NYS Music 2023

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  • Allman Betts Family Revival Makes 3 Stops in NY on Fall Tour

    The Allman Betts Family Revival announced its 2023 dates and all-star lineup. The tour kicks off on Nov. 25 in Saint Louis, MO and will be making three stops in New York.

    Allman Betts Family Revival

    The Allman Family Revival initially began as a one-off concert in 2017 at The Fillmore in San Francisco to celebrate the late Gregg Allman’s life on what would have been his 70th birthday. Now entering its seventh year, the tour announced their rebrand from The Allman Family Revival to the Allman Betts Family Revival.

    The Allman Betts Family Revival is stopping at Kleinhans Music Hall in Buffalo on Nov. 29, Beacon Theatre in New York City on Dec. 2, and The Paramount in Huntington on Dec. 3.

    Gregg Allman’s son Devon and Dickey Betts’ son Duane spearhead the tour and hand-picked an array of guests who will perform two sets. One will feature songs by Gregg Allman and the other will feature songs by Dickey Betts. The performances will also include deep cuts from their legendary Allman Brothers Band catalog.

    Performers include Anders Osborne, Luther Dickinson & Cody Dickenson (North Mississippi Allstars), Jimmy Hall (Jeff Beck, Wet Willie), Jackie Greene, Larry McCray, Orbi Orbison, Ally Venable, Devon Allman, Duane Betts, and the Allman Betts Band featuring the Tal Wilkenfeld on Bass (Jeff Beck). There will also be additional artists that will join in select cities including Sierra Hull & G Love, with more to be added.

    The tour will also welcome back The Brotherhood of Light for the otherworldly visuals Allman Brothers fans experienced at the height of their career.

    Tickets and up-to-date information are available here.

    The Allman Betts Family Revival Tour Dates

    November 25 @ The Factory | Saint Louis, MO 

    November 26 @ Brown County Music Center | Nashville, IN

    November 27 @ The Arcada Theater | St. Charles, IL 

    November 29 @ Kleinhans Music Hall | Buffalo, NY

    w/ special guest Sierra Hull

    November 30 @ Santander Performing Arts Center | Reading, PA

    w/ special guest Sierra Hull

    December 1 @ Orpheum Theater | Boston, MA 

    w/ special guests Greg Koch, Sierra Hull

    December 2 @ Beacon Theatre | New York, NY  

    w/ special guests Greg Koch, Sierra Hull

    December 3 @ The Paramount | Huntington, NY  

    w/ special guests Greg Koch, Sierra Hull

    December 5 @ Capital One Hall | Tysons, VA

    December 7 @ Macon City Auditorium | Macon, GA 

    w/ special guests Chuck Leavell, Vaylor Trucks, Melody Trucks

    December 8 @ Gaillard Center | Charleston, SC

    December 10 @ Sunrise Theatre | Fort Pierce, FL  

    w/ special guests J.D. Simo, Melody Trucks and Frank Hannon

    December 12 @ Van Wezel PAC | Sarasota, FL 

    w/ special guests J.D. Simo, Melody Trucks and Frank Hannon

    December 13 @ Florida Theatre | Jacksonville, FL

     w/ special guests J.D. Simo, Melody Trucks and Frank Hannon

    December 14 @ Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium | Spartanburg, SC 

    w/ special guests J.D. Simo

    December 15 @ Ryman Auditorium | Nashville, TN 

    w/ special guest G. Love

    December 16 @ Mobile Civic Center | Mobile, AL

    December 17 @ ACL Live at The Moody Theater | Austin, TX

  • In Focus: Sydney Irving Shines Bright at Binghamton’s Spiedie Fest

    Rising Central New York star Sydney Irving took to the stage at Spiedie Fest in Binghamton on Sunday Aug. 6, providing direct support to headliner Gavin DeGraw. It was the last day of the annual three-day festival, which showcased great food (including spiedies, of course), hot air balloons, arts & crafts, as well as musical performances from acts such as John Waite, Tommy DeCarlo, Scotty McCreery, and Cooper Greer.

    At just twenty years old, Sydney Irving has already proven that no stage is too big. The 2022 Syracuse Area Music Award winner for best new artist has already performed on the main stage at Spiedie Fest on two other occasions; in 2019, opening for Starship feat. Mickie Thomas and again in 2021, opening for Martina McBride. On Sunday she was joined by her band, The Mojo, feauring Luke Hart (guitar), Evan Tennant (drums), Randy Tennant (bass guitar), and Carl Stokking (guitars, vocals). They have quickly become a mainstay on Syracuse’s Locals Only radio, with the recent release of their single “I Don’t Wanna Fight You.”

    Concert goers on Sunday could not have been greeted with more perfect summer weather, as warm temperatures and sunshine greeted fans as they arrived. Fans filled the concert area long before the advertised start time and a quick scan of the audience along the stage barrier showed a mixture of Gavin DeGraw and Sydney Irving t-shirts.

