interviewed Paul before the release of the book. The following is a trimmed-down transcript of that interview which discusses Paul’s inspiration, his thoughts on the Brothers and Sisters album, details from his research, and more.
NYS Music: You’re involved in celebrating the Allman Brothers Band through the Friends of the Brothers, but what made you come back and write “Brothers and Sisters?” Did you feel like something missing from “One Way Out,” or was there just a different story you wanted to tell?
Paul: It’s not so much missing from “One Way Out” as… it came out of a conversation I had with Brad Tolinski, who was the long-time editor of Guitar World… it just came up and he was just egging me on. I said “I’ve said my Allman Brother piece,” and he said, “No man, there’s more to say.” He was egging me on and said “Look, the 50th anniversary of Brothers and Sisters is coming up and I feel like it’s just still so unexplored.” I started thinking about it and digging into it a bit, and I came to think he was right.
It really was the most popular era, and it holds up really well. It’s not like it’s being such an era piece that it’s an embarrassment now… and yet it was an era that was largely forgotten, even by the band’s biggest fans.
NYSM: Of course, Brothers and Sisters is a very influential album. For you, personally, what made you want to pursue writing about it specifically? What does it mean to you?
Paul: When I write these books… I dig in really really deep, so I throw myself into it for a year or two. I really have to like the music, first of all. It also has to be a great story because it is in writing, it is a book. It’s not just like “Oh, this album is great. Isn’t it great?” You can’t say that for hundreds of pages. There has to be a story and a plot. I just found this whole era very intriguing. And again, as I said, it was unusual because it was really popular, really vital, and yet it was sort of unexplored.
Then we had this type of lineup with one guitar and keyboards during this period. The rest of the time they were a two guitar band. I think that is also why fans overlook it, and it ended pretty ugly, which I document pretty thoroughly…. I feel like people ended up focused on the end and the ugliness of the era rather than the beginning of the era and how cool it was.
NYSM: Something that really caught my eye were the interviews, including the never-before-heard interviews by Kirk West. How did you get access to them or find out about their existence?
Paul: Kirk West has been a friend for 30 years… Kirk was the “tour mystic” for the Allman Brothers. The title came about because he was the tour manager, but he did so much more than the average tour manager that he needed a special name… he was their historian or archivist.
He told me that he had been working on a book. At that point it was the early ’90s… he said that he was writing a book on the band and he was doing all of these interviews. I started asking him to write a sample chapter for Guitar World. My thought at that point was that this would be a good story for Guitar World…. He eventually said “I love the idea, but I’m not really a writer and I don’t have time. But I can collaborate on it with someone.” That someone became me.
I called Kirk and asked what he thought about [“Brothers and Sisters”]. He was very enthusiastic, and we would talk about it. Very early in that process, after that, he offered me and said “Would you like to have my interview tapes?” Of course I said yes, and they were a gold mine… it was an honor and a privilege to have access to them.
NYSM: Among those interviews, was there anything that you found, maybe not necessarily surprising, but something that you were just very interested in? A new perspective or something like that?
Paul: I mean, there was so much of that really, that its hard to pinpoint, but there were a specific things that were quite amazing. I had a good relationship with Gregg [Allman] and I interviewed him many many times. There were certain things that you just sort of knew, either because you were told or just knew that they were off-limits… he went there with Kirk.
For instance, the relationship with Cher, I felt I was able to have a real depth to the way I wrote about it… Gregg talked about it so much in ways that he really never did again afterwards. That was one of the things you couldn’t really expect of Gregg. Another one of those things was the drug trial.
The other thing was interviews with a few people who are deceased, including Gregg, but I had a lot of great stuff from Gregg… so there would’ve been ways to get around that. Just for instance, Steve Massarsky… he was their manager, he was the lawyer who came in and helped them sort out the mess that the business had become and take on, ultimately, their manager Phil Walden… [Also] Bill Graham, the great promoter who was very very important to the Allman Brothers, and to the Grateful Dead, and to Watkins Glen.
