On Tuesday, March 19, Gary Clark Jr. performed at The Soho Sessions, an exclusive music-driven community known for curating exceptional live experiences in NYC. Clark Jr. was celebrating the release of his new album released this week, titled JPEG RAW.
In attendance were Actor Richard Kind, Jane Rose, Promoter Peter Shapiro, Elle Fanning, Fran DeFeo, David Fricke, Gus Wenner, Steve Schirripa among others. photo by Kim Mancuso Photography.
In addition to celebrating Clark’s new album, this edition of The Soho Sessions also celebrated music through raising awareness and funds for Music Will, the organization that has provided music teacher training, curriculum, and instruments to over 6,000 schools across all 50 states – impacting over 1.6 million students to date.
photo by Kim Mancuso Photography.
The nonprofit strives to reach a million more students by 2027 while making music education accessible to all students regardless of their socio-economic circumstances. Music Will runs the largest nonprofit music program in the U.S. public school system.
Music Will believes that music education is a right, not a privilege, and it should reflect the cultures of the students it serves. That’s why, for two decades now, their programs have taught students such popular American genres as rock, pop, R&B, Latin, rap and country—alongside styles already taught in schools, such as classical and jazz.
Chief Relationship Officer, Janice Polizzotto (right) pictured sitting with Soho Sessions executives. photo by Kim Mancuso Photography.
Additionally, more than 70 colleges and universities now use their approach to music education majors. Several state departments of education have partnered with Music Will to grow music education in the schools they serve. Its mission of transforming lives by transforming music education has grown into a movement.
On March 20, history and music intertwined at the Resnick Education Wing at Carnegie Hall, where an exclusive first listen event was held for Alice Coltrane’s Live at Carnegie Hall album. This event marked the culmination of years of anticipation for fans worldwide, as the concert, originally performed in 1971, was finally set for release on March 22, under the title Alice Coltrane – The Carnegie Hall Concert.
Alice Coltrane, a luminary in the jazz world and a spiritual seeker, took the stage at Carnegie Hall for a special gala benefiting the Integral Yoga Institute. Backed by an ensemble of renowned musicians, including Pharoah Sanders, Archie Shepp, Jimmy Garrison, and Cecil McBee, among others, Alice delivered a transcendent performance that captured the essence of her musical and spiritual journey.
The evening began with a captivating listen to the album, transporting listeners back to that pivotal moment in 1971 when Alice Coltrane graced the stage at Carnegie Hall. The audience was then treated to a thought-provoking panel discussion hosted by Marcus J. Moore, featuring esteemed guests Michelle Coltrane, Brandee Younger, and Cecil McBee.
The panel discussion delved into various aspects of Alice Coltrane’s music and legacy, offering insights into her creative process, spiritual journey, and the impact of her music on contemporary artists. Throughout the conversation, panelists shared personal anecdotes, reflections, and interpretations of Alice’s music, providing a deeper understanding of her artistry and influence.
One of the key themes that emerged from the discussion was the improvisational nature of Alice Coltrane’s music. Cecil McBee, reflecting on his experience playing alongside her, highlighted the freedom and spontaneity she encouraged in her band members. He emphasized that Alice created an environment where musicians could express themselves authentically, without constraints or preconceived notions.
Michelle Coltrane, drawing from her childhood memories, spoke eloquently about her mother’s musical legacy and spiritual evolution. She described Alice’s transition from grief to spiritual awakening following the death of John Coltrane, her husband. Michelle emphasized the profound impact of Alice’s music on her own artistic journey, citing instances where her mother’s influence could be heard in her compositions.
Brandee Younger, a contemporary harpist and composer, shared her perspective on Alice Coltrane’s influence on her own work. She discussed how Alice’s music transcended boundaries, incorporating elements of jazz, gospel, Indian classical music, and world music to create a unique and transformative listening experience. Brandee expressed admiration for Alice’s fearless experimentation and dedication to spiritual exploration.
The panelists also explored the spiritual dimensions of Alice Coltrane’s music, highlighting her deep connection to Indian spirituality and her role as a spiritual leader. They discussed how her music served as a conduit for spiritual expression, offering solace, inspiration, and transcendence to listeners around the world.
