On October 10, Madison Square Garden hosted an unforgettable evening with the legendary Stevie Wonder, as part of his “Sing Your Song! As We Fix Our Nation’s Broken Heart” tour. The concert not only celebrated Wonder’s timeless music but also delivered a powerful message of hope and unity, ahead of the upcoming presidential election.
The tour takes its name from Wonder’s latest single, “Can We Fix Our Nation’s Broken Heart,” released shortly after his performance at the Democratic National Convention in August. Speaking to the audience, Wonder explained the inspiration behind the song. “I wrote the song because in the air I could feel the hearts being broken by negativity, by hatred, by racism, by bulls—t,” he said. Before diving into the music, he reminded the audience of the importance of leadership, saying, “To have been given the gift of being a leader means that the Most High has given you the responsibility of living in the light of truth.”
After this heartfelt message, Wonder quickly added with a smile, “But I’m not here to preach,” before sitting at his piano to perform “Can We Fix Our Nation’s Broken Heart,” captivating the audience with both his message and his music.
From there, Stevie Wonder took fans on a journey through his five-decade-long career, filled with a dazzling mix of hits and deep cuts. Accompanied by a string section, brass section, background vocalists, dancers, and various other musicians, he performed songs that ranged from the smooth grooves of “As If You Read My Mind” and “Master Blaster (Jammin’)” from his Hotter Than July album, to the urgent funk of “Higher Ground,” a track that feels as relevant today as it did 51 years ago.
Throughout the evening, Wonder kept the crowd energized with a mix of his most beloved classics. Highlights included “My Cherie Amour,” “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours),” “For Once in My Life,” and the soulful ballad “Overjoyed.”
Halfway through the show, Stevie Wonder introduced rising star Sheléa, who took center stage for a breathtaking performance of Aretha Franklin’s “Until You Come Back to Me” and “Something’s Coming.” The collaboration continued when Wonder returned to the stage, and together they performed feel-good hits like “It’s All Right” and “Don’t You Worry ’Bout a Thing,” their voices blending seamlessly.
Wonder then treated the audience to more timeless hits, including “Living for the City,” the upbeat and joyous “Sir Duke,” and the celebratory “Isn’t She Lovely.”
Fittingly, he ended the night with the final two tracks from his iconic Songs in the Key of Life album: “As” and “Another Star.” The entire arena sang along, closing the show on a high note of unity and optimism.
Setlist: Can We Fix Our Nation’s Broken Heart, As If You Read My Mind, Master Blaster (Jammin’), Higher Ground, You Are the Sunshine of My Life, For Once in My Life, Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours, My Cherie Amour, Chapel of Love, Overjoyed, Until You Come Back to Me, Somethings Coming, Contusion, It’s All Right, Don’t You Worry ’bout a Thing, All I Do, Village Ghetto Land, Living for the City, Sir Duke, I Wish, Isn’t She Lovely, Just the Way You Are, Send One Your Love, Do I Do, I Just Called to Say I Love You, Superstition, As, Another Star
Hailing from the UK, Wasia Project has quickly become one of the most exciting indie bands on the rise. The sibling duo Olivia Hardy and William Gao (along with drummer Luca Wade and bassist Tom Pacitti), fuse together jazz, classical, and indie pop, creating a sound that is as soothing as it is emotionally charged. With heartfelt lyrics and lush arrangements, the band has won over a dedicated fanbase both in the UK and overseas.
The Show
On Monday, Sept 30, night one in NYC of the “Isotope Tour” kicked offâ and it did not disappoint. The show began with an atmospheric interlude, “Isotope,” which set the mood for an introspective and emotional night. Wasia Project then launched into “My Lover Is Sleeping”, immediately captivating the crowd with Olivia’s dreamy, tender vocals. The audience was buzzing, absorbing every word, as the band poured their hearts out on stage.
A key standout moment was “Petals on the Moon,” which had the entire venue jamming to William’s piano solo. The duo’s chemistry on stage is undeniable, and their shared musical bond radiated through every track, but especially on “Burning Eyes Are Calling” and “How Can I Pretend,” where Olivia’s emotive voice soared over William’s intricate piano melodies.
