Playbill and the Times Square Alliance have announced they will partner for the third annual Pride in Times Square celebration of free events on June 28 and 29, 2024.
Last year’s Pride in Times Square included top stage and screen celebrities, talent from Broadway/Off-Broadway productions, local Times Square business promotions, Pride Piano Bar sessions, live DJ sets, the return of The Big Broadway Disco, and more.
Founded in 1992, the Times Square Alliance works to improve and promote Times Square, cultivating the creativity, energy, and edge that have made the area an icon of entertainment, culture, and urban life for over a century. It keeps the neighborhood safe and clean, promotes local businesses, manages area improvements, and produces major annual events, like Pride in Times Square. Founded in 1884, Playbill is an internationally known trademark synonymous with theatre and is a symbol of the arts. Playbill Magazine is distributed to every Broadway theatre, most Off-Broadway theaters, regional theaters, and fine arts institutions in over 24 cities across the country.
Pride in Times Square2024 promises to be another exciting event and a great addition to New York City’s celebration of Pride at the Crossroads of the World. On Sunday, June 30, the Playbill Pride Float returns to the NYC Pride March, supporting their partner Heritage of Pride (Pride NYC). Customized double-decker buses from some of the event’s sponsors will also join the Pride March, rounding out an amazing weekend of diversity, equity, education, and celebration.
Past Pride in Times Square events have attracted nearly 800,000 attendees and social media coverage garnering over 1.05 million social impressions. The third day, centered on one of the world’s largest Pride marches, had an attendance at 2023 Pride March of 2.4 million people.
“Playbill is extremely proud to take part in our third annual Pride celebration in the heart of New York City with our fantastic partner, the Times Square Alliance,” said Alex Birsh, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Playbill. “For ten years, we have been honored to change our iconic yellow design to recognize the Pride Flag colors, celebrating this expansive and important community. And this year, we are even prouder to celebrate with another activation that celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies in Times Square. Playbill aims to be a leader in our community, and we look to this event to continue our tradition of standing with and behind our LGBTQIA+ friends, family, and allies. Here’s to an amazing celebration with our partners, sponsors, and the entire Broadway community.”
For more information about the Times Square Alliance, and to find more Pride events happening around the city this June, visit here.
Disco Biscuits have shared part 2 of their Rock Opera set in space, Revolution in Motion. The four tracks follow the January release of Part 1, which included newer jam vehicles, “Another Plan of Attack” and “Twisted in the Road.”
Revolution in Motion, Part 2, features songs “Times Square,” “Freeze,” “Tourists (Rocket Ship),” and “Spaga’s Last Stand,” all which have debuted by the Disco Biscuits since 2022 and become the basis for some of the band’s most exploratory work to date.
The video companion to Part 2 picks up where Part 1 left off, where we saw aliens enter a wormhole while getting too ‘shocked’ brings them to our solar system, where the aliens descend towards New York City, setting their sites on Times Square – specifically, in front of Palladium Times Square at 7th Ave and 45th St., where the Disco Biscuits are performing.
The aliens freeze all those outside waiting to get into the show, but with Disco Biscuits on stage deep underground, they are not frozen and come to the rescue, ascending the memorable escalator in the lobby of the Palladium theater. With the aliens planning to abduct the frozen humans for study, the Disco Biscuits confront the aliens, saving the day, but in the process of themselves being abducted onto the alien ship.
Part 3 and 4 will released in March, as the band builds up to their album release show at Webster Hall on March 29.