    Just after 4:30 pm Irving and her bandmates took to the stage and immediately launched into their track “Seasons Change.” The catchy and upbeat pop-rock track released by the band in 2021 set the stage for what was to come on this afternoon. Irving quickly grabbed a captive hold of the audience, a feat often difficult to achieve by most performers at larger festivals. She worked the stage with the charisma and stage presence like she was a 20-year veteran, engaging the crowd in sing a longs, dances, and synchronized claps. The band took the party atmosphere to another level by kicking oversized beach balls into the crowd.

    Through out the band’s sixty minute set, they intertwined cover songs with their own original music, with the band paying homage to the musicians they attribute to their own songwriting style. They got the crowd up and dancing on Taylor Swift’s “You Belong To Me,” and Irving and her bandmates put their own spin on the Dolly Parton classic, “Jolene.” Guitarist Luke Hart also put his talents on display with a blistering guitar solo during Tom Petty’s “Running Down a Dream.” However it was the band’s original tracks that were the true highlights on this afternoon. Songs like “Don’t Want to Fight You” and “You Can’t Forget About Me” showcased Irving’s talents as a songwriter and fit in the setlist flawlessly, alongside the cover tracks.

    As the set wound to a close, Irving and her band mates performed the Ramones classic “Blitzkrieg Bop.” The high energy track had the crowd singing and clapping along, and left those in attendance highly energized as they awaited the evening’s headliner.

    If you missed Sydney Irving & the Mojo’s set at Spiedie Fest, don’t fret. The band have a slew of performances scheduled, including on Aug. 19 at the Dreamland Theater Music & Arts Festival in Utica. See the band’s full sleight of shows here.

  • Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros Confirm September Tour Dates

    Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros have recently confirmed that they will be performing select shows in Charlottesville, South Burlington, Columbus, Philadelphia and Baltimore this September. The group, led by Weir alongside Don Was, Jay Lane and Jeff Chimenti, will also be joining Willie Nelson’s Outlaw Music Festival 2023, making stops at venues throughout New York State, including Queens and Saratoga Springs.

    The band will once again be joined by The Wolfpack, a string and brass quintet featuring Alex Kelly, Brian Switzer, Adam Theis, Mads Tolling and Sheldon Brown, along with Barry Sless on pedal steel performing the expansive catalogue of Grateful Dead, Bobby’s solo albums and more.

    They will be joining Willie Nelson’s Outlaw Music Festival 2023 for seven shows this September, including Forest Hills Stadium in Queens, NY, Saratoga Performing Arts Center in Saratoga Springs and more. They’ll also make their debut performance at the legendary Farm Aid in Noblesville, IN at Ruoff Music Center on September 23.

    About Bobby Weir & Wold Bros

    Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros have released two notable live albums, Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros: Live in Colorado followed by Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros: Live in Colorado Vol. 2. Both volumes feature songs recorded live at Colorado’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre and Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater in June 2021.

    Notably, the second volume received praise from Pitchfork who raved, “he stages some of the most beloved material in the Grateful Dead’s catalog with the passion and reverence of a couple spending their 50th anniversary looking back on their wedding day,” while American Songwriter said, “Weir and the Wolfs manage to stay true to the template while also taking the music beyond any original incarnation by reinventing them in ways that find imagination and intrigue well stirred in a contemporary context.”

    Weir also released Ace: 50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition, an album which features one of the band’s most notable performances, a show at Radio City Music Hall in celebration of his debut solo album, Ace. The band played the entire album live and welcomed a number of special guests, including Tyler Childers and Brittney Spencer.

    The band debuted orchestral performances alongside the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center, as well as three nights with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra at the Atlanta Symphony Hall. Each night the ensemble performed a completely unique set featuring hits from the expansive Grateful Dead catalogue, Bobby’s solo albums and more. Stanford professor and composer Dr. Giancarlo Aquilanti provided original orchestration.

    The Members

    Bobby Weir, one of the original members of the iconic Grateful Dead, honored with a GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007, stands out as one of the rock genre’s most exceptional and unique rhythm guitarists. The Grateful Dead is still one of the highest-grossing concert attractions in the U.S. and their final tally of 2,318 total concerts remains a world record. 

    Weir has been honored with the Americana Music Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award and the Les Paul Spirit Award, as well as a Goodwill Ambassadorship for the United Nations Development Program. His first solo album in more than ten years, Blue Mountain (2016), was critically praised upon release.  Weir has been member of Dead & Company since its formation in 2015. Dead & Company has completed 10 tours and has performed to more than 4 million fans across 235 shows since the band’s debut.  Weir is also a member of Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros, who were formed in 2018.  The band set out performing the expansive catalogue of Grateful Dead, Bobby’s solo albums and more and has toured extensively throughout the U.S.

