Category: NYC Metro

Watch: Bilal Performs “All For Love” From ‘Live at Glasshaus’ album Featuring Questlove, Common

In an intimate setting of 100 people, Grammy-winning soul singer Bilal delivers a cathartic performance of “All For Love” featuring musical backing from Questlove, Robert Glasper and Burniss Travis. Notably, “All For Love” is the latest single and a small preview into Bilal’s forthcoming live studio album Live at Glasshaus.

A mid-career retrospective, the project recorded, filmed, and livestreamed from Glasshaus in Brooklyn, NY., is part of the Glasshaus Presents concert series. For his part, Bilal’s eclectic performance features a supergroup of Questlove, Common, Robert Glasper, and Burniss Travis as backing. Keeping in theme, the live rendition of “All For Love” is one of many standout tracks from the Philadelphia native’s discography, with fresh interpretations of the records on Live at Glasshaus.

Bilal’s latest album features reinvented renditions of prior classics.

After all the soul-bearing track was one of many anticipated records from Bilal’s shelved 2006 album, Love for Sale. However, despite its artistic brilliance, the album never saw an official release due to a premature leak and subsequent disputes with his former label, Interscope Records. Even so, as a testament to Bilal’s talent and strong fanbase, the project achieved legendary cult-status among fans and critics alike, while remaining a significant part of Bilal’s musical legacy, and a point of inspiration for this latest star-studded venture.

Bilal’s Live at Glasshaus features Questlove (top left), Common (top right), Robert Glasper (bottom left), and Burniss Travis (bottom right).

Bilal Presents: Live at Glasshaus

Thus after two decades of high profile contributions with the likes of Kendrick Lamar, Jay Z, Beyonce, and Erykah Badu, Bilal’s musical legacy is receiving its just due with this latest 11-track project. After all the man who Questlove heralds as “one of the most pure, honest performance artists of this generation,” and a “true singer’s singer” is a 3-time Grammy winner famous for his musical dexterity. With high profile contributions with the likes of Kendrick Lamar, Jay Z, Beyonce, and Erykah Badu, Common –who performs one of the project’s two inteludes– even makes the claim that Bilal is “somebody that will go down as one of the greatest.“

Bilal’s Live at Glasshaus will release on June 14 during Black Music Month. However, On June 9, fans around the world will have the opportunity to witness the epic one-night-only concert via broadcast livestream. Tickets for Live at Glasshauss are for sale here.

June 4, 2024
NYC-Based Shoegaze Band Silent Mass Release New Single “The Great Chaos”

New York City-based goth and shoegaze band Silent Mass has released a new brooding and dark single, “The Great Chaos.” The song will appear on the band’s forthcoming debut album, The Great Chaos, which is set to come out on June 20.

Silent Mass is an up-and-coming goth and shoegaze band with a unique blend of musical roots. Elements of post-punk, ethereal wave, shoegaze, and 90s alternative are all present in their music, just to name a few. Although only having a total of seven officially released songs available before their debut record, Silent Mass has already cornered in on the perfectly despondent and melancholic aesthetic that allows songs like “Nest of Flowers” and their new single “The Great Chaos” to shine. New York City is a well suited home for Silent Mass considering the melting pot of inspirations that contribute to their music.

Silent Mass began as a solo pursuit by current writer, producer and vocalist Ammo Bankoff. Her debut single, a cover of “Total Recall,” was released in 2020 as a tribute to Adrian Borland & The Sound. Shortly after the single’s release, Bankoff joined audio engineer/guitarist Robert Duncan and relocated to New York City to join drummer/producer Alex Posell.

Once fully assembled, Silent Mass released two singles in 2021 and three more in 2024. Their latest single, “The Great Chaos,” is the title track off of their upcoming long-awaited debut album. “‘The Great Chaos’ finds beauty in the spiral of self-discovery. It’s a love song about mourning a version of your past self,” said Ammo.

“The Great Chaos” sees Silent Mass in their element. The four-minute slow and hazy track is particularly held up by the chilling hook, where Ammo sings, “Can you find a way out, can you find a way out, can you find a way out of this nightmare?” over a wall of percussion, synths and guitar.

With seemingly everything set and ready for their upcoming debut record, “The Great Chaos” may very well be the last taste we get of Silent Mass’s dense and experimental sound before the full record releases on this summer solstice.

