NYS Music 2024

Category: NYC Metro

  • Artist Lineup Set for Crosby, Stills & Nash Tribute at Carnegie Hall

    The last round of artists has been added to tomorrow night’s tribute to the music of Crosby, Stills & Nash at Carnegie Hall. Steve Earle, Guster, A.C. Newman (of the New Pornographers), and Sarah Jarosz are set to join a star-studded lineup that will pay tribute to the iconic rock band. The show is also set to raise proceeds to support music education for kids.

    Crosby, Stills & Nash

    It promises to be another successful Music Of tribute concert, produced by Michael Dorf Presents. This last round of artists will combine with Todd Rundgren, Grace Potter, Taylor Meier of Caamp, Yola, Iron & Wine, Rickie Lee Jones, Joseph, Shawn Colvin, Real Estate, Aoife O’Donovan, Neal Francis, and Sammy Rae of Sammy Rae & The Friends to bring their interpretations of both Crosby, Stills & Nash and their respective solo careers to Carnegie Hall.

    The evening will also feature a special performance by Music Will (formerly Little Kids Rock), a beneficiary of the Music Of Series, further highlighting the series’ commitment to support music education initiatives for children across communities.

    To be a part of this incredible evening at Carnegie Hall, celebrating the music that David, Stephen, and I created together, is a profound honor. I look forward to seeing a diverse and talented group of artists perform our songs. Music has always been about connection, about sharing stories and emotions that resonate with each other. This event allows us to relive those connections and support a cause close to our hearts—music education.

    ~ Graham Nash

    With Nash scheduled to be in attendance, the concert’s performances will be anchored by a house band of remarkable talent, led by Todd Caldwell and featuring Adam Minkoff, Michelle Willis, Thad DeBrock, Chris Bruce, and Josh Dion.  Founder of the Music Of series, Michael Dorf notes, “This extraordinary lineup coming together to celebrate the enduring music of Crosby, Stills & Nash at Carnegie Hall is truly remarkable. It’s not just about paying homage to these icons; it’s about investing in the future of music and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to explore the transformative power of music.”

    Tickets and VIP Packages are currently available at musicof.org

  • Punk Rock Mini-Golf Returns to Staten Island

    Punk Rock Mini-Golf is returning to Staten Island’s Maker Park from June 1-2 and June 1-8. The event is celebrating four years of providing Staten Island with mini-golf and live music.

    Punk Rock Mini-Golf begins June 1

    The event’s main draw is its 9-hole mini-golf course dedicated to punk rock legends. Each hole celebrates a legendary punk rock act, such as the Cramps, Bad Brains, and the Clash. The course features artwork by local Staten Island artists with new additions being made every year. Alongside mini-golf, the event will feature live performances from local punk bands starting at 6 PM each night. 

    On top of golf and live music, the event will feature food and drinks from local vendors. Bearded Barbecue and The Burrito Bar will provide food, and Flagship Brewery and Killsboro Brewery will provide beverages. 

    The event is hosted by Maker Park Radio, a non-profit radio station centered in Staten Island. Since 2017, Maker Park has provided a safe space for discussion of the arts and a medium for up-and-coming artists and musicians. Maker Park is a 100% volunteer-based organization, helping to spread music awareness, and providing professional workshops for the community. Proceeds from this event will go to supporting Maker Park Radio’s continued community involvement.

    “I love seeing families with kids of varied ages walking in looking skeptical, and walking out with big smiles on their faces.”

