NYS Music 2023

Category: Manhattan

  • SummerStage Brings Artists To Venues Across NYC

    NYC’s City Parks Foundation’s SummerStage is back for another year of concerts and entertainment. This season the series features everything from folk music icons to some of hip-hop’s most innovative voices. Most of the notable concerts will take place at Rumsey Playfield in Central Park. 12 different neighborhood parks across all five boroughs of NYC will also serve as venues. Concerts begin on June 3 and run until September 30. 

    Since its inception in 1986, SummerStage has established itself as one of New York City’s premier concert series. With 80 shows Summerstage showcases a diverse set of artists from various genres week after week. Apart from some ticketed benefit concerts, SummerStage events are usually open to the public and free.

    In addition to concerts, Central Park will also screen films and host a multitude of different celebrations. The iconic greenspace has become an inseparable from NYC, hosting some of the most well known artists throughout the years. Curtis Mayfield, Elvis Costello, Crosby, Stills & Nash, and Jazmine Sullivan have all graced the stage in Central Park.

    The other parks and outdoor spaces hosting SummerStage in 2023 include Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem, Tompkins Square Park in the East Village, Von King Park and The Coney Island Amphitheater in Brooklyn, Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens, Crotona Park in the Bronx, Stapleton Waterfront Park in Staten Island, and SummerStage’s flagship venue at Rumsey Playfield in Central Park.

    This year SummerStage will celebrate hip-hop as the genre celebrates its 50th anniversary. The series aims to highlight not only its significance to NYC but also the impact it has had worldwide. 

    As part of the celebration, a special edition showcase will take over Coney Island on August 6. The event will feature artists Special Ed and many more, hosted by Ralph McDaniels. Frankie Cutlass and Black Sheep’s Dres will join the festivities on August 12 in Staten Island. A day later DJ Funk Flex will bring his birthday celebration to Brooklyn on August 13.

    SummerStage’s 2023 roster boasts several international musicians but also tries to celebrate some of the city’s local artists. Argentina’s TRUENO and Puerto Rico’s Villano Antillano highlight the influence of Caribbean and reggaetón. Meanwhile Brooklyn-based artist Nick Hakim looks to bring his soulful R&B sounds back to his hometown. 

    We are thrilled to present another vibrant season filled with captivating artists from around the world and introduce music fans to their diverse sounds

    Erika Elliott, Executive Artistic Director of SummerStage. 

    A full list of shows can be found here.

    SummerStage Dates & Locations:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • An Evening with Natalie Merchant and The Knights – Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center

    On the heels of releasing her eighth solo studio album on April 14, Keep Your Courage (Nonesuch Records), Natalie Merchant played the Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center for two consecutive sold-out shows this on the evenings of Friday, June 2 and Saturday, June 3.

    A huge fan of hers since the heyday of the 10,000 Maniacs in the late-1980s and early-1990s, I was “blessed and lucky” enough to be in attendance for the night two performance on June 3.

    natalie merchant and the knights

    At the midway point of a 45 date tour that shares the same name as her new album, the Jamestown, NY native brought her trademark, unmistakable alto chops to the Adrienne Arsht Stage, within the warm, wood veneer confines of the Starr Theater. In celebration of her first new material since 2017, Merchant has been performing several shows on the tour while backed by an orchestra. And Friday and Saturday’s concerts were no different as The Knights, a symphonic orchestral collective based in New York City and led by Associate Conductor Michael P. Atkinson, accompanied Natalie Merchant onstage for lush arrangements of career-spanning tunes.

    natalie merchant and the knights

    On an atypically chilly evening for late-spring on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, patrons began to congregate in Alice Tully Hall’s foyer one hour before showtime to relax with a drink from the bar and to check out the ‘merch’ table, which included signed vinyl copies of Keep Your Courage selling for $50. At 7:30 pm, doors to the 1,086-capacity theater renovated in 2006 and known for its exceptional acoustics officially opened. Walking into the theater alongside other attendees to take our respective seat in the orchestra section or balcony, we were immediately taken aback by the theater’s grandeur, particularly the venue’s centerpiece, a cathedral-sized, 19-ton, Swiss-made pipe organ built in 1974.

    natalie merchant and the knights

    Running slightly behind schedule, the house lights suddenly dimmed at 8:10 pm and the moment we all had been waiting for was finally upon us! Entering stage right in the first of two elegant, long skirt and blouse ensembles Merchant would be rocking tonight, the epic 23-song show comprised of two sets (separated by a 20-minute intermission) and an encore was officially underway with “Lulu,” from her self-titled studio album released in 2014. At the song’s conclusion, Merchant explained that she wrote the song about Louise Brooks, the American film actress and Jazz Age icon of the 1920s and 1930s who of all things, popularized the bob hairstyle.

