Category: NYC Metro

5th Annual Afterglow Concert Series Showcases NYU Talent Throughout the Summer

CAD Management and Equity Residential kicked off their Afterglow Concert Series on May 31st. The series, which runs until September 7th, features headlining performances by students and alumni of the NYU Clive Davis Institute (CDI) of Recorded Music at venues across New York City and New Jersey.

CAD Management is a consulting firm that advises in the development and growth of artists and brands which has partnered with multifamily owner and operator Equity Residential to produce the fifth iteration of the Afterglow Concert series. This years series is a collection of free intimate rooftop and lounge performances that aims to support the development of NYU CDI student performers as well as independent artists across the tri-state area.

“We are extremely excited to continue this great partnership with Equity Residential. Not only does this concert series give incredibly talented student performers from NYU’s Clive Davis Institute a unique opportunity to grow their fanbase, but provides a platform for them to tackle the biggest struggle we see many young artists trying to overcome, which is building their hard ticket value and tour history in a competitive market like New York City.”
Clayton Durant, Founder of CAD Management

The headliners from the institute include Jackson Craig and Chloé Sauntereau with special appearances by students such as Zoe Tan and SENAIDA. The tour will also feature a set by SK Da DJ and regional support from NYU Steinhardt alumni Mari Barbieri and New Jersey based Jackie Nese.

The Afterglow Concert series is presented at a time in which the demand for concerts has reached an all time high, giving independent artists the unique opportunity to tap into the environment of insistent concert requests as well as continue to support the independent live music scene across New York and New Jersey themselves.

Equity Residential Afterglow Concert Series 2023

Event Date	Community	Address
31-May-23	77 Park Ave	77 Park Avenue Hoboken NJ 07030
14-Jun-23	The Brooklyner	111 Lawrence Street Brooklyn NY 11201
21-Jun-23	The Rivington	1130 Grand St, Hoboken, NJ 07030
28-Jun-23	71 Broadway	71 Broadway New York NY 10006
12-Jul-23	70 Greene	70 Greene St, Jersey City, NJ 07302
26-Jul-23	The Pier	1 Harborside Pl, Jersey City, NJ 07311
2-Aug-23	170 Amsterdam	170 Amsterdam Avenue New York NY 10023
9-Aug-23	Hudson Crossing	400 West 37th Street New York NY 10018
23-Aug-23	Murray Hill Tower	245 East 40th Street New York NY 10016
7-Sep-23	Beatrice	105 W 29th Street New York NY 10001

June 2, 2023

Hearing Aide: Smoke DZA Drops “Smoke Sessions v2”

Smoke DZA serves the rap game as a mainstay & staple type New York artist. Certain lyricists put forth so much groundwork that they are cemented throughout underground for generations. Roc Marciano and Curren$y come to mind when conceiving the kingship achieved by lowkey legends. There is something special about artists like Your Old Droog that just continue to sharpen and fine tune their penmanship. Furthermore, we set out to place real hip-hop lyricists on your radar for as far our reach yields.

In Mid-May, Smoke DZA dropped Worldwide Smoke Sessions Volume 2 presented by The Smoker’s Club an NYC based lifestyle brand founded by Jonny Shipes, Smoke DZA and Shiest Bubz.

It’s just something about second versions of mixtapes that allow the artist to carefully construct and improve upon the first edition. Hear me out – on this tape – there’s a track reminiscent of Mos Def “Travellin’ Man.” Is it a stretch to consider those two within the same breath? Even if that rings true, real audioheads may hear the resemblances.

Pinpointing

Consequently, a real journalist carries the audacity to auspiciously sense when songs might utilize similar types of flows/cadences. Thus, it just so happens that DZA cleverly pieced together a very smooth collection of songs. The first Worldwide Smoke Sessions dropped in 2019. Since, DZA’s vision continues to clairvoyantly depict relatable scenes and scenarios. Entering into this listening experience in an open-minded manner served the ultimate purpose for v2.

