Category: NYC Metro

Times Square Alliance and Playbill Announce Lineup for ‘Pride in Times Square’

Times Square Alliance and Playbill are proud to partner on the second annual Pride In Times Square celebration, full of free events centered around NYC Pride Weekend, from June 23-24, 2023. It promises to be an exciting addition to New York City’s celebration of Pride right at the Crossroads of the World.

Founded in 1992, the Times Square Alliance works to improve and promote Times Square, cultivating the creativity, energy, and edge that have made the area an icon of entertainment, culture, and urban life for over a century. It keeps the neighborhood safe and clean, promotes local businesses, manages area improvements, and produces major annual events, like Pride in Times Square. Founded in 1884, Playbill is an internationally known trademark synonymous with theatre and is a symbol of the arts. Playbill Magazine is distributed to every Broadway theatre, most Off-Broadway theaters, regional theaters, and fine arts institutions in over 24 cities across the country.

Pride in Times Square features top-stage and screen celebrities, Broadway/Off-Broadway productions, local Times Square business promotions, Pride Piano sessions, live DJ sets, a Trans and ENBY Pride celebration, a Drag Pride celebration, the return of last year’s Big Broadway Disco, and more. Pride in Times Square’s main stage will celebrate dynamic voices in the community, and support the continued fight for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all. Special guests, concerts, surprise performances, and more will take to the stage on Friday, June 23, and Saturday, June 24, with acts to be announced on June 1.

For the second year in a row, Playbill and Times Square will celebrate Pride like never before with The Big Broadway Disco, a large-scale street party that invites everyone to dance through Times Square to classic and contemporary Broadway songs and performances. The Playbill Pride Float acts as a focal point for the night, including DJs, performers, dancers, costumes, and more on Saturday, June 24, beginning at 5 p.m.

Other exciting things include the Pride Piano Bar, where audiences can take photos with the one-of-a-kind designed piano and piano sing-along performances and piano concerts, led by top-Broadway musicians and performers, and interactive pride installations, including Double Decker Buses, acting as anchor points for audiences to explore on Friday, June 23 and Saturday, June 24. Select buses will then become part of the NYC Pride March on Sunday, June 25 down 5th Avenue. Local businesses will also provide deals, discounts, giveaways, and special menu items all month long. Visit here to get a list of all the participating businesses, available in June.

For more information about the Times Square Alliance, and to find more Pride events happening around the city this June, visit here.

May 22, 2023
An Evening with John Legend: R&B Star Announces Pair of November Beacon Theatre Performances

Multi-platinum, R&B icon John Legend will be bringing his talents to New York’s historic Beacon Theatre for a pair of live, mid-week performances dubbed, “An Evening With John Legend.” Scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday on November 7 and 8, this special solo performance will feature intimate reimagining’s of Legend’s greatest hits.

Since the release of his debut in 2004, John Legend has delivered some of music’s most soul-touching records and moments. His 2013 single “All of Me,” hit number 1 on the Billboard charts and the accompanying music video — featuring his wife Chrissy Teigen — has over 2 Billion views on Youtube. Other crowd pleasers will include his Grammy-nominated records “Ordinary People,” from his debut album Get Lifted, and “Tonight.” The latter which featured as the lead single from the soundtrack to the 2012 romantic-comedy film Think Like a Man.

Together with the medley of chart-topping hits, An Evening With John Legend will also include selections from his latest album Legend recently released via Republic Records. Not to mention, unexpected stories from the legendary musician’s life and career.

Ticket sales will begin with an artist presale on Wednesday, May 17 at 10 a.m. until Thursday, May 18 at 10 p.m. before the general on-sale on Friday, May 19 at 10 a.m. at LiveNation.com.

May 20, 2023
Dead and Company to Auction Custom Signed Guitars for Charity on Final Tour

The final Dead & Company tour, stopping in Saratoga Springs on June 17-18 and Citi Field June 21-22. will include a traveling charity auction featuring ten one-of-a-kind D’Angelico guitars designed by contemporary rock music artist AJ Masthay.

Each guitar features designs using images from Masthay’s Dead & Company poster art, creating an anthology of his work with the band, dating back to 2016.

The auction is part of the “Participation Row” activism village organized by HeadCount, a non-profit organization that promotes voter registration and civic participation, along with REVERB, which promotes environmental responsibility. Since 2015, Participation Row has raised more than $2.8 million dollars for nearly two dozen “Dead Family” charities through auctions and activity at over 180 concerts. Participation Row’s impact also includes over 25,000 fans registering to vote or signing up for election alerts, and over 100,000 single use water bottles being eliminated.

Masthay has this to say about his collaboration with HeadCount:

I’m a firm believer that if our democracy is going to function as intended, we all as citizens have an obligation to be informed and participate in said democracy, that’s why I am and will continue to be a supporter of HeadCount and their mission. My relationship with HeadCount started over a decade ago and out of our partnership has come some of the most cherished pieces in my portfolio.

Masthay is most well known for his unique style of reduction block printing in the concert art arena. His blend of traditional techniques and love of live music has made him one of the most prominent figures in the rock art industry. Masthay established his own letterpress studio in 2001 and is currently based out of Hartford, CT. He has also done work for Black Sabbath, Foo Fighters, South Park, Queens of the Stone Age, Umphrey’s McGee, Widespread Panic, and many more.

Dead & Company Summer ‘23 Tour Dates

05-19 Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum

05-20 Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum

05-23 Phoenix, AZ – Ak-Chin Pavilion

05-26 Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion

05-28 Atlanta, GA – Lakewood Amphitheatre

05-30 Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion

06-01 Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek

06-03 Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live

06-05 Burgettstown, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake

06-07 St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheater

06-09 Chicago, IL – Wrigley Field

06-10 Chicago, IL – Wrigley Field

06-13 Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center

06-15 Philadelphia, PA – Citizen’s Bank Park

06-17 Saratoga Springs, NY – Saratoga Performing Arts Center

06-18 Saratoga Springs, NY – Saratoga Performing Arts Center

06-21 Queens, NY – Citi Field

06-22 Queens, NY – Citi Field

06-25 Boston, MA – Fenway Park

06-27 Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center

07-01 Boulder, CO – Folsom Field

07-02 Boulder, CO – Folsom Field

07-03 Boulder, CO – Folsom Field

07-07 George, WA – The Gorge

07-08 George, WA – The Gorge

07-14 San Francisco, CA – Oracle Park

07-15 San Francisco, CA – Oracle Park

May 20, 2023
Josh Lumsden Releases Energetic Debut EP “SCION i”

Independent DIY pop artist and acclaimed NYC-based producer Josh Lumsden has just released his debut EP SCION i just in time for Pride Month. The album features many dramatic hit songs accompanied by a handful of LGBTQIA icons.

For instance, the album starts off strong by introducing Rupaul’s Drag Race Winner Yvie Oddly on first single, “Energy,” multi-dimensional trans icon Cottontail makes their mark on second single, “Holiday,” and Australian pop-sensation Brendan Maclean croons on “Drowning.”

The remaining tracks of the EP mark a close to its collaborative first half, and a start of its visual-album experience. “Right Here,” an industrial house track that takes you right into a Brooklyn warehouse rave was accompanied by a music video that centered around high-fashion by up & coming designers SIKK Designs & SKNDLSS.

The song “Wanna Have Fun” is a Pop/R&B turned Techno earworm features a futuristic AI-infused music video making a statement on the emergence of AI generated art. The final single, “Waiting,” is a downcast pop dream that turns violent, featuring melodic vocals and infectious harmonies. The music video for “Waiting” is currently in production and will be released in the coming weeks.

Born and raised in Austin, Texas, the classically trained musician and self-taught producer Josh reins as NYC’s “Independent DIY pop artist” (Kaltblut Magazine). Thus, for being the sole producer of their entire discography, director and editor of their music videos, and graphic designer of album and singles artwork.

“The ability to produce my own music came from not knowing anyone who made beats, along with my innate apprehensiveness to bother anyone,” recalls Josh. “Being able to create things on my own and not rely on anyone is not only practical, but liberating.” Josh cites their biggest musical influences, as fellow self-producing artists like Grimes and Rosalia, for giving him the drive to continue doing things his own way and on his own terms.

To listen to SCION i, click the link here.

For more by Josh Lumsden, click the link here.

May 19, 2023
New York Philharmonic Announces Concerts in the Parks in June

The New York Philharmonic announces Concerts in the Parks, Presented by Didi and Oscar Schafer, will return this June 13-16.

The Concert in the Parks series has become an iconic New York summer experience since it began in 1965. It transformed parks across the city into a patchwork of picnickers and allowed them to hear classical music under the stars. More than 15 million listeners have been delighted by the performances
since their inception.

“Music and nature — two vital human needs — come together with the Concerts in the Parks,” said NY Phil Chairman Emeritus Oscar S. Schafer. “More than any other experience, it is a time when New Yorkers can come together to simply enjoy themselves outdoors. Didi and I can’t wait to join tens of thousands of our neighbors and visitors to enjoy this magnificent Orchestra perform in parks across the city.” Music Director Jaap van Zweden will conduct the concerts, which take place at Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx (June 13); the Great Lawn in Central Park, Manhattan (June 14); Cunningham Park, Queens (June 15); and Prospect Park, Brooklyn (June 16).

Jaap van Zweden began his tenure as the 26th Music Director of the New York Philharmonic in September 2018. He has also served as Music Director of the Hong Kong Philharmonic since 2012. He has conducted performances on three continents, and at age 19 he became the youngest-ever concertmaster of Amsterdam’s Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. Speaking about the Concerts in the Parks, Zweden said “This season, I look forward to returning to conduct the New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks, which are such an important tradition in New York City. These special events give all New Yorkers, as well as visitors to our city, an opportunity to experience the NY Phil in beautiful outdoor settings and at the same time enjoy our New York City parks throughout all the boroughs.”

Jaap van Zweden.

The program will include Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5, Rossini’s William Tell Overture, J. Strauss II’s Die Fledermaus Overture and On The Beautiful Blue Danube, and works by two New York Philharmonic Very Young Composers. All four outdoor performances will begin at 8:00 p.m. and conclude with fireworks. In addition, musicians from the New York Philharmonic will perform a Free Indoor Concert, on Sunday, June 18, 2023, at 4:00 p.m., at St. George Theatre in Staten Island.

May 19, 2023
Interstate Island Release Rock Single “Grey Wolf”

LI rock band Interstate Island have just released their newest single “Grey Wolf” on May 18^th. The single explores the dichotomies of choosing between freedom and companionship.

The track “Grey Wolf” navigates these feelings through the lens of a “lone wolf,” one searching for clarity. Throughout the song, both ideas are celebrated as the singer tries to decipher what he needs the most. Sonically, the track has a similar vibe to singers/band like Elton John, Styx, and REO Speedwagon.

Interstate Island was initially formed by Eddie Andrews, who was born and raised with a firm appreciation for classic rock music. More Inspiration for the project came after seeking to reimagine Electric Light Orchestra’s classic albums of the 1970’s. The first visions of Interstate Island emerged in 2019 when Andrews met with accomplished producer Matt Wallace (O.A.R., Maroon 5, Andy Grammer).

Matt Wallace had listened to a few of Andrews’ demos and expressed an interest in working together on a project. They initially recorded an early version of “Love Song” with a group of rock musicians who have regularly toured and recorded with some of the world’s most successful artists.

While the results were inspiring, Andrews believed there was an opportunity to expand on the concept by incorporating leading (as opposed to background) string arrangements – and perhaps using a live orchestra to perform those arrangements.

After a brief hiatus caused mainly by the Covid-19 pandemic, Wallace and Andrews were finally able to record Brave New World in 2021. Simultaneously, Interstate Island began to scope out the best fit for a leading string arranger.

Since a centerpiece of ELO’s work was the way in which they glistened string arrangements over pop-rock tracks, Andrews felt this was imperative to incorporate. This led Andrews to collaborate with Steve Turner, a well renowned arranger who previously toured with Electric Light Orchestra.

Listen to “Grey Wolf” by clicking the link here.

For more on Interstate Island, click the link here.

For more information on the band, click the link here.

May 18, 2023
New York Giants Legend Lawrence Taylor to Partner with Music Beats Cancer

Professional Football Hall of Famer and former New York Giants standout Lawrence Taylor will kick off the launch of the Music Beats Cancer first annual Celebrating Survivors: A Concert Fundraiser. Taking place June 8, at Terminal 5 in New York City, Taylor and Led Zeppelin cover band Get The Led Out will stand up against cancer during National Cancer Survivor Month.

Music Beats Cancer’s mission statement is to boost cancer-fighting technologies in the product-development industry, leading to more solutions. The nonprofit organization leads those involved to support the advancement of new solutions and promising treatments for cancer, all while connecting it to the love for music.

