Up-and-coming New York City funk-rock band Summer Fling has announced a new single “Blissful Haze” set to release on May 10. The single comes in the leadup to a new album set to release in late Summer.
Singer-keyboardist Eddie Kam originally formed Summer Fling in Larchmont, NY before relocating to New York City. The group mixes chops learned from New York’s jazz conservatories with an eclectic blend of styles, ranging from indie-pop to funk, to forge an infectious sound. With a newly solidified lineup of seven recent college graduates, the band has torn up the live scene. They have played more than 35 gigs, even opening for names like They Might Be Giants and Spin Doctors.
“Blissful Haze” is a delightful song that accentuates Kam’s soulful vocals with wah-wah guitar and jazzy horns. The song’s lyrics explore the joys of a short-lived romance, with instrumentation that lends to the rosy, nostalgic atmosphere. On this track, Summer Fling’s jazz chops are on full display, crafting a smooth, yet complex pop-funk sound, with instrumentation reminiscent of Steely Dan.
This new single comes in the leadup to a very busy season for Summer Fling. The band is currently recording their debut album, which explores pop, funk and yacht rock, for release in late Summer.
The band has also planned festival appearances and tour dates in New York City, Boston and Philadelphia. At these shows, Summer Fling are sure to spread their message of inclusivity, and some great music tackling themes ranging from heartbreak to fun romance. In Eddie Kam’s words “Fun, silliness and great musicianship are the only rules at a Summer Fling performance.”
More information can be found at Summer Fling’s website and instagram.
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.
When Here Come the Mummies come to town, you know you’re in for a thrilling night of funk. For the unfamiliar, you’re in for a lyrical treat, in addition to the stellar musical performance from the wrapping cloaked mummies on stage.
This past Friday, May 3 at Empire Live, Troy-based Front Biz opened the night for Here Come the Mummies, dropping a choice set of indie rock that paired nicely with the funk that was on tap. This night marked HCTM first show back in the Capital Region since performing at Skyloft in late 2019.
Entering from the back of the venue, the Mummies walked out and wound through the crowd, a drumline sounding their arrival in grand fashion. Once on the stage, the group burst into “My Party,” and from there, the party took off.
What lay ahead was more than 90 minutes of venue shaking bass, multiple horn players swapping back and forth on solos and adding flare to each song, as well as a guitarist who shredded song after song, all keeping their identities under wraps. The group let their “Freak Flag” fly, led the crowd in “Ra Ra Ra”, got suggestive with “Hard at Work” and doubled down with “Pants.” The group’s hilarious lyrics (SFW but full of double and triple entendre) are engaging for the uninitiated, atop a funk foundation you can’t stop moving to.
With an encore of “Dirty Minds,” the party came to a close, a crowd covered in streamers that had been shot from the stage, celebrated the Mummies and cheered them on for more.
On Thursday, May 2, PEAK took the stage at Brooklyn Bowl along side guitarist Ryan Liatsis and P(X3) for a night full of funk, riffed-out blues-rock and music to fuel the soul.
PEAK, a Brooklyn based band consists of guitarist and vocalist Jeremy Hilliard, keyboardist and vocalist Johnny Young, bassist Josh T. Carter and drummer Kito Bovenschulte. The group captivated their audience with melodic songwriting along with psychedelic funk groove that makes your body move. They took on a life of their own as some of the best musicians in the NYC improv rock scene with moody blues-rock and created an atmosphere for their danceable improvisations.
Brooklyn Bowl welcomed fans with an open floor to dance, as fans had an intimate engagement throughout the night with the New York jam band. Quick controlled snare, dominant guitar riffs, upbeat blend of melodies and synthesized sounds from keyboard combined to create PEAK’s ambience of psychedelic, funk variables of rock and roll, a musical narrative that let good-timey clash with poetic guitar.
By the end of the night, the crowd was in their groove and connected with the band, looking forward to their future music endeavors. After this show, PEAK will be on their way to Burlington, Vermont at Nectars on May 4th and 5th. Shortly after, the band will head to Newmarket, New Hampshire to perform at The Stone Church on May 16th.
