NYS Music 2024

Category: NYC Metro

  • New York City Opera Installs Constantine Orbelian as Executive Director & Music Director

    The board of New York City Opera announces the appointment of Constantine Orbelian as the organization’s new Executive Director & Music Director. Constantine succeeds General Director Michael Capasso.

    Constantine Orbelian

    Four-time Grammy-nominated conductor Constantine Orbelian has been called “the singer’s dream collaborator” by Opera News. He has toured and recorded with some of the world’s greatest singers, such as American stars Renee Fleming, Sondra Radvanovsky and Lawrence Brownlee. He also toured with the great Dmitri Hvorostovsky and other renowned singers in European, North American, and Asian music centers.

    Orbelian’s accomplishments include being Music Director of the Moscow Chamber Orchestra and the Philharmonia of Russia. He founded the annual Palaces of St. Petersburg International Music Festival and was Chief Conductor of the Kaunas City Symphony Orchestra in Lithuania. He was the first American to become music director of an ensemble in Russia.

    NYC Opera’s 2024-25 season is poised to captivate and inspire with dynamic repertoire that celebrates resilience, history, and community. The season also features the long-awaited revival of William Grant Still’s Troubled Island. It is presented 75 years after its 1949 premiere at City Opera.

    “I am honored and excited to take on the role of Executive Director in addition to my current role as Music Director and Principal Conductor of the New York City Opera, a company with such a rich legacy and profound history in the world of music. This opportunity allows me to blend my passion for artistic excellence with mindful and positive stewardship, ensuring that the cherished traditions of this great institution continue to thrive. Together with this wonderful community, we will embark on a journey that honors the past while boldly shaping the future of this iconic opera company.”

    Constantine Orbelian

    To learn more about NYC Opera’s new executive director and music director Constantine Orbelian, please click here.

  • Good Neighbours Bring Us Home at Bowery Ballroom

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

    Perri Sage Photography

    Who Are Good Neighbours?

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

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

    Perri Sage Photography

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

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

    Perri Sage Photography

    NORTH AMERICAAN TOUR DATES

    09/11 – Troubadour – Los Angeles, CA

    09/12 – Rickshaw Stop – San Francisco, CA

    09/14 – Marquis – Denver, CO

    09/15 – Marquee – Tempe, AZ

    Perri Sage Photography
    Perri Sage Photography
    Perri Sage Photography

  • Dawoud Kringle Returns with “Bedtime Stories for Musicians and Other People”

    Can a collection of short stories that delves deep into the hearts and souls of musicians be both entertaining and inspirational?  The answer is yes, and New York City-based musician, author, artist, and producer Dawoud Kringle proves it with his new book Bedtime Stories for Musicians and Other People.

    Dawoud Kringle (aka Dawoud the Renegade Sufi) is a musician and published author whose first two books, “A Quantum Hijra” (a Sufi science fiction novel) and “A Mansion with Many Rooms” (a collection of poetry and short stories) received critical acclaim. His writing appears in several online magazines, including doobeedoobeedoo.info and others, as well as his Substack page.

    dawoud kringle

    Dawoud’s music has been described as sounding like “Hans Zimmer and Jimi Hendrix fighting over a beautiful princess from another galaxy.” A fan said of one of his performances “This is the moment when the beings of Mount Olympus allowed us to hear their chief musician.” He has performed in the US and Europe, appeared on many recordings, including 13 self-produced solo albums. A skilled improviser who often improvises entire concerts, he also has experience composing for film, theater, dance performances, and his own neoclassical compositions. Recently, Dawoud had introduced the Dautar into his music, an instrument he designed and commissioned to build that combines the guitar, sitar and cello. 

    With this experience, Dawoud is uniquely qualified to execute this literary project. His first book in almost nine years, Bedtime Stories for Musicians and Other People is a captivating collection of fictional short stories that takes you on a journey through the lives of musicians across all genres and periods. This eclectic mix of drama, adventure, humor, tragedy, fantasy, mysticism, science fiction, and experimental literary form explores the power of music and the trials and rewards of life itself.

    The variety of tales in this collection is truly inspirational. “Kamaludeen and the Djinn” is the story of the 13th-century Moorish equivalent of Niccolo Paganini and his tragic love affair with a djinn. “The Talking Drum” follows the history of a magical drum from its beginnings in the Songhai Empire, to a hip-hop club in Houston in 2012. “The Scroll and the Five Poisoned Animals” explores a similar theme, beginning in pre-dynastic China and concluding in present-day Chongqing. “Chatbot” is a science fiction story that starts in 2042 and tells the story of a musician whose AI assistant achieves sentience with unforeseen consequences. “An American Drama” is a story in three parts, each narrated by the main characters: a dying outlaw country singer, a blues guitarist, and a Native American bassist. “Professor Hieronymus Peabody and the Dead Musicians” is a humorous story of a mad scientist who builds a time machine and sets up “reaction” sessions with deceased musicians such as Mozart, Liberace, and Jimi Hendrix.

    dawoud kringle

    These and many other immersive and enchanting storytelling make “Bedtime Stories for Musicians and Other People” a fascinating read. Each story speaks from the hearts of musicians as they navigate the tumultuous waters of creative expression and their lives.

