Category: News Desk

  • Hopeless Records Celebrates 30 Year Anniversary

    Hopeless Records will be onsite at A2IM Indie Week – June 10 to June 13 – with their 30th Anniversary Museum Exhibit. The Exhibit will debut in New York City and travel nationwide, making stops in Cleveland, OH, at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and Las Vegas, NV, at the Punk Rock Museum. The Museum will feature over 1,000 artifacts, including guitars, vintage merch, and original never seen before photos of the recording process.

    Hopeless Records also announced a year of events celebrating the anniversary, releasing a zine and documentary chronicling the 30 years. Hopeless will also release a compilation of their current artist roster and limited edition vinyl re-releases.

    Founded in 1993, Hopeless Records produced pop punk and ska albums emblematic of the ’90s. The label evolved with mainstream tastes, broadening their horizons to a wide variety of acts. Two of their greatest success stories, All Time Low and Avenged Sevenfold joined the label early in their careers, and have accumulated a number of gold and platinum records. Recently, Hopeless has continued to adapt through changing times, signing Gen-Z acts like Destroy Boys, Waterparks, and Scene Queen. Their flexibility has made Hopeless one of the greatest independent labels, selling over 15 million records.

    Additionally, Louis Posen, Hopeless Records’ founder, will be honored at A2IM’s Libera Awards. Posen will receive the Lifetime Achievement award for his leadership, philanthropy, and contributions to independent music. Hopeless Records is nominated for record label of the year and Best Punk Record for Neck Deep’s self titled album.

    A2IM is a not-for-profit dedicated to advocating for the independent music sector. Membership includes over 600 independently owned music labels, which Billboard Magazine identified as the largest music sector with roughly 37% of recorded music sales.

    The Indie Week Conference will be from June 10 to June 13 at the Intercontinental Hotel in Times Square. Badges are available at the following link. An interview with Louis Posen is also available below.

  • The Annual Strawberry Festival by Beacon Sloop Club Returns in 2024

    In Pete and Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park, the Beacon Sloop Club holds its annual volunteer-run Strawberry Festival. This year, the event takes place on Sunday, June 9 from noon to 5 pm.

    beacon strawberry festival

    The beloved Strawberry Festival brings the Beacon community together to protect and conserve the Hudson River. Music on two solar stages, one dedicated to children, entertains festival-goers throughout the day, accompanied by baked goods and desserts made from locally grown strawberries.

    The Strawberry Festival’s 2024 music program includes the Beacon High School Student Chorus, Bindlestick Bill, David & Jacob Bernz, Eric Person Quartet, Jonathan Kruk, Judith Tulloch Band, Karen Brooks & Melissa Ortquist, Lydia Adams Davis, Rob May, Mighty Girl, Steve & Shirl Kaplan, Spook Handy, Ubaka Hill Drumsong Orchestra. Additionally, the event hosts free activities for children and families, such as clay modeling and pinch pot making. 

    The time-honored community tradition goes back decades. Many guests who remember coming as children are now bringing their children to the festival, making it one of Beacon’s most special summer festivals. This year, visitors can enjoy free sails on the replica 19th Century ferry sloop, the Woody Guthrie on the first sailing day of the season.

    Kids are invited to visit the Environmental Tent and learn about the Hudson River and the fascinating creatures that live in it, or to stop by the various craft activities that populate the grounds. Festival-goers can choose from an exciting lineup of vendors and artisans, including NGYcraftworks, known for their hardwood products for the kitchen and home. 

    At the E-Tent, children and adults alike can find information about the ecology of the Hudson River and its extensive watershed. Younger children can enjoy coloring pages of a Hudson River Creature Activity Book, made by the NYS Dept. of Health. Clearwaters Tideline Program Director, Eli Schloss will also speak on boating navigation and basic compass techniques at 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm.

    Strawberry Festival 2022
  • The Red Clay Strays Add Brooklyn Show to Nationwide Tour

    Following the release of their new single, music video, and a performance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Red Clay Strays have announced additional dates to their 2024 nationwide headline tour, including a show at the Brooklyn Paramount on October 1. The tour commemorates the release of their highly anticipated second album, Made by These Moments, which will be available on July 26, 2024.

    Formed in 2016 in Mobile, Alabama, The Red Clay Strays are Brandon Coleman (lead vocals, guitar), Drew Nix (electric guitar, vocals, harmonica), Zach Rishel(electric guitar), Andrew Bishop (bass), and John Hall (drums). Their latest single, “Wondering Why,” has pushed the band into the spotlight, spending six consecutive weeks at #1 on the Americana Singles chart.

    The single has received widespread critical acclaim and has even brought the band to be nominated for Emerging Act of the Year at the 2024 Americana Music Awards. Regarding the song, Billboard praises the band saying, “Lead singer Coleman’s gruff, impassioned vocal shines here as always, bolstered by the group’s exemplary musicianship.”

    Since their inception, The Red Clay Strays have reached innumerable success not only on the charts but with their tours as well. This year, the band made their Grand Ole Opry debut and toured across the U.S. Past shows include performing alongside country and Americana music’s biggest names, such as Dierks Bentley, Eric Church, Elle King, and Old Crow Medicine Show. Their current tour features special guests such as The Rolling Stones, Carrie Underwood, and Grace Bowers & The Hodge Podge.

    Tickets will be available on May 31, 2024, at 10 am EST. For more information and tickets, fans can visit here.

