Category: NYC Metro

2023 Tony Award Nominees Announced

The Tony Awards announced the 2023 award ceremony nominees, celebrating 76 years of excellence on Broadway.

Photo courtesy of the Tony Awards.

The 2023 Tony Awards will air live on Sunday, June 11, from the historic United Palace in Washington Heights in New York City from 8-11 p.m., hosted by Ariana DeBose. The awards are bestowed upon theatre professionals for their high achievements. It is one of the most coveted awards in the entertainment industry and one of the most prestigious award ceremonies on television. Legitimate theatrical productions opening in any of the 41 eligible Broadway theatres during the current season may be considered for Tony nominations, voted in 26 competitive categories by 769 designated Tony voters within the theatre community.

Joel Grey and John Kander will each receive the 2023 Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre. Launching his career in the 1950s, Joel Grey has made an everlasting impact as an actor and director, from Cabaret, for which he received the Academy Award, the Golden Globe, and the BAFTA for his performance as the Emcee, to Goodtime Charley, The Normal Heart and his acclaimed Yiddish production of Fiddler on the Roof. He is also one of only nine actors to have won both the Tony and Academy Awards for the same role. John Kander grew up around music, playing the piano when he was four, and seeing musicals by age ten. As part of the songwriting team Kander and Fred Ebb, Kander wrote the scores for 15 musicals, including Cabaret and Chicago, both of which were later adapted into acclaimed films.

Joel Grey and John Kander attend the opening night of “The Landing” at Vineyard Theatre on October 23, 2013, in New York City, photo by Walter McBride.

Highlights from the 2023 Tony Awards nominees include the first nonbinary actors to be nominated: J. Harrison Ghee and Alex Newell. The musical Some Like It Hot, a theatrical remake of the 1959 Billy Wilder movie musical, garnered 13 Tony nominations, the most in this season. Ghee plays the leading role of Jerry in Some Like It Hot, a man who disguises himself as a woman and then comes to realize parts of both identities suit, and Newell plays the featured, female role of Lulu in Shucked. The nominations also highlighted three plays that have won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama: Between Riverside and Crazy, Cost of Living, and Fat Ham. Tom Stoppard’s new play about the Holocaust, Leopoldstadt, received the most nominations at six. The Atlantic Theatre Company in New York City came out with eight nominations for Kimberly Akimbo.

The cast of Some Like It Hot, photo by Marc J. Franklin

The 2023 Tony Awards will air live on Sunday, June 11, 2023, from 8-11 p.m. on CBS Television Network, and streaming live and on-demand on Paramount+. A limited number of tickets are on sale now.

2023 Tony Award Nominees

Best Book of a Musical

& Juliet
David West Read

Kimberly Akimbo
David Lindsay-Abaire

New York, New York
David Thompson & Sharon Washington

Shucked
Robert Horn

Some Like It Hot
Matthew López & Amber Ruffin

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

Almost Famous
Music: Tom Kitt
Lyrics: Cameron Crowe & Tom Kitt

Kimberly Akimbo
Music: Jeanine Tesori
Lyrics: David Lindsay-Abaire

KPOP
Music & Lyrics: Helen Park & Max Vernon

Shucked
Music and Lyrics: Brandy Clark & Shane McAnally

Some Like It Hot
Music: Marc Shaiman
Lyrics: Scott Wittman & Marc Shaiman

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Scenic Design of a Play

Miriam Buether, Prima Facie
Tim Hatley & Andrzej Goulding, Life of Pi
Rachel Hauck, Good Night, Oscar
Richard Hudson, Leopoldstadt
Dane Laffrey & Lucy Mackinnon, A Christmas Carol

Best Scenic Design of a Musical

Beowulf Boritt, New York, New York
Mimi Lien, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Michael Yeargan & 59 Productions, Lerner & Loewe’s Camelot
Scott Pask, Shucked
Scott Pask, Some Like It Hot

Best Costume Design of a Play

Tim Hatley, Nick Barnes & Finn Caldwell, Life of Pi
Dominique Fawn Hill, Fat Ham
Brigitte Reiffenstuel, Leopoldstadt
Emilio Sosa, Ain’t No Mo’
Emilio Sosa, Good Night, Oscar

Best Costume Design of a Musical

Gregg Barnes, Some Like It Hot
Susan Hilferty, Parade
Jennifer Moeller, Lerner & Loewe’s Camelot
Clint Ramos & Sophia Choi, KPOP
Paloma Young, & Juliet
Donna Zakowska, New York, New York

Best Lighting Design of a Play

Neil Austin, Leopoldstadt
Natasha Chivers, Prima Facie
Jon Clark, A Doll’s House
Bradley King, Fat Ham
Tim Lutkin, Life of Pi
Jen Schriever, Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman
Ben Stanton, A Christmas Carol

Best Lighting Design of a Musical

Ken Billington, New York, New York
Lap Chi Chu, Lerner & Loewe’s Camelot
Heather Gilbert, Parade
Howard Hudson, & Juliet
Natasha Katz, Some Like It Hot
Natasha Katz, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Best Sound Design of a Play

Jonathan Deans & Taylor Williams, Ain’t No Mo’
Carolyn Downing, Life of Pi
Joshua D. Reid, A Christmas Carol
Ben & Max Ringham, A Doll’s House
Ben & Max Ringham, Prima Facie

Best Sound Design of a Musical

Kai Harada, New York, New York
John Shivers, Shucked
Scott Lehrer & Alex Neumann, Into the Woods
Gareth Owen, & Juliet
Nevin Steinberg, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Best Direction of a Play

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

Best Direction of a Musical

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

Best Choreography

Steven Hoggett, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Casey Nicholaw, Some Like It Hot
Susan Stroman, New York, New York
Jennifer Weber, & Juliet
Jennifer Weber, KPOP

Best Orchestrations

Bill Sherman and Dominic Fallacaro, & Juliet
John Clancy, Kimberly Akimbo
Jason Howland, Shucked
Charlie Rosen & Bryan Carter, Some Like It Hot
Daryl Waters & Sam Davis, New York, New York

Best Play

Ain’t No Mo’

