Beach-hop artist Cully has a new album out titled Sad Boy Nites. The seven-track album contains many new musical elements as well as his usual, unique sound.
Cully’s music can best be described as beachy, upbeat, bubblegum rap that lifts spirits and ensues relaxation.
Cully was inspired by music from a young age. In elementary school he was freestyling and beatboxing on the playground. Then in high school, he along with two friends formed rap-trio Tribe Style, where they would release song after song on YouTube.
It wasn’t until Cully’s college years at SUNY Oneonta where he’d really get the musical ball rolling. He met MC Righteous, joined Bright Dog Red and began releasing real-deal albums under Ropeadope Records. Shortly after graduation he began working in recording studios as a sound engineer, working for two years under record producer Sean Ono Lennon.Â
Cully’s music combines elements of pop, surf music, hip hop, and indie. Together, his music makes for an upbeat, chillaxed, and unique “beach hop” vibe. The artist loves to implement absurdist and dry humor into his lyrics with a flowing stream of melody behind it. He switches from catchy pop vocals, and a funky rhyme cadence frequently.
His new album, Sad Boy Nites has an overarching theme of a laid-back, uplifting summer. Many of the tunes on the album relate to being a young adult in the current age, trying to enjoy life amidst the daily chaos of the world. Each song has a unique and vibey melody. They also contain different themes of their own like love, relaxation, getting lifted without drugs, and enjoying oneself. This album is one to kick back, chill outdoors, and surround yourself with positivity to.
To lay your ears on some of Cully’s previous tunes, and to stay up on his upcoming releases, visit his YouTube channel or click here.
On the New York City night of February 23, Chelsea Cutler sold out her first ever Radio City Music Hall headline show. Nearly 6,000 New Yorkers wrapped around the Midtown blocks, adorned in Cutler-inspired sneakers, jerseys, and “vintage” Cutler merch. The energy circulating from city to city on “The Beauty Is Everywhere Tour” finally arrived in Manhattan, and it was well-received.
Photograph by Shauna Hilferty
The evening began with an opening performance from the New York City native group, Yoke Lore. Lead singer Adrian Galvin exclaimed how gracious he was to be on stage at “the most beautiful venue.” Galvin and drummer, Rafe Bouchard, warmed up the rapidly filling auditorium with their folk-pop discography. He sang crowd favorites like “Beige,” and “Shake,” and thrashed his limbs in a feral yet simultaneously elegant dance. Yoke Lore also performed one his favorite childhood songs, “Truly Madly Deeply,” which felt like an unveiled sentiment to playing at Radio City.
After Yoke Lore departed, Radio City’s iconic velvet curtains lowered to the stage floor. Behind them, stage crew shadows danced in a fit of productive motion, bringing Chelsea’s stage to life. It wasn’t long before the lights dimmed, hushing everyone’s conversations into a silence of excitement, and the curtains lifted to reveal the massive stage.
Photograph by Shauna Hilferty
White scalloped arches framed a platform with a miniature catwalk where a microphone waited at the end. A drum set, guitar setup, and Chelsea’s signature sound board accessorized the stage. Retro strobe lights at the base of the stage, casting long shadows over the audience while synth swallowed the space, and an intro-audio oding to the beauty in everything carried up to the mezzanine.
At the close of the audio, Chelsea appeared on stage. Her song “Something More” was the perfect opening song, and a great introduction to the yearn and desperation behind her record “Stellaria.”
Stellaria’s production grade is too large to be put in the confines of a single “type” of music. Chelsea really tapped into her personal writing style, and introduced her fans to the story-telling air of folk music. Instrumentally, the record is versatile – it relies on Cutler’s usual mastery of percussion and riffs, while also introducing more twang carrying sounds, and displays a phenomenal usage of synth. Radio City was the perfect venue to hold room for the performance of “Stellaria.”
After her first few songs “I Don’t Feel Alive” and one of her crowd-favorites, “Cold Showers,” Chelsea couldn’t contain her excitement. She stopped to acknowledge how “pretty fucking cool” it was to be playing Radio City. “It’s a Friday night in the city I call home! New York City, how are you doing?” The crowd erupted, charging Cutler’s amped energy.
