NYS Music 2023

Category: NYC Metro

  • Hearing Aide: The Hot Sardines ‘C’est La Vie’

    The Hot Sardines, an authentic New York City-based jazz band, released their newest album C’est La Vie on Aug. 4. The album arrived with ten highly complex tracks including covers and reinventions of jazz classics as well as original songs written by Elizabeth Bougerol and Evan Palazzo.

    The co-writes of C’est La Vie founded the lively Hot Sardines back in 2011, getting their start by playing various underground parties in Brooklyn. Since then, they have released six albums in total, all aiming to reinvigorate classic jazz music for the modern-day ear and spread their brand worldwide. With flourishing success taking them away from home time and time again, the band decided to record more music leading Bougerol to more thoroughly explore French influences which quickly took over what is now C’est La Vie.

    The new album is a bilingual project with tracks both in English and French, providing listeners with newly interpreted classics from “Moon River” to “La Vie En Rose” along with various impressive, original compositions. When it came to the track’s production, Bougerol and Palazzo called on collaborators from all over the world ranging from Los Angeles all the way to Beijing. The pair aimed to create a stripped-down sound to help them record nearly one-hundred-year-old songs remotely with modern technology while keeping their original spirit and polish alive. With transient instrumentals and Bougerol’s timeless voice, the album takes listeners on a beautiful musical journey and sets a relaxing tone encapsulating the essence of the motto “C’est La Vie.”

    The album is complete with track after track of slow and smooth jazz numbers supported by strong string and horn instrumentals with Bougerol’s voice slicing through it all. The co-founder’s vocal talent and control can be heard in every song and even takes on the Audrey Hepburn classic “Moon River.” Though the reinvention begins with seemingly risky harmonies presenting themselves as shaky and out of place, when the song picks up with a more classic jazz nightclub vibe and a laid-back tempo, it begins to truly shine. The classic lyrics continue to express the heartbreaking contradictions of relationships, but the musical composition supports the album’s title and overall message, conveying a newer interpretation to not take those heartbreaks so seriously because c’est la vie.

    When it comes to original songs sprinkled throughout, “Adieu L’amour” stands out among the rest with its diverting and more serious sound. From the very start, the song seems to mix with Latin American styles with its faster pace and conga drum-like sound. Where the song continues to divert is in its lyrics, which have outward emotions of spite and blame against the love whose lies “closed the door” possibly going to show that living by the shrug of the shoulder motto of “that’s life” isn’t as easy or as possible as it seems. What brings the track back to the unity of the jazz album is the strength of the band’s playing and Bougerol’s controlled vocals occasionally slipping into French.

    Throughout the album, there are numerous other highlights including a hushed “La Vie en Rose” duet between Bougerol and Bob Parins along with “Meet Me at the Bottom of the Bottle” which ends the album on a fantastic note. C’est La Vie is now available on various platforms along with a touching music video for “Moon River” directed by Greg Mottola.

    On top of their new album, The Hot Sardines have also lined up tour dates for 2023-2024 which began on July 15th and will continue sporadically through April. The band will visit locations all over the United States, Tokyo, and Toronto, including select stages across New York State including a debut at the infamous Carnegie Hall.

    Hot Sardines 2023-2024 Tour

    July 15 Huntington, NY  Chapin Rainbow Stage

    September 12-16 New York, NY  Birdland

    September 23 Morristown, NJ  Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival

    November 10-11 Charlotte, NC  Charlotte Symphony Orchestra

    November 27-30 New York, NY  Joe’s Pub

    December 7 Amherst, MA  Bowker Auditorium

    December 16 Tannersville, NY  Orpheum PAC

    December 19-21 Tokyo, Japan  Blue Note

    January 19 Richardson, TX  Eisemann Center

    January 20 Austin, TX  Parker Jazz Club

    January 21 San Antonio, TX  Jazz, TX

    January 24 Phoenix, AZ  Musical Instrument Museum

    January 25-26 Las Vegas, NV  Myron’s at the Smith Center

    January 27 Kansas City, MO  Folly Theater 

    February 14 Toronto, Canada  Koerner Hall

    April 19 New York, NY  Carnegie Hall

    April 20 Boston, MA  Berklee Performance Center

  • Maria Muldaur’s Announces Retrospective Tour, Way Past Midnight

    This year marks the 50th Anniversary of Maria Muldaur’s chart-topping hit “Midnight at the Oasis.” To celebrate this milestone, she and her band will be embarking on a special tour with stops throughout New York, presenting Muldaur’s multi-media retrospective show, Way Past Midnight, which will chronicle her 60-year musical journey.

    In this one-of-a-kind multi-media retrospective, Mulduar chronicles her 60-year musical journey through American Roots Music, to The Oasis and Beyond. Mulduar and her band will perform her iconic hits, such as “Midnight at the Oasis,” “I’m A Woman,” and more. They will also play many oft-requested fan favorites from the 43 albums she has recorded in the last 50 years.

    Mulduar will treat audiences to previously unseen photos and videos and will share fascinating, often humorous personal stories from every stage of her 60-year career, spanning from her early days in the 60s with The Jim Kweskin Jug Band to her years of pop stardom, and on to her continuing exploration of the many forms of American Roots Music – Blues, Bluesiana, Jazz, and Gospel.

    Way Past Midnight tells Maria Muldaur’s story in words, pictures, videos, and songs. Through this, she allows fans insight into her personal encounters, friendships, and collaborators, including many notable names in music: Bob Dylan, Doc Watson, Taj Mahal, Dr. John, Aaron Neville, John Sebastian, David Grisman, Linda Ronstadt, Bonnie Raitt, Stevie Wonder, Hoagy Carmichael, and Benny Carter, amongst others.

    Tour Dates and More Information

    Friday, September 8, at 8 pm at My Father’s Place

    3 Pratt Blvd, Glen Cove, NY, Tickets $40 ADV/$50 DOS.

    For tickets and venue information, visit this link.

    Thursday, September 14, 8:30 pm at The Iridium

    1650 Broadway, New York, NY, 10019, Tickets: $35.56 – $49.

    For tickets and venue information, visit this link.

    Saturday, September 16, 7 pm at The Vogel – Count Basie Center for the Arts

    99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, NJ, 07701, Tickets: $39+.

    For venue information, visit this link. Find tickets for the event on ticketmaster.

    Sunday, September 17, 4 pm at The Turning Point

    468 Piermont Avenue, Piermont, NY, 10968,Tickets: $31.80.

    For venue information and tickets, visit this link.

  • The Planes’ Release Triumphant Summer Single “Thrift Store”

    The Planes, a New York City indie rock band, has released their summer single “Thrift Store,” which is a part of the larger album Dark Matter Recycling Co. The new album will release on Sept. 15.

    The Planes

    The Planes were originally founded in 2010 by Stephen Otto Perry and are known for their deft songwriting and loud performances. Alongside Perry, who plays guitar and writes the songs, are drummer Don Lavis and bassist Jackie Perrone.

    “Thrift Store” is a loud, triumphant piece, the guitars, and drums layered above the vocals. The vocals provide a smooth undercurrent, maintaining a low volume throughout. This is contrasted by the instrumentals, which occasionally dive up and down in volume.

    The song flows into itself, with not many clear breaks between chorus and verse. There are sometimes absences in either instrumentals or vocals, which helps mix up the track.

    The full-length album, Dark Matter Recycling Co. will release on Sept. 15 through Totally Real Records in the United States and Safe Suburban Home Records in the United Kingdom.

    For more on The Planes, check out their Instagram, Facebook, Bandcamp, or Spotify.

  • Robin Wilson Will Be Inducted Into Long Island Music HOF

    Known for his work as lead vocalist for the alternative rock band the Gin Blossoms and guest lead singer for The Smithereens, Robin Wilson will now be an inductee into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame on Aug. 25. As a part of LIMEHOF’s August-September induction schedule, Wilson joins the Fat Boys as the newest members of the prestigious organization.

