The winners for the 67th Annual Drama Desk Awards have been announced. The Drama Desk Awards are recognized as being the only major NYC theater award show that puts Broadway, Off-Broadway, and Off-Off Broadway productions in the same categories. This year it was all about Some Like it Hot and Life of Pi, with each coming out on top in over three categories.
Awards are voted on and bestowed by critics, journalists, editors, and publishers covering theater. The Drama Desk Awards honor all aspects of New York’s professional theater.
The Drama Desk was founded in 1949 and began presenting its awards in 1955. The organization was originally created to explore pivotal issues in the theater and to bring together critics and writers in an organization to support the development of theater in New York.
This year the Drama Desk Awards will take place at Sardi’s Restaurant in Manhattan on June 6th from 3:00 – 6:00pm. Tony and Emmy Award winner Mandy Patinkin and 2-time Obie Award winner Kathryn Grody will host the ceremony. More details about the event and awards can be found here.
List of Winners
Outstanding Play
Leopoldstadt, by Tom Stoppard
Outstanding Musical
Some Like it Hot
Outstanding Revival of a Play
The Piano Lesson
Outstanding Revival of a Musical
Parade
Outstanding Lead Performance in a Play
Jessica Chastain, A Doll’s House & Sean Hayes, Good Night, Oscar
Outstanding Lead Performance in a Musical
Annaleigh Ashford, Sweeney Todd & J. Harrison Ghee, Some Like it Hot
Outstanding Featured Performance in a Play
Miriam Silverman, The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window, Brooklyn Academy of Music & Brandon Uranowitz, Leopoldstadt
Outstanding Featured Performance in a Musical
Kevin Del Aguila, Some Like it Hot & Alex Newell, Shucked
Outstanding Direction of a Play
Max Webster, Life of Pi
Outstanding Direction of a Musical
Thomas Kail, Sweeney Todd
Outstanding Choreography
Casey Nicholaw, Some Like it Hot
Outstanding Music
Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally, Shucked
Outstanding Lyrics
Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman, Some Like it Hot
Outstanding Book of a Musical
Matthew López and Amber Ruffin, Some Like it Hot
Outstanding Orchestrations
Charlie Rosen and Bryan Carter, Some Like it Hot
Outstanding Music in a Play
Suzan-Lori Parks, Plays for the Plague Year, The Public Theater
Outstanding Scenic Design of a Play
Tim Hatley, Life of Pi
Outstanding Scenic Design of a Musical
Beowulf Boritt, New York, New York
Outstanding Costume Design of a Play
Emilio Sosa, Ain’t No Mo’
Outstanding Costume Design of a Musical
Gregg Barnes, Some Like it Hot
Outstanding Lighting Design of a Play
Natasha Chivers and Willie Williams (video), Prima Facie
Outstanding Lighting Design of a Musical
Natasha Katz, Sweeney Todd
Outstanding Projection and Video Design
Andrzej Goulding, Life of Pi
Outstanding Sound Design of a Play
Ben & Max Ringham, A Doll’s House
Outstanding Sound Design of a Musical
Scott Lehrer and Alex Neumann, Into the Woods
Outstanding Wig and Hair
Mia M. Neal, Ain’t No Mo’
Outstanding Solo Performance
Jodie Comer, Prima Facie
Unique Theatrical Experience
Peter Pan Goes Wrong
Outstanding Fight Choreography
B.H. Barry, Camelot
Outstanding Adaptation
A Doll’s House, by Amy Herzog
Outstanding Puppetry
Nick Barnes and Finn Caldwell, Life of Pi
Special Awards:
Harold Prince Lifetime Achievement Award
Stephen McKinley Henderson has been bringing in-depth, gripping portrayals of memorable characters to the stage for over 40 years. With his return to Broadway this season as Pops in Between Riverside and Crazy, which was nominated in 2015, this year’s Harold Prince Lifetime Achievement Award marks Henderson’s role in this powerful production as a celebration of his brilliant career.
Ensemble Award
The cast of Soho Rep’s Public Obscenities – Tashnuva Anan, Abrar Haque, Golam Sarwar Harun, Gargi Mukherjee, NaFis, Jakeem Dante Powell, and Debashis Roy Chowdhury – embodied the transnational world of Shayok Misha Chowdhury’s bilingual play with memorable authenticity, remarkable specificity, and extraordinary warmth.
Sam Norkin Off-Broadway Award
From his standout performance in american (tele)visions, to writing and performing the autobiographical Dark Disabled Stories, Ryan J. Haddad’s work this season has expanded on and interrogated what the idea of “accessibility” really means. Whether riding a shopping cart like a throne, or relating his experiences on a “gay, pink bus,” Haddad shared with audiences an unabashed queer fabulosity that was both unforgettable and deeply human.
Popular Southern Tier music venue Tags Summer Stage of Big Flats, NY kicked off their exciting 30th season of music with a sold out show featuring Lee Brice and Cole Swindell.
Lee Brice got the night going as the first of two headlining shows for the highly anticipated event. The success of the first show was evident with a sold out venue.
Brice was touring in support of his latest album “ Hey World” his fifth album to date from Curb Records. Playing with Brice is his band of many years Travis Bettis on guitar. Micheal Gray on drums, Paul Rippee on bass, and Reginald Bradley Smith on Keyboard. The current tour will take Brice as far west as California and north into Canada. Brice will return to the Empire State on this tour Oct. 19th & 20th in Westbury NY at the NYCB Theatre.
For Tags the excitement for their 30th season continues on July 2nd with Rodney Atkins & Sammy Kershaw, and recently announced, Dustin Lynch & Dylan Scott on Aug. 11th. For more info on all the events for Tags 30th anniversary season go to www.tagstickets.com
For more info on Lee Brice fans can to his website www.leebrice.com loaded with ticket and tour info.
By now, Memorial Day has come and gone, the days are getting longer, the sun is shining, and summer concert season is officially underway. As always, Syracuse has an impressive mix of individual concerts and multiple day festivals to look forward to over the summer months. Here are five can’t miss shows around Syracuse for the month of June.
Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter Meshell Ndegeocello comes to the Homer Center for the Arts for a performance on Friday June 9th. The singer-songwriter and bass guitarist is known for blending elements of rap, hip hop, funk and soul in her music. She has been nominated for a Grammy Award 11 times, taking home the award for best R&B song in 2021.
The show starts at 8pm with tickets starting at $40.