“U R So Pretty” was an emotional high point in the set, with its delicate lyrics and vulnerability. The song had the crowd cheering, resonating deeply with everyone in the room. The night’s energy took a shift with “My Vine” and “Cover,” with Olivia’s vocals floating effortlessly over lush instrumentals.
The band’s raw emotion, combined with their experimental soundscapes, made for a captivating debut performance in New York City. If you missed them this time, be sure to catch Wasia Project soon âthey’re just getting started, and their future looks incredibly bright.
Setlist: Isotope (Interlude Intro), Is This What Love Is, My Lover Is Sleeping, U Deserve, Petals on the Moon, How can I pretend, Burning Eyes Are Calling, Takes Me Back Home, Remember When, U R So Pretty, My Vine, Cover, To Get Better, Somebody Come Through, Tell Me Lies
Grammy-nominated singer/percussionist Everett Bradley’s persona Papadelic as funk’s Father Christmas, bringing funk-lore to Sony Hall for a Holidelic holiday show on Sunday, December 22.
Having performed with the likes of Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, and SEAL among others, Everett’s use of funk is cleverly told through 70’s and 80’s inspired originals, with reimagined classics celebrating diversity and love as one nation under a groove.
Everett Bradley brings to life the role of Papadelic, funk’s Father Christmas, a combo of George Clinton and a soulful Santa. He weaves this psychedelic holiday tale with humor, heart and booty shakin’ grooves played by a P-funk clad band of top shelf misfits Papadelic affectionately calls dysFUNKtional. Sony Hall will be an ideal setting for Bradley’s favorite two worlds, a theatre with a club dance floor.
Bradley has perfected his funk holiday magic into a Christmas classic, called “A flashy, bass-heavy retro-futuristic take on the holidays” by The New Yorker and “A holiday funk-tacular” by Time Out New York.
An additional show has been announced on December 20 in Red Bank, NJ at LIVE at The Vogel. Tickets for Holidelic are available here.
Grammy-winning artist Trombone Shorty, alongside his foundation, is once again embarking on a cultural exchange known as “Getting Funky in Havana” in Cuba.
From January 16-20, Trombone Shorty, his band Orleans Avenue, a group of young musicians from New Orleans, all members of the Foundation, and critically acclaimed Afro-Cuban/funk fusion star Cimafunk will come together for a unique cross-cultural experience. This trip will bring together artists, students, and supporters for a transformative journey of music and cultural connection.
Photo by: Ed Aranz
The event will feature a lineup of celebrated artists, including Taj Mahal, Grace Potter, Julius Rodriguez, Keyon Harrold, Robert Randolph, Yola, and others. Jam sessions, cultural exchanges, and performances will highlight the deep historical and musical connections between New Orleans and Cuba, fostering collaboration and creativity among all participants.
This marks the fourth trip of its kind, inspired by Trombone Shorty’s personal connection to Havana which dates back to his childhood when in 1999, alongside his brother James Andrews, he embarked on a transformative journey to Cuba as part of a cultural exchange program.
The music of Cuba was “hidden away from American ears on the island” for decades, but this exchange explores the musical influences and connections that have persisted between New Orleans and Cuba. The music and culture of Cuba are already infused into the larger New York City area with over 140 thousand people of Cuban heritage in the area. Our own editor-in-chief highlighted the importance of this in his own transformative journey through Cuba. You can check this story out and more in our NYS Music Goes To Cuba series.
Approximately 100 supporters will join the musicians and students, forming a VIP travel group to Cuba. Funds raised from this effort will support educational programs led by Cimafunk and the Trombone Shorty Foundation, benefiting young artists and musicians in both Cuba and New Orleans. These efforts will include instrument donations and partnerships with local Cuban music schools and community programs, further strengthening ties between the two vibrant cultures.
Getting Funky in Havana is organized by Cuba Educational Travel, the leader in travel and cultural exchanges between Cuba and the United States.Learn more here.
The Queens of hip hop soul will be coming to a stage near you, as Mary J. Blige announces her upcoming expedition, “The For My Fans Tour,” in light of her new album Gratitude, set for release on November 15. Produced by Live Nation, the 27-city tour will feature several stops within New York State. Beginning on Saturday, March 22 with a stop at Buffalo’s KeyBank Center, April 10 at Madison Square Garden and April 11 at UBS Arena in Belmont Park, NY.
