Category: Regions

  • The Grandstand Jockey’s, Sime Gezus, and Josh Morris Featured on This Week’s EQXposure

    Each Sunday evening from 7-9 p.m. you’ll find EQXposure on WEQX, featuring two hours of local music from up-and-coming artists. Tune into WEQX.com this Sunday night to hear new music from The Grandstand Jockey’s, Sime Gezus, and Josh Morris.

    The Grandstand Jockey’s, Sime Gezus, and Josh Morris on EQXposure.

    WEQX has long been the preeminent independent station in the Capital Region of New York, broadcasting from Southern VT to an ever-expanding listening audience. NYS Music brings you a preview of artists to discover each week, just a taste of the talent waiting to be discovered by fans like you.

    The Grandstand Jockeys – “Gun”

    The Grandstand Jockeys are from Waterford, New York, combining hard-edge rock with pop sensibilities. Their newest EP &​$​how is out now. “Gun” from the EP will be played on EQXposure.

    Sime Gesuz -“What’s Your Problem”

    “I’m laid-back, the quieter dude in the room, just chilling,” said Simon Grimes. Since 2004, Grimes has produced and rhymed under the name Sime Gezus. He hosts a weekly radio show on WSPN College-based 91.1 FM to promote local and underground hip-hop. “What’s Your Problem” is out now.

    Josh Morris – “Ready For Your Love”

    Hailing from NYC, Josh Morris has cultivated an identity all his own while taking inspiration from artists such as The 1975, Jeff Buckley, and Pearl Jam. Concealed underneath his playful lyrics are conversations we should all be engaging in. The music itself is consistently supported by thoughtfully executed production and laser-focused performances. His first single “Ready For Your Love” is out now.

  • Jon Batiste Announces Uneasy Tour, To Stop in NYC

    Jon Batiste has announced his Uneasy Tour: Purifying The Airwaves For The People in support of his newly Grammy nominated album World Music Radio, with one stop in NYC.

    Batiste was born into a musical life being part of the musical dynasty, the Batiste family. He started playing percussion and drums at the age of 8 in the Batiste Brothers Band, and from there, he only developed his musical skills even further.

    Today, his tour announcement comes on the heels of Batiste’s six 2024 GRAMMY nominations, with five on behalf of World Music Radio. His nominations include Album of the Year, Record of the Year for “Worship” and Song of the Year for “Butterfly.” Additionally, he earned nominations for Best Jazz Performance for “Movement 18 (Heroes)” and Best American Roots Performance for “Butterfly” from the album, as well as a nomination for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for his collaboration with Lana Del Rey on her track “Candy Necklace.” Jon Batiste will make several appearances in support of the album in November including the world-famous Macy’s Day Thanksgiving Parade on November 23 and annual Root 100 Gala where he’ll be honored as the first “Voice and Vision” Award Recipient at the Apollo Theater on December 5.

    World Music Radio invites the world to experience the marriage of hard-hitting pop songs to a rich tapestry of international sounds, with Batiste collaborating with a diverse range of global talents including Lil Wayne, Lana Del Rey, Kenny G, Fireboy DML, J.I.D, Camilo, NewJeans and more. The album received critical acclaim upon its release, with NPR describing it as “a sprawling exploration of what global music can sound like” and NME praising Batiste for “reinventing his sonic wheel.”

    In 2020, Jon Batiste was honored with an Academy Award® for Best Original Score for his work on the Disney/Pixar film SOUL, which he shared with fellow composers Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. The score won him a GRAMMY award and also garnered him a Golden Globe, a BAFTA, a NAACP Image Award, and a Critic’s Choice Award. Notably, Batiste became the second black composer in history, following the legendary jazz musician Herbie Hancock, to win an Academy Award for composition.