As the event concluded, it became evident that Alice Coltrane’s legacy extends far beyond the confines of a concert hall or recording studio. Her music continues to resonate with audiences of all generations, inspiring artists, musicians, and spiritual seekers alike. Through her pioneering spirit, unwavering dedication to her craft, and profound spirituality, Alice Coltrane left an indelible mark on the world of music and beyond.
Esteemed music venue Caffe Lena in Saratoga Springs announced a stellar lineup of musicians for the month of April, with Raul Midon, Michael Eck, Vanessa Collier, and The Special Consensus among the featured acts.
CaffeLena has presented New York State with extraordinary music in an intimate setting since the 1960s. It is widely recognized as the longest continuously operating folk music venue in the United States. Bob Dylan performed for two consecutive nights at the cafè in 1961, a year prior to the release of his debut album.
The venue’s mission is to keep a diverse set of programs and artists, regardless of fame, to present to the community. Caffe Lena is where musical discovery begins on all fronts. All shows held in-person in Lena’s historic listening room are also streamed live to living rooms around the world.
Caffe Lena’s April shows are not ones to miss. The itinerary is complete with various well-known artists with utmost talent. Various genres like bluegrass, jazz, folk, blues, poetry, funk rock and more are set to light up the intimate venue with energy, love, and art. Artists like Michael Eck see the stage for heartfelt performances signifying great milestones.
Vanessa Collier
Michael Eck celebrates his 60th birthday with release of sixth album, fermata, and a performance at Caffe Lena, 8 p.m. Friday, April 19. Eck will be joined by an all-star ensemble, including bassist/vocalist Bob Buckley, guitarist Sten Isachsen, and elusive vocalist Rosanne Raneri.
Michael Eck
Caffe Lena’s Top Shows For April
April 2, 7 PM Live Stream: Storytelling Night Featuring Julia Biaculli
April 3, 7 PM Poetry Open Mic Night featuring Susan Jefts
April 4, 8 PM Ruthie Foster
April 5, 8 PM The Special Consensus
April 6, 8 PM Peter Mulvey with Opener Zachary Lucky
April 7, 7 PM House of Hamill
April 9, 7 PM Songwriting with Eliza Gilkyson
April 19, 8 PM Live Stream: Michael Eck
April 26, 8 PM Vanessa Collier
April 27, 8 PM Bright Series: The Clements Brothers
April 28, 7 PM Intersectional Voices: Raul Midon
For more information on Caffe Lena’s April shows and to purchase tickets, click here.
The 2024 CGI Rochester International Jazz Festival 21st edition lineup is available now, held from Friday, June 21 to Saturday, June 29, at 20 indoor and outdoor venues, all within walking distance in downtown Rochester’s east-end cultural district.
Pedrito Martinez, photo by Thom Bell.
Founded in 2002, the CGI Rochester International Jazz Festival is one of the world’s leading jazz festivals, held annually in Rochester with over 210,000 attendees. Over nine days, there are 300 shows with more than 1750 artists, traveling from Australia, Benin (West Africa), Canada, Cuba, Denmark, England, Finland, Japan, and more. The festival is produced by RIJF, LLC, a privately held company owned by John Nugent and Marc Iacona.
We’re incredibly proud of this year’s diverse lineup and hope everyone will thoroughly enjoy all the spectacular performances. Once again, there has been no shortage of incredible artists from around the world who have submitted materials to perform for our amazing Rochester audiences! Choosing and confirming artists brings about a serendipity surrounding touring schedules and timing. We’re very pleased to have completed another artistic canvas for our audiences’ ears to enjoy. On behalf of our entire RIJF team, we thank everyone who attends the festival, our festival team and volunteers, and our amazing sponsors for their continuing support and loyalty. Three new sponsors are joining us this year: Rochester Institute of Technology, Wow Werks, and the Inn on Broadway. We look forward to welcoming everyone to our 21st Edition on Jazz Street in June!
John Nugent and Marc Iacona.
Music will fill the air with more than 1750 artists from 16 countries to play in 326 concerts, including 100-plus free shows. There are five free headliner shows, four nights on the Wegmans Stage at Parcel 5, and one night on the City of Rochester Stage at East & Chestnut. On June 22, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram brings his dramatic and searing guitar tones to the stage, with Chris Beard Band opening. Shelia E. and the E-Train comes to the stage on June 26 with Grupo Ife opening.
