I’ve known Willie Nile for almost 10 years now, been to countless shows, I’ve shot a dozen music videos for him, and consider him a friend. I was thrilled when he asked me to come shoot his show at City Winery New York on Wednesday, November 22.
Booked as a Career Retrospective, Willie was going to play one song from each of his 16 albums, from his first self-titled from 1980 to his latest The Day The Earth Stood Still from 2021.
Nile’s current band consists of long-time rockers such as Jonny Pisano on Bass, Jimmy K. Bones on lead Guitar, Rob Clores on Keys, and Jon Weber on Drums. For the show at the Winery, he included special guest James Maddock who opened the show and also joined the band on a number of songs as backing vocals and on electric guitar.
Playing to a sold-out crowd, the band hammered through the 18-song setlist, with the various album covers displayed on screens as Willie went one by one and gave a little background on the album and the song before playing it. Willie who turned 75 this year, looking younger than ever, vibrant and full of life and energy, was a sight to behold, a true Rock n’ Roll icon.
Opening the show with a 30-minute solo acoustic set was fantastic singer-songwriter James Maddock whose latest album “Night Works” came out earlier this year, his set included mostly material off that album along with a few old hits. James is currently on tour in Europe until the end of the year but currently resides in Brooklyn, so he’s often playing shows in the New York area and comes highly recommended. Make sure to add him to your radar for 2024.
Willie Nile – City Winery New York – November 22, 2023
Setlist: Vagabond Moon, Golden Down, Places I Have Never Been, Hard Times in America, Across the River, Cell Phones Ringing (In the Pockets of the Dead), You Gotta Be a Buddha (In a Place Like This), Streets of New York, American Ride, Forever Wild, Blowin’ in the Wind (Bob Dylan cover), Children of Paradise, House of a Thousand Guitars, Run Free, One Guitar, The Day the Earth Stood Still, Heaven Help the Lonely, A Hard Day’s Night (The Beatles cover)
Runaway New York, a fashion and lifestyle brand based out of the Big Apple, is presenting an exclusive event titled Open ‘Til Midnight at Brooklyn’s Public Records on December 11. Featuring performances by Balu Brigada and Carlo Redl, the night will celebrate Runaway New York’s 5-year anniversary in their hometown.
Based in major cities such as Paris, Miami, London, Tokyo, and originally New York, Runaway New York is a fashion and lifestyle brand created by Jagger Walk. Committed to making an impact on their community, Runaway New York has worked alongside NYC’s City Meals On Wheels, delivering meals to elderly residents, and El Paso, TX’s Annunciation House, providing support to refugees and immigrants. Known for their statement loungewear, the brand is returning home for their 5-year anniversary this December.
Balu Brigada will make an appearance at the event, performing to support their upcoming EP Find A Way. The New Zealand-born alt-pop duo relocated to New York in 2022 after signing with Atlantic Records, and recently was crowned Best New Artist by People Magazine.
Carlo Redl will also perform, showcasing his talents likened to that of John Mayer, with a R&B twist. Earning the #1 song in Japan at age 21, he splits time between Miami and Tokyo as an upcoming singer-songwriter.
Runaway New York will celebrate their 5-year anniversary at Public Records in Brooklyn on December 11 at 7PM. With drinks, music, and opportunities to browse exclusive Runaway New York clothing, the night will bring together music, fashion, and community.
The vibrant dance scene in Albany is set to be illuminated once again as The Egg and the University at Albany join forces to present the groundbreaking Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company on Saturday, December 2 at 8 pm, part of the Dance in Albany series.
The performance promises to captivate audiences at The Egg at the Empire State Plaza in downtown Albany, marking a return to the Capital Region since their last appearance in 2015.
Founded in 1982, the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company emerged from an extraordinary 11-year collaboration between Bill T. Jones and Arnie Zane (1948–1988). This partnership not only redefined the duet form but also foreshadowed themes of identity, form, and social commentary that have left an indelible mark on American dance. With a global footprint encompassing over 200 cities across 40 countries, the company stands as a beacon of innovation and power in the dance-theater world.
The company’s repertoire is a testament to its diversity, exploring various subject matters, visual imagery, and stylistic approaches to movement, voice, and stagecraft. Collaborating with an eclectic array of artists, including Keith Haring, Cassandra Wilson, and Jenny Holzer, the company’s intensely collaborative creation process has yielded a rich tapestry of performances.
The upcoming program by the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company will showcase “Love Redefined” from 1996 and “Story/” from 2013.
