NYS Music 2023

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  • In Focus: Grassroots Festival, A Memorable Celebration of Music, Arts, and Community

    From the moment you stepped foot into the Grassroots Festival grounds, you were transported to a world of creativity, community, and culinary delights. This year’s festival, held in Trumansburg, NY, was a true testament to the power of music and the arts in bringing people together for an unforgettable experience.

    Families of all ages were greeted with a plethora of arts and crafts activities that sparked creativity and imagination. From face painting and tie-dye workshops to interactive art installations and collaborative mural projects, there was something for every member of the family to enjoy. The festival organizers went above and beyond to ensure that kids and adults alike could engage in enriching and entertaining experiences, fostering an atmosphere of togetherness and joy.

    Of course, the heart of Grassroots Festival was the music, and what a lineup it was! Spread across multiple stages, bands from all corners of the US delivered electrifying performances that left the audience in awe. The Thursday night performances set the bar high, with explosive sets by performers and bands like Laila Belle, Sophistafunk, Donna the Buffalo, Maddy Walsh and Blind Spots, Laila Belle, Gunpoets, and Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad. Their energy and passion set the tone for an unforgettable weekend of musical journeys.

    Sophistafunk

    Friday’s lineup continued to impress, with dynamic performances by the Fall Creek Brass Band, Kevin Kinsella, Jupiter & Okwess, The Rollin Rust, Motherwort, The Mavericks, Jimkata and Double Tiger. Each act brought their unique sound and style to the stage, ensuring that every musical taste was satisfied.

    Jimkata

    Saturday was a highlight of the festival, featuring sensational performances from Rising Appalachia, Watchhouse, Sona Jobarteh, Ryan Montbleau Band, and The Comb Down. The eclectic mix of genres, from folk to world music, had the crowd dancing, singing, and swaying in harmony, creating a unified atmosphere of joy and celebration into the late night underneath the stars.

    Watchhouse

    As the festival approached its closing day, Sunday, the anticipation was palpable. A highlight moment was the Happiness Parade that made its way through the grounds. The Legendary Ingramettes delivered a powerful and soulful performance. Sim Redmond Band, DahkaBrakha, Driftwood, and the All-Star Jam with Donna the Buffalo were the perfect conclusion to a weekend filled with musical magic.

    In addition to the outstanding music, the Grassroots Festival treated its attendees to a diverse array of delectable foods from vendors representing different cuisines from around the world. From Caribbean delights to pizzas, mouthwatering Thai dishes to comforting pasta plates, there was an endless variety of flavors to satisfy any craving.

    In conclusion, the Finger Lakes Grassroots Festival in Trumansburg was an unparalleled celebration of arts, music, and culinary delights that left a lasting impression on all who attended. The remarkable performances, the engaging arts and crafts, and the mouthwatering food options came together to create an experience that celebrated the richness of human creativity and connection. As the festival came to a close, attendees left with full hearts, new friendships, and an enduring appreciation for the magic of music and community. Until next year, Grassroots Festival – thank you for an unforgettable experience!

  • Mark and Jill Sing the Blues for Summer Residency at the Gem in Bolton Landing

    Mark & Jill, a duo combining roots blues and soulful Texas smoke, will be playing at the Gem every Saturday this July and August. The Gem is in Bolton Landing, just north of the Village of Lake George, and is a smokehouse with cocktails and farm fresh sides.

    mark and jill

    Mark and Jill, based in Upstate NY, combine their talent and vision, making a sound where New Orleans meets Austin. Mark Tolstrup performs vocals and guitar, and has been inducted into the NY Blues Hall of Fame. Jill Burnham performs vocals, bringing the Texas soul to their music. They sing original songs that bring a fresh interpretation of the roots of blues.

    Singin’ the blues, although stolen colloquially to indicate complaining about your situation, was intended to do just the opposite, to pull you out of your doldrums, to wave your fist at misfortune, face your troubles head on…howl at the moon. Mark and Jill embrace that tradition by diving into the rich history of the music as well as paying it forward with their own heartfelt compositions.

    Producer Joel Moss

    Mark & Jill won the Capital Region Thomas Edison Awards “Blues Artist of the Year” and the Capital Region Blues Network competition in 2022. They were finalists in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis.

    mark and jill the gem

    Shows will be held every Saturday until the end of August from 6:00-9:00 p.m.. To find out more about the artists and for scheduling information, check out their website. For more on the Gem and additional showings there, take a look at the Gem’s website.

