The third annual Brewster Summer Music Series returns with seven straight weeks of programming. Organized by the Town of Southeast Cultural Arts Coalition (CAC), the concerts will run every Wednesday from June 14 through July 26.
All of the performances will take place at the Veterans Park Gazebo in Brewster. The concerts will also feature contests, raffles, and food. The artists performing come from a diverse set of genres including rock, pop, jazz, and more.
CAC is a non-profit group that aims to create and preserve the cultural arts of the Town of Southeast and nearby communities. Along with the Summer Music Series, the organization is also involved with a space to showcase local art and the renovation of Southeast’s Old Town Hall.
Brewster is a village located in southeast Putnam County and is part of the town of Southeast. The village made a name for itself as it was a prominent stop on the railroad line that ran from New York City.
The Brewster Summer Music Series is free and open to members of the public. Details and more information is on the website.
Summer Lineup
June 14- Jake Wildhorn (Rock, Pop, Americana) and Genevieve Faivre (Latin, New Orleans Jazz)
June 21- George Gierer (folk) and Artie Tobia Band (Roots Rock)
June 28- George Mallas (singer-songwriter) and ⅓ of Sophie (Funk)
July 5- Francine Tesler and Jay Prince & Friends (Rock, Funk)
July 12- Bob Stanhope and North Country Band (Country, Western, Americana)
July 19- Ivan Polanco (singer-songwriter) and Santa Barbara Jazz Quartet (Jazz, Soul, Latin)
July 26- Erik Rabasca and The Song Island Band (Acoustic Rock)
Plattsburgh Blues and Jazz will host some of the biggest and most recognizable voices in blues this summer. It all starts on June 17 when Dawn Tyler Watson and Curtis Salgado visit downtown-venue Retro Live. Then, on July 7, Grammy-nominated blues and funk artist Sugaray Rayford will perform at The Strand Center for the Arts.
Both events are put on by Plattsburgh Blues and Jazz (PB&J), a non-profit organization that looks to promote and cultivate the arts and music scene in the Plattsburgh area. PB&J has brought the likes of Kenny Neal, Southern Avenue, John Nemeth, and Vanessa Collier to shores of Lake Champlain.
Dawn Tyler Watson
Dawn Tyler Watson is a Canadian Jazz and Blues artist that has been making music since the early 2000s. Through her career she’s captivated audiences with her energetic and passionate onstage performances. Her 2019 project titled Mad Love earned a Juno Award for Best Blues Album. She’s also picked up six Maple Blues Awards and a BMA nomination for Best Vocalist. Watson brings an impressive vocal range and hints of R&B to her music to create a truly unique and powerful sound.
Curtis Salgado, Carlos Santana and Buddy Guy
Curtis Salgado
Salgado has established himself as one of the most notable and respected blues musicians in the world. Salgado has featured in several influential and important blues groups including The Nighthawks, The Robert Cray Band, and Roomful of Blues. He has won multiple awards including Soul/Blues Album of the Year at the 2019 Blues Music Awards for his album “Damage Control”. Salgado was also nominated for a Grammy in 2018 for Best Traditional Blues Album.
Sugaray Rayford
Sugaray Rayford is an American blues artist who has found the perfect balance between jazz, soul, funk, R&B, and of course blues. Rayford began singing in his local church at the age of 7, by 15 he was already the lead singer of San Diego band. His project Somebody Save Me was nominated for a Grammy for Best Contemporary Blues Album. He’s also won three Blues Music Awards, including B.B. King Entertainer of the Year.
Standout singer, songwriter, and bassist Karina Rykman dropped her first single and title track from her upcoming debut album JOYRIDE. The project is set to be released on August 18 and marks Rykman’s first collection of songs since she’s put out a slew of acclaimed singles dating back to 2019.
Karina Rykman was born and raised in New York City. She found music at an early age, making her way around the city performing at and attending live music venues. By the end of her time at NYU she had appeared on America’s Got Talent and the TODAY show. As part of Marco Benevento’s band, Rykman performed dates with Vulfpeck, Dispatch, and The Claypool Lennon Delirium.
