Category: Manhattan

A Guide to New York’s Music Halls of Fame

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 ErtegÃ¼n

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.

June 17, 2024
Melanie Martinez and the Trilogy Tour at MSG

Melanie Martinez’s return to New York City on June 5th for her Trilogy Tour at Madison Square Garden (Night One) marked a significant moment for the artist and her fans. Following her memorable performance at Radio City Music Hall last year, Melanie once again captivated her audience with a meticulously crafted show that highlighted her evolution as an artist.

As a native New Yorker, she played to a packed arena filled with passionate fans of all genders and ages; a true testament to her enduring appeal and artistic vision.

Melanie Martinez 6/5/2024. Photo by Emma Goldschmidt

Melanie Martinez: An Album Retrospective

Martinez’s Trilogy Tour followed her journey as an artist through her 3 existing albums: Crybaby, K-12, and Portals. Her debut studio album, Cry Baby, was released in 2015. It was a concept album that told the story of a character named Cry Baby through whimsical yet dark songs.

Her sophomore album, K-12, released in 2019. This continued the story of Cry Baby with a corresponding feature film; showcasing Melanie’s talents not just as a musician but also as a filmmaker and storyteller.

In 2022, Portals explored themes of rebirth and transformation, marked by an ethereal and otherworldly aesthetic. Known for her theatrical live performances, Melanie’s concerts are immersive experiences that blend music, visual art, and storytelling.

Melanie Martinez 6/5/2024. Photo by Emma Goldschmidt

Album 1: Crybaby

The concert began with a bang as Melanie appeared on an elevated platform for “Crybaby,” dressed in a pink cotton dress surrounded by dancers in bunny ears and “crybaby” costumes. The stage backdrop featured cradle imagery, setting the tone for the whimsical and dark narrative that defines the Crybaby album. Fans dressed in elf ears, dresses, and bows screamed in delight as the platform gradually lowered, seamlessly transitioning into “Doll House.” Here, Melanie and her dancers performed a doll-like choreography, with expressive movements that visually spelled out “d-o-l-l-h-o-u-s-e.”

The attention to detail continued with “Sippy Cup,” where her dress swayed to the beat as she reached the main stage. The show maintained its high energy with “Carousel,” featuring a two-headed rabbit carousel and pyrotechnics that mirrored the burning carousel imagery. For “Alphabet Boy,” Melanie rose on a platform stylized as alphabet blocks. During “Soap,” actual bubbles filled the stage, enchanting the audience.

“Pity Party” brought inflatable candles to the stage, with heart-shaped balloons falling from the ceiling during the song’s climax. Melanie’s playful use of a pink axe added a dramatic flair, much to the crowd’s delight. The first album segment concluded with “Play Date” and “Mad Hatter,” with Melanie disappearing in a cloud of smoke.

Melanie Martinez 6/5/2024. Photo by Emma Goldschmidt

Album 2: K-12

Transitioning into the K-12 segment, the stage transformed into a school bus that landed in front of a school backdrop, revealing Melanie in her schoolgirl costume. The nostalgic “Wheels on the Bus” set the stage for the school-themed songs, including “Class Fight,” where Melanie and a dancer balanced on a seesaw.

“Show and Tell” saw Melanie as a marionette, complete with ribbons tied to her wrists, which she dramatically broke free from at the song’s end. The theatricality continued with “Nurses Office,” where Melanie was wheeled out on a gurney by dancers dressed as nurses. “Strawberry Shortcake” featured Melanie on a platform stylized as a strawberry shortcake, glowing ethereally.

“Lunchbox Friends” depicted a narrative acted out by dancers, while “Teacherâs Pet” was a solo performance with Melanie emerging from a desk, rolling on the ground, and utilizing fire pyrotechnics. “High School Sweethearts” featured dancers parading with lit-up sweetheart candies bearing cheeky messages, culminating with Melanie being “shot” by a cupid’s arrow on screen and lowered beneath the stage.

