LCD Soundsystem will once again hold a residency (of sorts) this holiday season in New York City, but instead of sticking to just one venue, the group will hit three separate venues across three boroughs on a Tri Boro Tour.
The Tri Boro tour will find LCD Soundsystem first returning to the familiar haunts of Brooklyn Steel over the course of November 16-19. Then, heading into Manhattan, the group will find themselves at Terminal 5 from November 28 through December 1, surely making excellent use of the room’s disco ball during each show.
Then the group will perform December 7-10 at the Knockdown Center in Queens to close out the Tri Boro Tour. As for shows in the Bronx and Staten Island, fans will have to be patient or make the trek to any of the other 12 shows lined up.
General public onsale for all 12 shows starts Thursday, Oct. 12 at 10AM ET, but you can check here for presale details. One show at each location will be for Amex cardholders only.
LCD Soundsystem Tri Boro Tour Dates: 11/16 — Brooklyn NY @ Brooklyn Steel 11/17 — Brooklyn NY @ Brooklyn Steel 11/18 — Brooklyn NY @ Brooklyn Steel 11/19 — Brooklyn NY @ Brooklyn Steel * 11/28 — New York NY @ Terminal 5 11/29 — New York NY @ Terminal 5 11/30 — New York NY @ Terminal 5 * 12/01 — New York NY @ Terminal 5 12/07 — Queens NY @ Knockdown Center * 12/08 — Queens NY @ Knockdown Center 12/09 — Queens NY @ Knockdown Center 12/10 — Queens NY @ Knockdown Center
Tedeschi Trucks band made their debut with a ‘Garden Party’ at Madison Square Garden (MSG) on Friday, September 29, with the help of friends Trey Anastasio, Lukas Nelson and Norah Jones. There was some intense rain causing serious flooding around this day, but luckily the show went on.
The performance recalled Derek Trucks sitting in with Phish, just a month prior for the Vermont Flood benefit. And now it looked like New York City would be flooding, but only an outpouring of love and music rained down at MSG this evening.
Lukas Nelson and Promise Of The Real opened up the night with a rocking, bluesy set full of originals including a heartfelt “Georgia” and a thumping “Something Real” to close up their set.
When it was time for the main act, the first reaction was “Boy do they have a large band even without three special guests!” The full Tedeschi Trucks Band played a memorable show with their guests, one that was full of surprises which included “The Seeker” & “Layla” with Trey sitting in, Susan killing it on “Sugaree”, Norah and Susan on “Have a Little Faith in Me”, TTB bangers like “Midnight in Harlem” and “Made up Mind”.
The encore included “A Song For You” with Lukas Nelson and “Soul Sweet Song”. The band brought out the whole crew including Trey, Lukas, & Norah for two Sly and the Family Stone songs including “Sing a Simple Song” and “I Want to Take you Higher,” an incredible ending to a phenomenal night.
Tedeschi Trucks Band – Madison Square Garden, NYC – Sept. 29, 2023
Setlist: Anyhow, Playing With My Emotions, Ainât That Something, Part of Me, Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo (Heartbreaker) (The Rolling Stones), I Am the Moon, Pasaquan, Have a Little Faith in Me (John Hiatt) [1] [2], You Wreck Me (Tom Petty) [1] [2], Midnight in Harlem, Made Up Mind, I Want More > Beckâs Bolero (Jeff Beck), Angel From Montgomery (John Prine) > Sugaree (Grateful Dead), The Seeker (The Who) [2] [3], Bell Bottom Blues (Derek and the Dominos) [3], Layla (Derek and the Dominos) [3] [4]
Encore: A Song For You (Leon Russell) [5], Soul Sweet Song, Sing A Simple Song (Sly & The Family Stone) [6] > I Want to Take You Higher (Sly & The Family Stone) [6]
[1] Norah Jones on keys, vocals [2] First time played by Tedeschi Trucks Band [3] Trey Anastasio on guitar, vocals [4] Lukas Nelson on guitar [5] Lukas Nelson on vocals; with Susan (vocals) and Gabe (keys) only [6] Trey Anastasio on guitar, Lukas Nelson on guitar, Norah Jones on keys
Music icon Mariah Carey announced the return of her Christmas extravaganza “Merry Christmas One And All!” The special 13-date run includes two stops at Madison Square Garden on Dec. 9 and Dec. 17, 2023.
