World/roots duo Olatuja has announced the release of their latest single, “Ijo” which heralds their upcoming self-titled album, Olatuja set to release on May 31.
Olatuja is a duo comprised of Alicia and Michael Olatuja. “Ijo” fuses the rich heritage of Michael’s Yoruba culture, the evolving popular music of West Africa, and the gospel and jazz traditions that inform Alicia’s musicality. The two have played a prominent role in New York’s music scene for years. Their work spans the worlds of jazz, Broadway, soul, African music, film, and more.
The duo released their last album The Promise in 2011. The release of their self-titled album May 31 marks their first completed compilation since then. The track “Ijo” has been in genesis since the pandemic, and the duo are eager to share their combined talent with the world.
“Ijo” is a song heavily inspired by the music of West Africa. Its powerful bassline drives the music forward. The percussion is dynamic, the strings add a wonderful element, and the layered vocals make the track pop with life. The song is vibrant. Olatuja added several small elements along with large ones throughout.
You can hear horns, strings, percussion, and vocals in each sector of the tune. There is a rising action and a climax followed by a triumphant finish. “Ijo” is certainly a song that makes you want to move and sing. The track’s lyrical presence is strong, and it holds meaningful themes about not giving up in the face of hardship.
For more information on Olatuja, their past releases, and to stay up to date on upcoming music, click here.
Global superstar Pitbull has announced his upcoming “Party After Dark” tour beginning August 21 and wrapping up October 5. The tour sees five stops in New York including, SPAC, Jones Beach, Forest Hills Stadium, Darien Lake, and Syracuse.
The “Party After Dark” tour plans to hit over 25 cities across the U.S. with special guest T-Pain and openers SiriusXM Globalization DJ’S. Lil Jon is also set to make appearances at select markets. Mr. Worldwide is set to deliver another incredibly dynamic tour with an electrifying mix of his biggest career-spanning hits of instantly recognizable smashes and surprises.
The tour sees a stop at Forest Hills Stadium in Queens on August 25. Pitbull makes his way to Darien Lake Amphitheater in Buffalo on September 6. Empower FCU Amphitheater in Syracuse gets a visit on September 7, then SPAC the following night. Lastly, September 12 sees the tour’s last NY stop at Jones Beach Amphitheater in Long Island.
PARTY AFTER DARK TOUR DATES:
Wed Aug 21 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live
Fri Aug 23 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater
Sat Aug 24 – Hershey, PA – Hersheypark Stadium
Sun Aug 25 – Queens, NY – Forest Hills Stadium
Thu Aug 29 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center
Fri Aug 30 – Tinley Park, IL – Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre
Sat Aug 31 – Milwaukee, WI – American Family Insurance Amphitheater
Sun Sep 01 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center
Wed Sep 04 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre
Fri Sep 06 – Buffalo, NY – Darien Lake Amphitheater
Sat Sep 07 – Syracuse, NY – Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview
Sun Sep 08 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Broadview Stage at SPAC
Thu Sep 12 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health At Jones Beach Theater
Fri Sep 13 – Hartford, CT – Xfinity Theatre
Sat Sep 14 – Bangor, ME – Maine Savings Amphitheater
Sun Sep 15 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center
Wed Sep 18 – Burgettstown, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake
Thu Sep 19 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center
Sat Sep 21 – Ridgedale, MO – Thunder Ridge Nature Arena
Sun Sep 22 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
Wed Sep 25 – Salt Lake City, UT – Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre
Fri Sep 27 – Ridgefield, WA – RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater*
Sat Sep 28 – Auburn, WA – White River Amphitheatre
Thu Oct 03 – Chula Vista, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre*
Fri Oct 04 – Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre
Sat Oct 05 – Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater
*with Special Guest Lil Jon
Tickets go on sale beginning on Friday, April 26 at 10 AM at LiveNation.com. For more information on Pitbull’s upcoming “Party After Dark” tour click here.
Buddha Jams Yoga in Glen Cove, Long Island is proud to announce the first-ever Long Island Yoga Festival which begins June 21. The three-day event promises a unique lineup of yoga sessions, workshops, and soul-stirring live music.
The festival is birthed as a celebration of International Day of Yoga and the Summer Solstice. Renowned yoga masters Rodney Yee, Colleen Yee, Alan Finger, Sarah Platt Finger, Matthew Giordano, and more will grace the mats. The musical ensemble includes Kirtan Goddess Nina Rao and DJ Taz Rashid, who are set to elevate the festivities with their rhythms.
Guests can look forward to more than just yoga and music. The festival is a culmination of cultural experiences with food trucks, craft vendors, dance parties, drum circles, and more. This event is designed to be a microcosm of Buddha Jams Yogaâs philosophy. Buddha Jams aims to create a communal song where every individual’s voice finds harmony.
The studio is equipped with two stages and sophisticated sound systems that resonate with nearly 2,000 watts of sound. This is perfect for a range of events from live music yoga classes to intimate concerts. Buddha Jams Yoga is not just a place to practice yoga. The venue is a vibrant community space where every visit promises a new experience.
Each day of the Long Island Yoga Festival promises fun, unique, all-inclusive events to keep the community spiritually entertained. There are a range of tickets that include, “Music Only,” “Day Passes,” and “Weekend VIP.”