Photo Credit: Brantley Gutierrez
Rykman’s own band is made up of Adam November (guitar, loopers, effects) and Chris Corsico (drums). Together the group has made a name for themselves due to their strong instrumentation, funky groove, layered production, and often genreless sound.
All these elements help to make “Joyride” such an interesting and fun listen. The track features a strong vocal performance from Rkyman, whose breathy voice and wistful lyrics could compete with any indie-pop record. The song’s tasteful synths and syrupy bass drive the beat toward an almost psychedelic sound. Joyride also features a guitar performance from JOYRIDE co-producer Trey Anastasio.
’Joyride’ is about being driven insane as you’re kept awake by music in your head all night – so much so that eventually, you give up and ask your partner to take you on a joyride instead of tossing and turning
Karina Rykman
The connection between Rkyman and Anastasio goes back to childhood. Rykman went to middle school with the Phish star’s daughters and became family friends because of it. However, the two had no musical relationship until they both performed at Peach Music Festival in Scranton. Anastasio became interested in being a part of Rykman’s first album, offering the use of his iconic Vermont studio “The Barn.”
When I first heard the early demos, the first thing I said was more Karina… Turn up the bass, sing more, and step out. What makes me most happy about the finished album now is that to my ears, it sounds like Karina unapologetically. It has her nature. It has her incredible joyous outlook that I know is real because I saw it in her when she was a kid.
Trey Anastasio
Photo Credit: Jesse Faatz
JOYRIDE was written and recorded with Rykyman’s childhood friend, producer Gabe Monro. Trey Anastasio’s guitar appears on five of the album’s nine tracks. Legendary mixer Bryce Goggin (Pavement, Swans, Ramones) also helped to create the project.
“You only get to make your first album once,” she adds, “and I couldn’t be prouder of what we created with this one. It’s a moment in time – the first of what I hope to be a lifetime of making records and touring behind them.
JazzBuffalo is hosting a free event to commemorate the legendary jazz artist Phil DiRe on Sunday, June 25. The celebration will take place in Slee Hall at the University of Buffalo.
Before passing in May 2021, DiRe wrote and composed a collection of original music titled Legacy. Attendees will receive a free copy of the project at the event. A concert with many of DiRe’s fellow musicians and friends will also take place.
The performing ensemble will be under the direction of George Caldwell, and will feature the likes of Tim Clarke, Preston Brown, Risk Strauss, Wendell Rivera, Nelson Rivera, Sabu Adeyola, and John Hasselbeck Jr.
Throughout the years DiRe had the opportunity to share the stage with artists like Duke Ellington, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr, Gerry Mulligan, and Dizzy Gillespie. Despite his success as a studio musician and as a member of the White House Jazz Quartet, DiRe was best known for the impact he had on others’ lives.
Phil DiRe was a pioneering force in Buffalo, founding the Buffalo Jazz Ensemble in the early 1970s. With the direction of DiRe, Buffalo was able to establish the non-profit Association for Jazz Performance. The organization looked to finance a series of concerts in parks, a cultural center, and a school in the city. Buffalo became one of the first cities in the nation to receive city, state, and federal funding for jazz performances.
Phil DiRe performing before an audience at the steps of the Albright-Knox Art Gallery in 1975
Thanks to the contributions of DiRe, Buffalo has fostered some of the great jazz musicians over the years. The jazz fusion group Spyro Gyra, and artists Joe Ford and Sabu Adeyol all emerged in the city as a result of Buffalo’s commitment to the genre.
As DiRe began to age, he moved down to Florida where he continued to play and enjoy music. Between performing at reunion shows and for his friends, Phil DiRe recorded Legacy while in Florida.
“For the Music!” is a live music event created to help raise funds for Brooklyn non-profit Spoke The Hub. The fundraiser features performances from seven different musicians, many of whom are Brooklyn locals. The event gets underway on Saturday, June 10 at 6 p.m.
Spoke The Hub is an arts organization that offers classes, performance spaces, and community events for the Brooklyn community. Originally created in 1979, Spoke The Hub has helped to foster and nourish the arts scene in New York City throughout the years. The organization has contributed to the work of thousands of artists through their multiple different series.
Proceeds from “For the Music!” will go toward finding an upright piano to better serve musicians, vocalists and musical theater artists who want to rehearse and teach at Spoke the Hub.
Victor V. Gurbo and his band are known for their unique and multi-faceted folk music. While Gurbo’s sound is reminiscent of traditional American folk, there are unmistakable flavors of blues, jazz, rock and even ragtime. High in tempo and energy, Gurbo’s music is made for dancing.
Petra Jasmiina a Finnish singer-songwriter who has crafted her own lane and sound in New York City. Jasmiina’s music has the catchy and bubbly nature of modern indie-pop with the soulful features of folk. Cinema and storytelling are however the most pervasive influences through her work, helping to create songs that are perfect to sing along to.
Kathryn “Kat” Lewis enjoys playing mostly classic country songs but is also a fan of reggae and pop. She often performs with The Sheriff of Goodtimes at the Thompson Street Medicine Show, Billygoat, and her band Country City.
Guitarist and composer Carlos Pavan has been creating intricate and delicate music for over a decade. Despite the classical nature of his music, the sounds of guitars and strings help to bring a liveliness to each one of Pavan’s songs. He is currently the composer/artistic director of Trio Concertante & Park Slope Chamber Players.
Buffalo native Don Militello is a jazz pianist and educator who has done just about everything in his musical career. Besides going on an international tour, Militello has shared the stage with Etta Jones and performed at the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival. Alongside Militello, bassist Charles Ruble will also be performing. Ruble is currently a member of the High School Jazz Academy at Lincoln Center.
A longtime friend of Spoke, David Goddy will also be performing as part of the fundraiser.
NYC’s City Parks Foundation’s SummerStage is back for another year of concerts and entertainment. This season the series features everything from folk music icons to some of hip-hop’s most innovative voices. Most of the notable concerts will take place at Rumsey Playfield in Central Park. 12 different neighborhood parks across all five boroughs of NYC will also serve as venues. Concerts begin on June 3 and run until September 30.
Since its inception in 1986, SummerStage has established itself as one of New York City’s premier concert series. With 80 shows Summerstage showcases a diverse set of artists from various genres week after week. Apart from some ticketed benefit concerts, SummerStage events are usually open to the public and free.
In addition to concerts, Central Park will also screen films and host a multitude of different celebrations. The iconic greenspace has become an inseparable from NYC, hosting some of the most well known artists throughout the years. Curtis Mayfield, Elvis Costello, Crosby, Stills & Nash, and Jazmine Sullivan have all graced the stage in Central Park.
The other parks and outdoor spaces hosting SummerStage in 2023 include Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem, Tompkins Square Park in the East Village, Von King Park and The Coney Island Amphitheater in Brooklyn, Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens, Crotona Park in the Bronx, Stapleton Waterfront Park in Staten Island, and SummerStage’s flagship venue at Rumsey Playfield in Central Park.
This year SummerStage will celebrate hip-hop as the genre celebrates its 50th anniversary. The series aims to highlight not only its significance to NYC but also the impact it has had worldwide.
As part of the celebration, a special edition showcase will take over Coney Island on August 6. The event will feature artists Special Ed and many more, hosted by Ralph McDaniels. Frankie Cutlass and Black Sheep’s Dres will join the festivities on August 12 in Staten Island. A day later DJ Funk Flex will bring his birthday celebration to Brooklyn on August 13.
SummerStage’s 2023 roster boasts several international musicians but also tries to celebrate some of the city’s local artists. Argentina’s TRUENO and Puerto Rico’s Villano Antillano highlight the influence of Caribbean and reggaetón. Meanwhile Brooklyn-based artist Nick Hakim looks to bring his soulful R&B sounds back to his hometown.
We are thrilled to present another vibrant season filled with captivating artists from around the world and introduce music fans to their diverse sounds
Erika Elliott, Executive Artistic Director of SummerStage.
