This fall, Live from New York, Saturday Night Liveâs 50th anniversary will be celebrated, with season 50 of SNL airing on September 28.
With an election year on tap, SNL50 will bring out plenty of sketches lampooning the presidential race, likely calling back former cast members for cameos, if not outright regular roles (we’re looking at you Maya Rudolph as VP Kamala Harris).
An Election Special is slated for November, along with other specials around the holidays, plus a documentary series, a multi-part music specials series, and a comedy special at Radio City Music Hall. All this is part of a “seven-month long party” that celebrates the NBC institution.
Saturday Night Live premiered on October 11, 1975, with George Carlin hosting, and musical guests Billy Preston and Janis Ian. The upcoming film, SNL 1975, directed by Jason Reitman, takes a look at what was unfolding behind-the-scenes in the moments leading up to SNL’s first broadcast.
The actual anniversary episode will air in on Sunday, February 16, 2025 from 8-11pm, when the red carpet will be rolled out for current and former Saturday Night Live cast members as they arrive at Studio 8H to take part in the SNL50 Primetime Special.
In celebration of “Christmas in July,” Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. has announced that America’s most beloved holiday show, the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes, will be returning to the Great Stage at Radio City Music Hall from November 8, 2024, through January 5, 2025.
November 3, 2021: Dress rehearsal for the Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring the Radio City Rockettes.
A staple of the holidays in New York City, the awe-inspiring Christmas Spectacular features intricate choreography performed by the incomparable Radio City Rockettes throughout nine show-stopping numbers. The production, which can only be seen at Radio City Music Hall, blends classic numbers that audiences know and love, such as “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers,” with innovative technology that extends the show beyond the stage, including immersive digital projections.
In “Dance of the Frost Fairies,” the production’s newest number, which was introduced in 2022, the Rockettes perform alongside Frost Fairy drones that magically fly above the audience, turning Radio City into a winter wonderland. Since it opened at Radio City in 1933, the Christmas Spectacular has brought holiday joy to more than 71 million people from around the world.
The Radio City Rockettes, the longest-running precision dance company in America, are renowned for their unity, athleticism and iconic precision style that combines elements of ballet, jazz, and tap, as well as techniques of modern and contemporary dance. In addition to the Christmas Spectacular, the Rockettes perform annually in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Christmas in Rockefeller Center tree lighting and have appeared as part of some of the biggest events in entertainment, including the Tony Awards, the MTV VMAs, the NYC Pride Parade, and “Saturday Night Live.”
To ensure that the Rockettes line showcases greater diversity and that dancers from all backgrounds see themselves represented, the dance company actively works to open education and training opportunities to more dancers through a robust dancer development program, including the no-fee Rockettes Conservatory, and by establishing strong partnerships with diverse dance organizations like The Ailey School, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Harlem School of the Arts, and the International Association of Blacks in Dance.
Radio City Music Hall and the Christmas Spectacular provide a variety of accessibility offerings so more guests have an opportunity to enjoy the magic of Christmas. Through an ongoing partnership with KultureCity, a sensory room and sensory bags that contain special KultureCity VIP badges, fidget tools, noise-canceling headphones, and other resources are available at all performances of the Christmas Spectacular. Audiences at every performance can also access closed captioning on their personal devices via VITAC, and additional accessibility programming is offered at designated shows each season, including open-captioned, audio-described, and American Sign Language-interpreted performances, as well as a sensory-friendly performance in partnership with the Theatre Development Fund. For more information on these and other accommodations, including accessible and companion seats, please visit here.
Tickets for the 2024 production start at $45 when purchased in person at the Ticketmaster Box Office at Radio City Music Hall and for $56 when purchased online here. Visit here for more information.
From the moment I hit play on Hot Freaks’ new album Hot Freaks Forever, I was instantly transported into a nostalgic time warp, addictingly reliving the raw angst and bittersweet memories of my high school days. With 10 funky synth-pop and disco tracks, Minneapolis indie pop-rock band Hot Freaks resurrected from an almost decade long hiatus and infectiously captured all of our hearts at the Mercury Lounge on July 19.
Photo by Alisha Goel
“We had already been talking about reuniting,” said frontman Leo Vondracek. “I could tell that our Spotify streams had been creeping up, which was weird because we weren’t doing anything about it at all.”
