Award-winning artist, writer, composer, and producer Raphael Saadiq recently revealed that he and Tony! Toni! Toné! would be returning to the Radio City Music Hall. The show is part of their new tour “Just Me & You”, which stops in New York on September 30.
The Tony’s are known for being one of the most influential and successful R&B groups of all time. Composed of brothers Raphael Saadiq and D’wayne Wiggins and their cousin Timothy Christian Riley, the Tonys have been making music since 1986.
The group found massive success early on in their career with the album Who?, which landed on Billboard’s “Top Pop Albums” chart. Four songs off of the album reached the R&B Top 10, including the hit “Little Walter”. Their biggest success would come in the form of their second project, The Revival. The album spawned several hits, the most notable being “Feels Good” which made its way into the Top 10 of the “Hot 100”.
The group began to explore their own individual pursuits after their final album House Of Music in 1996. Saadiq became a much sought after producer and writer, helping to create hit songs for the likes of D’Angelo and The Roots. He also released several of his own albums, including Instant Vintage and Ray Ray.
Tony! Toni! Toné! are set to perform some of the biggest and most monumental songs. The tour will also feature some of Saadiq’s most popular work, including some of the tracks he helped to make for Daniel Caesar, Brent Faiyaz, and Beyonce. Click here for more details and tickets.
Raphael Saadiq And Tony! Toni! Toné Tour Schedule
Thu September 21 – Birmingham, AL – BJCC Concert Hall
Fri September 22 – Charlotte, NC – Ovens Auditorium
Sun September 24 – Washington, DC – The Theater at MGM National Harbor
Tue September 26 – Baltimore, MD – Lyric Opera House
Thu September 28 – Philadelphia, PA – The Met
Sat September 30 – New York, NY – Radio City Music Hall
Sun October 1 – Durham, NC – Durham Performing Arts Center
Thu October 5 – Boston, MA – Orpheum Theatre
Sun October 8 – Cleveland, OH – State Theatre
Tue October 10 – Louisville, KY – Louisville Palace
Wed October 11 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium
Thu October 12 – Chicago, IL – Chicago Theatre
Fri October 13 – Detroit, MI – Fox Theatre
Thu October 19 – Greensboro, NC – Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts
Fri October 20 – Columbia, SC – The Township Auditorium
Sat October 21 – Jacksonville, FL – Moran Theater
Sun October 22 – Atlanta, GA – Fox Theatre
Thu October 26 – Memphis, TN – Orpheum Theatre
Fri October 27 – New Orleans, LA – Orpheum Theatre
Sat October 28 – Dallas, TX – Music Hall at Fair Park
Sun October 29 – Sugar Land, TX – Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land
Fri November 10 – Las Vegas, NV – Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort
Sat November 11 – Los Angeles, CA – YouTube Theater
Tennis Courts, a Brooklyn-based alternative rock band, has released their new single “Jamie’s Party,” an electrifying anthem which is the second single off of their upcoming debut record. Calling back to the “power pop” bands of the ’70s, “Jamie’s Party” creates a new anthem for summer. The release of the single coincides with the band’s summer tour.
Originally founded by the singer-songwriter duo Patrick Walsh and Andrew Clarke in 2019, Tennis Courts first made itself known in the basements and bars of Charleston, SC. In 2021, they relocated to Brooklyn where they were joined by guitarist Brian McKenna and bassist Spencer Brigman.
Keeping the noise and energy from their dive-bar days, their upcoming debut album “explore[s] the dread and confusion of navigating life in your 20s.” Beyond the main band members, the song features Matteo DeBenedetti and Luke Ivanovich for background vocals, Erik Kase Romero for bass, and Max Connery for organ. The track was produced by Erik Kase Romero in Oakhurst, NJ.
After the dark and heavy first single “Am I Not Talking Enough” we wanted to follow up with something sonically a little lighter, but still thematically similar lyrically. We wanted to write a song that people could sing along to. We wanted something that felt like your favorite coming of age movie. It’s really just me thinking about my younger self and what I might say to them.
Patrick Walsh, singer-songwriter for Tennis Courts
If making “a song that people could sing along to” was the goal, Tennis Courts certainly succeeded. “Jamie’s Party” is a song for driving down the interstate with the windows down and for the crowded bar, with a combination of bombastic instrumentals, loud lyrics and a strong chorus.
