NYS Music 2023

Category: NYC Metro

  • 76th Tony Award Winners include ‘Kimberly Akimbo,’ ‘Leopoldstadt’

    Last night, the 76th annual Tony Awards celebrated this year on Broadway by making history and breaking rules, and awarding Kimberly Akimbo the Award for Best Musical.

    76th tony awards
    Ariana Debose hosting, credit to Kevin Mazur.

    At the United Palace in Washington Heights, the audience gathered to reflect on and award this past Broadway season. The theatre industry has seen drama offstage this year. Arguments about how much actors should give to their performances, discussions on the industry’s ableism and racism, post-COVID struggles that forced iconic shows to close, and Patti LuPone ripping up her Equity union card were just some of the one-act plays we saw debut on social media.

    Ariana Debose hosted the show for the second year in a row. But this year, she did things differently. The show opened to her looking through her script for the 76th annual Tony Awards, only to find blank pages. Unlike most Tony Awards opening numbers, there was no singing. DeBose moved into an impressive dance number choreographed by Carla Garcia. It was started the night with a bang as it married Fosse with modern styles. Once onstage―after catching her breath―DeBose shared the “very good reason” why the Tony’s script pages were blank.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4oQeYx5INE

    “Our siblings over at the [Writer’s Guild of America] are currently on strike in pursuit of a fair deal,” DeBose said. “I’m sure some of you at home are thinking, ‘Oh, okay, but what does that have to do with the Tony Awards?…Award shows are traditionally written by members of the WGA. So in order for this show to go on, a whole host of people had to come together in order to find a compromise…And so now you are asking, what’s the compromise? Well, we don’t have a script.”

    Without teleprompters, the night felt charged. Just like any Broadway show, this truly was a live performance. But that wasn’t the only part of the Tony’s that made it unlike any other before. Alex Newell and J. Harrison Ghee made history as they became the first out non-binary actors to win Tony awards. Even though Toby Marlow, who won the Tony for best musical score for Six, is non-binary, Newell and Ghee are the first in the Tony’s only gendered category: acting.

    76th tony award
    Photo by Theo Wargo, Getty Images for Tony Awards Pro.

    Newell won best supporting actor in a musical for their performance of Lulu in Shucked, a new musical comedy nominated for 9 Tony awards. Shucked tells the story of Maizy, who travels to find out why all of the corn in her small town, Cob County, is dying. The constant corny humor makes audiences laugh nonstop.

    “Broadway, I should not be up here,” Newell said in their acceptance speech. “As a queer, non-binary, fat, black little baby from Massachusetts. And to anyone that thinks that they can’t do it, I’m going to look you dead in your face and tell you that you can do anything you put your mind to.”

    J. Harrison Ghee accepts the award for best performance by an actor in a leading role in a musical for “Some Like It Hot” at the 76th annual Tony Awards on Sunday, June 11, 2023, at the United Palace Theater in New York. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)
    Charles Sykes, Charles Sykes/Invision/AP

    Soon after, Ghee accepted the Tony for best leading actor in a musical for their portrayal of Jerry/Daphne in Some Like it Hot. They thanked their producers and creative team for letting them lead. “Thank you…for letting me be representation, letting lives be seen.”

    Although there were many great shows nominated, one swept overall. New musical Kimberly Akimbo won 5 awards, including best new musical. Even though the night was unscripted, critics and audiences alike were not surprised.

    Victoria Clark with her Tony for Kimberly Akimbo
    (© Tricia Baron)

    The musical tells the story of Kimberly, a 16-year-old girl born with a rare genetic condition that makes her age almost five times as fast as kids her age. The show is heartwarming and breaking. Other than best musical, Kimberly Akimbo took home beat supporting actress (Bonnie Milligan), best lead actress (Victoria Clarke), best original score, and best book of a musical. 

