The HERE Foundation, fresh off last year’s successful music festival, announced the date and lineup for HERE for NY, taking place at The Knockdown Center on Feb. 10, 2024.
HERE for NY is the next stop in the global concert series dedicated to creating hyper-local action within cities worldwide. With a focus on supporting local organizations and nonprofits, HERE aims to empower Gen-Z individuals and businesses to impact their communities positively. The festival is the first of its kind, transcending traditional festival experiences and embracing a new era of action, empowerment, and community.
Last December, HERE for LA showcased 22 acts, engaged over 1200 attendees, and made an incredible impact on HERE’s nonprofit partners. HERE Foundation is a non-profit organization that works at the intersection of culture and cause, supporting individuals, organizations, and nonprofits with charitable events, activities, gatherings, and workshops around causes that young people are passionate about.
HERE for NY welcomes artists across genres including Eartheater, Vegyn, Liv.e, RXK Nephew, Underscores, Roy Blair, James Ivy, 454, DJ_Dave, Alice Longyu Gao, Push Ups, and MGNA Crrrta.
“We think people are going to be very surprised when they show up on February 10th,” said co-founders Ethan, Stella, and Connor. “It’s not a vast grass field with the traditional layout and nonprofit booths, we have created something uniquely different from the existing array of festivals out there today” they share.
In line with HERE Foundation’s commitment to social responsibility HERE for NY is excited to partner with Big Reuse and the Urban Justice Center for Social Equity, local nonprofit organizations dedicated to climate justice, social equality, and education. HERE For NY sponsors include Perfectly Imperfect, Dice, and more.
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.
Multi-platinum and award-winning rock group blink-182 just announced this summer they are heading on a headlining tour with pop-punk support act Pierce The Veil, coming to Citi Field on July 21, 2024.
Following the massive success of their colossal global outing and recent headlining festival performances at When We Were Young Festival, Mark Hoppus, Tom DeLonge, and Travis Barker will hit some of the biggest venues nationwide next year, debuting their new album One More Time.
blink-182 started rocking almost thirty years ago in a San Diego garage. They have sold over fifty million albums worldwide, and according to the New York Times, “No punk band of the 1990s has been more influential than ‘blink-182’. With Delonge back after nearly a decade, fans can expect that electric on-stage magic that the trio has delivered over the years.
Tickets will go on sale starting Friday, October 27 at 10 a.m.
BLINK-182 2024 NORTH AMERICA TOUR DATES:
*With Support from Pierce The Veil
+With Support from Alexisonfire and Pierce The Veil
Acclaimed singer, songwriter, and producer James Blake played two sold out nights at Knockdown Center this weekend, October 5, as part of his Playing Robots Into Heaven Tour. Blake’s longtime bandmate Rob McAndrews opened the show under the stage name Airhead.
James Blake at Knockdown Center, Photograph by David Reichmann (@davidpresspass)
James Blake’s tour concludes October 20th in Los Angeles. Check out his upcoming dates here, and listen to Blake’s latest album here.
James Blake at Knockdown Center, Photograph by David Reichmann (@davidpresspass)
Our full photo gallery by David Reichmann is below.
LCD Soundsystem will once again hold a residency (of sorts) this holiday season in New York City, but instead of sticking to just one venue, the group will hit three separate venues across three boroughs on a Tri Boro Tour.
The Tri Boro tour will find LCD Soundsystem first returning to the familiar haunts of Brooklyn Steel over the course of November 16-19. Then, heading into Manhattan, the group will find themselves at Terminal 5 from November 28 through December 1, surely making excellent use of the room’s disco ball during each show.
Then the group will perform December 7-10 at the Knockdown Center in Queens to close out the Tri Boro Tour. As for shows in the Bronx and Staten Island, fans will have to be patient or make the trek to any of the other 12 shows lined up.
General public onsale for all 12 shows starts Thursday, Oct. 12 at 10AM ET, but you can check here for presale details. One show at each location will be for Amex cardholders only.
LCD Soundsystem Tri Boro Tour Dates: 11/16 — Brooklyn NY @ Brooklyn Steel 11/17 — Brooklyn NY @ Brooklyn Steel 11/18 — Brooklyn NY @ Brooklyn Steel 11/19 — Brooklyn NY @ Brooklyn Steel * 11/28 — New York NY @ Terminal 5 11/29 — New York NY @ Terminal 5 11/30 — New York NY @ Terminal 5 * 12/01 — New York NY @ Terminal 5 12/07 — Queens NY @ Knockdown Center * 12/08 — Queens NY @ Knockdown Center 12/09 — Queens NY @ Knockdown Center 12/10 — Queens NY @ Knockdown Center
Foo Fighters have announced the 2024 Everything Or Nothing At All Tour, in support of their 11th full length record But Here We Are. The tour kicks off with two shows at NYC’s Citi Field on July 17 and 19.
With singles “Rescued” and “Under You,” Foo Fighters acclaimed album But Here We Are was released on June 2. It debuted at #1 on UK charts, marking the group’s sixth official #1 album. But Here We Are is the group’s first release since the passing of their longtime beloved drummer, Taylor Hawkins in March 2022.
Foo Fighters’ 2024 tour begins with two shows at New York’s Citi Field on July 17 and 19, and continues with shows at legendary stadiums, such as Boston’s Fenway Park, San Diego’s Petco Park, and Seattle’s T-Mobile Park. The tour will see support from Pretenders, The Hives, Mammoth WVH, Amyl and The Sniffers, Alex G, and L7 on various dates.
General onsale for tickets begins on Friday, October 6 at 10AM. Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets beginning on Tuesday, October 3 at 10AM, until Thursday October 5 at 10PM through the Citi Entertainment Program. More information and tickets are available here.
Arctic Monkeys played two sold out shows at Forest Hills Stadium in Queens, NY over September 8-9, as part of their ongoing North American tour. The second evening at Forest Hills Stadium coincided with the tenth anniversary of their self-titled album, and marked their return to Forest Hills Stadium after last playing there in 2018.
Arctic Monkeys at Forest Hills Stadium, NY. Photography by David Reichmann (@davidpresspass)
Beloved post-punk outfit Fontaines DC opened for Arctic Monkeys both nights. They played powerful hard-hitting sets, warming up the crowd before the Arctic Monkeys took the stage.
Fontaines DC at Forest Hills Stadium, NY. Photography by David Reichmann (@davidpresspass)
On the second night, legendary poet John Cooper Clarke introduced the band with his spoken word poem “I Wanna Be Yours,” which the band had covered in their self-titled album.
John Cooper Clarke introduces Arctic Monkeys at Forest Hills Stadium, NY. Photography by David Reichmann (@davidpresspass)
After taking the stage to rapturous applause, Arctic Monkeys started the second evening’s set with the opening track on their self-titled record, “Do I Wanna Know.”
Arctic Monkeys at Forest Hills Stadium. Photography by David Reichmann (@davidpresspass)
Fans of all ages seemed to know the words to every song, occasionally even singing the guitar melodies along with the band.
Arctic Monkeys at Forest Hills Stadium. Photography by David Reichmann (@davidpresspass)
The setlist featured many of the band’s most iconic tracks from their catalog, including “Brianstorm,” “Why Do You Only Call Me When You’re High,” and “Fluorescent Adolescent.” At the end of “There Better Be a Mirrorball” from their latest record, a large disco ball descended from above, bearing the singular word “Monkeys” on both sides. They immediately launched into “505” and the mirrorball lit up, spreading dots of glowing white light throughout the stadium and its 13,000 fans. This induced a seemingly-involuntary cheer among the audience, who lost themselves in the moment that was certainly a highlight from the show.
Arctic Monkeys at Forest Hills Stadium. Photography (captured on a point-and-shoot) by David Reichmann (@davidpresspass)
For their encore, the band returned to the stage to play their cover of John Cooper Clarke’s “I Wanna Be Yours,” and closed their sold out two-night run with “I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor” and “R U Mine?” (which they started with the opening chords to The Strokes’ “Last Nite”).
Arctic Monkeys at Forest Hills Stadium. Photography (captured on a point-and-shoot) by David Reichmann (@davidpresspass)
Arctic Monkeys North American tour with Fontaines DC continues, and you can check out their upcoming tour dates here and stream their music here. And if you like the Monkeys, you should definitely listen to Fontaines DC’s catalog here.
Check out our full gallery below, with photography by David Reichmann.
In honor of hip hop’s 50th anniversary and lasting culture, Genius brought a return to their “IQ/BBQ” summer showcase. In the first edition of the annual event since Covid, hosts Miabelle and Jacques Morel took on the role of emcee, with DJ Saige, DJ Stacks, RNB House Party and DJ S’Wit serenading the crowd with memorable hip hop tracks.
Held at Queens’ Knockdown Center, the day-long festivities provided a fitting end-of-summer experience for guests to enjoy. While in the midst of a year-long celebration of hip hop, IQ/BBQ expertly combined the best of hip hop and urban culture to provide all-around good time.
Guests gather at center stage at IQ/BBQ. Photo by Ki Steiger-Dahl
In light, Knockdown Center’s large terrain set the stage for a diverse live music experience, allowing for the ambience to differ with each change of location. Consequently for performers, it left the crowd scattered. As guests warmed up to performances by opening acts Rich Greedy and Wynne, their attention split between a number of enjoyable experiences at Genius IQ/BBQ.
IQ/BBQ Brought the Culture
After all, aside from a rich lineup of acts, IQ/BBQ offered experiences like the So Fresh, So Clean Shop. Presented By Paco Rabanne 1 Million, attendees had the chance to snag free barber shape-ups by Groomed Guys, along with sneaker cleanings by Fresh Kicks NYC.
Photos by Kia Steiger-Dahl
In like manner, the outdoor Rap Cafeteria, presented by Showtime’s The Chi, created a true backyard barbecue vibe for Genius. This fun space featured picnic tables with designs that paid homage to iconic cities and eras from hip-hop’s first 50 years. Along with games, food from some New York City’s best food trucks and of course, great music.
IQ/ BBQ’s Rap Cafeteria offered delicious eats from some of New York City’s best vendors
Meanwhile, VIPs enjoyed sips of PATRÓN EL ALTO in the VIP Genius Lounge, which was adorned with famous song lyrics featuring PATRÓN.
Photos by Kia Steiger-Dahl
Performances
As the acts warmed up so did the crowd. However, New York City’s “too cool for school” attitude reared its head, as less experienced and less-known performers struggled to captivate the crowd. Yet as the evening waned and guests had eaten and drank their fill, the center stage began to heat up. Performances from Luh Tyler and Lola Brooke got the crowd going. While Armani White showcased true stage presence and talent in getting a stubborn crowd to come alive.
Photos by Spicy Rico
As a result, a now-perked up and fully gathered crowd waited patiently for the headliners, Clipse, to make their appearance. After a near hour-long wait Pusha T dawned the stage, feverishly spitting out lyrics from his Grammy-nominated release, It’s Almost Dry.
Pusha T came out to a very engaged crowd. Photo by Kia Steiger-Dahl,
After performing records performing a slew of solo tracks, he brought out his brother Malice as they performed one of their classic album cuts, “Popular Demand” to a now-fully engaged crowd. The energy levels remained high throughout their set as they ran through a number of hit records including “Mr. Me Too,” and “What Happened to That Boy,” before ultimately performing a run of deep album cuts and closing out with one of hip hop’s classic records, “Grindin’.”
Pusha T and No Malice are in the midst of a reunion 14 years in the making. Photo by Kia Steiger-Dahl.
As Pusha T and Malice performed their last record, the duo thanked the crowd for repeatedly showing the Virginia natives love. Just as suddenly as the electrifying performance began, it was over, and guests dispersed knowing that hip hop delivered them another memorable day.
Prepare for a Christmas rock experience as the Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) has announced its annual holiday tour. The multi-platinum rock group, which has consistently hit the touring charts for the past 15 years, unveiled the details of their highly anticipated 2023 winter tour, “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve – the Best of TSO & More.”
This year’s tour promises a new and larger presentation of the beloved holiday tradition, “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve,” which has captured the hearts of multiple generations. TSO will visit 62 cities, including Albany, Rochester, Buffalo, and Belmont Park (the only New York Metro area show for the season).
A product of the imagination of TSO’s late founder Paul O’Neill, and based on TSO’s CD and TV special, The Ghosts of Christmas Eve, follows the journey of a runaway who breaks into an abandoned vaudeville theater on December 24. While seeking shelter from the cold, the teen is discovered by the theater’s caretaker who uses the ghosts and spirits from the building’s past to turn her life around. Following the performance of the rock opera, 2023’s tour also boasts a rocking, blazing, and laser-lit second set containing more of TSO’s greatest hits, fan favorites, and surprises. If you are unable to attend, fans at home can watch a digitally restored The Ghosts of Christmas Eve on their local PBS station.
For 27 years you have helped make Paul O’Neill’s TSO stories a part of your holiday tradition. And, for 27 years, our tradition has been to make every year’s tour better than the last for you. 2023 is no exception as this year’s tour will be the best ever. I can’t wait to see our ‘repeat offenders’ out at the shows and look forward to seeing the new faces as well.
TSO music director and lead guitarist Al Pitrelli
For New York TSO fans, TSO will be touring in Albany on November 29, Rochester on November 30, Buffalo on December 2, and Elmont on December 20. Be sure to grab tickets before they sell out if you plan to attend.
Presales for TSO fan club members will be held on Thursday, Sept. 7 at 10 a.m. local time and Friday, Sept. 8 at 10 a.m. local time. The public on-sale is set to begin on Friday, Sept. 15 at 10 a.m. local time. Beginning with the public on sale, special $39 tickets will be available for one week or while supplies last. Keeping with O’Neill’s character, TSO will give at least $1 from every ticket sold to charity. To date, more than $18 million has been donated by the group.
Photo by Jason McEacher.
For more details on tour dates and ticket sales, visit here.
DJ Muggs, the legendary producer known for his groundbreaking work with Cypress Hill and countless other hip-hop luminaries, is back with a vengeance. On August 25th, he dropped Soul Assassins 3: Death Valley, an album that oozes gritty beats and showcases his production prowess. But that’s not all; it’s accompanied by an upcoming short movie directed by Jason Goldwatch, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this already captivating project.
First things first, the album itself is a masterclass in production. DJ Muggs has assembled a roster of rap heavyweights to spit fire over his beats, and the result is nothing short of spectacular. “It’s On” featuring Boldy James sets the stage with its ominous vibes. “Check In (Original Version)” with Jay Worthy offers a gritty original flavor, while “Sicilian Gold” featuring Ghostface Killah and Westside Gunn is a lyrical showcase over Muggs’ haunting beat. “67 Keys” featuring Roc Marciano, Rome Streetz, and Meyhem Lauren delves into the underground hip-hop scene with finesse, and “Mr. Cartoon Interlude” adds an artistic touch.
“Burn The Playbook” featuring Evidence and Domo Genesis showcases sharp verses over Muggs’ hypnotic production. “Crazy Horse” featuring Roc Marciano and Crimeapple continues the underground exploration, and “Metropolis” featuring Method Man and Slick Rick combines veteran talent for a standout track. “We Coming For The Safe” featuring Boldy James keeps the intensity high, and “Skeleton Bones” featuring Rome Streetz brings it back to the gritty underground.
The album’s energy intensifies with “Dump On Em” featuring B-Real, MC Ren, and Ice Cube, and it all comes to a captivating close with “Outro,” leaving listeners eager to hit replay on this unrelenting sonic journe
Moreover, the cinematic experience associated with this album adds a whole new layer of excitement. The short movie directed by Jason Goldwatch, set to release on September 13th, promises to be an audio-visual journey that complements the music’s dark and mysterious vibes. You can catch a glimpse of what’s in store by watching the movie trailer below.
As if all of this weren’t enough, an exclusive movie premiere took place at SoHo House in NYC on August 30th, giving fans an early taste of the visual storytelling that accompanies Soul Assassins 3: Death Valley. The premiere was made even more special with a Q&A session featuring DJ Muggs and Jason Goldwatch allowing fans to gain insight into the creative process behind this groundbreaking project.
In conclusion, DJ Muggs has once again proven why he’s a force to be reckoned with in the hip-hop world. Soul Assassins 3: Death Valley is an auditory and soon-to-be-visual masterpiece that deserves a place in the collections of hip-hop aficionados everywhere. From the star-studded tracklist to the imminent short movie, this project is a testament to Muggs’ enduring talent and creativity. Don’t sleep on it.