Walsh has claimed influence by ’70s bands such as Big Star and The Cars, and that effect is clear to see, though it still has some audio charms of the 2020s. Even the name “Jamie’s Party” evokes songs like “Jesse’s Girl” and “Stacy’s Mom,” cementing it as a song between generations, though whether this was intentional is unclear.
The song’s opening slowly builds until the guitars burst in to give it an exciting start. There are various moments like this throughout the piece where the instruments get a moment to bust down the doors after vocals. It gives each line an explosive conclusion that suits the song very well.
A personal favorite moment occurs around 2:55 with a guitar solo that feels straight out of ’70s classic rock. It precedes the conclusion of the song, and is an excellent send off on the instrumental side of things.
For a song released so close the beginning of summer, “Jamie’s Party” deserves to be the sound of summer. It is an almost nostalgic song that takes from the past without copying it, and still has room to add its own to the rock genre.
Upcoming Summer Tour Dates
Nashville, TN – The East Room – July 20
Athens, GA – The Georgia Theatre – July 21
Charleston, SC – The Royal American – July 22
Savannah, GA – Starland Yard – July 23
Greenville, SC – Swanson’s Warehouse – July 25
Charlotte, NC – Snug Harbor – July 26
Philadelphia, PA – Silk City – July 29
To stream Tennis Courts’ “Jamie’s Party” check out this link to see available streaming services. For more on the band, take a look at their Linktree.
Part neighborhood bar and part underground music venue, Tubby’s has established itself as a must-stop destination for music lovers across New York. Located in Kingston, the bar has become a premier venue in the Hudson Valley.
Tubby’s has earned a reputation for highlighting both underground and well-known artists just about every night. Positioned roughly 100 miles North of NYC, the venue has developed into the perfect haven for acts leaving or entering the city. Past performers include Black Midi, Steve Gunn, Jeff Parker, MIKE, Protomartyr, Katy Kirby, and more.
Black Midi performing in Webster Hall
Tubby’s commitment to high-quality music means that there is always a wide assortment of genres, sounds, and styles represented on a weekly basis. This commitment goes further than just picking great acts. Owned and operated mostly by musicians, Tubby’s is also dedicated to treating artists with the utmost respect.
This summer, the bar/venue will host well over 30 concerts. Some of the bands and artists performing are Joyce Manor, R.L. Boyce, Soul Glo, and Rose City Band.
Even when the warm weather starts to fizzle out the music doesn’t stop at Tubby’s. The venue, originally founded in 2018, plans to celebrate its five-year anniversary in late September with a festival. “Tubby’s 5 Year Anniversary Weekend” will go down across three days, September 29 through October 1.
The celebration includes a full roster of musicians from a wide variety of genres. Some of the artists who will perform as part of the festival include Armand Hammer, Bonnie Prince Billy, and billy woods. Click here for tickets and more details.
Tubby’s Kingston Summer Lineup
JUNE 24- GARCIA PEOPLES
JUNE 27- Follow Your Arrow: A Queer Singer/Songwriter Night:COLTON THORN + FRANCESCA HOFFMAN + AME
JULY 1- SEA MOSS + RONG + M. GEDDES GENGRAS + OPEN HEAD
JULY 2- JOYCE MANOR + TINY BLUE GHOST (SOLD OUT)
JULY 5- BONZIE + CARLOS TRULY + GREEM JELLYFISH
JULY 6- BASHER + THE WARBLERS
JULY 8- ART GRAY NOIZZQUINTET + SKULL PRACTITIONERS +LOVE LETTER
JULY 11- RL BOYCE (North Mississippi Hill Country Living Blues Legend)
JULY 12- MUTE DUO + GIFT HORSE
JULY 13- PYREX + RIDER/HORSE + BEECH CREEPS
JULY 14- SOUL GLO + MSPAINT
JULY 17/18- MERIDIAN BROTHERS (first night sold out)
JULY 19- HAYDEN PEDIGO
JULY 21- JOHANNA SAMUELS + STUART BOGIE
JULY 23- ROSE CITY BAND
JULY 25- CHEER-ACCIDENT
JULY 26- SWDYT? Joe Baiza/Damon Smith/Matt Crane; Alec Redfearn’s SWRM
JULY 27- MAGIC TUBER STRINGBAND + POST MOVES
JULY 29- BLUE RANGER + CAROL + BRENNAN WEDL
AUG 1- STOREY LITTLETON
AUG 2- SWDYT?: GREX + Allen Lowe & Lewis Porter Duo
AUG 8- ANNIE HART
AUG 9- TOMATO FLOWER
AUG 17- CINDY LEE + FREAK HEAT WAVES
AUG 24- MIKAELA DAVIS
AUG 25- JOHNNY DYNAMITE + BUMMER CAMP + SCAFFOLDING
AUG 26- WILLIAM TYLER & THE IMPOSSIBLE TRUTH + GARCIA PEOPLES
It was a great night to be a fan of live music if you were anywhere near downtown Albany on Thursday, June 15th. With the annual Alive at 5 free concert series now in full swing, fans from across the Capital Region flocked to Jennings Landing for “Jam Night” with Mihali Savoulidis. While it was undeniably a great time and great exposure for the ultra-talented and charismatic Twiddle front man, it was the show-after-the-show that ultimately provided the biggest improvisational peaks of the evening. Playing to a packed Parish Public House directly across the street after Mihali’s set, Annie in the Water kept the party going long and strong well into the next morning.
Alive at 5: Mihali, featuring Scott Hannay and the West End Blend Horns got the party started
Going off the cuff without a written setlist, the band unleashed the perfect combination of original songs, unexpected covers, and guest sit-ins galore from some high-profile friends, including members of Twiddle, Scott Hannay, and the West End Blend, all making for a perfect night cap to an already memorable night in Albany.
Often regarded as one of the leading forces in the Capital Region’s live music resonance, Annie in the Water has been making steady waves across the northeast for years. Comprised of Brad Hester (Lead Vocals/Rhythm), Michael Lashomb (Lead Guitar/Vocals), Joshua West (Drums/Vocals), Chris Meier (Bass/Vocals), Matt Richards (Keys/Vocals) and Brock Kuca (Percussion/Vocals), the band has already played everything ranging from the Adirondack Independence and Memorial Meltdown Festivals, Rock the Dock, the Catskill Mountain Jubilee, and even made their Alive at 5 debut last summer, opening for fellow jammers Spafford. Making plenty of friends along the way and taking pride in making every performance different, you never know who might show up at an Annie in the Water show.
Brad Hester performs with Annie in the Water at the Parish Public House
On this Thursday night, things at the Parish got heated up quickly as fans cramped into the dimly lit club early to get a glimpse of the action. Right out of the gates we were treated to a guest sit in from Ryan Dempsey, a classically trained keyboard player and one of Mihali’s bandmates in Twidde. Opening the frame with a jammed-out version of “Pleasure in Sin,” Annie in the Water would then play their latest R&B inspired single “Honeybee” to the adoring crowd who just seemed to love these guys.
Ryan Dempsey of Twiddle sat in with Annie in the Water for several songs
Pulling double duty, our next musical collaboration would feature West End Blend saxophone player Mike Oehmen, a cancer survivor who was also was part of Mihali’s Alive at 5 band earlier in the evening. Lending his talents to the relaxing groove of “Out of Phase,” Oehmen’s soaring sax solo would soon lift the energy in the room to the next level. From there Joe Davis made a surprise appearance, jamming out to his former bandmate’s song, the Matt Richards penned, “In The Sand.”
The dancing would continue with a delightful version of “Bloom,” the infectious lead track from Annie in the Water’s latest studio album, 2022’s Sun At Dawn. One affectionate couple in the front row were particularly grateful to hear it, describing it as “their song.” Indeed, it’s catchiness makes it the type of song that could easily be a massive hit if given proper airplay. With the audience now fully feeling sexy, the next surprise came in a cover of Christina Aguilara’s late 90’s pop TRL hit, “Genie in a Bottle,” which got the entire audience going wild and singing along. Giving this version a bit of the “rock” treatment, by the time “Genie” reached it’s over-the-top guitar solo courtesy of Michael Lashomb, even the hardest fans in the room could be seen letting their guard down and bobbing along. What, you think I didn’t see you? The guilty pleasures would continue for another cover song from the same era, this time with Brad Hester turning his cap around and doing his best Mashall Mathers impression on “The Real Slim Shady,” which would bring the incredibly fun opening set to a close. Showing both their musical diversity and their sense of humor, how the guys planned to top it for the second set was anyone’s guess.