    Despite how the show was real and unfiltered, censorship reminded viewers of big differences between stage and screen. After two previous nominations, Michael Arden scored his first win for Direction of a musical for his work on Parade, which won best musical revival. Arden took his acceptance speech as an opportunity to speak out about the need to fight intolerance. “It is so, so important,” Arden stressed, “or else we are doomed to repeat the horrors of our history.”

    What viewers remember most about Arden’s speech, though, is something we could not even hear. “to our beautiful trans, nonbinary, queer youth, know that your queerness is what makes you beautiful and powerful,” he expressed. “Growing up, I was called the f word more times than I can remember, and now all I can say is I’m a f***** with a tony.” CBS censored the last words of Arden’s speech. Still, we saw how the live audience stood up and cheered louder than they had all night.

    If you missed the 76th Tony Awards, you can stream it on Paramount Plus.

    76th Annual Tony Award Winners

    Best Play

    Ain’t No Mo’
    Between Riverside and Crazy
    Cost of Living
    Fat Ham
    Leopoldstadt

    Best Musical

    & Juliet
    Kimberly Akimbo
    New York, New York
    Shucked
    Some Like It Hot

    Best Revival of a Play

    August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson
    A Doll’s House
    The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window
    Suzan-Lori Parks’ Topdog/Underdog

    Best Revival of a Musical

    Parade
    Into the Woods
    Lerner & Loewe’s Camelot
    Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

    Best Book of a Musical

    & Juliet
    Kimberly Akimbo
    New York, New York
    Shucked
    Some Like It Hot

    Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

    Almost Famous
    Kimberly Akimbo
    KPOP
    Shucked
    Some Like It Hot

    Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play

    Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Suzan-Lori Parks’ Topdog/Underdog
    Corey Hawkins, Suzan-Lori Parks’ Topdog/Underdog
    Sean Hayes, Good Night, Oscar
    Stephen McKinley Henderson, Between Riverside and Crazy
    Wendell Pierce, Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman

    Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

    Jessica Chastain, A Doll’s House
    Jodie Comer, Prima Facie
    Jessica Hecht, Summer, 1976
    Audra McDonald, Ohio State Murders

    Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical

    Christian Borle, Some Like It Hot
    J. Harrison Ghee, Some Like It Hot
    Josh Groban, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
    Brian d’Arcy James, Into the Woods
    Ben Platt, Parade
    Colton Ryan, New York, New York

    Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

    Annaleigh Ashford, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
    Sara Bareilles, Into the Woods
    Victoria Clark, Kimberly Akimbo
    Lorna Courtney, & Juliet
    Micaela Diamond, Parade

    Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play

    Jordan E. Cooper, Ain’t No Mo’
    Samuel L. Jackson, August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson
    Arian Moayed, A Doll’s House
    Brandon Uranowitz, Leopoldstadt
    David Zayas, Cost of Living

    Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play

    Nikki Crawford, Fat Ham
    Crystal Lucas-Perry, Ain’t No Mo’
    Miriam Silverman, The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window
    Katy Sullivan, Cost of Living
    Kara Young, Cost of Living

    Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical

    Kevin Cahoon, Shucked
    Justin Cooley, Kimberly Akimbo
    Kevin Del Aguila, Some Like It Hot
    Jordan Donica, Lerner & Loewe’s Camelot
    Alex Newell, Shucked

    Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical

    Julia Lester, Into the Woods
    Ruthie Ann Miles, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
    Bonnie Milligan, Kimberly Akimbo
    NaTasha Yvette Williams, Some Like It Hot
    Betsy Wolfe, & Juliet

    Best Scenic Design of a Play

    Prima Facie
    Life of Pi
    Good Night, Oscar
    Leopoldstadt
    A Christmas Carol

    Best Scenic Design of a Musical

    New York, New York
    Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
    Lerner & Loewe’s Camelot
    Shucked
    Some Like It Hot

    Best Costume Design of a Play

    Life of Pi
    Fat Ham
    Leopoldstadt
    Ain’t No Mo’
    Good Night, Oscar

    Best Costume Design of a Musical

    Some Like It Hot
    Parade
    Lerner & Loewe’s Camelot
    KPOP
    & Juliet
    New York, New York

    Best Lighting Design of a Play

    Leopoldstadt
    Prima Facie
    A Doll’s House
    Fat Ham
    Life of Pi
    Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman
    A Christmas Carol

    Best Lighting Design of a Musical

    New York, New York
    Lerner & Loewe’s Camelot
    Parade
    & Juliet
    Some Like It Hot
    Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

    Best Sound Design of a Play

    Ain’t No Mo’
    Life of Pi
    A Christmas Carol
    A Doll’s House
    Prima Facie

    Best Sound Design of a Musical

    New York, New York
    Shucked
    Into the Woods
    & Juliet
    Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

    Best Direction of a Play

    Saheem Ali, Fat Ham
    Jo Bonney, Cost of Living
    Jamie Lloyd, A Doll’s House
    Patrick Marber, Leopoldstadt
    Stevie Walker-Webb, Ain’t No Mo’
    Max Webster, Life of Pi

    Best Direction of a Musical

    Michael Arden, Parade
    Lear deBessonet, Into the Woods
    Casey Nicholaw, Some Like It Hot
    Jack O’Brien, Shucked
    Jessica Stone, Kimberly Akimbo

    Best Choreography

    Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
    Some Like It Hot
    New York, New York
    & Juliet
    KPOP

    Best Orchestrations

    & Juliet
    Kimberly Akimbo
    Shucked
    Some Like It Hot
    New York, New York

  • Hip Hop Forever Celebration Featuring Wu-Tang Clan, Mary J. Blige, and More Coming to MSG

    Hot 97 and WBLS-FM, for the first time, jointly announced Hip Hop Forever, a celebration of Hip Hop’s 50th anniversary featuring Wu-Tang Clan, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, and more, coming to Madison Square Garden on Sept. 15.

    Hip Hop Forever

    Hip Hop Forever is part of New York City’s ongoing celebration of Hip Hop’s 50th anniversary, falling just one month after the Hip Hop 50 celebration at Yankee Stadium, which includes Run-DMC, Lil Kim, Snoop Dogg, and more. The Hip Hop Forever event at MSG features one of the greatest hip-hop groups of all time, Wu-Tang Clan. Since their triple-platinum debut record Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) came out in 1993, the group has gone on to release eight albums and created legendary live shows, the band’s prolific careers as individuals and especially as the most storied group in hip-hop history.

    Other can’t-miss acts to see include Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, actress, producer, and philanthropist, Mary J. Blige. With a track record of eight multi-platinum albums, nine Grammy Awards (plus a staggering 32 nominations), two Academy Award nominations, two Golden Globe nominations, a SAG nomination, and more, she has cemented herself as a powerhouse that can truly do it all. The best-selling female artist of all time with more than 200 million albums sold to date and 19 Billboard Hot 100 #1 singles, Mariah Carey, makes a special appearance. She is truly the template of modern pop performance, leaving a cultural and indelible imprint on the industry and the world at large.

    One of the most prolific dancehall and reggae performers, Sean Paul, will perform a set at Hip Hop Forever, as well as Tyrese, Maxwell, and EPMD. Tickets will go on sale via a presale on Thursday, June 15 at 10 a.m. ahead of the general on-sale on Friday, June 16 at 10 a.m. To purchase, visit here.

    https://youtu.be/HXsqCrHSKvU

  • Governors Ball Day 3 – Kendrick Lamar, Lil Nas X, and Pusha T Close Out The Weekend

    Governors Ball wrapped up the weekend last night with a stellar, career-spanning performance from Kendrick Lamar. Sunday was another eclectic day of music from all ends of the spectrum, featuring sets by Lil Nas X, Pusha T, Black Midi, Girl In Red, and Phony Ppl.

