NYS Music 2024

Category: NYC Metro

  • Chelsea Music Festival is “Connecting the Dots” this Summer

    Chelsea Music Festival has announced its 15th season of events with all new Connecting the Dots performance this Summer. The festival consists of nine evenings of shows from June 21 to 29.

    Chelsea Music Festival

    This summer festival is led by Artistic Directors Melinda Lee Masur and Ken-David Masur. Connecting the Dots consists of concerts, conversation, visual and culinary arts over the span of the nine nights. The festival will focus on the restorative powers of the arts in the ways that music and art both calm and reinvigorate the brain and nervous system.

    The festival sees a multitude of talented and diverse performers and artists. Each exhibit and performance take place at various locations around NYC and some locations are yet to be announced. Each night of the festival will be different from the last and the diversity allows all types of audiences to be included and wowed.

    Chelsea Music Festival
    Aizuri Quartet
    2024 CHELSEA MUSIC FESTIVAL LINE-UP
    • Connecting the Dots— 15th Season Opening Night 

    Friday, June 21 at 7pm – location to be announced 

    World Premiere of A Night at Birdland by composer Nicky Sohn performed by WindSync 

    Featuring Aizuri Quartet, pianist Andrea Lam, violinist Max Tan 

    Chamber works by John Williams & Tebogo Monnakgotla 

    Performance of Dancing Stars by Augusta Read Thomas with conductor Ken-David Masur 

    • My Super Awesome Brain | Family Night 

    Saturday, June 22 at 10:30am at Pier 57, 25 11th Avenue, NYC 

    10:30am – Family Event featuring WindSync 

    • Jazz Doubleheader | Birnbaum & the Bach Preludes and Cardume Trio 

    Saturday, June 22 at 7pm – location to be announced 

    7pm – Preludes Album (Chelsea Music Festival Records label) featuring pianist Adam Birnbaum, percussionist Keita Ogawa (Snarky Puppy), bassist Matt Clohesy (Darcy James Argue’s Secret Society) based on 12 preludes from Bach’s Well-Tempered Clavier 

    8:30pm – Late Night with Cardume Trio featuring jazz percussionists Rogério Boccato (Orquestra Jazz Sinfônica do Estado de São Paulo), Keita Ogawa, and Brazilian bassist Cleber Almeida 

    • Festa Junina 

    Sunday, June 23 at 7pm at Pier 57, 25 11th Avenue, NYC 

    Traditional Brazilian Forró music to celebrate summer featuring percussionist Rogério Boccato, Brazilian bassist Cleber Almeida, and accordionist Vitor Goncalves 

    • Patitucci & Friends — 15th Season special event with Jazz, Song & Chamber Music 

    Monday, June 24 at 7pm at High Line Nine, 507 W. 27th Street, NYC 

    Jazz bassist John Patitucci and pianist Renee Rosnes – with Caleb Hudson on trumpet 

    Austrian duo baritone Daniel Gutmann (prize winner at Elīna Garanča’s ZukunftsStimmen) & pianist Maximilian Kromer (International Brahms Competition winner) 

    Featuring pianist Robert Fleitz (1st Prize in 2022 John Cage Award) 

    Reception curated by Chef Rachel Snyder 

    • Midsummer Night Magic— Visions & Stories 

    Tuesday, June 25 at 7pm at Czech Center, 321 E. 73rd Street, NYC 

    Selections from The Lee Trio album “Midsummer Night Magic” (Chelsea Music Festival Records label releasing June 2024) 

    Fern Flowers by Uljas Pulkkis 

    Five Trios by Edmund Finnis 

    Piano Trio No. 2 in F Major, Op. 80 by Robert Schumann 

    Fantasiestücke, Op. 88 by Robert Schumann 

    Robert Schumann lieder with Austrian duo baritone Daniel Gutmann and pianist Maximilian Kromer 

    Performance of the Dumky Piano Trio No. 4 in E minor, Op. 90, B. 166 by Antonín Dvořák (120th anniversary of his death) 