Annie in the Water guitarist Michael Lashomb was firing on all cylinders
After a brief break to catch our breath and air out the room, it was time for everybody to get a drink. That’s because not only was Ryan Dempsey of Twiddle making his second appearance of the night, he would also lead the charge through a pair of classic Twiddle songs. First up was “Mamunes the Fawn,” which brought the party vibe to a whole new level and perhaps with it, some optimism that Twiddle front man Mihali would possibly make an appearance too. While ultimately he did not, for the next Twiddle cover, we did get two of Mihali’s Alive at 5 bandmates, West End Blend’s Michael Bafundo pumpin’ on the trumpet and Mike Oehmen on sax once again for a joyous rendition of “Syncopated Healing.” Despite lacking Mihali’s distinct vocals, it was pretty amazing to hear how well Annie in the Water recreated Twiddle’s massive sound, obviously long-time admirers of the band.
Michael Bafundo and Mike Oehmen pulled double duty playing sets with both Mihali & Annie in the Water
The horns would stick around for a few more songs, while a third (yes third) keyboard player, Scott Hannay, would join in on the fun for “Feel That Pulse.” The family-style jam would continue for one more song, “Seeds,” which was arguably the high point of the evening. After both pulling double duty performing at Alive at 5 and now sitting in for several songs with Annie in the Water, it’s fair to say the tuckered out West End Blend boys earned their keep on this night and the right to take the rest of it off. Scott Hannay, however, was just getting warmed up and would stick around to crush his part of “Seaside Highway.”
With a Little Help From Their Friends: It was sit in’s galore at Annie in the Water’s Parish Performance
Ryan Dempsey would then return for one final dose of triple piano action on the always appreciated Talking Heads cover, “Take Me To The River.” The remainder of the set though, would be vintage Annie in the Water performing some of their best original material. Starting with “Change My Mind,” next on tap was “Balloons,” the song their very own IPA beer is named after.
Scott Hannay never fails to crush a sit in with his Annie in the Water pals
Following a quick encore break and a 50/50 drawing for a good cause, Brad Hester would then take the stage by himself for a heartfelt, vocal’s only rendition of “Free (No Need for Forgiveness). About halfway through the number, the remainder of the band would emerge from backstage one at a time and slowly join in on the song as it seamlessly transitioned into “Sativa,” a special song about embracing life’s challenges, growing and learning from the unexpected struggles. Annie in the Water would finally bring things back full circle by closing out with “Free Again (reprise)” to bring the stellar performance to a close. Great music, great people, great collaborations and great times. Just a ‘grade A’ evening all around.
Up next, the band will release their next single “Sailing” on Friday, June 30th. In celebration, Annie in the Water will then be ON the water, finding their sea legs as part of a sold-out Boatcruise weekend on July 1st, 2023. Later this summer, the group plans to link up with long time friend, Hayley Jane, to recreate the classic Fleetwood Mac album, Rumors. That’s if their tour van can get them there. A blown transmission has recently sent them scrambling for a little help. A Gofundme page is expected to be announced shortly. You know what to do.
Annie in the Water | June 15, 2023 | Parish Public House | Albany, NY
Set 1: “Pleasure in Sin” > Jam *Ryan Dempsey Keys, Honeybee, Out of Phase *Mike Oehmen Sax, In the Sand > Jam *Joe Davis Guitar, Bloom, Genie in a Bottle (Christina Aguilera), The Real Slim Shady (Eminem)
Set 2: Mamunes the Fawn (Twiddle) *Ryan Dempsey keys, Syncopated Healing (Twiddle) *Ryan Dempsey keys, Mike Oehmen Saxophone, Michael Bafundo Trumpet, Feel That Pulse, *Scott Hannay keys, Mike Oehmen Saxophone, Michael Bafundo Trumpet, Seeds *Ryan Dempsey keys, Scott Hannay keys, Mike Oehmen Saxophone, Michael Bafundo Trumpet, Seaside Highway *Scott Hannay keys, Take Me to the River (Talking Heads) *Scott Hannay keys, Ryan Dempsey keys, Change My Mind, Balloons, Free Again > Sativa > Free Again (reprise)
Photo courtesy of Frank Cavone/Mirth FilmsPhoto courtesy of Frank Cavone/Mirth Films
Rockin’ on the River 2023 announced the four-show series will return to its former location of River Front Park in Troy on Wednesday, June 28, July 12, July 26, and Aug. 9.