Saturday, June 3, 7 p.m., Central Park – Hippo Campus & Gus Dapperton – Benefit Concert
Sunday, June 4, 6:30 p.m., Central Park – Indigo Girls – Benefit Concert
Saturday, June 10, 6 p.m., Central Park – Opening Night American Blues – FREE Concert
Wednesday, June 14, 7 p.m., Central Park – New York Sings Yiddish! – FREE Concert
Thursday, June 15, 7 p.m., Central Park – Sammy Rae & The Friends – Benefit Concert
Saturday, June 17, 4 p.m., Central Park – The Aussie BBQ – FREE Concert
Sunday, June 18, 6 p.m., Central Perk – Buddy Guy’s Damn Right Farewell Tour – Benefit Concert
Monday, June 19, 4 p.m., Central Park – Park Jams, a Juneteenth Celebration – Benefit Concert
Tuesday, June 20, 7 p.m., Central Park – The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital ft. Gabriella Reyes / René Barbera / Will Liverman and Dimitri Dover – FREE Concert
Friday, June 23, 7 p.m., Brooklyn Bridge Park – The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital ft. Gabriella Reyes / René Barbera/ Will Liverman / Dimitri Dover – FREE Concert
Saturday, June 24, 5 p.m., Central Park – Stanley Clarke N 4ever / Kenny Garrett / Brandee Younger / DJ Logic in Association with Blue Note Jazz Festival – FREE Concert
Saturday, June 24, 7 p.m., Jackie Robinson Park – The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital ft. Erika Baikoff / Thomas Glass / Cierra Byrd / Juan José Lázaro – FREE Concert
Sunday, June 25, 3 p.m. – Dreamland – Pride in Central Park – Benefit Concert
Monday, June 26, 6 p.m., Williamsbridge Oval – The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital ft. Erika Baikoff / Thomas Glass / Cierra Byrd / Juan José Lázaro – FREE Concert
Wednesday, June 28, 6 p.m., Socrates Sculpture Garden – The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital ft. Erika Baikoff / Thomas Glass / Cierra Byrd / Juan José Lázaro – FREE Concert
Wednesday, June 28, 7 p.m., – Michael Franti & Spearhead – Benefit Concert
Friday, June 30, 7 p.m., Clove Lakes Park – The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital ft. Erika Baikoff / Thomas Glass / Cierra Byrd / Juan José Lázaro – FREE Concert
Saturday, July 1, 5 p.m., Central Park – Andy Shauf / Leith Ross / Yves Jarvis in association with the Consulate General of Canada in New York – FREE Concert
Sunday, July 2, 5 p.m., Central Park – Andy Shauf / Leith Ross / Yves Jarvis in association with the Consulate General of Canada in New York – FREE Concert
Saturday, July 8, 5 p.m., Central Park – Catalan Sounds On Tour: Queralt Lahoz / Marala / Lia Kali with DJ sets by DJ Trapella in association with the Institut Ramon Llull – FREE Concert
Sunday, July 9, 5 p.m., Coney Island – Tuff Gong Takeover feat Skip Marley & Friends – FREE Concert
Monday, July 10, 6 p.m., Central Park – Noel Gallagher & High Flying Birds and Garbage – Benefit Concert
Wednesday, July 12, 6 p.m., Central Park – Juanes / Conexion Divina in association with LAMC – FREE Concert
Thursday, July 13, 5 p.m., Central Park – Bastille Day: Joachim Garraud & Marie Berson / Passi / Bénabar / Adèle Castillon in association with Consulate General of France – FREE Concert
Thursday, July 13, 7 p.m., Von King Park – Works & Process at SummerStage: The Masterz at Work Dance Family with Courtney Washington – FREE Concert
Friday, July 14, 6 p.m., Von King Park – Nick Hakim / June McDoom / Evan Wright – FREE Concert
Saturday, July 15, 4 p.m., Von King Park – MIKE’S Young World III: Noname / Georgia Anne Muldrow / 454 – FREE Concert
Saturday, July 15, 5 p.m., Central Park – TRUENO / Villano Antillano / Dawer x Damper / KEXP’s El Sonido with Albina Cabrera ft. Camola DJ set in association with LAMC – FREE Concert
