NYS Music 2023

Category: NYC Metro

  • Sesame Street Live! Say Hello Tour Hits the Road in 2024 with 6 Stops Across New York

    In the world of family fun, Sesame Street has been a go-to for decades. Now, get ready for something extra special as Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and the whole Sesame Street gang hit the road in the brand-new live production, Sesame Street Live! Say Hello.

    This musical road trip is set to hit cities all across the U.S. and Canada, bringing the magic of Sesame Street to life starting in April 2024.

    Sesame Street Live! Say Hello promises more than just a show – it’s an interactive musical adventure. Join in the fun as your favorite characters come to life on stage. Expect surprises, laughter, and all the timeless magic of Sesame Street. This is an experience that goes beyond the screen, bringing the heartwarming spirit of Sesame Street to a live and tangible stage.

    This tour is no small affair, hitting major cities from Portland, ME, to Vancouver, and everywhere in between. The kickoff is at Merrill Auditorium in Portland on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, and the fun won’t stop until it’s made its way through more than 50 cities.

    SESAME STREET LIVE! SAY HELLO TOUR DATES:

    Tuesday, Apr. 16 – Merrill Auditorium – Portland, ME

    Wednesday, Apr. 17 – Lowell Memorial Auditorium – Lowell, MA

    Thursday, Apr. 18 – Palace Theatre – Albany, NY

    Friday, Apr. 19 & Saturday, Apr. 20 – Emerson Colonial Theatre – Boston, MA

    Sunday, Apr. 21 – Toyota Oakdale Theater – Wallingford, CT

    Wednesday, Apr. 23 – The Forum – Binghamton, NY

    Tuesday, Apr. 24 – KeyBank State Theatre – Cleveland, OH

    Thursday, Apr. 25 – Landmark Theatre – Syracuse, NY

    Friday, Apr. 26 & Saturday, Apr. 27 – Benedum Center for the Performing Arts – Pittsburgh, PA

    Sunday, Apr. 28 – Palace Theatre – Stamford, CT

    Tuesday, Apr. 30 – Shea’s Performing Arts Center – Buffalo, NY

    Wednesday, May 1 – Kodak Center for the Performing Arts – Rochester, NY

    Thursday, May 2 – PPL Center – Allentown, PA

    Friday, May 3 & Saturday, May 4 – Kings Theatre – Brooklyn, NY

    Sunday, May 5 – State Theatre New Jersey – New Brunswick, NJ

    Tuesday, May 7 – Appalachian Wireless Arena – Pikeville, KY

    Wednesday, May 8 – Charleston Municipal Auditorium – Charleston, WV

    Thursday, May 9 – Stranahan Theater – Toledo, OH

    Friday, May 10 – Embassy Theatre – Fort Wayne, IN

    Saturday, May 11 – Taft Theatre – Cincinnati, OH

    Sunday, May 12 – Clowes Memorial Hall – Indianapolis, IN

    Tuesday, May 14 – Adler Theatre – Davenport, IA

    Wednesday, May 15 – Rialto Square Theater – Joliet, IL

    Thursday, May 16 – DECC Symphony Hall – Duluth, MN

    Friday, May 17 & Saturday, May 18 – State Theatre – Minneapolis, MN

    Sunday, May 19 – Scheels Arena – Fargo, ND

    Tuesday, May 21 – MetraPark Arena – Billings, MT

    Wednesday, May 22 – Adams Center – Missoula, MT

    Thursday, May 23 – First Interstate Center for the Arts – Spokane, WA

    Friday, May 24 – Queen Elizabeth Theatre – Vancouver, BC

    Saturday, May 25 – Angel of the Winds Arena – Everett, WA

    Sunday, May 26 – Keller Auditorium – Portland, OR

    Tuesday, May 28 – Toyota Center – Kennewick, WA

    Wednesday, May 29 – Ford Idaho Center – Nampa, ID

    Friday, May 31 – Eccles Theater – Delta Hall – Salt Lake City, UT

    Saturday, Jun. 1 – Orleans Arena – Las Vegas, NV

    Sunday, Jun. 2 – City National Civic – San Jose, CA

    Tuesday, Jun. 4 – Bob Hope Theatre – Stockton, CA

    Wednesday, Jun. 5 – SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center – Sacramento, CA

    Thursday, Jun. 6 – Reno Events Center – Reno, NV

    Friday, Jun. 7 & Saturday, Jun. 8 – The Curran Theatre – San Francisco, CA

    Sunday, Jun. 9 – Kavli Theatre (Bank of America Performing Arts Center) – Thousand Oaks, CA

    Wednesday, Jun. 12 – Mechanics Bank Theater – Bakersfield, CA

    Friday, Jun. 14 & Saturday, Jun. 15 – Terrace Theater – Long Beach, CA

    Sunday, Jun. 16 – Fox Performing Arts Center – Riverside, CA

    Tuesday, Jun. 18 – Saroyan Theatre – Fresno, CA

    Wednesday, Jun. 19 – San Diego Civic Theatre – San Diego, CA

    Thursday, Jun. 20 – Linda Ronstadt Music Hall – Tucson, AZ

    Friday, Jun. 21 – Findlay Toyota Center – Prescott Valley, AZ

    Saturday, Jun. 22 – Arizona Federal Theatre – Phoenix, AZ

    Sunday, Jun. 23 – Abraham Chavez Theatre – El Paso, TX

    Tuesday, Jun. 25 – Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center – Midland, TX

