This fall S2O, one of Asia’s most highly anticipated music events, is making its United States debut. Running from August 31 to September 1, the immersive water music festival, is proud to bring electronic music’s biggest names to the Brooklyn Mirage during Labor Day weekend.
Known as “the world’s wettest festival,” S2O has celebrated the Thai New Year with a killer festival since 2015. The festival is known for upholding numerous New Year traditions in Thailand, including the Songkran tradition of spraying one another with water for good luck, for which it is most famous. In the almost decade since its creation, S2O has gained recognition for its innovative blend of electronic dance music and spectacular water effects. The unique festival concept aims to harness the power of water as an elemental force of joy and unity, bringing together fans from all backgrounds to celebrate the Thai New Year.
Since the festival’s creation, S2O has entertained thousands with the biggest names in electronic music, garnering fans and visitors from all over the world. Its resounding support has made S2O the largest Thai New Year celebration in the world. The high anticipation of the festival has made it continental, bringing it to other neighboring countries in Asia. Now, the United States joins the list, standing alongside spectacular past shows in Vietnam, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, and Hong Kong.
This year, S2O brings some of electronica’s biggest acts to Brooklyn in celebration. Headlining the festival are Marshmello and Subtronics, with an exciting lineup of supporting artists like Alan Walker, B2B, and more.
S2O Full Lineup
Saturday, August 31, 4 pm – 12 am
Headliner: Marshmello
Accompanied by: Alan Walker, timmy, Borgeous, Dzeko
Additional support: Sensei, Jokah
Sunday, September 1, 4 pm – 12 am
Headliner: Subtronics
Accompanied by: Said the Sky, B2B, William Black, ARMNHMR, Kaivon, Level Up
Additional support: Zion, Jomu, Cyberpunk, PSYXTOI
Attendees will immerse themselves in a water music festival experience with experiential elements. The Brooklyn Mirage’s 200-foot LED wall and indoor lounge guarantee the ultimate Songkran (Thai New Year) celebration. Regardless of culture or individual traditions, S2O promises a celebration fans will never forget. Tickets are now available on S2O’s website. However, two-day passes are now sold-out, with limited Sunday tickets still available.
Billie Marten played a surprise show at Union Pool on Wednesday, July 24. The British indie/folk singer-songwriter announced the show in a handwritten note on Instagram teasing “mostly new stuff” to be played. Marten began her set with an announcement of a new record that she had just spent ten days recording down the street from Union Pool. She didn’t give a solid idea of when this new album might be coming out, but Marten’s last album, Drop Cherries, released just over a year ago on April 7, 2023.
Opening for Billie Marten was writer and musician Jana Horn. If you like Big Thief and Adrianne Lenker, you might also enjoy Jana Horn’s work. Intimate, interpersonal talk singing poetry over folksy drums and unique bass lines. She rode the line between banter and awkwardness perfectly, and the crowd had a great time. Marten then came out quietly onto the stage in Union Pool’s back room, which has the vibe of a Christmassy saloon. One pink light drenched Marten onstage with her acoustic guitar in her spaghetti strap top, light wash jeans, and red converse.
The show was very low-key. Marten’s pickup came loose and the sound engineer scrambled down from his spot up on the balcony as the crowd parted around him. Billie Marten told the audience to talk amongst themselves, and the room filled with a buzz until she was ready to play again. There was plenty of audience banter as Marten changed tunings between each song. We only got to hear four or five new songs, so there is definitely more to come down the road. Hopefully, Billie Marten will be able to put the finishing touches on her album soon, as we are all eagerly awaiting her next show in NY.
Up and coming NYC R&B artist SOLA has released her funk disco single “What You Want,” which is about people pleasing.
SOLA, also known as Jessica Bisola Omokheyeke, was born and raised in Houston Texas and moved to NYC to expand her music career. Her hometown inspired her writing style. She began her musical journey in a church choir. “Houston holds a special place in my heart and has shaped who I am today,” Omokheyeke told NYS Music. The 22 year old songwriter released her first EP Everything in Between in November of 2022.
Omokheyeke opened for Doechii and Earl Sweatshirt at NYC’s Terminal 5 in February of 2023 gaining lots of attention in the NYC Music scene.
With her background in the church and growing up with R&B superstars like Beyoncé, SZA and Lauryn Hill, her musical influences have range. “From a young age, I created music not to fit into any genre but to represent my own experiences and the sounds I loved,” she said.
