NYS Music 2023

Tag: news

  • In Focus: Punk-Rock Icon Patti Smith Returns to the Brooklyn Steel for Birthday Show

    This past Friday, December 29, punk-rock icon, singer-songwriter, poet, artist, and New York Times Bestselling author Patti Smith graced the stage at the Brooklyn Steel for two nights. Patti returned for her birthday show, this time commemorating turning 77. Fans from all generations came to see Patti’s incredible, lively performance at Brooklyn’s intimate, 1800-capacity venue.

    Patti Smith, photographed by Sarah Hyun

    Patti Smith, though raised in South Jersey, moved to NYC at the ripe age of 21 to study art and poetry. Her bestselling novel, Just Kids, which details her experience living in NYC, brought a new wave of people—especially younger ones—to Patti’s fanbase and show. Although Patti is not currently touring, she frequently returns to NYC to play with her band which consists of Lenny Kaye, Jay Dee Daugherty, Tony Shanahan, and Jackson Frederick Smith (her son!).

    Patti Smith, photographed by Sarah Hyun

    Patti opened the night with an extraordinary rendition of “So You Want to Be a Rock ‘n’ Roll Star.” Scaling around the stage with incredible ease and her nimble dance moves, Patti made the crowd go wild with her performance. Her silver braids almost seemed to glow under the stage lights, drawing all eyes to her throughout the whole concert. One fan screamed, “I love you Patti! I’m your number one fan!” 

    After playing “Free Money,” Patti stopped and began conversing with the crowd about how confusing TV remotes are. “It’s unbelievable right? You need one to put the TV on, the other for volume, and the other to get the Netflix or whatever you want on. It’s taken me hours just to get the TV on.” A fan screamed “Happy Birthday!” where Patti responded with, “Not yet! Don’t age me any faster than I am.”

    Ending the night on a powerful note, Patti played “Because the Night” and “People Have the Power,” where she brought out her daughter Jesse Paris Smith and her high school friend Laura to sing. Patti Smith is truly legendary, and her show was nothing short of that.

  • mxmtoon, Live in Brooklyn!

    On December 15th, the indie-pop luminary mxmtoon/Maia wrapped up her “plum blossom (revisited) tour” in style at the cozy Roulette venue in Brooklyn, her adopted home. Despite her Bay Area origins, the artist warmly acknowledged the show as a second hometown gig, solidifying the special bond she shares with the Brooklyn crowd. The night was a whirlwind of distinctive moments, from a fan capturing the event with a 3DS to the collective knuckle-cracking orchestrated by Maia, showcasing both the uniqueness of her fanbase and her penchant for the offbeat.

    In a touching moment, the emotional crescendo transpired during the performance of “Stuck.” Overwhelmed by a fan project featuring signs proclaiming “you are more than enough for us,” Maia paused and restarted the song, getting overwhelmed with emotion and tearing up a bit over the profound connection her music forms with her dedicated followers.

    The concert became an interactive experience when Maia encouraged the audience to join her in a spirited rendition of “Prom Dress,” a poignant moment of shared emotion. Adding layers of sentimentality, Mxmtoon revealed that “Hong Kong” held a special place in her heart, as it was her mom’s favorite among all her compositions. The setlist, a carefully curated blend of fan favorites and surprises, included an unreleased jewel titled “Sarah,” a clever and quippy exploration of the concept of hate-watching YouTube videos.

    The night unfolded as more than just a concert; it was a narrative journey with Maia providing glimpses into the stories behind her songs. The anecdote about “I Feel Like Chet,” a song where her youthful enunciation led to amusing misinterpretations (like “I feel like shit”), showcased her ability to infuse humor into her reflections. The concert concluded with an encore, featuring a cover of Vance Joy’s “Riptide,” cementing the evening as a nuanced exchange between artist and audience, leaving an indelible mark on all those present.

