Emmy Award winner and two-time GRAMMY Award nominee David Cross has assembled a lineup of A-list comedians and friends for a special night of laughter under the stars at SummerStage at Central Park in New York City for David Cross and His Super Pals on Aug. 8, 2024.
Joining Cross for this incredible evening in Central Park are Bob Odenkirk, Sarah Silverman, Fred Armisen, Sean Patton, Zach Zucker, Shane Torres, and more. The evening also marks a reunion on stage between Cross, the inventive performer, writer, and producer on stage and screen, with Odenkirk as both starred in the 1990s hit TV show, Mr. Show with Bob and David.
Adding to his long list of memorable TV and film characters, on August 8, Cross will join the cast of the Netflix series, The Umbrella Academy, as Sy Grossman for the fourth and final season. In February, Cross released his eighth stand-up special, David Cross: Worst Daddy in the World, to rave reviews on the 800 Pound Gorilla YouTube channel.
He hosts the podcast, Senses Working Overtime with David Cross, produced by Headgum and available every Thursday on all audio platforms with video available on Davidâs YouTube channel. In 2023, he was seen in the Julia Louis-Dreyfus film, You Hurt My Feelings, and the FX series, Justified: City Primeval. In 2021, he starred in the National Geographic series, Genius: Aretha, portraying famed music producer, Jerry Wexler opposite Cynthia Erivo as Aretha Franklin.
David Cross and His Super Pals join James Arthur, who will open the summer concert season at SummerStage on May 17, along with Masego (June 19), Gaslight Anthem with Joyce Manor (August 21), Counting Crows (July 11), The Roots (August 23), T-Pain (June 23), Robert Glasper and Yebba (August 1), Ethel Cain (June 27), and many others.
Tickets for David Cross and Super Pals go on sale on Friday, April 19 at 10 a.m.
Hip Hop duo $uicideboys$ have announced their “Grey Day” Tour which will include shows at UBS Arena in Belmont Park on September 20 and at KeyBank Center in Buffalo on September 28.
The renowned annual “Grey Day” tour in 2024 will include different opening acts ranging from Denzel Curry, Pouya, HAARPER, Shakewell, and Ekkstacy. With the tour announcement, $uicideboy$ have also announced that they have partnered with Plus1, a nonprofit and a trusted partner that leads cultural industry artists, events, and brands in unlocking funding and building visibility for high-impact social and environmental justice initiatives, which is something very near and dear to the group.
Coinciding with the tour announcement, the group has also revealed the lead track “Us Vs Them” from their eagerly awaited next full-length album, titled New World Depression, set to release on June 14. On “Us Vs Them,” $uicideboy$ delve into facing tough challenges and feeling disconnected from society. Ruby da Cherry and $crim deliver verses about coping with personal struggles and maintaining one’s identity in a challenging world. Fans can stream the single here.
In their upcoming album World Depression, the duo navigates themes of fame, self-destruction, and the relentless search for identity amidst chaos. Across the 13-track release, their raw, unfiltered lyrics serve as a gritty narrative of personal turmoil, substance abuse, and the struggle for authenticity in a world that often feels cold and indifferent. This album is an unapologetic exploration of the darker sides of human experience, resonating with anyone who has ever felt out of place or battled with their own shadows. The album will commemorate the 10th anniversary since the formation of $uicideboy$ and fans can pre-save it here.
$uicideboy$ will bring their “Grey Day” Tour at the UBS Arena in Belmont Park, NY on September 20 and at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo on September 28 and fans can find tickets here.
