The Rolling Stones celebrated their first album release of original music in 18 years, Hackney Diamonds, at a small surprise show at Racket in NYC on Oct. 19.
Ronnie Wood, Mick Jagger, and Keith Richards perform during the Rolling Stones’ surprise set at Racket. Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for RS.
The night started with a DJ set courtesy of Quest Love, and Samantha Urbani. Different VIP guests including Elvis Costello, Daniel Craig, Chris Rock, Jimmy Fallon, and more, were in attendance. With the death of drummer Charlie Watts in 2021, the Rolling Stones performed with the core trio of Mick Jagger and guitarists Keith Richards and Ron Wood, with other musicians supplementing.
This isn’t the first time the Stones have performed an album release show in the city. The band once rolled down Fifth Avenue on a flatbed truck and on another occasion rode on a caboose into Grand Central Terminal. Their newest record Hackney Diamonds has received rave reviews, with Variety describing it as their best work since 1981’s Tattoo You, and Telegraph seeing it as “the best rock’n’ roll album of the past four decades at least.”
They opened with “Shattered,” from 1978’s Some Girls, before playing their new songs “Angry,” “Whole Wide World,” and “Bite My Head Off.” The set also featured “Tumbling Dice” and “Jumping Jack Flash” before an encore for which the Stones were joined by Lady Gaga.
Dressed in a sequined maroon pantsuit, Gaga made an appearance to recreate her duet with Jagger on the new song “Sweet Sounds of Heaven” off HackneyDiamonds. The band’s Racket gig marked one of their smallest venue locations to date, particularly in the area, and was the perfect intimate setting to celebrate their newest album.
Nora Polinnia’s sophomore EP, Present Chronicles, is more than just a collection of songs; it’s a heartfelt expression of resilience and a call to action. While residing in New York City, Nora’s music transcends borders and languages, making her an influential voice in the fight for justice.
In her own words, “Yes, indeed, there is a time and place for groovy, happy music – such was my first EP. However, I think that now it is time to clarify my beliefs and the beliefs of those I hold close.”
Present Chronicles is an EP that came to life unexpectedly, driven by the collective pain of Nora’s home country, Ukraine. As she watched the world around her, Nora couldn’t help but wonder how she could make a difference, how she could channel her anger and communicate the Ukrainian people’s struggles to the rest of the world.
The result is a musical journey that delves into themes of resilience, loneliness, betrayal, and the responsibilities that come with our heritage. It’s an exploration of the human experience during times when accepting reality is not an option.
“Some of the songs I wrote didn’t seem war-related to me at all. They didn’t feel like they encapsulated the message I wanted to put out. Some I wrote before the war even began, but soon I realized that they are very relevant. They address all of the emotional factors and burdens that came into play because of what was happening.”
Nora Polinnia
Nora’s Present Chronicles doesn’t aim to invoke pity; it seeks to reveal the anger and resilience of the Ukrainian people and expose the reality of the Russian invasion. Tracks like ‘KGB‘ on the EP boldly challenge Russian propaganda and use ironic lyrics to mock the regime.
This musical project, born out of a deep sense of purpose, carries a message of hope and strength. Nora hopes that her music will serve as a legacy, a testament to the strength and resilience of the Ukrainian people.
Nora Polinnia’s artistry is a reflection of the power of music to inspire change, and her music carries a message of hope and resilience that resonates deeply with her audience.
Reggaeton artist Bad Bunny made his third ever appearance on Saturday Night Live and first as host and musical guest, bringing along a few friends for sketches that were spoken in equal parts English and Spanish.
Inviting out Pedro Pascal – who hosted SNL for the first time last year – in the monologue, Bad Bunny began the show saying “My name is Benito and I am very excited to be here onSabado Gigante“ a nod to the long-running Univision Saturday night variety show. Bad Bunny took aim at the GRAMMY Awards in his monologue, opting for [Speaking Sexier Language] instead of [Speaking in non-English] when subtitles appeared, before Pascal translated for the audience into English, creating a bilingual monologue, with Bad Bunny offering hugs and kisses to his people in Puerto Rico to close.