Sunday, July 16, 4 p.m., Coney Island – GOLDEN OLDIES ON THE BOARDWALK 2023 feat. The Duprees / The Coasters / Charlie Thomas’ Drifters w/ Jeff Hall / Bobby Wilson / Stan Zizka’s Del Satins / Vito Picone & The Elegants / The Chiclettes and More / Hosted by Joe Causi with DJ Vinnie Medugno in association with Fever Productions and Brian Rosenberg – FREE Concert
Sunday, July 16, 6 p.m, Von King Park – dead prez / th1rt3en / Large Professor DJ Set – FREE Concert
Wednesday, July 19, 5 p.m., Central Park – Julia Jacklin / Y La Bamba / Black Belt Eagle Scout -FREE Concert
Thursday, July 20, 5 p.m., Central Park – Horsegirl / Iceage / Water From Your Eyes / Lifeguard – FREE Concert
Saturday, July 22, 5 p.m., Central Park – Michael Brun Presents BAYO – Benefit Concert
Saturday, July 22, 5 p.m., Flushing Meadows Corona – Kool and the Gang – FREE Concert
Sunday, July 23, 5 p.m., Central Park – Taiwanese Waves: Waa Wei / The Dinosaur’s Skin / Mandarin Homework (DJ Mr. Skin) – FREE Concert
Sunday, July 23, 6 p.m., Flushing Meadows Corona Park – DJ Rekha’s Basement Bhangra Bacchanal: DJ Rekha / Malkit Singh with live band / DJ Ana / Sikh Knowledge / Rolex Rasathy / Param Singh / Dholi Anuradha and guests – FREE Concert
Thursday, Aug 3, 6 p.m., Crotona Park – Ted Smooth’s Freestyle Jam ft. TKA and Judy Torres – FREE Concert
Friday, Aug 4, 5 p.m., Crotona Park – “Birth of a Culture” Grandmaster Flash and Friends – FREE Concert
Saturday, Aug 5, 5 p.m., Central Park – The Originals: Stretch Armstrong / Rich Medina / Tony Touch / Clark Kent / D-Nice – FREE Concert
Saturday, Aug 5, 7 p.m., Crotona Park – Stonebwoy in association with Ghanafest-NY Crotona Park – FREE Concert
Sunday, August 6, 4 p.m., Coney Island – Hip-Hop 50: SPECIAL EDITION: Nice N Smooth / Special Ed /Buckshot of Black Moon / Masta Ace / CL Smooth / Rah Digga / Rampage / Black Sheep Dres / Sweet Tee / Joeski Love / Sparky D / Hosted by Ralph McDaniels (Video Music Box) – FREE Concert
Wednesday and Thursday, Aug 9 & 10, 7 p.m. Mt. Joy – Benefit Concerts – Sold Out
Saturday, Aug 12, 5 p.m., Waterfront Park – Frankie Cutlass / The Original Cover Girls / Cynthia / Black Sheep / DJ Millo and DJ Medina in Association with Maker Park Radio Stapleton Waterfront Park – FREE Concert
Saturday, Aug 12, 5 p.m., Central Park – VP Records Presents Roots Reggae Review – FREE Concert
Sunday, Aug 13, 5 p.m., Coney Island – Funk Flex & Friends Birthday Concert Featuring Raheem DeVaughn, Rob Base & More – FREE Concert
Aug 13, 5 p.m, Waterfront Park – Las Cafeteras / Natu Camara / Justy / DJ Kitty the Disc Jockey in Association with Maker Park Radio and La Isla Bonita Stapleton – FREE Concert
Thursday, Aug 17, 7 p.m., Marcus Garvey Park – Works & Process at SummerStage: The Missing Element with The Beatbox House / LayeRhythm – FREE Concert
Friday, Aug 18, 7 p.m., Marcus Garvey Park – Jason Moran and the Big Bandwagon: James Reese Europe and the Harlem Hellfighters: From the Dancehall to the Battlefield in Association with Jazzmobile – FREE Concert
Saturday, Aug 19, 5 p.m., Marcus Garvey Park – Mixtape (Film Screening) / DJ sets by Ron G / Doo Wop / Mister Cee / Tony Touch / Brucie B – FREE Concert
Saturday, Aug 19, 5 p.m. – Cautious Clay, Wet, Christian Kuria, and Zindelphia – Benefit
Sunday, Aug 20, 4 p.m., Coney Island – Jose Alberto “El Canario” / The Big 3 Palladium Orchestra: The Music Of Machito, Tito Rodriguez and Tito Puente – FREE Concert
Aug 20, 5 p.m., Central Park – Everyday People – FREE Concert
Aug 20, 5 p.m., Marcus Garvey Park – Hip-Hop 50: Native Tongue Edition: Monie Love / Black Sheep Dres / Chi Ali / DJ Red Alert hosted by Ralph McDaniels (Video Music Box) – FREE Concert
