NYS Music 2023

Category: NYC Metro

  • A Look Ahead at Tribeca Festival 2023: What to Watch (and Play) at This Year’s Event

    The 2023 edition of Robert DeNiro, Jane Rosenthal, and Craig Hatkoff’s Tribeca Festival (formerly Tribeca Film Festival) began this past Wednesday, June 7th.

    This event that highlights films, games, television, and music kicked off with the premiere of Kiss The Future, directed by Nenad Cicin-Sain, with producers: Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, and Sarah Anthony.

    Tribeca Festival 2023 received a record-high of 12,000 submissions, ultimately narrowing it down to 109 feature films, 76 shorts, and over 20 interactive experiences and games.

    After viewing all that the festival has to offer, here are a few that you should check out during the remainder of the Festival:

    Features

    The Adults

    Dustin Guy Defa | June 13, 14, 16 at SVA Theatre & Village East

    The plan to make a trip back home as short as possible begins to unravel as Eric finds himself balancing the challenging relationship with his two sisters and his addiction to a local poker game.

    This film features eccentric performances from 3 actors that deliver moments of familial humor tied with touching earnestness.

    LaRoy

    Shane Atkinson | June 17 at Village East

    When Ray discovers that his wife is cheating on him, he decides he’s going to kill himself. His plans suddenly change when a stranger mistakes him for a low-rent hitman.

    This film features two exceptional performances from leads John Magaro and Steve Zahn, along with a solid directorial debut.

    Anthem

    Peter Nicks | June 11, 13, 14 at Spring Studios & Village East

    What would the national anthem sound like if it was based on American music and not the melody of an old British tune? The film follows composer and pianist Kris Bowers and producer Dahi across the country.

    This powerful and relevant documentary highlights the national anthem, whilst traveling to learn more about what America actually sounds like.

    Songs About Fucking

    James Gallagher | June 10, 11, 16 at Spring Studios & Village East

    The documentary introduces the artist, showman, and robe-clad raconteur Marc Rebillet as he embarks on one of the first live music tours after COVID-19 lockdown.

    This documentary highlights a musician’s ambitious tour right off the heels of the pandemic in an inspiring pursuit of musical greatness.

    After the Premiere: A musical Q&A with Marc Rebillet.

    Shorts

    Over the Wall

    Krystal Tingle | June 10, 13, 17 at AMC East 6 & Village East

    Brehanna Daniels, the first Black woman pit crew member and tire changer in NASCAR, works her way back from injury to participate in the Daytona 500, the biggest race in the sport.

    In this fascinating and frenetic look behind the scenes of a NASCAR pit crew member, highlighting a new generation in the athletic field.

    Voice Activated

    Steve Anthopoulos | June 10, 12, 17 at AMC East 6 & Village East

    A florist with a stutter is forced to cooperate with a voice activated car on the way to an important delivery.

    This film perfectly utilizes the short format (12 minutes) in it’s premise and comedic voice assistant interactions.

    Somewhere in Between

    Kyle Vorbach, John Horan | June 14, 17, 18 at AMC East 6 & Village East

    Two will-they-won’t-they friends are just enjoying a simple New Year’s Eve— until a man from the future bursts in, telling them the fate of the universe rests in their hands!

    This short features great special effects and is a lot of fun in a small package.

    Proof of Concept

    Max Cohn, Ellie Sachs | June 11 at Village East

    An aspiring auteur tries coaxing her dad and uncle into financing her first short film but winds up raising more questions than dollars.

    This is a very fun short film that is self-aware and true to the overwhelming filmmaking and budgeting experience.

    Television

    Full Circle

    Steven Soderbergh | June 11 – 8:00 PM at OKX Theater

    Full Circle is a limited series about an investigation into a botched kidnapping that uncovers long-held secrets connecting multiple characters and cultures in present day New York City.

    After the Screening: A conversation with director and executive producer Steven Soderbergh, executive producer Casey Silver, and cast.

    Swagger

    Reggie Rock Bythewood | June 17 at AMC East 6

    Inspired by NBA superstar Kevin Durant’s experiences, Swagger explores the world of youth basketball, and the players, their families and coaches who walk the fine line between dreams and ambition, and opportunism and corruption. Off the court, the show reveals what it’s like to grow up in America.

    After the Screening: A conversation with creator and executive producer Reggie Rock Bythewood and cast.

