Category: Manhattan

Billie Eilish Announces “HIT ME HARD AND SOFT: THE TOUR” With Three Dates at MSG

Following the news of her highly anticipated third studio album HIT ME HARD AND SOFT, set for release on May 17, Billie Eilish has announced arena dates, produced by Live Nation, for her HIT ME HARD AND SOFT: THE TOUR. Eilish will stop at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday, October 16; Thursday, October 17; and Friday, October 18, 2024.

Billie Eilish’s forthcoming album, HIT ME HARD AND SOFT was written by Billie Eilish and FINNEAS, her brother and long-time collaborator, who also produced the album. HIT ME HARD AND SOFT will be available on all digital platforms, and in a continued effort to minimize waste and combat climate change; across all physical formats in limited variants on the same day, with the same track-listing and using 100% recyclable materials.

Eilish will continue her long-standing partnership with environmental nonprofit REVERB on this tour, building on the success of previous efforts, which resulted in over $1 million donated to greenhouse gas reduction and climate justice projects, more than 150,000 fan actions, and much more. Sustainability efforts on this tour will include reducing greenhouse gas pollution, decreasing single-use plastic waste, supporting climate action, and updating concession offerings to promote and encourage plant-based food options with Support+Feed.

Photo by William Drumm.

Fans are encouraged to join the effort to make the BILLIE EILISH HIT ME HARD AND SOFT: THE TOUR more sustainable. Where possible, take public transportation and carpool to and from the shows to help reduce greenhouse gas pollution and encourage more public transportation options. Thrift outfits to avoid fast fashion, and bring an empty reusable water bottle or donate for a custom RockNRefill Nalgene bottle to fill up at the free water refill stations located at each venue.

Tickets for BILLIE EILISH: HIT ME HARD AND SOFT: THE TOUR will be available starting with the American Express® Presale beginning on Tuesday, April 30, with additional presales running throughout the week. Any remaining tickets will be available during the general on-sale starting Friday, May 3. On-sale start times vary by market, check local listings for more information.