  • Are Women Gaining More Power As Artists?

    A question has been floated as of late: Are Women Saving New York Rap? The answer may not be as definitive as you think. Artists like Maiya the Don put forth lyrical bodies of work that provide refreshment and flavor to save the genre one song at a time. Do more of those individuals tend to be women?

    Maiya the Don in a gold parka

    No debate surrounds the fact that New York hip-hop could use saving. Much of what hits the mainstream airwaves recycles and regurgitates the same radio-friendly formulas. Therefore, I see the original question and raise it: Are Women Gaining more Power as Artists? While all signs point to yes, one Brooklyn individual, Maiya the Don particularly embodies the notion that women have become hip-hop powerhouses, not just an accessory.

    Women Increase Industry Footprint 

    As hip-hop grew, opportunities afforded to female artists were often limited. Often, having a woman in your crew was seen as the thing to do. Eve from Ruff Ryders exists as a prime example. Known as “a pitbull in a skirt,” Ruff Ryders chose her because she fit their rough-and-tumble type mold and she could rap very well. Without ascribing status or making assumptions – it is fair to say women have elevated their role within the hip-hop ecosystem.

    Cover Art for Maiya the Don’s hit single, Telfy

    Maiya the Don stomped confidently into her spot as a New York star. After gaining a large following on TikTok with videos displaying her beauty, makeup and personality – her manager helped position her within the music industry. While on TikTok, she promoted her music as a piece to the content puzzle. Doing so granted her the ability to speak as a representative of Black Visionary Voices – a TikTok initiative that recognizes Black creatives, business owners and cultural changemakers.

    @maiyathedon

    Laquan Smith Sping show NYFW 2023 Rainbow room 🫶🏼

    ♬ original sound – Maiya The Don
    Maiya the Don and Lola Brooke goof around backstage

    TikTok serves as a primary vehicle to transmit any message given that it has the least amount of barriers or hierarchy. Many artists will tease a snippet of their song as a ‘sound’ so that users can create videos which may cause the song to reach more listeners. Once snippets of Maiya the Don’s hit single, “Telfy” started to make the rounds – the beast of a song became difficult to contain.

    Starting from Scratch

    Maiya the Don knows how to communicate what she wants while making music. Her novice knowledge of the terms producers use does not limit her process, whatsoever. She still finds a way to verbalize where she wants what sounds to be placed to invoke maximum effect. When making a hit, all elements must be on point and that deals directly with tasteful tactics employed by people with expertise.

    Women who speak from the vantage point of strength and authenticity continue to receive their just due. As ladies become less of an accessory, Maiya the Don created massive viral buzz around her household hit, “Telfy.” Maiya’s fashionable accessory – the Telfar bag – served as the thematic cornerstone for the song that propelled her into the spotlight. The song carries all the core components of a hit sonically, makes fashion statements and most importantly – popularizing self-worth, confidence and hyper-femininity. 

    Women Evolve within Hip-Hop

    Throughout hip-hop history, many people presented women to the world through a one-dimensional lens. Nowadays, women like Maiya the Don reclaim power, demand respect and utilize fashion to reshape their role as hip-hop artists. A person who owns their narrative and creates a unique adaptation of their own aesthetic continually dismantles stereotypes and evolves as a powerhouse.

    Maiya the Don’s Second Single – Dusties

    Women of today refuse to be treated as lesser. Maiya the Don firmly cements her feet in hip-hop concrete by embracing sexual objectification in order to use it to her advantage. Today’s women operate with liberation in mind, speak up for what they want and function as empowered sexual beings. Having her needs fulfilled cannot come second as Maiya the Don will not stop until she reaches her goals.

    Catch her live in concert on Day 3 of Rolling Loud in Miami, FL on July 23rd, although Maiya has the best stage presence in New York.

    Maiya spoke with BleuMag about her favorite performance, saying “Probably Albany, New York. It was a huge crowd, and I got to open up for Glorilla, who I love. I think she’s so hard. That was my best performance by the way. I’ve never felt like that before.. I was shocked because I was pretty far from home. The fact that they were going that hard for me had me, like, Period!”

    @maiyathedon

    light showwwwwww ALBANY NY💛💛💛💛💛

    ♬ original sound – Maiya The Don

  • Lake George To Host Rock the Lake Festival

    A host of 80’s tribute bands will “Rock the Lake” in Lake George for two days beginning August 11. Visitors to Lake George can watch performances by a variety of cover bands during the Rock the Lake weekend.