    Wednesday, Jun. 26 – Amarillo Civic Center Auditorium – Amarillo, TX

    Thursday, Jun. 27 – Rio Rancho Events Center – Rio Rancho, NM

    Friday, Jun. 28 – Pueblo Memorial Hall – Pueblo, CO

    Saturday, Jun. 29 – United Wireless Arena – Dodge City, KS

    Sunday, Jun. 30 – Budweiser Events Center – Loveland, CO

    Tickets for this musical journey go on sale Friday, November 17th, with early access starting Tuesday, November 14th. Don’t miss out – head to SesameStreetLive.com to snag your tickets. This event is for everyone, from the littlest fans to those young at heart.

    For the most up-to-date information visit SesameStreetLive.com

  • The Crowd Joins In At Shilelagh Law’s Veteran’s Day Concert

    The line between stage and crowd was blurred at Mulcahy’s in Wantagh, New York on Friday, November 10, as New York’s thirstiest Irish band, Shilelagh Law, engaged with the crowd. For two hours, Mulcahy’s was filled with Irish music that ranged from the band’s original songs and classic Irish ballads to covers of Temple of the Dog and Indigo Girls. 

    Shilelagh Law’s lead vocalist Richard Popovic (right) performs with fiddler Dennis McCarthy (left) at Mulcahy’s

    Hailing from Yonkers and the Bronx, the band consists of Richard Popovic on lead vocals and acoustic guitar, Terence Brennan on bodhran, Stephen Gardner on bass, Dennis McCarthy on fiddle, and Kevin McCarthy on piano accordion. 

    With two members part of the FDNY and another a retired member of the NYPD, along with many of their fans in the service, this Veteran’s Day Weekend show was of great importance to the band. Lead vocalist Popovic stated, “It’s always humbling to play on Veteran’s Day. It’s a small thing we can do for people who do so much for us.”

    At approximately 9:30 pm, Mulcahy’s green lights shone upon Shilelagh Law as they took to the stage. The band opened with a cover of The Pogues’ “A Rainy Night in Soho,” a soft introduction that might have misled any newcomers. They might have presumed this concert would be like that of a mellow session. But Shilelagh Law had no such plans. After all, they’re ‘New York’s Thirstiest Irish Band.’

    Living up to their reputation, Shilelagh Law riled up the crowd with a speedy rendition of “Whiskey in the Jar” that rivaled the fast-paced nature of “Lanigan’s Ball,” where it’s a challenge to sing at such a rate, let alone pronounce the lyrics correctly. Riding off that energy, Shilelagh Law did what they do best – engage with the crowd. 

    Shilelagh Law took the first request of the night, “Glorious.” With lyrics, “Glorious. Glorious. One keg of beer between all of us. Glory be to God that there ain’t no more of us, cause one of us could drink it all alone,” it surely became a party. 

    It was a party that resembled a family reunion. While the chorus for “Glorious” focuses on the party aspect of the concert, the verses speak to Shilelagh Law’s fanbase, the Shilelagh Army, who’s united through their love for Irish music. “The Shilelagh Army is the best family.” This sentiment is what allows Shilelagh Law to work with the crowd in such an organic manner that dissolves the barrier between the artists and audience. Popovic stated, “To recognize the fans and make them feel they are a part of the show as much as possible is important to us.”

    The band continued to include the audience in their show, taking more requests as the night lingered on. Following “Glorious” was a request for “Linger” by The Cranberries. Shilelagh Law performed the classic with a slight twist. Rather than play the opening with an electric guitar, band member Dennis McCarthy performed it on the tin whistle, leaning into the song’s longing plea for love. 

    Popovic spoke to the band’s take on classics, such as “Linger” and “Hungry Strike” by Temple of the Dog, which was sung towards the end of the show. “Usually one of us will come in with the bare basics. Everyone halfway learns their parts. We mess around with it for a few sound checks, and then just go for it. It’s not always smooth sailing, but it does leave lots of room for surprises and improvisation.”

    Even more room is left for improvisation due to the fact Shilelagh Law doesn’t have a setlist. Without a the strict confinement, Shilelagh Law is able to lean into the energy of the audience (and with the energy of more than a few Rangers’ fans present, a couple “Go Rangers” chants were shouted by the band here and there). 

    Shilelagh Law closes out their Veteran’s Day Weekend show with an electric performance of “The Star Spangled Banner.”

    Even though the setlist is always changing, there’s one song that always makes the list, “Christmas in New York.” As the opening notes of it played, the lights dimmed. In place of the bright lights were tiny stars that glistened across the venue along with an American flag displayed behind the band. The song pays respect to New York’s finest and any friends who passed during the year. The audience joined in paying their respects, pouring out their hearts while singing along. 