Paul: Jimmy Carter himself has said many times that he would never have been president without the Allman Brothers… they were central to the whole thing… and that was for a variety of reasons. The most direct, most obvious reason is that they raised a lot of money for him…They really helped raise his profile at a time when he was completely unknown.
[Manager Phil Walden] was an early Carter supporter and he was the one who was crucial in getting these guys behind them. Once they were, they really were all in. It wasn’t just something they threw off, it wasn’t a matter of convenience, and it wasn’t a matter of just pleasing Phil Walden… it was because they really really genuinely like Jimmy Carter.
NYSM: For those that may be interested, in diving into the histories of these iconic bands, where would you advise them to go, and what would you advise them to read, beyond your wonderful biographies?
Paul: So obviously they have to start with my books, but it depends on what their interests are… It’s just like listening to music for me. A lot of people got into the blues because they liked the Allman Brothers… Writing is the same way. If you read my books and you like them, then take the part you like and dig deeper.
I try to write in a way so that you will have a better understanding of music… but also of the era and of other people… that’s my goal, I hope I pull it off. Keep reading, keep digging deeper, whatever the aspect is that is most intriguing to you, read more about it.
On July 29, Alan Paul and Friends of the Brothers will be playing at Summer Jam ’23 at Lincoln Hill Farms, NY to celebrate 50 years since Watkins Glen. It will also feature the Grateful Dead tribute band Terrapin Flyer and The Band tribute The THE BAND Band. Doors open at 3:00 p.m. with a 3:30 p.m. start and tickets are available here.
On July 30, Alan Paul will be at a “Brothers and Sisters” book event at City Winery in NYC, which will feature a book signing, author Q&A, as well as a musical performance featuring Duane Betts, Lamar Williams Jr., Johnny Stachela, Vaylor Trucks, Friends of the Brothers, and more. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. with an 8:00 p.m. start. Information and tickets can be found here.
Little Island, a New York City public park, announced that they received a prestigious award. The park is one of ten projects across North America selected this year. It will also now advance to compete for a global award against projects from the Europe and Asia Pacific regions.
Photo credit Michael Grimm
Located in Hudson River Park, Little Island features a gorgeous landscape with walking paths, performance spaces, and dazzling views. The Urban Land Institute selected the park for a 2023 Urban Land Institute Americas Award for Excellence in Urban Open Space.
After winning the regional Americas Award, Little Island will next compete for the Urban Land Institute Global Awards for Excellence. The Urban Land Institute’s mission is to “shape the future of the built environment for transformative impact in communities worldwide.” The finalists and winners of their awards are also chosen by a jury made up of “leaders who represent a broad geographic diversity and many areas of real estate and land use expertise, including finance, planning, development, public affairs, design, and professional services, among others.”
“I’m so glad that in addition to making so many people happy when they come to Little Island, we are getting an award for excellence by the Urban Land Institute. It is a very special honor,” Barry Diller, the founder of Little Island said.
Little Island History
Diller, as part of the Diller-von Furstenberg Family Foundation, envisioned building the park in the remnants of Pier 54 after Hurricane Sandy heavily damaged the area. In partnership with Hudson River Park Trust leadership, Diller reimagined an entirely new type of public space for New York. He additionally hoped to create an immersive experience with nature and art.
“Through our partnership, the Hudson River Park Trust achieved its goal of delivering new public open space at one of the piers long planned to be rebuilt, but in a way that no one could have conceived of when the Park was being planned,” President and CEO of the Hudson River Park Trust Noreen Doyle said. “Congratulations to Mr. Diller and The Diller-von Furstenberg Family Foundation, to every member of the engineering, design, planning and construction teams, and to the Little Island and Hudson River Park Trust staff members who pooled their talents for the public good. Thank you to the Urban Land Institute for recognizing their achievements.”
Little Island opened on May 21, 2021 as an oasis for New Yorkers. The park additionally boasts two acres of magnificent landscape, distinctive architecture, and an abundance of free education programs and performances. Since opening, Little Island has welcomed over 3.5 million visitors and hosted over 572 free performances and 245 arts workshops.
