Indie rock group Real Estate announced their upcoming album, to be released this February 23 titled Daniel. This release will mark the band’s sixth full length record, as they prepare to embark on their cross-country tour with two shows in New York State.
The first single off Real Estate’s upcoming album is out now, titled “Water Underground.” The track comes with an official music video inspired by the 1990s Nickelodeon show The Adventures of Pete and Pete. Starring members of the show’s original cast, Danny Tamberelli and Michael C Maronna, the video pays homage to the 90s nostalgia and both the band and actors’ shared New Jersey roots.
Real Estate will embark on an impressive North American tour this spring, with two shows across New York State. The group will play at NYC’s Webster Hall on April 18, followed by Woodstock’s Levon Helm Studios on April 20. The tour spans over 30 cities, beginning this March 1 in Vancouver, BC.
The band’s upcoming album, Daniel, was recorded in nine days at Nashville’s RCA Studio A facility. The 11-track record touches on themes and topics from their earliest work, revisited with the perspective of adulthood and experience. Daniel is available for pre-order now.
General onsale for tickets begins on December 1. Local and artist presales begin on Nov 29. More information is available at realestatetheband.com.
Real Estate 2024 Tour Dates
03/01/24 – Vancouver, BC @ Hollywood Theatre*
03/02/24 – Seattle, WA @ The Showbox*
03/03/24 – Portland, OR @ Revolution Hall*
03/05/24 – Salt Lake City, UT @ The Urban Lounge*
03/06/24 – Denver, CO @ The Gothic Theatre*
03/08/24 – Santa Fe, NM @ Meow Wolf*
03/09/24 – Phoenix, AZ @ Crescent Ballroom*
03/10/24 – San Diego, CA @ The Observatory North Park*
Lukas Nelson and The Promise of The Real brought their fall North American 2023 tour to the Capitol Theatre on November 22, 2023. The band is currently touring in support of Sticks and Stones, their latest release. This is their second appearance at the Capitol.
Lukas Nelson + POTR
Nelson guided the POTR on a musical journey through peaks and valleys, exploring a range from soulful ballads to roots rock. Notably, The Promise of The Real, with Lukas Nelson, served as the backing band for Neil Young from 2015 to 2019. This baptism by fire equipped them with the experience needed to ascend to the status of a headlining band.
Lukas Nelson + POTR
The members of POTR—Anthony LoGerfo (drums, percussion), Corey McCormick (bass guitar, vocals), Logan Metz (keyboards, lap steel, guitar, harmonica, vocals), and Tato Melgar (percussion)—collaborated with Nelson to create an atmosphere reminiscent of a local bar with friends, rather than the formality of a theater.
Lukas Nelson backed by Anthony LoGerfo
As Thanksgiving Eve unfolded, a sense of family permeated the night’s theme. Lukas Nelson paid tribute to his mother by dedicating ‘Icarus’ from the band’s newest recording to her. In the middle of the show, the members of POTR stepped off the stage. Nelson then took center stage, donning an acoustic guitar, and delivered a heartfelt rendition of Willie Nelson‘s ‘Angels Fly Too Close to the Ground.’ The performance left us questioning whether Lukas was honoring his father or undergoing a transformative moment right before our eyes.
Ben Chapman
Originating from Georgia and currently residing in Nashville, Ben Chapman kicked off the night. As a self-described ‘broke ass songwriter,’ he set the evening’s vibe. Chapman’s honky-tonk flair had the audience tapping their feet throughout his set. Adding a personal touch, he covered the Grateful Dead’s ‘Friend of the Devil,’ imprinting it with his unique style.
The tour continues through mid – December with a final show at the Maui Cultural Arts Center in Hawaii.
Comedian, actor, and podcast host Sebastian Maniscalco has announced his 2024 It Ain’t Right Tour, stopping in New York City, Albany, Rochester, Buffalo, and Syracuse.
Sebastian Maniscalco is the undisputed king of physical comedy, hailed by The New York Times as the “hottest comic in America.” He has been performing for over two decades gaining a massive loyal fanbase. With his tireless work ethic and undeniable talent, Maniscalco commands the crowd with his witty jokes and honesty. During his latest tour, he conquered New York City by selling out Madison Square Garden, Barclays Center, UBS Arena, and Prudential Center. With residencies at the Borgata Event Center in Atlantic City, as well as the Wynn, Encore Theatre in Las Vegas, he continues his record-breaking arena shows that earned him the top spot on Pollstar’s Top Comedy Tours list.