Photo by Dave DeCrescente.
Each concert at the Rockin’ on the River 2023 series is free to attend, happening from 5:30-9 p.m. and features vendors local to downtown Troy. Free parking is available on-street in designated areas and throughout the district, with several lots and garages all within walking distance of the show.
We are excited for Rockin’ on the River to return with four shows to one of its former original locations River Front Parks. This event brings a lot of buzz and excitement in Downtown Troy. We focus a lot on supporting our local bands as you’ll notice with our line-up, everything about Rockin’ on the River supports local, with this location we are such a short walk from one end of the downtown district to the other, it’s easy to enjoy great shopping before the show, and food and drinks after.
Olivia Clemente, Executive Director, Downtown Troy Business Improvement District.
Rockin’ on the River 2023 Lineup
June 28- Neon Avenue
Based out of Clifton Park, Neon Ave is a Grateful Dead tribute band that brings a different energy to the classic songbook, inviting audiences to jam out all night long. Kristian Montgomery & the Winterkill Band to open.
July 12- Legacy
Rockin’ on the River 2023 brings the audience back in time with Classic Rock tribute band Legacy dedicated to the “Rock Anthems” and Heartfelt Ballads of Foreigner and Journey. These timeless melodies are performed to perfection, letting the audience groove all night long. Sirsy to open.
July 26- Conehead Buddha
Conehead Buddha is an eight-piece ska-rock-funk-latin-reggae-jam-hop from New York. Josh & Tracy to open.
Aug. 9- Skeeter Creek
Skeeter Creek is a five-piece Americana band blending their own variants of country, folk, bluegrass, and rock, and is ranked among the best of the new and upcoming alternative artists. They have each toured with some of the biggest names in the industry and won several awards. Nick & Liam to open.
As a part of her eight-city tour to support her upcoming memoir, “Thicker than Water,” Kerry Washington will be visiting the Bronx and Manhattan in NYC this September. The event will be an intimate evening with the award-winning actress, director, producer, and activist, spotlighting experiences both on and off-stage.
Cover of Kerry Washington’s memoir, “Thicker than Water.”
Kerry Washington is an Emmy-winning, SAG, and Golden Globe-nominated native of the Bronx. She was widely recognized for her role as Olivia Pope on the hit ABC drama Scandal, the first black woman to headline a network TV drama since 1974. She is a lifelong advocate and activist, using her voice to fight for justice and transformational change.
The tour kicks off in Washington’s hometown of the Bronx before moving to various locations across the United States and United Kingdom. Washington will disclose to audiences the behind the scenes of her life as an artist, an advocate, an entrepreneur, a mother, a daughter, a wife, and a Black woman. In addition, she will share the lessons she has learned for healing childhood wounds, how she embraces adversity, and the wisdom she has gained over her life.
Upcoming Shows
The Bronx, NY – Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club “Day For Kids Festival” – Sept. 23
Detroit, MI – The Fillmore Detroit in partnership with Source Booksellers – Sept. 24
Santana made his eighth visit, and first since 2017, back at CMAC in Canandaigua on Thursday, June 22, part of his 1001 Rainbows tour and to open up the season for the venue. The shed was packed and so was the stage, as Carlos always has a hefty crew along to bring his unique fusion of Latin and rock music to fruition.
This time at CMAC, Santana had Ray Green on vocals and trombone, Andy Vargas on vocals, Benny Rietveld on bass, David Matthews on keys, Tommy Anthony on guitar, Paoli Mejias on congas, the great Karl Perrazo on percussion, and Santana’s wife, Cindy Blackman Santana on one of the biggest drum kits you’ll see.
With puffs of smoke filling the air, and tribal music and videos playing on a huge screen, they all took the stage, picking up the beat and launching into “Soul Sacrifice.” A sizeable rhythm section break, an organ solo, some trombone, and of course Santana’s signature searing guitar all made the rounds from the get-go.