Produced by Live Nation, the “Merry Christmas One And All!” performances are set to be the must-attend events of this winter, as these live shows will be Mariah Carey’s exclusive Christmas concerts for this holiday season.This event is a celebration of the global superstar’s timeless collection of holiday classics including the record-breaking mega-hit, “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” and fan-favorite chart toppers.
Carey is an author, entrepreneur, philanthropist, producer, and multiple award-winning artist and songwriter. She is the best-selling female artist of all time with more than 200 million albums sold to date and 19 Billboard Hot 100 #1 singles, leaving a lasting impact on the music industry.
She is an inductee to the Songwriters Hall of Fame and has been recognized with multiple Grammy Awards, numerous American Music Awards, three Guinness World Record titles, both Billboard’s “Artist of the Decade” and “Icon” awards, just to name a few.
Besides being a musician, Mariah Carey has also donated her time and energy to a range of philanthropic causes including Save the Music, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, World Hunger Relief, and the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Carey founded Camp Mariah in partnership with the Fresh Air Fund, a retreat for inner-city children to explore career development.
Tickets will be available via several presales beginning on Wednesday, Oct. 4 at 10 AM ahead of the general on-sale beginning on Friday, October 6 at 10 AM. Tickets for her December 9 show will be available via several presales beginning on Thursday, November 2 at 9 AM ahead of the general on-sale beginning on Friday, November 3 at 9 AM. Fans can also purchase VIP Packages, which may include premium tickets, invitations to a pre-show reception, exclusive merchandise, and more.
MARIAH CAREY – MERRY CHRISTMAS ONE AND ALL! TOUR DATES:
Wed Nov 15 | Highland, CA | Yaamava Casino*
Fri Nov 17 | Los Angeles, CA | Hollywood Bowl^
Tue Nov 21 | Denver, CO | Ball Arena
Fri Nov 24 | Kansas City, MO | T-Mobile Arena
Mon Nov 27 | Toronto, ON | Scotiabank Arena^
Wed Nov 29 | Montreal, QC | Centre Bell^
Fri Dec 01 | Detroit, MI | Little Caesars Arena
Sun Dec 03 | Chicago, IL | United Center
Tue Dec 05 | Pittsburgh, PA | PPG Paints Arena
Sat Dec 09 | New York, NY | Madison Square Garden
Mon Dec 11 | Boston, MA | TD Garden
Wed Dec 13 | Philadelphia, PA | Wells Fargo Center
Fri Dec 15 | Baltimore, MD | CFG Bank Arena
Sun Dec 17 | New York, NY | Madison Square Garden
*Not a Live Nation Date
^American Express® Card Members can purchase tickets to this show before the general onsale beginning Wednesday, October 4 at 10 AM local time until Thursday, October 5 @ 10 PM local time.
On a day when floods shut down the subways and water appeared in places where water should not, IDK lifted Irving Plaza above the flood line and delivered for all of his fans that braved the torrential rains that drenched New York City to make it to the show. On Friday, September 29th, IDK made the fourth stop of his F65 Tour at Irving Plaza in New York City.
The show featured three opening acts, the first being 18-year-old R&B singer Luna Elle, followed by Atlanta Rapper Reese Laflare and lastly Dreamville’s own, Lute. Reese and Lute each played their respective Revenge of the Dreamers Tracks, “Costa Rica,” and “Under The Sun.”
Reese Laflare at Irving Plaza. Photo By: Lucas Kurzweil.
IDK came out sporting a racing helmet before switching over to his baseball cap. Throughout the show IDK would switch his headgear to match his different albums. The performance was a creative mix between Jazz and Hip-Hop with the crowd going from swaying to moshpit within the blink of an eye.