Silent Mass also has an upcoming show in New York City on July 13.

Stream “The Great Chaos” on Spotify, Apple Music and Youtube.

June 3, 2024
Polish Music Festival Jazztopad returns to New York

The esteemed Polish music festival, Jazztopad will return to New York and Canada for the eighth time in its history on June 13 through June 27.

Jazztopad, as it implies in the title, is one of Poland’s biggest festivals in Jazz and Improvised music. As the eight North American Jazztopad, the festival does have a New York Focus but performances will travel to Philadelphia and Canada. The last two shows, Hand to Earth with Amalia Umeda on June 26 and an ensemble on June 27, are in collaboration with the Coastal Jazz and Blues Society in Vancouver. The New York dates include some jazz specific venues like Dizzy’s Club and barbès.

The Festival is possible due to the work of Witold Lutosławski National Forum of Music and The Polish Cultural Institute New York. The NFM was founded as an institution in 2014 and has created festivals like The International Festival Wratislavia Cantans and Musica Electronica Nova along with various ensembles and orchestras. The Polish Cultural Institute New York has shared Polish art and history all across the country since its establishment in 2000. The Institute works with Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, the Julliard School of Music and more.

Artists from around the world will perform at Jazztopad including the Australian contemporary ensemble, Hand and Heart, and Polish violinist, Amalia Umeda. One of the artists featured in Jazzopad is Kris Davis, a Canadian pianist and composer. She is a Grammy award winning artist and has released 24 records as a leader or co-leader. At Jazzopad, she will perform with The Lutosławski Quartet, an NFM ensemble founded in 2007.

On June 13, Kris Davis and The Lutosławski Quartet will perform at Dizzys Club at Jazz at Lincoln Center, an intimate venue in New York that features artists from around the world since it officially became a department of Lincoln Center in 1991. Jazztopad will move to barbès on June 14 and 15. Barbès is a Brooklyn Jazz club that was named in the top ten best Jazz clubs in the country by Playboy Magazine.

To experience a Jazztopad show or find more information, you can visit the website here.

Jazztopad 2024

June 13: Kris Davis & Lutosławski Quartet – World Premiere of The Solastalgia Suite at Dizzy’s Club

June 14: Marta Sanchez / Amalia Umeda / Michael Bates / Lesley Mok at Barbès

June 14: Kris Davis & Lutosławski Quartet –The Solastalgia Suite at Philadelphia, Solar Myth

June 15: Hand to Earth with Amalia Umeda – “The Crow” premiere at Hearst Plaza Outdoor Stage at Lincoln Center

June 15: Michael Bates’ Acrobat with Lutosławski Quartet at Barbès

June 16: Stephan Crump & Amalia Umeda at Rizzoli Bookstore

June 16: BUNGUL: Hamid Drake, Peter Knight, David Wilfred, Daniel Wilfred, Sunny Kim, Aviva Endean & Amalia Umeda at Public Records

June 19: Hand to Earth with Amalia Umeda at Suoni Per Il Popolo

June 22: Hand to Earth with Amalia Umeda at Ottawa Jazzfest

June 26: Hand to Earth with Amalia Umeda at The Coastal Jazz & Blues Society

June 27: Amalia Umeda / Eirik Hegdal /David Stackenäs / Tyson Naylor / Kenton Loewen at The Coastal Jazz & Blues Society

June 3, 2024
The Met Brings Opera To The Parks For its 14th Summer Recital Series

The Metropolitan Opera has announced its 2024 Summer Recital Series lineup in collaboration with Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage.

The recital series will feature performances in all five boroughs. The first recital on June 18 will be in the heart of Manhattan at SummerStage in Central Park. Soprano, Leah Hawkins, tenor, Mario Chang and bass-baritone, Michael Sumuel will take to the stage to kick off the recitals. Opera fans can bring chairs and blankets to enjoy the free concerts.

The first Met opera house opened in 1883 by a group of wealthy businessmen. It wasn’t until 1966, when the Met joined the other New York arts institutions, that the opera house in Lincoln Center opened. This theater was better equipped with the technology needed for a metropolitan experience. In order to expand its audience, the opera house introduced its The Met: Live in HD in 2006, bringing the opera experience to cinemas across the country. In another effort to expand its audience, the Met brought its work to parks around NYC.