There was no holding back and no wasted time. With no pause they launched into “Jingo” and from there “Evil Ways.” A trio of tunes off Santana’s 1969 debut, songs he must have played as much as anyone has played the same songs ever. Yet they were played with fire and urgency, Santana giving his ensemble direction with glances, nods and motions. The early hit train kept rolling along with “Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Woman” and “Oye Como Va” as classic Santana footage played over the screens. A long line of musical history still delighting and energizing.
“Our goal is to flood you with enthusiasm,” Santana announced at the first of only a few very short breaks. Later he urged the crowd to “Elevate the consciousness of the planet to stop the corruption.”
The band continued to work through Santana’s vast catalog, seemingly chronologically. A big hit of the mid 70’s followed, with “Everybody’s Everything” including a ripping bass solo, “Europa,” “Batuka,” and “No One To Depend On” with a particularly fiery solo from Santana.
The second half of the show belonged almost solely to their late 90’s hit album, Supernatural, with “(Da Le) Yaleo,” “Put Your Lights On,” “Corazon Espinado” and “Maria Maria” all making big splashes with the audience.
With a massive catalog to draw from, they still found plenty of room to pay tribute to other musical heroes. A subtle tease of his friend Mahavishnu John McLaughlin here, and few riffs from The Beatles’ “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” there. A seemingly random mash-up of James Brown’s “Funky Good Time,” The Doors’ “Roadhouse Blues” and The Chambers Brothers’ “Love Peace and Happiness,” may have just been an excuse for Santana to squeeze in some final unadulterated guitar shredding into the encore.
Though the encore showstopper was handed to his wife, as she was granted a massive drum solo that brought the house down. Carlos has been around long enough to know how to put on one a hell of a rock show, and how to go home with happy wife.
Andy Vargas back up singerRock & Roll Hall of famer Carlos SantanaRock & Roll Hall of famer Carlos SantanaPaoli Mejias, drumsRock & Roll Hall of famer Carlos Santana with drummer Karl Perazzo in the backgroundRock & Roll Hall of famer Carlos Santana plays to a excited crowd with drummer Karl PerazzoCindy Blackman Santana drummer Carlos Santana plays along with guitarist Tommy AnthonyCindy Blackman Santana drummerBenny Rietveld, bass
Hudson Yards will be hosting free outdoor concerts weekly throughout the summer. Concerts at the Wells Fargo Stage are open to the public and will take place every Wednesday at 6 p.m. in the Public Square & Gardens.
Audiences can watch the concerts at Hudson Yards, the newest neighborhood on Manhattan’s West Side. The Backyard at Hudson Yards concert series is located between 10 and 11 Avenue and between 30 and 34 Street.
July artists include Best New Artist Grammy-nominated jazz duo DOMi & JD BECK. Fresh off their stint at Coachella, acclaimed indie singer/producer Vagabon makes an appearance, as well as the band flor, whose career started on tour with Halsey. In August, The 502s will perform on the heels of their viral song “Just a Little While.”
Following each concert, select restaurants and bars at The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards will host “After Hours” events, featuring a live DJ with food and drink specials.
More information on each performer can be found here.
As hip hop’s 50th anniversary nears (August 11, 1973), the yearlong celebration of the world’s most popular music genre has been ramping up. However, hip hop is more than just rhyming over drum patterns. After all, the graffiti artists, breakdancers, b-boys, fashion and street culture are what the music reflected. It was only fitting that more than 4,000 people gathered at the Brooklyn Public Library for the philosophy of hip hop one of the largest celebrations of hip-hop’s anniversary to take place this year.
KRS One was a keynote speaker at The Philosophy of Hip-Hop
About the Event
As part of the BPL’s “Night in the Library” initiative, the philosophy of hip-hop brought together dozens of artists and thinkers for a dynamic all-night exploration of the genre. The event took over the iconic Central Library from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. with keynote addresses, musical performances, discussions, debates, and activities inspired by the genre’s music and culture.