On June 27, Los Lonely Boys brings the Garza brothers to the stage, with Miller & The Other Sinners opening. June 28 brings Cimafunk to the stage with Latriste Fulton & Frequency opening. His name refers to his heritage as a “cimarrón,” Cubans of African descent who resisted and escaped slavery, as well as to the essence of his music, which aims to mix classical Cuban rhythms with funk, afrobeat, and hip hop. The last free event on June 29 is Rejuvenation 50! Celebrating The Meters, A New Orleans Mardi Gras Party – sure to bring quite the crowd!
Two new venues join the Club Pass Series this year: the historic Inn on Broadway, with two shows nightly at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m., and The Duke, a new entertainment space located in Sibley Square adjacent to the Mercantile on Main Street, with two shows nightly at 7:45 and 9:45 p.m. Food and drinks will be available at both venues.
A record 51 shows will be presented on the Jazz Street Stage, including 24 student jazz bands and jazz ensembles from Eastman. Jazz Starts at the Library, a series of five free noon concerts, returns to the Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County, featuring Trio 55, Hanna PK, Simon Fletcher, Jimmy Highsmith Jr., and Jazz Generation.
Other highlights include five free Jazz Workshops sponsored by Wegmans, led by visiting artists for music students of all ages. Held at Eastman School of Music from 1 to 2:30 p.m. in the Ray Wright Room 120, artists include Tommy Smith, Saxophone, Jae Sinett, Drums, Roberto Occipinti, Bass, Johnny Johnson, Sax, and Mike Kaupa, Trumpet.
Photo by Eli Stein.
Jam Sessions will be held nightly at 10:30 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Rochester Astor on Main, sponsored by the Dimarco Group. Jams will be led by trumpeter Mike Cottone on Fridays and Saturdays and guitarist Bob Sneider on Sunday through Thursday. Food and drinks are available, with no cover.
Finally, five ticketed headliner shows will be presented at Kodak Hall at Eastman Theater. All shows are at 8 p.m. On June 21, Taj Mahal brings his talents to the stage, with the Lee Ritenour Band on the 22. Rising star and recent GRAMMY award winner Laufey takes the stage on June 26, sold out. John Oates, co-founder of the iconic music creators Hall & Oates, takes the stage as a solo act on the 27, and multiple GRAMMY award winner Samara Joy wraps up the headliner shows on the 28.
The Festival’s signature Club Pass Series will feature 216 shows at 12 diverse venues with some of the finest jazz artists. Access with a 3 or 9-day Club Pass, the festival’s value pass, or $30 cash at the door. Tickets for headliner shows and Club Passes are available now. For more information on other events at the International Jazz Festival, tickets, and the full lineup – visit here.
In a brief preface to Saturday’s performance at VBI Theatre of Cunneen-Hackett Arts Center in Poughkeepsie, 84-year-old free jazz legend Joe McPhee told the crowd that ‘no plan was the plan’ and that those in attendance would enjoy a performance that had never happened before and would never happen again.
Alternating between saxophone soloist, spoken-word beat poet, and band conductor, McPhee held true to that promise, leading the unconventional 10-piece group in an hour of adventurous free improvisation that drew on chamber music influences and the avant-garde as much as it did on the blues.
A Poughkeepsie native who lectured on jazz at Vassar College in the early 70s, McPhee is the connective tissue to the great saxophone innovators of the past. In his poetry, he namechecked John Coltrane, Ornette Coleman, and Albert Ayler. Before the show, McPhee joked that he always backs out of playing in his hometown, but that show organizer and electric guitarist James Keepnews just kept at him until the gig was scheduled. Kudos to Keepnews for making it happen.
The ensemble featured two basses (Michael Bisio of the Matthew Shipp trio and the masterful Hilliard Greene), cellist Daniel Levin, guitarists Keepnews and Billy Stein, violists Judith Insell and late-addition Fung Chern Hwei, and violinists Rosi Hertlein and Gwen Laster. McPhee noted that he had met some of the musicians that very day and that they’d had only a brief rehearsal. In other words, in this first of the 2024 Elysium Furnace Works concert series, anything could happen.
McPhee is a commanding presence on stage. In his red Puma sneakers, cap, and stylish vest, he looked 20 years younger than his age and he did an excellent job directing the group so that everyone wasn’t stepping all over each other. McPhee’s performance was also a kind of balancing act between recounting poetry, soloing on saxophone, and directing traffic.