Cutler spoke casually with the audience, like they were all just chilling together at a party she was hosting. “There are a few important things to talk about. One, I’m a bit of a sneakers girl, but tonight… I’m wearing loafers! Two, my mom just got a hip replacement and she is here tonight!” The crowd applauded Mama Cutler.
Photograph by Shauna Hilferty
On tour in celebration of “Stellaria,” Chelsea Cutler is fortifying her already established fanbase. Having been in the music industry since her college days, Chelsea is ever-evolving as a musician, bridging an experimental gap between genres. The community at the foot of her sound has only grown, as she’s planted her voice in the genres of folk-americana, pop, and continues to water her roots in electronic exploration. Her willingness to try something new grows her listener count album by album.
Cutler’s fanbase is composed of a large listener demographic. Fans of multiple genres, fans of all ages, and fans from the LGBTQ+ community. A Chelsea Cutler show has always been the friendliest and most welcoming environment, and it was heart-warming to see that energy occupying a notorious space like Radio City.
Photograph by Shauna Hilferty
The show rolled into some of Chelsea’s archives from albums “When I Close My Eyes” and “Sleeping With Roses II.” Songs like “Easy” and “AF1s” elicited a surefire singalong from the audience.
Sewn around two of her newer songs dealing with the weight of self-reflection “Hunting Season” and “Growing Up Is Hard,” were two of her older songs “NJ” and “Crazier Things,” two songs written with romantic grief. The parallel lines running beside each other added an intensity to the performance.
Halfway through the setlist, stage crew rolled out a rickety wooden piano and Cutler’s incredibly talented bandmates, drummer Michael Mason and keys player J.T. Becker stepped back to make room for an acoustic set that wrapped with her song “Hotel June.” Acoustic sets deeply favor Cutler’s flutey tonal ability, allowing her range to take up more sonic space.
The lights dimmed and the piano was pulled from the stage to make the transition into a different sector of her sound. When the lights flashed back into motion Cutler reappeared to sing two of her hits “Sad Tonight” and “The Reason.” “The Reason,” from “Sleeping With Roses” is a staple at a Chelsea Cutler concert, with one of the most electrifying instrumental choruses to ever drop.
After a few more tracks, the show closed with one of Chelsea’s most received single releases, “The Lifeboat’s Empty.” The seated structure of Radio City couldn’t contain the fans, as they jumped and pushed into the aisles. It was the perfect send off song, before Chelsea ran backstage.
Overhead, the lights turned on but Chelsea Cutler fans knew better than to assume the show’s over. It wasn’t long before reappeared on stage for an encore. She acoustically performed her most recent song of transcendence, “Your Bones.” The audience took matters into their own hands, singing the chorus as Chelsea sat back in awe.
Photograph by Shauna Hilferty
The evening closed with another track from “Brent,” “This Is How You Fall In Love.” The lyrics felt like an ode to her fans, her tour, and the earned chance to perform at Radio City. As the slow and melodic sound came to an abrupt close, Chelsea’s outro song “Paper Planes” took over the speaker and she exited the stage with the widest smile. The audience collectively sang along as they filed out of the auditorium.
Photograph by Shauna Hilferty
“The Beauty is Everywhere Tour” has been a true display of enjoyment, passionate songwriting, vocal maturity, and Cutler’s self-acceptance as a human being. This record has done great things for listeners and for Chelsea herself, and a sold out Radio City Music Hall is a symbol of that achievement.
The project behind this tour is a display of the cleanse that comes with the discomfort of acceptance. Acceptance of one’s self, acceptance of the mundane, acceptance of the past/present/and future. Acceptance sometimes feels otherworldly, like a transformance. This is what “The Beauty is Everywhere Tour” has been for Cutler – an artistic exploration of the space between one’s existence and their sound.
On Thursday March 14, Offset took his “SET IT OFF” tour to the Palladium in Times Square for its third stop. The rapper enlisted a strong group of up and coming artists to warm up the crowd before his performance.