BILLIE EILISH HIT ME HARD AND SOFT: THE TOUR – NORTH AMERICA*

Sun Sep 29 – Québec, QC – Centre Videotron

Tue Oct 01 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena

Wed Oct 02 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena

Fri Oct 04 – Baltimore, MD – CFG Bank Arena

Sat Oct 05 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center

Mon Oct 07 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena

Wed Oct 09 – Newark, NJ – Prudential Center

Fri Oct 11 – Boston, MA – TD Garden

Sun Oct 13 – Pittsburgh, PA – PPG Paints Arena

Wed Oct 16 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden

Thu Oct 17 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden

Fri Oct 18 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden

Sat Nov 02 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena

Sun Nov 03 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena

Wed Nov 06 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena

Fri Nov 08 – Cincinnati, OH – Heritage Bank Center

Sun Nov 10 – Saint Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center

Mon Nov 11 – Saint Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center

Wed Nov 13 – Chicago, IL – United Center

Thu Nov 14 – Chicago, IL – United Center

Sat Nov 16 – Kansas City, MO – T-Mobile Center

Sun Nov 17 – Omaha, NE – CHI Health Center Omaha

Tue Nov 19 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena

Wed Nov 20 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena

Tue Dec 03 – Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena

Thu Dec 05 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena

Fri Dec 06 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena

Sun Dec 08 – Portland, OR – Moda Center

Tue Dec 10 – San Jose, CA – SAP Center at San Jose

Wed Dec 11 – San Jose, CA – SAP Center at San Jose

Fri Dec 13 – Glendale, AZ – Desert Diamond Arena

Sun Dec 15 – Inglewood, CA – Kia Forum

Mon Dec 16 – Inglewood, CA – Kia Forum

Tue Dec 17 – Inglewood, CA – Kia Forum

HIT ME HARD AND SOFT: THE TOUR – AUSTRALIA

Tue Feb 18, 2025 – Brisbane, Australia – Brisbane Entertainment Centre

Wed Feb 19, 2025 – Brisbane, Australia – Brisbane Entertainment Centre

Fri Feb 21, 2025 – Brisbane, Australia – Brisbane Entertainment Centre

Sat Feb 22, 2025 – Brisbane, Australia – Brisbane Entertainment Centre

Mon Feb 24, 2025 – Sydney, Australia – Qudos Bank Arena

Tue Feb 25, 2025 – Sydney, Australia – Qudos Bank Arena

Thu Feb 27, 2025 – Sydney, Australia – Qudos Bank Arena

Fri Feb 28, 2025 – Sydney, Australia – Qudos Bank Arena

Tue Mar 4, 2025 –Melbourne, Australia – Rod Laver Arena

Wed Mar 5, 2025 – Melbourne, Australia – Rod Laver Arena

Fri Mar 7, 2025 – Melbourne, Australia – Rod Laver Arena

Sat Mar 8, 2025 – Melbourne, Australia – Rod Laver Arena

HIT ME HARD AND SOFT: THE TOUR – EUROPE/U.K./IRELAND

Wed Apr 23, 2025 – Stockholm, Sweden – Avicii Arena

Thu Apr 24, 2025 – Stockholm, Sweden – Avicii Arena

Sat Apr 26, 2025 – Oslo, Norway – Telenor Arena

Mon Apr 28, 2025 – Copenhagen, Denmark – Royal Arena

Tue Apr 29, 2025 – Copenhagen, Denmark – Royal Arena

Fri May 2, 2025 – Hannover, Germany – ZAG Arena

Sun May 4, 2025 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Ziggo Dome

Mon May 5, 2025 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Ziggo Dome

Wed May 7, 2025 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Ziggo Dome

Fri May 9, 2025 – Berlin, Germany – Uber Arena

Thu May 29, 2025 – Cologne, Germany – Lanxess Arena

Fri May 30, 2025 – Cologne, Germany – Lanxess Arena

Sun June 1, 2025 – Prague, Czech Republic – O2 Arena

Tue June 3, 2025 – Kraków, Poland – Tauron Arena

Wed June 4, 2025 – Kraków, Poland – Tauron Arena

Fri June 6, 2025 – Vienna, Austria – Stadthalle

Sun June 8, 2025 – Bologna, Italy – Unipol Arena

Tue June 10, 2025 – Paris, France – Accor Arena

Wed June 11, 2025 – Paris, France – Accor Arena

Sat June 14, 2025 – Barcelona, Spain – Palau Sant Jordi

Sun June 15, 2025 –Barcelona, Spain – Palau Sant Jordi

Mon Jul 7, 2025 – Glasgow, UK – OVO Hydro

Tue Jul 8, 2025 – Glasgow, UK – OVO Hydro

Thu Jul 10, 2025 – London, UK – The O2

Fri Jul 11, 2025 –London, UK – The O2

Sun Jul 13, 2025 – London, UK – The O2

Mon Jul 14, 2025 – London, UK – The O2

Wed Jul 16, 2025 – London, UK – The O2

Thu Jul 17, 2025 – London, UK – The O2

Sat Jul 19, 2025 – Manchester, UK – Co-op Live

Sun Jul 20, 2025 – Manchester, UK – Co-op Live

Tue Jul 22, 2025 – Manchester, UK – Co-op Live

Wed Jul 23, 2025 – Manchester, UK – Co-op Live

Sat Jul 26, 2025 – Dublin, Ireland – 3Arena

Sun Jul 27, 2025 – Dublin, Ireland – 3Arena

April 30, 2024
Bad Mary Release “Better Days”, Announce 3 Shows in New York

Long Island alternative/punk band Bad Mary has announced the release of their re-recorded mix of “Better Days” on April 23. The band also announced six live dates, three of which in New York.