    Setlist: cliché, the idea of you, mona lisa, sad disco, fever dream, porcelain, i feel like chet, temporary nothing, sarah (unreleased), hong kong, stuck, feelings are fatal, prom dress

    Encore: Riptide (Vance Joy cover)

  • Gus Dapperton Takes Webster Hall by Storm

    Gus Dapperton’s performance at Webster Hall on November 30 was a captivating journey through a sonic tapestry, opening with a unique touch of vintage charm.

    Gus Dapperton, the moniker of Brendan Rice, emerged as a defining force in indie-pop, forging a musical path that blends nostalgia with contemporary vibes. Hailing from Warwick, NY, Dapperton rose to prominence with his breakout single “Prune, You Talk Funny,” showcasing a distinctive sound marked by dreamy melodies and introspective lyrics. His debut album, Where Polly People Go to Read, exemplifies his genre-defying approach, capturing the essence of his journey as an artist who seamlessly navigates between past influences and modern expression. With each release, Gus Dapperton continues to evolve his musical narrative, creating a unique space in the indie-pop landscape.

    As the band entered the stage, the crooning notes of “Fly Me to the Moon” reverberated from an old-timey speaker, setting an enchanting tone. From this moment, the audience was transported into the dreamy world that Dapperton effortlessly creates.

    The setlist unfolded like a carefully crafted narrative, seamlessly blending fan favorites and surprises. “Give It To Me Straight” and “Prune, You Talk Funny” showcased Dapperton’s signature blend of indie pop and funk-infused beats, keeping the crowd in a perpetual state of dance. The playful Drake-infused intro to “My Favorite Fish” added an unexpected twist, revealing the artist’s willingness to experiment within his established sound.

    Throughout the performance, Dapperton’s stage presence was magnetic, engaging the audience with every beat. The cover of Bruce Springsteen’s “I’m on Fire” demonstrated not only his vocal versatility but also his ability to reinterpret classics. A mysterious interlude came in the form of “Flatline,” injecting an element of suspense that kept the audience hanging onto each note.

    The energy reached its zenith during the encore, featuring “Horizons” and a lively rendition of “Twist and Shout.” Dapperton’s ability to connect with the audience and curate a setlist that seamlessly blended genres left concertgoers with a euphoric afterglow. The night stood as a testament to Dapperton’s artistry and showmanship, making it a performance to be remembered.

    Setlist: Fly Me to the Moon (In Other Words), Sunset, Palms, Give It To Me Straight, Ditch, [Prune, You Talk Funny], My Favorite Fish (With ‘In My Feelings’ by Drake intro), Medicine, [Gum, Toe and Sole], I’m Just Snacking, I’m on Fire (Bruce Springsteen cover), Flatline (Mystery song), First Aid, Midnight Train, Don’t Trust Me (3OH!3 cover), Fill Me Up Anthem, Wet Cement, Don’t Let Me Down, Post Humorous

    Encore: Horizons, Twist and Shout (The Top Notes cover)

  • New York Youth Symphony To Debut ‘Crescendo’ At The Kaufman Center

    The New York Youth Symphony has debuted a brand new orchestra, Crescendo, set to play their first concert titled Breaking New Ground on November 20 at Merkin Hall at The Kaufman Center. Directed by Tanya Chanphanitpornkit, the youth orchestra is a free program for New York City students.

    New York Youth Symphony

    The New York Youth Symphony provides NYC students access to music in an immersive and educational experience. Crescendo, the new orchestra group for string players aged 10-18, will play a selection of six pieces at Merkin Hall, including Mendelssohn, Bologne, and more.

    Crescendo

    The Kaufman Music Center presents music programs for students, performers, and audiences alike. Merkin Hall is the center’s most intimate venue, hosting workshops, performances, and competitions throughout the year.

    Crescendo will debut Breaking New Ground on November 20 at 7PM at Merkin Hall at The Kaufman Center. Tickets are available here.

  • PAC NYC Unveils New Restaurant Metropolis By Marcus Samuelsson

    Metropolis, a brand new restaurant by Marcus Samuelsson opened inside the Perelman Performing Arts Center (PAC NYC) in Lower Manhattan. A vibrant mix of contemporary American cuisine, the restaurant takes inspiration from the culture and traditions of New York City’s five boroughs.