$Uicideboy$ 2024 Tour Dates
August 7 – Nashville, TN @ Bridgestone Arena
August 9 – Birmingham, AL @ Legacy Arena at the BJCC
August 10 – Atlanta, GA @ State Farm Arena
August 11 – Tampa, FL @ Amalie Arena *
August 13 – Houston, TX @ Toyota Center
August 14 – Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center
August 16 – San Antonio, TX @ Frost Bank Center
August 17 – Austin, TX @ Moody Center
August 19 – Denver, CO @ Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre
August 21 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Delta Center *
August 23 – Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena *
August 24 – Seattle, WA @ Climate Pledge Arena *
August 25 – Portland, OR @ MODA Center *
August 27 – Sacramento, CA @ Golden 1 Center
August 28 – San Francisco, CA @ Chase Center
August 30 – San Diego, CA @ Pechanga Arena
September 3 – Los Angeles, CA @ Crypto.com Arena
September 6 – Las Vegas, NV @ The MGM Grand Garden Arena
September 7 – Phoenix, AZ @ Footprint Center
September 10 – Albuquerque, NM @ Isleta Amphitheater
September 11 – Oklahoma City, OK @ Paycom Center
September 15 – Raleigh, NC @ PNC Arena
September 17 – Baltimore, MD @ CFG Bank Arena
September 19 – Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center
September 20 – Belmont Park, NY @ UBS Arena
September 21 – Newark, NJ @ Prudential Center
September 23 – Toronto, ON @ Scotiabank Arena
September 24 – Montreal, QC @ Place Bell
September 25 – Boston, MA @ TD Garden
September 27 – Cleveland, OH @ Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
September 28 – Buffalo, NY @ KeyBank Center
September 29 – Pittsburgh, PA @ PPG Paints Arena
October 1 – Cincinnati, OH @ Heritage Bank Center
October 2 – Detroit, MI @ Little Caesars Arena
October 4 – Indianapolis, IN @ Gainbridge Fieldhouse
DJ Premier and Snoop Dogg stay tapped in with the streets as two of hip hop’s most revered figures come together for the official music video to their latest single “Can U Dig That?.” After releasing the single a few weeks ago, the duo have now come together adding visuals to their groovy west coast track. Featuring cousin and fellow original Death Row records signee Daz Dillinger, “Can U Dig That?” pays ode to the state of California, their hip hop legends, and the urban life profiled throughout many of their songs.
Snoop Dogg, Daz Dillinger and DJ Premier pay tribute to the West coast in their new single.
“Can U Dig That?” Official Video
In light the music video follows a similar path as the record. Notably, Snoop Dogg is seen at a roundtable with with Daz Dillinger with DJ Premier on the 1’s and 2’s as the duo enjoy a trademark joint while Snoop reminisces on his journey as a West Coast native. Similarly, the record contains plenty of famous name drops as Snoop pays tribute to some of California’s most recognizable faces in hip hop, including Easy-E, E-40 and Ice-T. With a backdrop of a G-funk inspired beat with the now-iconic DJ Premier record scratches, Snoop also pays tribute to inner-city California life encapsulating the overall vibe of the Wes Coast. Uniquely while Snoop acknowledged the shootouts, those “on the yard,” he puts a positive twist to the record urging for the beef in the West come to an end.
Though Premier and Snoop have worked together previously; Snoop appeared on Gang Starr’s The Ownerz Album (“In The Life…”), Premier produced two songs on Snoop’s Paid Tha Cost To Be Da Boss album, “Unfucwitable” feat The Lady Of Rage from Snoop’s Doggy Style Allstars Vol. 1, “Can U Dig That?” is their first collaboration under DJ Premier and Ian Schwartzman’s independent imprint TTT.
The Means of Production is a Brooklyn-based collective of artists interested in an output of experimental jazz. The group released the single “Silver Pools” on April 11, and see the release of their debut LP in June.
The Means of Production is a meeting point for six of Brooklyn’s most fearless, young musicians with musical backgrounds as divergent as you’ll find in any modern outfit. They are comprised of Matt Gibbs, Ben Pirani, Tre D’Ambrocia, Rafferty Swink, Pat Carr and Jay Mumford. Each of these artists have their own diverse, unique, and mind-expanding talents.
Rafferty Swink was entrusted with the job of arranging these group improvised, spontaneous compositions. The result is a potent, genre-defying kaleidoscope of electric jazz, psych, and soul. The Means Of Production can be described as nothing less than the raw and adventurous sound of the current.
“Silver Pools” by The Means of Production kind of slapped me in the face in the best way possible. The opening little diddly and soft drum kit fiddling followed by the burst of jazzy life took me for a ride. That old style organ, xylophone backing, indie-sounding guitar, smooth bass, and all the other intricate instruments combined to form some real soulful jazz.
