Tag: manhattan

In Focus: The Music Of Paul McCartney at Carnegie Hall

On the evening of Wednesday, March 15, New York City’s Carnegie Hall served as a gathering place to pay tribute to Sir Paul McCartney. Produced by Entrepreneur and Philanthropist Michael Dorf, The Music Of Paul McCartney was the 18th annual Music Of benefit concert to grace Carnegie Hall.

Photograph by Bobby Banks

In front of a sold-out house, Will Lee, Alexis Morrast, Peter Asher, Lyle Lovett, Patti Smith, Sammy Rae, Shovels & Rope, Christopher Cross, Danny Laine, Allison Russel, The Cactus Bottoms, Jennifer Nettles, Resistance Revival Chorus, Music Will Kids Group, Lake Street Drive, Bruce Hornsby, Graham Nash, Ingrid Michaelson, Glen Hasard, Jonathan Russel, Hamilton Leithauser, Betty Lavette, and Nancy Wilson sang their praises. Each artist performed one song from Paul McCartney’s vast catalog and celebrated his musical career.

The evening was marked by golden moments. Patti Smith, who was not originally on the line-up, surprised the crowd with a rendition of The Beatles, “She’s Leaving Home.” She added her own lyrical twists throughout the song, reaffirming her already widely known and beloved creative prose.

Patti Smith at Carnegie Hall on March 15, 2023 in New York City. Photo by Bobby Banks.

The New York City Chapter of The Resistance Revival Chorus then took the stage. The chorus is “a collective of more than 60 women, and non-binary singers, who join together to breathe song and joy into the resistance and to uplift and center women’s voices,” according to the Resistance Revival Chorus. The group performed The Beatles’ “Let It Be.” In doing so, they transformed the event into an interactive experience between the performer and the audience. They radically broke down all barriers between performer and viewer; between stage and seat.

They put their arms up to the sky, and audience members did the same. They danced, and the audience danced. The grand, wide-open room that is Carnegie Hall suddenly became one. They walked tall off the stage to a symphony of cheers, snaps, and the sudden shuffling of a standing ovation – The first of the night.

Photo by Bobby Banks

The stage also welcomed Music Will Kids Group to perform The Beatles’ “Get Back.” The group consisted of four students from a New York City-based high school. Before strumming a note or singing a tune, the lead singer shouted a thank-you into the microphone for their music teacher, Mr. Paris.

To close out the evening, all 23 performers joined on stage to perform their group finale, “Hey Jude.” Performers clapped, hugged, smiled, and filled the stage with joy. Fans stood, swayed, and joined in on the music. Carnegie Hall’s choir of 3,000+ voices reverberated through the city and solidified an already unshakable legacy of one of history’s greatest, Sir Paul McCartney.

The Music Of tribute series has donated collectively over $1.5M in proceeds to organizations that provide music education programs and opportunities to underserved youths. Paul McCartney’s tribute was preceded by tributes to other greats, such as Aretha Franklin, David Bowie, David Byrne, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, and more.

Group encore performs “Hey Jude” for the final song of The Music Of Paul McCartney at Carnegie Hall on March 15, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Bobby Bank/Getty Images)

Music Of Paul McCartney Setlist: “Ooh You” performed by Will Lee, “My Love” performed by Alexis Morrast, “A World Without Love” performed by Peter Asher & Lyle Lovett, “Things We Said Today” performed by Patti Smith, “Heart of the Country” performed by Sammy Rae, “Helter Skelter” performed by Shovels & Rope, “Mother Nature’s Son” performed by Christopher Cross, “Mull of Kintyre” performed by Denny Laine & Christopher Cross, “Blackbird” performed by Allison Russell, “And I Love Her” performed by The Cactus Blossoms, “Silly Love Song” performed by Jennifer Nettles, “Let it Be” performed by Resistance Revival Chorus, “Get Back” performed by Music Will Kids Group, “Let Me Roll It” performed by Lake Street Drive, “I’ve Just Seen a Face” performed by Bruce Hornsby, “For No One” performed by Graham Nash, “I Will” & “Calico Skies” performed by Ingrid Michaelson, “We Can Work It Out” performed by Glen Hansard, “Let Em In” performed by Jonathan Russell, “With a Little Help from My Friends” performed by Hamilton Leithauser, “Maybe I’m Amazed” performed by Betty LaVette, “Yesterday” performed by Lyle Lovett, “Band On the Run” performed by Nancy Wilson, “Hey Jude” performed by entire line-up.