    Flushing Style Oysters - Photo Credit: Andy Thomas Lee
    Flushing Style Oysters – Photo Credit: Andy Thomas Lee

    Restauranteur Marcus Samuelsson teamed up with Executive Chef Ed Tinoco, Chef de Cuisine Marcelo Malta Andrade and Pastry Chef Onika Ayana Brown to craft a menu featuring locally inspired dishes and cuisines. Entrées include the Aged Long Island Duck rubbed with a 4-year mole, foie gras and peaches, Arctic Char with uni beurre blanc, agrodolce cucumbers, and citrus, and the Whole Grilled Dover Sole to Share with pomme soufflé and braised leeks.

    New York is a city of constant change and evolution where generations of immigrants have made their mark building its future. At Metropolis, we’re tapping into that cultural flow and sharing how a restaurant contributes to that dialogue. Through food and drink, we want to capture what makes New York the most delicious place to be.

    Marcus Samuelsson

    Metropolis Beverage Director Alexis Belton joined the team, creating a cocktail menu focusing on both classic and modern style martinis. The restaurant offers tableside cart service, with house cocktails including the Catskills Old Fashioned, made with Overproof whiskey, New York malt and red bean caramel, and the “Appletini,” made with green apple, sauternes, and baking spices.

    Metropolis Interior - Photo Credit: Adrian Gaut
    Metropolis Interior – Photo Credit: Adrian Gaut

    Designed by PAC NYC’s Lobby and Restaurant Interior Architect, David Rockwell and Rockwell Group, Metropolis features an upscale chic design, with wood ribbons lining the ceiling and lighting the dining area. The restaurant boasts a 135-seat main dining room, 16-seat private dining room, and 70-seat seasonal terrace, in addition to the 30-seat lounge area fronting the lobby stage.

    To make a reservation at Metropolis, visit metropolisbymarcus.com. Stay up to date at by following @metropolisbymarcus.

  • Long Island Band The Illusion Inducted Into Long Island Music Hall Of Fame

    The Illusion, a Long Island based psychedelic rock band from the 1960s and 70s was recently inducted into the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHoF). At the induction ceremony, the group performed onstage for the first time in 51 years.

    The Illusion

    The Illusion made a name for themselves touring with the likes of The Who, The Allman Brothers Band, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, and more. The group’s first single was released in 1968, with their debut album, The Illusion, released on Steed Records the following year. The band continued with two more albums and ultimately dissolved in the early 1970s. The group notably worked alongside Jeff Barry (Tina Turner, The Crystals), who served as the band’s producer for all three of their albums.

    The Illusion

    The group was inducted into the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame on October 7, celebrating original members John Vinci, Rich Cerniglia, Chuck Alder, Mike Ricciardella, and the late Mike Maniscalco. Cerniglia, Alder, and Ricciardella took the stage alongside friends to play a selection of hit songs from their original discography.

    The Illusion has had such a major impact and influence on so many of the performers who later themselves became inductees into the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, it is high time they themselves became inductees. Congratulations to the Illusion on being inducted into the LIMEHoF.

    Barry Fisch, General Manager of LIMEHoF

    The Illusion is credited with being an influential figure in the Long Island rock scene, as well as a key influential figure for their friend and collaborator Jimi Hendrix. The group met Hendrix by chance at a recording studio early in their careers and went on to become close friends, frequently playing together across the country.

  • The Museum of the City of New York Unveils Centennial Exhibition “This Is New York”

    The Museum of the City of New York opened a new exhibition, titled People, Place, and Influence: The Collection at 100. The exhibition celebrates 100 years of the Upper East Side museum, showing a selection of MCNY’s collection of over 750,000 objects. 

    The new exhibition opened on October 13, presented as part of the Museum’s Centennial celebrations. The selection includes rarely seen items such as a dress worn by opera star Marian Anderson, a golden Tiffany & Company tea and coffee set, a mouthguard used by boxer Joe Louis, and a 1985 street art painting by Sandra “Lady Pink” Fabara. Each object was selected from the museum’s collection of over 750,000 pieces, and reveals a unique perspective of the history of New York City.