The song is the second release from their Better(er) Days EP, which is a collection of re-recorded and remixed versions of the songs from their first album Better Days. The re-release celebrates the 10-year anniversary of the debut album.

The group is composed of Mike Staub, Amanda Mac, Bill Mac, and David Henderson. Together, Bad Mary brings the heat with their alt-punk attitude. The group showcases nasty basslines, strong, catchy riffs, and a frontwoman with an uplifting yet seductive vocal style.

The track is released with a new music video, and a few live shows to celebrate the drop. Bad Mary sees three dates in New York on April 26, June 8, and July 5. The band performs two shows at Mr. Beery’s in Bethpage, Long Island followed by a stop at Arlene’s Grocery in Manhattan.

The single, “Better Days” is a tune about the shortcomings, the setbacks, and the misfortunes in life. It is a theme every individual can get behind. The song is hopeful and encourages you to keep your head up and look forward to those better days.

“’Better Days’ is a song about trying your hardest and just feeling like nothing is working out. We’ve all been there. We as people… we overthink, we feel paralyzed, we can feel like nothing is going our way – but the only thing to do is keep moving forward and hope that there are better (or maybe even betterER) days ahead. This song continues to mean more to me every day, and I love that it’s been with us since the beginning,”
Vocalist Amanda Mac

Better(er) Days will be released in the summer of 2024. The band is currently writing and recording new songs to be released later this year. Along with this, Bad Mary is still adding live dates to their list of shows this year.

See them live:

April 26 at Mr. Beery’s in Bethpage, NY

May 17 at SpiFest in Windsor, CT

May 23 at The Fire in Philadelphia, PA

June 8 at Mr. Beery’s in Bethpage, NY

July 5 at Arlene’s Grocery in New York, NY

July 24 at The Middle East in Boston, MA

For more information on Bad Mary, their upcoming music and dates, click here. Make sure to stay up to date on the band’s upcoming album Better(er) Days, releasing this Spring.

April 24, 2024
Barry Manilow Sets Record for Most Lifetime Concert Performances at Radio City Music Hall

MSG Entertainment announced that Barry Manilow set the record for the most lifetime concert performances at Radio City Music Hall with his 42nd lifetime show on Saturday, April 20.

As part of the show, the Radio City Rockettes presented Manilow with a custom plaque commemorating his incredible achievement. Barry Manilow first played the iconic venue on October 30, 1984. In May 2023, he began his ongoing show residency at the venue, performing five sold-out shows from May 31 to June 4, 2023, and five additional sold-out shows from April 17-21, 2024. Due to overwhelming demand, Manilow recently announced he will continue his residency with five additional consecutive nights from October 9-13, 2024, marking his 44-48 lifetime performances at the venue and bringing the ongoing residency total to 15 shows.

Barry Manilow is a GRAMMY, Tony, and Emmy Award-winning music icon whose success is a benchmark in popular music. Having sold more than 85 million records worldwide, he is one of the all-time best-selling recording artists. The multi-award-winning musician has had an astonishing 51 Top 40 singles, including 12 number-one hits and 27 Top 10 hits. Some of these hits include “Mandy,” “I Write the Songs,” “Looks Like We Made It,” “Can’t Smile Without You,” and “Copacabana (At the Copa).”

“Radio City Music Hall is one of the greatest venues in the world,” said Barry Manilow. “What a thrill and an honor to receive this distinction.”

For nearly a century, Radio City Music Hall has been home to world’s biggest artists. We are pleased to celebrate Barry Manilow, a native New Yorker and one of the greatest performers of all time, and look forward to welcoming him back for more record-setting shows this October.
Josephine Vaccarello, Executive Vice President, Live, MSG Entertainment.

Tickets for Barry Manilow’s upcoming shows at Radio City are on sale now.

April 23, 2024
Hudson Yards Unveils Its Backyard Programming Line-up For The Summer

Hudson Yards has unveiled its initial events for backyard programming including a mix of Family Day, Movie Screenings, Summer Concerts and more. The program begins Friday, May 3 and continues through AugustÂ 7 in the Public Square & Gardens.

