Members of New York City’s metal scene are scrambling to rebook shows as Saint Vitus Bar in Brooklyn was shut down by The NYC Department Of Buildings in the middle of Balmora’s set at the Mindforce show on Feb. 16. Many are questioning what happened and what to do next.
Saint Vitus Bar has been in operation since 2011 but since 2017, the company started receiving complaints about its certificate of occupancy, which got the attention of the city’s building department.
As Gothamreported, in May and June of 2023, the venue received dozens of identical complaints alleging a lack of maximum occupancy signs, an inappropriate certificate of occupancy, and a missing Public Assembly Certificate of Operation. The complaints started threatening to get the city involved, falling silent until September. This recent complaint sparked the inspection during the metal show.
As of Friday, September 22, 2023 the following are facts about 1120 Manhattan Avenue know to the public as Saint Vitus Bar: 1) Saint Vitus Bar does not have any maximum occupancy signs posted anywhere, and more often than not they host more people than their allotted maximum capacity. 2) Saint Vitus Bar’s most recent Certificate of Occupancy on file with the Department of Buildings does not allow it to operate as an eating/drinking establishment. There is no other Certificate of Occupancy or Letter of No Objection that supersedes their Certificate of Occupancy dated November 12, 1953…I will continue to make this complaint on a daily basis until either the Department of Buildings performs an inspection or until Saint Vitus Bar can remedy their situation.
The main question plaguing the venue owners and staff is who could have made these complaints. Do they have some personal vendetta against the venue? Why would the DOB come during the show? As one of the last independent venues operating in the city, it is a loss for the underground community. Bands scheduled for February and March now have to cancel shows and find new venues, which is difficult in a city like New York where acts are booked months in advance.
With the fishiness of the similar complaints, people believe it might be one disgruntled community member who was upset by the noise. Obviously, the venue needs to get their paperwork and rules in order, but hopefully, this isn’t the end of Saint Vitus.
Taylor is known for his covers, such as “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)” and “Handy Man”, as well as originals such as “Sweet Baby James”. The singer is also known for playing the leading role in Monte Hellman’s 1971 film Two-Lane Blacktop.
As a recording and touring artist, James is known for touching fans with his warm baritone voice and distinctive style of guitar-playing for more than 50 years, while setting a precedent to which countless young musicians have aspired. Since the release of his self-titled debut album in 1968, he has sold more than 100 million albums during the course of his successful songwriting and performing career, earning gold, platinum, and multi-platinum awards.
In early 2020, the songwriters hall of famer (2000) released “Break Shot”, a deeply personal and authentic audio-only memoir detailing his first 21 years. In addition, he also dropped American Standard, his 19th studio album, which made him the first musician to have a Billboard Top 10 album in each of the previous six decades and won him the 2021 Grammy Award for best traditional pop vocal album.
James has done a lot of touring in Europe, Canada, and the US in recent years. This summer, he will be joined by his All-star band; Kate Markowitz on vocals, Dorian Holley on vocals, Andrea Zonn on vocals and fiddle, Jimmy Johnson on bass, Steve Gadd on drums, Dean Parks on guitar, and Kevin Hays on keyboards.
James Taylor and his All-Star Band will perform at the Darien Lake Amphitheater, Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview, Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater and the Broadview Stage at SPAC. Tickets are exclusively available here.
James Taylor and His All-Star Band Tour Dates:
Apr 06,2024 –Tokyo Garden Theater, Tokyo, Japan
Apr 08, 2024 – Mall of Asia, Manila, Philippines
Apr 12, 2024 – Kings Park (Outdoor) Perth, Australia
Apr 13, 2024 – Kings Park (Outdoor) Perth, Australia
Apr 16, 2024 – Margaret Court Arena Melbourne, Australia
Apr 17, 2024 – Margaret Court Arena Melbourne, Australia
Apr 19, 2024 – Entertainment Centre Adelaide, Australia
Apr 21, 2024 – A Day On The Green at Sirromet Winery (Outdoor) Mt. Cotton, Australia
Apr 23, 2024 – Aware Super Theatre Sydney, Australia
Apr 24, 2024 – Aware Super Theatre Sydney, Australia
Apr 27, 2024 – A Day On The Green at Bimbadgen (Outdoor) Hunter Valley, Australia
Apr 28, 2024 – A Day On The Green at Centennial Vineyards (Outdoor) Bowral, Australia
Apr 30, 2024 – Spark Arena Auckland, New Zealand
May 01, 2024 – T.S.B. Bank Arena, Wellington, New Zealand
May 04, 2024 – Neal Blaisdell Center Honolulu, HI, United States
May 05, 2024 – A&B Amphitheater at Maui Arts & Cultural Center Maui, HI, United States
May 29, 2024 – Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles, CA, United States
May 31, 2024 – Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre Salt Lake City, UT, United States
Jun 02, 2024 – Red Rocks Amphitheatre Morrison, CO, United States
Jun 03, 2024 – Red Rocks Amphitheatre Morrison, CO, United States
Jun 05, 2024 – Starlight Theatre Kansas City, MO, United States
Jun 06, 2024 – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre St. Louis (Maryland Heights), MO, United States
Jun 08, 2024 – Ravinia Highland Park , IL, United States
Jun 09, 2024 – Ravinia Highland Park , IL, United States
Jun 11, 2024 – Ruoff Music Center Noblesville, IN, United States
Jun 12, 2024 – Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN, United States
Jun 14, 2024 – Simmons Bank Arena North Little Rock, AR, United States
Jun 15, 2024 – Lucas Oil Live at WinStar World Casino and Resort Thackerville, OK, United States
Jun 23, 2024 — Pine Knob Music Theatre Clarkston, MI, United States
Jun 25, 2024 – Darien Lake Amphitheater Darien Center , NY, United States
Jun 26, 2024 – Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview Syracuse, NY, United States
Jun 28, 2024 – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts Bethel Woods , NY, United States
Jun 30, 2024 – Maine Savings Amphitheater Bangor, ME, United States
Jul 01, 2024 – Bank of New Hamphshire Pavilion Gilford, NH, United States
Jul 03, 2024 – Tanglewood Lenox, MA, United States
Jul 04, 2024 – Tanglewood Lenox, MA, United States
Aug 30, 2024 – The Mann Philadelphia, PA, United States
Aug 31, 2024 – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater Wantagh, NY, United States
Sep 02, 2024 – Broadview Stage at SPAC Saratoga Springs, NY, United States
Sep 04, 2024 – Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater Bridgeport, CT, United States
Sep 05, 2024 – Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater Bridgeport, CT, United States
Sep 07, 2024 – The Pavilion at Star Lake Burgettstown, PA, United States
Sep 09, 2024 – MGM Music Hall at Fenway Boston, MA, United States
Sep 10, 2024 – MGM Music Hall at Fenway Boston, MA, United States
Sep 12, 2024 – Wolf Trap Filene Center Vienna, VA, United States
Sep 14, 2024 – Wolf Trap Filene Center Vienna, VA, United States
Sep 15, 2024 – Wolf Trap Filene Center Vienna, VA, United States
Two of New York’s upcoming stars join forces as Swoosh God and Chow Lee team-up for “My Life My Dream,” offering a taste into New York City’s new wave. The Harry Fraud produced record meshes well with the drill mold of production that has taken youthful contemporary music by storm. Featuring a looping sample from rock band Staind and their hit-record “So Far Away,” Swoosh God and Chow Lee take turns riding the beat.
Swoosh God and Chow Lee team-up for “My Life My Dream.”
About Swoosh God
For his part, Swoosh God hopes this marks the start of his second wind. After all, the Valley Stream native originally made waves during the “Soundcloud” era of hip hop, and created a virtual cult-following. Notably, Playboy Carti inked the cultural shape shifter to his label imprint at Interscope Records.
After departing his deal with Carti, Swoosh got back on his independent grind and continued to show why he was so heavily sought after and labeled a future star; including collaborations with Lil Uzi Vert, Juicy J, Rich The Kid, Famous Dex, Matt Ox, a placement on the NBA2K Soundtrack. Now, Swoosh is back with “My Life My Dream,” and a forthcoming project, Still Swoosh, set for release on March 1.
About Chow Lee
Fellow Long Island native Chow Lee continues to climb the metaphorical ladder. With his trademark sped-up flow, he adds an undeniable swagger to “My Life My Dream” that brings the song full circle. Moreover, Chow has seen his stock rise within the last year, performing at industry showcases while linking up with other upcoming talent like Swoosh God and Cash Cobain.
Sunrise Association has announced the 11th annual Rock The River benefit concert in Port Chester, taking place Thursday, April 11 at the Capitol Theatre.
photo by Scott Harris
Rock The River is meant to honor supporters at the “original rock palace” and benefit Sunrise Day Camp-Pearl River. The honorable awards will be presented to owner Peter Shapiro, General Manager Bruce Wheeler, and Head of Special Events, Emily Schmalholz. The awards in question are known as the Sunrise Community Partner Award and the Sunrise Champion Award.