IDK Setlist: Mrs. Lynch, Your Son Is The Devil, 42 Hundred Choices, Santa Monica Blvd, Champs-Élysées, Cape Coast, Pit Stop, Thug Tear, Radioactive, Freetown, Just Like Martin, Taco, Salty, Mr. Police, Pinot Noir, Temporary Love, Elmina, December, Rain (Cover), Puerto Rico, Peloton, PradadaBang, Red, Shoot My Shot, I Do Me … You Do You, Lilly, Porno, Digital, Breathe, Drugstore, Dog Food, Paranoid (Cover), Hey Auntie, Julia…, Black Sheep, White Dove, Télé Couleur, 850 (We On Top), Rabbit Stew, 24
The New York Coffee Festival will return for the seventh year in this fall. From October 6th-8th, coffee lovers can experience exceptional coffee, food, cocktails, live music, and art at the Metropolitan Pavilion.
The New York Coffee Festival is New York’s flagship coffee event, celebrating the burgeoning specialty coffee scene. Coffee beginners and aficionados alike can look forward to unlimited tastings and presentations from over 100 of the most exciting and innovative coffee, tea, and chocolate exhibitors.
Attendees will also boost their coffee knowledge in workshops, be a part of interactive demos, and meet the top U.S. artisans and baristas one-to-one.
The three-day festival will also feature The Lab program with an exciting line-up of interactive demonstrations, educational workshops, talks and tastings. The Coffee Music Project features the best acts from NYC and beyond. Additionally, The Coffee Art Project showcases the creativity and talents of emerging and established artists. Also returning this year are Coffee Masters NYC, The Coffee Cocktail Bar, The Sensory Experience, and more.
Attendees can also look forward to several new features this year, including a cocktail masterclass led by industry experts. Other new activities include The Roasters Village, and a Latte Art Tournament.
In addition to offering delicious street food, coffee cocktails, live music and coffee-inspired art, 100% of profits are donated to NYC-based Charity: water partnering with Project Waterfall to deliver life-changing water projects in coffee-growing regions. Since 2011, Project Waterfall has raised over $2 million, bringing clean water to more than 80,000 people across seven countries. Returning is Latte Art Live, an interactive zone dedicated to the skill of latte art, the schedule is below.
New York-based artist The Bones of J.R. Jones released a new single, “Animals,” the final single from his upcoming album Slow Lightning. The release comes alongside his upcoming tour, featuring a show at NYC’s Mercury Lounge and Woodstock’s Levon Helm Studios.
“Animals” is an upbeat, soulful folk track, supporting the musician’s upcoming record, Slow Lightning, slotted for release on October 13. That day will feature a hometown show at NYC’s Mercury Lounge for a special album release show, followed by a full US and European tour this fall.
The new track follow the release of the musician’s previous single, “The Good Life,” which dropped last month alongside an official music video featuring actress Maggie McDowell. In addition, the first promotional single, “Heaven Help Me,” debuted to great success, and has now garnered over 250,000 streams.
Known off-stage as Jonathan Linaberry, The Bones of J.R. Jones is a one-man band, songwriter, storyteller, and visual artist.
Animals’ is about letting yourself go and giving into another version of yourself. Going out, getting into trouble, letting whatever may happen, happen and finding out you’re happier that way.
Jonathan Linaberry, The Bones of J.R. Jones
Tickets for The Bones of J.R. Jones’ upcoming tour are now on sale. More information and tickets are available here.
Tour Dates:
10/12 – Washington, DC – DC9
10/13 – New York, NY – Mercury Lounge
10/14 – Woodstock, NY – Levon Helm Studios
10/16 – Richmond, VA – Camel
10/17 – Charlottesville, VA – The Southern Cafe and Music Hall
10/18 – Raleigh, NC – The Pour House Music Hall & Record Shop
Festival of Firsts returns to the David Rubenstein Atrium as part of the Lincoln Center Presents fall/winter season, from Oct. 5-27.
The Festival of Firsts features artists embarking on new journeys and celebrating significant moments in their careers, with milestones spanning Lincoln Center debuts, World, U.S., and NYC Premieres, album releases, fresh collaborations, and more. With a wide array of genres and artists, Lincoln Center invites audiences to enjoy these free performances.
Festival of Firsts Schedule
Rami Khalifé’s LOST, Return to Beirut
Thursday, October 5 at 7:30 pm
David Rubenstein Atrium
LINCOLN CENTER DEBUT
*THIS EVENT WILL ALSO BE LIVESTREAMED*
Considered “a musician of extreme caliber and pure expression” by the Daily Star UK, the adventurous Lebanese pianist Rami Khalifé presents work that is as eclectic as it is bold, ranging from improvised concerts, original film soundtracks, reimagined electronic club music with his AUFGANG project, and live tours with his father, the famed composer and oud player Marcel Khalifé. His musicality has led him to classical training at Juilliard; solos with Globalis Orchestra, the Qatar Philharmonic, the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, and The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, as well as live performances at the Kennedy Center, the Sydney Opera House, and Queen Elizabeth Hall.
J Noa
Friday, October 6 at 7:30 pm
David Rubenstein Atrium
LINCOLN CENTER DEBUT
J Noa’s 2023 major label debut Autodidacta is a blazing-hot introduction to the San Cristobal rapper’s considerable gifts: tongue-tying rhymes, nonstop bars, and the skills to switch up her flow from heartbeat to heartbeat. Her intricate lyricism ties together relevant social and political statements on drug addiction, racism, homophobia, and clapbacks at local government mismanagement. At the ripe age of 17, J Noa can already boast a ten-year songwriting career and a million-plus viewed YouTube hit with “Betty,” depicting the challenges of teen pregnancy.
Vuyo Sotashe and Chris Pattishall
Wednesday, October 11 at 7:30 pm
David Rubenstein Atrium
NEW SINGLE RELEASE
Presented in collaboration with Jazz at Lincoln Center
Over the past decade, South African vocalist Vuyo Sotashe and American pianist/composer Chris Pattishall have become mainstays of the NYC live club scene, with each contributing separately to a wide range of projects spanning jazz, gospel, theater, and film. Now they will present their live debut collaborative performance at the Atrium with an evening of soulful original arrangements. In a program that references Duke Ellington, Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, and traditional South African Xhosa hymns, Sotashe and Pattishall will celebrate the release of their first single, “They Say I Look Like God.”
Photo by Yekaterina Gyadu.
Salty Brine’s And If You Listen Very Hard: The Led Zeppelin Show
Thursday, October 12 at 7:30 pm
David Rubenstein Atrium
LINCOLN CENTER DEBUT
The showy performance artist, playwright, and vocalist Salty Brine is the next big name in outré downtown alt-cabaret. As part of the Festival of Firsts, Brine makes his Lincoln Center debut with a show from his ongoing Living Record Collection, a thus far 20-chapter series of expeditions into the heart of popular music. Each event merges the live recreation of an entire classic album with stories of personal experience alongside literature and theater, autobiographical monologues, a musical celebration of great LPs, and a fresh look at the artistic process. This evening features Robert Louis Stevenson’s immortal pirate adventure Treasure Island and the heavy metal folk-rock masterpiece, Led Zeppelin IV.
Lady Wray
Friday, October 13 at 7:30 pm
David Rubenstein Atrium
LINCOLN CENTER DEBUT
A mainstay of the U.S. Billboard charts since the early 2000s, Nicole “Lady” Wray’s clear voice, potent storytelling, and deeply emotive performances combine the 70s soul and the hip-hop-inflected R&B of the 90s. The Guardian calls Lady Wray’s long-awaited third album, Piece of Me, which boasts a recent remix from New York’s own Pete Rock and a guest verse from Wu-Tang Clan’s Ghostface Killah, “a classy retro-soul LP… steeped in experience, familial warmth, and overcoming heartbreak.” She will make her long overdue Lincoln Center debut with songs from Piece of Me interspersed with favorite covers and classic hits, all supported by a full live band packed with special guests.