    With a setlist mimicking Friday night’s selections and order (despite Merchant and The Knights reportedly sound checking “Seven Years” and “My Skin” at rehearsals earlier in the day), Merchant’s voice was in top form, like a fine wine, as she gracefully danced, twirled and flowed from one end of the stage to the other, frequently interacting with her beaming audience.

    Speaking of superb vocals, Merchant was joined onstage by two back-up vocalists for several songs, including “Lady Bird,” “Break Your Heart,” “Big Girls,” “Come On, Aphrodite,” “Kind & Generous” and “Tower of Babel.” One of the vocalists who teamed with Merchant during both Lincoln Center performances was Abena Koomson-Davis, a renowned performer and the musical director of the Resistance Revival Chorus, who also sings two duets on 2023’s Keep Your Courage.

    As The Knights continued to compliment Merchant’s repertoire of current and past array of heartfelt melodies Saturday night, her innocent charm was palpable. Having matured into a beautifully refined artist over the course of nearly four decades, her songs have the ability to touch the inner soul of her listeners. Tonight, during “Beloved Wife” (Tigerlily, 1995) and “Sister Tilly” (an homage to powerful women from Keep Your Courage), she pulled on her own heartstrings as she was brought to tears during each of these emotional song deliveries. Poking fun at herself as she continued to wipe away the tears, the 2 hour, 30 minute display of live solo material was unfortunately nearing its climax.

    The second set consummated with the entire house rising to their collective feet for a rousing rendition of “Kind & Generous” (Ophelia, 1998), followed by thunderous applause which lasted for minutes until Merchant appeased her adoring fans for a three song encore consisting of “Tower of Babel” (Keep Your Courage), fan-favorite “Carnival” (Tigerlily) and “These are Days” (Our Time in Eden, 1992), the lone 10,000 Maniacs number of the night. Before commencing the encore, Merchant quipped, “You are [all] gluttons! A three hour show, that’s what you all get, like Bruce Springsteen!”

    Well past 11:00 pm, Natalie Anne Merchant fans of all ages, including a generous sampling of teenagers with their Gen X parents, gleefully filed out of the concert hall and into the Gotham night. Despite all of us going our separate way, we unanimously agreed on one thing – that it’s true, we are all “blessed and lucky” to have witnessed firsthand an emotionally-captivating performance by an artist that oozed both life and passion.

    The North American leg of Merchant’s Keep Your Courage Tour will resume in St. Louis, Missouri on June 22. And in case you missed either of her Lincoln Center shows in the Big Apple, or you just need another dose of ‘90s nostalgia, Merchant will be back in the tri-state area to perform with a full orchestra again at New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) in Newark, New Jersey on June 25. The thirty-sixth and final show in the lower 48 will occur on September 30 in Los Angeles, California.

    Following a much-needed respite during October, Merchant will then continue her tour abroad with nine more shows, including five across the pond in the United Kingdom, as well as stopovers in Dublin and Amsterdam, with the tour finale scheduled for November 14 in Brussels, Belgium.

    Setlist

    Set 1: Lulu > Maggie and Milly and Molly and May > The Feast of St. Valentine > The Worst Thing > Frozen Charlotte > Ladybird > Giving Up Everything > The Letter > Narcissus > Break Your Heart > Big Girls

    Set 2: River > Ophelia > Guardian Angel > Beloved Wife > Sister Tilly > Wonder > Come On, Aphrodite > Life Is Sweet > Kind & Generous

    Encore: Tower of Babel > Carnival > These Are Days (10,000 Maniacs song)

  • Janelle Monáe to Visit Radio City And Kings Theatre

    Janelle Monáe recently announced her “Age of Pleasure Tour”, which will feature two stops in the Empire State. The Grammy-nominated artist will visit the iconic Radio City Music Hall and Kings Theatre in Brooklyn. The 26-city tour kicks off on August 30 in Seattle at the WAMU Theater. 

    The tour coincides with Monáe’s long-awaited fourth studio album The Age of Pleasure which is slated to drop on June 9. Monáe released her critically acclaimed concept album Dirty Internet more than four years ago. The project earned the artist two Grammy nominations including one for “Album of the Year”, it also peaked at number 10 on the Billboard 200. 

