NYS Music 2023

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  • Billy Joel Exhibit ‘My Life, A Piano Man’s Journey’ Arrives at the LIMEHOF

    As the Thanksgiving season approaches, Long Island prepares to offer a special treat to music enthusiasts and fans of the legendary Billy Joel. The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF) proudly presents the ‘Billy Joel – My Life, A Piano Man’s Journey’ exhibit, set to open this Thanksgiving weekend for a limited time.

    This exhibit invites visitors to embark on an extraordinary journey spanning over five decades, exploring rare memorabilia, personal experiences, and the remarkable career of the iconic “Piano Man.” Don’t miss your chance to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

    The team responsible for this remarkable exhibit, along with music enthusiasts and the press, came together on Friday, October 20, for an exciting press conference to unveil their plans. During the conference, they shared insights about the exhibit’s development, its significance in celebrating Long Island’s musical legacy, and the excitement of honoring Billy Joel’s storied career. We are thrilled and honored to present the Billy Joel exhibit everyone has been waiting for,” exclaimed Ernie Canadeo, Chairman of the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF). Canadeo’s enthusiasm reflects the dedication of the entire LIMEHOF team in making this exhibit a reality.

    Renowned designer and LIMEHOF board member, Kevin O’Callaghan, is the creative mastermind behind the exhibit. O’Callaghan has an impressive track record, having previously designed the Hall of Fame and its current exhibit to much acclaim. The collaboration between O’Callaghan and Canadeo has been instrumental in bringing the exhibit to life. They have worked closely with Billy Joel throughout the past year, presenting exhibit plans and designs to him multiple times and receiving his valuable input. Their dedication has culminated in a final design that is ready to be created, ensuring a captivating and authentic representation of Billy Joel’s remarkable journey. The expertise and vision of these individuals have played a pivotal role in making the ‘Billy Joel – My Life, A Piano Man’s Journey’ exhibit a reality that promises to exceed expectations.

    Key Features of the Exhibit

    1. Rare Memorabilia: The exhibit will feature an array of rare memorabilia, from original sheet music to instruments used during Joel’s performances. Fans can expect to see treasured artifacts that will transport them back to the moments that shaped Billy Joel’s career.
    2. Interactive Displays: Visitors can immerse themselves in the world of Billy Joel through interactive displays that allow you to get a feel for his iconic piano performances. These displays will transport you to the front row of some of his most memorable concerts.
    3. Behind-the-Scenes Insights: Discover the man behind the music with personal anecdotes and insights from Billy Joel himself. These glimpses into his life will provide a unique perspective on his journey.
    4. Music and Lyrics: Explore the creation process of some of his most famous songs through handwritten lyrics and original musical compositions, giving visitors an intimate understanding of his artistry.
    5. Videos and Interviews: The exhibit will also feature a collection of rare videos and interviews, shedding light on Joel’s thoughts, inspirations, and experiences over the years.

    The ‘Billy Joel – My Life, A Piano Man’s Journey’ exhibit at the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame is a Thanksgiving gift to music lovers and Billy Joel enthusiasts alike. With over five decades of rare memorabilia, personal insights, and limited-time engagement, this exhibit promises to be a memorable experience for all who attend. Join in the celebration of Billy Joel’s legendary career and the enduring power of music at this extraordinary event. Get your tickets now and make your Thanksgiving weekend truly special by discovering the remarkable journey of the iconic “Piano Man.”

    In addition to the thrilling ‘Billy Joel – My Life, A Piano Man’s Journey’ exhibit, the celebration of the iconic musician doesn’t stop there. Billy Joel’s profound connection to his hometown has been recognized and honored in a remarkable way. In a heartfelt gesture, Oyster Bay, Long Island, decided to pay homage to its musical legend by renaming a section of Audrey Avenue to ‘Billy Joel Way.’ This act of appreciation culminated in a poignant ceremony where the town also bestowed upon Billy Joel a Key to the City.

  • Watch The Rolling Stones Promote Album at Surprise Racket Show

    The Rolling Stones celebrated their first album release of original music in 18 years, Hackney Diamonds, at a small surprise show at Racket in NYC on Oct. 19.

