Verve Records has announced the release of Louis in London, Louis Armstrong’s last great live performance on July 12. The album will be released on digital, CD, and exclusive black-and-blue vinyl.
Anyone who has listened to jazz is sure to recognize the music of Louis Armstrong. Throughout his five decade career, he revolutionized jazz trumpet and singing, achieving critical and commercial success never seen before. While born in New Orleans, Armstrong settled in Queens, NY, where he worked for much of his life. His work altered jazz, placing emphasis on improvised solos, crafting the jazz we know today. Off of the success of hits like “Hello Dolly” and “What a Wonderful World,” Armstrong and his All-star Band played across the world.
In 1968, they traveled to London to play the BBC Show of the Week. The performance was one “full of vitality and joy,” with some of Armstrong’s most inspired singing and trumpeting. Armstrong realized the impact of this recording, choosing to share it with his close friends more than any of his other works. Additionally, Armstrong hoped that the world could enjoy the recording, affixing a note that read “for the fans” on the tape box after receiving it. Now over five decades later, the recording is being released to the public, just as Armstrong hoped.
“Armstrong once claimed he was here ‘in the cause of happiness.’ All these decades later, albums like LOUIS IN LONDON continue his life’s mission at a time when we still need to be reminded that maybe it still is a wonderful world and maybe we’ll never walk alone after all.”
-Ricky Riccardi
The Album features eleven of the greatest songs recorded by Armstrong and The All Stars. Additionally, the release will feature extensive liner notes from Ricky Riccardi, an Armstrong biographer and director of research collections at the Louis Armstrong House Museum.
The BMI Jazz Composers Workshop has announced that its 35th annual summer showcase will be held on June 5 this year.
The event, which is free and open to the public, is scheduled for 7:30 pm at The Marjorie S. Deane Little Theater in Manhattan at 10 W 64th St. It aims to showcase the best big band and jazz orchestra compositions that have been produced in the workshop throughout the year.
The performances will feature the BMI/New York Jazz Orchestra, a 17-piece modern repertory ensemble made up of leading New York musicians, performing eight new compositions that have been developed this season. The annual Charlie Parker Jazz Composition Prize and Manny Album Commission will be awarded to one of these new works. Additionally, the BMI Jazz Composers Workshop will also feature a new commission from last year’s prize winner, Joseph Herbst.
The orchestra will be led by Musical Director Andy Farber, who returns for his eighth year, alongside Assistant Musical Director and three-time GRAMMY-nominee Alan Ferber. Farber teaches jazz composition and arranging at The Juilliard School in New York and has written arrangements for legendary artists including Shirley Horn and Jon Hendricks, as well as symphony orchestras including the Boston Pops Orchestra.
Ferber currently teaches composition and arranging at NYU and Montclair State University and directs the NYU Jazz Orchestra. He’s an award-winning trombonist, a multi GRAMMY-nominated composer/arranger and a band leader with nine recordings under his name. As a recording artist, he’s played on over 150 albums, and has collaborated with a broad range of artists that includes Esperanza Spalding, Miguel Zenon, Paul Simon, Sufjan Stevens, and Dr. Dre.
BMI is delighted to announce the return of the Jazz Composers Workshop Summer Showcase, partnering once more with our exceptional directors Andy and Alan. Each year, we eagerly anticipate gathering to enjoy the extraordinary compositions crafted throughout the year and to honor another deserving recipient of the Charlie Parker Prize.
~ Patrick Cook, BMI Senior Director of Jazz & Musical Theatre
The 25th Annual Charlie Parker Jazz Composition Prize will be awarded to the writer of the best new work composed in this year’s BMI Jazz Composers Workshop, determined by three judges: David Berger, Don Braden and John Fedchock. This year’s winning composer will also receive the Manny Albam Commission, named in memory of the Workshop’s co-founder and longtime musical director, to compose a new piece for the 2025 showcase.
“I’m not saying I’m a master here, but the difference between the master and the student is that the master has failed more times than the student has tried.”