    Since her last album Monáe has explored writing and acting, appearing in the films Harriet and Glass Onion, she also received praise for her role in the series We the People. Earlier this May Monáe dropped the single “Lipstick Lover” to go along with her upcoming album. 

    Presale tickets started on June 1, while on-sale tickets are set to be released on Wednesday, June 6. Tickets and more information can be found here. 

    Janelle Monae ‘Age of Pleasure’ Tour Dates 

    Wed Aug 30 – Seattle, WA – WAMU Theater

    Thu Aug 31 – Vancouver, BC – UBC – Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre

    Sat Sep 02 – Portland, OR  – RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater

    Wed Sep 06 –Salt Lake City, UT – The Complex

    Thu Sep 07 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre

    Sat Sep 09 – Kansas City, MO – The Midland Theatre 

    Mon Sep 11 – Minneapolis, MN – Armory

    Wed Sep 13 – St. Louis, MO – Stifel Theatre

    Thu Sep 14 – Chicago, IL – Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom

    Sun Sep 17 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway

    Mon Sep 18 – Philadelphia, PA – The Met

    Wed Sep 20 – Montreal, QB – Mtelus

    Thu Sep 21 – Toronto, ON – Massey Hall 

    Sun Sep 24 – Washington, DC  – The Anthem*

    Tue Sep 26 – New York City, NY – Radio City Music Hall

    Thu Sep 28 – Brooklyn, NY – Kings Theatre 

    Mon Oct 02 – Charlotte, NC – Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre 

    Tue Oct 03 – Nashville, TN  – Ryman Auditorium

    Wed Oct 04 – Birmingham, AL  – Avondale Brewing Company

    Fri Oct 06 – Atlanta, GA – Fox Theatre Atlanta

    Mon Oct 09 – Dallas, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory

    Tue Oct 10 – Houston, TX – Bayou Music Center 

    Wed Oct 11 – Austin, TX – Moody Amphitheater

    Sun Oct 15 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre

    Tue Oct 17 – San Francisco, CA – Bill Graham Civic Auditorium

    Wed Oct 18 – Inglewood, CA – YouTube Theater

  • In Focus: Half Moon Run ‘SALT’ Release Preview Show at Live Nation Headquarters

    Montreal’s Half Moon Run release their new album, Salt, on June 2nd, and have chosen “9beat” as the single to bolster the release, a track which features the explosive rhythmic interplay and surging dynamic range that the band has become renowned for. On Thursday, June 1st, 24 hours prior to its release the band visited Live Nation’s Headquarters in New York City and played an invite-only 60min set to celebrate the release of Salt, complete with a full string section to accommodate half the set and premiering new songs throughout.

    Half Moon Run LiveNation Rooftop NYC

    The trio, Devon Portielje, Conner Molander, and Dylan Phillips have also previewed Salt with three previously released singles, “Alco,” “You Can Let Go” and “Everyone’s Moving Out East.” 

    Half Moon Run LiveNation Rooftop NYC
    Half Moon Run LiveNation Rooftop NYC
    Half Moon Run LiveNation Rooftop NYC
    Half Moon Run LiveNation Rooftop NYC
    Half Moon Run LiveNation Rooftop NYC

    Tour Dates for North America in support of the album were announced today as well, below:

    HALF MOON RUN – NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES 2023
    October 24, 2023 @ El Rey Theater, Los Angeles, CA
    October 25, 2023 @ August Hall, San Francisco, CA
    October 27, 2023 @ Wonder Ballroom, Portland, OR
    October 28, 2023 @ The Crocodile, Seattle, OR
    October 29, 2023 @ Spanish Ballroom Tacoma, WA
    November 1, 2023 @ Royal Theatre, Victoria, BC
    November 2, 2023 @ Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver, BC
    November 3, 2023 @ Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver, BC
    November 5, 2023 @ MacEwan Hall, Calgary, AB
    November 7, 2023 @ Coors Event Centre, Saskatoon, SK
    November 8, 2023 @ Burton Cummings Theatre, Winnipeg, MB
    November 10, 2023 @ Varsity Theater, Minneapolis, MN
    November 11, 2023 @ Metro, Chicago, IL
    November 12, 2023 @ Saint Andrew’s Hall, Detroit, MI
    November 14, 2023 @ The Foundry, Philadelphia, PA
    November 16, 2023 @ Union Stage, Washington, VA
    November 17, 2023  @ Music Hall of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY
    November 18, 2023 @ Royale, Boston, MA
    November 21, 2023 @ London Music Hall, London, ON
    November 23, 2023 @ History, Toronto, ON
    November 24, 2023 @ Kingston Grand Theatre, Kingston, ON
    November 25, 2023 @ Algonquin Commons Theatre, Ottawa, ON
    November 26, 2023 @ Algonquin Commons Theatre, Ottawa, ON
    December 13, 2023 @ MTelus, Montreal, QC
    December 14, 2023 @ MTelus, Montreal, QC
    December 15, 2023 @ Salle Maurice-O’Bready, Sherbrooke, QC
    December 17, 2023 @ Théâtre du Palais Municipal, Saguenay, QC
    December 18, 2023 @ Grand Théâtre@ Quebec City, QC

  • 2023 Drama Desk Award Winners Revealed

    The winners for the 67th Annual Drama Desk Awards have been announced. The Drama Desk Awards are recognized as being the only major NYC theater award show that puts Broadway, Off-Broadway, and Off-Off Broadway productions in the same categories. This year it was all about Some Like it Hot and Life of Pi, with each coming out on top in over three categories.

    Drama Desk Awards

    Awards are voted on and bestowed by critics, journalists, editors, and publishers covering theater. The Drama Desk Awards honor all aspects of New York’s professional theater.

    The Drama Desk was founded in 1949 and began presenting its awards in 1955. The organization was originally created to explore pivotal issues in the theater and to bring together critics and writers in an organization to support the development of theater in New York.

    broadway reopen

    This year the Drama Desk Awards will take place at Sardi’s Restaurant in Manhattan on June 6th from 3:00 – 6:00pm. Tony and Emmy Award winner Mandy Patinkin and 2-time Obie Award winner Kathryn Grody will host the ceremony. More details about the event and awards can be found here.

    List of Winners

    Outstanding Play

    Leopoldstadt, by Tom Stoppard

    Outstanding Musical

    Some Like it Hot

    Outstanding Revival of a Play

    The Piano Lesson

    Outstanding Revival of a Musical

    Parade

    Outstanding Lead Performance in a Play

    Jessica Chastain, A Doll’s House & Sean Hayes, Good Night, Oscar

    Outstanding Lead Performance in a Musical

    Annaleigh Ashford, Sweeney Todd & J. Harrison Ghee, Some Like it Hot

    Outstanding Featured Performance in a Play

    Miriam Silverman, The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window, Brooklyn Academy of Music & Brandon Uranowitz, Leopoldstadt

    Outstanding Featured Performance in a Musical

    Kevin Del Aguila, Some Like it Hot & Alex Newell, Shucked

    Outstanding Direction of a Play

    Max Webster, Life of Pi

    Outstanding Direction of a Musical

    Thomas Kail, Sweeney Todd

    Outstanding Choreography

    Casey Nicholaw, Some Like it Hot

    Outstanding Music

    Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally, Shucked

    Outstanding Lyrics

    Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman, Some Like it Hot

    Outstanding Book of a Musical

    Matthew López and Amber Ruffin, Some Like it Hot

    Outstanding Orchestrations

    Charlie Rosen and Bryan Carter, Some Like it Hot

    Outstanding Music in a Play

    Suzan-Lori Parks, Plays for the Plague Year, The Public Theater

    Outstanding Scenic Design of a Play

    Tim Hatley, Life of Pi

    Outstanding Scenic Design of a Musical

    Beowulf Boritt, New York, New York

    Outstanding Costume Design of a Play

    Emilio Sosa, Ain’t No Mo’

    Outstanding Costume Design of a Musical

    Gregg Barnes, Some Like it Hot

    Outstanding Lighting Design of a Play

    Natasha Chivers and Willie Williams (video), Prima Facie

    Outstanding Lighting Design of a Musical

    Natasha Katz, Sweeney Todd

    Outstanding Projection and Video Design 

    Andrzej Goulding, Life of Pi

    Outstanding Sound Design of a Play

    Ben & Max Ringham, A Doll’s House

    Outstanding Sound Design of a Musical

    Scott Lehrer and Alex Neumann, Into the Woods

    Outstanding Wig and Hair

    Mia M. Neal, Ain’t No Mo’

    Outstanding Solo Performance

    Jodie Comer, Prima Facie

    Unique Theatrical Experience

    Peter Pan Goes Wrong

    Outstanding Fight Choreography

    B.H. Barry, Camelot

    Outstanding Adaptation

    A Doll’s House, by Amy Herzog

    Outstanding Puppetry

    Nick Barnes and Finn Caldwell, Life of Pi

    Special Awards: 

    Harold Prince Lifetime Achievement Award

    Stephen McKinley Henderson has been bringing in-depth, gripping portrayals of memorable characters to the stage for over 40 years. With his return to Broadway this season as Pops in Between Riverside and Crazy, which was nominated in 2015, this year’s Harold Prince Lifetime Achievement Award marks Henderson’s role in this powerful production as a celebration of his brilliant career.