    Ronnie Wood, Mick Jagger, and Keith Richards perform during the Rolling Stones’ surprise set at Racket. Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for RS.

    The night started with a DJ set courtesy of Quest Love, and Samantha Urbani. Different VIP guests including Elvis Costello, Daniel Craig, Chris Rock, Jimmy Fallon, and more, were in attendance. With the death of drummer Charlie Watts in 2021, the Rolling Stones performed with the core trio of Mick Jagger and guitarists Keith Richards and Ron Wood, with other musicians supplementing.

    This isn’t the first time the Stones have performed an album release show in the city. The band once rolled down Fifth Avenue on a flatbed truck and on another occasion rode on a caboose into Grand Central Terminal. Their newest record Hackney Diamonds has received rave reviews, with Variety describing it as their best work since 1981’s Tattoo You, and Telegraph seeing it as “the best rock’n’ roll album of the past four decades at least.”

    They opened with “Shattered,” from 1978’s Some Girls, before playing their new songs “Angry,” “Whole Wide World,” and “Bite My Head Off.” The set also featured “Tumbling Dice” and “Jumping Jack Flash” before an encore for which the Stones were joined by Lady Gaga. 

    Dressed in a sequined maroon pantsuit, Gaga made an appearance to recreate her duet with Jagger on the new song “Sweet Sounds of Heaven” off Hackney Diamonds. The band’s Racket gig marked one of their smallest venue locations to date, particularly in the area, and was the perfect intimate setting to celebrate their newest album.

    https://youtu.be/Yg8XY9vNFIk?si=jM75V3XAjbMSf0QC

  • Nora Polinnia Releases Resilient Sophomore EP “Present Chronicles”

    Nora Polinnia’s sophomore EP, Present Chronicles, is more than just a collection of songs; it’s a heartfelt expression of resilience and a call to action. While residing in New York City, Nora’s music transcends borders and languages, making her an influential voice in the fight for justice.

    In her own words, “Yes, indeed, there is a time and place for groovy, happy music – such was my first EP. However, I think that now it is time to clarify my beliefs and the beliefs of those I hold close.”

    Present Chronicles is an EP that came to life unexpectedly, driven by the collective pain of Nora’s home country, Ukraine. As she watched the world around her, Nora couldn’t help but wonder how she could make a difference, how she could channel her anger and communicate the Ukrainian people’s struggles to the rest of the world.

    The result is a musical journey that delves into themes of resilience, loneliness, betrayal, and the responsibilities that come with our heritage. It’s an exploration of the human experience during times when accepting reality is not an option.

    “Some of the songs I wrote didn’t seem war-related to me at all. They didn’t feel like they encapsulated the message I wanted to put out. Some I wrote before the war even began, but soon I realized that they are very relevant. They address all of the emotional factors and burdens that came into play because of what was happening.”

    Nora Polinnia

    Nora’s Present Chronicles doesn’t aim to invoke pity; it seeks to reveal the anger and resilience of the Ukrainian people and expose the reality of the Russian invasion. Tracks like ‘KGB‘ on the EP boldly challenge Russian propaganda and use ironic lyrics to mock the regime.

    This musical project, born out of a deep sense of purpose, carries a message of hope and strength. Nora hopes that her music will serve as a legacy, a testament to the strength and resilience of the Ukrainian people.

    Nora Polinnia’s artistry is a reflection of the power of music to inspire change, and her music carries a message of hope and resilience that resonates deeply with her audience.

    Listen To “Present Chronicles” Here.

  • Les Claypool’s Frog Brigade Flies High at the Palace Theatre in Albany

    Frogs and freaks flew into the Palace Theatre in Albany on Friday, October 20, heralding the return of Les Claypool and his Frog Brigade. The first tour for the group in 20 years began earlier in the year, winding its way into the Northeast for a run of late-October shows.