For more information on Buddha Jams’ Long Island Yoga Festival and to purchase tickets, click here.
The countdown to Governors Ball 2024 has begun, with over a month left until the iconic event. The schedule for the festival has been officially announce by the organizers on all platforms.
The first day, Friday, June 7, will end with performances by Post Malone and Labrinth. On Saturday, the day will conclude with The Killers and 21 Savage. SZA is set to deliver a unique performance on Sunday, marking a memorable end to the weekend.
See the full schedule and specific set times for each day of Governors Ball below. Don’t miss out – visit the festival’s website for all the details and get ready for an epic three days.
On Friday, the festivities commence with performances by local talents such as School of Rock: Queens gracing the main Verizon stage, while Arcy Drive takes the spotlight on the gopuff stage. Throughout the day, the stage comes alive with the captivating acts of Dominic Fike and Teezo Touchdown, building up anticipation for the headline performances by Post Malone and Labrinth.
Saturday kicks off with rising stars like Quarters of Change and Claire Rosinkranz, setting the stage for the day. Midday brings the infectious pop anthems of Carly Rae Jepsen, the energy of Sexyy Red, Hippo Campus, and Sabrina Carpenter. As the day reaches its climax, TV Girl performs, The Killers deliver their iconic hits, and 21 Savage ignites the crowd.
Sunday’s schedule at Governors Ball promises a smooth crescendo. The festivities begin with School of Rock: Brooklyn and The Hails, setting the stage for a day of discovery. Throughout the afternoon, Victoria Monet’s sultry vocals intertwine with the genre-bending sounds of Kevin Abstract and Don Toliver. Indie darlings Geese and the captivating Chappell Roan round out the mid-day portion. As the sun dips lower, the rising stars like Renee Rapp, Stephen Sanchez and Faye Webster take the stage. Finally, the energy Peso Puma performs as well as an electrifying performance by SZA, closing out Gov Ball 2024.
Now in its 14th year and second iteration at their new location, so stay tuned for the countdown until Governors Ball comes back off in Flushing Meadows Park. Tickets are on-sale now and can be purchased HERE.
Porter Robinson has announced a five-continent world tour including stops in more than 30 North American cities, Europe, and Asia – including Forest Hills Stadium in Queens – in support of his highly-anticipated third studio album SMILE! 😀, releasing on July 26.
The SMILE! 😀 World Tour includes a stop at Forest Hills Stadium in New York, NY, August 31, 2024. Dates in Australia and Latin America will also be announced soon. Full routing is available below. Robinson will debut a completely new live production, including a full live band during his SMILE! 😀 World Tour, after first experimenting with the band format at his own sold-out Second Sky festival and again in 2023 at Coachellaâs main stage.
Fans can expect opening acts ericdoa in North America, underscores in Europe and Galileo Galilei in Japan. Pre-sale commences Tuesday, April 30 at 10 amâfans can register for early access to tickets at porterrobinson.com. Various presales will take place throughout the week including a CITI presale in the U.S. (details below) ahead of the general on sale on Friday, May 3 at 10 am.
For more information on the tour and tickets, visit porterrobinson.com. The tour will also offer a variety of different VIP packages and experiences for fans. VIP Packages may include premium tickets, exclusive access to the pre-show VIP lounge, access to a VIP bar, early entry into the venue, pre-show merchandise shopping opportunity, specially designed gift item, and more. VIP package contents vary based on offer selected.
For more information, visit vipnation.com (N. America) or vipnation.eu (Europe). CITI is the official card of Porter Robinson presents SMILE! 😀 World Tour. CITI Card Members will have access to presale tickets for the U.S. dates beginning on Monday, April 29 at 10 AM until Thursday, May 2 at 10 PM through the CITI Entertainment program. For complete presale details visit www.citientertainment.com.
Porter Robinson SMILE! 😀 World Tour Dates:
August 29, 2024 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway
August 30, 2024 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway
Multi-award-winning actress Bernadette Peters will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 Chita Rivera Awards.
Photo by Andrew Eccles.
The 2024 Chita Rivera Awards will take place on Monday, May 20 at 7:30 p.m. at The Skirball Center for the Performing Arts (566 LaGuardia Place). All proceeds benefit the NYC Dance Alliance Foundation Scholarship Program and the new Chita Rivera Training Scholarship. The NYCDA Foundation is an IRS-approved 501(c)(3) committed to broadening performing arts awareness while advocating education and high standards of excellence in dance.
Throughout her illustrious career, Bernadette Peters has dazzled audiences and critics with her performances on stage, film, television, in concert, and on recordings. She has garnered numerous accolades including three Tony Awards, a Golden Globe, four Emmy and four GRAMMY Award nominations, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Best known for her work on stage and one of Broadway’s most critically acclaimed performers, she just concluded a highly successful West End debut in the Cameron Mackintosh production of Old Friends, celebrating the life and work of Stephen Sondheim.
Peters has starred as Dolly Gallagher Levi in the hit musical, Hello, Dolly! and City Center’s Encores! Production, A Bed and a Chair: A New York Love Affair featuring the music of Stephen Sondheim and orchestrations by Wynton Marsalis. Before that, she starred on Broadway in Stephen Sondheim’s A Little Night Music and Follies. Peters earned a Drama Desk nomination for her unforgettable portrayal of the Witch in Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods.
She also enjoys a career that boasts an impressive list of television credits, most recently the Apple TV+ series, High Desert, and a guest-starring role on the NBC-TV series, Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist for which she earned an Emmy nomination. Other TV appearances include The CW’s Katy Keene; CBS All Access’s The Good Fight; and Amazon Prime’s Golden Globe-winning series, Mozart in the Jungle.
She has lit the silver screen in over 30 films throughout her distinguished career. She received a Golden Globe Award for her memorable performance in Pennies From Heaven. Other film credits include The Jerk, The Longest Yard, Silent Movie,Annie, Pink Cadillac, Slaves of New York, Woody Allen’s Alice, Impromptu, It Runs in the Family, Coming Up Roses, The Broken Hearts Gallery, and most recently, a surprise appearance in the popular Jonathan Larson biopic, tick, tick…BOOM!
She has recorded six solo albumsand numerous original Broadway cast recordings. Peters devotes her time and talents to events that benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Her “pet project” Broadway Barks, co-founded with Mary Tyler Moore, is an annual, star-studded dog and cat adoption event that benefits shelter animals in the New York City and tri-state area.
The American Theater Wing honored Bernadette Peters’ efforts and awarded her with the Isabelle Stevenson Tony Award which recognizes an individual from the theatre community who has made a substantial contribution of volunteered time and effort on behalf of one or more humanitarian, social service, or charitable organizations, regardless of whether such organizations relate to the theatre. She is also a New York Times best-selling author who has penned three children’s books.
Carrying the name of one of the great dance icons of the American musical theater, the Chita Rivera Awards celebrate dance and choreographic excellence – past, present, and future. The awards honor the superb achievement of each nominee while recognizing the talents and passion of every theatrical choreographer and dancer. Additionally, through education and scholarships, the awards are committed to nurturing future generations and preserving notable dance history.
We are thrilled to honor Bernadette Peters with this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Over an unbelievable career spanning over six decades, Bernadette has starred on stage and screen, performed concerts around the world, written children’s books, and as a humanitarian, has saved hundreds of animals with her charity Broadway Barks. Having Joel Grey on hand to present her Award will make this a truly unforgettable evening.
Joe Lanteri, Founder and Executive Director of the New York City Dance Alliance Foundation, Inc.
Tickets to the Chita Rivera Awards are available now.
Spafford returned to New York City’s Brooklyn Bowl last weekend for a “holiday” performance on April 20 with a show full of cover songs and some exquisitely jammed out originals. This three-set show marked the end of a short run of shows in the Northeast for the band, who are back in action after a scary accident on tour last month in Ohio. Spafford certainly showed no signs of being worse for the wear and made it an enjoyable 4/20 for all involved.
A late arriving crowd to the Bowl walked into a soundtrack mix of classic rock hits on the PA atop a bed of pin strikes and gutter balls. Pre-show music included a nice live version of “In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed” as a nod to the recently departed Dickey Betts. Spafford then took the stage and started things off with the appropriately titled “I Can’t Find My Vape,” a newer, funky instrumental tune in the vein of Herbie Hancock.
The crux of the first set, however, was the next two songs, starting with a near 30-minute “Comfortable.” The song started out exactly as such, with a nice comfortable groove to it, before an intense guitar solo from Brain Moss ushered in another loose but explorative jam with strong psychedelic undertones. Certainly no strangers to extended jamming, the band showed off their musical prowess early and took the sound down to near ambient levels before building it back up to a triumphant finish.
This was followed up “The Postman,” another original but a much more composition-based song off their 2018 release For Amusement Only. The now firmly entrenched keyboardist Corey Schechtman shined on all of them – piano, synthesizer, and organ – as Spafford doled out some more legitimate funk to the Brooklyn Bowl audience through a thick, oozing jam that slowly escalated in pace. The opening set then came to a close with an old school original, the reggae-tinged “Diana” that culminated with another provocative Moss guitar solo.
Spafford then let all the covers out in the second set and wasted no time in doing so. Drummer Nick Tkachyk began things with a simple, lone, up tempo drum beat and the band then immediately launched into their take of Stone Temple Pilots’ “Plush.” With its faster pace and underlying organ fills, it’s certainly a more joyous take on the dour alt rock classic. True to their nature, Spafford stretched out the ending and molded it into a massive jam that maintained upbeat and completely danceable. This eventually led to bassist Jordan Fairless taking over the mic to lead the way on a take of Porno for Pyros’ “Pets,” another regular in the Stafford stable of cover songs.
Another jam that smoothly shifted from mellow to breakneck then served as the springboard for a leap into another signature cover song, Tears For Fears’ “Mad World.” Schechtman on piano alongside some furious rhythm guitar from Moss served as the fuel for yet another ebullient interpretation of a glum pop hit from yesteryear. Spafford then shifted from musical influences to modern day and segued right into a newer cover song they’ve made their own, Demi Lovato’s “Anyone.” Moss did the heartfelt, introspective lyrics about prayer justice all while the song never lost its peppy undercarriage. To close out the second set at Brooklyn Bowl, Spafford once again delved into the alternative music playbook with a pair of Green Day covers. Fairless returned to lead vocals for their their techno-like cover of “Brain Stew” which was parlayed right into a jazzed up take on “Jaded,” both making their live Spafford debut.
The third set began with a not-so-subtle nod to the holiday at end with a quote from the movie Reefer Madness played over the PA and Spafford followed in tow with an entertaining cover of Sublime’s “Smoke Two Joints,” a song they first debuted last year on 4/20. It paid homage to the original at first and then turned into a sprawling, exploratory jam that reached several veritable peaks before rounding back into form.
With the holiday formalities out of the way, the third set was then dominated by the other extended jam of the evening, a 30-minute “Dirtbag” that served as testament to the band’s musical dexterity. Starting with a rollicking funk jam, it soon devolved into total silence before being resuscitated by some triumphant guitar fills from Moss. The multi-textured song also has elements of progressive rock, acid jazz and, of course, jam band, really allowing band the show off their full skill set.
Spafford then closed out another successful appearance at Brooklyn Bowl with one last flurry of cover songs, starting with Pink Floyd’s “Run Like Hell.” It’s not quite as hectic as The Disco Biscuits’ take on it, but thanks to some looping synthesizer sounds produced by Schechtman and more metronome-like precision from Tkachyk on drums, it eventually produced an incredibly lively jam that funneled right into “Cantaloupe Island,” some actual Herbie Hancock. After some heartfelt thanks from Moss, Spafford paid one last respect to the date and sent folks on their way with an honest cover of Tom Petty’s “You Don’t Know How It Feels” and its joint smoking instructions.
As a reminder, Spafford has several upcoming shows in New York including one on June 12 at Rochesterâs Water Street Music Hall. Three days later, Spafford is set to play Colony in Woodstock and then the band wraps up their time in NY (for now) with a stop on Long Island at The Stephen Talkhouse in Amagansett on June 17. Tickets for all Summer Tour dates are on sale at spafford.net.
Spafford Brooklyn Bowl – New York, NY 4/20/24
Set 1: Can’t Find My Vape, Comfortable > The Postman, Diana
Set 2: Plush > Pets->Mad World->Anyone, Brain Stew->Jaded
Set 3: Smoke Two Joints > Dirtbath, Run Like Hell->Cantaloupe Island
City Parks Foundation has announced the 2024 season of Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage, New York City’s iconic outdoor performing arts festival, bringing 85 free and benefit shows to Central Park and 13 neighborhood parks across the five boroughs.
Returning for its 38 year, the festival will once again showcase established and emerging artists from across the globe, highlighting forward-thinking women pushing boundaries, featuring a multitude of genres including jazz, hip-hop, indie rock, salsa, reggae, Afrobeats, soul, pop, global, and contemporary dance, to name just a few.
SummerStage is committed to gender and racial equity in its programming, and in 2023, more than 80% of their season lineup featured artists who identified as people of color and more than half of the acts included women or artists who identify as genders other than male.
Neighborhood parks hosting SummerStage this season include Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem, Tompkins Square Park in the East Village, Herbert Von King Park in Bed-Stuy and The Coney Island Amphitheater on the boardwalk in Brooklyn, Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens, Crotona Park in the Bronx, Stapleton Waterfront Park in Staten Island, and SummerStage’s flagship venue at Rumsey Playfield in Central Park.
SummerStage is back for another incredible season of free performances. It’s always an honor to bring a lineup of both established and rising artists that celebrate the rich cultural fabric of our neighborhoods across the city to parks, all for free. Enjoying live music while outside in a park is one of the most joyful and memorable opportunities we can offer to New Yorkers, bringing neighbors and communities together for what is always a very special, shared experience.
Heather Lubov, Executive Director of City Parks Foundation
Opening the SummerStage 2024 season on Saturday, June 1 in Central Park will be a free performance by GRAMMY-winning and Oscar-nominated soul singer Andra Day in association with Blue Note Jazz Festival.
The season’s free shows in Central Park will showcase an exhilarating array of established and emerging artists from across the music spectrum. Rock music icon Kim Gordon and the legendary Sun Ra Arkestra will bring an electrifying show when they take the stage on June 13; THE AUSSIE BBQ will return on June 15 highlighting the latest sounds of Australia from Jebediah, Last Dinosaurs, and more. Additional highlights include Corinne Bailey Rae and Dixson on June 16, London drummer The Yussef Dayes Experience showcasing his unique experimental style alongside interpretive contemporary jazz bassist and vocalist Aneesa Strings on June 22, and singer-songwriter and GRAMMY winner Madison Cunningham performing on July 1.
The annual Latin Alternative Music Conference (LAMC) will celebrate the Latin GRAMMYs’ 25 Anniversary with performances by Colombian music star Fonseca and Spain’s captivating new flamenco singer Israel Fernández on July 10 in Central Park, while French sounds will take center stage for Bastille Day in association with the Consulate General of France on July 14, showcasing performances by Laurie Darmon, Magic System, and other guests.
Arooj Aftab, the first Pakistani-American woman to win a GRAMMY, known for weaving Urdu ghazals and poetry into electronic soundscapes, will perform on July 24. On July 28, Catalan Sounds On Tour will return to Central Park with Sidonie and the Balkan Paradise Orchestra; and Show Dem Camp returns with the Palmwine Festival NYC featuring the Cavemen & Friends in association with Move Forward Music on Aug. 17.
Brazilian Day will once again bring a lineup of artists on Aug. 22 with samba legend Alcione, Larissa Luz, DJ Malfeitona, and a film screening of Gerson King Combo in association with the 28 Inffinito Brazilian Film Festival. The 2024 season in Central Park will close with a special celebration of the WNYC and Friends Centennial on Sept. 9.
Photo by Rob Tellerman.
SummerStage 2024 will once again take fans globe-trotting through the five boroughs of New York, presenting an array of world rhythms. Shows in neighborhood parks will include the Godfather of Salsa Andy Montañez and salsa star Charlie Cruz showcasing the stylings of Puerto Rico at theConey Island Amphitheater on June 15. DJ Rekha returns to Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens for their acclaimed Basement Bhangra dance partywith Priya Ragu, Ami Dang, and moreon July 20. Ghanafest-NY will return to Crotona Park on Aug. 3 with King Promise, Dan Price The Artist, and DJ Faddah to showcase contemporary West African and Nigerian music.
This year’s festival will continue to highlight the birthplace of hip-hop with shows throughout the boroughs including the return of MIKE’S Young World IV featuring Earl Sweatshirt, Myaap, Sideshow, and more on July 13 and the Chuck Chillout 40th Radio Anniversary Party featuring Ice T, MOP, Schoolly D, Peter Gunz, Lord Tariq, and more hosted by Ralph McDaniels on Aug. 1, both in Bed-Stuy’s Herbert Von King Park. On Aug. 18, hip-hop legends will take over two boroughs: Special Uptown Edition: Celebrating 40 years of Red Alert & Ralph McDaniels of Video Music Box will be in Harlem’s Marcus Garvey Park and Funk Flex will celebrate his birthdaywith performances by Slick Rick, Dana Dane, Doug E. Fresh, DJ Maseo, and more in Central Park.
We are thrilled to once again celebrate the vibrant diversity of New York City’s cultures and communities across all five boroughs. Our lineup will shine a bright spotlight on some of music’s most iconic female artists who have made an impact in their genres, from rock and New Orleans soul scions to Dominican merengue and Brazilian samba legends. We are continuing to support rising artists from around the world who are showcasing their fresh takes on various genres like hip-hop, Americana, rock, Latin, pop, and more. 2024 promises to be an unforgettable season!
Erika Elliott, Executive Artistic Director of SummerStage.
The independent performing arts organization Works & Process will return for a second season collaborating with SummerStage to showcase the art of dance. Dance performances will kick off with It’s Showtime NYC! alongside the Maimouna Keita African Dance Company and Kash Gaines’s Caged Birds in Herbert Von King Park, Brooklynon July 11. The Missing Element featuring the Beatbox House will serve as the 2024 dance Artist in Residence, performing at select shows throughout the season.
SummerStage 2024 is delighted to return for six free shows at The Coney Island Amphitheater in Brooklyn. In addition to Andy Montañez in association with La Megaon June 15, shows include The Federation Sound 25 Anniversary featuring the first lady of dancehall Sister Nancy, Tanto Metro & Devonte, and FriendsonJuly 7, the Oldies is Back in Brooklyn showfeaturing The Platters former lead singer Frank Pizarro, Charlie Thomas’ Drifters with Jeff Hall and many others on July 14.
Brooklyn rapper, Coney Island local, and viral internet sensation NEMS presenting GORILLAFEST featuring Ghostface Killah, DJ Tony Touch, and more on Aug. 4, and on Aug.11, NYC’s iconic R&B radio station WBLS will host its 50 Anniversary Celebration with Jon B, Vivian Green, Meli’sa Morgan, Horace Brown, Jeff Redd, and Funk Flex. Closing the Coney Island season will be The Chol Hamoed Spectacular: The Yeshiva Boys Choir presented in association with EG Productions onOct. 20.
The Charlie Parker Jazz Festival, New York City’s annual salute to the late saxophonist, will return in its 32 year for a three-day celebration of live jazz in the neighborhoods near where Parker worked and lived, including Harlem’s historic Marcus Garvey Park and Tompkins Square Park in the East Village. Running Aug. 23 to Aug. 25, this year’s lineup will bring together storied, veteran players and the next generation of jazz artists including the Christian McBride Big Band and Wallace Roney Jr in partnership with Jazzmobile; Carmen Lundy, and Helen Sung with Isaiah Collier & the Chosen Few; Louis Hayes, Ekep Nkwelle, and Alexis Lombre with sounds by DJ KulturedChild aka Angelika Beener among others.
The 2024 SummerStage season will also feature ticketed benefit shows in Central Park to help support the City Parks Foundation’s free performances. Artists include English singer-songwriter James Arthur on May 17; Trinidadian soca group KES on June 8; Jamaican-American R&B artist Masego on June 19; prolific American rapper and record producer T-Pain on June 23; a joint experience featuring legendary Mexican rock bands Caifanes and Café Tacvba on June 26.
Other acts include Indie singer-songwriter Ethel Cain on June 27; three nights of pride celebrations featuring Trixie Mattell, Above & Beyond, and others from June 28 through June 30; American rock/folk band Counting Crows on July 11; Irish rock band The Saw Doctors on July 17; a South African amapiano dance party from Piano People on July 27; contemporary worship music collective Elevation Worship on July 31; genre-bending jazz and R&B stars Robert Glasper featuring Yebba on Aug. 1; David Cross and his Super Pals on Aug. 8; alternative rock bands The Gaslight Anthem, Joyce Manor and Pinkshift on Aug. 21; and hip-hop band The Roots with Jungle Brothers and Digable Planets on Aug. 23.
For more information about SummerStage 2024 and the full lineup, visit here.
SummerStage 2024 Lineup
Fri, May 17 5:00 PM
James Arthur Central Park Benefit
Sat, Jun 1 6:00 PM
OPENING NIGHT: Andra Day in association with Blue Note Jazz Festival
Subaru Music Series Central Park Free
Sat, Jun 8 5:00 PM
KES Central Park Benefit
Thu, Jun 13 5:00 PM
Kim Gordon / Sun Ra Arkestra / Slauson Malone 1
Central Park Free
Subaru Music Series
Sat, Jun 15 4:00 PM
THE AUSSIE BBQ: Jebediah / Last Dinosaurs/ Northeast Party House / Sheppard / Sycco/ Thelma Plum in Association with Sounds Australia and the American Australian Association
Central Park Free
Sat, Jun 15 5:00 PM
Andy Montañez / Charlie Cruz / People of Earth / La Mega DJ in association with 97.9 La Mega
Coney Island Amphitheater Free
Sun, Jun 16 6:00 PM
Corinne Bailey Rae / Dixson in association with Blue Note Jazz Festival
Central Park Free
Tue, Jun 18 7:00 PM
The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital featuring Leah Hawkins, Mario Chang, Michael Sumuel
Central Park Free
Wed, Jun 19 5:00 PM
Masego / Jordan Ward Central Park Benefit
Thu, Jun 20 7:00 PM
The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital featuring Leah Hawkins, Mario Chang, Michael Sumuel
Brooklyn Bridge Park Free
Sat, Jun 22 5:00 PM
The Yussef Dayes Experience / Aneesa Strings / Dana and Alden in association with Blue Note Jazz Festival
Central Park Free
Sun, Jun 23 6:30 PM T-Pain’s Mansion in Wiscansin Tour Central Park Benefit
Mon, Jun 24 7:00 PM
The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital featuring Brittany Olivia Logan, Hannah Jones, Matthew Cairns
Jackie Robinson Park Free
Wed, Jun 26 7:00 PM
The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital featuring Brittany Olivia Logan, Hannah Jones, Matthew Cairns
Williamsbridge Oval Free
Wed, Jun 26 6:00 PM
Caifanes + Café Tacvba Central Park Benefit
Thu, Jun 27 5:00 PM
Ethel Cain with Special Guest Teethe Central Park Benefit [SOLD OUT]
Fri, Jun 28 7:00 PM
The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital featuring Brittany Olivia Logan, Hannah Jones, Matthew Cairns
Socrates Sculpture Park Free
Fri, Jun 28 5:30 PM
Utopia Pride: Above & Beyond and Spencer Brown
Central Park Benefit
Sat, Jun 29 5:00 PM
Pride Disco with Trixie Matell, Amanda Lepore, and Jess King
Central Park Benefit
Sun, Jun 30 3:00 PM
Dreamland Pride Central Park Benefit
Mon, Jul 1 5:00 PM
Madison Cunningham / LA LOM / John-Robert / Corrente: Beatriz Mira & Tiago Barreiros Central Park Free
Sun, Jul 7 5:00 PM
Ezra Collective / Celeste / Da Chick DJ in association with Blue Note Jazz Festival
Central Park Free
Sun, Jul 7 5:00 PM
Federation Sound 25th Anniversary featuring Sister Nancy / Tanto Metro & Devonte and friends
Coney Island Amphitheater Free
Wed, Jul 10 6:00 PM
LAMC and Latin GRAMMY 25th Anniversary: Fonseca / Israel Fernández / Bruses
Central Park Free
Thu, Jul 11 5:00 PM
Counting Crows Subaru Music Series Central Park Benefit
Thu, Jul 11 6:00 PM
Works & Process: It’s Showtime NYC! / Maimouna Keita African Dance Company / Kash Gaines’s Caged Birds
Herbert Von King Park Free
Fri, Jul 12 6:00 PM
Sounds of Detroit: Celebrating 50 years of J Dilla feat. The Pharcyde / Slum Village / Breakbeat Lou in association with Fusicology & Future x Sounds
Herbert Von King Park Free
Sat, Jul 13 5:00 PM
LAMC: BRESH Central Park Free
Sat, Jul 13 4:00 PM
MIKE’s Young World IV: Earl Sweatshirt / Myaap / Sideshow / Stahhr / Stacy Epps
Herbert Von King Park Free
Sun, Jul 14
TBD Lineup to be announced
Herbert Von King Park Free
Sun, Jul 14 4:00 PM
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 JoeCausi WCBS FM and Sal Abbatiello FeverRecords / Music by The Coda Band
Coney IslandAmphitheater Free
Sun, Jul 14, 5:00 PM
Bastille Day: IAM / Magic System / The Avener / Laurie Darmon / Femi the Scorpion in association with the Consulate General of France
Central Park Free
Wed, Jul 17 5:00 PM
The Saw Doctors / The Coronas Central Park Benefit
Sat, Jul 20 5:00 PM
DJ Rekha’s Basement Bhangra Beyond: Priya Ragu / DJ Rekha / Ami Dang / Lady Pista + Guests
Flushing Meadows-Corona Park Free
Sun, Jul 21 TBD Lineup to be announced
Flushing Meadows-Corona Park
Sun, Jul 21 6:00 PM
Proyecto Uno / Milly Quezada / DJ Miquelito & Excarlet Molina in association with 97.9 La Mega Central Park Free
Wed, Jul 24 5:00 PM
Arooj Aftab / Sid Sriram / EMEL Central Park Free
Sat, Jul 27 3:00 PM
Piano People in the Park: Scorpion Kings / DBN GoGo / Kelvin MoMo / DJ Moma / DJ
Tunez Central Park Benefit
Sun, Jul 28 5:00 PM
Catalan Sounds On Tour: Sidonie / Balkan Paradise Orchestra / Lau Noah / DJ Turmix in association with the Institut Ramon Llull
Central Park Free
Wed, Jul 31 6:00 PM
Elevation Worship: Praise Party! Central Park Benefit
Thu, Aug 1 6:00 PM
Chuck Chillout 40th Radio Anniversary Party: Ice T / MOP / Schoolly D / PeterGunz & Lord Tariq / Super Lover Cee & Casanova Rud / CL Smooth / Joeski Love / D.J. Breakout / Funky Four + 1 More / Ultramagnetic MCs / DJ Chuck Chillout & Crotona Park Free Kool Chip / NINE / Al B. Sure! / Music by Funk Flex / Hosted By Ralph McDaniels & Bugsy Buggs
Thu, Aug 1 5:00 PM
Blue Note Presents: Robert Glasper Featuring Yebba Central Park Benefit
Fri, Aug 2 6:00 PM
Tedsmooth’s Freestyle Jam feat. Coro / C-Bank / DJ Serg / Anthony Mangini / Tedsmooth / Strafe Crotona Park Free
Sat, Aug 3 5:00 PM
The Originals Central Park Free
Sat, Aug 3 6:00 PM
King Promise / Dan Price the Artist / DJ Faddah in association with GhanaFest-NY Crotona Park Free
Sun, Aug 4
TBD Lineup to be announced Crotona Park Free
Sun, Aug 4 5:00 PM
Galactic featuring Irma Thomas / The
Rumble featuring Chief Joseph Boudreaux Jr
Central Park Free
Sun, Aug 4 4:00 PM
NEMS Presents: GORILLAFEST Featuring Ghostface Killah / DJ Drewski & Friends /Statik Selektah / Scram Jones / Tony Touch and Friends
Coney Island Amphitheater Free
Thu, Aug 8 6:30 PM
David Cross and Super Pals featuring Bob Odenkirk, Sarah Silverman, Fred Armisen, Zach Zucker, Sean Patton and more TBA Central Park Benefit
Sat, Aug 10 6:00 PM
VP Records 45th Anniversary Central Park Free
Sun, Aug 11 5:00 PM
WBLS 50th Anniversary Celebration: Jon B / Vivian Green / Meli’sa Morgan / Horace Brown / Jeff Redd / Funk Flex
Coney Island Amphitheater Free
Sun, Aug 11
TBD Lineup to be announced
Stapleton Waterfront Park Free
Thu, Aug 15
TBD Lineup to be announced
Marcus Garvey Park Free
Fri, Aug 16
TBD Lineup to be announced
Marcus GarveyPark Free
Sat, Aug 17 5:00 PM
Palmwine Festival NYC: Show Dem Camp feat. The Cavemen & Friends in association with Move Forward Music Central Park Free
Sat, Aug 17 6:00 PM
The Soapbox Presents: The Life of the Party
Marcus Garvey Park Free
Sun, Aug 18 5:00 PM
Special Uptown Edition: Celebrating 40 years of Red Alert & Ralph McDaniels VideoMusic Box
Marcus Garvey Park Free
Sun, Aug 18 6:00 PM
Funk Flex Birthday Party with Live performances by Slick Rick, Dana Dane, Doug E. Fresh, DJ Maseo & Funk Flex Central Park Free
Wed, Aug 21 5:00 PM
The Gaslight Anthem / Joyce Manor /
Pinkshift Central Park Benefit
Thu, Aug 22 5:00 PM
Brazilian Day: Alcione / Larissa Luz / DJ
Malfeitona / Film screening: “Gerson King Combo” in association with 28th Inffini to Brazilian Film Festival Central Park Free
Fri, Aug 23 5:00 PM
Hip-Hop Is The LOML Tour: The Roots ft.