    Ensemble Award

    The cast of Soho Rep’s Public Obscenities – Tashnuva Anan, Abrar Haque, Golam Sarwar Harun, Gargi Mukherjee, NaFis, Jakeem Dante Powell, and Debashis Roy Chowdhury – embodied the transnational world of Shayok Misha Chowdhury’s bilingual play with memorable authenticity, remarkable specificity, and extraordinary warmth.

    Sam Norkin Off-Broadway Award

    From his standout performance in american (tele)visions, to writing and performing the autobiographical Dark Disabled Stories, Ryan J. Haddad’s work this season has expanded on and interrogated what the idea of “accessibility” really means. Whether riding a shopping cart like a throne, or relating his experiences on a “gay, pink bus,” Haddad shared with audiences an unabashed queer fabulosity that was both unforgettable and deeply human.

  • David Byrne’s Musical Opposed by Broadway Musicians Union

    Labor unions representing Broadway musicians have announced they are opposing the production of David Byrne’s musical Here Lies Love, citing that it breaks the union contract that requires live performers for musicals.

    Conrad Ricamora in the musical “Here Lies Love” during its run at the Public Theater in New York. Ricamora is returning to the Broadway production. Credit Sara Krulwich/The New York Times.

    The musical — an immersive, dance-driven musical about Imelda Marcos, the former first lady of the Philippines — is scheduled to start previews on June 17 and to open on July 20 at the Broadway Theater. Byrne co-wrote the music with Fatboy Slim. First conceived 17 years ago, every production has been performed to a prerecorded track but has only been performed at off-Broadway locations.

    The decision to have Here Lies Love be a fully prerecorded musical has caused quite an uproar online as many people are outraged as it is single-handedly undermining the 157-year history of live music on Broadway. Audiences are paying full price for a show may feel ripped off, only to discover a live Broadway show is accompanied by a pre-recorded soundtrack.

    Thus, professional musicians are losing jobs due to this decision by Byrne. The American Federation of Musicians’ Local 802 claims the production violates the union’s contract with the Broadway League by using pre-recorded tracks instead of a live band. In a statement, they said:

    A show with no live music and just pre-recorded tracks is absolutely an existential threat to Broadway- and is a cultural threat to musical theater worldwide. For generations, audiences have experienced Broadway shows with live music performed by the best musicians in the world, and by using just pre-recorded tracks it not only cheapens the art it’s putting jobs and livelihoods at risk. Our musicians are heartbroken that David Byrne – a legend  – is attempting this and we strongly hope he reconsiders.

    Local 802

    Local 802 went on to say that Here Lies Love violates union Broadway rules, which require the use of 19 musicians for musicals at the Broadway Theater. The union says it is seeking to preserve jobs for musicians and quality for theater lovers. “We’re not going to stand by and let this happen,” said Tino Gagliardi, the local’s president and executive director. “It’s not fair to the public.”

    In a statement, Bryne and the show said “Here Lies Love is not a traditional Broadway musical. The music is drawn outside of the traditional musical genre. The performance of the live vocals to pre-recorded, artificial tracks is paramount to its artistic concept. Production has ripped out the seats in the theater and built a dance floor. There is no longer a proscenium stage.”

    David Byrne, March 2023 (Mike Coppola/Getty Images).

    While Byrne says the show is special and there is a reasoning behind this, his decision violates union agreements, which have been in the news as of late with the Writers Guild striking for better and fairer wages and working conditions. In 2017, David Byrne proudly wrote that “investment in the arts doesn’t cost us money – it makes us money.” Now, Byrne is deinvesting in the arts by using recorded music instead of professional live musicians. This ongoing issue may influence crowds for Here Lies Love with many angry at this decision, prominent musicians and theatergoers alike.

    An update as of June 9- a statement from Local 802 NYC Musicians Union President and Executive Director Tino Gagliardi on agreement with Here Lies Love says “After negotiation, we have reached an agreement that will bring live music to Here Lies Love with the inclusion of 12 musicians to the show. Broadway is a very special place with the best musicians and performances in the world, and we are glad this agreement honors that tradition.” The group is made up of nine musicians and three musician actors, and all will be Local 802 members.

