The Levitt AMP Utica Concert Series in Kopernik Park has announced its summer 2024 lineup, running June 17 through Aug 19.
Concerts will happen every Monday starting the 17th of June, welcoming artists from around the world to play in downtown Utica. These free performances are family friendly and sponsored by the Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation, which encourages communities to take advantage of underused public spaces for concerts. Utica is one of 33 cities that have been awarded the Levitt AMP $30,000 grant to fund the concert series. Utica Monday Nite, founded by Lynne Mishalanie, is the fiscal sponsor for the concert series.Â
The series involves young musicians in the community as well. With the Letter internship program, kids can perform after the opener, sometimes as their first paid musical gig.
While the majority of the artists performing are from the United States, Utica has international guests as well. Kommuna Lux from Ukraine will be playing what they call âOdesa Gangsta Folkâ on June 24. They combine Eastern European Melodies combined with Gangster music from the multicultural community of Odesa.
OKAN, a Cuban born duo from Toronto will perform on July 1. They are also genre benders, infusing their Afro-Cuban roots with jazz and folk.
Levitt AMP 2024 Lineup
June 17: Shamarr Allen
June 24: Kommuna Lux
July 1: OKAN
July 8: Joslyn & the Sweet Compression
July 15: The Mallett Brothers Band
July 22: Joe Samba
July 29: Larry & Joe
August 5: Laura Rain & the Caesars
August 12: The Sensational Barnes Brothers
August 19: Angie K
For More information on the series you can visit Levitt.org.
Finnish orchestral rock group Apocalyptica, announces “Apocalyptica Plays Metallica Vol. 2 Tour” including a performance in Brooklyn on Feb. 11, 2025.
The North American tour will make a pitstop at Brooklyn Paramount. Additionally, they will travel to surrounding areas like Boston, Montreal and Philadelphia.
Apocalyptica formed in 1993 at Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, Finland. At First, the group started as a nod to Metallica with their cello talent. Their first album in 1996 was titled Plays Metallica By Four Cellos. Their niche style of music would eventually send them on tour, gaining international attention. Shortly after they released their debut record, they opened for Metallica themselves.
“We just loved Metallica and we wanted to play it with the instruments we were able to play, which just happened to be cellos,” band leader Eicca Toppinen explained.
They went on to not only play Metallica inspired songs, but original music as well like Reflections in 2003, which was made up entirely of originals. Currently, Apocalyptica has three members, Toppinen, Perttu Kivilaakso and Paavo Lötjönen. Since 1996, they’ve released nine more albums including their most recent Plays Metallica Vol. 2 which was released June 7.
The Albany Symphony announced seasoned orchestra manager, Emily Fritz-Endres, as their new executive director. Fritz-Endres has more than a decade of experience within the music industry, having worked for the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Boston Symphony Orchestra.
“We are thrilled that after a national search led by vice-chair of the board Daniel Kredentser and a dedicated search committee, Emily Fritz-Endres has been chosen as our new executive director. We were impressed by her proven leadership successes in financial management and strategic planning, and are excited to welcome her,” said Faith Ann Takes, chair of the board for the Albany Symphony. “Emily will be an excellent leader for the Symphony and together, we will ensure that the Albany Symphony will flourish even more throughout our region.”
During her time with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Fritz-Endres focused on financial and facilities planning, bringing the organization into alignment with the diverse Atlanta community, artistic ambition, venue solutions, audience development, and an endowment campaign. At the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Fritz-Endres served as director of board administration cultivating relationships with the orchestra’s 250 trustees and advisors. She organized projects including the opening of the Linde Center for Music and Learning at Tanglewood, two fundraising campaigns, and a governance restructure.
Fritz-Endres will take the helm as executive director beginning in August 2024 and continue the work that David Hyslop, Albany Symphony’s interim executive director, began in January 2024.
“I am honored to lead the Albany Symphony, an adventurous, future-looking orchestra devoted to championing the music of our time. I am grateful to my predecessor, Anna Kuwabara, a leader I admire for her talents in building enduring community partnerships and her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. As the organization nears its centennial, I am thrilled to work with the wildly creative David Alan Miller, and the talented orchestra, board, and staff as we expand how our music celebrates, educates, and transforms the people of the Capital Region and beyond,” said Fritz-Endres
Fritz-Endres earned her MBA from Columbia Business School in New York and her BA from Carleton College in Minnesota. When not in music venues, she loves playing clarinet, being in nature, and mentoring queer youth.