Disco Biscuits 2024 Tour Dates 3/7 – Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore 3/8 – Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore # 3/9 – Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AE # 3/10 – Charlottesville, VA – Jefferson Theater 3/13 – Albany, NY – Empire Live 3/14 – New Haven, CT – College Street Music Hall % 3/15 – Portland, ME – State Theatre % 3/16 – Boston, MA – House of Blues % 3/28 – Wilkes-Barre, PA – F.M. Kirby Center 3/29 – New York, NY – Webster Hall ! (SOLD OUT) 3/30 – Buffalo, NY – Town Ballroom 3/31 – Buffalo, NY – Town Ballroom 4/2 – Louisville, KY – Mercury Ballroom 4/4 – New Orleans, LA – House of Blues 4/5 – Houston, TX – The Heights Theater 4/6 – Dallas, TX – Longhorn Ballroom 4/7 – Burnet, TX – Texas Eclipse Festival 4/11 – Asheville, NC – The Orange Peel 4/12 – Nashville, TN – Brooklyn Bowl 4/13 – Atlanta, GA – Tabernacle 4/14 – Raleigh, NC – Lincoln Theatre 6/20-23 – Rothbury, MI – Electric Forest Festival
DJ/Producer Dirt Monkey made a stop in Buffalo for his MYCELIUM SOUND tour on Friday, February 9. This EDM artist completely steam-rolled through Town Ballroom making it a night to remember.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
The openers this night were stacked with intricate sound design and deep bass grooves that made it impossible not to get hyped up. Artists Neon Black and Austeria are growing producers in the scene that are paving the way for up and coming dubstep. Last-minute fill in G-Space completely wooed the crowd with his layered mystic sound that blends trap and funk music.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
Dirt Monkey took over the stage and immediately brought the vibes even higher. One element that this talented producer has mastered is expanding across multiple EDM sub genres to bring a new sound to fans. From dubstep, to drum and bass, to house and everything in between he is not afraid to go beyond conventional norms. It’s no surprise his devoted following considers him a producer’s producer.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
2023 was the year of releases for Dirty Monkey. He released not one, but two full length albums, MYCELIUM SOUND PT. 1 and MYCELIUM SOUND PT. 2. He performed an array of songs off both albums and even shared unreleased tracks that he’s been working on.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
Old School X New School
Dirt Monkey utilizes a reggae sound throughout his drops that gives his music a sense of funk that is addictive to listen to. His visuals match this vibe with intricate geometrical patterns and electric colors.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
Despite this being a tour for his new sound, Dirt Monkey still found a way to play his old hits. Some of which include “Gabagool,” “Lift Off,” and “Jack It Up.” He also mixed in other artists tunes while giving them that Dirt Monkey twist. It is a testament to his artistry that he can make even a house music hater question their taste because Dirt Monkey knows how to add that extra flavor to songs.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
There was something different in the air at Town Ballroom that night and Dirt Monkey even shared how he could tell the people in Buffalo really listened to his music. The crowds energy that night made Buffalo a must stop for him and it’s why so many popular EDM artists keep coming back. The western NY EDM scene has reignited shows in a whole new way.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
If you want to be a part of the growing EDM phenomena in Buffalo check out the upcoming shows from SABAI February 23 and Subtronics February 29. Get your tickets here.
Chromeo—the GRAMMY-nominated duo of Montreal natives David “Dave 1” Macklovitch and Patrick “P-Thugg” Gemayel–have announced they will embark on a North American co-headline tour with The Midnight this fall, stopping at Terminal 5 on Oct. 4.
Credit: Bobby Doherty
After almost two decades of shiny synths and sharp lyrics, Chromeo has set themselves apart as dedicated scholars of the groove, proving time and again that no one does it quite like them. Across their five critically acclaimed LPs, Dave 1 and P-Thugg established an irresistible electrofunk sound. Together, the inseparable friends have toured the world over, perfecting a musical and visual language that is now instantly recognizable and more refined.
Chromeo’s long-awaited, sixth studio album, Adult Contemporary, is out this Friday, February 16. Across the record’s 14 tracks, the duo explores what it means to be funky in your 30s and 40s, offering the most sophisticated version of the infectious grooves and cheeky wordplay they’ve become known for. Already receiving critical acclaim, FLAUNT praises: “P-Thugg and Dave 1 have one of those unique creative partnerships that bears the most wonderful kind of fruit: that evergreen, ever-juicy groove.”