Author: Jordan E. Cooper
Producers: Lee Daniels, BET: Black Entertainment Television, Len Blavatnik, Ron Burkle, Aryeh B. Bourkoff, 59th & Prairie Entertainment, RuPaul Charles, I’ll Have Another Productions, Jeremy O. Harris, Lena Waithe, Tucker Tooley Entertainment, CJ Uzomah, Ann Cox, Gina Purlia, Bob Yari, Marvin Peart, Colleen Camp, Marvet Britto, Jeremy Green, Sue Wagner, John Johnson, Jillian Robbins, The Public Theater, Oskar Eustis, Patrick Willingham, Mandy Hackett

Between Riverside and Crazy

Author: Stephen Adly Guirgis
Producers: Second Stage Theater, Carole Rothman, Khady Kamara, Atlantic Theater Company

Cost of Living

Author: Martyna Majok
Producers: Manhattan Theatre Club, Lynne Meadow, Barry Grove, Williamstown Theatre Festival

Fat Ham

Author: James Ijames
Producers: No Guarantees, Public Theater Productions, Rashad V. Chambers, National Black Theatre, Tim Levy, Bards on Broadway, Bob Boyett, Ghostbuster Productions, James Ijames, Cynthia Stroum, Audible, Adam Cohen, Blake Devillier, Firemused Productions/JamRock Productions, The Forstalls, Iconic Vizion/Corey Brunish, John Gore Organization, Midnight Theatricals, David Miner, Robin Gorman Newman/PickleStar Theatricals, Marc Platt, Play on Shakespeare, The Wilma Theater, Colman Domingo, Cynthia Erivo, Andy Jones, Dylan Pager, Roundabout Theatre Company, Oskar Eustis, Patrick Willingham, Mandy Hackett, Sade Lythcott, Jonathan McCrory

Leopoldstadt

Author: Tom Stoppard
Producers: Sonia Friedman Productions, Roy Furman, Lorne Michaels, Stephanie P. McClelland, Gavin Kalin, Delman Sloan, Eilene Davidson, Brad Edgerton, Patrick Gracey, Hunter Arnold, Burnt Umber Productions, Cue to Cue Productions, The Factor Gavin Partnership, Harris Rubin Productions, Robert Nederlander, Jr., No Guarantees, Sandy Robertson, Iris Smith, Jamie deRoy/Catherine Adler, Dodge Hall Productions/Waverly Productions, Richardo Hornos/Robert Tichio, Heni Koenigsberg/Wendy Federman, Thomas S. Perakos/Stephanie Kramer, Brian Spector/Judith Seinfeld, Richard Winkler/Alan Shorr

Best Musical

& Juliet

Producers: Max Martin & Tim Headington, Theresa Steele Page, Jenny Petersson, Martin Dodd, Eva Price, Lukasz Gottwald, 42nd.club, Independent Presenters Network, Jack Lane, Library Company, Shellback, Shivhans Pictures, Sing Out, Louise!, Kim Szarzynski, Taylor/Riegler, Tenenbaum/Keyes, Barry Weiss, John Gore Organization

Kimberly Akimbo

Producers: David Stone, Atlantic Theater Company, James L. Nederlander, LaChanze, John Gore, Patrick Catullo, Aaron Glick

New York, New York

Producers: Sonia Friedman Productions, Tom Kirdahy, Wendy Federman & Heni Koenigsberg, Crossroads Live, Playing Field, Stephanie P. McClelland, Ambassador Theatre Group, Waiting in the Wings Productions, Colin Callender, Gilbert and DeeDee Garcia/Sue Vaccaro, Peter May, Rileyfan, Silverhopkins+/Hunter Johnson, Jay Alix & Una Jackman, Eric Passmore, Thomas Swayne, Elliott Cornelious/SunnySpot Productions, Santino DeAngelo/Cynthia Tong, Craig Balsam, Richard Batchelder, Concord Theatricals, Creative Partners Productions, Marguerite Hoffman, Jessica R. Jenen, John Gore Organization, MGM on Stage, James L. Nederlander, Linda B. Rubin, Seriff Productions, Shivhans Pictures, 42nd.club/Beards on Broadway, AGL Productions/Brad Blume, Hunter Arnold/Red Mountain Theatre, Cue to Cue Productions/Roy Putrino, Jamie deRoy/Janet and Marvin Rosen, Edgewood/Silva Theatrical Group, Dale Franzen/Henry R. Muñoz, III, Deborah Green/Chris Mattsson, Branden Grimmett/DMQR Productions, Christen James/Gregory Carroll, NETworks Presentations/Lamar Richardson, Ron Simons/Adam Zell, Chartoff-Winkler

Shucked

Producers: Mike Bosner, Jason Owen, AEG Presents/Jay Marciano/Gary Gersh, Jeffrey A. Sine, Richard Smith, Silvia Schmid, Bob Boyett, Jeremiah J. Harris, James L. Nederlander, EST/Emily Tisch, Sony Music Entertainment, DudaAllen, David W. Busch, Karen Fairchild, HoriPro Inc., Gordon-Helfner, John Gore Organization, Madison Wells Live, S&Co., Terry Schnuck, Jimi Westbrook, ZKM Media

Some Like It Hot

Producers: The Shubert Organization, Neil Meron, MGM on Stage, Roy Furman, Robert Greenblatt, James L. Nederlander, Kenny Leon, Hunter Arnold, John Gore Organization, The Dalgleish Library Company Group, Sheboygan Conservatory Partners, Ambassador Theatre Group Productions, Bob Boyett, Cue to Cue Productions, Janet and Marvin Rosen, The Araca Group, Concord Theatricals, Marc Howard, Independent Presenters Network, Juanita Jordan, Jujamcyn Theaters, Henry R. Muñoz, III, Ostar, Mariah Carey, D.S. Moynihan

Best Revival of a Play

August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson

Producers: Brian Anthony Moreland, Sonia Friedman, Tom Kirdahy, Kandi Burruss & Todd Tucker, Hunter Arnold, Playing Field, The Factor Gavin Partnership, FBK Productions/42nd.club, Jay Alix & Una Jackman, Creative Partners Productions, Harris Rubin Productions, Marguerite Steed Hoffman, Alia Jones-Harvey, Mark Gordon Pictures, Stephanie McClelland, Moore Delman, James L. Nederlander, Seriff Productions, The Shubert Organization, Salman Al-Rashid/Jamie deRoy, Brad Blume/Cliff Hopkins, Jean Doumanian /Fakston Productions, Edgewood/DMQR Productions, Jay & Cindy Gutterman/Caiola Productions, Van Kaplan/Lu-Shawn Thompson, Erik A. King/Finewomen Productions, Marc David Levine/William Frisbie, Syrinda Paige/Kevin Ryan & Diane Scott Carter, Silva Theatrical Group/Tilted, Thomas Swayne/Cynthia J. Tong, Constanza Romero-Wilson

