Category: Manhattan

  • Dua Lipa Announces Additional 2025 Tour Dates, Including Two Nights at Madison Square Garden

    Pop sensation Dua Lipa announces additional dates for her worldwide Radical Optimism Tour, which includes two nights at Madison Square Garden in 2025, on September 17 and 18.

    Dua Lipa Tour promotional artwork

    About Dua Lipa

    To the younger pop-consuming generations, three-time GRAMMY and seven-time BRIT Award winning global pop sensation Dua Lipa needs no introduction. Since signing a record deal in 2014, she’s released hit after hit. Her fifth overall single “Blow Your Mind (Mwah)” became her first entry on the US Billboard Hot 100 at 72, followed by her self titled first album that became her first ever number one in the UK, and the first female solo artist to top that chart since Adele’s “Hello” in 2015. 

    With this release, her career skyrocketed. Followed by countless top ten charting tracks, appearances at major festivals, becoming Spotify’s most streamed woman of 2017 in the UK, and countless award nominations. In January of 2018, Dua Lipa broke records once again by receiving five nominations at the Brit Awards, becoming the first female artist to do so ever.

    Thus, after an extensive list of other successes, singles, reissues, and remixes, Dua Lipa is touring with her most recent release, Radical Optimism. Released on May 3, 2024, the album went number 1 in 11 countries, and became the biggest album to debut from a UK artist in 2024. Moreover, hailed as a “joyous blast of pop savvy” by Variety and “an album of ear candy” by New York Times, Dua Lipa will be bringing her electrifying new release to the stage beginning this fall.

    About Radical Optimism Tour

    Kicking off with the previously announced dates in Asia, The Radical Optimism Tour will be arriving in New York City on September 17 and 18, 2025 at Madison Square Garden. Ticket sales will open to the public on Friday, September 20 at 10:00 AM. For more information and ticket purchasing, please visit here.

  • Australia’s Paul Kelly Comes to Le Poisson Rouge on October 14

    It’s been close to a decade since Paul Kelly – Australia’s finest export this side of wombats – has played in the U.S., and he’s coming to le poisson rouge in New York City this fall in support of his brand new album Fever Longing Still set for release on November 1.

    paul kelly le poisson rouge
    Photo Credit: Joe Brennan

    Lovingly dubbed the Land Down Under’s Bruce Springsteen, Kelly’s new LP is a throwback to poetic love, with its title coming from a line in Shakespeare’s “Sonnet 147,” whose writing has thrilled and inspired Kelly ever since schooldays.

    Fever Longing Still Album Art

    Paul Kelly’s Le Poisson Rouge show is at 7:30 pm, with doors at 6:30 pm and are on sale here. Support will be provided by Paul Kelly’s nephew, singer-songwriter-guitarist Dan Kelly.

    Other tour stops currently include the Teragram Ballroom in Los Angeles, California on October 7, followed by an appearance at the Austin City Limits Festival on October 11.

    Watch the official video for “Taught By Experts” below.

    1. In Focus: Buzzcocks at Irving Plaza on September 11

      Buzzcocks made a stop in NYC at Irving Plaza on Wednesday, September 11th as part of their recent North American tour. The show included opening performances by Native Sun and Lovecrimes. The crowd inside Irving Plaza spanned generations, all eager to support the UK band’s U.S. return.

      Hailing from Bolton in the United Kingdom, Buzzcocks has made frequent stops in NYC since their formation in 1976. The inspiration behind the band’s sounds have New York origins, with late frontman Pete Shelley citing The Velvet Underground being part of inspiring the band’s formation.

      Buzzcocks’ music was said to be ahead of its time, with songs alluding to subject matter that was considered taboo during the period of their formation. This led the band to be seen as a driving force of the Manchester punk scene. Buzzcocks has gone on to perform with many legends from the early era of New York punk and CBGB, including opening for Blondie in 1978. 