A native of Almirante Sur, Puerto Rico, Bad Bunny referenced Puerto Rican and Spanish culture in sketches including “Rap Battle” with Bad Bunny as ‘Fuego,’ as a Spanish King in “The Age of Discovery” (featuring Fred Armisen) and “Telenovela” which featured an unexpected appearance from Mick Jagger.
Lady Gaga surprised fans when she introduced (in Spanish) Bad Bunny as musical guest who performed “Un Preview” in a white cloaked stage with only a coin operated horse ride moving to the beat.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkSnz-5C5C8
Featured player Marcello Hernández had ample air time for this episode, his Dominican/Cuban roots providing multiple opportunities to speak Spanish and reference Hispanic culture. In the sketch of the night, Bad Bunny dresses up as his tia and Pascal as his mother, Hernández parodied bringing a white girlfriend (new featured player Chloe Troast) home and the Spanglish conversations that ensued.
Bad Bunny’s second song “Monaco” from Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana began with two violinists before revealing a long dinner table with Bad Bunny in the center around masked dancers on each side.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1ArZCGbIr0
Mick Jagger would return one more time in a cringey “Convent Meeting” as an irresistible Sister Kevin.
Next week, Saturday Night Live‘s Halloween episode will feature comedian Nate Bargatze with musical guest Foo Fighters.
New York City’s East River ferry route has introduced a new Back To The Future: The Musical themed ferry experience. Beginning on October 20, select NYC Ferry departures will give riders a taste of Broadway’s latest hit show, as well as surprises throughout the month.
The ferry rides will feature a ticket giveaway, trivia, and cast appearances. In addition, travelers will be able to board the special Back To The Future: The Musical vessel on other NYC ferry routes through November 17.
Back To The Future: The Musical is a multi-award-winning Broadway musical based on the classic 1985 film. The show won the Olivier Award for Best New Musical, as well as four WhatsOnStage Awards. It is officially open at New York City’s Winter Garden Theatre.
The NYC Ferry is a reliable, convenient public transit option for New Yorkers, offering service through all five boroughs. Tickets are $4.00 per one-way ticket, and are also available in discounted ticket packages. To plan your travel on the ferry, and view schedules and service alerts, visit ferry.nyc.
Back To The Future: The Musical is now showing at the Winter Garden Theatre. To purchase tickets, visit www.BackToTheFutureMusical.com, purchase via Telecharge at 212-239-6200 or Telecharge.com, or at the Winter Garden Theatre box office at 1634 Broadway.
Celebrating the 20th anniversary of their platinum-selling debut album Permission to Land, The Darkness flew into Terminal 5 this past Wednesday night, October 18 at a 3,000 capacity concert hall located in Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen – for the twelfth layover on their massive, 52-date global trek.
For those unfamiliar, the British quartet of Justin Hawkins (vocals, guitar, keyboards), brother Dan Hawkins (guitar), Frankie Poullain (bass) and Rufus Tiger Taylor (drums), son of Queen’s Roger Taylor, erupted onto the music scene in 2003 with said album’s infectious hit single “I Believe In A Thing Called Love.”
Justin Hawkins of The Darkness | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger
Providing opening support for The Darkness were Josh Dion (vocals, drums, keyboards) and Geoff Kraly (bass, modular synthesizer), better known as Paris Monster. Formed in 2012, the indie experimental duo and local natives hailing from Brooklyn took the stage promptly at 7:50 pm. Known for their musical virtuosity, Dion and Kraly play multiple instruments simultaneously and sound more like a quartet rather than just the two of them. As Hawkins would exude to the packed venue later in The Darkness’ set, “Frankie described it to me earlier. He says, ‘it sounds like aliens came down to Earth, listened to some of our music, and then decided to do their own version of it.’ Their fucking amazing. Paris Monster, it’s my favorite band.” The highlight of Paris Monster’s 40-minute, 10-song set was the closing number “A Vision Complete,” lifted from their debut EP It Once Had Been Kind released in 2013. For fans of the beat-driven, groove-based sound, inter-mixed with elements of funk and soul, I strongly urge you to check out their first full-length album entitled Lamplight (2019).