    With draped banners of stars and stripes giving a nod to Pink Floyd’s The Wall, the stage took on a blue dystopian hue, as the six piece band – Skerik (saxophone), Mike Dillon (percussion, vibraphone), Sean Lennon (guitar), Harry Waters (keyboards), Paulo Baldi (drums) and Claypool (bass) – arrived on stage to “When Johnny Comes Marching Home” (Patrick Sarsfield Gilmore), Claypool bringing up the rear. With Les dressed in all black and a bowler hat, a slow bass led intro to “Cosmic Highway” took the audience on a psychedelic ride, right into “Up on the Roof.”

    Following Les offering praise to Skerik, Skerik spoke in French briefly before telling an Albany/All bunny/All moose joke that earned groans and chuckles from the audience.

    A cover of The Beat’s “Mirror in the Bathroom” was an early highlight, taking the narcissistic 1980 song out for an extended spin. “David Makalaster,” the Purple Onion track, followed, with Claypool Lennon Delirium composition “Blood and Rockets: Movement I, Saga of Jack Parsons – Movement II Too the Moon” closing a ‘short but didn’t feel short’ 60-minute set.

    With Harry Waters – son of Roger – helming the keys, set 2 began with a full rendition of Pink Floyd’s Animals, the five song suite never missed a mark, Claypool donning a pig mask while switching to stand up bass.

    A pair of songs from Les Claypool and the Holy Mackerel – “Precipitation” and “Calling Kyle” would follow, with “D’s Diner” closing the second set with audience callbacks, whispered lyrics, and xylophone throughout.

    King Crimson’s “Thela Hun Ginjeet,” a song that Claypool and his Frog Brigade kicked off the main stage at the first Bonnaroo (and the incredible DVD as well) would drive the energy of the audience to 11, peppering in “Shine on You Crazy Diamond” teases. As the band left the stage, walk out music of “Pure Imagination” played, calling back to Claypool’s memorable Primus and the Chocolate Factory tour.

    A can’t miss tour, the Frog Brigade will be at The Wellmont Theatre in Montclair, NJ on October 24 before heading to Hulaween and ending the tour at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville on Halloween.

    Les Claypool and his Frog Brigade – Palace Theatre, Albany – Friday, October 20, 2023

    Set 1: When Johnny Comes Marching Home, Cosmic Highway, Up on the Roof, Mirror in the Bathroom, David Makalaster, Blood and Rockets: Movement I, Saga of Jack Parsons – Movement II Too the Moon

    Set 2: Pigs on the Wing, Part 1, Dogs, Pigs (Three Different Ones), Sheep, Pigs on the Wing, Part 2, Precipitation, Calling Kyle, One Step Beyond, Buzzards of Green Hill, D’s Diner

    Encore: Thela Hun Ginjeet, Pure Imagination

    Photos by Derek Java

    les claypool albany
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  • Bad Bunny Enlists Mick Jagger, Lady Gaga, Pedro Pascal on SNL

    Reggaeton artist Bad Bunny made his third ever appearance on Saturday Night Live and first as host and musical guest, bringing along a few friends for sketches that were spoken in equal parts English and Spanish.

    bad bunny snl

    Inviting out Pedro Pascal – who hosted SNL for the first time last year – in the monologue, Bad Bunny began the show saying “My name is Benito and I am very excited to be here on Sabado Gigante“ a nod to the long-running Univision Saturday night variety show. Bad Bunny took aim at the GRAMMY Awards in his monologue, opting for [Speaking Sexier Language] instead of [Speaking in non-English] when subtitles appeared, before Pascal translated for the audience into English, creating a bilingual monologue, with Bad Bunny offering hugs and kisses to his people in Puerto Rico to close.

    A native of Almirante Sur, Puerto Rico, Bad Bunny referenced Puerto Rican and Spanish culture in sketches including “Rap Battle” with Bad Bunny as ‘Fuego,’ as a Spanish King in “The Age of Discovery” (featuring Fred Armisen) and “Telenovela” which featured an unexpected appearance from Mick Jagger.