    – Kristin Wallace, Maker Park Radio Founder

    Event Schedule

    Saturday June 1

    3:00 – 6:00 PM: Golf 

    6:00 PM: Bands Start

    Mary Shelley – Danceable punk rock from Brooklyn-based trio

    Dead Tooth – Buzzworthy Brooklyn post-punk

    The Dracu-Las – Surfy garage-punk and power-pop from Jersey City

    Engine Hymns – Melodic hardcore from Staten Island

    Sunday June 2

    3:00 – 6:00 PM: Golf

    6:00 PM: Bands Start

    Murphy’s Law – Astoria-based NYCH band

    Goddamn Wrecks – Country-punk from Staten Island

    My So-Called Mixtape – 1990s pop cover band from Staten Island

    Paper Lanterns – NY/NJ Green Day tribute band

    Saturday June 8

    3:00 – 6:00 PM: Golf

    6:00 PM: Bands Start

    Andy Ellison and the Maker Park Radio Stars Ft. Boz Boorer

    The Lookout Honeys – fierce New York City rock

    Big Bliss – Melodic Brooklyn post-punk trio

    The Challenged – Classic NYC punk

    Sunday  June 9

    3:00 – 6:00 PM: Golf

    6:00 PM: Bands Start

    Straight to Hell – Raucous and tight The Clash tribute band from NYC

    Goo Goo Fux – The Cramps tribute band

    So Last Summer – NYC pop-punk/emo cover band

    Woof Woof – Underground rock ‘n’ roll from Flushing

    Punk Rock Mini-Golf is an all ages event that welcomes all regardless of mini-golf skills. One day entry for $15 provides visitors with unlimited putt-putt and concert access. Four day passes are also available for $40. Kids under 10 years old can enter for free. 

    For More information, visit the Maker Park Radio website here.

  • Punk Extravaganza With Social Distortion and Bad Religion At The Rooftop At Pier 17

    On May 8, The Rooftop at Pier 17 in New York City, with its breathtaking backdrop of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Empire State Building, witnessed an electrifying event as two iconic punk rock bands, Social Distortion and Bad Religion, took the stage as part of their co-headlining 2024 tour.

    Pier 17, perched five stories above the East River, has become renowned for its dynamic open-air atmosphere since its opening in 2018, making it the perfect setting for a night of raw, energetic music.

    What made this particular show even more special was the reunion of these two legendary bands, who first played together in 1980 and now, 43 years later, embarked on an epic nationwide tour. The journey to this momentous occasion was not without its challenges, as in June of 2023, Mike Ness of Social Distortion revealed his diagnosis of tonsil cancer, prompting the postponement of the tour. However, after undergoing surgery, Ness and the band were back on their feet, ready to deliver an unforgettable performance.

    Kicking off the evening was Lovecrimes, a band led by Julian Ness, son of Mike Ness, who inherited his father’s talent for delivering gritty, soulful vocals. With Trevor Lucca on guitar, Collin Schlesinger on bass, and Josh Roossin on drums, Lovecrimes set the stage on fire with their high-energy set, featuring tracks like “Sabotage,” “I’m Your Ghost,” and “Lovesick,” setting the perfect tone for the night ahead.

    As the anticipation reached its peak, Social Distortion took to the stage, led by the incomparable Mike Ness on vocals and guitar. Joined by Jonny Wickersham on guitar, Brent Harding on bass, David Kalish on keys, and David Hidalgo Jr. on drums, Social Distortion unleashed a barrage of hits, including “Bad Luck,” “Mommy’s Little Monster,” “Ball and Chain,” and their iconic rendition of “Ring of Fire.” The crowd was fully immersed in the raw energy and emotion that is quintessentially Social Distortion.

    Closing out the night was Bad Religion, with Greg Graffin commanding the stage with his powerful vocals, backed by Brian Baker and Mike Dimkich on guitars, Jay Bentley on bass, and Jamie Miller on drums. Their set was a relentless onslaught of punk anthems, featuring classics like “No Control,” “Recipe for Hate,” “Struck a Nerve,” and culminating in an explosive performance of “American Jesus.” The crowd erupted into a frenzy, with a massive mosh pit forming in the center and fans surfing the sea of excitement.

    As the final chords faded into the night, it was evident that Social Distortion and Bad Religion had delivered a show for the ages. For the fans who had waited 43 years for this moment, it was a night they would never forget—a celebration of punk rock’s enduring spirit and the power of music to unite and ignite the soul. And as the lights dimmed over the iconic skyline of New York City, the echoes of punk rock reverberated through the air, leaving a lasting impression on all who were fortunate enough to bear witness to this historic event at The Rooftop at Pier 17.

    Bad Religion Setlist: The Defense, No Control, Leave Mine To Me, Suffer, Anesthesia, Fuck You, Beyond Electric Dreams, Recipe For Hate, Drunk Sincerity, I Want to Conquer the World, 21st Century (Digital Boy), New Dark Ages, Struck a Nerve, Do What You Want, My Sanity, Lookin’ In, Generator, Sorrow, You, Fuck Armageddon…This Is Hell, Los Angeles is Burning, American Jesus

    Social D Setlist: Bad Luck, Through These Eyes, I Wasn’t Born to Follow, Tonight, Mommy’s Little Monster, The Creeps, Hour of Darkness, 1945, All Over You, Warn Me, Reach For the Sky, Ball and Chain, Born to Kill, Ring of Fire

    Lovecrimes Setlist: Sabotage, Halfway Heart, Stay With Me, All Alone, Lost in a Minute, I’m Your Ghost, Hold Me Back Again, Harbor Blvd, Lovesick

  • Dark Star Orchestra Announce More Summer Dates – Shows at Wonderland Forest, Pier 17, Frog Alley and Innovative Field in Rochester

    Dark Star Orchestra, one of the country’s premier Grateful Dead tribute bands, have finalized their U.S. summer touring schedule. The tour will span both coasts and everything in between, and the band’s August slate now contains shows all throughout New York State.