Story of the Sky by the Bruces & Friends
Saturday, October 14 at 11:00 am
David Rubenstein Atrium
DEBUT CHILDREN’S ALBUM
Husband and wife team Morley and Chris Bruce recently self-released and produced their debut family and children’s album, Story of the Sky. This multi-cultural and inter-generational beginning-of-life narrative centers our inter-belonging—connecting human beings with one another and the natural world.
Truth to Power Café
Wednesday, October 18 at 7:30 pm
David Rubenstein Atrium
U.S. PREMIERE
From Adelaide to Zagreb and now in New York for its U.S. premiere, Jeremy Goldstein’s Truth to Power Café is a profound theatrical reflection on loss, hope, and resistance. This inspirational event is told through memoir, image, film, poetry, music, and true and authentic stories in response to the question: “Who has power over you and what do you want to say to them?” Truth to Power Café is inspired by the political and philosophical beliefs of Nobel Prize-winning playwright Harold Pinter and his inner circle “The Hackney Gang,” which included Café creator Jeremy Goldstein’s late father, Mick Goldstein, and poet and actor Henry Woolf.
Photo by Kate Holmes.
Erni Lu
Thursday, October 19 at 7:30 pm
David Rubenstein Atrium
FIRST ALBUM & LINCOLN CENTER DEBUT
Peruvian-born singer-songwriter and guitarist Ernesto “Erni Lu” Lúcar has found his true musical home in New York. From a young age, he fell in love with the city’s music scene, particularly the rhythms of boleros, waltzes, acid jazz, and funk, using these genres and strains of contemporary Latin pop and traditional Peruvian folk in his sound. Over the past several years, Lu has gained significant experience composing film scores for movies such as Gary Terracino’s Elliot Loves and Gonzalo Benavente’s Rocanrol 68. He will make his Lincoln Center premiere, backed by a full live band performing a set of original songs celebrating the release of his debut album Siempre, including the new hit single, “Amor Platónico.”
¡VAYA!
Uptown Royalty
Friday, October 20 at 7:30 pm
David Rubenstein Atrium
LINCOLN CENTER DEBUT
A Lincoln Center favorite since 2015, ¡VAYA! is a showcase for the finest Latin dance traditions. It offers devotees of Latin music a friendly community, excellent orchestras, and the city’s most inviting dance floor. The husband and wife duo of trombone player and bandleader Ron Renaissance and the glamorous vocalist Jodi Music are at the heart of the NYC-based Uptown Royalty, a combo at the forefront of the future of the modern salsa revolution, fusing classic salsa with contemporary pop, disco, rock, and R&B. Backed by a multi-piece band, their fresh approach to live performance has irresistible charisma, energizing audiences with their spectacular energy.
Migguel Anggelo’s JOY
Wednesday, October 25 at 7:30 pm
David Rubenstein Atrium
WORLD PREMIERE
Venezuelan-born and Brooklyn-based artist Migguel Anggelo’s work explores the intersections of queer, Latiné, and immigration identities. As a musician, he has released three albums (English with an Accent, La Casa Azul, Dónde Estara Matisse). As a theater creator, he has been awarded residencies to develop new works at MASS MoCA, the Kimmel Center, Washington Performing Arts, and Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. For his new multidisciplinary project, Anggelo dons the whimsical persona of JOY, inspired by the mime Marcel Marceu’s immortal Bip the Clown, who asks us to consider the power of silence in new ways. With the addition of an all-star lineup of live musicians, JOY features original music by Migguel Anggelo and Michelle J. Rodriguez.
Truth Future Bachman’s Skyward: An Endling Elegy
Thursday, October 26 at 7:30 pm
David Rubenstein Atrium
WORLD PREMIERE
Brooklyn-based composer, playwright, vocalist, and La MaMa resident artist Truth Future Bachman interweaves three of the most compelling cultural threads of our moment: musical theater, gender fluidity, and superhero/sci-fi parables. Following the 2022 presentation of Luna and the Starbodies at last year’s Festival of Firsts, Lincoln Center is proud to host the world premiere of Bachman’s next great origin story within their multiversal mythos, Skyward.