    Jon Batiste is the subject of Matthew Heineman’s moving documentary American Symphony, which will debut in select theatres on November 24 and via Netflix in partnership with Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground on November 29. The film follows him beginning in early 2022, when he finds himself celebrated with 11 Grammy nominations, including Album of the Year. Amid that triumph, he is immersed in his most ambitious challenge yet: composing an original symphony for a performance at the storied Carnegie Hall. However, this extraordinary trajectory is upended when his life partner, NYT bestselling author and Emmy Award-winning journalist Suleika Jaouad, learns that her long-dormant cancer has returned.

    Batiste’s first-ever headlining tour will kick off February 16 at the Schnitzer in Portland, OR, and visit intimate theaters across North America and Canada, including one stop at Beacon Theatre in New York.

    Jon Batiste Uneasy Tour: Purifying The Airwaves For The People Dates:

    Date        City                       Venue

    2/16/24    Portland, OR             Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall

    2/17/24    Seattle, WA              Paramount Theatre

    2/18/24    San Francisco, CA     The Fillmore (early and late shows)

    2/20/24    Denver, CO              Paramount Theatre

    2/22/24    Minneapolis, MN        First Avenue

    2/23/24    Madison, WI             The Sylvee

    2/24/24    Chicago, IL               Riviera Theatre

    2/26/24    Detroit, MI                The Fillmore 

    2/27/24    Indianapolis, IN         Murat Theatre

    2/28/24    Nashville, TN            Ryman Auditorium

    3/3/24      Atlanta, GA              Tabernacle

    3/12/24    Toronto, ON              Massey Hall

    3/13/24    Montreal, QC            MTELUS

    3/15/24    New Haven, CT         College Street Music Hall

    3/16/24    Boston, MA              Orpheum Theatre 

    3/17/24    Philadelphia, PA       The Fillmore

    3/19/24    New York, NY           Beacon Theatre

    3/21/24    Washington, DC        Warner Theatre

    3/22/24    Charlotte, NC           The Fillmore

    3/24/24    Knoxville, TN            Big Ears Festival 

    3/26/ 24   Dallas, TX                Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House

    3/27/24    Austin, TX                ACL Live – Moody Theater

    4/27/24    Miramar Beach, FL    Kaleidoscope Beach

    Artist presale began Tuesday, November 14 at 10AM (local), with venue/local presales having started Wednesday, November 15 at 10AM(local). Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, November 17 at 10AM (local). 

    Additional ticket information is available here. For more information on Jon Batiste, visit his website.

  • Surfin’ U.S.A with The Beach Boys at the Oakdale Theatre

    On a chilly Wednesday evening, fans flocked to the Toyota Oakdale Theatre on November 15 for The Beach Boys. The Beach Boys currently have four shows left in the Northeast on their “America’s Band” tour with the final show being November 19 in Schenectady.

    Despite this version of The Beach Boys looking slightly different than the Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!) lineup, Mike Love and Bruce Johnston still remain. Joining Love and Johnston is Tim Bonhomme on the keyboards, Christian Love, John Wedemeyer, and Brian Eichenberger on guitar, Keith Hubacher on bass, Randy Leago on saxophone with Jon Bolton on the drums.

    Prior to The Beach Boys hitting the stage, the Garfield, New Jersey native band,  The Rascals warmed up the crowd. Led by singer Felix Cavaliere, The Rascals had a short 30-minute set that featured classic songs and prepared the audience for the main event.

    As the clock struck 8:30, the house lights dimmed and the screen behind the stage lit up with a video montage that featured The Beach Boys in pop culture. The montage featured the band’s appearance in Full House, being referenced in Good Morning Vietnam, and having Mathew Perry in his role as Chandler Bing in Friends sing “Kokomo.” The entire theatre rose to their feet as the band jumped into “Do It Again,” off of their 1969 album 20/20.

    The Beach Boys played for a total of an hour and a half and within that hour and a half, the fans loved it. Inside the venue, it would have seemed like you were in a time warp back to the 1960s. Fans were dancing with their significant others in the aisles and women were running up to the stage trying to get a closer look at the band. Even during certain songs, long after lighters were ditched, fans took out their cellphones and flashlights to wave back and forth.