Although notedly understated, Robert Castelli is the definition of a masterful musician. Incorporating a lifetime’s worth of experiences, influences, and chops, Castelli has led a career on his own terms. With his current band BOOM!, Castelli defies genre and crafts music that could loosely be defined as jazz, but incorporates influences from all corners of the globe. Trained on the drums, piano and guitar, Castelli is a modern renaissance man.
Castelli at 15 years old, playing a local gig
Music has always been a constant present in Castelli’s life. He grew up in Ossining to a musical family, with his dad, grandfather and uncle all being professional drummers. Family, however, was not the biggest influence for Castelli growing up. Like many other kids, he credits his early influences to AM radio, television and his older brother’s record collection. Castelli thanks growing up outside New York specifically for his wide influences. Turning on the radio, Castelli recalls, “Bam, it’s The Beatles, and then next it’s James Brown, and then it’s Beethoven.”
As a kid, Castelli was able to find musical influences everywhere. “I think because my father was almost blind,” he remembers. “I had a way of perceiving the world more aurally than visually.” Watching TV as a child, Castelli recalls the themes of shows like Hawaii Five-O, Mission Impossible, and Sanford and Sons, which further piqued his interest in composition.
If Castelli’s influences began with radio and television, they were tempered by participation in New York City’s live music scene. As a young man, Castelli immersed himself in the many musical traditions of New York City. At the city’s Latin Clubs, he was introduced to Afro-Cuban rhythms, and playing with a band from Jamaica, he learned Caribbean melodies. In Castelli’s words, he always kept “his mind, his heart and his ears open.”
Castelli admits that despite his passion, living as a performing artist in America was not all roses. Slowly, Castelli became disillusioned with the increasing materialism he saw in the music industry, political corruption and a general toxic energy in the US. On top of this, Castelli faced many personal losses during this time, with twelve people in his life passing away. This made Castelli contemplate life, and pushed him to take a chance and travel to Europe in 2003.
At first, Europe was a temporary pitstop for Castelli. He met an Austrian guitarist, who, despite never having played with him, wanted to start a band and tour Europe. Castelli recalls him saying, “If it doesn’t work out, no hard feelings,” which was an attitude he respected. Soon Castelli was settled in Vienna, where he encountered a whole new outlook on music. “They didn’t say he plays guitar better than someone else. They all came and celebrated life or the harvest or whatever. And that’s the purpose of music and the human experience.” To Castelli, this attitude represented “folk music” in its truest form: not a genre, but the music of the people.
Castelli playing drums at Jazzland Vienna in 2014
Soon, Castelli found himself in Barcelona, the vibrant heart of Spain’s Catalonia region. Since moving to Barcelona, Castelli has immersed himself in cultural traditions from across the world. Playing live shows in Barcelona, he had chances to collaborate with musicians from Brazil, Russia, Cuba and more. Balkan musicians gave him the opportunity to experiment with odd meters, and Sudanese musicians introduced him to Afro-Arab rhythms. These experiences speak to the reality of jazz as “an ever evolving art form with influences from other cultures.”
This vibrant mixing of influences pervades Castelli’s music, most notably his newest release Party at One World Plaza. The album defies genre, seamlessly slipping between disparate ends of the Earth. The opener “Vamos” incorporates syncopated Afro-Cuban rhythms reminiscent of his youth in New York’s Latin jazz clubs. “Floatin”’s groovy rock influenced guitar harkens back to Castelli’s childhood influences in The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix.
The standout track is “For the Fallen,” a dreamy and meditative journey aided by soft keys and guitars. Castelli wrote this track in memory of the twelve people he lost before moving to Europe. Before playing, Castelli asks his audiences for 10 seconds of silence to remember everyone that has been lost.
The title track and “Samba Wamba Bamba” reflect his experiences playing with artists from around the world while living in Europe. In all, this album is like a roadmap through Castelli’s life giving audiences an idea of a fraction of his influences and experiences. In other words, this album reflects Castelli’s own definition of music – “the human heart and an intellect filtered by life experience.”
