NYS Music 2023

Category: NYC Metro

  • My Morning Jacket Fall Tour Celebates “It Still Moves”, Shows at Palace in Albany, 3 nights at Beacon

    My Morning Jacket has announced their upcoming North American headline tour, highlighted by a series of very special shows celebrating the 20th anniversary of their third studio album, It Still Moves. The first of three shows (Oct. 19-21) at The Beacon Theatre in Manhattan will include the It Still Moves celebration, as well as shows in Atlanta and Chicago. The Palace Theatre in Albany will also host MMJ for their first performance at the historic venue.

    The upcoming North American tour continues a non-stop live schedule for My Morning Jacket that includes headline shows in the UK and Europe, festival appearances at Guadalajara, Mexico’s Corona Capital Guadalajara (May 20), Barcelona, Spain’s Primavera Sound (June 3), Porto, Portugal’s Primavera Sound (June 9), Madrid, Spain’s Primavera Sound (June 10), Manchester, TN’s Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival (June 17), Scranton, PA’s Peach Music Festival (July 1), Memphis, TN’s Mempho Music Festival (September 30),  and a three-night run alongside Fleet Foxes set to visit Berkeley, CA’s Greek Theatre (August 18-19) and Los Angeles, CA’s historic Hollywood Bowl (August 20).

    My Morning Jacket and the non-profit REVERB are partnering for the third consecutive year to reduce the environmental footprint of their tour and take action on the climate crisis. In addition to a comprehensive tour sustainability program, the band will be supporting REVERB’s climate portfolio which funds projects that measurably reduce greenhouse gas pollution, address climate justice, and directly decarbonize the music industry. For more info visit reverb.org. 

    My Morning Jacket recently announced the eagerly anticipated return of My Morning Jacket’s One Big Holiday, an all-inclusive concert vacation set for April 4-8, 2024 at Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya in Puerto Aventuras, Quintana Roo, Mexico. One Big Holiday will once again see My Morning Jacket performing three unique headline shows, joined by an all-star lineup including some of the band’s favorite artists and friends. Presale Opt-In registration is open now to One Big Holiday Returning Guest Members and members of MMJ’s One Big Family, exclusively at onebigfamily.mymorningjacket.com. Complete presale information and initial lineup details will be unveiled later this summer. For complete information, please visit mmjonebigholiday.com.

    Members of My Morning Jacket’s One Big Family fan club on Medallion will have first access to presale tickets. Free registration is available now through Monday, May 15 at 9:00 am (ET) exclusively at onebigfamily.mymorningjacket.com. Spotify and local presales begin Wednesday, May 17 at 10:00 am (local) and continue through 10:00 pm (local). All remaining tickets will be released to the general public on Friday, May 19 at 10:00 am (local). For complete details and ticket availability, please see www.mymorningjacket.com/events. VIP tickets will also be available. For complete details, please visit www.cidentertainment.com/events/my-morning-jacket. 

    MY MORNING JACKET – TOUR 2023

    MAY

    14 – Mobile, AL – Saenger Theatre *

    15 – Jackson, MS – Thalia Mara Hall *

    19 – Guadalajara, Mexico – Guanamor Studio **

    20 – Guadalajara, Mexico – Corona Capital Guadalajara ^

    30 – London, UK – O2 Kentish Town Forum #

    31 – Manchester, UK – O2 Ritz Manchester #

    JUNE

    3 – Barcelona, Spain – Primavera Sound ^

    5 – Antwerp, Belgium – De Roma #

    6 – Utrecht, Netherlands – TivoliVredenburg #

    9 – Porto, Portugal – Primavera Sound ^

    10 – Madrid, Spain – Primavera Sound ^

    15 – St. Augustine, FL – St. Augustine Amphitheatre ‡

    16 – Charleston, SC – Firefly Distillery ‡

    17 – Manchester, TN – Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival ^

    20 – St. Paul, MN – Palace Theatre ‡

    21 – Milwaukee, WI – The Riverside Theater ‡

    23 – Indianapolis, IN – TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park *