There are elements of several artists and eras here. It is clear off the bat that this is heavily influenced by 30s-40s jazz. Not only that but 60s-early 70s rock, blues, and even some modern indie twists are heard here. The Means of Production are certainly performing in the spirit of free-form music and creative lightning.
Ben Pirani
“Silver Pools” was released as a single, and also as the second track on the band’s upcoming self-titled LP. The LP titled The Means of Production is set to release June 14.
The Means of Production Track Listing
1. Welcome 2. Silver Pools 3. Provence Avanti 4. In A Silent Jay 5. Sertraline 6. Positively 5th Street 7. Sun, Moon, Wind, Earth 8. (Di)stance 9. Beware Of The Midnight Special 10. Blank 11. The Lone Square 12. Well…
Rafferty Swink
To hear the bands recently released single, “Silver Pools” and to stay up to date on future releases, click here.
Saigon and Swedish, multi-platinum producer Fredro release another track from their upcoming EP, The Jordan Era, channeling the musical ethos from one of the most romanticized periods in pop culture history. After the initial release of “Lyrical Genius” featuring Grandmaster Caz (co-author of “Rappers Delight” and the emcee with the longest running tenure atop the billboard Hot 100 Charts), the duo then released “Get Loose” featuring the legendary Pete Rock, with Saigon channeling the frenzied, experimental sound of hip hop from the early 90’s. In like manner, this latest effort,”Think Twice,” sees the duo recruit another great from hip hop’s golden age in Brand Nubian‘s Grand Puba.
Saigon and Fredro recruit another hip hop great for their latest release “Think Twice.”
Saigon and Grand Puba Make you “Think Twice”
“Think Twice” follows a similar recipe as the rest of The Jordan Era. In fact, you can hear “Think Twice” in season 3 episode 2 of the Starz breakout hit show BMF, chronicling the late ’80’s and ’90’s rise of the real life BMF drug empire. Staying true to the era Fredro comes with the jazz-inspired, funky production that littered the late ’80’s and ’90’s in hip hop. Moreover, Saigon and Grand Puba’s purposeful delivery are matched by their equally apt rhymes.
Keeping in theme with ’90’s lore, the duo drop plenty of knowledge along with their fair share of hip hop braggadocio. However, the purposeful record maintains an overall uptempo, positive and knowledgeable tone. While hip hop has evolved over the years, one of the main downturns in the genre has been the lack of positive messaging in contemporary music. In light Saigon, Fredro and Grand Puba look to bring back the times with this latest effort.
Growing up, Brand Nubian was one of my favorite groups, and Grand Puba as a solo artist shaped and molded my fashion sense at that time, and he is my favorite artist of all time. Grand Puba has never gotten his due respect. Before Kanye, it was Puba who made the rugby with the knapsack look cool. He also always made sure there was some kind of a positive message in his music.
– Saigon
The Jordan Era sees production entirely from Fredro, while sonically honing in on the 10-year from 1986 through 1996. Additionally, the album features guest appearances from Grandmaster Caz, Pete Rock, Big Daddy Kane, Kool G Rap, Grand Puba, Sadat X, Rockness Monsta, Craig G, Ill Skratch—with more features set for reveal upon release. The Jordan Era will be releasing on May 3 via Payday Records.
Kingston-based rock band Hide and Shine announced the release of their debut single, “Detroit Rising” along with their upcoming debut album Soft Machines. The single is out now on all streaming services with the debut album releasing on June 7.
Hide and Shine call themselves the stewards of this kind of music, tasked with translating the images and commands of the unconscious world, into the sounds and words of this world. The sounds reflect a range of themes, across seven decades of American and British music. Their lyrics often hint at esoteric themes.
The band recorded and produced their debut album and had the great privilege of mixing it with Steve Albini. The next batch of 14 songs is already being recorded, prior to the debut being released. There is much work ahead.
The track begins with an energy and has tones reminiscent of Queens of the Stone Age. “Detroit Rising” has a consistent, punching drumbeat, dynamic riffs throughout, and a very catchy and fun set of lyrics. The track is a promising debut from an all-new rock group. There is definite influence from classic rock and also alternative, indie, and hard rock. There are elements of southern rock twang, alternative overdrive tones, and other little nuances of various genres. The track is quite catchy and brings me excitement to see what else Hide and Shine can produce.