    Don Was is a GRAMMY-winning producer and founder of the ’80s funk-rock band Was (Not Was), known for hits such as “Walk The Dinosaur” and “Spy In The House Of Love.” As an in-demand, highly acclaimed producer, Was has been honored with four GRAMMY Awards for his production work in each of the past three decades, including Best Album honors for work with the Rolling Stones and Bonnie Raitt. Production credits include the Rolling Stones, Willie Nelson, Roy Orbison, Gregg Allman, John Mayer and Neil Young.

    Albums produced by Was have achieved dozens of multi-Platinum, Platinum and Gold certifications and have sold more than 90 million copies worldwide. As one of music’s top bass players, Was has collaborated with countless musicians throughout his storied career, spanning a multitude of genres.

    Jay Lane is a longtime Weir collaborator and drummer who played with Weir’s RatDog for more than 16 years. He was also one of Primus’ first drummers and has recently performed with Phil Lesh and Friends as well as Dead & Company.

    Acclaimed keyboardist Jeff Chimenti has a long history of working with former members of the Grateful Dead having performed with Bob Weir & RatDog, The Dead and Furthur. He has been a member of Dead & Company since the band’s formation in 2015. In 2020, Jeff Chimenti joined the Wolf Bros.

    Tour Dates

    September 8—Park City Song Summit Festival—Park City, UT
    September 10—FirstBank Amphitheater—Franklin, TN*
    September 12—CCNB Amphitheatre at Heritage Park—Simpsonville, SC*
    September 13—Ting Pavilion—Charlottesville, VA
    September 15—Saratoga Performing Arts Center—Saratoga Springs, NY*
    September 16—Xfinity Center—Mansfield, MA*
    September 17—Forest Hills—Queens, NY*
    September 19—The Green At Shelburne Museum—South Burlington, VT
    September 20—Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater—Bridgeport, CT*
    September 22—Pine Knob Music Theatre—Clarkston, MI*
    September 23—Farm Aid—Noblesville, IN
    September 26—Mershon Auditorium—Columbus, OH
    September 27—The Met Philadelphia—Philadelphia, PA
    September 28—Pier Six Pavilion—Baltimore, MD

    *Willie Nelson’s Outlaw Music Festival 2023

    Tickets and More Information

    Ticket sales began on July 21, and are currently available for purchase here. VIP packages will be available for the headline dates as well.

    For more information, please contact Samantha Tillman, Kate Rakvic or
    Carla Sacks at Sacks & Co., 212.741.1000, samantha.tillman@sacksco.com, kate.rakvic@sacksco.com or carla@sacksco.com.

  • Rochester’s Fivebyfive Unveils Its 2023-24 Slate Of Programming

    Rochester’s acclaimed music chamber ensemble fivebyfive recently unveiled its 2023-2024 season. The theme for this year’s round of programming is “Dichotomies” and is aimed at pushing artistic boundaries. As part of “Dichotomies” the ensemble will be releasing an album, holding collaborative concerts, hosting discussions, and much more. 

    Created in 2015, fivebyfive has earned a reputation for its ambitious performances and creative programming. The outfit is devoted to commissioning, developing, and performing the works of living artists. Boasting an incredible roster of musicians, fivebyfive takes pride in trying to highlight underrepresented and overlooked creators in the field. “Dichotomy” serves as another impressive artistic challenge for the ensemble. In honor of the theme, the group has curated an extraordinary lineup of visual and auditory experiences based on juxtaposition and contrast. 

    Fivebyfive is comprised of world-class artists, including Laura Lentz (Artistic Director & flute), Marcy Bacon (clarinet), Ken Luk (electric guitar), Eric Polenik (bass), Haeyeun Jeun (piano) and Marc Webster (Executive Director & audio/video engineer). 

    The upcoming season is designed to captivate and engage audiences through a range of complex feelings from primordial expression to celestial wonderment. We cannot wait to share these transformative musical experiences with the world.

    Laura Lentz
    Laura Lentz

    Release of fivebyfive’s Third Album

    “breath & fire” 

    Release date: Oct. 15, 2023

    The project is inspired by the explosive and intense nature of fire balanced with the steady and tranquil essence of breath. Pieces on the album strongly invoke stillness or motion, and the recording process of matching spaces to the mood or pace in the music seeks to further draw out these energies as you listen.  

    1. Dreadlocked: Marc Mellits (6:58)

    2. Öldurót: Ólafur Arnalds (4:40)

    3. Pale as Centuries: Sarah Kirkland Snider (6:14)

    4. Lead Me Home: Brittany J. Green (5:56)

    5. Heavy: Evan Williams (9:42)

    6. Dreams of Glass and Water: Kari Telstad Sundet (6:56)

    7. …of breath and fire: Amy Nam (10:57)

    8. Tamboreño: Miguel del Aguila (7:10)

     Concerts with Pegasus Early Music/NYSBaroque

    “Old & New: Reflections of Sephardic Music”

    Oct. 21, 2023 (Syracuse) and Oct. 22, 2023 (Rochester).