    24 – Newport, KY – MegaCorp Pavilion *

    26 – Lewiston, NY – Artpark Amphitheater ¶

    28 – Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AE ¶

    30 – New Haven, CT – Westville Music Bowl ¶

    JULY

    1 – Scranton, PA – Peach Music Festival ^

    29 – Washington, DC – The Anthem ##

    30 – Beech Mountain, NC – Beech Mountain Summer Series ##

    AUGUST

    15 – Troutdale, OR – McMenamins Edgefield ‡‡

    16 – Bend, OR – Hayden Homes Amphitheater ‡‡

    18 – Berkeley, CA – Greek Theatre †

    19 – Berkeley, CA – Greek Theatre †

    20 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Bowl †

    22 – San Diego, CA – CalCoast Credit Union Open Air Theatre ‡‡

    23 – Mesa, AZ – Mesa Amphitheatre ‡‡

    25 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre ‡‡ +

    26 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre ‡‡

    SEPTEMBER

    30 – Memphis, TN – Mempho Music Festival ^

    OCTOBER

    17 – Toronto, ON – Massey Hall

    19 – New York, NY – Beacon Theatre +

    20 – New York, NY – Beacon Theatre

    21 – New York, NY – Beacon Theatre

    24 – Boston, MA – Roadrunner

    25 – Albany, NY – Palace Theatre

    30 – Birmingham, AL – Alabama Theatre

    31 – New Orleans, LA – Orpheum Theater

    NOVEMBER

    3 – Atlanta, GA – Fox Theatre +

    4 – Atlanta, GA – Fox Theatre

    7 – St. Louis, MO – Stifel Theatre

    9 – Chicago, IL – Chicago Theatre +

    10 – Chicago, IL – Chicago Theatre

    11 – Chicago, IL – Chicago Theatre

    APRIL 2024 

    4-8 – Puerto Aventuras, Mexico – One Big Holiday

    * w/ Special Guest Jaime Wyatt

    ** w/ Special Guest Costa de Ámbar

    ^ Festival Appearance

    # w/ Special Guest Devon Gilfillian

    ‡ w/ Special Guest Wilderado

    ¶ w/ Special Guest Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe

    ## w/ Special Guest Katie Pruitt

    ‡‡ w/Special Guest M. Ward

    † w/ Fleet Foxes

    + It Still Moves 20th Anniversary Show

  • LIMEHOF Announces 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop Concert

    The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall Of Fame (LIMEHOF) will celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip-hop with a special concert and panel discussion event on Sunday, June 11th at 2 p.m. at the venue’s home base in Stony Brook Village.

    The event will feature legendary stars Son of Bazerk, Kool Rock-Ski (of The Fat Boys), A.J. Rock (of J.V.C. F.O.R.C.E.), DJ Jazzy Jay, DJ Johnny Juice (of Public Enemy), Dinco D and Milo in de Dance (both of Leaders of the New School), and special guest Ralph McDaniels (of Video Music Box), as well as other surprise hip-hop guest artists.

    “We are honored to pay tribute to the 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop with a live concert performed by some of hip hop’s most influential artists, all from Long Island. It is a testament to Long Island’s prominent and continuing role in hip-hop’s legacy.”

    Ernie Canadeo, LIMEHOF Chairman

    Although the Bronx often receives the most credit for the origins of hip-hop, Long Island was very influential in its development. Most Long Island hip-hop performers went to the city to perform. Through the years, LIMEHOF has paid tribute to the hip-hop community by inducting artists from Long Island including LL COOL J, Run-DMC, Public Enemy, Eric B. & Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, Kurtis Blow, Whodini, Salt-N-Pepa, and EPMD.

    DJ Jazzy Jay, DJ Johnny Juice, Kool Rock-Ski, and Son of Bazerk will be performing live at the event. There will also be a panel discussion moderated by Tom Needham, LIMEHOF Vice Chairman and longtime host of the “Sounds of Film Radio Show,” who will be joined by members of JVC Force, Leaders of the New School, DJ Johnny Juice and Ralph McDaniels.

    Founded in 2004, the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall Of Fame (LIMEHOF) is a 501(c) (3) organization dedicated to the idea that Long Island’s musical and entertainment heritage is an important resource to be celebrated and preserved for future generations. The organization, which encompasses New York State’s Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, and Kings (Brooklyn) Counties, was created as a place of community that inspires and explores Long Island music and entertainment in all its forms. In 2022, LIMEHOF opened its first Hall of Fame building location in Stony Brook Village. To date, the organization has inducted more than 120 musicians and music industry executives, and also offers education programs and scholarships, and awards to Long Island students and educators.

    For more information about tickets to the LIMEHOF Hip-Hop 50th Anniversary Concert, please visit LIMEHOF’S website.

  • Mingus Big Band Announces “Mingus Monday’s” Residency At Drom

    NYC’s Mingus Big Band  has announced their newest residency at Drom, taking place every Monday, beginning June 5th, paying homage to the music of composer/bassist Charles Mingus.

    This 14-piece band features new arrangements of Mingus compositions in a larger band format that Mingus was not always able to organize in his lifetime. The dynamic structure encourages deep explorations and ever-evolving ideations of Mingus Music and provides a platform for individual artistic expression. Time Out New York called them “the hippest big band in the universe – robust, earthy, sanctified.”

    Drawing from a rotation of the best established and rising musicians, the Mingus Big Band is highly sought-after by festivals and prestigious venues around the world. The band has Grammy nominations spread over eleven recordings, including the Grammy-winning album Live at Jazz Standard. A new album, The Charles Mingus Centennial Sessions, was released in October 2022. The second volume will be released later this year.

    The band has held down a weekly residency in New York City for three decades, beginning in 1991 Thursday nights at Fez under Time Cafe, then Joe’s Pub, City Hall, Iridium, and landing now at Drom.

    We are thrilled to partner again with Seth Abramson for Mingus Mondays — we shared 15 years at Jazz Standard (and a Grammy!). And back in Mingus’ old Village stomping grounds with the wonderful team at Drom.