    Lady Gaga surprised fans when she introduced (in Spanish) Bad Bunny as musical guest who performed “Un Preview” in a white cloaked stage with only a coin operated horse ride moving to the beat.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkSnz-5C5C8

    Featured player Marcello Hernández had ample air time for this episode, his Dominican/Cuban roots providing multiple opportunities to speak Spanish and reference Hispanic culture. In the sketch of the night, Bad Bunny dresses up as his tia and Pascal as his mother, Hernández parodied bringing a white girlfriend (new featured player Chloe Troast) home and the Spanglish conversations that ensued.

    Bad Bunny’s second song “Monaco” from Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana began with two violinists before revealing a long dinner table with Bad Bunny in the center around masked dancers on each side.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1ArZCGbIr0

    Mick Jagger would return one more time in a cringey “Convent Meeting” as an irresistible Sister Kevin.

    Next week, Saturday Night Live‘s Halloween episode will feature comedian Nate Bargatze with musical guest Foo Fighters.

  • NYC Ferry Debuts Back To The Future: The Musical Onboard Performances

    New York City’s East River ferry route has introduced a new Back To The Future: The Musical themed ferry experience. Beginning on October 20, select NYC Ferry departures will give riders a taste of Broadway’s latest hit show, as well as surprises throughout the month.

    Back To The Future: The Musical on the NYC Ferry

    The ferry rides will feature a ticket giveaway, trivia, and cast appearances. In addition, travelers will be able to board the special Back To The Future: The Musical vessel on other NYC ferry routes through November 17.

    Back To The Future: The Musical is a multi-award-winning Broadway musical based on the classic 1985 film. The show won the Olivier Award for Best New Musical, as well as four WhatsOnStage Awards. It is officially open at New York City’s Winter Garden Theatre.

    Back To The Future: The Musical

    The NYC Ferry is a reliable, convenient public transit option for New Yorkers, offering service through all five boroughs. Tickets are $4.00 per one-way ticket, and are also available in discounted ticket packages. To plan your travel on the ferry, and view schedules and service alerts, visit ferry.nyc.

    Back To The Future: The Musical is now showing at the Winter Garden Theatre. To purchase tickets, visit www.BackToTheFutureMusical.com, purchase via Telecharge at 212-239-6200 or Telecharge.com, or at the Winter Garden Theatre box office at 1634 Broadway.

  • The Darkness Shine Bright at Terminal 5

    Celebrating the 20th anniversary of their platinum-selling debut album Permission to Land, The Darkness flew into Terminal 5 this past Wednesday night, October 18 at a 3,000 capacity concert hall located in Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen – for the twelfth layover on their massive, 52-date global trek.

    For those unfamiliar, the British quartet of Justin Hawkins (vocals, guitar, keyboards), brother Dan Hawkins (guitar), Frankie Poullain (bass) and Rufus Tiger Taylor (drums), son of Queen’s Roger Taylor, erupted onto the music scene in 2003 with said album’s infectious hit single “I Believe In A Thing Called Love.”

    Justin Hawkins of The Darkness | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger

    Providing opening support for The Darkness were Josh Dion (vocals, drums, keyboards) and Geoff Kraly (bass, modular synthesizer), better known as Paris Monster. Formed in 2012, the indie experimental duo and local natives hailing from Brooklyn took the stage promptly at 7:50 pm. Known for their musical virtuosity, Dion and Kraly play multiple instruments simultaneously and sound more like a quartet rather than just the two of them. As Hawkins would exude to the packed venue later in The Darkness’ set, “Frankie described it to me earlier. He says, ‘it sounds like aliens came down to Earth, listened to some of our music, and then decided to do their own version of it.’ Their fucking amazing. Paris Monster, it’s my favorite band.” The highlight of Paris Monster’s 40-minute, 10-song set was the closing number “A Vision Complete,” lifted from their debut EP It Once Had Been Kind released in 2013.  For fans of the beat-driven, groove-based sound, inter-mixed with elements of funk and soul, I strongly urge you to check out their first full-length album entitled Lamplight (2019).

    Paris Monster | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger

    With The Darkness’ stage crew having put the finishing touch to the set, all of whom donned matching navy blue boiler suits complete with their nickname on the back, Abba’s instrumental “Arrival” played on tape over the house PA. And right on schedule, at a few ticks past 9;00 pm, the house lights went dark and the rock and roll outfit from ‘the other side of the pond’ appeared from the shadows.

    Dan Hawkins of The Darkness | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger

    Playing 2003 Permission to Land’s album in its entirety (and according to Justin, “in no particular order”), the 90-minute set kicked off with “Black Shuck,” a song about the Old English legend of a ghostly black dog roaming the English coastline – which actually is the lead track from their debut album. Before exploding into “Get Your Hands Off My Woman,” Justin spotted a fan along the rail sporting a brilliant, Queen-branded Hawaiian shirt that he confessed has “coveted for many moons.” After asking that the shirt be taken off and handed over, Justin quipped, “Thanks friend, you’re never going to see it again. Cheers!”

    Frankie Poullain of The Darkness | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger

    As the festive night ensued, Justin and his mates gifted the power ballad and fan favorite “Love Is Only a Feeling,” and then ripped through their pop anthem and smash hit “Friday Night,” backed by an exceptional Gotham audience who belted out the infectious chorus in unison. With the epic gig’s denouement upon us, Justin sang a beautiful rendition of “Happy Birthday” to Josh of Paris Monster, followed by “I Believe In A Thing Called Love” – sans audience members taking pictures or video with their phones – as per Justin’s request.

    Rufus Tiger Taylor of The Darkness | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger

    After taking a few moments off stage for everyone to catch a collective breath, The Darkness triumphantly returned to the stage rocking silk bathrobes. As Justin introduced the band before commencing the penultimate track “I Love You 5 Times,” there had been some personnel reshuffling – brother Dan was now behind the kit, Frankie had taken up an acoustic guitar, Rufus had a bass in his hands and their guitar tech, Softy, was seated at the Mellotron. The night concluded at 10:30 pm, but not before Justin majestically rode atop the shoulders of a roadie through the floor crowd during the solo to “Love on the Rocks With No Ice,” which was preceded by an impromptu jam of Don McLean’s “American Pie” (and not the full version that Justin had jokingly promised!).

    Justin Hawkins of The Darkness | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger

    Hawkins is the quintessential embodiment of the rock star persona, and per usual, he was at the top of his game on ‘hump day.’ His flamboyant, explosive on-stage energy was truly a spectacle to behold. Equipped with a signature falsetto and exquisitely delivered guitar solos featuring an intricate fingerpicking style, Hawkins gives The Darkness a magnificent pageantry that stands up in comparison to the likes of his biggest influences, notably Bon Scott, Steven Tyler, Robert Plant and Mick Jagger. Whether it be his dramatic gesticulations, a high-flying leap off the drum riser that would make David Lee Roth proud, or a show of strength by holding a self-supported handstand for what seemed like an eternity, he exhibited true showmanship and an enduring passion for his craft.

    Watch The Darkness perform a cover of Radioheads’ “Street Spirit (Fade Out),” immediately followed by “Holding My Own” here:

    This past October 6th, an expanded edition of Permission To Land was dropped by the band as a five-LP package, a four-CD+DVD package, a double-CD package, as well as across various digital streaming platforms. Fans of The Darkness can also look forward to a feature-length documentary dubbed “Welcome To The Darkness” coming to cinemas for one night only, on November 9th, in the UK and Ireland. Distributed by Lightbulb Film Distribution and directed by renowned photographer Simon Emmett, the film is a comeback tale of a “cult band” in search of its past glory that will also be available on digital download and Blu-ray beginning December 4th.

    Paris Monster Setlist: The Unclean > Laugh it Off > Andalusia > Hot Canyon Air > Ape > I’m Not Gonna Miss This Dive > Grandma > Darkest Days > Had Damon Caught His Sloane > A Vision Complete

    The Darkness Setlist: Black Shuck > Get Your Hands Off My Woman > Growing on Me > The Best of Me > Makin’ Out > Givin’ Up > Love Is Only a Feeling > Curse of the Tollund Man > Stuck in a Rut > How Dare You Call This Love? > Street Spirit (Fade Out) > Holding My Own > Friday Night > Happy Birthday > I Believe in a Thing Called Love > Encore: I Love You 5 Times > Love on the Rocks With No Ice