PEAKSetlist: Forsythia Fills the Wilderness, Little Miss Mary Merry- Go- Round, Woody Guthrie with Ryan Liatsis, Daddy Donât Live in that New York City No More, When the Night Comes Calling You, Pastures of Plenty, It Ainât Over âtil the Credits Roll, Run Me Down
Music icons Brittany Howard and Michael Kiwanuka have announced their co-headlining tour which arrives in Philadelphia on September 29. The tour sees two dates in New York – The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester and Summerstage in NYC.
The tour kicks off September 29 in Philadelphia for a run of 14 shows across the US, wrapping in Paso Robles, CA, on October 19. Brittany Howard and Michael Kiwanuka have partnered with The Ally Coalition. The partnership donates $1 per ticket to support housing for mental health resources for people of color, single mothers, and unhoused LGBTQ Youth. The tour sees support from artist Yasmin Williams.
Brittany Howard is a multi-instrumentalist and vocal powerhouse who specializes in soul, funk, and rock. She plans to play music from her sophomore album What Now along with older hits from her discography. Michael Kiwanuka introduced himself and his art with the acclaimed debut album, Home Again, followed by his decidedly left turn LP, Love & Hate. He has won a Mercury Prize and BRIT Award. Together, the two icons plan to bring their musical gifts to the forefront of several cities across the US.
BRITTANY HOWARD AND MICHAEL KIWANUKA CO-HEADLINE DATES
Sept
29 Philadelphia, PA The Met+
30 Boston, MA Roadrunner*
Oct
2 Port Chester, NY The Capitol Theatre+
3 New York, NY Summerstage*
6 St Paul, MN Palace Theatre*
8 Denver, CO Mission Ballroom+
10 Boise, ID Outlaw Field at Idaho Botanical Garden*
11 Portland, OR Edgefield+
12 Vancouver, BC Queen Elizabeth Theatre*
14 Jacksonville, OR Britt Pavilion+
15 Seattle, WA The Paramount*
17 Berkeley, CA Greek Theatre+
18 Los Angeles, CA Greek Theatre*
19 Paso Robles, CA Vina Robles Amphitheatre+
*Brittany Howard to close
+Michael Kiwanuka to close
Support from Yasmin Williams
For more information on Brittany Howard and Michael Kiwanuka’s co-headline tour and to purchase tickets, click here.
Vocal powerhouse Teddy Swims has announced additional dates on his I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy North American tour, with shows announced for Syracuse and Albany this fall.
The tour dates are paired with the deluxe edition of Swims’ acclaimed debut album, releasing on April 26, I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 1.5).
Teddy started to gain notoriety with a series of covers starting in 2019, including Michael Jackson’s “Rock With You” and Shania Twain’s “You’re Still The One,” leading to his signing to Warner Records in 2020. He honed his voice and songwriting across EPs Unlearning [2021], Tough Love [2022], and Sleep Is Exhausting [2022]. He showcased his sky-high range by collaborating with artists such as Maren Morris, Meghan Trainor, X Ambassadors, ILLENIUM, Tiësto, Armin Van Buuren, and Matoma.
Teddy Swims is currently on the road, continuing his I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy Tour in the UK and Europe, then heads to New Zealand, Australia, and Asia, before bringing it to North America. See the full list of upcoming tour dates below.
Tickets go on sale Friday, April 26 at 10am local time. Click HERE for more information.
Teddy Swims Fall 2024 North American Tour
Aug 9-11 San Francisco CA Outside Lands
Sep 6 Reno, NV Grand Sierra Resort – Grand Theatre
Sep 8 Dillon, CO Dillon Amphitheater
Sep 12 Council Bluffs, IA Harrah’s Council Bluffs – Stir Concert Cove
Sep 13 West Fargo, ND Lights Amphitheater
Sep 14 Hinckley, MN Grand Casino Hinckley Event Center
Sep 17 Madison, WI The Sylvee
Sep 18 St. Louis, MO The Factory
Sep 20 Pittsburgh, PA PPG Paints Arena*
Sep 23 Columbus, OH KEMBA Live! Indoor Pavilion
Sep 24 Syracuse, NY Landmark Theatre
Sep 26 Albany, NY Palace Theatre
Sep 28 Atlantic City, NJ Ocean Casino Resort – Ovation Hall
Oct 2 Greensboro, NC Piedmont Hall
Oct 3 Knoxville, TN Tennessee Theatre
Oct 6 Fayetteville, AR JJ’s Live
Oct 8 Savannah, GA Johnny Mercer Theater
Oct 10 Tampa, FL Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Hard Rock**
Oct 13 Durant, OK Choctaw Grand Theater
Oct 15 Lubbock, TX The Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences –
Helen DeVitt Jones Theater
Oct 16 El Paso, TX Abraham Chavez Theatre
Oct 18 Flagstaff, AZ Pepsi Amphitheater at Fort Tuthill County Park
Oct 19 Valley Center, CA Harrah’s Resort Southern California – The Events Center
Oct 21 Anaheim, CA House of Blues
*Supporting Aerosmith
**Rescheduled show
Additional Teddy Swims 2024 Tour Dates:
Apr 26 Cologne, Germany Carlswek Victoria
Apr 28 Paris, France Elysee Montmartre
Apr 29 Antwerp, Belgium Muziekcentrum Trix
May 1 Copenhagen, Denmark KB Hallen
May 2 Oslo, Norway Rockefeller Music Hall
May 4 Stockholm, Sweden Fallan
May 7 Hamburg, Germany Grosse Freiheit 36
May 8 Berlin, Germany Tempodrom
May 10 Tilburg, Netherlands Poppodium 013
May 11 Tilburg, Netherlands Poppodium 013
May 13 London, UK 02 Shepherds Bush Empire
May 14 London, UK 02 Shepherds Bush Empire
May 15 Manchester, UK 02 Apollo Manchester
May 16 Birmingham, UK 02 Academy Birmingham
May 18 Glasgow, UK 02 Academy Glasgow
May 20 Dublin, Ireland Olympia Theatre
May 21 Dublin, Ireland Olympia Theatre
May 23 Liverpool, UK Liverpool Olympia
May 24 Leeds, UK 02 Academy Leeds
May 25 Newcastle, UK 02 City Hall Newcastle
May 27 Nottingham, UK Rock City
May 28 Bristol, UK 02 Academy Bristol
May 29 Bristol, UK 02 Academy Bristol
May 31 Birmingham, UK 02 Academy Birmingham
June 1 Manchester, UK 02 Apollo Manchester
June 2 London, UK 02 Shepherds Bush Empire
June 29 Denver, CO Endless Sunshine Festival
July 4 Christchurch, NZ Christchurch Town Hall
July 6 Auckland, NZ Spark Arena
July 7 Wellington, NZ TSB Arena
July 9 Brisbane City, AUS Riverstage
July 11 Moore Park, AUS Hordern Pavilion
July 12 Moore Park, AUS Hordern Pavilion
July 13 Melbourne, AUS Margaret Court Arena
July 14 Melbourne, AUS Margaret Court Arena
July 17 Adelaide, AUS Hindley Street Music Hall
July 19 Perth, AUS Riverside Theatre
July 26 Niigata, Japan Fuji Rock Festival
Aug 2 Montréal, CAN Osheaga
Aug 3 Windsor, CAN The Colosseum at Caesars Windsor
Aug 4 Chicago, IL Lollapalooza
Aug 7 Hampton Beach, NH Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom
Aug 16 Biddinghuizen, Netherlands Lowlands Festival
Respected blues and roots music songwriter and performer Joe Louis Walker from the Hudson Valley of New York brought his diverse blues driven songs, incredible musicianship and warm performance skills to a packed house at Caffe Lena in Saratoga Springs on Sunday, April 21.
Joe Louis Walker – photo by carlrubinomusicphotographer.com
Walker did two sets of his original contemporary blues, R&B and rock, infused with a hint of gospel, from “Run Me Down”, which he opened the show with, to “Too Drunk To Drive Drunk”, which he did as an encore and said emanated from when he and a friend were in a bar and the friend looked at someone and said “that guy’s too drunk to drive drunk”, delivering a truly energetic show throughout to a highly appreciative crowd.
