The Bronx Music Heritage Center has announced their 10th annual Melrose Parranda, a musical Puerto Rican holiday procession, for December 21.
Developed as a performance venue and community cultural center, the Bronx Music Hall is dedicated to cultivating and showcasing the vibrant music, dance, theater, and interdisciplinary arts of the borough.
With a 250-person performance theater, grand lobby and exhibit hall, rehearsal rooms and classrooms, and an outdoor amphitheater and plaza, the space of the Bronx Music Hall is as versatile as the creatives it hosts.
In addition to creations of the modern day, the BMH acts as the permanent home for the Women’s Housing and Economic Development Corporation (WHEDco)’s Bronx Music Heritage Center, which preserves and promotes the history of the artists of the Bronx while simultaneously cultivating the creatives of today.
Among the Center’s vast collection of events is their time honored Melrose Parranda. Rooted in the Puerto Rican caroling tradition, folks participating in the festivities can expect to join the parade led by members of the Bronx music and cultural community including Jorge Vásquez, Matthew Gonzales, and Bobby Sanabria.
Each stop along the parranda will feature a different casita reminiscent of the homes on the countryside of Puerto Rico, winding through the Melrose Commons and community gardens before concluding at “La Casita de Chema,” or Rincón Criollo Centro Cultural, a casita renowned for its musical legacy.
Now in its tenth year of tradition, the parranda will feature a set of new businesses incorporated within the route in addition to its routine program booklet with information on the traditions and lyrics on some of the songs to be sung during the night of festivities.
The tenth annual Melrose Holiday Parranda will be hosted on Saturday, December 21. This event is completely free and open to the public. To RSVP and learn more, check out the event’s page here.
To learn more about the Bronx Music Heritage Center, the Bronx Music Hall, and their calendar of events, be sure to visit the space’s official website here.
The Bronx’s newest independent live music venue and community center, Bronx Music Hall, recently celebrated its grand opening as the first venue of its kind in the Bronx in over 50 years.
Located at 438 East 163rd Street in Melrose is the Bronx Music Hall, a newly constructed $15.4 million facility that celebrates the history and future of the Bronx’s vibrant music scene.
The space boasts a total of 14,000 square feet for its music hall and community cultural center made in development with the nonprofit Women’s Housing and Economic Development Corporation, or WHEDco for short. Bronx Music Hall aims to not only provide a space for local musicians to perform but to also allow creatives of all kinds to gather, create, and celebrate their works.
Constructed as a part of WHEDco’s Bronx Commons mixed-use development, the Bronx Music Hall features a 250-person capacity performance theater, a grand lobby and exhibition hall, a multipurpose room and dance studio, a green room, a recording studio and post-production room, and two adjacent plazas with amphitheater-style seating for outdoor performances.
Designed to serve an estimated 20,000 visitors annually, the center will offer live music, dance, and spoken word performances, classes in music and dance, theater workshops and productions, a youth orchestra, film screenings, art exhibitions, community showcases, and more.
“The opening of the Bronx Music Hall marks a new chapter in the cultural and economic renaissance of the South Bronx. This project embodies our commitment to supporting vibrant, inclusive communities through strategic investments in the arts and creative industries. This new venue will not only celebrate the borough’s incredible musical legacy but also serve as a catalyst for job creation, tourism, and long-term economic growth.”
– Hope Knight, Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner
Beyond displaying the skills of the Bronx, the BMH plans to foster the next generation of creatives within the borough through educational and cultural partnerships to inspire community engagement and the pursuing of careers in the arts.
In addition to the facility’s new endeavors, it now provides WHEDco’s Bronx Music Heritage Center a bigger and better space to call home. Founded in 2010, the BMHC preserves and promotes the rich musical history of the Bronx while cultivating and reviving the borough’s music scene today.
“Over decades the Bronx produced more popular music than any place in our country for the simple reason that different cultural traditions lived alongside one another… The Bronx Music Hall will spotlight the sounds of new Americans from around the globe, as well as Bronx born artists like Prince Royce, Romeo Santos, Jennifer Lopez, Cardi B, French Montana, and Samara Joy.”
– Nancy Biberman, Founder of WHEDco and President Emerita
BMHC highlights the evolution of the Bronx as a people and how periods of successive migration introduced distinctive sounds to one another, evolving into entirely new genres such as hip-hop, which saw its inception in the 1970s within the borough’s communities.
With their new space and resources at hand, the BMHC will continue the Bronx’s history of creative innovation with free cultural programs and free or low-cost music and dance classes for folks of all ages.
This giant step forwards in the Bronx creative community was made possible by a series of grants awarded to the WHEDco from the New York City Regional Economic Development Council, I LOVE NY’s Market New York program, and the National Endowment for the Arts.
To learn more about what the Bronx Music Hall has to offer, how to visit, and events to attend, be sure to check out their official website here.
Bronx native, hip-hop musician, and professional yo-yoer Richard Pigkaso has released the music video for “Ready, Set, Go,” alongside “Wanna Play With My Yo-Yo?” ahead of the release of the album slated to be his final studio release.
Born in Castle Hill in the Bronx, Richard Pigkaso has been influenced by old school Hip Hop and R&B since youth. Described as a loner and often set apart from the crowd for being marching to the beat of his own drum, Pigkaso found solace and joy in the yoyo.
“It became my creative outlet because I would always be alone – playing video games, going outside and not having many friends. I realized it became something calming for me. Something that allowed me to forget what was going on in my life at that point.”
– Pigkaso
Over time, playing with the classic toy grew from a simple hobby to an impressive skill he showed off in competitions across the United States- even qualifying in a few international meets. The joy of the yo-yo has never left Pigkaso’s heart, but since graduating from college he saw his horizons broadened with the exciting addition of music as a medium.
Pigkaso’s musical ventures have brought him incredible joy already, but with his upcoming release he hopes to expand his love for the yo-yo and channel his musical roots through a message of love and support for those who struggle to find acceptance within themselves.
Lusus Naturae 3: You’re Beautiful Gorgeous is set to be Pigkaso’s final studio album as an artist, the culmination of both his image as the humble and charismatic yo-yoer and the ambitious emcee inextricably tied to the Bronx.
With a hard-hitting beat and one piece of the culminating lyrical royale that is the album, “Wanna Play With My Yo-Yo?” will excite old listeners and new with its hard-hitting sound.
In addition to the release of “Wanna Play With My Yo-Yo?” is the publication of the official music video for “Ready, Set, Go,” fittingly utilizing sharp editing tricks and an overarching race car driving theme.
Pigkaso’s final studio release Lusus Naturae 3: You’re Beautiful Gorgeous, the culmination of his multidisciplinary skill as a yo-yoer and musician, will release on November 15, 2024.
To learn more about Pigkaso, his past work, and all future ventures, check out his official website here.
Thirty years ago, one of hip-hop’s biggest stars prepared to release his debut album. Biggie Smalls, The Notorious B.I.G, or Biggie, whichever nomenclature most suits you, had recorded one of the most important and influential albums of not only his era, but in hip hop and music history. As rap music began to take its place as part of mainstream culture, there was no telling what would follow with the release of Ready to Die on September 13, 1994.
Now, a full three decades later, it’s impossible to ignore the impact of Biggie’s only non-posthumous release. For a Brooklyn native, Biggie’s music is ever-present; blasting through the speakers of passing cars, in stores, and especially at parties (even now, no party is complete without a splash of “Warning” or “Mo Money Mo Problems”).
In Brooklyn, Biggie’s impact is found everywhere. You won’t get too far without seeing a mural dedicated to him. From East New York to Bay Ridge to Caroll Gardens, his face is plastered on walls, t-shirts, and merchandise in almost every store, and one of his most iconic (and laughably ironic) quotes from “Juicy” is spray painted everywhere: “Spread love, it’s the Brooklyn way.” Bed-Stuy revels in his impact on hip hop and the borough, as Biggie repped Brooklyn hard. Hence, now the city immortalizes him within the city’s infrastructure, with the city even naming the street he was born on after him. Rappers copied everything he had to offer; his flow, his style, his music subjects. They even would gather an entourage that was similar to Junior M.A.F.I.A., and of course, would copy his “beef” with Tupac.
Biggie’s Legacy
However, his legacy doesn’t stop at street signs and t-shirts or even music itself. The impact of his death (and Tupac Shakur’s) rewrote the rules to which an artist gains mainstream momentum.In the years following his and Tupac’s deaths, listeners were itching for another great conflict, missing the frequent drama and excitement and excellent music it brought. The entertainment of the Bigge-Tupac beef was what plunged rap into the mainstream, and it was only a matter of time before it became a regular aspect of the culture.
Amidst the influx of West Coast success (The Chronic, Doggystyle), Biggie, Nas & Wu Tang helped turn the tide, bringing a certain grit that over produced West Coast beats could not match. After all, Ready to Die was a testament to Biggie’s days as a young hustler just trying to make it big, as he details the life in the streets and the drug game. The album featured artists that would later be leading figures in hip hop, including Diddy, Method Man, and Lil’ Kim. The three singles released in anticipation of the album, “Juicy,” “Big Poppa,” and “One More Chance,” charted on the Billboard Hot 200 and were certified Gold (“Juicy”) and Platinum (“Big Poppa” and “One More Chance”) by the RIAA.
The Aftermath of Ready to Die
The surmounting success of Biggie’s debut implemented a drastic change in the culture’s perception of hip-hop. Rap was now a serious contender in the music industry, developing its own subculture with a discernable music and fashion style. Rappers from both coasts became more present in media, each competing for the top spot in the game; Biggie, Diddy, and Wu-Tang Clan from the East, and Dr. Dre, N.W.A, and Tupac from the West.
But with this emergence, a dark side followed. West Coast rappers were still gaining traction in the scene, battling with East Coast rappers for the top spots on the charts and within the zeitgeist. Biggie’s Ready to Die caused an almost cult-like following to develop in New York, forming the group Junior M.A.F.I.A. soonafter. In November of 1994, just two months after Ready to Die was released, California-based rapper Tupac was shot and robbed at Quad Studios in New York. By the time news of the shooting broke, most people speculated that Junior M.A.F.I.A was behind it, even if the shooters were completely unrelated. But this didn’t stop Pac from publicly pointing the finger at Biggie
Every Man For Himself
The music industry competitive, and there was simply not enough room for every rapper to become mainstream. Thus began an incredibly competitive culture within the genre, constantly pushing each newest member to “pick a side,” both for protection and the advancement of their career.