    People, Place, and Influence: The Collection at 100
    Credit: Brad Farwell

    A proud highlight of the exhibition, titled Produced by New York, shows a diverse collection crafted and sourced from New York City. Relics from pre-1973 Yankee Stadium, original runs of Broadway productions, Vera Maxwell masterpieces, and more show the rich and expansive culture of New York through the years.

    For the last 100 years, MCNY has wrestled with the ambitious notion that a single institution can capture the history, physical transformation, and diversity of this complex metropolis. People, Place, and Influence is a testament to the enduring themes that have defined our museum over the last 100 years. We are not just showcasing objects; we’re weaving together the incredible narratives of a city that has shaped style, politics, and business on a global scale.

    Lilly Tuttle, Curator, Museum of the City of New York

    In addition to the selection of historical items, the exhibition also includes a look at the history and founding of the Museum of the City of New York. The museum stands as the first city museum in the United States, and is the only museum dedicated to telling the story of New York. People, Place, and Influence: The Collection at 100 is on display until April 21, 2024.

    People, Place, and Influence: The Collection at 100
    Credit: Brad Farwell

    The Museum continues another centennial exhibition, This Is New York: 100 Years of the City in Art and Pop Culture. It features an interactive exhibit showcasing artists, writers, and creatives who were both inspired by and influenced the culture and development of New York City. This exhibit is on view through June 21, 2024.

    The Museum is also hosting a monthly film and speaker series in celebration of the centennial, titled New York on Film: Decade by Decade. The events feature studio, independent, and documentary films that tell the story of New York City at the time they were made. A full schedule and lineup are available here.

  • UAlbany PAC to Host Silent Film Screening with The Area Wind Ensemble

    The UAlbany Performing Arts Center (PAC) will host a free film screening of The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari composed by Brett L. Wery and performed by The Area Wind Ensemble on Sunday, November 12.

    This event is one of three this season that celebrates local artists as part of the UAlbany Performing Arts Center’s prime performance series. Composer Brett L. Wery is the Music Director/Conductor of the Capital Region Wind Ensemble in Schenectady and composer/editor for Sonata Grendel Publishing in Scotia. Wery’s compositions have been performed and recorded around the world while also named winner of the Classic Pure Vienna International Music Competition.

    The Area Wind Ensemble also by the name Quintocracy based in the Capitol Region featuring Melanie Chirignan on flute, Susan Loegering Daves on bassoon, Kelly Lockwood on oboe and Kathryn Svatek on horn. They will be joined for this performance by guest artist Allegra Smith on clarinet.

    Over the years, the ensemble has created a goal to break the dusty, classical ensemble mold in support of their belief that music is for all and the music around us should be as diverse as the culture in which we live. Supporting the opportunity to perform for the upcoming silent horror film and help enhance the mystique of the cinema experience.

    Admission to this event is free. No reservations or tickets are required.  For further information, visit here.

  • Samara Joy, Grammy Winner for Best New Artist, Announces ‘A Joyful Holiday’ EP

    Bronx native and two-time GRAMMY winner Samara Joy is set to release A Joyful Holiday, a 6-song EP of beloved seasonal favorites.

    Photo credit: Ambe J. Williams

    This extension of her latest album, Linger Awhile, features accomplished jazz musicians and includes singles like “O Holy Night,” “Warm in December,” and a new take on Stevie Wonder’s “Twinkle Twinkle Little Me.”

    A Joyful Holiday, produced by Matt Pierson, will drop on October 27 via Verve, with an exclusive emerald green color variant LP available.

    The holiday EP comes after an extraordinary year for Samara Joy, who clinched the prestigious Best New Artist and Best Jazz Vocal Album awards at this year’s Grammys.

    Samara Joy has shared a delightful rendition of “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” which you can listen to here.