KRS-One was a keynote speaker at The Philosophy of Hip-Hop exhibition
Co-curated by LeBrandon Smith founder of Really Just Hip-Hop, Kelly Harrison, and April R. Silver, founder of AKILA Worksongs, Night in the Library: The Philosophy of Hip-Hop featured a number of Roc Nation artists, including GRAMMY-nominated rapper Rapsody, Johnny Cocoa, HDBeenDope, and Rueben Vincent.
The event tied in together several decades of hip hop history from its inception up to the present. All the while interpolating various parts of the culture and showcasing some of the less-heralded figures that have spearheaded hip hop. In addition, a host of legendary cultural figures made appearances including the likes of Dapper Dan, Angie Martinez, performers and rap legends Smif-N-Wessun, Dead Prez and Keynote speaker KRS-One. The Philosophy of Hip Hop was a time capsule into hip hop’s roots as various deejays serenaded the audience with classic hip hop cuts, culminating in a performance by Dead Prez.
Fashion has long been an integral part of Hip-Hop culture.
Dapper Dan made an appearance at The Philosophy of Hip-Hop
Discussions & Lectures
Similarly, there were several panels and discussions with key hip hop figures. Roc Nation artist Rapsody provided insight while leading a discussion on “Women in Hip-Hop: Sexuality, Empowerment, Competition, Success & A Fight for Respect.” Chiefly, Rapsody and Dr. Kathryn Sophia Belle discussed the pressures women face when it comes to their presentation. “I’ve learned to see it in different lights and overall, we’re just dope MC’s at the end of the day,” Rapsody Summarized.
Rapsody participated in a discussion on Women in Hip Hop
Panels
Other notable panels and lectures included “Which American Region Is the Most Important in Hip-Hop?” Where a panel of journalists which include journalists Mitchell S. Jackson, Alvin Blanco, Chad Sanders and musical acts Jazzy Lo and DonWill. The panel answered questions on the trendsetters and groundbreaking acts from their respective regions (the East Coast, South, West Coast and the Mid-West). All the while a lively audience were eager to offer insight.
“Which American Region is the Most Important in Hip Hop?” was one night’s liveliest discussions.
In like manner legendary music journalist Bill Adler took the stage with Pete Nice of 3rd Bass for “The Expansion of Hip-Hop: How Non-Black Players Built a Home in the Genre.” A Brooklyn native, Adler has covered hip hop since the very wee points of its inception and shared stories on being one of the first writers to cover Kurtis Blow. By the same token, Pete nice shared his experiences as a Caucasian making his way through a black art form, having been on the Def Jam label during its formative years. The Long Island native shared stories of the joint-hunger and pursuit of success between him and the rest of Def Jam’s early roster.
Bill Adler and Pete nice led a discussion on The Expansion of hip hop
The evening closed with a performance from Dead Prez, who performed their cult-favorite “Hip-Hop.” With lyrics that see the Brooklyn duo criticize the capitalist nature of the music industry and its exploitation of black people, Dead Prez doubled-down with an intensified, acapella rendition of the record to hone in the message. Afterwards, the Deejay ended the night with a run of classic 80’s and 90’s tracks as the crowd celebrated hip hop in unison.
Dead Prez closed the night out with their hit-record “Hip-Hop.”
Each Sunday evening from 7-9pm 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 Merci Van, Caity Gallagher, and Kirsti Blow.
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.
Merci Van – “Oppenheimer”
Merci Van is from Saratoga Springs and makes synth post-folk music. Members are Alicia Macier Van Scoy, Ed Cormac, and Katlyn Celentano. Their new single “Irrational Anthems” is out now.
Caity Gallagher – “Worth Remembering”
Caity Gallagher is a rootsy singer/songwriter based in Albany, who uses lifting vocals and empowering lyrics to tell universally relatable stories. She started playing piano at age seven and guitar at sixteen, and has been compared to the likes of Jackson Browne and Carole King. Her newest EP Something Worth Remembering is out now on streaming platforms, with the song “Worth Remembering” having a spot on Sunday’s EQXposure.
Kirsti Blow – “Last Cigarette”
Kirsti Blow is a singer/songwriter hailing from Upstate New York, recognized for her soft voice and unforgettable instrumentals. Her new album Loose Ends, written over the course of two years, explores the feelings of of elation and fear, love and disillusionment, and the changing seasons while traveling in the US and Spain. “Last Cigarette” will hold a spot on EQXposure this Sunday.
