Midnight Theatre will celebrate Hip-Hop’s 50th anniversary by welcoming in Freestyle+ on Aug. 17. Recognized as New York’s premier Hip-Hop improv group, Freestyle+ is set to pay homage to the genre’s fundamentals. The performance will incorporate elements of “MCing, DJing, Breakdancing, Graffiti, and Knowledge.” Audience members will even have the opportunity to join the cast in a show-closing cypher.
Brett Beyer Photography
Anthony Veneziale, Chris Sullivan, and Andrew Bancroft, members of the Tony Award-winning production Freestyle Love Supreme, established the FLS Academy in 2018. The academy looks to foster diverse and creative voices through freestyle rap. Freestyle+ was born out of the organization and looks to fuse influences of Broadway and hip-hop culture. This month’s cast features legend Dizzy Senze, Broadway’s Aneesa Folds, and Rich Midway. They will also be joined by two-time world champion beatboxer Kaila Mullady, improv whiz Steph Rae, and DJ Gedun.
We believe everyone should be empowered to build resilience in their minds, confidence in their voice, and communities where they feel seen.
-Freestyle+
Midnight Theatre is a unique and intimate performance theater located in Manhattan. The 150-seat venue acts as both a versatile space for shows and an entertainment industry hub. Previous acts include Shoshana Bean, Andrew Barth Feldman, Laura Marano, and Raye. Midnight Theatre is also a culinary destination thanks to the venue’s pan-Asian restaurant and bar, Hidden Leaf.
Freestyle+ Celebrates Hip Hop’s 50th Birthday is on Aug. 17 at 7:00 pm. Tickets are on sale here.
Brooklyn-based indie-rock duo hunter & wolfe released their new full-length album, I deserve this. The group, made up of Michael Maffei and Sundeep Kapur, previously released singles in anticipation of the album release, such as “Last Time,” “Famous Friends,” and “When I Wake Up,” each of which has a sound reminiscent of indie-rockers like Elliot Smith and St. Vincent.
To further celebrate the release of their new album, hunter & wolfe have also shared a lyric video for the album’s focus track, “Go For It.” As Maffei wrote on the track: “‘Go For It’ is a song about the phase of denial and loneliness that can come from loss. I’d recently lost a friend and wrote about the thread between those feelings and those I’d experienced from previous losses in my life.”
About hunter & wolfe
The Brooklyn-based indie duo has a unique way of conveying complicated emotions, often pairing them with sarcasm and loud indie-rock stylings. The group draws inspiration from notable artists of the indie genre, including Elliot Smith, St. Vincent, Phoebe Bridgers, and more.
Hunter & wolfe released their first album back in 2011, a self-titled EP, and a full-length album, Days and Works. Their most recent album, Late Then Never, has been recognized on several platforms, and featured in Spotify’s Fresh Finds, Impose Magazine, and The Deli Magazine among others.
The group’s most recent album, I deserve this., was written through sleepless nights about sleepless nights. The album is truly about the self-importance to think you deserve something, paired with the self-loathing to think that what you deserve is nothing good. Vocalist Michael Maffei and guitarist Sundeep Kapur’s message of ennui, lost love, and the paradox of choice in the modern era reflect both seriousness and the self-awareness to not take themselves too seriously.
The songs were written by Michael Maffei, and the record was co-produced by Asher Kurtz, Sundeep Kapur, and Michael Maffei. The record features Michael Maffei (vocals, guitar, piano), Sundeep Kapur (lead guitar), Anders Kapur (bass), Sean Mullins (drums, percussion), Chris Baum (violin), and Asher Kurtz (guitar). It also features vocals from Asher Kurtz (Anyone) and Gabbi Coenen of RVBY MY DEAR (Laugh Lines).
Listen to I deserve this. here, and view the lyric video to “Go For It” below.
Niagara Falls was treated to a night of pulsating rhythms, electric energy, and a mix of rock anthems as Incubus took the stage on Sunday, Aug. 6 at Fallsview Casino’s OLG Stage. Despite a few hiccups, the band managed to deliver a memorable performance that left the crowd both exhilarated and yearning for more.
Disappointment tinged the excitement as news spread that Paris Jackson (Michael Jackson’s daughter) was unable to make the show, leaving fans to wonder what might have been. Nevertheless, the disappointment was fleeting, quickly replaced by the mounting excitement for the headlining act.