    During the show, The Beach Boys ran through all their hits and even played a few covers. The most impressive cover that the band played was their version of “California Dreamin’” which was originally sung by The Mamas & the Papas and is from their 1966 album If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears. Bolton while drumming was also on lead vocals for this song and did an outstanding job and gave the entire audience goosebumps while Leago provided the groovy solo in the middle of the song.

    The entire band sounded great. Love and Johnston have an excellent band playing alongside them and each musician compliments each other very well. During the renditions of “I Get Around,” “California Girls,” and “God Only Knows” the harmonies sent shivers down the spines of the most hardcore Beach Boys fans and made them transport back to the heyday when the band ruled the world.

    As the band took their final bow after “Fun, Fun, Fun,” fans filed out of the theatre and jumped into their cars blasting the Beach Boys music as if it was the ‘60s again. Fan rolled down their windows as they drove off knowing that for one night, there was nothing but “Good Vibrations” throughout.

    Setlist: Do It Again, Surfin’ Safari, Catch a Wave, Rockaway Beach, Surfin’ U.S.A., Surfer Girl, Don’t Worry Baby, Little Deuce Coupe, 409, Shut Down, Little Honda, I Get Around, Be True to Your School, In My Room, Getcha Back, Good to My Baby, When I Grow Up (to Be a Man), Help Me, Rhonda, Darlin’, God Only Knows, Sloop John B, Wouldn’t It Be Nice, Then I Kissed Her, California Dreamin’, California Girls, Do You Wanna Dance?, Rock and Roll Music, Barbara Ann, Kokomo, Good Vibrations, Fun, Fun, Fun

  • Cool Cool Cool Release Funky Debut Single “Never Noticed”

    Cool Cool Cool, an unapologetically unique band blending funk, house, and R&B, will release their debut single from Color Red called “Never Noticed” on November 17. 

    Cool Cool Cool blends the best of funk, house, and R&B to create a sound that is truly unique, with dynamic female-led vocals, a tight horn section, and swirling synths. Made up of various talented individuals– Shira Elias (vocals), Sammi Garrett (vocals/percussion), Craig Brodhead (guitar/keyboard/synth), Chris Brouwers (trumpet/keyboard/synthesizer), Michael Carubba (drums), Greg Sanderson (tenor sax, EWI), and Josh Schwartz (vocals/baritone sax) – this band knows how to deliver an electrifying performance. When you see Cool Cool Cool in person, you’ll be swept up by the energy of their music and unforgettable live shows. 

    “Cool Cool Cool, a super slick collective of funkateers with tight vocal harmonies, punchy horns, clavinet soul and stage presence to spare.”

    After spending more than a decade traveling the world together with the touring act Turkuaz, the members of Cool Cool Cool decided to team up and form their own band in 2022. Their shared experiences– from playing dive bars to international festival stages– helped them develop a close bond that goes far beyond music. This bond translates into a powerful synergy that allows each band member to showcase their individual talents, creativity, and passion. 

    “Never Noticed” is the much anticipated debut single from Cool Cool Cool. The track is loaded with entrancing vocals, hard hitting horn lines and an ever-driving groove, marrying vintage tones with modern production. At its core, “Never Noticed” is the first true collaboration from a group of people who, while having performed together for years, perhaps didn’t quite understand what they had together. 

    This song lays a funky beat mixed with lofi-type vocals, making a truly different sound. It’s relaxing, yet makes you want to get up and dance. The most striking part of this arrangement are the horns– so powerful and yet seamlessly weaved into the music so that they’re not overbearing. “Never Noticed” will transport you to a funky club down in New Orleans: a place where you can relax and just feel the music.

    It’ll be exciting to see what else they have in store, as they just keep one-upping themselves.