    Musicians from Pegasus Early Music/NYS Baroque and fivebyfive will perform back-to-back concerts in Syracuse and Rochester. The concerts will feature both traditional and newly arranged versions of Sephardic music. Based in Jewish culture from medieval Spain and Portugal, the traditional performance will include instruments such as the lute, recorder, duduk, shawm, harp, and percussion. The new renditions will be performed in chamber style by fivebyfive featuring flute, clarinet, bass, piano and electric guitar. Additionally, artist Lynne Feldman will display several tapestries depicting Jewish life and discuss Judaic art.

    Concert Featuring Medieval and Renaissance-Inspired Music

    “Reflections: Music of Then & Now”  

     Nov. 15, 2023.

    As part of a Jewish Music Series, fivebyfive will travel to Buffalo to present a program that reflects back in time to explore medieval and renaissance-inspired music. The performances will also incorporate other pieces that connect us to this present moment. This concert will feature Sephardic music, pieces from the Of and Between album, and Pale as Centuries, composed by Sarah Kirkland Snider.    

    Meet the Composer: Special Public Discussion with Roberto Sierra

    Zoom presentation: Nov. 19, 2023

    Grammy-nominated and Latin Grammy winning composer Roberto Sierra will be part of an online Zoom discussion. Through a grant provided by the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA), fivebyfive commissioned Sierra to create a new work for the ensemble. In Sonidos de Tlön, Sierra explores the dichotomy of fantasy vs. reality using inspiration from 20th-century Argentinian writer Jorge Luis Borges. During the 2024-2025 season, fivebyfive will showcase his piece in a concert of music and poetry from Latin America.

    Multimedia Presentation with Eclipse-Inspired Music and Immersive Video

    “Light & Dark: Eclipse Music”

    Jan. 20, 2024 & Jan. 21, 2024.

    To celebrate the 2024 total solar eclipse, fivebyfive has created a multi-media concert experience with original music by five composers. Jessica Meyer, Marc Mellits, Glenn McClure, Julie Herndon, and Kamala Sankaram were all invited to create work for the celebration. The Strasenburgh Planetarium at the Rochester Museum and Science Center will also present an immersive to go along with the event. The program combines art, science, music, and audience engagement activities to mark this unforgettable event.     

    Fivebyfive visits Minnesota’s Carleton College in 3-day Residency

    In February of 2024, fivebyfive will travel to Carleton College in Minnesota for a three-day residency. The ensemble will present a concert, lead a reading session of student works, and participate in several workshops.. Composition professor and frequent fivebyfive collaborator, Andrea Mazzariello has previously produced works for fivebyfive including Of and Between which was featured on Performance Today several times.    

  • Award-Winning Actor, Producer, and Comedian Chris Tucker Coming to Beacon Theatre

    Award-winning actor, producer, and comedian Chris Tucker has announced his highly anticipated tour, his first in over a decade, coming to the Beacon Theatre on Nov. 17.

    Chris Tucker

    The Legend Tour will stop in 30 cities during the Fall and Winter. Chris Tucker is known internationally, mostly for his role as Detective James Carter in the blockbuster Rush Hour action-comedy film franchise. Most recently, he was seen on the big screen staring opposite Ben Affleck, Matt Damon and Viola Davis in the Amazon Studio hit AIR. 

    Tucker’s career began in the early 1990s when he became a favorite on Russell Simmons’ HBO Def Comedy Jam. He then rose to prominence with his first starring role, in the 1995 cult classic Friday, alongside Ice Cube. In 1997, Tucker executive produced and co-starred with Charlie Sheen in the hit movie Money Talks and also appeared in Luc Besson’s globally successful sci-fi adventure The Fifth Element. His other film credits include the Hughes brothers’ Dead Presidents, Quentin Tarantino’s Jackie Brown, David O’Russell’s award-winning hit Silver Linings Playbook, and Ang Lee’s Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk.

    Chris Tucker

    In 2015, Tucker released Chris Tucker Live exclusively on Netflix, marking the first project he starred in and produced through his own company, Chris Tucker Entertainment. “I started my career doing stand-up in comedy clubs and it’s stand-up comedy that prepared me for all of my movie roles. I’m looking forward to getting back to my roots. I love performing live, there’s nothing like the energy of a live crowd and making people laugh.  I’m excited to be back out on tour.” said Chris Tucker. He is also a dedicated humanitarian, spending much of his spare time traveling the world, and doing charitable work through The Chris Tucker Foundation.

    Tucker will bring his rave-reviewed live comedy show to the Beacon Theatre on Nov. 17. Tickets for The Legend Tour will be available starting with an artist presale beginning on Thursday, Aug. 10. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general on-sale beginning on Friday, Aug. 11 at 10 am.

