On Saturday, August 31, Porter Robinson took the stage at Forest Hills Stadium for the New York stop on his worldwide SMILE! 😀 tour.
Hot off the release of his latest album, SMILE! :D, Robinson was joined by an incredible four-piece band consisting of keys, drums, guitar, and a dual bassist and backup vocalist. Regardless of whether the band was propped up on the mini stage behind him, or if they joined him on top of the enormous LED screen center stage, they were a stellar support system for Robinson’s infectious energy.
The seats of Forest Hills Stadium were filled with an endearing and incredibly excited crowd, with many dressed in the pink and black motifs of the album. The rest were adorned in bright, colorful gear resembling his other two albums. Others held signs, fans, or sparklers, occasionally bringing the party out of the pit and into the stands. No matter what album Robinson was playing from, the crowd sang along as they danced and jumped around together in disjointed harmony.
Robinson opened the tour with a full rendition of his latest album, which, unlike his previous work, resembled that of a rock band. The rest of his show went along in his own Eras-Tour-style fashion, dedicating sections of the evening to his albums with special announcements before each one.
When Robinson was wrapped up with SMILE! 😀, the enormous LED screen adorned with colorful graphics and lyrics in bright, sparkly fonts would transform into a billboard, with each album’s title and years stretching across the screen.
After the announcements, Porter Robinson played each of his albums in their entirety. It was endearing to see him look back on all of his work with such passion and admiration but also to see his evolution as an artist. His mixing of music styles from alternative and electronic genres had definitely changed over the years, and it was clear that he intends to continue this steady growth in the future. It was refreshing to see, not only because artists with his acclaim and style tend to be stagnant, but because the passion and thought put into his work is clear.
The show’s energy seemed neverending, with a crowd that wanted to keep the party going long after the concert’s end. During his set, he brought out special guest Frost Children, who collaborated with him on his song “Mona Lisa,” and even invited his bassist to perform vocals on his older tracks, particularly from Nurture and Worlds.
Porter Robinson ended the show with an encore of “Shelter” and “Cheerleader,” two of his biggest hits and the most explosive performances of the night. The crowd welcomed him back on stage with resounding cheers and applause, chanting, “One more time!” as he walked off stage. With the end of “Cheerleader” came flashing pink lights and an explosion of paper confetti, blowing away in the wind and getting in the crowd’s hair as they made their exit.
The rest of Porter Robinson’s tour continues through the end of 2024 and into 2025, spanning across five continents and over 20 countries. Robinson’s next show will take him to Atlanta, Georgia, on September 5. More dates in South America are yet to be announced.
For the full list of tour dates, merchandise, and music, fans can visit here.
Setlist:
(SMILE! :D) Knock Yourself Out XD, Perfect Pinterest Garden, Kitsune Maison Freestyle, Year of the Cup, Easier to Love You, Is There Really No Happiness?, Mona Lisa (with Frost Children), Everything To Me, Russian Rouhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzMkFIw8ETMlette.
(Nurture) Wind Tempos, Musician, Something Comforting, Everything Goes On, Unfold, Get Your Wish, Trying to Feel Alive / Look at the Sky
(Worlds) Sea of Voices / Sad Machine, Divinity, Fresh Static Snow, Hollowheart, Language, Goodbye to a World, Sad Machine
As Noah Lehrman and FlowPoetry completed the “Beat of My Voice” US Summer Tour, the duo released live performance videos from their July 31 late night show at Rockwood Music Hall in the Lower East Side of Manhattan giving fans a look into the intimate show.
Live versions of songs “Tonight,” “Holy Man” and “DripStuck” from the Rockwood performance are now out. The videos give fans a special look at the tour featuring photos taken by Noah and photographer Ron Adelberg on the road. The videos tease their live album that consists of the first three New York performances on the tour.
FlowPoetry, also known as Adam Pergament, is a spoken word artist from Madison, WI. On tour with NYC-based drummer Noah Lehrman, the pair performed improvisational shows that incorporated genres ranging from jazz to EDM.
The tour took them from the Midwest to the East Coast. It began in Madison, WI at the new venue Gamma Ray on July 24. After shows in Ohio, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Massachusetts, the pair performed at the Rockwood Music Hall on July 31 where these live tracks took place to give an insider look at the experience. From there they returned to Pennsylvania and then back to New York again, performing at Olives in Nyack and at Silvana in Harlem. The tour concluded on August 5 at the 8 x 10 Club in Baltimore, MD.
Noah will be back for solo performances at the 10th Anniversary Froggy Daze Music Festival in Narrowsburg, NY from Thursday, September 5 to Sunday, September 8.
Nigerian star Asake roared into New York Friday night for his debut at Madison Square Garden with a show in support of third and latest album, “Lungu Boy.” Asake is promoting his third album, titled Lungu Boy which is out now via EMPIRE/YBNL Nation and features appearances from Central Cee, Ludmilla, Stormzy, Travis Scott, and Wizkid.
In the lead-up to the release of ‘Lungu Boy,’ a lot of the chatter around the project hinted at Asake introducing the world to Lagos Island and the quirks of its subculture, in order to contextualize his stunning rise and his stage design and presence did just that. The evening started with a narrating explaining the experience that the crowd was going to set on with none other than Asake himself. The show opened in spectacular fashion as Asake ascended from beneath the depths of Madison Square Garden. The performance had everything from pyrotechnics to choreographed dances and visual effects.
His set Friday night at New York’s Mecca, Madison Square Garden — his debut MSG performance— saw him backed by a full band, street dancers, DJ and MC, including horns, to bring his jazz-influenced sound into a live setting. Clad in between two outfits show off his unique wardrobe style, he performed cuts from the entire album such as “Active” featuring Travis Scott, “Wave” featuring Central Cee, “Skating” which saw an elaborate display of skating and BMX biking tricks and more from the album.
In addition to performing songs from his new album on the Lungu Boy tour, Asake also performs tracks from his 2022 studio debut, Mr. Money With The Vibe(“Terminator,” “Peace Be Unto You,” “Muse,” “Joha,” “Sungba”), and its 2023 follow-up Work Of Art (“Amapiano,” “Basquiat,” “Lonely At The Top,” “Remember” and “2:30”).
In the end, it was hard for the crowd to fathom the electric show ending and even harder for Asake himself.
In true Asake fashion, he left the New York crowd with a night that they will never forget, the Lungu Boy from Lagos Island.
Independent music promotion is the backbone of live entertainment in New York State. Promoters work tirelessly to bring music to venues across the state, putting their expertise to work to showcase local talents.
Whether in small clubs or massive outdoor arenas, promoters bring communities together through music. In the light of continual corporate influence in live music, we at NYS Music highlight and support the work of New York State’s independent promoters who strive to bring music to the masses.
If we missed any independent promoters based on New York State, let us know editors@nysmusic.com.
John Dominis / The LIFE Picture Collection, Getty
Long Island
Louis Navas
Louis Navas is a jack of all trades: visual artist, musician, and event booker. Inspired by the album artwork of Green Day and Iron Maiden, Navas began designing art for musicians at a young age. Following his work as a visual artist, Navas began booking bands he had worked with, making a name for himself by presenting emo and indie groups. 2016 marked a major milestone in his booking career, organizing three major shows, including a 400 person concert in Center Moriches. Navas’ shows drew not only local talent, but also bands from as far as Ohio and Iowa. Navas views the artists he books foremost as friends, and seeks to best represent their wishes for performances.
Ride Waves Entertainment
Based in East Setauket, Ride Waves Entertainment offers promotion, booking, and studio services for Long Island artists. Currently, Ride Waves Entertainment works with a roster of 25 singer-songwriters and bands, presenting shows across Long Island. Dealing with venues on the Fire Island waterfront and Downtown Patchogue and Port Jefferson, Ride Waves Entertainment offers shows in some of the hottest nightlife spots on the Island.
In addition to booking and promotion, the group also deals in production and rehearsal services. Its production arm – Ride Waves productions – dates back to 2000. Following work with DJs and dance groups, JT Aceto founded the production studio to help other artists with his musical chops. Over the years, Ride Waves has produced artists ranging from reggae to house to country. On top of this, Ride Waves offers artists a fully-equipped rehearsal space known as “the Hideout.” Outfitted with a full PA system, drum set, and amps, the space is an affordable option for artists looking to practice. The space also offers music video sessions where artists can record promotional clips for their songs.