    “Christmas in New York” was followed by a couple classics, such as “Rattlin’ Bog” and “Grace,” before Shilelagh Law concluded their performance around 11:30 pm. But that didn’t stop the audience from demanding more. The band came back for not one but two encores, both of which continued to pay respect to veterans. Their first encore consisted of a cover of Flogging Molly’s “If I Ever Leave This World Alive,” which was dedicated to all veterans.

    The band then concluded their Veteran’s Day show with their rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner.” Fiddle player Dennis McCarthy played with such vigor and in a style similar to that of Eileen Ivers that transformed the fiddle into an electric guitar. The result was a Jimi Hendrix-styled rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner” to close out the night. 

    Luckily it won’t be long to catch Shilelagh Law back again in Long Island. They’ll be at the The Inn of Long Beach on Nov. 25 at 9pm. Know that if one attends their concert, they’re bound to catch Shilelagh Law fever and leave part of the Shilelagh Army family. For more information about Shilelagh Law’s upcoming shows, click here.

    Setlist: Rainy Night in Soho, Whiskey in the Jar, Glorious, Olé Olé & Notre Dame Victory March Mashup, Linger, Shipping Up to Boston & Drunken Sailor Mashup, 1 and 9, Funky Ceili, Hunger Strike, The Liver Song, Ring of Fire, The Fighting 69th, Meet Me on McLean, Ham and Cheese with Mayo, When New York Was Irish, Christmas in New York, Closer I Am To Fine, Fields of Athenry, Rattlin’ Bog, and Grace.
    Encore 1: If I Ever Leave This World Alive
    Encore 2: The Star Spangled Banner

  • Dave East & Vado Release ‘Deniro & Pesci’ With New Album On The Way

    Two of Harlem‘s finest — Dave East and Vado — have graced the hip hop world with a new single. “Deniro & Pesci” is the latest record from 2/3 of hip hop collective “The Council” (which includes Dave East, Lloyd Banks and Vado). The ominously themed record is an ode to the lifestyles of mobsters James Conway and Tommy DeVito portrayed by Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci from one of hip hop’s most referenced films, Goodfellas.

    Dave East and Vado single cover art,

    In like manner, Vado and Dave East metaphorically reference the film and other famous mobsters. For instance, East begins the song with an introspective recounting of his rough upbringing that inspired his hustler mindset. Similarly to how Goodfellas begins with the telling of Henry Hill’s youth. Meanwhile, Vado juxtaposes Dave East, playing the role of the fully realized hustler. For his part, Vado’s verse is full of vivid imagery, whether it be intimate hustler tales, or stories of lavish expenditures. Together, the duo captures the evolvement from impressionable youth to “goodfella” as well the surrounding factors that play a role.

    Best Lyric

    With a vision like Bugsy, I’m Warren Beaty inspired, or like LL, standing at the crowd at Supreme Team party with murderers all around. Kingpins on stage, reppin’ the seven crowds. Analyzing they style, wishing that I was down.

    – Vado, “Deniro & Pesci”

    Album On The Way

    Meanwhile, “Deniro & Pesci” serves as a prelude to the duo’s forthcoming collaborative album set for release in the first quarter of 2024. Dave East’s last EP Fortune Favors the Bold was released in July, while Vado dropped V-Day 4 in May. This will be their second joint-project together following 2017’s It’s Harlem, hosted by DJ Kay Slay.

    V and I have been locked in for the longest, that’s family, it’s only right we team and up do something for the town. 

    -Dave East

    2/3 of The Council are back with more heat, and just wait until we drop the album  

    – Vado

  • Grand Funk Railroad in New York: Mark Farner Remembers

    When I was growing up in the early 70’s, a hazy time captured in Richard Linklater’s movie Dazed & Confused, we were very, very serious about our music.  As hyper-hormonal, aspiring teenage guitar heroes in middle-class Queens, we had an especially deep allegiance to one particularly muscular strand of music – the power trio.

    Many an argument and more than a few fist fights erupted as we debated which threesome was ultimo. We weighted our own preferences with those of the critics at the major music weeklies like Rolling Stone and Hit Parader. These were the opinions of purported wiser men, ones that we consumed with blind Biblical fervor. They were words of praise, and just as often snark, that had a big and, in the cases like the below, misguided in hindsight influence on our views.

    Was it Cream, the Jimi Hendrix Experience or the guitar-less ELP who were the best rock trio? Maybe it was Rush, Blue Cheer, The James Gang or Beck, Bogert and Appice?  Or was it those rock quartets that were essentially three-piece instrumental bands, if you didn’t count their peacock strutting, axe-less singers – Led Zeppelin, The Who or Black Sabbath? 

    By 1970-71, with the demise of Cream and the death of Hendrix, and from a strict fan popularity sense, it was Grand Funk Railroad. 

    Grand Funk were a prime exponent of high energy, no nonsense “Rust Belt Rock.” It was a hard rockin’ trio that roared out of Flint, Michigan with a powerhouse drummer with a hot air balloon-sized Afro (Don Brewer) and a bassist who made you dizzy by incessantly sliding up and down the neck of his axe into his riffs (Mel Schacher). Then there was the lead singer/guitarist/principal songwriter, Mark Farner. He was a Mexican jumping bean of a man who proudly showcased his slim Cherokee heritage by striding the stage shirtless and with ass length locks, just like Geronimo. 

    Grand Funk had the fortune and misfortune of being managed by Terry Knight, the quintessential shifty Svengali who did all the talking for them and, ultimately, made off with their royalties, song publishing and oil well investments. 

    A few short months after forming, Grand Funk broke out nationally with three show-stealing sets secured by Knight at the Atlanta Pop Festival in 1969.  By the end of the year, they would hit gold record status twice –with their debut disc, On Time, and the self-title “red” album.

    And just like Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, the wisenheimer critics at Rolling Stone and other magazines hated them… as much as millions of fans loved them. 

    And while the band was of Midwestern origin, many of the most memorable moments of their early career unfolded in New York City, beginning with several shows in 1969 at the Fillmore East and their debut at Madison Square Garden in December 1970.

    “We always really loved the New York audiences,” says Farner.  “They were always super enthusiastic and would send us waves of emotion as we played. It made New York City the site of some of our biggest and best gigs.”

    With the release of their third album in 1970, Closer to Home, manager Knight and Grand Funk would do what no other band before them had – purchase a street-long billboard in Times Square.

    “Terry spent $100,000 of our money on that sign,” says Farner.  “Mel Schacher and I went down there in a cab, walked around the corner and were stunned by what we saw. This was a time before cellphones, so we took a picture with our eyes.  We had only purchased it for a month but got lucky when the billboard workers went on strike. It stayed up there for four months total and probably helped sell a lot of albums.”

    Another New York apex took place when Grand Funk returned to the Big Apple to play Shea Stadium on July 9, 1971.

    “We sold out way faster than The Beatles – 72 hours vs. five weeks,” continues Farner. “We chose Humble Pie to be our opener because we had done a tour with them in Europe.  We would hear them singing Motown and R&B chestnuts in their dressing room before the show and knew they were our kind of guys.  Steve Marriot was a truly great singer and showman.”

    “When I see the video of Shea, it all comes back. I get goosebumps and can see myself fighting back the tears and floating three feet above the stage as I’m trying to sing ‘I’m Your Captain (Closer to Home).’ With a crowd of 50,000 like The Beatles, we really didn’t hear much of what we were playing.”

    In 1972, Grand Funk would return to NYC for two shows to raise money for Phoenix House, the pioneering drug rehab center.  It was here that they would also dramatically part ways with their manager.

    “We were 19, 20 when started Grand Funk with Terry and he wanted to create a mystique, so he wouldn’t let us talk to the press, something I think soured them on us right from the start,” adds Farner.  “He took out a centerfold ad in the holiday edition of Billboard Magazine where he was literally giving the finger to the industry, flipping off the world.  When we found out how much of our money he was taking as manager and producer, we decided it was time to fire him.”

    “He actually tried to confiscate our equipment at the first Phoenix House benefit because we fired him,” continues Farner. “But we had some big Michigan farm boys like Big Tree working as our roadies.  We went ahead with the shows, with our equipment, and raised enough to open seven Phoenix Houses.”

    “Our December ’72 show was also shot and aired on ABC’s Rock Concert.  What I remember most is our lighting engineer Steve Graff putting dance wax all over the stage which made it super slippery and really restricted my dance moves!”

    Grand Funk would continue to return to New York for many shows throughout their career.  They also recorded one of their most successful albums here, 1974’s All the Girls in the World Beware!!!,with producer Jimmy Ienner at the famous Record Plant. It was a disc that spawned two Top 5 hits, the cover song “Some Kind of Wonderful” and the Farner-penned “Bad Time.”

    Farner also has fond memories of another lost chunk of New York music history, its famous strip of music stores on West 48th Street.

    “I especially loved visiting Manny’s,” adds Farner. “Bill Eberline from Sunn Amps told me about it and it really was like a candy store for guitar players.  There was nothing of this magnitude until Guitar Center and Sweetwater came along.”

    Though he was the front man and writer of 92% of their classic material, today Farner is no longer a part of Grand Funk. He was voted out of the corporation (and band) in 2000 by bassist Schacher and drummer Brewer, who went to law school during a band break to better manage the music business.

    But Farner and his old bandmates are gaining new followers via dozens of reaction videos to performances, like their incendiary nine-minute plus live version of “Inside Looking Out” from November 1969 on WITF-TV in Hershey, Pennsylvania.  Via reaction videos by YouTubers like RobSquad, Harri Best and Jamal_AKA-Jamal that are garnering millions of views, Farner is seeing a new generation of fans at his shows and purchasing his music and merch.

    Today, Farner is staying very busy touring with his Mark Farner’s American Band.  He has just released a new live album, Rock ‘N’ Soul: Live 1989, a 15-song set of Grand Funk classics recorded at “Woodstock 20 Years After” reunion concert in Carson, California.  

    The guitarist is also providing some very cool musical instruction free at his website with FarnerChords.  Mark has partnered with videographer Jimmy Romeo to create instructional videos showing the correct way to play some of his best-known compositions.  Check it out here.

    And as for a legacy, what better one could there be than being the favorite band of the star of TV’s longest-running animated series, Homer Simpson,  a fact revealed in a hilarious 1996 episode.

  • TR3 Featuring Tim Reynolds Announces January Tour, Coming to Hudson Falls and NYC

    TR3 has announced it will go back on the road early next year to support their new studio album Watch It, due January 19. The tour is coming to Hudson Falls on Jan. 21, and NYC on Jan. 27.

    Photo Credit: Stephan Pruitt Photography.

    Fronted by two-time GRAMMY nominee and Dave Matthews collaborator Tim Reynolds, the acclaimed trio promises a jam-packed season ahead with expanded tour dates and the arrival of Watch It. With a career spanning more than four decades, sonic innovator Tim Reynolds is praised as one of the most adept and unrivaled instrumentalists ever. With many contributions to the American music canon, he continues to demonstrate masterful command of melody and timing, improvisational prowess, and great guitar virtuosity, shown in both his role as lead guitarist of Dave Matthews Band and frontman of TR3.

    Founded in the mid-1980s, the trio welcomed Dan Martier and Mick Vaughn on drums and bass, respectively, in 2007 and now remains a fixture in the international jam scene. On the heels of its 2019 studio album, The Sea Versus the Mountain, and 2022 live release Wild in the Sky, the group will soon unveil a fresh batch of songs written and arranged during the pandemic. The highly anticipated collection features ten mostly instrumental tracks that see the trio in its most perceptive, harmonious, and imaginative form yet. Watch It, a striking tapestry of funk, jazz, and rock varieties, boasts innovative arrangements that both defy classification and invoke boundless musical curiosity.

    For more information on Tim Reynolds and TR3, visit here.

    TR3 Featuring Tim Reynolds 2024 Tour Dates

    01/18 – Jimmy’s on Congress – Portsmouth, NH

    01/19 – REX Theatre – Manchester, NH  

    01/20 – Bayside Bowl – Portland, ME 

     01/21 – The Strand Theatre – Hudson Falls, NY  

    01/24 – Sellersville Theater – Sellersville, PA

     01/25 – Infinity Music Hall – Hartford, CT 

    01/26 – Newton Theatre – Newton, NJ

     01/27 – The Iridium – New York, NY

    01/28 – Phantom Power – Millersville, PA 

    01/31 – Kent Stage – Kent, OH 

    02/01 – Hi Fi – Indianapolis, IN 

    02/02 – Castle Theatre – Bloomington, IL 

    02/03 – City Winery – St. Louis MO

  • Drake Announces KeyBank Center and UBS Arena Shows On 2024 ‘It’s All A Blur Tour’ with J.Cole

    Four-time Grammy award-winning and multi-platinum-selling Canadian rapper Drake announced his 2024 US Tour “It’s All A Blur Tour – Big As The What” with American rapper and producer J.Cole featuring two stops at KeyBank Center in Buffalo on Tuesday, Feb. 27, and Wednesday, Feb. 28 and two in Belmont Park at UBS Arena on March 14 and 15.

    drake tour

    Drake is a Canadian born hip hop artist who first emerged in the music industry in 2009 when he debuted his EP So Far Gone, named the hottest mixtape of the year by MTV and selling over 650,000 copies. Since his emerging success Drake has focused on his development and creation of music, leading to some of his most praised work. Drake embraces the hip-hop culture while integrating R&B and pop to create a languid, grandiose sound. Some of his fan favorites include “Nice For What”, “God’s Plan”, “One Dance (with Wizkid and Kyla)”, “Controlla” and many other record breaking hits.

    The upcoming tour follows Drake’s successful return to the stage after his 2023 “It’s All A Blur” Tour, which saw Drake perform 50 sold out area shows across North America throughout the summer and fall. Most recently, Drake released his eighth studio album For All The Dogs featuring ten collaborations with top charting artists SZA, Bad Bunny, J.Cole and more.

    Pre-sale tickets will be available beginning on Wednesday, November 15, followed by general tickets on Friday, November 17. For more information please visit here.

    DRAKE ‘IT’S ALL A BLUR TOUR – BIG AS THE WHAT?’ 2024 TOUR DATES:

    Thu, Jan 18 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena +

    Fri, Jan 19 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena 

    Mon, Jan 22 – San Antonio, TX – Frost Bank Center

    Thu, Jan 25 – Oklahoma City, OK – Paycom Center 

    Mon, Jan 29 – New Orleans, LA – Smoothie King Center

    Tue, Jan 30 – New Orleans, LA – Smoothie King Center 

    Fri, Feb 02 – Tampa, FL – Amalie Arena 

    Wed, Feb 07 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena

    Thu, Feb 08 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena

    Mon, Feb 12 – St. Louis, MO – Enterprise Center

    Fri, Feb 16 – Pittsburgh, PA – PPG Paints Arena 

    Tue, Feb 20 – Columbus, OH – Schottenstein Center

    Wed, Feb 21 – Columbus, OH – Schottenstein Center 

    Sat, Feb 24 – Cleveland, OH – Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse 

    Tue, Feb 27 – Buffalo, NY – KeyBank Center 

    Wed, Feb 28 – Buffalo, NY – KeyBank Center

    Sat, Mar 02 – Kansas City, MO – T-Mobile Center 

    Tue, Mar 05 – Memphis, TN – FedExForum

    Sun, Mar 10 – Lexington, KY – Rupp Arena 

    Thu, Mar 14 – Belmont Park, NY – UBS Arena

    Fri, Mar 15 – Belmont Park, NY – UBS Arena

    Mon, Mar 18 – State College, PA – Bryce Jordan Center

    Sat, Mar 23 – Sunrise, FL – Amerant Bank Arena

    Wed, Mar 27 – Birmingham, AL – The Legacy Arena at BJCC

  • In Focus: David Broza & Omer Avital’s Wilson Live Experience

    This past Sunday, November 12, City Winery New York and American Friends of NATAL held a special afternoon of music featuring a rare combination of Omer Avital’s Wilson Live Experience, a group of all-Israeli Jazz musicians who put on live shows mostly from their space on Wilson Avenue in Brooklyn and Israeli Superstar singer David Broza. Concert proceeds went to go to those suffering from PTSD in Israel.

    Omer Avital's Wilson Live david broza

    The pair have collaborated before on David Broza’s previous release called TEFILA, where Broza took the traditional Jewish Friday Night Prayers and recomposed them along with the help of Omer Avital, who wrote the orchestration parts. The pair performed the entire piece along with a full choir, string, and horn section at Temple Emanu-El earlier this year.

    Omer Avital's Wilson Live david broza
    Omer Avital's Wilson Live david broza
    Omer Avital's Wilson Live david broza
    Omer Avital's Wilson Live david broza
    Omer Avital's Wilson Live david broza
    David Broza & Omer Avital’s Wilson Live Experience at City Winery New York

  • Concept for Metropolitan Park includes Live Music Venue in Flushing

    The area around Citi Field might look very different in future years with Mets owner Steve Cohen’s proposed $8 billion plan to create a new development, dubbed Metropolitan Park, featuring a casino and new live music venue.

    What is now 50 acres of asphalt surrounding Citi Field might transform into something completely different, bringing together fans, neighbors, and visitors with 20 acres of new public park space, world-class entertainment, and authentic local global cuisine. It is meant to be enjoyed by not only those located in Queens and New York City but could become a tourist destination.

    “It’s time the world’s greatest city got the sports and entertainment park it deserves,” said New York Mets owner Steve Cohen. “When I bought this team, fans and the community kept saying we needed to do better. Metropolitan Park delivers on the promise of a shared space that people will not only want to come to and enjoy but can be truly proud of.” Owning the Mets is a civic responsibility to Cohens, and extends beyond the ballpark walls. For over 85 years, this area has been nothing but parking lots that have not served the community or fans to their full potential, and he wants to change this under-developed area.

    Over the last three years, Cohen and his team have met with community groups, elected officials, Mets fans, and those who live and work in the surrounding neighborhoods to develop their vision, giving life to a sports and entertainment park. With over 15 community workshops, 20,000 door-to-door conversations, and hundreds of meetings with local leaders, this project has the community’s best ideas in mind.

    The vision includes an investment of $8 billion, nearly 15,000 good-paying permanent and construction jobs, 20 acres of new park space with five acres of community playgrounds and athletic fields, climate-ready infrastructure, an accessible and renovated mass transit station, improved and modernized road network, and much more.

    The big ticket item everyone is excited about is the new world-class entertainment experience that will bring people to the area every day of the year. Cohens wants to bring a Hard Rock to the area, known for its best-in-class hospitality, with memorable live music experiences and casino and sportsbook gaming. Hard Rock has been committed to New York for nearly four decades with its iconic Cafe in Times Square.

    Now spanning the globe in over 70 countries with hotels, casinos, cafes, rock shops, and sports betting namesake venues and properties, Hard Rock is rooted in the spirit of music and philanthropy, embracing the culture and character of each location.

    “Hard Rock at Metropolitan Park will be rooted in the spirit of music while embracing the unique culture and character of Queens,” said Jim Allen, Chairman of Hard Rock International. “Metropolitan Park captures the energy and vision of bringing people together for memorable shared experiences that exemplifies the company’s mottos to Love All Serve All, All is One, Save Time to Be Kind and Save the Planet. We’re excited to bring our unique brand of world class entertainment to Queens.”

    For more information about Metropolitan Park, visit here.

  • Graham Nash to Receive 2023 John Lennon Real Love Award

    Legendary musician Graham Nash, known for his iconic journey through the British invasion with the Hollies, his involvement in the legendary Laurel Canyon scene with Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, and his enduring solo career, is set to be honored with the prestigious 2023 “John Lennon Real Love Award.”

    The honor will be presented at the 43rd Annual John Lennon Tribute hosted by Theatre Within, a non-profit organization that has been curating the Annual John Lennon Tribute since 1981. This much-anticipated event will take place on Saturday, December 2, at The Town Hall in New York City.

    In recognition of this esteemed award, Graham Nash, a two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, will not only graciously accept this accolade but also share his musical talents with the audience. He will perform renditions of his favorite John Lennon and Beatles classics, promising an enchanting night for all in attendance. Joining him will be a lineup of renowned artists who will also grace the stage.

    Among the featured performers, Judy Collins, the folk legend, will make her first Tribute appearance in over a decade. Rosanne Cash, a seasoned performer, returns for the third time, having previously received the John Lennon Real Love Award in 2018. Bettye LaVette, the beloved soul queen and fan favorite, will make her sixth Tribute performance. Rich Pagano, a founding member of the Fab Faux, will serve as the Music Director for the 15th consecutive year, ensuring a stellar musical experience.

    Graham Nash expressed his gratitude for this recognition, stating,

    This is a very special award. I thank Yoko and the Theatre Within for thinking of me. Over many years, I watched John and Yoko ‘fight the good fight’ for many whose voices were not being heard, a fight that Yoko continues to this day. I’m proud to be associated with the many fine artists who were previously honored with the John Lennon Real Love Award.

    Theatre Within, known for its joyful Annual John Lennon Tribute and John Lennon Real Love Project, is actively advancing the vision that John Lennon and Yoko Ono shared for a better world. This event’s proceeds will support Theatre Within’s free workshops in creative expression and mindfulness. These workshops encompass the John Lennon Real Love Project’s songwriting program, benefiting the cancer community, elementary and middle schools, and youth in crisis.

    The John Lennon Real Love Project’s educational initiative, presented to elementary and middle schools, continues to expand its reach. The program introduces students to John Lennon’s life, music, and his values of peace, love, and equality. Students then craft new lyrics for “Real Love” and record their rendition with John Lennon’s original vocal and piano track. ABC News recently featured the 2023 project.

    Tickets for Theatre Within’s 43rd Annual John Lennon Tribute are available for purchase at LennonTribute.org.

  • Alanis Morissette Announces The Triple Moon Tour, Stops in Wantagh and Bethel

    Seven-time GRAMMY Award-winning singer/songwriter Alanis Morissette has announced 31 North America shows for The Triple Moon Tour, with stops in Wantagh and Bethel. This new tour will feature special guest Rock and Roll Hall of Fame icon Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, along with support from Morgan Wade.

    Since 1995, Alanis Morissette has been one of the most influential singer-songwriter-musicians in contemporary music. Her deeply expressive music and performances have earned vast critical praise and seven Grammy awards. Morissette’s 1995 debut, “Jagged Little Pill,” was followed by nine more eclectic and acclaimed albums. She has contributed musically to theatrical releases and has acted on the big and small screen.

    Outside of entertainment, she is an avid supporter of female empowerment, as well as spiritual, psychological, and physical wellness. In 2001, Alanis was awarded the Global Tolerance Award by the Friends of the United Nations for her contributions to promoting tolerance through the arts. In 2016, Alanis launched Conversation with Alanis Morissette, a monthly podcast that features conversations with a variety of revered authors, doctors, educators, and therapists, covering a wide range of psychosocial topics extending from spirituality to developmentalism to art.

    On December 5, 2019, “Jagged Little Pill” the musical made its Broadway debut at the Broadhurst Theatre in New York City. The show was nominated for fifteen Tony Awards and won 2 Tony Awards at the 2021 ceremony. In July of 2020, Alanis released her ninth studio album, Such Pretty Forks In The Road, to rave reviews. In August of 2021, Alanis kicked off her sold out world tour celebrating 25 years of Jagged Little Pill. The tour became the #1 female-fronted tour from 2021 and also one of the Top Worldwide Tours of 2021 selling over 500,000 tickets. Alanis also stars in Fox’s sitcom, “The Great North,” which is set to return for season 4 in 2024.

    To celebrate the upcoming holiday season, Morissette released a new Christmas single on November 3. The track “Last Christmas” is a part of an EP featuring previously released Alanis holiday covers of John Lennon & Yoko Ono’s “Happy Xmas (War is Over)”, William Chatterton Dix’s “What child is this?”, and Katherine Kennicott Davis’ “Little Drummer Boy”. All four covers are available on a limited edition red and green 10’ vinyl as well as all streaming platforms.

    Joan Jett and the Blackhearts’ website

    Joan Jett grew up during a time when rock ‘n’ roll was off limits to girls and women, but as a teenager, she promptly blew the door to the boys’ club right off its hinges. After forming her band the Blackhearts in 1979, with whom Jett has become a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, she has had eight platinum and gold albums and nine Top 40 singles, including the classics “Bad Reputation,” “I Love Rock ‘N’ Roll,” “I Hate Myself For Loving You,” and “Crimson and Clover.”

    With a career that has spanned music, film, television, Broadway, and humanitarianism, Joan Jett remains a potent force and inspiration to generations of fans worldwide. As a producer, she has overseen seminal albums by Bikini Kill, and the Germs’ LA punk masterpiece ‘GI.’