“Love Redefined,” inspired by the 1992 commission for the Lyon Opera Ballet titled “Love Defined,” is a powerful ensemble work that embodies Jones’ distinct and poetic style. Set to Daniel Johnston’s whimsical music and featuring décor by Donald Baechler, the performance is an energetic reflection on love and human relationships.
“Story/” is a reworking of “Story/Time” (2012), where chance plays a central role in choreography, music, lighting, set elements, and costumes. Set to Schubert’s String Quartet #14, Death and the Maiden, “Story/” draws from a trove of choreographic material spanning 35 years. The piece explores the dynamic interplay between movement and music, showcasing Jones’ exploration of the dramaturgical possibilities that arise from this interaction.
The Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company has garnered numerous accolades, including New York Dance and Performance Awards (“Bessie”) for various productions. Noteworthy mentions include awards for “Chapel/Chapter” at Harlem Stage (2006) and “Deep Blue Sea” (2021). The company was also nominated for the 1999 Laurence Olivier Award for “Outstanding Achievement in Dance and Best New Dance Production.”
Before the performance, a Prelude talk sponsored by the Dance Alliance will take place at 7:15 pm at The Egg. Mary DiSanto-Rose, former Dance Department chair at Skidmore College, will engage in a conversation with Janet Wong, Associate Artistic Director of the company and New York Live Arts.
Tickets for the performance are priced at $36 and can be purchased at The Egg Box Office on the Concourse Level of the Empire State Plaza in Albany, by phone at 518-473-1845, and online at theegg.org.
Remaining performances in the Dance in Albany series promise a diverse and exciting lineup, including Mark Morris Dance Group (January 25), Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company with Capital Trio (January 27), Monica Bill Barnes & Company in “The Running Show” (February 3), NoGravity Theatre (February 9), Savion Glover (April 13), and Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company (May 18).
In a groundbreaking announcement, producers Mara Isaacs, Dale Franzen, Hunter Arnold, and Tom Kirdahy revealed that Grammy Award®-winning music icon Ani DiFranco will embark on her Broadway debut as ‘Persephone’ in the Tony® and Grammy Award-winning Best Musical, Hadestown, at the Walter Kerr Theatre starting February 9, 2024.
DiFranco’s association with Hadestown dates back to 2010 when she extended an invitation to Anaïs Mitchell to release the original studio album on DiFranco’s label, Righteous Babe Records. Having originated the role of ‘Persephone’ on the album, DiFranco’s return to the character marks a significant moment in the evolution of the show.
Expressing her excitement, Ani DiFranco stated, “I could not be more thrilled to be joining the cast of Hadestown. It’s like I get to rewind to my New York youth and follow the road not taken.”
Mitchell added, “I can’t really overstate the influence of Ani’s music and example on me as a young songwriter. Poetic, bold, radically emotive and FUN, she simply has been a mythic figure in my life, and I can’t think of anything more beautifully full circle than Ani playing the role of ‘Persephone’ on Broadway. Grateful and awestruck.”
Widely acknowledged as a feminist icon, Ani DiFranco pioneered the DIY movement, establishing her own record label in 1990. Beyond her reputation as the “Little Folksinger,” her music spans genres from punk and funk to hip hop and jazz. Her recent works include the 2021 album Revolutionary Love and the 25th-anniversary reissue of Little Plastic Castle in June 2023, both released on her label Righteous Babe Records. In addition to her musical endeavors, her memoir No Walls and the Recurring Dream became a New York Times Top 10 best seller in May 2019, and she recently released her debut children’s book, The Knowing.
Hadestown’s current cast features Betty Who as Persephone (through February 4), Jordan Fisher as Orpheus, Tony Award winner Lillias White as Hermes, Phillip Boykin as Hades, and Solea Pfeiffer as Eurydice. The production, with its unique blend of modern American folk music and New Orleans-inspired jazz, has earned critical acclaim for reimagining the ancient tale and providing audiences with a captivating theatrical experience.
In addition to her musical achievements, Ani DiFranco has left an indelible mark in her hometown of Buffalo. Renaming the 19th-century Gothic church she bought and renovated, the venue, originally dubbed The Church, is now known as Babeville. This multifaceted space houses her music label, Righteous Babe Records, and the Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center. A proud Buffalo native, DiFranco continues to contribute to the cultural vibrancy of her hometown.
Tickets for Hadestown are available at www.seatgeek.com/hadestown-tickets or by visiting the Walter Kerr Theatre box office. Don’t miss the chance to witness Ani DiFranco’s Broadway debut in this transformative and resonant production.