The performance kicked of with McPhee’s line of poetry: “The sound begins.” He cued Rosi Hertlein to accompany him and her vocalizations and technique recalled the visionary deep listening stylings of Pauline Oliveros. “The sound surrenders to itself,” recited McPhee, “and becomes the place where the meeting begins.”
As the night progressed, Joe McPhee featured small groups of musicians. Bisio, Levin, and Stein all stood out for their contributions and innovative rhythmic bowing techniques. Then at times, McPhee would call for all of the players to improvise, leading to a beautiful cacophony. Then the sound entered the stratosphere when McPhee played his horn.
McPhee’s great gift is incredibly similar to his idol Ayler: though he can play atonally, sing through the horn, or play piercing overtones, the essence of his playing is rooted in a kind of spiritual blues that is more sensitive and melodic than other percussive players. Perhaps this is why his poem and piece “New Chicago Blues” may have connected best with the audience. At one time each of the ten members of the stage was playing his or her own version of the blues – this was no 12-bar nightclub band, but an expression of deep blues and immediacy that transcended meter and time while still honoring everything a listener knows about the genre. It was powerful, wild, and rare stuff. It appeared the show was being recorded, so hopefully it will be released by McPhee in the future – but knowing his ethos, he’s probably already on to the next thing.
But it takes real talent to look forward while also recognizing your link to the past. In the course of an evening, McPhee namechecked everyone from Duke Ellington to Sun Ra to his recently departed friend Peter Brotzmann who told him in a final email that they were “same age, different color, but brothers in soul. Stay straight, old friend.” It was a humbling realization that most of McPhee’s contemporaries aren’t around anymore, and it was a reminder of what a gift it is to see him in such fine form in 2024.
McPhee originally learned the trumpet in his youth, but it was the music of Albert Ayler that inspired him to pick up the saxophone. On only his second day owning the instrument, McPhee went to a jam session at the National Cafe on Main Street, and was kicked out by all the other musicians. As he forged ahead on the free jazz scene, it took a long time for McPhee to gain acceptance, and he rarely found it in Poughkeepsie where he worked a factory job to help fund trips to Europe. There his free jazz approach was appreciated and he met such luminaries at Cecil Taylor.
Joe McPhee is currently working on a memoir with Hudson Valley author (and Elysium Furnace Works show-promoter) Mike Faloon called Straight Up, Without Wings: The Musical Flight of Joe McPhee which will be published by Corbett vs. Dempsey upon completion. In recent years labels like Corbett vs. Dempsey and Superior Viaduct have been instrumental in releasing McPhee’s new music and reissuing classic releases from the HatHut label.
For those looking to dip their toes into McPhee’s experimental music, there’s no better place to start than 1970’s Nation Time. Originally released by the Poughkeepsie independent label CjR, original copies are extremely rare and collectible in jazz vinyl circles, but reissues have revived interest in the record and are readily available. But, McPhee is hardly about mining the past – he’s always doing something new and expressing his ultimate belief that “music is love and love is music”. At 84, he still has much to say in his poetry and through his horn.
Béla Fleck reflects highly on his years-long collaboration with late pianist Chick Corea, sounding like a bashful student musician, still in awe of the jazz legend whose impact transformed him as a teenager in the ’70s. The duo’s album, Remembrance – out May 10 via Thirty Tigers – serves as a moving final document of the profound creative and personal rapport Fleck and Corea have showcased previously on 2007’s Latin Grammy-winning The Enchantment.
Released just over three years after Corea’s passing, Remembrance serves as an addendum to Corea’s legacy, highlighted by three previously unreleased Corea compositions as well as five short free improvisations, or impromptus, that Fleck has infused with written music.
Recorded both live in concert, over the duo’s final tour dates in 2019, Remembrance was crafted by trading sound files amid the Covid pandemic. Running a stylistic gamut, the album features Corea’s unreleased tunes “Enut Nital” (“Latin Tune,” spelled backwards), and “Continuance,” an older work that resurfaced in the duo’s setlist, as well as new Fleck compositions, including “The Otter Creek Incident” and “Juno,” a winsome tribute to his son, the channeling Thelonious Monk and Scarlatti, and challenging exercises such as “Small Potatoes,” which evokes Corea’s work in the jazz avant-garde.