Larissa Luz
Friday, October 27 at 7:30 pm
David Rubenstein Atrium
NYC & LINCOLN CENTER DEBUT
*THIS EVENT WILL ALSO BE LIVESTREAMED*
Presented in collaboration with AFROPUNK
The multitalented and Latin GRAMMY-nominated Brazilian singer-songwriter Larissa Luz also hosts a popular talk show, has acted in numerous television and film roles, and placed second this year in Brazil’s nationally televised edition of The Masked Singer. She is a social activist, speaking out against sexism, racism, and colorism in a field that’s still greatly defined by it. She is a regular performer in music festivals, including Lollapalooza and Rock in Rio, and will be performing music from across her career, including new songs and cuts from her most recent release, the trap pop EP Deusa Dulov.
For more information about the free Festival of Firsts performances, visit here.
On Wednesday September 20 at Irving Plaza, English Band Ladytron returned to perform the first show of their Fall 2023 Tour. This was a highly anticipated tour for fans since their last appearance in NY back in 2019 at the Brooklyn Steel.
Ladytron has defined the electropop movement of the early 2000’s using synthesizing sounds to encompass a unique psychedelic, ethereal and electronic rock performance. Irving Plaza was the perfect venue to highlight the bands ambience with sparkling chandeliers, hanging disco ball, dim-lit standing room and balcony to illuminate the show goers atmospheric experience.
As the band walked on stage the crowd cheered and danced to express their enthusiasm for Ladytron and the performance of fan favorites and new album release Times Arrow. With Strobe lights, polka dots and dream-like psychedelic visuals enhancing the hard bass driven beats, contemporary melodies, synth tones and female vocals. Ladytron put on quite an invoking show to kickoff the Fall tour.
Alongside the exciting Time’s Arrow release their soundscapes and innovative music leaves fans in awe while they are able to create visual narratives within their songs, Ladytron attendees leave with an unforgettable experience. Following their Irving Plaza show, Ladytron plans to continue the long awaited tour with their next stop on Friday, September 22 in Los Angeles, California at The Belasco.
LADYTRON 2023 TOUR DATES
Fri Sep 22 – Los Angeles, CA – The Belasco
Sat Sep 23 – San Diego, CA – Crossroads at House of Blues
Thu Nov 16 – Austin, TX – The Mohawk
Fri Nov 17 – Dallas, TX – The Granada Theater
Sat Nov 18 – Houston TX – Numbers Night Club
Sun Nov 19 – Mexico City, MX – Corona Capital Festival
Ladytron – Irving Plaza, NYC – Wednesday, September 20
Setlist: City of Angels, Faces, Ghosts, Deadzone, True Mathematics, The Animals, Flight From Angkor, Soft Power, USA vs. White Noise, Misery Remember Me, International Dateline, Fighting in Built Up Areas, The Island, Paper Highways, Discotraxx, Ace of Hz Encore: California, Playgirl, Seventeen, Destroy Everything You Touch
In August’s blurry end of sweltering heat and constant music in New York City, NYS Music and the band HOKO found a summer second to have a chat. The day following their Bowery Ballroom show, on their debut tour with almost monday and Weathers, band members Nathaniel Hoho and Jesse Kotansky gathered to discuss a vast expanse of topics with myself, Kali Kugler.
From the band’s first tour experience, to the pandemic effect, to New York City recommendations and their upcoming residency, HOKO provided a rich dialogue on their transient spot in the music industry.
HOKO was formed in New York City, but the band pulls in flair from many places and faces. Jesse Kotansky, the vital melody of HOKO, is from New York. As lead singer Nathaniel put it, “he’s the go to guy for strings in New York.” Nathaniel himself was born in Pennsylvania but claims New York City as his homebase. The two of them met through mutual friends, and the rest of their connection unfolded naturally through the development of their sound.
“Freaky-pop!”
