Category: NYC Metro

  • Hackensaw Boys brings Love What You Do 20th Anniversary Tour to New York

    Americana bluegrass band Hackensaw Boys brings their celebratory tour for the 20th Anniversary of their 2005 album, Love What You Do. All in all, the group will bringing performances of the acclaimed project to Woodstock, Syracuse, and New York City this September and October.

    Hackensaw Boys

    Hackensaw Boys have been touring since 1999, known throughout the country and beyond for their exciting performances and unique use of the “charismo”, a DIY percussion instrument constructed of cans and other household objects. Carving out a distinctive sound of their own, current members David Sickmen (guitar), Caleb Powers (fiddle), Thomas Olivier (mandolin), Taylor Shuck (banjo), Aaron Smith (bass), and Bee Roberts (percussion) have been delivering high energy, down to earth shows as a collective for years now, with yet another sensational tour ahead of them beginning in just a few weeks.

    About “Love What You Do”

    Moreover, the album in question for the upcoming tour is one of their most beloved works, Love What You Do. Released in 2005, the album combines influences from American traditional music and modern indie rock, resulting in fan favorites that are still requested at almost every show just under 20 years later. This tour is a love letter to longtime listeners and fans of some of their oldest works, offering fresh interpretations of the classics while keeping the spirit of the original recordings alive.

    In addition to the live celebration, Hackensaw Boys will be pressing the album to vinyl for the very first time – a physical token to commemorate how far the group has come.

    As a result, Hackensaw Boys will begin their tour on September 26 in Woodstock. In addition to the opening show, the group will be performing in Syracuse on September 27 accompanied by opener Kidbless, and they will return to the state to perform at the Mercury Lounge in New York City on October 6. For tickets and further information, please visit here

    Moreover, dates for the east coast and midwest this fall have been announced, with more to come in the winter and spring. Thus, for the full list of currently announced tour dates, please see below.

    TOUR DATES

    Sept 26 – Colony (Woodstock, NY)

    Sept 27 – Funk ‘n Waffles (Syracuse, NY)

    Sept 28 – Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats (Rehoboth Beach, DE)

    Sept 29 – Small Batch Cellars (North Haven, CT)

    Oct 1 – Club Cafe (Pittsburgh, PA)

    Oct 2 – The 8×10 (Baltimore, MD)

    Oct 3 – 118 North (Wayne, PA)

    Oct 4 – Askew (Providence, RI)

    Oct 5 – Roy’s Hall (Blairstown, NJ)

    Oct 6 – Mercury Lounge (NYC, NY)

    Oct 19 – Trading Post by Traber Ranch (Lynchburg, VA)

    Oct 20 – Roanoke GO Fest (Roanoke, VA)

    Nov 7 – Shank Hall (Milwaukee, WI)

    Nov 8 – The Tarlton Theatre (Green Bay, WI)

    Nov 9 – Evanston SPACE (Evanston, IL)

    Nov 10 – Turf Club (St. Paul, MN)

    Nov 11 – Raccoon Motel (Davenport, IA)

    Nov 13 – Southgate House Revival (Newport, KY)

    Nov 14 – Duke’s Indy (Indianapolis, IN)

    Nov 15 – Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill (Grand Rapids, MI)

    Nov 16 – Beachland Tavern (Cleveland, OH)

    Nov 17 – Rumba Cafe (Columbus, OH)

  • Mutual Mentorship for Musicians Announces Third Annual M³ Festival

    The Mutual Mentorship for Musicians, or M³, mentorship initiative has announced its third annual two-day cumulative festival on October 25 and 26 in Brooklyn.

    About M³

    Founded in March of 2020 in the midst of lockdowns being put in place, co-founders Jen Shyu and Sara Sherpa created Mutual Mentorship for Musicians out of a shared recognition that music and performing arts as a whole are shaped within the context of male power, creating unequal environments and increased challenges for musicians of underrepresented groups- the exact issue M³ seeks to rectify. Through commissioning women, nonbinary, and BIPOC musicians for new music/video compositions, creates the space for marginalized artists to flourish and share both their works and their stories with the world. 

    Additionally, dedicated to display a variety of composer-performers from a range of backgrounds and genres, the M³ Festival is a celebration of the founding principal of the program, the traditions and histories of the members, and the skills honed in each individual performing.

