Johnny Depp has suffered a “painful ankle injury,” the Hollywood Vampires have announced, just a day before they were set to begin their summer tour. Dates set for this week are rescheduled for July, including the Bethel Woods date now moved to July 30.
Hollywood Vampires, photo by Ella DeGea.
The Hollywood Vampires is comprised of Johnny Depp, Alice Cooper, and Aerosmith member Joe Perry, as well as Tommy Henriksen. The band originally formed in 2012 and announced in 2022, just days after Depp won his defamation lawsuit against ew-wide Amber Heard, that they would be reuniting for a 2023 tour.
In June 2022, a jury found that Heard had defamed Depp on all three counts and awarded him $10 million in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages. Since then, Depp has remained largely sidelined from Hollywood productions due to the abuse allegations against him. He was forced to exit his role in the Harry Potter spinoff series Fantastic Beasts in 2020 but continues to do well, playing shows with Jeff Beck and signing a $20 million-plus deal with fashion brand Dior.
Jeff Beck and Johnny Depp.
In a statement shared by the band, they said: “Johnny has sustained a painful injury to his ankle following his recent appearances and has been advised by his doctor not to travel.” They went on to say that “he is devastated by this turn of events but looks forward to resting up so all four Vampires can bring their absolute best to the tour in Europe.”
All tickets will be honored for the new dates, which include July 28 at the Wang Theatre Boch Center in Boston, July 29 at the SNHU Arena in Manchester, NH, and July 30 at the Bethel Woods Center For The Arts in Bethel. For more information about the Hollywood Vampires and to purchase tickets to their upcoming tour, visit here.
On Sunday, May 28th Declan McKenna stopped at Empire Live in Albany for the second show of his 50+ date The Big Return tour. Eager fans lined up hours in advance at the intimate 1000-capacity venue to scream along to songs like “Brazil” and “Rapture” as McKenna scaled along the stage with his Mick-Jagger-like dance moves. The audience, consisting mostly of teenage girls and fathers, was seen jumping, dancing, twirling, and overall living in the moment during his set.
Declan McKenna photographed by Sarah Hyun
24-year-old McKenna was born in London and has been making music ever since he was a teenager. His most popular song “Brazil” was released when he was only fifteen, and has since gained massive popularity through its widespread use on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. He has four more New York dates scheduled in May and July, which can be found here.
Declan McKenna photographed by Sarah Hyun
The Oracle Sisters opened the night with a chill and vibey set. The French trio, blending elements of surf rock, jazz, and indie pop similar to groups like The Walters and Summer Salt successfully raised the energy in the eager crowd. Audience members were seen bobbing their heads along to the beat as the three band members—Lewis Lazar, Christopher Willat, and Julia Johansen—jammed out. Their timeless sound matched their vintage style, allowing for a truly ear- and eye-catching performance. After they ended their set, the audience applauded enthusiastically, clearly satisfied by McKenna’s chosen openers.
The Oracle Sisters photographed by Sarah Hyun
Audience members sang along to songs in the pre-show playlist like “Toxic” before McKenna entered the stage. A flashing light from the right of the stage got the attention of everyone, triggering a roaring scream of excitement as he came on to sing his first song, “You Better Believe!!!” Wearing a black and yellow coat with bell-bottomed pants, McKenna brought an almost-tangible energy to the venue. This high-energy could be felt through his powerful vocals, his intricate movements, and the body-rumbling basslines of each and every song. The retro synths in many of the tracks on his most recent album Zeros, coupled with his scream-like vocals set the vibe of the show.
Declan McKenna is truly a rockstar, with passion being the only word to describe his performance and persona. Swinging his guitar on the stage, jumping off into the photo pit, and putting his all into every song was something he did not fail to do throughout the entirety of the concert. His facial expressions carried a power in them that could not be emulated by anyone else. Throughout the set, he constantly hit his looping and distortion pedals to craft the instrumentals of the songs in real time, whilst simultaneously singing along. He had to take a break after each song to wipe the sweat from his face and even removed his jacket early into the show because of how much he was moving.