    UPCOMING WORLD TOUR DATES

    10/21/23 – Sayreville, NJ @ Starland Ballroom
    10/22/23 – Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
    11/07/23 – Berlin, Germany @ Admiralspalast
    11/08/23 – Hamburg, Germany @ Markthalle
    11/09/23 – Köln, Germany @ Essigfabrik
    11/11/23 – München, Germany @ Technikum
    11/13/23 – Ciampino, Italy @ Orion Live Club
    11/14/23 – Milan, Italy @ Alcatraz
    11/15/23 – Nonantola, Italy @ VOX CLUB
    11/17/23 – Prattleln, Switzerland @ Konzertfabrik Z7
    11/18/23 – Luxembourg City, Luxembourg @ den Atelier
    11/20/23 – Rubigen, Switzerland @ Muhle Hunziken
    11/22/23 – Bruxelles, Belgium @ AB
    11/23/23 – Paris, France @ La Cigale
    11/24/23 – Amsterdam, Netherlands @ Melkweg
    12/02/23 – Belfast, Northern Ireland @ The Telegraph Building
    12/03/23 – Dublin, Ireland @ 3Olympia Theatre
    12/05/23 – Edinburgh, Scotland @ 02 Academy
    12/07/23 – Newcastle Upon Tyne, England @ O2 City Hall
    12/08/23 – Norwich, England @ UEA LCR Norwich
    12/09/23 – London, England @ Roundhouse
    12/11/23 – Glasgow, Scotland @ Barrowland Ballroom
    12/12/23 – Manchester, England @ New Century Hall
    12/14/23 – Bristol, England @ Bristol Beacon
    12/15/23 – Nottingham, England @ Rock City
    12/16/23 – Wolverhampton, England @ Wulfrun Hall
    12/18/23 – Leeds, England @ O2 Academy
    12/19/23 – Nottingham, England @ Rock City
    12/20/23 – Brighton, England @ Brighton Dome
    12/22/23 – London, England @ Roundhouse
    01/26/24 – Wellington, New Zealand @ The Opera House
    01/27/24 – Auckland, New Zealand @ Powerstation
    01/30/24 – Adelaide, Australia @ Hindley Street Music Hall
    02/01/24 – Fremantle, Australia @ Metropolis
    02/03/24 – West Melbourne, Australia @ Festival Hall
    02/07/24 – Brisbane, Australia @ The Fortitude Music Hall
    02/09/24 – Bruce, Australia @ UC Refectory
    02/10/24 – Moore Park, Australia @ Horden Pavilion
    03/02/24 – Miami, FL @ Monsters of Rock Cruise

    PARIS MONSTER

    THE DARKNESS

  • Shower Curtain Releases Cat-Inspired Single And New Music Video

    Brazilian NYC-based band Shower Curtain dropped their first single in two years, titled “Edgar.” The group released an official music video shot in New York City, following lead vocalist Victoria Winter’s cat Edgar’s point of view.

    Edgar by Shower Curtain

    The track approaches a heavy topic, as Edgar faces many medical issues. However, the music video seeks to create a lighter tone by playing with perspective: the video shifts from following the cat’s point of view at floor level to overhead shots of people searching for him.

    “Edgar” is a dreamy, melancholic rock track that shows strong, deliberate use of intense guitar riffs, as well as moments where the song pulls back to showcase clear emotion.

    Shower Curtain Photo Credit: Juliette Boulay
    Photo Credit: Juliette Boulay

    Shower Curtain recently evolved from being Victoria Winter’s solo project to adding musicians Jill Olesen on bass, Ethan Williams on guitar, and Sean Terrell on drums.

    It feels very liberating to share this song with the world. Not only is it marking a new phase for the project but I think an overall process of maturing as a creative, letting go of the old aesthetic and sound that defined Shower Curtain when I lived in Brazil. The new sound is of course a reflection of the project evolving from a solo project into a band, and the band’s contribution to this song is evident in the instrumentation.