    Jett and Kenny Laguna (her longtime producer and music partner) co-founded Blackheart Records from the trunk of Kenny’s Cadillac after rejections from no less than 23 labels. 40 years later, Blackheart is a thriving entertainment company producing music, film and television, and continues to champion emerging bands. Joan Jett and the Blackhearts continue to tour the world with headlining shows alongside fellow rock legends like The Who, Green Day, Heart, and Foo Fighters. ‘Bad Reputation,’ a documentary about Jett’s life, premiered to critical acclaim at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival. Following up on the bands 2022 release Changeup, their first-ever acoustic album, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts EP Mindsets will be a RSD First vinyl release on 11/24. Mindsets is available to stream now.  

    “I am inspired and heartened and feel giddy inside to be going on this upcoming summer tour with Joan and Morgan and all our teams,” Morissette said. “Can’t wait to see you, can’t wait to perform!” 

    Morgan Wade’s website

    One of Nashville’s fastest-rising and most critically acclaimed young stars, Morgan Wade released her much-anticipated sophomore album, Psychopath, Aug. 25 via Sony Music Nashville. Possessed with a raw and unflinching voice anchored by a perfect tinge of twang; the rare ability to pen honest portraits of some of life’s most precious, painful, and unpredictable moments; and an onstage vulnerability that so seamlessly breaks down the wall between fan and artist, Wade has quickly made her mark on the country music scene — and the music world at large. Her stunning 2021 debut album, Reckless, was hailed as a critical triumph; it topped Rolling Stone’s Best Country and Americana Albums of 2021. In 2022, Wade was nominated as the Emerging Act of the Year at the Americana Music Honors & Awards. Followed by 2023, when Wade was nominated for New Female Artist of the Year by the Academy of Country Music and performed at major-market festivals including Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits.

    While Reckless, and particularly its momentous lead single “Wilder Days,” busted down the doors and introduced Wade to a wider listenership, Psychopath is an astounding follow-up statement: the 13-track LP was crafted with the help of some of Nashville’s most extraordinary musical talents, from A-list songwriters (Julia Michaels, Natalie Hemby, Liz Rose, Lori McKenna) to studio musicians as well as Wade’s longtime producer Sadler Vaden. Most excitingly, Psychopath finds Wade peeling back layers of her psyche like never before. “I realized the more authentic you are and the more you pour yourself into your songs, and most importantly if you’re being honest, people will connect to that,” Wade says. 

    THE TRIPLE MOON TOUR DATES: 

    Featuring special guest Joan Jett & the Blackhearts and support from Morgan Wade

    Sun Jun 09 – Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre 

    Wed Jun 12 – Austin, TX – Moody Center 

    Fri Jun 14 – Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion 

    Sun Jun 16 – Houston, TX – Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Presented by Huntsman 

    Wed Jun 19 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre* 

    Thu Jun 20 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre* 

    Sat Jun 22 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheater 

    Sun Jun 23 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena 

    Wed Jun 26 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion 

    Thu Jun 27 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek 

    Sat Jun 29 – Columbia, MD – Merriweather Post Pavilion 

    Tue Jul 02 – Camden, NJ – Freedom Mortgage Pavilion 

    Wed Jul 03 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center 

    Fri Jul 05 – Bethel, NY – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts 

    Sat Jul 06 – Hartford, CT – Xfinity Theatre 

    Tue Jul 09 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center 

    Wed Jul 10 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater 

    Tue Jul 13 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage

    Tue Jul 16 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre 

    Wed Jul 17 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center 

    Tue Jul 23 – Maryland Heights, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre 

    Wed Jul 24 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center 

    Sat Jul 27 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center

    Sun Jul 28 – Milwaukee, WI – American Family Insurance Amphitheater  

    Wed Jul 31 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena 

    Thu Aug 01 – Salt Lake City, UT – USANA Amphitheatre 

    Sat Aug 03 – Auburn, WA – White River Amphitheatre 

    Sun Aug 04 – Portland, OR – Moda Center 

    Wed Aug 07 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre 

    Thu Aug 08 – Palm Springs, CA – Acrisure Arena

    Fri Aug 10 – Inglewood, CA – Kia Forum

    *With support from Joan Jett and the Blackhearts only

    Tickets will be available starting with a Citi presale (details below) beginning on Tuesday, November 14. Additionally, fans can sign up for Morissette’s mailing list by Wednesday, November 15 to get first access to presale tickets. More presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general on-sale beginning on Friday, November 17 at 10 am at alanis.com.

    Citi is the official card of the Triple Moon Tour. Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets beginning on Tuesday, November 14 at 10 am until Thursday, November 16 at 10 pm through the Citi Entertainment program. For complete presale details visit this website. 

    The tour will also offer a variety of different VIP packages and experiences for fans to take their concert experience to the next level. For more information, visit alanis.com.

    Follow Alanis Morissette on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or YouTube.

    For more information on Joan Jett and the Blackhearts click here, or follow them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or YouTube.

    For more information on Morgan Wade click here, or follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or YouTube.