  • In Focus: OFF! & Die Spitz at Bowery Ballroom

    American Hardcore punk band OFF! played The Bowery Ballroom on Thursday, May 25th in New York City, with support from Austin based all girl punk grunge band Die Spitz.

    OFF! Live at Bowery Ballroom, NYC 05/24/23
    OFF! Live at Bowery Ballroom, NYC 05/24/23

    OFF! is a supergroup that includes legendary frontman, 68 year old hardcore punk icon from Black Flag & Circle Jerks, Keith Morris, guitarist Dimitri Coats (ex-Burning Brides), drummer Justin Brown (Thundercat, Flying Lotus), and bassist Autry Fulbright II (…And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead). This stop is part of their North American Tour with two upcoming shows before the band heads out to play festival dates in Europe this summer.

    Die Spitz’s lineup included Chloe Andrews, Kate Halter, Ellie Livingston, and Ava Schrobilgen, all childhood friends who formed the band only a year ago and just released their first album Teeth in January 0f 2023.

    DIE SPITZ

    OFF!

  • Brooklyn duo Robinson & Rohe set to perform in NYC as new album “Into the Night” releases

    Brooklyn might not be the place where you’d imagine the next great American folk band to come from, but Liam Robinson and Jean Rohe are looking to change that. The duo has been channeling the sounds of Appalachia and the soul of America since they met over 15 years ago. After exploring their musicality as individuals, Robinson and Rohe drop their next album Into the Night on Friday, May 26th.

    In a musical landscape that is often ripe with generic lyrics and songs made to “trend” on social media, Into the Night is a breath of fresh air. Punctuated by rhythmic guitar strums, bright banjo beats, passionate vocals, and simple but powerful drums, Into the Night does enough to stay engaging without straying too far away from its traditional influences. 

    Although the project is undeniably folk-inspired, elements of rock, bluegrass, jazz, and even pop are found throughout the 11-song album. The real standout element of Into the Night however is Robinson & Rohe’s writing and lyricism, which often comes across more like well-crafted lines of poetry than the lyrics of a song. 

    The album begins with the feel-good title track “Into the Night” which acts as the perfect introduction to the overall tone and atmosphere of the project. Robinson & Rohe put together one of their best and most harmonious vocal performances of the entire album. The pair’s soulful singing gives way to the steady beat of drums and the intricate sounds of a fiddle as the track reaches its climax. The first half of the album also features the songs “Off track” and “Where I’m Coming From”, which both help to demonstrate the project’s strong instrumentation and production. 

    Another gem is “One Last Waltz”, which invites the listener to reflect on time, love, and the brevity of life. Its poetic lyrics and powerful cascade of horns, drums, and guitars act as a comforting “goodbye” as the album nears its end. While Into the Night doesn’t reinvent the wheel when it comes to contemporary folk music, Robinson & Rohe display their songwriting and arrangement skills on just about every track. Together, the duo crafts a project that is not only impressive in its musical value, but also approachable for anyone looking to hear something shaped by the heart. 

    Robinson & Roe will celebrate Into the Night in New York City at Rockwood Music Hall on June 4th. The full list of upcoming performances can be found below: 

    • May 31, 2023- Parlor Room/Northampton, MA
    • June 1, 2023- Passim/Boston, MA
    • June 2, 2023- The Word Barn/Exeter, NH
    • June 4, 2023- Rockwood Music Hall/New York, NY

  • Andrea Bocelli Returns to MSG For Annual Holiday Tour

    The iconic Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli announced his return to Madison Square Garden for his 2023 US Holiday Tour. Originally playing one date, he announced he will perform two dates on Dec. 13 and 14.

    Andrea Bocelli
    Andrea Bocelli, photo from Luca Rossetti.

    Andrea Bocelli’s tour will feature performances from his extensive repertoire, including music in honor of the Holiday Season, selections from his recent #1 album A Family Christmas, his uplifting solo album Believe, as well as a selection of his beloved crossover hits, and famed love songs. Bocelli has one of the most recognizable voices in the industry, entertaining audiences for over 20 years, selling nearly 90 million records sold worldwide.

    In addition to his sold-out arena-sized concerts and record-breaking live streams, Bocelli has shared his talents at many major events including the Olympic Games, the World Cup, and Global Citizen. He has earned a Golden Globe, seven Classical BRITs, and seven World Music Awards, plus a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. 