A Doll’s House

New Version by: Amy Herzog
Producers: Ambassador Theatre Group Productions, Gavin Kalin Productions, Wessex Grove, Julie Boardman, Kate Cannova, Bob Boyett, Hunter Arnold, Creative Partners Productions, Eilene Davidson Productions, GGRS, Kater Gordon, Louise L. Gund, Los Angeles Media Fund, Stephanie P. McClelland, Tilted, Jessica Chastain, Caitlin Clements/Francesca Moody Productions, Caiola Productions/Amanda Lee, Ted & Richard Liebowitz/Joeyen-Waldorf Squeri, Richard & Cecilia Attias/Thomas S. Barnes, OHenry Theatre Nerd Productions/Runyonland MMP, The Jamie Lloyd Company

The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window

Producers: Seaview, Sue Wagner, John Johnson, Phil Kenny, Audible, Sony Music Masterworks, Jillian Robbins, Jeremy O. Harris, Larry Hirschhorn and Ricardo Hornos, Shields Smedes Stern Ltd., Kevin Ryan, The Shubert Organization, Willette and Manny Klausner, Marco Santarelli, Be Forward Productions, Concord Theatricals, Creative Partners Productions, Invisible Wall Productions, Salman and Moudhy Al-Rashid, TodayTix Group, Ido Gal, HarrisDonnelly, Sally Cade Holmes, Stella LaRue, LAMF Protozoa, Kati Meister and John Sorkin, Meredith Lynsey Schade, Catherine Schreiber, Dennis Trunfio, MCM Studios, 42nd.club, BAMM Productions, CarterMackTaylorWilliam, HB2M Productions, HK-Undivided Productions, MAJIKK Theatricals, Tanker Kollev Productions, Douglas Denoff, OHenry Productions, Plate Spinner Productions, Runyonland Productions, Mad Gene Media, Scrap Paper Pictures, Joi Gresham, BAM, Gina Duncan, David Binder, Elizabeth Moreau

Suzan-Lori Parks’ Topdog/Underdog

Producers: David Stone, LaChanze, Rashad V. Chambers, Marc Platt, Debra Martin Chase, The Shubert Organization

Best Revival of a Musical

Into the Woods

Producers: Jujamcyn Theaters, Jordan Roth, New York City Center, Daryl Roth, Hunter Arnold, Concord Theatricals, Nicole Eisenberg, Jessica R. Jenen, Michael Cassel Group, Kevin Ryan, ShowTown Productions, Armstrong, Gold & Ross, Nicole Kastrinos

Lerner & Loewe’s Camelot

Producers: Lincoln Center Theater, André Bishop, Adam Siegel, Naomi Grabel

Parade

Producers: Seaview, Ambassador Theatre Group Productions, Alex Levy, Kevin Ryan, Eric & Marsi Gardiner, Interscope & Immersive Records, Erica Lynn Schwartz, Creative Partners Productions, Marcia Goldberg, John Gore Organization, Cynthia Stroum, Tom Tuft, Benjamin Simpson, Nathan Vernon, Brian & Nick Ginsberg, Ruth & Stephen Hendel, Roth-Manella Productions, Chutzpah Productions, 42nd.club, Ahava 72 Productions, The Andryc Brothers, The Array, At Rise Creative, Caiola Jenen Productions, Coles Achilles, deRoy Brunish Productions, Fakston Productions, Federman Batchelder, Level Forward, Pencil Factory Productions, Renard Lynch, Robin Merrie, Rubin Stuckelman, Runyonland Sussman, Kristin Caskey, Mike Isaacson, Bee Carrozzini, New York City Center

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Producers: Jeffrey Seller, Bob Boyett, Diana DiMenna & Plate Spinner Productions/Aaron Glick, Eastern Standard Time, Roy Furman, Thomas Kail, Jim Kierstead/Benjamin Leon IV, TourDForce Theatrical, Maggie Brohn, Andy Jones

May 4, 2023

Hot Tuna to open the Great South Bay Music Festival on July 20 on their Final Tour

Rock duo Hot Tuna will kick off their final “Electric Hot Tuna” tour on July 20, opening the Great South Bay Music Festival at Shorefront Park in Patchogue. The duo will stop in Upstate New York in September before wrapping up their tour at the Beacon Theatre in NYC.

The duo, which comprises Jack Casady and Jorma Kaukonen, originated in San Francisco and has been making music for more than 50 years. They released their self-titled debut studio in 1970, and have since their most recent studio album was 2011’s Steady as She Goes. While their last official album was released over a decade ago, Hot Tuna is still going strong, soon to begin a tour across the country this month.

Members of Hot Tuna have come and gone, but Casady and Kaukonen have been steady members since its inception, while also maintaining solo careers. Casady released a solo album, Dream Factor, in 2003, while Kaukonen begin his solo career early into Hot Tuna’s career, releasing a solo record, Quah, 1974.

Tickets are now available for Hot Tuna’s upcoming final tour.