In a life full of change, there has been one constant for Casteli: live music. Castelli views live shows as a conversation between musician and audience. “Somebody says something, it makes you laugh. Those people laugh. Something makes you think, makes you feel, makes you cry.” This energy bouncing between the stage and the audience unites everyone in the room. Thinking of his live shows, Castelli recalls “whether it was 500 or 30,000 people, they all became like one consciousness. That is the real power of music.” To Castelli, in a world where we have more and more entertainment at our fingertips, it is important to go out and support live music venues. Live music, to Castelli, not only supports the artist and the club, but is a personal experience like no other.
Castelli, however, has noticed some issues in the live music scene that need addressing. A growing materialism in the music industry has led many venues to support what will make the most money, rather than what music is most meaningful. Additionally, this material focus has led to an increased burden on the musicians themselves to attract audiences.
He pointed out some more institutional issues regarding youth involvement with music as well. “If you don’t have those university connections or you’re not in the club every night it’s really hard to get a situation where you can get viable work.” Castelli says that access to money gives many university-trained musicians a leg up when building connections. This has dissuaded many people who don’t have the resources to get professional training from continuing. Castelli argues that we need to break this stigma, citing the greats. “A lot of the best jazz musicians were not formally trained. They just stayed with it.”
Castelli still sees many young people staying with it, giving hope for the future of live music. Many young people have things pulling them in directions other than music. Castelli remembers his childhood, with a father afraid he was a poser, and a mother wanting him to find other work. In face of obstacles like these, Castelli has noticed drive among youth – “the young people that I know that play music have a passion for it.”
Robert Castelli is returning to the US in May for a series of shows in and around New York City. On May 30th, he will play Jazz on Main in Mt Kisco, NY. Following this show near his hometown of Ossining, he will head to Manhattan. On June 1, he will play Harlem’s Shrine World Music Venue, followed by a set at Silvana on June 2. After these American shows, Castelli will head back across the pond to London, England to record a series of instructional videos.
35 years after beginning his career, Castelli is still paving his own path through the music world. He remains dedicated to sharing the importance of live music and ensuring that the next generation of musical talent can perform and absorb music like he has.
Enjoy Robert Castelli and his band BOOM! performing “Vamos” at Vienna’s Porgy & Bess Jazz Club.
JazzFest White Plains is back with performances by GRAMMY-winning stars and a food festival from Sept. 11 to 15.
The five-day extravaganza highlights 18 captivating live performances spread throughout downtown White Plains. The artists range from emerging talents to world-renowned artists, including four GRAMMY Award-winners and nominees.
Headlining Friday night of this year’s festival is Nicole Zuraitis, the 2024 GRAMMY Award-winning jazz singer-songwriter and pianist known for her unparalleled expressiveness and lyrical prowess. Headlining on Saturday is the Vijay Iyer Trio featuring Tyshawn Sorey and Linda May Han Oh, hailed by National Public Radio as “truly astonishing” and the New York Times as “the great new jazz piano trio.”
Nicole Zuraitis.
“We’re thrilled to bring such exceptional talent to JazzFest White Plains this year,” said Kathleen Reckling, ArtsWestchester COO. “From soul-stirring vocals to innovative instrumental compositions, this festival promises to be a celebration of jazz in all its forms.” Several performances are free, including all the noon and Sunday shows.
In addition to the stellar performances, the White Plains Jazz & Food Festival closes the weekend on Sept. 15 from 12:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Mamaroneck Avenue between Main Street and Martine Avenue. The food festival will feature a fusion of delectable cuisines and captivating jazz melodies, creating a sensory experience for all ages.
Tickets for JazzFest White Plains are now available for purchase online. For more information about the festival’s full lineup, visit here.
The 2024 Artpark summer lineup offers concert-goers a wide variety of live performances including everything from jazz to rock. 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of Artpark, with a host of live shows, art exhibitions and an anniversary gala scheduled for the summer.
Artpark is Located in Lewiston, NY, a short 30 minute drive north of Buffalo. Artpark combines Western New York’s cultural heritage with the natural scenery of the Niagara region. On top of all of this is a concert venue that has hosted tens of thousands of artists.