Offset at Palladium Times Square. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
The first rising talent of the night was YRN Mango Foo, followed by SleazyWorld Go and then Skilla Baby. Skilla took it upon himself to enter the mosh pit and perform most of his set from the crowd. In between songs, Skilla would have the fans chant four simple words: “I will have fun,” until late in his set where he sang a cover of FUN.’s “We Are Young” while in the mosh pit. After the openers, Hot 97’s own Funk Flex took the stage to perform a DJ set. Flex’s song choices and comedic adlibs ensured the crowd was ready for Offset to take the stage.
Skilla Baby at Palladium Times Square. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Offset opened with a plethora of songs from his new album, specifically: “Say My Grace,” “Fan,” “Broads Day,” “Big Dawg,” and “On the River.” With a live band behind and a set of stairs streaming down the center of the stage, there was never a dull moment. Offset had backup dancers and high energy throughout the entire show.
Offset at Palladium Times Square. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Offset decided to give New York a taste of their own music. He brought out Brooklyn rap group 41 as well as Bronx artist Cash Cobain. 41 and Cash Cobain both brought a great representation of New York rap to the stage.
But Offset had one more special guest to round off the night. Near the end of the show, Offset and his DJ were talking back and forth saying, “we still gotta do it for New York,” before, abruptly, the beat to A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie’s “My Shit” started playing, and a few seconds later, A Boogie himself joined Offset on stage. The Bronx rapper performed “My Shit” and “Drowning” for his hometown crowd, sporting a Yankees cap and a Highbridge chain.
A Boogie Wit da Hoodie at Palladium Times Square. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Offset ended the night with some of his older classics, “Motorsport,” “Narcos,” “Clout,” “Ric Flair Drip,” and “Bad and Boujee.” Tickets for the rest of the “SET IT OFF” tour are available here.
Offset at Palladium Times Square. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Offset setlist: Say My Grace, Fan, Broad Day, Big Dawg, On the River, Danger, Ghostface Killers, Rap Saved Me, Legacy, No Complaints, Patek Water, 100 Racks, Monday, Hop Out, Skyami, Don’t You Lie, Zeze, Worth It, Fight Night, Call Casting, Last Memory, Motorsport, Narcos, Clout, Ric Flair Drop, Bad n Boujee
Offset (left) and A Boogie Wit da Hoodie (right) at Palladium Times Square. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Offset Upcoming Tour Dates Fri Mar 15; Boston, MA; Citizens House of Blues Boston Sun Mar 17; Toronto, ON; HISTORY Tue Mar 19; Detroit, MI; The Fillmore Detroit Wed Mar 20; Grand Rapids, MI; GLC Live at 20 Monroe Fri Mar 22; Cincinnati, OH; Bogart’s Sat Mar 23; Chicago, IL; Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom Wed Mar 27; Denver, CO; Fillmore Auditorium Fri Mar 29; Los Angeles, CA; Hollywood Palladium Sat Mar 30; San Francisco, CA; The Masonic Mon Apr 1; Anaheim, CA; House of Blues Anaheim Wed Apr 3; Phoenix, AZ; The Van Buren Fri Apr 5; Dallas, TX; South Side Ballroom Sun Apr 7; Houston, TX; Bayou Music Center
Skilla Baby at Palladium Times Square. Photo by Lucas KurzweilOffset at Palladium Times Square. Photo by Lucas KurzweilOffset at Palladium Times Square. Photo by Lucas KurzweilA Boogie Wit da Hoodie at Palladium Times Square. Photo by Lucas KurzweilYRN Mango Foo Go at Palladium Times Square. Photo by Lucas KurzweilYRN Mango Foo Go at Palladium Times Square. Photo by Lucas KurzweilSleazyworld Go at Palladium Times Square. Photo by Lucas KurzweilOffset at Palladium Times Square. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil41 at Palladium Times Square. Photo by Lucas KurzweilSleazyworld Go at Palladium Times Square. Photo by Lucas KurzweilOffset at Palladium Times Square. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
NYC Indie-folk band Sweetboy has been gaining popularity after the release of their 2023 album A Day in the Park. The group is known for their powerful style of indie, folk, pop, and alternative meshing.
Sweetboy was created by artists Anna Barnett and Jon Flores. The two met on Craigslist under aspiring musicians in search of a band. The pair got together, created some tunes, and began performing at open mics around NYC.
The duo then added some new members, put out some demos, and by 2023, released their first album A Day in the Park. Their sound combines infectious indie-pop energy and nostalgic alt-rock angst with an introspective throughline.
Sweetboy considers themselves not much more than nerdy music lovers trying to figure out the most interesting, authentic, and exciting ways to turn their feelings into songs. While the bandmates live throughout New York and New Jersey, the City is their musical home.
The group performed their song “Upstate” on Albany’s WTEN news station on February 25. The song is a wonderful combination of sound, beginning with a strong folk tone, shifting and evolving into a higher-energy pop-rock ballad with a punchy drumbeat.
“Upstate” features a percussive yet melodic piano. Throughout the tune, several changes of intensity and instrumentation occur. The track features Anna’s wonderous vocals along with soaring, choir-like vocals. From beginning as a slow, soft acoustic ditty, to a moving, quick-witted ballad, the song keeps the listener entranced and moving.
To learn more about Sweetboy and their upcoming music, visit their website here. Make sure to check out their YouTube channel for all past releases as well.
Each Sunday evening from 7-9 p.m. you’ll find EQXposure on WEQX, featuring two hours of local music from up-and-coming artists. Tune into WEQX.com this Sunday night to hear new music from W.Y. Huang, Sara Devoe, and Luminous Crush.
WEQX has long been the preeminent independent station in the Capital Region of New York, broadcasting from Southern VT to an ever-expanding listening audience. NYS Music brings you a preview of artists to discover each week, just a taste of the talent waiting to be discovered by fans like you.
Singaporean singer-songwriter W. Y. Huang has released the new song “Life Just Lately.” The New York-based musician captivates audiences with his groovy instrumentals and irresistible vocals.
Sara Devoe is a singer/songwriter from Albany. She takes most of her inspiration from artists like Phoebe Bridgers, Haley Heynderickx, Field Medic, and Grimes. Her catchy song “am i pretty in the light?” will be played on EQXposure on Sunday.
Indie band Sauce City has shared their new music video for their soulful single “Lens of One” ahead of the bands’ live performance at Drom in the East Village on April 19.
The East Village-based band Sauce City have shared that their music video was also a submission to the 2024 Tiny Desk Contest. This year’s Tiny Desk contest has received over 6,600 entries so far, with mostly being from the independent artists who make up the community.
The trio shared that they named their band “Sauce City” because they love sauces more than food. The two, Paul and Eric first met at a band camp on Long Island whilst they were still middle schoolers. The two later met Kirin while she was their collegiate in an a cappella group. After networking with a drummer and bassist, the trio moved to NYC and started jamming together in April of 2022 and Sauce City was born.
When describing the inspiration behind the single, Kirin shared that in July 2023, her NYC apartment was burglarized just before their big single-release show the next day leaving her without a guitar to play. Kirin added “In the kindest of gestures, our close family friend, Glenn Coleman, gifted me a beautiful Epiphone to use from his personal collection. Having solely founded the company “Coleman Audio”, Glenn was a pioneer in the recording industry. Legends such as Stevie Wonder and Joan Jett not only used his unique analog consoles to record, but also developed personal relationships with Glenn over the years”.
After the set back from the inherent trauma, Glenn texted Kirin to “take all these feelings and write a song” as he gifted her his guitar right before he passed from his long battle with cancer three months later.
But in the midst of all the turbulent series of events, and in following Glenn’s wise advice, Kurin wrote “Lens of One”. A soulful single that reminds many of how the world is full of beautiful, radiant highs but also dark, and sometimes scary lows. “The culmination of these, however, is what gives us our own unique perspective on the world – our “Lens of One”,” She added.
After sharing their music video for the contest, the band will also be performing at Drom in the East Village on April 19th, with tickets available on Drom’s website.
To learn more about the soulful band, fans can visit here.
The Rock and Roll Playhouse released their anxiously awaited debut album titled, Friends Rock! on March 8. The album marks the first full-length body of work from the number one kids live concert series in the US.
The albumâs core cast of lovable characters -Â Mick, Stevie, Tina, Quinn, and Jerry – unite to re-imagine some of rock music’s greatest hits. Friends Rock! translates the classic choruses and melodies of rock’s most recognizable anthems into age-appropriate singalongs for your little ones.
Parents and kids alike can enjoy the fun spin on what Rock and Roll Playhouse brings to the stage. Queen’s “You’re My Best Friend,” the Beatles’ “We Can Work it Out” are among the songs reimagined. Along with these, Rock and Roll Playhouse boasts original tunes like “The Rock and Roll Playhouse Anthem” and more.
Simply put, Friends Rock! is fun to listen to. The classics are always great, and the kid-like style they are performed in is certainly something families love, and kids adore. The song choices for Friends Rock! is perfect the way they uplift. Every song is about the power of friendship and love. These are themes you love to see in children’s music.
The Rock and Roll Playhouse continues to book family-concerts in the countryâs most legendary rock clubs. A variety of live shows notably spans the music of Billy Joel, Grateful Dead, The Beatles, Prince, Bruce Springsteen, and Taylor Swift, to name a few.
The Playhouse has also announced their tour across the country which began March 9. The Rock and Roll Playhouse sees dates into June, with a few stops in New York State. Brooklyn, Port Chester and Long Island sees several visits from the Playhouse.
The Rock and Roll Playhouse Tour Dates:
3/9 Denver, CO @ Bluebird Theater
3/9 Boston, MA @ Paradise Rock Club
3/10 Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue
3/10 Jersey City, NJ @ White Eagle Hall
3/10 Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Bowl
3/16 Evanston, IL @ SPACE
3/16 Port Chester, NY @ Garciaâs at The Capitol Theatre
3/17 Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Bowl
3/17 S. Burlington, VT @ Higher Ground Ballroom
3/17 Portland, ME @ Portland House of Music
3/17 Keene, NH @ Colonial Performing Arts Center
3/23 Sayreville, NJ @ Starland Ballroom
3/23 Cincinnati, OH @ Ludlow Garage
3/23 Ardmore, PA @ Ardmore Music Hall
3/24 Chicago, IL @ Thalia Hall
3/24 Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Bowl
3/24 Austin, TX @ Mohawk
3/24 Concord, NH @ BNH Stage
3/30 San Diego, CA @ Music Box
3/30 Phoenix, AZ @ Crescent Ballroom
3/30 Port Chester, NY @ Garciaâs at The Capitol Theatre
3/30 Philadelphia, PA @ Brooklyn Bowl Philadelphia
3/30 Wantagh, NY @ Mulcahy’s
3/31 Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Bowl
4/7 Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Bowl
4/7 Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue
4/7 Chicago, IL @ Thalia Hall
4/13 Denver, CO @ Bluebird Theater
4/13 Milwaukee, WI @ Turner Hall Ballroom
4/14 S. Burlington, VT @ Higher Ground Ballroom
4/14 Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Bowl
4/14 Austin, TX @ Mohawk
4/14 Ardmore, PA @ Ardmore Music Hall
4/20 Wantagh, NY @ Mulcahy’s
4/20 Athens, GA @ Touch of Brews
4/20 Port Chester, NY @ Garciaâs at The Capitol Theatre
4/21 Concord, NH @ BNH Stage
4/21 Jersey City, NJ @ White Eagle Hall
4/21 Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Bowl
4/27 Cincinnati, OH @ Ludlow Garage
4/28 Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Bowl
4/28 Nashville, TN @ The Basement East
5/5 Milwaukee, WI @ Turner Hall Ballroom
5/11 Port Chester, NY @ Garciaâs at The Capitol Theatre
5/11 Los Angeles, CA @ Lodge Room
5/25 Vail Village, CO @ SpringFree Bluegrass Festival
5/26 Vail Village, CO @ SpringFree Bluegrass Festival
6/16 Philadelphia, PA @ Brooklyn Bowl Philadelphia
To purchase tickets to upcoming shows, and to learn more about The Rock and Roll Playhouse and Friends Rock! click here.