Big Something, the North Carolina-based rock group, have unveiled their seventh studio album, Headspace, along with a nationwide tour spanning from December through May 2024 with stops in Buffalo and NYC along its extensive run. The album is a radiant 12-track exploration of alternative, jazz, funk, and metal influences.
Highlights on the album include tracks such as “The Mountain” and “Amanda Lynn”, which show the full, skilled arrangement of the band’s work, and their confidence as a unit. Many of the songs boast 6+ minute run times, and Big Something makes statements with their creative use of sound effects and rhythms.
A standout track, “Kings of the Wild Frontier,” remembers Johnny Cash-like rhythms and spoken word, and takes a stance as a self-aware, fantastical story about the band itself. They even throw in a Bowie cover with “Moonage Daydream,” paying a punchy, energetic tribute to one of rock’s biggest idols. All in all, the album is a powerful, confident collection.
Photo Credit: Rob Roane
Celebrating the release of the band’s new album, they will embark on a nationwide tour beginning in December. The tour spans over 40 cities, through the next six months. New York dates include April 12 at Iron Works in Buffalo, and May 10 at Brooklyn Made in NYC.
There are so many special things about this album for us. It’s both a requiem and a rebirth for us as a band. Honoring old friends, welcoming new ones and growing even closer together as musicians and brothers in the process.”
Nick MacDaniels
Big Something released their debut album in 2010, and have since crafted a personal blend of alternative rock, electronica, jazz, and metal. After the tragic passing of collaborator Paul Interdonato in 2017, Big Something finished Headspace in honor of him. The majority of the lyrics on Headspace were penned by Interdonato.
Big Something will play shows at Iron Works in Buffalo, NY on April 12, and at Brooklyn Made in NYC on May 10. Tickets for the band’s upcoming tour are available here.
New York indie pop punk label, Manic Kat Records is bringing the gift of pop punk, rock, emo and alternative to NYC with it’s annual holiday celebration A Very Merry Punxmas at The Bowery Electric on Saturday, December 16.
A Very Merry Punxmas will feature sets from Todd Morse, The Lucky, Just Happy To Be Here, Triple Word Score, A New Violet and Cult Classic, with more special guests and surprise announcements to follow in the coming weeks. The artists include a versatile roster from alternative, rock, punk, and metal producing a unique curated lineup, highlighting bands known for their dynamic performances, raw talent and unapologetic realness.
Manic Kat Records encourages a thriving hub for emerging talent fueling the underground scene, pushing artists to new heights and authenticity in music, keeping the punk spirit ignited.
This years event is presented by NYC staple, 7 Crown, along with Glass Fun, the first platform that helps you earn exclusive rewards and experiences from your favorite brands and Boston America, manufacturer/distributor of creative and fun products to the gift and novelty market. The doors for the long awaited holiday performance open at 5:30pm with the final act wrapping up at 11pm, followed by the exclusive after party for VIP guests.
“We love our local scene, but we felt this year to better accommodate the talent coming in from all over the country, it would be easier to hold the event at the crossroads of the world, New York City.”
– Founder/CEO of Manic Kat Records, Peter James
The annual holiday festivities tradition will be breaking down traditional expectations for holiday music at The Bowery Electric. This December, come feel the energy of mean, green punk-rock revival for yourself and don’t miss out on this unforgettable show. For more information please visit here.
The sounds of rock nostalgia echoed through out the historic Landmark Theater in Syracuse on Sunday, as Bush brought their “No Where To Go But Everywhere” tour to the historic theater. Bad Wolves and Eva Under Fire opened the concert.
It can be hard to fathom that Bush have been staples in the music industry for nearly 30 years. Led by frontman and heart throb Gavin Rossdale, the multiplatinum selling rockers recently released Loaded; The Greatest Hits 1994-2023, a retrospective chronicle of the band’s discography. Though many of the faces in the band have changed since 1994, they are still led by Gavin Rossdale (vocals, guitar). The remainder of the band consists of Chris Traynor (guitars), Corey Britz (bass guitar), and Nik Hughes (percussion).
The evening kicked off with a high octane set by Eva Under Fire. Led by vocalist Eva Marie, the Detroit natives took the early arriving crowd on a fast paced musical journey. Vocalist Eva Marie took immediate command of the crowd’s attention as she strutted along the platforms that adorned the front of the stage. Midway through their set, the band embraced their role as the opening act, delivering a clever take on Journey’s “Separate Ways.” Eva Marie engaged with the audience at every opportunity, at one point taking the cellphone of a fan (who was attempting to take a mid-set selfie) and sand into the phone as she danced about the stage.