He has also starred in six comedy specials for networks such as Netflix, Showtime, and Comedy Central. Maniscalco’s success in comedy extends beyond the stand-up stage. His talents have translated to film, television, and podcasting. His new series Bookie, co-produced by Maniscalco and Chuck Lorre, premieres in November of 2023 on HBO MAX. The show follows a veteran bookie navigating the impending legalization of sports gambling and the evolving culture that bounces him around Los Angeles.
Credit: Peggy Sirota.
Maniscalco can be seen on the big screen in projects such as the animated feature film The Super Mario Bros. Movie, the Neil Bogart biopic Spinning Gold, and the dramedy Somewhere in Queens with Ray Romano and Laurie Metcalf. In 2023, Maniscalco marked his first role as a leading man when he co-wrote and starred in About My Father, loosely based on his Italian family experience, alongside Robert De Niro. Maniscalco also appeared in Martin Scorsese’s crime drama, The Irishman, and Peter Farrelly’s Oscar-winning Green Book.
Along with TV and standup, Maniscalco currently hosts two podcasts, Daddy vs. Doctor and The Pete and Sebastian Show. He is also the author of the national best-selling memoir, “Stay Hungry,” an inspiring, and honest collection of essays that traces his career from trials and tribulations – to reaching the pinnacles of comedy success.
“Hop on the ‘It Ain’t Right’ tour, where I’ll roast today’s absurdities – nonexistent manners, wallet-wincing prices, and the social media circus,” said Maniscalco. “Join me in laughing at the wrongs in this shameless world!”
Tickets will be available starting with artist presale on Wednesday, November 29. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general on-sale beginning on Friday, December 1 at 10 a.m.
IT AIN’T RIGHT 2024 TOUR DATES:
Thu Jul 11 – Norfolk, VA – Norfolk Scope Arena
Fri Jul 12 – Raleigh, NC – PNC Arena
Sat Jul 13 – Asheville, NC – ExploreAsheville.com Arena
This upcoming Sunday, December 3, sister band the Screaming Orphans will perform their first ever Christmas concert at The Roslyn Cellar located at 1221 Old Northern Blvd, Roslyn, New York as part of their Mini Christmas Tour.
Their performance begins at 3:00 pm on Long Island. Even though it’s a matinee, be prepared to experience the same level of craic as a weekend night show. The Screaming Orphans promise to curate a party atmosphere that rivals a vigorous session. So you can count on dancing and singing (or if you’re tone-deaf like me, the closest you can to singing) along to various Christmas tunes.
Expect to hear songs like “Jingle Bells” and “Christmas Time Is Here” but with a Screaming Orphans’ twist. The Screaming Orphans’ signature sound, which consists of melodic old-school pop with heavy folk influences, can be heard on these classics, transforming these staple songs into the Screaming Orphans’ own. But what truly makes these songs their own is their transcendental harmonies. Their haunting harmonies rise out of the extraordinary sibling bond that binds the band together.
“When your siblings, you instinctively know what the other person is going to do…
It’s like we’re telepathic at times.”
Gráinne Diver, guitarist and vocalist of Screaming Orphans
The four sisters (Angela Diver on bass, violin and vocals; Joan Diver on drums and vocals; Marie Thérèse Diver on keys, accordion, and vocals, and Gráinne Diver on guitar and vocals) possess a powerful sibling bond that’s heard not only in their enchanting harmonies but also in their lively performances.
Drummer Joan noticed the sisters tend to ramble off and converse between themselves during shows. “We’re terrible chatters,” guitarist Gráinne stated. At times the sisters won’t even finish their sentences. But that doesn’t matter. They understand what the other is saying in a way only siblings can understand.
“When your siblings, you instinctively know what the other person is going to do,” Gráinne stated. It’s this deep sibling connection that allows the band to easily improv during performances. “We don’t play our songs like we record them. It’s not like we sit down and learn all these parts. We tend to play things differently live,” Gráinne stated. “As a family, we sort of know if somebody goes off on a different musical tangent, so we follow them. We might glare at them though,” Gráinne laughed. “It’s like we’re telepathic at times.”
The Screaming Orphans featuring sistersGráinne, Marie Thérèse, Joan, and Angela Driver.
