Buffalo jazz band, Spyro Gyra, have released a new single “50/50” commemorating their 50th anniversary.
The group have also announced an upcoming anthology album out Nov. 8 that covers their first decade of recorded music. They hit three cities in NY on their upcoming tour, Patchogue, Peekskill and Manhattan in 2025.
Since 1974 when Spyro Gyra first came together in Buffalo, they began experimenting with a fusion of jazz with R&B, Latin, and world music that has lead to great success and many achievements such as 13 Grammy nominations along with multiple Gold & Platinum albums. Their newest album, Jubilee, is an anthology compilation album that commemorates the 50th anniversary of Spyro Gyra’s formation. The album will contain classic songs and fan favorites from the years 1977-1987, including the Billboard hits, “Shaker Song” and “Morning Dance.”
This year the band, whose current line up consists of, Jay Beckenstein (saxophone), Julio Fernandez (guitar), Chris Fischer (keyboards), Scott Ambush (bass), and Lionel Cordew (drums) will embark on a world headline tour, which will land them in New York for three dates in Patchogue, Peekskill, and Manhattan.
Their new single, “50/50,” is out now through Amherst Records/Reservoir Recordings. The song is a precursor to the upcoming album Jubilee, which will be released on Friday, Nov. 8 on 2CD and 2LP gold and purple colored vinyl which you can preorder from their websire. These editions will include never-before-seen photos from the band and exclusive liner notes from veteran music journalist Jonathan Widran.
GRAMMY Award-winning band Deftones have announced their 2025 North American tour, making a stop at Madison Square Garden on April 3, 2025.
This Sacramento-bred 80s band has left an irreplaceable mark on the music scene, and that is shown through the millions of albums sold and billions of streams under their belts. Deftones’ 2024 was busy to say the least. With successful acts at Coachella, Lollapalooza, and Primavera Sound, to then selling out an event at Golden Gate Park with over 50,000 fans, their momentum shows no signs of slowing down.
The tour kicks off on February 25 in Portland, OR, and comes to a close on April 8 in Boston. Deftones will be making a stop in New York City to perform at Madison Square Garden on April 3. Featuring special guest acts from The Mars Volta and Fleshwater.
Photo by Clemente Ruiz
The full list of dates for Deftones’ tour can be found below. For more information and to purchase tickets to the Deftone at MSG visit here.
Indie rock fans flocked to the State Theatre in Ithaca on Tuesday, September 17 as Band of Horses wrapped up their summer tour with a performance in the picturesque town.
This show was a long time coming for fans of the Seattle rockers, as illness forced postponement of the originally scheduled show in February. The delay did not deter a strong contingent of fans from turning out, as the show was nearly sold-out.
The evening kicked off with a passionate performance from singer-songwriter Nolan Taylor. The Ohio native performed forty minutes of what he called “sad songs”. Taylor strummed an acoustic guitar and was flanked by friend and bandmate Clarke Sexton, also on guitar.
Taylor’s vocals soared through the theater, as he performed heartfelt tracks such as “Wicked Ways” and “68” the later of which oozed with emotion and previously served as the introduction to Taylor for many, when a video of him performing the track in the woods went viral last year.
After a brief set change over, the audience took their seats for Band of Horses. Singer Ben Bridwell took his place behind a pedal steel while his four band members gathered round. Bridwell began the opening strums of “Monsters”, a stand out track from the band’s 2006 debut release. The band would follow with “The First Song” and “The Great Salt Lake” all from their debut album, and serving as an impressive 1-2-3 punch to open the evening.
Bridwell and his band mates performed a set spanning the band’s 20 year career. Ballads like “Is There a Ghost” and No One’s Gonna Love You” brought the audience to their feet and illuminated the lower portion of the theater in cell phone lights, while “The Funeral” had the audience shouting the song’s anthemic chorus.
After a 17 song main set, the band returned to the stage for one final number; the rollicking, foot stomping “The General Specific”. The track saw the band calling members of their crew to the stage to join in on the fun, grabbing a hold of tambourines, cowbells, and what ever else could be used as a percussion instrument. It was a fun end to the evening in Ithaca, and a celebratory way to end a long tour for Band of Horses.
LCD Soundsystem has announced their upcoming “Winter FUNction” series of shows beginning November 21 at Knockdown Center in Queens for three long weekends in November and December.
The LCD Soundsystem shows take place November 21 through 24, December 5 through 8, and finally, December 12 through 15. The electronic rock band plans to dazzle audiences for these three long weekends for their “Annual Winter FUNction.”
The shows include special guest bands for each night of the performances, along with international deejays, after parties, and Four Horsemen Wine Bar. LCD Soundsystem is known for putting on a high-energy, captivating, and groovy show. These are not shows you want to miss.
LCD Soundsystem performs at Madison Square Garden on April 2, 2011
The group was formed in Brooklyn in 2002 by James Murphy, the co-founder of DFA Records. The band comprises Murphy (vocals), Nancy Whang (synthesizer, keyboards), Pat Mahoney (drums), Tyler Pope (bass, guitar), Al Doyle (guitar, percussion), Matt Thornley (guitar, synthesizer), and Korey Richey (synthesizer, piano, percussion).
LCD Soundsystem’s musical sound is described as electronic rock, indie-rock, dance-punk, amongst many others. In short, this group holds a unique, heavy groove, with a persistent electronic backbone. Public on-sale tickets are available on Thursday, September 26 at 10AM ET. Fan presales being September 25.
For more information on the upcoming LCD Soundsystem shows at Knockdown Center in Queens, and to purchase tickets, click here.
In the fall of 2022, Timothy Waldron, lead vocalist of the emerging band Monobloc, found himself captivated by a live performance of Eric Burdon and War’s “Spill The Wine” while navigating life in a new city.
Photo Credit: Julia Tarantino
This moment of inspiration sparked the creation of their latest single, “Irish Goodbye,” which premieres a post-punk sound, explaining the pressures of being young in a new city, a topic many can relate to as it can be challenging adapting in a new place. Not to mention a situation the band has experienced, giving credibility to their point of view. Storytelling prowess and minimalist instrumentation position them as a band to watch as they carve out their own lane in NYCâs vibrant DIY landscape.
Helmed by vocalist Timothy Waldron and bassist Michael Silverglade are alongside Zach Pockrose on drums and guitarists Ben Scofield and Nina Luders, each contributing their emotionally charged sounds. The band merges pop with a gritty post-punk attitude therefore, drawing inspiration from their come up in New York’s underground scene.
Monobloc gained notable attention for creating the viral Minecraft music festival, Block by Blockwest. This innovative virtual event combined their passion for music with the popular gaming platform, allowing fans to experience live performances in a unique, immersive environment.
Their storytelling abilities shines along with their patterned instrumentals, making them stand out as an innovative force. Additionally, their distinctive talent and the success of their first two singles, “Where is My Garden,” and “I’m Just Trying To Love You,” it shows that with their irresistible catchy melodic rock sound, they are just getting into the groove of things.
Accompanied by their thoughtful narrative point of view, paired with raw, minimalist instrumentation, makes them a standout act. On the other hand, making a splash in sold-out residency at Pianos and performances at major festivals like Rock En Seine and All Points East has given them a chance to propel onto the global stage.
Live Tour Dates:
OCTOBER, 26 at United Sounds NYC Festival – Brooklyn, NY
NOVEMBER, 7 at Iceland Airways – ReykjavÃk, IS
NOVEMBER, 8 at Deaf Institute – Manchester, UK (Debut Manchester headline)
NOVEMBER, 9 at Third Man – London, UK (Debut London headline)
NOVEMBER, 19 at Corona Capital Fest – Mexico city, MX
Troy Savings Bank Music Hall has announced the lineup for the next installment of the Music At Noon free concert series.
Originating in 1988, the Music at Noon concert series has brought music to the people of Troy every second Tuesday of the month from October through May. A free community event designed to present skilled musicians with a diverse mix of musical styles, folks of all ages are encouraged to attend the performances in addition to a special children’s workshop.
The main event will feature an opening performance by fortepianist Daniel Maltz on October 8, the Vermont based woodwind ensemble Heliand Quartet on November 12, the medieval, renaissance, and baroque music focused Bleecker Consort on December 10, a performance from pianist Michael Century on January 14, an enrapturing clarinet, hichiriki, cello, and piano show from Thomas Piercy, Marina Iwao, and Daniel Hass, and a concluding Irish traditional music and song performance from Toss the Feathers on March 11.
Opening the season is fortepianist Daniel Adam Maltz, who is offering an exciting educational interactive performance and deep dive into the world of Classical era Vienna and its music in the way iconic composers like Hadyn and Mozart intended for them to be heard.
Based in Vienna, Maltz studied Historical Performance at the Royal Academy of Music in London and at Vienna’s University for Music and Performing Arts- meaning this 90 minute experience will not be one to miss.
Additionally, prior to the Heliand Quartet’s performance on November 12, the group will engage in a hands-on exploratory musical experience that will be concluded with a petting zoo. Best for students grades one through four but open to all, the educational hour will begin with the musicians introducing the students to the sounds of chamber music, particularly with the piano, oboe and bassoon.
Students will be able to identify how the instruments work, sound, and fit into the ensemble dynamic. The workshop will conclude with students being able to experiment with the instruments themselves prior to the fan favorite petting zoo. Seating for this event will be limited- click here to register.
Music at Noon is completely free to attend with no registration needed. Folks are encouraged to bring their own lunch, and larger parties or teachers with buses should call ahead to reserve seats. In addition, there are a limited number of handicapped accessible spaces available.
For further details and information on other programs put on by the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, please visit their website here.
Acclaimed Brooklyn based musician and composer Sandra Kluge has released her third single, “Beholden to No One”.
Brooklyn based tap percussionist, performer, educator, and musician Sandra Kluge channels the deepest parts of her heart and soul in every piece and performance. Wrought with self reflection, honesty, and contemplation, her works channel what she wants to put out into the world using the full breadth of her skills across music and dance.
Kluge began dancing at the age of 10, spending the following years learning under the greats and endless hours of self-study that would later lead her to stages at the legendary Tap Ahead Festival, tap club Cologne, and Soundspace Philadelphia. In addition to performances of her own, Kluge shares the results of her years of practice and routine with her students at the American Tap Dance Foundation and Mark Morris Dance Center, in addition to teaching students from around the world virtually.
Just as reflecting the self is a through line in her lyricism, Kluge reflects all aspects of her life in her production. Utilizing her life-long passion in tap, Kluge channels the sounds of the dance into her percussion- the tap shoes themselves transcending the role of dance equipment to become instruments as she performs.
Her newest release “Beholden to No One” centers this unique and deeply personal form of percussion, a steady constant under the lyrics and mantra of “I am my best friend, beholden to no one”. The sounds of dance intertwine with ethereal synth textures, multidimensional guitar arrangements, and serene vocals above an odd time signature and intricate polyrhythmic structures that all culminate in a stirring experience of emotional self-determination.
A piece entirely its own, “Beholden to No One” originated from a therapy session in which Kluge realized that her existence is not tied to the permission or approval of anyone else. Empowered by the realization of all that she is capable of when no other voice is given the time of day, she is “beholden to no one”.
In addition to the track’s release, Kluge has published the official music video for “Beholden to No One” in which she walks through countless city settings in flowing bright clothing and an effortless yet quiet confidence, truly embodying the self-sufficient and self-loving attitude reflected in the song’s lyrics.
Only the third song of Kluge’s musical career, “Beholden to No One” marks her as an artist carving her own path- and an artist that needs no one’s permission but her own to do so.
To learn more about “Beholden to No One,” her other releases, and her story, please visit Sandra Kluge’s website here.
Bullet for My Valentine and Trivium have announced their co-headlining “The Poisoned Ascendancy Tour”, including a stop at The Rooftop at Pier 17 in Manhattan on May 7.
Both heavy metal pioneers in their own rights, Bullet for My Valentine and Trivium are celebrating prolific 20th anniversaries this year – Bullet for My Valentine honors 20 years since their debut album The Poison, and Trivium celebrates their second album, Ascendancy. With long histories of releases and successes between both acts, The Poisoned Ascendancy Tour is not to be missed.
A mainstay within the metal community and British music as a whole since inception, Bullet for My Valentine has amassed more than 3.5 million album sales all while touring the globe since their inception in 1998 and signing with Sony BMG in 2002. Their debut album as well as their reason for celebration this tour, Bullet for My Valentine’sThe Poison resulted in immediate success, bringing the band to number 11 on the Independent Albums chart and 128 on the Billboard 200 alongside a lengthy tour in addition to appearances opening for Metallica and Guns N’ Roses, and the 2006 Vans Warped Tour.
Since The Poison’s release, the band has released six other studio albums, earned several nominations and awards from KERRANG! and beyond, and toured countless times worldwide, but the debut album will always remain in the hearts of the fans as well as the band itself for marking such powerful beginnings.
Formed in 1999, heavy metal band Trivium has been touring their personal spin on metal for over 20 years now. With ten studio albums, a few name awards under their belt, and several nominations including a Grammy nomination in 2019, Trivium’s success is not unearned. Their now canonical and second album ever Ascendancy is a testament to this- named KERRANG!’s “Album of the Year”, one of the top fifteen albums on Metal Hammer’s list of “The 100 Greatest Metal Albums of the 21st Century”, and earning the band a gold certification in the UK, there’s little question as to why Ascendancy is topic of celebration for the upcoming tour.
A celebration of how far both headlining acts have come and where they began, The Poisoned Ascendancy Tour will be the final time both acts will perform their iconic debut albums in full. With incredible company in each other as well as the opening acts, this tour will hit close to home for both older fans who were there to see every step of the way as well as newer fans who never had the chance to catch the earlier releases live.
In addition to the two iconic acts, August Burns Red, Bleed From Within, and Sylosis will accompany the tour. The Poisoned Ascendancy Tour will be arriving in New York on May 7 at The Rooftop at Pier 17 in Manhattan, with ticket sales beginning on Friday, September 20. For more information on tour dates and ticket sales, please visit either band’s websites here and here.
A full list of The Poisoned Ascendancy Tour dates is below.
TOUR DATES
Sun March 30 – Vancouver, BC – PNE Forum
Tue Apr 1 – Seattle, WA – Paramount Theatre
Thu Apr 03 – San Francisco, CA – The Masonic
Fri Apr 04 – Wheatland, CA – Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Sacramento – Hard Rock Live
Sat Apr 05 – Reno, NV – Grand Sierra Resort
Tue Apr 08 – Denver, CO – Fillmore Auditorium
Thu Apr 10 – Las Vegas, NV – Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort
Fri Apr 11 – Inglewood, CA – YouTube Theatre
Sat Apr 12 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre
Tue Apr 15 – Dallas, TX – Gilley’s – South Side Ballroom
Wed Apr 16 – San Antonio, TX – Boeing Center at Tech Port
Thu Apr 17 – Houston, TX – Bayou Music Center
Sat Apr 19 – St. Louis, MO – The Factory
Sun Apr 20 – Omaha, NE – Steelhouse Omaha
Tues Apr 22 – Ashwaubenon, WI – EPIC Event Center
Wed Apr 23 – Grand Rapids, MI – GLC Live at 20 Monroe
Fri Apr 25 – Prior Lake, MN – Mystic Lake Casino Hotel- Showroom
Sat Apr 26 – Chicago, IL – Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom
Sun Apr 27 – Detroit, MI – The Fillmore Detroit
Tues Apr 29 – Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AE
Wed Apr 30 – Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore Philadelphia
Fri May 02 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway
Sat May 03 – Laval, QC – Place Bell
Sun May 04 – Toronto, ON – Great Canadian Resort Theatre
Tue May 06 – Washington, D.C. – The Anthem
Wed May 07 – New York, NY – The Rooftop at Pier 17
Fri May 09 – Bethlehem, PA – Wind Creek Bethlehem – Wind Creek Event Center
Sun May 11 – Nashville, TN – The Pinnacle
Tues May 13 – Corbin, KY – Corbin Arena
Wed May 14 – Atlanta, GA – Coca-Cola Roxy Theatre
Sat May 17 – Charlotte, NC – Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre
Consider the Source has released their eighth studio album, The Stare, along with a pro-shot video for the track “Mouthbreather.”
Formed in 2004 after a particularly successful jam session, Consider the Source has been releasing music and touring the globe for two decades now. Influenced by Turkish, Bulgarian, North and South Indian styles filtered through jazz, rock, and psychedelic sounds, the band’s sound can only be encompassed as “Consider the Source”.
The group’s newest release, The Stare, is the product of a story from years prior to Consider the Source’s conception. In 1992 David Prater, the producer of The Stare, worked on the up and coming progressive rock band Dream Theater’s breakthrough album- a work each of the founding members of Consider the Source absolutely fell in love with. Years later the members had found themselves in a band of their own, and in a full circle moment as the new album became a culmination of both the band and Prater’s talents.
Tour cut short due to the Covid-19 pandemic and spread across the country remotely, Consider the Source reached out to Prater after a chance encounter at a small local venue a few years prior that had formed the connection. Excited to return to a semblance of normalcy and routine, the band and Prater collaborated initially over Zoom before eventually road tripping to a house in which the only things to do were eat, sleep, and talk music.
The Stare captures the rare energy of the pandemic and the live artist’s experience- all of the creative energy that had been bottlenecked is on full display, and it’s beyond evident in each second of the tracks. It’s a creative feat that defies the emotional limits of isolation, leaving everything out on the metaphorical stage- a product of the pandemic, yes, but also a work that showcases how music is inherently a magnetic force for community and togetherness in the face of uncertainty.
In addition to the album’s release, Consider the Source has released a pro-shot video for the final track, “Mouthbreather.” A stunning seven and a half minute performance, the band’s showmanship is on full display.
To see Consider the Source on tour and learn more about their supporting acts as well as acts they’re supporting, visit their website here. The full list of upcoming dates is below.
On September 19, the West Side Tennis Club welcomed Kings Of Leon to the borough of Queens with open arms on a picturesque Wednesday evening.
The 18th stop on their ”Can We Please Have Fun” summer tour, the indie rock quartet from Mount Juliet, Tennessee are touring in support of their ninth studio album of the same name, released on May 10.
Kings Of Leon | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger Photography
One of New York City’s best concert venues, indoors or out, Forest Hills Stadium is truly a gem with a rich, storied history that is now one year removed from its centennial anniversary. Originally designed in the early-1920s as the original home of the U.S. Open tennis tournament, the Romanesque stadium and its grounds hosted 60 editions of the major tournament before it moved to its current home in Flushing Meadows in 1978. Beginning in the 1960s, the tennis club began booking concerts and quickly attracted some of the most culturally significant artists of our generation, including The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan.
In August 2013, after decades of neglect and narrowly escaping demolition, the 14,000-capacity facility re-opened with Mumford & Sons performing the inaugural concert (my wife and I were there!). Not yet satisfied with their face lift, over the next few years, Forest Hills Stadium underwent multi-million dollar state-of-the-art renovations including optimized acoustics, the installation of a permanent stage and redesigning and expanding the concourse to twice its original size.
Forest Hills Stadium | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger Photography
Providing opening support for Kings Of Leon on this 28-date tour of North America, which launched in Austin, Texas on August 14, was Phantogram. Formed in 2007 and hailing from Saratoga Springs, just a few hours’ drive up the NY State Thruway, the electronic dream pop duo are comprised of multi-instrumentalists and vocalists Sarah Barthel and Josh Carter. Friends since their preschool days, Barthel and Carter were joined by a touring drummer and keyboardist as they mesmerized the steadily growing audience filling up the stadium with their swirling guitars, spacey keyboards and airy vocals.
Over the course of 40 minutes, Phantogram presented a 10–song set spread evenly across their soon-to-be five album discography, including their opening song “Don’t Move” from Nightlife, an EP released in 2011. Their fifth studio album, Memory of a Day, is scheduled to drop on October 18 via Neon Gold. The 12-track LP is preceded by lead singles “All A Mystery” and “Happy Again,” both of which were performed live onstage as if they were already classics in their storied repertoire.
Phantogram | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger Photography
Barthel and her hypnotically engaging lyrics were perfectly complimented by Carter’s atmospheric guitar work (who was sporting another one of his signature baseball hats, this time with “NY” fittingly represented) and mastery of his beat sequencing machinery, for a captivating, dreamy set. Stand-out numbers from Phantogram’s trip hop setlist were “Fall in Love” and “Black Out Days,” released more than a decade ago on their sophomore studio album Voices.
As the night’s festivities continued to move briskly along to comply with the strict 10:00 pm curfew (an effort implemented in April by the State Supreme Court order to appease residents in the surrounding neighborhood), I secured my position back in front of the mixing soundboard and readied my camera. The sun having completely set, Kings Of Leon took the stage at 7:45 pm, led by frontman Caleb Followill. As “Ballerina Radio” got underway, the lead track from Can We Please Have Fun, brothers Nathan (drums) and Jared (bass), along with cousin Matthew (lead guitar), suddenly appeared from the dark shadows. Accompanied by touring musicians Liam O’Neil (keyboards, percussion) – who was also celebrating his birthday – and Timothy Deaux (rhythm guitar, keyboards), it was ‘Game On!’
Kings Of Leon | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger Photography
Formed in 1999, the gritty, garage rock sound that Kings Of Leon embodies has been compared to that of Manhattan’s very own The Strokes, intermixed with blues boogie vibes reminiscent of Lynyrd Skynyrd for good measure. The entirety of Kings of Leon’s impressive catalog, now going on more than two decades, was represented in Queens this hump day by at least one track, with Can We Please Have Fun getting the strongest representation (six numbers in total), an album reminiscent of their innovative, early career recordings.
Having never seen Kings Of Leon perform live, the song I wanted to witness firsthand, above any other, was “Sex on Fire” (Only by the Night, 2008). Well, I did not have to wait very long, because my wish was granted one-third of the way into their set! After that, everything else was gravy.
Kings Of Leon | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger Photography
Since I am not someone who checks out setlist.fm or does extensive research ahead of a band’s gig, because I like the element of surprise, I did not know that on this tour Kings Of Leon have been setting aside ‘one-off’ numbers not performed at other shows on the same tour, affectionately known as “song for the city.”
This is the point of the evening where we play a special song just for you. No one else gets to hear it on the tour. In fact, not many other people have ever heard it. So, uh, we’re gonna give it to you tonight for your song for the city. This song was written in New York, and it’s about New York. This is “The Face” [second ever performance and first since 2014].
Caleb Followill
Being only my fifth show at Forest Hills Stadium . . . in addition to Mumford and Sons in 2013, I saw them again in 2016, along with Beck and Cage the Elephant (2019) and Weezer (2023), like the others, tonight’s show was just about fun, enjoying yourself and/or who you were with, and forgetting about life for at least a little while. Aside from stellar musical offerings from both Phantogram and Kings Of Leon, the stage design was visually stunning and the balloon rainstorm during the encore was the cherry on top to a glorious night.
Watch Kings Of Leon conclude their epic, 26-song set with the anthemic “Use Somebody,” from Only by the Night, here:
With just 10 more shows to go on the tour over the next couple of weeks, what lies next for these Southern gentlemen – outside of a much needed break from the road – is still a mystery. Regardless of future plan announcements or details about their next project, eager anticipation by their legion of fans is sure to ensue.
Phantogram Setlist: Don’t Move > Fall in Love > Pedestal > All a Mystery > Cruel World > Mr Impossible > Happy Again > Answer > Black Out Days > When I’m Small
Kings Of Leon Setlist: Ballerina Radio > The Bucket > The Bandit > On Call > Nowhere to Run > Manhattan > Razz > My Party > Sex on Fire > Revelry > Beautiful War > The Face > Supersoaker > M Television > Back Down South > WALLS > Pyro > Mustang > Molly’s Chambers > Waste a Moment > Find Me > Seen > Closer > Encore: Rainbow Ball > Knocked Up > Use Somebody
UPCOMING TOUR DATES
September 20 – Washington, DC @ The Anthem
September 22 – Washington, DC @ The Anthem
September 23 – Philadelphia, PA @ Mann Center for the Performing Arts
September 25 – Atlanta, GA @ State Farm Arena
September 26 – Nashville, TN @ Bridgestone Arena
September 28 – Chicago, IL @ Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island
October 1 – Toronto, ON @ Budweiser Stage
October 2 – Laval, QC @ Place Bell
October 5 – Bridgeport, CT @ Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater
