Wire Festival has announced the fourth installment of the world-class techno festival to take place at Knockdown Center from May 16-18, 2025.
In addition to its core programming, Wire also hosts community engagement events such as a series of Talks programmed in partnership with RA. Before the show, an industry meetup event will allow artists, organizers, booking agents, and label owners to connect with each other. Finally, the festival transforms the already-iconic venue with stunning, unique, and commissioned light installations. 2024’s collaboration with France’s Collectif Scale was the most ambitious work yet featured. Additional installations included pieces from NY’s Inner Light and Studio Gum Gum. The festival has grown steadily and organically, moving from strength to strength, creating a space for world-class techno and more amidst a thriving NY ecosystem.
The beloved, Ambient Stage will make a return in 2025. Introduced in 2023, the Ambient Stqage encourages artists to stretch into the unfamiliar. This year, Wire expanded from its initial two-night template to include a third-day program. Beginning right after the Saturday night rave, the Sunday program will run all the way from early morning through the evening.
Since 2022, Wire has platformed the most vital underground dance music, highlighting some of the genre’s most esteemed artists, freshest voices, and essential collectives. Previous standout acts include Jeff Mills, Surgeon (live), DJ Stingray 313, and showcases from Mala Junta, Bassiani, Herrensauna, and more. Wire Festival aims to highlight some of the city’s most adventurous artists while finding and sharing new talent.
Weekend passes are on sale now. Single day passes and lineup will be released in 2025. Learn more and purchase tickets here.
Brooklyn based rock unit The Giraffes have released their eighth album Cigarette, accompanied by an adventurously witty music video for the track “Million Year Old Song.”
Formed in 1996, The Giraffes have developed a unique sound self-described as “a hedonistic soundtrack”- it’s loud, dangerous, funny, complex, and unapologetically themselves. Mostly recognized for their trademark metal-tinged scuzz-rock, The Giraffes craft a unique blend of heavy rock, punk and post-punk, surf, and any array of other sounds that strike their fancy.
Comprised of lead singer Aaron Lazar, guitarist Damien Paris, drummer Andrew Totolos, and bassist Hannah Moorhead, the unit has made a name for themselves as one of the most unbridled acts to grace Brooklyn’s stages and beyond with their fierce musicality, fun-loving attitude, and dedicated fanbase.
In addition to their local draw, The Giraffes have toured alongside acts like Eagles of Death Metal, Local-H, The Vacation, and Skeleton Key. They’ve also performed alongside and in support of names including but not limited to Interpol, Fishbone, Yeah Yeah Yeah’s, and The Strokes– not to mention having scored various festival slots across the globe on the stages of SXSW, Bonnaroo, Amsterjam, and more.
Debuting with ‘Fransquilt’, The Giraffes have created quite the history for themselves. Now five years, seven albums, and countless achievements later, the band is back with their latest release, Cigarette.
Described as a “hypnotic hard-edged psychedelic rock score for our current age of decay and disappointment, fear and fury, idiocy and hope,” Cigarette delivers the same sharp grit and dexterity fans know and love while simultaneously taking new risks with excitingly adventurous composition and subject matter.
Recorded and engineered by Andrew Totolos, mixed by Grammy nominated producer Francisco Botero at the iconic Studio G Brooklyn and James Dellatacoma at Orange Music Sound Studio, Cigarette is a triumphant return for the band- especially as bassist Moorhead has joined the lineup in songwriting and backing vocals, allowing the group to settle the line-up and hone in on songwriting even further.
The final single released for Cigarette comes in the form of “Million Year Old Song,” which tackles both the nostalgia held by older generations for the relentless liveliness of being in your 20s and the dire state of today’s world in a fascinating blend of rebellious rock and roll nihilism- hence the phrase “a million year old song in twenty year old lungs.”