When the 18-time Grammy Award-winning banjoist reflected on his time collaborating with Corea, Fleck said, “I just feel so lucky to have played with him in such an intimate way, and to have gotten to know him so well.”
The title track, a Corea composition “Remembrance,” is one of the last pieces of music Chick ever recorded. “It’s just one of those perfect Chick Corea tunes,” Fleck says. “It sounds to me like a New Orleans funeral march, even though it has a Latin component, like everything he did tended to.”
Corea’s death in 2021 devastated the jazz community, who saw the pianist as a constant international presence, a vibrant musician who never ceased touring and recording. “It was a deep shock,” says Fleck, who also released an inspired live project with Corea, Two, in 2015. “It was one of the special relationships in my life. He was just so kind to me, and so helpful, and I learned so much from him.”
“We pushed this duo to a new place before we ran out of time,” says Fleck, who produced Remembrance. “We have here another cool look at Chick Corea, at the different ways that he can play that we wouldn’t have had. There’s a lot of great Chick Corea out there, and this is different.”
“I know it sounds unlikely. But it really happened. Once upon a time, I played banjo in a duo with Chick Corea.”
“He found the good in everything. I’m just so glad to be a part of this — glad I could be with him, and glad there’s more to share.”
Chick Corea & Béla Fleck Remembrance track listing
1. The Otter Creek Incident (Béla Fleck)
2. impromptu III: march hare
3. Enut Nital (Chick Corea)
4. impromptu II: mock turtle
5. Bemsha Swing (Thelonious Monk, Denzil Best)
6. Lucky Bounce
7. impromptu I: cheshire
8. Remembrance (Chick Corea)
9. Juno (Béla Fleck)
10. Scarlatti Sonatas (Domenico Scarlatti, arr.. By Corea, Fleck)
11. impromptu V: jabberwocky
12. Small Potatoes
13. Continuance (Chick Corea)
14. impromptu IV: gentleman fish
“With Béla, our duet has become so simpatico, and comfortable–comfortable spiritually. And not meaning that we’re not adventuring musically, but I know that whatever we’re going to do is going to be musical.”
Chick Corea, speaking about Bela Fleck, in 2015
Béla Fleck Tour Dates
April 3 Buffalo, NY Kleinhans Music Hall ^
April 4 Oakville, Ontario Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts ^
April 5 Kingston, Ontario Kingston Grand Theatre ^
April 6 Stowe, VT Spruce Peak PAC ^
April 9 Ottawa, Ontario Centrepointe ^
April 10 St. Catharines, Ontario Partridge Hall ^
April 12 State College, PA The State Theatre ^
April 13 Goshen, IN Goshen College ^
April 14 Lexington, KY Lexington Opera House ^
April 24 Skokie, IL North Shore PAC *
April 25 Kohler, WI Kohler Memorial Theatre *
April 26 Royal Oak, MI Royal Oak Music Theatre *
April 27 Wilkesboro, NC MerleFest *
April 28 New Orleans, LA New Orleans Jazz Festival *
May 4 New York, NY Carnegie Hall (Béla Fleck: Rhythm, Raga & Rhapsody)
June 13 Groton, MA Groton Hill Music Center #
June 14 Kingston, NY Ulster PAC #
June 15 Hartford, CT The Bushnell #
June 16 Kennett Square, PA Longwood Gardens #
June 18 Boulder, CO Chautauqua Amphitheater #
June 20 Telluride, CO Telluride Bluegrass Festival (house band)
June 21 Telluride, CO Telluride Bluegrass Festival #
Blues legend Taj Mahal and Gambian legend-in-the-making Sona Jobarteh graced the stage of the Hart Theater at The Egg on Thursday, March 7 for an immaculate night of globe-spanning music.
Taj Mahal – photo by Conor McMahon
Sona Jobarteh is the first female griot kora master, hailing from one of the five principal kora-playing families in West Africa. With a history spanning 1,000 years, Sona continues a legacy handed down for generations, for the first time to a woman who makes her presence known on the stage and in her home of The Gambia. Jobarteh’s humanitarian activism has led to her founding The Gambia Academy, an institution dedicated educational reform for Africans on the continent of Africa.
Pairing her virtuosity on the kora and the guitar with ethereal vocals, Sona and her band blended traditional West African music with blues and pop from the Mother Continent, and in doing so created an original sound that is at times hypnotic. Walking out one at a time – first the percussion and bass, then guitar and finally Jobarteh – the audience was led immediately to engage in a call and response song, “Jarabi,” with an outset intention to engage all for this very full evening of music.