After years of inactivity from the band, the song “Puppy Princess” from their debut album Hot Freaks went viral and became an overnight hit. “I didn’t really think it was that big of a deal, but then later that week we were getting emails from record labels. It was very surreal,” Vondracek recounted.
Photo by Alisha Goel
Opening their set with “Let’s Start a Country” from their new album, the night started with everyone chanting unisonally “One, two, three, let’s start a country,” perfectly encapsulating the feeling of wanting to move away from modern civilization and disappear into a vacuum.
They then transitioned to some of their more personal and intimate songs like “Write Me Letters” and “Heartache” from their previous album. When asked if their songs are generally autobiographical, Vondracek replied, “The songs that have worked are the ones that have this vulnerability and intrigue. They’re mostly, I guess, autobiographical, and even if it’s not like the whole story, they have a nugget of truth in them.”
Photo by Alisha Goel
Comparing their latest album to their debut album, Vondracek commented, “I feel like maybe compared to the first record, the second one is a little less vulnerable or more hiding behind metaphors.” Keyboardist Celeste Heule seemed to agree with this, and shared her thoughts on it: “I do feel like the second album has a lot of secret vulnerabilities in every song, but that could also because I read into lyrics and have my own vivid imagination. I don’t even know what they’re about or what Leo is thinking, but I feel like I’m reading into his soul. It’s stuff he doesn’t want me to know.”
One of my favorites of the night was “Stuart Little Vibes,” a quirky song with a soothing bridge that made me feel sublimely elevated from the venue. While Vondracek described this song as “a bit cartoonish,” he also felt the song was very postmodern. “It was like an idea of a thing, it wasn’t an actual thing. We wanted to try making something funky and weird in a fun way,” explained Vondracek.
Photo by Alisha Goel
Diving into their songwriting process, Vondracek commented, “It’s like writing a diary entry and making yourself find a balance. If you’re feeling low, vent it, and if you can put it into a fun pop song that has a self-contained arc to it – that’s like really fun.” Vondracek also talked about finding courage in the process: “It’s kind of like skydiving. You have to get ready to bolster yourself up to jump out of that plane. It’s really similar – the courage to get up there and be vulnerable.”
The band also performed “What Can I Do?” from their latest album. While a lot of their music is about love and yearning for unrequited crushes, this song thematically stood out to me from their other music – painting an introspective picture on the struggles of moving on with melancholically upbeat instrumentals in the background. “It felt like a very first thing that popped into my mind. I thought that it was really fun because it was kind of a straight shooting, simple lyric and a sad vulnerable thing,” said Vondracek. Bassist Sarah Darnall added, “It’s like you did a really hard yoga class and you get to do your Savasana at the end.”
Photo by Alisha Goel
When asked about finality and completion of a song, Vondracek interestingly remarked: “A lot of time it feels like archaeology, like thrusting the dirt off and uncovering. Sometimes there is this intrinsic feeling, but more and more, I barely have that magic feeling. I think we all seek that feeling of completion, but if you don’t feel that, it doesn’t mean it’s bad. Sometimes you just have to take that leap of faith and believe that’s good.”
The night ended with their two most popular songs “Puppy Princess” and “I Wanna be your Boyfriend.” The crowd went absolutely crazy, and people were jumping, screaming their guts out and hugging their friends. The atmosphere was intoxicatingly electric, and the intensity made it feel like a massive block party where people were busting out their best dance moves. It was chaotic, unhinged and just the right amount of freaky.
Photo by Alisha Goel
Hot Freaks – Mercury Lounge, NYC – July 19, 2024
Setlist: Let’s Start a Country, Together Above, Write Me Letters, Heartache, End of the Night, Stuart Little Vibes, Boyfriend, Outset, Not Concerned with Everything, Girlfriend, I Want You To Be My Daddy, Baby Boy, What Can I Do, Puppy Princess, I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend
Photo by Alisha GoelPhoto by Alisha GoelPhoto by Alisha GoelPhoto by Alisha Goel
When it comes to NYC’s D.I.Y. rock scenes and their club catalysts, CBGB wasn’t the only game in town. In the late 1980s, when the now uber-glitzy and fully gentrified borough of Brooklyn was still mostly grit, grime and crime, there was one incredibly unassuming dive bar on the fringes of Park Slope where a handful of bands built a scene that captured the attention of the indie rock world.
Now this bar and the many bands it birthed are set to be the subject of an in-the-works documentary, Before It Was Cool: The Brooklyn Beat from Lauterbach’s, with an online crowdfunding campaign and reunion concert set for September 14.
Several years in the making, the nearly completed film is the passion project of three people who knew the scene best. Executive producer and director Michael West was there from the beginning, as a member of The Original Rays. Today a DJ and music director at Radio Free Brooklyn, Rachel Cleary stumbled into this seedy venue when she went to see her boyfriend’s band play and was floored by what she heard but saw in the way of the unforgettable characters who were habitues of the bar. A Brooklyn native, Cleary is a producer and the on-screen interviewer who relates the tale through interviews with several dozen musicians and fans who religiously frequented the venue. Another Brooklyn musician who emerged a decade later, Jeannie Fry of the band My Little Eye, also serves as a Producer and Technical Advisor for the project.
Lauterbach’s had a direct connection to CBGB’s. It all began in 1988 when Bob Racioppo, a former member of one of the original CBGB bands, The Shirts, walked into his neighborhood bar after a shift as a cab driver. In a 2023 interview with the Red Hook Star, Racioppo said: “It had a small stage and looked just like a mini-CBGB’s. It also had a pool table, just like the original CBGB’s. And in those days, the neighborhood was white and Puerto Rican working class, not yet upscale and gentrified.” Housed on the ground floor of a two-story building on an otherwise residential block, Lauterbach’s was a true curiosity in the early days of Park Slope’s gentrification.
With the blessing of the owners who lived upstairs, George and Alice Lauterbach, Racioppo began to bring in bands. “I brought in money and knew how to treat bands, so it took off right away.” The club soon began to attract aspiring bands from the borough and beyond.
These D.I.Y-minded bands weren’t content to just play; they began issuing a series of self-financed compilation CDs, starting with 1988’s Today Brooklyn, Tomorrow The World. Bearing the works of up to 20 bands in each CD, these compilations garnered national buzz, including radio airplay from popular stations like K-Rock and WNEW-FM and feature stories in outlets including The New York Times.
This down-and-dirty but big-hearted scene is coming to life via in-person interviews with well over two dozen musicians and the locals who made this downscale tavern a must-stop every weekend. All totaled, there is 60 hours of footage being culled for the project including many archival performances taped at Lauterbach’s and at Brooklyn Beat events at other venues including CBGB.
While artists including Joan Osborne and They Might Be Giants graced the stage in their early days, this film focuses on the bands who were the heart of the scene, with some musicians who have continued to perform professionally and others for whom their glory days in music are a cherished memory. Interviewees include members of Racioppo’s band, Chemical Wedding, The Fields, Frank’s Museum, Formaldehyde Blues Train, Al Lee Wyer, The Moe, Squirrels from Hell and more.
While much of the film is in the can, the producers are launching a campaign to secure completion funds for the film. They will use the monies to finalize its editing and to promote the documentary at leading film festivals in 2025.
The crowdfunding effort, housed at gofund.me/38eb3334, will be kicked off with an event on Saturday, September 14 at 8 pm at Young Ethel’s at 506 5th Avenue, South Slope, Brooklyn. The event will feature performances by reunited Brooklyn Beat bands including Kenny Young and the Eggplants, Squirrels from Hell, Chemical Wedding, Medicine Sunday, Frank’s Museum and Hari Karaoke Trio of Doom. Info at youngethels.com (Ed. note: This writer was a member of the latter two bands in the lineup).
“This film has come together much like the Brooklyn Beat scene itself,” begins West, “with a group of artists collaborating to create something more beautiful than any could’ve imagined or created on their own. This team, the interviewees and the subject matter have put us well on the road to producing a high-quality documentary about a fondly remembered corner of New York City’s rock history.”
Rachel Cleary adds: “Trying something new can redirect the trajectory of a person’s life. In our interviews, people spoke about breaking their routine to go into Lauterbach’s and that it led to their lives taking a completely different course, for the better. I hope people will leave this film with an appreciation for the power and importance of community, shared experience, and especially music made for the love of it. The Brooklyn Beat crew is a family that lived and continues to thrive well beyond the walls of a bar.”
Blues-rock titan and New York native Joe Bonamassa has announced a spring 2025 tour, set to captivate audiences from coast to coast with the world-renowned guitaristâs electrifying live performances. The tour kicks off on February 16, 2025, and will make stops in major cities, including New York City, Buffalo, Boston, Chicago, and more.
Photo Credit: Haluk Gurer Birmingham
Blues-rock superstar Joe Bonamassa is one of the most celebrated performers of today. As a three-time GRAMMY-nominated artist and 15x Blues Music Award nominee (4-time winner), he achieved his 28th No. 1 album on the Billboard Blues Chart with his most recent live album and concert film, Live at the Hollywood Bowl With Orchestra. Only in his mid-40s, Bonamassa has become a living legend with an astounding multi-genre catalog. He has released more than 40 albums, including studio and live recordings, as well as collaborative albums with his adventurous side projects, Black Country Communionand Rock Candy Funk Party.
Bonamassa’s spring 2025 tour will feature a diverse array of venues, from the vibrant Fox Theatre in Atlanta, GA, to the historic Beacon Theatre in New York City. A native of New Hartford, NY, Bonamassa frequently returns to perform for his fans in his home state, even beginning his career opening for blues legend B.B King at the Rochester Lilac Festival in 1989, at just 12 years old. Bonamassa just recently headlined the Great South Bay Music Festival this month in Patchogue, NY.
Before embarking on the spring 2025 tour, Bonamassa will be busy with an extensive schedule of performances. Next month, he kicks off the highly anticipated Blues Deluxe Tour, celebrating his seminal albums, Blues Deluxe and Blues Deluxe Vol. 2. Blues Deluxe Vol. 2, Bonamassa’s most recent blues project, was a full-circle moment for the accomplished musician, acting as a sequel to his breakthrough album Blues Deluxe.
The Blues Deluxe Tour includes 18 cities and features a mix of fan favorites and deep tracks, promising unforgettable shows for blues enthusiasts. Never one to slow down, Bonamassa will also be on the road this fall for a series of performances across the U.S., continuing to deliver his unmatched live experience to fans nationwide.
A special fan pre-sale for the spring 2025 tour begins on Tuesday, July 23 at 10 a.m. local time, followed by the public on-sale on Friday, July 26 at 10 a.m. local time. Visit here for information and tickets to any of Bonamassa’s shows. See below for a full list of dates and locations for all tours.
Photo Credit: Eleanor Jane
All Tour Dates
Joe Bonamassa Summer 2024 – Blues Deluxe Tour
August 2 – Albuquerque, NM – Sandia Resort & Casino
August 4 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre
August 6 – Omaha, NE – Orpheum Theater
August 8 – Topeka, KS – Topeka Performing Arts Center
August 9 – Durant, OK – Choctaw Grand Theater
August 10 – Jackson, MS – Thalia Mara Hall
August 12 – Birmingham, AL – BJCC Concert Hall
August 14 – Charleston, SC – North Charleston Performing Arts Center
August 16 – Evansville, IN – Old National Events Plaza
August 17 – Indianapolis, IN – Murat Theatre at Old National Centre
August 18 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium
August 20 – Kettering, OH – Fraze Pavilion
August 21 – Hershey, PA – Hershey Theatre
August 23 – Port Chester, NY – The Capitol Theatre
August 24 – Port Chester, NY – The Capitol Theatre
August 25 – Rochester, NY – West Herr Auditorium Theatre
August 27 – Albany, NY – Palace Theatre
August 29 – Hyannis, MA – Cape Cod Melody Tent
August 30 – Hampton Beach, NH – Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom
August 31 – Hampton Beach, NH – Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom
September 15 – Telluride, CO – Telluride Blues & Brew Festival*
Joe Bonamassa Fall 2024 Tour:
October 26 – Henderson, NV – Leeâs Family Forum
October 28 – Santa Barbara, CA -The Granada Theatre
October 30 – Rancho Mirage, CA – The Show at Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage
November 1 – Tucson, AZ – The Linda Ronstadt Music Hall
November 2 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre
November 3 – Long Beach, CA – Terrace Theater
November 5 – San Diego, CA – San Diego Civic Theatre
November 7 – San Jose, CA – San Jose Civic
November 8 – Sacramento, CA – SAFE Credit Union Convention Center
November 9 – Reno, NV – Grand Theatre
November 12 – Portland, OR – Keller Auditorium
November 13 – Boise, ID – Morrison Center
November 16 – Salt Lake City, UT – Eccles Theater
November 17 – Cheyenne, WY – Cheyenne Civic Center
November 19 – Park City, KS – Park City Arena
November 20 – Springfield, MO – Juanita K. Hammons Hall
November 22 – Minneapolis, MN – State Theatre
November 23 – Minneapolis, MN – State Theatre
November 26 – Springfield, IL – UIS Performing Arts Center
November 27- Appleton, WI – Fox Cities Performing Arts Center
November 29 – Davenport, IA – Adler Theatre
November 30 – Des Moines, IA – Des Moines Civic Center
Joe Bonamassa Spring 2025 Tour:
February 16 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena
February 19 – Milwaukee, WI – The Riverside Theater
February 21 – Chicago, IL – The Chicago Theatre
February 22 – Cleveland, OH – Playhouse Square
February 25 – Buffalo, NY – Sheaâs Buffalo Theatre
February 27 – New York City, NY – Beacon Theatre
February 28 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway
March 1 – Mashantucket, CT – Foxwoods Resort & Casino
March 3 – Easton, PA – State Theatre
March 5 – Charleston, WV – Clay Center
March 7 – Cherokee, NC – Harrahâs Cherokee Casino Resort Event Center
March 8 – Atlanta, GA – Fox Theatre
March 10 – Chattanooga, TN – Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Auditorium
March 12 – Greensboro, NC – Steven Tanger Center
March 14 – Charlotte, NC – Ovens Auditorium
March 15 – St. Augustine, FL – The St. Augustine Amphitheatre
March 16 – Mobile, AL – Saenger Theatre
March 18 – Evans, GA – Columbia County Performing Arts Center
The second day of the Great South Bay Music Festival on Friday, July 19, was a vibrant celebration of reggae music, transforming Shorefront Park into a haven of laid-back rhythms and positive vibes. The day featured an eclectic mix of reggae, ska, and rock, drawing fans from all over Long Island and beyond.
Main Stage Highlights
Pepper: Formed in 1997 in Hawaii, Pepper has been a staple in the reggae rock scene for over two decades, known for their infectious energy and dynamic sound. They kicked off their set with the energetic “Bring Me Along,” followed by “Rent,” keeping the energy high. Their set also included crowd favorites like “Stone Love” and “Brand New Day,” showcasing their unique blend of reggae and rock. They closed their performance with the powerful “Warning,” from their 2019 album Local Motion.
Streetlight Manifesto: Before Pepper took the stage, Streetlight Manifesto delivered a memorable performance, opening with “Watch It Crash.” They followed with “A Better Place, A Better Time,” captivating the audience with their energy. The band wrapped up their set with “Here’s to Life,” leaving a lasting impression with their blend of ska and punk.
Bandshell – Five Town College Stage
Badfish and Tropidelic: Both bands added to the day’s vibrant atmosphere. Badfish, known for their tribute to Sublime, and Tropidelic, with their funky, high-energy style, kept the crowd dancing and singing along throughout their sets.
The Bandshell – Five Town College Stage featured a diverse lineup of bands that kept the reggae vibes flowing all day long.
Samsara kicked off the performances, followed by the smooth sounds of Aqua Cherry. Nonstop to Cairo brought their high-energy mix of ska and hip-hop, keeping the crowd on their feet. Oogee Wawa closed out the stage with their unique blend of reggae, rock, and hip-hop, creating a perfect end to the dayâs performances.
Jambalaya Stage
The Jambalaya Stage was a hub of reggae and rock fusion, showcasing both local and up-and-coming talent.
IRIEspect started the day with their authentic reggae sound, followed by the Chris Ruben Band, who brought a mix of rock and reggae influences. Enrose and Roots Foundation continued the reggae vibes, with Roots Foundation delivering a standout performance. Formed in 2008 by bassist Corey Browd, this Long Island-based band pays homage to the roots style of reggae, drawing inspiration from legends like Bob Marley, Burning Spear, Steel Pulse, and Peter Tosh. The day on this stage concluded with the dynamic sounds of Half Breeds.
A Day of Unity and Celebration
The reggae-themed day at the Great South Bay Music Festival was a testament to the unifying power of music. With a lineup that honored the roots of reggae while embracing its modern evolutions, festival-goers experienced a day of peace, love, and rhythmic bliss. As the sun set over Shorefront Park, the sounds of reggae continued to echo, leaving everyone eagerly anticipating the next day of this incredible festival.
Pepper Setlist: Bring Me Along. Rent, Things That You Love, Nice Time, Stormtrooper, Your Face, B.O.O.T., Tradewinds, Too Much, Freeze, Drum Solo, Stone Love, Seven Weeks, Crazy Love, Green Hell, Brand New Day, No Control, Warning
Streetlight Manifesto Setlist: Watch it Crash, A Moment of Silence, A Moment of Violence, A Better Place, a Better Time, Intro: This Is a Call to Arms, Here’s to Life
Badfish Setlist: Smoke Two Joints, Caress Me Down, Garden Grove, We’re Only Gonna Die, Waiting for My Ruca, Feel Like That, Get Ready, Badfish, Doin’ Time, My Girl, Pawn Shop, Changes, Regulate, Santeria, The Final Countdown, Date Rape, What I Got
The Allman Betts Family Revival has announced concert dates for its Winter 2024 tour. The tour will begin November 30, 2024 in St. Charles, Illinois, and will feature four dates across New York State.
The Allman Betts Family Revival is an annual celebration of American music, spearheaded by Devon Allman and Duane Betts. The tour brings together the biggest names in blues, americana, and rock in a star-studded celebration of the Allman Brothers catalog.
The Allman Betts Family Revival began with a single 2017 show at the Fillmore in San Francisco. The show began as a memorial to the late Gregg Allman on what would have been his 70th birthday. Following the success of this show, the Allman Betts Family Revival grew into a full-scale annual tour. Now entering its 8th year, the tour is annually one of the most anticipated musical events, being known as “the jam of the year.”
“With the number 8 also being the symbol for infinity, we want the fans to know we’re doing our part to help this music live forever in a live format. We hope to continue to take them back in time”
– Devon Allman
The Allman Betts Family Revival tour will begin on November 30th, outside of Chicago, before snaking its way across the country. On December 4th, the tour will grace Buffalo’s Kleinhans Music Hall. The venue – home to the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra – is one of Buffalo’s premier spots for live music. With room for 2,400 fans and world-class acoustics, the hall provides an ideal concert space.
December 6th will kick off a three-day run of concerts in New York State. First, the Allman Betts Family Revival will travel to Port Chester’s Capitol Theatre. The theater has an immense history, dating back to its original opening in 1926. Since its renovations in 2011, the theater has become famous for its state of the art lighting and sound systems, and finely decorated interior.
On December 7th, the tour will hit the Upper West Side’s famous Beacon Theatre. The theater is a world-famous venue for touring musicians, having previously hosted everyone from Miles Davis to Mariah Carey. to Trey Anastasio, and of course the Allman Brothers’ 25 year residency at the theater from 1989 to 2014.
The Beacon Theatre during its 2009 Renovations
The tour’s final New York date will feature a show at Huntington’s Paramount on December 8th. Since its reopening in 2011, the near-100 year old theater has become one of Long Island’s premier concert venues. Its multi-level, 1,500 person space has made it “the best club that’s ever been on Long Island,” according to Billy Joel.
The tour will feature two sets highlighting the Allman Brothers’ 1970s and 1990s output. As part of these sets, the Allman Betts Band will celebrate the group’s enduring hits and extended jams. In addition to the Allman Betts Band, the tour will feature a number of hand-selected musicians from the blues, americana, and rock genres. Luther Dickinson (North Mississippi Allstars), Cody Dickinson (North Mississippi Allstars), Jimmy Hall (Jeff Beck, Wet Willie), Lindsay Lou, Lamar Williams Jr., Alex Orbison (son of Roy Orbison), Jackie Greene, Larry McCray and Anders Osborne will perform at each show on the tour. Additionally, Sierra Hull, Grace Bowers, G. Love, and Jake Shimabukuro will join these artists at select performances.
For more information on dates and ticketing, visit the Allman Betts Family Revival website here
Allman Betts Family Revival Winter 2024 Dates
Nov 30 @ The Arcada Theater | St. Charles, IL
Dec 1 @ State Theatre | Minneapolis, MN
Dec 3 @ The Palace Theatre | Greensburg, PA
Dec 4 @ Kleinhans Music Hall | Buffalo, NY
Dec 5 @ Orpheum Theater | Boston, MA
Dec 6 @ Capitol Theater | Port Chester, NY
Dec 7 @ The Beacon Theater | New York, NY
Dec 8 @ The Paramount | Huntington, NY
Dec 9 @ Capital One Hall | Tysons, VA
Dec 11 @ Van Wezel PAC | Sarasota, FL
Dec 12 @ Gaillard Center | Charleston, SC
Dec 13 @ Norton Center for the Arts | Danville, KY
Dec 14 @ The Factory | St. Louis, MO
Dec 15 @ Uptown Theater | Kansas City, MO
Dec 16 @ Ryman Auditorium | Nashville, TN
Dec 17 @ Moore Theatre | Seattle, WA
Dec 18 @ Paramount Theatre | Denver, CO
Dec 20 @ Grand Sierra Resort/Grand Theatre | Reno, NV
The 2024 Pleasantville Music Festival was held on Saturday, July 13, marking its 18th anniversary. The festival presented eighteen performers on three stages, all within the boundaryof one day.
Affectionately referred to as “New York’s Backyard Jam” because of its proximity to NYC, the festival takes the approach of blending up-and-coming, established, and national touring acts. A cornerstone of the festival’s success is its strategy of not repeating performers, offering returning attendees something new each year.
When The Wailers took to the stage, they transformed Pleasantville into Kingston
2024 was the second year that The Garage at Lucy’s in Pleasantville was a gatewayfor local acts to perform at the festival. Through a series of battle-of-the-band competitions held at the club, three acts were selected to open the multiple musical stages at the festival.
The Collection / Pamnation Party Stage
The battle-of-the-band winners were comprised of: Gavin Mitchell & Lauren Mian who performed on the Chill Tent Stage, Mainline who played on the Pamnation Party Stage, and all-around winner Blue Moon Band who shared their music on the Main Stage. These opening acts set a high standard for future performers, demonstrating they are more than capable of sharing the stage with major acts.
… opening acts set a high standard for future performers, demonstrating they are more than capable of sharing the stage with major acts.
Situated in the heart of Westchester, the festival is also a family-friendly affair. Attendees brought chairs and blankets to enjoy a relaxing day out. This year, Kenny Green gave a special children’s performance at the Chili Tent. Alongside the musical performances bounce houses, kid-friendly activities as well as food and other vendors lined the festival’s perimeter.
2024 saw Northwell Health joining as a sponsor of the festival. In conjunction with Northwell Health, the band N.E.D. performed. The band is comprised of gynecological oncologists, including Dr. Gizelka David-West of Northwell’s Northern Westchester and Phelps Hospitals. Their band name is derived from the medical acronym for “no evidence of disease.” After their set, N.E.D. gave everyone a clean bill of health and prescribed a daily dose of rock ’n’ roll for all.
The Wailers / Main Stage
With three stages, the festival offered a mixture of musical styles. The stages and act performance times were aligned in such a way that you could experience all eighteen acts if so desired.
The Chill Tent, situated at the far end of the park, offered an open-air big top where you could sit in chairs with large fans circulating the air. This stage hosted singer/songwriter, blues, and jazz performances featuring Jesse Terry and headliner Jill Sobule.
Better Than Ezra / Main Stage
The Pamnation Party Stage served as the place to dance till you dropped. Talon, an all-girl band fromBrooklyn and Armonk tore up the stage, while Dead Tooth from Queens added fuel to the musical fire. Jersey City’s Widely Grown (who also hosted the after-party at Lucy’s) and The Collection (from North Carolina) closed out the stage in fine fashion.
The Main Stage featured national performing acts. Indie rockerMargaret Glaspy, with her haunting raspy vocal tones, shared songs from her 2023 release “Echo The Diamond.” When The Wailers took to the stage, they transformed Pleasantville into Kingston. Performing hit after hit, lead singer Mitchell Brunings led the crowd in sing-alongs throughout their set.
…the ‘burbs can rock
Grammy Award winner The Record Company followed with their straightforward rock ’n’ roll. New Orleans-based headlinerBetter Than Ezra wrapped up the night delighting the audience with a surprise abridged performance of David Bowie’s “Space Oddity” during their set.
Jill Sobule / Chill Tent
With eighteen years under its belt, the Pleasantville Music Festival continues to put its mark on the music scene, proving that the ‘burbs can rock.
Main Stage
Better Than EzraThe Record CompanyThe WailersMargaret GlaspyN.E.D.Blue Moon Band
Pamnation Party Stage
The CollectionWidely GrownDead ToothMojo & The Mayhem TalonMainline
Chill Tent Stage
Jill SobuleJesse TerryThe Robert Hill Band w/Rae SimonePlane StationGavon Mitchell & Lauren MianKids Music w/Kenny Green
On Sunday, July 21, blink-182 returned to the Big Apple in grand fashion to support their new album and tour, “One More Time…” With the weather being perfect for an outdoor show, fans were tailgating early at Citi Field in Queens, as they lined up for early merch stands and flooded in to check out the opening acts.
Ekkstasy went first, followed by a passionate performance from Pierce The Veil, the stage was set perfectly as blink-182 reemerged in New York for the first time in almost 10 years. The classic gongs and church bells from the theme-song of WWE Superstar, The Undertaker rang out.
With a solid setlist filled with new tracks off their new album, OneMoreTime…, along with iconic classics the fans know and love, the evening was locked and loaded with fireworks to deliver an experience that wont be forgotten by anyone in attendance soon. Classic banter and jokes amongst the bandmates was like old times after a long absence, as blink-182 looked right at home, the crowd able to see the true appreciation the group has for their die-hard fans. Fans such as theirs prove that music truly has the power to stand the test of time and age. Whether its for a laugh or for that one song that hits you in the feels, there is something for everyone in blink-182’s discography and live performances.
The excitement in the air was well warranted. Its been almost ten years since all three members of the band stood united. Tom DeLonge only recently rejoined his original bandmates, Mark Hoppus and Travis Barker. Hoppus is fresh off a successful bout with cancer. Barker held an event at Citi Field earlier that day before his show, Run Travis Run, a running and wellness experience that highlights his own health recovery. All this to say, this show clearly demonstrated that blink-182 has found themselves in a new era, a new era where the sky is the limit and fun is at its maximum.
The iconic trio from California closed out the epic night proving just how and why they are as timeless as ever, intermixing the late 90s classic, “Dammit” with Sabrina Carpenters, “Espresso”. Their tour continues on nation wide till mid august.
link-182 – Citi Field, Queens, NY – Sunday, July 21
Setlist: Feeling This, The Rock Show, Man Overboard, Aliens Exist, Dance With Me, Obvious, Bored to Death, Edging, Up All Night, More Than You Know, M+M’s, Stay Together for the Kids, Not Now, Cant Go Back, I Miss You, Down, When Your Heart Stops Beating, There Is, Fuck Face, Anthem Part 3, Always, Whats My Age Again?, First Date, All the Small Things, Dammit
Starting July 2, Tuesdays at Main Beach celebrates its third year in East Hampton Village. The summer concert series is now in its third year, and to commemorate the anniversary, 10 artists are featured from a variety of genres, ending on September 3. Concerts are from 6-8 pm, located at Main Beach.
Tuesdays at Main Beach – East Hampton Village Foundation
Presented by the East Hampton Village Foundation, Tuesdays at Main Beach reached mounting success during its first year. Now, three years later, the summer concert series draws crowds from all over Long Island. From Montauk and Southampton to Ocean Avenue, Tuesdays at Main Beach is enjoyed by thousands of people, celebrating local and regional artists ranging from brass bands to yacht rock.
In addition to the concerts, Tuesdays at Main Beach acts as a fundraiser. Several charities, foundations, and non-profit organizations are available at every show throughout the series, raising awareness for an abundance of causes. Organizations such as Kiwanis Club, Warrior Project, Springs Food Pantry, Meals on Wheels, East Hampton Education Foundation, LVIS, and East Hampton Food Pantry all participate, offering activities and raffles to promote their cause and raise money.
During the concerts, attendees can enjoy swimming with the safety of lifeguards on duty and can grab dinner right on the beach at Main Beach’s own Beach Hut. Concerts are held weekly on Tuesdays, and begin at 6 pm and end at 8 pm. While the fun has already started, there is still time to catch REEB (Real East End Brass), funk outfit Candy Shop, and more until September 3.
The full lineup of artists is listed below. Main Beach is located at 101 Ocean Ave East Hampton, NY 11937.
For more information, visit the East Hampton Village Foundation’s website, linked here.
