Lounge Studios in New York City, located on 39th Street and owned by Walt Randall, has been operating for over 20 years and remains one of the most popular recording studios among upcoming and established artists. In an interview with New York State Music, Randall opened up a little about his journey to becoming the owner of one of the most successful recording studios in Manhattan.
Owner and CEO Walt Randall mixing in the Solaris Room at Lounge Studios. Credit: Hummingbird Media
We previously featured Lounge over the summer, on our list of recording studios in New York City, one in a series of articles.
The interview took place in the Brown Sugar Lounge, the first room Randall built for the studio after graduating from Northern Iowa State University in 2001 and moving to New York City with $50 to his name.
The first room Owner and CEO Walt Randall ever built for Lounge Studios, titled Brown Sugar. Credit: Lounge Studios.
Established in 2003, Lounge Studios is an 11-room professional multimedia studio that houses some of the finest equipment in the music industry. Each of the eleven lounges has been meticulously designed and built by Randall himself to create the most comfortable atmosphere and highest quality. From 2013 – 2016, Lounge Studios served as the East Coast Recording Studio Headquarters for Atlantic Records and Warner Chappelle.
Of the various reasons an up-and-coming artist should aspire to record at Lounge, the number one selling point would be, Randall says, “The engineers and the environment.”
Randall continues, “Those things sort of go hand and hand because the engineers help create the environment. Like I said we’ve worked with a lot of big people, but we’re made to do independent artists. That’s where the bread and butter comes from and I’ve always kept our prices low to do that.”
Randall finishes, “That being said, we get a lot of first-time people in the studio. They’ve never been, they’re a little nervous, and you need to create a good environment for them. So our engineers are some of the best and fastest but, outside of being the best and the fastest, they’re very personable. They know how to make you relax, they can read the room, for a first-timer.”
In all his over 20 years of operating Lounge, Randall says his favorite artist to work with throughout his career is Solange Knowles.
“A Seat at the Table, the first time I ever heard the album front to back, I was like ‘Oh, this is a cultural shift album,” Randall said.
Randall continued, “At the time I was with Atlantic Records, and I used to always tell them ‘This album is going to be the album.’ Not only was it critically acclaimed, it got Album of the Decade with Noisy Magazine, she got a Grammy, that album was at the top of the Obama’s playlist. It was just a cultural thing.”
Solange Knowles worked on her groundbreaking third studio album, A Seat at the Table, at the Live Lounge in Brown Sugar at Lounge Studios.
“To me it was spiritual, we’ve had a lot of artists here but I have yet to hear an album that moved me like that immediately,” Randall finished.
Randall says he isn’t surprised by Lounge’s success, but, “Believing it’s coming, and then living the reality of not being able to pay rent sometimes, not knowing if you’re even going to be in business next year, just the struggle to make it and survive in the landscape that we were in, and trying to build a name for myself as a studio. I always had a belief that this was going to be big, and I took joy, I was in shock and awe every time there was a big artist here, but it never made me feel like I was ‘above it.”
Before opening Lounge in the early 2000s, Randall was headed towards a career as an athlete, although his passion for music was always there. After suffering injuries that prevented him from continuing to play Football, Randall leaned in fully towards this passion, a turn of events that worked out for the better in his view.
“I think music was my destination from the beginning,” Randall said.
Randall feels, that while football was a craft he was skilled at, it was never the end goal. “I was an athlete, and I was always competitive, but I never loved football.”
Despite suffering intense physical injuries in his athletic career, nothing compares to the struggles he overcame during his journey to opening Lounge.
“I’ve had three ACL tears, I’ve had all types of injuries in football, all types of adversity. None of that was even a fraction of what I’ve been through building this studio, this business, this enterprise. Not even close,” Randall said.
In a way, Randall’s injuries were an unexpected twist of fate.
“I think I got injured on purpose,” Randall said.
Randall continued, “I’m not the type of person that ever looks back and regrets anything, but specifically in this situation, I can look back and say, ‘That ended for this to start.’”