    • Completed Resonances— Vu, Beranek, Fauré & Smetana 

    Wednesday, June 26 at 7pm at Czech Center, 321 E. 73rd Street, NYC 

    World Premiere commissioned by the Festival by Czech composer Jacob Beranek 

    Music by Ania Vu featuring soprano Marisa Karchin, pianist Robert Fleitz 

    Piano Trio in G Minor by Bedřich Smetana (200th anniversary) performed by pianist Andrea Lam, violinist Max Tan, and cellist Angela Lee 

    Piano Quartet No. 2 in G minor by Gabriel Fauré (100th anniversary of his death) 

    • Closing Reception | 2024 Art Exhibition – Kelly S. Williams 

    Thursday, June 27 at 7pm at High Line Nine Gallery 8, 507 W. 27th Street, NYC 

    Closing Reception for Kelly S. Williams, 2024 Visual Artist-in-Residence 

    Art Exhibition open June 3-29 at High Line Nine 

    Featuring Harlem Quartet performing Jessie Montgomery and Dizzy Gillespie 

    • Reimagined Gems— Vignettes Across Time 

    Friday, June 28 at 7pm at St. Paul’s German Church, 315 W. 22nd Street, NYC 

    Featuring Harlem Quartet performing Caroline Shaw and Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel 

    World Premiere by Ania Vu 

    Soprano to Marisa Karchin and Caleb Hudson on trumpet 

    Pieces from Caleb Hudson’s 2024 album, Nothing Less, including Corelli arrangements 

    Reception curated by Chef Rachel Snyder 

    • Superhero Brain | Family Event 

    Saturday, June 29 at 10:30am at St. Paul’s German Church, 315 W. 22nd Street, NYC 

    10:30am – Family Event featuring family-friendly, interactive activities led by music neuroscience scholar Dr. Jessica Phillips-Silver (Growing Brains) 

    • Festival Finale | Jazz Plasticity with Helen Sung 

    Saturday, June 29 at 7pm at DiMenna Center, 450 W. 37th Street, NYC 

    JazzPlasticity features the Helen Sung Quartet with pianist Helen Sung (2021 Guggenheim Fellow), drummer Kendrick Scott, saxophonist/clarinetist John Ellis, an bassist David Wong; this program was inspired by Helen’s time as jazz artist-in-residence at the Columbia University Zuckerman Mind Brain Institute and in partnership with Arts & Minds. 

    Reception curated by Chef Rachel Snyder 

    John Patitucci

    Tickets for Chelsea Music Festival’s Connecting the Dots go on sale Wednesday, May 15, 2024. For more information, visit ChelseaMusicFestival.org.

  • Bad Tuner Releases New House Single “repeat to fade”

    Brooklyn-based DJ Bad Tuner has shared a new rhythmic single “repeat to fade” ahead of his EP Look At Me But Through Me, set to release on April 5.

    With the single release and an EP announcement, Bad Tuner has also shared that he will perform a string of live shows this spring with a live show at the Elsewhere Hall in NYC on April 19. This will be Tuner’s return to the Brooklyn’s Elsewhere rooftop as he sold out the venue in May of last year.

    His new single “repeat to fade” is also accompanied with a music video directed by a Baltimore-based cinematographer Patrick Elmore. Tuner’s”repeat to fade” is an anthemic house song, with immense bass and a brutally rhythmic percussion presence that moves in sync with the seductive vocals screamed back by high-pitched harmonies. The house single is a vibrant party song ideal for those who dare to be courageous on the dance floor, with vocals that have an alien air to them, while the percussion acts as an anchor to Earth.

    Tuner shows an innate sense of depth and a distinctive style all his own in his new EP Look At Me But Through Me. The six-track EP incorporates unique twists on modern conceptions of UK garage, the sleek and deceptively syncopated productions of the lo-fi house scene, and glitchy hyperpop flourishes. Each of the six tracks embrace entirely eclectic soundscapes, becoming a portal into their individual, wondrous worlds. Look At Me But Through Me EP is set to release on April 5 via Foreign Family Collective / Ninja Tune. 

    Tuner’s new single “repeat to fade” is available to stream everywhere. Tickets and more information for the live dates and the artist can be found here. 

    Bad Tuner Live Dates

    April 5 – (EP Release Show) @ Listening Room, Chicago, IL

    April 19 – (Bad Tuner & Friends Headline) @ Elsewhere Hall, NYC

    April 27 – Larimer Lounge, Denver, CO

    May 3 – Monarch, San Francisco, CA

    June 6 – The Spotlight, Los Angeles, CA

  • Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame To  Honor Billy Joel This Summer

    The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF) will host a host a concert to celebrate their 20th anniversary and also honor Billy Joel on June 7 at Tilles Center for the Performing Arts at LIU Post.

    Billy Joel LIMEHOF

    The 20th anniversary epic concert will feature an impressive lineup of musicians who are scheduled to perform, including Alexa Ray Joel, Debbie Gibson, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, DJ Johnny Juice from Public Enemy, Felix Cavaliere from The Rascals, Jimmy Webb, Mike DelGuidice, Philip Edward Fisher. The concert will also feature Albert Bouchard and Joe Bouchard the former members of Blue Öyster Cult who will be  joined by current band members Jules Radino and Danny Miranda, and the full band Zebra including Randy Jackson, Guy Gelso and Felix Hanemann. 

    Billy Joel LIMEHOF

    “It’s an absolute privilege and certainly fitting that LIMEHOF’s 20th Anniversary Concert Honoring Billy Joel take place here at Tilles Center,” said Tom Dunn, Executive and Artistic Director, Tilles Center. “Billy is a longtime friend and supporter of Tilles’ impactful mission, and we are thrilled to celebrate his unparalleled and legendary career with this star-studded group of music luminaries.” He added

    At the concert, the legendary music agent also the chairman of Independent Artist Group, Dennis Arfa will be inducted in the “Music Industry” category. Additionally, Tilles Center for the Performing Arts will be inducted in the “Venue” category. 

    “Tilles Center for the Performing Arts at LIU Post is honored to be inducted into the Long Island Music Entertainment Hall of Fame,” Dunn said. “For over 40 years – from Bruce Springsteen’s iconic recording of “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” to Tony Bennett, from Jerry Seinfeld to James Taylor, Tilles Center has been home to a who’s who of performing artists creating and delivering unforgettable and lasting memories. In the last year alone, we’ve been honored to bring Samara Joy, Brandi Carlile, Trevor Noah, John Legend, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Dancing with the Stars Live to our great and diverse Long Island community.”

    The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was founded in 2004 with the mission of celebrating and protecting Long Island’s rich musical and entertainment history for future generations. The organization was founded as a center of community that inspires and explores Long Island music and entertainment in all of its forms. It covers the counties of Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, and Kings (Brooklyn) in New York State. LIMEHOF initially established a Hall of Fame structure in Stony Brook, New York, in 2022. The group provides educational programs, scholarships, and awards to Long Island students and educators, and it has inducted over 120 musicians and executives from the music business to date. 

    Tickets for Tilles Center shows are available online at tillescenter.org or ticketmaster.com, in-person at Tilles Center’s Tantleff Box Office or by telephone at 516.299.3100.

  • The 3rd Annual Broadway Celebrates Earth Day Concert returns to Times Square

    The Broadway Green Alliance and Times Square Alliance are proud to announce the return of the Broadway Celebrates Earth Day Concert on Saturday, April 20th from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. ET in the heart of Times Square.

    Perkiomen Valley High School.

    This unique star-studded concert will feature live performances from Broadway’s top talent and young performers from around the region and interviews with environmental thought leaders. The concert will be held on Broadway between 45th and 46th Streets and is one of the key events for the NYC Department of Transportation’s “Car-Free Earth Day.”

    Broadway Celebrates Earth Day underscores the Broadway community’s commitment to raise awareness about the climate emergency and inspire steps towards a more sustainable future. The concert will be simultaneously live-streamed, offering audiences the opportunity to join this musical celebration of sustainability.

    The Times Square Alliance is thrilled to partner once again with the Broadway Green Alliance and the Department of Transportation to present a free Broadway Earth Day concert in the heart of Times Square as part of Car-Free Earth Day. Broadway in Times Square has been a leader in providing more space to pedestrians and we look forward to joining all the other neighborhoods throughout the five boroughs as we celebrate our public spaces and the great programming we can bring to them.