    Robin Wilson
    Gin Blossoms at the Huntington Beach Food Art & Music Festival 2014

    Wilson has had a lengthy career in the music industry, first joining the Gin Blossoms in 1988 as a guitarist, eventually changing places with Jesse Venezuela, the original vocalist at the time. Releasing two major label albums with the band, New Miserable Experience and Congratulations, I’m Sorry, the success flooded in with RIAA Platinum certifications, sold-out tours, and overall support for Wilson and the rest of the group.

    In 1997, the Gin Blossoms would break up until 2002, but his career in between stayed moving, becoming the lead singer and songwriter for Gas Giants during the time away.

    Currently residing in Long Island, Robin’s induction ceremony into the LIMEHOF begins Friday, August 25th at 7 pm and will include a performance with special guests on the Exhibit Hall stage.

    Tickets can be found online at www.limusichalloffame.org, by calling 631-689-5888, or take a visit to the Hall of Fame. Prices are $40 for the general public and $35 for LIMEHOF members.

    LIMEHOF’s full August and September schedule, including the Fat Boys induction information, is complete and can be found below.

    August-September LIMEHOF Schedule

    8/6 1-2 pm Induction: The Fat Boys

    8/6 3-4 pm – HooDoo Loungers

    8/13 3-4 pm – Who Are Those Guys

    8/20 2-3 pm – Pamela Betti Band

    8/25 7-10 pm Induction Ceremony: Robin Wilson (from Gin Blossoms and Smithereens)

    8/27 3-4 pm – Shecky & the Twangtones

    9/3 3-4 pm – Joseph James

    9/10 3-4 pm – My World/Johnny Juice

    9/17 3-4 pm – Songwriters of Long Island Showcase

    9/24 3-4 pm – Medicine Fish

    “Hey Jealously” by the Gin Blossoms

  • Goin’ Down to the Central Part of Town: Nights 6 and 7 of Phish at Madison Square Garden

    We are now at the end of Phish’s seven-night run at Madison Square Garden, and the band has continued their hot streak, finding new room for jamming in old standards, and then some.

    Perri Sage Photography

    Opening up the Friday, August 4th show with “Buried Alive,” “The Moma Dance” and “46 Days,” Phish was driving out of the gate, energetic and not missing a beat over this 25-minute opening segment. The only lull of the set came in the form of the debut of “Back in the Bubble” and “Bouncing Around the Room,” both of which were, in hindsight, well placed, as the remainder of the set had little room to breathe. “Birds of a Feather,” welcome as always in the first set, which led to a substantial “Halley’s Comet” that followed, with Trey Anastasio changing the lyrics to “I’m going down to the central part of New York City,” his second nod to the Big Apple in the last two shows. On par with the ever so smooth segue found late in the first set on Wednesday, Phish segued fluidly into an ethereal “Roggae,” before sticking the landing of the set with “Run Like an Antelope.”

    Perri Sage Photography

    If there was a theme of playing better than the previous night, the second set maintains that theory, with an immense “Mike’s Song” with a jam that had people wondering, “Is this still Mike’s?,” all while getting deep into the more than 23 -minute jam, which stands to be the second longest version of the song ever. Shrugging off a potential turn towards “Tweezer,” the band eventually shifted into “Sand,” getting even deeper with Trey finding a familiar riff that segued sveltely into the Talking Heads “Crosseyed and Painless.” The lone breather of the set, “A Life Beyond a Dream” gave way to “The Lizards,” well-placed deep in the second set. “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” closed the set, only the third appearance of the Beatles song in the last 10 years.

    During the breather before the encore, the crowd knew what to expect and the band delivered – an encore of “Weekapaug Groove” had the fans as hyped as at any point this run. And when the band could have called it a night, the opening notes to “Fluffhead” kept the crowd cheering on, shouting “Fluff came to New York” along with the perma-grinned Anastasio, an exclamation point on the penultimate show of a legendary run at The Garden for Phish.

    Perri Sage Photography

    Phish returns on Saturday, August 5th, to close the run.

    Setlist via Phish.net

    Phish – Madison Square Garden, Friday, August 4, 2023

    Set 1: Buried Alive, The Moma Dance, 46 Days > Back in the Bubble[1], Bouncing Around the Room, Birds of a Feather, Halley’s Comet[2] -> Roggae, Run Like an Antelope

    Set 2: Mike’s Song > Sand -> Crosseyed and Painless > A Life Beyond The Dream, The Lizards, While My Guitar Gently Weeps

    Encore: Weekapaug Groove > Fluffhead

    [1] Phish debut.
    [2] Lyrics changed to “central part of New York City.”

    With one last night to play with, Phish left very little to chance and delivered a powerhouse Saturday performance featuring a completely unexpected bust out to go out on the highest of notes. After a fan’s wedding proposal and successful engagement on the floor prior to the show, the band seemingly picked up on this and fittingly opened with “Loving Cup.” A shift into “Maze” immediately afterwards produced another spine-tingling crowd roar early on that signaled MSG’s collective readiness. A mid-set “Divided Sky” felt perfectly placed and the “Prince Caspian” that came next followed in the footsteps of other recent ones and went especially deep. “Drift While You’re Sleeping” then wrapped things up in its now familiar set closing spot.

    With one last set to go, and still no “Tweezer” in sight, it was almost a matter of when, not if, Phish was going unleash its second set staple. Fans wouldn’t have to wait long once the set opening “Set Your Soul Free” finished with Trey Anastasio quickly jumping into the signature opening licks of the song everyone was expecting. This “Tweezer” was no certainly no slouch and served as the springboard for Phish to usher in the return of “Guy Forget,” the first time played since 2011, over 400 shows ago. It certainly came out of left field, but Phish stuck with it, making it well more than a tease and turning it into a full on jam, with “Tweezer” quotes continuing to weave in and out effortlessly. As the jam wound down into near ambience, “What’s The Use?” followed, showing just how quiet MSG can get as well when needed. A full scale “Scents and Subtle Sounds” brought things back to life and with it, another discernable “Tweezer” jam that paved the way for “Everything’s Right,” an accurate statement about the evening, and the entire run, as a whole. A brief little “Manteca” quote even managed to sneak in here. After a completely raucous “Tweezer Reprise” that closed out the set, Phish delivered one last classic with a mesmerizing and patient take on “Harry Hood,” closing out the run in style and setting the stage for what promises to be two incredible shows at SPAC in a few weeks.

    Phish – Madison Square Garden, Saturday, August 5, 2023

    Set 1: Loving Cup > Maze, Martian Monster > Divided Sky > Prince Caspian->NICU>Steam, Drift While You’re Sleeping

    Set 2: Set Your Soul Free, Tweezer->Guy Forget>What’s The Use?>Scents and Subtle Sounds->Tweezer->Everything’s Right>Backwards Down The Number Line>Tweezer Reprise

    Encore: Harry Hood

    Photos by Perri Sage

  • In Focus: JRAD at Pier 17 Rooftop

    Joe Russo’s Almost Dead (JRAD) played a sold out show at the Pier 17 Rooftop. Packed with Deadheads and Phish phans eager for the upcoming MSG run, the band’s backdrop was the Brooklyn Bridge & Empire State Building. The venue featured a beautiful, panoramic view of Manhattan, quite the site to behold.

    The night started off with a bang “Playing in the Band” followed by “Mississippi Half Step”. The set included fan favorites like “Bertha” & “Scarlet Begonias”. They closed the set with “Touch of Grey”.

    The second set started off with Scott Metzger shining on “Hard to Handle” followed by a rocking “Here Comes Sunshine”. The second set was incredible and featured songs like “Truckin” & “St. Stephen”.

    The band played “Shine on You Crazy Diamond” >”Not Fade Away” but was cut short as the band was instructed to stop playing. This was not due to the amount of faces being melted, but due to lightning in the area. “Shine on” also  featured a saxophonist Stuart Bogie.

    The band and fans got to enjoy most of the show and quickly scurried out before the rain. This band just keeps getting better and every show is an incredible show. These guys don’t miss!