Randall concluded his interview with NYS Music by offering words of advice to anyone trying to make their dreams a reality, in the face of the curveballs life can throw at you.
“I needed to understand, personally, that there was something bigger than me,” Randall said.
“It gets so hard on this journey, that I’m not strong enough to do it on my own. There have been so many days where I’ve stepped on this floor while I was building it, and just cried, and said ‘I want to go home,” Randall said.
“It was taking forever, I didn’t have any money, I was falling behind on rent, and stuff was falling on my head in the middle of me trying to put it up. I wasn’t strong enough by myself,” Randall continued.
Randall finished, “When those insurmountable things happen, those insurmountable obstacles happen, the thing that has gotten me through is understanding that it’s not just me. I can lean on something else, I can lean on something bigger than me, that is pushing me through this when I’m tired when I don’t feel like it will ever end, I feel like a lot of times, I’ve done the work but I’ve been partially carried through those times. I get to the other side and I’m like, ‘I have no idea how I just did that.’ and I understand it wasn’t just because of me. It was because I had faith that there was something bigger than me that I could depend on.â
Cyndi Lauper has announced her ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun’ farewell tour, which will last from October through December. The tour is Lauper’s first major run in over a decade, including 23 headlining shows. As part of the tour, Lauper will make an October 30th stop at Madison Square Garden.
Cyndi Lauper is a Grammy and Tony award-winning songwriter and performer, who has captivated audiences since the 1980s. Growing up in Queens’ Ozone Park neighborhood, Lauper took in influences from punk, and glam that formed her unique brand of pop music. Lauper broke out into the mainstream with her 1983 debut She’s So Unusual, which won her a Grammy for best new artist. The album spawned four top-5 singles, including “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” and “Time After Time.” Since her debut, Lauper has sold over 50 million records, and been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
On top of music, Lauper has led successful careers in theater and writing. In 2013 Lauper won the Tony for best original score for Kinky Boots – becoming the first woman to do so. In 2012, she released a New York Times best-selling memoir, detailing her childhood struggles. Lauper has used her fame to fight for a number of marginalized groups, including women, LGBT people, and people with HIV/AIDS.
Lauper’s farewell tour will begin October 18th in Montreal, Canada, before moving its way westward across the US. On October 30th, Lauper will return to her hometown of New York City, to play a show at Manhattan’s Madison Square Garden. This show, along with others across the tour, will feature a special guest who will be revealed at a later date.
Lauper will release a documentary Let the Canary Sing to accompany her farewell tour. The documentary, directed by Emmy-winner Alison Ellwood, will tackle Lauper’s rise to stardom and ever-evolving identity. The film will place a special focus on Lauper’s influence on younger generations, and dedication to social advocacy. There will be a world premiere and Hollywood Walk of Fame print ceremony at Los Angeles’s TCL Chinese Theater on June 4th. In addition, Lauper will make a special guest appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live on June 5th, 11:35pm ET. Lauper will talk about the release of her documentary, and her farewell tour.
GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN FAREWELL TOUR DATES:
Fri Oct 18 | Montreal, QC | Bell Centre
Sun Oct 20 | Toronto, ON | Scotiabank Arena
Thu Oct 24 | Detroit, MI | Fox Theatre
Sat Oct 26 | Boston, MA | MGM Music Hall at Fenway
Sun Oct 27 | Washington, DC | Capital One Arena
Wed Oct 30 | New York, NY | Madison Square Garden
Fri Nov 01 | Nashville, TN | Bridgestone Arena
Sun Nov 03 | Columbus, OH | Schottenstein Center
Wed Nov 06 | Tampa, FL | Amalie Arena
Fri Nov 08 | Hollywood, FL | Hard Rock Hollywood
Sun Nov 10 | Atlanta, GA | State Farm Arena
Tue Nov 12 | Dallas, TX | American Airlines Center
Thu Nov 14 | Austin, TX | Moody Center
Sat Nov 16 | Houston, TX | Toyota Center
Tue Nov 19 | Phoenix, AZ | Footprint Center
Wed Nov 20 | San Diego, CA | Viejas Arena
Sat Nov 23 | Los Angeles, CA | Intuit Dome
Sun Nov 24 | Palm Desert, CA | Acrisure Arena
Tue Nov 26 | San Francisco, CA | Chase Center
Sat Nov 30 | Portland, OR | Moda Center
Sun Dec 01 | Seattle, WA | Climate Pledge Arena
Wed Dec 04 | Minneapolis, MN | Target Center
Thu Dec 05 | Chicago, IL | United Center
Tickets will be available starting with an artist presale beginning on Tuesday, June 4. Additional pre-sales will run throughout the week ahead of the general on-sale beginning on Friday, June 7 at 10am. For more information regarding Cyndi Lauper’s Girls Just Wanna Have Fun tour, visit her website here.
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
In an upcoming interview with NYS Music, owner and CEO of Lounge Studios in Manhattan Walt Randall revealed that he is starting a new surround sound company for his studio called Spatio. The company will launch during the first week of June and allow independent artists to record their music in Atmos Spatial Audio. This new surround-sound format allows for a more realistic and immersive recording experience.
The Dolby-Certified Solaris Room is the latest addition to Lounge Studios where artists will record their music in Atmos Spatial Audio. Credit: Walt Randall.
However, this new format is pricey and creates roadblocks for independent artists.
“All major labels make it mandatory to release Atmos, but it’s too expensive for independent artists. The going rate is between $500-$1500/song. This makes it impossible for independent musicians to get their songs done in Atmos Spatial Audio,” Randall said.
Randall realized what an obstacle this posed for independent artists, and decided to do something about it at Lounge.
“When I realized that this amazing format would pose insurmountable obstacles to independent artists, it became my mission to even the playing field”, Randall said.
Randall described the process of making Atmos Spatial Audio more accessible to independent artists.
“I started by building one of only three Dolby Certified, Atmos Studios in Manhattan. I then developed proprietary software systems that would help speed up the mixing process. Lastly, I trained some of Lounge Studios’ best engineers to work with Spatio,” Randall said.
Randall added, “To date, we have done Atmos mixes for every major record label and have done some of the biggest stars in every genre of music, including The Wallows and Lil Baby.”
Randall emphasized what a big deal Spatio will be for rising musicians.
“It’s going to be huge for independent artists and will change the playing field.”
Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats have announced a US Arena Tour, including a NYC date at Madison Square Garden. This tour celebrates the group’s fourth studio album South of Here, which releases June 28.
Nathaniel Rateliff is a Denver-based singer-songwriter renowned for his gruff voice and songwriting prowess. Rateliff’s group The Night Sweats hit the mainstream with their gold-certified 2015 self-titled debut. Since his breakout, Rateliff has collaborated with folk legends, including Paul Simon and Willie Nelson. Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant has lauded Rateliff’s music, calling him “one of these guys that will just carry the torch. Beautiful songwriting, beautiful singing, great delivery.” Rateliff is already carrying that torch, inspiring a new generation of folk artists, including stars Noah Kahan and Orville Peck. Across their 3 studio albums, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats have grown their catalog, and honed their dynamic performances.
In the lead to their national tour, the band is releasing their fourth studio album South of Here. This new album reckons with love, loss, and hope during a life full of trauma. The songs bear Rateliff’s soul through his vivid storytelling, and the Night Sweat’s R&B-influenced Americana instrumentals. Rateliff hopes “these songs and stories give you an opportunity to better understand your own struggles whatever they may be.” The band collaborated with producer Brad Cook, straight off work with Waxahachie and Bon Ives, to engineer the album. The album is set to release June 28 via Stax.