The Screaming Orphans aim to recreate this familiar bond with their audience during their shows. “For a lot of our shows, we want people to feel like they’re in our sitting room. Or we’re in the house or kitchen and just having a sing-song,” Gráinne stated. “Everything is very much like, we’re all friends. We’re all sitting ‘round having a bit of fun.”
While the band is excited to have some more fun with their fans, Gráinne stated this tour is a bit more nerve wracking than their previous ones. Why? This is the Screaming Orphans’ first live Christmas performance. Their only other Christmas show was a live streamed concert back in 2020 during the midst of the pandemic.
Despite the nerves, Gráinne looks to the bright side. For starters, the band won’t need to worry about the internet going in-and-out like it did during their live streamed concert. Gráinne reminisced on it and jokingly said, “We were all just going, I hope the internet drops during a song we don’t know!” Keeping up with her good-natured spirit, Gráinne viewed the newness of this tour with excitement. “Sometimes it’s better craic when you’re not too sure of something.”
One thing everyone can be sure of is there will be plenty of Christmas songs being sung at The Roslyn Cellar on December 3. The Screaming Orphans will be playing almost the entire discography of their 2021 album Happy Christmas Vol. 1 along with a couple extras not featured on the album.
Speaking of Happy Christmas Vol. 1, fans can expect a new Christmas album by the Screaming Orphans to come out next December. The band is currently working on a new pop album and plan to work on their new Christmas album soon after. Covers, such as “Christmas Wrapping” by The Waitresses, along with at least two original songs are said to make their way onto the album.
For now, fans can enjoy the Screaming Orphans perform their songs off Happy Christmas Vol. 1 along with a number of joyful covers on December 3 at 3:00 pm at The Roslyn Cellar in Roslyn, New York. The Screaming Orphans will then continue their Mini Christmas Tour, performing with The Spain Brothers and The Jordan Tirrell-Wysocki Trio on December 9 at The Rex Theatre in Manchester, New Hampshire. For more information about their tour dates and to purchase tickets, click here.
Grammy-nominated R&B sensation Fridayy is heading to New York City as part of his “A Night w Fridayy” tour. The Def Jam signee is in the midst of his first country-wide trek following the release of his self-titled debut-album in August of 2023. Moreover, the Haitian-bred singer will hit 4 major markets during a 4-date mini troop. Presented by Live Nation, the Philadelphia native will perform in four of the countries biggest markets, further establishing himself as a force in the industry. With this intention, the tour will begin with a sold-out show in Atlanta on Friday, December 1, followed by a two-night east coast run — icluding a hometown performance in Philadelphia’s Theater of Living Arts — and a stop at Manhattan’s Webster Hall. Altogether, “A Night w Fridayy” culminates with another sold-out show in Los Angeles.
Grammy-nominated Fridayy heading to Webster Hall on December 5
Fridayy’s Comeup
Following years laying groundwork, Fridayy gained mainstream traction with features on DJ Khaled’s “God Did” and Lil Baby’s “Forever,” with the former’s success earning him 3 Grammy-nominations. Since then, the R&B crooner has gone on to release his debut project while continuing to set personal milestones. Accordingly, he made his BET Soul Train Awards debut this past Sunday as he performed his latest single, “When It Comes To You.”
In a festive celebration of Italian musical heritage, the American Classical Orchestra (ACO), under the guidance of Founder and Artistic Director Thomas Crawford, is set to enchant audiences with a holiday concert program on Thursday, December 14 at 7 PM at Corpus Christi Church, located at W. 121 St. between Broadway & Amsterdam in Manhattan.
This concert marks the second of four Manhattan performances by the ACO this season, featuring a captivating selection of Italian works, including the rediscovery of Antonio Bencini’s long-lost Christmas oratorio “Gesù Nato” and Antonio Gianettini’s “Magnificat,” in collaboration with the Academy of Sacred Drama.
The heart of the program lies in the resurrection of Antonio Bencini’s forgotten masterpiece, “Gesù Nato,” rescued from the depths of the Vatican archives. This Christmas oratorio, composed in 1742, offers a glimpse into the enchanting world of the Nativity, featuring vocal soloists, a choir, and a vibrant orchestra of trumpets, oboes, and strings. Antonio Gianettini’s “Magnificat” and five psalm settings, written for four-part chorus with string accompaniment, further enrich the program, providing a sonic tapestry rooted in the Roman Catholic tradition.