Mary J. Blige’s “The Four My Fans Tour” will feature 3 stops within New York State.
Moreover, this tour will be another notch in the r&b star’s legendary career. Her upcoming album–Blige’s 15th– will release through her own Beautiful Life Productions and in partnership with 300 Entertainment and serves as a refresher for fans of Blige as her star has blossomed on the TV screen in recent years. However, in August, she dropped the first single off the album, âBreathingâ featuring Fabolous signaling a returned focus for the stage. In addition, the Grammy, Emmy-winning songstress will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on October 19 in Cleveland, ahead of both the album release and tour.
I am so excited to kick off this tour. I have amazing fans and am so grateful for all of the love and support they have given me throughout the years. This tour is for them, and I cannot wait to be able to travel to all these cities and see everyone. I am in such a place of immense gratitude and peace at this moment, so also having the chance to release my new album Gratitude on November 15 ahead of this tour is really special to me.
– Mary J. Blige
In light of Mary J. Blige’s latest accolades, “The For My Fans Tour” will offer a variety of different VIP packages and experiences for fans to take their concert experience to the next level. While tickets will be available starting with an artist presale beginning on Tuesday, October 1. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general on-sale beginning on Friday, October 4 at 10 AM at LiveNation.com.
MARY J. BLIGE â THE FOR MY FANS TOUR 2025 DATES:
Thu. Jan 30 – Greensboro, NC – Greensboro Coliseum
Fri. Jan 31 – Raleigh, NC – Lenovo Center
Mon. Feb 03 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena
Thu. Feb 06 – Charlotte, NC – Spectrum Center
Sat. Feb 08 – Tampa, FL – Amalie Arena
Tue. Feb 11 – Hollywood, FL – Hard Rock Live
Fri. Feb 14 – New Orleans, LA – Smoothie King Center
Tue. Feb 18 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center
Fri. Feb 21 – Ft. Worth, TX – Dickies Arena
Tue. Feb 25 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena
Sat. Mar 01 – Los Angeles, CA – Intuit Dome
Fri. Mar 07 – San Francisco, CA – Chase Center
Sat. Mar 08 – Sacramento, CA – Golden 1 Center
Wed. Mar 12 – St. Louis, MO – Enterprise Center
Fri. Mar 14 – Chicago, IL – United Center
Sun. Mar 16 – St. Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center
Wed. Mar 19 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena
Sat. Mar 22 – Buffalo, NY – KeyBank Center
Mon. Mar 24 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
Wed. Mar 26 – Washington, DC – Capital One Arena
Fri. Mar 28 – Atlantic City, NJ – Boardwalk Hall
Wed. Apr 02 – Columbus, OH – Nationwide Arena
Fri. Apr 04 – Baltimore, MD – CFG Bank Arena
Sun. Apr 06 – Newark, NJ – Prudential Center
Thu. Apr 10 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
Fall Fest will debut at Buffalo Central Terminal on October 12. Guests can expect everything from live music, awesome activities and various vendors for a day of fall fun.
Fall Fest 2024 features live music and local bands, food trucks, beer and wine vendors, no-mess pumpkin decorating, henna artists and face-painting. Festgoers can also expect carriage rides and photo installations, local vendors for laser engraved products, embellished glassware, clothing, books, syrups, health and beauty care products, and much more.
The musical artists featured for October 12 are Chuckie Campbell and Diyene. Chuckie Campbell is a hip-hop artist who originated in Buffalo. He plans to dazzle audiences with his impressive wordplay and poetry-forward rapping style. Diyene is a funk-soul-pop fusion band based out of Buffalo as well. Their distinctive sound is characterized by heartfelt lyrics and catchy hooks, delivered through powerful performances bursting with energy.
âWestern New Yorkers have a long history of celebrating fall. On Oct. 12, Fall Fest will combine traditional community aspects of events like Oktoberfest with family-friendly contemporary elements for an unforgettable experience for people all ages.”
Monica Pellegrino Faix, Executive Director of the Central Terminal Restoration Corp.
The Fall Fest takes place from 11am to 3pm at 495 Paderewski Drive, Buffalo. For more information on this free event, click here.