“I wanted to not be a total old man stuck looking back at my youth so I imagined someone my kid’s age hitting 20 and what the world will look like for them for the second verse. This protagonist has the power of youth but in a much more dire world. I believe that the animating spirit of “rock n roll” or whatever is that self-destructive imperative for fun at all costs. Interesting to think of what that will look like later on down the line. The song remains the same – just the world changes.”
– Aaron Lazar
Alongside “Million Year Old Song” came the release of its official music video, which pushes the song’s core concepts to the extreme in an over-the-top absurdist critique and deception of modern America. Between American flag get-ups, thrashes in pools (also red, white, and blue) filled with dollar bills and skeletons, and what can only be described as a cinema-worthy blood bath involving subs and giraffe masks, the music video created and directed by Damien Paris is an absolute must-watch.
The full seven-track album Cigarette by The Giraffes is out now, and the track list is below. To find out more about The Giraffes and keep up with their latest endeavors, check out their official website here.
TRACK LIST
1. Baby Pictures 2. Pipes 3. Limping Horse 4. Dead Bird 5. Million Year Old Song 6. The Shot 7. Lazarus
Justice Joseph Esposito has dismissed 5 out of 7 lawsuit claims against the historic Forest Hills Stadium in Queens.
Hozier – Forest Hills Stadium, July 2024 – photo by Molly Higgins
Entrenched in Queens’ music scene and culture for just over 100 years now, the Forest Hills Stadium is a cornerstone of New York City’s live music scene. The only outdoor venue of its kind and size in the area, Forest Hills was designed with the ideal audience experience in mind.
With optimized acoustics and no obstructed views, the 13,000 capacity Stadium was originally designed to house the U.S. Open tennis tournament. Forest Hills began booking concerts in the 1960s, and the rest is history.
The venue’s lengthy history isn’t without its bumps along the way, however. The arena has been a topic of long-standing debate for folks living in Forest Hill. The general sentiment shared by people living in close quarters to the venue is a desire to at minimum alter the space’s practices and at most close its doors for continued complaints of noise pollution and littering.
Frequent complaints include excessive trash found strewn about in public for days after each show and volumes so loud that the windows on houses as far as three blocks away from the Stadium shake during performances. These concerns were met with cooperation from Forest Hills Stadium, with rectifying policies ranging from employing cleaners on the street before, during, and after shows to hundreds of thousands of dollars being invested in noise mitigation and controlled amplification.
A lawsuit filed by the Forest Hills Garden Corporation against Forest Hills Stadium and its parent company West Side Tennis Club filed in 2023 nearly spelled the end of the venue. The lawsuit outlined a total of seven individual causes of action, including claims of contract violation between the tennis club and the FHGC, trespassing, zoning violations with unjust profit, and both public and private nuisance claims.
However, on Monday, October 21, Queens County Supreme Court Justice Joseph Esposito issued a motion to dismiss all but two of the motions raised. A major win for those working with the venue and lovers of live music in New York alike, the Stadium’s final few shows of their 2024 concert season will go on. It’s likely that the venue will return with a new calendar of events in the spring given the remaining lawsuits conclude.
While a massive success, Forest Hills Stadium isn’t out of the woods just yet. The final two claims remaining are that of private and public nuisance. Justice Esposito stated that the FHGC had a claim sufficient enough to survive the initial motion to dismiss, which now must be proven with further evidence and testimonial.
Attorney Akiva Shapiro, representing the Stadium, stated that the venue’s legal team is “confident that the remaining claims will also be dismissed.”
Sam Kogon has released his latest single “America”. The track arrives as a timely commentary on the current political landscape, just as the 2024 election season begins to heat up.
“America” was born during the tumultuous period of COVID-19 lockdowns and widespread protests, capturing the zeitgeist of a nation grappling with its identity and future. The song’s lyrics touch on various hot-button issues, from voting rights and social justice to healthcare and reparations, all wrapped in Kogon’s signature blend of catchy melodies and thought-provoking wordplay. This single is a precursor to whatâs next for Kogon, who recently completed recording a full album’s worth of material with Agnello this past spring.
This new body of work promises to build on the success of his previous releases, including his self-titled EP from 2022, which garnered critical acclaim and expanded his fanbase. Kogon has collaborated with notable artists throughout his career, including Al Jardine of The Beach Boys and Grammy Award nominee Patty Smyth. He also fronted the revived baroque pop group The Left Banke, known for their classic hit “Walk Away Renee.” These experiences have enriched Kogon’s musical palette, allowing him to blend influences from various genres into his own unique sound.
The track was co-produced by Jeff Berrall of the band Caveman and Zach Brewer, with Sam Kogon himself also taking on production duties. It features Kogon’s own vocals, guitar, and organ, alongside Graeme Gengras on piano and the rhythm section of Caveman providing bass and drums. The song was mixed by industry veteran John Agnello, whose credits include Dinosaur Jr. and Kurt Vile, adding a polished sheen to Kogon’s raw, emotive style.
With its timely release and politically charged lyrics, “America” is poised to resonate with listeners as they navigate the complex landscape of the upcoming election year. The chorus encapsulates the frustration and hope that many Americans are feeling: “You bought it, you broke it / How come nothing gets done right around here? / You built it, now fix it / We can’t wait another 4 more years.”
For more information on Sam Kogon’s music and to listen to his latest single, click here.
Dave Chappelle + Killer Mike will join together for ‘Still Talkin That SH*T!’ their 2024 national tour. The duo will hit The Theater at Madison Square Garden on Thursday, Nov. 21.
Comedic legend Dave Chappelle, the 2019 recipient of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, a five-time Emmy winner, and three-time Grammy winner for Best Comedy Album, is generally considered one of the greatest comedians of all time. For the first time, he will be joined by rapper, entrepreneur, and activist, Killer Mike. His most recent album MICHAEL, earned him three Grammy Awards, and BET’s Album of the Year award for its complex portrait of Black southern masculinity. Together with the Mighty Midnight Revival, they have announced their co-headlining 2024 tour. The seven-city cross-country tour will feature a fusion of music and comedy across a joint set that will stop at Madison Square Garden a week before Thanksgiving.
This event will be a phone-free experience. Upon arrival at the venue, all phones, smartwatches, and accessories will be secured in individual Yondr pouches, which will be unlocked at the end of the event. Guests will maintain possession of their devices at all times and can access them throughout the event only in designated Phone Use Areas within the venue.
On October 30, I had the privilege of attending a special screening at Ludlow House in NYC for Getting It Back: The Story of Cymande, an empowering documentary directed by Tim Mackenzie-Smith.
This award-winning director crafted a story that not only celebrates Cymande’s musical legacy but also underscores their impact on generations of artists, particularly within hip-hop and funk. Featuring interviews with music legends and influencers like Mark Ronson, DJ Maseo of De La Soul, Jazzie B from Soul II Soul, and Jim James of My Morning Jacket, the documentary brings together a chorus of voices who attest to Cymande’s enduring influence. Mackenzie-Smith’s film premiered at SXSW in 2022 and has since traveled widely, introducing new audiences to the “Cym-aissance,” as Total Film put it.
The screening was a powerful reminder of how Cymande’s fusion of funk, jazz, soul, and reggae created a sound with staying power. With breakout tracks like “Bra” and “Dove,” Cymande influenced the early hip-hop scene and continue to inspire artists across genres. After seeing their story celebrated in such depth, I was even more excited about the band’s latest news.
Following their resurgence, Cymande has announced Renascence, their first new album in decades, set to release on January 31, 2025. This album promises a return to their classic sound with a modern twist, reconnecting with the spirit of their 1974 record, Promised Heights. The first single, “Chasing An Empty Dream,” is already out, featuring their trademark grooving basslines and layers of global rhythm. This track captures the band’s socially conscious, hopeful message, as bassist Steve Scipio explained, “It’s a reflection on materialism and the hope for a future where we return to valuing essential, timeless principles.