    Program Layout

    Over the course of two days, the program will feature headlining duo Linda May Han Oh with Fabian Alzaman and solo headliner Craig Taborn. Composers and musicians who have collaborated remotely, mostly those of M³’s fifth cohort, will meet in person for the first time to celebrate and share their work as well.

    The first day will feature projects “Selat Segara” (“separated by the ocean”) by Sattvitri and CC Sunchild, a project interpreting the majesty of the ocean, “All Roads Lead to Home” by The Kativa Shah Quintet, a vignette of works from their upcoming album of the same name, an improvisational exploration meshed with song-form that reflects the innermost questions of creators Tara Kannangara and Krissy Bergmark, the compositions of Jessica Jones and her fellow tenor saxist husband Tony Jones, and Craig Taborn’s working piece “Shadow Plays Solo”, a performance tailored to the concert space and audience for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

    On day two, Dafna Naphtali and Gwen Laster will open with their newly reimagined M³ commissioned piece “Wake Me When It’s Green.” Now tailored to the live experience alongside musicians Ras Moshe and Alex Waterman, followed by a soundscape of Rani Jambak’s on her cultural identity journey as Minangkabau, a solo concert of Aline Franzão’s own compositions largely in portuguese with a blend of African, Brazilian, and Jazz influences, and the final performance of the evening- the ever-respected musical duo Linda May Han Oh and Fabian Almazan who will perform original works alongside improvisation, soundscapes, and both acoustic and electric elements.

    Tickets are on sale now for the M³ Festival at $25 per day on October 25 and 26 at the Roulette Intermedium in Brooklyn. For further information and ticket sales, please visit here.

  • COLORS Present ‘Tones of NYC’ Program at Knockdown Center in Queens this October

    COLORS has announced the “Tones of NYC” program which will see a diverse array of talented artist performances over the span of two days. The program lasts from October 10 to 11 and is hosted at Queens’ Knockdown Center.

    Knockdown Center in Queens

    About COLORS

    COLORS’ brand-new event concept, TONES OF, launches in New York in October 2024. It is set to explore NYC’s undisputed reputation as one of the most powerful cultural capitals in the world. Tones of NYC features a program of live music, art, workshops, discussions, pop ups and more. The aim is to unite leading creatives and up to 6,000 guests for 2 days of cultural exploration.

    The event boasts a stacked line-up including Street Dreams, Mustafa, Kidsuper, Moses Sumney, Half Moon BK, Sadboi, Naomi Sharon and many more. Another huge element of the TONES program is dance. TONES pulls in some of the world’s finest dancers and choreographers in the form of Charm La’Donna and Amari Marshall. They are both delivering panels as well as workshops.

    Mustafa the Poet

    Built in the city, for the city – ‘TONES OF’ unites both established and next-gen cultural pioneers to collaboratively curate each event. As well as music, TONES day-time agenda opens up discussions on topics from innovation in the arts to the future of design and more. 

    TONES OF connects live acts, DJs, artists, community projects, fashion brands, style heads, creatives, foodies and more. These creative minds deliver talks, workshops, pop-up events, Q&A sessions, parties and of course live music.

    Charm La’Donna

    For more information on the upcoming “Tones of NYC” event presented by COLORS, click here. Tickets are available to purchase on ColorsxStudios website.

  • Chief Keef Announces Rescheduled Dates for “A Lil Tour”

    29-year-old rap star Chief Keef announces 14 rescheduled dates for his upcoming cross-country tour titled “A Lil Tour,” which includes a stop at the Brooklyn Paramount in Brooklyn, NY on November 23, 2024.

    Chief Keep tour poster
    Chief Keep will be performing at Brooklyn Paramount of November 23

    “A Lil Tour” follows the release of Keef’s self-produced album Almighty So 2, which made debuted at number3 on the Billboard’s Independent Albums chart, number 9 in the top Top Rap Albums chart, number 10 Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, while also ranking at number 26 on Top Streaming Albums and number 30 on the Billboard 200. The album features appearances from Chief Keef aficionado Sexyy Red, Quavo, G Herbo, Tierra Whack and 43B signee Lil Gnar, who will also be joining Chief Keef on this upcoming tour alongside his Glo Boyz group.