Equilibrium Booking
Jackie Guma – also known as djgoomz – founded Equilibrium Booking back in 2014. Equilibrium Booking began with Guma’s DIY Venue known as “the Basement.” The Basement – located in Port Jefferson – highlighted local artists, showcasing music, comedy, art, and poetry. With weekly shows and open mics, the venue was an inclusive hub for local music until its closure during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Currently, Equilibrium Booking organizes concerts and events across Long Island, in towns like Bay Shore, Patchogue, and Smithtown. In 2024, Equilibrium Booking helped to organize Patchogue’s Alive After Five festival and the Bay Shore farmer’s market. On top of these events, Equilibrium regularly hosts artists at Katie’s of Smithtown bar. With shows engineered and hosted by Guma herself, Equilibrium highlights local musicians each Wednesday with open mic time for local artists to showcase their talents. In addition, Equilibrium collaborates with local visual artists to sell their artwork at these shows.
Star•Pulse Studio
Starpulse Studio offers Long Island-based artists recording, engineering, and promotion services. Sound engineer Joseph Conserva founded StarPulse Studio in 2018 to welcome artists big and small into an affordable recording space. Following 2 years of recording services, Conserva expanded StarPulse into artist booking. Since 2020, he has been joined by graphic designer/curator Jodie Britt, and Equilibrium Booking’s Jackie Guma to highlight local artists in live spaces.
StarPulse Studio handles all aspects of live performances for artists. Their services include booking, print promotion, hosting, and live sound engineering. The Studio frequently hosts shows at Industry in Huntington, often with fun theming. Throughout 2024, Starpulse has hosted artist showcases with astrology, 80s rock, and funk themes.
Munoz Stock
Munoz Stockin’ Events is a promotion group dedicated to showcasing artists across Long Island and New York. Long Island punk group The Muckrakers started Munoz Stock in 2013 to organize an annual Summer Arts festival on Long Island. The Munoz Stock festival provided a DIY space for local musicians, artists, and video game fans to get together and enjoy the Summer scenery of the Island.
Following the success of this festival, Munoz Stock expanded their services to further promote local artists. Munoz Stock frequently books shows at Bay Shore’s TBC Beer Co. and Bethpage’s Nostalgia. In addition to this, the group offers rentals to musicians, including stages, lighting, backdrops, and speakers to help with live shows. Recently, Munoz Stock has also expanded their promotional services to online spaces. On the last Sunday of each month, Munoz Stock hosts Show on the Go – a live artist showcase on their YouTube channel.
Planet of Sound Promotions
Planet of Sound is a Long Island-based music collective that specializes in booking and promotions. They represent a diverse roster of artists, showcasing genres from indie to jazz. Planet of Sound does not just book artists, but rather prides itself on making memorable experiences that highlight Long Island’s rich musical talent.
With everything from restaurant shows and karaoke nights to festivals and open-mics, Planet of Sound brings unparalleled live experiences to Long Island. With these events, Planet of Sound is one of the premier names in cultivating Long Island’s musical talent.
Golden Hour Booking
Golden Hour Booking prides itself in booking only “Golden gigs” for its artists. A staple of Long Island’s alternative scene, Golden Hour has made a name for itself booking local groups as well as nationally-touring acts. With frequent shows across Long Island, Golden Hour Booking ensures that their artists’ talents are displayed to enthralled audiences. Golden Hour Booking frequently holds concerts at Massapequa’s VFW Hall and Long Beach Brewing Company. Through their shows, Golden Hour highlights beloved acts and fosters fan bases for alternative up-and-comers.
A Bob Production Concerts
Promoter Bob Blickwede is dedicated to bringing unforgettable music experiences to Long Island’s South shore. His company, A Bob Production Concerts, has put on hundreds of concerts in South Shore towns, like Amityville and Patchogue, bringing local rock and tribute acts to island hubs. Every weekend, they organize multiple shows at Amityville’s The Warehouse, bringing audiences rock, disco, Americana and more. What makes A Bob Productions famous is their summer concerts, with frequent weekend shows at Tiki Joe’s beachside bars. Audiences can see local dance, rock, and salsa acts with the waves in the background and tropical drinks in their hands. As bassist Jeff Parrett – who has worked with A Bob Production Concerts – has said “these concerts are what summer on Long Island is all about.”
Steve Dassa
“No event is too big or too small” for Steve Dassa entertainment. The Levittown-based company has made a name for itself in bringing the best in entertainment to all kinds of events. Focusing on oldies, doo wop, disco, and Motown, Dassa has made a name bringing classic music acts to events and parties across Long Island. Over the years, Dassa has worked with some of the biggest names in classic music, including Jerry Vale, Paul Anka, and Tony Orlando. With these years of experience, Dassa frequently collaborates with Long Island’s municipal government and radio to put on unforgettable shows. In addition to music, Dassa works with a host of comedians and DJs to put on shows audiences will love.
Ira’sList
Ira’sList is Long Island’s number one live music resource, allowing music lovers to locate live music across the island. Founder Ira Levy wanted a website where people could go to “see where the action is,” so created Ira’sList. The website features an interactive calendar, with pages for venues across Long Island, allowing viewers to find upcoming shows wherever they may be. With venues everywhere from Hempstead to Peconic, Ira’sList presents shows in Long Island’s urban centers to its rural vineyards.
In addition to their online service, Ira’sList produces annual shows in Bethpage and Tobay Beach. As part of their Party in the Park concerts, Ira’sList presents weekly Wednesday concerts in Bethpage State Park, bringing rock, dance, and themed concerts all summer. On top of this, they host Tsunami Thursdays at Tobay Beach’s Boat House, with beach-front concerts and parties each week.
New York City
Independent Music Promotions
Promoter and music writer Steve James Moore founded Independent Music Promotions (IMP) in 2011. The founding of his company came after the release of his best-selling book Your Band Is A Virus – a guide to independent music promotion. Having played in touring acts and been disappointed by promotional firms, Moore is dedicated to providing high quality PR for all IMP’s clients.
IMP focuses on representing bands that push boundaries and can be selective with the artists they promote. IMP’s promotions include traditional services, but also a boundary-breaking alliance with freelance journalists across the country. In addition to this, IMP has a vast media presence, using Facebook, Spotify, and other sites to spread word of their artists. On top of promotion, IMP’s partnerships provide artists with music production and video services. All of their services are marked by the personal touch of Moore, who is renowned for his professionalism and regular contact with artists.
In the past 13 years, IMP has grown to represent over 100 artists, spanning countless genres. Their website highlights a roster ranging from reggae to heavy metal. Among the artists represented are pop singers and experimental industrial projects. Since its founding, the group has expanded to represent artists from not only across the US, but also some from Europe and Australia.
Move Forward Music
Based on Manhattan’s Broadway, Move Forward Music has made a name for itself by breaking some of music’s biggest names. Their ethos is summed up by “Break artists. Build brands. Impact culture.” To do this, Move Forward Music works to promote artists through digital content and merchandising. Their main focus is booking shows and tours, helping to build a name for their artists and highlight their talents in a live atmosphere. In addition to this, Move Forward regularly updates their spotify to highlight new artists, spreading their songs to their many followers.
Move Forward Music has a track record of promoting mega-stars at the beginning of their careers. Their early promotions included Kendrick Lamar and Syracuse-native Post Malone. Move Forward Music has recently organized shows across the boroughs for artists big and small. Among these shows were concerts by rapper Danny Brown, Outkast’s Andree 3000, and a double-set by up and comers Ovrkast and Chenayder.
Rocks Off NYC
Rocks Off calls itself “NYC’s sweetest independent concert promoters.” Since its founding, Rocks Off has booked shows across New York City, including venues like the Bowery Ballroom and Music Hall of Brooklyn. The centerpiece of their operations is the Rocks Off Concert Cruise Series. With a fleet of concert-ready ships, Rocks Off hosts upwards of 200 shows on the water around NYC each year from April to October. Their ships include spacious stages, and crisp light and sound capabilities, making for an unforgettable experience. Their fleet includes ships of all sizes, including the 100-capacity Lucille, and the four-decked Liberty Belle. This ensures that artists can find a setting that matches the desired scale for their shows.
Among their upcoming cruise concerts are industrial up-and-comers Model/Actriz and punk legends Black Flag. Additionally, tribute shows to everyone from Pink Floyd and Taylor Swift are common events hosted by Rocks Off.
Dayglo Presents
Dayglo Presents is one of New York City’s foremost entertainment companies. Founded by Peter Shapiro, the company is dedicated to putting on extraordinary shows in premier concert environments. While founding Dayglo Presents, Shapiro brought decades of experience in the music industry, previously promoting for legends like the Grateful Dead. Dayglo Presents boasts magnificent venues across the New York Metro Area, including the Brooklyn Bowl and Port Chester’s historic Capitol Theatre. The recently renovated Capitol Theatre boasts 1,800 seats and arena-scale lighting and sound systems, making it one of Downstate New York’s greatest venues. Since its founding Dayglo has expanded to cities across America, and hosts the annual Lock’n Festival in Virginia.
Since beginning operations, Dayglo has prided itself in promoting up-and-comers while working with some of the biggest names in music. Across its venues, the company has collaborated with everyone from R.E.M. to Lauryn Hill. The one thing that unites all of Dayglo’s operations is a genuine dedication to bringing high quality music to fans across the country.
SLP Concerts
SLP Concerts has been a staple of music promotion in the Northeast for almost 80 years. Since its founding in 1946, the company has expanded from its base in Haddonfield, NJ to produce shows everywhere from Delaware to Connecticut. With services including talent acquisition, event management, and concert promotion, SLP’s services cover everything a live artist would need. Over the years, SLP has produced shows in both small clubs and massive arenas, working with megastars like Taylor Swift and Green Day.
SLP also boasts the historic Troy Savings Bank Music Hall outside of Albany. This historic venue, dating back to 1875, has world-renowned acoustics. During its operations, it has hosted legends like Dizzy Gillespie, Yo Yo-Ma, and Ella Fitzgerald.
Frank Wood Productions
With over 50 years of promotional experience, Frank Wood has made a name for himself as one of the most prolific promoters in New York City. While Frank Wood’s work mostly focuses on well-known acts and indie bands, he also handles cover acts. Over the years, he has produced for legendary acts like the New York Dolls and Slade. Frank Wood offers artists access to home clubs around the city, where he produces weekly concerts. On top of this, he boasts the ability to place a band in almost any club throughout the NYC area. In addition to local shows, Frank Wood has organized concerts throughout the US, Europe, and Japan, bringing New York’s music across the world. On top of his promotional and booking services, Wood prides himself in giving back to the community. His promotional agency frequently collaborates with charities helping those with AIDS and 9/11 First Responders.
Baker Concerts
Baker Concerts is an event promotion company operating in New York City and Connecticut. At the center of Baker Concerts’ operations is Times Square’s Palladium Theatre. Over the past year, Baker Concerts has produced near weekly concerts at the venue. At the Palladium, Baker Concerts has hosted everyone from German power metal band Dragonforce to Latin Grammy-winner Pedro Capo. The 2,100-person capacity venue features video streaming capabilities to broadcast the stage to screens across the theater. Baker Concerts has many performances scheduled for the remainder of 2024, including shows by metal legends Sepultura, and pop-rock trio Hansen.
Hudson Valley
Black Dog Promotions
Based in New Windsor, NY, Black Dog Promotions prides itself in the booking and promotion of bands in New York and Connecticut. Black Dog Promotions grew out of the Hudson Valley radio station WXAX, known for its 24-hour rock and metal airplay.
Throughout the years, WXAX’s focus on broadcasting local bands evolved into show promotion and booking. Black Dog Promotions is currently running the “I Am Wayward” tour of metal acts across the Northeastern United States, and promoting shows up and down the Hudson Valley. They place musicians and listeners at the forefront of their business, using their extensive online presence to keep in touch with locals and venues to organize rock shows that best serve the Hudson Valley community.
River Spirit Music
River Spirit Music prides itself in organizing intimate shows for singer-songwriters in the Hudson Valley. At River Spirit, promoters are driven by a genuine love for music, putting immense personal work into every show they organize. At the heart of River Spirit’s operations is their House Concert Series. These shows bring touring acts to an intimate in-home space in Hastings-on-Hudson.
These shows bring world music to audiences, while giving them the chance to interact with the performing artists. With a 40 person capacity, these shows never feel too crowded, and give each audience member a chance to get personal with performers. In addition, River Spirit frequently hosts onstage concerts at Tarrytown’s Music Hall. With this intimacy and passion for music, it is no wonder why River Spirit is one of the Hudson Valley’s premier promoters of Americana, folk, and jazz.
Impact Concerts
Impact Concerts is dedicated to bringing carefully curated events throughout New York’s Hudson Valley and Catskill regions. Their events bring the community together through showcases of music, arts, and food. Among the many shows Impact Concerts produces are six annual music festivals: July Jam, Woodsist Festival, Positive Jam Festival, Soulshine Festival, Follow the Arrow Festival, and the Felice County Fair.
Impact Concerts shows highlight both local Hudson Valley artists and musicians from around the world. Among their largest collaborators is Palenville’s indie-folk group The Felice Brothers. In addition, Impact Concerts has drawn legends of indie, folk, and jazz to their festivals, highlighting everyone from indie icons Yo La Tengo to Ethiopian jazz legend Hailu Mergia.
Capital Region
A Little Booking Ageny
Based out of Latham, A Little Booking Agency brings entertainment of all types to the Capital Region. With a team of booking agents, they organize musicians, DJs, comedians and more to perform at local concerts, festivals, and parties. The agency prides itself on its many connections with local venues, ensuring that artists can find the right fit for their shows. A Little Booking Agency has especially found success booking hip hop shows around Albany. They are currently organizing a French Montana, Fivio Foreign, and Fabolous show at Albany’s Palace Theatre in August.
Guthrie Bell Productions
“Grapplin’” Greg Bell is entering his 32nd year of bringing live music to the Capital Region. Bell founded Guthrie Bell Productions alongside Jeff Guthrie back in 1993, and has not looked back on music promotion since. Since his start, Bell has helped spotlight up-and-comers, as well as booked nationally touring acts. Bell strives to foster a sense of community by collaborating with artists, promoters, and venues across the region.
In his 30 plus years, Bell has frequently booked shows at Albany’s The Hollow and Palace Theatre, as well as classic venues like Valentines. Documentarian Frankie Cavone has recently released a film covering Bell’s journey to promoting legend status. Watch it here.
Sugar Productions
Sugar Productions is a promotional company dedicated to bringing great music to Albany. With frequent shows at Ophelia’s live music space, Sugar Productions crafts unmatched concert experiences. With premier live acts, premier sound production, and backing visuals, their shows illustrated unmatched excellence in the field. Sugar Productions is currently organizing Albany’s annual Pearlpalooza festival.
Featuring a day’s worth of live performances from local artists, local vendors, and fine dining. This event highlights Sugar Production’s dedication to providing the community with amazing live experiences. With every show they organize, Sugar Productions places the audience at the forefront, while still showcasing incredible local talent.
Step Up Presents
Step Up Presents founder Ted Etoll has over 20 years of experience in the field of live booking. Etoll prides himself in presenting timeless acts, rather than just who is fashionable. In their years of promotion, Step Up Presents has produced shows for legends like Dweezil Zappa, Richard Thompson, and Yes.
As co-owner of Albany’s Empire Live, Etoll provides a premier concert space for acts he promotes. With 2 stories, and a 1,000 person capacity, Empire Live provides a premier multi-genre live space. In addition, Step Up Presents frequently puts on shows at The Egg in the heart of Albany.
518Scene
518Scene prides itself as the Capital Region’s “curated source for cool music, film, art & culture.” Musician and journalist Brendan Manley founded 518Scene in 2022, bringing years of experience in Albany’s alternative scene with him. Inspired by the pandemic, Manley founded a simple yet comprehensive online resource for Albany’s music fans. With a passion for the local arts scene, 518Scene helps shine a spotlight on underground shows and acts across the Capital Region. With their vast online presence, 518Scene is the premier stop for anyone interested in upcoming punk, metal, and alternative events around Albany.
Black N’ Blue Productions
Black N’ Blue Productions specializes in bringing all things heavy to New York’s Capital Region. Specializing in rock, metal, hardcore, and punk, Black N’ Blue is the premier promoter for intense underground acts around Albany. In addition to highlighting local talent, Black N’ Blue has produced shows for international touring acts across the region. Partnering with Empire Live, Black N’ Blue frequently puts on shows at their two story, 1,000-person capacity venue. Their shows extend far beyond this, with shows across the Albany metro and even into Canada. Remember to pack your ear plugs, because Black N’ Blue produces some seriously loud shows that audiences are sure to remember.