    The Long Long Night

    Barret O’Brien, Mark Duplass | June 12, 14 at Village East & AMC East 6

    It’s been 6 months since that disastrous night in the motel and these two guys (Mark Duplass and Barret O’Brien) are nowhere near over it.

    This is a very intriguing series that poses many questions within the first few minutes of episode on and continues on an interesting path throughout the full length.

    Games + Interactive

    Spring Studios | Through June 17th

    Despelote

    Julián Cordero, Sebastian Valbuena

    Run, pass, and dribble as eight year old Julián in this slice of life game all about football. Explore the streets and parks of Quito, set against the backdrop of Ecuador’s first qualifying run for the World Cup in 2001.

    This is an incredibly charming and quirky game that is a joy to play and roam around, soccer ball at your feet.

    Pixel Ripped 1978

    Isaias Junior, Marcus Penna, Ana Ribeiro, Rômulo Silva

    This VR game is the newest entry in the Pixel Ripped series that sees Dot once again fight against the evil Cyblin Lord, who has a nefarious plan to hack into the game creator’s past and to make himself the protagonist.

    If you’ve never experienced Virtual Reality, this is a great chance to check it out and jump into the game within the game.

    Reimagined Volume II: Mahal

    Michaela Ternasky-Holland, Julie Cavaliere

    This interactive VR experience focuses on the four immortal children of the recently passed creator god, Bathala and their all-powerful actions that create ripples throughout the universe.

    It was a great journey exploring the Philippine mythology that inspired it and the rich character narrative. The experience’s booth also featured models of the characters from the short.

    Tribeca Festival 2023
    LaRoy Red Carpet Premiere at Tribeca, June 8th 2023, Photograph by Parker Alexander

  • In Focus: Hayley Kiyoko brings “The Panorama Tour” to Irving Plaza, with Allison Ponthier

    On May 31st, Hayley Kiyoko took over Irving Plaza in the heart of NYC, igniting a firestorm of excitement and pure musical magic. This show was incredible and energetic as she played Irving Plaza for the second day in a row on “The Panorama Tour”; delivering one breathtaking performance after another.

    To make the night even more unforgettable, the incredibly talented Allison Ponthier opened her the night, adding an extra layer of brilliance to an already sensational evening. With Irving Plaza’s intimate setting, the energy in the room was palpable as fans eagerly awaited a night they knew would leave a lasting impact on their hearts and souls.

    Allison Ponthier, the mesmerizing singer-songwriter hailing from Texas, has been making waves in the music scene with her unique sound and captivating storytelling. In a serendipitous turn of events, Ponthier’s journey took a remarkable leap forward when she shared her heartfelt song “Harshest Critic” on social media platforms, catching the attention of listeners around the world. Her raw vulnerability and haunting melodies struck a chord with audiences, leading to a growing fanbase and critical acclaim.

    With her debut EP Faking My Own Death released in 2021, Ponthier showcased her introspective lyrics and ethereal vocals, solidifying her place as an artist to watch. Drawing inspiration from personal experiences and the human condition, Allison Ponthier’s evocative music resonates deeply, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and souls of those who listen.

    Allison Ponthier Setlist: Autopilot, Hollywood Forever Cemetery, Hardcore, Crash Test Dummy, Cowboy, Faking My Own Death, I Lied, Character Development

    Hayley Kiyoko

    Hayley Kiyoko, the charismatic 28-year-old artist hailing from California, has been making waves in the music industry with her unwavering talent and unapologetic authenticity. In an unanticipated but welcomed turn of events, Kiyoko’s journey took a remarkable pivot from acting when she released her breakthrough single “Girls Like Girls” in 2015. The empowering anthem not only resonated deeply with audiences but also caught the attention of major influencers in the industry.

    Garnering a devoted following, Kiyoko continued to captivate hearts with her distinct sound and emphasis on sharing queer stories. With each subsequent release, including her debut album Expectations in 2018, Kiyoko solidified her position as a force to be reckoned with. Embracing her role as an LGBTQ+ icon and advocate, she fearlessly uses her platform to champion self-acceptance and love. Hayley Kiyoko’s undeniable talent, combined with her unwavering dedication to authentic expression, has firmly established her as a rising star, destined to leave an indelible mark on the music scene.

    Kiyoko’s electrifying performance left the audience in a state of pure euphoria. From the moment she took the stage and launched into the opening chords of “Found My Friends,” the crowd was swept up in a whirlwind of energy and emotion. Kiyoko’s magnetic presence and infectious enthusiasm had everyone dancing and singing along, creating an atmosphere of unity and celebration. 