    About Chief Keep

    Chief Keef — aka Sosa– began his journey as a 16-year-old in Chicago as a pioneer of the drill scene. Since then he has gone on to create his own record label, 43B, and released five studio albums. In his early career, Keef rose to popularity because of his catchy and genre-bending mixtapes, and Almighty So 2 serves as a 16-track nostalgic sequel to his cult classic 2013 mixtape Almighty So

    Earlier this year, Keef collaborated with Sexyy Red on two singles from her Hood Hottest Princess (Deluxe)–”Ghetto Princess,” and “Bow Bow Bow (F My Baby Mama).” He also linked up with Lil Yachty for “Say Ya Grace,” a highlight from All Is Yellow. The song’s Cole Bennett-directed video went viral, reaching the top 5 on YouTube’s Trending chart and garnering over three million views in its first week of release.

    Stream Almighty So 2 here.

    Previously bought tickets will be honored on the new dates. Tickets are also on sale now and are available at ChiefKeef.com. Full lists of dates are down below.

    A Lil Tour 2024 Dates:

    10/30/24 – San Francisco, CA – The Midway

    11/2/24 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Palladium

    11/3/24 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre

    11/6/24 – Denver, CO – Fillmore Auditorium

    11/8/24 – Dallas, TX – South Side Ballroom

    11/9/24 – Houston, TX – 713 Music Hall

    11/11/24 – Charlotte, NC – The Fillmore Charlotte

    11/13/24 – Atlanta, GA – Coca-Cola Roxy

    11/16/24 – Minneapolis, MN – The Armory

    11/17/24 – Detroit, MI – The Fillmore Detroit

    11/19/24 – Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore Philadelphia

    11/21/24 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway

    11/23/24 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Paramount

    11/24/24 – Washington, DC – The Echostage

  • Boojum’s “Electric Wonderland” Lights Up Brooklyn Art Haus with Psychedelic Splendor 

    This fall, Brooklyn is set to experience a kaleidoscope of psychedelic marvels as New York rising stars Boojum take over Brooklyn Art Haus for a four-show run of “Electric Wonderland.” The residency will feature the band’s distinctive fusion of improvisational jam-band rock and immersive theatrical performances, redefining the live music experience.

    Boojum Electric Wonderland

    Every other Friday from September 13th through October 25th, Boojum will turn Brooklyn Art Haus into a playground of psychedelic fantasy, taking participants on a journey into the fantastical realms of Alice in Wonderland and other Lewis Carroll classics. Meant to be more than a series of concerts, “Electric Wonderland” is planned as an evolving spectacle, with every performance a new adventure featuring surprise guests and a dynamic setlist that guarantees no two nights are ever the same.

    Boojum Electric Wonderland

    “Electric Wonderland goes beyond music. We are creating a one-of-a-kind visually and sonically stunning theatrical experience,” said Sarah Elaz, bassist of Boojum. “By making every night of this residency different with no repeats and plenty of unexpected twists, we are embracing and evolving what it means to be a part of the modern jam band scene.”

    The residency marks a pivotal moment for Boojum as they build on their debut performance of “Electric Wonderland” at Brooklyn Bowl to establish a new home for their ambitious, immersive production. Boojum’s debut EP, Electric Wonderland Vol. 1: Down the Rabbit Hole, released in April, set the stage for what’s to expect, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the group’s ability to blend jam, EDM, funk, pop, and progressive influences into a captivating theatrical experience for fans seeking a feast for their eyes and ears. 

    Expect elaborate costumes, intricate choreography, and spellbinding projections that complement Boojum’s eclectic and improvisational soundtrack. For those ready to dive into the rabbit hole where psychedelic rock meets theatrical spectacle, “Electric Wonderland” promises an unforgettable journey. 

    Event Details:

    • What: Boojum’s “Electric Wonderland”
    • When: Fridays 9/13/24, 9/27/24, 10/11/24, 10/25/24
    • Where: Brooklyn Art Haus, 24 Marcy Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
    • Tickets: Available now
  • Staten Island Unites Through Music and Culture at Second Peace and Unity Festival

    The Second Peace and Unity Festival, held at Snug Harbor on Staten Island, was a celebration of community, culture, and music. Hosted by the K Woods Foundation, this event brought together a diverse lineup of performers, both established and emerging, to uplift and engage the community.

    Kareem “Kay” Woods and Method Man

    Founded by Kareem “Kay” Woods, the K Woods Foundation is a Staten Island-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting underprivileged communities with a particular focus on youth development, education, and community engagement. Through events like this festival, mentorship programs, and educational initiatives, the foundation aims to empower young people and foster a positive impact on Staten Island and beyond. Their collaborations with local schools, community centers, and other organizations play a crucial role in this mission.