Hot Tuna Tour

05/06/23	Fur Peace Station Pomeroy, OH	Jorma Kaukonen and John Hurlbut
06/10/23	Old Whaling Church Edgartown, MA	Jorma Kaukonen
06/16/23	The Loft Oak Bluffs, MA	Jorma Kaukonen
06/22/23	Narrows Center for the Arts Fall River, MA	Jorma Kaukonen
06/23/23	City Winery Boston, MA	Jorma Kaukonen
06/24/23	One Longfellow Square Portland, ME	Jorma Kaukonen
07/20/23	The Great South Bay Music Festival Patchogue, NY	Electric Hot Tuna	also Dave Mason and Kerry Kearney Band
07/28/23	Tripple Door Seattle, WA	Jorma Kaukonen
07/29/23	Tripple Door Seattle, WA	Jorma Kaukonen
07/30/23	Alaaddin Theatre Portland, OR	Jorma Kaukonen
08/02/23	State Room Salt Lake City, UT	Jorma Kaukonen
08/03/23	Avalon Theatre Grand Junction, CO	Jorma Kaukonen
08/05/23	The Amory Fort Collins, CO	Jorma Kaukonen	Venue Pre-sale:2/9 @10am MST. Code: GENESIS. Onsale 2/10 @10am MST
08/06/23	Boulder Theatre Boulder, CO	Jorma Kaukonen
08/06/23	Boulder Theatre Boulder, CO	Jorma Kaukonen
09/15/23	Kodak Center Rochester, NY	Electric Hot Tuna
09/16/23	Flynn Theatre Burnlington, VT	Electric Hot Tuna
09/18/23	Flynn Theatre Burlington, VT	Electric Hot Tuna
09/20/23	The Egg Albany, NY	Electric Hot Tuna
09/21/23	Upstate Performing Arts Centers Kingston, NY	Electric Hot Tuna
09/23/23	The Beacon Theatre New York, NY	Electric Hot Tuna
09/25/23	Portsmouth Music Hall Portsmouth, NH	Electric Hot Tuna
09/27/23	College Street Music Hall New Haven, CT	Electric Hot Tuna
09/28/23	Keswick Theatre Philadelphia, PA	Electric Hot Tuna
09/30/23	Warner Theatre Washington DC	Electric Hot Tuna
10/01/23	Mountain Stage Blacksburg, VA	Electric Hot Tuna
10/04/23	Capitol Theatre Clearwater, FL	Electric Hot Tuna
10/05/23	Parker Playhouse PAC Fort Lauderdale, FL	Electric Hot Tuna
10/07/23	Suwannee Roots Revival Live Oak, FL	Electric Hot Tuna

May 3, 2023

Pete Mancini on Building the Commonwealth

Pete Mancini is a welcomed troubadour for our times, by building community though his music. His lyric are as comfortable as your favorite weather-worn blue jeans, and his style is reminiscent of Tom Petty and Hank Williams, with a hint of John Prine. Looking for some new music to add to your playlist? Check out Pete Mancini’s latest EP release, The Commonwealth Sessions Volume 1.

With Mancini’s signature blend of Americana and folk, this EP is sure to be a hit with music lovers of all kinds. Over the years, Mancini has opened for acts such as Jimmy Webb, Blues Traveler, Gin Blossoms, Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes, Pure Prairie League, Robbie Fulks, Amy Helm, Larry Campbell & Theresa Williams, Kevin Gordon, and Iain Matthews.

I was fortunate to stumble on Mancini over a year ago during the pioneering days of The Long Island Sound podcast. Pete was one of my early guests on the podast and I was fortunate enough to sit down with him and talk about his travels and ever growing catalog of songs on the most recent episode out today. Pete Mancini keeps popping up on my radar. In a soon-to-be episode of The Long Island Sound Podcast, I interviewed Bill Herman of Paradiddle Records only to find Pete singing on the opening track of the Hank Williams Uncovered album, “Lovesick Blues” to perfection. More to come on the Hank Williams’ project on May 12th. You can find a deeper conversation with Pete Mancini right here on The Long Island Sound.

Commonwealth Music Sessions

The feeling of loneliness, isolation and lack of companionship have been on the rise in the past few years. Covering the music scene in this little corner of New York State, I often search for connection and community, pleasantly surprised to pick up on a musican who lifts me up, and welcomes me into their world. I found artists who love their labor, while patching us up with their original music. Pete Mancini is a craftsman and consumate performer, a troubador who on track, in my opinion to be the next Gordon Lightfoot. The late Gordon Lightfoot (passed away on May 1st), was a favorite of both John Prine and Bob Dylan. I hear a thread of Gordon in Mancini’s music as he is admired as well among the community of musicians on Long Island.

New EP Release

Mancini, a prolific songwriter, had just buttoned up some thirty songs for his next album, yet to be released. There were five songs, which didn’t fit the theme of the pending album, so Pete decided to release an EP on May 5th called, The Commonwealth Music Sessions, Volume One, which can be found here at his Bandcamp site. Pete assembled a fine group of musicians who played on the EP, including Joe Leone, Delaney Hafener and Nick Balzano.

EP’s are often used to keep an artist’s audience engaged. Listenting to his latest EP, I found myself craving for more and maybe that’s the unintended consequence for a fan on releasing an EP with an album in the wings. Pete gave me an exclusive preview of the opening song, “Golden Hour” on our quickie podcast interview being released today. A great commentary on vanity, and the images we build up in seeking admoration and attention.

Lamenting Loss

The passing of good friend and collaborator, especially one so close becomes pain that dwells deep in one’s heart. On September 16, 2021, Travis McKeveny, a well-respected singer/songwriter from Long Island, passed away. Pete often mentions the impact Travis had on his craft, and how much he learned from him. Pete is also a member of The Famous Doctor Scanlon Band, playing the music of Travis McKeveny. There’s no better way to pay tribute to those who built us up, than by performing their music with friends.

He was my brother in arms, in music and in life. I miss him dearly.
Pete Mancini

Upcoming Shows

You can find Pete Mancini paying all around from New York City to various venues on Long Island. Friday, May 5th, Pete will be opening up for Rhett Miller at My Father’s Place in Glen Cove. On May 13th, in support of Labor and the Harry Chapin Food Bank, Pete joins a wonderful lineup of artists at the Bald Hill Ampitheater for the Mayday Music Festival, including Blues Traveler, The Wallflowers, Wheatus, John Hampson (Singer Nine Days/”Absolutely (Story of a Girl)”), and The Belle Curves (Delaney Haefner, a recent guest on the podcast)

Leave the Loneliness Behind

Old man gushing alert! I’ve interviewed many artists over the past year and a half. From time to time, I become enamored with the music and the musician. Pete Mancini is a rising star in my book, and a must-see performer who keenly observes the world around us, articulating needed insights, while entertaining in a folksy manner. We can listen to music on our favorite platforms, but there’s nothing that replaces the live performance! Pete Mancini was generous enough to join Mike Nugent and The Blue Moon Band for an experiment of sorts, called The Long Island Sound Showcase. We did a livesteam podcast, featuring Nugent as the main act and Mancini performing the second set.

During the show we all got to experience Mancini as he welcomed the audience into his world and entertained us though song and conversation. I’ll take pride in being a broken-record preacher of the benefits of live local performances! I emplore of all us to heal though the music, and confront the isolation and loneliness by getting out to hear the music. To hear the full interview with Pete Mancini, search for The Long Island Sound, wherever you listen to podcasts. As I say, “Be generous with your joy, keep your spirits high, and let the music take you on a journey.”