He interspersed his performance with crowd-pleasing stories about what brought him to write some of the songs he performed and what they mean to him, such as “Don’t Walk Away” which he wrote for his wife, and “The Blues Comin’ On” which he wrote with Dion of Dion and the Belmonts.
At the end of his show Walker credited those he referred to as the creators of rock ‘n roll, of which he said there could not be a better mousetrap, and launched into a rock ‘n roll tribute performance that included an instrumental medley of measures from multiple chart topping rock songs that spanned decades and brought the crowd to its feet.
Weaving passages of musical tension and release into each song on his triple humbucking pickup electric guitar and with his melodic larger-than-life singing of his well-crafted lyrics, he delivered a performance that owned the room at Caffe Lena, giving the audience a clear understanding of what lies behind his being an inductee of the Blues Hall of Fame, his Grammy for Contemporary Blues for “Everyone Wants A Piece”, his multiple M. C. Handy awards, and his place as a featured performer at countless blues festivals.
Joe Louis Walker was backed up with stellar performances by Scott Milici on keys and backing vocals, Geoff Murfitt on electric bass and John Medeiros Jr on drums, all of whom also played on his Weight Of The World album.
Scot Milici, Keys & Vocals, Joe Louis Walker – photo by carlrubinomusicphotographer.comGeoff Murfitt, Bass, Joe Louis Walker – photo by carlrubinomusicphotographer.comJohn Medeiros Jr, Drums, Joe Louis Walker – photo by carlrubinomusicphotographer.com
The show was part of his 2024 tour covering locations as wide-spread as New York, California and Morocco, with performances at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival on April 26 and in the Netherlands at the Holland International Blues Festival. He will next appear in New York State at the Full Moon Resort in Big Indian on June 26th. The tour is also in support of his 2023 album “Weight Of The World” which was recorded in a studio outside of Woodstock, NY.
During the show Walker, who has played at Caffe Lena before, mentioned how much he felt honored to play in the same place that legends like Bob Dylan had, and after the show he said he truly enjoyed performing in this special place with such an appreciative audience.
Joe Louis Walker – photo by carlrubinomusicphotographer.comJoe Louis Walker – photo by carlrubinomusicphotographer.comJoe Louis Walker – photo by carlrubinomusicphotographer.comJoe Louis Walker – photo by carlrubinomusicphotographer.comJoe Louis Walker – photo by carlrubinomusicphotographer.com
Souls of Mischief performed in Buffalo for the first time on April 21 at Electric City, commemorating the 30th anniversary of their debut album, 93 to Infinity. They had the audience buzzing all night.
Originating from Oakland, California, the group has been producing music for three decades. The group formed in 1991 and gained popularity through the years. They released their hit album 93 to Infinity on September 28, 1993. This concert highlighted their accomplishments in the music industry.
Prior to the anticipated set by Souls of Mischief, the audience was captivated by a lively performance from local cover band Co Jones. Their energetic performance had the crowd dancing and singing along to soul/funk and popular pop songs, setting the stage for the main act.
The crowd was buzzing with excitement as Souls of Mischief took the stage. They delivered a dynamic performance that had the audience fully engaged and entertained. The band’s vibrant music and compelling lyrics resonated with the crowd, creating a memorable experience for everyone in attendance.
Danielle Nicole and her band, Kevin Burt, Big Medicine and Soulful Femme put on a fantastic night of blues at Retro Live in Plattsburgh on Saturday, April 20.
Danielle Nicole headlined the show as part of her 2024 tour throughout the US and overseas and in support of the recent release of “The Love You Bleed”. Nicole wrote all but four of the songs on that project and co-wrote the remaining four with Brandon Miller. The album hit number one on the Billboard, iTunes and Spotify charts. Nicole performed cuts from both her new release and prior albums.