    Tom Harris, President of the Times Square Alliance

    Founded in 1992, the Times Square Alliance works to improve and promote Times Square, cultivating the creativity, energy, and edge that have made the area an icon of entertainment, culture, and urban life for over a century. It keeps the neighborhood safe and clean, promotes local businesses, manages area improvements, and produces major annual events.

    Broadway performers joining the event include host Ben Cameron (Broadway Sessions), Tony Award Winner Ruthie Ann Miles (Sweeney Todd), Tony Award Nominee Anika Larsen (Almost Famous), Michael Maliakel (Aladdin), Jelani Remy (Back to the Future), Alexandra Socha (Wicked), Nik Walker (Spamalot), and more to be announced.

    Young performers taking the stage include students from Epic Players, Marymount Manhattan College, NYU Steinhardt, Perkiomen Valley High School, R.Evolución Latina, and Wolf Performing Arts Center. The event will also feature guest speakers from Headcount and Julie Tighe, Director of New York League of Conservation Voters. David Alpert serves as the director of the event and Rick Hip-Flores provides musical accompaniment.

    Wolf Performing Arts Center.

    The Broadway Green Alliance (BGA) educates, motivates, and inspires the theatre community and its patrons to implement environmentally friendlier practices. Launched in 2008 as an ad hoc committee of The Broadway League it is a fiscal program of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, bringing together all segments of the theatre community, including producers, Broadway and Off-Broadway theatres in New York and around the country.

    “We are thrilled to collaborate again with the Times Square Alliance to harness the power of theatre to cultivate courage and community around the most pressing challenge of our time,” said Molly Braverman, Director of the Broadway Green Alliance.

    For more information about Broadway Celebrates Earth Day, visit here.

  • Kaufman Music Center Hosts 25th Annual New York Guitar Festival

    Kaufman Music Center announced it is hosting the 25th annual New York Guitar Festival – held at KMC’s esteemed venue, Merkin Hall, from June 14-15th, 2024. The festival is co-presented by Kaufman Music Center, World Music Institute, New York Guitar Festival, and New Sounds Live. 

    New York Guitar Festival

    Exploring virtually every aspect of the guitar’s personality since 1999, the New York Guitar Festival has presented many of the world’s most influential guitarists at iconic NYC venues large and small. From multi-GRAMMY-winners to emerging artists, the performers include masters of the classical repertoire, blues, jazz, pop, indie, folk, and Americana.

    The Kaufman Music Center (KMC) presents music programs for students, performers, and audiences alike with its intimate performance space Merkin Hall and the Special Music School – among other things. It is the premier destination for learning and listening to music in New York City. The center is constantly cultivating and nurturing new generations of artists, inspiring the young and old to learn instruments and turn their passion for music into a career.

    Merkin Hall – the Center’s intimate performance venue – provides access to today’s most compelling artists, competitions, and workshops. Other programs, like Artist-in-Residence, give performers resources to develop groundbreaking protects and educational opportunities to mentor and inspire the Special Music School students; New York’s only K-12 public school prioritizing musically-focused education without financial barriers.

    Kaufman Music Center

    The festival, hosted by WNYC’s John Schaefer, includes a wide range of performances across the two days from artists like Marc Ribot & Leyla McCalla, Yasmin Williams, Neel Murgai, Kunal Prakash, Medicine Singers, Lee Ranaldo, Yonatan Gat, Maalem Hassan BenJaafar, Mamady Kouyaté and additional special guests.

    Friday, June 14 Programming

    The New York Guitar Festival’s 25th Anniversary begins with a typically eclectic event. The unlikely duo of Marc Ribot, the New York guitarist, and Leyla McCalla, the New Orleans cellist and banjo player perform starting at 8 p.m. Ribot is known for his work with Tom Waits, Elvis Costello, his avant-noise trio Ceramic Dog, and much more; McCalla writes songs that draw on the African-American string band tradition, Cajun music, and her Haitian heritage. Ribot was also a student of the Haitian classical guitarist/composer Frantz Casseus, and the two share a strong genre-agnostic streak. 