Money raised from this benefit will support the vital work Sunrise Day Camp–Pearl River does for the community. Sunrise Day Camp brings the simple pleasures of childhood back to children struggling with cancer, changing months of loneliness and isolation into summers filled with sunshine, laughter and happiness.
The Capitol Theatre welcomes a performance by the legendary Steve Augeri, the former lead vocalist for Journey. In years prior, artists like Wyclef Jean, Melissa Etheridge, Max Weinberg and many more music icons.
The 11th annual Rock The River sponsored by Sunrise Association sees a wonderful evening of uplifting music by Steve Augeri. Along with this, the wonderful fundraising for ill children in need.
This is an evening of togetherness, music, and benefits for those in need. It showcases both the power of fundraising and the unity that music brings.
“We are honored & grateful to be the host venue of Rock The River for 10 years! Live music provides an impressive and organic sense of connection, this event is a natural fit. Over the years, we have formed an amazing partnership with Sunrise which has grown Rock The River year after year, working together to raise money for this incredibly important cause. I play just a small part in the success of this event and will continue to do my best to champion the cause in every way possible. I have no doubt that this partnership between The Capitol Theatre and Sunrise Day Camp will continue to grow so that we can continue to raise as much money as possible to send hundreds more children with cancer & their siblings to this incredible camp.”
Emily Schmalholz, Sunrise Champion Award Nominee
Doors to the concert open at 6:30pm, and music begins at 8pm. For more information on the Rock The River Benefit Concert or to make a donation, click here.
This March, two-time GRAMMY Award-winning Albany Symphony present the most celebrated instrumental work of the Baroque era, Antonio Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons. In addition to this classic violin concerto, The History of Red, a new vocal work by Reena Esmail will feature Soprano Molly Netter, and the nature-inspired work Murmurations, by Derek Bermel.
The pair of concerts will take place on Saturday, March 16 at 7:30pm and Sunday, March 17 at 3:00 at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall.
David Alan Miller, Music Director of Albany Symphony and Grammy-winning conductor.
The Four Seasons was composed in the early 1700’s and is the best known of Vivaldi’s works – a revolutionary work of musical tone-painting, based very literally on sonnets Vivaldi wrote to depict the seasons. Vivaldi’s imagery throughout the work includes flowing creeks, singing birds, a shepherd and his barking dog, buzzing flies, storms, drunken dancers and warm winter fires.
Albany Symphony Music Director, David Alan Miller, has invited four remarkable young violinists, specialists in authentic Baroque-style performance who recently graduated from the Juilliard School’s acclaimed Historical Performance program, to perform the four concertos that make up the “Four Seasons.” They include Ravenna Lipchik, Edson Scheid, Amelia Sie and Shelby Yamin, who will all be performing on authentic Baroque instruments.
We are so excited to present Vivaldi’s masterpiece as he himself may have heard it. Our four soloists are all brilliant interpreters of Baroque style, and we are very excited to welcome them. We’re also thrilled to present brilliant new works by two longtime friends of the Symphony, Reena Esmail and Derek Bermel. Reena’s work features Molly Netter, a remarkable vocal artist we’ve been eager to present. I promise this will be an absolutely delicious way to spend a cold winter’s evening or afternoon at the legendary Troy Savings Bank Music Hall.
David Alan Miller, Music Director of Albany Symphony.
The Symphony will perform Reena Email’s The History of Red, inspired by the first time the composer heard Samuel Barber’s Knoxville: Summer of 1915 at the Ford Theater in Los Angeles with her parents. Hearing this piece at age 14 was a pivotal moment in her decision to become a composer. The History of Red is a work for soprano and orchestra in which the singer grapples with the world around her. Chickasaw poet and writer Linda Hogan’s beautiful text is clearly the voice of an adult woman, aware not only of her current world, but of the entire, complex history of her ancestors. She is an Indian-America composer whose work bridges the worlds of Indian and Western Classical music and holds degrees from The Julliard School and the Yale School of Music.
I wrote this piece as the pandemic was raging around the world, as the effects of decades of racism hit a new fever pitch in the US, and as we headed into the 2020 presidential election with so much trepidation. My own complicated history, and the history of this time, is also embedded in every note of this piece.
Composer Reena Email
Featured vocalist Canadian-American Soprano Molly Netter is highly sought after as a soloist, with engagements including her debut with the New York Philharmonic, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Julia Wolfe’s Steel Hammer at Carnegie Hall, the premiere of Katherine Balch’s Illuminate with the California Symphony, as well as solo appearances with both the Fort Worth and Johnstown Symphonies for Handel’s Messiah.
The program also features Derek Bermel’s Murmurations, composed in 2015, which depicts vivid imagery through music. When Bermel listens to and watches a string orchestra perform, he is reminded of a flock of birds. They glide and dive in formation, soaring together or splitting into layers of counterpoint before regrouping into a single unit. According to Bermel, during a year living in Rome, he was often treated to the graceful spectacle of a starling murmuration. Their stunning, geometrical displays of aviation prior to settling down for the night are a humbling sight. In Murmurations, he attempted to map onto a musical structure some of the behavior he observed in the starlings’ flight.
The world-renowned Jennifer Lopez has been getting ready for her much awaited This Is Me…Now The Tour, with three stops in the Metropolitan area.
Over one week in August, JLo can be seen in Belmont Park at UBS Arena, Newark at the Prudential Center and in Manhattan at Madison Square Garden.
Lopez, known for her influence and electrifying performances, is returning to the stage. This follows her successful 2019 tour, which saw her earn over $50 million and sell out venues all over the country.
The singer’s return is intricately tied to her latest album, This Is Me…Now, just released on February 16. Following a five-year break, JLo is returning to the stage with hits from her most recent album and chart-topping songs. Still, fans eagerly anticipate her return. Supporters can expect a diverse musical and emotional saga, which combines pop, R&B, and hip-hop elements to tell her authentic tale of personal development, resiliency, and self-love.
Join the JLo Fan Club presale to secure a front-row seat beginning at 9:00 AM on Tuesday, February 20. Further, be sure to reserve a spot for the general on-sale via LiveNation.com on Friday, February 23 at 10 AM, as CITI and Verizon are also offering exclusive presales.
In addition to releasing an album, JLo is giving her fans a sneak peek at This Is Me…Now: A Love story on Prime Video. This story-driven cinematic odyssey dportrays her quest for love. “Can’t Get Enough,” the first single, is already becoming popular across all platforms.
Mark your calendars for the New York stops: UBS Arena in Belmont Park on August 9; Prudential Center in Newark, NJ, on August 10; and Madison Square Garden on August 16, 2024. In the meantime, let Jennifer Lopez show you why she is a timeless icon of pop-culture.
Long-term collaborators Neil Young and Crazy Horse have announced their “Love Earth” Tour in support of their new album FU##IN’ UP, making a stop at the Forest Hills Stadium in Queens on May 14 and 15.
The Canadian singer-songwriter who has been a major music figure known for his willingness to embrace innovation while staying true to his unique artistic vision will team up with his long-term collaborators to release a nine-song body of work FU##IN’ UP on April 26 and in addition to announcing their new album, the duo have released the details of their “Love Earth” which will commence across North America in April and May.
The album FU##IN’ UP reveals both Neil Young and Crazy Horse in all their ragged glory playing songs from their long relationship. The duo have played together for over 50 years and the performances of these familiar songs, recorded in 2023, is a true highlight. As Neil explains, “In the spirit it’s offered…made this for the Horse lovers. I can’t stop it. The horse is runnin’. What a ride we have. I don’t want to mess with the vibe. I am so happy to have this to share.”
Neil Young art by ‘java’ john goldacker
Neil Young and Crazy Horse released World Recordin 2022 and in Spring 2023, Young, Nils Logfren, Ralph Molina and Billy Talbot released All Roads Lead Home. FU##IN’ UP will feature the core Crazy Horse members as well as Young’s son Micah on vocals, piano and guitar. Fans can pre save their album here.
Neil Young and Crazy Horse will perform their “Love Earth” Tour at the Forest Hills Stadium in Queens for two nights on May 14 and 15 and tickets can be found here.
Neil Young and Crazy Horse “Love Earth” Tour Dates:
Wed Apr 24 – San Diego, CA – Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre
Thu Apr 25 – San Diego, CA – Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre
Sat Apr 27 – Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre
Wed May 01 – Austin, TX – Germania Insurance Amphitheater
Thu May 02 – Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion
Sun May 05 – Huntsville, AL – Orion Amphitheater
Tue May 07 – Atlanta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
Wed May 08 – Franklin, TN – FirstBank Amphitheater
Sat May 11 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live
Sun May 12 – Camden, NJ – Freedom Mortgage Pavilion
Tue May 14 – Queens, NY – Forest Hills Stadium
Wed May 15 – Queens, NY – Forest Hills Stadium
Fri May 17 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center
Sat May 18 – Bridgeport, CT – Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater
Mon May 20 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage
Wed May 22 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre
Thu May 23 – Chicago, IL – Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island
Joe Russo’s Almost Dead (JRAD) has announced they are headlining Peach at the Beach, a full day of live music at the new Summer Concert Stage at ISLAND Water Park at Showboat Resort in Atlantic City, NJ, on Saturday, July 13, presented by the team behind Peach Fest.
The Peach at the Beach, inspired by the legendary music of the Allman Brothers Band, also features Dogs In A Pile, Trouble No More performing the Allman Brothers Band iconic album Eat A Peach, Karina Rykman, Mykal Rose of Black Uhuru, and more.
Peach Fest is taking a pause this year – making this the perfect place to gather the Peach community for a day of peach, love, and happiness in Atlantic City.
The theme of The Peach at the Beach is reconnecting with friends and embracing the essence of what makes The Peach so unique. Their mission is to continue spreading as much love and positive energy as possible.
The Summer Concert Stage at ISLAND Waterpark at Showboat Resort is Atlantic City’s newest concert venue, located outdoors among the sand, the sea, and stars, steps away from the beach, and boardwalk. It is the largest indoor beachfront waterpark in the world, covering 120,000 square feet and holding more than 317,000 gallons of water, with 11 crazy slides.
An early bird presale will begin on Thursday, February 22 at 10 a.m. ahead of the general on-sale on Friday, February 23 at 10 a.m., available here.
Super VIP packages, which include access to a Friday night pre-party set, a Saturday late-night set, and passes to the ISLAND Water Park at Showboat Resort on Saturday are also available at the above link. VIP and GA+ tickets include passes to the ISLAND Water Park at Showboat on Saturday with additional amenities.
Long Island’s largest and longest running four-day music and art festival is back with another groovy lineup. The Great South Bay Music Festival will host their 16th anniversary at Shorefront Park in Patchogue, NY. The festival is sponsored by Voodoo Ranger.
The Great South Bay Music Festival in 2019
The elite festival will take place July 18 through 21 and will host a wide variety of artists of many genres. Contemporary and classic rock, jazz, jam, blues, Americana, ska, reggae, alternative and funk will be represented this summer with over 60 featured artists.
Also included in the festival are several draft beer and wine tents, along with a food court of diverse selections. A craft market will also be showcased. The fest will present four very different days of music, with a lineup of headline artists alongside cutting-edge rising stars.
Featured artists include blues-rock legend Joe Bonamassa, Jim Messina of Buffalo Springfield, and phenom guitarist Brandon “Taz” Niederauer. Saturday is Jam Day and continuing the Grateful Dead Live Concert Experience as no one else can, is Dark Star Orchestra. Newly added acts include Start Making Sense, Aqua Cherry, Funkin A, Enrose, Rob Europe, Chris Ruben Band, Lex Grey & Urban Pioneers, Stanton Anderson Band, Imposters, Drop The 4, Chloe Halpin, & IRIEspect.
The Disco Biscuits support with their brand of “Trancefusion”, bridging the gap between electronic music and jam bands. Also appearing is Asbury Park New Jersey’s famed quintet: Dogs In A Pile, Dopapod, psychedelic indie-rocker Karina Rykman and more.
Closing out the Great South Bay Music Festival is legendary rock group YES. Accompanying the Sunday stage is Jethro Tull guitarist Martin Barre, and Talking Heads Tribute: Start Making Sense.
Festival Times:
Thursday, July 18: Doors are at 3:00 pm, fest goes till 10pm.
Friday, July 19: Doors are at 3:00PM, music till 11pm,
Saturday July 20.: Doors are at 1:00pm, music till 11pm,
Sunday July 21: Doors are at 2:00pm with performances till 10pm.
Ticket price includes all concerts and entertainment. Food and beverages not included. Children under 10 are free. For more information on The Great South Bay Music Festival and tickets, click here.
Charles Carlini Presents has announced the return of the inaugural Guitar Masters Festival in NYC this April. The bash lasts for five days from April 25 to 29, featuring a lineup curated with some of the world’s most exceptional guitarists, celebrating the art of string mastery.
The show will kick off at the John Birks Gillespie Auditorium with the wildly talented acoustic guitarist Kaki King. The following night will take place at Klavierhaus with six wonderous guitarists scheduled to perform. These artists are Steve Cardenas, Joel Harrison, Brad Shepik, Max Light, Pete McCann, and Grant Gordy. This entire show will be a diverse showcase of musical talent.
Guitarist Gilad Hekselman
Audiences can expect to be dazzled by several genres, styles, and musical artists throughout the progression of the event. The final night, April 29 will see a large lineup of top-of-the-line jazz musicians performing all-time hits for audience enjoyment.
Charles Carlini, the visionary behind the event, has an enthusiastic hope for an amazing, unforgettable music experience with only the best guitarists in the world. The Guitar Masters Festival is one to attend, and Carlini hopes to continue the tradition every year.