More times than not – if a mixtape passes the “car test” it proves authentic. Sound engineers like Mike Dean recommend playing the mastered product in the car to formulate final decisions. Eventually, the car test combined with a stereo sound bar and a speaker boombox hit for the trifecta when it comes to immersing within an album. Regardless, this DZA tape creates such a genuine vibe that we were taken aback by its phenomenal nature.

Growing Roots

Some projects take longer than others to develop wings and truly begin to move someone. For instance, “Nacksaw Jim Duggan” – a Griselda Records Estee Nack Debut – took several listens to grow roots. It’s clear to understand that greatness comes over time by trying your hand over and over again, or in this case, training your ear to absorb the album within different environments.

Smoke DZA laid the foundation very precisely throughout his endeavors as a New York artist. Without a doubt, his name holds weight within musical circles associated with meditative properties. Hence, listening to Worldwide Smoke Sessions Volume 2 by Smoke DZA creates a multilayered onset effect for the listener. This mixtape comes complete with boatloads of relaxation, variety and tunes good for cruising along.

Key Tracks: House of Blues, Kobe, Back 2 the Crib

June 2, 2023
MSG Entertainment and Billy Joel Announce the End of Historic Run of Shows

On June 1st, Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp held a press conference in Chase Square at MSG to announce the end of Billy Joel‘s decade long residency. Joel has logged 136 shows at the Garden and holds the longest consecutive show streak in the venue’s history at 90 (as of 6/1/23). The residency will continue until July 2024, when Joel will reach 150 lifetime shows at The Garden.

Billy Joel speaking at his MSG Press Conference. Photo by: Lucas Kurzweil

To date, the residency has racked up more than 1.6 million tickets sales to fans from all 50 states and over 120 countries. The legendary musician and New Yorker was joined on stage by Mayor Eric Adams, Rangers Legend Henrik Lundqvist, Executive Chairman and CEO of MSG Entertainment James L. Dolan, Executive Vice President of Live at MSG Entertainment Josephine Vaccarello, and Q104.3 host Jim Kerr.

I’m kind of flabbergasted that it lasted as long as it did. My team tells me that we could continue to sell tickets, but ten years, 150 shows – all right already!
Billy Joel.

The 6-time Grammy winner and 23-time nominee’s first performance at MSG dates back to December of 1978, where he performed on three consecutive nights during the 52nd street tour and 45 years later the curtains are closing.

Billy Joel and Eric Adams at Billy Joel x MSG Press Conference. Photo by: Lucas Kurzweil

“There’s only one thing that’s more New York than Billy Joel – and that’s a Billy Joel concert at MSG,” said NYC Mayor Eric Adams. “For more than 50 years, Billy’s music has defined our city and brought us together. On behalf of 8.5 million New Yorkers, congratulations, Billy, on a historic run of sold-out shows at MSG, and thank you for a lifetime of bringing joy to us all.”

Henrik Lundqvist praised Joel’s icon status, “Throughout my career I remember so many moments being on the ice looking up to the rafters and seeing all of these legends names, Knicks Legends, Rangers Legends and of course Billy Joel.”

The first of the final ten shows in Billy Joel’s MSG franchise run will take place on October 20, 2023. Due to demand, a special date was added on Thanksgiving Eve – November 22, 2023, marking his 96 monthly and 142 lifetime show at The Garden. Tickets will be available for purchase by the general public beginning at 10:00AM (ET) on Friday, June 9 via ticketmaster.com. Tickets will also be available at the Madison Square Garden box office on Saturday, June 10.

Henrik Lundqvist speaking at Billy Joel x MSG Press Conference. Photo by: Lucas Kurzweil

June 2, 2023
2023 Drama Desk Award Winners Revealed

The winners for the 67th Annual Drama Desk Awards have been announced. The Drama Desk Awards are recognized as being the only major NYC theater award show that puts Broadway, Off-Broadway, and Off-Off Broadway productions in the same categories. This year it was all about Some Like it Hot and Life of Pi, with each coming out on top in over three categories.

Awards are voted on and bestowed by critics, journalists, editors, and publishers covering theater. The Drama Desk Awards honor all aspects of New York’s professional theater.