Paris Monster | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger
With The Darkness’ stage crew having put the finishing touch to the set, all of whom donned matching navy blue boiler suits complete with their nickname on the back, Abba’s instrumental “Arrival” played on tape over the house PA. And right on schedule, at a few ticks past 9;00 pm, the house lights went dark and the rock and roll outfit from ‘the other side of the pond’ appeared from the shadows.
Dan Hawkins of The Darkness | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger
Playing 2003 Permission to Land’s album in its entirety (and according to Justin, “in no particular order”), the 90-minute set kicked off with “Black Shuck,” a song about the Old English legend of a ghostly black dog roaming the English coastline – which actually is the lead track from their debut album. Before exploding into “Get Your Hands Off My Woman,” Justin spotted a fan along the rail sporting a brilliant, Queen-branded Hawaiian shirt that he confessed has “coveted for many moons.” After asking that the shirt be taken off and handed over, Justin quipped, “Thanks friend, you’re never going to see it again. Cheers!”
Frankie Poullain of The Darkness | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger
As the festive night ensued, Justin and his mates gifted the power ballad and fan favorite “Love Is Only a Feeling,” and then ripped through their pop anthem and smash hit “Friday Night,” backed by an exceptional Gotham audience who belted out the infectious chorus in unison. With the epic gig’s denouement upon us, Justin sang a beautiful rendition of “Happy Birthday” to Josh of Paris Monster, followed by “I Believe In A Thing Called Love” – sans audience members taking pictures or video with their phones – as per Justin’s request.
Rufus Tiger Taylor of The Darkness | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger
After taking a few moments off stage for everyone to catch a collective breath, The Darkness triumphantly returned to the stage rocking silk bathrobes. As Justin introduced the band before commencing the penultimate track “I Love You 5 Times,” there had been some personnel reshuffling – brother Dan was now behind the kit, Frankie had taken up an acoustic guitar, Rufus had a bass in his hands and their guitar tech, Softy, was seated at the Mellotron. The night concluded at 10:30 pm, but not before Justin majestically rode atop the shoulders of a roadie through the floor crowd during the solo to “Love on the Rocks With No Ice,” which was preceded by an impromptu jam of Don McLean’s “American Pie” (and not the full version that Justin had jokingly promised!).
Justin Hawkins of The Darkness | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger
Hawkins is the quintessential embodiment of the rock star persona, and per usual, he was at the top of his game on ‘hump day.’ His flamboyant, explosive on-stage energy was truly a spectacle to behold. Equipped with a signature falsetto and exquisitely delivered guitar solos featuring an intricate fingerpicking style, Hawkins gives The Darkness a magnificent pageantry that stands up in comparison to the likes of his biggest influences, notably Bon Scott, Steven Tyler, Robert Plant and Mick Jagger. Whether it be his dramatic gesticulations, a high-flying leap off the drum riser that would make David Lee Roth proud, or a show of strength by holding a self-supported handstand for what seemed like an eternity, he exhibited true showmanship and an enduring passion for his craft.
Watch The Darkness perform a cover of Radioheads’ “Street Spirit (Fade Out),” immediately followed by “Holding My Own” here:
This past October 6th, an expanded edition of Permission To Land was dropped by the band as a five-LP package, a four-CD+DVD package, a double-CD package, as well as across various digital streaming platforms. Fans of The Darkness can also look forward to a feature-length documentary dubbed “Welcome To The Darkness” coming to cinemas for one night only, on November 9th, in the UK and Ireland. Distributed by Lightbulb Film Distribution and directed by renowned photographer Simon Emmett, the film is a comeback tale of a “cult band” in search of its past glory that will also be available on digital download and Blu-ray beginning December 4th.