The evening kicked off with an explosive set by Badflower, the opening act that set the stage on fire. Lead singer Josh Katz’s charismatic presence was undeniable as he ventured into the crowd, serenading fans with an infectious energy that set the tone for the night. The band’s sound reverberated through the venue, leaving a lasting impression on concertgoers who were undoubtedly pleased by the musical appetizer they had just devoured.
As Incubus graced the stage, cheers echoed throughout the venue. However, as the band delved into their setlist, a discerning ear couldn’t help but notice moments where lead vocalist Brandon Boyd seemed to be struggling with pitch. While his distinctive voice remained captivating, occasional off-key notes hinted at monitor problems that might have marred his performance. Technical glitches can affect even the most seasoned of performers, and Boyd’s professionalism in powering through demonstrated his dedication to the fans.
Despite these minor setbacks, Incubus unleashed a cascade of hits that had the crowd swaying, singing, and chanting along. “Anna Molly” and “Nice to Know You” ignited fervor among the audience, while the introspective “Make Yourself” provided a moment of introspection amid the raucous excitement. The band’s synergy was undeniable, with Mike Einziger’s guitar riffs intertwining seamlessly with Jose Pasillas’ rhythmic drumming, crafting a sonic tapestry that resonated throughout the venue.
The setlist was a carefully curated journey through Incubus’s discography, touching on both classic favorites and newer tracks. A notable highlight was their electrifying rendition of The Beatles “Come Together,” which injected a dose of nostalgia into the night. As the show reached its zenith with “Pardon Me” and “Stellar,” the crowd’s energy surged, a testament to the enduring power of these iconic hits.
The performance concluded with a poignant tribute, as Incubus seamlessly segued from “Wish You Were Here” into a snippet of Pink Floyd’s equally iconic track by the same name. The crowd’s applause and cheers filled the air, a fitting send-off for a night of musical magic.
Despite the technical hiccups and occasional off-pitch moments, Incubus managed to cast a spell on their Niagara Falls audience, reminding everyone present of the transcendental power of live music. As the lights dimmed and the echoes of the final notes faded, concertgoers left the Fallsview Casino’s OLG Stage with hearts full and spirits lifted, a night of rock and roll reverie etched into their memories forever.
Bryant Park Picnic’s free, live performances presented by Bank of America, continue on Friday, Aug. 25 at 7 pm with Accordions Around the World. The performance promises a wide range of notable performers, featuring Diana Burco, Suistamon Sähkö, and Ragini Ensemble.
This year’s festival, curated by Ariana Hellerman, includes the Latin Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Diana Burco, one of Colombia’s biggest stars, performing in the regional vallento style from the Atlantic Coast, Suistamon Sähkö, an innovative electronic quartet, blending Finnish traditional elements with techno, promising an exhilarating dance party, and the Ragini Ensemble, an all-women subgroup within the Brooklyn Raga Massive. They will enchant listeners with their rendition of traditional matrilineal music from the South Asian diaspora.
Attendees to Bryant Park Picnic Performances are welcome to bring their own food, or purchase on-site food and beverages from venders near the Lawn. All performances promise exciting new dishes and classics from the five boroughs, with a rotating line-up of local artisanal venders curated by Hester Street Fair. Stout NYC offers giant pretzels, gourmet popcorn, amongst other snacks. Additionally, a selection of beet, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase.
About the Performers
Diana Burco, a singer, songwriter, and accordion player, is rising to the forefront of the explosive, multidimensional Colombian music scene. Burco has long held a passion for Colombia’s traditional music, playing and investigating the genre since childhood. Since then, she has taken her exploration to the next level, traveling throughout Colombia in search of the country’s varied forms and expressions, and has studied and collaborated with the masters that interpret them.
Burco’s deep cultural fluency and wide-ranging contemporary explorations truly mark her as a 21st century troubadour – charting an original path rooted in Colombia’s deep heritage. She has participated in programs and platforms around the world including One Beat Colombia, Ethno World, and MAPAS (Artes Performativas del Atlantico Sur).