    Kringle’s writing demonstrates his deep knowledge of the full scope of music history, literally from the days our Cro-Magnon ancestors first learned to beat a drum.  His imaginative tales are related with a melodic flow that makes this complex and inspired collection a surprisingly breezy read.  Kringle’s latest is his most accessible to date – one that marries his profound musical scholarship with a world of wildly imaginative premises that will delight and inform music-lovers.

    Additionally, Dawoud Kringle is a multi-discipline visual artist, audio engineer, and occasionally does stand-up comedy as a hobby. He is a member in good standing with Musicians For Musicians, and the New York Composer’s Circle.

    Amazon link: https://a.co/d/2RcEBPh

    Online presence: https://linktr.ee/dawoudtherenegadesufi

  • In Focus: Cigarettes After Sex at Madison Square Garden

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

    Perri Sage Photography

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

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

    Perri Sage Photography

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

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

    Perri Sage Photography

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

  • Pentatonix Announce 2024 Holiday Tour Making Three Stops in NY

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

    pentatonix

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

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

    pentatonix

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

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

    Learn more about Pentatonix here.

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

    11/14 – Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun Arena

    11/16 – Albany, NY @ MVP Arena

    11/17 – Hershey, PA @ GIANT Center

    11/19 – Worcester, MA @ DCU Center

    11/21 – Fairfax, VA @ EagleBank Arena

    11/23 – Buffalo, NY @ KeyBank Center

    11/24 – Pittsburgh, PA @ PPG Paints Arena

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

    11/30 – Raleigh, NC @ PNC Arena

    12/1 – Columbia, SC @ Colonial Life Arena

    12/3 – Tampa, FL @ Amalie Arena

    12/4 – Duluth, GA @ Gas South Arena

    12/5 – Nashville, TN @ Bridgestone Arena

    12/7 – Peoria, IL @ Peoria Civic Center

    12/8 – Cleveland, OH @ Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse

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

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

    12/12 – Rosemont, IL @ Allstate Arena

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

    12/15 – Fargo, ND @ Fargodome

    12/17 – Milwaukee, WI @ Fiserv Forum

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

    12/19 – Tulsa, OK @  BOK Center

    12/21 – Fort Worth, TX @ Dickies Arena

    12/22 – Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center

  • MTV Kicks off VMAs Week at 2nd Annual Block Party

    Considered the pre-cursor to the 2024 VMAs at UBS Arena, the free, family-friendly event took place on Sunday, September 8 from 12 noon to 5pm at Domino Park in Williamsburg. What better way to ring in one of music’s biggest nights than a beautiful late summer afternoon of celebration along the Brooklyn waterfront? And this year’s Moon Person goes to…the second-annual VMAs Block Party!

    Jordan Adetunji (Left), Knox (Middle), and Lola Brooke (Right) perform at the 2nd-annual MTV VMAs Block Party at Domino Park in Brooklyn, New York.

    Hosted by MTV’s Dometi Pongo and WCBS’ Alecia Reid, the second annual VMAs Block Party kicked off one of music’s biggest weeks and featured live performances from artists like Jordan Adetunji, Knox and Lola Brooke, in addition to and all-day DJ Set by DJ CherishTheLuv.

    Jordan Adetunji took to the stage to perform some of his recent cuts and finished his set with smash-hit “Kehlani” that sent the crowd into a frenzy.

    Knox took the stage with the energy and passion that have come to define his music. His set, featuring fan favorites like “Sneakers,” “Love Letter,” and “Not The 1975,” showcased his skill in blending catchy melodies with heartfelt lyrics.

    Lola Brooke sure knows how to keep the energy going! The rapper took the stage on Sept. 8 at Domino Park, and had the crowd going crazy for her performance which rounded out the VMAs Block Party.

    The event also featured MTV VMA Moon Person Photo Opp, MTV VMA Free Swag Station, The Rolling Stones x MTV Pop-up Shop, BK Whopper Whopper Remix Photo Opper, MTV Mental Health is Health ASKtivation, and Mr. Flower Fantastic MTV Topiary Moon Person for all participants to enjoy.

    The day was a celebration of music’s ability to bring people together, with Jordan Adetunji, Knox, and Lola Brooke, each showcasing their individual talents while also highlighting the shared human experiences that their songs explore.

    Megan Thee Stallion will take the reins for music’s biggest night on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at 8:00pm ET. Before you get comfy on the couch to cheer on your favorite musicians, check out what you missed in the gallery below.

  • Colin Jost and Michael Che To Host Live Comedy Special in Brooklyn

    Just ahead of Saturday Night Live’s 50th season premiere, SNL hosting duo and comedians Colin Jost and Michael Che will be premiering their never-before-seen live comedy special, New York After Dark, on September 12 at The Bell House in Brooklyn.

    Colin Jost Michael Che
    Photo: Peacock

    Hosts of SNL’s “Weekend Update” segment since 2014, Colin Jost and Michael Che have built a notable comedic rapport beloved by the show’s fans over the years in addition to their own individual accomplishments as comedians. 

    Now, after years behind the camera, the duo will be shining the spotlight on some of their favorite comics from New York City’s comedy scene- and possibly beyond- in a one night only live show in Brooklyn.

    After ten years of comedy behind the screen, Jost and Che are moving to the stage for a brand new live comedy event at the historic Bell House. Recorded in front of an in-person audience, the hour-long special will feature “drop ins only”- meaning the exact guest list is unknown. However, audience members can expect some of the duo’s favorite acts, fresh faces to the industry, and possibly even a few household names.

    In addition to the mystery lineup, Grammy-nominated musical ensemble 1500 or Nothin’ will be providing the evening’s soundtrack as well as accompanying performances throughout the night as the show’s house band. 

  • Joe Russo’s Almost Dead Set Sail at Pier 17

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Encore: Gloria

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

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

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

    Encore: Morning Dew

    joe russo's almost dead pier 17
    joe russo's almost dead pier 17

  • Unheard Version of Bob Dylan and The Band’s “Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues” Out Now

    “Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues” recorded on Jan 30, 1974 at Madison Square Garden has been released ahead of the upcoming Bob Dylan compendium, The 1974 Live Recordings. The album will contain never-before-heard recordings from Dylan and The Band and will be released on Sept 20.

    Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues
    Photo Credit: Barry Feinstein

    Columbia Records and Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment, have released “Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues” recorded by Bob Dylan and The Band live at Madison Square Garden, on Jan 30, 1974.

    From Dylan’s first tour in 8 years, The 1974 Live Recordings is a collection featuring every professionally recorded show from Bob Dylan’s 1974 arena tour with The Band. The complete recordings are out on September 20 celebrating the 50th anniversary of Bob Dylan’s return to touring that year. Bob Dylan and The Band performed 30 dates in 42 days for that tour to an average audience of 18,500.

    The collection features 417 never-before-heard versions of some of Dylan’s most beloved songs, as well as some of his lesser known songs. Nearly all the recordings were not included on the original live album Before The Flood. The 1974 Tour was captured on a stereo soundboard mix, on both 1⁄4” tape and cassette.

    The collection will be available as a deluxe box set across 27 CDs, and includes 133 recordings newly mixed from 16-track tape, and every single surviving soundboard recording – along with new liner notes by journalist and critic Elizabeth Nelson. Jack White’s Third Man Records has announced the release of The 1974 Live Recordings – The Missing Songs From Before the Flood, a 3-LP / 1 x 7-inch set culled from the same recordings, featuring versions of every song Bob Dylan recorded that was not included on the original 1974 live album. The set will be available through The Vault on Colored Vinyl.

    Learn more and pre-order the box set here.

  • Grateful Dead Tribute All-Drag Band “BERTHA” Embarks On First Tour

    Grateful Dead tribute and LGBTQ+ benefit band BERTHA has announced her first ever tour across the United States, “BERTHA DOES AMERICA”. The tour will begin on September 12 at the Brooklyn Bowl.

    bertha

    The world’s first all-drag Grateful Dead tribute band, BERTHA is a powerhouse of a performance. Founded in Nashville after their state legislature passed bans on public drag and trans youth healthcare, every show BERTHA plays is a benefit for LGBTQ+ causes, creating community and solidarity between the local drag and live music scenes. 

    An absolute love letter to both their namesake and the queer community, BERTHA is a conglomerate of drag artists with a core set of performers but no concrete lineup. There is a rotating lineup with special guest Berthas, seasoned Berthas, and every Bertha inbetween. Founding members include singer for bluegrass band Front Country Melody Walker, former member of the duo Smooth Hound Smith Doyle, Jacob Groopman, Lindsay Lou, Alex Bice, Thomas Bryan Eaton, Kyle Tuttle, and Milly Racoon.

    Regardless of how long a particular artist has been a Bertha, the band is a collective with two things in mind- the Grateful Dead and raising money for LGBTQ+ causes. This unique set of priorities has led to a growth in the overlap between Grateful Dead fans and members of the queer community, fostering a rather unique and enthusiastic audience attitude towards both the performances themselves and the larger causes they support.

    This exciting tour will open on September 12 at the Brooklyn Bowl, followed by nine other dates across the country. For tickets and further information on the Brooklyn date, please visit here. 

    The full list of dates on the BERTHA DOES AMERICA tour are listed below. For more information on BERTHA and other shows, please visit here.

    TOUR DATES

    9.12 BROOKLYN, NY – BROOKLYN BOWL

    9.13 HARTFORD, CT – INFINITY HALL

    9.14 ASBURY PARK, NJ – THE WONDER BAR

    10.17 ASHEVILLE, NC – SALVAGE STATION

    10.19 CHARLESTON, SC – CHARLESTON POUR HOUSE

    11.2 NASHVILLE, TN – BASEMENT EAST

    11.21 BOULDER, CO – FOX THEATRE

    11.22 DENVER, CO – CERVANTES 

    11.23 FT. COLLINS, CO – AGGIE THEATRE

    12.14 BERKELEY, CA – THE UC THEATRE