Artpark was established in 1974, through a partnership between New York State Parks and the Artpark & Company nonprofit. At its inception, Artpark was a haven for experimental and visual arts. Most works placed a focus on public engagement, nature and the impermanence of art. Artpark has hosted theater productions and musical artists from around the world on one of the largest and best-equipped stages in all of New York.
Gary Clark Jr – May 25
Artpark is just one stop for 4x Grammy winning multi-instrumentalist and singer Gary Clark Jr. during his American tour. The tour celebrates Clark’s 2024 album JPEG RAW. The album combines genres ranging from pop, blues and R&B, and social commentary to create a compelling and anthemic release.
Los Lonely Boys – May 31
Brothers Henry, Jojo and Ringo Garza formed Los Lonely Boys, a San Angelo, TX trio. They gained prominence with their take on Texican rock & roll, which tackles themes of brotherhood. The brothers have sold over 2.5 million records, and have won a grammy. They have also received acclaim from legends like Santana, Dr. John and The Who. Their 2024 tour comes in the leadup to a new album.
Sarah McLachlan – June 18
Artpark is just one stop on Sarah McLachlan’sFumbling Towards Ecstasy 30th anniversary tour, celebrating her multi-platinum 1994 album. McLachlan is one of the most acclaimed singer-songwriters of our times, winning 3 Grammys, and 12 Juno Awards. She raised over $7 million through her Lilith Fair music festival, the largest all-female music event of all time.
Bonnie Raitt – June 21
Legendary singer-guitarist Bonnie Raitt, has been captivating audiences with her cross-genre blending of blues, rock and pop for decades. Raitt is a 13x Grammy winner, and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee. She has also ranked on Rolling Stone’s lists of Greatest guitarists and singers of all time. Artpark is one stop on Raitt’s cross-country 2024 tour.
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue – June 22
Trombone Shorty, is renowned for his eclectic blend of jazz, rock, fun, pop and hip hop. He has released four chart topping albums, collaborated with everyone from the Red Hot Chili Peppers to Pharell Williams and played venues ranging from the Newport Jazz Festival to the White House. Trombone Shorty and his band, Orleans Avenue, will be gracing Artpark with what is sure to be a vibrant performance.
Dispatch – June 28
Vermont roots rock band Dispatch have drawn massive crowds for almost three decades. They rose to fame with their infectious blend of alternative, folk, reggae, and blues. Dispatch’s mix of pointed lyrics and lively instrumentation has consistently drawn massive crowds. They sold out Madison Square Garden three times, and drawing crowds of over 100,000 fans in Boston in 2004.
Orville Peck – July 1
The masked alt-country star, Orville Peck, will perform at Artpark as part of his Stampede tour across North America. Peck combines his smooth voice and vivid songwriting to tackle topics such as his sexual identity. Peck leads a new style of country music, reminiscent of the classics, but also looking to the future. His career has featured musical collaborations with the likes of Shanaia Twain and Diplo.
Norah Jones – July 6
Multi-Grammy winning singer-songwriter Norah Jones will grace Artpark with her acclaimed mix of pop, jazz and folk. This concert is part of a larger American tour in the wake of her 2024 album Visions. Since her 2002 debut Come Away with Me, Jones’s introspective approach to lyrics and intimate production has garnered massive commercial success. Jones has sold over 52 million albums, and received over 10 billion streams worldwide.
Jamey Johnson – July 16
The Washington Post lauded 11x Grammy nominated Jamey Johnson as “one of the greatest country singers of our time.” His vivid storytelling lyrics and rootsy instrumentation evoke classic Nashville. Johnson has received critical and commercial acclaim, thanks to the likes of modern classics like “In Color” and “Give it Away.” Johnson is performing at Artpark as part of his cross-country What a View Tour.