    In a surprise moment, Kiyoko treated the crowd to a nostalgic rendition of “Determinate,” a throwback to her performance as a main character in the Disney Channel Original Movie, Lemonade Mouth, which had the entire audience belting out the chorus. As a dedicated fan named Jennifer was called out, Kiyoko dedicated a heartfelt rendition of “Pretty Girl” to her, further solidifying the connection she has with her dedicated fanbase.

    As the familiar notes of “Girls Like Girls” rang out, the energy reached its peak, with the crowd erupting in a chorus of voices, an amazing start to Pride month, and affirming Kiyoko’s impact as an LGBTQ+ icon. The introspective and empowering “Gravel to Tempo” followed, further solidifying Kiyoko’s message of self-acceptance and authenticity.

    The night drew to a close with the poignant “Well…” and the empowering anthem “For the Girls,” leaving the audience with a sense of empowerment and unity. However, the crowd’s fervent cheers and applause brought Kiyoko back for an unforgettable encore, culminating in the breathtaking “Panorama.” As the final notes echoed through the venue, there was a collective understanding that this was a performance that would be etched in their memories forever.

    Hayley Kiyoko’s show at Irving Plaza was a masterclass in connecting with an audience and creating an atmosphere of love, acceptance, and celebration.

    Hayley Kiyoko

    In terms of upcoming shows, “The Panorama Tour” has come to a close, but updates for any future Hayley Kiyoko shows can be found on socials, and her website. The same goes for Allison Ponthier, and you can find her socials and website linked here.

    Hayley Kiyoko

    Hayley Kiyoko Setlist: found my friends, luna, sugar at the bottom, What I Need, underground, deep in the woods, Greenlight, flicker start, Curious, Determinate [Lemonade Mouth song], Pretty Girl (Dedicated to Jennifer, fan from crowd), forever, Sleepover, demons, Girls Like Girls, Gravel to Tempo, Hungry Heart [Steve Aoki, Galantis feat. Hayley Kiyoko], well…, for the girls, panorama

  • BMI’s 34th Annual Summer Showcase to Feature Compositions by Upcoming Jazz Composers

    The BMI Jazz Composers Workshop will present its work during the 34th Annual Summer Showcase at 7:30 p.m. on June 20 at Symphony Space on Broadway in Manhattan. The 17-piece modern repertory ensemble BMI/New York Jazz Orchestra will perform eight compositions that were developed in the previous workshop. This event is free and open to the public.

    Broadcast Music, Inc.® (BMI) is a leader in music rights management, representing the public performance rights in over 20.6 million musical works. It helps negotiate music license agreements, distributing royalty fees to associated writers and publishers. While originally based in blues, jazz, country, and American roots music, BMI now serves all genres.

    BMI is thrilled to present the Jazz Composers Workshop Summer Showcase once again alongside our incredible directors Andy and Alan. Every year we look forward to coming together to hear the remarkable works that are composed throughout the year and to award the Charlie Parker Prize to another deserving composer.

    Patrick Cook, BMI’s Senior Director, Jazz & Musical Theatre

    Returning for his 7th year to lead the program is Musical Director Andy Farber, working alongside Associate Musical Director Alan Ferber, a three-time Grammy-nominee. Farber has written arrangements for artists such as Shirley Horn and Jon Hendricks, as well as symphony orchestras including the Boston Pops Orchestra. He currently teaches jazz composition and arranging at the Julliard School.

    During the event, the BMI Foundation will award the 24th Annual Charlie Parker Jazz Composition Prize, given to the writer of the best work from this year’s workshop as determined by three judges. In addition to the prize, the winning composer will also receive the Manny Albam Commission to create a new piece for the 2024 showcase.

    For more information, visit BMI’s website.

  • Pink Talking Fish Celebrate 10 Year Anniversary With East Coast Fall Tour and “This Must be the Cirque”

    Pink Talking Fish is hitting the ground running this summer as they celebrate their 10 year anniversary with over twenty shows, three of which will be performed on various stages across New York State.

    The Hybrid Tribute Fusion Act spent the first half of 2023 honoring multiple album and concert anniversary’s for the three bands they admire most: Pink Floyd, Talking Heads, and Phish. They celebrated Pink Floyd’s staple album “Dark Side Of The Moon” in light of its 50th anniversary by playing it through each night they performed. In addition to that specific album, they included Talking Heads’ “Stop Making Sense” in homage of the 40 years that have passed since the Talking Heads’ concert film that took fans by storm in 1984.