    Mingus Big Band Manager Robert Ungaro

    Founded by two immigrant business entrepreneurs, Drom’s mission is to celebrate cultural diversity in the performing arts field by providing a physical space for artists from around the world to present their music, art and creative experiments. Drom’s programs span diverse artistic forms including music, dance, theater, comedy and its stage is open to the next generation, as well as established performers.

    Doors for Monday sets are 7pm and 9pm; combo tickets for both 7:30pm and 9:30pm sets are available for $45.

    For more information, please visit Drom’s website.

  • 50 Cent Announces “The Final Lap” Tour Stopping in Syracuse and Brooklyn

    Rap legend 50 Cent, otherwise known as Curtis Jackson, has announced his global tour, “The Final Lap.” The tour is in celebration of the 20th Anniversary of his game-changing debut album, Get Rich or Die Tryin. “The Final Lap” tour kicks off July 21st and will make three stops in New York at the Darien Lake Amphitheater and Barclays Center. 

    “The Final Lap” will showcase 50 Cent performing dozens of fan-favorite and chart-topping hits along with select tracks that have not been performed live in decades. The tour will also feature the special guests Busta Rhymes and Jeremih. 50 Cent’s Sire Spirits brands, Branson Cognac and Le Chemin du Roi Champagne will also be available throughout the tour.

    50 Cent is not only an acclaimed musician but also has a thriving career in television and film. In January 2020 Jackson received a Star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame as well as being awarded an NAACP award for Best Director in a Drama Series. It all began in 2005 when he founded G-Unit Film & Television, Inc. It produced a variety of content such as the #1 show on Starz, “Power.” Jackson not only starred in the show but also served as executive producer and director. G-Unit Film & Television have latterly released “Hip Hop Homicides” on WeTV.

    Acknowledged as one of the most talented and prolific music artists of his time, 50 Cent has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide and has been awarded the most prestigious accolades. He has also made history by having the fastest-selling albums in history with Get Rich or Die Tryin. The icon utilized his star power to achieve unparalleled success as an entrepreneur, actor, director, and executive producer. From musical success to creating one of the most influential deals in hip-hop with the sale of Vitamin water, 50 continues to break records. He currently holds the record for the highest-rated premiere of a series on Starz with “Power Book II: Ghost.”

    Beginning May 12, tickets can be purchased here. 

    THE FINAL LAP TOUR 2023 – NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES: 

    Fri Jul 21 – Salt Lake City, UT – Maverik Center

    Sun Jul 23 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena

    Tue Jul 25 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre – STL

    Thu Jul 27 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center

    Fri Jul 28 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena

    Sat Jul 29 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center

    Mon Jul 31 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage

    Tue Aug 01 – Montreal, QC – Bell Centre^

    Wed Aug 02 – Montreal, QC – Bell Centre

    Thu Aug 03 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center

    Sat Aug 05 – Darien Center, NY – Darien Lake Amphitheater

    Sun Aug 06 – Cleveland, OH – Blossom Music Center

    Tue Aug 08 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live

    Wed Aug 09 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center

    Thu Aug 10 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center^

    Fri Aug 11 – Hartford, CT – XFINITY Theatre

    Sat Aug 12 – Camden, NJ – Freedom Mortgage Pavilion

    Sun Aug 13 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach

    Tue Aug 15 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek

    Wed Aug 16 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion

    Thu Aug 17 – Atlanta, GA – Lakewood Amphitheatre

    Sat Aug 19 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre

    Sun Aug 20 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre

    Tue Aug 22 – Tuscaloosa, AL – Tuscaloosa Amphitheater

    Thu Aug 24 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center

    Fri Aug 25 – Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion

    Sun Aug 27 – Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater

    Tue Aug 29 – Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre

    Wed Aug 30 – Los Angeles, CA – Crypto.com Arena

    Thu Aug 31 – Chula Vista, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre

    Fri Sept 01 – Irvine, CA – FivePoint Amphitheatre^

    Sat Sep 02 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre

    Mon Sep 04 – Sacramento, CA – Golden 1 Center

    Wed Sep 06 – Ridgefield, WA – RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater

    Thu Sep 07 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena

    Fri Sep 08 – Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena

    Sun Sep 10 – Calgary, AB – Scotiabank Saddledome

    Mon Sep 11 – Edmonton, AB – Rogers Place

    Wed Sep 13 – Winnipeg, MB – Canada Life Centre

    Fri Sep 15 – St. Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center

    Sat Sep 16 – Chicago, IL – United Center

    Sun Sep 17 – Detroit, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre

    Tue Sept 19 – Baltimore, MD – CFG Bank Arena^

    Wed Sept 20 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center^

    Fri Sept 22 — Toronto, ON — Budweiser Stage^

    THE FINAL LAP TOUR 2023 – EUROPEAN TOUR DATES: 

    Thu Sep 28 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Ziggo Dome

    Fri Sep 29 – Hamburg, Germany – Barclays Arena

    Sat Sep 30 – Copenhagen, Denmark – Royal Arena

    Wed Oct 4 – Oslo, Norway – Spektrum*

    Thu Oct 5 – Trondheim, Norway – Spektrum*

    Sat Oct 07 – Stockholm, Sweden – Avicii Arena

    Mon Oct 09 – Riga, Latvia – Arena Riga*

    Tue Oct 10 – Riga, Latvia – Arena Riga*^

    Wed Oct 11 – Lodz Poland – Atlas Arena

    Sat Oct 14 – Berlin, Germany – Mercedes-Benz Arena

    Sun Oct 15 – Oberhausen, Germany – Rudolf-Weber-Arena

    Fri Oct 20 – Zurich, Switzerland – Hallenstadion

    Sat Oct 21 – Nice, France – Palais Nikaia

    Sun Oct 22 – Milan, Italy – Mediolanum Forum

    Tue Oct 24 – Munich, Germany – Olympiahalle

    Wed Oct 25 – Mannheim, Germany – SAP Arena

    Thu Oct 26 – Brussels, Belgium – Forest National

    Sat Oct 28 – Prague, Czech Republic – O2 Arena

    Tue Oct 31 – Strasbourg, France – Zenith

    Thu Nov 02 – Nantes, France – Zenith

    Fri Nov 03 – Paris, France – La Defense Arena

    Mon Nov 06 – Dublin, Ireland – 3Arena#

    Tue Nov 07 – Dublin, Ireland – 3Arena#^

    Thu Nov 09 – Glasgow, Scotland – OVO Hydro#

    Fri Nov 10 – Manchester, England – AO Arena#

    Sat Nov 11 – London, England – The O2 #

    Sun Nov 12 – Birmingham, England – Resorts World Arena#

    Wed Nov 15 – Manchester, England – AO Arena#^

    Fri Nov  17 – London, England –  OVO Arena Wembley#^

    Sat Nov 18 – Newcastle, England – Utilita Arena#^

  • Live Nation’s $25 All-In Concert Week Returns, Deals on Shows at SPAC, St. Joseph’s, Artpark and many more

    Live Nation has announced the return of its annual “Concert Week” promotion. The promotion offers fans a chance to purchase tickets to some of the hottest concerts happening this year for the decent price of $25. This year, concert week falls between May 10th to May 16th and you’ll find plenty of shows across New York State with this deal, including at SPAC, St. Joseph’s Amphitheatre, Artpark, KeyBank Center, Darien Lake, and more.

    The limited-time ticket offer includes over 300 of today’s biggest acts across a wide variety of genres, including hip-hop, country, Latin, R&B, metal, pop, rock, K-pop, electronic, comedy and more.

    Artists included in the Live Nation Concert Week range from 5 Seconds of Summer, Beck & Phoenix, Bebe Rexha, Big Time Rush, Don Toliver, Fall Out Boy, Janet Jackson, Kountry Wayne, Larry June, Maroon 5, Marca MP, Shania Twain, Snoop Dogg, VALLEY and many more. Concert Week features live events across all venue sizes – from clubs and theaters, to amphitheaters and arenas.

    Fans can visit LiveNation.com/ConcertWeek to see the full list of participating events. Once they’ve selected a show, they should look for the ticket type labeled “Concert Week Promotion,” add the ticket(s) to their cart and proceed to checkout. Fans can filter their search on LiveNation.com/ConcertWeek by participating events, venues, or artists. While on the website, fans can also set the location to the closest city and the site will refresh to only include participating shows nearby.

    The general on-sale for Live Nation Concert Week will begin on Wednesday, May 10th, at 10 AM ET through Thursday, May 16th, at 11:59 PM, or while supplies last at LiveNation.com/ConcertWeek.

    live nation all in concert week
    Big Time Rush (Getty Images)

    Participating shows at Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC)

    TLC 06/16/2023

    Dermot Kennedy 06/19/2023

    Tedeschi Trucks Band 07/01/2023

    Tears For Fears 07/02/2023

    Big Time Rush 07/03/2023

    Counting Crows 07/05/2023

    Goose 07/07/2023

    Garbage 07/08/2023

    Kidz Bop Kids 07/09/2023

    Jason Aldean 07/16/2023

    Gov’t Mule 07/28/2023

    Matchbox Twenty 07/30/2023

    Foreigner 08/01/2023

    The Chicks 08/06/2023

    Goo Goo Dolls 08/08/2023

    Zac Brown Band 8/13/2023

    Brit Floyd 8/22/2023

    Pentatonix 08/23/2023

    Eric Church 08/24/2023

    Lynyrd Skynyrd 09/08/2023

    Outlaw Music Festival 09/15/2023

    Killer Queen 09/16/2023

    Participating artists celebrating Concert Week at JMA Wireless Dome

    Elvis Costello & the Imposters 07/08/2023

    Def Leppard & Mötley Crüe: The World Tour 08/05/2023

    Participating artists celebrating Concert Week at Warsaw, Brooklyn

    Lankum 07/28/2023

    Participating artists celebrating Concert Week at Landmark Theatre

    Encanto: The Sing-Along Film Concert 10/20/2023

    Participating artists celebrating Concert Week at St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater

    Luke Bryan 06/15/2023

    Falling in Reverse 06/30/2023

    Counting Crows 07/01/2023

    Kidz Bop Kids 07/16/2023

    Matchbox Twenty 07/29/2023

    Mudvayne 08/01/2023

    Godsmack 08/03/2023

    Pantera 08/08/2023

    Zac Brown Band 08/11/2023

    Disturbed 08/12/2023

    Goo Goo Dolls 08/16/2023

    Yellowcard 08/17/2023

    Ghost 08/18/2023

    Parker McCollum 08/19/2023

    Pentatonix 08/24/2023

    Sam Hunt 08/25/2023

    Foreigner 09/02/2023

    Shinedown 09/13/2023

    Participating shows in Western New York

    Brooks & Dunn at KeyBank Center: May 13, 2023

    Bryan Adams at KeyBank Center: June 13, 2023

    Ben Folds at ARTPARK – Amphitheater : June 16, 2023

    Luke Bryan at Darien Lake Amphitheater: June 16, 2023

    Thomas Rhett at KeyBank Center: July 6, 2023

    Kidz Bop Kids at Darien Lake Amphitheater: July 14, 2023

    Sam Hunt at Darien Lake Amphitheater: July 15, 2023

    Foreigner at Darien Lake Amphitheater: July 28, 2023

    Culture Club at Darien Lake Amphitheater: July 29, 2023

    Outlaw Music Festival at Darien Lake Amphitheater: July 30, 2023

    Matchbox Twenty at Darien Lake Amphitheater: August 1, 2023

    Regina Spektor at Kodak Center: August 1, 2023

    Orville Peck at ARTPARK – Amphitheater: August 1, 2023

    Jelly Roll at Darien Lake Amphitheater: August 3, 2023

    Fall Out Boy at Darien Lake Amphitheater: August 04, 2023

    Jason Isbell at ARTPARK – Amphitheater: August 5, 2023

    Godsmack at Darien Lake Amphitheater: August 6, 2023

    Pantera at Darien Lake Amphitheater: August 9, 2023

    Nickelback at Darien Lake Amphitheater: August 16, 2023

    Parker McCollum at ARTPARK – Amphitheater : August 17, 2023

    The Offspring at Darien Lake Amphitheater: August 20, 2023

    All American Rejects at Darien Lake Amphitheater: August 21, 2023

    ODESZA at Darien Lake Amphitheater: September 1, 2023

    Ray LaMontagne at Kodak Center: September 22, 2023

    Lewis Black at Kodak Center: October 13, 2023

    See a list of participating NY venues here

  • Celebrate Mother’s Day with The Rock and Roll Playhouse at Brooklyn Bowl

    This Mother’s Day weekend, do something special with your family and celebrate with The Rock and Roll Playhouse at the Brooklyn Bowl. Additionally, The Rock and Roll Playhouse will celebrate Mother’s Day weekend at various other venues throughout the country, and a portion of the proceeds will go to Femme House.

    There’s no shortage of activities for your children, including The Beatles for Kids, Taylor Swift for Kids, and Shania Twain for Kids.

    The lineup for the Mother’s Day weekend concert at the Rock and Roll Playhouse includes a performance at the Brooklyn Bowl. Credit: Shore Fire Media.

    Senior Director of The Rock and Roll Playhouse, Stephen Grybowski shares “Live music is the heartbeat of the human soul. It’s truly one of the few things on earth that can unite any two people from any two walks of life, anywhere in the world. To be able to help parents share the music that they love with their children and the next generation is the best part of what I do.” When asked who has more fun, the kids or the parents? “It’s really hard to compare! Children are experiencing this music often for the first time in their lives, so the beauty of that is pretty unrivaled. At the same time, it means so much to a parent to share the music that they grew up with and love so deeply with their children.”

    The largest national concert series for families, The Rock and Roll Playhouse was founded in 2014 at its flagship venue, Brooklyn Bowl, by industry pioneer Peter Shapiro, and Amy Striem, a certified Early Childhood and Elementary teacher, who were looking to create opportunities for families to experience live music together in historic music venues. The Playhouse has since performed to hundreds of thousands of kids and their families in over 42 venues across 30 cities, playing music from the most iconic musicians in history to inspire the next generation of children. The program has raised funds for the Can’d Aid Foundation’s Tunes Programs, VH1 Save the Music Foundation, The Rex Foundation, UNICEF, and Keep the Music Alive, as well as thousands of ticket donations to local school fundraisers and charity auctions around the country. 

    Femme House is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization, fostering more equitable opportunity for women and gender-expansive individuals in the technical and behind the scenes areas of music. The organization fosters future producers, mixers, engineers, DJs, artists, and executives of the industry by providing education and scholarships, cultivating community, propagating visual representation, and offering professional development opportunities. In 2022, Femme House raised over $100,000 to fund scholarship programs, provided six fellows with free gear and specialized music instruction, and doubled down on its commitment to diversifying the deck by ensuring that over half of its lineups have BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ representation. 

    The Mother’s Day weekend celebration with The Rock and Roll Playhouse is open to all ages and tickets are available now.

    The Rock and Roll Playhouse Mother’s Day Weekend Schedule:

    Saturday, May 13:

    Bluebird Theatre – Denver, Co – The Beatles for Kids

    Brighton Music Hall – Boston, MA – The Beatles for Kids

    Brooklyn Bowl Philadelphia – Philadelphia, PA – The Beatles for Kids

    Fairfield Theater Company – Fairfield, CT – The Beatles for Kids

    Slowdown – Omaha, NE – The Beatles for Kids

    Space (Morning Show) – Evanston, IL – The Beatles for Kids

    Space (Evening Show) – Evanston, IL – The Beatles for Kids

    Sunday, May 14:

    Brooklyn Bowl – Brooklyn, NY – The Beatles for Kids

    Deep Ellum Art Co. – Dallas, TX – The Beatles for Kids

    Elevation 27 – Virginia Beach, VA – The Beatles for Kids

    Last Concert Cafe – Houston, TX – The Beatles for Kids

    Portland House of Music – Portland, ME – The Beatles for Kids

    Woodlands Tavern – Columbus, OH – Taylor Swift for Kids

    Brooklyn Bowl Nashville – Nashville, TN – Shania Twain for Kids

  • Lizzy McAlpine’s “The End of The Movie Tour” Sells Out Terminal 5

    On Tuesday, May 2nd Lizzy McAlpine returned to New York City and sold out the west side’s beloved Terminal 5. Only a week prior, Lizzy sold out Brooklyn Steel. One night in the big city just wasn’t enough for McAlpine on her “The End of The Movie Tour.” Her debut in the past couple of years has been one to witness. She has accumulated superfans who worship her relatable lyrics and sweet sound-blend of it-girl pop with classic grunge. The success of this tour has been a testament to her talent.

    Lizzy McAlpine "The End of The Movie Tour" Sells Out New York City Terminal 5
    Photograph by Caroline Zeeman

    Opener, Olivia Barton, kicked off the night and made the warehouse stage her own. Emanating a similar sound to artists like Lizzy McAlpine, HAIM, Lucy Dacus, and so on – Barton culminated her own stage presence with her innocently raw lyrics. Her own sound. The crowd volleyed Olivia’s lyrics back to her from the pit and the balconies, and her excitement became a tangible energy. The set flew by, and when it came time for Barton to say her goodbyes, it was bittersweet.

    In between Olivia Barton’s opening set and Lizzy’s second show-face in New York City, the crowd hummed in a unified frenzy. The speakers were blasting popular Y2K pop-hits and nostalgic Disney songs by artists like Hannah Montana and Demi Lovato. Friends, couples, fathers and daughters, and solo-fans were conviving to belt the universally appreciated lyrics. Later in Lizzy’s set, she praised Olivia: “She really gets it. Her writing is so human. She’s so special, and I’m so grateful to have her on tour. I listen to her backstage, and I’m in tears!”

    Photograph by Caroline Zeeman

    Fifteen past nine o’clock, the lights cut and the bass rose to a body-shaking intensity. The infrastructure of Terminal 5 holds sound so impressively, but the deafening screams echoed riotously. Blue and purple lights slowly expanded their coverage across the stage to reveal a bedroom set-up. Framed posters and window panes clung to the back of the stage. The setting felt familiar, like the space that held so much of one’s life. The love, the heartbreak, the friendships, the sleepovers, the daydreams.

    After a lengthy instrumental introduction, followed behind her band, Lizzy skipped out onto the stage. Her outfits on tour have been widely complimented, and on Tuesday she did not disappoint. Adorned in a denim corset and casual blue jeans, she stood in pure happiness as she grinned out towards the crowd. “I’m gonna play some songs for you, and it’s going to be great! We’re gonna have a great time!”

    As Lizzy progressed through her setlist, she took intentional time to explain the story behind each song. The crowd bent their ears to listen to every detail she shared. “This song is about slurpees!” A roaring applause. “This song is about ignoring red-flags.” Friends grabbed onto their neighbor’s shoulder to shake in emotional duress. The entire show was a story-telling narrative, full of personal details of precious moments of muse.

    Photograph by Caroline Zeeman

    Her lyrics were something to hold onto and sit with. Such a fast-paced show left the crowd wanting more time with her music. All of Lizzy’s songs held a cruel casualness to them. I have no choice in the matter // Why would I, it’s only the death of me. It was jarring, quite surreal, to hear such a youthful and kind crowd shouting such intense lyrics. And the funny thing is I would have married you if you had stuck around. Nearby in the crowd, a father watched as his thirteen year old daughter belted the lyrics, clutching her chest as if she’d been wounded.