Train – July 19
Pop-radio mainstays Train will be performing at Artpark as part of their larger Summer Road Trip 2024 Tour. The San Francisco pop-rockers have received international renown, selling 10 million albums and 30 million tracks worldwide. Audiences are sure to know mega-hits like “Hey Soul Sister” and “Drops of Jupiter.”
The Flaming Lips – July 22
Alternative rock mainstays, The Flaming Lips, have spent almost four decades releasing critically acclaimed indie classics like “Do You Realize.” The Flaming Lips will bring their signature psychedelic, sci-fi influenced strain of indie rock, accentuated by singer Wayne Coyne’s playful yet profound approach to lyricism.
Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo – July 24
Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo are a singer-producer duo who have been mainstays of pop-rock radio since the 1980s. They rose to fame producing timeless classics like “We Belong,” and “Love Is a Battlefield.” Along with these hits, the duo have produced 19 top 40 hits, and sold over 36 million worldwide. The duo’s success has brought them critical acclaim, receiving 4 consecutive Grammy awards, and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Two Door Cinema Club – July 29
Two Door Cinema Club, a Northern Irish indie band, have made waves across the pond since their 2010 debut Tourist History. Their sophomore release Beacon debuted at number 1 on the Irish charts and number 2 in the UK. The band quickly became mainstays at British festivals like Leeds and Glastonbury ever since, being famous for their live performances.
Slash – S.E.R.P.E.N.T. Festival – July 30
The S.E.R.P.E.N.T. Festival is short for “Solidarity, Engagement, Restore, Peace, Equality N’ Tolerance.” It is a celebration of the blues headed by legendary guitarist Slash of Guns N’ Roses. The festival features thrilling performances from blues veterans like Keb Mo, ZZ Ward and Robert Randolph. The S.E.R.P.E.N.T. festival is dedicated to advancing social justice, with $1 of all ticket sales going to charities such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness and the Equal Justice Initiative.
The Machine Performs Pink Floyd with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra – August 3
The Machine are a New-York based quartet who have captivated audiences since 1988 with their faithful renditions of Pink Floyd classics. The quartet will play songs spanning Pink Floyd’s 16 albums, accompanied by a state of the art laser-light show and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.
Backroads Blues Festival – August 10
The second annual Backroads Blues Festival will stop at Artpark as part of its cross-country tour this summer. The festival is spearheaded by 5x Grammy nominated blues-rock virtuoso Kenny Wayne Shepherd. Shepherd will be joined by blues legends Bobby Rush, Duane Betts and Jimmie Vaughan. The festival will also feature Cirque Kikasse, a Quebecois acrobatic circus show on an operational food truck, offering beer, and fast food to concert-goers.
Gin Blossoms & Toad the Wet Sprocket – August 11
Gin Blossoms have topped the charts with their characteristic brand of jangly alternative rock since 1987. They are known hits like “Hey Jealousy” off of their 1996 platinum selling album Congratulations I’m Sorry. California alt-rockers Toad the Wet Sprocket will join Gin Blossoms on stage. Toad the Wet Sprocket are on tour celebrating the 30th anniversary of their platinum selling Dulcinea album. Audiences will recognize them from billboard-charting hits “All I Want” and “Walk on the Ocean.”
Stray Cats – August 13
Long Island rockabilly legends, Stray Cats, have captivated audiences for over 40 years. Their loose, jazzy and energetic guitar playing and crooning vocals from singer-guitarist Brian Setzer propelled them to stardom. Their mega-hits “Stray Cat Strut” and “Rock This Town” helped introduce their signature blend of glam and punk-influenced rockabilly to new generations.
Blues Traveler & Big Head Todd and the Monsters – August 16
New Jersey jam band legends Blues Traveler have graced audiences with their blend of bluesy alternative since 1987. Hits like “Run-Around,” off of the 6x platinum Four launched Blues Traveler to fame. Blues Traveler have released four gold selling albumsselling over 10 million combined units worldwide. They will be joined by platinum-selling Colorado Rock band Big Head Todd & the Monsters, who will play their signature hybrid of rock, blues, and country.
Bush – August 17
Bush’s signature style of grunge-influenced alternative rock has captivated audiences for three decades. Their timeless hits “Glycerine” and “Comedown” off of their 6x platinum debut Sixteen Sour have made them one of the most successful bands of the 1990s. Bush will be joined by singer-guitarist Jerry Cantrell of the legendary grunge band Alice in Chains.
Buffalo Jazz Composers Workshop – August 18
The Buffalo Jazz Composers Workshop are an ensemble of Buffalo-based composers and instrumentalists. Joined by a shared love of collaborative performance and writing, the group has crafted a unique improvisational take on contemporary jazz. The group also collaborates with visual and theatre artists to create enthralling live performances.
Tedeschi Trucks Band – August 20
Tedeschi Trucks Band are a Grammy-winning 12 piece band hailed as one of the greatest live acts touring today. NPR hailed the Husband and wife duo Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi as “two of the best roots rock musicians of their generation.” The band’s seamless blending of American music genres, like blues rock, soul and jazz have brought them renown. With a massive catalog of songs, no two Tedeschi Trucks Band shows are bound to be the same.
O.A.R. – August 27
O.A.R. – Short for “Of a Revolution” – are a platinum-selling alternative band from Rockville, MD. They are known for their mix of indie and roots rock. The band has sold out venues as large as Madison Square Garden and Red Rocks, all while retaining an unseen amount of freedom in the music industry, and a dedication to philanthropy. They will be headlining a US tour this summer in the wake of their 2022 album The Arcade.
Cole Swindell – August 29
Cole Swindell is an up and coming country singer-songwriter, who previously wrote hit singles for the likes of Thomas Rhett and Luke Bryan. He has released four albums, with 8 singles reaching number one on the country charts. 2023 was a big year for Swindell, with him winning 3 Academy of Country Music awards, and releasing a 3x platinum cover of Joe Dee Messina’s “Heads Carolina, Tails California.”
Cage the Elephant – September 7
Kentucky indie darlings, Cage the Elephant, will grace Artpark on a cross-country tour in the wake of their new album Neon Pill. The band blends an eclectic mix of classic rock, 90s alternative, blues and funk. They are mainstays of alternative radio, with audiences sure to recognize charting hits like “Come a Little Closer” and “Cigarette Daydream.”
The New York State Blues Festival has announced the artist lineup for 2024. The festival is sure to rock Syracuse with three full days of performances headlined by blues legends. This yearâs festival will take place from June 13-15 at the New York State Fairgroundsâ Chevy Court.
The New York State Blues Festival has been one of the largest free blues festivals in New York since its inception over 30 years ago. The festival is an all-ages event showcasing artists from around the country, focused on, but not limited to the blues. Blues Fest is designed to promote blues music, and educate the public on the blues’ influence on different genres of music, all while creating a welcoming gathering space for music fans. In the words of the festival director Eric McElveen, “we’re really trying to create a big tent for people to gather under and see what they have in common.”
The event begins Friday, June 14 at 4:00PM when the Chevy Court Main Stage gates open. This year’s lineup features artists from all over the blues spectrum, incorporating rock and soul. Heading night one of the festival are Lil’ Ed and the Blues Imperials. The group has toured the world for almost 30 years, propelled by Lil’ Ed Williams’s signature slide guitar and soulful vocals. Night two will feature Los Angeles blues-rockers The Record Company and guitarist Matthias Lattin.
The last night features big names Little Feat, and Harlem’s very own Shemekia Copeland. Grammy-nominated Copeland will grace the festival with her passionate soaring vocals, and lyricism tackling hatred and racism in what is sure to be a powerful performance.
In addition to live performances, the festival will host a wide range of food and beverage vendors. The festival is a free all-ages event with shaded areas to bring lawn chairs and dancing room. ProAct Blues Club VIP passes are currently on sale with early bird pricing starting from $125. These passes provide guests with catered dinner, beer, wine, drinks and snacks, as well as preferred seating.
Non-profit organization Live at the Bandstand is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated free music event, All Headliners Festival. The festival takes place on June 8 from 3 to 9pm in Sackets Harbor, New York.