Teddy Swims has become a name synonymous with raw emotion and versatility, and on Thursday night, September 26th at Albany’s Palace Theatre, he proved why he’s one of the most magnetic performers in music today.
The Atlanta-born singer sold out the venue, bringing his soul-stirring blend of R&B, pop, country, and rock to an adoring crowd as part of his “I’ve Tried Everything but Therapy” tour. Along with a joyous opening set from country-rap artist Breland, fans weren’t just showing up for the music, they came for the connection and they came to party.
Teddy Swims sold-out the Palace Theatre in Albany on 9/26/24.
Opening the night was Breland, a country-rap hybrid artist who’s quickly making a name for himself with his genre-defying sound. His energy was infectious as he performed hits like “My Truck,” “For What It’s Worth,” and “Thick.” He was the perfect warm-up for an audience ready to feel every lyric. Breland’s ability to mix country storytelling with urban beats mirrors Swims’ ability to blend styles, making him a natural opener for this tour. After a brief set-change, it was finally time to jump into the deep end.
Country-rap crossover artist Breland opening for Teddy Swims in Albany on 9/26/24.
The bond between Teddy Swims and his fans runs deeper than his music. At the Palace Theatre, it was clear that his audience connects with him on a personal level. This is a guy who wears his heart on his sleeve—quite literally, as his tattoos tell the story of his life and struggles. His heavily inked arms are a reflection of his journey, including a prominent “Create Forever” tattoo that serves as a mantra for the singer. Teddy’s tattoos are more than just ink—they are milestones in his personal journey.
Each piece is carefully curated to represent his struggles, growth, and commitment to his craft. His body art has become as iconic as his voice, with fans often asking about the stories behind the designs. From lyrics of songs to meaningful symbols that represent family, Swims’ tattoos have become part of his brand. Whether he’s singing about love, heartbreak, or resilience, fans see a part of themselves in his lyrics, and it’s this authenticity that sets him apart.
Teddy Swims performing at the Palace Theatre in Albany on 9/26/24.
Opening his performance at the Palace with “Goodbye’s Been Good to You” and “What More Can I Say,” from the moment Teddy and his band, Freak Freely, took the stage, the audience was completely enamored. With both girls and guys regularly blurting out “I love you, Teddy!” he was always quick to acknowledge he heard them and that he loves them right back. After all, as Swims is quick to point out, it’s because of them that he’s allowed to “have the best job in the world.” His one request for the evening was that everyone has fun, stays hydrated and to look after the people in their section to make sure everyone was all good.
During his set, you could feel the energy in the room shift when he introduced songs like “Broke,” which tackles financial struggles, and “911,” a deeply emotional track about mental health. Following them up with a pair of his most recent singles, “Bad Dreams” and “Funeral,” Teddy’s themes often range from self-empowerment to vulnerability, but at the core of every song is the idea of keeping it real, even when life gets hard. Referencing just how far he’s come since the last time he was in Albany, at the much smaller Empire Live venue down the street in November of 2022, his rocket ship to the top has been full throttle ever since, yet Teddy seems to be the same guy now that local fans fell in love with back then.
Teddy Swims performing at the Palace Theatre in Albany on 9/26/24.
Swims rise to fame started humbly, as he began uploading covers to YouTube in 2019. What set him apart was his ability to take on songs from a wide range of genres—everything from Marvin Gaye to Shania Twain—and infuse them with his unique grit and soul. That versatility earned him viral success and a massive following, catapulting him into mainstream success. His cover of “You’re Still the One” went viral, showcasing his vocal power, which, combined with his vulnerability, won over millions.
Now, with 11 million monthly listeners on Spotify and growing, he’s proving that his original material connects just as much as the covers that brought him into the spotlight. Of the many highlights of the night though, perhaps none was more touching than when Teddy invited his main squeeze out for a duet on the aforementioned Shania cover of “You’re Still the One.” At the end of the song, the two exchanged a heartfelt kiss in the middle of the stage which elicited a HUGE ovation, even bringing some to tears.
Teddy Swims performing at the Palace Theatre in Albany on 9/26/24.