By partnering with independent music artists in 15 different genres, each talent helps raise awareness and funds for cancer research, with some of the bigger names hitting $7,000-$6,000 worth of support. Raising over $350,000 since its start, they are assisting in bridging the funding gap seen in cancer research known as the “Valley of Death.”

Get The Led Out performing at the Paramount Theatre in Rutland, VT

Music Beats Cancer founder Dr. Mona S. Jhaveri believes the organization has become a huge part of the local community and is really changing the way music and the people involved are using passion and power for a bigger cause. This first annual event is only the start according to Jhaveri, and is looking forward to the future of the nonprofit.

“We salute those doing what they can to live with and beyond their cancers. More work needs to be done to improve patient outcomes. Biomedical innovators are key if we wish to see change in the war on cancer, and they need our support now more than ever.”
– Dr. Mona S. Jhaveri

When it comes to the Celebrating Survivors Concert Fundraiser, the event will include a press pass celebrity red carpet ceremony from 6-7:30 pm followed by the Get The Led Out concert from 7:30-10:30 pm (all times EST). The red carpet ceremony will be your chance to get to meet Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor and interact with other guests attending the event.

For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qmSuDl40Lc

May 18, 2023
The Academic “Sitting Pretty Tour” Stops at The Bowery Ballroom

On Sunday, May 14th, The Academic stopped at the Bowery Ballroom. On their “Sitting Pretty Tour,” the young four-man band from Ireland brought their alternative Irish flair to New York City. An intimate crowd dotted the Bowery floor to swallow up any standing space. The venue selection ensured the audience was in for a treat, for the ballroom sound system holds the power of electric guitars and bass incredibly. This deemed important, because The Academic are proven rock revivalists.

Photograph by Tharynn Olson

Alternative/indie band, Summerdrive, opened for The Academic. Their set was short but effective, for their performance livened up the waiting crowd. With intriguing synths and intentional drumming, Summerdrive gave a tasteful while all the same riveting show. They heavily created a similar listening experience that the Bleachers or COIN would.

Not long after Summerdrive left the stage and the instruments were swapped, The Academic made their way onto the stage. Hoots and hollers elevated the band’s excitement as they gazed upon the crowd. Bassist, Matthew Murtagh, and guitarist, Stephen Murtagh sauntered onto stage followed by drummer, Dean Gavin. Lead vocalist, Craig Fitzgerald amped the energy when he approached the mic with an electric guitar slung over his shoulders. “How are you doing New York? It’s been a while!”

Photograph by Tharynn Olson

The setlist rolled by too easily, sewn together by impressive guitar solos and conversation with the audience. They emanated a wildly unique sound that seemed to be in conversation with different decades of alternative music. Accents from melodies of The Talking Heads, guitar riffs from Led Zeppelin, and more modern personal lyricism like that of Cage The Elephant or The Neighbourhood were present in their performance.

Classic-rock married to indie, The Academic has mastered the art of the guitar. Their Irish origin gifted them with the ever presence of rock and roll, and since the U.K. never parted ways with the music genre like America did for a while, they had continuous exposure to the evolution of rock. I look like a million when I play my rock n’ roll.

Photograph by Tharynn Olson

At the end of a drum-heavy song, the guitarists and singer circled around the drumset. They surrendered their instruments’ sound to Gavin while he masterfully annihilated his drum solo and bowed down to him on his throne. The Bowery lights synced up with his percussion, creating a strobed visual. Gavin’s solo was absorbed by the audience as were the multiple guitar solos throughout the evening.

After playing some songs from their new album, “Sitting Pretty,” released February 10th, Fitzgerald took a moment to give thanks to the crowd. He asked if anyone in the audience attended their show last year at Mercury Lounge in the city, and pockets of shouts volleyed amongst the crowd. In this interlude of crowd engagement, he complimented the high energy and inquired, “Any Irish in the crowd tonight?” A strong majority of the hands shot up. He grinned.

Photograph by Tharynn Olson

The Academic hosted a very engaging show. With dramatic dancing and conversational interactions with fans, the atmosphere was endearing. Towards the end of their set, lead vocalist Fitzgerald got onto the floor to be level with the crowd. While he sang, the crowd enveloped him. Phones shot up above heads to capture the moment, and fans sang excitedly around him.

He returned to the stage to finish out the rest of their set. The vivacity was contagious. Small groups of friends merged with strangers. By the end of the show, there were no strangers in the room, only people with a mutual affinity for rock and four Irish musicians. Fitzgerald and his bandmates showered thanks to everyone for attending, and even more gratitude to the staff at Bowery Ballroom. “Give it up for everyone working in this beautiful venue tonight!”