    There is an archetype on the rise in the realm of female artists. Singer/song-writers fanning out under the music industry umbrella of artists like Taylor Swift are leaning into the superpower that is vulnerability. Honesty is celebratory, and young women are writing about having their hearts ripped out, leaving their hometown, stepping into their strength, growing up, and existing as more than empathetic vessels but as a beacon of feminine independence. Barton and McAlpine have branded their names into this visionary artist-type. The influence the music produced by these experimental and brave artists has is unignorable and unifying.

    Photograph by Caroline Zeeman

    Half way through the set, the Terminal 5 stage setting changed from day to night, and the New York City sun casting through the windows on stage, turning to raindrops streaking down the panes. The familiar chords of Lizzy’s hit “Ceilings” strummed across the venue, and something shifted. The collective crowd voice overpowered Lizzy’s as she sang the notorious lyrics. Fans jumped and wept and sang with their hearts. Tears streamed into wide smiles, as the live performance of “Ceilings” seemed to change lives.

    Terminal 5 was blessed with Lizzy’s generosity, for she played two unreleased songs for the Manhattan crowd. The first song was titled “Broken Glass,” which Lizzy explained was about only ever being able to see someone when they’re at the bar. The other song was “I Guess.” Lizzy informed the crowd, “this one is one of my favorites!” While the unreleased songs were showcased, it was the only moment the crowd was silent. The audience wanted to hear every lyric, every note-change, every melody.

    The rest of the show rolled out with the same energy. The crowd savored every moment they shared with Lizzy, and when it came time to part, fans had a difficult time leaving. Hands waved goodbye from the packed balconies, and cheers overpowered Lizzy’s own departure. Manhattan  seemed to have an impact on her as she left the stage. It was the end of the “The End of The Movie” show in New York City.

  • John Malkovich to Star in “The Music Critic” at The Beacon Theatre

    Acclaimed actor John Malkovich will star in The Music Critic at the Beacon Theatre in New York City on Oct. 28. The Beacon Theatre’s production of The Music Critic will be the last of its 2023 tour dates, before its final performance in June 2024 at Portland, Oregon’s Arlene Schnitzer Theatre.

    Written and conceived by Aleksey Igudesman, The Music Critic is a show in which classical music, theater, and comedy collide.

    John Malkovich the Music Critic Beacon Theatre
    Actor of John Malkovich, star of The Music Critic. Credit: Aleksey Igudesman and Julia Wesely.

    John Malkovich’s career spans over four decades and 70 films, the first of which was an uncredited role in 1978’s A Wedding. Malkovich has worked with several big names in the business, including Sally Field in Places in the Heart (1984) and Glenn Close in Dangerous Liaisons (1988.) He has also ventured into producing, with Ghost World (2001), The Libertine (2004), Juno (2007), and The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012).

    Aleksey Igudesman was born in Saint Petersburg, Russia, formerly known as Petrograd (1914–1924) and later Leningrad (1924–1991.) He is known as a violinist, composer, conductor, comedian, filmmaker, actor, writer, poet, and entrepreneur. His secret passions are cooking, eating out in luxurious restaurants, and writing reviews on TripAdvisor.

    Tickets for The Music Critic at New York City’s Beacon Theatre starring John Malkovich go on sale May 12 beginning at 10 a.m. Until then, check out the program for The Music Critic.

    The Music Critic U.S. Tour Dates:

    Benaroya Hall, Seattle Washington, Oct 17, 2023

    Orpheum Theatre, Los Angeles California, Oct 20, 2023 

    Majestic Theater, Dallas, Texas, Oct 21, 2023

    Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, San Antonio, Texas, Oct 22, 2023 

    Long Center for the Performing Arts, Austin, Texas, Oct 23, 2023 

    Filmore Theatre, Detroit, Michigan, Oct 25, 2023

    Chicago Theatre, Chicago Illinois, Oct 26, 2023 

    The Beacon Theatre, New York City, New York, Oct 28, 2023

    Arlene Schnitzer Theatre, Portland, Oregon, June 12, 2024

  • Conway The Machine Releases Won’t He Do It and Celebrates at Ludlow House

    Conway The Machine just released his new full album Won’t He Do It? The album was released via Drumwork Music Group and EMPIRE.

    Features on this project include Westside Gunn, Benny The Butcher, Juicy J, Fabolous, 7xvthegenius, Dave East, Sauce Walka and Jae Skeese. Production includes acclaimed hip-hop producers Daringer, Justice League, Juicy J, and Khyrysis. The production on Won’t He Do It is top-level, with standout tracks like “Super Bowl” and “The Chosen” featuring guest appearances from Sauce Walka and Jae Skeese respectively.

    Throughout the album, Conway The Machine showcases his impeccable wordplay and storytelling ability. On “Brucifix” featuring Westside Gunn, Conway spits gritty bars over a hard-hitting beat, while Gunn delivers a standout verse that perfectly complements Conway’s style.

    One of the standout tracks on the album is Brooklyn Chop House featuring Fabolous and fellow Griselda member Benny The Butcher. The two rappers trade bars over a haunting instrumental, with Conway showcasing his storytelling abilities as he weaves a tale of drug dealing and violence. Overall, Wont He Do It is a powerful, introspective project that showcases Conway the Machine’s talent as a rapper and storyteller.