    Throughout this summer and into the fall, however, the band will be commemorating their own success and longevity through concerts, festivals, and other events. To kick off the summer of celebration and music, Pink Talking Fish will play a Dead & Company afterparty in Saratoga Springs where they will sprinkle in songs by Grateful Dead throughout their own setlist. Other highlights include a Southeast run, a Halloween Weekend “Island Tour” in Rhode Island/Long Island, and a stacked festival season that includes performances in New Jersey, West Virginia, Ohio, Vermont, Kentucky, and Indiana.

    The band doesn’t plan to stop there as they will be spending the 4th of July weekend giving their fans another high-energy, holiday weekend of music in New England. On July 1st, Pink Talking Fish will return to Portsmouth, NH on the outdoor stage of Cisco Brewers then continue forward by bringing the act back to Cape Cod for a two-night run at The Wellfleet Beachcomber.

    To fully celebrate the completion of a 10 year run, the band will perform a special anniversary show in their hometown of Boston, Massachusetts at The Paradise. These are only a few of the events that Pink Talking Fish is looking forward to as they commemorate a decade of creating dream setlists and performing the music of three diverse and, to many, iconic bands in a new and fresh way.

    Also announced is the Saturday, October 14th event “Pink Talking Fish Presents: The Must be the Cirque,” at the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester.

    This Must Be The Cirque, the follow-up to 2018’s critically-acclaimed Junta Circus transforms The Cap into a magical circus voyage set to the soundtrack of Pink Floyd, Talking Heads and Phish. PTF is teaming up with cirque troupe Modern Gypsies who has worked with Phish, String Cheese Incident and more to enhance the live music experience. Tickets available here

    Pink Talking Fish Anniversary Tour

    June 17 – Saratoga Springs NY at Putnam Place – Dead & Company AfterParty

    June 23 – Hammonton NJ at Beardfest

    June 24 – New Martinsville WV at Back Home Festival

    June 25 – Morrisville NJ at The Homestead

    July 1 – Portsmouth NH at Cisco Brewers

    July 2 – Wellfleet MA at The Beachcomber

    July 3 – Wellfleet MA at The Beachcomber

    July 7 – Manchester VT at Dead Of Summer Music Festival

    July 14 – Cabot VT at Jerry Jam

    July 21 – Garrettsville OH at Gratefulfest

    August 12 – Crown Point IN at Rockopelli Music Fest

    August 25 – Longmont CO at Wibby Brewing

    September 8 – Syracuse NY at The Westcott Theater

    September 9 – Bedminster NJ at Fiddlefest

    September 16 – Morrisville VT at Keep On Growing Festival

    September 22 – Plymouth NH at The Flying Monkey

    September 23 – Boston MA at Paradise Rock Club – 10 Year Anniversary Celebration

    October 4 – Washington DC at Pearl Street Warehouse

    October 5 – Waynesboro VA at Basic City

    October 6 – Raleigh NC at Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard

    October 7 – Charleston SC at The Pour House

    October 8 – Asheville NC at Salvage Station

    October 14 – This Must Be the Cirque, Port Chester, NY at The Capitol Theatre

    October 27 – East Greenwich RI at The Greenwich Odeum

    October 28 – Port Washington NY at Landmark On Main

  • New York City’s Quarters of Change Announce US Tour For The Fall

    Quarters of Change, an alternative rock band based in New York City, has just announced a headline tour spanning the US. The group will kick off their twenty-city trek in Virginia Beach on September 14th and will come to a close in NYC in December.

    The band is no stranger to the title of headliner as earlier this year, Quarters of Change wrapped their first-ever US headline run, The Deluxe Tour. The inaugural event was largely sold-out and featured the group in historic venues including Los Angeles, CA’s The Roxy Theater, and New York’s Irving Plaza.  

    Last year, Quarters of Change unveiled a deluxe edition of their debut studio album Into The Rift. Originally released in July of 2022, Into The Rift introduced and solidified Quarters of Change as a standout quartet going beyond the typical conventions and traditional boundaries of genre to take the rock scene by storm. Into The Rift (Deluxe) boasts three new songs, including “To Let Go,” “T Love – Extended,” and “Blue Copper.” 