The first Summer Recital Series happened in 2009. The idea was to bring music to people who wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to experience an Opera. Since 2009, the Met singers have performed nearly every year with a break in 2020 and 2021 due to Covid.

June 18: CityParks SummerStage, Central Park—Manhattan
Leah Hawkins, Soprano
Mario Chang, Tenor
Michael Sumuel, Bass-Baritone
Dimitri Dover, Piano

June 20: Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 1—Brooklyn
Leah Hawkins, Soprano
Mario Chang, Tenor
Michael Sumuel, Bass-Baritone
Dimitri Dover, Piano

June 24: Jackie Robinson Park—Manhattan
Brittany Olivia Logan, Soprano
Hannah Jones, Mezzo-Soprano
Matthew Cairns, Tenor
Deborah Robertson, Piano

June 26: Williamsbridge Oval—Bronx
Brittany Olivia Logan, Soprano
Hannah Jones, Mezzo-Soprano
Matthew Cairns, Tenor
Deborah Robertson, Piano

June 28: Socrates Sculpture Park—Queens
Brittany Olivia Logan, Soprano
Hannah Jones, Mezzo-Soprano
Matthew Cairns, Tenor
Deborah Robertson, Piano

June 3, 2024

SummerStage Lineup Features Artists and Shows Across the 5 Boroughs

Capital One City Parks foundation SummerStage is back in 2024 with an exciting lineup of artists. Opening in Central Park, the SummerStage will host concerts across all five boroughs with a wide variety of acts.

Free concerts will feature exciting up and coming artists, along with rock legend Kim Gordon and acclaimed jazz group Sun Ra Arkestra. Benefit concerts include The Gaslight Anthem, Ethel Cain, and Trixie Mattel, to name a few.

SummerStage is one of NYC’s most beloved music series, offering New Yorkers up to 80 free and benefit shows a year. For 38 years, SummerStage has been a beloved festival celebrating New York’s cultural heritage. New York’s history of jazz will be highlighted, as well as celebrating the birth of Hip-Hop. Neighborhood parks hosting SummerStage include multiple locations in all five boroughs. Tompkins Square Park, Marcus Garvey Park, Crotona Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park, and Flushing Meadows are among the many parks hosting SummerStage.

This season, SummerStage will showcase female artists pushing boundaries in the music industry, including Andra Day, Kim Gordon, Arooj Aftab, Sister Nancy, and Alcione. A spotlight will also be placed on multiple generations of jazz artists. Drummer Yussef Dayes will take the stage with vocalist and bassist Aneesa Strings.

Buddy Guy performs at Summerstage 2023 – photo by Rob Tellerman

This year’s festivals will continue to honor New York as the birthplace of Hip-Hop. In Bed-Stuy’s Herbert Von King Park, MIKE’s Young World festival will return with an exciting lineup of artists, including Earl Sweatshirt. Hip-Hop legends The Pharcyde, MC Ghostface Killah, and Slick Rick are featured in this season’s exciting lineup.

This season promises New Yorkers a wide array of artists, both local and international. A trailer for the 2024 season of SummerStage is available below.