The album’s lead single “Heartless” has already hit #1 on Americana radio and #5 on Triple A Charts. Accompanying this single is a new music video directed by the award-winning Kimberly Stuckwisch. Stuckwisch, who has previously worked with Olivia Rodrigo, based the video around the idea of finding freedom through arts. She says ” “Growing up in an impoverished part of Kentuckiana I often found myself running away from my upbringing diving headfirst into books, studies, writing, and theater.” This music video plays into Rateliff’s lyrical themes about moving out West from his childhood hometown in Missouri.
This arena tour comes after a 2022 sold-out concert at Denver’s Ball Arena, which launched their career to new heights. Starting on August 15 in Oregon, the band will snake their way Eastward across the country, before closing out the tour with a MSG show on March 27.
NATHANIEL RATELIFF & THE NIGHT SWEATS LIVE
August 15—Bend, OR—Hayden Homes Amphitheater
August 16—Boise, ID—Outlaw Field
August 20—Morrison, CO—Red Rocks Amphitheatre
August 21—Morrison, CO—Red Rocks Amphitheatre
October 22—Houston, TX—713 Music Hall
October 23—Dallas, TX—The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
October 26—Austin, TX—Moody Center
October 29—Rogers, AR—Walmart Amphitheater
October 30—St. Louis, MO—Chaifetz Arena
November 1—Chicago, IL—United Center
November 2—St. Paul, MN—Excel Center
March 27, 2025—New York, NY—Madison Square Garden
Presale for Nathaniel Ratecliff & The Night Sweat’s MSG concert begins Tuesday, June 4th at 10am. General on-sale will begin June 7th at 10am. The band also offers a “Marigold upgrade” for their NYC concert tickets, providing access to an intimate pre-show cocktail lounge, and a limited edition concert print. The proceeds from these upgrades support the band’s Marigold Project, dedicated to promoting economic, social, and racial justice.
For more information on tour dates and ticketing, visit the band’s website here.
Dubbed the Queen of Hip Hop, Nicki Minaj has announced her highly anticipated tour, showcasing her brand new album Pink Friday 2. She will stop at Madison Square Garden on Saturday, March 30, and Barclays Center on Thursday, April 4, 2024. Additionally, Minaj has announced shows in Buffalo on September 14 and in Queens on October 11.
For the finale of the tour, Nicki will make her return to Queens for one final show in her hometown after a total of over 80 shows across the globe.
Nicki Minaj became “the first woman to score 100 Billboard Hot 100 Hits” with an astounding 133 total entries to date (the most among female hip-hop acts). These include three #1’s, over 70 Top 40 hits (also a record among female hip-hop acts), and 23 Top 10’s (another record among female hip-hop acts). As a songwriter, she also holds the record for the “Most Billboard Hot 100 Entries Among Women in the 2010s.”
Minaj has set the tone in music, fashion, and beauty for more than a decade. Her seminal song “Super Bass” surpassed one billion YouTube views, entering history alongside the likes of “Anaconda.” As such, she has emerged as “the first female rapper to cross the one billion mark with multiple solo tracks.” With nine videos receiving more than one billion views thus far, she has earned “the most videos with over one billion views for any female artist.”
Nicki Minaj at the Barbie premiere. Credit: Rodin Eckenroth.
Her supremacity can be traced back to her landmark debut Pink Friday in 2010, which sold 375,000 copies in its first week according to MRC Data. It made history by achieving “the largest sales week for a female hip-hop artist since Lauryn Hill in 1998.” In 2022 she released “Super Freaky Girl,” which impressively debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Other accolades she acquired were “the female rapper with the most solo Top 10 albums in Billboard 200 history,” “the most-awarded rapper at the American Music Awards,” and “the first female rapper with over 30 billion Spotify streams across her catalog.”