Before singing “Rapture,” McKenna yelled, “Are you ready for some rock ‘n roll?,” and encouraged the crowd to clap along. Declan has a very strong British accent when he sings, and during his performance of hit-song “Brazil” the audience emulated his British dialect while singing along to lyrics like “I heard he lives down a river somewhere // With six cars and a grizzly bear.” McKenna explores a variety of themes in his music, from the topic of anti-war, corruption in sports and politics (as in “Brazil”), and struggles with mental health. The lyrics behind each of his songs made his performances even more meaningful.
Declan McKenna photographed by Sarah Hyun
Declan McKenna ended his show with a two-song encore. Performing an incredible rendition of George Harrison’s “All Things Must Pass” as well as his own song, “British Bombs,” McKenna ended the night on a powerful note. Fans screamed in awe as he soloed on his knees during the George Harrison cover, turning a generally easy-paced song into something of his own. Fans exited the venue elated, talking amongst one another about his incredible performance. McKenna’s next four New York shows are scheduled to be at Westcott Theater, Town Ballroom, Brooklyn Steel, and Webster Hall.
Setlist: You Better Believe!!!, Paracetamol, Why Do You Feel So Down, Listen to Your Friends, (Untitled Song), My House, Rapture, Beautiful Faces, Be an Astronaut, Make Me Your Queen, Humongous, The Kids Don’t Wanna Come Home; Eventually, Darling; The Key to Life on Earth, Brazil, Isombard
Encore: All Things Must Pass (George Harrison cover), British Bombs
Singer-songwriter Jackson Browne will perform four shows at the Beacon Theatre in New York City and one at the Tanglewood Music Center in Lenox, MA this August. Beacon Theatre dates will be the 22nd, 23rd, 25th, and 26th and the Tanglewood date is scheduled for the 31st.
A 2004 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Browne’s stop at Tanglewood is his seventh appearance there since 1973.
Long before Browne’s induction into the Hall of Fame, his career would start in 1972 after the release of his self-titled debut album. Since that mark, Browne’s 14 studio projects, four live performance collections, and two compilations make up an immensely decorated tenure in the music industry for the musician.
If attending his upcoming August shows, prepare to hear some of his greatest hits such as “For A Dancer,” “The Pretender,” and more during his performance.
In 2002, Browne was the recipient of the John Steinbeck Award, given to artists whose works display environmental and social values that the author found crucial in linking together. Browne is well-known for his advocacy towards the environment and its connection to arts and human rights.
Alongside the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, he would join the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2007.
Beacon Theatre & Tanglewood Music Center Tickets
Beacon Theatre: Singer-songwriterJackson Browne will perform four shows on August 22, August 23, August 25, and August 26, 2023.
General tickets go on sale beginning on Friday, May 26 at 10 AM. Additional Presale, Fan, and VIP ticket information is available at LiveNation.com.
Tanglewood Music Center: Browne will be performing at the Koussevitzky Music Shed with his full band on August 31, 2023!
Tickets to Browne’s show will go on sale on Thursday, June 1 at 10 a.m. with additional information and tickets available at tanglewood.org.
The Dare, a solo project by singer-songwriter Harrison Patrick Smith, released its first Extended Play (EP), The Sex EP on May 19. The EP features four songs, with a generally vulgar and sexual theme. Many of the pieces incorporate elements of electronic, rock, and punk.
The Dare’s singer, songwriter, and producer Harrison Patrick Smith. Credit: Ben Taylor
Emerging from New York City, The Dare released the EP with Republic Records. The four songs increase in length as the EP goes, ranging from about two minutes to about four minutes. Following the release of The Sex EP, Smith will make his headline debuts, with four of the shows already sold out.
I just wanted to write something funny and true about my relationship to sex. It’s also the most time honored and classic theme of rock and roll, so I had to do it. The other, less horny songs are coming later.
The Dare
The first song, “Girls,” is an upbeat opening, introducing several elements that are continued throughout the EP. A chorus makes its appearance, sometimes echoing, a signature style in the EP. The electric instrumentals give it an almost dubstep feel, though that varies from piece to piece.
“Sex,” which follows “Girls” is heavier on the echoing chorus, and is notable in the change in Smith’s vocals. While in the previous piece Smith was more upbeat, in “Sex” he has more of a murmur. A loud buzzing sound is introduced with a bit less than a minute remaining. This helps carry “Sex” into the next song, “Good Time,” which uses a similar sound.
In “Good Time,” the chorus is not as prominent, opposite of the change to come in “Bloodwork.” The vocals switch between the more upbeat tone of “Girls” and the murmur of “Sex,” setting this one up as a conclusion to that section of the EP.
“Bloodwork” is the final song, and it is very different from the previous three. It has a long opening, about a minute in length, that slowly builds tension in a way that feels straight out of a horror movie. The main vocals take a backseat, only featuring an echoing chorus that says either “blood” or “work.”
Syracuse Opera has revealed its 2023-2024 schedule, whose theme will highlight intimate portraits of hopes and dreams, at the first-ever opera and beer event in the organization’s history held at Harvey’s Garden.
Photos courtesy of Syracuse Opera Facebook and Bunn Hill Photo (Randy Cummings)
Established in 1974, Syracuse Opera is the only year-round professional opera company, opening many doors for the Central New York music community.
Circling back to the theme of hopes and dreams, this decision on the upcoming season expects to generate momentum following Syracuse Opera’s 2022-2023 season, which recently ended with an acclaimed production of The Marriage of Figaro.
“It makes opera more accessible. It’s a fun way to invite people into our world, kick off the summer, and celebrate the future of opera in Syracuse.”
– John Rozzoni
The full 2023-2024 schedule spans from October 2023 – May 2024.
2023-2024 Syracuse Opera Schedule
The season opens with I Am a Dreamer Who No Longer Dreams on October 20 at the Redhouse Arts Center in Syracuse, a showing that will focus on the compassion versus the dark side of our society.
Following this, December 15’s All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 will move all in attendance with a true story of an extraordinary night during World War I, sharing the instance when Allied and German soldiers set down their weapons and created peace with one another.
2024’s shows will kick off on Valentine’s Day weekend when a love story hits the Syracuse Opera stage in The Fantasticks, the longest-running musical of all time.
Concluding the season on April 28, 2024, the prequel to The Marriage of Figaro, called The Barber of Seville hits Crouse-Hinds Theater in an unforgettable ending to the opera’s season.
In addition to these four productions, Syracuse Opera will also host two other exciting musical events. On September 24, 2023, they will host Celebrating 75: An Andrew Lloyd Webber Revue, a night hosted by well-known composer Andrew Llyod Weber.
As previously mentioned, the opera and beer event will be held at Harvey’s Garden in May 2024, offering a relaxing approach to opera by giving the audience the chance to connect with performers.
John Rozzoni, General Director of Syracuse Opera, believes that the Opera and Beer event will be the perfect opportunity for the organization and community to interact face-to-face.
Tickets for Syracuse Opera’s 2023-2024 campaign will go on sale soon. Single-show ticket options are not available for purchase until July 2023, but you may buy subscription packages through the form on Syracuse Opera’s website. The subscription package covers the entire season.
Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness wrapped up a two-week east coast tour with a sold out performance at Town Ballroom in Buffalo on Wednesday, May 24. The tour, which also featured stops in Syracuse and Albany, was in support of the band’s latest release Tilt at the Wind No More.
Few in the music industry today tout the resume that Andrew McMahon has. His original rise to fame came as the lead singer of the early 2000’s emo rock band Something Corporate. In 2004 McMahon formed Jack’s Mannequin, and later in 2014 would begin Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness, a project that continues today. All along the way, McMahon has crafted stellar piano-rock tracks and has amassed a large and devoted following of fans who flock to his live concerts. His current band features Bob Anderson (guitar), Zac Clark (keyboards), Jay McMillian (drums) and Mikey Wagner (bass guitar).
Early arriving fans on Wednesday night were treated to an opening performance by Griffin William Sherry. Known for his work with independent-folk rock band The Ghost of Paul Revere, Sherry delighted the audience with a set of acoustic folk tracks. At times, Sherry’s strong vocals channeled singer/song writers such as Nathaniel Rateliff and Chris Stapleton.
Up next were The Unlikely Candidates, from Fort Worth, Texas. To describe their set as high energy would be an understatement. From the cryptic opening guitar rift of “Sunshine” to the final notes of set closer “Novocaine”, singer Kyle Morris took captive hold of the audience. Morris strutted the stage, leapt in the air, twirled his microphone, at times throwing it high in the air before catching it. Morris would lean in close over the audience, locking eyes with those in the front row, never missing a lyrical beat. A mid-set cover of the A-ha classic “Take on Me” had the showroom bursting with energy. The band was sure to gain many new fans following their set.
Finally, it was time for Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness. The standing room only club was packed elbow to elbow with little room to maneuver, with the crowd in eager anticipation of the band’s arrival. Once the houselights dimmed, a lone spotlight shone into the crowd. The light illuminated McMahon, who was standing in the back of the club, and began performing the slow moving, reflective “Nobody Tells You When You’re Young”. McMahon made his way slowly to the stage, providing brief and intimate performances for those whose path he encountered. Once arriving to the stage, McMahon was joined by his bandmates who immediately launched into “The Mixed Tape,” a familiar fan favorite from McMahon’s Jack’s Mannequin days.
While the music was at the forefront, the spectacle of an Andrew McMahon performance was not missing on this night. McMahon donned a colorful, light up cape during “Stars”. He crowd surfed while riding an inflatable llama, making it all the way to the top tier of the club. During “Synesthesia”, McMahon brought a multi-colored parachute into the crowd, singing the song’s chorus from underneath. In all, McMahon and his band would roll through a 23 song set, spanning over twenty years worth of music. It was a memorable evening for those in attendance, one that would be sure to have fans clamoring for a return performance in the near future.
Anyone and everyone is welcome to attend the Inclusion Festival – a sensory friendly, accessible music and wellness event for all ages and abilities. The festival’s 2018 debut marked the nation’s first festival designed to accommodate disabled people. The festival returns this year at the Kempton Community Center from July 14-16 in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley region. The festival will feature virtual components to increase accessibility for those unable to attend the live event.
Activities
Presented by the non-profit Accessible Festivals and supported by Rex Foundation and Mimi Fishman Foundation, the Inclusion Festival offers a uniquely immersive, fully inclusive experience. The festival offers music, workshops, camping, art, relaxation areas, a resource fair, a parade, flow arts, and more. The events are presented in an environment entirely designed to be accessible for all, including sensory-friendly music, sensory-friendly supportive relaxation spaces, and more.
Additionally, in an effort to increase accessibility, the virtual component of the festival will include an accessible livestream with captions, virtual workshops, virtual sensory zones, home activities, and more.
Music
The festival largely emphasizes the role of music in connecting people. Music is a universal language with the ability to connect people from differing backgrounds and experiences. Inclusion Festival strives to feature diverse and disabled regional artists, showcasing a wide variety of genres and styles.
This year’s lineup will include Flux Capacitor, a trio of brothers from Pennsylvania who meld rock and electronica. Additionally, Gooch & The Motion will deliver a unique blend of country, blues, and rock & roll. Miss Cantaloupe will perform Fleetwood Mac’s Rumors album. Performances from Liz Bills & The Change,Lee Ross,Darlingtyn, and a special Inclusion Family Jam will bring celebrate inclusion through music.
More Information
All festival donations directly support Accessible Festivals, a non-profit committed to empowering communities through accessible music and recreation. Accessible Festivals fosters connection and understanding through music, creating an inclusive platform for all abilities and identities to connect. Inspiring the creation of safe, inclusive, and equitable communities
To purchase tickets, donate, get involved, or learn more about accessibility at the event, visit their website.
Diamond-selling, pop superstar Post Malone will return to the United States with another leg of the “If Y’all Weren’t Here, I’d Be Crying”Tour. This announcement follows his highly successful trek across the U.S. and Canada last year and another stop in Europe for his long-awaited “Twelve Carat Tour.” However, the 10-time Grammy nominee returns to America to give fans his signature exhilarating performance, along with music from his upcoming album as well as fan-favorites in a completely reimagined show.
Produced by Live Nation, the 24-date run kicks off in Noblesville, IN, on July 8, and includes a stop at Darien Lake Amphitheater in Darien Center, NY, on Monday, July 17, 2023.
“I love y’all so very much and I’m so excited to get out and do some more shows for y’all. Help me put a baby through college and come on out. Some cool new production, new songs, and a very very handsome man up on stage. Sending love to you and yours.” Says Post Malone.
Along with the tour announcement, Post has revealed the released date for his long-awaited fifth full-length album. Titled, Austin, the project will arrive on July 28, with Post releasing the single “Mourning,” in anticipation.
Tickets for the tour can be found on the Live Nation’s website, although the tour will also offer a variety of different VIP packages and experiences for fans to take their concert experience to the next level. Packages vary but include premium tickets, access to the World Pong League VIP Lounge, exclusive VIP gift items and more. For more information, visit vipnation.com.
Popular Podcaster Rory Farrell has joined the ranks of the creatives with the release of his debut project, I Thought It’d Be Different. Known for his stint as one of the dynamic trio that helped propelThe Joe Budden Podcast and as one half of Rory & Mal, this latest venture allows fans a glimpse into Rory’s full potential. Likewise, throughout his stint as a podcast personality Rory has been hailed for his music taste and offers intimate knowledge of the business side having worked at SONY.
Aptly titled, I Thought It’d Be Different, the album tittle reflects the last few years in the newly-minted producers life and career. Nevertheless, this curation demonstrates the potential that Rory’s music taste has teased for years. However, the list of accomplished artists and the quality of songs made for a pleasant surprise. Notably, Rory was able to land features from Jay Electronica, James Fauntleroy, GoldLinK, DRAM, Ari Lennox and Conway the Machine, producing an impressively cohesive album. Labeled as an R&B album, Rory does an effective job of inserting emphatic rap verses, adding a bit of oomph to the soul leaning project.
Consequently, Rory Farrell’s Magnum Opus sees him enter a new chapter in the public eye. For so long the former music exec has seen his public association tied to his once-friend, Joe Budden. However, this 13-track, impassioned project alters his perception and allows him to publicly stand on his own two-feet. After all, fans have watched the mostly calm and collected podcaster go through emotional ebb-and-flows throughout the years. From the deteriorating friendship with Joe Budden, to broken nuptials, and the announcement of a firstborn child during the album rollout, Rory’s oft-mythicized album offers a chance to experience Rory’s rollercoaster last few years through a musical hue.
Maker Park Radio’s Punk Rock Mini-Golf is returning this June for its third year in Maker Park, Staten Island. In addition to the mini-golf will be the performances of 19 bands from June 2-4 and June 10-11.
The nine-hole golf course itself features artwork contributed by Staten Island bands, such as X-Ray Specks, The Cramps, Decendents, and The Ramones. On June 4, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., there will be a tournament for two-person teams, entry at $20 per person. The winners of the tournament will receive half the pot, with the remainder going to support Maker Park Radio.
Even if you don’t know the history of punk rock, this event is always a blast. There are so many great bands this year to check out!
Art Director Tom Ferrie
Maker Park Radio itself is a non-profit Radio Station that broadcasts from MakerSpace NYC on Staten Island. Kristin Wallace and Tom Ferrie founded the organization in 2017 to act as a hub for those who create or enjoy music. It is a volunteer-run organization that helps to amplify artistic spirit across mediums and genres.
Dates and Times of Performances
June 2
Golf will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., with bands from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.. Bands featured include: The Dracu-Las; Sean K. Preston; and Ratas En Zelo.
June 3
Golf will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., with bands from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.. Bands featured include: Nervous Triggers; The Revelatours; Early Riser; and Goddamn Wrecks.
June 4
Golf will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., with bands from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.. The mini-golf tournament is to be from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on June 4. Bands featured include: The Lookout Honeys; Ward Hill Boys; Kerbivore; and High Chiefs.
June 10
Golf will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., with bands from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.. Bands featured include: Cohort B; Mighty Joe Castro and the Gravamen; Lip Critic; and Boz Boorer and the Cocket Pox.
June 11
Golf will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., with bands from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.. Bands featured include: Our Own Yokos; The Flesh Junkies; Gamma Ghouls; and Enrage.
Punk Rock Mini-Golf is an all ages event, with children 10 and under receiving free admission. For all others, the $10 entry fee grants access to the performances and unlimited rounds of mini-golf. More information on Maker Park Radio can be found on their website.