Melanie Martinez 6/5/2024. Photo by Emma Goldschmidt

Album 3: Portals

The final segment, focusing on the Portals album, began with “DEATH,” aligning with the theme of rebirth. Melanie appeared in a floral, earthy dress with a fairy/alien mask, surrounded by dancers in minimalist forest nymph attire. The stage transformed into a cemetery, complete with giant headstones and a gate opening on the screen.

In “VOID,” Melanie danced with her mask on against a backdrop of a wispy black void. “TUNNEL VISION” featured a light ring that followed her, creating a mesmerizing effect. “FAERIE SOIREE” brought inflatable mushrooms to the stage, while “LIGHT SHOWER” had Melanie sitting on a giant slug prop, twirling gracefully.

“SPIDER WEB” saw Melanie donning wings on a platform, accompanied by a dancer in a fly costume, portraying a passionate young fan. “BATTLE OF THE LARYNX” was a dramatic solo performance where Melanie wielded a sword against a dragon on screen, complete with intense fire pyrotechnics.

Melanie Martinez 6/5/2024. Photo by Emma Goldschmidt

Night One of Melanie Martinezâs Madison Square Garden run was a spectacular blend of music, theatrics, and storytelling. Each song was a meticulously crafted experience, demonstrating Melanieâs unparalleled attention to detail and artistic integrity. From her set designs and elaborate costumes to her dynamic choreography and powerful vocals, Melanie proved why she remains a trailblazer in the music industry. Her return to New York was nothing short of triumphant, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what she will create next.

June 15, 2024
New York-Based Artist Macinizby Debuts With “Closet”

On May 24, Manhattan-based indie pop artist Macinizby released her debut single, “Closet.” The thoughtfully crafted single tells the coming-of-age story of a queer person finding their way through life, love, and heartbreak.

Released right before the beginning of LGBTQ+ Pride Month, “Closet” opens the door for the next generation of queer artists and musicians to come into the spotlight.

Photo Credit: Hellen Elizondo

Before her solo debut, Macinizby had already built a reputation for herself as a drummer in the city’s indie rock scene, playing with acts such as Bec Lauder and The Noise, Breaker, and Rose Paradise. However, unlike her work as a group performer, “Closet” gives us a deeply personal perspective of who Macinizby is, not only as an artist but as an individual, writer, and producer.

Produced alongside Jacob Geoffrey, “Closet” stands out from Macinizby’s past indie rock records with her group acts. The single acts as a method of storytelling for Macinizby. It’s hard to ignore the passion in her voice, let alone the meaningfulness of the lyrics. Reminiscent of the early days of Avril Lavigne and other pop-rock artists of the early 2000s, Macinizby puts her own creative spin on a classic teen love story.

The steady guitar riffs, coming-of-age angst, and bouncy vocal melody brings this song back, while the storyline brings us into the modern day. With “Closet,” time travel is absolutely possible. Any listener instantly feels as if they’ve traveled in time to a music video from 20 years ago. Macinizby’s “Closet” is a great way to introduce new audiences to the pop-rock genre.

As for the storyline, it is clear from the beginning what the artist is trying to convey. The struggles of a queer relationship are highlighted very poignantly. Yet, there is a sense of comfort that Macinizby’s lyrics and voice provide. Even in a situation as difficult as m maintaining a relationship, there is still hope. Love may or may not be the end result, but while it is there, it’s best if we enjoy it.

Get ready to rock…but also be prepared to shed some gay
tears.
Macinizby

For now, we must wait. But, there is no doubt that Macinizby’s new song, and solo career, are highly anticipated. Fans can listen to “Closet” on all major streaming platforms, as well as with this link.

June 14, 2024
Gladys Bentley: Singer, Entertainer, and LBGT Trailblazer

Looking back into history, the 1920s was a time marked by intense racial and sexual discrimination. In the South, Jim Crow laws were in full effect, leaving African-Americans as second class citizens. Throughout the country, KKK membership expanded to almost 4 million, only worsening racist violence. LGBTQ Americans also faced similar discrimination, with homosexuality being labeled as a mental illness, and the media spreading homophobic stories of sensationalized sex crimes.

During this period of intense discrimination, blues singer Gladys Bentley, a queer African-American woman, managed to overcome these obstacles and become one of the most popular entertainers of Harlem. In doing so, Bentley not only made a name for herself, but also paved the way for future generations of LGBT artists to succeed.