In addition to music, Nicki Minaj has made numerous TV and film appearances, including as a judge on American Idol along with film roles in 2014’s The Other Woman, 2016’s Barbershop: The Next Cut, and voiceover for Ice Age: Continental Drift. She has landed high-profile deals with Fendi, Adidas, H&M, Diesel, Mercedes-Benz, Sprint, and Pepsi, released a nail polish collection with OPI, and was the face of MAC’s Viva Glam campaign. Not to mention, she is a co-owner of TIDAL, and her BEATS 1 QUEEN radio show stands out as “the highest-rated show in Apple Music history.”
Tickets will be available starting with a Citi presale beginning on Tuesday, December 12. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general on-sale beginning on Friday, December 15 at 9 a.m.
PINK FRIDAY 2 WORLD TOUR DATES:
Fri Mar 01 – Oakland, CA – Oakland Arena
Sun Mar 03 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena
Fri Mar 08 – Las Vegas, NV – T-Mobile Arena
Sun Mar 10 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena
Wed Mar 13 – Phoenix, AZ – Footprint Center
Fri Mar 15 – Inglewood, CA – Rolling Loud California*
Mon Mar 18 – New Orleans, LA – Smoothie King Center
Wed Mar 20 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena
Fri Mar 22 – Orlando, FL – Amway Center
Tue Mar 26 – Charlotte, NC – Spectrum Center
Thu Mar 28 – Newark, NJ – Prudential Center
Fri Mar 29 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center
Sat Mar 30 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
Mon Apr 01 – Washington, DC – Capital One Arena
Tue Apr 02 – Baltimore, MD – CFG Bank Arena
Thu Apr 04 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center
Fri Apr 05 – Hartford, CT – XL Center
Sun Apr 07 – Raleigh, NC – Dreamville Festival*
Wed Apr 10 – Boston, MA – TD Garden
Fri Apr 12 – Columbus, OH – Schottenstein Center
Sat Apr 13 – Milwaukee, WI – Fiserv Forum
Wed Apr 17 – Montreal, QC – Bell Centre
Thu Apr 18 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
Sat Apr 20 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena
Wed Apr 24 – Chicago, IL – United Center
Sat Apr 27 – Minneapolis, MN – Target Center
Thu May 02 – Oklahoma City, OK – Paycom Center
Thu May 09 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center
Sat May 11 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center
Sun May 12 – Austin, TX – Moody Center
Sat May 25 – Manchester, UK – Co-Op Live
Sun May 26 – Birmingham, UK – Resorts World Arena
Tue May 28 – London, UK – The O2
Sat Jun 01 – Paris, France – Accor Arena
Sun Jun 02 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Ziggo Dome
Wed Jun 05 – Cologne, Germany – Lanxess Arena
Fri Jun 07 – Berlin, Germany – Mercedes Benz Arena
PINK FRIDAY 2 WORLD TOUR DATES:
Tue May 28 – London, UK – The O2
Wed May 29 – Glasgow, Scotland – OVO Hydro
Thu May 30 – Manchester, UK – Co-Op Live
Sat Jun 01 – Paris, France – Accor Arena
Sun Jun 02 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Ziggo Dome
Mon Jun 03 – Manchester, UK – Co-Op Live
Wed Jun 05 – Cologne, Germany – Lanxess Arena
Fri Jun 07 – Berlin, Germany – Mercedes Benz Arena
Sat Jun 08 – Warsaw, Poland – Orange Warsaw Festival*^
Sun Jun 09 – Paris, France – Accor Arena
Tue Jun 11 – Copenhagen, Denmark – Royal Arena
Wed Jun 12 – Stockholm, Sweden – Tele2 Arena
Thu Jun 27 – Portimao, Portugal – Afronation Portugal*^
Fri Jun 28 – Rabat, Morocco – Mawazine*^
Wed Jul 03 – Milan, Italy – Fiera Milano Live^
Fri Jul 05 – Vienna, Austria – Rolling Loud Europe*
Sat Jul 06 – Dublin, Ireland – Malahide Castle and Gardens
Sun Jul 07 – Bucharest, Romania – SAGA Festival*^
Fri Jul 12 – London, UK – Wireless Festival*
Sat Jul 13 – Frauenfeld, Switzerland – Openair Frauenfeld*
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.