    To celebrate the album’s release, Conway held a record release party at Ludlow House in New York City. Guests in attendance included Westside Gunn, Armani Caesar, Nems, Statik Selektah, and 38 Spesh, among others. The event was a celebration of Conway’s success and a testament to the impact he’s had on the rap game.

    There is also an upcoming tour to support the new album. There will be a show at Brooklyn Steel on June 24th. All of the other tour dates can be found here.

  • Goth Babe Sends New York City Into Summer as “The Lola Tour” Stops At Pier 17

    On Friday, May 5, Goth Babe’s performance at Pier 17 catapulted New York City into summer. On the East River below the FiDi skyline, the Brooklyn Bridge-facing venue hosted Goth Babe’s “The Lola Tour” with Yoke Lore. The outdoor venue could not defend against the on and off rain showers, but the risk of weather was made worth it when sunset rolled around.

    The sky turned into something of pink brilliance, and a rainbow casted over the river. The colorful streak of spring arched over the stage to turn the evening into the ultimate setting for Goth Babe’s sound – light, natural, and vibrant.

    Photograph by Emma Dowd

    The crowd spilled onto the Pier 17 rooftop hours before Goth Babe’s show to see the opener, Yoke Lore. A renowned artist in the alternative/indie realm, singer Adrian Galvin attracted fans of his own and collected some new ones as he gave a dynamic performance. He spun around on stage in between verses and communed with the audience kindly. Yoke Lore’s sound strikes a comforting chord in the musical soul. With only raw vocals, percussion, and a banjo to seal his sound, he successfully composes a unique warmth with his music.

    Photograph by Emma Dowd
    Photograph by Emma Dowd

    The sun continued to set over the enthusiastic crowd, and an unbelievable flower moon took its spot in the sky. Its massivity attracted a volley of OOOs and AAAhhhs as everyone waited eagerly for the party to start. Eventually the twin screens on either side of the stage darkened, and blues and whites flashed in lengthy strobes over the crowd. The indie-electronic vocalist, Griffin Washburn, and his two touring bandmates on percussion, keys, and strings made their way onto stage. Washburn seemed to talk to himself in happy disbelief as a response to seeing Pier 17 crowd, “This is f*cking nuts! So cool! This is insane, it’s going to be awesome.”

    Photograph by Emma Dowd

    Griffin Washburn is a known nomad. He lives in and out of sailboats and tiny homes in the mountains of Washington, hence his new single “Alone in the Mountains.” His free-spirit is a light in the music industry, for he cares more about the connections and differences he can make with his music rather than his profits and status. The day of the show, he posted on his instagram story to invite fans to participate in a pre-show run club. Connecting with his fans who he sees as friends has been a tour priority. His kind and mellow persona shines through his music and could be felt throughout the show.

    After getting the crowd warmed up with some songs, he asked for a volunteer to crowd surf. Once a member of the audience was elected, the stage crew brought out a watermelon slice pool-floatie. The fan was released to surf the hands of her fellow Goth Babe listeners. Griffin sent her off with a wave, “Be kind to her, and be safe with her!” She totally rocked the role, fist-bumping and belting song lyrics in a spell of pure joy.

    Photograph by Emma Dowd

    Goth Babe established a friendly community from the start. He encouraged the crowd to participate in dance-offs and sing-alongs, insisting “you’re all not too old for sing-alongs!” His stage presence consisted of audible yipping, head-banging, and epiphanic gratitude. It was impossible not to dance. The music seemed to lift the crowd into movement.

    Photograph by Emma Dowd

    Electronic music gets wrapped with the stigma of being synthetic and repetitive. Goth Babe’s sound strongly defies this tired narrative. The blend of guitar strings, light chimes, and seemingly element-inspired melodies composes a natural almost healing sound. Combined with relatable and celebratory human lyrics, Goth Babe has created something unique and informative of a lifestyle – unbound and transient.

    Photograph by Emma Dowd

    Towards the end of the show, Griffin spun around to take in the glory of New York City. The skyline lights shimmered on the water, and the traffic on the bridge strung red ribbons of light across the storm clouded sky. He encouraged everyone to introduce themselves to a stranger and tell them why they live in New York City, and why they love it so much. A minute from the show was sacrificed to organic conversation. The crowd seemed more tightly knit for the remainder of the show.

    Photograph by Emma Dowd

    Griffin and his fellow performers put on silly hats for the remainder of the show. He adorned a shark hat, the percussionist wore a disco helmet, and the keys player wore a cow-print cowboy hat. The last few songs rolled by too easily. Griffin conducted the gold-star concert move of commanding the crowd to get really low and jump up on the beat. He sang a crowd favorite, and  what he deemed his favorite song, “Taking Over The Sun.” The crowd was electric.

    “We try to make this more than a normal concert you’d come to for an hour. We want to make you a part of something and leave feeling better than you came!” That they did. When the show came to a close, the party did not. Fans poured out from Pier 17 and continued to dance and sing in the Manhattan streets. Goth Babe set the summer tone for New York City.