Garage rockers The Chesterfield Kings announced the release of their latest single, “Meet You After Midnight.” The band also announced their first live shows in over 15 years.
The Chesterfield Kings formed in the late 70s, heavily influenced by the bluesy and rugged sounds of the 60s. The group hails from Rochester and has toured for decades but hasn’t since the early 2000s.
The single is reminiscent of 60s bands like The Doors, Beach Boys, The Who, and more. The Chesterfield Kings add an element of that ’70s dirty garage sound as well. The track feels like entering a portal to the classic era of rock n roll, super well done in its instrumentation, lyricism, and catchiness.
The band plans to tour for five dates across the US beginning March 16 and wrapping up March 22. The tour stops in Austin, Los Angeles, Pheonix, Las Vegas, and San Francisco.
Catch The Chesterfield Kings on the The Wicked Cool Records Revue!, presented by Hard Rock and Little Steven’s Underground Garage, which marks the fabled garage rockers’ first live shows in over 15 years.
To check out The Chesterfield Kings’ latest track, “Meet You After Midnight,” click here. For more information on the band and their upcoming shows, click here.
The Chesterfield Kings Upcoming Shows:
16 – Austin, TX – Continental Club (SXSW) *
* w/ The Jellybricks and Bobby Mahoney
19 – Phoenix, AZ – The Crescent
20 – Los Angeles, CA – Lodge Room Highland Park
21 – Las Vegas, NV – The Shag Room at Virgin
22 – San Francisco, CA – Brick & Mortar Music Hall
Bernadette Peters from Hello, Dolly!, and Follies fame will host the 10 Anniversary High School Theatre Festival for NYC public schools on March 25 at the Winter Garden Theatre on Broadway.
The Shubert Festival celebrates six outstanding high school student productions from the 2023-24 school year, selected from more than 20 productions across the city by professional theatre artists and theatre educators. Throughout the festival’s ten-year history, school productions from all five boroughs have performed at the event.
The Broadway Festival is hosted by Bernadette Peters – author, actress, and singer famously known for her role in a broadway star-packed movie tick, tick…Boom! alongside Academy Awards nominee Andrew Garfield. Apart from theatre and music, Peters was presented with the Animal Medical Center Brooke Astor Award in 2018 in recognition of her lifetime dedication to animal welfare, which includes the “over 2,000 adoptions” she has made at Broadway Barks events.
Other guest Broadway presenters will include James Caverly, Miguel Cervantes, Charlotte d’Amboise, Jeanna de Waal, Treshelle Edmond, Drew Gehling, Tamar Greene, Anika Larsen, Apollo Levine, Julian Elijah Martinez, Gary Perez, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Seth Rudetsky, Brandon Uranowitz, and Kara Young.
This year, student presentations will present excerpted scenes and musical numbers, including Titanic by Professional Performing Arts High School from Manhattan, Joseph, And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat by Lexington School For The Deaf from Queens, Mamma Mia! By Curtis High School from Staten Island, Zanna Don’t! by Repertory Company High School For Theatre Arts from Manhattan, Titanic by Frank Sinatra School Of The Arts from Queens, and Urinetown by Brooklyn High School For The Arts from Brooklyn.
The Shubert High School Theatre Festival highlights the vital lives and theatrical skills of collaboration, artistry, discipline, focus, literacy, student voice, self-awareness, presence, and empathy, in addition to showcasing the outstanding theater currently being produced in NYC public high schools. The evening’s main focus is how a dedicated theater program may benefit students and school communities by encouraging them to consider theater and the arts as possible career options.
This year’s annual theatre education experience for NYC students is presented by The Shubert Foundation and the NYC Department of Education Arts Office and for more information fans can visit www.shubertfoundation.org.
Stella Blue’s Band is excited to announce the fifth annual Free Dead in the Park concert to benefit Riverkeeper, presented by The Capitol Theatre and RYTHM Cannabis, at the Naumburg Bandshell in Central Park in New York City on Tuesday, May 14.