Fans will be able to watch the free weekly concerts at Hudson Yards, the newest neighborhood on Manhattanâs West Side. The Backyard at Hudson Yards concert series is located between 10th and 11th Avenue and between 30th and 34th Street.Â

Outdoor Entertainment

Once again, Hudson Yards and The Bowery Presents have teamed together to present an outdoor series of free, in-person performances in the Public Square & Gardens every Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. with world-class performers from June 19 through August 7. The lineup will feature performances by artists including Chayce Beckham on June 19, David Archuleta on June 26, Brynn Cartelli on July 10, Ray Bull on July 17 and Keke Palmer on August 7. Hudson Yards will unveil the performers for July 3, July 24, and July 31 in the coming week at their website.

The Public Theater Performances

The renowned Public Theater will bring Shakespeare to Backyard at Hudson Yards this summer as a part of its Mobile Unit series with 10 free, open-to-the-public performances of the bilingual musical adaptation in English and Spanish of The Comedy of Errors. Fans will enjoy a twist on the classic show featuring contemporary rhythms across Latin America with performance dates ranging from June 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 20, and 21.

Family Day

Family Day, a fantastic set of family-friendly events all day long, starts off Backyard’s Family Fun programming on May 18. Family day will include a WonderSpark Puppet Show, a special Mozart concert for Munchkins, and a movie screening on the 30-foot Big Screen on the Public Square & Gardens. Along with plenty of family-friendly dining and shopping options, kids will enjoy face painting and personalized balloon sculptures created by balloon artists inside The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards.

Coinciding with Family Day, every month, the beloved New York Public Library will offer a free immersive storytime at Backyard with books, songs, and rhymes for the young reader (ages 0 to 12). After story time, kids can take part in a group art project. Throughout the event, visitors will be able to sign up for a library card and learn more about free programs and resources available through the New York Public Library system.

Sports Watch Parties

Hudson Yards has also announced they will host Sports watch parties. Backyard will feature hundreds of live-streamed games, series, and tournaments on The Big Screen. These will include the most popular international sporting events and games, such as cricket, sailing, horse racing, baseball, basketball, golf, Formula 1 races, hockey, football, soccer, tennis, and more. Upcoming special viewing parties include the Kentucky Derby airing on May 4, the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix Race on May 5, with a Cinco de Mayo party at Verano, and The Wells Fargo Championship PGA TOUR event airing from May 9 – 12.

Power Hour

Starting on May 14th, there will be free courses in yoga, Pilates, and dance cardio fitness on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. on the Public Square & Gardens. Level 2 of The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards is home to the upscale wellness and athletic company Alo Yoga, which is offering classes there. With each in-store class, Alo Yoga will be giving away a gift card. Alo Flow, Alo Power Flow, Alo Dance Cardio, and Alo Mat Pilates will be taught by well-known influencer fitness instructors, such as Victoria Rodriguez, Sarah Wolff, Lulu Soni, Kayla Principato and Serena Tom .

Backyard at Hudson Yards will kick off on May 3, and fans will get a chance to enjoy a full season of outdoor programs featuring a jam-packed calendar of free concerts, live sports screenings, theater performances, fitness classes, and more. For more information about the 2024 program, fans can visit here to register and learn more.

April 20, 2024
Charli XCX and Troye Sivan Announce Sweat Tour, Coming to MSG

Longtime music collaborators and pop and electronic pioneers Troye Sivan and Charli XCX are teaming up for their highly-anticipated 2024 co-headline arena tour “Sweat” with special guest Shygirl, turning iconic US and Canadian venues into raves. They are stopping at MSG on Monday, Sept. 23, 2024.

Charli XCX & Troye Sivan present: Sweat is a celebration of their successes and a testament to their commitment to inclusivity and diversity within the music industry. Fans can expect an electrifying show filled with exhilarating performances, stunning visuals, and infectious beats.

Avant-pop and electronic superstar Charli XCX has become an iconic figure in the arts, having helped expand the landscape of popular music over the last decade. Throughout her trailblazing career, the multi-hyphenate creative has earned critical acclaim for her innovative style and entrepreneurial spirit. Her lasting impact was cemented last year when she was honored with the Visionary Award at the annual Ivor Novellos in London and the Powerhouse Award at Billboard’s Women In Music ceremony in Los Angeles in March. She is gearing up for her anticipated sixth solo album, BRAT, set to feature 15 tracks, including the hit single “Von dutch” – the brash and synth-heavy first taste of the record.

Charli XCX. Credit – Harley Weir.

She threw a momentous Boiler Room in New York’s Brooklyn in February to launch the BRAT campaign with A. G. Cook, George Daniel, Finn Keane, and Doss. ‘Boiler Room & Charli XCX Presents: PARTYGIRL’ broke the record for the most ever RSVPs to a Boiler Room event, with over 40k people registering to attend.

Troye Sivan is a GRAMMY-nominated Australian singer, songwriter, and actor who has firmly established himself as a global icon in pop, fashion, and LGBTQIA+ representation. At just 28. he has over 26 billion streams and ten million adjusted albums sold worldwide. Raised in Perth, Australia, Sivan set the world on fire with a pair of EPs – 2014’s TRXYE and 2015’s Wild. With his debut album Blue Neighbourhood, sophomore album Bloom, the 2020 EP In A Dream, and most recently his third studio album, Something To Give Each Other, Sivan has cemented himself in the music industry. His recent hit single “Rush” earned global accolades and praise, including two GRAMMY nominations. His career has been further celebrated as the recipient of six ARIA Awards, a Billboard Music Award, three MTV Europe Music Awards, and two GLAAD Media Award wins.

Troye Sivan. Photo By Stuart Winecoff

Troye Sivan and Charli XCX are no strangers to collaboration, having previously worked on smash hits such as “1999” and “2099.” Their undeniable chemistry and shared passion for music have solidified their partnership as one of the most dynamic duos in pop music.

Advance presale registration is available now through April 25. The artist presale begins on Thursday, April 25 at 10 AM. Registration does not guarantee tickets and supplies are limited. The general on-sale starts on Friday, April 26 at 10 AM.

CHARLI XCX & TROYE SIVAN PRESENT: SWEAT TOUR DATES:

Sat Sep 14, 2024 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena

Mon Sep 16, 2024 – Laval, QC – Place Bell

Wed Sep 18, 2024 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena

Fri Sep 20, 2024 – Columbus, OH – Nationwide Arena

Mon Sep 23, 2024 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden

Wed Sep 25, 2024 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center

Thu Sep 26, 2024 – Baltimore, MD – CFG Bank Arena

Sat Sep 28, 2024 – Boston, MA – TD Garden

Mon Sep 30, 2024 – Chicago, IL – United Center

Wed Oct 02, 2024 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena

Thu Oct 03, 2024 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena

Sat Oct 05, 2024 – Miami, FL – Kaseya Center

Sun Oct 06, 2024 – Orlando, FL – Kia Center

Wed Oct 09, 2024 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center

Fri Oct 11, 2024 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena

Sun Oct 13, 2024 – Phoenix, AZ – Footprint Center

Tue Oct 15, 2024 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum

Fri Oct 18, 2024 – San Diego, CA – Viejas Arena

Sun Oct 20, 2024 – San Francisco, CA – Chase Center

Tue Oct 22, 2024 – Portland, OR – Moda Center

Wed Oct 23, 2024 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena

April 19, 2024
Infinity Song Gets Blue Note Jazz Club Out of Their Seats on First Night of Four-Day Residency

Infinity Song filled the Blue Note Jazz Club with joyous soft rock on Monday, April 15, to open their four-day residency. John Boyd, the father of Abraham, Angel, Momo, and Israel Boyd, the four siblings who make up Infinity Song, gave a speech to commemorate the occasion.