March 19, 2023
Nai’a Releases Vulnerable and Passionate “Newman Beauty” Single

Manhattan’s Nai’a has just released a very vulnerable and passionate single titled “Newman Beauty,” on February 16^th. This heartfelt single is part of Nai’a’s craft; with head turning, shocking visuals, and raw, emotional compositions, Nai’a isn’t just making music, but art.

Being a pensive and exploring artist in the space of adventures circling through his life, Nai’a’s creative mind comes to life as he creates music. By intertwining the melodies and wordplays appealingly, he knits his song flawlessly.

There’s a dichotomy of thoughts and escapades he powders his songs with. Nai’a meanders by his beliefs finding the meaning of life through the songs that he writes. “Newman Beauty”, Nai’a’s latest record, is an intimate closure of thoughts with simply him and a guitar. The yearning guitar riffs & his voice overflowing with a thousand stories culminate into an emotionally strong tune.

“I was in love, now you’re just a memory”
– Nai’a

The song acts as a journal of his emotional journey when dreaming to be in love. His encumbered voice carries the weight of ardor. The single is a straightforward, easy, unadorned yet brilliantly crafted song that Nai’a has released.

While talking about the song Nai’a stated, “Writing Newman Beauty has been the biggest risk I’ve taken as a songwriter. I had to tell my story in the most honest way, with no sugar coating,” and he’s given it justice by keeping both his lyricism and the music minimal and honest.

The song feels like he’s floating on a sea of vulnerability, as he sings the words. He paints the picture of him longing for something that isn’t his.

The ambiguity of his mind preoccupies the thoughts that flow, as he communicates through the music. It’s like Nai’a is fixated on a person he can’t let go of, from a place of love and affection. You can hear the tenderness and pain along his dreamy melodies. “Newman Beauty” is a way of healing himself.

For more by Nai’a, click the link here.

To listen to “Newman Beauty,” click the link here.

March 13, 2023
In Focus: Gramercy Theatre Welcomes Meet Me @ The Altar

Electrifying punk rock group Meet Me @ The Altar blew the roof of Gramercy Theatre on March 2 as part as their first ever headline tour. Along with their openers Daisy Grenade and their intense sound, and Young Culture’s standout stage presence, the Meet Me @ The Altar show was absolutely unforgettable for anyone in attendance.

Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma

Meet Me @ The Altar is a three-piece WOC pop-punk band, consisting of guitarist/bassist/singer Téa Campbell (Florida), drummer Ada Juarez (New Jersey), and singer Edith Johnson (Georgia). Originally formed in 2015, the three members—all of whom lived in different states at the time—worked on music remotely through the internet. The band went on their first tour in 2018 and were signed by Fueled by Ramen in 2020. Their creativity continues with their new album Past // Present // Future that came out on March 10.

Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma

Daisy Grenade is a power-punk bubble grunge band that serves a punch with a lip-glossed kiss on the side. Made up of the two gorgeously disturbed girlies Keaton Whittaker and Dani Nigro, they turned their unapologetically feminine angst into sickeningly catchy, morbidly worded bubble-grunge bops that are dripping out of a saccharine shell. With Pete Wentz as a mentor and the collaboration of The Ready Set for their sophomore EP, CULT CLASSIC, these two theater kids started making music in 2020 and haven’t looked back.

Daisy Grenade Setlist: Heavy Metal Parking Lot Kind Of Cool, Darby, Stone’s Throw, Skin, I Got It Bad, Rorschach, Dominoes, Colm’s, Veritas, Pocket Change

Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma

Hailing from Albany, the trio of Alex Magnan, Gabe Pietrafesa, Troy Burchett that make up Young Culture have been brewing their sound for the past couple of years and most recently have released their album You Had To Be There. Their music can be described as early 2000s-sunshine-rock-meets-modern-technology that pops with bright color and vibrant emotion. The band signed with Equal Vision Records in 2018 and have been releasing banger after banger ever since.