    Victoria Winter

    Shower Curtain is currently focusing on their first album, set to release sometime in 2024. In addition, they will play a celebratory show at Brooklyn venue Trans Pecos on November 9 to mark their resurgence as a group. Shower Curtain is Victoria Winter (vocals), Jill Olesen (bass), Ethan Williams (guitar), and Sean Terrell (drums).

    SHOWER CURTAIN LIVE

    Nov

    9 – Trans Pecos – Brooklyn, NY

    17 – Wonka Bar – Curitiba, BR

    19 – Balaclava Festival – São Paulo, BR

  • G. Love & Special Sauce: Celebrating 30 Years of “Hip-Hop Blues” in Homer and NYC

    In 1994, a unique and laid-back sound known as “hip-hop blues” emerged from the streets of Philadelphia. It was the creation of G. Love & Special Sauce, a trio that quickly captivated music lovers with their blend of Delta blues, hip-hop, rock & roll, soul, and funk.

    The self-titled debut album from this talented trio swiftly went Gold, setting the stage for a remarkable musical journey. Now, three decades later, they’re celebrating the 30th anniversary of this iconic album with an extensive national tour, including a special stop in Homer, New York, and another in New York City.

    Born Garrett Dutton in Philadelphia, G. Love (as he is popularly known) was raised with a diverse musical palette, equally enchanted by folk, blues, and rap. His musical influences ranged from Lead Belly and Run D.M.C. to John Hammond and the Beastie Boys. Upon relocating to Boston, G. Love, along with his band, Special Sauce, broke into the music scene in 1994 with their Gold-selling self-titled debut album. The album garnered widespread critical acclaim for its bold vision and innovative production, establishing the trio as a pioneering force in the music industry.

    Over the next three decades, G. Love continued to build on this success, releasing seven more acclaimed studio albums with Special Sauce and four solo albums. His music was described by The New York Times as “a new and urgent hybrid” and by NPR as a “musical melting pot.” 

    G. Love and Special Sauce’s most recent studio effort Philadelphia, Mississippi saw the group embark on an innovative and deeply reverent sonic journey to the heart of the South. Produced by Luther Dickinson of the North Mississippi All-Stars, the album is a tapestry of joyful, improvised performances and freewheeling collaborations with a range of special guests, including blues luminaries like Alvin Youngblood Hart and Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, as well as rap icons Schoolly D and Speech. This album followed their 2020 Grammy-nominated release The Juice, co-written and co-produced by Grammy-winning icon Keb’ Mo’. 

    The Juice paid homage to centuries of blues heritage while offering a contemporary pop spin on the genre. It masterfully mixed programmed beats and hip-hop grooves with blistering guitar and sacred steel, conveying a message of hope and determination in a society that sometimes struggles with doubt and despair.

    Now, G. Love & Special Sauce is coming full circle, revisiting the album that started it all. Their self-titled debut produced chart-topping hits like “Cold Beverage,” a college radio staple, and “Baby’s Got Sauce,” dubbed the “Song of the Year” by Seattle’s KEXP-FM 90.3. The album even reached #32 on the Heatseekers chart.

    To celebrate the 30th anniversary of their iconic debut, G. Love & Special Sauce is embarking on a 40+ date tour that crisscrosses the United States.

    Tickets for this extraordinary musical journey will go on sale on Friday, October 20th, at 10:00 a.m. local time in each respective market.

    Tour Dates

    1/11 – St. Louis, MO – Blueberry Hill Duck Room

    1/12 – Chicago, IL – Park West

    1/13 – Minneapolis, MN- Fine Line

    1/14 – Milwaukee, WI- Turner Hall Ballroom

    1/17 – Ann Arbor, MI – The Ark

    1/18 – Indianapolis, IN – The Vogue

    1/19 – Cleveland, OH – House of Blues

    1/20 – Pittsburgh, PA – Thunderbird Café and Music Hall

    1/21 – Homer, NY – Center for the Arts of Homer

    1/24 – Boston, MA – City Winery

    1/25 – Boston, MA – City Winery

    1/26 – Philadelphia, PA – City Winery

    1/27 – Philadelphia, PA – City Winery

    1/30 – New York, NY – City Winery – Pier 57

    1/31 – New York, NY – City Winery – Pier 57

    2/1 – Annapolis, MD – Rams Head On Stage

    2/2 – Annapolis, MD – Rams Head On Stage

    2/3 – Washington, DC – The Hamilton Live

    2/6 – Virginia Beach, VA – Elevation 27

    2/7 – Charlotte, NC – Visulite Theatre

    2/8 – Carrboro, NC – Cat’s Cradle

    2/9 – Charleston, SC – Music Farm

    2/10 – Atlanta, GA  – City Winery

    2/13 – Fort Myers, FL – Point Ybel Brewing

    2/14 – St. Petersburg, FL – Jannus Live

    2/16 – New Smyrna Beach, FL- Beachside Tavern

    2/17 – Fort Lauderdale, FL – Culture Room

    2/18 – Key West, FL – American Legion

    2/29 – Phoenix, AZ – Crescent Ballroom

    3/1 – San Juan Capistrano, CA – The Coach House

    3/2 – West Hollywood, CA – Troubadour

    3/3 – Solana Beach, CA – Belly Up Tavern

    3/5 – Santa Barbara, CA – Soho

    3/6 – San Francisco, CA- The Independent

    3/8 – Portland, OR – Aladdin Theater

    3/9 – Seattle, WA- The Showbox

    3/12 – Salt Lake City, UT – The State Room

    3/13 – Aspen, CO- Belly Up Aspen

    3/14 – Steamboat Springs, CO  – Strings Music Pavilion

    3/15 – Fort Collins, CO – Aggie Theater

    3/16 – Boulder, CO – Fox Theatre

  • U2 Expanding Sphere Residency With 11 Shows in January and February 2024

    After an exciting and groundbreaking run of shows at the Sphere in Las Vegas, U2 has announced they are playing an additional 11 dates on their ‘U2:UV Achtung Baby Live At Sphere,’ run for January and February 2024.

    U2 Sphere

    ‘U2:UV Achtung Baby Live At Sphere,’ is a first-of-its-kind live music experience that ushers in a new era of live entertainment with the world’s biggest rock band, U2, in the world’s most cutting-edge venue, Sphere. The show marks U2’s first live outing in four years and Sphere will be the only place fans can see this show, now with 36 total dates running through February 18, 2024. Bono, The Edge, and Adam Clayton will once again be joined onstage by Bram van den Berg, sitting in on drums for Larry Mullen Jr.

    Acknowledged as one of the best live acts in the world, U2, formed in Dublin in 1978, has since toured the globe countless times, released 14 studio albums, sold over 170 million albums, and won numerous awards, including 22 Grammys and Amnesty International’s Ambassador of Conscience award. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005 and have twice been nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song. U2 has consistently pushed the boundaries of live performance, with ground-breaking stage shows that embrace the latest in technology and innovation.

    U2 Sphere
    Credit: Ross Stewart.

    The Sphere, curated by Madison Square Garden Entertainment, is becoming the next-generation entertainment medium, bringing wonder to the world and redefining the future of live entertainment, where artists, creators, and technologies create extraordinary experiences, taking storytelling to a new level. The venue transforms the concert-going experience with innovative technologies that include a 16K x 16K LED display inside the main venue bowl that wraps up, over, and around the audience, creating a fully immersive visual environment. The Sphere also has the world’s most advanced concert audio system, featuring crystal-clear audio and 10,000 immersive seats including a system that utilizes deep vibrations so guests can feel the rumble of thunder or a roaring motorcycle.

    Tickets will be available during a general on-sale starting Wednesday, October 25 at 11 a.m. PT. On-sale times may vary, check the Ticketmaster listing for more information.

    U2 Sphere Dates

    2023
    SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21
    WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25
    FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27
    SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28
    WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1
    FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3
    SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4
    FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1
    SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2
    WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6
    FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8
    SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9
    WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13
    FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15
    SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16
     
    2024
    FRIDAY, JANUARY 26
    SATURDAY, JANUARY 27
    WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31
    FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2
    SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3
    WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7
    FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9
    SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10
    THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15
    SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17
    SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18