North Country
Roost
Roost is the Adirondack’s premier entertainment promoter, dealing in everything from music, art exhibitions, and santa meet and greets. With a host of destination websites, organizers can advertise their events, gaining exposure from the thousands who frequently view the pages. Roost’s work goes beyond just event promotion, working to forge a sense of community among locals and event organizers, ensuring that all of their events are as engaging as possible. Roost prides itself in sustainability, providing high quality events for locals, while stimulating the local economy and protecting the region’s pristine natural landscape.
Hartstone Productions
Hartstone Productions has made a name for itself bringing concerts and festivals to the Adirondacks for years. At the heart of Hartstone Productions is their many annual summer music festivals held in Lake George. Their productions, like Memorial Meltdown, Adirondack Independence, and Rock the Dock have highlighted major rock, folk, and jam bands.
With the ability to draw names like Dispatch, the Revivalists, and Mihali to their waterfront venue at Lake George’s Charles R. Wood Park, Hartstone Productions never fails to put on an unforgettable show. In addition to their renowned festivals, Hartstone Productions regularly produces shows at Saratoga Spring’s Putnam Place, highlighting genres from synth-pop to bluegrass.
Plattsburgh Blues and Jazz
Plattsburgh Blues and Jazz (PB&J) is a nonprofit dedicated to bringing award-winning jazz and blues performers to the shores of Lake Champlain. Since its founding, PB&J has drawn talent from across the US and Canada to perform at Plattsburgh’s music venues. Among their many shows have been performances by Grammy-winners, Kenny Neal and Joe Louis Walker, as well as up-and-comers like Vanessa Collier and Nick Schnebelen.
PB&J frequently hosts shows across Plattsburgh’s clubs and venues, with many summer shows planned at Retro Live. The highlight of PB&J’s work is the annual Summertime Blues Party. The outdoor brings the community together through blues and zydeco performances, food, and lakefront fun. As a nonprofit organization, all of PB&J’s earnings go back to bringing blues and jazz excellence to Plattsburgh.
Syracuse
CEG Presents
CEG Presents is an independent company that provides booking, artist management, and promotional services for the Syracuse area. Mike Maietta and Howie Schnee founded Creative Entertainment Group (CEG) in 1994, bringing two decades of music industry experience. As a student at Syracuse University, Maietta began to produce shows, eventually working for the likes of Bob Dylan, Dream Theater and the Allman Brothers. With Schnee’s experience producing concerts across Upstate New York and marketing for Carnegie Hall, the duo became one of the premier promoters in Syracuse and beyond.
As part of their services, CEG not only books artists but assists with day-of help, including merch tabling at shows. In addition to this, they pride themselves in their promotional work, releasing press mailings, and creating graphics for online advertisement of shows. CEG Presents is currently regularly hosting “Dead Country Tuesdays” concerts across NYC in addition to other concerts.
Creative Concerts
Creative Concerts prides itself in being one of Upstate New York’s largest independent promoters. They have worked with thousands of artists spanning countless genres. Over the years, Creative Concerts has put on shows everywhere from intimate clubs to massive outdoor festivals. Since their start, Creative Concerts has expanded to put on shows in Buffalo, Syracuse, Binghamton, Rochester, Albany, and everywhere in between.
Filthy Nasty Productions
Since their start in 2014, Syracuse’s Filthy Nasty Productions has grown into one of the largest independent promoters in not only New York, but the whole country. Filthy Nasty Productions’ promoters bring decades of experience, carefully collaborating with venues and promoters across the country to ensure artists get the best possible shows. They pride themselves in their membership in the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA). Under this partnership, Filthy Nasty productions works with other independent agencies, helping to cultivate the rich ecosystem of local promoters across the nation. Filthy Nasty Productions currently produces over 300 annual shows, reaching audiences everywhere from CNY to Nashville.
Syracuse Shows LLC
As head of Syracuse Shows LLC, Matthew Dunn brings over 20 years of experience promoting live music events. Dunn’s career began in 1998, marketing and managing artists for Syracuse’s Equal Vision and Trustkill Records companies. After years of success promoting bands and teaching at Syracuse University, Dunn threw his hat into the ring with his own company, Syracuse Shows LLC. In its over 19 years of existence, the company has produced over 600 shows with 400 different artists. Their shows have drawn a combined total of 250,000 fans to Syracuse. Dunn’s shows gravitate towards artists in the punk and metal genres. Over the years, Syracuse Shows LLC has produced shows for household names like Fall Out Boy, Paramore, and My Chemical Romance.
Ithaca
Kevin Black Presents
Kevin Black is an Ithaca-based booking agent and promoter renowned for bringing live acts to Upstate New York. KBP uses the strategy of pairing local up-and-comers with nationally-known touring acts in shows across the region. Kevin Black works with venues and artists to craft the perfect environment for their shows. With shows everywhere from Ithaca to Saratoga, KBP brings world-famous acts across Upstate, while providing a vehicle for local talent to expand their fan bases. In addition to booking, KBP offers sponsorship opportunities for artists, including massive print and digital marketing rollouts on top of live appearances. As their website exclaims, KBP “doesn’t just book bands, we create shows that people remember!”
Practice at Presets
Practice at Presets is a live music curator dedicated to bringing your favorite bands to venues around Ithaca. Its founder Aaron Robbins is a premier booker of both local talent and well-known acts. Robbins expertly matches performers to venues across Ithaca to create unforgettable live experiences.
With frequent shows at Sacred Root Kava Bar and The Upstairs, their shows range from intimate bar sets to invigorating punk shows. With special events, like the monthly Punk Rock Happy Hour, Practice at Presets’ shows never fail to leave an impression on those who attend.
DSP Shows
Based in both Ithaca, NY and Northampton, MA, DSP Shows is one of the nation’s premier independent promoters. DSP founder Dan Smalls has put on live shows dating back to 1988. In 2008, he founded Dan Smalls Presents, which was rebranded DSP Shows in 2015. In his 36 years of music promotion, Smalls’ business has grown to organize over 800 annual shows across the Northeast. DSP has worked with legends of folk and indie, including Joan Baez and Vampire Weekend. In New York, DSP frequently puts on shows at Albany’s Lark Hall, Ithaca’s State Theatre, and the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts. In addition to individual shows, DSP produces the annual Cayuga Sound Festival in Ithaca and Green River Festival in Greenfield, MA.
TJ Schaper
TJ Schaper brings years of experience as a performer and educator to his work in music promotion. Following graduation from Ithaca College, Schaper has been heavily involved in Ithaca’s music scene, performing with a host of ska bands. His entry into music promotion began during the pandemic, when live music had all but dried up. Schaper along with friends organized the monthly Ithaca Night Bazaar, a presentation of local arts, music, and foods. Going off of this success, Schaper opened his own venue, Deep Dive. Now, the venue hosts over 100 performances every year. At Deep Dive’s heart are its weekly musical performances, offering visitors the chance to see punk, jazz, and Americana.
Southern Tier
Magic City Productions
Magic City Productions LLC prides itself as Binghamton’s foremost music promoter. With access to Binghamton’s largest venues, Magic City has made a name for itself producing electrifying live experiences in the Southern Tier. The company frequently puts on shows at the Visions Veterans Memorial Arena and Broome County Forum Theatre, bringing locals shows from acts like Styx and the Dropkick Murphys. Their operations have expanded outside Binghamton and even into other states. Some highlights include Alice Cooper at Utica’s Stanley Theatre, and a sold-out show by Charlie Sheen in Cleveland. Whether it is in Binghamton or beyond, Magic City Productions knows how to put on superb shows that draw in massive crowds.
Rochester
Rochester Entertainment Events
Promoter Randy Peck founded Rochester Entertainment events in 2008 to book national touring groups in Rochester. With Rochester’s Montage Music Hall at the heart of the company’s events, artists can play in a premier 400-person venue. To date, the venue has hosted annual events, including Rochester’s International Jazz Festival and Fringe Festival. Since its start, the company has expanded to booking shows everywhere from Buffalo to Syracuse. Rochester Entertainment Events’ venues range from 200-5,000 person capacity, giving artists plenty of options for the right size show. The company currently has 15 concerts already booked for the remainder of 2024, including metal and rock acts, as well as tributes to classic groups.