    THE LEGEND TOUR DATES: 

    Fri Sep 08 – North Charleston, SC – North Charleston Performing Arts Center

    Sun Sep 10 – Norfolk, VA – Chrysler Hall

    Wed Sep 20 – Louisville, KY – The Louisville Palace

    Fri Sep 22 – Memphis, TN – The Orpheum Theatre Memphis

    Sun Sep 24 – Durham, NC – DPAC

    Sat Sep 30 – Oakland, CA – Paramount Theatre-Oakland

    Tue Oct 03 – Denver, CO – Paramount Theatre

    Wed Oct 04 – Inglewood, CA – YouTube Theater

    Thu Oct 05 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre

    Sat Oct 07 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Pantages Theatre

    Tue Oct 10 – Columbus, OH – Palace Theatre Columbus

    Wed Oct 11 – Cincinnati, OH – Aronoff Center

    Thu Oct 12 – Cleveland, OH – State Theatre at Playhouse Square

    Wed Oct 18 – Philadelphia, PA – The Met Philadelphia

    Thu Oct 19 – Pittsburgh, PA – Benedum Center

    Sun Oct 22 – Baltimore, MD – Hippodrome at France-Merrick Performing Arts

    Thu Oct 26 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium

    Wed Nov 01 – Irving, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory

    Sat Nov 04 – Houston, TX – Bayou Music Center

    Tue Nov 07 – Oklahoma City, OK – Criterion Theater

    Wed Nov 08 – Kansas City, MO – Music Hall Kansas City 

    Tue Nov 14 – Jacksonville, FL – Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts – Moran Theater

    Wed Nov 15 – Orlando, FL – Dr Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

    Fri Nov 17 – New York, NY – Beacon Theatre

    Wed Nov 29 – Chicago, IL – The Chicago Theatre 

    Sat Dec 02 – Indianapolis, IN – Murat Theatre at Old National Centre

    Mon Dec 04 – St. Louis, MO – Stifel Theatre

    Thu Dec 07 – Washington, DC – The Anthem

    Tue Jan 09 – Toronto, ON – Meridian Hall

    Fri Jan 12 – Detroit, MI – Fox Theatre

  • Connie Diiamond Captivates as the Queen of Drill

    All that comes around – goes around. The cyclical nature of magnetic individuality remains inevitable. Basically, you must trust people to be who they will be. 

    DMX offers incredible wisdom on one of his last interviews ever recorded on Drink Champs with N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN.

    With that, nobody moves a crowd like the energetic empathetic. Never pathetic, incredibly poetic, and most definitely unapologetic comes Connie Diiamond from the Bronx. Additionally, as far as evolution exists, this woman adapts to the times. Rhymes galore and much more in store – she even cleared Ludacris’ “Move” sample through the door. 

    Nevertheless, amazement sets in when people move the right way. How wondrous the process of finding oneself. No outside source will bring you happiness quite like the gifted spirit within your being.

    https://twitter.com/HipHopDX/status/1636055512847638530

    Boss Maneuvers

    Indeed, Connie Diiamond operates within the same wavelength as Nipsey Hussle – who cleared the “Hard Knock Life” sample from Jay-Z. From winning slam poetry contests in high school to collaborating with Ludacris – this nose-to-the-grindstone BX woman continues to strive. Poetic visions and many revisions allowed her to become the fan-proclaimed “Queen of Drill.”

    Individuality and Expression

    Undoubtedly, as an emcee – Connie Diiamond will go toe-to-toe with anyone. As a classy individual, she stands on moral grounds and principles. With the utmost self-confidence – she does not mind being the only woman in the room. Otherwise, this artist knows her worth and will never sell solely sex for attention or become reliant on a sex symbol status.

    Essentially, Connie Diiamond functions much like your typical American citizen. She works at the hair salon suite that she owns during the day and chases her dreams at night. Her craftsmanship knows no limitations as haircuts fund her musical aspirations. 

    Moreover, the reason why this artist will reach the heights she seeks revolves around her incredible sense of self-worth. As a humble and supportive individual, she continues to put in her 10,000 hours. She accepts the things that occur for what they are, stays in her lane and keeps pushing. 

    Initially, she rose in popularity due to her freestyle ability to hop on anyone else’s track and make it her own. As she progresses and learns elements of sound structure, how to make certain types of songs, and stay afloat in the industry – she will be dangerous and not one to be tested on the mic. 

    With positive reinforcement from her friends, family, and fans – it is impossible for her to lose. Many times, people automatically repost her songs due to the authenticity of the sounds. Somebody that radiates positive energy will always receive reciprocal energy – tenfold. 

    Finally, when it comes time to record, she locks in and blocks out any external influences. Clearly, this laser-sharp focus and multi-hyphenate approach earn dividends. Her song with Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers made it into NBA 2K23. Stay tuned to see what may come next from her!