The Drama Desk was founded in 1949 and began presenting its awards in 1955. The organization was originally created to explore pivotal issues in the theater and to bring together critics and writers in an organization to support the development of theater in New York.

This year the Drama Desk Awards will take place at Sardi’s Restaurant in Manhattan on June 6th from 3:00 – 6:00pm. Tony and Emmy Award winner Mandy Patinkin and 2-time Obie Award winner Kathryn Grody will host the ceremony. More details about the event and awards can be found here.

List of Winners

Outstanding Play

Leopoldstadt, by Tom Stoppard

Outstanding Musical

Some Like it Hot

Outstanding Revival of a Play

The Piano Lesson

Outstanding Revival of a Musical

Parade

Outstanding Lead Performance in a Play

Jessica Chastain, A Doll’s House & Sean Hayes, Good Night, Oscar

Outstanding Lead Performance in a Musical

Annaleigh Ashford, Sweeney Todd & J. Harrison Ghee, Some Like it Hot

Outstanding Featured Performance in a Play

Miriam Silverman, The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window, Brooklyn Academy of Music & Brandon Uranowitz, Leopoldstadt

Outstanding Featured Performance in a Musical

Kevin Del Aguila, Some Like it Hot & Alex Newell, Shucked

Outstanding Direction of a Play

Max Webster, Life of Pi

Outstanding Direction of a Musical

Thomas Kail, Sweeney Todd

Outstanding Choreography

Casey Nicholaw, Some Like it Hot

Outstanding Music

Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally, Shucked

Outstanding Lyrics

Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman, Some Like it Hot

Outstanding Book of a Musical

Matthew López and Amber Ruffin, Some Like it Hot

Outstanding Orchestrations

Charlie Rosen and Bryan Carter, Some Like it Hot

Outstanding Music in a Play

Suzan-Lori Parks, Plays for the Plague Year, The Public Theater

Outstanding Scenic Design of a Play

Tim Hatley, Life of Pi

Outstanding Scenic Design of a Musical

Beowulf Boritt, New York, New York

Outstanding Costume Design of a Play

Emilio Sosa, Ain’t No Mo’

Outstanding Costume Design of a Musical

Gregg Barnes, Some Like it Hot

Outstanding Lighting Design of a Play

Natasha Chivers and Willie Williams (video), Prima Facie

Outstanding Lighting Design of a Musical

Natasha Katz, Sweeney Todd

Outstanding Projection and Video Design

Andrzej Goulding, Life of Pi

Outstanding Sound Design of a Play

Ben & Max Ringham, A Doll’s House

Outstanding Sound Design of a Musical

Scott Lehrer and Alex Neumann, Into the Woods

Outstanding Wig and Hair

Mia M. Neal, Ain’t No Mo’

Outstanding Solo Performance

Jodie Comer, Prima Facie

Unique Theatrical Experience

Peter Pan Goes Wrong

Outstanding Fight Choreography

B.H. Barry, Camelot

Outstanding Adaptation

A Doll’s House, by Amy Herzog

Outstanding Puppetry

Nick Barnes and Finn Caldwell, Life of Pi

Special Awards:

Harold Prince Lifetime Achievement Award

Stephen McKinley Henderson has been bringing in-depth, gripping portrayals of memorable characters to the stage for over 40 years. With his return to Broadway this season as Pops in Between Riverside and Crazy, which was nominated in 2015, this year’s Harold Prince Lifetime Achievement Award marks Henderson’s role in this powerful production as a celebration of his brilliant career.

Ensemble Award

The cast of Soho Rep’s Public Obscenities – Tashnuva Anan, Abrar Haque, Golam Sarwar Harun, Gargi Mukherjee, NaFis, Jakeem Dante Powell, and Debashis Roy Chowdhury – embodied the transnational world of Shayok Misha Chowdhury’s bilingual play with memorable authenticity, remarkable specificity, and extraordinary warmth.

Sam Norkin Off-Broadway Award

From his standout performance in american (tele)visions, to writing and performing the autobiographical Dark Disabled Stories, Ryan J. Haddad’s work this season has expanded on and interrogated what the idea of “accessibility” really means. Whether riding a shopping cart like a throne, or relating his experiences on a “gay, pink bus,” Haddad shared with audiences an unabashed queer fabulosity that was both unforgettable and deeply human.