    Set 1: Playing in the Band, Mississippi Half Step, Music Never Stopped, Bertha, Tell Me Mama > Scarlet Begonias, Touch of Grey

    Set 2: Hard to Handle, Here Comes Sunshine > Throwing Stones > Wharf Rat > Truckin’, St.Stephen > Shine on You Crazy Diamond

  • VIBES: The Game For Music Minds to Join 50 Hours of Hip Hop TV Celebration on Bronxnet

    VIBES: The Game For Music Minds is to join “50 Hours of Hip Hop: A 50th Anniversary Celebration” for their upcoming special on Bronxnet TV from 6:00 p.m. on Aug. 11 to 8:00 p.m. on Aug. 13.

    The “50 Hours of Hip Hop” special will highlight the best talent music videos and programs dedicated to celebrating 50 years of Hip Hop. VIBES is a televised DJ competition that originally premiered Aug. 2, 2022 to over 1 million U.S. homes through both BRIC TV and Bronxnet TV.

    The show itself is a quick mixing competition with three DJs competing over two rounds. They must entertain a live and virtual audience through a variety of musical genres. Since its inception, VIBES has grown into a social platform for competitors, up and coming artists, and has engaged fans at live events in NYC.

    VIBES will be premiering with its full season on Noire TV to over 20 million homes in the U.S., Nigeria, and Europe. More information can be found on Bronxnet TV’s website.

  • The Day Party presents Ashanti, Jadakiss, the Lox and more at the Brooklyn Boardwalk

    On Sunday, July 30 at The Brooklyn Boardwalk, The Day Party and Empire Club NYC presented some of the most iconic names in hip-hop and R&B, with the lineup including Ashanti, Jadakiss and the Lox, and Tina (Hoodcelebrityy). Music was provided by Funk Flex and Nick Scalici, along with special guests. The event featured an afternoon and evening filled with pop-ups, food vendors, and other installations.

    All originating from New York, Ashanti originally from Glen Cove and Jadakiss and The Lox representing Yonkers, all played in their home state and city within Coney Island at the Brooklyn Boardwalk.

    Concertgoers enjoyed the music from five different DJs, few local artists, Tina (Hoodcelebrityy), Jadakiss and The Lox followed by the grand finale, Ashanti. Tina (Hoodcelebrityy) is a Jamaican born dancehall singer and songwriter, who moved the Bronx at a young age.

    The Lox, including Jadakiss, Sheek Louch and Styles P is an hip hop group formed in 1994 in Yonkers, NY. They were under a few labels until finally they launched their own label, D-Block.

    Ashanti is an well-known R&B American singer, songwriter and actress who grew up in New York and was signed to a label in 2002

    With lots of Empire Club vendors, everyone enjoyed themselves as Funk Flex DJ’d and had everyone dancing. Nems, a New York based rapper, opened the evening with a few of his songs, which was then followed by a long DJ set of dance music and partying. Hookahs and joints filled the air with smoke and laughter, as everyone was grooving and dancing to the beat.

    As the sun slowly went down, the the main three acts followed as the crowd continued to keep the energy and applause.

    The Day Party and Empire Club NYC hosted some of New York’s biggest artists and performers at The Brooklyn Boardwalk. The stacked lineup brought people from all boroughs filled with pride and joy for some of the biggest names in R&B and Hip Hop.

  • Up Late With Dopapod at Sony Hall

    There was quite a big fish market near MSG with thousands rushing to midtown for night 5 of Phish, as well as the post-shows that would follow. Dopapod had the honors of playing Sony Hall in NYC on Saturday, July 29, playing from just around midnight until almost 3 AM.

    dopapod nyc

    The band has long been a staple of the jam scene and a crowd favorite for many years. The funkiness of Eli Winderman on keys, with Rob Compa’s expert and original guitar playing, mixed with phenomenal Chuck Jones on bass and drummer Neal ‘Fro’ Evans, making a late-night force to be reckoned with.