    This year’s “Peace and Unity Festival” also partnered with POLARIS, a Black-owned television network, to launch a 2024 voter registration drive that successfully registered many attendees. POLARIS worked directly with Kay Woods to raise awareness around voter registration, tying this crucial initiative to the cultural significance of the hip-hop festival. POLARIS will continue voter registration activations over the next two months and plans to host a celebrity roundtable discussion as part of their efforts to engage the community in the electoral process.

    Smif-N-Wessun

    The festival featured a mix of local talent and established artists, creating an electric atmosphere that united the community in celebration. Among the performers were local acts such as Cosi PARI, Heff, JoJo Pellegrino, Who is Bravi, Waterteam Stumik Dezeagle, Yap City, and Smiff N Wess. Their performances showcased the rich musical diversity and talent within Staten Island.

    Ghostface

    The highlight of the festival came toward the end of the event with a series of unforgettable performances by some of hip-hop’s most legendary figures. Method Man, who had made a special appearance earlier in the day, returned to the stage alongside Ghostface, Raekwon, Cappadonna, and Sheek Louch, delivering a powerful set that captivated the audience. Beanie Sigel and Freeway kept the momentum going with their dynamic performance, setting the stage for the festival’s finale. Closing out the night, Jim Jones, Juelz Santana, and Freekey Zekey took the energy to its peak, leaving the crowd buzzing with excitement.

    Beanie Sigel & Freeway

    The 2nd Peace and Unity Festival was more than just a music event; it was a testament to the strength and resilience of the Staten Island community. By bringing people together through music and culture, the K Woods Foundation continues to make a lasting impact, fostering a spirit of unity and empowerment that will carry on long after the festival’s final note.

  • Dave Matthews Band Announces Fall Tour, Hit MSG for Two Nights

    Ahead of Dave Matthews Band induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in October, the band has announced a Fall Tour. They will hit many big cities on the eastern half of the country including Madison Square Garden on Nov. 22 and 23.

    Dave Matthews Band
    Photo credit: Sanjay Suchak

    Since 1993 when Dave Matthews Band’s first studio album was released, they have been a power house in the rock world selling 38 million CDs and DVDs. They have also sold over 25 million tickets since their birth making them the second largest ticket-seller in history. After the group’s 2018 album Come Tomorow, they became the first ever band to have 7 consecutive studio albums hit number one on the Billboard 200.

    Dave Matthews Band released a new album, the first in five years, Walk Around The Moon in 2023. The album has been praised by many publications and the band has supported it with many concerts and tours since its release. Most recently, they played their traditional Labor Day weekend concerts at The Gorge in Washington state. They will arrive in New York City’s Madison Square Garden on Nov 22 and 23 closing out the six planned dates to take place in November.

    Dave Matthews Band will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on Saturday, October 19 in Cleveland, OH. The induction ceremony will stream on Disney+, and will be released on Hulu the next day.

    General on sale for tickets begins on Friday, September 20, at 10:00 a.m. ET. For more information, visit davematthewsband.com.

    DAVE MATTHEWS BAND FALL 2024 DATES

    11/15               Pittsburgh, PA                           PPG Paints Arena

    11/16               Columbus, OH                           Nationwide Arena

    11/19               Uncasville, CT                           Mohegan Sun Arena

    11/20               Uncasville, CT                           Mohegan Sun Arena

    11/22               New York, NY                            Madison Square Garden – The Arena

    11/23               New York, NY                            Madison Square Garden – The Arena

  • QUIP World Music Festival Returns to Queens

    The Queens United International Party (QUIP) presents the seventh annual World Music Festival, taking place in Sunnyside Gardens Park on Saturday, September 21.

    quip

    An annual celebration of all 120 countries and 135 languages represented in Queens, the QUIP World Music Festival brings the entire borough and beyond together to enjoy the music, art, culture, and food of the community, for the community, by the community.

    This year’s QUIP offers a full roster of events for all ages- music, arts and crafts, dance contests, a wide array of food vendors spanning from arepas to momos, and all that the historical community park has to offer. 