    Joining them is Yasmin Williams, who has extended the “tapping” technique when she approaches the guitar -occasionally adding tap shoes and kalimba to the sound and becoming a literal one-woman band. Also performing is sitarist Neel Murgai, co-director of the globally-inspired Brooklyn Raga Massive – accompanied by Jeff The Brotherhood guitarist Kunal Prakash.

    Saturday, June 15 Programming

    Medicine Singers is the name of an ongoing collaboration between Yonatan Gat, the virtuosic Israeli-born, New York-based guitarist, and the Eastern Medicine Singers – an Eastern Algonquin powwow group from Rhode Island. Now joined by the legendary Lee Ranaldo of Sonic Youth, they combine ancient trance and spirituality with modern psychedelia and use the similarities – and differences – between the steady pulse of Indigenous American drumming and rock.

    Maalem Hassan BenJaafar is the lead singer and Artistic Director of Innov Gnawa – teaching the other members of the band while performing across the world. In November 2017, Maalem Hassan and Innov Gnawa were nominated for a GRAMMY in the Dance/Electronic category. Finally, The Mandingo Ambassadors was founded in New York City by griot-guitarist Mamady Kouyaté, an enriched arranger, band leader, accompanist, and soloist, in 2005. Since 2008 the group has been in residence at Barbes, performing every Wednesday night. In addition, they have performed at many clubs, events, and festivals including Lincoln Center Out of Doors, Celebrate Brooklyn, and the International Festival of Arts and Ideas.

    Tickets are on sale now.

  • Matt Maltese Wows the Crowd at Irving Plaza

    On Friday, March 22, UK-born singer-songwriter Matt Maltese took the stage at Irving Plaza for his sold-out show as part of his “Touring Just to Tour” NY run. The beautiful stage truly set the vibe of the concert—the lights, the vines, the street lamps—they all created a cozy and whimsical experience that complemented Matt’s soft and buttery vocals. 

    Matt Maltese — Photographed by Sarah Hyun

    Matt Maltese got his start with music in Reading, Berkshire, where as a young kid he took a particular interest in songwriting. Drawing inspiration from the blues and jazz genres, Maltese wrote about heartbreak, falling in love, and the world ending—in a way like no other modern artist. His raw, poetic, and deeply heartfelt lyrics revealed his experiences navigating adolescence and adulthood. Maltese is halfway through his American leg of tour, where he has twelve more dates at venues in Massachusetts to California. He previously played at the Governors Ball Music Festival.

    Matt Maltese — Photographed by Sarah Hyun

    Prior to Matt’s entrance onto the stage, opener The Army, The Navy, put on a beautiful acoustic show for the crowd of twelve hundred. The pre-show playlist included jazzy background music that excited concertgoers swayed back and forth to. Upon Matt’s entrance, the crowd screamed in excitement. One fan yelled, “Matt you’re so British!,” where he responded with, “Yes, I am very British.”

    Matt Maltese — Photographed by Sarah Hyun

    During his opening song, “You Deserve an Oscar,” Maltese kept impressive eye contact with the audience as he belted sincere lyrics and beautifully played his piano. Halfway through the show, he played a game with the audience where he asked which out of three statements about his bassist, Jamien, was true—1. He fed his friend’s pet koi fish chips and chili oil, causing them to die; 2. He pretended to be a waiter at a random restaurant in order to get a woman’s number; and 3. He was fired from his ice cream job for using a single spoon to try every flavor there. He later revealed that all three were true.

    Jamien Randall Pepper (right) and Madden Klass (left) — Photographed by Sarah Hyun

    Towards the end of the show, he played his most well-known song, “As the World Caves In,” singing lyrics like “And here is it, our final night alive / And as the earth runs to the ground / Oh girl it’s you that I lie with / As the atom bomb locks in / Yes it’s you I welcome death with.” Anyone who has listened to Matt Maltese would not deny his true talent in crafting lyrics and melodies. 

    Matt ended the night with an encore, singing “Strange Time” and “Everyone Adores You (At Least I Do).” Although Matt does not have any New York dates left for this tour, he will likely return during his next run.

    Matt Maltese – Irving Plaza – March 22, 2024

    Setlist: You Deserve an Oscar, Mother, Irony Would Have It, Curl Up and Die, Hello Black Dog, Little Person, Mystery, Madhouse / Jupiter, Krystal, Krakow, Driving Just to Drive, The Earth is a Very Small Dot, Kiss Me (Sixpence None the Richer Cover), Rom-Com Gone Wrong, Nightclub Love, As the World Caves In / Intolewd

    Encore: Strange Time, Everyone Adores You (At Least I Do)

    Matt maltese irving plaza
    Matt maltese irving plaza
    Matt maltese irving plaza

  • Stephen Schwartz’s LIMEHOF Induction: A Celebration of Musical Majesty

    On March 23, 2024, the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame welcomed one of its own, the illustrious composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz, with an induction ceremony that will be remembered for years to come.

    Held at the LIMEHOF in Stony Brook, this evening was a testament to Schwartz’s immense contributions to the world of music and theater, as well as his profound influence on countless artists.

    Stephen Schwartz

    Hosted by the legendary Paul Shaffer and directed by Paul Kreppel, the event was a star-studded affair, filled with heartfelt tributes, captivating performances, and a palpable sense of admiration for the honoree. From the opening remarks to the final curtain call, the evening was a fitting tribute to a man whose talent knows no bounds.

    Before the ceremony began, Paul Shaffer, in a conversation with the press, eloquently expressed his admiration for Stephen Schwartz. Reflecting on their collaboration over the years, Shaffer praised Schwartz’s ability to immerse himself in characters when composing music, citing his magical touch and profound impact on Shaffer’s career. He emphasized Schwartz’s willingness to share his knowledge and mentorship, underscoring the importance of talent and dedication in the industry.

    Paul Shaffer

    As the show commenced, Shaffer took the stage to introduce the house band and Hall of Fame director Ernie Canadea. The atmosphere was electric as the audience prepared for an unforgettable evening. Performances of iconic songs from Schwartz’s repertoire, including “Prepare Ye!” from Godspell and “Magic To Do” from Pippin, showcased the timeless appeal of his music and the versatility of his compositions.

    The house band, comprised of seasoned musicians, added a layer of magic to the performances. Doug Quinn, known for his work with the Quinn Brothers, graced the stage on guitar, alongside Steve Mayness on bass and Rick Shutter on drums. Their impeccable musicianship complemented the vocal performances, creating an unforgettable musical experience.

    One of the evening’s highlights came when Stephen Reinhardt took the stage to share his personal story of how Schwartz changed the trajectory of his life. With heartfelt gratitude, Reinhardt recounted how Schwartz’s mentorship and belief in his talent opened doors and paved the way for his success in the industry. His heartfelt words resonated with everyone in attendance, underscoring the profound impact Schwartz has had on countless lives.

    Teal Wicks

    As the night progressed, the stage was graced by an array of talented performers, each paying homage to Schwartz with their stirring renditions of his most beloved songs. DeMarius R. Copes mesmerized the audience with his rendition of “Magic To Do” from Pippin, while Teal Wicks captivated hearts with her performance of “Wizard and I” from Wicked. Carrie St. Louis and Max Grossman delivered a show-stopping rendition of “Popular” from Wicked, showcasing their vocal prowess and stage presence.

    Finally, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived as Paul Shaffer had the honor of inducting Stephen Schwartz into the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF). With heartfelt words, Shaffer presented Schwartz with the prestigious award, symbolizing the culmination of a lifetime of achievements.

    Paul Shaffer

    In his acceptance speech, Schwartz expressed his gratitude for the honor, acknowledging the significance of being recognized by his hometown. He thanked his friends and collaborators for their unwavering support and paid tribute to the performers who had brought his music to life throughout the evening.

    As the final notes of “Day By Day” from Godspell filled the air, there was a sense of collective joy and appreciation for the man whose music had touched the hearts of millions. The induction of Stephen Schwartz into the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame was not just a celebration of one man’s talent but a testament to the power of music to inspire, uplift, and unite us all.