    Kendrick Lamar, Governors Ball 6/11/2023. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil

    Rap music was on clear display for Sunday. Coast Contra gave some early afternoon rap to the Bacardí stage. The dynamic rap group brought the old school vibes with their “Scenerio Freestyle.” Over on the GoPuff Stage, Central Cee displayed classic UK rap to the New York crowd. He had the fans going wild for his hit song “Doja.” 

    Leading up to the headlining slot on Sunday, Pusha T brought his rash flow to a wild crowd at the Bacardi Stage with a deep setlist full of crowd favorites and covers. At the same time, Sofi Tukker’s house/pop blend reverberated from the GoPuff Stage sending infectious dance beats through the park. Lil Nas X followed with thrilling dancing and intricate costumes culminating in a giant sing-along to his hit song “Old Town Road”.

    governors ball pusha t
    Pusha T, Governors Ball 6/11/2023. Photo by Joseph Buscarello

    It was only fitting that Kendrick Lamar headlined Sunday night because there was truly no better way to end the 2023 edition of the Governors Ball. Fresh off the larger-than-life Big Steppers Tour, Kendrick brought his more stripped-back festival production to the GovBall Stage. It’s hard to imagine how such a mega artist can create an “intimate” festival performance while still bringing every bit of energy you expect. A bare stage with varying backdrops, flanked by lighting from the sides of the stage and vertical laser walls made Flushing Meadows feel like a window into the life of Kendrick Lamar songs. The power and raw energy of Kendrick’s flow echoed throughout the audience who were in awe of what they were witnessing.

    governors ball kendrick lamar
    Kendrick Lamar, Governors Ball 6/11/2023. Photo by Joseph Buscarello

    With 2023 in the books, we can already start thinking about next year. The move to Flushing Meadows Park was a major success for Governors Ball. The vast park is the perfect venue for a music festival with large field areas and thick tree lines providing shade and texture to the grounds. Fans have easier access via mass transit and the neighborhoods surrounding the park are home to the most diverse local food vendors anywhere in the world. The future is bright for Governors Ball after finally finding the perfect home. After housing multiple World Fairs in 1939 and 1964, the city has kept large festivals away from Flushing Meadows; a trend that has finally ended.

    Stay tuned for more artist galleries, as well as a in-depth look into Kendrick Lamar’s historic headlining set in Queens.

  • Lawrence Taylor and Get The Led Out Highlight Music Beats Cancer Night at T5

    New York Giants Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor and Led Zeppelin tribute band Get The Led Out highlighted the Music Beats Cancer event on June 8, a night of music, reaching out to the community, and recognizing the importance of cancer research innovations.

    Music Beats Cancer lawrence taylor
    Get The Led Out performing at the first annual Music Beats Cancer event on June 8, 2023.

    Held at Terminal 5 in New York City, Music Beats Cancer’s first annual event successfully raised awareness and money for cancer research. The non-profit organization focuses on the significance of connecting music to boost cancer-fighting treatment techniques, all while promoting new artists and their music.

    Live and silent auctions, a two-part performance from Get The Led Out, and a passionate speech from Lawrence Taylor were all factors in providing a night to remember for the foundation.

    Before the event, Taylor took the time to emphasize the importance of cancer research innovations, a big reason why he supports Music Beats Cancer’s organizational goals. Through personal experience in knowing people who have battled the illness and expressing the significance of helping those in need, he believes this event is a step towards an answer.

    “I have friends who have cancer, had cancer, I feel that it’s a worthy cause…at the end of the day we got to take a hold of it [cancer] and somewhere there is an answer and somewhere there is a cure.”

    – Lawrence Taylor

    Taylor’s involvement in the group effort to promote cancer cure innovations stems from how important he believes the organization is, which assists in fighting against the disease in a unique way.