– Nathaniel Hoho
When asked how to describe themselves through the niche language of genre, there were many categorical dialects tossed around: experimental, alternative, rock, pop. Jesse spewed a vast yet accurate platter of descriptors – “Experimental is the key word to describe us, because experimenting is our process.” Nathaniel chimed in and stamped the label, “freaky-pop!” Having attended their show at the ballroom just the night before, I can back the freaky nature they brought to the familiar pop sound.
When posed the question about the evolution of HOKO since their first release “OK OK” back in 2020, every performing artist’s black cloud entered the conversation – the pandemic. Jesse spoke on their blooming process as a band and the halting choke COVID had on their initial exposure. Prior to the pandemic, HOKO had worked with EQT Studios and produced over forty songs they were ready to release. They put out an EP and their single “OK OK” that reached top 20 on the radio only a week before the universal shut down. Like everyone else HOKO remained indoors, but their time proved fruitful, for they spent two years writing and merging and learning about themselves and their tastefully ephemeral style.
“We find the more often we dive in, the deeper we go… as we grow as humans our sound is also growing. While things around us change we are influenced by it all.”
– Jesse Kotansky
HOKO’s creative process is an observant one. They are in a constant state of listening, sensing, reading, talking – living, really. Being human – the great collaboration. A lot of their inspiration comes from sharing a sound, having a conversation and “diving deep.” Jesse couldn’t pinpoint their inspiration on one person or place: “…what makes us wanna dance; everything we’ve ever listened to; every book we’ve ever read; every color we’ve ever seen all go into it.”
“I depend on the energy the crowd gives back – it’s a conversation.”
– Nathaniel Hoho
Coming back to the music community and getting to tour for the very first time, HOKO found the crowd’s energy to be an additional member in their band. Touring with almost monday and Weathers informed their style, for they were finally able to experiment and explore their sound with an audience. Jesse spoke on Nathaniel’s stage presence in relation to their fans: “I feed off of his energy.” He went on to state his pride in being an opening band and holding the responsibility to win a crowd.
“It has been lovely seeing our music interact with people.”
– Nathaniel Hoho
New York City is a lucky spot, because HOKO established their return date. On Thursday, September 21st, HOKO will be performing at Berlin Under A in East Village (tickets are still available, and are worth the purchase)! New York City is crawling with esteemed musicians, which is a positive factor according to Jesse as he reflected on their Bowery Ballroom performance: “There was a physical energy in New York, and there were a lot of musicians at the show that we look up to. That definitely added some nerves.”
Both Jesse and Nathaniel expressed gratitude for the hometown show crowd. It’s always sweet to see familiar faces and display growth in the place that raised you. Even though Jesse and Nathaniel still live in the city, they hold a heightened degree of excitement for their shows here. Both agreed the Bowery Ballroom show was their favorite of all their stops on tour. At the end of our conversation, HOKO even graced me with their sacred New York City recommendations: Bar Victoria, The York, Treasure Club, Cozy Royale for a burger, C&B Coffee, and Taco Ramirez.
HOKO was as kind as they were impressive, eager to speak on their artistry and to compliment their audience. Having witnessed their eclectic, colorful, and boundary breaking performance, I can confidently encourage anyone to get the chance to see them live. They are a group to keep your eye on – they are a blow up no one will want to miss.
Blind Boys of Alabama returned to play City Winery New York on September 17, following the release of this latest album Echoes Of The South, which was released on August 25.
The Blind Boys of Alabama have faced a great deal of struggles and success in the music industry than most musicians will in their lifetimes. Their eight decades of experience and pure talent has led them from street performances in the Jim Crow South all the way to being the soundtrack of the Civil Rights Movement, giving them the chance to perform for three different United States Presidents and landing them as legends in the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
This dedication and persistence to one another and to their love of music is epitomized in their newest single, as they will not only “work” but “sing” until their days are done. There is no stopping a powerhouse group like Blind Boys of Alabama, as they rely on one another and a shared agreement that “as long as everybody gives all that they have to give and we sing songs that touch the heart, we’ll live on forever.”