    Musical Numbers: Prepare Ye! (Godspell) performed by Paul Shaffer, Rick Shutter, Steve Manes and Doug Quinn, Magic To Do (Pippin) performed by DeMarius R. Copes, Corner Of The Sky (Pippin) performed by Sam Simahk, Bless The Lord (Godspell) performed by Alysia Velez, West End Avenue (The Magic Show) performed by Dale Soules, All Good Gifts (Godspell) performed by Demarius R. Copes, Colors of the Wind (Pocahontas) performed by Alysia Velez, Kevin Newton, and Peter DelGrosso, Wizard and I (Wicked) performed by Teal Wicks and Max Grossman, Popular (Wicked) performed by Carrie St. Louis and Max Grossman, For Good (Wicked) Performed by Carrie St. Louis, Teal Wicks and Max Grossman.

  • In Focus: Gary Clark Jr. Performs Soho Sessions, Raising Funds for Music Will

    On Tuesday, March 19, Gary Clark Jr. performed at The Soho Sessions, an exclusive music-driven community known for curating exceptional live experiences in NYC. Clark Jr. was celebrating the release of his new album released this week, titled JPEG RAW.

    music will
    In attendance were Actor Richard Kind, Jane Rose, Promoter Peter Shapiro, Elle Fanning, Fran DeFeo, David Fricke, Gus Wenner, Steve Schirripa among others. photo by Kim Mancuso Photography. 

    In addition to celebrating Clark’s new album, this edition of The Soho Sessions also celebrated music through raising awareness and funds for Music Will, the organization that has provided music teacher training, curriculum, and instruments to over 6,000 schools across all 50 states – impacting over 1.6 million students to date.

    music will
    photo by Kim Mancuso Photography. 

    The nonprofit strives to reach a million more students by 2027 while making music education accessible to all students regardless of their socio-economic circumstances. Music Will runs the largest nonprofit music program in the U.S. public school system.

    Music Will believes that music education is a right, not a privilege, and it should reflect the cultures of the students it serves. That’s why, for two decades now, their programs have taught students such popular American genres as rock, pop, R&B, Latin, rap and country—alongside styles already taught in schools, such as classical and jazz.

    Chief Relationship Officer, Janice Polizzotto (right) pictured sitting with Soho Sessions executives. photo by Kim Mancuso Photography. 

    Additionally, more than 70 colleges and universities now use their approach to music education majors. Several state departments of education have partnered with Music Will to grow music education in the schools they serve. Its mission of transforming lives by transforming music education has grown into a movement.

    photo by Kim Mancuso Photography. 

    Stream Gary Clark Jr.’s new album JPEG RAW below.

  • Drive-By Truckers Bring Back Southern Rock Opera for a 2024 Tour

    Drive-By Truckers will be stopping at Irving Plaza on October 17, as part of their Southern Rock Opera Revisited 2024 Tour. With a selection of fan favorites from their vast discography, this tour will be an exciting celebration of their legendary 2001 album.

    Drive By Truckers at Water Street Music Hall – photo by Brian Ferguson

    Drive-By Truckers put love and effort into Southern Rock Opera, which they first self-released on September 11, 2001. They raised money from fans who later became investors to press 5,000 copies, and they independently sold 10,000 copies while going on a huge tour that they organized. The band moved from dive bars to larger venues and theaters due to the album’s success, which also led to proper management and a record deal.

    Southern Rock Opera

    Drive-By Truckers began their journey with Southern Rock Opera, and for 23 years, this trajectory helped them thrive. Acclaimed for their enthusiastic performances and insightful political views, the group’s varied take on rock ‘n’ roll has connected with listeners all over the world.

    Beginning on June 7, the tour will travel throughout North America until the beginning of July. Not only that, but the tour will return in October. On October 17, New Yorkers can catch them at Irving Plaza.

    With a special soundcheck party and limited-edition merchandise, the VIP Experience gives fans an opportunity to dig deeper into the music. Get your VIP tickets now for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness history.