    Lawrence Taylor attending the Music Beats Cancer event on June 8, 2023

    “This is a good program, I mean that it’s a bigger program than we can put out at my organization in Florida, this is well on a bigger stage,” Taylor said. “I am impressed [with the event], and hopefully more people get involved.”

    Raising thousands of dollars through donations while providing a tie to the music industry, the event’s success will leave an imprint on the future of start-ups and supporting up-and-coming artists for years to come.

  • MVW and Valee Release ‘Could Be’ and ‘Pistachio’ in Anticipation of New Album

    Suis generis producer MVW continues to flood the streets with a run of ear-catching singles. Coupled with vocals from frequent collaborator Valee, MVW delivered fans the Groovy sounding “Pistachio” and “Could Be,” a straightfoward take on the two artists musical philosophy. The two records offer a taste into how MVW plans to build on his sound, or add to what’s working. Namely, “Could Be” is a piano and Hi Hat laced track that sees Valee chime in with his laidback delivery. In a 2-minute loop MVW’s ominous piano riffs set the tone as Valee illustrate through various luxury items on the grand lifestyle that “Could Be” for his romantic partners.

    MVW and Vale continue their run of ear-catching singles.
    MVW (right) and Valee (left) embark on their latest musical journey

    In a similar vein, the Zelooperz assisted “Pistachio” brings a lively twist to MVW’s classic-trap blend. Likewise, Valee brings his colorful idioms, characterizations and laid-back delivery in toasting to the pistachio-colored seats of their luxury car, with each emcee bringing a whimsical confidence in their verses. The sonics, courtesy of MVW, sway with an addictive nocturnal funk. His classical roots at play, adding gorgeous hum of woodwinds giving the record a grand feel.

    “‘Pistachio’ was a special track that was made together with Valee, Zelooperz, and I one night in LA all together, last summer, MVW reveals. “As soon as Valee began laying the hook, there was a particular feeling in the air, the rest was history. I can’t really put my finger on it, but I’ll never look at Pistachios the same.”

    VALEEDATION will see MVW and Valee continue to grow into one of the best duos in hip hop

    Valee and MVW’s VALEEDATION

    These records are a continuation of MVW’s musical journey. Beginning as a classical composer and building himself up as a respected hip hop producer. In doing so, MVW has since worked alongside some of the industry’s best up-and-coming and established artists alike. His steady collaborative efforts with Valee have been a defining staple throughout this time.

    Fittingly, the former Classical composer will release his third hip hop album in as many years this July. However, this installation of classical-trap symphonies will come alongside frequent collaborator Valee, as the duo embark on a full-album journey that their musical synergy demands. Slated for a September release date, VALEEDATION will be a chance for a MVW and Valee to establish themselves as a preeminent duo with unrivaled chemistry.

  • Lincoln Center Announces Summer for the City

    Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts (LCPA) has announced the second annual Summer for the City, the ultimate New York festival. 

    Over three months, Lincoln Center turns its campus into a summer festival. It features hundreds of free events, thousands of artists and food from across the city, inviting New Yorkers of all kinds to come together and celebrate the city’s vibrant communities through the arts. 

    “We are blessed to be in the heart of the most diverse city in the world, and to have sixteen acres of outdoor space to celebrate the magic of this bustling global city,” Shanta Thake, Ehrenkranz Chief Artistic Officer of LCPA said. “This summer builds on a city reimagining itself—finding hope in community, and planting seeds for the future. Over three months, we welcome all New Yorkers to come dance, love, and celebrate together with long-standing traditions of social dance and classical music, and new traditions like our wedding for hundreds of couples, and a ‘second line’ processional to honor lives lost.” 