Gladys Bentley was born in 1907 in Philadelphia, PA to an African-American father, and Trinidadian mother. From a young age, Gladys pushed the constraints of gender expectations, often wearing her four younger brothers’ suits to school. As she recalled to Ebony Magazine later in her life: “It seems I was born different. At least, I always thought so…From the time I can remember anything, even as I was toddling, I never wanted a man to touch me…Soon I began to feel more comfortable in boy’s clothes than in dresses.”

Sexual discrimination marked Gladys’ childhood in Philadelphia. Her classmates often mocked her for being overweight, and dressing too masculine. In addition, following a crush on a female teacher, her parents forced Gladys to see doctors in failed attempts to “cure” her lesbianism. Gladys’ way of dealing with this childhood trauma was writing and performing songs. Wanting to seek freedom from this discrimination and true expression, Gladys ran away to New York City at age 16.

Harlem’s Gay Club Scene

Following the passage of the 18th Amendment in 1919, which prohibited the sale of alcohol, Harlem’s clubs went underground. Venues like the Cotton Club, Connie’s Inn, and the Savoy Ballroom became hubs for entertainment, African American arts, and stigmatized activities. Vendors sold crab, peanuts, and cannabis, and everybody – including the neighborhood police – were engaged in illicit lotteries. In these Harlem nightclubs, the Harlem Renaissance truly blossomed. Soon, entertainers like Cab Calloway and Ethel Waters became some of the most well known celebrities not only in New York, but the whole country.

A map of Harlem’s Night Clubs illustrated by E. Simms Campbell in 1932

This flourishing of the nightclub scene came with a public fascination with the LGBT community in New York City. During the “Pansy Craze” of the 1920s and 30s, queer performers were more visible and successful than ever before. Throughout Harlem, Greenwich Village, and Times Square, drag balls captivated audiences. At these events, women could be found in tuxedos, and men in stockings and makeup. As the African-American newspaper The New York Age reported, “Wigs, where necessary, were in evidence.”

While homophobic discrimination did exist, Manhattan was much more tolerant of the LGBT community than much of the country. While some identified publicly as queer, many people did not associate with any identity at all. As Harlem Renaissance artist Richard Bruce Nugent said “You just did what you wanted to do. Nobody was in the closet. There wasn’t any closet.”

Career in New York

The active club scene, and more widespread acceptance of openly queer lifestyles allowed Gladys Bentley to rise to stardom in Harlem. Following her arrival in New York, Bentey made a name for herself at rent parties across the city. At these rent parties, artists would perform and pool proceeds made to help low-income tenants pay their rent. These parties provided African-American New Yorkers a forum to dance, enjoy Black art, and form a sense of community. It was at these rent parties that Bentley built the connections that forged her later career. At one such party, Bentley got the chance to audition for 133rd Street’s Mad House, which needed a male pianist. This position would launch her career into New York’s nightclub scene.

An invitation to a NYC Rent Party, preserved by Langston Hughes

Bentley soon found work as a performer at Harry Hansberry’s Clam House on 133rd Street. The Clam House – one of the city’s most visible gay speakeasies – allowed Bentley’s career to flourish. She made a name for herself with her deep alto voice, and piano skills, which she used to cover classic songs. What made Bentley stand out was the raunchy lyrics she would add to these classic covers, which both enthralled and shocked audiences. One such example was her cover of “My Alice Blue Gown” from the Broadway musical Irene, which referenced anal sex.

“And he said, ‘Dearie, please turn around’ And he shoved that big thing up my brown. He tore it. I bored it. Lord, how I adored it. My Sweet Little Alice Blue Gown”
– Gladys Bentley’s cover of “My Alice Blue Gown”

These racy lyrics, as well as the spectacle of Bentley’s live performances made her famous among Harlem’s performers. Bentley’s 250-pound figure, dressed in an iconic black tuxedo and hat, enamored audiences regardless of race of sexuality. During performances, Bentley would often flirt with women in the audiences in her deep gruff voice. For many, the illicit nature of her lyrics and performances played into the underground nature of the club scene during prohibition.