Chromeo debuted the new music in live performances last year, first at Coachella and then on their FUNK YOURSELF Tour, their first headline run in five years. Synthwave duo The Midnight will join Chromeo on the North American fall run. The band—helmed by Tyler Lyle and Tim McEwan—lives at the intersection of varying sounds, driven by the frictional spark that fires when the two melt together.
They will be joined this fall by special guests Ruth Radelet and Girl Ultra. Ruth Radelet is best known as the lead singer in the seminal electronic band Chromatics. Her solo material expands her sonic palette with hypnotic vocals and dreamy atmospheres. Girl Ultra is a Mexican singer, songwriter, and creative director.
Presale for all North American dates (US, Canada, Mexico) begins Wednesday, February 14 at 10 a.m. local time, with general on sale Thursday, February 15.
CHROMEO INTERNATIONAL DATES
May 28—Copenhagen, DK—Vega
May 29—Oslo, NO—Vulkan Arena
May 30—Stockholm, SE—Debaser Strand
June 1—Brussels, BE—La Madeline
June 2—Amsterdam, NL—Melkweg
June 4—Cologne, DE—Kantine
June 5—Berlin, DE—Metropol
June 7—Paris, FR—Le Trianon
June 9—Leeds, UK—Project House
June 10—Glasgow, UK—SWG3 TV Studio
June 11—Manchester, UK—New Century
June 13—Bristol, UK—SWX
June 14—London, UK—O2 Forum Kentish Town
June 21—Mexico City—MX Pepsi Center WTC
CHROME NIGHTS TOUR
September 5—Vancouver, BC—Malkin Bowl *
September 6—Seattle, WA—Remlinger Farms *
September 7—Bend, OR—Hayden Homes Amphitheater *
September 11—San Francisco, CA—The Warfield *
September 13—Los Angeles, CA—Greek Theater *
September 14—San Diego, CA—Gallagher Square *
September 16—Phoenix, AZ—The Van Buren *
September 17—El Paso, TX—Lowbrow Palace *
September 19—San Antonio, TX—Boeing Center at Tech Port *
September 20—Austin, TX—ACL Live at the Moody Theater *
September 21—Dallas, TX—The Factory Deep Ellum *
September 22—Houston, TX—The Lawn at White Oak Music Hall *
September 24—St. Petersburg, FL—Jannus Live *
September 25—Orlando, FL—The Vanguard *
September 27—Atlanta, GA—The Eastern †
September 28—Asheville, NC—Rabbit Rabbit †
September 29—Raleigh, NC—The Ritz †
October 1—Philadelphia, PA—Franklin Music Hall †
October 2—Boston, MA—Roadrunner †
October 3—Washington, DC—The Anthem †
October 4—New York, NY—Terminal 5 †
October 7—Montreal, QC—MTELUS †
October 9—Toronto, ON—HISTORY †
October 10—Newport, KY—MegaCorp Pavilion †
October 11—Detroit, MI—Royal Oak Music Hall †
October 12—Chicago, IL—Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom †
dweller, the NYC music festival designed to amplify and celebrate Black talent in the field of electronic music, is returning for an unforgettable 2024 season, running February 20 to February 25 at clubs and underground spaces across Brooklyn.
The dweller Festival was founded by the Discwoman collective co-founder Frankie Decaiza Hutchinson, who curates the festival alongside Enyo Amexo and Ryan Clarke. dweller’s mission of properly contextualizing Black creators’ influence over the past, present, and future of dance music remains as vital and singular as it did when Hutchinson launched the festival in 2019.
“We strive to be a black lighthouse; a siren in the storm for those who know the isolating whitewaters of electronic all too well. At this time, the authorities controlling this current seek to drown the voices and new structures that can reverse the flow of power back into our hands. We must be vigilant towards persisting as to not just speak for ourselves but redistribute resource, equity, and justice in a space that has long made its worth on the backs of the silenced,” their site wrote.
This fifth-anniversary edition of the festival features over 75 artists holding court in seven of New York’s most exciting dance spaces with featured artwork created by Hassan Rahim’s studio 12:01. dweller’s season begins at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, February 20 with a free-with-RSVP ritual gathering at MoMA PS1 in Queens, headlined by the prolific and critically-acclaimed musician Actress.