    Through the release and re-release of their first album along with shoutouts from celebrity fans such as Joe Jonas, Fred Durst, and Lewis Capaldi, Quarters of Change have worked their way not only into the limelight but into a second headline tour. The band is expected to announce plans for new music in the coming weeks, but until then fans can look forward to the upcoming performances.

    The Quarters of Change Show

    September 14 – Virginia Beach, VA – Elevation 27

    September 16 – Charlottesville, VA – The Southern

    September 18 – Pittsburgh, PA – Thunderbird

    September 19 – Columbus, OH – A&R Music Bar

    September 21 – Ann Arbor, MI – Blind Pig

    September 22 – Milwaukee, WI – XRay Arcade

    September 23 – Iowa City, IA – Gabe’s 

    September 24 – Lawrence, KS – Bottleneck

    September 26 – Dallas, TX – Club Dada

    September 27 – Houston, TX – White Oak Music Hall 

    September 28 – Austin, TX – Antones

    September 30 – Orlando, FL – The Social

    October 01 – Tampa, FL – Crowbar

    October 03 – Columbia, SC – New Brookland Tavern

    October 04 – Athens, GA – Georgia Theater

    October 06 – Charlotte, NC – Neighborhood Theater

    October 08 – Baltimore, MD – Ottobar

    October 13 – Asbury Park, NJ – House of Independents 

    October 14 – Hamden, CT – Space Ballroom

    December 09 – New York, NY – Webster Hall

  • Sons of Venus Release Psychedelic Rock LP “Crisis to Crisis”  

    NYC’s Sons of Venus have just released their latest LP Crisis to Crisis on June 8th, a fuse of classic psychedelic and jam band. Musically, the release is hypnotic and immersive, almost like meditation, but has roaring guitars and electronic-type sound design.

    Sons of Venus Release Psychedelic Rock LP "Crisis to Crisis"  

    While previous albums have mostly been fully improvised in one way or another, this new release was written and recorded remotely with drums and bass recorded last, an approach which is different from what bands usually do. The album is a spiritual reflection on us as humans and forces us to ask the question why we constantly end up in one world crisis after another.  

    Sons of Venus is made up of guitarist John Sully, drummer Ruslan Baimurzin and bassist Igor Reznik. The three musicians share a chemistry that allow them to improvise instantaneously on almost all complete compositions. Drawing on many influences such as cinema, theater, psychology, and sociology, they found themselves spontaneously experimenting with musical styles like prog, punk, elektro, blues and funk. 

    “It’s the good sound, the mix of psych and funk”

    -Audio Antihero Records 

    Crisis to Crisis is the third Sons of Venus album. As with their first and second albums, the recording followed specific parameters. For example, their first self-titled record was composed by editing improvised recordings, then learning the parts to be performed and recorded live in a state-of-the-art studio.  

    Sons of Venus Release Psychedelic Rock LP "Crisis to Crisis"  

    Their second record, Adventures in Caution, was fully improvised and recorded on a single portable stereo recorder. The album was recorded first by Sully, who tracked all the vocals, guitars and keyboards in his home, after which he sent the tracks to Baimurzin and Reznik for overdubbing. 

    Sons of Venus Release Psychedelic Rock LP "Crisis to Crisis"  

    Songs like “Living in Blood,” “World on Fire,” and “Dead Languages” are a precarious ride through a doom and gloom landscape. This album is not just simply music for the casual listener. It’s an all or nothing hero’s journey that draws you in like a hypnotist while leading you to the slaughter. Like Hunter S. Thompson said, “Buy the ticket, take the ride.” 

    To listen to Crisis to Crisis, click the link here. 

    For more music by Sons of Venus, click the link here. 

  • Roam Out of Your Comfort Zone – A Rome Streetz Profile

    Not all those who wander are lost. If you’re wondering, Rome Streetz travels far into well-versed pockets of the universe, never one to remain stagnant. His nomadic nature has landed him within several sectors of New York City and London. Nowadays, his rhymes are beginning to land him on concert flyers. Is Jerome in the house?

    Nah. Jerome is out and about. At a young age his family sprung Rome into action. Moving back overseas and embodying change might have been his biggest blessing.The T-Mobile Sidekick LX inspired the rhyme writing at an early age but it wasn’t until he ended up back in London did the rhymes start to resonate. It’s almost like you don’t get love until you leave your hometown?