Renascence boasts 11 tracks that weave together driving rhythms, saxophone wails, and stirring vocal harmonies. Songs like “Coltrane” and “How We Roll,” featuring Jazzie B, blend classic and contemporary sounds, while ballads like “Only One Way,” sung by Celeste, reveal the band’s softer, introspective side. Longtime members Patrick Patterson (guitar) and Scipio, along with Adrian Reid on keys and Raymond Simpson on vocals, are joined by a lineup of exceptional musicians, including Toni Kofi on sax and Kevin Davy on trumpet. Produced by Ben Baptie, this album serves as a crowning jewel in Cymande’s discography.
The album artwork, designed by Ghanaian-born, UK-based artist Koby Martin, visually represents Cymande’s legacy and rebirth. A vibrant sun rises behind a laurel wreath, symbolizing victory and longevity, while a morphing dove and a pair of hands represent both the band’s loyal fanbase and new listeners alike. Martin’s colors echo the album’s diverse, layered sounds, promising an immersive experience for listeners.
Cymande will support Renascence with a U.S. tour, kicking off in New York at Irving Plaza on February 13, 2025, and hitting major cities including Philadelphia, Chicago, and Los Angeles. This tour marks a monumental return to the stage for the British funk pioneers, who will bring their unmistakable grooves to fans old and new.
Cymande’s long-awaited return represents not just a revival but a reclaiming of the legacy they laid decades ago. With Renascence, the band reaffirms their place in music history and offers a renewed soundtrack to inspire unity and resilience.
Cymande US Tour Dates: FEB 13 – New York, NY – Irving Plaza FEB 14 – Philadelphia, PA – Ardmore Music Hall FEB 15 – Washington DC – Howard Theatre FEB 18 – Chicago, IL – Metro FEB 19 – Minneapolis, MN – Varsity Theatre FEB 21 – Denver, CO – Bluebird FEB 22 – Seattle, WA – Crocodile FEB 23 – Portland, OR – Aladdin Theater FEB 26 – San Francisco, CA – August Hall* FEB 28 – Los Angeles, CA – The Bellwether
The 7th Annual Washington Heights Jazz Festival boasts a list of over 60 musicians performing across local venues- get the scoop on the lineup and special events to attend.
Now in its seventh year, the Washington Heights Jazz Festival serves as a platform for the jazz creatives and cultural diversity of Upper Manhattan. Historically featuring both established and emerging artists, the festival aims to create an inclusive environment for music lovers while fostering and strengthening the Washington Heights community as a whole.
With performances taking place across several stages in local venues, the Jazz Festival showcases the best of today’s New York City jazz scene while honoring the area’s rich cultural diversity through their performances for jazz lovers of all ages and backgrounds.
“We are thrilled to bring together such a diverse group of musicians and celebrate the rich jazz heritage of Washington Heights. This festival is a testament to the vibrant arts community in our neighborhood and the power of jazz to connect us all.”
– Louise Rogers, Artistic Director
This year’s Festival was kicked off with an exciting set of pre-festival events on October 25 and 27, with Ethan O’Reilly on bass and Olli Hirvonen on guitar bringing jazz to Cabrini Wines and the 2024 Jazz Composition Competition Winner Meg Okura hosting a “Meet the Composer” performance at the Castle Village Community Room where she performed and discussed excerpts of her commissioned piece “Reharmonizing Identity.”
Night one opened on Halloween with the iconic Aimée Allen Quartet performing at Le Cheile.
Night two on November 1 is to feature George Michael, John Albin, and Ethan O’Reilly at 181 Cabrini and the exciting Festival All-Star Jam, in which Festival performers will jam together alongside Annette Aguilar’s String Beans at Kismat in partial support from the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council. Both performances are to be completely free of charge.