Paris Monster Setlist: The Unclean > Laugh it Off > Andalusia > Hot Canyon Air > Ape > I’m Not Gonna Miss This Dive > Grandma > Darkest Days > Had Damon Caught His Sloane > A Vision Complete
The Darkness Setlist: Black Shuck > Get Your Hands Off My Woman > Growing on Me > The Best of Me > Makin’ Out > Givin’ Up > Love Is Only a Feeling > Curse of the Tollund Man > Stuck in a Rut > How Dare You Call This Love? > Street Spirit (Fade Out) > Holding My Own > Friday Night > Happy Birthday > I Believe in a Thing Called Love > Encore: I Love You 5 Times > Love on the Rocks With No Ice
UPCOMING WORLD TOUR DATES
10/21/23 – Sayreville, NJ @ Starland Ballroom 10/22/23 – Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club 11/07/23 – Berlin, Germany @ Admiralspalast 11/08/23 – Hamburg, Germany @ Markthalle 11/09/23 – Köln, Germany @ Essigfabrik 11/11/23 – München, Germany @ Technikum 11/13/23 – Ciampino, Italy @ Orion Live Club 11/14/23 – Milan, Italy @ Alcatraz 11/15/23 – Nonantola, Italy @ VOX CLUB 11/17/23 – Prattleln, Switzerland @ Konzertfabrik Z7 11/18/23 – Luxembourg City, Luxembourg @ den Atelier 11/20/23 – Rubigen, Switzerland @ Muhle Hunziken 11/22/23 – Bruxelles, Belgium @ AB 11/23/23 – Paris, France @ La Cigale 11/24/23 – Amsterdam, Netherlands @ Melkweg 12/02/23 – Belfast, Northern Ireland @ The Telegraph Building 12/03/23 – Dublin, Ireland @ 3Olympia Theatre 12/05/23 – Edinburgh, Scotland @ 02 Academy 12/07/23 – Newcastle Upon Tyne, England @ O2 City Hall 12/08/23 – Norwich, England @ UEA LCR Norwich 12/09/23 – London, England @ Roundhouse 12/11/23 – Glasgow, Scotland @ Barrowland Ballroom 12/12/23 – Manchester, England @ New Century Hall 12/14/23 – Bristol, England @ Bristol Beacon 12/15/23 – Nottingham, England @ Rock City 12/16/23 – Wolverhampton, England @ Wulfrun Hall 12/18/23 – Leeds, England @ O2 Academy 12/19/23 – Nottingham, England @ Rock City 12/20/23 – Brighton, England @ Brighton Dome 12/22/23 – London, England @ Roundhouse 01/26/24 – Wellington, New Zealand @ The Opera House 01/27/24 – Auckland, New Zealand @ Powerstation 01/30/24 – Adelaide, Australia @ Hindley Street Music Hall 02/01/24 – Fremantle, Australia @ Metropolis 02/03/24 – West Melbourne, Australia @ Festival Hall 02/07/24 – Brisbane, Australia @ The Fortitude Music Hall 02/09/24 – Bruce, Australia @ UC Refectory 02/10/24 – Moore Park, Australia @ Horden Pavilion 03/02/24 – Miami, FL @ Monsters of Rock Cruise
Brazilian NYC-based band Shower Curtain dropped their first single in two years, titled “Edgar.” The group released an official music video shot in New York City, following lead vocalist Victoria Winter’s cat Edgar’s point of view.
The track approaches a heavy topic, as Edgar faces many medical issues. However, the music video seeks to create a lighter tone by playing with perspective: the video shifts from following the cat’s point of view at floor level to overhead shots of people searching for him.
“Edgar” is a dreamy, melancholic rock track that shows strong, deliberate use of intense guitar riffs, as well as moments where the song pulls back to showcase clear emotion.
Photo Credit: Juliette Boulay
Shower Curtain recently evolved from being Victoria Winter’s solo project to adding musicians Jill Olesen on bass, Ethan Williams on guitar, and Sean Terrell on drums.