Photo by Kadar Small.
As part of this year’s festival, the film streaming service The Criterion Channel has linked up with dweller beginning on February 1 to spotlight a collection of films that celebrate the Black roots of electronic music. Among the 13 films curated by the festival for streaming through February is the 1996 documentary, The Last Angel Of History, which explores the origins and significance of the concept of Afrofuturism in music, writing and other disciplines.
Another film, 2003’s Maestro, explores the origins of house music via Black figures such as Larry Levan and Frankie Knuckles. A selection of short films also on the playlist include Songs For Earth & Folk (2013), I Held The Truth In My Hands (2020), Pivot (2020), Lunar New Year (2021), MOSQUITO: The Movie (2022), Hyperfate (2023), Pacific Club (2023) and Trial Period (2023). A 7-day free introductory trial to the Criterion Channel is available by clicking here.
Electronic-duo Odesza have announced they are embarking on a farewell tour with support from Bob Moses, Ben Böhmer, Drama and Golden Features. The Last Goodbye Finale features two dates at MSG on June 21 and 22.
The Odesza duo consists of Harrison Mills and Clayton Knight and the two formed their electro pop band in 2012 shortly before they graduated from Western Washington University. The band took their name influence from the name of Mill’s uncle’s sunket vessel named after the Ukrainian city of Odessa. Since the spelling of “Odessa” was already being used by another Scottish synth band, the duo instead chose to use a form of the Hungarian spelling replacing “ss” with “sz” as in Odesza.
Odesza at Gov Ball 2023 – photo by Joseph Buscarello
In April 2013, the duo released the deluxe edition of The Last Goodbye album addinging singles “Hopeful” and “Two Be Yours”, as well as VIP remixes of “All We Need” and “Sun Models”, which had previously only been performed live. The duo later announced their “The Last Goodbye” tour in support of the album which began in June of 2022, totaling over 40 shows across North America. The Chill wave duo appeared in major music festivals including Bonnaroo, Electric Forest, Lollapalooza and Life Is Beautiful.
In January 2024, the duo announced a “Finale” slate of performances for the album, scheduled for Summer 2024 with two stops at the Madison Square Garden on June 21 and 22.
Early access to tickets, VIP and travel packages starts on Wednesday, January 31 at 10 am with ODESZA’s Artist Presale, while the General on sale begins on February 2 and fans can access the tickets here.
On January 19th, Anastazja touched down in Manhattan to perform, as she calls it, “her favorite mix” at SOB’s. Having been a firsthand witness to this event, the crowd’s energy was expected. As their favorite tunes resonated, it motivated some individuals to leap onto the stage and break into dance.
DJ Anastazja 1.19 at SOBS – photographed Jordyn Britt
I had the privilege of securing a brief interview with this talented young artist, who currently resides in LA. She attends the University of Southern California where she will be earning with a Bachelors in Media Arts and Practice
Anastazja was born and raised in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, her father is from Los Angeles and her mother is a Polish immigrant. Her initial inspiration to pursue a career as a DJ stemmed from an underground EDM event. It was a go-to spot for college students and was known for being grimey. Anastazjarecalls one of those wild nights:
I witnessed a guy climb onto the DJ table, surrounded by a group of men. The men and everyone within the crowd became so excited. In that surreal moment, I felt a strong desire to experience the joy of sharing music, especially as one of the few women in the music industry. I vividly recall a distinct high school memory, driving through the school parking lot, thinking of the idea of being a DJ despite my limited knowledge. The universe and timing aligned, leading me to USC which completely altered my course.
Anastazja
DJ Anastazja 1.19 at SOBS – photographed by Jordyn Britt
DJ Anastazja 1.19 at SOBS – photographed by Jordyn Britt
Anastazja continues to gain her inspiration from all around her and within. From other DJs, Pinterest, her friends that send her music, simply walking in a grocery store and hearing a classic. Grandparents playing music from their own memories, and the resonance it carries, adds a unique and distinct touch to the experience.