The Albany Symphony has shows running all year, with the next show being the symphony’s Summer Soiree on June 27. More information and tickets for the Albany Symphony can be found here.
Beatles Tribute, The Liverpool Shuffle, will perform at The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF) Stony Brook Museum location on June 30 for a scholarship celebration ceremony.
The Liverpool Shuffle have been performing all over New York State as well as the wider East Coast area. The group formed in 2003 by Joe Refano. Current members include Joe Refano on vocals guitars and bass, Jamie Bateman on vocals and guitars, Brian James on vocals and drums, Andrew Lubman on vocals bass and keyboards, and Dave Clark on vocals and bass.
The Beatles were familiar with Long Island and the NYC Metro area during their careers. They performed at Forest Hills Tennis Stadium in 1964 and Shea Stadium in 1964. John Lennon Lived in Cold Spring Harbor in 1979 and Paul McCarthy currently has a home in the Hamptons.
The LIMEHOF performance of The Liverpool Shuffle will take place happen after 10 Long Island Students are awarded $1000 scholarships. The Pat DeRosa Memorial Scholarship is also awarded at the ceremony as well. LIMEHOF has expanded these scholarships to not only music students, but to the rest of the performing arts students.
“Supporting the next generation of music students as they embark on their college journeys is at the heart of our mission. These scholarships not only recognize their hard work and passion but also reinforce our commitment to nurturing musical talent and education within our community. We can’t wait to see what these young people will accomplish in their musical careers,” said Tom Needham, LIMEHOF’s Educational Programs Director.
Since 2004, LIMEHOF has inducted 120 musicians. The many artists covering the 8,800 square feet of space include Billy Joel, Run-DMC and KISS.
LIMEHOF not only preserves music history but helps the next generation of musicians thrive. It has awarded tens of thousands of scholarships to students since its inception.
To find more information about the free performance you can visit the calendar here.
On August 24, EagleMania will return to North Creek, NY, for their headlining EagleMania Music Festival. The festival includes two live performances from The Brass Machine and the World’s Greatest Eagles Tribute Band, EagleMania.
EagleMania Music Fest – official website
Set against the backdrop of Gore Mountain, fans and attendees have the opportunity to explore the scenic location during the festival. All tickets include a pass for a complimentary skyride along the Northwoods Gondola. This gives fans the ability to hike, camp, or enjoy the views around them, all while listening to music we all know and love.
For over a decade, EagleMania has performed all over the country. Eagles, one of one the biggest bands of all time, had a major influence over thousands of fans. As lifelong fans of the classic rock band, EagleMania has dedicated their band to replicating their classic, steady sound. The band is comprised of five members, all with different experiences, stories, and expertise. However, there is one thing they all share in common, and that is their love for Eagles’ music.
Joining a little over ten years ago, EagleMania has gone through several lineups. For the last few years, the band’s official seven members: Frankie Reno, Marc Hoffman, Ken Darcy, John Gaechter, Dennis Espatman, Ron Negro, and Josh Leclerc, have been bringing their Eagles tribute all over the country. Yet, they still remained one of the biggest tribute bands of the decade. Their slogan, “The World’s Greatest Eagles Tribute Band,” exists for a reason. Since the creation of the band, they have promised to bring audiences an authentic, well-developed replication of Eagles’ music. Through thorough breakdowns of albums, hundreds of hours practicing, and a decade of performing, EagleMania has proven that they are nothing if not deserving of the title.
Below is the lineup and information on the bands performing at EagleMania Music Festival. For ticket and festival information, visit here.
August 24 @ 1:00 pm – The Brass Machine
Led by frontman “Kidd” Kyle Yagielski, The Brass Machine is one of the hottest brass bands on the scene. Formed in Buffalo, NY, The Brass Machine features a rotating cast of musicians for each performance and includes a huge variety of horns, guitars, keys, drums, and more. They have performed with many noteworthy groups, such as Earth, Wind, and Fire, and several music festivals. With The Brass Machine, no two shows are ever the same! Join them at 1:00 pm for an opener that weaves together funk, jazz, and R&B.
The Brass Machine – official website
August 24 @ 3:30 pm – EagleMania
EagleMania will be headlining the festival, following the performance of The Brass Machine. The EagleMania show consists of authentic, show-stopping renditions of Eagles’ greatest hits, as well as music from the solo acts of Don Henley, Glenn Frey, and Joe Walsh. Join the World’s Greatest Eagles Tribute Band for their performance of the songs you know and love at 3:30 pm.
Tupper Lake, the nature-filled crossroads of the Adirondacks, has announced the lineup for its annual Summer Performance Series. The free and open-to-the-public series will begin on July 5 and feature shows for a variety of ages on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
The gorgeous small town of Tupper Lake is situated right alongside the scenic Raquette Pond, with an intimate population of roughly 3,000. Despite this, Tupper Lake has always had a thriving community of artists and artisans.
This summer, Tupper Lake’s annual Summer Performance Series is returning with an all-new lineup of local and visiting performers. Bands and artists of all genres will be playing, so there’s bound to be a show suited to anyone. Some of the performing artists include Ursa and the Major Key, an indie psychedelic rock band, Martin & Kelly, a contemporary country duo and Blessid Dirt, a heavy-folk duo.
After a grand opening that will take place on July 4, all shows will be on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Shows on Mondays and Wednesdays will be live music in a variety of genres, with shows on Fridays focusing more on children’s entertainment, hence the 11:00 a.m. times. All performances will take place on the Tupper Lake Sunset Stage at Flanders Park, right next to the water, so bring some chairs and a blanket!
And while you’re in Tupper Lake, take some time to explore the biking and hiking trails, stroll through the scenic town, and enjoy some of the delicious local eateries.
July 4 Grand Opening
On3 – 4:30 PM
On3 is a three-piece band comprised of Tupper Lakers, Jim Boucher (vocals and mandolin) Josh Pratt (percussion), and Eric Pasternak (vocals and guitar) of Bloomingdale. On3 mixes strong vocal harmonies with traditional songs, originals, classic rock, and instrumentals to create a unique live experience. At times quiet, and at other times rockin’.
The dynamics that they present span generations of music and draw from a wide variety of influences, including artists such as Tom Petty, Cheap Trick, and John Mayer, as well as 100-year-old traditional music. And sometimes, nothing is off-limits!
Night School – 7:00 PM
Alright class, settle down…Night School is a five-piece dance-rock band from Tupper Lake, NY consisting of brothers Andrew and Ben McClelland, alongside Jay Martin, Micah Tyo, and Ryan Gillis and back-up vocalists Lauren Mather and Corrine Mather. Performing some of the most popular dance hits from yesteryear and today, everything from The Beatles to Talking Heads, from Rick James to The B-52’s. Night School is guaranteed to get you moving and grooving. Class is in session.
Monday Summer Series Lineup
July 8 – The Altered Tones – 7:00 PM
The Altered Tones is alocal band featuring four members on guitar, bass and drums playing acoustic and electric covers of classic alternative and rock songs.
July 15 – Ursa and the Major Key – 7:00 PM
Hailing from Plattsburgh, Ursa and the Major Key combines the classic sounds of the 60s and 70s with a modern musical palette. The band fuses influences from classic artists including The Beatles, The Grateful Dead, Pink Floyd, and The Band, as well as modern artists like Whitney, Beach Fossils, Pacific Range, and Levitation Room.
July 22 – The Dave Matthews Tribute Band – 7:00 PM
For over 20 years, the Dave Matthews Tribute Band has been performing sold out shows around the world; playing over 2,000 concerts in 46 states and 9 countries. Throughout the years, the band has evolved from a bar hopping cover band into a dedicated and true tribute band with one goal; to recreate the classic Dave Matthews Band sound so many of us know and love.
July 29 – Shakespeare in the Park – 7:00 PM
One of Shakespeare’s most famous tragedies, Hamlet explores themes of revenge, madness, mortality, and the moral complexities of action and inaction. As the Prince of Denmark, Hamlet’s life is thrown into chaos following the sudden death of his father. When the ghost of his father appears to reveal a shocking truth, Hamlet is set on a path of revenge! This timless story resonates with audiences for its exploration of ambition and the human condition.
There will be two Tupper Lake performers in this production: Annachristi Cordes in the title role of Hamlet and George Cordes as the Ghost of Hamlet’s father.
August 5 – Frankie & the Moonlighters – 7:00 PM
Frankie & The Moonlighters are a nostalgia band, formed in 2022. They perform hits from the 50s and early 60s with period correct wardrobe and stage set. The band is made up of members from all walks of life who work regular jobs, in addition to performing. Hence, The Moonlighters. The band is comprised of Frankie Wayne as lead vocalist, The Moonlighters, Donna Fortune – lead and backing vocals, Jessica Kemp – Lead and backing vocals, Melissa Nugent – Lead and backing vocals, with Mike “Mad Dog” Harrigan on guitar, Kevin KMAN McLaughlin on drums, Sue “Suzie-Q” Grimm on Keyboards, and Barb “Boom-boom” Curtis on upright bass.
August 12 – Mickey and Claire – 7:00 PM
Mickey and Claire are brother and sister playing together for decades. This dynamic duo will be playing classic rock & country. Put on your dancing shoes!
August 19 – Gratefully Yours – 7:00 PM
Gratefully Yours has emerged as one of the premier Grateful Dead cover bands in the Northeast. Based out of the Hudson Valley in NY, the band is comprised of an all-star lineup of long time jam band musicians from the area. Their willingness and ability to improvise, and their openness to spontaneity and the energy of the moment lie at the core of their performances and truly sets them apart. It is about creating that Grateful Dead “magic” that Gratefully Yours truly aims to “cover” and pay tribute to. The band members are Alex Mazur, Jude Defalco, Garrin Benfield, Frank Casciaro, Robert Schiff and Jessica Barlow
Gratefully Yours 3/11/22 – The Towne Crier Cafe, Beacon NY – Photo by Dave Vann 2022
Wednesday Summer Series Lineup
July 10 – Blessid Dirt – 7:00 PM
Tereson Dupuy and Eric Pasternak make up this beautiful, Adirondack grown acoustic duo called Blessid Dirt. Both singer-songwriters, their original music is ripe with life experiences most can relate to.
Classified as heavy-folk, they have been influenced by greats such as John Prine, Mary Gauthier, Townes Van Zandt and Led Zeppelin alike. Eric, a native New Yorker, dazzles listeners with some wicked good pickin’ with a brilliant lyrical balance. He brings a dry humor and real life edge to this duo’s setlist. While Tereson, a transplant from New Orleans, adds a bit of soulful Southern charm, making this duo something to be experienced.
Blessid Dirt just released their debut album, appropriately titled “Blessid Dirt.” It is a good sampling of their range of songwriting that is still being explored as they grow as artists.
July 17 – Gadget – 7:00 PM
“Gadget” band plays soul, funk and jazz to bring you to your feet! They came together to celebrate the original funk, soul and jazz of the late 60s and early 70s along with more modern interpretations of the genre. It features original music by Crispin Catricala and select covers from John Scofield, Medeski, Martin and Wood along with New Orleans funk based band “The Meters” among others. The band features veteran performers Crispin on guitar, Michael Hurt on bass, Butch Gage on drums and Dave Casner on keys.
July 24 – Darkside Skinny Dippers – 7:00 PM
Since the beginning of time ‘twas written in the stones, that one day a band would come. Well, that band did come and they’re ready to come again. Formed in the late 60’s as an art collective, Darkside Skinny Dippers, often known more affectionately as the world’s greatest hashtag #DSKINNYD, evolved into a ferocious rock band that defined the course of music history in the late 70’s into the mid 80’s. Since reuniting over Zoom in 2020 this group of youngish men have been working tirelessly 1-2 times a year, perfecting their craft and completing the Richard Simmons 5-minute ab workout in its entirety. They feel confident they can bring you a show that at least half of 20% of you can tolerate. Recommended by 0 out of 10 doctors, the band all but guarantees a baby boom that would rival the mid 40’s-mid 60’s. In short, #DSKINNYD is best described as diverse rock and roll with attitude! There’s a little something for everyone. But don’t take their word for it…
July 31 – Spring Street – 7:00 PM
For 15 years, Spring Street has been rocking the tri-lakes with a unique mix of old and new rock. One of the hottest bands in the Adirondacks, Spring Street serves up Val’s incredible vocals over an instrumental section that gets you moving at every show. Whether they’re cranking out an old rock classic or a new hit song, Spring Street delivers night after night.
August 7 – DiTrani Brothers – 7:00 PM
The DiTrani Brothers, by way of bent melodies and driving rhythms, play perilous tunes for the hopeful influenced by elements of Balkan music and early American jazz/swing. The band delivers both wistful and raucous performances that allude to past traditions with a contemporary sentiment.
August 14 – Adirondack Jazz Ensemble – 7:00 PM
The AJE is a small jazz ensemble made from select members of the Adirondack Jazz Orchestra. Each performance, a different group of AJO members is featured to fit a customized selection of jazz standards, funk, blues, R&B, or whatever type of music we choose to play! The AJRE is promoting music education in upstate New York.
August 21 – Martin & Kelly – 7:00 PM
The incredibly talented duo of Jilly Martin and Ryan Brooks Kelly have become the next must-see act from New England to Nashville. With compelling song-writing, dynamic vocal harmonies, and good ole’ country pickin’ Jilly & Ryan bridge the boundary between traditional and new country. Most recently they warmed up audiences for artists such as Willie Nelson, The Oak Ridge Boys, Little Big Town, Alabama, Dwight Yoakam, Rodney Atkins, Phil Vassar, Lonestar, Chris Janson, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Sara Evans, the Bacon Brothers, and many more.
Friday Summer Series Lineup
July 5 – Stephen Gratto – 11:00 AM
New York State School Superintendent by day, Stephen moonlights as a physical comedian and much much more. His performances are fast-paced and exciting displays of many classic vaudeville and circus skills including juggling, unicycling, rope walking, object balancing, and many other feats of daring, bravery, and side-splitting foolishness.
July 12 – Two of a Kind – 11:00 AM
We are an award-winning husband & wife musical duo, specializing in interactive performances for children and families. We get audiences of all ages involved in the performance, through singing, movement, sing language, lyrics-on-the-spot, puppets and more. We feature a wide variety of musical styles, with vocal harmonies, intricate guitar work and multi-ethnic drumming and percussion. Many thematic programs are available, including songs about reading & books, environmental science & animals, and interpersonal topics such as diversity, conflict resolution, character education and making a difference. We also do lots of songs that are just plain fun and silly.
July 19 – Kit’s Interactive Theater – 11:00 AM
This interactive show depicts the arduous life of early America as well as the revelry. Though days of rest and merriment are few, today is the day of the Colonial Faire. Help indentured servant Katie Cotswold finish her chores so all may skip off to the faire. Partake in the games and frolics where merriment abounds just before the rollicking Maypole dance!
Performance combines history, dance, music, imagination, and improvisation with a great mixture of humor. Kids and adults are cast right into the show.
Developing her original style of interactive theatre since 1987, Kitty writes, choreographs, produces, and performs all of her material for Kit’s Interactive Theatre. Her passion for history and love of theatre have inspired her to create 16 different, high-energy programs ranging from Ancient Egypt to Women’s Rights. With so much creativity, spontaneity and wit packed into each show, adults have as much fun as the kids! Great for ages 5 through adult.
July 26 – The Puppet People – 11:00 AM
Are all princesses helpless? Are all knights brave and strong? Are all dragons evil? Find out in this whimsical retelling of the fairy tale by E. Nesbitt. Explore the issues of stereotypes, discrimination, self-esteem, greed, and friendship with this vivid puppet production. This show features classical music, large rod puppets, mouth puppets, a 7 ft dragon and a life-size knight on horseback for a jousting scene your audience will never forget!
August 2 – Meadow Perry – 11:00 AM
Meadow Perry is a Magician, Bubble Artist and Actress who creates breathtakingly beautiful magic out of thin air. Discover true wonder as this sorceress of soap bubbles takes the rules of bubbles outside the box and takes you on an elegant journey exploring the soapy secrets that bubbles hold. Her internationally acclaimed show, “Bubble Magic” combines skillful bubble artistry, magic, music and theatre to create a unique experience for her audience. Meadow Perry has appeared on The CW’s Masters of Illusion as well as at The World Famous Hollywood Magic Castle in the prestigious Palace of Mystery.
August 9 – Jessica Black – 11:00 AM
Jessica is a multi talented artist based in the Catskills area of NY, bringing elegance and passion whether she’s on the ground or in the air. She has performed around the world as a professional dancer showcasing her classical ballet, jazz, contemporary, and showgirl techniques in dance. She has worked on 3 cruise ships, one contract specializing in musical theater in the Broadway show CATS.
Jessica is currently freelancing with 20+ entertainment companies performing for circus’s, private events, festivals, weddings, birthdays, fairs, parades, etc.
In the circus realm, Jessica specializes in aerial hoop, silks, sling, aerial bartending, and stilt walking.
More information on the Tupper Lake Summer Performance Series can be found here.
Following his recent international success, Mexican rapper Sante Fe Klan announced his upcoming “Blanco y Negro” Tour, with special guests That Mexican OT and Aleman. The tour takes him across the United States, including a stop at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
Hailing from Guanajato, Sante Fe Klan has dedicated the last seven years to becoming the face of music in Mexico. With his passionate lyricism, creative flow, and elements of traditional Mexican music, it is no wonder Santa Fe Klan has been dominating the Mexican hip-hop scene.
Since 2017, he has released ten albums and topped the country’s charts year after year. His growing international popularity has acquired quite a diverse fanbase, stretching from fans in Mexico and Latin America to the United States. His international success is seen through his most recent album, “TODO,” which includes guest features from hip-hop legend Snoop Dogg and Latin pop powerhouses Peso Pluma and Duki. Over the years, the rapper has performed in several festivals within Mexico, including the Tecate Pa’l Norte music festival in Monterrey, and the Vive Latino festival in Mexico City.
After years of dominating Mexico’s music industry, Santa Fe Klan brought his energetic and exciting stage presence to the United States earlier this year. In March, The South by Southwest Festival in Austin, Texas, was his U.S. festival experience, where crowds were stunned by his dynamic, fun, and electrifying performances. In April, he made his Coachella mainstage debut and sold out two separate weekends, solidifying his spot as one of Mexicoâs most prominent artists.
Santa Fe Klan performs at Coachella – Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for Coachella
This summer, Santa Fe Klan announced his “Blanco y Negro” Tour, named after his highly anticipated upcoming album. With this nationwide tour, U.S. fans can finally experience his showstoppers performed live. International fans can finally join the rapper in some of the country’s most renowned venues, such as the Smart Financial Center in Houston, and the Prudential Center in Newark. With this tour, Santa Fe Klan promises to deliver unforgettable moments for new and longtime fans.
All tour dates are listed below. For more information, fans can follow the artist here.
TOUR DATES:
Fri Jul 26 Salt Lake City Maverik Center
Sat Jul 27 Las Vegas, NV Bakkt Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino
Fri Aug 02 Sacramento, CA Golden 1 Center
Sat Aug 03 Palm Desert, CA Acrisure Arena
Fri Aug 09 Fresno, CA Save Mart Center at Fresno State
Sat Aug 10 San Diego, CA Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre
Fri Aug 16 Los Angeles, CA Crypto.com Arena
Sat Aug 17 San Jose, CA SAP Center
Fri Aug 23 El Paso, TX UTEP Don Haskins Center
Sat Aug 24 Phoenix, AZ Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre
Sun Aug 25 Anaheim, CA Honda Center
Fri Aug 30 Ridgefield, WA RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater
Sun Sep 01 Auburn, WA White River Amphitheatre
Thu Sep 26 Newark, NJ Prudential Center
Sat Sep 28 Bristow, VA Jiffy Lube Live
Fri Oct 04 Charlotte, NC PNC Music Pavilion
Sat Oct 05 Duluth, GA Gas South Arena
Sat Oct 12 Milwaukee, WI BMO Pavilion
Fri Oct 18 Miami, FL FPL Solar Amphitheatre
Sun Oct 20 Tampa, FL Yuengling Center
Fri Oct 25 Hidalgo, TX Payne Arena
Sat Oct 26 Laredo, TX Sames Auto Arena
Fri Nov 01 Houston, TX Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land
The National Dance Institute will present their event of the year titled “Earth’s Song” June 15 to June 18 at the NYU Skirball.
The four performances will feature over 150 dancers from New York City schools artistically exploring one of the world’s greatest challenges: climate change, specifically, our damaged and threatened ecosystem. Through dance, these young artists will express the beauty of the world as well as its devastating challenges. The goal is for audience members to gain a deeper appreciation for the planet and to take action to combat global warming.
“From the majestic depths of oceans to the sprawling canopies of forests, these performances will illuminate the interconnectedness of all living beings while confronting the threats posed by pollution, deforestation, and wildfires,” said Kay Gayner, Artistic Director of NDI in a press release.
Senior NDI Teaching Artist, Mary Kennedy who has been teaching at NDI for 23 years is the leading choreographer of “Earth’s Song.” Another notable choreographer on the project is NDI’s artist in residence, Tiffany Rea-Fisher. She is founder of the dance company, Emerge 125 and curator for Bryant Park Picnic Performances.
NDI was founded in 1976 by New York City Ballet principal dancer Jacques d’Amboise. Now, the institute provides in school dance programs to children in the NYC Metro areas. It provides a creative outlet for kids to learn about dance and music as well as performance opportunities.
The last performance on June 18, is also a fundraiser to help keep these opportunities for children alive. All proceeds will go to the NDI award winning arts education program.
Grammy award winning artist, Asake announced his “Lunga Boy World Tour” with a pit stop at Madison Square Garden.
The Afrobeat Nigerian artist is touring all across North America and Europe on his 14-date tour. He’ll perform in NYC on Aug 30 and tickets go on sale on June 14 on asaketour.com.
Asake attended Theatre and Dramatic Arts at Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria and got his start with his first single, “Mr. Money” in 2017. His first album Mr. Money With The Vibe came out in 2022. He collaborated with fellow Afrobeat star Burna Boy with “Sungba.” In 2023 his sophomore album Work of Art got on Billboards #4 on the World Albums chart and also got him his first grammy nomination. Since then he has appeared on The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon and The Late Night Show With Stephen Colbert.
In addition to TV performances, Asake has headlined venues around the world like London’s O2 Arena and New York’s Barclays Center. He’s performed at Afronation Miami and Broccoli City in Washington D.C.
The Presale for his tour starts on June 12 at 10 a.m.
U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn and John Hickenlooper have introduced a bill to help support music tourism throughout the country, dubbed the American Music Tourism Act of 2024.
According to a press release, the American Music Tourism Act of 2024 requires the assistant secretary to identify locations and events in the United States that are important to music tourism and implement a plan to increase and attract domestic and international visitors to venues nationwide.
Music tourism is projected to bring in over $11.3 billion in revenue nationwide by 2032, with the United States boasting one of the world’s largest music industries – generating over $43 billion in revenue each year. The act will require the assistant secretary to submit their findings, achievements, and activities to the congressional and senate committees within one year of its passage and every year after that.
“Tennesseans know a thing or two about the positive impact that music tourism has on the economy and culture,” said Senator Blackburn. “The Volunteer State is proud to be home to so many iconic musical landmarks for tourists to enjoy – from Graceland in Memphis to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, and the Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Bristol. This bipartisan legislation promotes music tourism’s fast-growing industry and ensures fans from all over the world can celebrate the rich history of music for generations to come.”
Former Gov. John Hickenlooper (D-CO) speaks at the United States Conference of Mayors winter meeting in Washington, U.S., January 24, 2019. REUTERS/Yuri Gripas.
The legislation is endorsed by the Recording Academy, the Recording Industry Association of America, Live Nation Entertainment, the National Independent Venues Association, the Nashville Songwriter’s Association International, the Colorado Music Hall of Fame, the National Independent Venues Association, the Tennessee Department of Tourism Development, Tennessee Entertainment Commission, Memphis Tourism, Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism and the Overton Park Shell in Memphis.
“Music venues are keepers of our culture. From Red Rocks to the Grand Ole Opry, and hundreds of small venues across our country, millions visit Colorado and all our states to hear world-class musicians and connect with each other,” said Senator Hickenlooper. “Our bipartisan American Music Tourism Act will support these venues by helping our music tourism industry grow and expand.”
We reached out to Senators Schumer and Gillibrand for their views on the bill, but have not heard back. We will update this article if they reach out.