For more information on Hide and Shine and to stay in tune with future releases like their upcoming debut album Soft Machines, click here.
In the heart of Rochester, the Kodak Center underwent a transformation from a serene theater to a pulsating temple of rock guitar mastery as Joe Satriani and Steve Vai, two legends of the genre, graced the stage for an evening that would etch itself into the memories of all in attendance. The last time Vai played this venue was in 2022.
Everyone could feel the anticipation as fans settled into their seats with an early door open time of 6pm. Suddenly, the lights dimmed, and a hush fell over the crowd as Steve Vai, with his signature charisma, merged onto the stage. The first chords of “Avalancha,” a powerful track from his latest album Inviolate, reverberated through the venue, instantly igniting a fervor among the audience. Vai’s virtuosity knew no bounds as he effortlessly navigated through his setlist, each song a testament to his unparalleled skill and showmanship. From the intricate melodies of “Building the Church” to the soul-stirring “Tender Surrender,” Vai held the audience captive with his mesmerizing performance.
But Vai was not alone in his musical journey. Alongside him stood a formidable ensemble of musicians: Dante Frisiello on guitar, Philip Bynoe on bass, and Jeremy Colson on drums. Together, they formed a tight-knit unit, their synergy evident in every note they played. As Vai dazzled the crowd with his guitar acrobatics, his bandmates provided the perfect backdrop, their thunderous rhythms driving the momentum of the performance.
Yet, what truly set Vai apart was his ability to connect with his audience on a deeper level. With every flick of his wrist and every bend of a string, he invited the crowd into his world, forging an intimate bond that transcended the confines of the stage. Whether he was exchanging playful banter with his bandmates or locking eyes with fans in the front row, Vai made each person in the audience feel like they were part of something special.
As Vai’s set drew to a close, the energy in the theater reached a fever pitch, leaving the audience hungry for more. But before they could catch their breath, the stage was set ablaze once again, this time by the one and only Joe Satriani.
From the moment Satriani stepped into the spotlight, it was clear that he meant business. Dressed all in black, with his iconic sunglasses perched atop his head, Satriani exuded an aura of confidence and command. With his bandmates Kenny Aronoff on drums, Bryan Beller on bass, and Rai Thistlethwayte on keyboards and guitar by his side, Satriani launched into a set that was nothing short of electrifying.
Each song was a masterclass in guitar wizardry, from the searing riffs of “The Extremist” to the haunting melodies of “Always With Me, Always With You.” But it was Satriani’s infectious energy and genuine passion for his craft that truly set him apart. As he tore across the stage, his fingers flying effortlessly across the fretboard, Satriani seemed to be in his element, a man possessed by the music.
But perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Satriani’s performance was his unwavering smile. Throughout the entire set, Satriani wore a grin that could light up the darkest of rooms, a testament to his sheer joy in sharing his music with the world. And as he closed out the evening with a series of collaborative performances alongside Vai, the mutual respect and admiration between the two guitar virtuosos was evident for all to see. The first encore song was a song written by both Satriani and Vai. It was titled “The Sea of Emotion part I”, that was released on March 29.
As the final notes faded away and the curtain fell, the audience was left breathless, their hearts still pounding with the echoes of Satriani and Vai’s epic performance. For those fortunate enough to bear witness to this musical spectacle, it was more than just a concert, it was an experience that would stay with them forever, a testament to the enduring power of rock ‘n’ roll.