May 3, 2023
Janet Jackson MSG Concert Rescheduled

Tickets to see the five-time Grammy award winner, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, author, dancer, philanthropist and much more, Janet Jackson at MSG were selling fast. Luckily, the global icon has added a second show in NYC for her North American Tour, “Together Again.” Jackson will be joined by Ludacris, who’s whitty lyrics and entertaining hits defined the 2000s music scene, and continues to stay relevant today.

Due to a potential New York Knicks Eastern Conference Semifinal Game 5 against the Miami Heat in the NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden, Janet Jackson’s concert scheduled for Wednesday, May 10, 2023, has been rescheduled to Monday, May 8, 2023. The concert originally scheduled for Tuesday, May 9 will proceed as usual. All tickets purchased for the Wednesday, May 10 concert will be honored on Monday, May 8. If you cannot commit to the rescheduled show date, you can request a refund anytime between now and Sunday, May 7 at 10:00 PM ET through your Ticketmaster account page.

The tour celebrates Janet Jackson’s 50th anniversary in entertainment and spotlights two other milestones in her career — 25 years since her album, The Velvet Rope, and 30 since Janet. Find tickets here, and see the full list of tour dates below. Tickets for the MSG shows can be found here.

Janet Jackson Together Again Tour Dates

April 14 2023 – Hollywood, FL – Hard Rock Live Arena

April 16 2023 – Hollywood, FL – Hard Rock Live Arena

April 19 2023 – Orlando, FL – Amway Center

April 21 2023– Savannah, GA – Enmarket Arena

April 22 2023 – Birmingham, AL – Legacy Arena

April 25 2023 – Columbia, SC – Colonial Life Arena

April 26 2023 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena

April 27 2023 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena

April 29 2023 – Memphis, TN – FedEx Forum

April 30 2023 – St Louis, MO – Enterprise Center

May 02 2023 – Kansas City, MO – T-Mobile Center

May 04 2023 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena

May 06 2023 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live

May 08 2023 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden

May 09 2023 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden

May 12 2023 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion

May 13 2023 – Baltimore, MD – CFG Bank Arena

May 14 2023 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater

May 18 2023 – Allentown, PA – PPL Center

May 19 2023 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center

May 20 2023 – Atlantic City, NJ – Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena

May 23 2023 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage

May 24 2023 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena

May 26 2023 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center

May 27 2023 – Tinley Park, IL – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre Chicago

May 28 2023 – Milwaukee, WI – American Family Insurance Amphitheater

May 30 2023 – St Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center

June 02 2023 – Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion

June 03 2023 – Houston, TX – Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

June 04 2023 – Austin, TX – Moody Center

June 07 2023 – Phoenix, AZ – Ak-Chin Pavilion

June 09 2023 – Irvine, CA – FivePoint Amphitheatre

June 10 2023 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Bowl

June 11 2023 – San Diego, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre

June 16 2023 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre

June 20 2023 – Portland, OR – Moda Center

June 21 2023 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena

May 3, 2023
Stolen Gin Share Dance/funk “Drunk Ambition” Single + Video

NYC-based dance-funk quintet Stolen Gin have released their newest single “Drunk Ambition” paired alongside a lyric video. The single gives the feeling of an intense love for a person, never wanting them to leave your side.

Stolen Gin, a dance-funk quintet formed in 2019 from New York City, is known for their high-energy live act and avid improvisation–they never play songs the same way twice. The band first came together playing college parties on NYC rooftops, and their goal then was the same as it is now: to make every gig feel like a party, and to keep people dancing.

The band writes, “This song was written a couple months after meeting someone really special. I’m looking back at how it started and counting my blessings that it happened the way it did. The first verse is a flashback to that original moment where a relationship was the last thing on my mind- or so I thought. The chorus then brings us back to the present, where ‘Drunk Ambition’ is my own little way describing the untamable love I feel for this person, never wanting to leave their side.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3Y3XhGifto

“As a band, we’ve recorded some projects in the past at full service studios but realized that we’re most comfortable locked in a room together with no outside influences. For ‘Drunk Ambition,’ we decided to book a session at a DIY studio in Brooklyn. We produced the verses of the song to be tight and funky, while playing with longer, distorted chords and pumping drums in the chorus to create tension and release. Our guitarist, Will Adler, engineered the session and mixed the track, and the song was mastered by Will Quinnell at Sterling Sound.”

Having gotten their start playing college rooftop shows around the city, the band is continuing to utilize all New York has to offer, with this latest track being recorded at a DIY studio in Brooklyn. But Stolen Gin’s sound can be heard all over the world, given their immense TikTok following after songs like “Tension Release” and “Take Your Problems to the Disco” went viral across the platform.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ajj4D7YCdw

Stolen Gin goes on tour consistently, selling out their last eight consecutive NYC headliners in the span of the last 18 months at venues such as Baby’s All Right, Mercury Lounge, and more. The band recently played in both D.C. and Boston for the first time, with sellouts in both of those cities. They’ve also just finished a tour with the legendary jam band TAUK, and now Stolen Gin is heading back into the studio to make more new music.

To listen/watch “Drunk Ambition,” click the link here.

For more music by Stolen Gin, click the link here.

May 2, 2023
Syrian Music Preservation Initiative Presents Love and Loss: Traditional Music of Syria at Carnegie Hall on May 19

On May 19, the Syrian Music Preservation Initiative will celebrate its 5th anniversary at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall with a presentation of works by Syrian composers, Love and Loss: Classical Music of Syria.

The one-night-only event begins at 8 p.m. featuring SMPI’s Takht al-Nagham (an Arab chamber music ensemble), led by Artistic Director Samer Ali. This group includes instruments traditional to the Takht such as the oud (Arab lute), qanun (Arab zither), and riq (tambourine).

Founder and Artistic Director Samer Ali and President Marissa Arciola. Credit: Syrian Music Preservation Initiative

The 5th-anniversary celebration will include works by Mahmood Aijan, Wanees Wartanian, Majdi al-’Aqili, Ramez Khaskiyya, Khalil Haj Hussein, and Ali, and traditional works by other Syrian composers. Joining Ali (violin) on stage are Marissa Arciola Ali (bass), Brian Prunka (oud), John Murchison (qanun), Nezih Antakli (riq), Gideon Forbes (nay), Lubana Al Quntar (vocals), and Zahra al-Zubaidi, Erik Jönsson, Marwa Morgan, and Stefan Paolini in the choir.