    On the verge of a European record deal, Rome’s family moved him back to NY. It is impossible to name an exact region of NY where Rome roamed as he inhabited nearly every borough and bounced throughout every block in his lifetime. Alas, he has resided in Queens, Long Island, Brooklyn – say what you wish – this man is one of the most raw NY lyricists in the game today.

    Rome Streetz goes from Mud to Moet

    Rome Streetz emerged via DatPiff circa 2011. His mixtape, “Vagabond” earned a Coast to Coast Mixtapes title belt. At this moment, he began to align himself so that the chips would fall in his favor. As a result, Coast to Coast promoted the tape which sent his bars swirling within countless underground hip-hop circles. Unfortunately, Rome could not stake an ownership claim on any of the beats. Although this victory did not come with a paycheck – it symbolized the fall of the first domino for this lucrative Griselda Records Artist.

    Fast forward to the present moment, Rome Streetz cannot miss. His tangential progression showcased a project per quarter last year which normally indicates an artist on a tear. 

    Creativity Breeds Consumption

    Many artists harbor and labor over their projects as perfectionists. To each their own – those who consistently drop projects receive more placements, engagements and impressions.

    Rome Streetz exists as a flaneur – an ambivalent figure of affluence with the ability to wonder; an acute observer of industrialized contemporary life (UGHH.) In other words, he has spent his time opening doors. Furthermore, when you think of Rome Streetz the word sonder comes to mind. Likewise, his rhyme patterns make you truly contemplate the fact that each and every passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own. 

    Last November, Rome Streetz represented Griselda Records to the fullest as the headliner at the Crib in Providence, RI. Ramon Lazo better known as 1000words hosts shows for those that rose from the underground concrete. The sacrifices that Lazo [More than just a Polaroid Photographer] makes for the underground culture cannot be undermined – only appreciated.

    Warrior-like on a tape with Ransom – Rome sparred with an extraordinarily dense and picturesque emcee. His collaboration tape with DJ Muggs broadened reach to the West Coast. His verses on Westside Gunn’s eighth installment of Hitler Wears Hermes Side B (mixtape title is a play on Devil Wears Prada) were head and shoulders above other guests. 

    Capturing the Crown

    Subsequently, the independent blueprint is alive and well thanks to non-gatekeeping individuals like Westside Gunn. Rome Streetz’ Joyeria mixtape released via Daupe! Media and for heads who know – not everyone receives placement via that platform. We’ve noticed that he loves to use imagery and alliteration while delivering art and storytelling. Furthemore, Rome Streetz clearly showed he can get his mixtapes poppin’ on his own. What Westside Gunn did was recognize his ability and accelerate the rate by which he could represent his region.

    -Listen to Rome Streetz’ Griselda debut, Kiss the Ring–

    The likening of his music to that of addictive substances cannot be overlooked. Many of the recanted tales could not be told if they hadn’t been lived. Undoubtedly, Rome knows how to add the right amount of seasoning to infuse the track with the proper flavorful adrenaline. His imaginatively infectious bars increase intention and interaction. Therefore, a hyphy energetic approach coupled with stamps of approval and strong rapport seal the deal.

    Moreover, Streetz will continue to combine and intertwine laced rhymes for years to come. Especially with how the vinyl culture continues to flourish. Why sign to a major label when people are collecting CDs, cassettes and vinyls for $50 to $100 a pop?

  • Summer Solstice in Times Square Celebration Returns

    The annual Summer Solstice in Times Square celebration will return this year on June 21 from 7:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m., featuring free yoga classes centered in the heart of New York City.

    Summer Solstice in Times Square
    Photo by Michael Hull for the Times Square Alliance.

    The tradition started 20 years ago when three people did yoga at sunrise in Times Square – two became the co-founders of Solstice in Times Square: Mind Over Madness Yoga. This single event has grown to welcome thousands of yogis taking multiple classes throughout the day and filling one of the busiest intersections in the world with peace and calm. This year, Solstice in Times Square: Mind Over Madness Yoga takes place on Wednesday, June 21 from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the intersection of Broadway and 7th Avenue between 44th and 48th Streets.

    It is time once again to celebrate the sun and the arrival of the summer season in Times Square with our annual Solstice in Times Square: Mind Over Madness yoga event as we continue to welcome more and more New Yorkers, visitors, and tourists to the Crossroads of the World. We call on yogis from all over the country and world to find peace in the busiest place on the planet, and encourage them to stay in our hotels, eat in our restaurants, and enjoy a Broadway show.

    Tom Harris, President of the Times Square Alliance.

    Participants of the Summer Solstice in Times Square will have the opportunity to join one of seven free yoga sessions throughout the day and visit the Yoga Village between 44th and 45th Streets, which will feature booths, giveaways, and activities. Registered participants who attend will receive a free yoga mat courtesy of event partner Peloton. For more information about the event, visit here.

    Yoga Sessions

    7:30 am – 8:30 am: instructed by Douglass Stewart (event co-founder)

    9:30 am – 10:30 am: instructed by Kirra Michel (presented by Peloton)

    11:30 am – 12:30 pm: instructed by Ruchika Lal (presented by Consulate General of India, New York)

    1:30 pm – 2:30 pm: instructed by Marco Rojas

    3:30 pm – 4:30 pm: instructed by Nyota Nayo

    5:30 pm – 6:30 pm: instructed by Joseph Encinia

    7:30 pm – 8:30 pm: instructed by Matt Boylin

  • Wildfire Smoke Causes BRIC to Cancel Opening Night, Yankees Game, And More

    The immense amount of smoke from the Canadian wildfires has caused many events in New York City and beyond to be canceled, including BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!, the Yankees-White Sox game, Broadway shows, and more.

    wildfire smoke
    New York City covered in a smoky haze, photo courtesy of the Associated Press.

    The Northeast has been affected by an ongoing record-setting series of wildfires, initially beginning in March and increasing in intensity by June. Due to this, many U.S. states, with one of the hardest hit being New York State, have seen hazardous air quality alerts. People in these areas are told to stay inside and limit outdoor activities, especially those who are most at risk including children, the elderly, or those with respiratory conditions, however, many people who aren’t in that group have complained about sore throats, coughing attacks, and overall not feeling well after being outside for even just a few minutes.

    New York City is one of the hardest hit by this unprecedented event, causing many events in the area to be postponed or canceled. BRIC, the internationally-renowned arts and media institution based in Brooklyn, has canceled its opening night of Celebrate Brooklyn, the longest-running, free summer music festival in New York City. The night was going to feature co-headliners Taj Mahal and Corinne Bailey Rae and the opening act Harlem Gospel Travelers. BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! is set to resume with their Family Day concert on Saturday, June 10, with an incredible line-up of Brooklyn-based talent including the innovative duo Soul Science Lab and openers Olivia K and The Parkers.

    Chris Stapleton canceled his outdoor concert in Syracuse at St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater due to the wildfires, with his team saying they hope to have an update by mid-day on June 9 on the rescheduled date. Bryant Park Picnic Performances announced the postponement of their previously scheduled dance performance on June 8 with Robin Dunn and Friends and The Lite with LayeRhythm. They will continue to monitor conditions for their Friday, June 9 7:00 pm performance with Dance Heginbotham and Jennifer Muller/The Works and Joffrey Concert Ballet Group. The Summertime Lunchtime Jazz Concerts outside of Brooklyn Borough Hall were also canceled, hoping to resume Wednesday, June 14.

    wildfire smoke
    Photo by Prospect Park Alliance.

    Concerts are not the only thing affected by this, sports games and Broadway shows have also been postponed. The Yankees-White Sox game for June 7 was rescheduled because of poor air quality and will be made up on June 8. The WNBA announced the postponement of the New York Liberty vs. Minnesota Lynx game at Barclays Center due to smoke entering the arena, reported by Howard Megdal. The Broadway performances of Hamilton and Camelot, as well as a Shakespeare in the Park production of Hamlet were canceled as well. Notably, Hamilton was canceled just two hours before the curtain call due to cast members calling in sick. Hamlet hopes to resume performances this weekend, according to a spokesperson for The Public Theater, noting that health experts “will continue to closely monitor the ongoing situation.”

    Gov. Ball, from June 9-11, is still set to go on, with forecasters suggesting the smoke will clear up in a few days. Jen Carfagno, a Weather Channel meteorologist, told CBS News that, “forecasts show the wind will switch directions ‘at all levels of the atmosphere and bring in cleaner air.’ For now, the best thing to do is limit the amount of time spent outdoors, and if you have to go outside, wear a mask to help filter the air you’re breathing in.

  • Enrique Iglesias, Ricky Martin and Pitbull Announce Trilogy Tour, Stops at MSG and Barclays Center

    Enrique Iglesias, Ricky Martin and Pitbull have announced The Trilogy Tour with stops at Madison Square Garden and the Barclays Center. For the first time ever, the three artists will share the stage featuring three unique headlining sets, one from each artist.