Summerstage 2024 Concert Dates

Date	Venue	Artist	Type of Show
Fri, May 17	Central Park	James Arthur	Benefit
Sat, Jun 1	Central Park	OPENING NIGHT: Andra Day in association with Blue Note Jazz Festival Subaru Music Series	Free
Sat, Jun 8	Central Park	KES	Benefit
Thu, Jun 13	Central Park	Kim Gordon / Sun Ra Arkestra / Slauson Malone 1 Subaru Music Series	Free
Sat, Jun 15	Central Park	THE AUSSIE BBQ: Jebediah / Last Dinosaurs / Northeast Party House / Sheppard / Sycco / Thelma Plum in Association with Sounds Australia and the American Australian Association	Free
Sat, Jun 15	Coney Island Amphitheater	Andy Montañez / Charlie Cruz / People of Earth / La Mega DJ in association with 97.9 La Mega	Free
Sun, Jun 16	Central Park	Corinne Bailey Rae / Dixson in association with Blue Note Jazz Festival	Free
Tue, Jun 18	Central Park	The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital featuring Leah Hawkins, Mario Chang, Michael Sumuel	Free
Wed, Jun 19	Central Park	Masego / Jordan Ward	Benefit
Thu, Jun 20	Brooklyn Bridge Park	The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital featuring Leah Hawkins, Mario Chang, Michael Sumuel	Free
Sat, Jun 22	Central Park	The Yussef Dayes Experience / Aneesa Strings / Dana and Alden in association with Blue Note Jazz Festival	Free
Sun, Jun 24	Central Park	T-Pain’s Mansion in Wiscansin Tour	Benefit
Mon, Jun 24	Jackie Robinson Park	The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital featuring Brittany Olivia Logan, Hannah Jones, Matthew Cairns	Free
Wed, Jun 26	Williamsbridge Oval	The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital featuring Brittany Olivia Logan, Hannah Jones, Matthew Cairns	Free
Wed, Jun 26	Central Park	Caifanes + Café Tacvba	Benefit
Thu, Jun 27	Central Park	Ethel Cain with Special Guest Teethe	Benefit
Fri, Jun 28	Socrates Sculpture Park	The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital featuring Brittany Olivia Logan, Hannah Jones, Matthew Cairns	Free
Sat, Jun 28	Central Park	Utopia Pride: Above & Beyond and Spencer Brown	Benefit
Sat, Jun 29	Central Park	Pride Disco with Trixie Mattel, Amanda Lepore, and Jess King	Benefit
Sun, Jun 30	Central Park	Dreamland Pride	Benefit
Mon, Jul 1	Central Park	Madison Cunningham / LA LOM / John-Robert / Corrente: Beatriz Mira & Tiago Barreiros	Free
Sun, Jul 7	Central Park	Ezra Collective / Celeste / Da Chick DJ in association with Blue Note Jazz Festival	Free
Sun, Jul 7	Coney Island Amphitheater	Federation Sound 25th Anniversary featuring Sister Nancy / Tanto Metro & Devonte and friends	Free
Wed, Jul 10	Central Park	LAMC and Latin GRAMMY 25th Anniversary: Fonseca / Israel Fernández / Bruses	Free
Thu, Jul 11	Central Park	Counting Crows Subaru Music Series	Benefit
Thu, Jul 11	Herbert Von King Park	Works & Process: It’s Showtime NYC! / Maimouna Keita African Dance Company / Kash Gaines’s Caged Birds	Free
Fri, Jul 12	Herbert Von King Park	Sounds of Detroit: Celebrating 50 years of J Dilla feat. The Pharcyde / Slum Village / Breakbeat Lou in association with Fusicology & Future x Sounds	Free
Sat, Jul 13	Central Park	LAMC: BRESH	Free
Sun, Jul 14	Herbert Von King Park	Lineup TBD	Free
Sun, Jul 14	Coney Island Amphitheater	GOLDEN OLDIES ON THE BOARDWALK: Oldies is Back in Brooklyn Feat. The Platters former lead singer Frank Pizarro / Charlie Thomas’ Drifters with Jeff Hall / The Marvelettes / Bill Haley Jr’s Comets / Johnny Farina / The Excellents / The Chiclettes / Vinnie Medugno / Hosted by Joe Causi WCBS FM and Sal Abbatiello Fever Records / Music by The Coda Band	Free
Sun, Jul 14	Central Park	Bastille Day: IAM / Magic System / The Avener / Laurie Darmon / Femi the Scorpion in association with the Consulate General of France	Free
Wed, Jul 17	Central Park	The Saw Doctors / The Coronas	Benefit
Sat, Jul 20	Flushing Meadows- Corona Park	DJ Rekha’s Basement Bhangra Beyond: Priya Ragu / DJ Rekha / Ami Dang / Lady Pista + Guests	Free