Saturday, November 2 boasts an expansive list of performances including Louise Rogers’ Jazzy For Kids family-oriented show, the Noah Bless & Latin Soul Party with support from a Creative Engagement Grant from the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, The Chidi Trio, Shareef Clayton & Friends, The Steve Slagle Quartet, The Manual Valera Trio, 2024 Jazz Composition Competition winner Meg Okura, Vanisha Gould, and Rachel Therrien’s Latin Jazz Projects.
All Saturday events are to be ticketed and held at Le Cheile, and all-day passes are available for unlimited access to all of the day’s events at $50.
The Festival will conclude on November 3 with a free Jazz Brunch with the StringJazz Trio of WaHi at Le Creparis, Nicki Adams and Michael Eaton at The Lounge at Hudson View Gardens, and a free Latin Jazz Party with Tres Gatos at Dutch Baby Bakery.
To learn more about the 7th Annual Washington Heights Jazz Festival, find specific set times, and purchase tickets, visit the official website here.
Festival Schedule:
Thursday, October 31st
8pm Aimée Allen Quartet – Le Cheile
Friday, November 1st
5-7pm George Michael, John Albin, & Ethan O’Reilly – 181 Cabrini FREE
7-10pm The Festival All-Star Jam, Festival performers jamming with Jazz WaHi, featuring Annette Aguilar’s String Beans (partially supported by the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council) – Kismat FREE
Saturday, November 2nd
11am Louise Rogers’ Jazzy for Kids Jazz for Young Children aged 2-6 and their families.
1pm Noah Bless & Latin Soul Party Supported by a Creative Engagment Grant from the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council.
2:15pm The Chidi Trio
3:30pm Shareef Clayton & Friends
4:45pm The Steve Slagle Quartet
6pm The Manuel Valera Trio
7:30pm Meg Okura: Reharmonizing Identity. Jazz Composition Competition 2024 winner.
8:50pm Vanisha Gould
10:10pm Rachel Therrien’s Latin Jazz Project
Sunday, November 3rd
12-2pm Jazz Brunch with StringJazz Trio of WaHi – Le Creparis FREE
3-4pm Nicki Adams and Michael Eaton – The Lounge at Hudson View Gardens
5-7pm Latin Jazz Party with Tres Gatos – Dutch Baby Bakery FREE
(All Saturday events are ticketed and will be held at Le Cheile.)
The iconic Second City Comic Institution announces the New York Comedy Festival’s debut at their Brooklyn outpost. The festival lasts from Nov 8 to 17.
Following the successful launch of The Second City New York earlier this year, the iconic comedy institution is once again raising the bar. Building on the legacy of its renowned Chicago and Toronto siblings, the Brooklyn outpost is entering an exciting new chapter with a prime spot in the 2024 New York Comedy Festival.
Second City New York’s highly anticipated debut at the 2024 New York Comedy Festival showcases over 20 guest performances, from Friday, November 8 to Sunday, November 17. From high-energy improv to hysterical stand-up, the festival’s schedule showcases The Second City’s signature mix of classic formats and fresh, boundary-pushing experiments.
Second City opened its doors in 1959 as a small comedy cabaret and has since grown to become the world’s most influential name in improvisation and comedy, celebrating its 65th year in business in 2024. The Second City’s stages, Touring Companies, and Training Centers across North America have proudly been the launch pad and artistic home for many of the funniest performers, writers, directors, and comedic minds on the planet.
In addition, due to the incredible response from New York audiences, the current Mainstage Revue production of Ruthless Acts of Kindness has been extended through Saturday, November 16. The added performances provide fans a few more opportunities to catch this immersive production featuring sketch and improv scenes diving into the absurdities of everyday life with a special nod to New York City’s quirks and characters.
For more information on the upcoming New York City Comedy Festival, and to purchase tickets, click here.
Powerful vocals, expressive dance, rousing instrumentals, moving testimonials, and stunning views of the city lights in Columbus Circle were in store for attendees of Josh Groban’s “Find Your Light” benefit concert for arts education. The annual fundraiser at Jazz at Lincoln Center raised $1.35 million to support arts programs across the country during its 20th anniversary event on October 29th.