The New York State Blues Festival returns to Chevy Court at the New York State Fairgrounds for a three day affair. The star studded line up features headliner and blues rock legend Buddy Guy, with direct support from Samantha Fish. The remainder of the three day festival features an impressive line up of both NYS artists and national touring bands. The daily schedule can be found here.
Daily admission is free, however VIP packages are available.
The Syracuse Jazz Fest once again returns to Clinton Square and its surrounding areas for a five day celebration. This will be the 37th incarnation of the event, which will be co-headlined this year by 14-time Grammy Award winning artist Herbie Hancock and 7-time Grammy Award Winner Gladys Knight. Hancock will headline the Clinton Square Stage on Friday, June 23 at 9:15pm, with Knight taking the stage on Saturday, June 24 at 9:15pm. Additional support will include Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox, who bring their vintage sound to the Clinton Square Stage on Friday evening, at 7:30pm. In addition, the five-day festival will feature over 26 additional performances at various clubs, bars, and restaurants, highlighting local artists and other performers with New York State ties.
All performances are free and open to the public. A full schedule can be found here.
Curated by Syracuse music legend and local music connoisseur Scott Dixon, 95x is hosting the Locals Only Fest at The Finish Line Bar & Grill. Headlined by Central New York sensation Sydney Irving and the Mojo, the one day festival will feature a talented line up Central New York musicians. The line up includes Professional Victims, The Flashing Astonishers, Not Robots, Can’t, Mattydale Music Collective, Everneau, No Bush, and Cooled Jets. The festival will also showcase an assortment of local artists with proceeds of each ticket sale benefiting the Syracuse Arts Project.
Music starts at 12:00pm with tickets starting at $15.
Fresh off the heels of a spring tour which saw sold out performances in Buffalo and Ithaca, Snarky Puppy once again return to Upstate New York. The multi-grammy award winning band, known for its blend of jazz-rock fusion boasts an impressive line up of talented musicians. Led by founder Michael League, the instrumentalist band features a rotation upwards of twenty-five members, with nightly performances featuring eleven musicians.
Doors open at 5:00pm with tickets starting at $30.
Labor unions representing Broadway musicians have announced they are opposing the production of David Byrne’s musical Here Lies Love, citing that it breaks the union contract that requires live performers for musicals.
Conrad Ricamora in the musical “Here Lies Love” during its run at the Public Theater in New York. Ricamora is returning to the Broadway production. Credit Sara Krulwich/The New York Times.
The musical — an immersive, dance-driven musical about Imelda Marcos, the former first lady of the Philippines — is scheduled to start previews on June 17 and to open on July 20 at the Broadway Theater. Byrne co-wrote the music with Fatboy Slim. First conceived 17 years ago, every production has been performed to a prerecorded track but has only been performed at off-Broadway locations.
The decision to have Here Lies Love be a fully prerecorded musical has caused quite an uproar online as many people are outraged as it is single-handedly undermining the 157-year history of live music on Broadway. Audiences are paying full price for a show may feel ripped off, only to discover a live Broadway show is accompanied by a pre-recorded soundtrack.
Thus, professional musicians are losing jobs due to this decision by Byrne. The American Federation of Musicians’ Local 802 claims the production violates the union’s contract with the Broadway League by using pre-recorded tracks instead of a live band. In a statement, they said:
A show with no live music and just pre-recorded tracks is absolutely an existential threat to Broadway- and is a cultural threat to musical theater worldwide. For generations, audiences have experienced Broadway shows with live music performed by the best musicians in the world, and by using just pre-recorded tracks it not only cheapens the art it’s putting jobs and livelihoods at risk. Our musicians are heartbroken that David Byrne – a legend – is attempting this and we strongly hope he reconsiders.
Local 802
Local 802 went on to say that Here Lies Love violates union Broadway rules, which require the use of 19 musicians for musicals at the Broadway Theater. The union says it is seeking to preserve jobs for musicians and quality for theater lovers. “We’re not going to stand by and let this happen,” said Tino Gagliardi, the local’s president and executive director. “It’s not fair to the public.”
In a statement, Bryne and the show said “Here Lies Love is not a traditional Broadway musical. The music is drawn outside of the traditional musical genre. The performance of the live vocals to pre-recorded, artificial tracks is paramount to its artistic concept. Production has ripped out the seats in the theater and built a dance floor. There is no longer a proscenium stage.”
David Byrne, March 2023 (Mike Coppola/Getty Images).
While Byrne says the show is special and there is a reasoning behind this, his decision violates union agreements, which have been in the news as of late with the Writers Guild striking for better and fairer wages and working conditions. In 2017, David Byrne proudly wrote that “investment in the arts doesn’t cost us money – it makes us money.” Now, Byrne is deinvesting in the arts by using recorded music instead of professional live musicians. This ongoing issue may influence crowds for Here Lies Love with many angry at this decision, prominent musicians and theatergoers alike.
An update as of June 9- a statement from Local 802 NYC Musicians Union President and Executive Director Tino Gagliardi on agreement with Here Lies Love says “After negotiation, we have reached an agreement that will bring live music to Here Lies Love with the inclusion of 12 musicians to the show. Broadway is a very special place with the best musicians and performances in the world, and we are glad this agreement honors that tradition.” The group is made up of nine musicians and three musician actors, and all will be Local 802 members.
Indie rock legends The Front Bottoms celebrated their 10 year anniversary of their renowned album Talon of the Hawk. The band played this timeless album in full at Beak and Skiff in Lafayette for a sold out crowd on May 25.
Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty
In 2013 The Front Bottoms released Talon of the Hawk which set them on the map in the alternative scene. Through angular melodies and wiry guitar riffs it began to make its mark. Dedicated fans celebrated this album through the years and even with the growing success of later pieces of work, people kept coming back to it.
Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty
If The Front Bottoms fanbase could be described in one word it would be loyal. They have followed the New Jersey duo of Brian Sella (vocalist/guitarist) and drummer Mathew Uychich for years. As a celebration the group brought their roots back to the fans by playing their beloved album in full for special shows.
Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty
AJJ opened up the night at Beak and Skiff Apple Orchards. This American folk punk band has been an inspiration to The Front Bottoms over the years so it was only fitting they join them on this tour.
10 Years of Talon of the Hawk
The Front Bottoms kicked off the night with the first two tracks off the album, “Au Revoir (Adios)” and “Skeleton.” Instantly you could feel the energy shift as Brian stepped onto the stage. Birthday hats, decorative posters, and costumes encompassed the field. The night may have started celebrating Talon of the Hawk but it later encompassed the endless other accomplishments the fanbase has endured. From birthdays to gradations to just making it to the next day the community was full of a sense of awe.
Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty
Despite the rawness and hard hitting lyrics the artist sings the fans waste no time dancing freely to the music. Especially once the band played “Beers” in their encore. Instantly the mosh pits began again and countless people were crowd surfing. There is something about this community that The Front Bottoms have built. It just goes to show that being honest and real about the hardships of life can actually bring people together. After all, who says we can’t dance together through our pain?
Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty
As summer approaches, Beak and Skiff Apple Orchards proves to be a top venue location for good tunes with the perfect scenic view. Upcoming shows include Noah Kahan on June 3 and Fleet Foxes on July 12. Get tickets here.
Setlist: Au Revoir (Adios), Skeleton, Swear to God the Devil Made Me Do It, Twin Size Mattress, Peach, Santa Monica, The Feud, Funny You Should Ask, Tattooed Tears, Lone Star, Backflip, Everything I Own, Flashlight, West Virginia, Maps, Be Nice to Me, Wolfman, bus beat, Outlook, Hello World
Throughout the summer, the Constellation Brands-Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center (CMAC) in Canandaigua offers various concerts and events. Beginning in June and lasting until September, the lineup includes something for everybody from country stars to rock festivals.
Located next to the campus of Finger Lakes Community College, the CMAC summer concert series always attracts big crowds enjoying the artists.
Santana- June 22 at 8 PM
Grammy Award winning artist and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame guitarist Santana kicks of the CMAC summer series on June 22. Santana will be traveling across North America this summer for his 1001 Rainbows Tour.
Darius Rucker- June 24 at 8 PM
Rucker first rose to fame as the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist of Hootie & the Blowfish. In advance of the release of his forthcoming album Carolyn’s Boy, Rucker began the Starting Fires Tour. Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors are special guests who will also be joining him.
Weezer- July 3 at 7 PM
This summer, popular indie rock band Weezer is joined by special guests on their Indie Rock Roadtrip tour. For their CMAC date, Future Islands and Joyce Manor will also be taking the stage as the guests.
Roc The Lake Music Festival- July 7 at 5 PM
AJR will be headlining the Roc The Lake Music Festival. A band made up of three brothers (Adam, Jack, and Ryan), AJR is constantly re-envisioning pop music with their music. Also joining the group for the festival is Chelsea Cutler, Lawrence, Blake Rose, and Almost Monday.
The Doobie Brothers- July 14 at 8 PM
Four-time Grammy Award winners The Doobie Brothers added a tour stop at CMAC to their 50th Anniversary Tour. For over five decades, The Doobie Brothers have been known for delivering mind-blowing, roots-based, harmony-laden, guitar-driven rock and roll – all of which recently culminated in an induction into the 2020 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
The Chicks- August 11 at 7:30 PM
Fresh off the heels of their massively successful U.S. tour last summer, The Chicks return to the stage with their 2023 world tour. They will also be joined by special guest singer-songwriter Ben Harper.
Dan + Shay- August 19 at 8 PM
Country duo Dan + Shay will stop at CMAC during their tour promoting their most recent album Good Things. They are best known for their global hits, including “Tequila,” “Speechless,” and “All To Myself.”
Duran Duran- September 3 at 7 PM
Continuing to perform to huge concert audiences around the world since the band first formed in 1980, Duran Duran has seen more than 100 million record sales worldwide. In the past year alone, they performed live at the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee concert at Buckingham Palace, headlined London’s Hyde Park and, in a full circle moment, closed the iconic opening ceremony of the 2022 Commonwealth Games in their hometown of Birmingham.
Tickets and more information on these events can be found on CMAC’s website.
June will mark the beginning of Scotia’s Freedom Park Summer 2023 Concert Series in Scotia, NY, with a wide range of performances from Celtic rock to reggae to a “Big Bubble Bonanza.” Admission is free on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with dates ranging from June 21 to Aug. 23.
Freedom Park is a non-profit organization, built in 1976 for the Bicentennial Celebration. The stage for the performances is located in the Village of Scotia’s Collins Park. It is funded through local business sponsors, the Village of Scotia, Freedom Park memberships, grants from the Schenectady County Initiative Program and Town of Glenville, and audience donations.
The season is being headlined by the Screaming Orphans on June 21, returning from last year. The Screaming Orphans are an all-sisters Celtic folk and Pop band, hailing from Donegal, Ireland. Three of their albums, Taproom, Life in a Carnival, and Sunshine and Moss, have topped Billboard, iTunes and World Music charts.
There are multiple events intended for kids, including “Jeff Boyer’s Big Bubble Bonanza” featuring Guinness Book of World Record holder, Jeff Boyer, on Aug. 20. The family-friendly, interactive performance will incorporate bubble rainbows with people inside, volcano bubbles, and gigantic bubbles that blow their own bubbles.
All shows are rain or shine at 7:00 p.m. at the outdoor amphitheater on Schonowee Avenue, Scotia across from Collins Park.
Concerts for Summer 2023
June 21: Screaming Orphans, a Celtic rock/pop band. June 24: Alan Payette & Friends, a rock & roll group. June 25: Music Company Orchestra. June 28: Capital Dist Youth Pipe Band with Ally the Piper. June 30: Joe Adee & The Lug Nuts, a rock & roll band. July 8: Big Fez & the Surfmatics, which is teaching ’60s dance moves. July 9: Donnie P & Celebration Family, a polka group. July 12: The Refrigerators, a party rock band. July 15: Third Quarter & Whits End. a rock/heavy metal band. July 16: Brian Patneaude Quintet, a jazz group. July 19: Erin Harkes in Hark!, a rock band. July 22: Alex Torres & His Latin Orchestra, which will feature Felix Ortiz teaching Salsa. July 23: Capital Region Wind Ensemble. July 26: Grand Central Station, a party rock band. July 29: Jim Gaudet & the Railroad Boys, a bluegrass group. July 30: Heard, a world music band. Aug. 2: Skeeter Creek, a country band, which will feature Robin’s Renegades teaching line dance. Aug. 5: Taina Asili, an Afro-Latin, reggae & rock fusion band. Aug. 6: The Puppet People present “The Wizard of Oz,” intended for kids. Aug. 9: Cryin’ Out Loud!, a party rock band. Aug. 12: Harvest & Rust, a Neil Young Experience. Aug. 13: The Lustre Kings, a rockabilly band, where Albany Swing Dancing will teach the Jitterbug Aug. 16: Get Up Jack, an Irish band. Aug. 19: Red Haired Strangers, a country/blues band. Aug. 20: Jeff Boyer’s Big Bubble Bonanza, an event intended for kids. Aug. 23: SIRSY, an alt rock band.
More information can be found on Freedom Park‘s website.
In Rochester, there are nine days in June that are, for many, the richest nine days of live music on the calendar, named the Rochester International Jazz Fest. But we’ll get to that in a separate post. There’s plenty of other live music to go around this month, so let’s get right to it!
It’s summer, outdoor shows are king, and most of the outdoor venues are not in Rochester proper. So excuse us if we jump a little bit outside Monroe County here. Lincoln Hill Farms is a great little spot in Canandaigua, and with Dan Small Presents picking up the booking duties their calendar is filling out nicely. One show that has caught our particular attention is this little rock band that could from Providence, Deer Tick. They haven’t played these parts in a bit. Combining superb songwriting with reckless barroom energy, they’ll show you a great time. Rafay Rashid will open the show.
The music will start at 630pm and tickets are $30.
Australia is exporting some fantastic music these days, across most any genre you can think of. Surprise Chef, a quintet out of Melbourne, is churning out some seriously good instrumental soul-funk like you’d expect from deep in Brooklyn or deep in the South. Catch their twist on things in their Rochester debut. Alanna Royale will open the show.
Music gets started around 8pm and tickets are $15.
If you’ve seen live music at the Perinton Amphitheater before it was likely of the free community concert variety. But this year Rochester Events is trying it out as a big show venue, starting with Collective Soul on June 1. A week and a half later Rochester faves The Wood Brothers will grace the stage. Ever since a couple of raucous barn burners at the aforementioned Rochester International Jazz Fest some Junes ago, they’ve made Rochester a regular stop. Needless to say, many barns have been burned. They are returning again with another excellent new album in tow. Shovels and Rope open up this time around.
Jazz Fest is not the only time of year to catch world-class jazz in Rochester. And even during Jazz Fest, it isn’t the only place to catch world-class jazz. Case in point, Bop Shop Records, one of the best places to catch adventurous music all year round, is bringing back the great Kahlil El’Zabar, who has appeared there so many times, he must be dubbed the Rusted Root of the Bop Shop (iykyk). This time around he is joined by the legendary tenor saxophonist, and his friend of over 40 years, David Murray. Together they are called the Golden Seas Duo and this is a golden opportunity to have your mind blown.
Show will get started at 8pm and tickets are $25/$30 dos.
Tying this whole post up in a neat little bow, here is another instrumental soul band at Photo City Music Hall, another Jazz Fest alumnus, and another great jazz show butting up against Jazz Fest. Budos Band will probably start up late enough to come check it out after your Jazz Fest fun though, so we’d suggest partaking in both. Budos Band is on the supreme Daptone Records label and is one of the best things on the label. Heavy, funky, soulful, and as with everything else on this list, not to be missed! Sisters of Your Sunshine Vapor get the show started.
For some fans, The Allman Brothers 1971 live double-disc, At Fillmore East, was the pinnacle of the band’s career and artistry. It was the culmination of years of relentless touring, a door-to-door musical missionary work that sold fans on bandleader Duane Allman’s unique fusion of blues, rock, big band styled melodic harmony and extended jazzy improvisation into a form that, more than any other, gave birth to the still-thriving jam band idiom. While At Fillmore East remains one of rock’s most revered live albums, it was another crafted after Duane’s death, 1973’s Brothers and Sisters, which was their commercial highpoint.
With over seven million copies sold, Brothers and Sisters was their best-selling album. It was also the one that generated a level of fame that would find them swaying a Presidential election, headlining the world’s largest rock festival, ushering in the commercial juggernaut of Southern Rock and, yes, even becoming the subject of a steady stream of Hollywood tabloid fodder.
In 2015, Paul penned the definitive title on the band, the New York Times best-selling oral history, One Way Out: The Inside History of The Allman Brothers Band. He is also co-author of another comprehensive biography of an American blues master, Texas Flood: The Inside Story of Stevie Ray Vaughan.
To set the scene for this latter chapter of the band, Paul begins with a compact, pre-fame history of each of the original Allman Brothers players. There is Duane and Gregg’s early days as the Allman Joys and the underrated Hourglass, Duane’s time as a session musician and in Derek and the Dominoes and guitarist Dickey Betts’s experience pioneering dual lead and melody in the Second Coming alongside Larry “Rhino” Reinhardt. His description of Betts as “Zen Charles Bronson” is worth the cover price of the book alone. The preamble takes us up to their breakthrough days after At Fillmore East, when all should have been well but really wasn’t. The entire band, minus drummer Butch Trucks, were addicted to heroin. Duane would die in a motorcycle crash a couple of months after its release; bassist Berry Oakley would be dead by the same cause a year later.
Paul’s book captures the Allmans at a time of uncertainty — of rebuilding a band and a shifting in their creative power balance. The addition of young Chuck Leavell on keys and Lamar Williams on bass would help usher in a new style, in studio and on the stage. Williams would bring more of a solid groove to the rhythm section, one propelled with a pick made from a Clorox bottle by the seasoned bassist (my favorite bit of weird trivia in the book). Twenty-one-year-old Leavell would add a depth of harmony, honky tonk swing and a new, virtuoso lead voice to complement the Allman’s new, one guitar lineup.
That one guitarist, Dickey Betts, would emerge from Duane’s shadow to be the leader of the band during Brothers and Sisters. He would pen four of the six originals on the disc, including “Ramblin’ Man,” the Allman Brothers’ first and only Top Ten hit. The tune would feature one of late bassist Berry Oakley’s final contributions and harmony guitar by Les Dudek. The author also shares how Betts, unhappy with the tempo, asked for the song to be speedup, then changed his mind. In a mix up, the speed up version was released, with Betts’s voice in a higher than wanted range, infuriating the mercurial guitarist. This tune ushered in an old school country feel to the Allmans’ sound and even spurred a mighty accolade from Bob Dylan who called it “one of the best songs ever written.” Guitarist Dudek would also be featured on another Betts’ standout from the album, “Jessica,” a tune the author adds was written as an exercise inspired by the work of two-fingered jazz great Django Reinhardt.
One reason Betts assumed leadership was Gregg Allman’s dividing his time between recording Brothers and Sisters and his first solo disc, Laid Back. Here, Paul delves into Gregg’s love of Laurel County folksingers, his own desire to be viewed a part of the creative community of his onetime roommate in L.A., Jackson Browne.
Paul’s book provides a balanced perspective on Phil Walden, the man who served as both manager and record company for the band through his Capricorn Records. Walden would have an up then way down history with the band and would, via their success, build an empire largely around Southern rockers like The Marshall Tucker Band, Charlie Daniels and others. There are some colorful descriptions of Walden’s annual Capricorn Picnic and Summer Games, which drew strange bedfellows like Andy Warhol and boxing promoter Don King to rub shoulder with the rowdy Southern rockers.
Author Alan Paul – photo by George Lange
One of the more interesting chapters is how the Allman Brothers help revive the Presidential campaign of Jimmy Carter, something covered in great detail in the wonderful 2020 documentary “Jimmy Carter: Rock and Roll President.” Paul also spends a great deal of time exploring the history of The Allman Brothers’ on-going touring partnership with the Grateful Dead, something culminating with Summer Jam at Watkins Glen, the 1973 festival which attracted a world record 650,000 attendees. For the gossip minded, there’s a detailed look at the star-crossed union of Gregg and Cher, a relationship which, like the band itself, was severely compromised by Allman’s addictions. Another factor compromising the band was guitarist Betts’ dependence of cocaine and alcohol, something which made his stage performances, and the bands, more unpredictable as time passed. By 2000, Betts would be out of the band for good and The Allman Brothers would never play “Ramblin’ Man” again.
Like his earlier book on the Allmans, Paul’s latest is an honest and very in-depth assessment of the most commercially vital era of the band. In creating it, Paul had access to hundreds of hours of never-before-heard interviews with the band and its confidants, including Dickey Betts and Gregg Allman, from ABB archivist Kirk West.
Paul will be supporting the launch of the book with a variety of events around the country featuring a reading, Q&A and performance by his band, Friend of the Brothers. Paul ensemble will feature former members of Dickey Betts’ Great Southern, Jaimoe’s Jassz Band and the Phil Lesh Band and special guests including Duane Betts. The lineup includes a July 30 events at New York’s City Winery and August 4 and 5 at Daryl’s House in Pawling, New York.
Pride Month is back, and New York State has dozens of celebrations, events, and parades across the state. With many live music events and more, NYS Music has you covered in finding the perfect Pride event to attend. Kick off your summer with events across the state, from Albany to Buffalo, NYC and Long Island, and more.
Albany
June 1, 4-8 p.m.- Pride Kick-Off Block Party and BBQ in Parking Lot #2, 76 Central Ave.
June 8, 5-8 p.m.- Capital Pride Alive at Five featuring Hawthorne Heights and Bad Luck. Free at Jennings Landing.
June 11, 12-5 p.m.- The signature Capital Region Pride event, the Capital Pride Parade & Festival, is one of the largest Pride celebrations in the Northeast. The Capital Pride Parade kicks off at 11:45 a.m. starting down State St. onto Lark Street and then Madison Ave. The Capital Pride Festival includes a full day of entertainment on three stages, food, drink, and advocacy with over 300 exhibitors.
June 10, 12-5:30 p.m.-In Our Own Voices will hold its 17th Annual Say It Loud! Black, Indigenous, & People of Color (BIPOC) Pride celebration. It is a fun, family-friendly way to recognize the contributions, struggles, and resilience of LGBTQIA+ BIPOC families and individuals in the Capital Region. The main celebration will be held in Washington Park in Albany with performances from Grammy-nominated singer Angie Stone, NYC-based twin sisters Nicole and Natalie Albino, also known as Nina Sky, Jewel The Gem, Taína Asili, and more.
Say It Loud! will also be hosting other Pride events, like a Pride Kickoff Block party in the Waterworks Parking Lot in Albany on June 1 from 5-8 p.m. Other events include a drag show with Widow Von’Du, seen on the twelfth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, on June 10 starting at 10 p.m. at the Waterworks Pub, and The Renaissance Ball on June 30 at the Albany Capital Center, a night dedicated to Beyonce’s Renaissance album, including networking and HIV/HCV testing.
June 10, 9 p.m.-4 a.m.- Geek and Gaymer Sci-Fi Pride at ROCKS on 77 Central Ave, $10 cover.
Troy
June 2, 10-11 a.m.- Pride Flag Raising.
June 3, 5-9 p.m.- Queer Game Night at Cafe Euphoria.
June 4, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.- Pride Drag Brunch, $20, at Bard & Baker 501 Broadway.
June 18, 1-3 p.m.- Euphoria Drag Brunch by House of Extreme at Cafe Euphoria.
June 23, 5:30-10 p.m.- Troy Pride Night Out and Block Party in Downtown Troy. Includes vendors, food, music by National DJ Phoenix, and live entertainment provided by everyone’s favorite local Queens from Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and the CCIAC circus.
Schenectady
June 1, 4-8 p.m.- Community Sober BBQ at the Central Park Pavillion, free for everyone.
June 1, 7-10 p.m.- Capital Pride Singers host Hope: Voices of Pride at the Eastern Parkway United Methodist Church, a night of music, hope, and joy celebrating the LGBTQIA+ music makers and how their art still inspires the world today. Reserve a spot here.
June 2, 7-11 p.m.- Alternative Prom held at the Schenectady YMCA, open to all LGBTQ+ youth and allies, ages 13-18. The theme is Four Seasons, with prizes awarded to the best of each season. Also featured are great food, dance with DJ Sean McLaughlin, and more. A $10 cover charge can be paid at the door.
June 3, 1-4 p.m.- Schenectady Pride will host its 11th annual festival at Gateway Plaza where the Rainbow Pride Arches are next to SUNY Schenectady. This free event features 40+ vendors, community tables, a complete entertainment program (including a fabulous drag show at 3 p.m.), family-friendly activities, princess appearances, and so much more!
Saratoga Springs
June 1, 12 p.m.– Saratoga Flag Raising, Saratoga Springs City Hall.
June 2, 6:30-8:30 p.m.- LGBTQ+ Teen Night for middle and high school students where they can come hang out with friends and meet new people in a safe space. Happens on the first Friday of each month at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Saratoga.
June 3, 1-5 p.m.- PRIDEFEST at Whitman Brewing Company to support Saratoga Pride. Features three local bands, dogs, food, and alcohol from local breweries. Tickets are on sale here.
Binghamton
June 3, 12-2 p.m.- Pride 2023 in Binghamton begins with the annual Pride flag raising. Join the mayor, community leaders, and featured speakers as they kick off Pride Month.
June 10, 12-6 p.m.- Pridepalooza in the Park is held in Otsiningo Park. Activities include live entertainment, drag shows, and vendors.
June 10, 9:30 p.m.- Join your family and friends in Downtown Binghamton down on the Chenango River on the Martin Luther King Promenade to see the most amazing Pride Fireworks show.
June 2, 7-10 p.m.- Kicking off Cooperstown Pride Weekend is a special Fire Pit Friday celebrating Pride Month at Brewery Ommegang. The all-ages event will feature drinks, food, and a bonfire. The evening will also include a special welcome address by Cooperstown’s Mayor, Ellen Tillapaugh, a live DJ set by DJ TRUMASTR, and a spectacular fireworks display. Local businesses will be onsite selling special Cooperstown Pride Weekend merchandise, with some of the proceeds benefiting Cooperstown Central School’s Identity Alliance organization.
June 3, 2-7 p.m.- Pridefest 2023 in Oneonta begins. This year’s theme is “Block Party,” taking Pride to Main Street, with performances and vendors.
June 4, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.- At the Wakeman Coffee Co. in Sidney there will be two drag brunches, one at 10 a.m. and one at 1 p.m. To purchase tickets, visit here.
June 4, 12-3 p.m.- Barnyard Swing in Milford presents Family Pride Day with family-friendly activities such as face painting, spin art, fossil safari, miniature golf, music by DJ Raphael, a special appearance by Rapunzel, and much more.
June 8, 7 p.m.- The Oneonta Outlaws host Baseball Pride Night at the Damaschke Field. Wear rainbow and pride colors to show your pride, and meet allies LGBTQ members.
June 25, 6-8 p.m.- Interskate 88 in Oneonta hosts a Pride skate and dance party, with free admission, and a $1 skate rental fee.
June 30, 7-11 p.m.- The second annual Pride Prom will take place in the atrium of Foothills Performing Arts Center on Market Street in Oneonta. The theme is Wonderland, featuring dancing, face painting, specialty cocktails, prizes, fashion, and drag performances from Lilly Bola, Jahyra Joelle, and Natalie Taylor. Tickets go on sale on June 1 here.
Hudson Valley
June 2, 5-10 p.m.- Out Loud Hudson Valley is teaming up with Angry Orchard to bring a Pride month Kick-Off Party unlike any other. The event will feature two DJs at the famed Cider House in Walden, NY. DJ Prephab will spin the upstairs tap room, while DJ Jimmy Prada will be on the lower level and back lawn area. A Sunset Cabaret performance by Key West’s live-singing diva Epiphany Get Paid is one not to miss.
June 3, 1-4 p.m.- The Stanford Pride Committee announced the second annual LGBTQ+ Pride event at BANGALLWORKS. This year’s celebration promises to be bigger and better than the last, with exciting new activities for attendees of all ages.
June 3, 2-4 p.m.- The 14th annual Out Hudson Pride Festival returns. The theme is “On The Road” again, celebrating love and freedom.
June 3, 6 p.m.- Poughkeepsie Pride Kickoff Party featuring drag shows performances by Lola Deville, Janine Extreme, Swisha Sweets, and Tabitha Phoenix. Purchase tickets here.
June 3, 7 p.m.- Vowel Moments is comprised of Pretty Lamé (tenor Joshua Sanders) and David Sytkowski (piano), creating a night full of genre-blending tunes. They are performing at Hudson Hall in Hudson, tickets are on sale here.
June 4, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.- Visit the Foreland Waterfront Lawn for the Foreland Pride Lawn Party, featuring food, drinks, games, performances, and more.
June 4, 12-5 p.m.- Hudson Valley Pride Coalition Pride March (New Paltz Middle School, 196 Main St, New Paltz) and Festival (Hasbrouck Park, Mohonk, and Tricor Avenues, New Paltz).
June 4, 12-4 p.m.- First Annual Pride Picnic at Opus 40 in Saugerties features performances by Key of Q, The LGBTQ & Allied A Cappella Singers of the Hudson Valley, Queer History Drag Bingo with Sis Jenner, Queer Storytime with Jacinta Bunnell “A More Graceful Shaboom,” Drag StoryTime with Epiphany Penn, and more.
June 4, 12-5 p.m.- Westchester Pride returns with Sutton Lee Seymour, NYC’s Live Singing Sasshole and Comedy Queen whose cabaret shows have toured across the United States as well as holding a residency at The Palm Cabaret in Puerto Vallarta. Her act has won her a Glam Award for Breakthrough Artist and earned her a MAC Award Nomination for Best Drag Cabaret. The special guest performer is Connecticut’s Grand Diva, Robin Fierce, who wowed audiences on Ru Paul’s Drag Race Season 15 with her sass and charm.
June 10, 2-4 p.m.- We Are Better Together 2023 Pride Social at 3279 Franklin Ave, Millbrook.
June 11, 11-5 p.m.- Celebrate Rockland Pride with a day of music, dancing, and fun for the whole family. Downtown Nyack will close its streets to traffic to allow for strolling, shopping, and dining, with live performances by Frankie D and The Boys and special guests, plus the crowning of Mx. Rockland County Pride 2023.
June 11, 11:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.- Warwick Pride Celebration starts at the Warwick Valley Community Center with free brunch, art, music, henna, support tables, fun, and community. The Pride Parade led by Funkrust Brass Band, steps off from WVCC at 1:30 p.m., to Main Street and arrives at Stanley Deming Park for The Pride Show, 2:30-4.30p.m., hosted by drag darling, Ms. Eve Starr and a sparkling line up of guest performers. It is free and family-friendly.
June 15, 7 p.m.- International Drag Icon Sherry Vine returns with a brand new show, stuffed full of her signature hilarious, naughty parodies, hysterical videos, gorgeous costumes, and more! She will sing new parodies of Cher, Lady Gaga, Broadway, Gloria Estefan, Barry White, Eartha Kitt, and even The Ramones at Revel 32 in Poughkeepsie.
June 24, 1-6 p.m.- Peekskill Pride’s Family Pride In The Park 2023 celebrates its third annual installment of the free event. It features live music from The Little Mermen, the ultimate Disney Tribute Band, along with Christina Picciano & All My Friends, as well as Drag Queen Story Time, Drag Performances, Pet Photo Contest, craft activities, vendors, games, and more!
June 24, 1 p.m.- Celebrate the fourth annual PUTNAM PRIDE in Brewster Village. The event begins at 1 Main Street with a march to Wells Park, 98 Oak Street, with speakers, vendors, and music to follow, with Angel Elektra and Shay D’Pines. Park at the Metro North train station as there is limited accessible parking at Wells Park. Bring a blanket/chair, but no pets.
June 17, 3-6 p.m.- 2023 Pride BBQ at 39 Forestburgh Rd in Forestburgh.
Syracuse
June 10, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.- The CNY Pride Festival and Parade begin at 11 a.m. in Syracuse with the parade. Line up along Solar Street and West Kirkpatrick Street to watch the parade. It departs from Solar Street near Destiny USA and proceeds 0.7 miles to the festival grounds at the Inner Harbor. The festival goes from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. with vendors, sponsors, and food trucks. Acts TBA for The CNY Pride Main Stage, happening from 12-5 p.m.
Aug. 25- Pride Day is back at the NYS Fairgrounds in Syracuse. As part of the ceremony, Jimmy Monto, who represents the City of Syracuse’s fifth district as Common Councilor – and is the first openly LGBTQ+ person to serve in an elected position in the City of Syracuse – was announced as Grand Marshall in the Pride Day Parade, which will step off from the Exposition Center a 6:00 p.m. “New York State is known for leading the way when it comes to pursuing equality, accessibility, and inclusivity for all New Yorkers, and at The Great New York State Fair, we try to complement these accomplishments,” said Sean Hennessey, Interim Fair Director. The day includes a drag and comedy show, as well as musical performances by:
June 16-18– Watertown Pride 2023 features a lot of different and exciting events. Pride kicks off Friday, June 16 at the historic Paddock Arcade, with The Paddock Club supplying food and drink specials, followed by drag show performances. Early on Saturday at 9 a.m., there is a flag raising at City Hall, then at noon head to Thompson Park for a 5k Color Run and Festival. That evening, the entertainment comes to you when a traveling drag show travels from bar to bar, gracing each one with a 20-minute performance. Saturday’s events conclude with Pride Night Fireworks at Duffy Fairgrounds. On Sunday, wrap up Watertown Pride weekend with a Tea Dance at Garland City Beer Works, a local LGBTQIA+-owned brewery.
June 22-25- River Pride features celebrations taking place all along the St. Lawrence River in communities like Cape Vincent, Clayton, and Alexandria Bay.
Rochester
June 4, 2 p.m.- Free movie screening PRIDE at the Little Theatre. It is a movie based on the true story of Queer activists and Welsh miners under the Margaret Thatcher government in the 1970s.
June 10, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.- Pop-Up Pride Day at the Seneca Park Zoo.
June 10. 2-4 p.m.- Pittsford Pride begins at 2 outside 35 Lincoln Ave with a 0.4-mile walk to 22 N Main St. in Carpenter Park with music, free, food, and more.
June 18, 1-4 p.m.- Pride Festivities at Central Rock Gym, free for members, discounted day passes for non-members.
June 26, 5:30 p.m.- Henreitta Pride takes place at the Henreitta Town Hall Lawn.
July 6, 7:05 p.m.- The Rochester Red Wings host Pride Night at the Innovation Field.
July 6, 8 p.m.- The Drag Queens of Comedy featuring Darienne Lake, Aggy Dune, and Mrs. Kasha Davis perform at Comedy @ The Carlson. The show is for 21+.
July 10, 5-7 p.m.- Flag Raising at Martin Luther King Jr. Lodge, Manhattan Square Park.
July 12, 7-9 p.m.- Poems of Pride happens at the Lilac Library. Features readings by some of Rochester’s great LGBTQ+ poets, celebrating the beauty of Rochester Pride.
July 15, 1-8 p.m.- Rochester Pride Festival returns. The parade begins at 1 p.m. on Park Avenue and ends at Cobb Hill Park, where the celebration of Pride and community continues with Pride Fest with food trucks, wine and beer for sale, vendor tables, games and activities, and a designated play area for kids. There will be live music all day long, with surprise performances.
Finger Lakes
June 9, 8-11 p.m.- The Corning Museum of Glass hosts the stunning Mrs. Kasha Davis, performing her one-woman show, There’s Always Time for a Cocktail! Following the performance is the unforgettable drag and dance party Slaying with Fire. Hosted by the fabulous Noah Phence and with the beats provided by DJ RVMBA, the night will feature special guests Cherry Blasé, Scope Kaleido, Dusty Boxx, and Femme de Violette, all bringing their own unique style and talent to the stage. Tickets are on sale now.
June 9- Teens are encouraged to join the Fairy Drag-Parent workshop, where they can learn the ins and outs of what being a drag queen is like, makeup, costumes, and snacks are provided. Register here.
June 10, 12-4 p.m.- The SoFLx Pride Festival will take place at Centerway Square in Corning. The event is a celebration of Pride history and will feature local artists and talent. The festival will have LGBTQIA+ vendors, entertainers, artists, and interactive elements for kids, both inside and outside of gaffer businesses on Market Street.
Ithaca
June 8, 9 p.m.-Close-Thursgay at The Range Drag Bingo with Pole Posse. There will be prizes, poles, and perfectly crafted drinks from The Range! Bingo games will have pole and drag performances between games, each round will have a prize as well.
June 9, 6-9 p.m.- Pride Parade and Dance Party. Pedestrian march from Press Bay Alley to the Bernie Milton Pavilion, with opening remarks followed by a Dance Party. This event and route are mobility device accessible.
June 9, 4-5:30 p.m.- Tompkins County Public Library Young Adult Book Club. The event is in the Schwarz Jacobson Room, discussing the YA graphic novel Mooncakes by Suzanne Walker and Wendy Xu. Pick up a free copy of the book at either the Teen Center Reference Desk at TCPL or Buffalo Street Books.
June 10, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.- Tompkins County Public Library hosts a Pride Family Story Time, with fun stories and a dance party with DJ Woodrow.
June 10, 12-6 p.m.- Pride Block Party in Press Bay and 100 Block of West State Street.
Thursdays in June- Awesomely Queer Movie Night at Tompkins County Public Library.
June 11, 9 p.m.-Close- Saturgay at The Range Pride Week kick-off Drag Show with host Tilia Cordara.
June 11, 12 p.m.-3 a.m.- Celebrate Ithaca Pride 2023 with an all-Spanish drag show and brunch at Zócalo Mexican Bar and Grill with the best drag performers in town. Tickets are on sale now.
June 13, 7-9 p.m.- Pride Week Comedy show with renowned comedians Madelein Smith and Kendra Dawsey. Tickets are on sale now.
June 15, 9 p.m.-Close- Thursgay at The Range Taste the Rainbow hosted by Tilia Cordata and Noah Phence. Special Guest Jayden Jameson plus a cast of your favorite local performers.
June 16, 4 p.m.- Close- Join Femme de Violette for a Sapphic happy hour from 4-8 p.m. with music and pop-up drag performances, then stick around for the all-night party! With multiple stages, shows, and hosts it’s going to be a send-off to remember!
Buffalo
June 4, 11 a.m.- The annual Buffalo Pride Parade steps off at 11 a.m. on Elmwood Ave, with hundreds of organizations participating.
June 4, 1-7 p.m.- Following the parade is the Buffalo Pride Festival at Canalside, featuring entertainment, family activities, food and beverages, live performances, and nonprofit and retail vendors. Performers include musical guests Kalifa, Bosco, and Lady Camden from RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 14, and an appearance by Amrit and Nicholas from Bravo’s Family Karma.
New York City
June 4, 12-6 p.m.- The New Queens Pride Parade and Multicultural Festival celebrates its 30th anniversary. It is the second oldest and second largest pride parade in New York City. Founded in 1993, it is held annually on the first Sunday in June, in the neighborhood of Jackson Heights on 37th Avenue.
June 10, 8 p.m., June 10, 8 p.m., June 11, 3 p.m.- ChamberQUEER Pride Festival We Refract
ChamberQUEER highlights historically underrepresented queer figures in Western classical music and provides an intersectionally inclusive space within Western classical music for artists and audiences. These three concerts look to answer several questions, including how navigating life outside of heteronormativity impacts one’s relationships and how does it shape understanding of one’s own identity?
Pieces written by a dream team of composers, improvisers, and performers including Jules Biber, Aviva Jaye, Alexis C. Lamb, Brian Mummert, Rajna Swaminathan, Darian Donovan Thomas, and Yoshi Weinberg are linked in concert by improvisations to create a continuous and unified concert-length world premiere. Tickets and more information are available here.
June 8, 7-11 p.m.- Yonkers Pride Mini Ball features many different categories audience members can dress in, as well as iconic judges and beats provided by DJ Ultraviolet. It is a safe space for all, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, racism, ageism, ableism, body shaming, or any form of discrimination is not allowed.
Jun 9, 4:30 p.m. – Jun 10, 5:30 p.m.- Please join Mayor Mike Spano and Members of the Yonkers LGBTQ Advisory Board for a Flag Raising Ceremony at Yonkers City Hall Unity Fountain.
June 10, 2-8 p.m.- Yonkers Pride Festival returns for the sixth annual celebration on Main Street in Downtown Yonkers. It is an outdoor event showcasing celebrity entertainment, food, merchandise, activities, and numerous community organizations.
June 10, 11 a.m.- 10 p.m.- Celebrate Brooklyn Pride with a festival on Park Slope’s 5th Avenue, entertainers on the Mainstage, and the only Twilight parade in NYC.
June 24, 3 p.m.-4 a.m.- Elsewhere, a venue in Brooklyn, hosts a Pride concert event featuring Whorechata, DJ Gay Panic, Amorphous, BAYNK, Rochelle Jordan, and more. Tickets are on sale here.
June 24, 5 p.m.- Dyke March, a protest not a march, steps off from Bryant Park. The March is a demonstration of the First Amendment right to protest and takes place without permits or sponsors. Thousands take the streets each year in celebration of our beautiful and diverse Dyke lives, to highlight the presence of Dykes within our community, and in protest of the discrimination, harassment, and violence we face in schools, on the job, and in our communities.
June 23-24- Times Square Alliance hosts the second annual Pride In Times Square celebration, full of free events centered around NYC Pride Weekend. It features top-stage and screen celebrities, Broadway/Off-Broadway productions, local Times Square business promotions, Pride Piano sessions, live DJ sets, a Trans and ENBY Pride celebration, a Drag Pride celebration, the return of last year’s Big Broadway Disco, and more.
June 24, 12-6 p.m.- Celebrate Pride in the historic neighborhood of Harlem in NYC with two entertainment stages, including the Main Stage Show, where we bring you the best talent New York City and the world have to offer, and our DJ Stage, where you can enjoy dance music throughout the day. Also included throughout the day are face painting and Drag Queen Story Hour for the children. While it’s a day of celebration, Harlem Pride will also be providing resources for the community; attendees will find referrals for health, legal, and financial services. Medical testing and health screenings will also be available.
June 25, 2 p.m.- The premiere LGBTQIA+ music festival experience of Pride Weekend is Pride Island. This year it takes place at Brooklyn Army Terminal and seven-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Christina Aguilera headlines.
June 26 – PrideFest at 11 a.m., Parade at 12 p.m.-The New York City Pride March returns with Grand Marshals Billy Porter, Yasmin Benoit, AC Dumlao, Hope Giselle, and Randolfe “Randy” Wicker. The March will begin at noon from 25th Street and 5th Avenue. NYC PrideFest, the LGBTQ street fair, takes place at Greenwich Village for musical performances, entertainers, food, activities, and Pride gear from unique vendors.
Queens Rising is hosting a multitude of events around Queens from June 1 through July 2 to celebrate and promote everything arts and culture in the World’s Borough.
June 2, 6-9 p.m.- Sunnyside Pride begins at Lowery Plaza (Queens Blvd and 40th Street) for a rally, march, performances and vendor market.
June 3, 5-11:45p.m.- Queens Rising will be presenting an evening of entertainment, dancing, and fun at the Queens Night Market for free.
Take a look at other events happening around the city on the days leading up to and following the Pride March and PrideFest.
June 7, 7 p.m.- The Seaport Museum’s LGBTQ+ Pride Month hosts a special screening of the music-forward film Walk With Me.
June 23, 10 p.m.- Europe’s biggest party comes to NYC for one night only, as Matinee & Circuit Festival join forces with Masterbeat for an XXL edition of Pervert.
June 24, 12 p.m.- Youth Pride.
June 24, 2-6 p.m.- TEAZE! A Queer party experience at Club Lambda Brooklyn.
June 25, 2 p.m.- Bliss Days is NYC Pride’s annual celebration of LGBTQIA+ womxn and features rotating DJs, dancers, pop-up performances, and special guest appearances.
Long Island
June 3, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.- Hamptons Pride Parade 2023 returns for the second annual edition. Lineup begins at 11 a.m. on Main Street by Pondview Lane and Guild Hall. At 12 p.m. registered participants will march east on Main Street and continue via Newton Lane, Railroad Avenue, and Lumber Lane to Herrick Park, where there will be music and celebration with D.J. Karin Ward till 3 p.m.
June 11, 12-5 p.m.- The 2023 Long Island Pride celebration will be returning to Huntington Village. Join thousands at the annual parade, concert, and festival celebrating, dancing, eating, and drinking.