Up next were hard rockers, Bad Wolves. Singer Daniel Laskiewicz crept through the shadows of the stage while performing tracks form the bands four album discography. They would close their set with a cover of the Cranberries hit “Zombie” which saw those in attendance rise to their feet and sing along.
After a dramatic introduction which saw strobe lights dance about the stage in perfect synchrony to drum beats, Gavin Rossdale and his bandmates took to the stage. They wasted no time getting the greatest hits party started, kicking off the evening with their 1994 breakthrough hit, “Everything Zen”. From the familiar opening guitar riff, fans pushed to the front of the stage to catch a closer glimpse of the stars. The band kept the momentum going early, with the intense rocker “Machine Head” and their 1997 hit “Greedy Fly”.
In between songs, Rossdale spoke about the experiences that led him to writing the songs, and encouraged the fans in attendance to reflect back on what the songs meant to them; on the memories of where they were and who they were with when they first heard them. Perhaps the most heartfelt story told by Rossdale was before performing the band’s 2000 hit “Letting the Cables Sleep”, a song written about when Rossdale learned a close friend of his had HIV.
Through out the evening, Rossdale and his bandmates wove through the many eras of the band’s music, with newer tracks like “Flowers On A Grave” and “More Than Machines” proving to be just as strong as the band’s earlier hits. The band would close out the evening with two of their more familiar tracks, a solo rendition of “Glycerine” followed by “Come Down”. Both songs had fans bellowing out the familiar choruses in the theater and as they their way into the streets following the concert.
The Clayton Opera House, a year-round performance center for the Thousand Islands region, has announced the 2024 lineup of event. From rock and roll to Celtic musicals to comedians, everyone will find their niche at this historic opera house.
The Clayton Opera House, a historic brick building nestled in downtown Clayton, has been a staple in the area for music lovers and enthusiasts. The opera house has been a vital part of Clayton since it was completed in 1904, and had its first taste of music that same year with a quartet and an elocutionist. Though it currently stands as an opera house, it has taken many other shapes: from being a library, furniture store, funeral parlor, jewelry and clothing stores, a beauty salon, the Thousand Islands Museum, an antique boat museum, and a hand-weaving museum, to what it is today– an opera house.
The Clayton Opera House had a renovation and revival in 2007. This was a pivotal point in the opera house’s history. When the government offices were added to the bottom floors, it became not only a musical venue, but a community center.
Since they have such large attendance rates (between 12,000 and 15,000), the Clayton Opera House has already announced 18 confirmed shows for 2024– with more shows to come.
Clayton Opera House 2024 Season Schedule
March 8 – Celtic Angels – Celtic Singers and Dancers
March 30 – Diggery Dinosaur Show – Interactive Show
May 4 – Gridley Paige – Rock n’ Roll**
May 25 – Jen Kober – Comedian
June 1 – The Gibson Brothers – Bluegrass
June 7 – Official Blues Brothers Revue – Tribute Band
June 27 – Tapestry – The Carole King Songbook with Suzanne O’Davis
July 6 – Letters Aloud, From the Front – Letters from War by Soldiers
July 18 – Good Witch/Bad Witch – Broadway
July 25 – The High Kings – Celtic Music
July 27 – The Bacon Brothers – A Mix of Folk, Rock, Soul & Country
August 1 – Jim Messina – Classic Rock
August 8 – The Music of Billy Joel and Elton John – starring Michael Cavanaugh
August 14 – Top House – Americana/Folk Music
August 22 – Martha Redbone – Blues/Soul Singer
August 29 – Fran Lebowitz – Speaker/Author
September 7 – Henry Cho – Comedian
October 12 – Haunted Objects – Paranormal Researchers Greg & Dan Newkirk
** This performance will be set up with a standing room (general admission) in the performance hall and a cash bar.
For more information on the Clayton Opera House, and to see any new performances added to their lineup, visit their website.
Just days before Thanksgiving on November 21, Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening touched down at the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, to fill the 97-year-old theater with the sweet sounds of the mighty Led Zeppelin. Bonham has a string of dates left for the rest of the year with the next show being Wednesday, November 22, in Syracuse and the final show being December 3, in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Bonham is the son of the original drummer for Led Zeppelin, John Bonham who drummed for the Led Zeppelin until his passing in 1980. In addition to Jason Bonham, the JBLZE consists of “Mr. Jimmy” Sakurai on guitar, Dorian Heartsong on bass, Alex Howland on keyboards and guitar with James Dylan on lead vocals.
A little past 8pm, the house lights dimmed and the band, under the cover of darkness jumped on stage and blasted into “Immigrant Song” from Led Zeppelin’s 1970 album, Led Zeppelin III. With a thunderous cheer, the fans jumped to their feet with the help of Sakurai’s Les Paul guitar and took in the closet version of the original Led Zeppelin.
With only a backdrop of the Houses of the Holy album cover and a few stage lights, the band didn’t need anything fancy as the music did all the talking. Sakurai imitated Jimmy Page the best he could while the band was on par and played Zeppelin’s recordings and live songs note for note. Whether it was a song or an extended solo, the band was tight as they jammed away for the two hours they graced the stage.
Fans who closed their eyes during the show might have originally thought that they were listening to Zeppelin’s The Song Remains the Same or How the West Was Won live albums, or better than that, listening to Led Zeppelin at one of their famous Madison Square Garden shows. From the sound of their instruments to Dylan’s vocals was spot on. The sheer energy from Bonham’s drums that matched Dylan’s shrieking voice put big smiles on the audience’s faces. In addition, some fans were left in awe as Sakurai looks somewhat similar to an older version of Page which adds to the overall experience.
Bonham during the show went on to explain that this project started 14 years ago as a one-off tour and now has since grown into yearly touring due to the fan’s love for Led Zeppelin’s music. This is true due to all the generations of fans that attended. As the clock began to tick towards show time, the hall was somewhat empty until with a few minutes left, all the fans rushed to their seats to bear witness to the band that belted out some of their favorite tunes.
During the set, JBLZE delivered tons of fan-favorite songs like “Ramble On,” “The Ocean,” and “Kashmir.” As fans were still finding their seats, they couldn’t contain themselves as they were fist-pumping, singing along, and conducting their best version of Page on their air guitars as they were walking down the aisles.
Throughout the night, Bonham took time in between songs to talk to the audience and tell stories about his childhood and growing up as the son of the famous “Bonzo.” At one point towards the end of the show, Bonham led the audience in a rendition of the classic John Denver song, “Take Me Home, Country Roads” which had the entire audience on their feet, singing along.
As fans exited the Capitol Theatre to the rain that waited for them outside, some might have initially thought of Zeppelin’s “Rain Song,” as they shared smiles with the people that they came with knowing that even though it isn’t the original version of the band they once loved, they went home knowing that a close version of the mighty Zeppelin has taken off once again.
Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening – The Capitol Theatre, Port Chester – Tuesday, November 21
Setlist: Immigrant Song, Good Times Bad Times, The Wanton Song, Over the Hills and Far Away, Ramble on, What Is and What Should Never Be, When the Levee Breaks, Thank You, Since I’ve Been Loving You, How Many More Times, The Ocean, Misty Mountain Hop, Kashmir, Stairway to Heaven, Whole Lotta Love, Rock and Roll
Hip hop purists can rejoice as Czarface, one the genre’s most creative outfits, returns with Czartifical Intelligence. This hip hop supergroup, consisting of Wu Tang Clan’s Inspectah Deck and Boston underground hip hop acts Esoteric and 7L, bring fans along on an abstract journey where cosmic hip hop, boom bap and comic book culture all intersect. Since their debut in 2013, the like-minded outfit has seen their “Czarface” centered music-verse expand beyond their wildest dreams.
Czarface. From left to right (Esoteric, 7L, Inpectah Deck). Photo by Billy X.
In fact, collaborations with other colorful and imaginative MC’s the likes of MF Doom, Ghostface Killah, Roc Marciano, Conway the Machine, Mayhem Lauren, Method Man, Action Bronson, Vinnie Paz, Frankie Pulitzer and GZA have earned the group and series a cult-following. Chiefly, through intricate verses and captivating production, Czar and their guests — who accompany Czarface on missions and side-quests — have created a fruitful series of tapes with hundreds of merch drops including limited edition comics, apparel, action figures, art, shoes, and more featuring artwork illustrated by Lamour Supreme. Additionally, the group contributed the songs “Good Guys, Bad Guys” and “Today’s Special” to the soundtrack for the Marvel movie, Venom: Let There Be Carnage.
The album cover for Czarface’s latest project “Czartificial Intelligence”
Czartificial Intelligence
The new album comes equipped with chaos, order and everything in between. It’s like a swirling vortex of cosmic carnage, but we bring it down to earth in places. We are, after all, in a new era. I hope what we made resonates with the people.
– Esoteric
The new album consists of 10- track and continues Czarface’s exploration of various themes along with similarly cutting-edge and technically proficient bars. Czartificial Intelligence features Logic, Kool Keith, Nems, Frankie Pulitzer and is set for release on December 1.