    The announcement arrives on the heels of a spectacular spring tour in the US, which included two sold-out nights at the famed Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles on May 9 and May 10. Bocelli was invited to perform at the Coronation of King Charles III and Camilla in London on May 7. In April, his new documentary THE JOURNEY: A Music Special from Andrea Bocelli debuted in select theaters around the world. Recently he did a surprise performance at Times Square to celebrate the premiere of the film.

    Tickets for the shows at Madison Square Garden are on sale now. For more information about Andrea Bocelli and the upcoming tour, visit here.

    Andrea Bocelli November and December 2023 U.S. Tour

    NOVEMBER 29, 2023 / San Antonio, TX / AT&T Center

    NOVEMBER 30, 2023 / Dallas, TX / AAC

    DECEMBER 2, 2023 / Louisville, KY / KFC Yum Arena *With the Louisville Orchestra

    DECEMBER  6, 2023 / Boston, MA / TD Garden

    DECEMBER  7, 2023 / Philadelphia, PA / Wells Fargo Center

    DECEMBER 9, 2023 / Hartford, CT / XL Center * First time in Hartford in 25 years

    DECEMBER 10, 2023 / Baltimore, MD / CFG Bank Arena *With the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

    DECEMBER 13, 2023 / New York, NY / Madison Square Garden

    DECEMBER 14, 2023 / New York, NY / Madison Square Garden

    DECEMBER 16, 2023 / Hollywood, FL / Hard Rock Live

    DECEMBER 17, 2023 / Hollywood, FL / Hard Rock Live

  • Pop-Punk Icons Blink-182 Perform Sold-Out Show At Madison Square Garden

    If you are an iconic ‘90s/’00s band mapping out a massive, 93-date global 30th anniversary reunion tour, then scheduling a show at The World’s Most Famous Arena is a no-brainer. And that is exactly what the classic, long-time lineup of Blink 182 – Mark Hoppus, Travis Barker and Tom DeLonge – marked on their calendars last October when they made the tour announcement, along with the release of a new single, “Edging”, their first musical output since 2011.

    Prior to the tour launch in St. Paul, MN on May 4th, and outside of a surprise appearance at Coachella in April, DeLonge had not been involved with the group formed in San Diego County, CA for the past nine years. But after finally overcoming the traumatic after-effects from a 2008 plane crash (Barker) and a cancer diagnosis in 2021 (Hoppus), the band decided to give it a go.

    On a chilly mid-spring evening in Midtown Manhattan, the first of two bands providing support for Blink-182 was Beauty School Dropout (BSD), who took the stage at 7:35 pm. For the entirety of their 25-minute set, the renegade-pop band from Los Angeles, CA (featuring Cole “Colie” Hutzler, Brent “Beepus” Burdett and Bardo) wowed the audience members who had arrived early to the historic venue. Presenting material across a wide array of genres – including pop, punk, rock and hip hop – these young men handpicked by Hoppus himself, under his newly created venture capital music start up called Verswire, electrified the arena with emotionally-charged vocals, thundering guitar and stampeding drums. As the clock struck 8:00 pm and their set came to a close, BSD exited the stage to what else? Frankie Avalon’s “Beauty School Dropout” of course, made famous by said teen idol’s performance in the film version of Grease. BSD are definitely ones to watch, and their sophomore EP “We Made Plans & God Laughed,” is out now.

    Accompanying Blink-182 on all their US and Canadian dates is Turnstile, a hardcore punk from Baltimore, MD who formed in 2010. The quartet of Brendan Yates, Daniel Fang, “Freaky” Franz Lyons and Pat McCrory is also joined on the tour by Meg Mills on rhythm guitar. Entering stage left at 8:15 pm, the melodic hardcore musicians have three studio albums in their discography, the latest being Glow On, which was released in 2021 to critical acclaim and garnered the band three nominations (Best Metal Performance, Best Rock Song and Best Rock Performance) at the Grammy Awards held this past February. In less than two years, the abrasive, guitar-driven band has gone from playing suburban basements to 1,500-person clubs to 20,000-capacity arenas, without blinking (no pun intended) an eye. Turnstile commanded the MSG crowd instantly, particularly frontman Yates’ vox, and for forty minutes, we were all entranced with their grooving chassis of riffs and emo-ish lyrics. Sans a bad song in their catalog, including “Holiday,” a portion of which was used as the soundtrack for a 15-second Taco Bell commercial via TikTok, I cannot wait to see what lies ahead for Turnstile or to catch them on their next late night talk show appearance.