Wednesday, Aug 23, 4:30 p.m. – Manchester Orchestra and Jimmy Eat World – Benefit Concert
Thursday, Aug 24, 8 p.m. – Regina Spektor – Benefit Concert
Friday, Aug 25, 7 p.m., Marcus Garvey Park – Charlie Parker Jazz Festival: Orrin Evans and the Captain Black Big Band featuring Dianne Reeves / T.K. Blue in association with Jazzmobile – FREE Concert
Saturday, Aug 26, 3 p.m., Marcus Garvey Park – Charlie Parker Jazz Festival: The Cookers / Endea Owens and the Cookout / Nduduzo Makhathini Trio / Akua Allrich and The Tribe – FREE Concert
Sunday, Aug 27, 3 p.m., Tompkins Square Park – Charlie Parker Jazz Festival: Charles McPherson with Terell Stafford / Something Else! Vincent Herring Septet / HERA feat. Chelsea Baratz and Andromeda Turre / Michael Mayo – FREE Concert
Sunday, Aug 27, 5 p.m., Central Park – Palmwine Festival: Show Dem Camp and Friends in association with Move Forward Music – FREE Concert
Wednesday, Aug 30, 7 p.m. – Vance Joy with Dan Sultan – Benefit Concert
Thursday, Aug 31, 6 p.m., Central Park – In Our Own Sweet Time Tour: Vance Joy / Dan Sultan Subaru Music Series – Benefit Concert
Sunday, Sep 3, 5 p.m., Central Park – Emicida / Goyo / Screening: AmarElo: It’s All for Yesterday / in Association with 27th Inffinito Brazilian Film Festival – FREE Concert
Thursday, Sep 14, 5 p.m., Central Park – Tanya Tucker / Nikki Lane Subaru Music Series – FREE Concert
The Bard Music Festival returns for its 33rd season in August, with a two-week dive into the work of “Vaughan Williams and His World.” Eleven themed concert programs aim to examine the great but frequently misunderstood English and Welsh composer Ralph Vaughan Williams, one of the 20th century’s preeminent symphonists, who helped to spearhead a new British renaissance in music.
The festival is spread across the two weeks, the first weekend runs August 4-6 and aims to contextualize the composer among his fellow Victorians, Edwardians, and Moderns. The second weekend, which takes place August 10-13, explores Williams’ role in creating what may be considered “A New Elizabethan Age”.
With two special events in nearby Rhinebeck, the concerts take place at Fisher Center for the Performing Arts on Bard College’s Hudson River campus. Six of these shows will also stream live to home audiences worldwide on Upstreaming, the Fisher Center’s virtual stage. The final show is a centerpiece of the 20th Bard SummerScape festival. The Bard Music Festival represents a highlight of the Fisher Center’s landmark 20th anniversary season, “Breaking Ground.”
Since its inception in 1990, the Bard Music Festival has helped to strengthen the standard concert repertory. This is in part because its founder and co-artistic director, Leon Botstein. Botstein serves as music director of both the American Symphony Orchestra (ASO) and The Orchestra Now (TŌN). Both ensembles perform in the festival, along with Festival Chorale, which takes part in all choral works under the direction of James Bagwell. This year’s operatic, chamber, and vocal programs will boast an impressive lineup of guest artists, violinist Bella Hristova, tenor Nicholas Phan, bass-baritone Craig Colclough, pianists Danny Driver and Piers Lane, and the Horszowski Trio among them.
First Weekend (Aug. 4-6)
Program One: “Vaughan Williams: Becoming an English Composer”
Program Two: “Between Two Worlds: London and Berlin”
Program Three: “The Symphony and Composing for the Stage”
Program Four: “Heirs and Rebels: British Art Song”
Program Five: “Entente Cordiale: Britain and France”
Program Six: “London Calling! Fun in Cockaigne!”