    Cool Cool Cool will release their debut single from Color Red, “Never Noticed” on November 17. The band, featuring former members of Turkuaz, creates a blend of Funk and R&B with a mix of lo-fi vibes for this grooving and dreamy track recorded at Color Red Studios. The release comes right after their recent performances as the band for Jerry Harrison and Adrian Belew’s Remain In Light tour, as well as support for Andy Frasco’s L’Optimist tour, and Cool Cool Cool teases that this is just the beginning. 

    While the New York part of their tour has ended, if lucky, you can catch them at the remaining venues of their tour in Florida and California. 

    12/28 – San Diego, CA – Balboa Theater

    12/29 – Anaheim, CA – City National Grove of Anaheim (City National Grove Outdoors)

    12/30 – San Francisco, CA – The Warfield

    12/31 – Napa, CA – JaM Cellars Ballroom

    02/22-25 – Brooksville, FL – Florida Sand Music Ranch

    02/24 – Miami Beach, FL – Miami Beach Bandshell

    02/25-03/01 – Miami, FL – Jam Cruise 20

    Follow Cool Cool Cool on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, or visit their website for more information.

  • Hearing Aide: The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life, Stephen Clair

    Stephen Clair released his newest album, The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life, on November 17. A one-man recording production, the record showcases 11 songs with complete performances, meaning no edits or post-production re-dos. 

    Stephen Clair's The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life

    Stephen Clair began releasing music in 1997, but his musical career began long before. Citing Johnny Cash as a childhood influence, Clair recorded his newest record as a solo production, with the performances being only him and his guitar or piano. His tenth studio record, The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life is not one to miss.

    The record’s fifth track, “Days Passed,” shows off Clair’s proficiency in guitar picking and instrumentation. The vocals are a distinct, contrasting note, with a higher melody and Dylan-like tone and rhythm. It stands out as a more confident spot on the album.

    The eighth track on the album, “I Imagined I Was An Elevator,” stands out creatively, with an intriguing title and subject. The melody falters at points, but the vocal style brings flair to a simple singer-songwriter track, with just Clair and his guitar.

    The tenth track, and another one not to miss, “Bubble Bath,” begins with a hopeful chord progression and soothing guitar melodies. Not only is the music soothing, but the lyrics describe an oasis away from the world, with a cozy bubble bath for the listener.

    Stephen Clair
Photo Credit: Hillary Clements
    Photo Credit: Hillary Clements

    The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life is Stephen Clair’s tenth full length album, available everywhere on November 17.

    Stephen Clair upcoming shows in New York State

    November 17 – Beacon – Howland Cultural Center

    November 18 – Roscoe – Catskill Brewery

    December 20 – NYC – Rockwood Music Hall

    Tickets and more information are available here.

  • New York Singles: Charley Orlando’s Relaxing Single “California”

    Charley Orlando, a Syracuse native, has released his newest single, “California,” with hints of surf rock and an overall relaxing vibe. “California” is the first of many songs to come that were created while Charley and his wife traveled across the US over the course of three years. 

    Charley Orlando has released 17 albums in the past and continues to break genres and musical standards. In his 30 plus year career, he has been added to the GRAMMY entry ballot a total of 28 times, and played over 3,000 shows in North America. 

    The last three years, Charley has been traveling the country in a 24-foot RV with his wife, exploring the US and spending his days writing music. In that time, he wrote six songs that will be released one by one over the course of the next year. 

    For his newest upcoming song, “California,” he recorded vocal parts in the shower of the RV with a blanket over his head to keep outside noise to a minimum, and crafted all the guitar parts sitting in the front seat of the RV. 

    “This song is obviously inspired by traveling in California. It’s long been one of my favorite places to explore and the song is a humble thank you to the land that brought forth so much creativity in me.”

    Charley Orlando

    If you’ve been missing that calm 70s rock that early Beach Boys songs produced, this song might just be the perfect fit. It has an incredible electric guitar line that ties the whole song together, and raise your Good Vibrations. That, combined with the occasional enchanting vocal harmonies, add to an overall surf-rock feel. 

    “California” is a raw, earthy song. It’s so easy to picture the making of this song because this entire track paints the picture of traveling in California without any worries– letting yourself go with the flow. 