Jungle Brothers / Digable Planets
Subaru Music Series Central Park Benefit
Fri, Aug 23 7:00 PM
Charlie Parker Jazz Festival: Christian
McBride Big Band / Wallace Roney Jr in
partnership with Jazzmobile
Marcus Garvey Park Free
Sat, Aug 24 3:00 PM
Charlie Parker Jazz Festival: Carmen Lundy
/ Helen Sung / Isaiah Collier & the Chosen
Few / Tyreek McDole / DJ KulturedChild aka
Angelika Beener
Marcus Garvey Park Free
Sun, Aug 25 3:00 PM
Charlie Parker Jazz Festival: Louis Hayes /
SuperBlue: Kurt Elling & Charlie Hunter ft.
Huntertones / Ekep Nkwelle / Alexis Lombre
/ DJ KulturedChild aka Angelika Beener
Tompkins Square Park Free
Tue, Aug 27 5:00 PM
Snail Mail / Tim Heidecker / Fenne Lily Central Park Free
Mon, Sep 9 6:00 PM
WNYC and Friends Centennial Celebration Central Park Free
Sun, Oct 20 1:00 PM
The Chol Hamoed Spectacular: The Yeshiva
Boys Choir presented in association with EG productions
Long Island alternative/punk band Bad Mary has announced the release of their re-recorded mix of “Better Days” on April 23. The band also announced six live dates, three of which in New York.
The song is the second release from their Better(er) Days EP, which is a collection of re-recorded and remixed versions of the songs from their first album Better Days. The re-release celebrates the 10-year anniversary of the debut album.
The group is composed of Mike Staub, Amanda Mac, Bill Mac, and David Henderson. Together, Bad Mary brings the heat with their alt-punk attitude. The group showcases nasty basslines, strong, catchy riffs, and a frontwoman with an uplifting yet seductive vocal style.
The track is released with a new music video, and a few live shows to celebrate the drop. Bad Mary sees three dates in New York on April 26, June 8, and July 5. The band performs two shows at Mr. Beery’s in Bethpage, Long Island followed by a stop at Arlene’s Grocery in Manhattan.
The single, “Better Days” is a tune about the shortcomings, the setbacks, and the misfortunes in life. It is a theme every individual can get behind. The song is hopeful and encourages you to keep your head up and look forward to those better days.
“’Better Days’ is a song about trying your hardest and just feeling like nothing is working out. We’ve all been there. We as people… we overthink, we feel paralyzed, we can feel like nothing is going our way – but the only thing to do is keep moving forward and hope that there are better (or maybe even betterER) days ahead. This song continues to mean more to me every day, and I love that it’s been with us since the beginning,”
Vocalist Amanda Mac
Better(er) Days will be released in the summer of 2024. The band is currently writing and recording new songs to be released later this year. Along with this, Bad Mary is still adding live dates to their list of shows this year.
See them live:
April 26 at Mr. Beery’s in Bethpage, NY
May 17 at SpiFest in Windsor, CT
May 23 at The Fire in Philadelphia, PA
June 8 at Mr. Beery’s in Bethpage, NY
July 5 at Arlene’s Grocery in New York, NY
July 24 at The Middle East in Boston, MA
For more information on Bad Mary, their upcoming music and dates, click here. Make sure to stay up to date on the band’s upcoming album Better(er) Days, releasing this Spring.
Five music teachers from across Long Island were recently honored at theLong Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF) in Stony Brook in a special ceremony honoring the organization’s most recent Educator of Note Award winners.
The teachers honored include Alan Schwartz (Great Neck, 2023), Frank Abel (Uniondale/Roosevelt, 2022), Kim Löwenborg-Coyne (North Babylon, 2021), Marc Greene (Middle Country School District, 2020), and Susan Weber (Uniondale, 2019).
“It was wonderful,” said Tom Needham, Second Vice Chair and Educational Programs Director at LIMEHOF. “When you get all these people together in one room and you hear about the number of students they’ve influenced over the years and the impact they’ve had on music education on Long Island. It’s truly incredible. We’re so excited to have this opportunity to have them all here in the room and to celebrate the good things that they’ve accomplished.”
Supporting and highlighting musical education and upcoming talent through its education programs is a large part of LIMEHOF’s mission. Each year the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame presents an Educator of Note Award recognizing outstanding achievement in Long Island music education during their galas. LIMEHOF has not held an awards Gala since 2019 in large part due to COVID restrictions so these award winners were unable to receive their awards in a public ceremony. Therefore, a special ceremony for them was arranged at their Stony Brook Museum location.
LIMEHOF says it’s important to recognize the music teachers who are top in their field making a difference by building strong educational programs for students to be able to perform and be evaluated.
We celebrate music history here on Long Island and everybody knows we honor people like Billy Joel and John Coltraine and other artists but sometimes people forget that the people who have the biggest impact on Long Island in terms of music are music teachers. Music teachers have the ability to reach thousands of kids throughout a career.
Tom Needham
The 2024 Educator of Note nomination process is currently open with a deadline of September 30th. For more information about LIMEHOF’s Educator of Note, scholarships, and other music education programs, please visit here.