It feels very liberating to share this song with the world. Not only is it marking a new phase for the project but I think an overall process of maturing as a creative, letting go of the old aesthetic and sound that defined Shower Curtain when I lived in Brazil. The new sound is of course a reflection of the project evolving from a solo project into a band, and the band’s contribution to this song is evident in the instrumentation.
Victoria Winter
Shower Curtain is currently focusing on their first album, set to release sometime in 2024. In addition, they will play a celebratory show at Brooklyn venue Trans Pecos on November 9 to mark their resurgence as a group. Shower Curtain is Victoria Winter (vocals), Jill Olesen (bass), Ethan Williams (guitar), and Sean Terrell (drums).
In 1994, a unique and laid-back sound known as “hip-hop blues” emerged from the streets of Philadelphia. It was the creation of G. Love & Special Sauce, a trio that quickly captivated music lovers with their blend of Delta blues, hip-hop, rock & roll, soul, and funk.
The self-titled debut album from this talented trio swiftly went Gold, setting the stage for a remarkable musical journey. Now, three decades later, they’re celebrating the 30th anniversary of this iconic album with an extensive national tour, including a special stop in Homer, New York, and another in New York City.
Born Garrett Dutton in Philadelphia, G. Love (as he is popularly known) was raised with a diverse musical palette, equally enchanted by folk, blues, and rap. His musical influences ranged from Lead Belly and Run D.M.C. to John Hammond and the Beastie Boys. Upon relocating to Boston, G. Love, along with his band, Special Sauce, broke into the music scene in 1994 with their Gold-selling self-titled debut album. The album garnered widespread critical acclaim for its bold vision and innovative production, establishing the trio as a pioneering force in the music industry.
Over the next three decades, G. Love continued to build on this success, releasing seven more acclaimed studio albums with Special Sauce and four solo albums. His music was described by The New York Times as “a new and urgent hybrid” and by NPR as a “musical melting pot.”
G. Love and Special Sauce’s most recent studio effort Philadelphia, Mississippi saw the group embark on an innovative and deeply reverent sonic journey to the heart of the South. Produced by Luther Dickinson of the North Mississippi All-Stars, the album is a tapestry of joyful, improvised performances and freewheeling collaborations with a range of special guests, including blues luminaries like Alvin Youngblood Hart and Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, as well as rap icons Schoolly D and Speech. This album followed their 2020 Grammy-nominated release The Juice, co-written and co-produced by Grammy-winning icon Keb’ Mo’.
The Juice paid homage to centuries of blues heritage while offering a contemporary pop spin on the genre. It masterfully mixed programmed beats and hip-hop grooves with blistering guitar and sacred steel, conveying a message of hope and determination in a society that sometimes struggles with doubt and despair.
Now, G. Love & Special Sauce is coming full circle, revisiting the album that started it all. Their self-titled debut produced chart-topping hits like “Cold Beverage,” a college radio staple, and “Baby’s Got Sauce,” dubbed the “Song of the Year” by Seattle’s KEXP-FM 90.3. The album even reached #32 on the Heatseekers chart.
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of their iconic debut, G. Love & Special Sauce is embarking on a 40+ date tour that crisscrosses the United States.
Tickets for this extraordinary musical journey will go on sale on Friday, October 20th, at 10:00 a.m. local time in each respective market.