The evening will be graced by the talents of renowned soloists:
Linda Tsatsanis (Soprano): Praised by The New York Times for her “ravishing” performance at the Boston Early Music Festival. Kate Maroney (Mezzo-Soprano): A CBC and Naxos recording artist, also recognized for her expertise as a voice and vocal pedagogy teacher at Mannes School of Music and Yale University. Alex Guerrero (Tenor): Applauded by The New York Times for his “apt comic timing,” Guerrero has been a featured singer in numerous ACO performances.
The members of the American Classical Orchestra Chorus will join forces with the soloists to deliver a mesmerizing performance under the baton of Thomas Crawford.
Antonio Gianettini, a 17th-century Italian organist, singer, and composer, will take center stage with his Psalms and the majestic Magnificat. Having served as maestro di cappella to Francesco II d’Este, Duke of Modena, Gianettini’s compositions were cherished in both Italy and Germany during his lifetime.
The rediscovery of Antonio Bencini’s “Gesù Nato” is a significant musical event, offering what is likely the modern premiere of this hidden gem. Composed in 1742, the oratorio captures the spirit of the Nativity and was tucked away in the Vatican Library for three centuries before resurfacing.
This performance is a collaborative effort between ACO and the Academy of Sacred Drama, founded by ACO violinist and scholar Jeremy Rhizor in 2013. The Academy is dedicated to Baroque oratorio that draws inspiration from biblical tales and the lives of saints, enriching the cultural and spiritual experience.
Tickets for this musical extravaganza are priced at $75, $55, and $35, and can be purchased at ACO’s website or by calling ACO at (212) 362-2727, ext. 4.
It was inevitable that the band would get something going for their 20th anniversary run, as you just don’t disregard an occasion like that for any reason – you just play. Fans waited for the announcement by the time IT was over, figuring that the band would go on its first Halloween run since 1998, adding to anticipation that the band would put on another musical costume, with endless limits.
poster by Hollie Dilley
However, as the band inspected exactly what the date of the first show was, so that a 20th anniversary was correctly timed, it seems that the date of 10/30/83 was incorrect, even though they had a 15th anniversary out in Vegas of 1998. As it turns out, the first show for the ROTC folks was 12/2/83, and they arranged a four night Northeast run to celebrate, with special guests at the first show, and an elongated show at the final destination, Boston’s Fleet Center, with a myriad of special guests guessed at in anticipation of something spectacular. The Boston show had its highlight in the set break montage video, but no special guests to mention of. Fans were happy though, as it was by far the hardest ticket since NYE 2002 to obtain, and those who were warm inside had no complaints from where they were sitting.
By far the coldest Phish run ever, the shows had snow, ice, wind, and more snow as the band progressed from Nassau Coliseum on Long Island, to the Wachovia Center in Philly, to the Knickerbocker Arena (note: not the Pepsi) in Albany, and the Fleet Center in Boston as part of a four-day run of shows many fans attempted to see all four of. The run could even be characterized as one gigantic show: Nassau was a solid opener, Philly was the bathroom/cigarette/beer break, Albany was the second set heat, and Boston was the after-party.
Outside at all these shows, it was far too cold/rainy/snowy to have a lot scene of any kind, so fans simply piled into bars and parking garages to peddle what they had to keep the tour afloat for themselves, in hopes they might make the next show, and/or home in the coming days.
Artwork by Drew Suto
Some fans felt that this run was spectacular, and perfectly executed, even though others wondered where the spark from summer 2003 went. At least a few older fans looked at the run as sealing the bands fate in their eyes, with the best years clearly behind them, especially after the Vegas 2004 run. Many fans wondered what happened, although Miami might have swayed some opinions in the end.
Nassau featured not only the highly appropriate guest in The Dude of Life on vocals for a rare (and final) ‘Crimes of the Mind’, but also a setbreak wedding of two highly committed fans of the band and each other. Making a Phish show your wedding venue was only done previously at the Clifford Ball, and a tribute to the concentrated community spirit of Phish.
poster by TRIPP
Philly had high-energy crowds a day after Nassau, but execution had some fans wondering what was up. Tom Marshall came up to sing lyrics to ‘Buffalo Bill’, a departure from his regular appearances on ‘Run Like an Antelope’. The Philly show left fan waiting for more indeed.
Albany, the second hometown to Phish, one of the regular tour starts, endings and all-around in-betweens, the Knick was the home to famous Dead shows and disks, as well as memorable Phish shows (see 12/13/97 – Bring on the Dude!). The entire atmosphere of this show was positive, as special guests at the two previous shows made fans wonder who was next to sit in. Following “YEM” in the second set, Trey brought up a very special guest, the band’s first guitarist (aside from Trey), who left the band under mysterious circumstances – Jeff Holdsworth. The original songs that he had written – “Camel Walk” and “Possum” – were played with a degree of both difficulty and success by Holdsworth with the band he left behind almost 17 years ago. A cover of “Long Cool Woman”, by the Hollies was played by the part-time quintet, a tribute to the first show that Holdsworth was playing at. By the time the band broke into Antelope, you could no longer hear Jeff, as his guitar was turned down to inaudible levels, as his playing could not keep up with the boys who ventured beyond the three-year mark. Tom Marshall came up to sing the original lyrics that he penned, and the show ended with a monster version of Hendrix’s “Fire”, again with Holdsworth. Fans were pleased to see him on stage again, but a computer operator in Canada definitely overstayed his welcome that evening in Albany.
However, the overall purpose for bringing Jeff out was a symbol that Phish was and is about family. Boston featured a memorable second set and a video montage during the setbreak that fans clamored to see, particularly since the first notes of Fluffhead were heard in a dormroom video from the early 1980s. This more than made up for a first set that many wondered if anything special would be brought out for the second set, particularly the special guests everyone talked about coming – Santana, the Giant Country Horns, anyone and everyone?! Fishman handed out a cake towards the front row during setbreak for fans to dive into, as many did, regardless of sticky hands that would not be cleaned till after the show. The second set did bring the heat fans were looking for, with monster versions of “Maze,” “Frankenstein,” and “Piper,” that made this show and run well worth it. Regardless, the detractors are present on the vibe/performance of this run, as it was an asterisk to many between a hot summer and even hotter time in Miami for New Years Eve.
Phish – Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale, NY – Friday, November 28, 2003
Set 1: Bouncing Around the Room, Runaway Jim, Ghost > What’s the Use? > AC/DC Bag > First Tube, Frankie Says > Bathtub Gin -> Free
Set 2: Waves > Sample in a Jar > Down with Disease[1], Walls of the Cave, Two Versions of Me, Crowd Control[2], Mike’s Song > I Am Hydrogen > Weekapaug Groove
Encore: Crimes of the Mind[3]
[1] Unfinished. [2] Debut. [3] The Dude of Life on vocals.
Disease was unfinished. This show included the debut of Crowd Control. Trey introduced Mike to sing “his song.” Crimes of the Mind (first since July 10, 1994 at SPAC – 504 shows) featured the Dude of Life on vocals. During the song, the Dude congratulated Phish on their 20 years together, and wished them success for 20 more.
Phish – Wachovia Spectrum, Philadelphia, PA – Saturday, November 29, 2003
Set 1: Wilson > Cars Trucks Buses, Limb By Limb, Dirt > Seven Below, Divided Sky, Fast Enough for You > Julius
Set 2: Twist -> Simple > Taste > Makisupa Policeman[1], Buffalo Bill[2] > David Bowie, Strange Design > Character Zero
Encore: Friday
[1] Keyword referenced waking up in “Hempstead.” [2] Tom Marshall on vocals.
Trey teased San-Ho-Zay in Seven Below, Julius, and Twist. The lyrics to Makisupa referenced waking up “in Hempstead.” Later in Makisupa, Trey commented on the upcoming 20th anniversary of the band, and noted Makisupa as the first original Phish song ever played. Trey also commented on his long-standing friendship with Tom Marshall and said that Tom had written Makisupa when he was a child. Trey brought Tom out on stage and noted that he thought Makisupa was written in 1969, leading Tom to note that we “have a 60’s song.” Prior to Tom singing on Buffalo Bill, Trey noted: “Tom is now going to sing you a song about a boss, a log, and a piece of rope.”