While Teddy’s voice is his ultimate instrument, it was the band behind him that brought the music to life. Backing him up on stage was Freak Freely, a tight-knit band of musicians who are as dynamic and versatile as Teddy himself. They seamlessly blend genres, moving from soulful ballads to full-blown rock numbers. The core group includes Addy Maxwell (guitar), Christian Medice (drums), and Kyng Henson (bass), each bringing their own flavor to the sound.
Their synergy with Swims is palpable, creating an atmosphere where every note feels meaningful. Wowing the crowd with their chops on songs like “Hammer to the Heart,” “Devil in a Dress” and the party anthem “Apple Juice,” Teddy made sure to give each member of the group ample time to shine in the spotlight too.
Teddy Swims performing at the Palace Theatre in Albany on 9/26/24.
A true man of the people, during various guitar, keyboard and drum solo breaks throughout the night, Teddy could be seen signing autographs and T-shirts that people had brought up to the stage. He was even totally cool with people being on their phones during the show. In fact, at one point during his song “Simple Things,” he encouraged everyone to text a friend or a loved one that they hadn’t been in touch with for a while, just to let them know you still care.
His endearing sentimentality also came through prior to performing “Some Things I’ll Never Know,” in which he admits he still thinks about a particular ex-lover and wonders what could have been, before “hypothetically” wishing she was doing well. The ballads continued with “Last Communion” before 2021’s “Bed on Fire” from his album Unlearning brought the main portion of the show to a close and left the audience begging for more.
Watch fan shot footage of Teddy Swims performing “Lose Control” live in Albany on 9/26/24.
Returning to the stage with a huge smile on his face, Teddy would soulfully croon “Tell Me” before an absolutely gorgeous piano solo gave the audience ample time to contemplate life. Following an equally beautiful guitar solo intro by Addy Maxwell, fans finally got the song they had been waiting all night for. A veritable smash hit with well over 1 billion streams in just over a year, “Lose Control” had people from the very front to the very top of the balcony singing along with every word. It was one of those concert moments that simply gives you the chills and you knew it was something special. With time left for just one more song, Teddy Swims sent fans out of the Palace Theatre doors in a near euphoric state with one final hit, “The Door,” bringing the scintillating performance to a close.
Teddy Swims performing at the Palace Theatre in Albany on 9/26/24.
As giddy fans gathered outside, the buzz over what they had just experienced felt palpable. Everyone just knew they had to savor the moment, because everyone knew it would likely be the last time they saw Teddy Swims in a venue this size. Destined for bigger stages in bigger cities, years from now, people will still be talking about this show and saying “I remember the night Teddy sold-out the Palace and it’s still one of the best concerts I’ve ever seen.” As Teddy Swims continues his North American tour, he’s gearing up for stops in Boston, Washington D.C., and Philadelphia. His star is only rising, and if his show in Albany was any indication, this is just the beginning. Fans are flocking to see a singer who doesn’t just perform songs—he lives them. Every tear, every smile, every ounce of sweat is real, and that’s why Teddy Swims’ shows feel like much more than a night of music—they feel like a shared experience.
Teddy Swims | September 26, 2024 | Palace Theatre | Albany, NY
Setlist: Goodbye’s Been Good to You, What More Can I Say, Broke, 911, Bad Dreams, Hammer to the Heart, All That Really Matters, Devil in a Dress, Funeral, Apple Juice, Simple Things, You’re Still the One*, Some Things I’ll Never Know, Last Communion, Bed on Fire.
Encore: Tell Me, Lose Control, The Door.
Breland | September 26, 2024 | Palace Theatre | Albany, NY
Ithaca trio Pocket Bandits have announced the release of their sophomore single “Midway” and their debut performance in Buffalo on September 27. Listen to premiere of the track below.
Pocket Bandits, the dynamic instrumental organ trio that emerged on the Central New York music scene in the fall of 2023, release “Midway,” on Friday, September 27. The band also makes their Buffalo debut that evening, hitting the stage at Nietzche’s with award-winning Boston soul singer-songwriter Jill McCracken and Buffalo local artist Sara Elizabeth.
Equal parts light and dark, shiny and grungy, melodious and angular, the new single captures all the intensity and fun of the trio. On the heels of their debut release from the spring of 2024, “The Pocket Bandit,” the progressive funk-fusion trio return with another live show favorite. “Midway” deftly splits the difference between inviting danceability and avant-garde exploration, synthesizing the extremes of the three-piece’s identity into one jubilant track.