    Upcoming Charley Orlando shows
    11/25 Ithaca; The Range info here

    12/9 Newmarket, NH; Stone Church info here

    12/15 Canandagiua, The Villager – info coming soon

    For more information, follow Charley Orlando on Instagram and stream his music on Spotify or Apple Music.

  • Peter Hook & The Light Announce Commemorative Tour, Show At Brooklyn Steel

    Peter Hook & The Light announced a run of North American tour dates, scheduling for August and September 2024.

    Including a stop at New York City’s Brooklyn Steel, the former New Order and Joy Division bassist will have surprises in store for fans of all his music ventures.

    Peter Hook & The Light Upcoming Tour

    This run of tour dates will specifically feature performances of the Substance albums by Joy Division and New Order in full, revisiting and celebrating Hook’s previous projects. Hook first revisited Joy Division’s Unknown Pleasures in 2010 for a commemorative charity show, and has since done so every year from the discography of both Joy Division and New Order.

    It still amazes me how enjoyable it is to play the Substance LPs. The contrast between Joy Division and New Order is very apparent but both complement each other very well. My only frustration is not being able to play more of our records each night. I am totally looking forward to the next phase. So, let’s enjoy some Substance and get ready for the future. Lots of love, Hooky.

    Peter Hook

    Peter Hook & The Light celebrated the Substance albums in London this past October with a commemorative show at the Eventim Apollo, a 5300-capacity venue known for hosting some of the world’s biggest names, including Ella Fitzgerald, The Beatles, David Bowie, The Rolling Stones, and more.

    Peter Hook onstage

    Venue pre-sale tickets will be available tomorrow, November 15 from 10am local time. General onsale will begin November 17 from 10am local time here: https://peterhookandthelight.live.

    Peter Hook & The Light Upcoming Tour Dates

    August 31 – Toronto, ON – HISTORY

    September 1 – Washington, DC – 9:30 Club

    September 3 – Boston, MA – Paradise Rock Club

    September 4 – Philadelphia, PA – Union Transfer

    September 6 – New York, NY –  Brooklyn Steel

    September 7 – Chicago, IL – Riviera Theatre

    September 10 – Detroit, MI – Royal Oak Music Theatre

    September 11 – Austin, TX – The Far Out Lounge and Stage

    September 13 – Houston, TX – House Of Blues

    September 14 – Dallas, TX – House Of Blues

    September 16 – San Diego, CA – Humphreys Concerts By The Bay

    September 17 – Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren

    September 20 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Palladium

    September 21 – San Francisco, CA – The Warfield

    September 23 – Vancouver, BC – Commodore Ballroom

    September 25 – Seattle, WA – The Showbox

    September 26 – Portland, OR – McMenamins Crystal Ballroom

    September 28 – Denver, CO – Ogden Theatre

  • Heaven Sent: Spiritualized Bring Bittersweet Beauty to Basilica Hudson

    Crossing the train tracks that led up to the concert venue, a stranger stopped me and asked, “Is this the way Heaven?” “No,” I said. “Basilica Hudson.” While my Field of Dreams film reference was undoubtedly missed on the man, music fans could have sworn they were in heaven on Wednesday night, November 8th, when legendary UK space rockers Spiritualized made their spectacular debut in Hudson, NY. Delivering a spellbinding tour-de-force performance that will be remembered for years to come, it was the kind of show that cracked you open, rearranged your insides, and sent you home wanting to be a more productive person.   

    Making a rare stateside appearance with only six East Coast dates, fans from all over made it a priority to be there. The unique venue known as Basilica Hudson provided the perfect launching pad for such a formidable occasion.  Located in the industrial section of town, Basilica Hudson is actually an old, refurbished glue factory that was originally built in the 1880’s. Now a multi-purpose, energy efficient arts center along the city’s “South Bay” riverfront, many consider the spot to be a crown jewel of Hudson Valley concert halls. On this night it would also serve as our Space Station for the highly anticipated sold-out show that was presented by Chosen Family.