Pier 17 has announced a co-headlining show from Jane’s Addiction and Love and Rockets on September 10. This Manhattan show comes as part of a 23-city cross-country tour in August and September.
Pier 17, located at Manhattan’s South Street Seaport, is one of the city’s most scenic venues. The 1.5 acre rooftop venue is located stories above New York City’s East River. Pier 17 provides concert-goers with stunning views of the Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty and other famous sites. With a 3,500 person capacity, the venue is intimate, while still providing a lively atmosphere. Since its inaugural season in 2018, the venue has hosted acts from The Fugees to Billie Eilish. This season is especially busy for Pier 17, with shows from Taking Back Sunday, Slash, and more scheduled for the Summer.
Below the Pier 17 stage, the Seaport hosts a venue of restaurants and shops for concert-goers to enjoy. With offerings like sushi, tacos, ice cream, and seafood there is a large variety of options at the venue. The Seaport additionally hosts vintage clothing, book, and wine shops for visitors to enjoy before and after their concerts.
Since their start in 1985, Jane’s Addiction has become one of the most influential alt-rock bands of all time. Perry Farrell’s distinctive vocals, and Dave Navarro’s heavy guitars propelled the band into rock stardom, spawning countless hits. Concert-goers are sure to recognize “Jane Says” off of their 1988 debut Nothing’s Shocking and “Been Caught Stealing” off Ritual De Lo Habitual. Their signature brand of alternative has inspired legendary acts, including The Smashing Pumpkins and Rage Against the Machine. Jane’s Addiction are also renowned for their energetic live shows, with their 1991 farewell tour spawning the legendary Lollapalooza rock festival. This 2024 tour comes after the band’s first reunion in over 14 years.
Love and Rockets began after the breakup of the seminal goth band Bauhaus in 1983. Members Daniel Ash, David J, and Kevin Haskins sought to combine their goth roots with more pop and psychedelic influences, crafting a unique brand of alternative that led them to stardom. Emerging with a dark cover of the Motown classic “Ball of Confusion,” the band’s music became 1980s club standards. Across their 7 studio albums, the band achieved major radio success with the 1989 hit single “So Alive,” which went to #3 on billboard. Bands like The Flaming Lips, Jane’s Addiction, and Pixies have since cited Love and Rockets as musical influences. This tour comes after the band’s 2023 reunion.
This concert at Manhattan’s Pier 17, is only one stop on a nation-crossing tour throughout August and September. The tour’s 25 stops across the US and Canada are listed below.
Fri Aug 09 — Las Vegas, NV — Fontainebleau Las Vegas
Sun Aug 11 — San Diego, CA — Gallagher Square at Petco Park
Tue Aug 13 — Los Angeles, CA — YouTube Theater
Thu Aug 15 — Phoenix, AZ — Arizona Financial Theatre
Sun Aug 18 — Irving, TX — The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
Mon Aug 19 — Houston, TX — 713 Music Hall
Wed Aug 21 — Rogers, AR — Walmart AMP
Fri Aug 23 — Durant, OK — Choctaw Grand Theater
Sun Aug 25 — New Orleans, LA — The Fillmore
Tue Aug 27 — Jacksonville, FL — Daily’s Place
Thu Aug 29 — Tampa, FL — MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
Sat Aug 31 — Hollywood, FL — Hard Rock Live
Tue Sep 03 — Raleigh, NC — Red Hat Amphitheater
Thu Sep 05 — Portsmouth, VA — Atlantic Union Bank Pavilion
Sat Sep 07 — Atlantic City, NJ — Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena
Tue Sep 10 — New York, NY — The Rooftop at Pier 17
Fri Sep 13 — Boston, MA — Leader Bank Pavilion
Sun Sep 15 — Bridgeport, CT — Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater
Wed Sep 18 — Toronto, ON — Budweiser Stage
Fri Sep 20 — Rochester Hills, MI — Meadow Brook Amphitheater
Sun Sep 22 — Milwaukee, WI — BMO Pavilion
Tue Sep 24 — Chicago, IL — Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom
Thu Sep 26 — Indianapolis, IN — Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park
Sat Sep 28 – Huntsville, AL – South Star Music Festival*
Sun Sep 29 – St. Louis, MO – Evolution Festival*
Tickets presales for this show begin on May 28th, with general sales beginning May 31st at 10am.