“What You Want” describes the insanity that striving for perfection leads to. At first, SOLA wanted to write a ballad about her frustration with imperfections, but then it became an upbeat funk song. “Writing this song was incredibly freeing. I feel like I learned more about myself with each line I wrote, uncovering the feelings I was burying under layers of guilt.”
SOLA is looking forward to sharing more music in the fall as well as a music video with the “What You Want” release day. You can listen to her music on any streaming service and keep up with her work through her Instagram @itssolaofficial.
The last day of the 2024 Great South Bay Music Festival on July 21 at Shorefront Park was a huge success. With an incredible lineup of musicians from different genres, fans enjoyed a day filled with amazing performances and unforgettable moments.
Jon Anderson
Headlining the main stage was the iconic Jon Anderson, the distinguished voice of Yes. Anderson’s set, supported by The Band Geeks, was a journey through some of Yes’s most beloved songs. The audience was treated to masterful renditions of “Yours Is No Disgrace,” “Heart of the Sunrise,” “Close to the Edge,” “I’ve Seen All Good People,” “Starship Trooper,” and the grand finale, “Roundabout.” Anderson’s ethereal vocals, combined with the precise musicianship of The Band Geeks, created an electrifying atmosphere that resonated with fans of all ages.
Justin Hayward
Preceding Anderson was Justin Hayward from the Moody Blues, whose performance included timeless classics like “The Voice,” “Your Wildest Dreams,” “Nights in White Satin,” and concluded with “I Know You’re Out There Somewhere.” Julie Ragins, a key member of Hayward’s band and a former Moody Blues member, added depth and harmony to the performance, bringing the essence of the Moody Blues to life.
Martin Barre
Martin Barre, the legendary guitarist from Jethro Tull, also graced the main stage, bringing his unique style and energy. Barre’s band, featuring Dan Crisp on vocals, Alan Thomson on bass, and Terl Bryant on drums, delivered a powerful set that delighted Jethro Tull fans.
Start Making Sense
The main stage festivities also included dynamic performances from Start Making Sense, a Talking Heads cover band, and Miles to Dayton, setting the tone for an eclectic and engaging day of music at the 2024 Great South Bay Music Festival.
Bandshell – Five Towns College Stage
Over at the Bandshell – Five Towns College Stage, the day kicked off with Bleeding Egos, followed by The OM-EN. Rob Europe brought his unique sound to the stage, captivating the audience with his soulful tunes. The day on this stage concluded with a riveting performance by the Stanton Anderson Band, leaving the crowd wanting more
Jambalaya Stage
The Jambalaya Stage offered a diverse lineup, beginning with Original Gossip Band. Paris Ray followed, enchanting the audience with her melodic voice. Wonderous Stories and Electrix continued the musical journey, each adding their distinct flair. The day on this stage ended on a high note with Funkin’ A, whose funky beats had everyone dancing.
Jon Anderson Setlist: Yours Is No Disgrace, Heart of the Sunrise, Close to the Edge, And You and I, I’ve Seen All Good People, Shine On, Starship Trooper, Roundabout
Justin Hayward Setlist: The Voice, Your Wildest Dreams, Question, Nights in White Satin, I Know You’re Out There Somewhere
The Guggenheim’s performing arts series, Works & Process, announced their extensive Fall schedule which includes shows across NYC. The series is also comprised of twelve residencies in collaboration with multiple partners, as well as seven W&P commissions on tour.
Martha Graham Dance Company in Baye & Asa’s Cortege 2023. Photo: Steven Pisano
This coming Fall, Works & Process will provide a number of exciting diverse shows for patrons to enjoy. Taking place at the Guggenheim Museum, Manhattan West, and the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, there are plenty of opportunities for unique experiences across the city. The non-profit organization helps foster productions’ journeys from workshop to stage. W&P allows artists to explore their projects without having to worry about the costs and risks of insurance, housing, and studio space.
Furthermore, performance works commissioned by Works & Process for LaunchPAD, which, stands for “Process as Destination” will go on tour. Additionally, the LaunchPAD program allows artists to explore and execute their craft, which is fully funded and has fourteen partners across Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York. Subsequently, Artists have the opportunity to share their crafts and hard work all over the country as well as internationally.
Marjorie Folkman and Daniel Pettrow in Peter & the Wolf at Works & Process, December 2022. Photo: Titus Ogilvie-Laing, courtesy of Works & Process
Kicking off the season is Gather Round, an outdoor series taking place at Manhattan West Plaza event circle. The series is in partnership with Brookfield Properties Arts & Culture and is free for anyone to watch. Works & Process will host breakdancers as well, to celebrate street and club dance battles every Wednesday in September. The multiplicity of events that Word & Process has to offer in addition to the number of locations, establishes the importance of the performing arts and making it available to the public.
The schedule includes special W&P commissions, full-blown productions featuring skilled artists, in-depth discussions, and exclusive Guggenheim member experiences, among many other various showcases. Undeniably, the schedule wholeheartedly carries on the mission of celebrating and prioritizing every area of art and encouraging the messages performers can tell.
For more details on the Works & Process Fall 2024 Schedule and to purchase or reserve tickets, visit worksandprocess.org.
Works & Process Fall 2024 Schedule
At the Guggenheim
Monday, September 9 at 7 PM– The Metropolitan Opera presents Grounded by Jeanine Tesori, libretto by George Brant
Sunday, September 15 at 7 PM– Opera Philadelphia and Lyric Opera of Chicago presents The Listeners by Missy Mazzoli, libretto by Royce Vavrek
Sunday, September 22 at 3 and 7 PM– American Ballet Theatre presents Crime and Punishment by Helen Pickett
Monday, September 23 at 7 PM– Documentary Preview and Discussion of No Dancing Allowed with LaTasha Barnes, Sekou Heru, Aidan Gibney, Jared Harbour, and Ellen Ling
Monday, September 23 at 8 PM– Rotunda Dance Party: Ladies of Hip-Hop
Sunday, September 29 at 7 PM– Martha Graham Dance Company presents Baye & Asa
Monday, September 30 at 7 PM– W&P Commission Preview: Music From The Sole
Sunday, October 6 at 7 PM– New York City Ballet presents Caili Quan, Tiler Peck, and Gianna Reisen
Monday, October 7 at 7 PM– School of American Ballet at 90
Sunday, November 10 at 7 PM– W&P Commission: To the Body by Nico Muhly (In partnership with Guggenheim Asian Art Initiative)
Monday, November 18 at 7 PM– Tango Essence with Pedro Giraudo’s Tango Quartet (In conjunction with Member Mondays.)
Monday, November 18 at 8 PM– Rotunda Dance Party: NYCity Tango Collective
Friday, December 6 at 6:30 PM– Peter & the Wolf by Sergei Prokofiev with Isaac Mizrahi; Dance Heginbotham with Carnegie Hall’s Ensemble Connect conducted by Michael P. Atkinson
Saturday, December 7 at 11 AM, 1, and 2:30 PM-Peter & the Wolf by Sergei Prokofiev with Isaac Mizrahi; Dance Heginbotham with Carnegie Hall’s Ensemble Connect conducted by Michael P. Atkinson
Sunday, December 8 at 1, 2:30, and 4 PM– Peter & the Wolf by Sergei Prokofiev with Isaac Mizrahi; Dance Heginbotham with Carnegie Hall’s Ensemble Connect conducted by Michael P. Atkinson
Saturday, December 14 at 2:30 and 4 PM– W&P Commission: Third Bird by Isaac Mizrahi and Nico Muhly; Dance Heginbotham with Carnegie Hall’s Ensemble Connect conducted by Michael P. Atkinson
Sunday, December 15 at 7 PM– Rotunda Holiday Concert: Charles Turner & Uptown Swing with Jasmine Rice LaBeija
At Manhattan West with Brookfield Properties Arts & Culture
Wednesdays in September Gather Round: Street and Club Dance Battles
Wednesday, September 4 at 4:30 PM Behind The Groove: CeleBreak Outside! with Kwikstep and Rokafella
Wednesday, September 11 at 4:30 PM Gather Round Kiki Ball
Wednesday, September 18 at 4:30 PM Fabulous Waacking Festival Fall Edition with Princess Lockerooo
Wednesday, September 25 at 4:30 PM Manhattan West Beatbox Battle with The Beatbox House
Works & Process at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, Jerome Robbins Dance Division
Thursday, November 14 at 6 PM West African Dance to AfrikFusion: Intergenerational Stories with Marie Basse-Wiles & Omari Wiles
Works & Process LaunchPAD “Process as Destination” Residencies
In what would have originally seemed as an odd tour grouping, Counting Crows and Santana have embarked on a summer tour across North America playing a total of 29 shows.
For long time fans of both bands, this will of course not come as a shock as back in 2002 both bands toured together for the first time.
The tour kicked off in Florida and made its way to Long Island this past weekend, with a sold out show at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh. Counting Crows opening the night with a 13 song, 70 min set and Santana and his massive band ripping through 19 songs during their 105 min set.
Counting Crows Setlist: Hard Candy, Richard Manuel Is Dead, Mr. Jones, Colorblind, Omaha, Anna Begins, Miami, Big Yellow Taxi (Joni Mitchell cover), Round Here, Rain King, the 1 (Taylor Swift cover), A Long December, Hanginaround, Holiday in Spain
Santana Setlist: Soul Sacrifice, Jin-go-lo-ba (Babatunde Olatunji cover), Evil Ways (Willie Bobo cover), Black Magic Woman / Gypsy Queen, Oye cómo va (Tito Puente cover), Everybody’s Everything, Europa (Earth’s Cry, Heaven’s Smile), The Game of Love, She’s Not There / Spill the Wine / Papa Was a Rolling Stone / In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida, Sacalo, Hope You’re Feeling Better, (Da le) Yaleo, Put Your Lights On, Corazón espinado, Maria Maria, Foo Foo Encore: Are You Ready (The Chambers Brothers cover), Drum Solo, Smooth
Forest Hills Stadium in Forest Hills, Queens, has become the target of a lawsuit seeking to shut the historical venue down. The 101-year-old stadium has recently come under fire from locals, who have claimed that the venue’s main concert season lowers the neighborhood’s quality of life.
Originally designed in the 1920s to house the U.S. Open tennis tournament, Forest Hills Stadium has been rooted in Queens culture for more than 100 years. Since converting into primarily a concert venue in the 1960s, the stadium has hosted some of the industry’s biggest artists, including Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones and Hozier.
The current lawsuit against the stadium reflects sentiments given by neighbors for multiple years. The main claims given by neighbors for their desire to shut down, or at the very least change the practices of the stadium, are the excessive noise pollution and littering that shows cause. Claims have been made that windows in houses as far as three blocks from the stadium shake during shows and that the streets surrounding the stadium have excess amounts of trash on the days following shows.
In response to the group of opposing neighbors, Forest Hills Stadium has maintained a stance of being “a great neighbor,” labeling its practices and efforts as “responsive, flexible, engaging, and thoughtful,” as well as citing times in the past when it has complied with community wishes. For example, every show in the stadium ends by 10:00 p.m., cleaners work the streets before, during, and after shows, and hundreds of thousands of dollars have been spent on noise mitigation and controlled amplificationâall results of community wishes or initiatives meant to help community relations.
The closure of the stadium would also have significant economic consequences, and would undeniably impact local businesses and the job market negatively.
Hozier – Forest Hills Stadium, July 2024 – photo by Molly Higgins
The ownership of Forest Hills Stadium switched into the hands of Mike Luba in 2013, who has been the main figure behind its revitalization. The success of Luba’s work, though, has been the cause of the recent issues. More shows are happening than ever, which correlates to the frequency of complaints.
Another lawsuit with very similar goals was recently shut down by Queens Supreme Court Justice Robert Caloras, which attempted to temporarily suspend concerts at the venue. Following that, another ruling from Supreme Court Justice Joseph Esposito concluded that Forest Hills Stadium was “entitled to a preliminary injunction prohibiting [Forest Hills Stadium] from permitting excessive noise to emanate from the stadium.”
In response, the stadium made a statement, saying, “[Forest Hills Stadium] has always sought to minimize its impact on local residents and comply with the law,” and that “it will continue to do so in connection with the recent orders of Justices Esposito and Caloras of the Queens Supreme Court.” Based on the recent developments that have officially concluded, it appears as though shows at Forest Hills Stadium will run as planned, at least for the current summer season.
As a result of the recent developments, the venue has created a Change.org petition labeled “Show Your Support for Forest Hills Stadium!” Over 1,100 signatures have been given towards the current goal of 1,500. In the words of the venue, “Forest Hills Stadium has been a part of the fabric of Queens for decades. If you love Forest Hills Stadium, if you love the music, the history, the singular space, if you believe the venue belongs here and should continue with our mission, please say it out loud!”
For access and more information on the petition to save the Stadium, visit here.
NYC based artist Joe Geni released his single “City Where The Sky Subsides” on July 23 as a preview to his third album Cities Built Upon Cities.
The single is an electronic rock song with operatic vocals and an orchestral background. As inferred in the title, the song describes the story of a date being rained out and the disappointment that came with it. Geni is known for his speed and pitch manipulations. With a 3.5 octave range he has a unique talent.
Geni is originally from Illinois but moved to the NYC area for various jobs with the United Nations and eventually, his music career. Working between Manhattan and Long Island City, the ever-changing environment inspired his writing and upcoming album.
His career started in 2019 with his album After Wandering Empire and then Doggerland in 2021. Geni released another single, “City of Energy” earlier this year which will also appear on the Cities Built Upon Cities album coming out on Oct. 4.
Producer Charlie Nieland mixed his past and upcoming album giving it a new wave feel. Nieland previously worked with popular 80’s rock artists like Debbie Harry and Rufus Wainwright.
You can listen to Joe Geni’s music on any streaming service.
Singer-songwriter, Morley, from New York City, released her new song “Follow The Sound” on Friday, July 26. The song is the second single off her upcoming album of the same name, due Sept. 27.
While building up to the significance of her upcoming album, the song evidently explores the dynamic between witnessing hardships and processing them in one’s own way.
The new title track, “Follow The Sound” is full of Morley’s dedication to activism along with a soft mix of jazz and folk. The song comes after the artist witnessed some of the most devastating fundamental issues currently taking place, firsthand. Impacted by the devastation she saw, Morley channeled what she saw into a piece of work from the perspective of a child who is a victim of family border separation.
“Follow The Sound” is the work of Morley alongside her husband, producer, Chris Bruce, who also plays guitar on the record. Assisting the duo on the song and record are pianist pianist Jon Cowherd, bassist Meshell Ndegeocello, and drummer Jack DeBoe. The song is the second of four singles for the album including “It’s Hard To Stop” (June 21), “Follow The Sound” (July 26), “Here In Love” (August 9), and “Where Are We” (September 6).
‘Follow the Sound’ came to me while participating in an action at the US/Mexico Border responding to inhumane policies of family separation. The song speaks of a dream a child is having after being separated from their mother at the border, in the dream, the mother urges the child to follow the sound of her voice to find a safety beyond the physical realm. Follow the Sound is also a metaphor for following the sound of one’s own inner voice and the voice of the natural world, as one.
Morley
Morley uses her music to articulate her experiences with people of diverse backgrounds. After attending United Nations International School, and later the Duke Ellington High School for the Performing Arts, she’s accumulated knowledge about a variety of different cultures and the issues and discrimination people face. It was through those experiences, that she was able to form her views of the world, and therefore, her music.
Morley actively participates in multi-leveled activism such as fighting for human rights through releasing benefit albums. TED Women and TED X have also honored her as a featured performer and speaker. As a visionary through her music, she has brought artists like Yo-Yo Ma, Esperanza Spalding, Meryl Streep, and Rosanne Cash, among others together for powerful causes.
To stream”Follow The Sound” and learn more about Morley, visit www.morleymusic.org.
Friends and Lovers, a bar, music venue and inclusive space located in Crown Heights Brooklyn, is on a mission to revive the soul of Brooklyn nightlife while giving back to the local community.
The space opened its doors in 2013 with founders Diana Mora and Dash Brody also the minds behind New York Nightlife United (NU). The organization aims to keep authentic New York Nightlife alive, raising money to keep venues afloat and to support local artists and producers.
Friends and Lovers has a strategic location on 641 Classon Ave., out of earshot of residential areas, but still nearby local businesses to draw in people coming in and out of Brooklyn. Although the neighborhood has gone through significant changes with new condos and businesses being placed in the area, according to their website, Friends and Lovers remains an inclusive sanctuary.
The venue also hosts the Classon Community Fridge, a free food fridge that’s completely volunteer run made to give back to the community. Donations come from local business and individual community members.
Along with in-house shows, they also host collaboration events. On June 23 they hosted the Summer Dance party at Brooklyn Bridge Park and on Aug. 4 they host Lazy Daze at Liberty Lawn.
Some of Friends and Lovers upcoming events include “Thoughtcraft,” a comedy show presented by local comics Spencer Simpson and Matt Kumar on July 25. The following night up and coming R&B artist Asante Phenix will perform his discography.
To find more upcoming events you can visit the website here.
Upcoming Events
July 25: Thoughtcraft: A Comedy Show
July 26: Asante Phenix Live
July 27: Candid Studios Presents: A Candid Comedy Show