  • Hearing Aide: Micky James ‘Loner of the Year’ EP

    On July 21, 2023, NYC by way of Philadelphia artist Micky James released his new EP, Loner of the Year. The album features Micky’s signature sound – a mix of glam and grit, paired with glittery guitars and themes of nostalgia throughout. As indicated by the title, Micky dedicates his five-track EP to the loners.

    “I want people to know that it’s important to embrace all of the things that make each and everyone of us unique,” states Micky in a recent interview with PEOPLE. “It can be frightening sometimes to free our most authentic selves, only by carving our own path can we feel truly liberated.”

    The album opens with “New York Minute,” an upbeat, nostalgic tune, reminiscent of 2000s pop-rock. The catchy, somewhat gritty melody establishes a summertime feel to the album. The song serves as a celebration of misfits and their individuality, all while reminding listeners that life moves fast, so enjoy the dysfunction that comes with being young.

    The album’s title track, “Loner of the Year,” further captures the complicated emotions that come with accepting our authentic selves. Despite the melody’s upbeat feel, the lyrics tell a story of a hopeless sort of loneliness, a narration of difficulties experienced by many. The song’s message, paired with its pop tune, is reminiscent of a coming-of-age movie soundtrack, with an optimistic twist at the end, reminding all of us that life goes on, and such loneliness can pass.

    “James Brown,” the third track on the album, has an edgy, raw feel, but still brings out the nostalgic sound of 2010s pop-rock. In contrast to “Loner of the Year,” “James Brown” shows an embrace of uniqueness rather than disdain.

    Of all the tracks on Loner of the Year, “Girl Talk” best showcases Micky James’ strong vocals. The flirtatious pop anthem compels attention from the listener through a range of James’ well-rounded, broad, captivating vocals. The song’s catchy melody conveys a sense of confidence through lyrics like “keep my name on your lips now honey,” in comparison to the anxiety in “Loner of the Year,” unveiling an emotional journey throughout the album.

    “Losing You” concludes the album with an engaging summer breakup anthem, capturing the complicated emotions associated with it. James conveys the struggle between understanding a relationship must come to an end, all while reminiscing on the good times and memories, making it “never a good time to say goodbye.”

    The album maintains its nostalgic ambiance and consistently upbeat 2000s/2010s pop-rock vibe from start to finish. Whether seeking a track to unpack intricate emotions, or a catchy melody just for summer ambiance, Loner of the Year offers a brief yet enjoyable musical experience.

    About Micky James

    Born and raised in the shadows of Philadelphia and NYC, Micky James developed a passion for music and the theatrical at a young age and aspired to become a performer. His music and personal style embody a sound and aesthetic that is nostalgic for a bygone era in rock-n-roll music, all while conveying a contemporary pop ambition.

    His vocals are reminiscent of notable voices like David Bowie and Julian Casablancas, referencing the uniquely dark, enigmatic, and romantic attributes associated with those artists. While James’ flamboyant fashions are reminiscent of the glamour and swagger of past rock icons, his work is both equal parts style and substance.

    Inspired by the energy of iconic ’60s and ’70s rock bands, he creates a modern, fresh approach to a timeless genre. “I wanted to take pieces of nostalgia and give it a contemporary twist,” he explains, successfully taking his vision and turning it into reality. In July 2020, Micky James released “Kings,” which garnered critical acclaim, with one critic calling it “a defiant uprising of the generationally damned and distinguished, as well as the most authentic rock n roll you’ve heard in years.”

    Listen to Loner of the Year here.

  • Album Review: Nas is Good but Hit-Boy Makes ‘Magic 2’

    Rarely does a rapper of Nas’ stature enhance his legacy with a late career-run. After all, hip hop is spearheaded by the youth and for many a fans, the output of the twilight years only diminish artists overall catalogue. Even so, with the help of Grammy-winning producer Hit-Boy, Nas has carved out his latest run as one of hip hop’s few evolving legacy acts. Since the release of King’s Disease in 2020 the duo have combined for five projects in the last 3 years. And with their latest effort, Magic 2, Hit-Boy quells any final notion of Nas albums not having great beats. Stylistically, the 11-track album sees Nas continue his career victory lap, this time with Hit-Boy bringing the flair.

    Embed from Getty Images

    Magic 2 Review

    In between the King’s Disease album series — where a fourth edition is in the works– Nas and Hit-Boy’s extensive studio time has yielded another series of enthralling album cuts. While Esco remains the pre-eminent figure, this latest effort showcased Hit-Boy’s ability to elevate an already stamped legend and broaden him rhythmically.

    I feed the people ’cause I love the people/ Two series at once, yea let’s run the sequel.