    The Spaceman Cometh: Jason Pierce AKA J. Spaceman performing with Spiritualized on 11/8/23.

    With the stage set against a starfield backdrop, things lifted off shortly after 8pm. The current Spiritualized juggernaut includes 9 band members spearheaded by our flight commander for the evening, Jason Pierce, better known by some as J. Spaceman. A revered songwriter with an almost cult-like following, it’s been no secret Pierce has been battling a number of health issues in recent years. Clinically pronounced dead twice at one point, indeed every show he plays these days is something of a miracle. Performing seated and wearing his trademark sunglasses, the veteran rocker who turns 58 this month, was showered with adoration and encouragement as the countdown to ignition finally commenced.

    Spiritualized performed to a sold out crowd at Basilica Hudson on 11/8/2023.

    Like most Spiritualized shows in recent years, “Hey Jane” was selected as the opening number. Blasting off with some infectious high-octane psych-rock, the tone was set for the transformative journey ahead. Sounding massive from the very start, “She Kissed Me (It Felt Like a Hit) kept the raw rock energy going as the room had now filled to capacity. Then hitting the rewind button and taking us back to where it all started, next was a song from the bands debut album, “Shine a Light,” from 1992’s Lazer Guided Melodies.  Making this one count, the momentum really started building here, as sprawling layers of sonic distortion and cascading crescendos reached a new level intensity, matching the equally intense, pulsating light show. And just when you thought you couldn’t take it anymore, our captain gently brought us back down, effortlessly guiding the band into the chilled-out hypnotic groove of “I’m Coming Home Again” that conjured up some heavy Velvet Underground vibes. 

    “If you want a rocket ship, I would be a rocket ship for you” – Lyrics from “Always Together With You”

    A beautiful rendition of “A Perfect Miracle” proved to be an early highlight of the set, while “Always Together With You” took on an infectious astral-pop quality that saw Pierce’s lyrics playing up the bands outer space imagery.  Cloaked in white robes, the minimal 3-girl gospel choir sounded beautiful together, adding intricate layers of harmony and filling in the space with “ohhhs” and “ahhhs” that contributed a great deal to the overall sound. Up next came a trio of songs from the album many, including Pierce himself, thought might be the bands last; 2018’s And Nothing Hurt. Flowing beautifully from fan favorite “I’m Your Man” into the hard charging “The Morning After,” and then capping it off with “Here it Comes (The Road) Let’s Go,” which from my perspective, received some of the loudest cheers of the evening.    

    “Labored over these words too long and nothing to behold / Wanted it to be special for you, but it’s just a song” – Jason Pierce

    The next portion of the night featured material from Spiritualized’s most recent release Everything Was Beautiful. Starting the sequence off with “Best Thing You Never Had (The D Song),” things got a little weird when suddenly a man jumped over the barricade and onto the stage. Basking in the spotlight for a moment, it was unclear if this was part of the act.  As the band played on with perplexed looks of plausible concern, it soon became obvious that it was just some inebriated dude looking for attention.  Then attempting to stage dive his way out of the awkward situation, fans in the front made zero attempt to catch him.  The resulting splat that followed was amusing to some, but a complete mental distraction for others. To their credit, Spiritualized never missed a single note. If nothing else, the incident seemed to be an ice breaker, for as serious as this performance was, fans realized it was okay to let their hair down a bit as it was still a rock n’ roll show.

    Idiot bastard, son of a gun
    Heaven is easy, your living is done
    Take it down easy, won’t know what you’ve done
    And we’re gone.

    -Lyrics from The A Song (Laid in Your Arms)

    Resetting the coordinates now, the deliberately hypnotic buildup of “Let It Bleed (For Iggy) produced massive moments of introspection and then euphoria, while the hard charging angst of “The A Song (Laid in Your Arms)” furthered the momentum into another deafening climax where Pierce seemingly confronts his demons while pondering over his lasting legacy. Looking even deeper within, Pierce confessed he’s “Damaged” while lamenting the lines “I wanna just close my mind / Feel like I’m floating on a ship out of time.” Soaring forward with cathartic, blissed-out beauty,  “Soul on Fire” achieved an almost orchestral peak, despite there being no string or horn section.  While the crowd sang along to its repeating chorus, the magnitude of the moment was enough to make the hair on your neck stand up. Acknowledging his struggles with addiction once more, “Sail on Through” would bring the main portion of the show to a jaw-dropping close.

    Spiritualized performing in Hudson, NY on 11/8/23.

    So long you pretty thing, God save your little soul
    The music that you played so hard ain’t on your radio
    And all your dreams and diamond rings and all that rock and roll can bring you
    Sail on, so long.

    -Jason Pierce

    After a few moments of silence off stage, Spiritualized would sail on with a passionate rendition of their psychedelic space pop manifesto “So Long You Pretty Thing.” The final song of the night was also the loudest.  Encoring with the lone track from the bands 1997 undisputed masterpiece Ladies and Gentleman We Are Floating in Space, “Come Together” nearly blew the roof of Basilica Hudson and put an emphatic stamp on a life-affirming performance that simply shook the audience to the core.  Standing up and facing them for the first time all night, Pierce would humbly take a bow and gracefully exit to a chorus of both cheers and tears. Mesmerizing and beautiful, heart wrenching, vulnerable and honest, it was the rare type of performance that satisfied all of your senses and filled you with hope. The type of show that made you feel lucky to be alive and grateful for the struggle. A little piece of Heaven right there there in Hudson, NY.

    Spiritualized | November 8,2023 | Basilica Hudson | Hudson, NY

    Setlist: Hey Jane, She Kissed Me (It Felt Like a Hit), Shine A Light, I’m Coming Home Again, A Perfect Miracle, Always Together With You, I’m Your Man, The Morning After, Here it Comes (The Road) Let’s Go, Best Thing You Never Had (The D Song), Let It Bleed (For Iggy), The A Song (Laid in Your Arms), Damaged, Soul on Fire, Sail on Through

    Encore: So Long You Pretty Thing, Come Together

  • The Olayan Group Partners with Kristopher Hull, Bringing Live Music to 550 Garden

    The Olayan Group announced they have partnered with Kristopher Hull to bring classical music out of the concert hall and into The 550 Garden, the largest green space to be built in East Midtown in decades.

    550 Garden

    As part of the artist residency, the Garden will host live performances on Tuesdays and Thursdays in a limited engagement. Kristopher Hull is a cultural fixture in New York City, known for pushing his custom-mounted 1964 Baldwin Upright Piano around lower Manhattan, bringing a mix of Chopin études, preludes, and nocturnes into the Garden for the enjoyment of all New Yorkers.

    Referred to as the “Pianist Errant” after the knight-errant Don Quixote, the majority of Hull’s work is performed in front of murals and in public gardens around Greenwich Village and the Lower East Side. Now, in partnership with 550 Madison, he is bringing live classical music to Midtown. Inspired by 550 Madison’s architectural heritage and the natural history of the region, the 550 Garden is East Midtown’s first new publicly accessible space in decades. Designed by architects Philip Johnson and John Burgee, 550 Madison Avenue is one of the city’s most recognizable architectural masterworks. It is a postmodern gem known for its distinctive “Chippendale” curved roof pediment and pink granite façade.

    The reawakened space, open year-round and features a heated hearth seating area, embraces nature as an amenity for building tenants, area residents, and visitors. New Yorkers find solace within the Garden among trees and plants and now live classical music.

    The 550 Garden offers an elegant and welcoming space where New Yorkers can immerse themselves in nature without stepping outside the heart of Midtown. We are pleased to make Hull’s extraordinary performances of classical music accessible to the public, further enhancing the dynamic experience in the Garden.