New York alternative punk band Bad Mary announced the re-release of their track “Forget About It” from their Better Days album. The album has been remixed and remastered as the Better(er) Days EP. Along with the rerelease, comes the band’s latest music video for the track.
“Forget About It” is a song that Bad Mary has been playing in their sets for years. Now with the re-release of the track on their latest EP, its only appropriate they finally crafted a creative new video to complement it. The band hails from Long Island and NYC, and have played various venues like The Highline Ballroom, The Knitting Factory, and Bowery Electric.
Bad Mary is powerhouse lead vocalist Amanda Mac, her husband Mike on bass, her dad Bill on drums, and her professor David on guitar. The band weaves rhythmic power and brain worm riffs as if it were 1979 all over again. They draw much influence from bands like Green Day, Blondie and The Ramones.
The new music video shows an all-white background with Amanda in a pop art style. The song is loud and punchy much like what the music video portrays with its bold art style and pop-up lyrics. The video and music together serve to convey flashiness and power. The punky, poppy music behind the video really carry the theme till the end.
“Forget About Itâ is a song we’ve been playing in our sets for years. It’s probably the song that we have played the most as a band. An important part of every set, it’s been a crowd favorite forever. With Better(er) Days we really wanted to capture the live energy and the chaos of a song with less than two chords, one line of lyrics, and a one-note guitar solo”.
Bassist Mike Staub
To learn more about Bad Mary and their up-and-coming music visit their website or click here.
There are dozens of Irish pubs offering the best in Irish music throughout New York City. But what’s really the best of the best? Let this list of the top Irish Pubs in NYC act as your tour guide for this upcoming St. Patrick’s Day – or any day you want to enjoy some jigs and reels!
https://youtu.be/AGkDTFjHNVU?si=NKmcIqJKf2rVRp_Q
Hozier celebrates his birthday at Paddy Reilly’s on St. Patrick’s Day in 2023.
Located in the heart of Kips Bay, Paddy Reilly’s has grown into a staple for live Irish music. Just last St. Patrick’s Day, Hozier celebrated his birthday at the pub and performed there live. Except to hear music every day at Paddy Reilly’s, not just on St. Patrick’s Day! For the past 27 years, the pub has been the home to local Irish band The Prodigals. When The Prodigals aren’t playing, expect to hear a blend of Irish classics with rock, folk, and alternative songs. Pub goers can take their own hand at singing too every Tuesday night at Paddy Reilly’s Open Mic Night. The following night is Irish Traditional Night hosted by Niall O’Leary. Every Wednesday night starting at 9pm, Paddy Reilly’s provides a space to enjoy traditional Irish music and stepdance. If you’re in Kips Bay, go to Paddy Reilly’s, sit on a barstool, order a Guinness, and enjoy the music for some good craic.
Cillian Vallely of the band Lúnasa plays at The Dead Rabbit’s Sunday seisiún.
2) The Dead Rabbit – 30 Water Street, Manhattan
Since its opening in 2013, The Dead Rabbit has won numerous awards, and rightfully so! The Dead Rabbit was awarded “World’s Best Bar” in 2016 at the 9th annual Tales of the Cocktail’s Spirited Awards. One could see why when they step into The Dead Rabbit, which seems to be three separate bars seamlessly blended into one. The bar is split into the Taproom, the Parlor, and the Occasional Room. The Parlor hosts various cocktails and comfortable seating; while, the Occasional Room is available for private events. But if it’s live music and good craic you’re looking for, head no further than the Taproom. The Taproom hosts numerous artworks from various contemporary Irish creatives. The Dead Rabbit’s commitment to the arts is also heard every Sunday night from 6-10pm. The seisiúns (sessions) host different musicians every week. You’ll hear everything from the fiddle and guitar to the Irish whistle and bodhrán. Pair it with a Sunday roast and Irish coffee for the perfect way to end your weekend.
James Margolis Trio performs at An Béal Bocht Cafe.