Photograph by Tharynn Olson

The Academic put on a grand show in a small but iconic venue. Their musical future brightened on Sunday, for they collected many new fans. The “Sitting Pretty Tour” is only the beginning for this refreshingly genuine rock-band.

May 18, 2023
Live Nation Launches Festival Weekend: $99 One-Day Tickets, Includes Gov Ball, Catbird, And More

For the first time ever, Live Nation is expanding its annual Concert Week promotion to include festivals. Festival Weekend brings fans an unbeatable deal: $99 all-in 1-day tickets to a variety of 2023 festivals, including Gov. Ball, Catbird, and more.

Festival Weekend features over a dozen festivals across North America, with a variety of genres, for example, country rock, hip hop, afrobeat, and more. There is a limited amount of $99 all-in 1-day tickets available for purchase as part of Concert Week’s Festival Weekend, including Gov Ball in New York City (June 9-11) and Catbird Music Festival in Bethel (Aug. 19-20).

Tickets will be available starting Friday, May 19 at 10 a.m. ET through Monday, May 22 at 11:59 p.m. local time, or while inventory lasts. Festival Weekend tickets are all-in, meaning all fees are already included upfront in the $99 price. When the weekend ends, so does the sale, so fans are encouraged to act fast. To purchase tickets, visit here.

Participating Festivals

Adjacent Festival – Atlantic City, NJ – May 27-28

Afro Nation – Miami, FL – May 27-28

Broccoli City Festival – Washington, DC – July 15-16

Catbird Music Festival – Bethel, NY – Aug 19-20

FairWell Festival – Redmond, OR – July 21-23

FORMAT Festival – Bentonville, AR – Sep 22-24

Gov Ball – New York, NY – June 9-11

Greenville Country Music Fest – Greenville, SC – Oct 20-22

lavender wild – Toronto, ON – June 4

One Fine Day Festival – Philadelphia, PA – September 9

Roots Picnic – Philadelphia, PA – June 2-4

Sound on Sound Music Festival – Bridgeport, CT – Sept 30-Oct 1

TidalWave Music Festival – Atlantic City, NJ – Aug 11-13

May 18, 2023
The Capitol Theatre Announces 1000th Show

The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester will celebrate 1000 shows since the “Original Rock Palace” reopened in 2012, with a performance by Dark Star Orchestra, on Saturday, May 20.

photo by Scott Harris

Designed by celebrated architect Thomas Lamb in 1926 and listed in The National Register of Historic Places, the 2,000-capacity theater, known as “the original rock palace,” has showcased legends such as Traffic, the Grateful Dead, Black Sabbath, Chuck Berry, David Bowie, Janis Joplin, Pink Floyd, and The Rolling Stones.

In 2012, The Capitol Theatre underwent a major renovation under the guidance of music entrepreneur Peter Shapiro. Since then, it has been hailed as a true hub of culture & community in the northeast. Major performers including Bob Dylan, Phil Lesh, Ringo Starr, Joan Baez, Skrillex, Bonnie Raitt, Snoop Dogg, Kacey Musgraves, The Strokes, Tom Petty, Cyndi Lauper, and Willie Nelson, as well as comedians like Kevin Hart and Amy Schumer.

The Capitol Theatre’s “venue within the venue” Garcia’s (created in partnership with Jerry Garcia’s family) will also celebrate its ten year anniversary this May. You can expect performances by an array of artists, and even a signature anniversary drink, the Cherry Jerry.

Attendees of the Dark Star Orchestra show will receive a Capitol Theatre “1000th show” button, marking another important milestone for the legendary venue.

Primus – photo by Steve Malinski

Performing to critical acclaim for over 20 years and over 3000 shows, Dark Star Orchestra continues the Grateful Dead live concert experience. On any given night, the band will perform a show based on a set list from the Grateful Dead’s 30 years of extensive touring or use their catalog to program a unique set list for the show. By recreating set lists from the past, and by developing their own sets of Dead songs, Dark Star Orchestra offers a continually evolving artistic outlet within this musical canon. Honoring both the band and the fans, Dark Star Orchestra’s members seek out the unique style and sound of each era while simultaneously offering their own informed improvisations.

For more information, or to purchase tickets, please visit The Capitol Theatre’s Website.

May 17, 2023