June 1, 2023
David Byrne’s Musical Opposed by Broadway Musicians Union

Labor unions representing Broadway musicians have announced they are opposing the production of David Byrne’s musical Here Lies Love, citing that it breaks the union contract that requires live performers for musicals.

Conrad Ricamora in the musical “Here Lies Love” during its run at the Public Theater in New York. Ricamora is returning to the Broadway production. Credit Sara Krulwich/The New York Times.

The musical — an immersive, dance-driven musical about Imelda Marcos, the former first lady of the Philippines — is scheduled to start previews on June 17 and to open on July 20 at the Broadway Theater. Byrne co-wrote the music with Fatboy Slim. First conceived 17 years ago, every production has been performed to a prerecorded track but has only been performed at off-Broadway locations.

The decision to have Here Lies Love be a fully prerecorded musical has caused quite an uproar online as many people are outraged as it is single-handedly undermining the 157-year history of live music on Broadway. Audiences are paying full price for a show may feel ripped off, only to discover a live Broadway show is accompanied by a pre-recorded soundtrack.

Thus, professional musicians are losing jobs due to this decision by Byrne. The American Federation of Musicians’ Local 802 claims the production violates the union’s contract with the Broadway League by using pre-recorded tracks instead of a live band. In a statement, they said:

A show with no live music and just pre-recorded tracks is absolutely an existential threat to Broadway- and is a cultural threat to musical theater worldwide. For generations, audiences have experienced Broadway shows with live music performed by the best musicians in the world, and by using just pre-recorded tracks it not only cheapens the art it’s putting jobs and livelihoods at risk. Our musicians are heartbroken that David Byrne – a legend – is attempting this and we strongly hope he reconsiders.
Local 802

Local 802 went on to say that Here Lies Love violates union Broadway rules, which require the use of 19 musicians for musicals at the Broadway Theater. The union says it is seeking to preserve jobs for musicians and quality for theater lovers. “We’re not going to stand by and let this happen,” said Tino Gagliardi, the local’s president and executive director. “It’s not fair to the public.”

In a statement, Bryne and the show said “Here Lies Love is not a traditional Broadway musical. The music is drawn outside of the traditional musical genre. The performance of the live vocals to pre-recorded, artificial tracks is paramount to its artistic concept. Production has ripped out the seats in the theater and built a dance floor. There is no longer a proscenium stage.”

David Byrne, March 2023 (Mike Coppola/Getty Images).

While Byrne says the show is special and there is a reasoning behind this, his decision violates union agreements, which have been in the news as of late with the Writers Guild striking for better and fairer wages and working conditions. In 2017, David Byrne proudly wrote that “investment in the arts doesn’t cost us money – it makes us money.” Now, Byrne is deinvesting in the arts by using recorded music instead of professional live musicians. This ongoing issue may influence crowds for Here Lies Love with many angry at this decision, prominent musicians and theatergoers alike.

An update as of June 9- a statement from Local 802 NYC Musicians Union President and Executive Director Tino Gagliardi on agreement with Here Lies Love says “After negotiation, we have reached an agreement that will bring live music to Here Lies Love with the inclusion of 12 musicians to the show. Broadway is a very special place with the best musicians and performances in the world, and we are glad this agreement honors that tradition.” The group is made up of nine musicians and three musician actors, and all will be Local 802 members.

June 1, 2023
Jackson Browne to Perform Five Shows Between Beacon Theatre and Tanglewood Music Center

Singer-songwriter Jackson Browne will perform four shows at the Beacon Theatre in New York City and one at the Tanglewood Music Center in Lenox, MA this August. Beacon Theatre dates will be the 22nd, 23rd, 25th, and 26th and the Tanglewood date is scheduled for the 31st.

A 2004 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Browne’s stop at Tanglewood is his seventh appearance there since 1973.

