NYS Music 2024

Category: News Desk

  • ‘Super Freak: The Rick James Story Makes Its Way to Brooklyn’s Kings Theatre

    Super Freak: The Rick James Story — the theatrical recounting of the life and times of legendary musician and Buffalo native Rick James — will be coming to Brooklyn‘s Kings Theatre for a limited performance from Friday, April 12 through Sunday, April 14. In light Super Freak: The Rick James Story delves deep into the tumultuous life and extraordinary talent of the legendary musician, exploring the highs and lows of his career against the backdrop of his unforgettable hits. In this case audiences will voyage on a musical extravaganza through the “Super Freak” singer’s groundbreaking music and the compelling narrative of his life, filled with passion, excess, and undeniable talent. 

    Poster for Super Freak:The Rick James Story
    Theatrical Poster for on-stage biography of legendary musician Rick James

    Created by renowned playwright and producer Je’Caryous Johnson along with Ty James the executive producer and daughter of the late Rick James, Super Freak makes its way to James’ home state of New York adding a multifaceted musical prodigy in his own right in Mint Condition’s Stokely Williams. In light, the Grammy-nominated vocalist, songwriter, and producer will step into the iconic role of Rick James, bringing to life the legendary singer’s electrifying persona and timeless music.

    Additionally, Williams’ talent shone as the lead singer and drummer for R&B group Mint Condition. With his talent as a vocalist, songwriter, and producer making him a fitting addition to portray James in front over 3,000 fans at Kings Theatre, the largest of its kind in Brooklyn. Moreover, Ty James has shown nothing but confidence in Stokely Williams’ ability to carry the role.

    I am so excited that we were able to cast such an amazing talented cast. I know playing my dad is stepping into some big shoes, but I am confident Stokley will kill it. My dad would be so proud.

    – Ty James

    All in all tickets for Super Freak: The Rick James story are on sale on the Kings Theatre’s official website, with tickets ranging from $69 to $112.

  • Joan Baez Announces Release of First Poetry Book

    Legendary folk singer, activist, and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Joan Baez has announced she is releasing her first book of poetry When You See My Mother, Ask Her to Dance – out April 30.

    Joan Baez

    Joan Baez, a Staten Island native, is a dynamic force of nature. Her commitment to music and social activism has earned global recognition, ranging from induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, to the Ambassador of Conscience Award – Amnesty International’s highest honor. Her repertoire often included songs of protest and social justice, now retired from active performing since 2019. She has devoted much of her time to the “Mischief Makers” series of paintings that immortalize risk-taking visionaries she has known from Dr. Martin Luther King and Bob Dylan to the Dalai Lama and Patti Smith. Last year she published her book of drawings – Am I Pretty When I Fly?

    An “intimate, autobiographical poetry collection,” the book contains poems for or about artists like Bob Dylan, Judy Collins, and Jimi Hendrix. She has been writing poetry for decades, according to the publication announcement, as “poems about her life, her family, about her passions for nature and art, have piled up in notebooks and on scraps of paper.”

    The book’s description states “This collection is an inspiring personal diary in the form of poetry,” tugging on your heartstrings with its profound impact. Bernie Taupin, another Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, describes her words as “both poignantly executed and captivating in a colorful closeness that pin-points the chinks in our armor that mirror all facets of the world we inhabit,” while Gabriel Byrne, author of Walking with Ghosts calls her verses “simple and elegant [that] resonates with profound insight into what it means to be alive.”

    Joan Baez
    Steve Jennings/Getty Images.

    For more information and to purchase When You See My Mother, Ask Her To Dance, visit here.

  • Get a first Look at HELL’S KITCHEN on Broadway

    The new musical HELL’S KITCHEN will officially premiere on Broadway on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Broadway’s Shubert Theatre, located at 225 West 44th Street.

    hell's kitchen broadway
    photo credit: Marc J. Franklin

    HELL’S KITCHEN is directed by four-time Tony Award nominee Michael Greif, with choreography by Tony Award nominee Camille A. Brown, a book by Pulitzer Prize finalist Kristoffer Diaz, and the music of Alicia Keys, featuring new songs and her greatest hits. 

    The “powerhouse cast” (Variety) is led by Shoshana Bean, Brandon Victor Dixon, Kecia Lewis, Chris Lee, and Maleah Joi Moon. It features Chad Carstarphen, Reid Clarke, Chloe Davis, Nico DeJesus, Timothy L. Edwards, Desmond Sean Ellington, Badia Farha, Vanessa Ferguson, David Guzman, Gianna Harris, Jakeim Hart, Takia Hopson, Jackie Leon, Raechelle Manalo, Jade Milan, Onyxx Noel, Susan Oliveras, Sarah Parker, Aaron Nicholas Patterson, William Roberson, Niki Saludez, Nyseli Vega, Donna Vivino, Lamont Walker II, Rema Webb, and Oscar Whitney Jr.

    The story revolves around Ali, a 17-year-old girl full of fire, searching for freedom, passion and her place in the world. How she finds them is a New York City coming-of-age story from 16-time GRAMMY Award winner Alicia Keys, whose life and songs inspire an experience made for Broadway.

    Set in the rhythm of the 90s, Ali is rebellious and stifled by an overprotective single mother until she meets her mentor: a neighbor who shows her how to cultivate the power of piano and opens her mind and heart. This is an intergenerational story everyone can love, one of finding yourself, your purpose, and the community that lifts you. Come remember where dreams begin.

    The creative team for HELL’S KITCHEN includes, Robert Brill (Scenic Design), Dede Ayite (Costume Design), Natasha Katz (Lighting Design), Gareth Owen (Sound Design), Peter Nigrini (Projection Design), Mia Neal (Hair and Wig Design), Michael Clifton (Makeup Design), Heidi Griffiths and Kate Murray (Casting), Danny Maly (Production Stage Manager), and Foresight Theatrical (General Management).

    The music team of HELL’S KITCHEN includes orchestrations by Tom Kitt and Adam Blackstone, arrangements by Alicia Keys and Adam Blackstone, music consulting by Tom Kitt and music direction by Lily Ling.

    HELL’S KITCHEN made its world premiere October 24, 2023 running until January 14, 2024, including a five-week extension—at The Public Theater this past fall.

    Tickets for HELL’S KITCHEN are available at HellsKitchen.com and Telecharge.com. Tickets can also be purchased at the Shubert Theatre box office. Ticket prices range from $59-199.

  • Savion Glover Returns for Dance in Albany Series at The Egg

    The performing arts centers at The Egg and the University at Albany, which jointly present Dance in Albany, are proud to present Savion Glover on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at 8 pm at The Egg.

    Savion Glover Dance in Albany series

    Glover has visited the region for performances and speaking engagements on many occasions, most recently as part of the Dance in Albany series in April 2023. “PaRT.TU The LaST HooFeR STaNDiNG” is the second installment of Glover’s Cinema Stage CoLLeqSHuNz which continues to explore the boundaries between mental health and self-expression. According to Glover, the show creates an environment where the highest form of sensitivity is necessary to welcome complete comprehension.

    Born in 1973, the tap dancer, choreographer, and actor has graced the stage since childhood. Before he was a teenager, Savion Glover made his mark in the leading role of the Broadway musical The Tap Dance Kid, starring alongside Hattie Winston, Samuel E. Wright, Martine Allard, Jackie Lowe, Barbara Montgomery, Alfonso Ribeiro, the recently deceased Hinton Battle, who won a Tony Award for his performance, and the late Alan Weeks, a long-time Capital Region resident who ran the Student Theatre Outreach Program (STOP) at The Egg for many years.

    Glover developed his own dancing style, “free style hard core.” The Tony Award winner eventually worked with dancing greats Gregory Hines and Sammy Davis, Jr. Among his credits are starring roles in major motion pictures like Jelly’s Last Jam, for which he made history as the youngest-ever recipient of a National Endowment for the Arts grant. As a choreographer, his work has helped maintain tap dancing as an art form in the modern dance world. His starring role in the musical Bring in ‘da Noise, Bring in ‘da Funk, which he also choreographed, debuted on Broadway in 1996. The musical chronicles events in African-American history and brought him another Tony for Best Choreographer.

    Savion Glover was made known to the younger generation with recurring appearances on Sesame Street. He also holds the credit as the live captured dancing motion behind Mumble the Penguin in Happy Feet, the film on which he also served as co-choreographer.

    Tickets are $36 and are available at The Egg Box Office on the Concourse Level of the Empire State Plaza in Albany, by phone at 518-473-1845 and online. After Glover’s show, there is one performance remaining in the Dance in Albany series. The Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company will take the stage at The Egg on Saturday, May 18 at 8 p.m.

  • Reprise – Recreating Classic Phish Shows – Debuts at The Colony in Woodstock this June

    Formed to “reprise” the Phish experience, Reprise is an all-star band featuring big names in the Northeast jam scene, with a unique spin on performing the music of Phish. They’ll make their New York debut this June in Woodstock at The Colony.

    Featuring Cal Kehoe (guitar, Pink Talking Fish), Scott Chasolen (keys, Ulu, The Machine) Chris DeAngelis (bass, The Machine, Kung Fu, The Breakfast) and Adrian Tramontano (drums, Twiddle, Kung Fu, The Breakfast, RAQ, Marble Eyes, Twiddle, Mihali), Reprise debuted on March 1 and 2 at Nectar’s in Burlington, performing two classic Phish shows – one from Nectar’s itself on March 13, 1989 and Sugarbush, VT from July 16, 1994.

    The two sold out shows at Phish’s original stomping grounds served as the start of a new era for these four musicians, as well as taking classic Phish shows and performing them in full each night.

    reprise phish

    The first two shows had the shows they would be covering announced in advance, but starting with the June 13 show at Milkboy in Philadelphia, and their first NY show at The Colony in Woodstock on June 14, the band will not announce what show they are playing until the show is complete. If this sounds like the Phish version of Dark Star Orchestra, Blaze on!

    As with all Reprise shows, an iconic Phish show will be recreated at both Milkboy and The Colony – tickets are on sale now,

  • Andrea Bocelli Returns to MSG this December for Winter Holiday Tour

    Globally-renowned Italian tenor, Andrea Bocelli, returns this December to MSG for a set of shows. The legendary singer will perform two shows on December 18 and 19 as part of his winter holiday tour.

    Andrea Bocelli MSG returns
    Italian star Andrea Bocelli Easter concert

    Bocelli’s holiday shows at The Garden have become a beloved tradition since his first at the venue in 2003. The shows will feature performances from Bocelli’s extensive repertoire, including music in honor of the holiday season. Andrea Bocelli returns with selections from his number one album “A Family Christmas” and its recently released deluxe edition; his uplifting solo album “Believe;” and a selection of arias, his beloved crossover hits, and famed love songs.

    Andrea Bocelli has been entertaining audiences for more than 30 years and has sold nearly 90 million records worldwide. Bocelli has performed at major events including the Olympic Games, the World Cup, and Global Citizen Festival. He has earned a Golden Globe Award, seven Classical BRIT Awards, and seven World Music Awards, plus a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Don’t miss the chance to see Bocelli perform live at Madison Square Garden in NYC.

    Tickets for the December 18 and 19 shows at The Garden will go on sale to the general public on Tuesday, April 16 at 10:00AM. Click here to purchase tickets to see Andrea Bocelli live at Madison Square Garden.

  • Estival Festival Announces Lineup Featuring Cuppasoup, Dirty Blanket, Count Blastula and more

    Estival Festival in Canedea, NY has announced their lineup, featuring Cuppasoup, Sim Redmond Band, and more from June 21-23.

    Estival Festival

    Estival Festival at the Sugar Mountain Performing Arts Center features three days of great music and events for the whole family, including camping, fireworks, hot air balloon rides, a special Kid Zone, parades with stilt walkers, jugglers, and more, and music workshops. The Sugar Mountain Kitchen & other food vendors will be open, serving a wide variety of food, drinks, and snacks for when you don’t feel like cooking at your campsite.

    Phase 1 of the lineup includes the Rochester-based group Harmonica Lewinski and CUPPASOUP featuring Chris J English, Aaron Lipp, and Ric Robertson. Diggin Roots from the Buffalo/Western New York area makes an appearance. Formed in the summer of 2013 by a group of friends who share a passion for the roots of American music, the band draws from musical influences like blues, jazz, rock, bluegrass, and folk music with a hint of jam.

    The Sim Redmond Band will make an appearance. Based in Ithaca but with roots in Africa, particularly the sounds emanating from West & South Africa, they have been steadily growing, forging new ground in roots music. The vocal teamwork of Sim Redmond, Jen Middaugh, and Nate Silas Richardson creates some of the richest harmonies you’ll ever hear. New York-based alternative band High Pines delivers a unique improvisational sound through their original music. Playing throughout New York and Pennsylvania since 2020, their audience has quickly grown. With captivating vocals, expansive dynamics, and ambient space, High Pines will not want to be missed.

    Estival Festival
    High Pines.

    The final addition to the Phase 1 lineup is The Son Henry Band. Henry is an award-winning singer/songwriter and lap steel guitarist – singing and performing covers and original material on the guitar, lap steel, dobro, and slide guitar as a solo artist or as a lead in bands with long-term collaborators in the UK, US, and Eastern Europe.

    Estival Festival
    Estival Festival

    All adult weekend tickets for Estival Festival include GA/Car/Tent and access to a weekend of family fun and live music. Kids 12 and under get in free. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit here.

  • ‘Spring Awakening’ Opens at Cohoes Music Hall

    Playhouse Stage Company announced the opening of a brand new production of the celebrated musical Spring Awakening, playing at Cohoes Music Hall through April 28, with 7:30 p.m. evening performances on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. matinee performances on Saturdays and Sundays.

    Spring Awakening Cohoes Music Hall

    Playhouse Stage has produced free outdoor summer musicals at Albany’s Park Playhouse since 1989 and has been presenting musicals year-round at the historic Cohoes Music Hall since 2016. Spring Awakening is a rock musical based on a 19th-century German play of the same name and explores the challenges of adolescence and coming of age in a repressive world. The production plays April 12-28, 2024. 

    The winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Spring Awakening features a book and lyrics by Steven Sater, and a rock-infused score by Duncan Sheik. About its original 2006 Broadway production The  New York Observer wrote, “Once in a generation, if we’re lucky, an unexpected new musical comes along and changes everything. That is the thrilling achievement of Spring Awakening.” With electrifying music that Entertainment Weekly called “the most gorgeous Broadway score of the decade,” and a fearless approach to important, often taboo topics, including suicide, sexual assault, and child abuse, Spring Awakening grips audiences with an intense emotional journey.  

    We are excited to give our very talented teen students a chance to work on such a relevant, challenging, and exciting piece of theatre. Many themes and topics explored in Spring Awakening are often referred to as adult subject matter, but these are things that teenagers deal with daily, and it is important to shine a light on them. We are extremely proud of both our students and our creative team for handling the mature subject matter in such a professional manner, and rising to the occasion to tell this vital story so effectively.

    Playhouse Stage Producing Artistic Director Owen Smith

    The production is directed by Playhouse Stage Managing Director, Chuck Kraus, with choreography and musical staging by Director of Education Ashley Simone Kirchner, and musical direction by Brandon  Jones. The trio has helmed the Playhouse’s advanced teen productions since 2016. Rounding out the  Creative Team as Intimacy Director is Yvonne Perry in her first Playhouse Stage Company collaboration. The youth roles in the production are performed by advanced teen students from the Playhouse Stage  Academy theatre training program, alongside local professional performers Ellen Cribbs and Nick.

    Tickets for Spring Awakening are on sale through The Cohoes Music Hall Box Office, by phone at 518-434- 0776, or online.

  • Bryant Park’s Dance Party Returns this May for 10th Anniversary

    Dance Party returns to Bryant Park for its 10th anniversary from May 1 to May 16. Each night will correspond to a different style of dance.

    Dance Party events will take place every Wednesday and Thursday from May 1 to May 16. At each event, attendees meet at the iconic Bryant Park fountain to learn basic steps with expert instructors at 6pm. Afterwards, participants can test out their new moves to live music performed by a diverse selection of bands from 7pm-8:30pm.

    The two week-long event sees over 10 different styles of dance for anybody to pick up and learn. A slew of talented individuals and groups makeup the festival’s lineup this year. This year’s series kicks off with New York City’s signature brand of Salsa and R&B served up by Uptown Royalty. Disco’s golden era is accentuated by The Disco Nights.

    Other artists in the lineup include Judy Santos, Charles Turner & Uptown Swing, KD Browne, La Charanga Pacha and Jimmy Bosch Salsa Masters. Various different and diverse genres performed include salsa, disco, R&B, Bachata, Lindy Hop, Motown, Charanga, Cuban Salsa, and Cha Cha Cha.

    For the last ten years, Bryant Park Dance Party has highlighted diverse cultures and traditions from around the globe and across the boroughs of New York City. More than 50,000 participants have danced on the Fountain Terrace and expert instructors have taught 32 different social dance styles ranging from Bhangra to Polka; Cumbia to Lindy Hop; Flamenco to Contra. After learning the dance steps, audiences immediately put those moves to use, dancing to live music from renowned bands.

    Uptown Royalty

    “Over the past ten years, Bryant Park Dance Party has grown to a new level, offering some of the most exciting, diverse, free entertainment in one of New York’s most beautiful settings. This year, we’re featuring a range of styles, both traditional and new, and the colorful lineup brings together so many different parts of the City. This series is so special to me because it brings so many New Yorkers together to dance and have the time of their lives.”

    Talia Castro-Pozo Bryant, Park Dance Party Producer

    For more information on the Dance Party festival at Bryant Park visit the parks website by clicking here.

  • Stephane Wrembel Brings Django á Gogo Music Festival to NYC in May

    Stephane Wrembel is proud to announce that the highly anticipated Django a Gogo Music Festival is coming to New York City. This festival is held at The Woodland in Maplewood, New Jersey from May 1-3, and will culminate at The Town Hall in NYC on May 4.

    Stephane Wrembel

    The festival features performances by Angelo Debarre, Serge Camps, and Frank Anastasio, who are making their first American appearance. Django a Gogo is a celebration of the unparalleled music legacy of jazz guitarist and composer Django Reinhardt.

    Django á Gogo has united some of the world’s most exceptional musicians to honor the timeless Sinti guitar style. This year’s festival promises a dynamic lineup, featuring renowned artists from France, Canada, and the United States. The event showcases the vibrant evolution of Reinhardt’s repertoire through reinterpretation, improvisation, and cross-cultural collaborations.

    Django a Gogo 2024 Festival Dates & Features

    Wednesday May 1, 2024 8PM
    The Woodland (Maplewood, N.J.)
    DJANGO NEW ORLEANS
    featuring:
    Stephane Wrembel and Josh Kaye on guitar, Adrien Chevalier on violin, Joe Correia on Tuba, Scott Kettner on drums, David Langlois on percussion, Nick Driscoll on sax/clarinet, Joe Boga on trumpet and Sarah King on vocals

    Thursday May 2, 2024 8PM
    The Woodland (Maplewood, N.J.)
    THE GYPSY GUITARS TRIO
    Legendary Angelo Debarre’s trio
    Featuring: Angelo Debarre (guitar), Serge Camps (guitar), Franck Anastasio + many guests

    Friday May 3, 2024 8 PM
    The Woodland (Maplewood, N.J.)
    STEPHANE WREMBEL BAND + GUESTS
    Featuring:
    Stephane Wrembel on guitar, Josh Kaye on guitar, Ari Folman-Cohen on bass and Nick Anderson on drums

    Saturday May 4, 2024 8 PM

    The Town Hall (New York, N.Y.)

    STEPHANE WREMBEL, THE GYPSY GUITARS TRIO + GUESTS

    Featuring: Aurore Voilqué, Hugo Guezbar, Adrien Marco, and Simba Baumgartner, Django Reinhardt’s great-grandson.

    For more information on the festival and to purchase tickets to the shows, click here.