    Erik Horvat, Head of Real Estate at Olayan America.

    Hull is a self-taught classical pianist who began learning the instrument at 20 years old, inspired by recordings of his favorite 20th-century pianists such as Vladimir Horowitz and Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli. He has also performed at some of the city’s most renowned street art venues like Freeman Alley, First Street Green Art Park, and the Park Avenue Tunnel. His performances at the Garden will feature Chopin and Mozart.

    “My work as a pianist centers around the belief that pairing classical music and art provides an entirely new type of experience,” said Hull. “I’m thrilled to bring live music to complement 550 Madison’s serene Garden and Philip Johnson’s renowned post-modern architecture.”

  • Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire 2024 “Heart and Soul” Tour – Jones Beach and SPAC dates

    In an extraordinary musical alliance, the legendary Earth, Wind & Fire and Chicago, two of the most celebrated and successful bands in music history, are set to reignite the stage with their iconic co-headlining tour across North America, the Heart & Soul 2024 Tour.

    This tour promises an unforgettable night of music that brings together the timeless melodies of Chicago and the iconic repertoire of Earth, Wind & Fire. The tour, spanning 30 cities, kicks off in St. Louis, MO, on July 10, and features a special stop at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh, NY, on Sunday, July 28, followed by an electrifying performance at PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ, on Saturday, August 3, 2024.

    Earth, Wind & Fire

    This tour is still proof of the timeless appeal and extraordinary talent of two of the most recognizable musical groups in America, having sold over 200 million albums, earned 11 GRAMMY® awards, and received nearly 30 nominations between them. Billboard describes Chicago as “one of the most successful American rock bands of all time, in terms of both albums and singles,” having consistently filled arenas with satisfied fans. Earth, Wind & Fire, a funk-fusion powerhouse, has left an indelible mark on the sound and history of popular music, according to Rolling Stone. Both bands have received the highest honor with induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, with Chicago in 2016 and Earth, Wind & Fire in 2000.

    HEART AND SOUL 2024 TOUR DATES

    – Wed Jul 10 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre

    – Fri Jul 12 – Rosemont, IL – Allstate Arena

    – Sat Jul 13 – Saint Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center

    – Tue Jul 16 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center

    – Wed Jul 17 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre

    – Fri Jul 19 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center

    – Sat Jul 20 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center

    – Tue Jul 23 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage

    – Wed Jul 24 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Broadview Stage at SPAC

    – Sat Jul 27 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center

    – Sun Jul 28 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater

    – Tue Jul 30 – Bridgeport, CT – Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater

    – Wed Jul 31 – Camden, NJ – Freedom Mortgage Pavilion

    – Fri Aug 02 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live

    – Sat Aug 03 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center

    – Mon Aug 12 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek

    – Tue Aug 13 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion

    – Fri Aug 16 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre

    – Sat Aug 17 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre

    – Mon Aug 19 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre

    – Tue Aug 20 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena

    – Fri Aug 23 – Fort Worth, TX – Dickies Arena

    – Sat Aug 24 – Houston, TX – Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

    – Mon Aug 26 – North Little Rock, AR – Simmons Bank Arena

    – Thu Aug 29 – Phoenix, AZ – Footprint Center

    – Sat Aug 31 – Chula Vista, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre

    – Sun Sep 01 – Concord, CA – Toyota Pavilion at Concord

    – Tue Sep 03 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena

    – Fri Sep 06 – Los Angeles, CA – The Kia Forum

    – Sat Sep 07 – Palm Desert, CA – Acrisure Arena

    Ticket sales kick off with a Citi presale beginning on Tuesday, November 14. Additional presales will run throughout the week leading up to the general on-sale starting on Friday, November 17 at 10 am at EarthWindAndFire.com and ChicagoTheBand.com

    From the infectious beats of “Let’s Groove” to the timeless rock anthems of Chicago, this tour is a celebration of musical history, cultural impact, and the shared memories that these iconic bands have created over the years.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lzgNh9qXdA