Phish – Pepsi Arena, Albany, NY – Monday, December 1, 2003
Set 1: Chalk Dust Torture, Stash, Guyute, Thunderhead > Sparkle, Wolfman’s Brother > Good Times Bad Times
Set 2: Tweezer -> Also Sprach Zarathustra > You Enjoy Myself, Camel Walk[1], Possum[1], Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress[1] > Run Like an Antelope[2]
Encore: Fire[3]
[1] Jeff Holdsworth on guitar and vocals. [2] Jeff Holdsworth on guitar and Tom Marshall on vocals. [3] Jeff Holdsworth on guitar.
Tweezer was preceded by a Dixie tease. Camel Walk through Fire featured Jeff Holdsworth on guitar. This was Jeff’s first known performance with his former Phish brethren since May 17, 1986 (1,348 shows). Camel Walk, Possum, and Long Cool Woman (first since October 30, 1998, or 180 shows) also featured Jeff on lead vocals. Antelope featured Tom Marshall on vocals.
Phish – Fleet Center, Boston, MA – Tuesday, December 2, 2003
Set 1: Harry Hood > Cavern, Birds of a Feather, Ya Mar, Horn > Piper > Anything But Me, Water in the Sky, Down with Disease
Set 2: Rock and Roll -> Weekapaug Groove[1] -> Tweezer Reprise[2] > Frankenstein -> Kung -> Frankenstein, All of These Dreams, The Wedge, Boogie On Reggae Woman > Cities > Maze, Waste
Encore: Bug
[1] Unfinished. [2] Mike’s Song lyrics sung by Trey.
This gig commemorated the 20th anniversary of the first Phish show. In the audience, a section of seats were roped off to make way for a music stand. The music stand held a three-ring binder that contained lyrics from the Phish canon, but it did not play an active role in the performance. Ya Mar contained teases of The Tra La La Song (One Banana, Two Banana). At the end of Disease, a video screen descended behind the stage. As the house lights remained down, a 25+ minute video was played featuring retrospective highlights from throughout Phish’s career. Before the second set, Mike brought out a tray of desserts and shared them with fans in front of the stage. Highway to Hell was briefly teased by Trey before Rock and Roll. Weekapaug was unfinished. Tweezer Reprise included lyrics (sung by Trey) from Mike’s Song. Appropriately, the post-show house music was the Beatles’ song Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Heart’s Club Band (which begins with the lyric, “It was twenty years ago today…”).
NFA Jazz Masters Concert will continue for the 18th year in a row at the Flushing Town Hall. This beloved event is an annual highlight for New York City’s many jazz aficionados who know the Queens venue to be one of the city’s finest to find the best jazz artists.
Flushing Town Hall began a significant tradition when it hosted the first-ever NEA Jazz Masters concert on November 17, 2006. This remarkable occasion showcased three iconic NEA Jazz Masters: Jimmy Heath (saxophone); Clark Terry (trumpet); and Dr. Billy Taylor (piano). Since then, the Smithsonian affiliate has continued to dazzle jazz enthusiasts by welcoming a roster of luminaries most often found frequenting Manhattan’s renowned clubs. The Queens stage has witnessed performances by Earl May, Benny Powell, Albert “Tootie” Heath, Cándido Camero, Paquito D’Rivera, Reggie Workman, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Joey DeFrancesco, Dr. Barry Harris, Sheila Jordan, Antonio Hart, Bill Charlap, Gustavo Casenave, and many other jazz greats.
This year, the NEA Jazz Masters concert will bring arrangements of several NEA Jazz Masters and their own compositions to the stage, including performers Jimmy Owens, Gary Bartz, Louis Haves, Joann Brackeen, Ron Carter, and Wycliffe Gordon.
Jimmy Owens (2021 NEA Jazz Master) has over forty-five years of experience as a jazz trumpeter, composer, arranger, lecturer, and music education consultant. His experience covers a wide range of international musical achievements, which include extensive work as a studio musician, soloist, bandleader, and composer of orchestral compositions, movie scores, and ballets. Owens is one of the few trumpeters of his generation who performed with many extraordinary jazz leaders, including sitting in with Miles Davis at age 15 and playing with Kenny Barron, Count Basie, Kenny Burrell, Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, Benny Golson, Lionel Hampton, Charles Mingus, Max Roach, Archie Shepp, Billy Taylor, and Gerald Wilson.
Gary Bartz (2024 NEA Jazz Master) was born in 1940 in Baltimore, Maryland, to nightclub-owning parents. Because of his upbringing, Gary Bartz was exposed to many great jazz artists early on. Renowned for his “informal composition” (as opposed to improvisation) on alto saxophone since the 1960s, he collaborated with jazz luminaries like Max Roach, Charles Mingus, Art Blakey, and Miles Davis. With over 45 solo albums and 200 guest appearances, Bartz also mentors emerging jazz talents today. Music serves a higher purpose for him, passionately advocating for Black Americans and their musical heritage. Through his saxophone (alto and soprano) and vocals, Bartz communicates profound convictions about the role of Black Americans today.
Louis Hayes (2023 NEA Jazz Master) was born in 1937 in Detroit, Michigan. Hayes’ musical journey began with piano, before his father gave him a set of drums at age 10. Guided by a cousin who recognized his talent and was inspired by Detroit’s vibrant music scene in the 1950s, he honed his skills alongside luminaries like Yusef Lateef, Kenny Burrell, and Doug Watkins. At age 18, Hayes joined the Horace Silver Quintet in New York, making his mark with the iconic “Six Pieces Of Silver.” Over the next decade, he led and co-led dynamic, electrifying ensembles which included talents like Freddie Hubbard, Kenny Barron, and Dexter Gordon. Notable recent engagements include The Kennedy Center for the Arts and the Chivas Jazz Festival in Brazil. His latest endeavor, “Serenade for Horace,” pays tribute to his mentor Horace Silver, and marks his debut as a leader on Blue Note Records.
Joanne Brackeen (2018 NEA Jazz Master) was a child prodigy and learned piano at 11 in six months by transcribing eight Frankie Carle solos and began professional performances at 12. Early influences include Art Farmer and Dexter Gordon. She was offered a full scholarship from the Los Angeles Conservatory and attended classes less than one week before deciding the bandstand was more significant. Her distinct style demands attention in various musical settings, from solo to quintet. Her captivating improvisations and intricate, rhythmically daring compositions span a wide range of styles. As a full-time professor at Berklee College of Music (Boston, MA) and a guest professor at the New School (New York City), Brackeen imparts her expertise. Brackeen, an award-winning artist, tours globally, having played in 46 countries.
Ron Carter (1998 NEA Jazz Master) is among the most original, prolific, and influential bassists in jazz. He has recorded over 2200 albums and has a Guinness world record to prove it. From 1963 to 1968, he was a member of the acclaimed Miles Davis Quintet. Over his 60-year career, he has recorded with many of the jazz greats: Lena Horne, Bill Evans, B.B. King, Dexter Gordon, Wes Montgomery, Bobby Timmons, Eric Dolphy, Cannonball Adderley, and Jaki Byard. He can be heard on many iconic jazz records of the 60s and 70s such as Speak No Evil, Maiden Voyage, Red Clay, Speak Like a Child, Nefertiti, and Miles Smiles, to name a few. In 2015 Carter earned a Guinness World Record as the most recorded jazz bassist with 2,221 recordings and has recorded hundreds more since then.
Trombonist Wycliffe Gordon boasts an impressive career touring the world, performing to great acclaim from audiences and critics alike. He received the “Trombonist of the Year” accolade from the Jazz Journalists Association a record-breaking 13 times and claimed “Best Trombone” in the Downbeat Critics Poll an unprecedented six times (2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2013 & 2012). With a mantle adorned by the “Louie Award,” the International Trombone Award, and the Satchmo Award, among others, Wycliffe stands out as a prolific recording artist. He is celebrated for his distinctive signature sound, plunger technique, and unique vocals. His music graces numerous recordings, soundtracks, live DVDs, and documentaries, resonating with musicians and ensembles worldwide, and his arrangement of NPR’s “All Things Considered” theme song is heard daily across the globe.
“I feel truly privileged to welcome two of the newest NEA Jazz Masters, Gary Bartz, and Louis Hayes, alongside the return of some seasoned Masters and outstanding jazz talents to our stage…”Queens is the borough so many jazz legends have called home, and our annual NEA Jazz Masters concert upholds the borough’s history as a go-to destination for jazz icons and audiences alike.”
Ellen Kodadek, Executive and Artistic Director at Flushing Town Hall
The Legendary Jazz Masters concert at Flushing Town Hall on Friday, December 15, begins at 8:00 PM. Tickets are $40/$32 members and seniors, $20 students with ID. Table packages for two with refreshments are available for $130/$110 members.