    Summer of the City Events

    Summer for the City honors New York’s multifaceted communities with dynamic new works and reimagined classics. This includes a week-long celebration of Korean cultural traditions during Korean Arts Week, the New York City premiere of Octavia E. Butler’s Parable of the Sower, the return of the BAAND Together Dance Festival, globalFEST, Mostly Mozart Festival Orchestra concerts. Furthermore, it will all culminate in a week-long celebration of the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop with performances by J. PERIOD, Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, a trap choir, and more. The summer also shines a light on accessibility and disability artistry, with Big Umbrella Day, the return of Deaf Broadway, and a series of events curated by disability artistry guest curator Kevin Gotkin.

    This season builds on the successes of last year’s inaugural Summer for the City. The event brought all of Lincoln Center’s summer festivals under one collective banner, welcoming New Yorkers back together after so much time apart. The inaugural Summer for the City season served an audience of over 300,000 on campus. More than three quarters of these people had never before reserved a ticket to a Lincoln Center presentation.

    Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts

    In recent years, Lincoln Center has expanded its role as an artistic and civic cornerstone. It hosted dozens of blood drives, food distributions, graduations, and serving as a polling place, core to its broader commitment to the city and a statement of confidence in its enduring vitality. 

    “Nothing captures the spirit of New York better than our arts, and this summer, thanks to Lincoln Center, thousands of New Yorkers will have access to hundreds of free cultural events,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “Summer for the City will include performances by critically acclaimed music artists and curators and be a celebration of our city’s creativity, diversity, and, most importantly, our resilience. New York City isn’t coming back—New York City is back. And we can’t wait to see everyone enjoying the arts the city has to offer.”

    A team of curators programmed the 2023 edition of Summer for the City. Additionally, it centers artists and art forms historically underrepresented on campus and welcome wider audiences and communities. Events throughout the summer are inclusively designed. They integrate access needs with a range of accommodations for all performances. This includes ASL interpretation, audio description, live captioning, haptic suits, and more.. The Lincoln Center’s social channel will livestream select performances.

    The calendar for the events can be found here.

  • A Phenomenal Night with BONES, Eddy Baker, and Xavier Wulf at the Knockdown Center

    Knockdown Center in Brooklyn hosted BONES, Eddy Baker, and Xavier Wulf on Friday, June 2. The “In Loving Memory” Tour brought an electrifying night of rap music to the iconic Knockdown Center in Brooklyn. Featuring the talented artists BONES, Eddy Baker, and Xavier Wulf. The concert showcased a unique blend of raw energy, skillful performances, and an unforgettable atmosphere.

    On June 2nd, 2023 the doors opened and the crowd began to pour into Knockdown Center, Brooklyn eagerly anticipating an exceptional night of rap music. The audience was a diverse mix of dedicated fans, each bringing their own unique style and enthusiasm. The vibrant energy within the venue was palpable, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience.

    First up was Eddy Baker, who wasted no time in capturing the crowd’s attention. With his dynamic stage presence and charismatic delivery, Baker immediately connected with the audience. His high-energy performance ignited the crowd, creating an electric atmosphere that set the tone for the rest of the night. Eddy Baker flawlessly delivered tracks from his discography, including fan favorites like “READY2RUMBLE” and “Telescopes” The crowd was fully engaged, vibing along with his energetic beats and intricate lyrics.

    Next, Xavier Wulf took the stage, continuing the wave of intense energy that had been building throughout the night. Known for his distinct voice and aggressive flow, Wulf commanded the attention of the audience from the moment he stepped foot on the stage. His dark and brooding beats combined with his relentless delivery captivated the crowd. Xavier Wulf treated fans to a mix of his hit tracks, including “Request Refused” and “Akina Speed Star.” The crowd responded with immense enthusiasm, moshing and rapping along, creating an atmosphere of pure exhilaration.

    The anticipation reached its peak as BONES, a true master of his craft, emerged on stage. As the headliner, BONES brought his unique blend of introspective lyrics and haunting melodies to the forefront. The crowd erupted in excitement, showcasing their devotion to the artist. BONES effortlessly commanded the stage, delivering a captivating performance that transcended the boundaries of traditional rap music. With tracks like “RedAlert,” “AirplaneMode,” and “LooseScrew,” BONES guided the audience through a musical journey that was both introspective and deeply engaging. The crowd’s reaction was electric, as they rapped along with every word, forming a powerful bond with the artist.