Throughout her heyday in the early 1930s, Bentley enjoyed performances across New York, and record releases. In 1933, Bentley headlined the Cotton Club, and Apollo Theater, some of the most famous in New York City. In the early 1930s, Bentley also released eight singles on record, and hosted her own weekly radio program.

With Bentley’s success also came scandal. She shocked the public with the announcement of the marriage to her white female lover in a New Jersey civil union. While there is no official documentation confirming this marriage, it speaks to Bentley’s openness about her sexuality and ability to control public attention.

“An amazing exhibition of musical energy—a large, dark, masculine lady, whose feet pounded the floor while her fingers pounded the keyboard—a perfect piece of African sculpture, animated by her own rhythm.”
– Langston Hughes

The pinnacle of Bentley’s Career however, was her residency at the Harlem’s Ubangi Club from 1934-37. A former speakeasy, the club was rechristened following the repeal of prohibition in 1933. The club’s name evoked voodoo, marketing it as a place both exotic and mysterious. At the club, Bentley performed her self-produced musical revue, backed by eight male dancers in drag. This success, however, began to wane following the end of prohibition. Soon, as queer acts fell further out of favor, police raids and harassment became more commonplace.

An Ubangi Club advertisement featuring Gladys Bentley’s music revue

Wanting to escape homophobic harassment in New York City, Bentley relocated to Los Angeles to live with her mother in 1937.

Later Life

Bentley’s career in California had a brief resurgence, first in Los Angeles then San Francisco. In the 1940s, the West Coast was marginally more tolerant of queer lifestyles than the rest of the country. Following her relocation, Bentley continued to record music, and perform at gay and lesbian bars in San Francisco. These performances, were often toned down versions of her explicit acts from the 1930s.

Part of the reason for this self-censoring was the influence of McCarthyism in the 1940s and 50s, which saw increased targeting of LGBT performers. California, while more tolerant, was not devoid of homophobic harassment. In one case on August 8, 1947, Bentley was prevented from performing at Los Angeles’ The Jade due to a police raid.

A letter from the Musician’s Protective Association regarding the cancelation of Bentley’s Show on August 8, 1947

By the late 1950s, Bentley had almost completely disavowed her previous life and sexuality. In 1952, Bentley married Charles Roberts, a cook from Santa Barbara, and claimed to have previously married and divorced two men. Also in 1952, Bentley in an interview with Ebony magazine declared, “I am a woman again.” She claimed, “like a great number of lost souls, I inhabited that half-shadow no man’s land which exists between the boundaries of the two sexes,” stating she underwent hormone therapy to “cure” her lesbianism. In public, Bentley began wearing dresses, and decorated her hair with flowers. Many view this either as a reinvention to survive the homophobic tides of McCarthyism, or an attempt to conform to the heteronormative attitudes of the US.

Following a final 1958 performance on the Groucho Marx show “You Bet Your Life,” Bentley succumbed to illness, eventually passing away of pneumonia in 1960. At the time of her passing, Bentley was only 52 years old.

Gladys Bentley in 1932

Legacy

Bentley, while often overlooked, paved the path for many African-American and LGBT artists in the decades since her passing. One artists in particular who has taken influence from Bentley’s work and image has been Janelle Monae. Following the release of her 2010 debut The ArchAndroid, Monae sported an androgynous black and white tuxedo, a public image highly reminiscent of that which propelled Bentley to Stardom almost a century earlier.

Gladys Bentley, while being one of the most popular performers of the Harlem Renaissance, was so much more than just a musician. Through her performances and public image, Bentley defied the heteronormative standards of 1920s America, paving a path for future queer artists to succeed in the music industry. As a singer, pianist, dancer, and provocateur, Bentley was a true “Renaissance man” of the Harlem Renaissance.

Enjoy an interview and performance by Gladys Bentley on “You Bet Your Life” from 1958.

June 12, 2024
Punk Takeover: Free Punk Fest “Punk Island” Returns to Randall’s Island

Mohawks, makeshift stages and mosh pit enjoyers of all ages took over Randall’s Island this past Saturday for Punk Island’s sixteenth anniversary. The festival returned to Randall’s Island for the first time since the pandemic, and the day could not have been more perfect for blaring guitars and screaming singers with a view of the East River and Manhattan’s skyscrapers.