The Arctic Etnotekno act Suistamon Sähkö from Finland gains momentum gig by gig and cheerfully moves through ethno techno and smoke shack sounds to the world of hip-hop. The group favors a boisterous rave atmosphere, synthesizer buzz, rap declarations, and a Soviet-made accordion, making the audience jiggle and the cottage floor shake. The Suistamon Sähkö rhythm universe is a rambunctious mix of primitive primordial force and experimental dance music. In addition to Finnish stages, the Suistamon Sähkö spark has also flown to international arenas in Germany, France, and Russia.
During their short existence, the group has published three albums and a dozen music videos which have attracted attention. Suistamon Sähkö was selected as the opening act of the notable World Music Expo Womex Tampere 2019 and as the showcase act of the Folk Alliance International in New Orleans in early 2020. In 2022 the band performed as part of globalFest meets TinyDesk.
Exploring a merging of diasporic songs, matrilineal folk songs, and beat-driven celebratory chutney anthems, the Ragini Ensemble, in partnership with Brooklyn Raga Massive, gathers songs born out of the South Asian diaspora spread wide, fragmented, and reforged in Reunion Island, Guyana and Trinidad.
Speaking, or rather singing into the aesthetic body of work defined by the “Coolitude” movement, this set is inspired by the legacy of post-indentureship collective memory, nostalgia, and reclamation of joy in the gathering to sing, itself a cultural practice known as “baithak gana.” Tabla player/Electronic artist, Roshni Samlal, violinist/looper Natie, harmonium player/singer Pratima Doobay, and dholak player/singer Kajol Ji re-envision the sounds of their homeland and history.
Bryant Park Picnic Performances Remaining Schedule
The night’s theme was R&B, and DJ TGIF brought them rhythm with him. Opening the show with some of the best R&b from the 80s, 90s, and 2000s, there was not a body that wasn’t grooving to the beat. As a local favorite, he vibed with the crowd well for his two hour set. There were plenty of free t-shirts given out after his set by Alive at 5 volunteers and Overit Studios.
The summer series was closed out with the highly anticipated Montell Jordan. Locals came in a bit anxious from the previous week as Rakim had cancelled an hour before his set. Montell Jordan did show up and show out for the large Albany crowd.
Montell’s set was the shortest of the season at 45 minutes, about half of all the other main acts this series. His set had a lot of ups and downs as he cut many of his hits short. Montell said that since he had recently become a pastor, he could not sing any more of his songs that were more sexual in nature. He commonly started a track and cut it off after about 30 seconds, leaving some of his adoring fans with a look of dissatisfaction.
To fill the void of those unsung songs, he performed a lot of covers. Showing love to the East Coast, he covered Notorious B.I.G.’s “Hypnotize.” He also represented his West Coast Roots with a spin of “California Love.”
The show ended on a high with him singing his most well known hit “This is How We Do It.” The crowd couldn’t get enough of him. He had already performed different versions of the song to open his set, and they were finally left with it played the whole way through. He stayed behind after the show to sign autographs for fans.
Although the summer is ending soon, the live music scene in Rochester is still as rockin’ as ever. Here are five eclectic picks to keep it going and close out your month in high style.
Providing modern arrangements of old, forgotten, perhaps nearly extinct Italian folk music, Alla Boara will likely sound like nothing you have heard before. Certainly it won’t be what you’re getting at the local Italian eateries! Put on by the good people at the Bop Shop, you know this show is going to be good.
This Chicago trio roll out some fuzzed up psychedelic rock with a minimalist aesthetic. Their new album was released back in the earliest days of 2023 and they’re blowing through town to give you chance to see those tunes live. Local boys Leus Zeus will give a rare and anticipated performance in the opening slot.
Tickets are $10/$15dos and the show starts at 7:30 p.m.
The Annual Fairport Music Festival takes place across six stages for two days smack dab in the middle of the village of Fairport, bringing together incredible local talent with some national acts. They also raise a ton of money for the Golisano’s Children’s Hospital. Highlights of this year’s lineup are Magnolia Boulevard, The Campbell Brothers, Miller and the Other Sinners, and the John Payton Project.
Tickets are $20/$25dos and the music gets started at 4 p.m. Friday and 11:30 a.m. Saturday.
What you need is some berserk groovy dance punk from Amsterdam. The Mauskovic’s in the Mauskovic Dance Band aren’t actually related, but this music is highly relatable, and highly infectious. Local rockers Triglactogon open the show at Bug Jar.