All Headliners Festival takes place at the picturesque Sentinel Bandstand in Sackets Harbor. This celebration promises an unforgettable afternoon and evening of live performances, delicious food, and camaraderie, showcasing the rich diversity of talent and culture in the region. The event features an eclectic lineup of four exceptional bands, representing a wide spectrum of musical genres. Bands include jazz troupe Pando Collective, blues artist Tas Cru, Americana group The National Reserve, and jazz/classical Stephane Wrembel Quartet.
In addition to the stellar musical lineup, attendees will have the opportunity to indulge in a delectable array of culinary delights, courtesy of local food vendor Elm Street Taco truck. The renowned 1812 Brewing Company truck serves up refreshing and award-winning craft brews right in the heart of Sackets Harbor/Watertown.
Tas Cru
All Headliners Festival Acts
Pando Collective 3pm: Kicking off the festivities with their soulful jazz melodies, Pando Collective brings a unique blend of talent and camaraderie. They draw inspiration from their roots in the 10th Mountain Division Band.
The National Reserve 4:15pm: Back by popular demand, The National Reserve returns to Live at the Bandstand. They are ready to enthrall audiences once again with their soulful Americana, Rock’n’Roll sound and dynamic stage presence.
Tas Cru 6pm: Tas Cru and his band are sure to captivate audiences with their electrifying blues. Their tunes and infectious energy promise a performance that will have everyone on their feet. He hails from the local scene.
Stephane Wrembel Quartet 7:30pm: Rounding out the evening with a touch of international flair, the Stephane Wrembel Quartet will transport listeners to the streets of Paris with their enchanting gypsy jazz melodies, led by the virtuoso French guitarist himself.
“We are thrilled to bring this vibrant celebration of music and community to Sackets Harbor. Our mission has always been to showcase the incredible talent and diversity of our local and downstate music scene while fostering a sense of connection and belonging within our community. We invite everyone to join us for a day of unforgettable performances, delicious food, and shared experiences on the water.”
Ingrid Cleveland Gori
The festival is free of charge for all. For more information on the All Headliners Festival in Sackets Harbor on June 8, click here.
Bryant Park has an exciting season of free, live Latin Picnic Performances lined up for the summer of 2024. From June 7 to September 13, you can expect paramount talent of Latin performers from around the globe.
Many of this season’s performances will livestream for free on Bryant Park’s social media channels and website, reaching national and international audiences. Food and drink are available for purchase from a curated lineup of local vendors near the lawn. At all performances, attendees can discover new dishes and celebrate classics from the five boroughs. A rotating line-up of artisanal vendors by Hester Street Fair welcomes all hungry fest-goers. Stout NYC offers light bites as well as a selection of beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages for purchase.
All shows are free to the public and designed to be enjoyed casually. There are more than 700 picnic blankets for audience members to borrow and ample chairs available. A total of 22 Latin performances are set to hit Bryant Park this summer. Genres range from jazz to classical to funk and much more. This series of shows are free for the public and should not be missed.
Bryant Park Latin Picnic Performances 2024
June
June 07: Contemporary Dance – David Dorfman Dance, Soles of Duende, Joffrey Concert Group
June 14: Contemporary Dance – Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE, Robin Dunn and Friends, Kevin Wynn Tribute
June 21: Jazzmobile – Sarah Vaughan Centennial Featuring Charenée Wade
June 28: Emerging Music Festival Day 1 – Artists TBA
June 29: Emerging Music Festival Day 2 – Artists TBA
July
July 05: Carnegie Hall Citywide – Tania León and The Harlem Chamber Players
July 12: Carnegie Hall Citywide – Thandiswa Mazwai
July 19: Carnegie Hall Citywide – Louis Cato
July 26: Carnegie Hall Citywide – Michael Olatuja & Lagos Pepper Soup
August
August 02: Carnegie Hall Citywide – La Excelencia
August 09: Joe’s Pub – Broadway en Spanglish: Florencia Cuenca and Jaime Lozano
August 10: New Victory Theater – Ephrat Asherie Dance + Barkin/Selissen Project
August 16: World Music Institute – Gyedu-Blay Ambolley, Artists TBA
August 17: Jalopy Theatre – Artists TBA
August 23: New York City Opera – Tosca
August 24: New York City Opera – Tosca
August 30: Asian American Arts Alliance – Vijay Iyer Trio
August 31: Contemporary Dance – Mark Morris Dance Group, Blacks in Ballet, Reed Luplau
September
September 05: Accordions Around the World – Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers, Afro Dominicano, Artist TBA
September 06: American Symphony Orchestra – Beyond the Hall
September 12: Harlem Stage – Artist TBA
September 13: The Town Hall + Belongó – The Man with The Golden Horn
For more information on the upcoming Bryant Park Picnic Performances, visit Bryant Park’s website or click here.