Second Weekend (Aug. 10-13)
Program Seven: “The Lark Ascending: British Music for Chamber Orchestra”
Program Eight: “The Islands and the Continent”
Program Nine: “A New Elizabethan Age?”
Program Ten: “Vaughan Williams’s Legacy”
Finale: Vaughan Williams and Shakespeare, “Sir John in Love”
Janelle Monáe recently announced her “Age of Pleasure Tour”, which will feature two stops in the Empire State. The Grammy-nominated artist will visit the iconic Radio City Music Hall and Kings Theatre in Brooklyn. The 26-city tour kicks off on August 30 in Seattle at the WAMU Theater.
The tour coincides with Monáe’s long-awaited fourth studio album The Age of Pleasure which is slated to drop on June 9. Monáe released her critically acclaimed concept album Dirty Internet more than four years ago. The project earned the artist two Grammy nominations including one for “Album of the Year”, it also peaked at number 10 on the Billboard 200.
Since her last album Monáe has explored writing and acting, appearing in the films Harriet and Glass Onion, she also received praise for her role in the series We the People. Earlier this May Monáe dropped the single “Lipstick Lover” to go along with her upcoming album.
Presale tickets started on June 1, while on-sale tickets are set to be released on Wednesday, June 6. Tickets and more information can be found here.
Janelle Monae ‘Age of Pleasure’ Tour Dates
Wed Aug 30 – Seattle, WA – WAMU Theater
Thu Aug 31 – Vancouver, BC – UBC – Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre
Sat Sep 02 – Portland, OR – RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater
Wed Sep 06 –Salt Lake City, UT – The Complex
Thu Sep 07 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Sat Sep 09 – Kansas City, MO – The Midland Theatre
Mon Sep 11 – Minneapolis, MN – Armory
Wed Sep 13 – St. Louis, MO – Stifel Theatre
Thu Sep 14 – Chicago, IL – Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom
Sun Sep 17 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway
Mon Sep 18 – Philadelphia, PA – The Met
Wed Sep 20 – Montreal, QB – Mtelus
Thu Sep 21 – Toronto, ON – Massey Hall
Sun Sep 24 – Washington, DC – The Anthem*
Tue Sep 26 – New York City, NY – Radio City Music Hall
Thu Sep 28 – Brooklyn, NY – Kings Theatre
Mon Oct 02 – Charlotte, NC – Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre
Tue Oct 03 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium
Wed Oct 04 – Birmingham, AL – Avondale Brewing Company
Fri Oct 06 – Atlanta, GA – Fox Theatre Atlanta
Mon Oct 09 – Dallas, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
Tue Oct 10 – Houston, TX – Bayou Music Center
Wed Oct 11 – Austin, TX – Moody Amphitheater
Sun Oct 15 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre
Tue Oct 17 – San Francisco, CA – Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
The first annual Renaissance Black Film Festival (RBFF) is coming to Albany, running June 22–25 at the historic Palace Theatre and the extravagant Renaissance Hotel. With both venues located in the capital’s historic downtown, attendees will easily be able to navigate between each location.
RBFF puts a spotlight on Black artists and creatives within the film industry and recognizes New York’s Capital Region as a burgeoning hotbed for filmmaking. RBFF will show films from a plethora of Black filmmakers across the country, with awards and cash prizes going to Best Narrative Feature, Best Documentary Feature, Best Narrative Short, Best Documentary Short, and Best First Project.
The festival is led by entrepreneur and the Palace Theatre’s Executive Director Kevin Johnson, filmmaker Micah Khan, creative agency Collectiveffort, and supported by its’ ambassador, NAACP Image Award recipient Morris Chestnut. Panelists and honorary board members include Gail Bean of FX’s hit show Snowfall and acclaimed screenwriter and director Jamal Hill who’s worked on films such as I am Legend, among many others.
“Over the last decade, we’ve seen about 20 productions come to the area, each growing larger and larger. The secret of the flexibility, affordability and overall beauty of our area has gotten out and folks that are here should be ready to join the industry as it lays roots,” says Collectiveffort Co-founder Patrick Harris.
In addition to the screenings, RBFF will host a series of panel discussions, networking events, public afterparties, an award ceremony, and a few special surprise screenings.