Young Culture Setlist: Not In Love, Drift, Smooth, Fantasy, Silver Lining, Shiver, Holiday in Vegas, Serendipity, Different Now, Kinda Over It

Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma

Daisy Grenade took the stage first, launching directly into a hardcore “Heavy Metal Parking Lot Kind Of Cool”. Embodying female angst and jumping around the stage, the energy in the room was electric. The crowd was moshing along as they played new songs, like “Skin” and “I Got It Bad”. After a quick shoutout to their parents in the crowd, the fans for bringing the energy, Daisy Grenade retired the stage with a bang after playing “Pocket Change.”

Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma

There was a shift in the room when Young Culture emerged. The chants from fans were almost deafening, as all you could hear was their little tagline, “YC F*CKS”. Launching right into “Not In Love” from their most recent album. The crowd’s enthusiasm skyrocketed as Alex left the stage to stand on the barricade, directly interacting with the fans during the set. With encouragement from the band, the crowd surfing began, putting security to work. From the constant chanting to the jostling of the fans around in the pit, the energy in the room built up to new heights.

Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma

By the time Meet Me @ The Altar took the stage, the crowd was buzzing with anticipation. With Téa and Ada tuning and prepping their instruments. Riding off the high of the crowd chanting their names, leading lady Edith hops out and launches into one of the bands most well known songs, “Say It (To My Face)”. With an energy equivalent to a pop punk rager, this hardcore show can only be described as feral and free. The chanting and the crowdsurfing didn’t cease, even long after they performed their final song. Only a week before the release of their new album, Meet Me @ The Altar is on an upward trajectory when it comes to their sound.

Meet Me @ The Altar Setlist: Say It (To My Face), Beyond My Control, Hit Like A Girl, King of Everything, Try, May The Odds Be Ever In Your Favor, Now Or Never, Feel A Thing, [unknown song], Complicated, Same Lane, A Few Tomorrow, Garden

Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma

In terms of upcoming shows, Daisy Grenade will be on tour with Meet Me @ The Altar until April. They’re then scheduled to head on tour supporting Fall Out Boy on multiple dates from June 23rd in Montana to July in Colorado. For any updates on future shows and tours, check out their website.

Young Culture will also be with Meet Me @ The Altar until April, but past that, there is nothing scheduled. For updates, check their website and socials.

After tour wraps, you can find Meet Me @ The Altar at an array of different festivals, from Adjacent Festival in New Jersey to Leeds Festival in the UK.

March 13, 2023
Dogboy Debut First Two Singles, One More to Come

Indie rock band Dogboy released their first single, “That’s What We Wanted” on February 10. Their next single, “Cowboy Killer”, was released on March 3, and the third, “Rush” will be released on March 31, respectively. They recently finished recording their five-track EP, produced by Kit Conway, at Fraser Studios.

Dogboy formed in early 2022, and their musical style is inspired by artists like Shel Silverstein, the Arctic Monkeys, The Strokes, Jean Dawson, and Briston Maroney. They have performed their original songs throughout venues in Manhattan and Brooklyn. With grinding guitars and propulsive percussion, the band is a surf rock-inspired poetic pop punk band setting out to capitalize on their huge catalog of original songs, but more importantly, put on engaging, high-energy live shows.

“That’s What We Wanted” is the perfect title for the band’s debut single. After all the hard work and dedication the band put into their music, they got just what they wanted, making it big with their first single being released publicly. The song’s strength is in its versatility, allowing any listener to be able to identify with its message. It can be taken literally, for audiences that want to take a sigh of relief after finally getting something they wanted after pouring their heart and soul into it. For others, it can allow them to have a moment of self-reflection, remembering that they got just what they wanted, even if it’s not what they imagined.

“Cowboy Killer” has more of a soft-rock feel. It has the vibe, in all the best ways, of a classic ’90s song by rock legends such as the Beach Boys, Arctic Monkeys, and the Strokes. It has something for everyone, providing all rock fans with their fix and giving an extra level of nostalgia for those fans that love the classics.

Dogboy have appearances schedules with Radio Free Brooklyn – NFP providing community radio for Brooklyn, NY, and Flowstate Series – PBS All Arts documentary series by Cyprian Films New York. They’ll also be on two podcasts soon, Stern Chats – NYU Stern Graduate School Podcast, and No Suggestion – Improv Comedy Talk Show Based in Brooklyn.

“That’s What We Wanted” and “Cowboy Killer” are now available to listen to now on Spotify.

Video of live performance of “That’s What We Wanted” at Rockwood Music Hall

March 6, 2023
“Rock & Roll Man” Musical to Open on Broadway in June

Rock & Roll Man, a new musical honoring legendary American DJ Alan Freed, opens on Broadway on June 21, announced today by Tony Award-winning producers Caiola Productions and Jay & Cindy Gutterman. Previews begin June 2. Constantine Maroulis stars as Alan Freed, and Randal Myler directs the musical.

Set on the last day of Freed’s life, Rock & Roll Man chronicles the life and accomplishments of Alan Freed, the boundary-pushing musician who popularized the records that became the foundation of rock. The musical comprises an original score with genre-defying hits like “Lucille,” “Why Do Fools Fall in Love,” and “Tutti Frutti,” to name a few. Unsurprisingly, the production won the 2019 Broadway World Berkshires Awards for Best Musical.

Producers Caiola Productions and Jay & Cindy Gutterman said “Rock & Roll Man is a timeless and tremendously entertaining musical that will move and inspire people of all ages and backgrounds.” They expanded on Freed’s accomplishments in the industry, including defying the then-status quo by being the first white DJ to play Black music on mainstream radio. In doing this, Freed united Black and white artists at the dawn of the civil rights movement.

Randal Myler, Director of Rock & Roll Man

Randal Myler is a Tony Award nominee for co-conceiving and directing It Ain’t Nothin’ But The Blues at Lincoln Center. Additionally, he wrote and directed the critically acclaimed Hank Williams: Lost Highway. Other credits include his Janis Joplin bio-musical Love, Janis, which surpassed 700 performances at the former Village Gate, a many more.

Constantine Maroulis, star of Rock & Roll Man

Constantine Maroulis, born in Brooklyn and raised in New Jersey is best known for his iconic star turn in Broadway’s Rock of Ages, earning him a number of accolades, including Broadway.com Star of the Year. He hails from the heyday of American Idol, winning the hearts of 30 million viewers weekly during the show’s fourth season, despite coming in sixth place. A graduate of the prestigious Boston Conservatory at Berklee College of Music, Maroulis resides in New Jersey and has a 12-year-old daughter, Malena James.

Keep an eye out for Rock & Roll Man on Broadway ticket information.

Listen to Alan Freed’s radio show.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s19HmcLeTtQ

March 3, 2023
Black History Files: Fotografiska Showcases 50 years of Hip Hop

History is said to repeat itself. In fact, we study textbooks and learn from our past as a means of avoiding it. In the case of hip hop, a genre that began as a social movement by-and-for the local community of African, Latino, and Caribbean Americans, we’ve had the luxury of having monumental moments captured for us by some of histories greatest orators. 50 years after its inception, the best rap songs are time capsules into their respective eras. Keeping in theme, Swedish photography museum Fotografiska have decided to chronicle hip hop’s emergence for its 50th anniversary. From its creation in the Bronx in 1973 and culminating in the worldwide phenomenon it has become 50 years later.

Hip Hop: Conscious, Unconscious chronicles the genre beginning with its origin in the Bronx

What is Hip Hop: Conscious, Unconscious?

Created in partnership with Mass Appeal, Hip Hop: Conscious, Unconscious delves deep into the genres origins, identifying the individual creatives involved in the movement. It is a fitting name considering the intended and inadvertent effect of what is now the world’s most popular genre. Located in Manhattan’s Gramercy Park neighborhood, the show’s layout is by chronology and geography. Additionally, the exhibition brings audiences through five decades of history, culminating in recent imagery of today’s biggest names.

Beginning with formative figures such as DJ Kool Herc, Afrika Bambaataa and Grandmaster Flash, the display captures the era’s larger cultural climate, painting a picture of wthe influential factors that helped inspire the genre’s proprietors. Correspondingly, the show’s imagery features breakdancers, graffiti artist, b-boys and even gang culture which Sacha Jenkins — the exhibition’s co-curator –explains “was the precursor to hip-hop in terms of creating an identity for yourself,” especially regarding the culture’s core philosophies around self-identification.

Hip Hop: Conscious, Unconscious runs from January 26 until May 21, with focus areas that include the early years, the regional and stylistic diversification; and the turning point when hip hop became a billion-dollar industry. In like manner, the set of women who trailblazed hip hop’s male-dominated environment are also extensively documented.

Women’s contributions to hip hop are celebrated thoughout the exhibition.

We made a thoughtful effort to have the presence of women accurately represented, not overtly singling them out in any way,
– Sally Berman, co-curator of Hip Hop: Conscious, Unconscious

You’ll turn a corner and there will be a stunning portrait of Eve or a rare and intimate shot of Lil’ Kim that most visitors won’t have seen before. There are far fewer women than men in hip-hop, but the ones that made their mark have an electrifying presence—just like the effect of their portraits interspersed throughout the show.
-Sally Berman

Why should you go see this exhibit?

Hip Hop’s comeuppance is no small feat. What began as humble break parties in the Bronx has emerged to inspire millions around the globe. It’s representation of youthful urban culture is now the cultural norm. However, for those who trail-blazed the movement, hip hop meant freedom and the ability to express unfiltered thoughts and emotions. Sadly, time has faded the memory of the movement’s many vanguards. Several key figures played roles in amplifying this energy shifting movement and now many of these forgotten pioneers will get their proper due.

In addition to the genre’s periphery figures, world-famous photos like Geoffroy de Boismenu’s 1994 portrait of Christopher “Biggie” Wallace staring at the camera with an off-center blunt in his mouth, Run DMC’s feet under the table at The Fresh Fest press conference, a 20-year-old Mary J. Blige in New York, Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean on an East Harlem rooftop while shooting the music video for
“Vocab” and many more iconic photos will feature heavily throughout the show.

It’s easy to forget that there was a time before hip-hop was an industry and before it made money. It wasn’t conscious of itself. It was just existing with young people living their lives, dressing as they did, trying to entertain themselves with limited resources and creating an aesthetic that registered amongst themselves. It wasn’t for the world; it was for a very specific community. Then there was an exponentially paced transition where hip-hop culture became a conscious of itself as an incredibly lucrative global export. The exhibition’s lifeblood is the period before hip-hop knew what it was.
– Sacha Jenkins, exhibition co-curator and Chief Creative Officer of Mass Appeal

Information about Fotografiska New York and Hip Hop: Conscious, Unconscious can be found here.

February 9, 2023
American Classical Orchestra Announced “Healing Bach” Concert On March 2nd

The American Classical Orchestra (ACO) is announcing the “Healing Bach” performance including much-loved Bach cantatas at the Gothic-style Church of St. Vincent Ferrer in Manhattan on Thursday, March 2, 2023 at 8 pm. This wonderful concert is featuring notable soloists including Sherezade Panithaki, Daniel Moody, Brian Giebler, and Joseph Parrish.

from left to right: Sherezade Panthaki © David Fung, Daniel Moody © Courtesy of the artist, Brian Giebler © J. Demetrie Photography, Joseph Parrish © Courtesy of YCA.

Founded in 1984 as the Orchestra of the Old Fairfield Academy and renamed in 1999, the American Classical Orchestra (ACO) is the New York City’s foremost period instrument orchestra. It is now the City’s only full-scale orchestra dedicated to performing 17th, 18th, and 19th century music on period instruments. By playing music on original instruments and using historic performance techniques, ACO strives to recreate the sounds that audiences would have heard when the music was first written and performed.

The Church of St. Vincent Ferrer is a Roman Catholic parish in the Upper East Side of Manhattan, New York City. It was designed by Bertram Goodhue and completed in 1918 and made a New York City designated landmark in 1967.

Before the concert, Artistic Director Thomas Crawford will give a brief talk to illuminate the program at 7:15 pm. The concert featuring soloists including soprano Sherezade Panthaki, head of Mount Holyoke College’s vocal program; countertenor and Metropolitan Opera singer Daniel Moody, tenor Brian Giebler, the 2020 Best Classical Solo Vocal Album Grammy winner; and bass-baritone Joseph Parrish, winner of the 2022 Young Concert Artists International Auditions. Especially, this concert will highlight J.S Bach’s Am Abend aber desselbigen Sabbats, BWV 42; Gleichwie der Regen und Schnee vom Himmel fällt, BWV 18; Schwingt freudig euch empor, BWV 36.

The following performance will close the ACO season with an evening of Romantic music by Schumann, Sarasate, and Grieg. It will feature baritone William Meinert, praised for his “rich vibrant bass” (Opera Today) and award-winning violinist Rachell Ellen Wong, on May 18 at Alice Tully Hall.