The annual Scarsdale Music Festival is returning for its fourth year June 1-12 to 6pm in Scarsdale Village. The six-hour music festival sees a hearty lineup of amazing talent from all over.
The festival is hosted by the Scarsdale Business Aliance and benefits Daniel’s Music Foundation. The foundation aims to empower individuals with disabilities through music education and performance. The annual Scarsdale Music Festival boasts an extensive lineup of highly talented individuals and groups.
The Scarsdale Music Festival is an exceptional, family-friendly community event that brings together thousands of people of all ages to celebrate their love of music, food, and community and is a not-to-be missed experience. The Scarsdale Business Alliance is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the Village of Scarsdale and its local businesses.
A total of 16 musical artists and bands are set to hit the stage on June 1. The lineup is diverse and dynamic with genres like Americana, indie-rock, world, hard-rock, pop, R&B, opera and more. Some artists include Artia Tobia, Conversing with Ocean, Hunter Road, The Men of Soul, George Dennehy, and more.
This year’s line-up of amazing talent performs on two main stages throughout the day as well as an all-new acoustic stage. Twelve bands from Scarsdale and the greater Tri-State area were chosen through an extensive selection process from over 70 submitted applicants.
This year’s Grand Tasting Village features elite wines from around the world, specialty cocktails, and food pairings. In addition, guests 21+ can also purchase beer and wine by the glass. Food trucks and other food vendors offer a selection of sweet and savory items. The Family Fun Zone features carnival games, face painters, arts and crafts, musical demonstrations, DIY and STEAM activities, sports, inflatables, and more.
Tickets for the annual Scarsdale Music Festival are on sale now. For more information on the festival and to purchase tickets, click here.
With the announcement of their highly anticipated debut album, All My Friends Are Cattle, set for release on September 6,, Brooklyn-based trio Gooseberry has once again set the music world on fire. The news follows the release of their incredible new song, “Kikiyon,” accompanied by a visually stunning music video.
“Kikiyon” is a raw and intense song that pulsates with rebellious energy. This song demands attention and makes an impression, whether you’re headbanging to the beats or wondering the meaning behind the lyrics. Listen to “Kikiyon” below.
Moreover, their EP Validate Me cemented Gooseberry’s place as a major player in the music industry. With a growing fan base and more than 500K Spotify streams, the band started The Validation Tour and impressed audiences.
All My Friends Are Cattle is expected to be an unmatched experience that shows the band’s versatility and inventiveness. Additionally, the album travels a wide musical setting, from lyrically-driven ballads to punch-you-in-the-mouth punk rock. With songs like “Golden,” “Cherry Blossoms,” and “Bitter,” Gooseberry creates an intense vibe that cuts across genres.
Evin Rossington on drums and Will Hammond on bass give a powerful rhythm section that backs up frontman Asa Daniels‘s dynamic songwriting. Additionally, GRAMMY-winning artists Phil Joly and James “Jimmy T” Meslin add their production and mixing skills, guaranteeing that All My Friends Are Cattle is a masterwork.
Further, Gooseberry is getting ready for a cross-country tour as excitement builds for their music. With All My Friends Are Cattle leading the charge, 2024 is shaping to be their year.