The festival’s curators are accepting submissions up until June 7. Starting Friday, May 26 tickets are on sale here. Tickets are also available for purchase at the Palace Theatre Box Office (located at 19 Clinton Ave). Box Office hours are Monday – Friday Noon to 5PM.
The Dawn Lipson Canalside outdoor Concert Series at the Rochester Jewish Community Center recently released its summer lineup. Acts include everything from legendary tribute shows to original music by local acts.
Originally born out of the Covid pandemic, the concert series is in its third season of music and events. The covered tent venue holds hundreds of visitors with the option to expand for larger performances.
Something new coming to the venue is the “Music Mondays” series which features two local Rochester musicians at every event. The series also begins with an open mic segment to start each evening.
More events are expected to be announced soon. The full concert series can be found here.
Summer Schedule
June 3- Chris Wilson & Bryan Ayers: A Tribute to Simon & Garfunkel
Upstate New York singers Chris Wilson and Brian Ayers celebrate the music of legendary duo Simon and Garfunkel.
June 10- Bad Sneakers: The Music of Steely Dan and Donald Fagen
Bad Sneakers is a Rochester based band that includes current and past members of Hard Logic, Prime Time Funk, Goodness, The Klick, The Bill Tiberio Band, and The Earthtones. The infectious groove they lay down, along with their precise and dedicated approach to the music will have diehard, as well as new, Steely Dan fans smiling from the first note.
June 15- Thank You For The Music: ABBA’s Greatest Hits
Packed with your favorite tunes and featuring a crew of amazing singers and musicians, this tribute to the internationally beloved Swedish supergroup was created exclusively for the JCC Concert Series by Jessica Ann Best.
June 17- Philadelphia Freedom: The Ultimate Elton John Tribute
Philadelphia Freedom prides itself on being the most realistic Elton John tribute currently touring. Doug Delescavage is Elton John as he was in his 20s, full of joy and unlimited energy, his top notch band through all the hits of Elton’s career.
July 9- The Eaglez: Western New York’s Eagles’ Tribute Band
The Eaglez are Western New York’s own Eagles’ tribute band. The group pays particular attention to the rich harmony vocals that the legendary Eagles are famous for. An Eaglez concert features not only the Eagles’ biggest hits, but also solo songs written and recorded by Joe Walsh, Glenn Frey, and Don Henley.
July 22- Public Water Supply
Public Water Supply is an Alt. Country/Indie Rock act out of Rochester. PWS consists of five university-trained musicians, blending distinctive songwriting, spectacular vocals, and incredible instrumentalists. The members include: Iggy Marino, frontman; Adrianna Noone, lead singer; Karis Gregory, Jr., lead guitar; Alex Brophy, team captain and bass; and Spencer Kornrich, bus driver and drums. PWS dropped their debut self-titled album earlier this year.
July 23- Ronstadt Revue
Linda Ronstadt, an 11-time Grammy winner who has sold over 100 million albums in country, rock, Latin, Motown, and even Broadway music, is no longer performing publicly. Fortunately, her musical legacy now lives on through Gesenia and her Ronstadt Revue. Every Ronstadt Revue show features performances in both English and Spanish, and covers every musical genre of Ms. Ronstadt’s 40+ year career. Two of Ronstadt’s own band members are currently co-producing and featured on the upcoming Ronstadt Revue album.
July 30- The Joint is Jumpin’: Songs of the Harlem Renaissance
Music historian Michael Lasser, singers Connie Fredericks Malone, and Reuben J. Tapp, and accompanist Scott Bradley celebrate the centennial of The Harlem Renaissance. Rediscover this historic time period by listening to the songs of Duke Ellington and Thomas “Fats” Waller.
August 17- Both Sides Now: The Music of Joni Mitchell
Singer and songwriter Kelly Shapiro is joined by musicians Mike Shapiro and Siena Facciolo for a deep dive into the songbook of the legendary Joni Mitchell.
Music Mondays
June 5- Marshay Dominique and Miriam Morelli
June 12- Sarah DeValliere and Emily Champion
July 10- Kelly Izzo Shapiro and Levi Gangi
July 24- Cami Enaharo and Chris Wilson
August 7- Kara Fink and Bret Levick
August 21- Brian McCormick, Jerry Falzone, and Lou Sweigman