Steve Vai Setlist: Avalancha > Building the Church > Little Pretty > Tender Surrender > Lights Are On > Zeus in Chains > Teeth of the Hydra > For the Love of God
Joe Satriani Setlist: The Extremist > Surfing With the Alien > Satch Boogie > Sahara > Nineteen Eighty > Flying in a Blue Dream > Blue Foot Groovy > Always With Me, Always With You > If I Could Fly > Ice 9 > Encore: The Sea Of Emotion, Pt. 1 (with Steve Vai) > You Really Got Me (The Kinks cover, with Steve Vai) > Enter Sandman (Metallica cover, with Steve Vai)
UPCOMING Vai/Satriani TOUR DATES
April 16 – Detroit, MI @ Fisher Theatre
April 18 – Chicago, IL @ Chicago Theatre
April 19 – Cincinnati, OH @ Andrew J. Brady Icon Music Center
April 20 – Fort Wayne, IN @ Embassy Theatre
April 21 – Indianapolis, IN @ Murat Theatre (Old National Centre)
April 23 – Milwaukee, WI @ Riverside Theater
April 24 – Minneapolis, MN @ State Theatre
April 25 – Des Moines, IA @ Des Moines Civic Center
April 26 – Springfield, MO @ Gillioz Theatre
April 28 – La Vista, NE @ The Astro
April 29 – Salina, KS @ Stiefel Theatre
April 30 – St. Louis, MO @ The Factory – St. Louis
May 1 – Kansas City, MO @ Uptown Theater
May 3 – Austin, TX @ ACL Live at The Moody Theater
May 4 – Dallas, TX @ Music Hall at Fair Park
May 5 – Houston, TX @ 713 Music Hall
May 7 – Denver, CO @ Paramount Theatre – Denver
May 8 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Delta Hall at Eccles Theater
May 10 – Valley Center, CA @ Harrah’s Resort Southern California – The Events Center
May 11 – Wheatland, CA @ Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
May 12 – Santa Rosa, CA @ Luther Burbank Center for the Arts
Bryant Park announces the 2024 lineup for its free summer performing arts series: Bryant Park Picnic Performances presented by Bank of America. The annual festival will feature 25 live music, dance, and theater events between May 31 and Sept. 13. All shows are free and casual with no tickets required with more than 700 picnic blankets for audience members to borrow and ample chairs available.
Photo Credit: Ryan Muir.
Picnic Performances has grown to become one of New York City’s foremost outdoor performing arts festivals. Last summer, more than 75,000 people attended the series and nearly half a million enjoyed the free performance livestreams. Bryant Park Picnic Performances has become a vital outdoor platform for the City’s arts institutions, showcasing long-standing partnerships with Carnegie Hall, New York City Opera, Harlem Stage, The Town Hall, and Joe’s Pub, as well as new partnerships with New Victory Theater, World Music Institute, and Belongó.
The Bryant Park 2024 season features GRAMMY winners, world-class dance companies, theater stars, celebrations of centenaries in jazz and opera, a James Bond-themed finale, and dozens of local artists and spotlight performers from Ghana, New Orleans, Mexico, and South Africa.
“Thanks to Bank of America’s support, Picnic Performances has become a summer tradition for tens of thousands of New Yorkers. There is no easier way to enjoy this city’s exemplary arts and culture: just join us on the lawn” said Bryant Park’s president Dan Biederman.
Picnic Performances Leon Bostein leads the American Symphony Orchestra performing at Bryan Park’s Picnic Performances, 9/7/2023. Photo by Chris Lee.
Highlights of the Bryant Park 2024 Picnic Performances include the New York City Opera honoring the 100th anniversary of the death of Giacomo Puccini with a two-night celebration of his music featuring orchestra, chorus, and star vocalists. The summer of Puccini continues with a fully staged production of Tosca in August. Internationally acclaimed dance companies – including Mark Morris Dance Group, Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE, and David Dorfman Dance – headline multiple evenings of Contemporary Dance alongside established, rising, and student companies.
Jazzmobile celebrates the Centennial of legendary jazz vocalist Sarah Vaughan, “The Divine One,” with a jubilant performance by the acclaimed vocalist Charenée Wade and her septet. Carnegie Hall Citywide presents five concerts in July and August, beginning with a special evening with Pulitzer-Prize-winning composer Tania León and The Harlem Chamber Players with special guests. Carnegie Hall will also present the acclaimed South African musician Thandiswa Mazwai, GRAMMY Award-nominated bandleader of The Late Show Band Louis Cato, the high-energy Afrojazz trailblazer Michael Olatuja and Lagos Pepper Soup, and red-hot salsa dura band La Excelencia.
Photo by Fadi Kheir.
Joe’s Pub brings rising theater stars Jaime Lozano and Florencia Cuenca for Broadway en Spanglish, featuring bilingual performances of iconic show tunes with Mariachi Real de Mexico and more guest stars TBA. As part of New Victory Theater’s summer series New Victory Dance, Ephrat Asherie and Barkin/Selissen Project join for an interactive dance event curated specifically for kids and families. World Music Institute welcomes Ghanaian highlife band Gyedu-Blay Ambolley (NYC debut).
Asian American Arts Alliance features MacArthur ‘Genius’ pianist Vijay Iyer and his trio. The beloved Bryant Park tradition Accordions Around the World returns with 2024 GRAMMY nominee Zydeco star Dwayne Dopsie and Latin funk band Afro Dominicano. American Symphony Orchestra kicks off its season with Beyond the Hall, a program highlighting music from beyond the confines of the traditional concert hall.
Finally, The Town Hall and Belongó celebrate John Barry’s iconic James Bond music with an all-star lineup of musicians led by Arturo O’Farrill with the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra, and composer arranger and slide trumpet master Steven Bernstein, together with exciting surprise special guests.
The Picnic Performances are one of the best ways for New Yorkers to get outdoors and celebrate the arrival of Spring and Summer. We believe that the arts are a unifying force that promote cultural understanding, and we are thrilled to continue our support of one of the most iconic green spaces in the city. We are excited to be, once again, the presenting sponsor of the Picnic Performances, marking a more than 10-year-long partnership with Bryant Park.
José Tavarez, president, Bank of America New York City.
This season, 16 shows will be live-streamed for free on Bryant Park’s social media channels and website, reaching national and international audiences. Additional media support is provided by public radio stations WBGO and WQXR.
Food and drink are available for purchase from a curated lineup of local vendors near the lawn. At all performances, attendees can discover new dishes and celebrate classics from the five boroughs with a rotating line-up of artisanal vendors by Hester Street Fair. Stout NYC offers light bites and beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages for purchase.
Additional artist and performance information will be available in the coming months. For the most current information please visit here.
NYC-based pop/indie-rock band Um Jennifer? released their debut EP titled, The Girl Class, released on April 5.
The group’s debut extended play is chock full of charming, energetic, punk-tinged indie rock. Each song on the album is different than the last, with its own sound and charm. There is clear influence from The Cure, Eyedress, Sonic Youth, MGMT, and more. Much of their songs are reminiscent of love, sexuality, adventure, and youth.
Elijah and Fig set out to pierce the soundscape with their sharp-witted, psyche-puncturing, and simply fun musical skill. The EP does exactly that. The Girl Class collection of songs is an ode to break ups, freak outs, and deep queer longing. Um Jennifer? utilizes their pop/indie/alternative sound to convey their dynamic range of song.
Throughout TheGirl Class EP, love is personified as something fantastic, gory, loud, needy, and needed. These songs were all written within the past year of the band’s life, and were the first songs they wrote together. These songs are the band’s attempt at measuring the immeasurable; at understanding themselves, each other, and the world around them.
Um Jennifer? has conveyed their ideas and vibe as a band well on this EP. They have proven their ability to switch sound and still remain original and themselves. With a debut album like this, with punchy, catchy, emotional, and passionate tracks, the band catches attention and has an audience awaiting further release.
ABBA’s music was center stage at Proctors in Schenectady on Thursday, April 11, as ABBA The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA, began their tour and kept the Swedish disco pop legacy alive. The show was riddled with outfit changes, energy and music to get the audience out of their seats, and the closest you can get to the real thing.
As the lights dimmed, the band walked out to crowd cheers. The setlist was filled with ABBA favorites including “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!” and “Lay All Your Love On Me,” as this tribute band brought the excitement with them. Following each era of ABBA’s music were an outfit change including bright colors, sparkles and patterns. There was a mixture of dancing and singing throughout the evening, followed by acoustic songs that brought tears to the audience’s eyes.
To finish an extraordinary night of 70’s favorites, “Dancing Queen” got everyone out of their seats. As the band left the stage, the crowd danced their way to the exit, hearing the audience comment “They were so amazing,” and “I forgot it wasn’t ABBA.”
This was truly a night none will forget, with songs stuck in our heads for years to come.