    Rock the Lake kicks off Friday, August 11 and continues throughout Saturday, August 12. Performances will take place all day long at the Festival Commons located in Charles R. Wood Park. The park can be found at the southern end of Lake George. The 12.5 acre park includes a 2.5 acre festival space where attendees can enjoy the live music.

    While listening to the Rock the Lake performers, audiences will also have the opportunity to take in the beautiful landscape of the park. The Festival Commons website boasts, “With panoramic views of ‘The Queen of American Lakes,’ event-goers can also take advantage of all that Lake George has to offer in terms of activities and sight-seeing, all within a very short walk from the grounds.”

    The performers for Rock the Lake include:

    August 11

    • Broken Clover – 90’s Alt Rock
    • Broken Hearted – Tom Petty Tribute
    • Monsters of Rock – 80’s Hair Metal
    • Tommy V – Arena Rock

    August 12

    • The Skynyrd Experience – Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute
    • LED Sabbath – Led Zeppelin/Black Sabbath Tribute
    • Run Rabbit Run – Pink Floyd Tribute
    • Ultimate Journey Experience – Journey by Legend
    • KISSTORY – Kiss Tribute
    • Back in Black – AC/DC Tribute

    General admission and VIP tickets can be purchased here. Admission is free for children 12 and under.

  • In Focus: Jason Aldean Delivers Unforgettable Performance at SPAC

    On Sunday, July 16, country superstar Jason Aldean took the stage at Saratoga Performing Arts Center for the third night of his highly anticipated Desperado Tour. Despite the challenges he faced the previous night in Connecticut, where he unfortunately suffered a heat stroke and had to end the show early, Aldean showed his resilience and determination by delivering an outstanding performance that will be remembered for years to come.

    Jason Aldean by Allison Marie

    The evening began with a dynamic opening sets by Corey Kent and Mitchell Tenpenny, setting the stage for an electrifying night. As the rain poured down intermittently throughout the show, the crowd’s enthusiasm remained undeterred. It was evident that the fans were eager to support their favorite artist and make the most of the unforgettable experience. Jason Aldean took the stage amid a sea of cheers and applause, and from the first note, it was clear that this would be a night to remember. The energy in the venue was palpable, and the atmosphere was charged with excitement. Despite the weather challenges, Aldean’s magnetic stage presence and unwavering energy quickly captivated the audience.

    Jason Aldean by Allison Marie

    One of the standout moments of the night was when the crowd, demonstrating their patriotic spirit, spontaneously erupted into chants of “USA” multiple times during the show. This collective display of pride and unity further fueled the electric atmosphere, highlighting the special connection between Aldean and his devoted fanbase.

    Jason Aldean by Allison Marie

    The Macon, GA native (pop. 157,000), Aldean performed a stellar setlist comprised of his number one hits from the past decade and beyond, including his controversial new single, “Try That In A Small Town.” Each song was met with an enthusiastic response, with die-hard fans singing along to every word. From the infectious energy of “Dirt Road Anthem” to the heartfelt emotions of “You Make It Easy,” Aldean showcased his versatility as an artist, delivering a mix of high-energy anthems and poignant ballads that resonated deeply with the audience.

    Jason Aldean by Allison Marie

    Jason Aldean’s performance at SPAC was a testament to his professionalism and unwavering dedication to his fans. His resilience and commitment to providing an unforgettable experience were evident throughout the night, leaving concertgoers in awe of his talent and stage presence. Despite the rain and the heat stroke setback from the previous night, the artist and his passionate fans shared an incredible bond that transcended any obstacles. The Desperado Tour will undoubtedly go down in history as a testament to Aldean’s indomitable spirit and the enduring power of his music.

    Setlist: Tough Crowd, Tattoos On This Town, When She Says Baby, Thats What Tequila Does, Fly Over States, Rearview Town, Amarillo Sky, We Back, Try That In A Small Town, Take A Little Ride, Dirt Road Anthem, Got What I Got, Crazy Town, Trouble With A Heartbreak, You Make It Easy, Big Green Tractor, Lights Come On, Girl Like You, If I Didn’t Love You, Hicktown, My Kinda Party, She’s Country

  • Dave Chappelle Announces August Dates At Madison Square Garden

    Legendary comedian Dave Chappelle recently announced his fall tour which includes four stops in NYC. Dave Chappelle Live gets underway on August 22, 23, 25, and 26 from the world famous Madison Square Garden. 