The track is captivating to the ears of many genre-enjoyers. “Midway” encapsulates every persona and sound that each member possesses. It is dynamic, powerful and diverse in taste. There’s a little something for everyone here, and this is a staple of Pocket Bandits’ style.
They are a modern twist on the old-school organ trio: the power of a big band in a tiny package. The group is also performing a free hometown show that weekend, on the final day of the Ithaca Apple Harvest Festival, Sunday, September 29 at 4pm on the Dewitt Park Stage.
With “Midway,” Pocket Bandits expand on “The Pocket Bandit” in their grand ambitions for their new collaboration. With more shows and more music on deck as 2024 moves into 2025, Pocket Bandits invite you to hop aboard and follow along for the ride.
Thrilling your senses and filling the dance floor, the trio engage their audiences with melodic, dynamic original compositions, as well as crowd-pleasers by The Beatles, Chappell Roan, Steely Dan, and even the Super Mario Brothers.
For more information on the Pocket Bandits, their new release “Midway” and to purchase tickets to their show in Buffalo, click here.
On Friday, September 20, Brooklyn based female singing trio Say She She made a long-awaited stop at Lark Hall in Albany. Lead singers Piya Malik, Sabrina Mileo Cunningham, and Nya Gazelle Brown are all classical trained singers but come together to create disco-funk music.
Say She She gave a beautiful performance filled with songs that had all of Lark Hall following their dances. Their stage presence was captivating; from the audience we were able to see the band’s friendship on display.
During the show, Say She She gave a speech about the upcoming election making huge impact on many controversial laws. They invited Lark Hall to join them in promoting change by sending post cards addressed to their Representatives, begging for stricter gun laws. The band also spoke out on abortion laws and asked the audience to raise their hands along with them in support of anyone who has been harmed by these laws.
They then sang “Echo In The Chamber”a song they stated is the soundtrack to their campaign for better gun laws. The song features the heartfelt lyrics “Call the shots, make it stop, what’s it gonna take?” and “Just because you know who they are, doesn’t mean they bear you no harm.” The song resulted in a sea of hands raised in support and all of Lark Hall rushing to fill out postcards.
Legendary soul, funk and R&B powerhouse, Tower of Power, is set to light up the holiday season with a new album and anticipated December tour. The holiday album It’s Christmas releases September 27 and the “Holidays and Hits” tour begins December 3, with stops in Niagara Falls and Manhattan.
This tour promises to be a joyful journey through Tower of Powerâs storied past, blending beloved holiday tunes with the bandâs classic hits and fan favorites that have defined their legacy. Alongside iconic tracks like “What Is Hip?” and “You’re Still a Young Man,” fans can expect fresh renditions of timeless holiday songs, delivered with the bandâs unmistakable brass-driven sound and signature high-energy performances.
The “Holidays and Hits” tour begins December 3 in Plymouth, MA, and wraps up on December 21 in Oakland, CA. The tour sees a total of two dates in New York including a stop at the Seneca Niagra Casino & Hotel in Niagra Falls on December 6. Following this, the tour also stops at Sony Hall in New York City on December 8.
Tower of Power “Holidays and Hits” Dates:
December 3: Plymouth Memorial Hall, Plymouth, MA
December 6: Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel, Niagara Falls, NY
December 7: Golden Nugget, Atlantic City, NJ
December 8: Sony Hall, New York, NY
December 10: Midland Theatre, Newark, OH
December 11: Rialto Square, Joliet, OH
December 13: Capitol Theater, Davenport, IA
December 15: The Astro, La Vista, NE
December 17: Lensic Performing Arts, Santa FE, NM
December 18: The Fox, Tucson, AZ
December 21: The Fox, Oakland, CA
The album It’s Christmas contains 11 total holiday-themed tracks. Fans can preorder the album now alongside limited-edition bundles that include a variety of album-specific merchandise and access to an exclusive presale code for the Holidays and Hits Tour. Link to pre-save and preorder can be found here.
For more information on Tower of Power’s upcoming tour and to purchase tickets, click here.