Long before Browne’s induction into the Hall of Fame, his career would start in 1972 after the release of his self-titled debut album. Since that mark, Browne’s 14 studio projects, four live performance collections, and two compilations make up an immensely decorated tenure in the music industry for the musician.

If attending his upcoming August shows, prepare to hear some of his greatest hits such as “For A Dancer,” “The Pretender,” and more during his performance.

In 2002, Browne was the recipient of the John Steinbeck Award, given to artists whose works display environmental and social values that the author found crucial in linking together. Browne is well-known for his advocacy towards the environment and its connection to arts and human rights.

Alongside the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, he would join the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2007.

Beacon Theatre & Tanglewood Music Center Tickets

Beacon Theatre: Singer-songwriter Jackson Browne will perform four shows on August 22, August 23, August 25, and August 26, 2023.

General tickets go on sale beginning on Friday, May 26 at 10 AM. Additional Presale, Fan, and VIP ticket information is available at LiveNation.com.

Tanglewood Music Center: Browne will be performing at the Koussevitzky Music Shed with his full band on August 31, 2023!

Tickets to Browne’s show will go on sale on Thursday, June 1 at 10 a.m. with additional information and tickets available at tanglewood.org.

May 30, 2023
Hearing Aide: The Dare “The Sex EP”

The Dare, a solo project by singer-songwriter Harrison Patrick Smith, released its first Extended Play (EP), The Sex EP on May 19. The EP features four songs, with a generally vulgar and sexual theme. Many of the pieces incorporate elements of electronic, rock, and punk.

The Dare’s singer, songwriter, and producer Harrison Patrick Smith. Credit: Ben Taylor

Emerging from New York City, The Dare released the EP with Republic Records. The four songs increase in length as the EP goes, ranging from about two minutes to about four minutes. Following the release of The Sex EP, Smith will make his headline debuts, with four of the shows already sold out.

I just wanted to write something funny and true about my relationship to sex. It’s also the most time honored and classic theme of rock and roll, so I had to do it. The other, less horny songs are coming later.
The Dare

The first song, “Girls,” is an upbeat opening, introducing several elements that are continued throughout the EP. A chorus makes its appearance, sometimes echoing, a signature style in the EP. The electric instrumentals give it an almost dubstep feel, though that varies from piece to piece.

“Sex,” which follows “Girls” is heavier on the echoing chorus, and is notable in the change in Smith’s vocals. While in the previous piece Smith was more upbeat, in “Sex” he has more of a murmur. A loud buzzing sound is introduced with a bit less than a minute remaining. This helps carry “Sex” into the next song, “Good Time,” which uses a similar sound.

In “Good Time,” the chorus is not as prominent, opposite of the change to come in “Bloodwork.” The vocals switch between the more upbeat tone of “Girls” and the murmur of “Sex,” setting this one up as a conclusion to that section of the EP.

“Bloodwork” is the final song, and it is very different from the previous three. It has a long opening, about a minute in length, that slowly builds tension in a way that feels straight out of a horror movie. The main vocals take a backseat, only featuring an echoing chorus that says either “blood” or “work.”

The Sex EP is available on various music streaming services, including Apple Music, Spotify, and Amazon Music.

Four of The Dare’s debut shows in New York City and Los Angeles have sold out, with the next shows at the following locations:

Aug. 4-6 – FWB Fest – Idyllwild, CA

Sept. 30 – Portola – San Francisco, CA

May 30, 2023
Rory Farrell from ‘New Rory & Mal’ Podcast Releases Debut Project ‘I Thought It’d Be Different’

Popular Podcaster Rory Farrell has joined the ranks of the creatives with the release of his debut project, I Thought It’d Be Different. Known for his stint as one of the dynamic trio that helped propel The Joe Budden Podcast and as one half of Rory & Mal, this latest venture allows fans a glimpse into Rory’s full potential. Likewise, throughout his stint as a podcast personality Rory has been hailed for his music taste and offers intimate knowledge of the business side having worked at SONY.