    Chappelle is widely regarded as one of the greatest comedians of all time. His work includes multiple stand-up specials, his own sketch show, appearances on Saturday Night Live, and acting. In 2019 Chappelle was awarded the illustrious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. All in all the comedian has racked up five Primetime Emmy Awards and four Grammys. 

    Attendees at the show will be prohibited from using cell phones, cameras, or other recording devices during the performances. Upon arrival, all phones and smart watches will be secured until the end of the show. Guests will still have possession of their phones however use is only permitted in designated areas. Anyone caught with a cellphone in the venue will be immediately ejected. 

    Dave Chappelle Live is presented by Pilot Boy Productions. Originally founded by Chappelle in 1992, Pilot Boy looks to deliver quality and thought-provoking concerts, films, television shows, and live events. 

    Pre-sale tickets start on July 26 with general on-sale tickets dropping on July 27. Here for tickets and more information. 

    Dave Chappelle Live Dates

    Tue Aug 22 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden

    Wed Aug 23 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden

    Fri Aug 25 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden – NEWLY ADDED SHOW

    Sat Aug 26 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden – NEWLY ADDED SHOW

    Fri Sep 08 – Cleveland, OH – Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse

    Sat Sep 09 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena

    Tue Sep 12 – Lexington, KY – Rupp Arena

    Wed Sep 13 – Indianapolis, IN – Gainbridge Fieldhouse

    Fri Sep 15 – New Orleans, LA – Smoothie King Arena

    Sun Sep 17 – Kansas City, MO – T-Mobile Center

    Mon Sep 18 – Omaha, NE – CHI Health Center

    Thu Sep 21 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena

    Sat Sep 23 – Saint Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center

    Wed Oct 04 – Chicago, IL – United Center

    Fri Oct 06 – Chicago, IL – United Center

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_m-gO0HSCYk&ab_channel=SaturdayNightLive

  • Gov’t Mule: The Epic Finale – 4th Day of the Great South Bay Music Festival

    The Great South Bay Music Festival came to a spectacular conclusion on its 4th and final day with the legendary Gov’t Mule headlining the event. The festival had been fantastic with three days of great music, but the final day was going to be extraordinary. Gov’t Mule was going to perform a special set called Dark Side of the Mule, promising a unique and unforgettable experience for the crowd.

    As the sun began to set on the Great South Bay, the set by Gov’t Mule began, opening with two Mule classics, “Game Face” and “Time to Confess.” The roaring crowd welcomed the band led by the immensely talented Warren Haynes. After that they launched into the mesmerizing rendition of “Shine on You Crazy Diamond,” a classic Pink Floyd anthem that instantly captivated the audience. Haynes’ soulful vocals and extraordinary guitar skills set the tone for an unforgettable show.

    The Dark Side of the Mule set continued with a thrilling rendition of “Have a Cigar,” followed by the ethereal and atmospheric “Breathe.” The crowd was taken on a journey through Pink Floyd’s iconic album, The Dark Side of the Moon, as Gov’t Mule flawlessly performed “On The Run,” “Time,” and “Money.”

    The audience was treated to the expansive and transcendent “Echoes,” which created an almost otherworldly experience for those in attendance. Gov’t Mule closed their set with an epic performance of “Comfortably Numb.” The combination of Haynes’ emotive vocals and soul-stirring guitar solo left the crowd in a state of pure euphoria, making it a fitting conclusion to an unforgettable night of music.

    Prior to Gov’t Mule’s headline set, the audience was treated to a mix of talented artists throughout the day. The lineup for the show featured Tauk, Brandon Taz Niederauer, Duane Betts and Palmetto Motel, Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening, and Gov’t Mule.

    Duane Betts’ set showcased his own artistry and paid tribute to the legacy of the Allman Brothers with renditions of classics like “Blue Sky” and “Oh Well,” a Fleetwood Mac cover. The crowd embraced the familiar tunes and appreciate the chance to experience the magic of the Allman Brothers once again.

    Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening took the audience on a nostalgic journey through the timeless classics of the iconic rock band. Hits like “Good Times Bad Times” and “Ramble On” had the crowd singing along and reminiscing about the golden era of rock music.

    Young guitar prodigy Brandon Taz Niederauer wowed the audience with his virtuoso performance. The energy and skill he brought to the stage were beyond his years, leaving everyone in awe.

    The festival had a great mix of different artists and music styles, showing how music can bring people together, no matter where they come from. It went beyond differences and made everyone feel happy and connected. The event truly celebrated the special feeling of experiencing live music that touches people deeply inside.

    Check out more from Day 1 and Day 3 of Great South Bay Music Festival.

    Setlists

    Gov’t Mule: Game Face, Time To Confess, Shine On You Crazy Diamond (PartsI-V), Have A Cigar, Breathe, On The Run, Time, Breathe (Reprise), The Great Gig in the Sky, Money, Echos, Comfortably Numb

    Duane Betts: Saints to Sinners, Evergreen, Shinin, Oh Well, Cold Dark World, Colors Fade, Waiting on a Song, Stare at the Sun, Blue Sky

    Jason Bonham: Good Times, Bad Times, The Ocean, Ramble On, Over the Hills, Black Dog, Misty Mountain Hop, Immigrant Song, Whole Lotta Love, Rock and Roll

  • Howlin’ At The Moon Concert Series in Rotterdam Junction Highlights Regional Artists

    The Schenectady County Historical Society is bringing live music to the Capital Region all summer with the Howlin’ at the Moon Concert Series. Hosted at the Mabee Farm Historic Site in Rotterdam Junction, the series runs June 1 to October 5. Shows are on Thursdays at 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. 

    The Howlin’ at the Moon concert series looks to deliver an “authentic musical experience” for visitors and performers alike. The event showcases local and regional artists from a diverse set of genres including bluegrass, Americana, folk, indie, and more. Organizers hope that the series can act as a platform for people to discover and share new ideas and music. 

    One of the main features of Howlin’ at the Moon is the historic venue in which it takes place. Mabee Farm was originally built in 1705 and is widely regarded as the oldest farm in the Mohawk Valley. The property is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The site includes a 17th century house, brick building, Dutch barn, English, barn, and a cemetery. The Dutch barn hosts all concerts, or, in case of rain, the pavilion behind the George E. Franchere Education Center serves as the alternative venue.

    Everesy Rising

    Local band Everest Rising acts as the musical host for each performance. Helping to curate the concert lineup, the group also serves as the opening act all summer long. Bill Flanagan, Pete Gernert-Dott, Dale Wade-Keszey, Trevor Wood, and Mark Baptiste make up bluegrass and Americana outfit.

    All Howlin’ at the Moon shows are $10 at the door (cash only). For more details and information click here. 

    Remaining Concert Lineup

    Arius Photography

    Sara Milonovich & Daisycutter

    w/ Everest Rising

    Thursday, August 3, 2023 | 7:00 PM – 9:00PM

    Sara Milonovich has been a professional musician for over 25 years. She has experience with everything from folk and bluegrass to celtic music and symphony orchestra. Milonovich has performed on Broadway, and even toured Eastern Europe as a State Department musical ambassador. She received the “Americana Artist of the Year” award at the Capital District Thomas Edison Music Awards in 2022.

    Big Fez & the Surfmatics

    w/ Everest Rising

    Thursday, August 31, 2023 “Blue Moon Spectacular” | 7:00 PM – 9:00PM

    Big Fez & the Surfmatics are a four-man group specializing in classic surf and beach music from the early 1960’s and beyond. Their repertoire includes songs by The Ventures, Dick Dale and the Del-Tones, The Trashmen, The Chantays, The Surfaris, and Duane Eddy. Big Fez also performs many of the great vocal hits of the surf era as well, highlighting classic tunes from The Beach Boys, Jan and Dean, The Challengers, The Rivieras, and many more.

    Julie Meeker photo

    The Moon Shells w/ Everest Rising

    Thursday, October 5, 2023 | 7:00 PM – 9:00PM

    The Moon Shells are made up of Maggie Shar, Brian Slattery, Laura Murawski, Molly Merrett, and Charlie Shaw. The group’s sound is a pleasurable concoction of  traditional music from Appalachia, Louisiana, West Africa and elsewhere. Whether performing as an acoustic stringband, a stripped-down trio, or a contemporary five-piece band, the Moon Shells are sure to move hearts and feet.

  • Resonating Energies: Shinedown’s Electrifying Concert at Fallsview Casino

    On Sunday July 23rd, Fallsview Casino’s OLG Stage in Niagara Falls marked an unforgettable night for the attendees. Shinedown delivered a powerful and electrifying performance to conclude their recent tour supporting their latest album, Planet Zero. Preceding the headlining act, the crowd was treated to an impressive opening set by Sleep Theory, hailing from Memphis TN, who energized the audience with their raw and captivating sound.

    As the lights dimmed and the anticipation reached its peak, Shinedown took the stage, igniting the atmosphere with their opening track, “Diamond Eyes (Boom-Lay Boom-Lay Boom).” Lead vocalist Brent Smith’s commanding presence held the audience in thrall from the very beginning, setting the tone for an evening filled with rock anthems and heartfelt ballads. Many fans were excited to see the use of pyro and flash bangs inside. It wasn’t as big as an outdoor show, but was still spectacular.

    The band’s well-curated setlist of 19 songs showcased their musical versatility, incorporating both fan-favorite classics and fresh tracks from their latest album. Hits like “Second Chance” and “Sound of Madness” had the crowd singing along passionately, while newer releases like “Devil” and the album’s title track, “Planet Zero,” demonstrated the band’s continued evolution and growth.

    A standout moment of the night was the acoustic rendition of Jimmy Eat World’s hit, “The Middle.” The stripped-down performance showcased Smith’s soulful vocals and resonated deeply with the audience, creating an intimate and emotional connection.

    Throughout the concert, Shinedown engaged with their fans, with Smith delivering heartfelt speeches that emphasized themes of resilience, unity, and hope. This personal touch forged a strong bond between the band and their dedicated supporters, making the event feel like a shared and special experience.

    As the night approached its climax, the band closed with an explosive performance of “Cut the Cord,” leaving the crowd in a state of euphoria. The overwhelming energy and passion on display demonstrated why Shinedown has remained a force to be reckoned with in the modern rock scene.

    In the aftermath of the concert, attendees were left with lasting memories of an exceptional night of music and showmanship. Shinedown’s ability to connect with their audience, coupled with the stellar opening act by Sleep Theory, solidified the event as a remarkable and unforgettable experience. As the lights came up and the cheers subsided, it was evident that Shinedown’s music and live performances will continue to resonate with fans for years to come. They are not stopping anytime soon.

    Sleep Theory

    Shinedown

    photos by Mike Miller
    photos by Mike Miller
    photos by Mike Miller
    photos by Mike Miller
    photos by Mike Miller

  • Red Hot Chili Peppers, Lauryn Hill and More Highlight 2023 Global Citizen Festival Lineup

    Returning to the Great Lawn of Central Park in New York City on Saturday, September 23 at 2:00 pm, international advocacy organization Global Citizen has announced its lineup for the 2023 free admission festival.

    In addition to the headliners Red Hot Chili Peppers and Ms. Lauryn Hill, Megan Thee Stallion, Conan Gray, and the Stray Kids will take the Central Park stage. As a mashup between rock, hip-hop, R&B, and other genres, the festival brings together some of the industry’s best for the annual event.

    The Red Hot Chili Peppers

    Global Citizen’s campaign focuses on the major issues surrounding extreme poverty worldwide, the impacts of climate change, hunger crises, and inequities affecting women and girls.

    Beginning in Australia in 2008, Global Citizen continues operations in New York, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Berlin, Melbourne, Lagos, etc. to emphasize the movement to put an end to extreme poverty.

    The festival’s curator since 2015, Chris Martin of Coldplay, and the Global Citizen Festival’s co-founders Ryan Gall and Hugh Evans have put together spectacular shows not only in New York City but in other landmark cities across the globe.

    Last year saw Usher, SZA, and Tems perform at Black Star Square in Accra, Ghana in front of thousands, all to help raise money and spread awareness for the organization’s cause.

    Over the past 10 years, 43.6 billion dollars in commitments have been announced through Global Citizen platforms, impacting nearly 1.3 billion lives worldwide, with attendees of this year’s event being able to add even more to that total through awareness and donations.

    Ms. Lauryn Hill

    Ticket Information

    Tickets to this year’s show are free and accessible by joining the movement and taking action on the Global Citizen app or at www.globalcitizen.org. On the website, you are free to scroll through the issues the organization combats and additional event information.

    SZA performing at the 2022 Global Citizen Festival in Accra, Ghana