The show was the culmination of 27 years of raising children for the Boyd parents, who are both lifelong musicians themselves, going from busking in Central Park to making music under the Roc Nation banner and seeing mainstream success in the city where they grew up. He ended the speech playing on a classic proverb, saying, “It takes ten villages to raise an artist.â

The night was a joyous celebration of music, of family, of history. The band immediately set a mood and established their distinct personalities onstage. The eldest brother, Abraham, spent the first three songs belting while striking poses and running in place on the stage, pumping his arms like he was competing in a marathon to cheers from the audience.

His younger brother and the band’s electric guitarist, Israel, reacted to the cheers by jokingly scolding Abraham for misleading the audience into thinking he was the dancer of the family. This banter culminated in the only way a sibling rivalry can, a dance-off. Each of the four siblings took turns improvising their own dance to on-the-fly beats from the supporting band. For those with siblings, it’s not hard to imagine some similar antics arising if given a stage together.

Coming out of the dance battle, they went into a revolutionary cover of Stevie Nicks’ “Dreams,” which can be found on their newest album, Metamorphosis. No other artist has done the song so much justice. Being raised by musicians and being interdisciplinary themselves, you would be hard-pressed to find four people with that much raw talent on any stage besides the Blue Note last night.

“Slow Burn” and “Haterâs Anthem” were their two most popular songs of the night. “Slow Burn” is a personal favorite that makes use of the sisters’ differing vocal textures to great effect. “Haterâs Anthem” harkens back to the 90s with upbeat choral vocals from the whole group and an underlying message about the pitfalls of being a hater while convincing yourself that you are inherently better than others who are putting in the work towards their goals.

Not only did Infinity Song pack Blue Note on a Monday, but they got the audience dancing, too, as the small club rose from their dinner tables to dance out the end of the show with the band. You can experience Infinity Song in residency at the Blue Note through Thursday, April 18, with shows at 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. This was an otherworldly experience: bring your friends, bring your family, because Infinity Song is up next.

April 18, 2024
David Cross And His Super Pals Coming to SummerStage For One Night

Emmy Award winner and two-time GRAMMY Award nominee David Cross has assembled a lineup of A-list comedians and friends for a special night of laughter under the stars at SummerStage at Central Park in New York City for David Cross and His Super Pals on Aug. 8, 2024.

Joining Cross for this incredible evening in Central Park are Bob Odenkirk, Sarah Silverman, Fred Armisen, Sean Patton, Zach Zucker, Shane Torres, and more. The evening also marks a reunion on stage between Cross, the inventive performer, writer, and producer on stage and screen, with Odenkirk as both starred in the 1990s hit TV show, Mr. Show with Bob and David.

Adding to his long list of memorable TV and film characters, on August 8, Cross will join the cast of the Netflix series, The Umbrella Academy, as Sy Grossman for the fourth and final season. In February, Cross released his eighth stand-up special, David Cross: Worst Daddy in the World, to rave reviews on the 800 Pound Gorilla YouTube channel.

He hosts the podcast, Senses Working Overtime with David Cross, produced by Headgum and available every Thursday on all audio platforms with video available on Davidâs YouTube channel. In 2023, he was seen in the Julia Louis-Dreyfus film, You Hurt My Feelings, and the FX series, Justified: City Primeval. In 2021, he starred in the National Geographic series, Genius: Aretha, portraying famed music producer, Jerry Wexler opposite Cynthia Erivo as Aretha Franklin.

David Cross and His Super Pals join James Arthur, who will open the summer concert season at SummerStage on May 17, along with Masego (June 19), Gaslight Anthem with Joyce Manor (August 21), Counting Crows (July 11), The Roots (August 23), T-Pain (June 23), Robert Glasper and Yebba (August 1), Ethel Cain (June 27), and many others.

Tickets for David Cross and Super Pals go on sale on Friday, April 19 at 10 a.m.

April 17, 2024
Joe’s Pub Celebrates 25 Years: An Evening to Remember

On Monday, April 8, Joe’s Pub Annual Gala celebrated 25 years of artistic excellence and support for up-and-coming talent. The dynamic creative community of New York City came together in style.

Vuyo Sotashe & Chris Pattishall | Credit David Andrako

Joe’s Pub, a program of The Public Theater, has been a shining light for performers since it started in 1998. They welcome everyone from up-and-coming talents to Grammy Award-winning icons like Adele and Alicia Keys. The event’s proceeds supported vital initiatives like New York Voices and Joe’s Pub Working Group. Along with the Vanguard Award & Residency, all are committed to developing the next wave of creative talent.

Ellen Winter | Credit David Andrako

Angélique Kidjo, the incomparable five-time Grammy Award winner and 2024 Vanguard Resident, was the star of the evening’s spectacular lineup of performances. Members of the Joe’s Pub Working Group for 2023–2024, including Queen Esther, Ellen Winter, and Firas Zreik, as well as former New York Voices members Omar Offendum, Vuyo Sotashe, and Chris Pattishall, joined her on stage. Angélique Kidjo’s incredible performance was without a doubt the high point of the evening; it was a fitting homage to her legacy and the inventive spirit that characterizes Joe’s Pub.

L-R Ashley Meeks/Joe’s Pub; Firas Zreik; Sienna George; Ania Washington/Joe’s Pub; Ellen Winter; Audrey Frischman/Joe’s Pub | Credit David Andrako

Joe’s Pub Working Group and similar programs give local artists the space they need to develop new ideas. Some of the talent supported in this hub are Ellen Winter, Firas Zreik, and Queen Esther.

The dedication to artistic freedom, diversity, and innovation will keep influencing how New York City’s cultural scene develops in the years to come. Cheers to another 25 years of incredible shows, creative partnerships, and treasured memories at Joe’s Pub.

April 15, 2024
mgk and Trippie Redd Debut new EP “genre : sadboy” at Irving Plaza

On a rainy April evening, April 2, 2024 to be exact, mgk and Trippie Redd brought their brand new EP genre : sadboy to the Irving Plaza stage for its first ever live performance.

A week prior, the pair got fans excited by releasing a video for their song “lost boys,” as well as a short documentary about their time creating the album. Tickets to the show were free and given to fans through a raffle and needless to say that mgk and Trippie fans showed out on Tuesday night, packing the house.

Trippie Redd (left) and mgk (right) at Irving Plaza. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil.

The two opened up the show performing the first five songs off of their new tracklist. The album gives catchy choruses while maintaining a sad tone. Through their words the two artists explore their personal experiences with drugs, relationships and depression. Although the EP is brand new, mgk and Trippie’s longtime fans already knew all of the words.

Trippie Redd (back left) and mgk (right) at Irving Plaza. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil.

After the first five tracks, the Ohio native artists started taking turns performing some of their solo music. Trippie Redd started things off with his 3x platinum track “Taking a Walk,” and mgk followed with “PRESSURE.” They then went back and forth one more time with Trippie performing “Wish,” and mgk performing “dont let me go.” Although short, the throwback portion of the show provided a nice reminder to what these two established artists have accomplished in the past.

Trippie Redd at Irving Plaza. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil.

Following their four track throwback session, mgk and Trippie Redd continued with the next four tracks of their EP which all helped showcase both artists use of soft tones and dreamy, but also dark, fairytale-like sounds. mgk and Trippie then brought back some more of their old music, with mgk performing “my ex’s best friend,” “all I know,” and “Candy,” all with the crowd at full energy, screaming every word back to mgk. Trippie sang a beautiful rendition of “Fuck Love” his 2017 that he created alongside XXXTENTACION.

mgk at Irving Plaza. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil.