The theme of love and loss is common throughout the classical Syrian repertoire and remains relevant to their reality today. We are dedicated to preserving and invigorating the diverse regional music traditions of Syria, and this performance will promote the musical heritage through both older, lesser-known works and contemporary pieces. In this way, we celebrate the past, present, and future of Syrian music.
Samer Ali

The show also features several musicians who were selected after an audition process, which was open to anyone from the community who wanted to perform with SMPI; the musicians include Syrian siblings of from Pennsylvania: Kyla (violin), Chris (qanun), and Makayl Manja (violin); as well as Amirah Ismail (violin), of Egyptian descent and from Washington, D.C., and Laith al-Attar (oud), of Iraqi descent and also from the DC area.

Founded in 2018, SMPI promotes and celebrates the diverse musical traditions of Syria through preservation, innovation, research, and education, including music and dance performances, classes, workshops, and seminars, as well as digital resources and recordings. SMPI is partly funded by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the New York City Council.

Syrian Native Samer Ali is a physician, violinist, oudist, composer, and founder and artistic director of SMPI, and has led Takht al-Nagham, SMPI’s Arab chamber music ensemble, in New York at Roulette Intermedium; Florida at Miami Beach Bandshell; and Washington, DC at Kennedy Center.

Marissa Arciola Ali is a bassist, strategist, and leader with a unique combination of artistic and business experience who has worked with a number of nonprofit organizations while playing with groups ranging from classical, to rock, and Middle Eastern music. As President of the SMPI board and member of Takht al-Nagham, she helps to move the organization forward by putting a focus on digital initiatives, prioritizing projects, and growing donation and fundraising prospects.

Damascus-born Lubana al-Quntar, considered one of the leading opera singers of the Arab world, has a repertoire that includes traditional Arabic, folk, and pop music. She completed her academic studies at the Royal College of Music in London and the Damascus Conservatory of Music and studied operatic performance at the Maastricht Academy of Music in Holland. She has appeared globally as an opera soloist and as a traditional Arab singer, and headed the opera department at the Damascus Conservatory where she taught opera and Arabic singing.

John Murchison is a Brooklyn-based multi-instrumentalist who performs in the worlds of pop and musical theater, jazz and avant-garde, and traditional music from the Middle East and Africa. Murchison is one of the most in-demand bassists for traditional Arabic music in the United States and also performs regularly on qanun, gimbri, oud, and percussion. He is a co-founder of Brooklyn Maqam, an organization dedicated to presenting, promoting, and building a community around Arabic music in the NYC area.

Zahra al-Zubaidi is a New York-based Iraqi vocalist who performs a wide range of Arabic styles, with a focus on Iraqi music. She has performed as a featured artist around the US, and as a guest/chorus with several internationally renowned artists such as Muhammad Qadri Dalal, Lubana AlQuntar, with Takht al-Nagham and other ensembles like Safaafir and Hamid al-Saadi. In 2021, she was awarded the City Artist Corps grant to showcase women’s voices and the Iraqi Maqam and recently performed at NYC’s historic Joe’s Pub for the 2022 Habibi Festival.

New York City-based percussionist Nezih Antakli has performed nationally in numerous venues such as the Lincoln Center, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, as well as internationally on a variety of festivals around the world as well as on the Broadway Show “The Band’s Visit”. An alum of the University for the Arts in Rotterdam, Netherlands (CODARTS), he moved to the United States in 2007 and has been involved in the Middle Eastern and Balkan music scene in the wider New York City and Philadelphia area.

Marwa Morgan is a New York City-based Egyptian singer and journalist who grew up in Cairo surrounded by classical Egyptian music and started singing at an early age, before moving to the U.S. in 2015, where she has performed with several ensembles, including Takht al-Nagham, The Middle East Music Orchestra at Rutgers University among others.

Brooklyn-based vocalist Erik Jönsson began singing at a young age in his church’s choir in the Hudson Valley, and decades later, he is still singing in church as a member of Trinity Church Wall Street’s Downtown Voices. He has also sung as a member of that choir at Carnegie Hall with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) as part of the Mark Morris Dance Group’s production of L’Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, and Madison Square Garden in concert with Andrea Bocelli.

Tickets are now available for the 5th-anniversary celebration of the Syrian Music Preservation Initiative at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall.

May 2, 2023
A Sold Out Show at Irving Plaza for Valley on “Lost in Translation Tour”

On Friday, April 28th, the line of eager Valley fans spilled from the doors of Irving Plaza to wrap around the block. Despite the misting rain, the energy pulsing in the camped-out line was warm.

Photograph by Emma Dowd

On their “Lost In Translation Tour,” Valley sold out their New York City show. As the venue filled, it became increasingly undeniable that Valley deserved to be at a larger venue. They had performed at the lovely Irving Plaza a year prior, and since then it was clear they’ve collected a larger fanbase.

Photograph by Emma Dowd

The opener for Valley , Aidan Bisset, kicked off the night with his pop-grunge music. The crowd immediately received Bisset’s stage presence and relatable lyrics. He sang of toxic romances, new love, and break-ups. With two electric guitars and a drum set, he commanded a fast rhythm and infectious persona of youthful fun and passionate intensity. Bisset performed some of his hits, three unreleased songs, and even took on the vocally renowned cover, Kings of Leon’s, “Sex On Fire.” Bisset engaged with the crowd, taking their BeReals, getting level to level with them to chat, and wooing over new fans. Before leaving the stage, he graciously thanked Valley for having him on their tour.

Photograph by Emma Dowd

The set change was fascinating. Usually, microphones are changed and some of the instruments are shifted around. Valley’s upcoming set brought on multiple box-screen televisions to be stacked on top of each other, an ambiguous rectangular frame of notable size with drapes hanging over it, and countless additional lights. Valley’s pre-show setlist had the crowd belting familiar songs in each other’s embrace. Fog began to roll down from the balcony level and off the stage. This grabbed hold of the crowd’s attention. When the lights suddenly shut off and Irving was pitch black, the curious murmur rolled into an uproar of excitement.