On May 28, 2024, cast from the Broadway hit The Who’s TOMMY will perform on Good Morning America. This performance comes as part of a successful season for the play, which saw critical praise and a Tony nomination.
The March 2024 revival of The Who’s TOMMY at Broadway’s Nederlander Theatre opened to great success. The play is based on the 1969 rock opera Tommy by The Who, which follows the titular Tommy Walker. The Who’s TOMMY tells the story of the protagonist’s childhood trauma, which leaves him deaf, blind, and mute. Despite this, Tommy rises to become a pinball star and cult leader, eventually breaking from his dissociation. Rolling Stone has recognized Tommy‘s significance, ranking it 96th on their greatest albums of all time list. It was also inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame for its “historical, artistic and significant value.” This is not Tommy’s first adaptation, being adapted to stage in 1993, where it ran for 899 performances.
This revival of TOMMY has received rapturous praise from critics. Des McAnuff’s stage direction, combined with a dreamy, shape-shifting set work with Pete Townsend’s lyricism to create a perfectly dystopian environment. The New York Post praised the show’s “Knockout singing, superbly inventive stagecraft and a star-making performance from 24-year old Ali Louis Bourzgui.” Publications like Theatermania have even called it “the best rock opera ever.” The play is currently up for the 2024 Tony for Best Revival of a Musical. Additionally, the play received the Outer Critics Circle Award and Drama League Award nominations for Outstanding Revival of a Musical.
The cast will perform on ABC’s Good Morning America twice on May 28th. First, they will perform during the 8:30am Eastern Time half-hour. The cast will follow this with a second performance on GMA3 at 1:30pm Eastern Time.
For more information on tickets to see The Who’s TOMMY, visit the site here.
Hopeless Records will be onsite at A2IM Indie Week – June 10 to June 13 – with their 30th Anniversary Museum Exhibit. The Exhibit will debut in New York City and travel nationwide, making stops in Cleveland, OH, at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and Las Vegas, NV, at the Punk Rock Museum. The Museum will feature over 1,000 artifacts, including guitars, vintage merch, and original never seen before photos of the recording process.
Hopeless Records also announced a year of events celebrating the anniversary, releasing a zine and documentary chronicling the 30 years. Hopeless will also release a compilation of their current artist roster and limited edition vinyl re-releases.
Founded in 1993, Hopeless Records produced pop punk and ska albums emblematic of the ’90s. The label evolved with mainstream tastes, broadening their horizons to a wide variety of acts. Two of their greatest success stories, All Time Low and Avenged Sevenfold joined the label early in their careers, and have accumulated a number of gold and platinum records. Recently, Hopeless has continued to adapt through changing times, signing Gen-Z acts like Destroy Boys, Waterparks, and Scene Queen. Their flexibility has made Hopeless one of the greatest independent labels, selling over 15 million records.
Additionally, Louis Posen, Hopeless Records’ founder, will be honored at A2IM’s Libera Awards. Posen will receive the Lifetime Achievement award for his leadership, philanthropy, and contributions to independent music. Hopeless Records is nominated for record label of the year and Best Punk Record for Neck Deep’s self titled album.
A2IM is a not-for-profit dedicated to advocating for the independent music sector. Membership includes over 600 independently owned music labels, which Billboard Magazine identified as the largest music sector with roughly 37% of recorded music sales.
The Indie Week Conference will be from June 10 to June 13 at the Intercontinental Hotel in Times Square. Badges are available at the following link. An interview with Louis Posen is also available below.