Free Dead in the Park began in 2018 when Stella Blue’s Band first played in the bandshell to commemorate the 50anniversary of the Grateful Dead’s epic free concert with Jefferson Airplane and the Paul Butterfield Blues Band. In the years following, the show has benefitted Riverkeeper and its mission to protect, clean up, and advocate for the Hudson River and surrounding ecosystems.
“Free Dead in the Park is our family reunion and it gets better every year,” said Steve Liesman, the band’s rhythm guitar player, a member of Riverkeeper’s board, and the senior economics reporter for CNBC. “It’s an honor to follow in the footsteps of the Dead in beautiful Central Park while helping support the vital cause of cleaning up the Hudson River.” An exclusive commemorative T-shirt featuring a photo of Bob Weir onstage taken by photographer Jay Blakesberg will be given to everyone who becomes a Riverkeeper member at the event.
Stella Blue’s Band, founded in 2009, recreates the experience of being at a Grateful Dead show – lighting up the tri-state area for more than a decade with its six-piece line-up, including two drummers, strong, soulful vocals, and high-energy performances.
Photo by Zapshots Photography.
“We’re thrilled to be back supporting Free Dead in the Park and Riverkeeper and bringing together the power of good music and collective action for the environment in the heart of New York City,” said Peter Shapiro, owner of The Capitol Theatre.
Riverkeeper protects and restores the Hudson River, and safeguards drinking water supplies through community partnerships, science, and law. They improve water quality, restore habitat for an abundance of life, and address the impact of climate change on waterways. Founded in 1966 as the Hudson River Fishermen’s Association, Riverkeeper became the model for more than 320 Waterkeeper organizations and established globally recognized standards for waterway and watershed protection.
“Listen to the river sing sweet songs with the Stella Blue’s Band at one of Riverkeeper’s most beloved events, Free Dead in the Park,” said Tracy Brown, President of Riverkeeper. “Join environmentalists and music enthusiasts in celebrating and supporting the preservation of the Hudson River.”
Folk/country artist Christian Parker has announced his upcoming album, Change is Now, set to release on March 22. The album pays tribute to some of The Byrds’ classic hits.
Christian Parker
The album, Change is Now is something of a power-folk medley. Each song has an energetic folk melody, but a very distinct sound that Christian Parker made his own. The album pays much homage to the Byrds’ classic hits like “Ballad of an Easy Rider,” “Chimes of Freedom,” and “The World Turns All Around Her.” You can very clearly hear Parker’s own original spin on the tunes.
Along with The Byrds, Parker has clear influence from other classic artists like The Beatles, Blue Oyster Cult, and of course, Bob Dylan. Each song on the album has its own spark, its own character and its own rhythmic flair. Some tunes on the album are perfect for a excited countryside drive, while some fit for a calm, hopeful campfire.
Christian Parker hails from Canton, New York up by the Canadian border. Parker’s dazzling collection of songs have been warming the hearts of listeners over the past 3 and a half decades. His music contains lyricism around emotion, tension, and hope, carried by chiming guitar, and unforgettable hooks.
Earl Poole Ball, one of the original Byrds studio members, joins Parker on the album. This addition adds another element of honor to the album already paying homage to The Byrds. The album’s folk-driven, country-twanged, and mainstream appeal brings people of all tastes together.
Earl Poole Ball
To learn more about Christian Parker, and to stream his upcoming album, Change is Now, click here.
The New York Philharmonic has announced their 2024-2025 season of events. The season is packed with hearty, unique, and diverse talent with Music and Artistic Director Gustavo Dudamel leading three weeks of subscription concerts.
Gustavo Dudamel
The New York Philharmonic presents a wide range of new compositions, including 13 World, US, and New York Premieres this season. This consists of five World Premieres, two US Premieres, and six New York Premieres. These premieres encapsulate the diversity and broad perspectives of the Philharmonic’s community.
For the first time, Dudamel leads New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks, presented by Didi and Oscar Schafer. The Philharmonic explores programming from a variety of musical perspectives. Pianist Yuja Wang appears in contexts that reflect her musical interests, including her first NY Phil appearances in which she leads the Orchestra from the piano.