    Musical performances will occur on two alternating stages from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM with a lineup that is sure to stun, including but not limited to the renowned kora player Yacouba Sissoko, dancer and educator Malini Srinivasan, all-women, trans, and nonbinary Brazilian Samba Reggae drum line Fogo Azul, and the ever-entertaining Pinkie Special.

    Tickets are $15 at the door, and kids under 12 years old are free. For further information, please visit here.

    The full lineup can be found below.

    Full Festival Lineup

    Somer Suarez

    Malini & Ensemble

    Pinkie Special

    Yacouba Sissiko

    Fogo Azul

    Liftoff Brass

    Akoko Nante

    Alea

  • Eggy and Dogs In A Pile to Join Forces for Two-Night Run at The Capitol Theatre this November

    Next generation Jam bands Eggy and Dogs In A Pile have announced the meeting of minds this November for a two-night run at The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, presented by Relix.

    Eggy and Dogs In A Pile
    Eggy

    This collaboration arrives as both bands are experiencing breakout years, touring across the country and capturing national attention. Eggy is gearing up for the release of their new album Waiting Game on September 6. The band is slated to set out on a lengthy tour this fall in support of the new record.

    Dogs In A Pile has been making significant strides in 2024, selling out headlining shows in major cities such as Washington D.C., Austin, Texas and Denver. The New Jersey-native quintet will soon embark on an extensive fall tour and are in the process of recording their forthcoming album.

    Eggy and Dogs In A Pile
    Dogs In A Pile

    Eggy and Dogs In A Pile have worked for an opportunity like this to arise for quite some time. It is beyond exciting to see how the two unique sounds combine to create something new this November. The two-night run spans November 29 and 30.

    Each night will feature an alternating closer, as Eggy and Dogs In A Pile will both perform approximately 90-minute sets on Friday and Saturday night. The evenings will culminate in a special collaborative encore where both bands will come together for a closing song. Their distinct sounds are mashed up for a one-of-a-kind memorable musical experience for fans in attendance.

    For more information on show times and ticket prices, click here. For more info on Eggy and Dogs In A Pile, visit their sites – eggymusic.com and dogsinapileofficial.com.

  • Hearing Aide: Jim Andralis Drops Haunting LP “Ghosts”

    On August 16, Jim Andralis, known for hosting the country music variety show Grand Ole Pubry at Joe’s Pub in downtown Manhattan, released his fifth LP, Ghosts.

    The 11-song collection is a stark reflection on life, death, and what it means to be human. The raw emotion behind Ghosts inspires the listener to reflect on the interactions taken for granted set to the tune of soothing country guitars and Andralis’ harmonies.

    jim andralis

    Ghosts starts with “The Worst Thing,” a somber introduction to the concept of grief. The track gives us a different perspective on human emotion. It may not be the worst thing to let yourself feel your emotions and process them completely before moving on. It may not be the worst thing for things to not work out the way we expect them to. It’s a lesson that everyone could use; life isn’t very fair, after all.

    The following two tracks, “5 Minutes” and “You,” are both exemplary of the album’s themes of grief and loss. “5 Minutes” is a testament to the loss of Andralis’ dog, Nikko. “You” is a poignant elegy for Barbara Maier Gustern, Andralis’ vocal coach and cherished friend. Both tracks reflect on his experiences with these adored loved ones, the time spent with both, and how love transcends romantic feelings. It is clear that these losses deeply affected Andralis and inspired him to put these feelings to music, a coping mechanism that brings him, and by proxy, his listeners, a sense of peace.

    Songs like “Manhattanhenge” and “Brooklyn” bring another theme into light: the haunting of New York City. In a duet with his husband Larry Krone, “Manhattanhenge” explores the idea of an afterlife in a city loved by millions. What will happen when they’re gone, and how will New York play a part in their afterlife? Will they haunt the city they fell in love with, or move on to somewhere new? Andralis and Krone’s voices blend together in an almost perfect fashion, and it leaves listeners hoping that if there is an afterlife, they get the chance to spend it together.

    Jim Andralis’ fifth album, Ghosts, gives fans an opportunity to explore some of life’s darkest themes. However, there is a comforting feeling in knowing that we are not alone when it comes to these emotions. Andralis’s country guitars provide a soothing feeling to those who are suffering from the hardships of grief and losing a loved one.

    Fans can find more information and music on Jim Andralis’ website, including work with the NYC-based queer punk band The Isotoners and duets with his husband, Larry Krone.