      With lead vocalist Pete Shelley’s passing in 2018, Steve Diggle has led the Buzzcocks vocals while also continuing on guitar. Diggle has continued on the high energy and humor that Shelley brought to Buzzcocks performances.

      On Wednesday night, Buzzcocks played a setlist spanning 50 years of the band’s discography, including songs from their most recent 2022 album “Sonics In The Soul.” The current line-up consists of Diggle on vocals and guitar, Danny Farrant on drums, Chris Remington on bass, and Mani Perazzoli touring on guitar. 

      Buzzcocks continues on their North American tour with stops in Pittsburgh on September 14th and House of Blues in Cleveland on September 15. Starting September 22nd, Buzzcocks will embark on a US tour with Descendants throughout early October

    2. TV On The Radio Announce Special ‘Desperate Youth, Bloodthirsty Babes’ 20th Anniversary Edition

      Brooklyn-based band TV On The Radio has announced a 20th anniversary edition of their critically acclaimed debut album, Desperate Youth, Bloodthirsty Babes, featuring five bonus tracks to be released on November 15, in addition to a return to live performance to celebrate.

      Desperate Youth Bloodthirsty Babes TV on the radio

      Composed of Tunde Adebimpe, Dave Sitek, Kyp Malone, and Jaleel Bunton, TV on the Radio has developed a reputation that precedes them over their past twenty-plus years as a rock band. Recognized for their eclectic sound and experimental attitude, the band has toured worldwide, collaborated with countless household names, and released a total of five studio albums among a plethora of singles. An act of rebellion by simply existing as a Black indie rock band and a force of sonic exploration, TV on the Radio is truly not to be missed.

      Now, just over twenty years since their debut album, TV on the Radio is returning to the public eye for a celebratory re-release of Desperate Youth, Bloodthirsty Babes, featuring five bonus tracks, two of which are unreleased. The first, “Final Fantasy,”  is out now  and is an early demo of their song “Bomb Yourself.”

      Recognized by Rolling Stone as “an immaculate album about disappointment in all its forms” and featured in the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die, TV on the Radio’s first album release had made its mark on the world from the start. Saturated with concepts of life, love, and loss through the lens of post-9/11 America and heavy with the tension felt by the youngest generations at the time, Desperate Youth puts visceral emotions into words and words into never-before-heard sound. 

      In addition to the exciting rerelease, TV on the Radio has announced their first shows since 2019, with multiple nights in New York City at the historic Webster Hall. The band will be in the city on November 25, 26, 29, and 30, with dates in Los Angeles and London to follow. While still a part of the band, member Dave Sitek will be unable to join the tour. Tickets will be on sale Thursday, September 12 at 10:00 AM local time- for more information, visit here

      The full list of dates as well as the 20th Anniversary Edition track list are below.

      TOUR DATES

      November 25 – New York, N.Y. @ Webster Hall

      November 26 – New York, N.Y. @ Webster Hall

      November 29 – New York, N.Y. @ Webster Hall

      November 30 – New York, N.Y. @ Webster Hall

      December 4 – Los Angeles @ El Rey Theatre

      December 5 – Los Angeles @ El Rey Theatre

      December 7 – Los Angeles @ El Rey Theatre

      December 10 – London, UK @ Islington Assembly Hall

      December 11 – London, UK @ Islington Assembly Hall

      December 12 – London, UK @ Islington Assembly Hall

    3. “La La Land” in Concert Featured at Carnegie Hall in February

      Composer of the Oscar award winning score for acclaimed 2016 film La La Land Justin Hurwitz will be conducting the Wordless Music Orchestra for a once in a lifetime live-to-film concert experience at Carnegie Hall on Saturday, February 1.

      La La Land Concert

      For one night only, the Perelman Stage at Carnegie Hall will be hosting award-winning composer Justin Herwitz as he conducts his work for critically acclaimed film La La Land with the Wordless Music Orchestra. A collaboration with Hurwitz Concerts, a company started in 2022 to produce live concerts of Justin Herwitz’s film scores worldwide, the evening is perfect for lovers of La La Land, musical score, and everything in between.

      Most known for his work on the La La Land soundtrack that landed him two Academy Awards, A Golden Globe, and a BAFTA, Justin Herwitz is a longtime collaborator with director Damien Chazelle, scoring each one of his films- Guy and Madeline on a Park Bench, Whiplash, La La Land, First Man, and Babylon, with First Man and Babylon each earning him an additional Golden Globe for Best Original Score respectively.

      The Wordless Music Orchestra is the house band of New York’s Wordless Music series, founded by Ronen Givony. Presenting contemporary and classical concerts around the world, the Orchestra is composed of some of New York’s brightest young musicians who are incredibly familiar with performances of live scoring, with a repertoire including Barry Jenkins’ Moonlight, Paul Thomas Anderson’s Punch-Drunk Love, and Ryan Coogler’s Creed.

      Hurwitz and Wordless Music Orchestra will come together in a swoon-worthy live performance of the La La Land soundtrack in synchronization to the film, which will be shown on a big screen. Beginning at 8:00 PM on Saturday, February 1, this exciting musical movie experience is not to be missed. 

      Tickets prices are tiered, beginning at $59 plus applicable fees. Sales will begin on Friday, September 13 at 11:00 AM EST. For more information and ticket purchasing, please visit here.

    4. Good Neighbours Bring Us Home at Bowery Ballroom

      Alternative UK Duo Good Neighbours performed at Bowery Ballroom on Wednesday, September 4 as part of their headlining North American Tour.

      Perri Sage Photography

      Who Are Good Neighbours?

      Good Neighbours is a band born out of a small town in East London. The duo is made up of Oli Fox and Scott Verrill and first began making music together out of the desire to create something positive from their love for music. The UK duo had an urge to rekindle the excitement of the early 2000s music scene, and apply the ideas of friendship, life and optimism to a cinematic approach to music.

      After releasing their breakout debut single Home, it became the most streamed debut single globally from a new artist in 2024. The first viral success of the year amassing over 350 million streams led to their first ever North American Tour. Following the upcoming release for their debut album EP Good Neighbours.

      Perri Sage Photography

      Good Neighbours apply Nostalgia and connection to their emotive indie influences, creating a euphoric dreamscape of sound and vision. During this past Wednesday’s show, the band created an inclusive atmosphere. Fans were jumping back-and-forth as the band and audience serenaded each other. The familial feel left fans “homesick”, thinking of loved ones and enjoying the positive side of life.

      Since their ascension, Good Neighbours have wasted no time capturing our attention and refreshing us with a new outlook on alternative indie rock, as their debut single charted throughout Europe. Thus, most left the show looking forward to what was next for the innovative British duo as they continue their North American Tour.

      Perri Sage Photography

      NORTH AMERICAAN TOUR DATES

      09/11 – Troubadour – Los Angeles, CA

      09/12 – Rickshaw Stop – San Francisco, CA

      09/14 – Marquis – Denver, CO

      09/15 – Marquee – Tempe, AZ

    5. In Focus: Cigarettes After Sex at Madison Square Garden

      On Friday, September 6 American dream pop band Cigarettes After Sex performed a sold out show at Madison Square Garden.

      Perri Sage Photography

      The band formed in 2013 in El Paso, Texas and are made up of lead vocalist and electric guitarist Greg Gonzalez , drummer Jacob Tomsky, and bassist Randall Miller. The band explores a celestial soundscape using a unique approach to the dream pop genre.

      The trio blew up internationally in 2016 when their first debut EP “I.” launched. Their music enters an ethereal and dreamlike haze that’s soothing and romantic. Best known for top hits “Apocalypse,” “Cry,” “Nothing’s Gonna Hurt You Baby” and “K.” Their songs include riffs of the guitar, a steady drum beat and synthesized swells which creates a sound you could almost fall asleep to.

      Perri Sage Photography

      Their lyrical composition is drawn heavily from Greg’s personal memories and allude a cinematic and emotive response. Each song describes moments of romance and the feeling of falling in love. Similar to a black and white melancholic film with a lingering sadness that reminds us of our past.

      Cigarettes After Sex beautifully allows their audience to connect with them on a deeper more personal level. The atmosphere of the show was full of people who could relate to one another emotionally and connect to another’s experience.

      Perri Sage Photography

      The band continues to amaze their fans and fulfill the hope to bring forward ethereal, imaginary and a calming space to soothe their audience. As of recently, the ambient band released their third studio album “X’s” this past July including three singles Tejano Blue, Dark Vacay and Baby Blue Movie. While they continue to bewitch listeners with lust and longing, the band conquered a night to remember.

    6. Pentatonix Announce 2024 Holiday Tour Making Three Stops in NY

      Pentatonix have announced the dates for their 2024 holiday tour: Hallelujah! It’s A Christmas Tour. Pentatonix’s holiday tradition returns for the third year with their biggest Christmas tour yet. They will play at Madison Square Garden on Nov. 26, in Albany on Nov. 16, and in Buffalo on Nov. 23.

      pentatonix

      Scott Hoying, Mitch Grassi, Kirstin Maldonado, Kevin Olusola, and Matt Sallee make up the three-time Grammy-winning and Emmy-nominated quintet, Pentatonix. They have announced a 2024 winter tour going from Nov 14 to Dec 22. The group will hit three venues in New York; Madison Square Garden, MVP Arena in Albany, and KeyBank Center in Buffalo.

      Since emerging in 2011, the vocal quintet has reached unprecedented rights for an a cappella group. They have sold 10 million albums worldwide and have performed everywhere from The White House and Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to The Hollywood Bowl. They have had two albums hit #1 on the Billboard 200—Pentatonix [2015] and A Pentatonix Christmas [2016]. They made history as the first a cappella act to win ‘Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella’ at the Grammys in 2015 and 2016. and again they won a Grammy in the category “Best Country Duo/Group Performance” for their duet with Dolly Parton on her song “Jolene.” 

      pentatonix

      The group has played at many world-renowned venues and for world-renowned people such as The Kennedy Center Honors for Tom Hanks, covering “That Thing You Do” as President Barack and First Lady Michelle Obama watched from the crowd. They have also collaborated with Kelly Clarkson, Dolly Parton, Miley Cyrus, and Lindsey Stirling, to name a few.

      They played a role in the film Pitch Perfect 2, and in 2023, received a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame. Pentatonix will also star in the upcoming Netflix holiday romcom, Meet Me Next Christmas.

      Learn more about Pentatonix here.

      Pentatonix: Hallelujah! It’s A Christmas Tour Dates:

      11/14 – Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun Arena

      11/16 – Albany, NY @ MVP Arena

      11/17 – Hershey, PA @ GIANT Center

      11/19 – Worcester, MA @ DCU Center

      11/21 – Fairfax, VA @ EagleBank Arena

      11/23 – Buffalo, NY @ KeyBank Center

      11/24 – Pittsburgh, PA @ PPG Paints Arena

      11/26 – New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden

      11/30 – Raleigh, NC @ PNC Arena

      12/1 – Columbia, SC @ Colonial Life Arena

      12/3 – Tampa, FL @ Amalie Arena

      12/4 – Duluth, GA @ Gas South Arena

      12/5 – Nashville, TN @ Bridgestone Arena

      12/7 – Peoria, IL @ Peoria Civic Center

      12/8 – Cleveland, OH @ Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse

      12/10 – Louisville, KY @ KFC Yum! Center

      12/11 – Grand Rapids, MI @ Van Andel Arena

      12/12 – Rosemont, IL @ Allstate Arena

      12/14 – Sioux Falls, SD @ Denny Sanford PREMIER Center

      12/15 – Fargo, ND @ Fargodome

      12/17 – Milwaukee, WI @ Fiserv Forum

      12/18 – Des Moines, IA @ Wells Fargo Arena

      12/19 – Tulsa, OK @  BOK Center

      12/21 – Fort Worth, TX @ Dickies Arena

      12/22 – Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center

    7. Joe Russo’s Almost Dead Set Sail at Pier 17

      Amidst a backdrop of New York Harbor and skyscrapers, Joe Russos Almost Dead (JRAD) returned home with an impressive declaration. The New York originals hit the stage at 6:15pm sharp on Friday, September 6 and Saturday, September 7 for back to back sell out shows to no surprise. It was another day at the office for the quintet, as this show marked their second visit to The Rooftop at Pier 17.

      “Gotta Serve Somebody”, rang out to kick the weekend off. The audience would agree in saying Mr. Dylan would be proud. Tom Hamilton (Guitar and Vocals) came out swinging, delivering an electrifying solo that made the floor shake. Marco Benevento (Keys, Synth, and Vocals) as usual had infectiously positive energy as he laughed on, smiling from ear to ear like a mad scientist watching a creation thrive and prosper.

      With classics “Music Never Stopped”, “Estimated Prophet”, and “New Speedway Boogie”, the audience got their classic dead fill well before the first set ended. The second set featured several bust-outs including “Foolish Heart” and “Alice D Millionaire”. Closing with fireworks both figuratively and literally, the band encored with Them’s “Gloria”, the perfect cliffhanger to end the evening on. Scott Metzger (Guitar and Vocals) stood out here, as he did at many other points during the two nights. Masterful precision on the fret board, raw, powerfully passionate vocals, and great respect for the material of which he is deservingly trusted with.

      After an outstanding first set on night two, attendees were gifted a special treat – a sit in featuring Lee Ranaldo, formerly of Sonic Youth. At first, only accompanied by the band leader Joe Russo (Drums, Percussion, and Vocals), rain began trickling in as the duo embarked upon a tribute to Ned Lagins, “Seastones”. A composition of deep ambient space as Mr. Ranaldo alternated between a synth pick up rig, xylophones, and using what seemed like a violin bow on his guitar. The rest of the group joined the stage not long after. With rain coming down harder, the band nor the audience paid it any mind, as it all seemed quite fitting. They gracefully transitioned into “Dark Star,” with Lee taking lead on vocals. JRAD’s guest proved no stranger to Grateful Dead aura, seamlessly joining the fold, elevating the show to an unanticipated but greatly appreciated height.

      With the bar set very high, the rest of set two featured numerous heavy hitters in the famous catalog of music. The arrival of “Terrapin Station” was an important stop of the evening before the audience would erupt once more. The iconic piano melody played masterfully by Benevento, Pink Floyd classic, “Pigs (Three Different Ones)” was up next. Ha-ha’ing all unison, the endeavor unfolding could make one take notice as to what makes JRAD the epic force it continues to be.

      In a world where Grateful Dead cover bands are in abundance, there are the ones that stand out and the ones that don’t. JRAD is in a league entirely of their own. Touring around the country quite frequently, they leave no stone unturned, both in musical style and energy. Led by Russo, whose ability behind a drum and percussion kit could make one’s jaw drop, him and his bandmates function like co-pilots, flying and landing an epic plane.

      One faux farewell later and with Mr. Ronaldo back on stage, “Morning Dew” was the closing designated number. As the band played on, the audience took it all in one last time in almost complete silence. Going out with a strong force of momentum, they bid their audience goodnight. While the band must have been rightfully exhausted, the same could not be said about the audience. The house appropriately played “This Must Be The Place” from The Talking Heads to which the concert venue became a dance floor. Their tour will resume nationwide in early October.

      Joe Russos Almost Dead – Rooftop at Pier 17 – September 6, 2024

      Set 1: Gotta Serve Somebody, The Music Never Stopped, Estimated Prophet, New Speedway Boogie, Hot Lanta, Shakedown Street

      Set 2: New Minglewood Blues, Foolish Heart, Brown-Eyed Women, Alice D. Millionarie, Feel Like A Stranger, Atlantic City, Casey Jones, Playing In The Band

      Encore: Gloria

      Joe Russos Almost Dead – Rooftop at Pier 17 – September 7, 2024

      Set 1: My Brother Esau, Rueben and Cherise, Let It Grow, Help on the Way, Slipknot! , Fire and Brimstone, Cumberland Blues

      Set 2: Seastones, Dark Star, Where’s Sly? Lady With A Fan, Terrapin Station, Greatest Story Ever Told, Pigs (Three Different Ones), Jack Straw

      Encore: Morning Dew

      joe russo's almost dead pier 17
      joe russo's almost dead pier 17
    8. Hackensaw Boys brings Love What You Do 20th Anniversary Tour to New York

      Americana bluegrass band Hackensaw Boys brings their celebratory tour for the 20th Anniversary of their 2005 album, Love What You Do. All in all, the group will bringing performances of the acclaimed project to Woodstock, Syracuse, and New York City this September and October.

      Hackensaw Boys

      Hackensaw Boys have been touring since 1999, known throughout the country and beyond for their exciting performances and unique use of the “charismo”, a DIY percussion instrument constructed of cans and other household objects. Carving out a distinctive sound of their own, current members David Sickmen (guitar), Caleb Powers (fiddle), Thomas Olivier (mandolin), Taylor Shuck (banjo), Aaron Smith (bass), and Bee Roberts (percussion) have been delivering high energy, down to earth shows as a collective for years now, with yet another sensational tour ahead of them beginning in just a few weeks.

      About “Love What You Do”

      Moreover, the album in question for the upcoming tour is one of their most beloved works, Love What You Do. Released in 2005, the album combines influences from American traditional music and modern indie rock, resulting in fan favorites that are still requested at almost every show just under 20 years later. This tour is a love letter to longtime listeners and fans of some of their oldest works, offering fresh interpretations of the classics while keeping the spirit of the original recordings alive.

      In addition to the live celebration, Hackensaw Boys will be pressing the album to vinyl for the very first time – a physical token to commemorate how far the group has come.

      As a result, Hackensaw Boys will begin their tour on September 26 in Woodstock. In addition to the opening show, the group will be performing in Syracuse on September 27 accompanied by opener Kidbless, and they will return to the state to perform at the Mercury Lounge in New York City on October 6. For tickets and further information, please visit here

      Moreover, dates for the east coast and midwest this fall have been announced, with more to come in the winter and spring. Thus, for the full list of currently announced tour dates, please see below.

      TOUR DATES

      Sept 26 – Colony (Woodstock, NY)

      Sept 27 – Funk ‘n Waffles (Syracuse, NY)

      Sept 28 – Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats (Rehoboth Beach, DE)

      Sept 29 – Small Batch Cellars (North Haven, CT)

      Oct 1 – Club Cafe (Pittsburgh, PA)

      Oct 2 – The 8×10 (Baltimore, MD)

      Oct 3 – 118 North (Wayne, PA)

      Oct 4 – Askew (Providence, RI)

      Oct 5 – Roy’s Hall (Blairstown, NJ)

      Oct 6 – Mercury Lounge (NYC, NY)

      Oct 19 – Trading Post by Traber Ranch (Lynchburg, VA)

      Oct 20 – Roanoke GO Fest (Roanoke, VA)

      Nov 7 – Shank Hall (Milwaukee, WI)

      Nov 8 – The Tarlton Theatre (Green Bay, WI)

      Nov 9 – Evanston SPACE (Evanston, IL)

      Nov 10 – Turf Club (St. Paul, MN)

      Nov 11 – Raccoon Motel (Davenport, IA)

      Nov 13 – Southgate House Revival (Newport, KY)

      Nov 14 – Duke’s Indy (Indianapolis, IN)

      Nov 15 – Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill (Grand Rapids, MI)

      Nov 16 – Beachland Tavern (Cleveland, OH)

      Nov 17 – Rumba Cafe (Columbus, OH)