    – Nas, “Office Hours”

    Short and succint, the album contains two features. The first, notably burying the hatchet with former rival 50 Cent on the project’s second track, “Office Hours.” A Queens connection, the duo boast about their respective journeys to the top, impact on the culture while the former rivals big each other and their hometown. The latter sees Nas exchange bars with one of contemporary rap’s hottest stars in 21 Savage on the album’s outro “One Mic, One Gun.” Backed by Hit-Boy’s grandiose horns, 21 Savage delivers a flowingly introspective verse to close out the album as the two rappers do an excellent job of playing off of each other. In this case, 21 serves as the contemporary star awaiting folklore status, while Nas plays the role of timeless legend.


    It’s cool to be mainstream, I rather be timeless that’s if we keeping it P.

    – Nas, “One Mic, One Gun”

    Overall, Magic 2 sees Nas at his most tame lyrically. Rather, prioritizing his varying contemporary flows and cadences while rhyming over a wide variety of beats. Hit-boy harnesses Nas’ toned approach to rap and juxtaposes it with a slew of rhythmic horns (“Ervin Magic Johnson,” “One Mic, One Gun”), keyboards and old school synths (“What This All Really Means,” “Black Magic,” “Pistols on Your Album Cover”). The production is an excellent backdrop to Nas’ story-telling style as throughout the project the veteran MC flips between rehashing old tales and staying current. Although the album lacks many truly standout records, it also does not have any bad ones and is an overall solid project.

    Album’s Best

    I done hooked up with a beast, never stingy with the beats.

    – Nas, “What This All Really Means”

    Hit-Boy steals the show in this latest joint-effort. While fans of Nas will always be up for hearing him rap, the production helped accentuate what was otherwise a mild lyrical output for the Queensbridge native. This isn’t to say that there aren’t moments of magic as the project’s latter half has a few excellent album cuts (“Slow It Down,” “Bookeem Woodbine”). However, the production had a fresh and grand feel as even the boom-bap records sounded current. To his credit, Nas knocked each record out of the park with razor sharp flows and delivery.

    Album’s Worst

    Ultimately, Magic 2 will serve its purpose as a holdover until the release of King’s Disease IV. However, the lack of a standout record is conspicuous when judging the album in its totality. Moreover, along with the contemporary feel of the production and delivery, seemingly came the present-day need for bad punchlines. Markedly, Nas spinkles a slew of these throughout the album which forces you to think, did Nas really say this? Namely, the first bar on the opening track “Abracadabra” is “Durag energy, I’m on a wave, you n-ggas cap.” Then on “Ervin Magic Johnson” he raps, “have you jammed up like what you spread on toast.” Not to mention the “my scrotum is golden” line he spews on what is otherwise a great song in “What This All Really Means.”

  • Metallica’s Thunderous Return: Night 1 of Metal Madness at Metlife Stadium

    On Aug. 4, 2023, metal giants Metallica descended upon Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, to kick off the North American leg of their highly anticipated M72 Seasons Tour. With a stellar lineup that featured opening acts Pantera and Mammoth WVH, the night promised to be an unforgettable metal extravaganza. Drawing a staggering crowd of 80,000 enthusiastic fans, the stadium was electrified with the raw energy that only true heavy metal can deliver.

    Metlife Stadium, known for its impressive capacity and state-of-the-art facilities, was the perfect venue for this massive event. To make the experience even more immersive, the stage was set up “in the round,” which means it was located at the center of the stadium, allowing fans from all sides to have a clear view of the action.

    Before Metallica took the stage, fans were treated to two opening acts that set the stage on fire. First up was Mammoth WVH, the creation of the multitalented Wolfgang Van Halen, son of legendary guitarist Eddie Van Halen. Mammoth WVH brought their A-game, delivering a powerful performance that showcased their explosive musicianship and remarkable stage presence. Hits like “I’m Alright,” “You’re to Blame,” and “Don’t Back Down” had the crowd headbanging and singing along.

    Following Mammoth WVH, the atmosphere became even more intense as the audience eagerly awaited Pantera. The band took the stage with the incomparable Zakk Wylde on guitar and Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante joining the lineup. Despite the tragic losses of two original members, Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul, their legacy lives on. Surviving members Phil Anselmo and Rex Brown, along with Wylde and Benante, teamed up to deliver a ferocious set. Fan favorites like “Strength Beyond Strength,” “I’m Broken,” “Walk,” and “Cowboys From Hell” sent waves of nostalgia through the crowd.

    Metallica kicked off their two-hour set with “Creeping Death.” They immediately unleashed their signature sound, sending shockwaves through the stadium. The M72 Seasons Tour featured a unique concept, with the band playing two nights in each city, but ensuring that both shows had completely different setlists. The first night at Metlife Stadium featured powerful renditions of songs like “72 Seasons,” “Fade to Black,” “Nothing Else Matters,” and “Battery,” each one resonating with the crowd’s insatiable appetite for metal.