The six stages had everything from hardcore rock and screamo to indie, alt rock and pop rock. Crush Fund and its passionate rage to the nostalgic sounds of the band Car Becomes Airplane filled the field with all sorts of different sounds. The event featured not only old school bands to reassure the older punkheads that the scene was still alive, but also actively catered to its newer audiences and worked hard to stay up to date with the current culture.

Every stage had a decent audience, but there was plenty of room for more to join at each stage. The festival was a wonderful opportunity to discover new music, and it also was the perfect place for bands and show organizers to get experience putting on shows in front of a lively audience. Tall neon mohawks, plaid pants, extravagant makeup and everything in between filled the bus to Randall’s Island.

Punk Island began in 2008 when Chloe Anderson, an NYU undergraduate student with an interest in punk was interning at Make Music New York (MMNY), a non-profit that supports free, outdoor music events. When MMNY received its first large grant for an outdoor summer festival, the intern was determined to make a punk festival happen.

After a few years, Aaron Friedman, the founder of MMNY, asked ABC No Rio, a punk collective, to take over as organizers of the festival. Joey Steele, a member of ABC No Rio, took the lead. “I love that event,” he told me. “I love the idea of there being an all day, all free, all ages punk show that people just show up to and go to like ten different bands all at once.”

He was also a member of the band Cop Out, and he worked hard to make sure the festival accurately depicted New York’s ever changing punk scene. “We organized it on the principle that we are all different but we all work together, and we want to empower and support each other,” he said.

Antonio Rodriguez, the current lead organizer, said that this event has remained an all free event, due to the support of the Punk Island Collective and the fiscal support of MMNY. Punk Island raises money year-round through benefit shows, selling merch, and more, while MMNY pays for the logistical aspects — permits, porta-potties and dumpsters, etc — for the event. “Their funding is crucial in making this work,” Rodriguez said, “and you know that’s true of all public arts funding; it’s crucial.”

Punk Island has persevered through the difficulties of the pandemic and general disorganization, but maintained their long-term efforts towards sharing this inclusive community.

Now, sixteen years and many organizers since being founded, punks from across the city still come together to put on huge free punk festivals, working hard, not for the profit, but for the community. It’s put simply in the collective’s motto: “We aim to support a philosophy of creativity, rebellion and work to feed those who are hungry for a world where passion is valued over profit. We promote a counter-culture through our collective, art, music, writing and events.”

June 12, 2024
Ellie Announces EP Release at Rockwood Music Hall

New York City-based trans pop artist Ellie will release her upcoming EP, Forbidden Fruit, on June 14. She will release her newest single, “Not Like Other Girls,” on Tuesday, June 11.

Along with the release of her EP, Ellie will be hosting a free release show at Rockwood Music Hall, located in the Bowery neighborhood of Manhattan. The show will take place on Thursday, June 13, at 9 pm.

As a trans woman, Ellie uses “Not Like Other Girls” as a response to the nationwide increase of transphobic rhetoric. The idea of her being “not like other girls” plays a cheeky spin on the popular phrase used to tear women down.

In the song, Ellie jokes, “I’m not like other girls, I’m worse.” With the chorus, she manages to send a sarcastic message to everyone with strict and bigoted expectations of women and trans people.

So many people (the majority of which are cis) have LOTS to say about trans people.
So, why not talk back for once?
Ellie

The tense themes that are in “Not Like Other Girls” extend throughout the EP. The single discusses the expectations of what women should be, which are oftentimes exclusionary of transgender women.

One of the most eye-opening lyrics is actually one of Ellie’s favorites: “Make all your friends turn to envious wrecks as they question the dogmas they bark.” The line implies that by defying society’s expectations, people will begin to wonder why they exist in the first place. Questioning society is exactly the point.

With the help of fast-paced, energetic pop-rock, Ellie’s single and EP send a relatable, funny message anyone could enjoy. The heavy rock music behind Ellie’s vocals emphasizes the intensity and frustration of the song’s message.