Tour Dates
1/11 – St. Louis, MO – Blueberry Hill Duck Room
1/12 – Chicago, IL – Park West
1/13 – Minneapolis, MN- Fine Line
1/14 – Milwaukee, WI- Turner Hall Ballroom
1/17 – Ann Arbor, MI – The Ark
1/18 – Indianapolis, IN – The Vogue
1/19 – Cleveland, OH – House of Blues
1/20 – Pittsburgh, PA – Thunderbird Café and Music Hall
1/21 – Homer, NY – Center for the Arts of Homer
1/24 – Boston, MA – City Winery
1/25 – Boston, MA – City Winery
1/26 – Philadelphia, PA – City Winery
1/27 – Philadelphia, PA – City Winery
1/30 – New York, NY – City Winery – Pier 57
1/31 – New York, NY – City Winery – Pier 57
2/1 – Annapolis, MD – Rams Head On Stage
2/2 – Annapolis, MD – Rams Head On Stage
2/3 – Washington, DC – The Hamilton Live
2/6 – Virginia Beach, VA – Elevation 27
2/7 – Charlotte, NC – Visulite Theatre
2/8 – Carrboro, NC – Cat’s Cradle
2/9 – Charleston, SC – Music Farm
2/10 – Atlanta, GA – City Winery
2/13 – Fort Myers, FL – Point Ybel Brewing
2/14 – St. Petersburg, FL – Jannus Live
2/16 – New Smyrna Beach, FL- Beachside Tavern
2/17 – Fort Lauderdale, FL – Culture Room
2/18 – Key West, FL – American Legion
2/29 – Phoenix, AZ – Crescent Ballroom
3/1 – San Juan Capistrano, CA – The Coach House
3/2 – West Hollywood, CA – Troubadour
3/3 – Solana Beach, CA – Belly Up Tavern
3/5 – Santa Barbara, CA – Soho
3/6 – San Francisco, CA- The Independent
3/8 – Portland, OR – Aladdin Theater
3/9 – Seattle, WA- The Showbox
3/12 – Salt Lake City, UT – The State Room
3/13 – Aspen, CO- Belly Up Aspen
3/14 – Steamboat Springs, CO – Strings Music Pavilion
Global sensation Bad Bunny announced a 47-date North American tour slated for this spring, titled the Most Wanted Tour. Kicking off on February 21 in Salt Lake City, the tour will make stops in Los Angeles, Detroit, Boston, Washington, DC, Houston, and Dallas, as well as three back-to-back shows at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center on April 11, 12, and 13.
The Most Wanted Tour will be curated as an experience for day-one fans, featuring a rollercoaster of explicit lyrics paying homage to the Bad Bunny’s “trap” style roots. Parental discretion is advised.
Bad Bunny rose to global fame in recent years, and became the top touring artist in 2022. After winning 3 Grammy Awards, the rapper took a break from large-scale tours, and will make his comeback this spring on the Most Wanted Tour
Bad Bunny released his newest album, nadie sabe lo que va a a pasar mañana, to massive success, as it became the most-streamed album in a single day so far in 2023 on Spotify. The Spanish title translates to “nobody knows what will happen tomorrow.” The record’s lead track, “MONACO,” hit #1 in 16 countries on Spotify, making a mark with over 900 million streams so far.
Fans can register for the Most Wanted Tour resale here until October 22 at 11:59PM. Once registered, fans will be randomly selected to receive a code that grants them access to the on-sale on October 25.
In addition, the tour will offer a variety of VIP packages and experiences, including premium tickets, access to the pre-show VIP Lounge Experience, exclusive gift items, and more. Visit vipnation.com for more information.
The night at Elsewhere Brooklyn with Sam Gellaitry showcasing his newest EP, Under the Illusion, was nothing short of a mesmerizing musical journey. On October 13th, the venue buzzed with anticipation as Gellaitry took the stage and immediately immersed the crowd in a soundscape that can only be described as pure auditory bliss.
Under the Illusion is a testament to Gellaitry’s evolution as a musician. The EP seamlessly blends elements of electronic, hip-hop, and R&B, creating a tapestry of sound that is both innovative and emotionally resonant. Each track on the EP carries a unique flavor, yet they all maintain a consistent, ethereal quality that captivates the listener. From the dreamy “Alone” to the groove-laden “Think I Know,” the EP takes the audience on a sonic journey that transcends genres.
What truly sets Gellaitry apart is his ability to connect with the crowd. Throughout the performance, he exuded an infectious energy and passion for his craft. His interactions with the audience were genuine and intimate, making everyone feel like they were part of a shared musical experience. His stage presence was magnetic, and it was evident that he was pouring his heart and soul into every beat and melody.