    dopapod nyc

    Their late night set was full of energy, as should be after a Phish show, especially one where many fans had just seen an exhilarating show right beforehand. Their set included originals like “Trickery” & “Present Ghosts” as well as a rocking cover of “Dazed and Confused,” played in true Dopapod fashion.

    dopapod nyc

    Dopapod – July 29, 2023, Sony Hall, NYC

    Setlist Trickery, Turning Knobs, Freight Train, Present Ghosts, Bubblehouse, Dracula’s Monk, Onion Head, Fannie, Dazed and Confused, We are Not Alone, Weird Charlie, End it on the Yeah, Nuggy Jawson

    dopapod nyc
    dopapod nyc

  • Queens Public Library’s “Hip Hop 50 Summit,” Featuring Darryl McDaniels, KRS-One, and Lumidee

    On Aug. 3 and 4, the Queens Public Library (QPL) will be celebrating 50 years of hip hop with their “Hip Hop 50 Summit,” which will feature Darryl McDaniels of Run-DMC, as well as Lumidee and KRS-One. With panel discussions, interactive workshops, exhibits, augmented reality experiences, open mic sessions, DJ sets, and performances, the event will be at the LaGuardia Performing Arts Center.

    Additionally, the event will be hosted by QPL’s Hip Hop Coordinator Ralph McDaniels, also known as “Uncle Ralph.” Alongside him will be co-host DJ G$Money. In like manner, the goal is to create a space for the discussion of hip hop, its legacy and its future with interactive workshops throughout the two-day event.

    I am very excited about the Hip Hop 50 Summit. The conversation and agenda will cover all five decades of hip hop culture and its core elements – DJing, MCing, breakdancing, graffiti art and knowledge. The summit will celebrate hip hop legacy, but more importantly, it will create a space to exchange ideas, while also becoming a lasting resource on the subject for the future.

    QPL Hip Hop Coordinator Ralph McDaniels

    Noteworthy Panels for Thursday, Aug. 3

    “Hip Hop History, Science, Technology & Innovations” is from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m., moderated by the young entrepreneur Aaliyah Duah. Rappers Phresher and Young B will work alongside data scientist and CEO of DataedX Group Dr. Brandeis Marshall to discuss aspects of the entertainment industry.

    “The Business of Hip Hop, Careers and Activism,” is from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., and will feature rapper Darryl McDaniels, singer Lumidee, and media personality A.V. Perkins. Furthermore, they will be discussing the power of hip hop, from activism to making money.

    “Paving the Way: Pioneers of Hip Hop” is from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.. Those in the panel include: KRS-One; Darryl McDaniels; MC Sha-Rock, one of the first female MCs in hip hop history; and DJ Hurricane, known for his work with the Beastie Boys.

    “Switch the Style Up: Fashion in Hip Hop” is from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. with host, fashion historian and archivist Tianni Graham. Joining her will be the Shirt Kings, Black fashion designer Malik Dupri, PowHerful Apparel CEO Dave Huie and FIT Professor, as well as hip hop fashion expert Elena Romero.

    Noteworthy Panels for Friday, Aug. 4

    “The Message: Media, Technology and the Future” from 10:00 to 11:15 a.m. will have moderation from the founder and executive director of the Universal Hip Hop Museum Rocky Bucano. VIBE Magazine Editor-in-Chief Datwon Thomas, YouTube Black Music & Culture Director Tuma Basa, Microsoft Senior Attorney Bruce Jackson, and DJ TedSmooth will all be talking about the intersection of hip hop and media.

    “Fight the Power: Social Justice and Education” will close the summit, held from 2:30 to 3:45 p.m., and will include: Dr. Christopher Emdin, the founder of the #HipHopEd social movement; DJ and Co-Founder of Hip Hop Blvd NYC Al Pizarro; hip hop artist and criminal justice reform activist Mysonne Linen; and Lennox Yearwood Jr., President and CEO of the Hip Hop Caucus. Likewise they will discuss hip hop as a vehicle for social change.

    While the event is free, tickets are limited and are required for entry. Moreover, more information and a full schedule for the panels is available here. As a plus, the event will also be available for streaming on QPL’s Instagram.