Tickets are $15/$18dos and music starts around 9 p.m.
Alumni of the Rochester International Jazz Fest, The Bad Plus reinvented what it means to be a piano trio, and now they’ve reinvented themselves for the second time. Gone is Ethan Iverson on piano, gone is his replacement Orrin Evans, and in are Ben Monder on guitar and Chris Speed on saxophone. The core of bassist Reid Anderson and drummer Dave King remains as does the band’s ethos and songbook.
National Black Theatre (NBT) recently announced that it would be joining the production team for the revival of Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch. The venture marks the second consecutive season that NBT will be on Broadway, following its acclaimed production of Fat Ham. Previews will begin on Sept. 7 and opening is set for Sept. 27 at The Music Box Theatre.
Jonathan McCrory, Leslie Odom Jr., Sade Lythcott (Credit: Jennifer Broski/Broadway World)
Artist Dr. Barbara Ann Teer founded National Black Theater in 1968. Recognized as the longest-running Black theatre in New York City, NBT has received Tony and Emmy nominations. The organization aims to produce powerful works of theatre that “shift the inaccuracies around African Americans’ cultural identity by telling authentic stories of Black lives.” NBT also serves as a space for learning, using arts to educate and empower those in the community. Based in Harlem, the Theatre is set to undergo a capital redevelopment project that will transform the space “into a 21st-century destination for Black culture.”
We are delighted to welcome the venerated National Black Theatre, under the leadership of Sade Lythcott and Jonathan McCrory, to the producing team of Purlie Victorious. Their participation and input into the production seems especially appropriate, since both the play and National Black Theatre… emerged in the 1960’s, during a period of intense social upheaval and cultural reexamination.
Producers Jeffrey Richards and Irene Gandy
Legendary playwright, actor, and activist Ossie Davis originally penned Purlie Victorious. The comedy details the story of a Black preacher returning to his small hometown in Georgia. Based in the era of Jim Crow, the preacher looks to save the community’s church and free the cotton pickers working on a nearby plantation. The play premiered on Broadway in 1961 and initally featured actors Alan Alda, Godfrey Cambridge, Sorrell Booke and Beah Richards. For its 100th performance, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. visited the company and celebrated the milestone with them.
Kenny Leon will direct the latest rendition of the iconic play. Actors Leslie Odom Jr, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Billy Eugene Jones, Noah Pyzik, Noah Robbins, and many more set to star Purlie Victorious. The performance will also feature contributions from Tony Award winner Derek McLane who will be responsible for scenic design.
United in vision and intention, it is a privilege to partner with National Black Theatre on the revival of Purlie Victorious. Creativity, ingenuity, resources, and a touch of class—our room is better for having them in it!
Leslie Odom Jr.
NBT is led by CEO Sade Lythcott and Executive Artistic Director Jonathan McCrory. The group hosts more than 90,000 visitors annually and has produced over 300 original works.
Tickets are on sale here. Call 212-239-6200 or in person at The Music Theatre box office. Here for more details and information.
Sohil, a singer/songwriter, guitarist, and producer, released his new single, “Movie Star.” Accompanied by a music video shot in New York City, the song is a love letter to Manhattan and New York City as a whole. It blends futuristic sounds, horns, Sohil’s vocals, and self-aware lyrics to paint a true picture of the Big Apple.
Sohil began releasing music to streaming platforms in 2018. Since then, he has released numerous singles and an EP consisting of acoustic versions of several of his songs.
“My songs all give off a feeling of longing and hopefulness,” Sohil previously said in an interview. “I love lyrics that tell a story and paint a picture for the listener so they feel like they are sitting next to me on my couch while I tell them about a moment in my life.”
Sohil’s music combines a blend of sounds all across the map, including hip-hop, electronic, and soul. “Movie Star” in particular combines UK drum & bass inspirations with pop belting and a little saxophone thrown in for good measure.
The music video also acts as a companion art piece to the song. In the video, Sohil sings each line in a different part of the city and truly captures what it feels like to be in New York.
In the heart of a sweltering summer weekend, the iconic MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, became the epicenter of a rock ‘n’ roll frenzy. Metallica, one of the most legendary bands in the history of metal, took the stage for their second night as part of a “no repeat weekend” â a concept that had fans buzzing with anticipation for an entirely new setlist. Night 2 featured electrifying opening acts, Ice Nine Kills and Five Finger Death Punch, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience.