Aptly titled, I Thought It’d Be Different, the album tittle reflects the last few years in the newly-minted producers life and career. Nevertheless, this curation demonstrates the potential that Rory’s music taste has teased for years. However, the list of accomplished artists and the quality of songs made for a pleasant surprise. Notably, Rory was able to land features from Jay Electronica, James Fauntleroy, GoldLinK, DRAM, Ari Lennox and Conway the Machine, producing an impressively cohesive album. Labeled as an R&B album, Rory does an effective job of inserting emphatic rap verses, adding a bit of oomph to the soul leaning project.

Consequently, Rory Farrell’s Magnum Opus sees him enter a new chapter in the public eye. For so long the former music exec has seen his public association tied to his once-friend, Joe Budden. However, this 13-track, impassioned project alters his perception and allows him to publicly stand on his own two-feet. After all, fans have watched the mostly calm and collected podcaster go through emotional ebb-and-flows throughout the years. From the deteriorating friendship with Joe Budden, to broken nuptials, and the announcement of a firstborn child during the album rollout, Rory’s oft-mythicized album offers a chance to experience Rory’s rollercoaster last few years through a musical hue.

May 29, 2023
Punk Rock Mini-Golf Returns to Staten Island in June

Maker Park Radio’s Punk Rock Mini-Golf is returning this June for its third year in Maker Park, Staten Island. In addition to the mini-golf will be the performances of 19 bands from June 2-4 and June 10-11.

The nine-hole golf course itself features artwork contributed by Staten Island bands, such as X-Ray Specks, The Cramps, Decendents, and The Ramones. On June 4, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., there will be a tournament for two-person teams, entry at $20 per person. The winners of the tournament will receive half the pot, with the remainder going to support Maker Park Radio.

Even if you don’t know the history of punk rock, this event is always a blast. There are so many great bands this year to check out!
Art Director Tom Ferrie

Maker Park Radio itself is a non-profit Radio Station that broadcasts from MakerSpace NYC on Staten Island. Kristin Wallace and Tom Ferrie founded the organization in 2017 to act as a hub for those who create or enjoy music. It is a volunteer-run organization that helps to amplify artistic spirit across mediums and genres.

Dates and Times of Performances

June 2

Golf will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., with bands from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.. Bands featured include: The Dracu-Las; Sean K. Preston; and Ratas En Zelo.

June 3

Golf will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., with bands from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.. Bands featured include: Nervous Triggers; The Revelatours; Early Riser; and Goddamn Wrecks.

June 4

Golf will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., with bands from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.. The mini-golf tournament is to be from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on June 4. Bands featured include: The Lookout Honeys; Ward Hill Boys; Kerbivore; and High Chiefs.

June 10

Golf will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., with bands from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.. Bands featured include: Cohort B; Mighty Joe Castro and the Gravamen; Lip Critic; and Boz Boorer and the Cocket Pox.

June 11

Golf will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., with bands from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.. Bands featured include: Our Own Yokos; The Flesh Junkies; Gamma Ghouls; and Enrage.

Punk Rock Mini-Golf is an all ages event, with children 10 and under receiving free admission. For all others, the $10 entry fee grants access to the performances and unlimited rounds of mini-golf. More information on Maker Park Radio can be found on their website.

May 29, 2023
In Focus: OFF! & Die Spitz at Bowery Ballroom

American Hardcore punk band OFF! played The Bowery Ballroom on Thursday, May 25th in New York City, with support from Austin based all girl punk grunge band Die Spitz.

OFF! Live at Bowery Ballroom, NYC 05/24/23

OFF! is a supergroup that includes legendary frontman, 68 year old hardcore punk icon from Black Flag & Circle Jerks, Keith Morris, guitarist Dimitri Coats (ex-Burning Brides), drummer Justin Brown (Thundercat, Flying Lotus), and bassist Autry Fulbright II (â¦And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead). This stop is part of their North American Tour with two upcoming shows before the band heads out to play festival dates in Europe this summer.

Die Spitz’s lineup included Chloe Andrews, Kate Halter, Ellie Livingston, and Ava Schrobilgen, all childhood friends who formed the band only a year ago and just released their first album Teeth in January 0f 2023.

DIE SPITZ

OFF!

May 27, 2023