Join Ellie on June 13 at Rockwood Music Hall in Bowery, Manhattan, for a free release party! The venue is located right off the F train stop on 2 Av.

Ellie’s Forbidden Fruit will be available on all streaming platforms starting June 14th. For the full EP, fans can visit here.

June 11, 2024
Watch MSG Legends Billy Joel and Trey Anastasio Perform Together for the First Time
Music legends united for the first time on Saturday, June 8, as Billy Joel welcomed Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio during his 149th lifetime show at Madison Square Garden.

Photo Credit – Myrna Suarez

For two guys who have performed at MSG more than any others – 149 times for Joel, and at least 89 times for Anastasio between Phish and TAB shows (not including guest appearances for either) – you’d think the collaboration was bound to happen, eventually at least. So the night before Billy Joel says farewell to MSG with his 150th career performance and the end of his monthly residency.

Photo Credit – Myrna Suarez

Billy welcomed Trey to the stage for “Sleeping with the Television On,” with Anastasio riffing on Eric Clapton’s “Layla,” getting Joel to join in for the ending sequence.

Photo Credit – Myrna Suarez

Later in the encore, Trey was invited back up for the encore, joining in gleefully on “You May Be Right” and Led Zeppelin’s “Rock and Roll.”
Photo Credit – Myrna Suarez
June 9, 2024
The Dead Daisies Light up Racket NYC on the First Night of US tour

On Thursday, June 6, the humid New York City air blew in hard rock band The Dead Daisies. With a new record titled, Light ‘Em Up, slated to be released in September, the band kicked off their US tour at Racket NYC.

The band consists of Tommy Clufetos on drums, Michael Devin on bass, Dave Lowy and Doug Aldrich on guitars with John Corabi on lead vocals. The former Mötley Crüe lead vocalist is replacing former singer and bassist Glenn Hughes. Prior to the night’s show, Corabi joined me via Zoom to talk about the new release. Watch below for the full interview.

Before The Dead Daisies hit the stage, there were two supporting acts. The first act was a local New York group called Tempt. The quartet played a total of seven songs and made it memorable. Between the power pop rock and catchy tunes, their set was enjoyable and they quickly won the crowd over with their charisma and young energy. Tempt promptly set the pace for the rest of the evening.

Sometimes it’s difficult for a new band to win a crowd that is there solely to see the headliners. Yet, this didn’t seem to be the issue. From the first note of “Living Dangerous” which was released as a single in 2021, their well-oiled rock and roll machine seemed to run without any sign of slowing down. It was great to see such a young band take the 650-person venue – who at the time were still filing in – and treat it as Madison Square Garden. Their energy was the most notable and they never seemed to be bored, they fully were in the moment and treated it as such.

After a beautiful rendition of Queen’s “We Will Rock You,” another New York City band, Killcode jumped on stage. The five-piece band brought a different style from Tempt. Killcode’s sound consisted of hard rock with a southern twang. The band played a total of seven original songs throughout their set. Two songs in their set appeared on their newest record, 2023’s Life, Death, Rock n’ Roll. While the smaller stage was crowded with the five members, they were able to use the small piece of real estate to put on a captivating show.

Throughout the set, the band prowled along the stage and after a song or two, won the crowd over. For the members of the audience that knew the band, they were cheering for their favorite songs, singing and dancing while the band played deeper into their set. The duel guitars on stage created a monster wall of sound yet complemented each other at the same time. The last song that Killcode played was “Kickin’ and Screamin’” off of 2018’s The Answer. By the time the last chorus swung around, the audience was singing along with the band before they took their final bow.

After a brief load out of Killcode’s gear, the house lights dimmed and Led Zeppelin’s “Rock and Roll” blasted into the speakers. In a matter of minutes, the band jumped on stage and blasted into their first song of the night and newest single, “Light ‘Em Up.” With a record set to be released in September of the same name, the band played multiple songs off of the forthcoming record in addition to a blues number that was recorded during the sessions at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio.