    The pinnacle of Metallica’s performance was marked by the arrival of the iconic track “Master of Puppets.” In response, the atmosphere within the stadium ignited into a frenzy, with mosh pits erupting spontaneously. As Kirk Hammett, Rob Trujillo, Lars Ulrich, and James Hetfield poured their energy into the performance, the crowd’s reaction was nothing short of electrifying. The combination of powerful guitar riffs and thunderous drums seemed to unleash a tidal wave of raw excitement.

    Setlist: Creeping Death, Harvester of Sorrow, Holier Than Thou, King Nothing, 72 Seasons, If Darkness Had A Son, Fade to Black, Shadows Follow, Orion, Nothing Else Matters, Sad But True, The Day That Never Comes, Battery, Fuel, Seek & Destroy, Master of Puppets.

  • Celebrate México Now Festival Coming to NYC this November

    Celebrate México Now Festival (CMN) will be returning to NYC from Nov. 14 to 21, confirmed at locations in both Manhattan and Brooklyn. Programs are across literature, photography, culinary arts, film, dance, and music. Each is a part of the pipeline connecting the arts and culture communities of NYC and Mexico.

    The 20-year-old festival returned to live programming last year following the COVID-19 pandemic, run by award-winning curator and producer Claudia Norman of CN Management. Most events are free to attend. CMN has thus far showcased nearly 450 artists and partnered with over 150 venues and cultural institutions throughout NYC.

    Confirmed Dates

    Ximena Pérez Grobet: Reading Finnegans Wake – Center for Book Arts, Manhattan – Nov. 14 at 6:00 p.m.

    Ximena Pérez Grobet will take the audience through the nine-year process of creating, editing, and publishing the limited edition of Reading Finnegans Wake. Using a classic edition of Finnegans Wake by James Joyce that was published in 1965, Pérez Grobet unbound the book, carefully cut the text apart nearly line by line, then reassembled it. This resulted in four knitted versions of the text.

    Daniel Ramos: Eres Muy Hermosa – Camera Club of New York, Manhattan – Nov. 15 at 6:00 p.m.

    In the fifth year of collaboration with the Camera Club of New York, CMN will be hosting photographer Daniel Ramos. He will be discussing his solo exhibit Eres Muy Hermosa, which showcases a series of portraits made with a 4×5 large format view camera in bars and clubs at night in Monterrey, North Mexico.

    Mexico Writes Now: An Evening with Carmen Boullosa, Ximena Santaolalla, Naief Yehya, Alvaro Enrigue, and Oswaldo Zavala – The Center for Fiction, Brooklyn – Nov. 16 at 6:00 p.m.

    Some of Mexico’s leading voices in academia, poetry, novel, and essay writing will be assembled at the Center for Fiction, discussing their experiences living and working in NYC. Along with the acclaimed writer Carmen Boullosa, authors Ximena Santaolalla, Naief Yehya, Álvaro Enrigue, and Oswaldo Zavala will read their work and share their favorite Mexican films, photographs, and paintings with the audience.

    Boullosa’s novel La otra mano de Lepanto has been acknowledged as one of the top works of literature written in Spanish in the last 25 years. She has written a dozen volumes of poetry and has published nineteen novels, two books of essays, and ten plays.

    Diana Wangeman and Jesús “Pat Boy” Chablé: The Present and Future of Ancestral Practices – Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, Manhattan – Nov. 18, TBA

    A unique event featuring two indigenous creators seeking to preserve ancestral practices through very different forms of art. Diana Wangeman acts in the culinary preservation of ancient records of corn cultivation and preparation through her popular Brooklyn tortilleria and restaurant Sobre Masa. Jesús Chablé, better known as Pat Boy, performs rap in Mayan and teaches others to rap in Mayan, helping to preserve the language.

    A Tribute to Lourdes Grobet – King Juan Carlos I of Spain Center on NYU Campus, Manhattan – Nov. 20 at 6:00 p.m.

    CMN will pay tribute to the late Mexican photographer Lourdes Grobet, presenting the final two projects Grobet finished before passing. The first is Bering, Reunión Familiar, a documentary and a part of Grobet’s larger project on the Bering Strait. The second is Laboratorio de Teatro Campesino e Indígena, medio siglo de historia, a book that Grobet worked on for over 30 years.

    SHIFT with Antonio Sánchez and Bad Hombre, Thana Alexa, BIGYUKI and Lex Sadler; Echoes in Proximity; and Ampersan, Co-Presented with World Music Institute – Le Poisson Rouge, Manhattan – Nov. 21 at 7:00 p.m.

    The only ticketed event as of present, the concert will conclude the CMN Festival. Audiences can expect a showcase of unique, yet contemporary sounds by award-winning musicians that blend genres and styles to create a dynamic music experience. The event will be co-presented with the World Music Institute.

    Tickets for the Celebrate México Now Festival are available here. For more information and for updates on future events, check out CMN’s website.