    Dark Star Orchestra summer

    Along the tour, Dark Star Orchestra is going to be performing some special this summer. For the July 21 show at the Stone Pony Summer Stage in Asbury Park, NJ the band announced today they will be recreating the Dead’s epic 9/3/77 show from nearby Englishtown, NJ. “Its proximity, only 25 miles from Asbury Park, and the fact that it was an epic outdoor show, made sense for us to choose,” notes DSO bassist Skip Vangelas.  “It’s a classic show in the GD world and one that New Jerseyans, whether Deadhead or not have never forgotten!”

    A few weeks later, the band is scheduled to play Wonderland Forest in Lafayette, NY on August 9 and 10. The newly established venue located just south of Syracuse will also play host to the Biscoland festival this summer. DSO will also play The Rooftop at Pier 17 on August 11, Innovative Field in Rochester on August 21 and the Frog Alley Summer Stage in Schenectady the following day on August 22.

    Special dates are dotted all throughout the summer tour, including the band’s debut at the Greek Theatre in Berkeley, CA on July 13. It marks a celebration of 40 years of the Rex Foundation and the benefit performance will see DSO offer a 40-years-to-the-day recreation of the Dead’s 7/13/84 performance from The Greek Theatre.

    More information and links to ticketing info can be found here.

  • Roc Marciano Leads the New School with Marciology [Prolific Penmanship]

    Underground hip-hop always outlasts the mainstream appeal. Look no further than Roc Marciano for the ultimate proof of talent mastery. Since the jump, Roc Marci sets out to fine-tune his pen along the road to craftsmanship. Steel sharpens steel and this man puts forth bodies of work that prove to be ironclad. Recently, he dropped Marciology which contains some serious gems.

    Leaders of the New School

    For those who know – Roc Marciano remains a lowkey legend. This latest release convinced fans that the ‘Marcberg’ era returned. Busta Rhymes discovered this man through ‘seven degrees of separation’ as Roc made a debut with aptly titled, ‘Marcberg in 2010. Fast forward to 2024 and Marciano continues to take dynamic groundbreaking approaches while crafting music. Consistency combined with continuous adaptation to the times exhibits the reason why this man stands the test of time.

    Masterfully, Roc produced the majority of Marciology. Add in Alchemist and Animoss for additional splashes on production and you have yourself a project. Keep scrolling to see which tracks took the cake on this all-time album.

    Roc Marciano

    Standout Tracks

    True Love – this song serves as an anthem type track. Sounds like it deserves to be blared throughout your hometown. Makes one want to celebrate winning achievements of any sorts. Truly a blessing of a song.

    Tapeworm – the most blare-worthy of any song on this entire list. Incredibly poignant placement from Animoss. Big fan of songs that have different versions of the chorus after each verse. Roc serves revolving door type hooks on this track and really makes a believer out of the listener. 

    Leflair – real old school vibe and a great song to kickback and relax. Sounds like it deserves to be performed by a grand orchestra. Makes one want to explore a Haunted House and escape unscathed. Definitely a top-tier track amidst a collection of brilliant songs.

    Phenomenal Philosophies

    For those who know – they know Roc Marciano and how much he has put on for the entire underground scene. Amongst underground circles, Roc Marciano continues to show and prove his highly earned ranking and stature as an emcee. He resonates greatly and sits atop the temple of lowkey legends. 

    Economically, not everyone manages to blend exuberance with agency and exigency quite like Roc Marci. Beneath the Marciology cover, his album has a mysterious handwritten note. Look closely and you may see a cult. Rather than focus on sorcery – try to interpret the reason he chose to spook the listener with the artwork. 

    Roc Marciano

    Never one to sacrifice the purity of his artwork – Roc flies so gracefully under the radar. Rather than sign a bogus contract – he would rather experiment with music to create according to the variable nature of the artwork. By branching out of his comfort zone – he continues to push the culture forward and leave massive imprints within the underground kingdom.

    Overall, this album turned out to be incredibly enjoyable. For those who have never heard from the likes of this man – now is your chance. His braggadocious nature combines swiftly with his smooth laid back raps. He strikes the right balance between just smooth enough to hit you in the heart and strong uptempo to get you going. 

  • Summer Fling tease debut album with single “Blissful Haze”

    Up-and-coming New York City funk-rock band Summer Fling has announced a new single “Blissful Haze” set to release on May 10. The single comes in the leadup to a new album set to release in late Summer.

    Summer Fling

    Singer-keyboardist Eddie Kam originally formed Summer Fling in Larchmont, NY before relocating to New York City. The group mixes chops learned from New York’s jazz conservatories with an eclectic blend of styles, ranging from indie-pop to funk, to forge an infectious sound. With a newly solidified lineup of seven recent college graduates, the band has torn up the live scene. They have played more than 35 gigs, even opening for names like They Might Be Giants and Spin Doctors. 

    “Blissful Haze” is a delightful song that accentuates Kam’s soulful vocals with wah-wah guitar and jazzy horns. The song’s lyrics explore the joys of a short-lived romance, with instrumentation that lends to the rosy, nostalgic atmosphere. On this track, Summer Fling’s jazz chops are on full display, crafting a smooth, yet complex pop-funk sound, with instrumentation reminiscent of Steely Dan.

    Summer Fling

    This new single comes in the leadup to a very busy season for Summer Fling. The band is currently recording their debut album, which explores pop, funk and yacht rock, for release in late Summer. 

    The band has also planned festival appearances and tour dates in New York City, Boston and Philadelphia. At these shows, Summer Fling are sure to spread their message of inclusivity, and some great music tackling themes ranging from heartbreak to fun romance. In Eddie Kam’s words “Fun, silliness and great musicianship are the only rules at a Summer Fling performance.”

    More information can be found at Summer Fling’s website and instagram.

  • Salsa Sundays at Orchard Beach in The Bronx Start Memorial Day Weekend

    Beginning Memorial Day weekend, Orchard Beach in the Bronx will hold its weekly Salsa Sundays dance party. Every Sunday until Labor Day weekend, New Yorkers can enjoy music, salsa dance, and concessions.

    Hundreds gather in a large cement dancing area every week to celebrate the various types of salsa dance. At Orchard Beach you can see many styles of Latin dance, whether it is mambo, cha-cha, or salsa. This event celebrates the diversity of The Bronx, drawing influence from Cuban, Caribbean and African rhythms, a lively and casual atmosphere, with people dancing amidst barbecues, roller skaters and swimmers. 

    Dancers at Salsa Sundays

    Salsa Sundays are a summer staple of the Bronx, taking place for over 50 years. This summer celebration reflects the Bronx’s importance to the history of salsa music.

    Salsa was born in the jazz clubs of the South Bronx in the 1950s. In these clubs, musicians mixed bolero, rumba and mambo to create a new genre called “salsa conciente.” This genre took the elements of latin music and incorporated lyrics that reflected the social issues plaguing The Bronx. In the late 1960s, Fania records was formed and pushed salsa into the mainstream with names like Hector Lavoe, Celia Cruz, and Bobby Valentin.

    Orchard beach is an especially important site in the history of salsa music. In 1936, Orchard Beach opened as a weekend and holiday destination for Bronx residents, quickly becoming a hub for the borough’s Puerto Rican residents. As one of the only desegregated public spaces in the city, Orchard Beach became a melting pot for music. Visitors from across New York City went to Orchard beach to hear a fusion of salsa, R&B and jazz. 

    An Aerial View of Orchard Beach, Bronx

    Orchard Beach quickly became a local gathering place, with salsa being a medium to build a sense of community. DJs Ernie Ensley and Carlos Santiago started the Salsa Sundays event to combine community, recreation and entertainment. Since its start, Salsa Sundays has been a place for the Bronx’s Latinx community to share their pride, love of music and sense of fun.  

    Salsa Sundays take place at Orchard Beach Area 5, giving visitors the chance to enjoy the nearby beach, boardwalk and ball courts. Consider bringing beach chairs, sunscreen, and coolers to best enjoy the summer weather during the event. 

    More details on scheduling and directions can be found here.

  • Ckord App: Find Live Music Near You

    Necessity is the mother of invention. In the case of Darko Mijatovic, the need to find live music locally led to the creation of Ckord, an app designed to bring together music lovers, support emerging artists and democratize music.

    A native of Serbia, Darko moved to Ridgewood, Queens in the 1990s, earned a degree in electrical engineering from SUNY Binghamton, and later moved to Long Island where he is a Sr. Director at an engineering firm.

    Always looking to find music in Queens or Nassau counties, the concept for the app came from his need to discover live music. The fully developed app now has the ability to get people out of their communities to find and support the arts.

    While some apps isolate you and keep you glued to your phone, Ckord aims to get people out, building community, and creating real memorable experiences, with a goal to bring venues and artists together.

    It looks really great to me. My first impressions are very positive and I’m going to keep using it going forward.

    Joseph – CKord user

    With big name artists getting the lion’s share of the attention and money, Darko notes there is no reason why balance isn’t possible, or why a great artist shouldn’t be able to live off of music alone. Thus, Ckord focuses on emerging artists and gives them the attention not available elsewhere. 

    Having lived the past three decades in New York, the Big Apple was the natural first place to start with the app, focusing on the greater NY Metro area, where more than 3,000 NYC events have been listed, with more than 1,000 artists utilizing the app already. Venues, as well as artists and users, will find Ckord to be an entirely free app to utilize for their benefit.

    Ckord also has lined up artists with whom they will work to capture a behind the scenes look at being an emerging music artist in NYC, among them are Nory, KLD Wave and Tucker Woods.

      Download Ckord from the App store. An Android version is in the works, while the web version is designed for use by mobile device.

    • Bryant Park Picnic Performances Feature Extensive Lineup of Latin Music this Summer

      Bryant Park has an exciting season of free, live Latin Picnic Performances lined up for the summer of 2024. From June 7 to September 13, you can expect paramount talent of Latin performers from around the globe.

      Bryant Park Picnic Performances

      Many of this season’s performances will livestream for free on Bryant Park’s social media channels and website, reaching national and international audiences. Food and drink are available for purchase from a curated lineup of local vendors near the lawn. At all performances, attendees can discover new dishes and celebrate classics from the five boroughs. A rotating line-up of artisanal vendors by Hester Street Fair welcomes all hungry fest-goers. Stout NYC offers light bites as well as a selection of beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages for purchase.

      All shows are free to the public and designed to be enjoyed casually. There are more than 700 picnic blankets for audience members to borrow and ample chairs available. A total of 22 Latin performances are set to hit Bryant Park this summer. Genres range from jazz to classical to funk and much more. This series of shows are free for the public and should not be missed.

      Bryant Park Picnic Performances

      Bryant Park Latin Picnic Performances 2024

      June

      June 07: Contemporary Dance – David Dorfman Dance, Soles of Duende, Joffrey Concert Group

      June 14: Contemporary Dance – Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE, Robin Dunn and Friends, Kevin Wynn Tribute

      June 21: Jazzmobile – Sarah Vaughan Centennial Featuring Charenée Wade

      June 28: Emerging Music Festival Day 1 – Artists TBA

      June 29: Emerging Music Festival Day 2 – Artists TBA

      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, Artists TBA

      August 17: Jalopy Theatre – Artists TBA

      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, Artist TBA

      September 06: American Symphony Orchestra – Beyond the Hall

      September 12: Harlem Stage – Artist TBA

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

      For more information on the upcoming Bryant Park Picnic Performances, visit Bryant Park’s website or click here.

    • Governors Ball Announces After Dark Lineup

      The annual Governors Ball has released its After Dark lineup for this year’s festival. After Dark shows take place all around the New York Metro Area in the nights leading up to, during, and after Governors Ball.

      Governors Ball After Dark

      The After Dark festivities will start the night before Governors Ball kicks off with Teezo Touchdown performing at Irving Plaza, TV Girl (ft. Jordana) at Warsaw, Alex Chapman & Friends holding a single release party at Elsewhere Zone One, and The Thing x Telescreens at the Mercury Lounge.

      After Friday, June 7- night one of the festival, Farruko will perform at The Venue at the Hard Rock Hotel, Flo at the Sony Hall and Skizzy Mars (ft. Hotline TNT) at the Mercury Lounge.

      There will be one After Dark performance Saturday, June 8, with Ryan Beatty at the Bowery Ballroom, and one on Tuesday night, June 11, with d4vd at Irving Plaza.

      After Dark tickets are available at govball.com/afterdark.