Throughout the evening the band crisscrossed through their entire discography and played songs throughout their entire career. This included several songs from the Hughes era. Three songs total were played from Radiance and Holy Ground including, “Born to Fly,” “Unspoken” and “Bustle and Flow.” It was great to see the band, especially Corabi acknowledge Hughes. Corabi’s vocals were excellent. Throughout his classic raspy register, his vocals pierced through fans while he was perched at the edge of the stage.

Aldrich and Lowy were the guitar masters flanking the stage and throughout the evening, they brought the energy. Lowy was running around the stage the entire night and never stood still. Aldrich plowed through solo after solo. At one point, Aldrich crept to the edge of the stage, kneeled and soloed right in front of the general admission section.

Rounding out the rest of the group was Devin on bass who officially joined the band when Hughes left. Hammering away on the drums the entire night was Clufetos who, most recently, filled in for Tommy Lee in Mötley Crüe when Lee injured himself. At one point, a fan turned to another and said “he [Clufetos] is a monster on the drums.” It seemed that no matter how hard Clufetos beat the drums, he never seemed to break a sweat. Clufetos during his drum solo was hitting them so hard that the vibrations could be felt in fans’ chests as they watched in awe.

It was amazing to see how interactive the band was with the fans, throughout the night, in between songs and jokes from Corabi, the band tossed guitar picks and waved to familiar faces in the audience. As the band was introducing themselves, they would quickly jam in between announcements to tunes like “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” and “Seven Nation Army.” Each jam session was met with thunderous applause from the fans who sang along with Corabi and sang the guitar riffs as well. The band was as versatile as ever as they played multiple covers including the final song, “Helter Skelter,” by The Beatles.

Throughout the 17-song set, if they could, it seemed like the band would never stop. They rarely stopped in between songs – which were accompanied by a giant video screen behind them. Throughout each song, a different video was played which further enhanced the audience’s experiences as they showed the band throughout the years. Despite the venue only holding 650 people, the band treated it as if it were a festival or stadium. Their energy and charisma on the stage seemed like they could have blown the doors off the venue and after the encore, fans still stuck around the stage just in case the band came back on.

New York City was the perfect city to host the first night of the band’s tour. The energy of the band mixed with the energy of the fans – which grew over the night – created a rock and roll cathedral. Some fans were making the trek to the group’s next show while other fans immediately flocked to the merch table. After the legendary Rolling Stones show at Racket NYC, The Dead Daisies followed up with a legendary show of their own.

The Dead Daisies Setlist: Light ‘Em Up, Rise Up, Dead and Gone, Make Some Noise, I Wanna Be Your Bitch, Unspoken, Bustle and Flow, Lock ‘n’ Load, Born to Fly, Take a Long Time, Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap / Seven Nation Army / Heaven and Hell / D’yer Mak’er / Join Together, I’m Ready, Fortunate Son (Creedence Clearwater Revival cover), Mexico, Midnight Moses (The Sensational Alex Harvey Band cover), Long Way to Go, Helter Skelter (The Beatles cover)

Killcode Setlist: Show Me, Ride, OTP, Let’s Get Back to Rock n Roll, Phenomenon, Shot, Kickin’ and Screamin’

Tempt Setlist: Living Dangerous, Roses, Burn Me Down, Company, Cold Blood, Golden Tounge, We Will Rock You (Queen cover)

June 8, 2024
River and Blues at Rockefeller Park Lineup for July 2024

The Battery Park City Authority announced the River and Blues lineup for this year’s Summer Concert Series held in Rockefeller Park, Manhattan.

For 25 years, the Battery Park City Authority’s River and Blues concert series has served as a fun, classic summer tradition. Fans of folk, soul, blues, and rock’n’roll alike gather in one of many of Manhattan’s parks and enjoy its free live performances. Since its inception, it has served as an opportunity to host a series of both legendary and recently emerging musicians.

This year, the concert series will be at Rockefeller Park, located in Battery City, Manhattan. To travel via public transit, use the 1, 2, or 3 train and exit at Chambers Street, or the E train, exiting at the World Trade Center. Following your stop is a 5-8 minute walk.