American Classical Orchestra will be conducted by Thomas Crawford, consisted of soprano Corrine Byrne and Sherezade Panthaki; mezzo-soprano Sylvia Leith; countertenor Daniel Moody; tenor Lawrence Jones and Brian Giebler; bass-baritone Joseph Parrish and Edmund Milly; and Marc Schachman on oboe and oboe d’amore.

Tickets, priced at $75, $55, and $35 are available at American Classical Orchestra website. For more information, visit aconyc.org.

February 5, 2023
WNYC Studios Celebrates The Release of The Second Season of La Brega Podcast

On January 26, WNYC and Futuro Studios celebrated the release of the second season of the podcast, La Brega: Stories of the Puerto Rican Experience at The Greene Space.

Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma

Hosted by award-winning Alana Casanova-Burgess, the commemoration entailed a night of melodious music, dancing, and a description of what to expect in the second season of the La Brega podcast. Thanks to the Mellon Foundation, the eight-episode podcast focuses on uniting communities and sharing authentic accounts of La Brega, also known as The Struggle of the Puerto Rican people.

Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma

Recognized as the island donde hasta la piedras cantan, meaning “where even the rocks sing”, Puerto Rico is known best for expressing themselves musically. As a result, each episode of La Brega: Stories of the Puerto Rican Experience will contain an esteemed Puerto Rican Song. Each song feature’s themes of societal issues such as colonialism, race, feminism, immigration, LGBTQ+ issues, and more. Expect to hear from musicians, DJs, and academics such as Rubén Blades, Susana Baca, Gabby Rivera, José Massó, Andres “Velcro” Ramos, Ana Macho, José Massó, and more. The podcast is now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, etc.

“Season 2 sheds light on the songs that reflect what it means to be Puerto Rican and part of the diaspora — about the pride and yearning we feel for home, and that resonates with people everywhere. They capture joy, frustration, love, loss, and wonder of the human experience — in short: la brega.”
– Alana Cassanova- Burgess

Doors opened at 7pm, where guests mingled and were welcomed by flavorsome food and drinks by the bar. Around 8pm guests made their way into a stunning fluorescent lit room, excited to hear from Alana, the electric band, Balún, and the exuberant DJ Christian Mártir. The iconic Puerto Rican and Brooklyn based band, Balún left the audience with no choice but to dance as they performed. Through the violin, accordion, bass, pan flute, ukulele, piano and remarkable lyrics, harmonic music filled the air.

The music showcased by Balún also appeared in the first season of the La Brega: Stories of the Puerto Rican Experience. After their captivating performance, the stellar DJ Christian Mártir took over for the night. Known for his Lantinx sound, DJ Christian Mártir made the night unforgettable.

Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma

Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma

Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma

Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma

Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma

Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma

Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma

Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma

January 31, 2023
Tours of Historic Kings Theatre in Brooklyn Make a Smashing Comeback

Kings Theatre, located in Brooklyn New York is proud to announce their Historic Tour events will be making a comeback. Tour dates are scheduled for February 18 and March 11 at 1pm. An introduction of a weekday tour will be taking place on March 21 at 7pm.

Kings Theater built in 1929 as one of the five original Loew’s Wonder Theaters . The Theater was originally a movie palace live performance venue featuring vaudeville reviews. The 20th century movie palace was inspired by the French Renaissance Revival style of the Palace of Versailles and the Paris Opera House. What we now know as Kings Theater became stagnant after its closing in 1979 until undergoing restoration in 2013. In 2015, the theater was officially opened as Kings Theatre with a debut performance by the amazing Dianna Ross. Kings Theatre is now recognized as a cultural and economic cornerstone of the Flatbush community and a magnificent addition to Brooklyn’s spirited cultural landscape.

During the 75 minute tour, expect to be educated on the historical and architectural highlights from knowledgeable tour guides. For example, guests will learn about the baroque stylings of this luxurious theater, the “Queen of Kings”, the Robert Morgan Wonder Organ, and become informed on the theater’s daily workings.Starting in the resplendent grand lobby, guests will travel through ornate speakeasy lounges and both levels of the 3,055-seat auditorium.

Under the management of Ambassador Theatre Group, Kings Theatre now portrays a variation of world class programming that includes live music, stand-up comedy, theatrical and literary events in addition to hosting film shoots and even private events. Guests will have the option of enhancing their experience to include two drinks and access to one of the theaters private speakeasies for a post tour destination. For tickets and further information on Kings Theatre tours, please visit here.

January 26, 2023