Greg Burt
Greg Burt is the booking manager for Rochester’s Photo City Music Hall. Since 2016, PCMH has been one of the most forward-looking venues in Rochester. Booking artists spanning genre and nationality, PCMH provides Rochester with a wide variety of genres. PCMH also runs Photo City Presents, a booking company for artists around the Western New York. Photo City Presents regularly books artists in Rochester, Buffalo, and Niagara Falls, producing ranging concerts from emo to pop. On top of these concerts, Photo City Presents also regularly organizes themed musical events for WNY. Upcoming events include Y2k and Spongebob themed dance parties, and tributes to acts like Led Zeppelin and Chappel Roan.
Shaking Up Rochester
WRFZ 106.3 is a non-profit community radio station located in the heart of Rochester. Across their near-daily programming, they spotlight music by local artists. Of special note is the Shaking Up Rochester program, hosted by Lorraine Parr. Every Tuesday and Thursday, Parr presents two hours of music and discussions with local Rochester artists. This program provides a forum for artists to discuss issues, the local music, scene, and upcoming shows. On top of this, the program’s online accounts, such as their Facebook page, frequently highlights shows by local artists across Rochester.
Danny Deutsch
For 16 years, Danny Deutsch has sat at the helm of Rochester’s Abilene Bar & Lounge. Deutsch brings with him experience booking bands that dates back to 1977. He began booking legendary acts like the Ramones, Go-Gos, and John Lee Hooker at Scorgie’s before expanding to venues across the city. He continued this for over 20 years, before opening Abilene in 2008. Now, up-and-comers from around the country seek out Abilene as not only a performing venue, but place to hang out. Since its start, Abilene has hosted artists ranging from the folk-punk of Sarah Shook to The Blasters’ rootsy rockabilly. Abilene offers an intimate barroom atmosphere, also holding some summer shows on an outdoor stage.
Western New York
Jeffrey Standish
Jeffrey Standish is the founder of Buffalo’s Coming of Rage Productions. For more than five years, Standish has worked in promotion and booking for extreme metal bands. With frequent shows at Mohawk Place in Downtown Buffalo, Standish is one of the most prolific metal bookers in Western New York. At the center of Coming of Rage Productions is their annual Rage Fest. 2024 Marks Coming of Rage’s fifth year hosting the festival, drawing death and black metal bands from across the country to Buffalo to play.
Karate Sleepover
Karate Sleepover is Jamestown’s premier comedy booking agency. Founded in 2017, it has quickly grown to work with over 50 venues across WNY. In its 7 years of operation, Karate Sleepover has booked 150 different comedians in 93 standalone shows, as well as 120 open mic events. Karate Sleepover places an importance on finding the best fit show for its comedians, not only booking shows but also providing all the PA equipment needed for a show.
Since its founding, Karate Sleepover has built a record of successful shows across WNY and received renown from community members. Wendy Mccain, the executive director of Struthers Library Theatre, said “I honestly could not imagine the success we’ve had with Karate Sleepover. Every event has been absolutely hilarious.”
Gulf of Mexico Productions
Gulf of Mexico productions lives up to its tagline of “Good Shows for Good Bands,” bringing quality concerts to Buffalo and Rochester. With booking agent Blaise Przybyla, the company has made a name for itself organizing indie, alternative, and emo shows across Western New York. Gulf of Mexico Productions places their artists and audiences at the forefront of their operations, making shows as accessible as possible. With affordable prices for shows, Gulf of Mexico Productions assures as many people as possible in the community can enjoy the artists they book.
MNM Presents
For 23 years, MNM Presents has been a staple of Buffalo’s electronic music and rave scenes. Inspired by warehouse raves and Phish shows he attended, MNM’s founder Mike T. Marshall decided he wanted to organize shows himself. These shows began in January 2001, with MNM’s weekly Drum & Bass nights on Main Street. Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, MNM Presents expanded into all types of dance music, especially dubstep.
Throughout the years they have organized shows for stars like Diplo, Marshmello, and dedmau5. With frequent shows at the Town Ballroom and Riverworks, MNM Presents has access to some of Buffalo’s most sought after venues. With over 1,000 raves, concerts, and other events under their belt, MNM Presents is the top name in Buffalo’s dance music scene.
After Dark Presents
After Dark Presents has been a staple of Upstate New York’s music scene since its founding in 2001. Over the past 23 years, it has grown into Upstate’s largest independent promoter. They produce over 250 shows every year, ranging from intimate club spaces to headlining acts at large outdoor spaces. After Dark prides itself in working with thousands of artists, spanning all genres.
Their past work has included promotion and booking for legendary New York acts, such as Taking Back Sunday. Currently, After Dark presents concerts in Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Albany, and the Finger Lakes region of New York.
Twenty6 Productions
As their mission statement says, “We don’t just produce events; we create experiences that resonate.” Twenty6 Productions has lived up to this ethos, providing start-to-finish event management for artists. Their services include event management, budgeting, and staffing, handling all aspects of live shows. In addition, Twenty6 Productions uses creative and experimental marketing practices to make sure their artists reach as many people as possible. Twenty6 Productions prides itself in its high standards for its events, and ability to cultivate meaningful relationships with artists. With shows across Buffalo and beyond, Twenty6 Productions is one of the premier production agencies in Western New York.
Funtime Presents
Artie Kwitchoff and Donny Kutzbach founded Funtime Presents in 2004, bringing years of experience in the music industry with them. Kwitchoff began his career as the manager for the platinum-selling Goo Goo Dolls, before wanting to branch out and help the local music scene. Joined by ARTVOICE music editor Donny Kutzbach, the duo left their promotion jobs to helm Funtime Presents.
While based in Buffalo, Funtime Presents has organized shows everywhere from Canada to California. Within Buffalo, the company has worked to book shows at many of the city’s largest musical venues, including the Outer Harbor Concerts, Canalside Concert Series, and Artpark Mainstage. With this unmatched experience, Funtime Presents is one of the premier promoters in Buffalo.
Anita West
Anita West has made a name for herself as one of Buffalo’s most prolific music promoters. After moving to Buffalo from Cleveland, West emerged as a leading personality on “97 Rock” radio. On her self-titled show, she presents audiences the best in rock music, and interviews figures in the local music scene. Buoying off this radio success, West has emerged as a leader in Buffalo’s music promotion industry. She previously brought shows to the Tralf, before its closure in 2021. Now, West frequently books and promotes shows at Niagara Falls’ Rapids Theatre. Over the past three years, West has frequently presented blues shows at the 1,700-person theatre. With her experience in the local scene, her shows can draw music lovers from Buffalo and Canada to any show she puts on.
Miami-based indie soul artist JOSCH, also known as Josh Schwartz, just released his highly anticipated fourth single, “Detta,” with a music video to follow next week. Inspired by the cult-classic Dark Tower fantasy series from Stephen King, the song explores themes of abuse, vengeance, redemption, and escape.
JOSCH, pronounced like “Josh,” draws from a wide pool of inspirations for his music. From funk, R&B, electronic, soul, pop and lyrically-based folk music, no single genre can claim JOSCH. Already an extremely accomplished musician, he spent the last few years of his career touring North America with Zac Brown Band on their 2022 “Out In The Middle” stadium tour and rock and roll legends Jerry Harrison and Adrian Belew on their 2023-24 “Remain In Light” tour. The previous ten-plus years saw him touring internationally with indie funk band Turkuaz. As a baritone sax player and featured vocalist in these settings, he has been at home on the sidelines of the stage. Now, with the birth of his solo project, JOSCH is ready to take center stage and share with the world even more of his creative contributions.
“Detta” tells the poignant story of its titular character, a “diamond in a patch of dirt, born beneath a neon light” into a world of darkness and pain in the backwoods of Arkansas. Lines like “Mama was a goner with a taste for dope and Daddy didn’t like to talk, but she knew what he was thinking when he got to drinking and his fists flew like a hawk” detail the depths of the despair surrounding Detta in her early life. The song captures her journey from suffering to defiance as she fights back against her abuser, leading to a dramatic escape from her troubled past into an unknown future. After hitching her way to the California coast, the law catches up with her; “though she heard the sirens coming and she knew her running days were done, she thanked God for that perfect moment in the California sun.” It’s up to the listener to decide if she surrenders peacefully, goes out in a hail of bullets, or escapes across the border into Mexico. Whichever they decide, they may be surprised to learn the inspiration for this dark tale.