    “Singing alongside my family has always been a special time kept between us, but this December, I’m excited to share that special feeling with you all! This holiday season, it brings me great joy to present my first role models, the McLendon Family, on a month-long tour throughout the US. Join us for a show you’ll never forget!”

    Samara Joy

    Samara Joy has also announced the Verve Vinyl Collection, comprising her three Verve LPs, Linger Awhile, Linger Awhile Longer, and A Joyful Holiday. This collection will hit the shelves on November 17 and can be pre-ordered here.

    A Joyful Holiday Tracklist

    “Warm In December”
    “Twinkle Twinkle Little Me ft. Sullivan Fortner”
    “The Christmas Song”
    “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”
    “O Holy Night”
    “The Christmas Song (Live)”

    Samara Joy 2023 Tour Dates

    9/28 – 10/1 – Seattle, WA @ Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley Jazz

    10/4 – Davis, CA @ Mondavi Center

    10/6 – 7 – New York, NY @ Rose Hall at The Lincoln Center

    10/14 – Kansas City @ Folly Theater

    10/15 – Denver, CO @ Newman Center

    10/18 – Easton, PA @ Williams Center for the Arts / Performance Series

    10/20 – Storrs, CT @ Jorgenson Center

    10/22 – Brookville, NY @ Tilles Center

    10/24 – Columbia, MO @ Missouri Theater

    10/25 – Iowa City @ Hancher Auditorium

    10/27 – Chicago, IL @ Chicago Symphony Orchestra

    11/3 – Zurich, Switzerland @ TVD

    11/5 – Athens, Greece @ Megaron Athens

    11/7 – Hamburg, Germany @ Elb Philharmonic

    11/8 – Berlin, Germany @ TBD

    11/12 – Paris, FR @ Le Trianon

    11/17 – Bologna, Italy @ TBD

    11/18 – Milan, Italy @ TBD

    11/19 – London, UK @ Barbican Center, London Jazz Festival

    12/3 – Austin, TX @ Bass Concert Hall, UT Austin

    12/4 – Nashville, TN @ Nashville Symphony

    12/7 – Los Angeles, CA @ Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts

    12/8 – Santa Barbara, CA @ The Granada Theater

    12/12 – Chesterfield, MO @ The Factory

    12/14 – 12/15 – New York, NY @ Apollo Theater

    12/19 – Atlanta, GA @ Atlanta Symphony Hall

    12/22 – Philadelphia, PA @ Kimmel Center

    12/23 – North Bethesda, MD @ Strathmore

  • Madison Square Garden Given Short 5-Year Permit by New York City Council

    Madison Square Garden received the shortest extension in the arena’s history, with The City Council unanimously voting on September 14 to give the venue only a five-year permit to continue to operate above Penn Station in Manhattan.

    Madison Square Garden Permit
    Photo by Gabriela Bhaskar for The New York Times.

    “At this time the Council cannot determine the long-term viability of an arena at this location, therefore five years is an appropriate term for this special permit,” said Erik Bottcher, a Manhattan councilman whose district encompasses Madison Square Garden. The arena’s owner, James Dolan’s MSG Entertainment, wanted a permanent extension of the operating permit, which expires this year, receiving ten-year permits in the past.

    “A short-term special permit is not in anyone’s best interest and undermines the ability to immediately revamp Penn Station and the surrounding area,” MSG Entertainment said in a statement. The issue at hand is the ongoing tension between Penn Station and the Garden. There needs to be a creation of a transportation management plan to address “use conflicts” related to the arena’s loading operations on West 31st Street and pedestrian access, with MSG ordered to provide a plan within six months of its progress. If the venue fails to do so, they could have their operating permit revoked.

    “I still believe that ultimately, we would be able to build the most extraordinary train station if Madison Square Garden was not there,” Bottcher said in an interview.  “I’m still hopeful that would happen someday, but in the immediate term there are plans under consideration that would permit us to have a very extraordinary Penn Station with Madison Square Garden in place.‘’

    For now, state officials are focused on a $7 billion renovation of the station, putting away a broader redevelopment plan for the area.