    At 9:30 pm, with the last road crew member’s shadowy silhouette barely visible as he checked to make sure no microphone cords were askew, the moment was finally here! As Richard Strauss’ “Also Sprach Zarathustra, op. 30″ erupted over the house PA, a portent of a significant event to come (like Elvis taking the stage in his later years), one by one they appeared. First DeLonge at stage left, then Barker took his stool behind the kit at center stage, and lastly Hoppus (the trio’s beating heart), waving to the crowd as he strapped on his Fender Jaguar bass at stage right. As a Gen Xer and self-proclaimed fanboy since the first Blink-182 earworm that grabbed my attention, 1997’s “Dammit” (Dude Ranch), tonight was more than special, it was festive and nostalgic, taking me and all the fans in attendance like me, back to yesteryear.

    As Blink-182 ripped through one hit after another, including six offerings from their third studio album (Enema of the State) that contributed significantly to their meteoric rise to fame in 1999, Hoppus and DeLonge lived up to their reputation with humorous, and sometimes sincere and introspective stage antics and banter during song breaks. Here is a sampling of dialogue necessitating inclusion for this review, some of which transpired while Barker was performing high over the stage atop a levitating drum riser connected to four alloy steel chains:

    We’re sorry if that [song] got you pregnant.

    You’re mom was safe yesterday, but your mom’s not safe tonight.

    Holy shit, we killed that. Did you notice that my hips and my knees didn’t give out when I went down to the ground?

    Travis, when you were doing that drum shit, when I was watching you, I got an erection. I was so fucking hard. I have never been that hard before in my life.

    There is a timing issue and I want you all to be aware of it. The next song is hard to play and I have usually been scoring about C+ on it, and I don’t know what to expect.

    I wish I could be like Harry Styles and play 15 nights here for you all. Did someone fucking boo Harry Styles? Don’t pull that shit in here. Hey, I got a joke. How are One Direction and ‘70s porn alike? Harry Styles.

    Somebody is smoking so much marijuana drug.

    This next song I wrote at a part in my life where I was really down, and I didn’t know if I could go on. I was really sick with cancer. I was hooked up to chemotherapy machines and now I’m fucking here tonight at MSG with all of you. I love you all.

    One of these shows I’ll get through a show without crying like a baby, not tonight, not tonight.

    This is the last song of the show, and then we’re gonna play three more songs. You know why? You wanna know why? Because we’re contractually obligated!

    Give it up for our bestest friends in Turnstile. But most of all, give it up for the greatest band to ever walk the face of the planet, Rage Against The Machine.

    All jokes aside, for more than 90 minutes, the electric and synergetic atmosphere created and shared by Blink-182 and its adoring fans elevated the show from a mere exhibition to an experience never to be forgotten. Walking to my car 30 minutes or so after the show, I came upon a large circle pit of fans on the corner of 31st Street and 8th Avenue, still basking in the afterglow of the epic show. There was a stereo playing “All the Small Things” at its highest volume, fans were hopping up and down in synchronicity, all of whom were belting out the lyrics we all love and know by heart, “Say it ain’t so, I will not go. Turn the lights off, carry me home.” Suddenly, out of the crowded pit came Hoppus (the only member to remain in Blink-182 throughout its entire history), hopping up and down himself, with a huge grin across his face. His security detail, watching it all unfold beside me, were more than happy, however, to whisk him back into the waiting black SUV and speed off into the dark Gotham night.

    After Blink’s final show of their North American leg concludes at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN on July 16, the band will take a much needed rest before resuming their world domination across the pond with twenty-four (24) dates in Europe (September 1 to October 16). Following a pair of shows in Las Vegas, NV on October 21-22 at the When We Were Young Festival, the boys will get another respite before heading to Oceania in early-February 2024 for sixteen (16) more shows, with the trek concluding in Latin America with a dozen shows – the last four of which taking place in Mexico City in early-April 2024.

    Blink-182 Setlist: Anthem Part Two > The Rock Show > Family Reunion > Man Overboard > Feeling This > Reckless Abandon > Violence > Up All Night > Dysentery Gary > Dumpweed > EDGING > Aliens Exist > Cynical > Happy Holidays, You Bastard > Stay Together for the Kids > Always > Down > Bored to Death > I Miss You > Adam’s Song > Ghost on the Dance Floor > What’s My Age Again? > First Date (with snippets of “Pinhead” and “Blitzkrieg Bop” by Ramones) > All the Small Things > Dammit (with snippet of “No Scrubs” by TLC)

    Beauty School Dropout

    Turnstile

    Blink-182 Gallery