For an hour, Jobarteh demonstrated with precision the kora while her band crafted beats unlike any other. Each song was given an introduction, with meaning and spirituality invoked throughout, making the connection to the music deeper as the performance progressed. Jobarteh is a beacon of light from West Africa, shining farther west than her ancestors could have ever imagined.
Sona Jobarteh and her band at The Egg – photo by Pete Mason
Harlem-born Taj Mahal took the stage a short while later, strutting out to center stage in his signature Panama hat, surrounded by at least seven guitars of varying sound and size. Opening with “Wild About My Lovin’,” his vocals were tinged with age and rasp, perfect for a gritty blues love song. “Fishing Blues” and the classic “Corrina” followed, after Taj Mahal noted that he had a lack of radio hits over his career.
“Queen Bee” was dedicated to the guys in the audience, with a suggestion that they play this song for their girl the next chance they get. A hint of the Caribbean could be heard in the steel drums of Robert Greenidge (formerly of Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefers Band) throughout the evening, while the Hawaiian steel guitar of Bobby Ingano on a cover Santo and Johnny’s “Sleepwalk” creating a creole stew of blues from across the hemisphere.
Taj Mahal and his band with Sona Jobarteh and her band
For an encore, Sona Jobarteh and her band were welcomed back to the stage to perform, “Giant Step.” Watch the song below and photos by Conor McMahon.
Taj Mahal Setlist: Wild About My Lovin’, Fishing Blues, Corrina, Bettye and Dupree, Cakewalk into Town, Queen Bee, Slow Drag, Roscoe’s Mule, Lovin’ in my Baby’s Eye, Sleepwalk, Blackjack Davey, Giant Step (with Sona Jobarte and her band)
Slightly Stoopid and Dirty Heads have announced their 2024 “Slightly Dirty Summer Tour,” with a stop at Northwell Health at the Jones Beach Theater on July 20.
Formed in 1994 by the duo of Kyle McDonald and Miles Doughty, Slightly Stoopid is more than just a band—it’s a musical brotherhood. These childhood friends from Southern California set out to create a genre-defying fusion of punk, metal, folk, blues, rock, and reggae. Slightly Stoopid has dominated well-known festivals like Coachella, Lollapalooza, and New Orleans Jazz Fest. After founding Stoopid Records, they earned platinum and gold singles like “Collie Man,” “2am,” and “Closer To The Sun.”
These rockers are no strangers to the stage; their ‘Summertime 2023’ tour was a huge success. Now that Common Kings (exclusive to Holmdel) and The Elovaters are joining the fun, the “Slightly Dirty Summer Tour” is sure increase standards.
Slightly Dirty
Slightly Stoopid’s Miles Doughty expresses his excitement, saying “Slightly Dirty Summer 2024 is gonna be nuts! It’s been a minute since we did a full summer tour with our brothers the Dirty Heads and we are excited to get this party started”. Duddy B. of Dirty Heads chats about being back on the road. “Every time we get together, it’s nothing but good times, and I expect nothing less this summer!”
Dirty Heads
General on-sale starts March 8 at 10am on LiveNation.com. However, it goes beyond just the music—Dirty Heads and Slightly Stoopid are also giving back. Your concert experience will be even more meaningful given that $1 from each ticket sold will benefit Maui Food Bank.
The Uncharted Concert Series returns for its 10th year to Greenwich House Music School for six Thursday evening performances. The shows from April 4 to May 9 see alumni artists from the past decade of the concert series. All shows take place in Greenwich Village, Manhattan.
Uncharted is a performance resource for New York City-based musicians seeking to develop original material and premiere first-look projects in an intimate concert setting. The 2024 season include concerts from Camila Meza with Aaron Goldberg, Queen Esther, and Alea.
Also performing are Mireya Ramos with Trevor Turla, Raquel Acevedo Klein, and Dana Lyn with We the Gleaners. This line-up of strong women headliners underlines Uncharted’s commitment to promoting female diversity in performance.
The Uncharted Concert Series sees the performances of various genres like jazz, classical, mariachi, R&B and more. The six shows take all place on Thursday nights from April 4 to May 9. Each act will be unique and ready to move the crowd in more ways than one. All performances are filled with exciting, talented, and diverse vibrations.