“I read the Dark Tower series from Stephen King years ago and absolutely fell in love with it. One of the main characters is Odetta, a lovely, well-off young woman with a split personality. Her alter ego is Detta, a cutthroat, streetwise rebel who does whatever she must to survive. I was really drawn to that dichotomy of light and dark existing in the same person,” JOSCH explained. He wanted to make the story of the song accessible to people who didn’t read the book series but with a subtle nod to the literary inspiration, hence the chorus lyrics, ‘Detta, Odetta.’ “It may sound like I’m singing ‘Detta, oh Detta” but if you read the lyrics and are a Dark Tower nerd like me, I’m hoping you’ll get a kick out of the little easter egg.”
As with JOSCH’s first three singles, “Detta” masterfully blends analog and digital sounds and textures to create a blend all its own. The track features a haunting blend of gritty Rhodes electric piano played by Steve Swatkins (Scary Pockets, Allen Stone) and drumming by Nashville’s Mike Blong. Rob O’Block, musical renaissance man of Nashville and co-producer of the track, brought the track to life with bass, synthesizers, percussion, drum programming, and soaring, ominous electric guitar riffs that perfectly complement JOSCH’s quick-flowing, swamp-bluesy vocals.
In conjunction with the single’s release, JOSCH will also unveil a visually striking music video on September 5. The video artfully depicts the chaos and beauty of Detta’s life and her tumultuous escape, combining vintage found footage with shots of Detta, played by jewelry designer and vintage clothing seller Lauren Hayes, to create a surreal and darkly humorous narrative that’s the perfect visual companion to the song.
Visit here to stream “Detta” on your preferred streaming platform, and stay tuned for the upcoming music video from JOSCH.
Experience live music, rides, a petting zoo, and more at the Yorktown Grange Fair on September 6, 7, and 8, in Yorktown Heights, Westchester.
At 99 Moseman Road, on the first weekend of September, the annual Yorktown Grange Fair will once again provide a variety of attractions to the people of Westchester and beyond. Since its first year in 1924, the fair has honored the region’s agricultural heritage by providing attractions showcasing aspects of farm life. This includes but is not limited to, Livestock Exhibits, the Tractor Display, the Pie Eating Contest, and much more.
Supervisor of the Fair, Ed Lachterman, stated, “For a century, this fair has been a cornerstone of our community, bringing together families and friends to honor our rich agricultural heritage and the hardworking farmers and artisans who make Yorktown so special.”
As always, live music will be performed all three days of the Yorktown Grange Fair, by acts such as No Options Band, Kurt Gallagher, The Knuckleheads, House Arrest Band, Annie & the Natural Wonder Band, and The Whiskey’s Edge Band.
Many classic fair events will bring guests the feeling of attending the fair in its inaugural year, way back in 1924. The Mighty Mike Strongman Show, Adam Auslander Stiltwalking, East Coast Pro Wrestling, along with others, will provide fun for all.
A livestock display at the Yorktown Grange Fair in the 1960s
A fair wouldn’t be complete without rides, and this year, a full amusement park will be open throughout the day thanks to the Rainbow Amusement Company.
Full Yorktown Grange Fair schedule:
Friday, Sept 6
4:00 Gates Open 4:00 Livestock Exhibits and Tractor Display 4:00 Michael Anderson Memorial Senior Dinner sponsored by Anne Anderson 4:15 Official Opening and Invocation Flag Raising by American Legion Yorktown Post #1009, Invocation by Msgr. Joseph R. Giandurco of St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church 5:00 Rides Open (Wristband Special: $30) 6:00 Pie Eating Contest (Blacktop) 7:30 Live Music: No Options Band (Stage) 11:00 Rides and Fair Close
Saturday, Sept 7
10:00 Gates Open (Quiet Hour) All Day Livestock Exhibits and Tractor Display Strolling Variety Show with Adam Auslander 10:00 Children’s Games, Activities 10:45 Flag Ceremony by BSA Troop #164 11:00 Rides Open (Wristband Special: $35 all day) 11:00 Antique Tractor and Vehicle Parade Line Up (Behind Yorktown Heights Firehouse) 11:00 Kid’s Music with Kurt Gallagher (Stage) Noon WHUD’s KC Morabito (Until 2 p.m.) Noon Tractor Parade sponsored by Morano Bros. Corp. 1:30 East Coast Pro Wrestling Match (Grounds) 1:30 Bubble Gum Blowing Contest (Blacktop) 2:00 Mighty Mike Strongman Show (Blacktop) 2:45 Watermelon Eating Contest (Blacktop) 3:30 Live Music: The Knuckleheads (Stage) 5:00 East Coast Pro Wrestling Match (Grounds) 5:30 Tipsy Waiter Relay (Blacktop) 6:00 Mighty Mike Strongman Show (Blacktop) 8:00 Live Music: House Arrest Band (Stage) 11:00 Rides and Fair Close
Sunday, Sept 8
10:00 Gates Open (Quiet Hour) All Day Livestock Exhibits and Tractor Display Strolling Variety Show with Adam Auslander 10:00 Children’s Games, Activities 10:45 Flag Ceremony by BSA Troop #164 11:00 Rides Open (Wristband Special: $35 all day) 11:00 Kid’s Music with Annie & the Natural Wonder Band (Stage) 1:00 East Coast Pro Wrestling Match (Grounds) 1:15 Mighty Mike Strongman Show (Blacktop) 2:15 Street Beatz Dance Performance (Blacktop) 2:45 Mighty Mike Strongman Show (Blacktop) 3:30 Rubber Chicken Throwing Contest sponsored by Eddies Yard (Blacktop) 4:00 Live Music: The Whiskey’s Edge Band (Stage) 6:15 Mighty Mike Strongman Show (Blacktop) 7:00 Rides and Fair Close 7–8 100th Annual Produce Auction (Jerry Mulcahy Building)
In the vibrant land of New York City, each borough offers its unique culture, style, and history. In music, the historic jazz clubs of Harlem, projecting unforgettable stars like Duke Ellington, to the indie rock bands in Brooklyn, Manhattan’s Broadway avenues, Queen’s melting pot of cultural musicians, the Bronx’s hip-hop roots, and Staten Island’s hidden diamonds, the city offers something for everyone.
The Rockwood Music Hall is a small live music venue on NYCâs Lower East Side, with world-class sound and a storied history. Anchored by a 9âx9â stage and a Welte & Sons baby grand piano, Rockwood hosts artists of all genres and musical styles, 7 days a week.
The club is filled with vibrant jazz-loving people from all over the world. The musicians are all top-rate and playing their hearts out for an adoring and sympathetic crowd.
Irving Plaza is a ballroom-style music venue located within the Union Square neighborhood of Manhattan in New York City. It was featured on the Complex City Guide list of “50 Best Concert Venues of America” in 2013.
Webster Hall is one of New York’s most significant large 19th-century assembly halls, and it became famous for its Bohemian masquerade balls in the 1910s and 1920s.
Known for its mix of local talent and acoustic acts, the funky venue has an intimate stage for all performances. As a local staple of the East Village, locals and visitors love then venue.
The Bitter End is a 230-person capacity nightclub, coffeehouse, and folk music venue in New York City’s Greenwich Village. It opened in 1961 at 147 Bleeker Street under the auspices of owner Fred Weintraub. The club changed its name to The Other End in June 1975. However, after a few years, the owners changed the club’s name back to the more recognizable The Bitter End.
The Mercury Lounge is celebrated as an iconic indie venue due to its acoustics, its fostering and even launching of upcoming artists, and its no-frills, rock n’ roll presentation. It has made numerous top-ten lists over the years including that of Billboard Magazine. It has a capacity of 250 people.
LPR is a music venue and multimedia art cabaret in New York City founded in 2008. The performance space was designed and engineered by John Storyk/WSDG. It has become known for its focus on artistry, bringing contemporary classical music into the club setting, offering a variety of setups so that a seated classical performance can be followed by a standing set by a rock band or a DJ.
Sounds of Brazil, known as S.O.B.âs, is a legendary live music venue in the lower Manhattan neighborhood of SoHo. It was opened by owner and director Larry Gold in June 1982. Gold opened the venue to expose the musical wealth and heritage of the Afro-Latino Diaspora to as many people as possible.
Nublu is a unique club and record label from the cultural epicenter of New York City, the East Village. There are three entities of the Nublu universe, a live music venue, a record label, and a recently launched Nublu Jazz Festival which has premiered in NYC, Sao Paul and Istanbul.
Being a staple in the East Village, the venue is owned and operated by rock and roll lifers. Known for the raw and gritty charm, the establishment hosts rising stars.
The Gramercy Theatre is a music venue in New York City. It is located in the Gramercy neighborhood of Manhattan, on 127 East 23rd Street. Built in 1937 as the Gramercy Park Theatre, it is owned and operated by Live Nation as one of their two concert halls in New York City, the other being the nearby Irving Plaza.
The Red Lion is a living, breathing Rock-n-Roll juke box. This is the place where bands get their start, making their bones, paying the rent and barely paying their tab. Just like the Rolling Stones did with their first three albums: Interpreting the songs they loved the best.
The Rooftop at Pier 17is New York Cityâs most scenic concert stage. A dynamic open-air entertainment venue, set five stories above the East River, concert goers annually see their favorite artists within an intimate atmosphere (3,500 capacity), all from a one-of-a-kind rooftop location with direct views of such iconic skyline landmarks as the Brooklyn Bridge, Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, and One World Trade Center.
Groove is a venue that remains, honoring the rich musical tradition of Greenwich Village. Groove has seen many changes since opening in 1998, but the mission to uplift local musicians and fans and to preserve the soul of American music continues to this day.
Dueling Pianos is an all-request, rock-and-roll party where you pick the playlist. Two top piano entertainers, mixing music, comedy and audience interaction in a singalong, laugh-along, dance-along show! Itâs everything from Billy Joel to Bon Jovi, Britney Spears to Bruno Mars. Nothing is off-limits from pop, rock, country, hip-hop, hairbands, disco, punk rock, standards, showtunes.
The Beacon Theatre was developed by Samuel “Roxy” Rothafel and built as a movie palace with 2,894 seas across three levels. The theater is designated as a New York City interior landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Part palace, part industrial shed, Park Avenue Armory fills a critical void in the cultural ecology of New York, supporting unconventional works in the performing and visual arts that cannot be fully realized in a traditional proscenium theater, concert hall, or white wall gallery. With its soaring 55,000-square-foot Wade Thompson Drill Hall and an array of exuberant period rooms, the Armory enables a diverse range of artists to create, students to explore, and audiences to experience epic, adventurous, relevant work that cannot be done elsewhere in New York.
The National Sawdust commissions, produces, and presents cultural programming rooted in sound, supporting artists in various disciplines who are passionate about experimentation and innovation. In its intimate venue equipped with a state-of-the-art spatial sound system, National Sawdust connects audiences to the performing arts’ powers to inspire deep thinking, joy, and uphold human dignity.
Elsewhere is a multi-room music venue, nightclub, and arts space in Bushwick, Brooklyn. Our focus is underground and unbound music, presented with love. Since 2017, Elsewhereâs three stories of dance floors and stages have been home to expansive sonic offerings for all New Yorkers to explore. We are and will forever remain fiercely independent.
Located next door to The Brooklyn Monarch, The Meadows is quickly becoming a late night hotspot. This 500 capacity venue is an oasis, complete with a full bar, food, and trippy picturesque backyard with a seasonal outdoor stage.
Skinny Dennis is located in the heart of Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The bar features 18 beers on draft, our signature cocktails, a vintage jukebox and our INfamous Willie’s Frozen Coffee. Since February 2013, Skinny Dennis has been home to the some of the best live country & roots music in New York City. Offering high quality musical entertainment 7 nights a week.
Quirky Brooklyn bar prized for ‘divey’ vibes, eclectic decor & live performances in the back room. The eclectic decor within the bar adds and build unique character and is a local favorite.
Opened in September of 2008, the warehouse venue hosts big-name acts & up-and-comers. Before opening, the space was used for recording the NPR program “Ask Me Another.”
On November 24, 1928, Brooklyn Paramount introduced the most immersive entertainment experience the world had ever seen. Crowds stretched around the block to leave the world behind for a baroque palace of overwhelming spectacle and groundbreaking performances. Emboldened as âAmericaâs first movie theater built for sound,â Brooklyn Paramount set the stage for a storied saga of beginnings.
Located within the former horse stable of the ASPCA HQ, The Atrium is a cocktail bar and plant based restaurant that transforms into a late night music space. The room is crowned by a historic skylight and imposing 20â² columns that frame a monolithic travertine bar. The Atrium hosts a diverse range of record selectors over dinner service and internationally touring DJâs later in the evening.
With 15,000+ square feet of space on each of two floors featuring high ceilings and ample open space. 3,000 person capacity uniquely positioned to take advantage of the burgeoning Hollywood movie and TV rental business in Brooklyn. The Hangar also has a pre-approved NY State-certified Soundstage/New York State Qualified Production Facility (QPF) for usage rights.
Opened in 1999, Pete’s Candy Store continues as Williamsburg’s original live music venue. Featuring acts such as Will Oldham, Beth Orton, Devendra Barnhart and Norah Jones, this small venue and neighborhood tavern developed an early reputation for special shows and rare treats. While the list of noteworthy performers is quite lengthy, Pete’s Candy Store has always been a free venue and has booked mostly unknown and unsigned bands, many of which have gone on to greater recognition.
The Kings Theatre, formerly Loew’s Kings Theatre, is a live performance venue in the Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York City. Opened by Loew’s Theatres as a movie palace in 1929 and closed in 1977, the theater sat empty for decades until a complete renovation was initiated in 2010.
The Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island is an outdoor live entertainment venue within the Childs Restaurants building on the Riegelmann Boardwalk in Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York City. The venue opened in June 2016.
Founded in 2014, Câmon was born out of a desire to amplify the underserved creative voices of LGBTQ/QTPOC people (and allies) and to serve as a safe space for the queer community.
Brooklyn Music Kitchen is Brooklynâs newest music infusion giving local and global artists the opportunity to perform, record and stream their live performances from a fully loaded sound and video stage.
TV Eye is a new kind of night club on a geographical and cultural frontier, proudly occupying both a space on the edge of the Bushwick/Ridgewoodborder and in the vanguard of contemporary nightlife.
Industrial-chic venue of rehearsal space, art studios & rooftop bar with live music, films & snacks. From indie to R&B offers a great offering of rising artists.
Established in 2013, Babyâs All Right is an independently funded & operated music venue in the heart of Williamsburg. Its intimate, 250-capacity show room has hosted past perfomers including SZA, Cypress Hill, Lil Yachty, Blood Orange, Charli XCX, Mac DeMarco, James Murphy, David Byrne, Hot Chip, Courtney Barnett, Willow Smith, Jack White, Billie Eilish & many more.
This spot is a favorite hangout and go-to spot for live music and draft beers. Regularly hosting live performances, the venue has the perfect atmosphere for a casual night outing.
The Music Hall of Williamsburg us operated by the Bowery Presents, a group stemming from Bowery Ballroom that was brought by AEG in 2017. The Music Hall of Williamsburg has a capacity of 650 people and has shows on most nights of the week.
Imagine retreating back in time to enjoy live jazz in an intimate, restored 19th-century Victorian brownstone in the historical district of Brooklynâs Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood. Brownstone Jazz presents jazz concerts complete with a piano, bass, drum set and other acoustic instruments as well. A Southern fish-fry buffet and open mic sessions add to the experience.
Gemini & Scorpio, two funky Brooklyn gals, have been running the second-largest non-commercial New York City events list since 2002, spreading the word on underground happenings you’d otherwise never hear about. They are also the makers of themed costume parties with live entertainment: legendary happenings from wild circus throw downs to dazzling vintage dance socials to one-of-a-kind Russian baths bashes.
Address: 267 Douglass St 3rd floor, Brooklyn, NY 11217
Issue Project Room A pioneering Brooklyn-based performance nonprofit founded in 2003, ISSUE presents projects by interdisciplinary artists that expand the boundaries of artistic practice and stimulate critical dialogue in the broader community. ISSUE serves as a leading cultural incubator, facilitating the commission and premiere of innovative new works spanning genres of music, dance, literature and film.
Formerly Queens Theatre in the Park and before that Queens Playhouse, is an American professional theatre, located in Flushing MeadowsâCorona Park, Queens, New York City, New York.
Address : Flushing Meadows Corona Park, 14 United Nations Ave S, Queens, NY 11368
Terraza 7 is a live music venue and community center; the perfect hub for local art, political expressions, and your favorite coffee or mixed drink. Located in the heart of Queens, New York, between Elmhurst and Jackson Heights, two locations containing the most diverse population of immigrants on the planet, is committed to a progressive model of business that grows within its community base on local values.
The Wolfhound is a contemporary Irish pub in Astoria Queens NYC. We serve lots of Guinness as well as craft beer + domestic favorites along with a seasonal cocktail list We pack the calendar with weekend events – live music, DJ parties, and more. Trivia on Tuesdays. Rocking since August 2016.
Forest Hills Stadium is a historic outdoor music venue that has welcomed fans to the picturesque New York City neighborhood of Forest Hills, Queens for over 100 years. Designed to optimize acoustics and with no obstructed views, the 13,000 capacity stadium is the only outdoor venue of its kind and size in the city.
Flushing Town Hall is a performing arts center and historic town hall at 137-35 Northern Boulevard in the Flushing neighborhood of Queens in New York City. It served as the seat of government of the village of Flushing until the village became part of City of Greater New York in 1898.
Featuring programming of diverse formats and media, Knockdown Center aims to create a radically cross-disciplinary environment. The particularity of our architectural environment and history leads us to gravitate toward projects that demonstrate a sensitive reactivity to site and environment.
Gantry Plaza State Park is a 12-acre state park on the East River in the Hunters Point section of Long Island City, in the New York City borough of Queens. The park is located in a former dockyard and manufacturing district, and includes remnants of facilities from the area’s past.
The Paradise Theater, formerly Loew’s Paradise Theatre, is a movie palace-type theater located at 2417 Grand Concourse in the Bronx. Constructed in 1929 at the height of grand movie theaters, in the later 20th century the building was used also for live entertainment.
The Women’s Housing and Economic Development Corporation (WHEDco) developed the Bronx Music Hall (BMH) as a performance venue and community cultural center dedicated to honoring, showcasing and cultivating music, dance, theater, and interdisciplinary arts in the Bronx.
The Bronx Brewery The Brewery is committed to using what we create and where we create it to bring people together, while celebrating the rich and diverse creative scene in our home borough and across New York City and Manhattan.
Pregones was founded in 1979 when a group of artists led by Rosalba Rolón set out to create new works in the style of Caribbean and Latin American âcolectivosâ or performing ensembles.
THE POINT Community Development Corporation is dedicated to youth development and the cultural and economic revitalization of the Hunts Point section of the South Bronx. Its programming falls within three main headings all aimed at the comprehensive revitalization of the Hunts Point community: Youth Development, Arts and Culture, and Community Development.
An Beal Bocht Cafe, in operation since 1991, began as a small cafe. Serving only non-alcoholic beverages, it centered as a spot for artist to gather and performs, and quickly cemented itself as a neighborhood favorite.
Orchard Beach is the only public beach in the New York City borough of the Bronx. The 115-acre, 1.1-mile-long beach is part of Pelham Bay Park and is situated on the western end of Long Island Sound. Orchard Beach indeed has music, with Salsa Sundays held every Sunday from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, from noon to 5 pm, as well as Pride in the Bronx in June, Camping, Pelham Bay Park canoeing and much more!
The St. George Theatre is a performing arts venue, picture palace, and office complex at 35 Hyatt Street in St. George, on the North Shore of Staten Island, New York City. The 2,800-seat St. George Theatre was built for Staten Island theater operator Solomon Brill and opened on December 4, 1929.
Harbor Lights is Staten Islands own professional Theater Company presenting Broadway actors in beautifully designed productions at an affordable price.
Located at the heart of the 204-acre campus of the College of Staten Island (CSI), a four-year senior college of The City University of New York (CUNY), the Center for the Arts (CFA) is one of the leading, state-of-the-art, performing arts centers in Staten Island.
Address: 2800 Victory Blvd #1P-116, Staten Island, NY 10314
On Thursday, August 29, Brooklyn fans of the psychedelic rock genre were treated to a priceless exhibition. The heat was strong, but so was the enthusiasm of the evenings attendees. Two trio bands from different corners of the world – Balthvs and Free Whenever – were paired together so remarkably that it made one think to compliment whomever was responsible for the matter.
Free Whenever, a Brooklyn based psychedelic rock band, took the stage at 8pm sharp to a size-able crowd, nothing to sneeze at for an opening act on a Wednesday evening. The band consists of Neil Guleria on Guitar, Trevor LaVecchia on Bass, and Brendan Steuart on drums. This is not the first time the trio finds themselves opening for a big name in Brooklyn, having opened for Karina Rykman at Babies All Right late last year.
The chemistry between the gentleman is palpable both in the auditory and visual sense, and it pays off in a huge way. Playing through their entire new self-titled album, they ventured into both old and new songs that demonstrate the essence of their signature sound of psychedelic groove music. Notable highlights were “Camino“, “Sicily“, and “Jonas the Shaman” a song whom they claimed was based off the very man running their merch table in the back. With the unreleased track, “Horizons”, they went out with a thunderous hurrah, the palate was cleansed, and the stage was set.
Balthvs, a psychedelic funk triad from Columbia, graced the stage just after 9pm. Their stop on this leg of their tour not only marks their first performance in New York, but the first time the group has been on the east coast entirely. Touring to promote their new album, “Harvest“, the band consists of Johanna Mercuriana on Bass/Vocals, Santiago Lizano on Drums/Vocals, and Balthazar Aguirre on Guitar/Vocals. Balthvs, with the v pronounced like a u, made their New York debut quite memorable, guiding the evening through a lens the likes of which are quite rare.
The band boasts an impressive catalog of music for just having officially formed less than 5 years ago. 3 full length albums under their belt and 40 singles, many of which have millions of streams. The crowd was fully behind the headliners as dancing was the assignment. Balthazar mentioned in between songs that they were dining at the venues restaurant before showtime, and he saw a “Joe Russos Almost Dead Burger”. Laughs emerged amongst the audience. “I dont know if we have any heads here..hope we dont screw this up!” which was followed by a truly wonderful rendition of Grateful Dead‘s, “Bird Song”, a first for them on this tour.
One could say that their set was a masterclass in defining the root definition of what modern psychedelic music is. A myriad of global influences and style, a kaleidoscope of sound. Funk, Disco, Middle Eastern, Cumbia, Rock and Roll and so much more. The evening concluded with a final encore, long lines at the merch stand could be found for both acts. Free Whenever continues to build momentum locally. Balthvs will go on to play Austin City Limits, and then abroad to Europe and The Middle East continuing support of their new album, Harvest.
George Steel, a new NYC based project released his debut hyper-pop single, “Not A Cowboy” on August 23.
The project is a collaborative effort of Michael Quint of Font and Ernesto Grey of Farmer’s wife. The first single off the Steel album is accompanied by a music video directed by Blake Nelson of Font. The video features a washed-up Steel walking around the city in reference to the ending of Claire Denis’s 1999 film, Beau Travail.
In his upcoming album, Desires On The Range, Steel uses political and religious titles like “The Next Great American President” and “Sunday Service” to play into his aesthetic of a patriotic cowboy club rat. His music is described as Avante-Garde ketamine-pop. His songs mix traditional country instruments with repetitive loops and absurdist lyrics to embody his character. He uses distorted vocals and synths and samples to create his hyper, theatrical album.
Not A Cowboy has more of an 80’s new wave sound. The single starts out intense with harsh vocals but softens with an upbeat chorus and production.
Quint’s staccato voice embody Steel. He has taken the character to live performances around Brooklyn. So far, he’s performed with bands such as the Night Traders and The Melancholy Party.
To keep up with new music and Steel’s performances, you can follow Steel on Instagram @georgesteelusa
Afrobeat artist AMAYO released his new single, “Madam President,” on August 22, garnering attention across streaming services.
The track “Madam President” begins with an explosion of percussion, brass, keys, and vocals. Right off the bat the song hooks the listener and once you read into the lyrics, you see the subject matter is deep upon the funky, groovy, upbeat instrumentals.
AMAYO is urging the listener to fight – for freedom, for peace, and for justice. With the upcoming presidential election this November 5, the political nature of the track speaks volumes. The artist is speaking through his heart about moving forward and never back.
AMAYO believes that all people of color, and other marginalized groups win if Kamala wins, clear that he is for Kamala Harris’ victory in the presidency. It is also clear that he draws much inspiration from Bob Marley and the Wailers, Steel Pulse, and other reggae/afrobeat artists.
Once a part of Antibalas, a massively influential Afrobeat band, AMAYO is no stranger to the sounds he is currently releasing unto the world. He is credited for bringing Afrobeat to a global audience, leading it to become a genre of itself.
Antibalas Live
To hear AMAYO’s new single “Madam President,” click here and choose your preferred service.