Within this competitiveness, the culture of “rap beef” became part of the norm for the genre. Rappers were never ones to shy away from expressing their disdain towards their peers.
It was during these three years that rap listeners were taking sides, proving their loyalty to the coasts, and in turn, their leaders. The Biggie vs. Tupac battle was dominating the hip-hop industry, with rappers that weren’t even affiliated with the main rivals picking sides and taking shots at one another.
All of the media attention and perceived beef would eventually lead to the tragically early deaths of both Biggie and Tupac. In September of 1996, Tupac was shot and killed in Las Vegas, when he was only 25. Six months later, in March of 1997, Biggie was shot and killed in Los Angeles at the age of 24.
Biggie’s Legacy and The Development of Rap Beef
Despite its tragic ending, Biggie and Tupac’s battles were just the beginning of this development in rap culture. Rap music may have lost two of its biggest stars, but that didn’t mean that the competitiveness of the genre was ever going to end. Rap beef was now implemented into the culture and a proven method to generate album sales.
The 2000s saw several incredibly entertaining and fundamental beefs between rappers that really elevated the genre to where it is today; Jay-Z and Nas, 50 Cent and Ja Rule, LL Cool J and Canibus, Nicki Minaj and Lil’ Kim, and so many more went through periods of time throwing shade at, or outright dissing one another on their tracks. For many rappers, their best chance at catapulting their careers was through conflict. 50 Cent became a household name through his feud with Ja Rule. While Nas’ feud with Jay-Z brought out the best out of him.
After the tragic ending of the Biggie and Tupac feud, rap beef became less of a genuine feud and more of a corporate tool to keep hip-hop in the mainstream. There was also this sense that a rap beef would make or break someone’s career. If a rapper admitted to losing their beef, their career was on standby or disappeared completely. Some credit 50 Cent’s endless dissing of Ja Rule led to his demise, while Canibus suffered perceived losses to LL Cool J and Eminem, helping kill his flame.
Hip Hop Bo Longer Jumping
During the last few years, rap has grown stale. The lyrical charm was wearing off, and the idea that rap was “so different” from other kinds of music, what originally made it stand out against pop, rock, and other existing trends, was no longer true. Rap, even though it dominated radio and Billboard charts and popular culture, was no longer something unique and special; rather, it was a pre-packaged, commercialized version of what listeners were getting pre-hip hop.
The genre has been performing poorly on the charts since 2020 after it started to turn to social media platforms like TikTok to advertise. Even if this did help more people reach the genre, it paved the way for thousands of artists to overload the app with their own music, so much so that it all began to blend together, devoid of originality or effort, and more concerned with “blowing up on TikTok” than saying or doing anything truly meaningful or different.
A New Age
The way we listen to music now has also played a major role; before streaming, purchasing physical copies of music meant that you could only choose a few albums at a time, or pick one and stick to it until the next album comes out. Now, we have the largest access to all of the world’s music on streaming services, whether it be Spotify, Apple Music, Soundcloud, or YouTube. Even if a rapper isn’t selling a physical copy of their music, or hasn’t been signed to an actual record label, you can access their music at any point. It’s a double-edged sword: you’re able to gain knowledge of incredible underground talent, but you’re also able to find someone that outshines them in less than ten seconds.
Rap “beef” also took a major turn. Instead of violent threats or disses, the “beef” became more about revealing a rapper’s secrets. We see this especially with the beef between Pusha T and Drake, when Pusha revealed Drake’s secret son in “The Story of Adidon” before Drake had the chance to do the Adidas advertisement with him. There was now a fundamental shift in what rap beef was about; it was no longer a race to the top based on merit or skill, but about character.
Drake v. Kendrick
This brings us to the one and only Drake. Over the course of Drake’s almost two-decade-long career, he has amassed rivals spanning across multiple genres, from The Weeknd, to Pusha T, Kanye West, Meek Mill, to even his own mentor Lil’ Wayne. After all, the rumor mills say that he took music from The Weeknd for his GRAMMY-winning album Take Care and he has ghostwriters. All of these were accusations that would hurt any other rapper’s career, yet Drake was able to stay at the top of the rap game for years afterward. He continued to dominate the charts, and every album he released quickly rose to the top. Rendering impermissible to decline.
That is until Kendrick Lamar reemerged onto the scene. With “Euphoria,” where Kendrick makes scathing accusations over a six-minute track accusing Drake of being a gambler, drug addict, and neglectful father. While also reminding the world of Drake’s not-so-spotless record with women and underage girls.
What Now?
But in an era where hip-hop has become so stale, even the reactions and consequences of a rivalry this intense are stale. The biggest and most impactful consequence of Kendrick’s diss tracks was a crowd of over 20,000 shouting, “Tryna strike a chord and it’s probably A-minor,” at The Pop Out in Inglewood on Juneteenth.
However, there is something different about this rivalry that encompasses what rap beef has become about in the last three decades. It’s no longer a physical game, it’s a mental one. Kendrick did not set out to physically harm Drake in any capacity.
Kendrick’s accusations against Drake, combined with people bumping “Not Like Us” all summer, reveal something to the audience more sinister than violence. This was not a rap beef that was essentially a petty argument about who was “better” Kendrick set out to start and finish this beef by ending Drake’s credibility within hip hop culture. He wants Drake’s impact on rap reversed. In the end, he doesn’t want Drake dead, he just wants Drake gone.
It’s hard to tell whether or not Drake is going to be able to bounce back from the blow of “Not Like Us.” Having crowds of people, including some of the biggest stars and Drake’s own personal idols, singing “You not a colleague, you a f—kin colonizer” will not be easy to retaliate against. Perhaps Drake should listen to “What’s Beef” and take this one on the chin.
In the vibrant land of New York City, each borough offers its unique culture, style, and history. In music, the historic jazz clubs of Harlem, projecting unforgettable stars like Duke Ellington, to the indie rock bands in Brooklyn, Manhattan’s Broadway avenues, Queen’s melting pot of cultural musicians, the Bronx’s hip-hop roots, and Staten Island’s hidden diamonds, the city offers something for everyone.
The Rockwood Music Hall is a small live music venue on NYCâs Lower East Side, with world-class sound and a storied history. Anchored by a 9âx9â stage and a Welte & Sons baby grand piano, Rockwood hosts artists of all genres and musical styles, 7 days a week.
The club is filled with vibrant jazz-loving people from all over the world. The musicians are all top-rate and playing their hearts out for an adoring and sympathetic crowd.
Irving Plaza is a ballroom-style music venue located within the Union Square neighborhood of Manhattan in New York City. It was featured on the Complex City Guide list of “50 Best Concert Venues of America” in 2013.
Webster Hall is one of New York’s most significant large 19th-century assembly halls, and it became famous for its Bohemian masquerade balls in the 1910s and 1920s.
Known for its mix of local talent and acoustic acts, the funky venue has an intimate stage for all performances. As a local staple of the East Village, locals and visitors love then venue.
The Bitter End is a 230-person capacity nightclub, coffeehouse, and folk music venue in New York City’s Greenwich Village. It opened in 1961 at 147 Bleeker Street under the auspices of owner Fred Weintraub. The club changed its name to The Other End in June 1975. However, after a few years, the owners changed the club’s name back to the more recognizable The Bitter End.
The Mercury Lounge is celebrated as an iconic indie venue due to its acoustics, its fostering and even launching of upcoming artists, and its no-frills, rock n’ roll presentation. It has made numerous top-ten lists over the years including that of Billboard Magazine. It has a capacity of 250 people.
LPR is a music venue and multimedia art cabaret in New York City founded in 2008. The performance space was designed and engineered by John Storyk/WSDG. It has become known for its focus on artistry, bringing contemporary classical music into the club setting, offering a variety of setups so that a seated classical performance can be followed by a standing set by a rock band or a DJ.
Sounds of Brazil, known as S.O.B.âs, is a legendary live music venue in the lower Manhattan neighborhood of SoHo. It was opened by owner and director Larry Gold in June 1982. Gold opened the venue to expose the musical wealth and heritage of the Afro-Latino Diaspora to as many people as possible.
Nublu is a unique club and record label from the cultural epicenter of New York City, the East Village. There are three entities of the Nublu universe, a live music venue, a record label, and a recently launched Nublu Jazz Festival which has premiered in NYC, Sao Paul and Istanbul.
Being a staple in the East Village, the venue is owned and operated by rock and roll lifers. Known for the raw and gritty charm, the establishment hosts rising stars.
The Gramercy Theatre is a music venue in New York City. It is located in the Gramercy neighborhood of Manhattan, on 127 East 23rd Street. Built in 1937 as the Gramercy Park Theatre, it is owned and operated by Live Nation as one of their two concert halls in New York City, the other being the nearby Irving Plaza.
The Red Lion is a living, breathing Rock-n-Roll juke box. This is the place where bands get their start, making their bones, paying the rent and barely paying their tab. Just like the Rolling Stones did with their first three albums: Interpreting the songs they loved the best.
The Rooftop at Pier 17is New York Cityâs most scenic concert stage. A dynamic open-air entertainment venue, set five stories above the East River, concert goers annually see their favorite artists within an intimate atmosphere (3,500 capacity), all from a one-of-a-kind rooftop location with direct views of such iconic skyline landmarks as the Brooklyn Bridge, Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, and One World Trade Center.
Groove is a venue that remains, honoring the rich musical tradition of Greenwich Village. Groove has seen many changes since opening in 1998, but the mission to uplift local musicians and fans and to preserve the soul of American music continues to this day.
Dueling Pianos is an all-request, rock-and-roll party where you pick the playlist. Two top piano entertainers, mixing music, comedy and audience interaction in a singalong, laugh-along, dance-along show! Itâs everything from Billy Joel to Bon Jovi, Britney Spears to Bruno Mars. Nothing is off-limits from pop, rock, country, hip-hop, hairbands, disco, punk rock, standards, showtunes.
The Beacon Theatre was developed by Samuel “Roxy” Rothafel and built as a movie palace with 2,894 seas across three levels. The theater is designated as a New York City interior landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Part palace, part industrial shed, Park Avenue Armory fills a critical void in the cultural ecology of New York, supporting unconventional works in the performing and visual arts that cannot be fully realized in a traditional proscenium theater, concert hall, or white wall gallery. With its soaring 55,000-square-foot Wade Thompson Drill Hall and an array of exuberant period rooms, the Armory enables a diverse range of artists to create, students to explore, and audiences to experience epic, adventurous, relevant work that cannot be done elsewhere in New York.
The National Sawdust commissions, produces, and presents cultural programming rooted in sound, supporting artists in various disciplines who are passionate about experimentation and innovation. In its intimate venue equipped with a state-of-the-art spatial sound system, National Sawdust connects audiences to the performing arts’ powers to inspire deep thinking, joy, and uphold human dignity.
Elsewhere is a multi-room music venue, nightclub, and arts space in Bushwick, Brooklyn. Our focus is underground and unbound music, presented with love. Since 2017, Elsewhereâs three stories of dance floors and stages have been home to expansive sonic offerings for all New Yorkers to explore. We are and will forever remain fiercely independent.
Located next door to The Brooklyn Monarch, The Meadows is quickly becoming a late night hotspot. This 500 capacity venue is an oasis, complete with a full bar, food, and trippy picturesque backyard with a seasonal outdoor stage.
Skinny Dennis is located in the heart of Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The bar features 18 beers on draft, our signature cocktails, a vintage jukebox and our INfamous Willie’s Frozen Coffee. Since February 2013, Skinny Dennis has been home to the some of the best live country & roots music in New York City. Offering high quality musical entertainment 7 nights a week.
Quirky Brooklyn bar prized for ‘divey’ vibes, eclectic decor & live performances in the back room. The eclectic decor within the bar adds and build unique character and is a local favorite.
Opened in September of 2008, the warehouse venue hosts big-name acts & up-and-comers. Before opening, the space was used for recording the NPR program “Ask Me Another.”
On November 24, 1928, Brooklyn Paramount introduced the most immersive entertainment experience the world had ever seen. Crowds stretched around the block to leave the world behind for a baroque palace of overwhelming spectacle and groundbreaking performances. Emboldened as âAmericaâs first movie theater built for sound,â Brooklyn Paramount set the stage for a storied saga of beginnings.
Located within the former horse stable of the ASPCA HQ, The Atrium is a cocktail bar and plant based restaurant that transforms into a late night music space. The room is crowned by a historic skylight and imposing 20â² columns that frame a monolithic travertine bar. The Atrium hosts a diverse range of record selectors over dinner service and internationally touring DJâs later in the evening.
With 15,000+ square feet of space on each of two floors featuring high ceilings and ample open space. 3,000 person capacity uniquely positioned to take advantage of the burgeoning Hollywood movie and TV rental business in Brooklyn. The Hangar also has a pre-approved NY State-certified Soundstage/New York State Qualified Production Facility (QPF) for usage rights.
Opened in 1999, Pete’s Candy Store continues as Williamsburg’s original live music venue. Featuring acts such as Will Oldham, Beth Orton, Devendra Barnhart and Norah Jones, this small venue and neighborhood tavern developed an early reputation for special shows and rare treats. While the list of noteworthy performers is quite lengthy, Pete’s Candy Store has always been a free venue and has booked mostly unknown and unsigned bands, many of which have gone on to greater recognition.
The Kings Theatre, formerly Loew’s Kings Theatre, is a live performance venue in the Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York City. Opened by Loew’s Theatres as a movie palace in 1929 and closed in 1977, the theater sat empty for decades until a complete renovation was initiated in 2010.
The Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island is an outdoor live entertainment venue within the Childs Restaurants building on the Riegelmann Boardwalk in Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York City. The venue opened in June 2016.
Founded in 2014, Câmon was born out of a desire to amplify the underserved creative voices of LGBTQ/QTPOC people (and allies) and to serve as a safe space for the queer community.
Brooklyn Music Kitchen is Brooklynâs newest music infusion giving local and global artists the opportunity to perform, record and stream their live performances from a fully loaded sound and video stage.
TV Eye is a new kind of night club on a geographical and cultural frontier, proudly occupying both a space on the edge of the Bushwick/Ridgewoodborder and in the vanguard of contemporary nightlife.
Industrial-chic venue of rehearsal space, art studios & rooftop bar with live music, films & snacks. From indie to R&B offers a great offering of rising artists.
Established in 2013, Babyâs All Right is an independently funded & operated music venue in the heart of Williamsburg. Its intimate, 250-capacity show room has hosted past perfomers including SZA, Cypress Hill, Lil Yachty, Blood Orange, Charli XCX, Mac DeMarco, James Murphy, David Byrne, Hot Chip, Courtney Barnett, Willow Smith, Jack White, Billie Eilish & many more.
This spot is a favorite hangout and go-to spot for live music and draft beers. Regularly hosting live performances, the venue has the perfect atmosphere for a casual night outing.
The Music Hall of Williamsburg us operated by the Bowery Presents, a group stemming from Bowery Ballroom that was brought by AEG in 2017. The Music Hall of Williamsburg has a capacity of 650 people and has shows on most nights of the week.
Imagine retreating back in time to enjoy live jazz in an intimate, restored 19th-century Victorian brownstone in the historical district of Brooklynâs Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood. Brownstone Jazz presents jazz concerts complete with a piano, bass, drum set and other acoustic instruments as well. A Southern fish-fry buffet and open mic sessions add to the experience.
Gemini & Scorpio, two funky Brooklyn gals, have been running the second-largest non-commercial New York City events list since 2002, spreading the word on underground happenings you’d otherwise never hear about. They are also the makers of themed costume parties with live entertainment: legendary happenings from wild circus throw downs to dazzling vintage dance socials to one-of-a-kind Russian baths bashes.
Address: 267 Douglass St 3rd floor, Brooklyn, NY 11217
Issue Project Room A pioneering Brooklyn-based performance nonprofit founded in 2003, ISSUE presents projects by interdisciplinary artists that expand the boundaries of artistic practice and stimulate critical dialogue in the broader community. ISSUE serves as a leading cultural incubator, facilitating the commission and premiere of innovative new works spanning genres of music, dance, literature and film.
Formerly Queens Theatre in the Park and before that Queens Playhouse, is an American professional theatre, located in Flushing MeadowsâCorona Park, Queens, New York City, New York.
Address : Flushing Meadows Corona Park, 14 United Nations Ave S, Queens, NY 11368
Terraza 7 is a live music venue and community center; the perfect hub for local art, political expressions, and your favorite coffee or mixed drink. Located in the heart of Queens, New York, between Elmhurst and Jackson Heights, two locations containing the most diverse population of immigrants on the planet, is committed to a progressive model of business that grows within its community base on local values.
The Wolfhound is a contemporary Irish pub in Astoria Queens NYC. We serve lots of Guinness as well as craft beer + domestic favorites along with a seasonal cocktail list We pack the calendar with weekend events – live music, DJ parties, and more. Trivia on Tuesdays. Rocking since August 2016.
Forest Hills Stadium is a historic outdoor music venue that has welcomed fans to the picturesque New York City neighborhood of Forest Hills, Queens for over 100 years. Designed to optimize acoustics and with no obstructed views, the 13,000 capacity stadium is the only outdoor venue of its kind and size in the city.
Flushing Town Hall is a performing arts center and historic town hall at 137-35 Northern Boulevard in the Flushing neighborhood of Queens in New York City. It served as the seat of government of the village of Flushing until the village became part of City of Greater New York in 1898.
Featuring programming of diverse formats and media, Knockdown Center aims to create a radically cross-disciplinary environment. The particularity of our architectural environment and history leads us to gravitate toward projects that demonstrate a sensitive reactivity to site and environment.
Gantry Plaza State Park is a 12-acre state park on the East River in the Hunters Point section of Long Island City, in the New York City borough of Queens. The park is located in a former dockyard and manufacturing district, and includes remnants of facilities from the area’s past.
The Paradise Theater, formerly Loew’s Paradise Theatre, is a movie palace-type theater located at 2417 Grand Concourse in the Bronx. Constructed in 1929 at the height of grand movie theaters, in the later 20th century the building was used also for live entertainment.
The Women’s Housing and Economic Development Corporation (WHEDco) developed the Bronx Music Hall (BMH) as a performance venue and community cultural center dedicated to honoring, showcasing and cultivating music, dance, theater, and interdisciplinary arts in the Bronx.
The Bronx Brewery The Brewery is committed to using what we create and where we create it to bring people together, while celebrating the rich and diverse creative scene in our home borough and across New York City and Manhattan.
Pregones was founded in 1979 when a group of artists led by Rosalba Rolón set out to create new works in the style of Caribbean and Latin American âcolectivosâ or performing ensembles.
THE POINT Community Development Corporation is dedicated to youth development and the cultural and economic revitalization of the Hunts Point section of the South Bronx. Its programming falls within three main headings all aimed at the comprehensive revitalization of the Hunts Point community: Youth Development, Arts and Culture, and Community Development.
An Beal Bocht Cafe, in operation since 1991, began as a small cafe. Serving only non-alcoholic beverages, it centered as a spot for artist to gather and performs, and quickly cemented itself as a neighborhood favorite.
Orchard Beach is the only public beach in the New York City borough of the Bronx. The 115-acre, 1.1-mile-long beach is part of Pelham Bay Park and is situated on the western end of Long Island Sound. Orchard Beach indeed has music, with Salsa Sundays held every Sunday from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, from noon to 5 pm, as well as Pride in the Bronx in June, Camping, Pelham Bay Park canoeing and much more!
The St. George Theatre is a performing arts venue, picture palace, and office complex at 35 Hyatt Street in St. George, on the North Shore of Staten Island, New York City. The 2,800-seat St. George Theatre was built for Staten Island theater operator Solomon Brill and opened on December 4, 1929.
Harbor Lights is Staten Islands own professional Theater Company presenting Broadway actors in beautifully designed productions at an affordable price.
Located at the heart of the 204-acre campus of the College of Staten Island (CSI), a four-year senior college of The City University of New York (CUNY), the Center for the Arts (CFA) is one of the leading, state-of-the-art, performing arts centers in Staten Island.
Address: 2800 Victory Blvd #1P-116, Staten Island, NY 10314
New York holds a special place in the history of music, spawning countless superstar artists and musical movements. It is no wonder then, that New York has a host of institutions meant to celebrate its important relationship to music. Across New York State, there are a number of Music Halls of Fame, many of which celebrate the musical heritage of their region. Others instead celebrate entire genres that originated in New York. Let’s explore New York’s Music Halls of Fame, their histories, and what they contain.
Locations of New York State’s Music Halls of Fame
New York City Metro
Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame
The Long Island Music Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF) is an organization aiming to preserve and celebrate Long Island’s musical heritage. Inspired by this emergence of Long Island, music historian Norm Prusslin and Rich L Hommedieu founded the Hall in 2004. They were quickly joined by Jim Faith and others. LIMEHOF inducts artists, producers, venues, and radio stars from Suffolk, Nassau, Queens, and Kings counties. Located in Stony Brook, the hall of fame occupies an 8,800 square foot building, which also contains a museum dedicated to Long Island Music History. The museum houses instruments, memorabilia, and awards won by some of its inductees.
The exterior of the Long Island Music Hall of Fame
Starting in the 1970s, Long Island slowly began to emerge as a hub of music. Local bands like Zebra and Twisted Sister slowly began to conquer rock radio airwaves in the 1980s. Soon, by the early 2000s, Long Island had become home to its own music festivals, such as the Great South Bay and Long Island Bluegrass festivals. As Billy Joel said in his induction to the hall of fame, “people began to recognize that the âLong Island Soundâ wasnât just a body of water.” Inspired by this emergence of Long Island, music historian Norm Prusslin co-founded the hall of fame in 2004 with Rich L. Hommedieu.
Since its founding, the hall of fame has inducted over 120 figures, who originated or lived on Long Island. Genre pioneers like punk-rockers the Ramones, and hip-hop legends Run-DMC were among the first inductees. The hall of fame also recognizes nationally-known stars, like Billy Joel, Paul Simon, and Louis Armstrong for their success and influence. Induction, however is not just limited to artists, with execs, producers, and important venues also having spots in the hall of fame.
The lobby of the hall of fame museum
The hall of fame is also involved in music education, and community involvement. The museum facilities host a theater that showcases local artists, film screenings and music workshops. In addition to inductions, the hall of fame also awards the Harry Chapin award to artists and organizations dedicated to humanitarian causes on Long Island. Past inductees have included Steven Van Zandt, and the Long Island Cares food bank. The organization also awards annual high school scholarships, and recognitions for Long Island high school orchestras.
Hip Hop Hall of Fame
The Hip Hop Hall of Fame is an organization founded in 1992 that is dedicated to the preservation of hip hop as a cultural art. The organization specifically recognizes hip hop’s role in promoting socio-economic empowerment and urban development. In addition to recognizing artists instrumental in hip hop’s foundation, the organization places a special emphasis on community involvement through charity, and education.
A photo of the inaugural inductees in 1995, with Hip Hop Legends Grandmaster Caz, Mr. Magic, Founder JT Thompson, Kool DJ Red Alert and Ez AD
New York holds a key place in the development of hip hop as a genre. Hip Hop was born in the Bronx, with many citing its origins in an August 11, 1973 party held by DJ Kool Herc. His use of two turntables to play extended instrumental funk breaks shaped the sound that would become the basis for hip hop. Since its birth, New York has spawned countless superstars, including Notorious B.I.G., Nas, and Jay Z. It is no wonder why the Hip Hop Hall of Fame is based out of New York City.
The hall of fame’s inaugural induction ceremony was held at Sylvia’s restaurant in Harlem in 1995. Since then, BET has nationally broadcast annual induction ceremony and concert every November to celebrate Hip Hop History Month. Inductees include rappers, DJs, b-boys, and producers. The organization currently has no physical location, but that will soon change. The Hip Hop Hall of Fame is constructing a massive complex in the heart of Manhattan. The entertainment complex will host the hall of fame, museum, a hotel, and stores for visitors. The hall of fame museum will contain memorabilia, and interactive exhibits for each of its inductees. The physical facilities are expected to be completed in late 2026 to early 2027.
A digital rendering of the museum’s planned exhibits
The hall of fame holds community involvement and education as a key tenet of its mission. As a result, it offers a host of scholarships, grants, and music industry mentoring programs for inner-city youth. In addition, the organization invests in efforts to register voters, empower local businesses, and provide job training. This is all part of the organization’s belief that hip hop culture can be a positive influence in fixing many of the problems that plague the inner-city.
Brooklyn Jazz Hall of Fame and Museum
The Central Brooklyn Jazz Consortium founded the Brooklyn Jazz Hall of Fame in 1999. Its goal is to recognize musicians who had an impact on the cultural landscape of Brooklyn through both musicianship and community involvement. This hall of fame places specific focus on artists whose work has been overlook in comparison to other commercially successful jazz musicians.
The hall of fame’s origins can be traced to the Central Brooklyn Jazz Consortium, an alliance of venues, community organizations, and musicians. The Consortium places special emphasis on the preservation of jazz as a piece of Brooklyn’s culture, using activism and education to aid in this mission. Specifically, the consortium works to ensure there are accessible, and affordable music shows and programs for Brooklyn’s underserved communities. As part of this mission, the Consortium hosts an annual Brooklyn Jazz Festival.
The Consortium’s Jazz Hall of Fame is currently an online entity. Its creators however hope that it can one day have a physical location. The envisioned location would contain interactive displays, educational facilities and a performance center. The hall of fames inductees include singers, instrumentalists, composers, and bandleaders. Some notable inductees are Lena Horne, Freddie Hubbard, and Max Roach.
The Brooklyn Jazz Hall of Fame presenting an award to flautist Herbie Mann
The Hall of Fame is also dedicated to giving back to the community, and promoting jazz to youth. As a result, they award the annual Deacon Leroy Apple Young Lion Award. The hall of fame presents this award to a young Brooklyn musician with exceptional jazz skills.
American Theater Hall of Fame
The American Theater Hall of Fame is the only organization that recognizes lifetime achievement in American theater productions. Earl Blackwell, James M. Nederlander, Gerard Oestreicher and L. Arnold Weissberger founded the hall of fame in 1970 in Manhattan. The organization’s mission is honor the past history of theater, celebrate present productions, and encourage future involvement in the arts.
The hall of fame is located in the Gershwin Theatre in the heart of Broadway. It takes the form of large gold lettering embossed on the walls of the theater’s entrance. The Gershwin Theatre also houses a small museum dedicated to hall of fame inductees. The second floor lobby houses 22 exhibition cases displaying memorabilia from past inductees. Individual donations, and ticket sales from the theater fund the hall of fame’s memorial and events.
Since its first induction ceremony in 1972, the hall of fame has honored hundreds of performers, composers, and directors. To be eligible for induction, someone must have performed for over 25 years, and have at least 5 Broadway credits. Each year, a committee of 275 critics and hall of fame members votes on candidates, inducting the top 8. In terms of musicians, the hall of fame has inducted famous composers and conductors such as George Gershwin, and Leonard Bernstein.
The hall of fame hosts an annual induction ceremony and Gala at the Gershwin Theatre each January. Leaders of the Broadway industry frequently attend the ceremony. Each year’s induction ceremony is videotaped and stored at the New York Public Library for Performing Arts at Lincoln Center.
Bronx Walk of Fame
Bronx Borough President Fernando Ferrer founded The Bronx Walk of Fame to honor the achievements the Bronx’s residents. The Walk of Fame came as part of a larger plan to uplift the spirits of the borough’s residents, and improve the external image of the Bronx. Today, the Walk of Fame takes the form of a 23 block long corridor along the Bronx’s Grand Concourse. Along the concourse, street signs celebrate celebrities who were born or lived in the Bronx.
An aerial view of the Bronx’s Grand Concourse – home to the Walk of Fame
The bright yellow street signs along the Walk of Fame celebrate not only honorees, but the borough as a whole. One side displays an image of the Bronx County Courthouse, the center of government for the borough. The other illustrates art deco storefronts, hinting at the vibrancy of commerce in the community. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, the signs were redesigned, placing a larger emphasis on the inductees name, removing the building illustrations.
Each year, the Bronx Borough President, Tourism Council, and Overall Economic Development Corporation vet a series of candidates, before selecting inductees. There is an unveiling ceremony at the County Courthouse, where the signs are displayed for one year, before relocation to the Grand Concourse. The annual Bronx Ball celebration also honors Walk of Fame inductees.
The Walk of fame includes a number of musicians, spanning many genres and decades. Hinting to the Bronx’s importance to hip hop’s birth, a number of rappers, like Slick Rick and Kurtis Blow have signs along the concourse. Additionally, the Walk of Fame also honors the smooth voices of Luther Vandross, Bobby Darin, and Jerry Vale. The Bronx has historically been a hub for Latin music in the US, so many musical inductees have roots in this genre. Willie Colon, Johnny Pacheco, and Joseito Mateo are just a few salsa and merengue musicians honored on the Walk of Fame.
Ertegun Jazz Hall of Fame
The Ertegun Jazz Hall of fame is an organization dedicated to honoring luminary minds of Jazz. The hall’s name comes from Atlantic Records co-founder Nesuhi Ertegun, whose label released many seminal jazz records. Jazz at Lincoln Center founded the hall of fame in 2004 to celebrate the definitive artists that have shaped jazz.
“The Ertegun Jazz Hall of Fame will provide a center where the lives and the artistry of the greatest jazz musicians will be celebrated, and where people will come to learn about jazz, something to which my brother devoted his life’s work”
– Ahmet Ertegün
Today, Lincoln Center’s Frederick P. Rose Hall houses the interactive hall of fame. The hall includes a 14-foot video wall, interactive kiosks, and touch-activated virtual plaques. In addition, the hall’s architecture itself is a celebration of jazz instrumentation. The facilities make use of cork, wood, and brass, that are key materials of jazz instruments.
A 60 person panel, including artists, and scholars from 17 different countries works to select inductees. The inaugural 2004 induction included legends like Miles Davis, Jelly Roll Morton, Louis Armstrong, and 11 others. Jazz legends, including Herbie Hancock presented awards to inductees’ family members and friends.
A Display of Hall of Fame inductees in the Frederick P Rose Hall
Capital Region
Eddies Music Hall of Fame
The Thomas Edison Music Hall of Fame, colloquially known as the Eddies Hall of Fame began in 2019. The mission of the hall of fame is to celebrate individuals from the Capital Region who have made a significant impact on the music industry. Their contributions can be national or local, drawing a great diversity of inductees.
The Eddies Music Hall of Fame unveiling ceremony
Jim Murphy and Sal Prizio created the Eddies in 2018 as part of Proctor’s Collaborative. The collaborative is a collection of Capital Region theaters, music schools, and other organizations to push music education and economic development in the area. Each year, the organization hosts the Eddies Awards to recognize musicians of the Capital Region, and induct hall of fame members. The first ceremony was held at Schenectady’s Proctors Theatre, and saw 1,250 attendees.
Since its establishment, the Eddies Hall of Fame has taken physical shape in Saratoga Springs’ Universal Preservation Hall. The venue houses a wall of plaques honoring each inductee, with a screen of rotating videos telling their life stories.
Exterior of Saratoga Springs’s Universal Preservation hall
The hall of fame celebrates not only musicians, but also songwriters, producers, journalists and execs who have impacted the industry. To be eligible for induction, candidates must have spent part of their lives in the Capital Region, and had a music career longer than 20 years. The inaugural class of 2019 only had two inductees: Celtic star Kevin McKrell, and folk singer Ruth Pelham. Since 2019, the hall of fame has expanded to include 40 inductees.
Dance Hall of Fame
Marylou and Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney founded the National Museum of Dance and Hall of Fame in 1986. The organization’s mission is to cultivate appreciation of musical arts, especially dance, in the larger community. The hall of fame additionally partners with the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) to aid in arts education.
A restored bathhouse in Saratoga Spa State Park houses the hall of fame and museum. The museum contains memorabilia from some of the most famous dance artists of all time. Photographs, videos, personal artifacts, and costumes are just some of the objects displayed. Additionally, the hall of fame takes the form of golden plaques with the images and biographies of inducted embossed onto them.
From 1987-2019 the hall of fame annually inducted members who left a lasting impact on the dance industry. This has included many musicians, including singers, and composers. 2009 saw the induction of the King of Pop Michael Jackson for his chart-topping dance songs, and choreography. In addition, classical ballet composers such as Igor Stravinsky hold a place in the hall of fame.
The future of the Dance Hall of Fame has been uncertain since the Covid-19 pandemic. The museum remains temporarily closed since 2020, being taken over by SPAC in the meantime. SPAC and museum board member Anthony Ianniello has said that SPAC is working to reopen the museum to the public, with more information being available soon.
Central New York
NYS Country Hall of Fame
Cortland’s Country Music Park & Campground hosts the NYS Country Hall of Fame. Local musician Merlin Reynolds envisioned a hall of fame to recognize the Western artists of New York. In 1984, Reynolds with the help of Loretta and Dr. John Eckel purchased the current property to create the hall of fame.
The Country Music Hall of Fame’s Opry Barn
Located directly off NY-13, the property’s A-frame house hosts the hall of fame. The property contains a hall of fame, and hall of honor, which takes the form of commemorative plaques on the building’s walls. In addition, the property hosts a museum dedicated to country artists from Nashville and New York. The museum has memorabilia, instruments, and costumes from legends like Willie Nelson, and Tammy Wynette. Hall of fame and museum admission is $3 per person, with admission by appointment only.
In addition to the museum, the hall of fame hosts a vast campground for visitors. The campgrounds have guests lodgings, bbq pits, horseshoe courts, and a performance space. The performance hall, called the Opry Barn, has a 150 sq foot stage, hardwood dance floor, and kitchen for visitors. It is also home to the annual hall of fame induction ceremony.
One wall of the Hall of Fame, featuring plaques and memorabilia
Induction into the NYS country hall of fame first requires induction into the organization’s hall of honor. Honorees must have been born or lived in New York, and performed country music for over 10 years. Each year, 3 members of the hall of honor are elevated into the hall of fame at the annual induction dinner dance. In addition, the organization’s lifetime achievement and horizon awards are presented at this event. This ceremony takes place the last Sunday of October. Since its inception, the hall of fame and hall of honor have inducted over 200 musicians.
SAMMY Hall of Fame
Since 1993, The SAMMYS awards have celebrated the music scene of Syracuse and Central New York. Since its inception, the awards have included an annual induction into the SAMMYS hall of fame.
Carolyn Kelly’s induction into the SAMMYS Hall of Fame in 2023
The first SAMMYS Hall of Fame induction took place at Syracuse’s Landmark Theatre in 1993. Since its founding, the annual ceremony has become the largest music event in Syracuse, drawings hundreds of musicians and guests each year. The hall of fame currently has no physical location, and takes the form of this honor at the annual awards. In addition to awards, the ceremony features live performances from local artists and honorees.
The hall of fame recognizes musical artists and organizations from Syracuse who have left a lasting impact on the music industry. Since its start in 1993, the hall of fame has inducted over 100 artists, venues, and publications. The first artist inducted was jazz trombonist Spiegle Wilcox in 1993. In addition, the SAMMYS also recognizes a select few with lifetime achievement awards. Lifetime achievement honorees include legends like Lou Reed, and Ronnie James Dio.
Oswego Music Hall of Fame
Nancy Spereno and the Oswego Harbofest board established the Oswego Music Hall of Fame in 1990. In the words of the organization, they honor artists “who have kept Oswego dancing, singing, and smiling for years.” Following the 1990 awards, the Hall of Fame went on hiatus until its revival in 2015. For the past nine years, the hall of fame has honored local artists at its annual induction ceremony.
The hall of fame’s inaugural induction honored Joseph Spereno, Charlie Davis, Dick Workmen, Jimmy Gannon and Dick Fellows. These men were recognized for laying the groundwork of Oswego’s music scene, as well as their dedication to the community. Then Mayor John T. Sullivan also presented them with keys to the city at the 1990 Harborfest celebration. Following a 15 year hiatus, the hall of fame was revived with the sole induction of Joseph P. Spereno. Spereno worked as agent for legends like Isaac Hayes, ELO, Tom Petty, and others. He was also honored for his dedication to charities fighting AIDS, and funding music education. The hall of fame now awards the “Joseph P. Spereno Hall of Fame Award,” which is the highest honor at the annual ceremony.
2023 Oswego Music Hall of Fame inductee John McConnell
The Oswego Music Hall of Fame has no permanent location, but takes the form of an annual induction dinner each October. The annual ceremony features hall of fame inductions, live music performances, and the awarding of the organization’s annual Joseph P. Spereno Scholarship. The scholarship recognizes a local youth who wishes to pursue a career in music.
Western New York
Buffalo Music Hall of Fame
The Buffalo Music Hall of Fame is an organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the diverse musical heritage of Western New York. Rick and Marsha Falkowski founded the hall of fame in 1983 to honor the musicians and cultural achievement of Erie, Niagara, Allegany, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua counties. The hall of fame not only includes international superstars, but also regional figure’s who shaped the music industry in Buffalo.
Following its founding, Niagara Falls’ Hard Rock Cafe housed the hall of fame in a dedicated room. The room displayed memorabilia and artifacts from the hall of fame’s inductees. For years, the hall of fame hoped for a standalone location to house a performance space, displays, plaques, and memorabilia. This dream came true in 2021, with the opening of a physical space in Buffalo’s Black Rock neighborhood.
Each year, the hall of fame announce its nominees at a midsummer press conference, with official induction taking place at its annual October gala. The 2023 induction gala took place at Buffalo’s Seneca One Tower, with an induction concert taking place the next night. Induction is based on longevity in Western New York, community service in music, music education/mentoring, charitable contributions, recording status, and production credits.
Since its founding, the hall of fame has inducted hundreds of honorees spanning countless genres. Some standouts include funk legend Rick James, pop icons Goo Goo Dolls, and jazz fusion band Spyro Gyra.
The hall of fame partners with many local Buffalo organizations to give back to the community. They often collaborate with Music to Remember WNY, and the annual Juneteenth celebration. Additionally, the hall of fame offers annual scholarships for students who study and perform music.
Niagara Falls Music Hall of Fame
The Niagara Falls Music Hall of Fame is an organization dedicated to preserving and honoring the musical heritage of the Greater Niagara Falls area. The organization inducts individuals, groups, and businesses that have left a lasting impact on the local, national, and international music scenes.
The hall of fame currently has no physical location, but has held induction ceremonies since its founding in 2017. As part of the inductions, an annual ceremony and concert is held, with the 2024 edition set for October 23.
The hall of fame allows members of the community to nominate individuals, groups, and venues for induction. The nominees are then evaluated based on their impact on the local community, not necessarily their popularity. Nominees must have a definite connection to the region, and a noticeable impact on music or community service. Inductees include everyone from the MacKenzie Highlanders Pipe and Drum band to rock guitarist Frank Grazanti.
The MacKenzie Highlanders play at the 2023 Niagara Falls Music Hall of Fame induction
In addition to induction, the hall of fame offers an annual Dr. Sam Morreale Award. The award recognizes a musician, promoter, or fan who has shown unparalleled dedication to music in the community. The award’s namesake is Dr. Sam Morreale, a dentist, music historian, and reedist, who served Niagara Falls’ music community for over 70 years.
Rochester Music Hall of Fame
The Rochester Music Hall of Fame began in 2009 to recognize the immense talent, and promote appreciation of Rochester’s music scene. The hall of fame recognizes not only Rochester, but much of Western New York, including Monroe, Orleans, Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston, Ontario, Yates, Seneca and Wayne counties.
In 2009, local musician Karl LaPorta wrote an op-ed in Rochester’s Democrat and Chronicle newspaper envisioning an institution to honor the city’s musicians. Seeing an immensely positive community response, LaPorta assembled a committee, including media, politicians, and musicians, to found the hall of fame.
The exterior of the Eastman School of Music’s Miller Center
The hall of fame made a great stride in 2018, opening a physical location in Rochester’s Miller Center. It now shares the building with the Eastman School of Music‘s Sibley Music Library. The hall of fame holds regular events for the community, including book talks and signings as part of its “Books Backstage” events. In addition, since 2019 âThe Grove Place Jazz Project” sees jazz performances from music school students each Tuesday evening.
Since 2012, the hall of fame has inducted yearly honorees, including musicians, radio hosts, venues, and philanthropists. Rock legends like Foreigner’s Lou Gramm and The Beach Boys’ Al Jardine, as well as Jazz icon Cab Calloway are among the inductees. The class of 2024 includes producer and YouTube star Rick Beato for his role in online music education. The hall of fame awards each inductee with a trophy in the shape of a gold treble clef designed by award-winning artists Mark McDermott.
The hall of fame remains dedicated to giving back to the Rochester community, offering a host of outreach programs. They offer a school outreach program to educate students on music history, opportunities in the music industry, and the hall of fame’s activities. Live music performances often accompany these talks. In addition, the hall of fame awards an annual Douglas Lowry award scholarship to a local high school senior wishing to pursue a career in music.
National Comedy Hall of Fame
The National Comedy Center in Jamestown, NY houses the newly established Comedy Hall of Fame. The hall of fame is the first one in the country to honor legends of stand-up comedy. The mission of this hall of fame is to honor inductees, provide education on comedic arts, and explore the role of comedy in American history.
The National Comedy Center, which houses the Comedy Hall of Fame
A 2022 Netflix special titled “The Hall: Honoring the Greats of Stand-Up” launched the hall of fame, acting as its first induction ceremony. The ceremony was hosted by current comedy icons, like John Stewart, John Mulaney, and Dave Chappelle, who honored inductees, as well as comedians who had recently passed. At this inaugural ceremony, four comedy legends were inducted, including Richard Pryor, George Carlin, Joan Rivers, and Robin Williams.
John Mulaney presenting at the first induction into the Comedy Hall of Fame
A brand new wing of the National Comedy Center will house the hall of fame will contain interactive exhibits, archives of rare performances and interviews, and memorabilia from inductees. The National Comedy Center began in 1996 as the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Museum before its rebranding in 2018. On its 37,000 sq foot grounds, the museum invites upwards of 60,000 annual visitors to explore exhibits ranging from vaudeville to internet memes. In addition, the organization has hosted sets by famous comedians, such as Jerry Seinfeld and Trevor Noah. Congress designated the museum as an official US cultural institution in 2019. The museum is located in Jamestown, NY, the hometown of I Love Lucy star Lucille Ball.
Statewide
New York Blues Hall of Fame
The New York Blues Hall of Fame is a subsection of the national Blues Hall of Fame, founded in 1999. Its mission is to preserve the legacy of the blues through local induction ceremonies across New York States. These ceremonies bring artists, fans, and contemporaries together to recognize inductees’ musical prowess. The hall of fame places special emphasis on those who have gone overlooked, tirelessly perform for passionate audiences.
The Recognition of Jeff Pevar as a Master Blues Artist at the 2016 induction ceremony
The hall of fame currently has no physical location, but has an extensive e-museum on their website. The website contains a gallery of videos and photos honoring its inductees. Additionally, the e-museum hosts pages on local blues histories, and defining bands and artists of the genre. On top of this, it also provides information on local blues jams and events across the state.
Whereas the national Blues Hall of Fame began in 1999, the New York edition had its first induction ceremony in 2011 in Middletown. The hall of fame hosted 24 induction ceremonies through 2016, traveling to NYC, the Hudson Valley, Albany, and more.
In its induction ceremonies, the Blues Hall of Fame honors great artists, photographers, venues, and more. Some honorees of note are Taj Mahal in 2016, Shemekia Copeland in 2013, and Allman Brothers Band drummer Jaimoe also in 2016. The Hall of Fame awards honorees a certificate recognizing them as either a legendary, master, or great blues artist.
Capital One City Parks foundation SummerStage is back in 2024 with an exciting lineup of artists. Opening in Central Park, the SummerStage will host concerts across all five boroughs with a wide variety of acts.
Free concerts will feature exciting up and coming artists, along with rock legend Kim Gordon and acclaimed jazz group Sun Ra Arkestra. Benefit concerts include The Gaslight Anthem, Ethel Cain, and Trixie Mattel, to name a few.
SummerStage is one of NYC’s most beloved music series, offering New Yorkers up to 80 free and benefit shows a year. For 38 years, SummerStage has been a beloved festival celebrating New York’s cultural heritage. New York’s history of jazz will be highlighted, as well as celebrating the birth of Hip-Hop. Neighborhood parks hosting SummerStage include multiple locations in all five boroughs. Tompkins Square Park, Marcus Garvey Park, Crotona Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park, and Flushing Meadows are among the many parks hosting SummerStage.
This season, SummerStage will showcase female artists pushing boundaries in the music industry, including Andra Day, Kim Gordon, Arooj Aftab, Sister Nancy, and Alcione. A spotlight will also be placed on multiple generations of jazz artists. Drummer Yussef Dayes will take the stage with vocalist and bassist Aneesa Strings.
Buddy Guy performs at Summerstage 2023 – photo by Rob Tellerman
This year’s festivals will continue to honor New York as the birthplace of Hip-Hop. In Bed-Stuy’s Herbert Von King Park, MIKE’s Young World festival will return with an exciting lineup of artists, including Earl Sweatshirt. Hip-Hop legends The Pharcyde, MC Ghostface Killah, and Slick Rick are featured in this season’s exciting lineup.
This season promises New Yorkers a wide array of artists, both local and international. A trailer for the 2024 season of SummerStage is available below.
Summerstage 2024 Concert Dates
Date
Venue
Artist
Type of Show
Fri, May 17
Central Park
James Arthur
Benefit
Sat, Jun 1
Central Park
OPENING NIGHT: Andra Day in association with Blue Note Jazz Festival Subaru Music Series
Free
Sat, Jun 8
Central Park
KES
Benefit
Thu, Jun 13
Central Park
Kim Gordon / Sun Ra Arkestra / Slauson Malone 1 Subaru Music Series
Free
Sat, Jun 15
Central Park
THE AUSSIE BBQ: Jebediah / Last Dinosaurs / Northeast Party House / Sheppard / Sycco / Thelma Plum in Association with Sounds Australia and the American Australian Association
Free
Sat, Jun 15
Coney Island Amphitheater
Andy Montañez / Charlie Cruz / People of Earth / La Mega DJ in association with 97.9 La Mega
Free
Sun, Jun 16
Central Park
Corinne Bailey Rae / Dixson in association with Blue Note Jazz Festival
Free
Tue, Jun 18
Central Park
The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital featuring Leah Hawkins, Mario Chang, Michael Sumuel
Free
Wed, Jun 19
Central Park
Masego / Jordan Ward
Benefit
Thu, Jun 20
Brooklyn Bridge Park
The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital featuring Leah Hawkins, Mario Chang, Michael Sumuel
Free
Sat, Jun 22
Central Park
The Yussef Dayes Experience / Aneesa Strings / Dana and Alden in association with Blue Note Jazz Festival
Free
Sun, Jun 24
Central Park
T-Pain’s Mansion in Wiscansin Tour
Benefit
Mon, Jun 24
Jackie Robinson Park
The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital featuring Brittany Olivia Logan, Hannah Jones, Matthew Cairns
Free
Wed, Jun 26
Williamsbridge Oval
The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital featuring Brittany Olivia Logan, Hannah Jones, Matthew Cairns
Free
Wed, Jun 26
Central Park
Caifanes + Café Tacvba
Benefit
Thu, Jun 27
Central Park
Ethel Cain with Special Guest Teethe
Benefit
Fri, Jun 28
Socrates Sculpture Park
The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital featuring Brittany Olivia Logan, Hannah Jones, Matthew Cairns
Free
Sat, Jun 28
Central Park
Utopia Pride: Above & Beyond and Spencer Brown
Benefit
Sat, Jun 29
Central Park
Pride Disco with Trixie Mattel, Amanda Lepore, and Jess King
Benefit
Sun, Jun 30
Central Park
Dreamland Pride
Benefit
Mon, Jul 1
Central Park
Madison Cunningham / LA LOM / John-Robert / Corrente: Beatriz Mira & Tiago Barreiros
Free
Sun, Jul 7
Central Park
Ezra Collective / Celeste / Da Chick DJ in association with Blue Note Jazz Festival
Free
Sun, Jul 7
Coney Island Amphitheater
Federation Sound 25th Anniversary featuring Sister Nancy / Tanto Metro & Devonte and friends
Free
Wed, Jul 10
Central Park
LAMC and Latin GRAMMY 25th Anniversary: Fonseca / Israel Fernández / Bruses
Free
Thu, Jul 11
Central Park
Counting Crows Subaru Music Series
Benefit
Thu, Jul 11
Herbert Von King Park
Works & Process: It’s Showtime NYC! / Maimouna Keita African Dance Company / Kash Gaines’s Caged Birds
Free
Fri, Jul 12
Herbert Von King Park
Sounds of Detroit: Celebrating 50 years of J Dilla feat. The Pharcyde / Slum Village / Breakbeat Lou in association with Fusicology & Future x Sounds
Free
Sat, Jul 13
Central Park
LAMC: BRESH
Free
Sun, Jul 14
Herbert Von King Park
Lineup TBD
Free
Sun, Jul 14
Coney Island Amphitheater
GOLDEN OLDIES ON THE BOARDWALK: Oldies is Back in Brooklyn Feat. The Platters former lead singer Frank Pizarro / Charlie Thomas’ Drifters with Jeff Hall / The Marvelettes / Bill Haley Jr’s Comets / Johnny Farina / The Excellents / The Chiclettes / Vinnie Medugno / Hosted by Joe Causi WCBS FM and Sal Abbatiello Fever Records / Music by The Coda Band
Free
Sun, Jul 14
Central Park
Bastille Day: IAM / Magic System / The Avener / Laurie Darmon / Femi the Scorpion in association with the Consulate General of France
Free
Wed, Jul 17
Central Park
The Saw Doctors / The Coronas
Benefit
Sat, Jul 20
Flushing Meadows- Corona Park
DJ Rekha’s Basement Bhangra Beyond: Priya Ragu / DJ Rekha / Ami Dang / Lady Pista + Guests
Free
Sun, Jul 21
Flushing Meadows- Corona Park
Lineup to be announced
Sun, Jul 21
Central Park
Proyecto Uno / Milly Quezada / DJ Miquelito & Excarlet Molina in association with 97.9 La Mega
Free
Wed, Jul 27
Central Park
Arooj Aftab / Sid Sriram / EMEL
Free
Sat, Jul 27
Central Park
Piano People in the Park: Scorpion Kings / DBN GoGo / Kelvin MoMo / DJ Moma / DJ Tunez
Benefit
Sun, Jul 28
Central Park
Catalan Sounds On Tour: Sidonie / Balkan Paradise Orchestra / Lau Noah / DJ Turmix in association with the Institut Ramon Llull
Free
Wed, Jul 31
Central Park
Elevation Worship: Praise Party!
Benefit
Thu, Aug 1
Crotona Park
Chuck Chillout 40th Radio Anniversary Party: Ice T / MOP / Schoolly D / Peter Gunz & Lord Tariq / Super Lover Cee & Casanova Rud / CL Smooth / Joeski Love / D.J. Breakout / Funky Four + 1 More / Ultramagnetic MCs / DJ Chuck Chillout & Kool Chip / NINE / Al B. Sure! / Music by Funk Flex / Hosted By Ralph McDaniels & Bugsy Buggs
Free
Thu, Aug 1
Central Park
Blue Note Presents: Robert Glasper Featuring Yebba
Benefit
Fri, Aug 2
Crotona Park
Tedsmooth’s Freestyle Jam feat. Coro / C-Bank / DJ Serg / Anthony Mangini / Tedsmooth / Strafe
Free
Sat, Aug 3
Central Park
The Originals
Free
Sat, Aug 3
Crotona Park
King Promise / Dan Price the Artist / DJ Faddah in association with GhanaFest-NY
Free
Sun, Aug 4
Crotona Park
Lineup to be announced
Free
Sun, Aug 4
Central Park
Galactic featuring Irma Thomas / The Rumble featuring Chief Joseph Boudreaux Jr
Free
Sun, Aug 4
Coney Island Amphitheater
NEMS Presents: GORILLAFEST Featuring Ghostface Killah / DJ Drewski & Friends / Statik Selektah / Scram Jones / Tony Touch and Friends
Free
Thu, Aug 8
Central Park
David Cross and Super Pals featuring Bob Odenkirk, Sarah Silverman, Fred Armisen, Zach Zucker, Sean Patton and more TBA
Benefit
Sat, Aug 10
Central Park
VP Records 45th Anniversary
Free
Sun, Aug 11
Coney Island Amphitheater
WBLS 50th Anniversary Celebration: Jon B / Vivian Green / Meli’sa Morgan / Horace Brown / Jeff Redd / Funk Flex
Free
Sun, Aug 11
Stapleton Waterfront Amphitheater
Lineup to be announced
Free
Thu, Aug 15
Marcus Garvey Park
Lineup to be announced
Free
Fri, Aug 16
Marcus Garvey Park
Lineup to be announced
Free
Sat, Aug 17
Central Park
Palmwine Festival NYC: Show Dem Camp feat. The Cavemen & Friends in association with Move Forward Music
Free
Sat, Aug 17
Marcus Garvey Park
The Soapbox Presents: The Life of the Party
Free
Sun, Aug 18
Marcus Garvey Park
Special Uptown Edition: Celebrating 40 years of Red Alert & Ralph McDaniels Video Music Box
Free
Sun, Aug 18
Central Park
Funk Flex Birthday Party with Live performances by Slick Rick, Dana Dane, Doug E. Fresh, DJ Maseo & Funk Flex
Free
Wed, Aug 21
Central Park
The Gaslight Anthem / Joyce Manor / Pinkshift
Benefit
Thu, Aug 22
Central Park
Brazilian Day: Alcione / Larissa Luz / DJ Malfeitona / Film screening: “Gerson King Combo” in association with 28th Inffinito Brazilian Film Festival
Free
Fri, Aug 23
Central Park
Hip-Hop Is The LOML Tour: The Roots ft. Jungle Brothers / Digable Planets Subaru Music Series
Benefit
Fri, Aug 23
Marcus Garvey Park
Charlie Parker Jazz Festival: Christian McBride Big Band / Wallace Roney Jr in partnership with Jazzmobile
Free
Sat, Aug 24
Marcus Garvey Park
Charlie Parker Jazz Festival: Carmen Lundy / Helen Sung / Isaiah Collier & the Chosen Few / Tyreek McDole / DJ KulturedChild aka Angelika Beener
Free
Sun, Aug 25
Tompkins Square Park
Charlie Parker Jazz Festival: Louis Hayes / SuperBlue: Kurt Elling & Charlie Hunter ft. Huntertones / Ekep Nkwelle / Alexis Lombre / DJ KulturedChild aka Angelika Beener
Free
Tue, Aug 27
Central Park
Snail Mail / Tim Heidecker / Fenne Lily
Free
Mon, Sep 9
Central Park
WNYC and Friends Centennial Celebration
Free
Sun, Oct 20
Coney Island Amphitheater
The Chol Hamoed Spectacular: The Yeshiva Boys Choir presented in association with EG productions
Pride month is upon us once again, and New York has no shortage of inclusive pride events. From live music events to festivals, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Below you’ll find a complete guide to New York State’s pride events this coming June, from Long Island to Rochester.
Albany
May 31, 5:00 PM: Start Pride on the right foot with the Waterworks Pub’s Pride Kick-Off block party and BBQ. Admission is free!
June 1, 9:00 PM: Pay homage to queer art with ICONS: A Pride Variety Show and Party at Lark Hall. The celebration begins with a pre-show party from 9-11, where there will be giveaways and teaser performances. The main show, ICONS- The Variety Show, will feature drag queens Brita Filter, Lagoona Bloo, Amanda Blair, and many more. The fun does not stop after the show. An after party with DJ Synes will begin at midnight and continue until 2 AM. Tickets are available here.
June 9, 11:30 AM: Capital Pride Parade & Festival will take place in Washington Park. Registration can be found at the following link, and proceeds go to the Pride Center of the Capital Region’s programming advocating for the LGBTQ+ community.
Troy
June 15, 2:00-6:00 PM: Join Collar City Pride for their picnic in Troy’s Prospect Park. The barbecue will feature vegan and non-vegan options, snacks, and beverages. There is a suggested donation on a sliding scale, and everyone is invited to bring lawn games, speakers, and frisbees.
July 14: The pride celebration continues into July, with performances by Typhoid Mary and DJ Lovely Candela. More queer artists and drag performers are to be announced. Good Karma Studios will also be performing an acrobatic act. There will be a family section with balloon animals and a drag story hour. There will also be over 40 vendors, most of whom are from Rensselaer County and LGBTQ+ owned and operated. The festival will be held in Riverfront Park, further details can be found on the facebook page linked here.
Schenectady
June 1, 10:00 AM: The Dynasty will introduce their first ever wrestling event for this year’s pride celebration. “Sounds Gay, I’m In” will be held at Gateway Park. The festival will begin at 10:00 AM, and the wrestling will begin at 6:00 PM. All ages are welcome, and more information is available at the following link.
Saratoga Springs
May 30, 2:45: Join the Ballston Spa High School in the raising of the pride flag.
June 27, 6:00 PM: LGBTQ parents and children are invited to Saratoga Arts’ “POP” Gathering (parents of pride). The event will feature arts, crafts, and community building activities for the whole family. More information can be found here. Saratoga Arts hosts the event monthly, so dates will be available all year!
July 11, 6:30 PM: Join Saratoga Pride members for their Cornhole League. The informal, weekly drop-in league costs $15 a ticket, which offers guests a 20% discount on all food and drinks. Tournaments will be held at Saratoga Winery, and guests are encouraged to support the local restaurant. There will be more sessions every Thursday throughout the summer, with the tournament finals on August 29.
June 23, 2:00 PM: Saratoga’s Pride festival will return to High Rock Park this year, with an after party to follow. The family friendly event will feature live music, family activities, and community groups. Food and ice cream will also be available for purchase on site.
Lake George
Lake George Pride Festival, ages 16+ (under 16 admitted with parent/guardian only), featuring DJs from the community representing, vendor village, disc golf, frisbee golf, lawn games, walking trails, photo areas, cash bar and more! $20 to enter, brought to you in partnership by Warren County and The Lake George Area and powered by Rocavaka and Goldstein Auto Group.
Binghamton
June 20, 6:00 PM: Binghamton Pride Coalition will host a clothing swap from June 3-10. Participants are asked to donate gently used, clean clothes and accessories at Butterfields. On June 20, the clothes will be organized and displayed for people to choose. There is a suggested donation of $10, which will be donated to Identity LGBTQ+ Youth Center in Binghamton. The invitation is available at the following link.
June 8, 12:00 PM: Pride Palooza will return this year to Otsiningo Park. Guests are invited to bring their own picnic blankets and lunches to enjoy live music and entertainment. Local food vendors will be available, and admission is free! The flyer is available at the following link. There will also be a firework show in Martin Luther King Jr. Park & Promenade.
June 21, 5:00 PM: Join Southern Tier Aids Program (STAP) in celebrating their 40 year anniversary. STAP will hold a gala at the Binghamton DoubleTree, and admission costs $50. Tickets are available at the following link. STAP will honor the dedication of Drew and Gertrude Noden, whose support of their AIDS Ride for Life fundraiser has been instrumental. STAP also thanks JPMorgan & Chase for their generosity and allyship. A cash bar will be available, and there are menu options for vegetarian and vegan guests.
Otsego County
June 1, 2:00 PM: Otsego Pride Alliance will host their annual Pridefest. The festival will be held on Main Street in Oneonta. Parade line up begins at 1:00 PM, and the route will begin at 27 Market St to Elm St. Guests are asked to bring a chair, water, cash to tip performers and flags. The full schedule can be found below, and the event is open to the public.
June 13, 7:00 PM: Otsego Pride Alliance will host a Baseball Pride Night at Damaschke Field. Admission is $5, with discounts available to seniors and students.
June 1: Winners of the “Pets for Pride” event will be announced at the OPA’s Pridefest. Voting is open to decide on the winner, cast your ballot at the following link.
Hudson Valley
May 30, 6:00-10:00 PM: Dutchess County Pride Center is throwing Poughkeepsie’s Kick off Party for pride month. The Factory at Sloop Brewing will host the party, with appetizers and drinks available. There will be special programing to commemorate the 100 year mark of the modern pride movement, and guests will be offered a sneak peek of the Annual Pride Auction items before they’re released to the public. Tickets are available at the following link.
June 1, 8:00 AM- 1:00 PM: Habitat Newburgh will host a Pride Build, bringing together members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies to help those in need. Attendees will help build affordable homes for local families, and celebrate pride while making a difference. Volunteers can register here.
June 1, 12:00-5:00 PM: New Paltz Pride Coalition and Hudson Valley LGBTQ Community Center will host their annual Pride March & Festival in Hasbrouck Park. Voting for local Pride Marshall is also open, cast your ballot at the following link. More information about the festival and parade is available here.
June 1, 12:00-4:00 PM: Join Opus 40 and Queer Conspiracy for a family-friendly celebration of pride in the Hudson Valley. The picnic will be held at Opus 40 in Saugerties, and carpool tickets are available here. The event will feature a drag story hour, live music, a kids dance party, and local vendors.
June 1, 4:00-7:00 PM: Join DJ Trevor for an afternoon tea party in Pine Plains. More info about the dance celebration is available here.
June 1, 7:00: Join Hudson Valley Improv for their celebration of PrideProv! Doors open at 6:45 and the show starts at 7:00. The show will be held at Boughton Place in Highland. Tickets are only available online at the following link. A portion of ticket proceeds will be donated to GLSEN, a non-profit dedicated to ending discrimination against LGBTQ+ people.
June 2, 9:00-10:15 AM: Inspired by Holi and powered by pride, Pound Ridge Partnership and the Human Rights Advisory Committee have come together to host the 3rd annual Pound Ridge Color Run. The 5K race will begin at Pound Ridge Elementary School, and runners of all ages and abilities are welcome. Registration is available at the following link. Highlights from the 2022 race are available below.
June 2, 11:30 AM: Watch the White Plains raising of the Pride Flag outside the Michaelian Office Building. More information is available on The Loft LGBTQ’s instagram here.
Didn’t find an event in your town? A full list of Hudson Valley Pride Events is available here.
Catskills
June 15, 5:30: Catskills Pride will host an Awards Gala to honor champions of the LGBTQ+ community. The awards ceremony and following reception will be held at The Eldred Preserve. Tickets are available at the following link.
June 8, 1:00 PM: Woodstock Public Library will host a drag story hour and sparkle party with Katrina Mirage, who will read a book about peace, acceptance, and love. More information is available here.
Syracuse
June 13, 5:00 PM: Join the Syracuse Mets in their pride celebration. Enjoy a tailgate party with giveaways, a DJ, $1 hot dogs, and $2 beers. Everyone is welcome, tickets are available here.
June 22, 11:00 AM: Central New York Pride will host a Pride Parade and Festival in Progress Park. The parade will begin at 11:00 AM, and the festival will go from 12:00 to 5:00 PM. More information is available at the following link.
Watertown
June 2, 12:00 PM: Watertown NY Pride, Lewis County Pride, and Planned Parenthood of the North Country New York, Inc., have joined together to host their annual Pride Picnic.
June 14, 11:00 AM: Join Watertown NY Pride for their pickleball activity. Foster community while picking up a new hobby at the downtown YMCA. The event is open to beginners, and no sign up is necessary. 30 spots are available, the announcement is available at the following link.
Rochester
July 20, 11:00 AM: Celebrate pride at the Rochester Pride Festival at Highland Park. The festival will feature food, wine, beer, games, vendor tables, and live music and performances. Tickets are available for purchase at the following link.
July 14, 11:00 AM: Join the Rochester Rainbow Riders in this year’s Pride Ride. The race is 18+, and registration is available at the following link.
July 14, 12:00 PM: Celebrate pride at the annual Rochester Pride Picnic. There will be food trucks, DJs and dancing, a piano bar, a gift raffle, and community information tables. Check this link for ticket information, which is TBD.
Finger Lakes
June 7, 4:00 PM: Join Southern Finger Lakes Pride for their “Twas the Night Before Pride” event. There will be an official raising of the pride flag at 6:00 PM, and several activities throughout the evening. Art installations, drag bingo, and tarot readings are among the exciting activities SoFLX has scheduled for the event; find the full schedule here.
June 7: Southern Finger Lakes Pride will also host a 21+ dance party, featuring performances 5 DJs. There is a suggested donation of $5 for entry, which supports SoFLX and local breweries and restaurants. More information is available here.
June 8, 11:00 AM-5:00 PM: Southern Finger Lakes Pride will welcome back its Pride fest for the fifth year, with an exciting lineup of performers and a weekend of celebration. More details are available at the following link.
Ithaca
June 5, 8:30 PM: Ithaca Pride Alliance hosts weekly support meetings for LGBTQ+ youth. This is the first meeting of pride month, but the meetings take place every Wednesday. More information is available here.
June 8: The evening of June 8th will mark the beginning of the celebration, with speeches from Ithaca Pride Alliance and notable LGBTQ+ leaders in the community. The ceremony will take place on the Bernie Milton Pavillion at 6 PM, more details are available at the following link.
June 9, 2:00 PM: Pride in the Park will celebrate Ithaca’s LGBTQ+ community with food vendors, arts and crafts, and a resource fair. Performances will be held on the Pride Stage, including local bands, dance groups, and drag performances. More information is available here.
Buffalo
June 2, 202411:00 AM: Show off your pride at the Buffalo Pride Parade. The march is free and open to the public, though registration has ended. The parade will march along Elmwood Avenue, and volunteering positions are available at this link.
June 15, 11:00 AM-3:00 PM: Oliver Street Merchants’ Association presents the 4th annual Pride Fest at Heritage Park. Admission is free, and over 70 vendors will be there. All are welcome, more information is available here.
New York City PRIDE
Manhattan
June 28, 7:30 PM: City Winery at Pier 57 will host a documentary concert exploring the history of the Stonewall Uprising. Proceeds from ticket sales go to The Stonewall Community Foundation, which works towards liberation for all LGBTQ+ people. Enjoy the musical performances and oral history that make up the story of the Stonewall Uprising and the vibrant community culture it stemmed from. Tickets are on sale at the following link.
June 29, 12:00 PM: The South Street Seaport will host a Youth Pride event, celebrating LGBTQ+ teens and youth. The event is free, and a wide range of activities will be available, including carnival activities, free food and snacks, DJs, and musical performances. More information is available at the following link.
June 30, 11:00 AM: Join New York City’s 30th annual Pride March. The march began in 1970, on year after the Stonewall Uprising, and has continued the legacy of civil rights and awareness. The march will form on 25th St and 6th Ave, and move down to Christopher Street, passing the Stonewall Inn. Footage of the 2023 Pride Parade is available below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGl2QbxsjrI&t=51s
Brooklyn
June 7, 7:30 PM: In New York, enjoy Brooklyn Pride’s Movie Night for a screening of Sekiya Dorsett’s inspiring short film Caribbean Queen. RSVP here for a free ticket.
June 15, 12:00 PM: Join the Brooklyn LGBTQ+ community for a youth festival. Intended for kids and teens age 13-21, there will be arts and crafts, food, music, and giveaways. RSVP to attend at this link.
June 8, 12:00 PM: Brooklyn Pride’s Main Stage offers an exciting lineup this year, with a wide range of genres and performances. Find the full lineup of up and coming artists here.
Queens
June 2, 12:00 PM: Celebrate your Pride at the 32nd Queens New York Pride Parade. The parade will start in Jackson Heights, and the multicultural festival will memorialize Jackson Heights resident Julio Rivera, whose murder sparked community activism. Learn more about Julio Rivera here, and find more details about the parade at the following link.
June 28, 7:00 PM: Join the New York Mets in celebrating pride at Citi Field. The first 15,000 fans to arrive will receive an exclusive Mets hat. Festivities will include a DJ, in-game entertainment, Mets merchandise, and themed cocktails. Tickets are available here.
The Bronx
June 18,7:00 PM: Join the New York Yankees in celebrating Pride Night. A portion of every ticket sold will go to The Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative. Purchase of a special event ticket includes a special edition hat, a hot dog, and your first drink of the game. More information is available here.
July 20, 11:00 AM: The 13th Annual Bronx Pride Fair will be held at the Crotona Park Amphitheater.
Staten Island
June 1, 12:00 PM: Celebrate pride with the Pride Center of Staten Island at the Snug Harbor Cultural Center. The event will feature live music, art, activities, food, and performers. More information is available here.
Long Island
June 9, 12:00-5:00 PM: Huntington Village will host the 34th Annual Pride Parade and Festival. The parade will end with a concert and festival. More information is available here.
July 1-July 7: Commemorate the Fire Island Invasion of 1976 by recreating the event with the New York LGBT community. A longtime landmark in LGBTQ+ history, Fire Island has served as a safe haven for members of the community to express themselves freely. In 1976, after a restaurant in Fire Island Pines denied entry to a visitor in drag, the visitor and their friends stormed into the Pines dressed in drag. More information about this year’s recreation is available here.
Bronx Summer Jam will be back for its third season this June 30. Bronx Summer Jam brings a community of all ages together with local artists and a positive space for music lovers.
Unlike most festivals, the summer jam is free and attendees can easily get tickets on eventbrite. The festival has also started to receive sponsorships from small businesses in the Bronx. With the volume of artists, the festival is split between two stages, the Kings stage and the Sirens stage.
This grassroots festival was created by nightlife and entertainment company Sounds and Sirens Productions and the media agency The Fox and The King who started collaborating in 2019. Sounds and Sirens serves the NYC and Westchester area of New York and offers live sounds for bands, event production and promotion as well as booking services. The Fox and The King is located in the Bronx and focuses on promoting local artists and supporting the DIY music scene.
Last year’s lineup included artists like Bronx native Drew Torres and the NYC based band The Phoenix Within.
The first summer jam in 2022 was created to get music fans together again after the COVID-19 Pandemic. “I’m inspired and humbled by our progress with Bronx Summer Jam over the last few years.,” DJ Mike said, Founder of Sounds & Sirens in a press release. “I’ve always believed that music brings people together in the best ways. Bronx Summer Jam expands on that year after year, fostering community, promoting artists, and providing a free platform for people to come and experience what local music is all about.” The festival will run between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. To RSVP, you can find the eventbrite page here.
Beginning Memorial Day weekend, Orchard Beach in the Bronx will hold its weekly Salsa Sundays dance party. Every Sunday until Labor Day weekend, New Yorkers can enjoy music, salsa dance, and concessions.
Hundreds gather in a large cement dancing area every week to celebrate the various types of salsa dance. At Orchard Beach you can see many styles of Latin dance, whether it is mambo, cha-cha, or salsa. This event celebrates the diversity of The Bronx, drawing influence from Cuban, Caribbean and African rhythms, a lively and casual atmosphere, with people dancing amidst barbecues, roller skaters and swimmers.
Salsa Sundays are a summer staple of the Bronx, taking place for over 50 years. This summer celebration reflects the Bronx’s importance to the history of salsa music.
Salsa was born in the jazz clubs of the South Bronx in the 1950s. In these clubs, musicians mixed bolero, rumba and mambo to create a new genre called “salsa conciente.” This genre took the elements of latin music and incorporated lyrics that reflected the social issues plaguing The Bronx. In the late 1960s, Fania records was formed and pushed salsa into the mainstream with names like Hector Lavoe, Celia Cruz, and Bobby Valentin.
Orchard beach is an especially important site in the history of salsa music. In 1936, Orchard Beach opened as a weekend and holiday destination for Bronx residents, quickly becoming a hub for the borough’s Puerto Rican residents. As one of the only desegregated public spaces in the city, Orchard Beach became a melting pot for music. Visitors from across New York City went to Orchard beach to hear a fusion of salsa, R&B and jazz.
An Aerial View of Orchard Beach, Bronx
Orchard Beach quickly became a local gathering place, with salsa being a medium to build a sense of community. DJs Ernie Ensley and Carlos Santiago started the Salsa Sundays event to combine community, recreation and entertainment. Since its start, Salsa Sundays has been a place for the Bronx’s Latinx community to share their pride, love of music and sense of fun.
Salsa Sundays take place at Orchard Beach Area 5, giving visitors the chance to enjoy the nearby beach, boardwalk and ball courts. Consider bringing beach chairs, sunscreen, and coolers to best enjoy the summer weather during the event.
More details on scheduling and directions can be found here.