During the entire month of July, the River and Blues concert series features four free live performances every Thursday evening. The concert series hopes to bring together fans of multiple genres, including Tejano, rhythm and blues, country, folk, and soul music. This summer’s River and Blues lineup features an astounding collection of diverse, talented up-and-coming musicians.

Below is the information regarding the performances. All shows are free to the public and welcome all ages. Doors open at 6:00 PM and feature an opener from DJs Reganomics and Suzan D Anthony.

July 11 – Los Lobos

Multi-Grammy-winning artists Los Lobos‘ music embodies the idea of America as a melting pot, combining Tejano, son jarocho, and norteño with folk, country, and rock ‘n’ roll. Together, they create a sound that’s greater than the sum of its parts. For more than 50 years, this East L.A. band has been wowing audiences with daring and diverse recordings and legendary live shows.

6:30PM – DOORS

7:00PM – DJ REAGONOMICS

7:30PM – LOS LOBOS

July 18 – Hooray for the Riff Raff

Hailing from New Orleans, Louisiana, is the folk band Hurray for the Riff Raff. Combining elements of traditional American folk with elements of 90s punk-rock, Hurray for the Riff Raff offers a unique sound for listeners of all genres and generations. Join them on July 18 at 7:30 PM.

6:30PM – DOORS

7:00PM – DJ SUZAN Z ANTHONY

7:30PM – HURRAY FOR THE RIFF RAFF

July 25 – Leela James

On July 25, Get soulful with singer Leela James for her live performance at Rockefeller Park. Without a doubt, James has remained an important figure in R&B, still topping the charts with a discography of quality soul music spanning nearly two decades. Leela’s music is a constant reminder of what it is to be human — to love, to regret, and to dream.

6:30 PM – DOORS

7:00 PM – DJ SUZAN Z ANTHONY

7:30 PM – LEELA JAMES

August 1 – Abraham Alexander

Finally, A night of folk-pop fusion awaits with Abraham Alexander’s performance on August 1st. The final performance of the series is a refreshing genre fluidity at play as elements of folk, pop, rock, R&B, gospel, and even electronic music intertwine into a cohesive whole that is simultaneously warm and cool.

6:30 PM – DOORS

7:00 PM – DJ REAGONOMICS

7:30 PM SHOW: ABRAHAM ALEXANDER

June 8, 2024
In Focus: Hozier Captivates With 4 Nights at Forest Hills Stadium for Unreal Unearth Tour

Queens’ Forest Hills Stadium was a fitting venue for folk-rock singer-songwriter Hozier‘s Unreal Unearth tour, with the artist playing four back-to-back shows beneath picturesque sunsets in the open air stadium.

Photo by Molly Higgins

Hozier’s New York City dates kicked off June 4, and the atmosphere was cozy as hundreds of fans dressed in whimsical, earth-toned outfits to match the artist’s aesthetic packed the venue.

The artist made his first entrance with his 2024 hit “Too Sweet,” which he noted was his first song to hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. His soulful vocals and expert instrumental skills were captivating, whether he was belting out “Francesca” with a stronger rock influence, or softly strumming “Cherry Wine” from the B-stage with a single acoustic guitar.

Hozier’s stage presence was humble yet commandingâbetween songs, he addressed the audience like old friends. But when each number started, the crowd was left transfixed by the sheer power of his vocals. Fans swayed, sang along, and then exploded into applause between each song as the sun set over Forest Hills.

Hozier’s ongoing tour in support of his 2023 album Unreal Unearth includes three more shows at Forest Hills Stadium June 5, 7, and 8, and is currently scheduled to continue through late November. Additional New York dates include July 7 in Bethel.

Hozier – Forest Hills Stadium – June 4, 2024

Setlist: Too Sweet, Jackie and Wilson, To Be Alone, Dinner & Diatribes, Wildflower and Barley (with Allison Russell), Francesca, Eat Your Young, Cherry Wine, Unknown/Nth, De Selby (Part 1), De Selby (Part 2), From Eden, Would That I, Almost (Sweet Music), It Will Come Back, Movement, Take Me to Church, Like Real People Do, Nina Cried Power, Happy Birthday to You (sung to the tour’s lighting crew chief Kitty Hoffman), Work Song (with Allison Russell)

June 7, 2024