3) An Béal Bocht Cafe – 445 W 238th Street, Bronx
Translating to “the poor mouth” in Irish Gaelic, An Béal Bocht Cafe is named after Irish novelist and playwright Flann O’Brien’s 1941 novel. Living up to its literary name, An Béal Bocht Cafe is covered in portraits of Irish literary legends, such as James Joyce. The pub has been home to the Arts in Riverdale for over 30 years. Every second Wednesday of the month is Writers / Poetry Night hosted by Melinda Wilson and Erin Lynn. Not only does the pub highlight literature but also music. An Béal Bocht Cafe is home to the Bronx’s longest running Irish traditional session. Spanning over 25 years, the session is hosted every Sunday from 4-7pm by Lindsey Ceitinn and Michelle Bergin. So head up to the Bronx, right next to Manhattan College, to join in on the live music every Sunday evening.
The perfect pint of Guinness poured at Grace’s in Manhattan.
4) Grace’s Pub – 252 West 14th Street, Manhattan
Opening just six years ago in 2018, Grace’s has already cemented itself into the weekly lineup of can’t miss Irish music sessions. Every Wednesday night starting at 8pm, Matt Stapleton and guests host an Irish music session where any musician can join in, such as Come From Away musician Pat Mangan, who has joined in on many a session at Grace’s. The traditional Irish music coupled with the pub’s classic Manhattan bar decor offers a comfy and chic atmosphere that is the perfect oasis from the hustle and bustle of the city. If you can’t get enough of Grace’s, head to its sister bar Hartley’s located at 14 Putnam Avenue, Brooklyn for an even homier atmosphere and for live music every Monday night starting at 8pm.
Musicians perform at Mary O’s weekly Thursday night session.
5) Mary O’s – 32 Avenue A, Manhattan
Located in the East Village, Mary O’s has been committed to keeping the tradition of Irish music alive since 2009. Even when Mary O’s was closed during the pandemic, musicians longed for the pub’s sessions so much that session regulars Catilin Warbelow and Chris Ranney started virtual Mary O’s sessions via Tune Supply on YouTube. The virtual sessions kept Mary O’s Irish music community alive, and now, the sessions can be enjoyed in-person every Thursday from 8-11pm with different guest leaders every week. Visit to join Mary O’s musical community while enjoying their staple Irish soda bread scones.
EDM producer Kaivon returned to Buffalo on March 8 performing at his largest venue to date in Western NY, Town Ballroom. The melodic bass artist got to perform is latest tunes off of his 2024 album Ultraviolet.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
Local talent Electric Dad and ZWAAN kicked off this night of future bass music. This was followed by Drezo. LA-based producer Drezo introduced the crowd to a style of G-House which pays homage to hip-hop elements. He brings those rap mixes that everyone knows blended with his bold beats.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
Then the transformative artist known as Kaivon brought an uplifted vibe as soon as he stepped on the stage. His visuals instantly give a euphoric feel especially with the use of colorful lighting.
Even though Kaivon is loved for his melodic heartfelt songs he still designates sections of his set for lovers of heavy dubstep. The way he can make people teary eyed from his mix of Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For” and then headbang right after to the following song is why so many people keep coming back to a Kaivon set.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
Kaivon’s performance brings attention to the parts of life people love most. His set is meant to reconnect the crowd and bring a nostalgic feel. He does this through powerful visuals and several mixes of popular songs. Artists he mixed into his set included Paramore, Rufus Du Sol, The Fray, and Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
Finally getting to hear songs for the first time off of his sophomore album Ultraviolet was a euphoric feeling. Especially with the performance of “Pretty” which gets everyone in their feels with its angelic rhythm. This only grew more when he performed his throwback fan favorite song, “I Love You.”
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
Kaivon’s shows bring a unique force to EDM culture. He is a reminder of why living in the present moment is so important. He creates a space that grounds people and invites people to reborn in a positive framework.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
These next few weeks are packed with EDM shows in Western NY that you don’t want to miss. INZO performs on March 15 and Excision has a double header at Buffalo Riverworks the following week. Get your tickets here.