Sun, Jul 21	Flushing Meadows- Corona Park	Lineup to be announced
Sun, Jul 21	Central Park	Proyecto Uno / Milly Quezada / DJ Miquelito & Excarlet Molina in association with 97.9 La Mega	Free
Wed, Jul 27	Central Park	Arooj Aftab / Sid Sriram / EMEL	Free
Sat, Jul 27	Central Park	Piano People in the Park: Scorpion Kings / DBN GoGo / Kelvin MoMo / DJ Moma / DJ Tunez	Benefit
Sun, Jul 28	Central Park	Catalan Sounds On Tour: Sidonie / Balkan Paradise Orchestra / Lau Noah / DJ Turmix in association with the Institut Ramon Llull	Free
Wed, Jul 31	Central Park	Elevation Worship: Praise Party!	Benefit
Thu, Aug 1	Crotona Park	Chuck Chillout 40th Radio Anniversary Party: Ice T / MOP / Schoolly D / Peter Gunz & Lord Tariq / Super Lover Cee & Casanova Rud / CL Smooth / Joeski Love / D.J. Breakout / Funky Four + 1 More / Ultramagnetic MCs / DJ Chuck Chillout & Kool Chip / NINE / Al B. Sure! / Music by Funk Flex / Hosted By Ralph McDaniels & Bugsy Buggs	Free
Thu, Aug 1	Central Park	Blue Note Presents: Robert Glasper Featuring Yebba	Benefit
Fri, Aug 2	Crotona Park	Tedsmooth’s Freestyle Jam feat. Coro / C-Bank / DJ Serg / Anthony Mangini / Tedsmooth / Strafe	Free
Sat, Aug 3	Central Park	The Originals	Free
Sat, Aug 3	Crotona Park	King Promise / Dan Price the Artist / DJ Faddah in association with GhanaFest-NY	Free
Sun, Aug 4	Crotona Park	Lineup to be announced	Free
Sun, Aug 4	Central Park	Galactic featuring Irma Thomas / The Rumble featuring Chief Joseph Boudreaux Jr	Free
Sun, Aug 4	Coney Island Amphitheater	NEMS Presents: GORILLAFEST Featuring Ghostface Killah / DJ Drewski & Friends / Statik Selektah / Scram Jones / Tony Touch and Friends	Free
Thu, Aug 8	Central Park	David Cross and Super Pals featuring Bob Odenkirk, Sarah Silverman, Fred Armisen, Zach Zucker, Sean Patton and more TBA	Benefit
Sat, Aug 10	Central Park	VP Records 45th Anniversary	Free
Sun, Aug 11	Coney Island Amphitheater	WBLS 50th Anniversary Celebration: Jon B / Vivian Green / Meli’sa Morgan / Horace Brown / Jeff Redd / Funk Flex	Free
Sun, Aug 11	Stapleton Waterfront Amphitheater	Lineup to be announced	Free
Thu, Aug 15	Marcus Garvey Park	Lineup to be announced	Free
Fri, Aug 16	Marcus Garvey Park	Lineup to be announced	Free
Sat, Aug 17	Central Park	Palmwine Festival NYC: Show Dem Camp feat. The Cavemen & Friends in association with Move Forward Music	Free
Sat, Aug 17	Marcus Garvey Park	The Soapbox Presents: The Life of the Party	Free
Sun, Aug 18	Marcus Garvey Park	Special Uptown Edition: Celebrating 40 years of Red Alert & Ralph McDaniels Video Music Box	Free
Sun, Aug 18	Central Park	Funk Flex Birthday Party with Live performances by Slick Rick, Dana Dane, Doug E. Fresh, DJ Maseo & Funk Flex	Free
Wed, Aug 21	Central Park	The Gaslight Anthem / Joyce Manor / Pinkshift	Benefit
Thu, Aug 22	Central Park	Brazilian Day: Alcione / Larissa Luz / DJ Malfeitona / Film screening: “Gerson King Combo” in association with 28th Inffinito Brazilian Film Festival	Free
Fri, Aug 23	Central Park	Hip-Hop Is The LOML Tour: The Roots ft. Jungle Brothers / Digable Planets Subaru Music Series	Benefit
Fri, Aug 23	Marcus Garvey Park	Charlie Parker Jazz Festival: Christian McBride Big Band / Wallace Roney Jr in partnership with Jazzmobile	Free
Sat, Aug 24	Marcus Garvey Park	Charlie Parker Jazz Festival: Carmen Lundy / Helen Sung / Isaiah Collier & the Chosen Few / Tyreek McDole / DJ KulturedChild aka Angelika Beener	Free
Sun, Aug 25	Tompkins Square Park	Charlie Parker Jazz Festival: Louis Hayes / SuperBlue: Kurt Elling & Charlie Hunter ft. Huntertones / Ekep Nkwelle / Alexis Lombre / DJ KulturedChild aka Angelika Beener	Free
Tue, Aug 27	Central Park	Snail Mail / Tim Heidecker / Fenne Lily	Free
Mon, Sep 9	Central Park	WNYC and Friends Centennial Celebration	Free
Sun, Oct 20	Coney Island Amphitheater	The Chol Hamoed Spectacular: The Yeshiva Boys Choir presented in association with EG productions	Free