    THE RED CLAY STRAYS CONFIRMED TOUR DATES

    May 25—Allston, MA—Boston Calling Festival

    May 30—Foxborough, MA—Gillette Stadium

    June 2—Lexington, KY—Railbird Festival

    June 7—Murphysboro, IL—Shawnee Cave Revival

    June 8—Pineville, KY—Laurel Cove Music Festival

    June 21—Pelham, TN—The Caverns

    June 22—Pelham, TN—The Caverns

    June 23—Pelham, TN—The Caverns

    June 27—Fort Worth, TX—Billy Bob’s

    June 28—San Antonio, TX—Boeing Center at Tech Port

    June 29—Lubbock, TX—Cotton Fest

    July 10—Columbus, OH—The Bluestone

    July 11—Columbus, OH—The Bluestone

    July 12—Chicago, IL—Windy City Smokeout 2024

    July 13—Grand Rapids, MI—The Intersection

    July 20—Salt Lake City, UT—The Complex

    July 21—Redmond, OR—FairWell Festival

    July 24—Airway Heights, WA—Spokane Live

    July 25—Portland, OR—Crystal Ballroom

    July 26—Seattle, WA—The Showbox

    July 27—Rexford, MT—Abayance Bay Marina

    August 2—Minneapolis, MN—Basilica Block Party

    August 3—St. Charles, IA—Hinterland

    August 9—Elkhorn, NE— The Club at Indian Creek

    August 10—Oshkosh, WI—Xroads41 2024

    August 31—Weston, CO—Monument Lake Resort

    September 4—Nashville, TN—Ryman Auditorium

    September 5—Nashville, TN—Ryman Auditorium

    September 6—Nashville, TN—Ryman Auditorium

    September 12—Indianapolis, IN—Murat Theatre

    September 13—Bristol, TN—Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion

    September 14—Birmingham, AL—Avondale Brewing Company

    September 15—Pryor, OK—Born & Raised Festival

    September 18—Silver Spring, MD—The Fillmore

    September 19—Pittsburgh, PA—Stage AE

    September 20—Louisville, KY—Bourbon & Beyond

    October 1—Brooklyn, NY—Brooklyn Paramount

    October 3—Philadelphia, PA—The Fillmore

    October 4—Ocean City, MD—Country Calling

    October 5—Boston, MA—Roadrunner

    October 10—New Orleans, LA—The Fillmore

    October 11—Austin, TX—Austin City Limits Festival

    October 12—Oklahoma City, OK—The Criterion

    October 16—Atlanta, GA—Coca-Cola Roxy

    October 18—Simpsonville, SC—Greenville Country Music Fest

    October 31—Denver, CO—The Mission Ballroom

    November 8—Los Angeles, CA—The Wiltern

    November 9—San Diego, CA—SOMA

    November 10—Anaheim, CA—House of Blues

  • Queens Rising Announces Lineup for Queens Scene Performance Series

    Queens Rising is back for its third year of the Multidisciplinary Arts Festival with the Queens Scene series starting Saturday, June 1st.

    Queens Scene

    Queens Rising is a collective celebration honoring the culture and diversity of the borough. Their mission is to spread awareness of Queens’ rich history in the arts and contributions to New York City art. They work with many organizations and establishments to bring these celebrations to life. Queens Scene is one of the many programs they offer to exemplify pride for their community.

    Additionally, the venues taking part in the festival have chosen artists all of whom they feel represent the creative and cultural significance of Queens. Each performer was chosen from an open call in the spring and will have the opportunity to grow their platforms.

    Sponsors for the event include Northwell Health, Resorts World NYC, Howard Gilman Foundation, and the Kupferberg Center for the Arts.

    Queens Scene 2024 Performances

    June 1 at Flushing Town Hall, 7 PM Sin Fronteras World Jazz Quintet, The Scooches, and Mr. Pablo

    June 14 (7 PM); June 15 (6 PM); June 16 (4 PM), at Terraza 7– Guachinangos, Samuel Torres: Alegria, and Terraza Big Band

    June 19 (Juneteenth) reception at 7:30 PM, showtime at 8 PM, at Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning– JRose, Jerome Heka, Keys Will, Unique on Purpose, Divine Wordsmith

    June 29, 1:30 PM at Queens Botanical Garden– Gina D’Soto, Jenna Vox, and Queens Symphony Orchestra

    Additional Events

    June 6 at 6 PM at Culturelab LIC – Visual Art Exhibition Opening “Say It Loud: Unsung Heroes”

    June 8 at 4 PM at Flushing Meadows Corona Park– Queens Night Market

    JCAL has participated in Queens Rising since its founding, and watching the growth of this remarkable initiative has inspired our dedication to performing arts, visual arts, and arts education here in “the world’s borough.” To see Queens Rising now supporting borough-based artists—it’s a tangible recognition of how far and how fast Queens has really risen, and of our extraordinary potential to draw arts patrons from every corner of our city.

    Leonard Jacobs, Executive Director

    For more information on Queens Rising and a full schedule of events, please visit queensrising.nyc

  • NYS Cannabis Festival announced in Whitney Point

    The Second Annual NYS Cannabis Festival will be held June 22, in Whitney Point’s Broome County Fairgrounds. The festival will offer visitors cannabis and craft beer vendors, camping space, and live music. On top of entertainment, the festival also serves as an educational event on the stigmatization of cannabis. This year’s event will place a focus on women in the cannabis, craft beer, and music industries.

    NYS Cannabis Festival

    This year’s NYS Cannabis Festival was spearheaded by both cannabis and craft beer connoisseurs. The festival features representatives from New York’s cannabis industry to educate guests on different strains. The festival, however, is a bring your own cannabis event, with no cannabis products being for sale. Despite this, guests can share and sample cannabis under 3 oz at the festival’s “Taster’s Row.”

    In addition to cannabis, the festival will feature representation from New York’s craft beer industry. The Drink Like a Girl beer tent will offer guests local IPA tasting. Additionally, Drink Like a Girl and Beer Tree Brew will collaborate to make an exclusive festival brew for the event. The event will also feature a host of local craft vendors and food trucks for festival-goers to enjoy.

    In addition to these vendors, the event will feature many opportunities for entertainment. Throughout the day, a number of local female musicians will play live sets on the festival’s main stage. Additionally, live DJ sets will take place throughout the festival. The 2023 edition featured local artists, including folk-pop artist Amanda Rogers, singer-songwriter Emily Angell, and soul group Caviar & Grits. Artists for the 2024 festival are still TBA. Entertainment goes beyond just music, with painting, glass blowing, yoga, and meditation activities taking place at the festival.

    This year’s festival places a focus on public education, especially the destigmatization of cannabis. The festival will host eight “Bud Talks” by female experts in the field. Talks will discuss edible making, the relationship with the craft beer industry, medical cannabis and more.

    The event will begin at 2:30 PM, June 22, and will last until 10 PM. While the event officially ends at 10, guests can stay the night at nearby campgrounds to keep the fun going. The festival’s organizers encourage camping nearby to accommodate safe consumption. In addition to affordable camping options, there will also be a limited number of glamping sites. The Cannabis festival is a 21+ event, with tickets required ahead of time. Tickets are currently on sale, starting at $39.

    For more informations on ticketing and directions, visit the festival website here.

  • The Town Hall Announces the Peoples’ Symphony Concerts

    The Town Hall, located in the Theater District in Manhattan, announced the 125th season of Peoples’ Symphony Concerts, including performances by the Juilliard String Quartet, The Knights, Paul Lewis, among others. Additionally, Allison Loggins-Hull and David Lang will premiere new works.

    On Sunday, May 19, Frank Salomon will be presented with the Friend of the Arts Award in recognition of his contributions to New York Arts. Salomon served as director of Alexander Schneider’s New School Concert Series for fifty years. His love for classical music began in childhood, when his family subscribed to the Chamber Music series at the Town Hall.

    As an adult, Salomon worked as the manager of the Peoples’ Symphony Concerts for over 50 years. Richard Goode, a performer with PSC, said of Salomon, “his feeling for the human values inherent in great art, continue to find an ideal environment in the warmth and surprising intimacy of The Town Hall”.

    The Peoples’ Symphony concerts have offered New Yorkers affordable access to classical music since 1900. The Symphony offers exposure to established masters and promising young artists. At under $60 per concert season ($10 per concert), Peoples’ Symphony Concerts are an excellent option for affordable live music. Peoples’ Symphony also offers concerts in the Washington Irving Campus one block from Union Square.

    The Salomon Series will showcase the beauty of chamber music while paying tribute to Frank Salomon. Performances will take place from October 2024 to March 2025. Paul Lewis will perform the Complete Schubert Piano Sonata on October 27. The Knights Orchestra will be performing Mozart, along with a new composition by Allison Loggins-Hull on December 8. The Town Hall will ring in 2025 with the performance of a mystery pianist on January 26. February 2, Raphaël Feuillâtre will make his NYC debut with performances of Bach and his contemporaries. Baritone Benjamin Appl and pianist Shai Wosner will pay tribute to Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau on February 16. Finally, on March 30, the Juilliard String Quartet will make their PSC debut.

    Tickets are available at the following link.

  • Bethel Woods Center For The Arts 2024 Summer Lineup

    Bethel Woods Center for the Arts will be returning this year with a variety of acts throughout the summer, with shows running between June and September.

    This year, a variety of camping options are available, with two separate sites within 0.5 miles of the venue being available for tent-only camping, glamping and car and RV camping. The 16,000-person venue will feature performances from Phish, Pretty Lights, Luke Bryan, Limp Bizkit and many more.

    John Fogerty with special guests George Thorogood & The Destroyers and Hearty Har – The Celebration Tour – June 14, 6:50 PM

    Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and Grammy Award winner John Fogerty will stop by Bethel as the third New York stop in a row on his Celebration Tour. George Thorogood & The Destroyers and Hearty Har will join as special guests. Tickets are available here.

    Roger Daltrey with special guest KT Tunstall – 2024 North American Tour – June 16, 7:30 PM

    Roger Daltrey, lead singer for The Who, will perform a mix of The Who hits and solo music during a stop at Bethel for his 2024 North American Tour. Scottish singer-songwriter KT Tunstall will join as a special guest. Tickets are available here.

    Hootie & the Blowfish with special guests Collective Soul & Edwin McCain – Summer Camp with Trucks Tour – June 27, 7:00 PM

    Two-time Grammy Award winners, Hootie & the Blowfish, will take on Bethel as a stop on their Summer Camp with Trucks Tour. Rock band Collective Soul and singer-songwriter Edwin McCain will make appearances as special guests. Tickets are available here.

    James Taylor and His All-Star Band – June 8, 8:00 PM

    Six-time Grammy Award winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee James Taylor, along with his all-star band, will arrive in Bethel on June 8. Notable musicians from Taylor’s band include The Blues Brothers saxophonist Lou Marini and Steely Dan and Bee Gees drummer Steve Gadd. Tickets are available here.

    Alanis Morissette with special guests Joan Jett and the Blackhearts and Morgan Wade – The Triple Moon Tour – July 5, 7:00 PM

    Alternative rock musician Alanis Morissette will stop by Bethel for her tour, The Triple Moon Tour. Joan Jett and the Blackhearts and Morgan Wade will open up as special guests. Tickets are available here.

    Willie Nelson & Family, Bob Dylan, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, & Celisse – The Outlaw Music Festival – July 6, 5:30 PM

    American folk legends Willie Nelson & Family and Bob Dylan will play together as part of the traveling “must see music festival of the summer,” Outlaw Music Festival. Robert Plant, Alison Krauss and Celisse will perform as well. Tickets are available here.

    Luke Bryan with special guests HunterGirl, Larry Fleet, Dillon Carmichael and DJ Rock – Mind of a Country Boy Tour – July 11, 7:00 PM

    Country music veteran Luke Bryan will be visiting Bethel in July for his Mind of a Country Boy Tour. The show will be opened by country singer-songwriters, HunterGirl and Dillon Carmichael and professional DJ, DJ Rock. Tickets are available here.

    Jason Mraz & The Superband with special guest Ripe – July 12, 7:30 PM

    Two-time Grammy Award winner Jason Mraz, known for hits like “I’m Yours” and “I Won’t Give Up,” will perform alongside his band the day after Luke Bryan. Alternative band, Ripe, will open the show. Tickets are available here.

    Kidz Bop Kidz – July 14, 4:00 PM

    The iconic family-friendly pop song cover group, Kidz Bop Kidz, is landing in Bethel for an early show on July 14. With “sung by kids for kids” being the group’s motto, this is a show that would be great for younger children. Tickets are available here.

    Santana and Counting Crows – Oneness Tour – July 18, 7:00 PM

    Santana, headed by legendary guitarist Carlos Santana, and Grammy-nominated rock band Counting Crows will perform in Bethel as the first of three shows in New York for their Oneness Tour. Tickets are available here.

    Impractical Jokers – The Drive Drive Drive Drive Drive Tour – July 19, 8:00 PM

    The Impractical Jokers are driving to Bethel for the first of two stops in New York on their Drive Drive Drive Drive Tour. The classic comedy group, known for their TV show with 10 seasons to date, will entertain using all new material on July 19. Tickets are available here.

    Daryl Hall and Elvis Costello and The Imposters with Charlie Sexton – July 20, 7:00 PM

    Daryl Hall, half of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Hall & Oates, will be playing with fellow inductee and two-time Grammy Award winner Elvis Costello. The two will be joined by The Imposters with Charlie Sexton. Tickets are available here.

    Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo with special guest The Vindys – Funtastic 24′ Tour – July 21, 7:00 PM

    Multi-platinum album-selling Pat Benatar will be joined by husband and five-time Grammy Award winner Neil Giraldo in Bethel as a stop on their Funtastic 24′ Tour. American pop-rock band The Vindys will open as special guests. Tickets are available here.

    Train & REO Speedwagon – Summer Road Trip 2024 Tour – July 24 6:00 PM

    Pop-rock band Train and rock band REO Speedwagon are set to co-headline Bethel as the second of four New York shows on their collaborative Summer Road Trip 2024 Tour. Rock tribute band Yacht Rock Revue will be joining them as an opener. Tickets are available here.

    Hank Williams Jr. with special guests Ian Munsick and Payton Smith – July 25, 7:00 PM

    Country music star Hank Williams Jr. will play a set in Bethel as a celebration of the 45th anniversary of his hit song, “Family Tradition.” Special guests Ian Munsick and Payton Smith will open up for Williams Jr. Tickets are available here.

    Limp Bizkit with special guests BONES, Eddy Baker, Xavier Wulf, N8NOFACE, Corey Feldman and Host/ MC Riff Raff – Loserville Tour – July 26, 6:30 PM.

    Nu metal band Limp Bizkit is set to rock out at Bethel as a stop on their Loserville Tour. Rap artists BONES, Eddy Baker and Xavier Wulf will open the show alongside N8NOFACE and Corey Feldman, with MC Riff Raff hosting the event. Tickets are available here.

    Hozier with special guest Allison Russel – July 27, 8:00 PM

    Irish folk and blues singer Hozier best known for his massive hit “Take Me to Church,” will play in Bethel the day after Limp Bizkit at 8:00 p.m. Country singer Allison Russel will play as a special guest. Tickets are available here.

    Phish – Summer Tour 24 – August 9, 7:30 PM, August 10, 7:30 PM, August 11, 7:30 PM

    Massively popular jam band Phish will be playing in Bethel for not one but three nights for their 2024 Summer Tour. With no special guests, Phish will be the main focus of the jam-packed three-day weekend. Tickets are available here.

    Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ Top with special guest The Outlaws – The Sharp Dressed Simple Man Tour – August 16, 6:30 PM

    American rock bands Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ Top will perform at Bethel for their second of four New York shows as a part of their collaborative tour. Fellow American rock band, The Outlaws, will open up the show. Tickets are available here.

    Melissa Etheridge and Indigo Girls – I’m Not Broken Tour – August 21, 7:30 PM

    Grammy Award-winning country artist Melissa Etheridge and American folk music duo Indigo Girls will stop in Bethel as their second New York destination for their I’m Not Broken Tour. Tickets are available here.

    Pretty Lights – Soundship Spacestation 2024 Tour – August 23, 8:00 PM

    Electronic music veteran Pretty Lights, aka Derek Smith, will headline Bethel on August 23 for his Soundship Spacestation 2024 Tour. The Grammy Award-nominated artist, once described as “the face and voice of the new American electronic music scene” by Rick Rubin, is well known for his visually and sonically entrancing performances. Tickets are available here.

    Tedeschi Trucks Band with special guests Little Feat & Margo Price – Deuces Wild 2024 Tour – August 25, 6:00 PM

    Grammy Award-winning 12-piece rock and soul group Tedeschi Trucks Band will arrive in Bethel as the third of nine shows in New York for their Deuces Wild 2024 Tour. Special guests Little Feat and Margo Price will open the show. Tickets are available here.

    Deep Purple with special guest YES – = 1 More Time Tour – September 6, 6:30 PM

    Highly celebrated hard rock pioneers Deep Purple will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of their hit song “Smoke on the Water” on September 6 for their = 1 More Time Tour. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Yes will perform as well as a special guest. Tickets are available here.

    Megadeth with special guests Mudvayne and All That Remains – Destroy All Enemies Tour – September 13, 6:00 PM

    Grammy Award-winning British heavy metal band, Megadeth, will end Bethel’s summer lineup with a bang on September 13 as a stop for their Destroy All Enemies Tour. Heavy metal band Mudvayne and metalcore band All That Remains will open up the show. Tickets are available here.

  • ‘Louis in London’ Live Album to Release July 12

    Verve Records has announced the release of Louis in London, Louis Armstrong’s last great live performance on July 12. The album will be released on digital, CD, and exclusive black-and-blue vinyl.

    Louis in London releases July 12, 2024

    Anyone who has listened to jazz is sure to recognize the music of Louis Armstrong. Throughout his five decade career, he revolutionized jazz trumpet and singing, achieving critical and commercial success never seen before. While born in New Orleans, Armstrong settled in Queens, NY, where he worked for much of his life. His work altered jazz, placing emphasis on improvised solos, crafting the jazz we know today. Off of the success of hits like “Hello Dolly” and “What a Wonderful World,” Armstrong and his All-star Band played across the world.

    In 1968, they traveled to London to play the BBC Show of the Week. The performance was one “full of vitality and joy,” with some of Armstrong’s most inspired singing and trumpeting. Armstrong realized the impact of this recording, choosing to share it with his close friends more than any of his other works. Additionally, Armstrong hoped that the world could enjoy the recording, affixing a note that read “for the fans” on the tape box after receiving it. Now over five decades later, the recording is being released to the public, just as Armstrong hoped. 

    “Armstrong once claimed he was here ‘in the cause of happiness.’ All these decades later, albums like LOUIS IN LONDON continue his life’s mission at a time when we still need to be reminded that maybe it still is a wonderful world and maybe we’ll never walk alone after all.”

    -Ricky Riccardi

    The Album features eleven of the greatest songs recorded by Armstrong and The All Stars. Additionally, the release will feature extensive liner notes from Ricky Riccardi, an Armstrong biographer and director of research collections at the Louis Armstrong House Museum

    To preorder the album, follow the link here

    Louis in London Tracklist:

    When It’s Sleepy Time Down South

    (Back Home Again) In Indiana

    A Kiss To Build a Dream On

    Hello, Dolly!

    Mame

    You’ll Never Walk Alone

    Ole Miss

    Blueberry Hill

    Mack The Knife

    Rockin’ Chair

    The Bare Necessities

    What a Wonderful World

    When The Saints Go Marching In

    Louis Armstrong: trumpet, vocals

    The All Stars:

    Tyree Glenn: trombone | Joe Muranyi: clarinet

    Marty Napoleon: piano | Buddy Catlett: bass

    Danny Barcelona: drums

  • Tanglewood’s Packed 2024 Lineup

    Tanglewood, the esteemed Western Massachusetts venue, has announced its lineup of performers for the 2024 Popular Artists Series part of the season, running from June 20 to August 31. The lineup includes big names like Trey Anastasio, Beck, Dispatch, and pop and R&B acts like Boyz II Men, Brandi Carlile and Jason Mraz. 

    Since 1936, Tanglewood has been the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and is located in Lenox Massachusetts right in the Berkshire Hills. Although Tanglewood features the BSO, the festival is not just for classic music fans. The 350,000 yearly attendees come to this venue to hear Jazz, pop, choirs and more.

    This year’s Popular Artist series has a list of timeless performers. Kool & The Gang and En Vogue are set to perform on June 23, bringing back the sounds of the 70’s and 90’s. On July 16 the Pretenders will be on the stage and Grammy award winning artists Jon Batiste and James Taylor are also bringing their talent to the festival. 

    The festival has performances for movie lovers as well. The Boston Pops will present a John William’s film night for the second year and conductor Keith Lockhart will lead the Jurassic Park score.

    With so many concert goers on the 500 acre property, there’s two buildings where performances take place.The Koussevitzky Music Shed was inaugurated in 1938 and reconstructed in 1959, making it the iconic stage that Tanglewood is most known for. This is where the BSO and Boston Pops shows are held. Seiji Ozawa Hall, a newer structure, was built in 1994. It’s received numerous architectural awards including the National American Institute of Architects Honor Award for Interior Architecture in 2000. 

    The first big name to start off the Festival on June 20 is John Fogerty on his “Celebration Tour.” To find out more information and to purchase tickets you can visit the Tanglewood website here.

    2024 season at Tanglewood

    June 20, 7 p.m.: John Fogerty: The Celebration Tour

    Founder of Creedence Clearwater Revival, John Fogerty will join the Music shed Tanglewood stage alongside his band to bring the classic rock sound to the Berkshire hills.

    June 22 7 p.m.: Roger Daltrey

    Roger Daltrey is a British musician and songwriter most known for the Who’s hits like “My Generation” and “Baba O’Riley.”

    June 23, 2:30 p.m.: Kool & The Gang and En Vouge 

    Since 1969, Kool & The Gang has released 26 albums and earned 7 American Music Awards. R&B trio, En Vogue will join the group on the stage performing their hit 90’s songs.

    June 26: TLI Open Workshops: Techniques of String Quartet Performance

    June 27, 7 p.m.: Boyz II Men

    This Philadelphia trio will bring their emotional ballades to the music shed stage this summer.

    June 28, 7 p.m.: Jon Batiste

    Legendary Musician, Jon Batiste will perform at this year’s Tanglewood. Not only is he a Grammy Award winner but he is a composer and stars in his documentary “American Symphony.”

    June 29: TMC Vocal Recital

    June 29 7 p.m.: Trey Anastasio with the Boston Pops

    Phish guitarist, Trey Anastasio and his band will play with the Boston Pops, mixing the classic Tanglewood sound with Anastasio’s classic rock.

    June 30: TMC Chamber Music

    June 30: TMC String Quartet Marathon

    June 30: TMC String Quartet Marathon

    June 30 6 p.m.: Brandi Carlile

    The 10-time Grammy Award winner and Emmy Award winner, Brandi Carlile will take to the stage, sharing her folk, indie and americana sound with fans.

    June 30: TMC String Quartet Marathon

    July 2, 7 p.m.: Jason Mraz with the Boston Pops

    Jason Mraz has released timeless pop songs and has had a long and successful career including multiple Grammys and hit, charting songs.

    July 3-4, 8 p.m.: James Taylor and his All-Star Band

    “Fire and Rain” singer James Taylor will mark 50 years of performing at Tanglewood followed by fireworks on his celebratory July 4 performance.

    July 5: Prelude Concert

    July 5: Opening Night at Tanglewood

    July 6: Open Rehearsal: Broadway Today! Broadway’s Modern Masters

    July 6: TLI The Art of Conducting: Andris Nelsons and Hilary Hahn

    July 6: Prelude Concert: TMC Fellows

    July 6: Broadway Today! Broadway’s Modern Masters

    July 7: TMC Chamber Music

    July 7: Andris Nelsons leads an all-Strauss program featuring Renée Fleming, soprano

    July 7: TMC Vocal Recital

    July 8: Andris Nelsons and the TMC Conducting Fellows lead the Tanglewood Music Center Orchestra in Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5

    July 10: TLI Open Workshops: Stephanie Blythe, mezzo-soprano

    July 10: Tanglewood Recital Series: The Arts and the Hours with Miloš, guitar

    July 11: TLI Talks and Walks

    July 11: TLI The Art of Conducting: Dima Slobodeniouk

    July 12: TLI Presents: George Balanchine—Stravinsky’s American Muse

    July 12: Prelude Concert

    July 12: Andris Nelsons conducts Stravinsky and Rimsky-Korsakov featuring the Boston Ballet

    July 13: Open Rehearsal: Andris Nelsons conducts Kirkland Snider, Prokofiev, and Dvořák featuring Augustin Hadelich, violin

    July 13: Prelude Concert: TMC Fellows

    July 13: Andris Nelsons conducts Simon and Beethoven featuring Yuja Wang, piano

    July 14: TMC Chamber Music

    July 14: TLI for Families: “Join the Dance” with BU Tanglewood Institute musicians

    July 14: Andris Nelsons conducts Kirkland Snider, Prokofiev, and Dvořák featuring Augustin Hadelich, violin

    July 14: TMC Vocal Recital

    July 15: TLI The Art of Conducting: Andris Nelsons with TMC Vocalists

    July 15: Dima Slobodeniouk and the TMC Conducting Fellows conduct Perry, Bernstein, and Stravinsky

    July 16, 7 p.m.: An Evening with Pretenders

    This Iconic British band formed in the 70’s but hasn’t stopped performing since. On July 16 they will give an electrifying performance of their extensive discography.

    July 17: TLI Open Workshops: William Christie, conductor and director of Les Arts Florissants

    July 17: Tanglewood Recital Series: Yuja Wang, piano

    July 18: TLI Talks and Walks

    July 18: TLI Open Workshops: Emanuel Ax, piano

    July 18: Tanglewood Recital Series: Les Arts Florissants

    July 19: Prelude Concert

    July 19: Dima Slobodeniouk conducts Bernstein and Brahms featuring Conrad Tao, piano

    July 20: Open Rehearsal: Andris Nelsons conducts Ives, Beethoven, and Strauss featuring Emanuel Ax, piano

    July 20: BU Tanglewood Institute Young Artists Orchestra

    July 20: TLI Spotlight Series: Tracy K. Smith

    July 20: Prelude Concert: TMC Fellows

    July 20: Andris Nelsons conducts Act III of Wagner’s Götterdämmerung

    July 21: TMC Chamber Music

    July 21: Tanglewood Family Concert

    July 21: BU Tanglewood Institute Young Artists Wind Ensemble

    July 21: Andris Nelsons conducts Ives, Beethoven, and Strauss featuring Emanuel Ax, piano

    July 21: Tanglewood Recital Series: Gerald Clayton Trio

    July 22: TLI The Art of Conducting: Thomas Wilkins

    July 22: TLI The Art of Conducting: Great Conductors on Film

    July 23, 7 p.m.: Beck With Boston Pops

    From performing in Coffeehouses and clubs to now performing at Tanglewood with the Pops, Beck is a successful grunge-pop artist that whose career has earned him multiple Grammy Awards.

    July 24: TLI Open Workshops: Edwin Barker, double bass

    July 24: Tanglewood Recital Series: Boston Symphony Chamber Players and Paul Lewis, piano

    July 25: TLI Talks and Walks

    July 25: TMC Festival of Contemporary Music

    July 26: TMC Festival of Contemporary Music

    July 26: TLI Presents: “The Legacy of Serge Koussevitzky”

    July 26: Prelude Concert

    July 26: Andris Nelsons conducts Mackey, Koussevitzky, Sibelius, and Scriabin

    July 27: Open Rehearsal: Andris Nelsons conducts Lee, Copland, Thompson, and Stravinsky featuring Paul Lewis, piano

    July 27: TMC Festival of Contemporary Music

    July 27: Prelude Concert: TMC Festival of Contemporary Music

    July 27: Andris Nelsons conducts León, Khachaturian, and Tchaikovsky featuring Jean-Yves Thibaudet, piano

    July 28: TMC Festival of Contemporary Music: Chamber Music

    July 28: Andris Nelsons conducts Lee, Copland, Thompson, and Stravinsky featuring Paul Lewis, piano

    July 29: Stefan Asbury and the TMC Conducting Fellows conduct Zwilich, Mackey, Anderson, and León

    July 31: TLI Open Workshops: Toby Oft, trombone

    July 31: Tanglewood Recital Series: Kirill Gerstein, Joshua Bell, and Steven Isserlis

    August 1: TLI Talks and Walks

    August 1: Tanglewood Recital Series: Danish String Quartet

    August 2: TLI The Art of Conducting: Alan Gilbert

    August 2: Prelude Concert

    August 2: John Williams’ Film Night

    August 3: Open Rehearsal: Alan Gilbert conducts an all-Beethoven program featuring Kirill Gerstein, Joshua Bell, and Steven Isserlis

    August 3: BU Tanglewood Institute Young Artists Orchestra

    August 3:TLI Presents: “Black Voices in Cabaret – Josephine Baker”

    August 3: Prelude Concert

    August 3: John Williams’ Film Night

    August 4: TMC Chamber Music

    August 4: TLI for Families: In collaboration with the Norman Rockwell Museum

    August 4: BU Tanglewood Institute Young Artists Wind Ensemble

    August 4: Alan Gilbert conducts an all-Beethoven program featuring Kirill Gerstein, Joshua Bell, and Steven Isserlis

    August 4: TLI Presents: Kirill Gerstein and HK Gruber perform Cabaret music from 1920s Berlin

    August 6: Tanglewood on Parade

    August 7: TLI Open Workshops: Kirill Gerstein, piano

    August 8: TLI Talks and Walks

    August 8: TLI Open Workshops: Jeremy Denk, piano

    August 9: TLI Presents: “Decolonizing Classical Music in Eight Difficult Steps” with George Lewis

    August 9: TLI Presents: “This Is America,” Part 1, with Johnny Gandelsman, violin

    August 9: Prelude Concert

    August 9: Alan Gilbert conducts Rachmaninoff and Stravinsky featuring Kirill Gerstein, piano

    August 10: Open Rehearsal: James Gaffigan conducts Clyne, Mozart, and Mahler featuring Elena Villalón, soprano

    August 10: BU Tanglewood Institute Young Artists Chorus

    August 10: TLI Presents: Palaver Strings with Nicholas Phan, tenor perform “A Change Is Gonna Come”

    August 10: TLI Spotlight Series: Henry Louis Gates, Jr.

    August 10: Prelude Concert

    August 10: Dalia Stasevska conducts Sibelius and Stravinsky featuring Leila Josefowicz, violin

    August 11: TMC Chamber Music

    August 11: James Gaffigan conducts Clyne, Mozart, and Mahler featuring Elena Villalón, soprano

    August 11: TLI Presents: “This Is America,” Part 2, with Johnny Gandelsman, violin

    August 11: TLI Presents: Jeremy Denk, piano, performs The Battle of Manassas by ‘Blind Tom’ WIGGINS and IVES’s Concord Sonata

    August 12: TMC Opera Excerpts

    August 14: TLI Open Workshops: Roberto Díaz, viola

    August 14: Tanglewood Recital Series: The Knights and Emanuel Ax perform Bologne and Mozart

    August 15: TLI Talks and Walks

    August 15: TLI Open Workshops: Elizabeth Rowe, flute

    August 15: Tanglewood Recital Series: The Knights and Emanuel Ax perform Ortiz and Mozart

    August 16: TLI Presents: Trauma, Memory & Transcendence in Music Part 1: “Do Not Forget Me” with Mark Ludwig

    August 16: Prelude Concert

    August 16: Samy Rachid conducts Svetlanov, Prokofiev, and Tchaikovsky featuring Midori, violin

    August 17: Open Rehearsal: Earl Lee conducts Simon, Schumann, and Beethoven featuring Yo-Yo Ma, cello

    August 17: BU Tanglewood Institute Young Artists Orchestra

    August 17: TLI Presents: Trauma, Memory & Transcendence in Music Part 2: “A Search for Meaning” with Mark Ludwig and Osvaldo Golijov

    August 17: TLI Spotlight Series: David Pogue

    August 17: Prelude Concert

    August 17: Jurassic Park in Concert

    August 18: TMC Chamber Music

    August 18: TLI for Families: Circle Round

    August 18: Earl Lee conducts Simon, Schumann, and Beethoven featuring Yo-Yo Ma, cello

    August 18: TLI Presents: Silent Film project with TMC Composers, Conductors, and Instrumentalists, in collaboration with Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival

    August 18: TLI Presents: Silent Film project with TMC Composers, Conductors, and Instrumentalists, in collaboration with Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival

    August 19: Hannu Lintu and the TMC Conducting Fellows conduct Prokofiev

    August 21: Tanglewood Recital Series: Leonidas Kavakos, violin and Daniil Trifonov, piano

    August 22: TLI Talks and Walks

    August 23: Ryan Bancroft conducts Chopin and Elgar featuring Bruce Liu, piano

    August 24: Open Rehearsal: Hannu Lintu conducts Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9

    August 24: Karina Canellakis conducts Beethoven, Brahms, Chausson, and Ravel featuring Leonidas Kavakos, violin

    August 25: Hannu Lintu conducts Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9

    August 25: TLI Presents: Edmar Castaneda Quartet

    August 30, 7 p.m.: Judy Collins, Indigo Girls, and Rufus Wainwright

    August 30 is packed with American folk-pop icons. With their wide discography, these artists and group’s music span from the 70’s to now.

    August 31, 7 p.m.: DISPATCH with the Boston Pops

    This indie-rock band that formed in the 90’s known for the “The General” and “Only the Wild Ones,” will join the Boston Pops for the final performance of the 2024 Tanglewood season.

  • DOJ Launches Antitrust Lawsuit Against Live Nation

    On May 22, the Department of Justice sued Live Nation alleging it has a monopoly over concert ticketing and promotion.

    The lawsuit states that Live Nation used practices such as exclusive contracts, buyouts of independent promoters, and restriction of venues to crush its market competition. The DOJ filed the lawsuit in New York’s Southern District Court, with 30 states joining the suit. States involved include Florida, Texas, and Colorado, among others.

    Exterior of US Department of Justice

    This lawsuit comes after a 2019 DOJ investigation, which found Live Nation violated the terms set by the federal government after its merger with Ticketmaster. Among these violations, was the pulling of concerts from venues that refused to exclusively use Ticketmaster. The lawsuit also alleges that Live Nation cooperated with arena operator Oak View Group to eliminate competition.

    This lawsuit came after a period of increasing backlash to Live Nation’s practices. Following its 2010 buyout of Ticketmaster, Live Nation controlled up to 80% of major concert tickets. Additionally, the company directly controls 250 venues, 60% of venue promotion, and directly manages 400 artists nationwide. This control has led to issues such as increasing ticketing fees, poor customer service, and restrictions on resale. As a result of monopolization, the DOJ says American concert-goers are “deprived of ticketing innovation and forced to use outdated technology while paying more for tickets than fans in other countries.”

    These issues came to the forefront of public attention during Taylor Swift’s 2023 Eras Tour. During the presale period, glitches in the Ticketmaster website left millions unable to purchase tickets. 

    Following this debacle, there was increasing bipartisan action against Live Nation. In January 2023, senators from both parties grilled Live Nation CFO Joe Berchtold in a three hour hearing. This hearing brought to light Ticketmaster’s failings, but also the immense sway Live Nation had over the market.

    “For too long, Live Nation and Ticketmaster have unfairly and illegally run the world of live events, abusing their dominance to overcharge fans, bully venues, and limit artists”

    – Letitia James, New York Attorney General

    This lawsuit comes after the House passage of the TICKET Act in early May 2024. The bill, introduced by Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) requires ticket sellers to display the total ticket price-including fees-in all advertisements. This step towards ticketing transparency received support from the Recording Academy, and artists ranging from Billie Eilish to Dave Matthews. Along with this congressional action, comes a Federal Trade Commission proposal to ban hidden fees on concert tickets.

    Live Nation has pushed back against these criticisms. In an essay on their website, Head of Corporate Affairs Dan Wall has claimed that Ticketmaster does not set prices, being victim to high demand and low supply. These claims, however, come in tandem with record high lobbying by Live Nation. According to OpenSecrets, the company spent a record $2.4 million, as well as hosting a lavish gala, to influence lawmakers into opposing restrictions on its practices.

    This lawsuit would greatly alter the live music industry if successful. Although the DOJ has not said how they want to break up Live Nation, it is expected that they will separate its ticketing and promotional wings. The DOJ hopes that this suit will increase choice for concert-goers, while reducing price. Additionally, this breakup could open venue doors for artists that were restricted before. This lawsuit is just the latest in a string of antitrust suits launched by the Biden administration, which has included Meta, Apple, and Amazon.