Elsewhere Brooklyn provided the perfect backdrop for this musical odyssey. The venue’s industrial-chic aesthetic and state-of-the-art sound system were a perfect complement to Gellaitry’s avant-garde style. The crowd’s energy was electric, with fans of all ages and backgrounds coming together to celebrate the music. The atmosphere was both vibrant and laid-back, creating an environment where people could lose themselves in the music and dance the night away.
Gellaitry’s performance of Under the Illusion was a testament to his artistic prowess and ability to connect with his audience on a profound level. The night at Elsewhere Brooklyn will undoubtedly be remembered as a magical evening where music transcended boundaries, and the crowd’s energy and vibes were a testament to the unifying power of sound. Under the Illusion by Sam Gellaitry was not just a collection of songs; it was an experience that left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to be there.
New York’s globalFEST makes its highly anticipated return for its 21st year to Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts (LCPA) with a full day of music and performances on Sunday, January 14, 2024, as part of Lincoln Center Presents. Newly announced artists are set to perform across three stages inside David Geffen Hall, celebrating musical traditions, and encouraging discovery.
globalFEST 2023- Son Rompe Pera
After hosting its 20th anniversary at Lincoln Center’s newly-renovated David Geffen Hall, and with its biggest, sold-out crowd ever, globalFEST returns to Lincoln Center with a new lineup curated by festival co-directors Bill Bragin, Isabel Soffer, and Shanta Thake, also Ehrenkranz Chief Artistic Officer at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, plus guest curator Zion Jackson.
The 2024 globalFEST lineup features artists from across the world, including the traditional South African Xhosa rhythms and funk of Thandiswa Mazwai; the electronic-infused Indo-classical sounds of Karsh Kale; Yasser Tejeda’s new spin on Afro Dominican Roots music; gripping singer-songwriter and Brazilian activist Bia Ferreira; Catalan electro-folk duo Tarta Relena; Lonnie Holley whose live shows contain new and spontaneously created sounds; psychedelic Moroccan-French Gnawa quartet Bab L’ Bluz; GRAMMY award-winning Villalobos Brothers, fusing Mexican folk with jazz and classical music; the captivating contemporary Puerto Rican Bomba band El Laberinto del Coco; and the Ukrainian-Canadian Balaklava Blues that fuses Ukrainian polyphony and folk traditions with electronica.
“We are thrilled to once again bring artists from all over the world to Lincoln Center’s David Geffen Hall. The power of music to bring people together during trying times is more important than ever. globalFEST began following the dark days between 9/11 and the start of the Iraq War. Now in its 21st year, as the world faces new conflicts and the horrors of war are all around us, we remain devoted to encouraging cultural awareness through musical discovery.”
Bragin, Soffer, and Thake
Throughout globalFEST’s history, the festival has acted as a musical beacon, bridging cultural divides and bringing audiences together through the universal language of music. The beloved curation has proven influential to arts organizations and venues across the country and jump-started the US touring careers of incredible artists, including Antibalas, Amythyst Kiah, Angelique Kidjo, DakhaBrakha, Jupiter and Okwess, Martha Redbone, Rhiannon Giddens and more.
Since its beginning, globalFEST has showcased more than 200 artists and groups from 70 different countries, and always to sold-out audiences. Founded in response to the aftermath of 9/11, the run-up to the Iraq war, the closing of borders, and rising xenophobia, the festival was a music-filled light in a dark time. The festival has grown from a concert into a catalytic non-profit organization that serves an intersectional array of global artists and the larger performing arts field. Recognizing that artists are often advocates and ambassadors, globalFEST has also become a platform for those whose homes were under duress, from Gulf artists post-Katrina to Haitian artists after the 2010 earthquake to Muslim artists amidst Trump’s “Muslim Ban.” Additionally, the festival has centered gender equity as a goal and made LGBTQ+ voices a programming priority.
globalFEST 2023 Recap
globalFEST 2024 takes place on Sunday, January 14, 2024 at Lincoln Center, inside David Geffen Hall. Tickets for the general public go on sale Thursday, October 26 at 12 p.m. ET. For the latest news on globalFEST, visit LincolnCenter.org/globalFEST.