Sara Bareilles, Jojo Levesque, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Renée Fleming, Josh Groban, Dr. Vivek Murthy, and Misty Copeland. Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images
After a social cocktail hour, patrons flooded the Appel Room in the iconic Jazz at Lincoln Center venue for a star-studded lineup of performances. Throughout the night, the audience witnessed a reflection of the wide array of programs that received the Find Your Light Foundation’s support through the variety of song and dance on the setlist. From Jojo’s energetic delivery of Chaka Khan’s “Through the Fire” to Matthew Whitaker’s jazz piano improvisation to contemporary dance choreographed by MOVE|NYC| to accompany Josh Groban’s live “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”, there was truly something for everyone during the benefit.
Matthew Whitacre. Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images
The concert not only raised money for music, dance, and theater programs, but it also recognized the work of two advocates in arts education. The awards segment was initiated with a beautifully harmonized rendition of Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now” sung by Sara Barielles and Josh Groban. The song, originally recorded by the duo during the Covid-19 pandemic, was dedicated to the first award recipient of the night: U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy. For his advocacy of the arts as it relates to medicine and world health, Dr. Murthy received the “Arts for Healing Award”. To celebrate the accolade, Dr. Murthy joined the band and treated the Find Your Light audience to a demonstration of the mridangam, a drum instrument commonly found in Carnatic music.
The arts are not optional
Dr. Vivek Murthy
Dr. Vivek Murthy. Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images
For the second award introduction of the night, Angel Blue’s masterclass-level vocal delivery of Puccini’s “Vissi D’arte” soared through the room as she sang the aria without a microphone. The sonic landscape of the piece provided the perfect opportunity for Josh Groban to acknowledge the second honoree. Renée Fleming accepted the “Find Your Light Award” for her notable contributions to the expansion and advocacy in music across the wide range of genres in which she has sung and joined Groban for a performance of Leonard Cohen’s well-known “Hallelujah”.
Renée Fleming. Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images
At the end of our lives, the last thing that remains is music memory
Renée Fleming
Groban closed the event alongside a choir of representatives from Broadway Bound Kids and the Stuttering Association for the Young, two organizations that were highlighted earlier in the evening. The ensemble’s uplifting “Bridge Over Troubled Water” left patrons feeling proud of the work they had done to support the arts and hopeful about the advances that are now possible through the funds raised during the benefit. Thanks to the work of Josh Groban and countless others behind the scenes, students across America may, too, find their light.
Josh Groban auctions the prop razor from his recent Broadway bow as the title character in Sondheim’s “Sweeney Todd”. Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images
Multi-platinum Hip Hop artist Aloe Blacc has announced his upcoming three-night residency at the iconic Blue Note Jazz Club in NYC. This residency takes place from January 24 to 26, 2025, ahead of the release of his upcoming new album.
This series of intimate performances comes ahead of the release of his first album of original new music in five years, set to drop in February 2025. Known for his hits such as the diamond-certified global anthem “Wake Me Up”, as well as classics like “I Need A Dollar” and “The Man,” Aloe Blacc continues to fuse his soulful sound with a deep commitment to social change.
This upcoming album pairs each track with a different charity or philanthropic initiative, showcasing Blacc’s ongoing efforts to use his music to make a tangible impact on the world.
With contributions from notable producers like Hunter Hayes, DJ Khalil, and Stargate, this album promises to be both musically innovative and socially significant. At the Blue Note residency, fans will experience an up-close performance, blending his classic hits from albums like Lift Your Spirit and Good Things with previews of his forthcoming album.
Aloe will also perform one of his latest singles, “Shine”, a moving track inspired by his work with the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative, which he debuted at the 2024 Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity Ceremony in Los Angeles.
For more information on Aloe Blacc’s upcoming three-night residency at the Blue Note Jazz Club and to purchase tickets, click here.