This is a concert series that encourages artists to take risks and work out new or existing material, collaborations, and projects for an intimate concert experience. In keeping with Greenwich House Music School’s artist advocacy work, 100% of ticket and merchandise sales go directly to artists.
“The Uncharted series has afforded some of New York City’s most original, diverse, and talented local performers with financial support and physical space to explore fresh directions. On our tenth anniversary, we’re excited to welcome back several of the series’ shining stars for a second chance at new discoveries. We can’t wait to see their ideas come to life at these one-night-only performances in the Greenwich House Music School Recital Hall.”
Rachel Black, Director of Greenwich House Music School
General entry tickets to all shows are $20. Ticket sales include access to a pre-show open wine/beer bar. For more information on the Uncharted Concert Series and to purchase tickets, click here.
GRAMMY and Emmy Award-winning and Oscar-nominated artist, actress, producer, and entrepreneur Mary J. Blige has announced the return of the third annual Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit, in partnership with Live Nation Urban and Pepsi. The NYC festival features three days of music, comedy, female empowerment sessions, keynote speakers, and more from May 10-12.
Photo Credit: Will Sterling.
Created and curated by the iconic Mary J. Blige, Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit is the only festival experience in the market, brought to you exclusively by an all-Black, female team, arriving in the birthplace of Hip-Hop, New York City. She has dedicated the majority of her career to amplifying and giving voice to BIPOC women, through the art of music and truth-telling.
After selling out in less than 72 hours last year, the festival will bring iconic moments with three incredible nights of music and entertainment, featuring a concert at Barclays with performances by Mary J. Blige and special guests 50 Cent, Jill Scott, Fat Joe, Jadakiss, Muni Long, Lola Brooke, and Funk Flex; a Comedy Show featuring Tiffany Haddish, Don’t Call me White Girl, and Paris Sashay; Jazz Concert with Robert Glasper; Gospel Brunch, hosted by Mary J. Blige, and Gospel Concert headlined by The Clark Sisters. The Strength of a Woman Summit on May 11, hosted by Angie Martinez, will empower and engage with women and includes inspiring programming, pivotal panels, keynote speakers, workshops, and much more.
“I’m so excited to bring our Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit to my hometown, New York City, a place that has always been a huge source of inspiration for me,” said Mary J. Blige, Founder of Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit. “Having the opportunity to continue to uplift, inspire, and build within my community is the reason I created this festival. I’m so grateful for all the support from our performers, attendees, and of course, our partners Live Nation Urban and Pepsi. Nobody does it like New York, so get ready.”
Presented by Pepsi, the festival’s inaugural partner returns to support Blige and her impactful work on and off the stage, in a shared mission to inspire and empower the next generation of women. Pepsi will once again bring its powerful platform to the production and event experience across the festival, bringing delicious food by local Black female restaurateurs to the fan experience through Pepsi Dig In—a platform designed to provide visibility, resources, and awareness to Black restaurateurs.
As a brand rooted in celebrating culture and music and uplifting communities, Pepsi is honored to return as presenting partner and co-producer of the Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit, continuingour shared vision with Mary to elevate and empower women. The festival’s move to New York City, Pepsi’s own backyard, provides an even larger stage to highlight and support more remarkable women in the community. As it moves into its third year, the festival’s continued success is a testament to Mary’s impact and the power of amplifying Black women and their voices.
Kent Montgomery, Senior Vice President, PepsiCo Industry Relations and Multicultural Development
In celebration of Women’s History Month (March), presale tickets go live Wednesday, March 6 – Thursday, March 7, with code STRENGTH, while general ticket sales begin Friday, March 8 at 10 a.m. ET. For tickets and schedule, visit here.
Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit Schedule
Friday, May 10, 2024
Comedy Show
The Apollo Theatre
Performances by Tiffany Haddish, Don’t Call me White Girl, and Paris Sashay
Jazz Concert
Blue Note Jazz Club
Performance by Robert Glasper
Saturday, May 11, 2024
Strength of a Woman Summit
The Glasshouse
Hosted by Angie Martinez
Strength of a Woman Concert
Barclays
Performances by Mary J. Blige, 50 Cent, Jill Scott, Fat Joe, Jadakiss, Muni Long, Lola Brooke, and Funk Flex