June 3, 2024

Owner and CEO of Lounge Studios in NYC Walt Randall Announces New Game-Changing Surround Sound Company, Spatio

In an upcoming interview with NYS Music, owner and CEO of Lounge Studios in Manhattan Walt Randall revealed that he is starting a new surround sound company for his studio called Spatio. The company will launch during the first week of June and allow independent artists to record their music in Atmos Spatial Audio. This new surround-sound format allows for a more realistic and immersive recording experience.

The Dolby-Certified Solaris Room is the latest addition to Lounge Studios where artists will record their music in Atmos Spatial Audio. Credit: Walt Randall.

However, this new format is pricey and creates roadblocks for independent artists.

“All major labels make it mandatory to release Atmos, but it’s too expensive for independent artists. The going rate is between $500-$1500/song. This makes it impossible for independent musicians to get their songs done in Atmos Spatial Audio,” Randall said.

Randall realized what an obstacle this posed for independent artists, and decided to do something about it at Lounge.

“When I realized that this amazing format would pose insurmountable obstacles to independent artists, it became my mission to even the playing field”, Randall said.

Randall described the process of making Atmos Spatial Audio more accessible to independent artists.

“I started by building one of only three Dolby Certified, Atmos Studios in Manhattan. I then developed proprietary software systems that would help speed up the mixing process. Lastly, I trained some of Lounge Studios’ best engineers to work with Spatio,” Randall said.

Randall added, “To date, we have done Atmos mixes for every major record label and have done some of the biggest stars in every genre of music, including The Wallows and Lil Baby.”

Randall emphasized what a big deal Spatio will be for rising musicians.

“It’s going to be huge for independent artists and will change the playing field.”

June 2, 2024
Eddie Palmieri Salsa Orchestra to Play in Bryant Park

New York City’s Bryant Park has added Eddie Palmieri Salsa Orchestra presented by Harlem Stage to their 2024 Picnic Performances lineup on Thursday, September 12 at 7 PM.

Joined by his 13-piece band, Salsa Orchestra, 10-time Grammy winner Eddie Palmieri will commence Harlem Stage’s 2024-2025 season. This show is presented in partnership with the Bryant Park Picnic Performances.

Eddie Palmieri is regarded as one of the greatest pianists. In addition to piano, he is a bandleader and composer of Salsa and Latin Jazz. His music perfectly encapsulates his Puerto Rican Heritage while honoring his Harlem culture. With his musical accomplishments and innovation over his 60-year career, Palmieri and the band will certainly bring a spectacular performance to the series’ final weekend.

Photo Credit: Ryan Muir.

The Picnic Performances are a free concert series held in Bryant Park and sponsored by Bank Of America. The series gives diverse artists a performance platform as well as exposure to new audiences. Entry is on a first-come, first-served basis, and audience members can borrow blankets and chairs. The shows will be on from May 31 to September 13.

Likewise, Harlem Stage is a cultural arts center with a rich history of supporting the visions and creativity of artists of color. Their partnership with Bryant Park Picnic Performances significantly contributes to their mission of providing a safe community for artists.

Bryant Park Picnic Performances 2024 Lineup

May

May 31: New York City Opera – Puccini Celebration

June

June 01: New York City Opera – Puccini Celebration

June 06: Contemporary Dance – Naomi Funaki + Jared Alexander Featuring Ayodele Casel, Sidra Bell, It’s Showtime NYC!, National Dance Institute

June 07: Contemporary Dance – David Dorfman Dance, Soles of Duende, Joffrey Concert Group, Frank Sinatra School of the Arts

June 14: Contemporary Dance – Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE, Robin Dunn’s ‘SHOUT,’ Kevin Wynn Tribute, Brooklyn Arts

June 21: Jazzmobile – Sarah Vaughan Centennial Featuring Charenée Wade

June 28: Emerging Music Festival Day 1 – Chanel Beads, Mei Semones, Los Esplifs

June 29: Emerging Music Festival Day 2 – Horsegirl, Hannah Jadagu, Bloomsday, Greg Mendez, @

July

July 05: Carnegie Hall Citywide – Tania León and The Harlem Chamber Players

July 12: Carnegie Hall Citywide – Thandiswa Mazwai

July 19: Carnegie Hall Citywide – Louis Cato

July 26: Carnegie Hall Citywide – Michael Olatuja & Lagos Pepper Soup

August

August 02: Carnegie Hall Citywide – La Excelencia

August 09: Joe’s Pub – Broadway en Spanglish: Florencia Cuenca and Jaime Lozano

August 10: New Victory Theater – Ephrat Asherie Dance + Barkin/Selissen Project

August 16: World Music Institute – Gyedu-Blay Ambolley, Natu Camara

August 17: Jalopy Theatre – Cristina Vane, Slavic Soul Party!, Guachinangos

August 23: New York City Opera – Tosca

August 24: New York City Opera – Tosca

August 30: Asian American Arts Alliance – Vijay Iyer Trio

August 31: Contemporary Dance – Mark Morris Dance Group, Blacks in Ballet, Reed Luplau

September

September 05: Accordions Around the World – Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers, Afro Dominicano, Lakou Mizik

September 06: American Symphony Orchestra – Beyond the Hall

September 12: Harlem Stage – Eddie Palmieri Salsa Orchestra

September 13: The Town Hall + Belongó – The Man with The Golden Horn

For the most current performance information please visit bryantpark.org/picnics.

June 1, 2024
Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats Announce MSG Concert

Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats have announced a US Arena Tour, including a NYC date at Madison Square Garden. This tour celebrates the group’s fourth studio album South of Here, which releases June 28.

Nathaniel Rateliff is a Denver-based singer-songwriter renowned for his gruff voice and songwriting prowess. Rateliff’s group The Night Sweats hit the mainstream with their gold-certified 2015 self-titled debut. Since his breakout, Rateliff has collaborated with folk legends, including Paul Simon and Willie Nelson. Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant has lauded Rateliff’s music, calling him “one of these guys that will just carry the torch. Beautiful songwriting, beautiful singing, great delivery.” Rateliff is already carrying that torch, inspiring a new generation of folk artists, including stars Noah Kahan and Orville Peck. Across their 3 studio albums, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats have grown their catalog, and honed their dynamic performances.

In the lead to their national tour, the band is releasing their fourth studio album South of Here. This new album reckons with love, loss, and hope during a life full of trauma. The songs bear Rateliff’s soul through his vivid storytelling, and the Night Sweat’s R&B-influenced Americana instrumentals. Rateliff hopes “these songs and stories give you an opportunity to better understand your own struggles whatever they may be.” The band collaborated with producer Brad Cook, straight off work with Waxahachie and Bon Ives, to engineer the album. The album is set to release June 28 via Stax.

The album’s lead single “Heartless” has already hit #1 on Americana radio and #5 on Triple A Charts. Accompanying this single is a new music video directed by the award-winning Kimberly Stuckwisch. Stuckwisch, who has previously worked with Olivia Rodrigo, based the video around the idea of finding freedom through arts. She says ” “Growing up in an impoverished part of Kentuckiana I often found myself running away from my upbringing diving headfirst into books, studies, writing, and theater.” This music video plays into Rateliff’s lyrical themes about moving out West from his childhood hometown in Missouri.

This arena tour comes after a 2022 sold-out concert at Denver’s Ball Arena, which launched their career to new heights. Starting on August 15 in Oregon, the band will snake their way Eastward across the country, before closing out the tour with a MSG show on March 27.

NATHANIEL RATELIFF & THE NIGHT SWEATS LIVE

August 15—Bend, OR—Hayden Homes Amphitheater

August 16—Boise, ID—Outlaw Field

August 20—Morrison, CO—Red Rocks Amphitheatre

August 21—Morrison, CO—Red Rocks Amphitheatre

October 22—Houston, TX—713 Music Hall

October 23—Dallas, TX—The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory

October 26—Austin, TX—Moody Center

October 29—Rogers, AR—Walmart Amphitheater

October 30—St. Louis, MO—Chaifetz Arena

November 1—Chicago, IL—United Center

November 2—St. Paul, MN—Excel Center

March 27, 2025—New York, NY—Madison Square Garden

Presale for Nathaniel Ratecliff & The Night Sweat’s MSG concert begins Tuesday, June 4th at 10am. General on-sale will begin June 7th at 10am. The band also offers a “Marigold upgrade” for their NYC concert tickets, providing access to an intimate pre-show cocktail lounge, and a limited edition concert print. The proceeds from these upgrades support the band’s Marigold Project, dedicated to promoting economic, social, and racial justice.

For more information on tour dates and ticketing, visit the band’s website here.

May 31, 2024
New Sean Lippin Single, “Run Away” Offers a Sonic Escape from the Everyday

Sean Lippin unveils a vibrant new single “Run Away” that speaks to the ever-common human sentiment of wanting to escape the dullness of daily life. The Westchester-born singer’s brand of emotional lyrics and upbeat vocals promises to resonate with all in this new track, now available on all streaming platforms.

“Run Away” is a heartfelt exploration of the universal desire to break free of the pressures of modern life and find solace in freedom. Lippin pens lyrics reflecting on the everyday struggles of maintaining sanity in a world driven by constant pressure to perform and succeed. Amidst all that is expected of us, he wonders if we ever still “stop and see the sights” or if the rush of daily life causes us to miss them entirely.

Such lyrics of wondering and questioning build up to an energetic chorus that breaks away from this narrative. Lippin takes the song –and its listener– away from these monotonous routines to a place free of care.

Born and raised in the lower Hudson Valley region, Sean Lippin writes and sings original songs that reflect his environment and unique experiences. Sean seeks to strike a balance between being a city kid and nature lover in his songs, such as “Hazy Day” and his previous release, “Nothing on Our Minds.” Sean engages his audience with backstories from his own life while weaving imagery of nature and values of friendship and family.

Produced by the acclaimed Matt Graff at The Koop Studio, “Run Away” boasts a rich sonic landscape that blends elements of indie, folk, and pop rock into Lippin’s storytelling. Reflecting on the inspiration behind the song, Lippin shares, “‘Run Away’ is about breaking free from the shackles of society and embracing the true essence of who we are. It’s a reminder to follow our hearts and escape reality fearlessly.”

More information about Sean Lippin and his music here.

UPCOMING SHOWS
5/23 – Lucy’s – Pleasantville, NY

6/1 – RiverArts Music Tour – Hastings, NY
6/7 – Argonne Rose Brewery – Mohegan Lake, NY

7/6 – Saratoga Farmers’ Market – Saratoga Springs, NY

7/13 – Unified Beerworks – Malta, NY

Sean Lippin set at The Bitter End, 2022

May 30, 2024
Queens Jazz Orchestra Honors Legend, Albert “Tootie” Heath

On June 28, 2024 at 8 PM, Flushing Town Hall will present The Queens Jazz Orchestra – A Concert for “Tootie” Heath. The event pays tribute to the late jazz luminary, Albert “Tootie” Heath, who passed away last April 3, just shy of 90 years-old.

Albert “Tootie” Heath was the last living Heath Brother, America’s most prominent jazz siblings who were all recipients of the title NEA Jazz Master, the nation’s highest honor in jazz. Tootie was the drummer with drummer of his family band and later with the Modern Jazz Quartet. He performed with some of the most prolific and best-known musicians in jazz, starting with Thelonious Monk and John Coltrane. Tootie was the drummer for Nina Simone’s first album, Little Girl Blue, and also played with virtuosos such as J.J. Johnson, Herbie Hancock, Benny Golson, Dexter Gordon, Art Farmer, Cannonball Adderley, Ethan Iverson, and Wes Montgomery.

In 2018, Tootie received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Jazz Foundation of America for his exceptional musical career and work as an educator. Beyond performing, he dedicated his life to clinics, workshops. For over 30 years, he was an instructor at the Stanford Jazz Workshop summer camps and played at colleges and universities nationwide.

Founded in 2008, Queens Jazz Orchestra (QJO) is a 17-piece orchestra dedicated to preserving the heritage of jazz in Queens and nurturing the next generations of great jazz musicians. It is a project of Flushing Town Hall and was the brainchild of Tootie’s brother, Jimmy Heath, and Flushing Town Hall’s Jazz Producer, Clyde Bullard. Tootie and his brothers performed at the Town Hall several times and will be honored “with him in mind and with love” in the upcoming concert and pre-show event to “share favorite memories of Tootie and his music,” says Bullard.

The QJO will perform at Flushing Town Hall on Friday, June 28 at 8 PM ET. The free, pre-concert reception will be open for concert ticket holders at 7 PM.

For more upcoming events at Flushing Town Hall, visit this website.

May 30, 2024

Category: NYC Metro

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