    The tour kicks off in Washington DC on October 14. They will perform at Madison Square Garden in New York, NY, on Thursday, October 26 and Friday, October 27, as well as at Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Saturday, October 28, 2023.

    All three artists are hugely popular. To start, Enrique Iglesias is a global superstar recognized for his musical versatility across pop and urban genres in Spanish and English. He sold more than 180 million albums worldwide, released 11 studio albums and 3 greatest hits compilations. He also headlined 10 sold-out world tours and performed in front of 10+ million fans.

    I am incredibly excited to be going on tour with my friends Pitbull and Ricky.  The Trilogy Tour will be an amazing experience for ALL of our fans. It’s going to be a once in a lifetime tour.

    Enrique Iglesias

    Often refered to as the “King of Latin Pop,” Ricky Martin is a global music icon. Throughout his nearly four-decade career, Martin has brought Latin music and culture to the mainstream, paving the way for crossover talent. His recent successes include the Latin Grammy-winning EP “Pausa” and the album “PLAY,” featuring collaborations with acclaimed artists such as Bad Bunny, Residente, and Sting.

    Beyond his artistic achievements, Martin is also a dedicated philanthropist. He established the Ricky Martin Foundation, which actively fights against human trafficking and modern-day slavery. As a Global Ambassador for UNICEF, he has provided significant support to communities affected by natural disasters. Martin has received numerous humanitarian awards, including the Hispanic Federation’s “Humanitarian Award” and the Human Rights Campaign’s “National Visibility Award.” In recognition of his contributions, the City of New York declared “Ricky Martin Day” to honor his artistic legacy and philanthropic work.

    Going back on the road with not only Enrique, but now with Pitbull it’s very exciting. This tour will be a wild party from beginning to end so get ready, it’s going to be epic!

    Ricky Martin

    Armando Christian Perez, more commonly known as Pitbull, is a Grammy-award winning independent international superstar, education advocate, entrepreneur and motivational speaker. With billions of audio streams and video views plus hundreds of gold and platinum certifications, Pitbull has one of the most impressive careers in music history. Not only did he successfully help establish Sports Leadership Arts and Management (SLAM!), tuition-free public charter schools across the country, he also is co-owner of the NASCAR racing team Trackhouse.

    Pitbull returned to the road in 2022 with the sold out North American Can’t Stop Us Now Tour along with his SiriusXM Globalization DJs packing amphitheaters and arenas coast-to-coast. He also performed for millions worldwide and even joined forces with the #1 life and business strategist, Tony Robbins, for numerous speaking engagements around the globe. This fall, Pitbull will release his next long-awaited Spanglish album titled Trackhouse.

    It’s a true honor to tour with Enrique and Ricky, 2 music icons, who broke global music barriers for our culture and open doors for someone like myself. We’re excited to take The Trilogy tour around the world and give our fans the time of their Trilogy lives, Dale!

    Pitbull

    Verified Fan presale starts on Wednesday, June 7. A limited number of tickets will be sold during a general on sale starting on Friday, June 9 at 10 am at ticketmaster.com while supplies last. 

    Tour Dates

    Sat Oct 14 – Washington, DC – Capital One Arena

    Tue Oct 17 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena

    Wed Oct 18 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena

    Fri Oct 20 – Montreal, QC – Bell Centre

    Sat Oct 21– Boston, MA – TD Garden

    Thu Oct 26 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden

    Fri Oct 27 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden

    Sat Oct 28 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center

    Wed Nov 01 – Chicago, IL – United Center

    Thu Nov 02 – Chicago, IL – United Center

    Fri Nov 03 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena

    Thu Nov 09 – Orlando, FL – Amway Center

    Fri Nov 10 – Miami, FL – Kaseya Center

    Sat Nov 11 – Miami, FL – Kaseya Center

    Fri Nov 17 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center

    Sat Nov 18 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center

    Sun Nov 19 – San Antonio, TX – AT&T Center

    Fri Nov 24 – Las Vegas, NV – T-Mobile Arena

    Sat Nov 25 – Phoenix, AZ – Footprint Center

    Thu Nov 30 – Los Angeles, CA – Crypto.com Arena

    Fri Dec 01 – Los Angeles, CA – Crypto.com Arena

    Wed Dec 06 – San Jose, CA – SAP Center

    Fri Dec 08 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena

    Sun Dec 10 – Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena