NYS Music 2023

Category: Manhattan

  • How IDK Used Jazz And Formula 2 To Make His Best Project To Date

    Wow, what can be said about IDK’s F65 Listening Party? From beginning to end, IDK made it an intimate, beautiful, and thought-provoking experience. Studio 368 in Tribeca was the setting for this intimate gathering, where guests were served drinks and food in a kitchen-like setting before being led through a private screening of his comprehensive and movie-like project.

    The name F65 has a specific meaning. 65 represents the year of Malcolm X’s death, and F represents Formula One (also known as F1), the highest class of international single-seat car racing in the world. IDK, whose name stands for “Ignorantly Delivering Knowledge,” drew inspiration from both these elements to create a unique and powerful project.

    IDK’s decision to make jazz the foundation of his new project while also infusing it with the fast-paced energy of F1 racing resulted in a unique and powerful listening experience. The thought-provoking and emotional tracks that address the difficulties faced by black people when interacting with the police, such as “Mr. Police,” are a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and equality. The inclusion of club-rocking hits adds an element of fun and excitement, ensuring that the album appeals to a wide range of listeners. This perfect blend of social commentary, musical skill, and entertainment value sets IDK apart as an artist who is unafraid to tackle important issues while still delivering a memorable and enjoyable experience.

    The project as a whole was truly incredible and is proving to be a defining album in IDK’s discography. He is planning strategic brand partnerships with F1 and recently released his first single on MSNBC as part of his rollout. IDK proved to be a force in music before, and after this listening party, it is very clear he is about to shock the masses once again.

    Learn more about IDK on his website here

  • Tedeschi Trucks Band 2023 Garden Parties Arena Show Coming to MSG

    Tedeschi Trucks Band has announced two arena shows dubbed “The Garden Parties” at TD Garden in Boston, MA on Sept. 27 and Madison Square Garden on Sept. 29.

    Tedeschi Trucks Band
    Photo by David McClister.

    Tedeschi Trucks Band is a Grammy Award-winning 12-piece rock and soul powerhouse, led by the husband/wife duo of guitarist Derek Trucks and singer/guitarist Susan Tedeschi. They are known for their world-class musicianship and contemporary blend of a wide range of American musical influences. The band continues to tour in support of I Am The Moon, their acclaimed fifth studio project which “explodes with joyful, powerful and positive music” (Guitar Player). The album was made off the road during the pandemic and includes four albums released over the summer of 2022.

    Since forming in 2010, the band has traveled countless miles to bring their music to fans all over the world, from sold-out multi-night residencies across America to tours through Europe and Japan, and their flagship annual summer amphitheater tours. Their extensive catalog isn’t geared towards one genre, spanning rock, blues, jazz, and even country, and no setlist is ever the same. Today the band announced two arena show performances happening at TD Garden in Boston, MA on Sept. 27 and Madison Square Garden on Sept. 29. “The Garden Parties” are presented by Live Nation & Peter Shapiro’s Dayglo Presents. The special guest for these performances will be fellow Grammy Award-winner, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real.

    These performances come on the heels of their recently expanded summer run of tour dates across the US. Tickets for these performances go on sale to the general public on Friday, April 7 at 10 a.m. ET, with the TTB Fan Club presale beginning Tuesday, April 4 at 10 a.m. ET. The artist, venue, promoter, and Chase Bank presales begin Wednesday, April 5 at 10 a.m. ET and fans can download the Tedeschi Trucks Band app in both the Apple and Google Play Stores to get easy access to tour dates and up-to-date information about the band. To purchase tickets, visit here.

    2023 Tour Dates New dates in bold
    4/28 – N. Little Rock, AR – Simmons Bank Arena
    4/29 – Birmingham, AL – BJCC Concert Hall
    4/30 – New Orleans, LA – Jazz & Heritage Festival
    6/22 – Jacksonville, FL – Daily’s Place*
    6/23, 24 – Atlanta, GA – Fox Theatre*
    6/27, 28 – Vienna, VA – Wolf Trap*

    6/29 – Richmond, VA – Virginia Credit Union Live~
    7/1 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Saratoga Performing Arts Center~
    7/2 – Scranton, PA – Peach Music Festival

    7/3 – Gilford, NH – Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion at Meadowbrook~

    7/5 – Bangor, ME – Maine Savings Amphitheater~
    7/7, 8 – Bridgeport, CT – Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater~
    7/11 – Canandaigua, NY – Constellation Brands – Marvin Sands PAC~

    7/13 – Toronto, Canada – Budweiser Stage~
    7/14 – Rochester Hills, MI – Meadow Brook Amphitheatre~
    7/15 – Indianapolis, IN – TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park~

    7/18– Cincinnati, OH – PNC Pavilion~
    7/19 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center~
    7/20 – Milwaukee, WI – BMO Pavilion*
    7/22 – St. Louis, MO – Fabulous Fox Theatre*

    7/24 – Kansas City, MO – Kansas City Convention Center Music Hall*
    7/25 – Lincoln, NE – Pinewood Bowl Amphitheater*
    7/28, 29 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre*
    9/27 – Boston, MA – TG Garden^
    9/29 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden^

    • with Vincent Neil Emerson
      ~ with Ziggy Marley
      ^Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real

  • A Little Touch of Nathaniel Rateliff at Lincoln Center

    On April 1st, the stage at David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center was set for a truly special night of music, as Nathaniel Rateliff took the stage to perform Harry Nilsson’s album A Little Touch of Schmilsson in the Night. Backed by a full orchestra, Rateliff brought new life to these classic songs and captured the essence of Nilsson’s unique and captivating sound.

    nathaniel rateliff lincoln center

    A Little Touch of Schmilsson in the Night is an album of classic 20th century standards. Originally released in 1973, the album features Nilsson’s interpretations of tunes from the Great American Songbook, including “As Time Goes By,” “Makin’ Whoopee,” and “Always.”

    nathaniel rateliff lincoln center

    Rateliff’s performance of these songs was nothing short of spectacular, his powerful voice soaring above the arrangements of the orchestra. But he didn’t stop there. He also performed a selection of Nilsson’s other hits, including “Everybody’s Talkin’,” “Gotta Get Up,” and “Jump Into the Fire.” These songs are well-known for their catchy melodies and memorable lyrics, and Rateliff did them justice with his heartfelt performances.

    Phil Cook opened for Nathaniel Rateliff, showcasing his musical abilities as he played the piano with great proficiency. His soulful and emotive piano playing captured the audience’s attention.

    Overall, Nathaniel Rateliff’s performance of Harry Nilsson’s A Little Touch of Schmilsson in the Night was a night to remember. His soulful voice, backed by a full orchestra, brought new life to these classic songs and captured the spirit of Nilsson’s timeless music.

    Nathaniel Rateliff – David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center – April 1, 2023

    Setlist: Lazy Moon, For Me and My Gal, It Had to Be You, Always, Makin Whoopee, You Made Me Love You, Lullaby in Ragtime, I Wonder Who’s Kissing Her Now, What’ll I Do, Nevertheless (I’m In Love With You), This Is All I Ask, AS Time Goes By, Everybody’s Talkin, The Moonbeam Song, Gotta Get Up, Many Rivers To Cross, Jump Into the Fire, Turn On Your Radio

  • The World Music Institute Presents Dancing the Gods Festival at Ailey Citigroup Theater

    The World Music Institute has announced their 12th annual Dancing the Gods festival. For the first time, the celebration will occur at Ailey Citigroup Theater.

    From April 14-15 audience members will be treated to spectacular performances from India’s two leading dancers Sreelakshmy Govardhanan and Praveen Kumar. Programs will kick off with a slide presentation titled Epics, Poetry and Indian Dance from festival curator, dance expert and storyteller Rajika Puri.

    Since 1985, The World Music Institute has been recognized as one of the most stellar presenters of world music and dance within the United States. The non-profit organization strives to present the best in traditional and contemporary music with a myriad of cultural dances. Their mission is to educate people on the world’s rich cultural traditions, promoting awareness and appreciation and encouraging cross-cultural dialog and exchange. The program is partially supported by public funds from the New York State Council, Office of the Governor, New York State Legislature, and New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.

    Sreelakshmy Govardhanan is a remarkable woman with numerous talents. She is a renowned creative dancer, choreographer and teacher of Kuchipudi and the founder and Artistic Director of a center for learning, performance and research known as the Avantika Space. Additionally Govardhanan is  a trained psychologist who fuses her professional perspective with her art. She uses this to educate young minds through workshops, classes, seminars and lecture demonstrations.

    In the Dancing the Gods festival, Govardhanan will explore the Nritta, Nrutya and Natya elements of Kuchipudi through a repertoire set in the format of Margam. Kuchipudi is a dance originating from the theatrical and dance traditions of Andhra Pradesh. It was named after the village called Kuchelapuram. Traditionally the dance is presented by troupes of male actor-dancers who celebrate festivals dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The dance has now transformed into a solo form, which is today popular around the world.

    Praveen Kumar was born into a family of artists and showed a passion for dance at a very young age. He learned to appreciate the aesthetic depths of Bharatanatyam after studying with the esteemed guru of Bangalore, the late Smt. Narmada. Currently, Kumar studies with Guru Prof. C.V.Chandrasekhar runs the Chithkala School of Dance in Bangalore. In his solo performance for the festival, he will explore a man’s journey as a companion, admirer, and a friend through various facets of life. Musicians will provide South Indian traditional music for this prodigious production.

    Rajika Puri has performed all over Latin America, Europe, Malaysia, the US and India, and in New York at the Asia Society and Ailey Theaters. Prior to Puri’s devotion to western theater, she danced internationally in solo recitals of Bharatanatyam and Odissi for several years. Her success in the Lincoln Center Theater’s “The Transposed Heads”inspired her to develop a form of dance storytelling  called ‘Sutradhari Natyam’. The performance is accomplished through songs in Indian languages and English narration with excerpts from dances, spoken rhythms and chants. In ‘Eleni of Sparta’ or ‘Helen of Troy’, Puri sang in ancient Greek.

    Tickets and more information about Dancing the Gods festival can be found here.

  • Che Pranks Jost, Quinta Praises Teachers and Lil Yachty gets Psychedelic on SNL

    Emmy-winning Abbott Elementary star Quinta Brunson hosted Saturday Night Live (SNL) this week, with genre-blending musical guest Lil Yachty. Brunson used her monologue to talk Abbott Elementary and praised teachers, mentioning her Philadelphia upbringing and mother who was an educator. Brunson used her first SNL hosting gig to call for better pay for teachers, reminding parents to not take teachers for granted.

    A trio of solid sketches followed, with a “Drug Dealer” sketch with bathroom dealers trying to one-up each other, a Netflix Bridesmaids cult documentary that sends up the cult doc Wild Wild Country, and a gameshow ‘Couple Goals.’

    The first song from Lil Yachty, “The BLACK seminole.,” found an all-female band in a starlit field/swamp, the moon backlighting them. The first track off Let’s Start Here, “The BLACK seminole.” offered rap merging with psychedelic rock and hip hop, including autotuned Yachty singing, the guitarist dropping a solo that would make Slash smile, and singer Diana Gordon taking the spotlight as LED wall projections intensified. Lil Yachty put the band front and center, with a Pink Floyd influence clear in Gordon’s singing and samples of “One of these Days” and “Speak to Me.”

    https://youtu.be/XYdE4HAsXpI

    On Weekend Update, Michael Che pulled “the meanest thing you’ve ever done” on Colin Jost, by getting the audience to not laugh during the first few jokes Colin told. Someone could then be heard shouting ‘you suck’, and Jost breaking his ever-stiff persona on Update, laughing at the lack of laughs, wondering if his mic was on, and Che admitting it was his April Fools. Jost replied with “You are evil!” laughing all the while, sweating too. Meanwhile, Che’s couple of early jokes got big laughs to stoke the flame.

    Having set the tone for the rest of Update, the guests that joined the desk made this the funniest Update of the season so far. Michaelangelo’s David (Michael Longfellow) and featured player Marcelo Hernandez praised Short Kings, dragging Jost again, this time for being short (he’s really 6’0″).

    Lil Yachty’s second song “drive ME crazy!” dropped a Disco beat thanks to an even-handed drummer and Diana Gordon taking the lead this time, singing about finding her perfect match. At first, the song is minimalist, with the stage becoming lighter as the song progressed, with Yachty joining in, wearing a hat that Shock G would have loved.

    https://youtu.be/lrF32zOszgg

    Tune into Saturday Night Live next week with host Molly Shannon and musical guest Jonas Brothers

  • Amayo Announces Spring Tour, City Winery and Colony Woodstock Shows

    Amayo, former frontman of Antibalas for 23 years, will embark on a spring tour and perform seven shows across the country in April, with two shows in New York, at City Winery on May 8 and Colony Woodstock on May 13. Amayo is credited with bringing Afrobeat to a global audience, leading it to become a genre of itself.

    amayo tour

    The Grammy-Nominated Antibalas album, Fu Chronicles, in the category of Best Global Music Albany, was his vision, from concept to compositions and illustrations. The album became the launchpad for Amayo’s solo career, where Kung Fu meets Afrobeat. 

    A unique blend of styles creates a magical landscape for Chinese & African rhythms, where Amayo sings traditional Yoruba & Edo lyrics and plays piano, electric keyboard, organ, and the Gbedu Spirit Drum. Joining Amayo is his band, featuring chekere, guitar, bass, flute, violin, drums, percussion and horns.  

    The band carries the spirit of Kung Fu masters and philosophers of Asia, freedom fighters, the royal warriors of Edo & Ife Kingdoms, and Fela Kuti.

    Amayo’s songs guide people through Kung Fu movements and stories of the Nigerian Edo & Ife Kingdoms. As an anointed Orisha “Awo” Amayo sings traditional Nigerian spirituals and stories that have been passed down in a sacred lineage. 

    Additionally, Amayo has been a senior master (Sifu) of the Jow Ga Kung Fu School of martial arts since 1982 and performs traditional Chinese Lion Dance as a salutation ritual to begin his stage performances to bring good fortune to the audience.

    Amayo Spring 2023 Dates

    April 13 – The New Parish, Oakland, CA

    April 16 – Moe’s Alley, Santa Cruz, CA

    May 7 – City Winery, Philadelphia, PA

    May 8 – City Winery, New York, NY

    May 11 – SPACE, Portland, ME

    May 12 – ColliderFEST, Northampton, MA

    May 13 – Colony Woodstock, Woodstock, NY

    Get tickets to all shows here.

    amayo tour

  • RIOPY Presents “Thrive” at The Crypt Sessions

    On Tuesday, March 28, the talented piano player RIOPY graced the stage of the Church of Intercession Crypt. This intimate concert setting added a unique and hauntingly beautiful atmosphere to RIOPY’s already mesmerizing music.

    church of the intercession RIOPY
    Photo by Kevin Condon IG @weirdhours

    RIOPY, born and raised in France, began playing the piano at the age of six. He has since become a world-renowned pianist. His music is a blend of classical and contemporary, with a focus on emotional depth and storytelling through music.

    The performance opened with a piece called “La Nocturne,” a haunting and melancholic melody that set the tone for the rest of the evening. From there, RIOPY gave the audience a preview of his upcoming album, Thrive. The album will be released on April 14th under Warner Classics.

    Photo by Kevin Condon IG @weirdhours

    Throughout the concert, RIOPY shared stories about his life and the inspiration behind his music. He spoke about how his music is a reflection of his experiences and how he hopes that his music can bring comfort and healing to those who listen to it.

    RIOPY’s concert at the Church of Intercession Crypt was a testament to the power of music. His beautiful melodies and emotional depth left a lasting impression on everyone in attendance.

    The Crypt Sessions is a concert series that takes place in the crypt of the Church of the Intercession, located on West 155th St in Upper Manhattan. The Crypt Sessions series was founded in 2020 by Andrew Ousley, who wanted to create a unique and intimate concert experience for both the performers and the audience.

    The concerts are held in the crypt, which is a small, underground chamber beneath the 180 old Episcopal church. The space has a unique atmosphere and excellent acoustics, making it an ideal venue for live music performances. The Crypt Sessions feature a wide range of musical genres, from classical and opera to jazz and indie rock. The performers are often world-renowned musicians who are attracted to the unique setting and intimate atmosphere of the series

    Setlist: La Nocturne, Piano Allegretto, Ukiyo, I Love You, Rockefeller Room, Drive

    Photos by Kevin Condon – instagram.com/weirdhours

    church of the intercession RIOPY
    church of the intercession RIOPY

  • Jerry Seinfeld to Celebrate 100th Performance at The Beacon Theatre

    What’s the deal with Jerry Seinfeld’s 7 p.m. stand-up comedy show on April 8? Well, this evening will be Seinfeld’s 100th show at The Beacon Theatre in Manhattan. The comic already holds the record for most comedy shows at the theater, thanks to the residency he began in 2016. 

    Though he is most known for the success of his show “Seinfeld,” Jerry Seinfeld recently released his third book, “Is This Anything?” His new book is a compilation of every bit he wrote and performed since 1975, interspersed by scenes, memories and analysis of each era of his comedy career. Seinfeld’s comedy draws from common mundane activities and finds the absurdity in each, making it widely relatable and light-hearted. 

    The Beacon feels like home at this point. This is the place for comedy in NYC, and to do 100 shows here as part of this residency is an honor and a testament to the incredible fans who have been selling this place out since we started in 2016.

    Jerry Seinfeld

    As is clearly seen in “Seinfeld,” Jerry Seinfeld is a native New Yorker and the city has often acted as his muse — prompting jokes and entire plot lines inspired by events he witnessed participating in daily life in NYC. Seinfeld has become an institution in New York, making this historical achievement at an even older and more established New York institution, The Beacon Theatre, fitting.

    Since the final episode of Seinfeld aired in 1998, Seinfeld himself has continued to have a successful and prolific career in comedy. In addition to his many solo comedy specials and stand-up shows on both national and international stages,  Seinfeld started his web series “Comedians in Cars getting Coffee” in 2012. The show went on to host such high profile guests as President Barack Obama, and it was nominated for numerous Emmy awards and was picked up by Netflix in 2017. 

    Limited tickets remain for Seinfeld’s 100th show and tickets start at $115. Fans of Seinfeld or Seinfeld can buy them here.

  • In Focus: Papadosio Find Their Cloud on 4-Day Northeast Tour

    Papadosio just wrapped up a four day tour in the Northeast, stopping in Harrisburg, Philadelphia, New York City, and Bridgeport, CT. For the NYC show, they played at Sony Hall on Saturday, March 25 with 5 A.M Trio as the opener.

    5 A.M Trio got the crowd dancing and grooving. The band consists of Sam Andrus, Aaron Harel, and Keith Wadsworth.

    Papadosio opened up with “Cubensis.” They displayed their talents through intricate, danceable jams as they weave in and out of grooves. Their captivating visuals greatly accompany their unique sound and leave the audience in a trance like dance for most of the show.

    Speaking with some of the members of the band, it seems like their sights are set on sustainability and maintaining healthy family lives.

  • In Focus: Pink Talking Fish Celebrate 50th Anniversary of Dark Side of the Moon Album with Escaper

    On Friday, March 24th, Pink Talking Fish teamed up with Escaper at Sony Hall to honor the 50th Anniversary of Dark Side of the Moon, Pink Floyd’s most famous album. PTF played the album in its entirety, with opener, Brooklyn’s Escaper, closing their set with a masterfully psychedelic “Set the Controls for the Heart of The Sun”.

    pink talking fish dark side
    Will Hanza & Luke Bemand of Escaper

    Escaper opened up the night with an exciting set filled with face melting solos by Will Hanza. An incredible and very emotive guitarist, Will is a thrill to photograph. It was great to see him and Luke Bemand’s stage chemistry and how well they play together. Escaper invited Cal Kehoe up for the Pink Floyd cover to end their set.

    pink talking fish dark side
    Luke Bemand & Scott Chasolen of The Machine join PTF on stage to play “Tweezer”

    Pink Talking Fish started their show by playing “Dark Side of the Moon” in it’s entirety. A daunting task which PTF has performed incredibly many times before, this time was no different. The vocal part in “Great Gig in The Sky” and the sheer funkiness of “Any Color You Like” stood out.

    pink talking fish dark side
    Cal Kehoe-eidescope

    The second set was a medley of Phish, Talking Heads, & Pink Floyd. Favorites from that set included Phish classics like “Alumni Blues”, “Letter to Jimmy Page”, “Frankenstein” which included a key-tar solo, “Tweezer” with Luke Bemand on bass and the keyboardist from The Machine Scott Chasolen, and if you play “Tweezer” you know you have to play “Tweezer Reprise”. The band encored with “Sabotage > Eclipse Reprise”.

    Pink Talking Fish – Sony Hall, NYC – Friday, March 24

    Set 1: Speak To Me > Breathe > On The Run > Time > Breathe Reprise, Great Gig In The Sky, Money1, Us And Them1 > Any Colour You Like > Brain Damage > Eclipse

    Set 2: Burning Down The House, Alumni Blues > Letter To Jimmy Page > Frankenstein2 > Letter To Jimmy Page > Alumni Blues, Mother, Houses In Motion, Tweezer1,3 > Tweezer Reprise1,3, Wish You Were Here, Crosseyed And Painless

    Encore: Sabotage > Eclipse Reprise

    1 w/ Matt Wayne on sax
    2 w/ Steve on keytar
    3 w/ Luke Bemand on bass & Scott Chasolen on keys

    pink talking fish dark side