Photograph by Emma Dowd

The TVs stacked on top of each other switched on. Their screens matched the static sound emanating overhead. Flashes of the band members’ faces and old television clips emerged sporadically through the static. The lights slowly faded from a hint of color to a bright broadcast of a Valley inspired color palette. Bass vibrated the floor, and the crowd stood in awe.

Eventually the band ran onto the stage. Drummer, Karah James, took her throne behind the drums. Guitarist, Michael Brandolino, and bassist, Alex Dimauro ran to their instruments. They played an adrenaline inducing intro for their lead singer, Rob Laska. Laska ran onto the stage, with an electric guitar slung around his shoulders. The crowd’s response was deafening.

Photograph by Emma Dowd

Photograph by Emma Dowd

Valley opened with one of their most popular songs, “There’s Still A Light In The House.” The song is a tribute to love and the endless possibilities of finding one’s self in New York City. The lyric on the bridge that goes Is it New York? Or Heaven? I can’t think twice now, was sung proudly by the New York City crowd. Laska, infatuated with the crowd’s energy, encouraged their singing. The audience sang back to the band with one collective voice that shared an affinity for their conversational lyrics.

As the show went on, the performance became more personal. Laska jumped into the pit that separated him from the crowd to sing with some fans. In between songs, he conversed and told stories about band memories in New York City. Laska reminisced, “New York City is special to us, we wrote our first record in this damn city! We’ll be coming back forever.” This led to Valley announcement of their new record Lost In Translation, set to release on June 23rd.

Photograph by Emma Dowd

The draped frame that was brought onto the stage during set transitions became a crucial filament of the show. Over half way through the concert, the TVs turned back on and the lights dimmed. Laska approached the frame and tore the drape off to reveal a reflective mirror surface with strobe lights hanging from it. A phone began to ring, and Laska tugged a landline phone from the structure. He sang one of their hits, “A Phone Call In Amsterdam,” into the phone. The entire show was an artistic performance, rather than a band just performing on stage. The appreciation for the theatrics and the attention to detail resembled The 1975’s “At Their Very Best Tour.”

As Valley trailed towards the end of their setlist, Laska emphasized his gratitude for everyone choosing to be at their show. “There’s a lot of cool shit going on in New York City on a Friday night, so I’m happy we all found each other in this vortex.” Underneath the twirling Irving disco ball, the fans really unified in their fandom. He invited everyone to join them in a state of appreciative awareness for the last couple of songs. Without a clear goodbye, Valley left the stage. The crowd was not going to leave without an encore.

Photograph by Emma Dowd

Heads turned in a whiplash from the front of the stage to the back of the venue. A murmur of eager confusion echoed throughout the venue. Suddenly, a spotlight shone on the back of the crowd. Laska began to make his way through the crowd towards the stage, singing “Paper Cup (sorry for myself).” The audience parted like the red sea for him to make his way towards the front of the crowd, where he sang for the remainder of the song. The rest of the band took to the stage, and Laska joined them to finish out their set with their popular song, “hiccup.”

Photograph by Emma Dowd

The encore applause was impressive. The sounds of cheers and screams took over Laska’s volume as he thanked the crowd. All the band members joined him at center stage to take their hard-earned bow. Karah James tossed her drumsticks, kisses were blown, and hands clasped in praise for New York City. Laska closed out the night with a sweet send off, “Take care of each other, love one another, and we’ll see you very soon!”

Photo gallery by Emma Dowd

May 2, 2023
Aerosmith Announce Farewell Tour, Stops at UBS Arena, Keybank Center, and MSG

Four-time Grammy award-winning and diamond-certified rock band Aerosmith announced the PEACE OUT! Farewell Tour, stopping at various New York cities, including Belmont Park, Buffalo, and New York City.

For the last 50 years, rock legends Aerosmith have toured extensively and have sold 150 million records worldwide. The Rock and Roll Hall of Famers have produced genre-defining music videos such as “Amazing,” “Crazy,” “Janie’s Got A Gun,” “Livin’ On The Edge,” and “Love In An Elevator,” as well as becoming the first rock band with a massive commercially successful hip-hop collaboration with Run DMC on “Walk This Way,” and the first hard rock band to appear during a Super Bowl Halftime Show with their 2001 performance.

In a joint statement, Aerosmith shared, “It’s not goodbye it’s PEACE OUT! Get ready and walk this way, you’re going to get the best show of our lives.” Along with the tour announcement, the band shared that drummer Joey Kramer will not be joining the group for the final run, saying “While Joey Kramer remains a beloved founding member of Aerosmith, he has regrettably made the decision to sit out the currently scheduled touring dates to focus his full attention on his family and health. Joey’s unmistakable and legendary presence behind the drum kit will be sorely missed.”

The special guest for the tour is The Black Crowes, a rock group that has gone through their fair share since changing how journalists felt about hard rock with their record Shake Your Money Maker. In 1990 they topped Rolling Stone’s “Best New American Band Readers Poll,” going on to release eight studio and four live albums, selling in the tens of millions along the way, and sold out tours around the world. In addition, the band had legendary guitarist Jimmy Page join as a member, got kicked off a tour with ZZ Top for insulting the sponsor, got screwed by bad record deals, and more.

The monumental 40-date farewell tour includes stops at UBS Arena in Belmont Park on Saturday, Sept. 9, KeyBank Center in Buffalo on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2024, and Madison Square Garden on Friday, Jan. 19, 2024. The band will be collaborating with THX, bringing their Certified Live! high-fidelity experience on the road, calibrating each arena with leading-edge audio technology. VIP ticketing options are available, including a premium reserved ticket, a personal photo opportunity with band members, limited edition merchandise, and more. General on-sale begins on Friday, May 5 at 10 AM, for more information and to buy tickets, go here.

May 1, 2023
The Indomitable Nancy Atlas

The aftermath of the quarantine has left many of us longing for experiences and community. The ability of an artist to constitute community is what I love about music, especially local original music. Nancy Atlas is a well-known entity on the East End of Long Island, especially in her hometown of Montauk, famously called “The drinking village with a fishing problem”. Nancy knows how to inspire a community and connects with her audience though passion and performance.

I had the double blessing of interviewing Nancy on The Long Island Sound podcast and seeing her live recently at Stephen Talkhouse, a venue which I call the CBGB’s of Amagansett. Nancy became my antidote for the longing that can never be quenched, as I continue to explore the wellspring of talent on Long Island.