One thing that Anastazja hopes to gain from being a DJ is the experience. “I look forward to being able to travel the world and explore music from different backgrounds. While DJing may appear mostly social to many, for me, it’s about chasing this specific feeling in my stomach when I witness the profound impact music has on people. Experiencing music from various parts of the world has the potential to change the way I perceive sound and life. In a sense, that would be my “gain” – the wealth of diverse musical experience.”
The highlights that make up these experiences start in those first few minutes of Anastazja’s sets, when she can get a sense of the crowd catching the groove. “When I play that one song everyone wants to sing along to, it becomes a moment of pure joy and peace – dancing and singing with a group of strangers. It’s truly incredible to witness how music can move and bond people, bringing emotions that are visible in this type of setting, ultimately bringing everyone together.”
As for her favorite mix to date, that honor goes to a recent NYC show at SOB’s on January 19. “While my boiler room experience was great, there was still a small sense of catering to the space. At SOB’s I had true creative freedom to explore anything I wanted – literally ANYTHING. I took my sound in various directions, and it resonated the best. The addition of live saxophone made the performance even more incredible, shout out to Kobie Dozier!”
Check out Anastazja Soundcloud below, and discover more here.
The Disco Biscuits have announced an upcoming album release show for Revolution in Motion at New York City’s famous Webster Hall. The much anticipated gig is set to take place on March 29, coinciding with the release date of the band’s first new studio project in more than nine years. It comes in the midst of an already expansive 2024 winter tour, right in between performances scheduled for Wilkes Barre, Pa and Buffalo. It also marks the return of The Disco Biscuits to Webster Hall for the first time in nearly 25 years.
Revolution in Motion is already being touted by the Biscuits’ fanbase as the bands latest rock opera, following in the footsteps of Hot Air Balloon and Chemical Warfare Brigade. This latest one was originally conceptualized by guitarist Jon Gutwillig and collaborator Joey Friedman in 2021 before they brought Biscuits keyboardist Aron Magner in to help write the following year. The songs, which tell the tale of an alien interstellar journey, have all made their way into the band’s live repertoire one by one upon completion and are now ready for their official release in album form.
“With a large part of the space opera taking place in New York City, we thought it was only appropriate to play a show there on the day of its release,” noted Magner. “After our late-night rager at the Palladium over our New Year’s run in 2023, we can’t wait to get back to NYC and tell this story from start to finish.”
The Album Release Show at Webster Hall will go on sale to the public on Friday, January 26 at noon E.T. An Artist Presale will begin on Wednesday, January 24 at noon E.T. with the password: RevolutionInMotion. Visit www.discobiscuits.com for more information.
After more than 18 months of introducing the songs to their loyal fans, the Disco Biscuits have released a seven-minute animated film, Revolution in Motion, Part 1, giving the first glimpse at their highly anticipated space rock opera.
Due for release on March 29, Revolution in Motion is the ninth album from the trancefusion pioneers and will feature newer Biscuits songs “Freeze,” “Buy the Time,” “The Deal,” and “Times Square,” in addition to tracks that were released in conjunction with the video, “Shocked,” “The Wormhole,” “Twisted in the Road” and “Another Plan of Attack.”
The animation tells the story of four aliens who embark on an interstellar journey, only to be thrown off course, into a wormhole, eventually ending up hovering above Times Square in mid-town Manhattan. With animation by Blunt Action, the video and audio combine to piece together the puzzle that has been created over a year and a half of song rollouts, many becoming fan-favorites and/or jam vehicles, while introducing viewers to Polyfuzia, Fuzzies, Space Trains and much more to come.
Jambands.com notes that the initial concept came from guitarist Jon “The Barber” Gutwillig, who worked with friend and collaborator Joey Friedman in August 2021, and bringing in keyboardist Aron Magner to write “music aliens would love.”
Part 2 of Revolution in Motion will be released on February 16. The Disco Biscuits embark on a Winter Tour this week in Nevada, and will be in New York in March. Full tour dates can be found below.