    The Knockdown Center proved to be the perfect venue for the “In Loving Memory” Tour. Its spacious layout and exceptional acoustics created an immersive environment, allowing the music to resonate throughout the venue. The stage setup, complete with vibrant lighting and visuals, enhanced the overall experience, adding an extra layer of intensity to the performances.

    Overall, the “In Loving Memory” Tour at Knockdown Center in Brooklyn, was a night to remember. BONES, Eddy Baker, and Xavier Wulf brought their A-game, delivering powerful performances that left the crowd craving more. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation and enthusiasm, as fans connected with the music on a deep and personal level. The combination of the diverse crowd, the exceptional talent of the artists, the venue’s ambiance, and the carefully curated music selections made this concert an unforgettable experience for all in attendance.

  • Played ‘Em Like Chess – Lola Brooke Don’t Play At All

    The drill scene seemingly emerged from out of the gutter. Many will trace its roots back to Chicago – but for those who know – New York drill remains unparalleled. One small but mighty artist – Lola Brooke reps Brooklyn and continues to flood the airwaves with her boisterous bass-filled voice. Much like MC Lyte – she needs a roughneck.

    Lola Brooke drill

    Marcy Projects to be Specific

    Reigning from Bedford Stuyvesant – the home of Biggie and Jay-Z – this artist remains unapologetically herself. Her name combines tomboy Space Jam character Lola Bunny with the place that gave her the flavor – Brooklyn. Seeing a Kriss Kross video at her grandmother’s house in Birmingham, AL at age eight sealed the deal. Rapper or bust.

    Certainly, Lola experienced her share of turmoil en route to the limelight. Often times, she maximized her abilities by going straight to the studio after working her regular job. Eventually, her mom took notice of the work being put in and provided the security for her to quit her job and pursue a career in music full time. Lola earned her mother’s faith through consistent work, and experimentation with her craft. Today – her song, “Don’t Play With It” serves as the drill anthem for all of NYC. 

    Lola Brooke drill

    Standing 4’9″, Lola likes to play up her petite pedigree. Cameramen capture her best angles and do not feel pressured to make her look tall. Rather, she embraces the juxtaposition between her fun-sized physical appearance and her larger than life persona. Hearing the inflection in her bass-filled voice would never lead one to imagine her miniature stature.

    Breaking An Artist

    The amazing part about her hit single, “Don’t Play With It” revolves around the fact that it took nearly two years to go viral. A major turning point for the trajectory of her career emerged when she performed the song on “From the Block.” All of the traction that the song garnered worked wonders for both the From the Block platform, Producer Dizzy Banko and Lola Brooke. Wins all across the board.

    Lola’s voice booms with timbre and takes the listener by surprise. Thus, her tunes and tones carry seductive, masculine and argumentative vibrations. While completing her song process, LB tends to pace about the space, repeat a catchy phrase and let the energy marinade. Therefore, by the time she gets to the studio it is an absolutely explosive type K.O. moment. 

    Timbo Collabo

    It seems as if the city of Brooklyn is synonymous with the Timberland boot. From “Stomping a b*tch out in her Timbo’s” to creating a customized shoe – Lola continues to climb. Seeing her musical aspirations materialize allows her to feel understood. Is it better to be lucky or good? Either way, for Lola – it is less important to be seen than it is to be understood. 

    Recognition, spiritual fruition and a whole lot more than “100 Bands” currently surround Lola Brooke, who told Gothamist, “When you wake up in the morning and you know you still look good without knowing how you look — that’s what I want my music to give off. Supreme confidence.”