If you can find something that you’re passionate about and you can make a living at it, then you’re a lucky person
Nancy Atlas

A Force of Nature

Before we dive into the rollercoaster ride of a show, it’s important to get an understanding how this female force of nature embraces her craft like the ocean envelops us as we venture into the deep.

Prior to her moniker as The Nancy Atlas project, this Commack, NY native went to college in London to study marketing. Upon graduation, she was hard-pressed to find a job in her chosen field. With the creative juices flowing, original songs in hand, Nancy went to an open mic hosted by Johnny Leitch aka Johnny Blood, a fantastic guitarist in his own right. The rest is history.

Nancy Atlas has compiled a vast repertoire of music, fans and host of celebrity sit-ins at Stephen Talkhouse. Jimmy Buffett, Elvis Costello, Coco Montoya, Lukas Nelson, Bonnie Raitt, GE Smith, and Lucinda Williams to name a few. Nancy said, Lucinda Williams’ passion and hard work was what influenced her to take her craft seriously.

The most important thing is to surround yourself with people that are better than you
Nancy Atlas

There are a wide range of artist influences who shaped her sound, from Johnny Cash and Emmylou Harris to Lucinda Williams. Atlas also recounted how her experiences growing up on Long Island have influenced her music, particularly the ocean and the beach, which she described as her “sanctuary.”

Throughout the interview, Atlas discussed her creative process and how she approaches songwriting. She explained that she likes to write about real-life experiences and emotions, drawing inspiration from her own life and the world around her.

Atlas emphasized the importance of collaboration, both with her band members and other musicians in the industry. She described how working with others can bring new ideas and perspectives to the table, and ultimately lead to better music.

The more honest you are with your songwriting; the more people connect with it.
Nancy Atlas

We discussed the challenges of being a musician, particularly in today’s music industry.

Atlas acknowledged that the rise of streaming services has changed the landscape for musicians, making it more difficult to earn a living solely from music sales. However, she also noted that the internet has made it easier for independent artists to connect with their fans and reach new audiences. Atlas emphasized the importance of adapting to change and finding new ways to make a living as a musician.

I think the hardest thing about being an artist in this day and age is finding the balance between the art and the commerce.
Nancy Atlas

Performing at Stephen Talkhouse

During the interview, I told Nancy how I hoped to go to Stephen Talkhouse someday, and she quickly goateed me in to attending her April 22^nd show. I was not disappointed. With the intent to open opportunities to others, Nancy had the PasserBy Band opened up for her, and the band was electric with youthful energy and talent. Nancy’s son Cash, a member of the band was joined by a cast of East Hampton Highschoolers who rounded out the group.

PasserBy covered Santana’s Oye Como Va, and Dexys Midnight Runners, Come on Eileen to the delight of a welcoming audience, as a proud mother stood in the wings with admiration and pride

The Nancy Atlas Project took the stage promptly at 8:15 pm, as a lighting bolt of energy pulsed with Nancy as she began to strum the intro, soon to be joined by her longtime guitarist, Johnny Blood. Her set was filled with original songs, that were familiar to adoring fans, as I watched and listened to a community of Eastender’s revel with enjoyment and celebration.

A key moment, came when Nancy recalled a famous ocean rescue in Montauk, as detailed in the New York Times best selling novel, A Speck in the Sea. Nancy’s song “The Tale of Johnny Load” recounts the key events in the “Montauk Miracle” and has become somewhat of an anthem to how the Montauk community came together to beging the search for Johnny. The song is about a voyage of the fishing boat , Anna Mary with only Johnny “Load” Aldridge and Anthony Sosinski aboard. Anthony Sosinski, one of the crewmembers was on hand, and took the stage to lead the crowd in a Happy Birthday song to both Nancy and her sidekick Johnny Blood.

You can see Nancy Atlas performing at Stephen Talkhouse on May 20th, it’s certianly a bucketlist item for any music lover.

Music and the Power to Heal

She talked about how music has the power to heal and bring people together, and how she hopes her music can have a positive impact on her listeners.

My interview with Nancy Atlas on the Long Island Sound podcast provided a fascinating look into the life and career of one of Long Island’s most talented musicians. From her early influences to her creative process and the challenges of the music industry, Atlas shared insights and stories that are sure to inspire aspiring musicians and fans alike. Her performance at Stephen Talkhouse was a powerful reminder of the healing power of music and the importance of spreading positivity in today’s world. If you’re a fan of Nancy Atlas or just love great music, be sure to check out her interview on The Long Island Sound podcast.

May 1, 2023
Shoshana Bean Announces Residency At Manhattan’s Midnight Theatre

Tony Award Nominee Shoshana Bean has announced her debut residency at the newly opened Midnight Theatre in west Manhattan.

Shoshana will take audiences on a musical journey of honesty, exploration and celebration of life, art, and friendship. Performances are on Thursday, May 25, Friday May 26, Saturday, May 27 at 8:00pm and Sunday, May 28 at 7:00pm.

Midnight Theatre is a new, state-of-the-art performance venue in the heart of New York’s Manhattan West. The intimate 150-seat theater was conceptualized by Creative Director Warren Adcock to be a showcase for talent across a wide variety of entertainment, including magic, music, comedy, and Broadway cabarets.

Shoshana Bean was most recently seen starring opposite Billy Crystal in Broadway’s Mr. Saturday Night. Tony and Grammy nominated for her role as Susan Young, she has previously starred on Broadway as Elphaba in Wicked and Jenna in Waitress. Her 6 independent studio albums and EP’s have landed her on top of the iTunes and Billboard charts, including the peak position of #1 on the Billboard Jazz Chart. She has sold out concerts around the globe and lent her voice to countless films and television shows, a few of which include: Sing, Enchanted, Glee and Galavant.

Shoshana made her Broadway debut in the original cast of Hairspray, appeared Off-Broadway in the 2000 revival of “Godspell”, and in Songs for a New World at City Center Encores. She won an IRNE Award for her performance as Fanny Brice in Funny Girl and earned a Jeff Award nomination for her portrayal of CeeCee Bloom in the pre-Broadway musical production of “Beaches”. She has appeared in Bloodline, Bill and Ted Face The Music, and recently filmed a solo concert special for PBS.

For more information on the residency, or to purchase tickets, please visit Midnight Theatres website.

May 1, 2023