Disco Biscuits ‘Why We Dance’ 2024 Tour Dates
1/25 – Crystal Bay, NV – Crystal Bay Casino Ballroom 1/26 – Crystal Bay, NV – Crystal Bay Casino Ballroom 1/27 – San Francisco, CA – The Fillmore 1/28 – Santa Cruz, CA – The Catalyst 2/1 – Los Angeles, CA – The Fonda Theatre 2/2 – San Diego, CA – Observatory North Park 2/3 – Tucson, AZ – Gem & Jam Festival 2/5 – Aspen, CO – Belly Up 2/6 – Aspen, CO – Belly Up 2/7 – Aspen, CO – Belly Up 2/9 – Boulder, CO – Boulder Theater * (SOLD OUT) 2/10 – Boulder, CO – Boulder Theater * (SOLD OUT) 2/11 – Boulder, CO – Fox Theatre ^ (SOLD OUT) 3/7 – Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore 3/8 – Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore 3/9 – Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AE 3/10 – Charlottesville, VA – Jefferson Theater 3/13 – Albany, NY – Empire Live 3/14 – New Haven, CT – College Street Music Hall 3/15 – Portland, ME – State Theatre 3/16 – Boston, MA – House of Blues 3/28 – Wilkes-Barre, PA – F.M. Kirby Center 3/29 – TBA 3/30 – Buffalo, NY – Town Ballroom 3/31 – Buffalo, NY – Town Ballroom 4/2 – Louisville, KY – Mercury Ballroom 4/4 – New Orleans, LA – House of Blues 4/5 – Houston, TX – The Heights Theater 4/6 – Dallas, TX – Longhorn Ballroom 4/7 – Burnet, TX – Texas Eclipse Festival 4/11 – Asheville, NC – The Orange Peel 4/12 – Nashville, TN – Brooklyn Bowl 4/13 – Atlanta, GA – Tabernacle 4/14 – Raleigh, NC – Lincoln Theatre 6/20-23 – Rothbury, MI – Electric Forest Festival
The Governors Ball returns in 2024 for their 14th year, settling into its home at Flushing Meadows Corona Park for an exciting weekend filled with music and festivities.
The upcoming festival promises a stellar lineup, with headline performances from some of the biggest names in the industry, including Post Malone, The Killers, and SZA.
From June 7-9, This iconic NYC music festival will have music enthusiasts gather in one of the city’s most iconic spaces to witness equally iconic performances.
2024 Gov Ball Lineup
The 2024 lineup for Governors Ball showcases a diverse range of musical genres, also featuring an expanded presence of Latin music, with artists like Peso Pluma, Rauw Alejandro, and Farruko, among others. The weekend kicks off and concludes with powerhouse performances by Post Malone and Rauw Alejandro.
Friday and Sunday also feature special performances by the School of Rock Queens and Brooklyn, highlighting the talent of these performance-based music schools that cater to individuals of all ages. The house bands of these schools will deliver two exceptional performances during the festival. Among the lineup, New York natives such as Arcy Drive, Beach Fossils, and Quarters of Change add a local flair to the event.
Lizzo, Governors Ball, 6/9/2023. Photo by Joseph Buscarello
For eager fans looking to secure their spots, can sign up for a presale passcode now for the SMS Presale happening THIS Thursday, 1/18 from 11am – 1pm ET.
All ticket prices will increase on Thursday at 1pm ET when the Public On-Sale begins. Ticket prices are all-inclusive with no fees on top.
For 2024, Gov Ball is pleased to announce two new ticket types – 2-Day bundles and Ultimate Tickets. The 2-Day bundle allows fans to customize their festival experience over the weekend and attend any two days of their choosing at any ticket type.
Stay tuned to NYS Music for the latest updates on Governors Ball 2024, including lineup updates, and the eagerly awaited general sale dates, yet to be announced.
In the meantime, relive the excitement of the 2023 edition by checking out our recaps for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Kendrick Lamar at Gov Ball 2023 – photo by Lucas Kurzweil