Also new for the upcoming season, New York Philharmonic musicians were invited to act as an Artistic Partner, curating a program that reflects their varied musical interests, and also celebrates the Orchestra’s brilliant history.
The Philharmonic examines music of the African diaspora in America from the latter half of the 20th century through the present day. Artistic Partner International Contemporary Ensemble presents the beauty of Afromodernism. The program is curated by artistic director George Lewis; and a Young People’s Concert.
Over the 2024–25 season the New York Philharmonic shines a spotlight on two French composers who transformed the musical landscape and left enduring legacies. The Pierre Boulez Centennial and Ravel’s 150th Anniversary are two programs that pay deep tribute to the French composers.
The upcoming season sees several debuts from conductors and soloists alike. Along with this, there are many returning friends and favorites. The New York Philharmonic welcomes all those returning and the unfamiliar faces as well.
For more information on the New York Philharmonic’s upcoming 2024-25 season, click here.
On March 20, history and music intertwined at the Resnick Education Wing at Carnegie Hall, where an exclusive first listen event was held for Alice Coltrane’s Live at Carnegie Hall album. This event marked the culmination of years of anticipation for fans worldwide, as the concert, originally performed in 1971, was finally set for release on March 22, under the title Alice Coltrane – The Carnegie Hall Concert.
Alice Coltrane, a luminary in the jazz world and a spiritual seeker, took the stage at Carnegie Hall for a special gala benefiting the Integral Yoga Institute. Backed by an ensemble of renowned musicians, including Pharoah Sanders, Archie Shepp, Jimmy Garrison, and Cecil McBee, among others, Alice delivered a transcendent performance that captured the essence of her musical and spiritual journey.
The evening began with a captivating listen to the album, transporting listeners back to that pivotal moment in 1971 when Alice Coltrane graced the stage at Carnegie Hall. The audience was then treated to a thought-provoking panel discussion hosted by Marcus J. Moore, featuring esteemed guests Michelle Coltrane, Brandee Younger, and Cecil McBee.
The panel discussion delved into various aspects of Alice Coltrane’s music and legacy, offering insights into her creative process, spiritual journey, and the impact of her music on contemporary artists. Throughout the conversation, panelists shared personal anecdotes, reflections, and interpretations of Alice’s music, providing a deeper understanding of her artistry and influence.
One of the key themes that emerged from the discussion was the improvisational nature of Alice Coltrane’s music. Cecil McBee, reflecting on his experience playing alongside her, highlighted the freedom and spontaneity she encouraged in her band members. He emphasized that Alice created an environment where musicians could express themselves authentically, without constraints or preconceived notions.
Michelle Coltrane, drawing from her childhood memories, spoke eloquently about her mother’s musical legacy and spiritual evolution. She described Alice’s transition from grief to spiritual awakening following the death of John Coltrane, her husband. Michelle emphasized the profound impact of Alice’s music on her own artistic journey, citing instances where her mother’s influence could be heard in her compositions.
Brandee Younger, a contemporary harpist and composer, shared her perspective on Alice Coltrane’s influence on her own work. She discussed how Alice’s music transcended boundaries, incorporating elements of jazz, gospel, Indian classical music, and world music to create a unique and transformative listening experience. Brandee expressed admiration for Alice’s fearless experimentation and dedication to spiritual exploration.
The panelists also explored the spiritual dimensions of Alice Coltrane’s music, highlighting her deep connection to Indian spirituality and her role as a spiritual leader. They discussed how her music served as a conduit for spiritual expression, offering solace, inspiration, and transcendence to listeners around the world.
As the event concluded, it became evident that Alice Coltrane’s legacy extends far beyond the confines of a concert hall or recording studio. Her music continues to resonate with audiences of all generations, inspiring artists, musicians, and spiritual seekers alike. Through her pioneering spirit, unwavering dedication to her craft, and profound spirituality, Alice Coltrane left an indelible mark on the world of music and beyond.
HOT 97’s Summer Jam festival sees UBS Arena in Elmont, New York as the host for the event’s 30th anniversary. The festival sees a stellar lineup of some of hip hop’s most notable names. This includes Doja Cat, Sexxy Redd, Offset, Method Man, Redman and many more.
Hip hop’s biggest celebration begins June 2 at UBS Arena in Elmont, Long Island. Summer Jam 2024 sees an explosive celebration of HOT 97’s legacy and the biggest names hip hop has to offer. Cemented rap artists of today, legends of the past, and rising stars all gather at Summer Jam to show their talent and to make the crowd move.
Headlining this historic occasion are chart-toppers Doja Cat, Davido, and Offset, alongside fan-favorites such as Sexyy Red, the legendary duo Method Man and Redman, rising star Sleepy Hallow, Detroit’s pride Tee Grizzley, and the dynamic 41 Kyle Richh, Jenn Carter, and TaTa.
Legendary Hip Hop Duo, Method Man and Redman
Summer Jam started humbly and become a cultural phenomenon. The festival has continuously pushed boundaries and shaped the landscape of hip-hop. With icons Method Man and Redman joining forces to set the stage on fire, this year’s lineup reflects the evolution of the genre and pays homage to the artists who have contributed to its legacy over the past three decades.
Summer Jam at UBS is something that’ll recur. UBS Arena is the festival’s new home now that its fully built and ready for massive audiences. The arena has been meticulously designed to elevate fans’ audio experience during performances, and those in attendance can vouch.
Summer Jam 2019 at Metlife Stadium
General public tickets will officially go on sale on Friday, March 22nd at 10 am on HOT97.com and ticketmaster.com. You do not want to miss Summer Jam at UBS Arena.
Three-time, GRAMMY award-winning superstar Megan Thee Stallion formally announced the “Hot Girl Summer Tour,” featuring GloRilla, coming to Madison Square Garden on May 21.
The Memphis-born hitmaker GloRilla, who has delivered award-winning hits such as “Tomorrow 2 (feat Cardi B),” “FNF” and “Yeah Glo!,” will join Megan on the domestic leg of the tour.
The tour comes after Megan Thee Stallion’s latest song “HISS” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in February. “HISS” also became the first-ever, solo female rap song to debut No. 1 on the Billboard Global 200 and, as a result, she now owns the record for the biggest first week for a solo female rap song in history.
The achievement signified Megan’s third No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, following her other chart-topping hits such as “Savage (Remix)” with Beyoncé and “WAP” with Cardi B. The song was Megan’s second solo release via Hot Girl Productions – her independent music and entertainment entity. She can release her music independently and still have distribution and resources with Warner Music while having full ownership of her master’s and publishing.
Hailing from Houston, Megan Thee Stallion is a three-time GRAMMY-winning recording artist, philanthropist, and entrepreneur. She received nine BET Awards and multiple Billboard Music Awards for “Top Rap Female Artist.” Additionally, she has been honored for her advocacy efforts, with the 2022 Special Achievement Award at The Webby Awards and the Trailblazer Award at the iHeartRadio Music Awards.
She made history in Nov. 2022, becoming the first Black woman to appear on the cover of Forbes’ prestigious Under 30 issue. She was previously recognized as one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People of 2020 after publishing her monumental “Why I Speak Up For Black Women” op-ed for The New York Times.
Tickets will be available starting with a Citi presale beginning on Wednesday, March 20. Additional presales including an artist Hotties presale will run throughout the week ahead of the general on-sale beginning on Friday, March 22 at 10 a.m.
Fans can also purchase VIP Packages, which may include premium tickets, access to a VIP bar and cocktail service throughout the night, pre-show VIP Lounge, exclusive VIP merch item, early entry & more. VIP package contents vary based on offer selected. For more information, click HERE.
2024 HOT GIRL SUMMER WORLD TOUR DATES
May 14 – Minneapolis, MN – Target Center^
May 17 – Chicago, IL – United Center^
May 18 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena^
May 21 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden^
May 22 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center^
May 24 – Napa, CA – BottleRock Napa Valley Festival*
May 26 – Boston, MA – Boston Calling Festival*
May 28 – Baltimore, MD – CFG Bank Arena^
May 30 – Memphis, TN – FedEx Forum^
Jun 1 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena^
Jun 4 – Raleigh, NC – PNC Arena^
June 6 – Hollywood, FL – Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino^
Jun 8 – Tampa, FL – Amalie Arena^
Jun 10 – New Orleans, LA – Smoothie King Center^
Jun 11 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center^
Jun 13 – Austin, TX – Moody Center^
Jun 14 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center^
Jun 16 – Manchester, TN – Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival*
Chris Pellnat announced the release of his latest folk, synth, rock fusion album, Cairn and it is certainly something unique. The album showcases several unique and intriguing sounds from Chris Pellnat’s repertoire.
Chris Pellnat is a singer-songwriter based in Hudson, New York. In addition to his solo work, he plays guitar in the Poughkeepsie-based rock band, The Warp/The Weft. He is also half of the duo, Teeniest. He performs mostly in upstate New York. Chris creates melodic, memorable songs using unusual instrumentation, including vibraphone, clarinet and dulcimer in addition to guitar, bass, drums and synthesizers. His songs are sometimes cleverly humorous, but always with an underlying message.
There is clear vocal and instrument influence from artists like Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, John Lennon, Paul Simon and more. Cairn combines elements of traditional American folk, orchestral music, acoustic rock, and even electronic. Each song on the Cairn has its own feel and theme. Some songs are about hope, some are about endings and beginnings, some are about nothing. The album has an overwhelming ability to calm, but also the ability to get your feet tapping or your head swaying.
Cairn has a good deal of variety in terms of musical vibe and style. It starts off with “Ship on the Horizon,” a dulcimer-and-accordion-driven song that sets the tone with the sound of ocean waves. “Wandering Squandering” is a straight-ahead electric rocker. “Forest Giants” is a trippy, electronic exploration inspired by the wilderness. The album continues like that: you never know what the next song will sound like, and you’ll likely be surprised when you find out.
For more information on Chris Pellnat’s music and to listen to Cairn, click here.
Esteemed music venue Caffe Lena in Saratoga Springs announced a stellar lineup of musicians for the month of April, with Raul Midon, Michael Eck, Vanessa Collier, and The Special Consensus among the featured acts.
CaffeLena has presented New York State with extraordinary music in an intimate setting since the 1960s. It is widely recognized as the longest continuously operating folk music venue in the United States. Bob Dylan performed for two consecutive nights at the cafè in 1961, a year prior to the release of his debut album.
The venue’s mission is to keep a diverse set of programs and artists, regardless of fame, to present to the community. Caffe Lena is where musical discovery begins on all fronts. All shows held in-person in Lena’s historic listening room are also streamed live to living rooms around the world.
Caffe Lena’s April shows are not ones to miss. The itinerary is complete with various well-known artists with utmost talent. Various genres like bluegrass, jazz, folk, blues, poetry, funk rock and more are set to light up the intimate venue with energy, love, and art. Artists like Michael Eck see the stage for heartfelt performances signifying great milestones.
Vanessa Collier
Michael Eck celebrates his 60th birthday with release of sixth album, fermata, and a performance at Caffe Lena, 8 p.m. Friday, April 19. Eck will be joined by an all-star ensemble, including bassist/vocalist Bob Buckley, guitarist Sten Isachsen, and elusive vocalist Rosanne Raneri.
Michael Eck
Caffe Lena’s Top Shows For April
April 2, 7 PM Live Stream: Storytelling Night Featuring Julia Biaculli
April 3, 7 PM Poetry Open Mic Night featuring Susan Jefts
April 4, 8 PM Ruthie Foster
April 5, 8 PM The Special Consensus
April 6, 8 PM Peter Mulvey with Opener Zachary Lucky
April 7, 7 PM House of Hamill
April 9, 7 PM Songwriting with Eliza Gilkyson
April 19, 8 PM Live Stream: Michael Eck
April 26, 8 PM Vanessa Collier
April 27, 8 PM Bright Series: The Clements Brothers
April 28, 7 PM Intersectional Voices: Raul Midon
For more information on Caffe Lena’s April shows and to purchase tickets, click here.