The night began with a burst of energy as Ice Nine Kills took the stage. The Boston-based metalcore band, known for their theatrical and energetic performances, kicked off their set with the powerful “SAVAGES.” Fans were immediately drawn into their world of horror-themed storytelling, as they unleashed a setlist that included hits like “Rainy Day,” “Hip to be Scared,” and the hauntingly atmospheric “Welcome to Horrorwood.” The band left the audience in awe as they concluded their set with the fan-favorite “Stabbing in the Dark,” a track that perfectly encapsulated their signature blend of melodic hooks and heavy breakdowns.
Following in the footsteps of Ice Nine Kills, Five Finger Death Punch erupted onto the stage with undeniable force. Starting their set with the anthemic “Lift Me Up,” the band ignited the crowd’s energy to new heights. Their setlist featured a mix of hits and surprises, including songs like “Trouble,” “Jekyll and Hyde,” a powerful rendition of the classic “Bad Company” cover, and the adrenaline-fueled “Welcome to the Circus.” Five Finger Death Punch closed their performance with the emotional and intense “The Bleeding,” leaving the audience craving more.
At 9 PM sharp, the earth-shaking roar of the crowd welcomed Metallica to the stage. With an opening that shook the ground beneath them, the band exploded into “Whiplash,” sending a shockwave of energy through the stadium.
The “no repeat weekend” promise held true, and fans were treated to a setlist that spanned Metallica’s storied career. Classic hits like “For Whom the Bell Tolls” and “Ride the Lightning” resonated with fans who had journeyed far and wide to witness the metal legends in action. The haunting melodies of “The Unforgiven” tugged at heartstrings, while the explosive “Wherever I May Roam” carried the audience on a journey through the band’s diverse soundscapes.
Metallica’s setlist also held surprises of its own, featuring three tracks from their latest album, 72 Seasons. The crowd was treated to the live debut of “Too Far Gone?” and the blistering “You Must Burn!” However, it was the epic “Lux Ãterna” that truly captivated the stadium, showcasing the band’s evolving musical prowess.
The grand finale of the night came with a thunderous rendition of “Enter Sandman.” The iconic riff that has echoed through countless arenas over the years reverberated throughout MetLife Stadium, bringing the night to a triumphant close.
As the final notes of “Enter Sandman” hung in the air, the members of Metallica stepped forward to address the audience. Each band member took a moment to express their gratitude for the unwavering support of their fans. The stadium was filled with cheers and applause as Lars Ulrich, James Hetfield, Kirk Hammett, and Robert Trujillo shared their heartfelt sentiments.
Setlist: Whiplash, For Whom The Bell Tolls, Ride the Lightning, The Memory Remains, Lux Ãterna, Too Far Gone?, Welcome Home (Sanitarium), You Must Burn, The Call of Ktulu, The Unforgiven, Wherever I May Roam, Moth Into Flame, Blackened, Whiskey in the Jar, One, Enter Sandman
The co-led, cooperative NY music project, Elysium Furnace Works is set to welcome the legendary creative forces Eugene Chadbourne and Jim McHugh in the Fall. The duo will perform at the VBI Theatre of Cunneen-Hackett Arts Center in Poughkeepsie on Sept. 14 at 8:00 PM.
Although this performance will not be the first time that the artists have performed as a dynamic duo, the musicians are both stars in their own right. Chadbourne is a multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, composer, author, and all-around creative artist having performed on over 358 albums with artists ranging from John Zorn and Jello Biafra to the Violent Femmes and Camper Van Beethoven. His genre knows no bounds, originally exploring the conventions of rock and pop and later switching over to the bottleneck blues. On the other hand, McHugh took to rock music and stuck there, being an essential part of the New York City-based ensemble The Sunwatchers. The artist himself is an incredibly talented guitarist and vocalist whose contributions have shaped the band’s sound.
Together, the pair is unmatched, from their intimate live performances to their nine-track record Bad Scene released back in 2021. Eugene Chadbourne and Jim McHugh’s performance scheduled for Sept. 14 will see the duo perform original music, covers, and so much more. Interested parties can get their tickets here.