From 5:00- 6:30 PM, patrons with paid tickets for the concert are invited to join a free pre-concert workshop, “NEA Jazz Masters in Conversation,” discussing the icons that the Masters have performed with, including Max Roach, Oscar Peterson, Charles Mingus, Art Blakey, and Billy Taylor.
For ticket information, visit this website. For the Flushing Town Hall schedule, visit this website.
After four years, Guster made a return to the Beacon Theatre in New York City on Saturday, November 25. Billed as “A Night of Music & Comedy,” opening the show was comedian Chris Fleming who indeed provided the “Comedy” aspect of the night, followed by a whopping 24-song set by Guster.
Prior to their New York City show, Guster finished a series of early Fall Tour dates and the guys have been on “Dad duty” as Lead Singer Ryan Miller said from the stage, while adding it was “nice to get a chance to be a rock star for one night again.”
Full disclosure, this was my first Guster show, I knew nothing of the band other than the name, didn’t know any of their songs or hits for that matter. Musically, they were great, very tight on stage, all rotating instruments in a very impressive way, at times a full drum kit along with a full percussion station, bass and guitar players constantly switching, as pretty much every single band member sitting down at the keyboard for a song.
The crowd was really interesting as well, a mix of old and young, couples and even parents with their little kids, all singing along to pretty much every single song. Also admirable, was everyone stood up the minute the show started as if they knew what was coming. The band announced a new album that’s done and coming out in 2024, and even played a new track from it “Black Balloon”.
In order to keep things fresh, which as a first-time Guster concert attendee I appreciated, they broke the setup and mid-set embarked on a “Campfire” set, only two mics, seated at the lip of the stage they did six acoustic songs, all of which were fantastic, as the entire crowd sat down and sang along in true campfire style. Complete with a cardboard cutout of a little campfire and lighting to match.
Guster – Beacon Theatre – Saturday, November 25, 2023
Setlist: Diane, The Captain, Center of Attention, Mind Kontrol, Backyard, What You Call Love, Black Balloon, Communication (improv jam), Gangway, Manifest Destiny, Airport Song, Empire State, I Spy, Satellite, The Beginning of the End, Stay With Me Jesus, Happier, Amsterdam, Don’t Go, Come Downstairs and Say Hello, Do You Love Me, Mona Lisa, Terrified, Barrel of a Gun
I’ve known Willie Nile for almost 10 years now, been to countless shows, I’ve shot a dozen music videos for him, and consider him a friend. I was thrilled when he asked me to come shoot his show at City Winery New York on Wednesday, November 22.
Booked as a Career Retrospective, Willie was going to play one song from each of his 16 albums, from his first self-titled from 1980 to his latest The Day The Earth Stood Still from 2021.
Nile’s current band consists of long-time rockers such as Jonny Pisano on Bass, Jimmy K. Bones on lead Guitar, Rob Clores on Keys, and Jon Weber on Drums. For the show at the Winery, he included special guest James Maddock who opened the show and also joined the band on a number of songs as backing vocals and on electric guitar.
Playing to a sold-out crowd, the band hammered through the 18-song setlist, with the various album covers displayed on screens as Willie went one by one and gave a little background on the album and the song before playing it. Willie who turned 75 this year, looking younger than ever, vibrant and full of life and energy, was a sight to behold, a true Rock n’ Roll icon.
Opening the show with a 30-minute solo acoustic set was fantastic singer-songwriter James Maddock whose latest album “Night Works” came out earlier this year, his set included mostly material off that album along with a few old hits. James is currently on tour in Europe until the end of the year but currently resides in Brooklyn, so he’s often playing shows in the New York area and comes highly recommended. Make sure to add him to your radar for 2024.
Willie Nile – City Winery New York – November 22, 2023
Setlist: Vagabond Moon, Golden Down, Places I Have Never Been, Hard Times in America, Across the River, Cell Phones Ringing (In the Pockets of the Dead), You Gotta Be a Buddha (In a Place Like This), Streets of New York, American Ride, Forever Wild, Blowin’ in the Wind (Bob Dylan cover), Children of Paradise, House of a Thousand Guitars, Run Free, One Guitar, The Day the Earth Stood Still, Heaven Help the Lonely, A Hard Day’s Night (The Beatles cover)