Kevin Burt photo by Carl Rubino
With a powerful voice, skillful musicianship, and dynamic stage presence she gave the packed crowd just what it came for – blues that reaches your core. Switching between two four string electric bass guitars, and together with Brandon Miller on electric guitar and vocals and Go-Go Ray drums, she blew the roof off the place, bringing the diverse crowd to enthusiastic dancing and cheering.
Grammy nominated in Contemporary Blues, inducted into the Kansas City Hall of Fame, recipient of multiple Blues Music Award, and charted on the Billboard Blues Charts, it’s no surprise that she has logged over 10 million streams on Spotify.
Nicole’s set included a stellar guitar solo by Brandon Miller alternating between fingerpicking and flatpicking on a Les Paul and a killer drum solo by Go-Go Ray, both of which found the audience screaming with excitement.
Danielle Nicole photo by Carl Rubino
Kevin Burt and his band Big Medicine preceded Nicole’s performance with an excellent set comprised of Burt’s own songs and covers of songs by Bill Withers and well-known blues artists. Burt is a triple first-place winner of the International Blues Challenge and nominee for Best Acoustic Artist at the Blues Music Awards.
With his big voice, excellent guitar skills, blues harp and warm stage presence, Burt delivered a compelling performance of blues and soul music, backed by guitarist Ken Valdez. He performed in support of his newly released album, Thank You Brother Bill, A Tribute To Bill Withers, with all but Burt’s song “Thank You Brother Bill” being performances of some of Wither’s most recognized, and not so well known, songs, which reached the top of the Billboard charts.
Danielle Nicole photo by Carl Rubino
Between songs, Burt touched the hearts of his audience when he spoke of his recent experience teaching music in a local school when it went into an active shooter lockdown, as well as his work to bring music to young people and musical instruments to youth who cannot afford them.
Soulful Femme, a duo consisting of Stevee Wellons on vocals and Cheryl Rinovato on guitar, opened the show with a captivating mixture of Rinovato’s skilled guitar playing and Wellons’ vocals.
Drawing upon influences as varied as Jimi Hendrix and Marvin Gaye the pair presented a unique sound with elements of blues, rock and soul. The pair performed in support of both their current East Coast Tour thorough May and their recent album release ATTITUDE, with all but one of the songs written by Wellons and by Rinovato.
Danielle Nicole with Brandon Miller photo by Carl Rubino
Following Danielle Nicole’s set, she and her band were joined on stage by Kevin Burt and his guitar player Ken Valdez, where the combined forces did a fantastic rendition of Bill Withers’ “Use Me Up”, sung by Burt with guitars by Valdez and Brandon Miller.
The event was put together by Plattsburgh Blues & Jazz, a non-profit organization which brings world class blues and jazz musicians to the Plattsburgh region of Northeastern New York, hosted at Retro Live, a relatively new, and up and coming music venue that is very much a regional North Country jewel.
The Commodores and The Pointer Sisters have teamed up for a sensational co-headlining tour: An Evening of Icons, which will stop at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater on July 25.
These musical icons are ready to wow audiences with their unique fusion of funk, soul, R&B, and pop. Their career spans decades, and they have sold over 100 million albums and an array of chart-topping hits. To add even more magic to the mix, they’re welcoming special guests, The Spinners.
The Commodores are the powerhouse behind classics like “Brick House” and “Easy.” They’re delighted to perform alongside The Pointer Sisters, especially in light of Motown’s 65th anniversary. This tour celebrates the enduring power of music, as their timeless hits continue to bring people together across generations.
Meanwhile, The Pointer Sisters, who have achieved success with hits like “I’m So Excited” and “Jump (For My Love),” are just as thrilled to collaborate. They are preparing to give a show that will keep the audience talking long after the curtains close. The sisters added, “65 years of Motown and timeless hits! What a milestone. It’s a joy to be touring with a true Motown treasure, The Commodores. Here’s to the music that continues to move generations!”
This tour, presented by Live Nation and represented by the renowned Seth Shomes of Day After Day Productions (DADP), will begin with a bang on Thursday, July 25 at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater. Representing these legendary acts is a dream come true for Seth Shomes. He grew up listening to their music, so when the tour hits New York in July, he’s excited to see the fans belting out every word.