With only one track from the EP unsung, the artists started to go back and perform some songs for the second time. They repeated “lost boys” and “beauty” before mgk invited a fan, who had a message on his phone saying he could rap “el Diablo” faster than him, onto the stage. mgk and the fan went bar for bar together rapping the song, and then had a warm embrace at the end before the fan left the stage. Then mgk and Trippie performed “time travel” and “struggles” off of their new EP, for a second time.

Trippie Redd (left) and mgk (right) at Irving Plaza. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil.

To close out the show, mgk performed “Wild Boy” with some acapella verses, as well as “I Think I’m OKAY.” Finally, mgk and Trippie performed the only song off of “genre : sadboy” that had yet to be played, “summer’s gone.” At the end of the song the two artists dropped down off of the stage to greet the fans at the front barricade, before finally departing.

Trippie Redd (left) and mgk (right) at Irving Plaza. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil.

Setlist: lost boys, beauty, time travel, struggles, suddenly, Taking a Walk, PRESSURE, Wish, dont let me go, half dead, hiding in the hills, no more, who do i call, my ex’s best friend, Fuck Love, all I know, Candy, lost boys, beauty, el Diablo, time travel, struggles, Wild Boy, I Think I’m OKAY, summer’s gone

Trippie Redd at Irving Plaza. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil.

mgk at Irving Plaza. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil.

Trippie Redd at Irving Plaza. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil.

Trippie Redd at Irving Plaza. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil.

April 14, 2024
In Focus: Olivia Rodrigo Brings Pop-Rock Star Power to Sold-Out Madison Square Garden Shows

Pop sensation Olivia Rodrigo brought the house down April 9 at Madison Square Garden, marking the last of four sold-out shows at the famed arena for her ongoing world tour. Fans decked out in purple, sequins, and feather-trimmed cowboy hats filled the venue, eager to sing along to Rodrigo’s 2023 angsty pop-rock album GUTS.

Olivia Rodrigo — Photo by Molly Higgins

After an opening set from 90s alternative rock favorites The Breeders, Rodrigo’s crowd of young, spirited supporters screamed with excitement as four 3D candles—spelling out GUTS, of course—were projected on stage. When the wax melted, Rodrigo would make her much-anticipated appearance.

Electric guitars crashed as a platform lifted Rodrigo to center stage, kicking off the show with her upbeat single “bad idea right?” Decked out in a sparkling silver outfit for the start of the show, Rodrigo worked the full stage from the moment she appeared, sprinting from one catwalk to another, dancing with her musicians, and interacting with fans in the crowd.

Rodrigo’s setlist featured nearly every song from GUTS and her debut album, SOUR, plus a few surprises, including an unexpected duet with special guest Jewel. Backed by eight skilled backup dancers and eye-catching effects—a significant upgrade in production value from her 2022 Sour Tour—Rodrigo put on a dazzling show, radiating confidence throughout.

Whether seated at a grand piano, shredding on the electric guitar, or floating on a giant crescent moon above the crowd, Rodrigo brought an electrifying energy to the MSG stage. Her seamless transitions between heart-wrenching ballads and early 2000s-style pop rock anthems kept the audience on the edge of their seats. As star-shaped confetti rained from the arena ceiling throughout the final notes of “get him back!,” Rodrigo danced her way backstage, triumphantly closing a show that certainly solidified her superstar status.

Olivia Rodrigo – Madison Square Garden – April 9, 2024

Setlist: bad idea right?; ballad of a homeschooled girl; vampire; traitor; drivers license; teenage dream; pretty isn’t pretty; love is embarrassing; making the bed; logical; enough for you; lacy; jealousy, jealousy; Can’t Catch Me Now; You Were Meant For Me (with Jewel); happier; favorite crime; deja vu; the grudge; brutal; obsessed; all-American bitch; good 4 u; get him back!

April 13, 2024