  • Mónica Giraldo Announces Show at Lincoln Center

    Colombian singer-songwriter Mónica Giraldo announced a four show tour with performances in Boston, Philadelphia, New York City, and Washington DC. The tour will stop at the Lincoln Center on June 15.

    mónica giraldo

    Giraldo has been nominated for a Latin Grammy for Best New Artist. She also received two Billboard Awards as a singer-songwriter. She has six recorded works, including albums such as Muy Cerca (Very Close), Todo da Vueltas (Everything Turns), and Que Venga la Vida (Let Life Come).

    With past concerts in the United States, Mexico, France, Japan, and other countries, Mónica Giraldo is an experienced world traveler. She also worked as an architect at CBT Architects in Boston as well as at other leading architecture firms in Spain and Colombia. Furthermore, Giraldo is an Ambassador of the Berklee College of Music in Colombia. Additionally, she has collaborated with Totó La Momposina and Mafalda Veiga, among other artists.

    Mónica Giraldo Shows

    June 12- City Winery in Boston

    June 14- City Winery in Philadelphia

    June 15- Lincoln Center Atrium in New York

    June 16- The Hamilton in Washington DC

  • Governors Ball 2023 Kicks Off with Lizzo, Lil Uzi Vert, Ice Spice and More

    Governors Ball kicked off the 2023 edition on Friday, June 9th, showing off their new digs in the sprawling in Flushing Meadows Park. After many years on Randall’s Island, and a brief stint in the parking lot of Citi Field, Governors Ball made the long anticipated move to the famed Queens park. Nestled amongst the giant trees and iconic landmarks, the festival feels right at home in the World’s Borough. The Canadian wildfire smoke cleared out entirely for the day, letting perfect weather shine for most of the day.

    governors ball 2023
    Lizzo, Governors Ball, 6/9/2023. Photo by Joseph Buscarello

    On the GovballNYC stage, Saba set the tone with his early afternoon performance. He got the crowd going with hits like “Ziplock” and “Photosynthesis.” Over at the GoPuff stage, Tai Verdes kept it cool with “A-O-K” to get the crowd ready for Brooklyn’s own Joey Bada$$. Joey went through songs across his entire discography and made sure to let his hometown crowd feel his energy. Joey made a tribute to XXXTENTACION by performing their song “infinity (888).”

    governors ball 2023
    Joey Bada$$, Governors Ball, 6/9/2023. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil

    The GoPuff stage did not disappoint with later sets from Ice Spice, Metro Boomin, and Lil Uzi Vert. Ice Spice drew one of the biggest crowds of the day, and took the house down with her viral songs “Much” and “In Ha Mood.” Metro Boomin’ followed up Ice Spice’s performance with an intricate DJ set. Rain started to pour but that didn’t stop the fans from screaming every word, bar for bar, during Metro’s performance. Over on the Bacardi stage, the brief rain shower made for an even raunchier set than normal from pop icon Kim Petras.

    Kim Petras, Governors Ball, 6/9/2023. Photo by Joseph Buscarello

    Lil Uzi Vert closed out the night with a bang. Interacting with fans throughout the set, he even announced that the highly anticipated “Pink Tape” will drop at the end of the month. Uzi went through the hits, brought out Ken Carson and Destroy Lonely and ended the night with their latest hit “Just Wanna Rock.”

    governors ball 2023
    Lil Uzi Vert, Governors Ball, 6/9/2023. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil

    Meanwhile, over on the GovBallNYC stage, Lizzo dominated the stage with her larger than lifer performance. Flanked by a sea of dancers, backup vocalists, a killer live band, and several outfit changes, Lizzo’s powerful voice reverberated through Flushing Meadows.

    Lizzo, Governors Ball, 6/9/2023. Photo by Joseph Buscarello

    Day 2 gets going today, with sets from Finneas, Snail Mail, Rina Sawayama, Lil Baby, and Odesza. Stay tuned for our Saturday recap tomorrow morning.

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