    The band sums it up nicely when they say, “It ain’t about the past.” This tour is meant to spark conversations about our past, present, and future. Thus, get your tickets, mark your calendars, and get ready to rock out when Drive-By Truckers hit the road for their Southern Rock Opera Revisited 2024 Tour.

    For more details and ticket information, visit www.drivebytruckers.com/shows.

    DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS SOUTHERN ROCK OPERA REVISITED 2024 TOUR

    JUNE

    7 – Indianapolis, IN – Egyptian Room at Old National Centre

    8 – St. Louis, MO – The Pageant

    9 – Louisville, KY – Mercury Ballroom

    10 – Henrico, VA – Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens* 

    13 – Raleigh, NC – The Ritz

    14 – Charlotte, NC – The Fillmore Charlotte

    15 – Birmingham, AL – Iron City

    16 – New Orleans, LA – The Civic Theatre

    19 – Houston, TX – House of Blues

    20 – Austin, TX – ACL Live at the Moody Theater

    21 – Dallas, TX – House of Blues

    23 – Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren

    26 – El Cajon, CA – The Magnolia

    27 – Los Angeles, CA – The Belasco

    28 – San Francisco, CA – The Fillmore

    29 – San Francisco, CA – The Fillmore

    JULY

    1 – Portland, OR – Crystal Ballroom

    2 – Seattle, WA – Neptune Theatre

    5 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Complex

    6 – Denver, CO – Fillmore Auditorium

    OCTOBER

    16 – Washington, DC – Warner Theatre

    17 – New York, NY – Irving Plaza

    18 – Boston, MA – House of Blues

    19 – Philadelphia, PA – Theatre of Living Arts

    22 – Toronto, ON – Danforth Music Hall

    23 – Cleveland, OH – House of Blues

    25 – Minneapolis, MN – Uptown Theater

    26 – Minneapolis, MN – Uptown Theater

    27 – Madison, WI – The Sylvee

    29 – Des Moines, IA – Val Air Ballroom

    30 – Milwaukee, WI – Pabst Theater

    NOVEMBER

    1 – Chicago, IL – House of Blues

    2 – Chicago, IL – House of Blues

    3 – Cincinnati, OH – Bogart’s

    5 – Detroit, MI – St. Andrew’s Hall

    7 – Asheville, NC – The Orange Peel

    8 – Asheville, NC – The Orange Peel

    9 – Atlanta, GA – Tabernacle

    24 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium

  • Bernadette Peters Hosts Shubert Foundation’s 10th Anniversary High School Theatre Festival

    Bernadette Peters from Hello, Dolly!, and Follies fame will host the 10 Anniversary High School Theatre Festival for NYC public schools on March 25 at the Winter Garden Theatre on Broadway. 

    The Shubert Festival celebrates six outstanding high school student productions from the 2023-24 school year, selected from more than 20 productions across the city by professional theatre artists and theatre educators. Throughout the festival’s ten-year history, school productions from all five boroughs have performed at the event.

    The Broadway Festival is hosted by Bernadette Peters – author, actress, and singer famously known for her role in a broadway star-packed movie tick, tick…Boom! alongside Academy Awards nominee Andrew Garfield. Apart from theatre and music, Peters was presented with the Animal Medical Center Brooke Astor Award in 2018 in recognition of her lifetime dedication to animal welfare, which includes the “over 2,000 adoptions” she has made at Broadway Barks events.

    Other guest Broadway presenters will include James Caverly, Miguel Cervantes, Charlotte d’Amboise, Jeanna de Waal, Treshelle Edmond, Drew Gehling, Tamar Greene, Anika Larsen, Apollo Levine, Julian Elijah Martinez, Gary Perez, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Seth Rudetsky, Brandon Uranowitz, and Kara Young.

    This year, student presentations will present excerpted scenes and musical numbers, including Titanic by Professional Performing Arts High School from Manhattan, Joseph, And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat by Lexington School For The Deaf from Queens, Mamma Mia! By Curtis High School from Staten Island, Zanna Don’t! by Repertory Company High School For Theatre Arts from Manhattan, Titanic by Frank Sinatra School Of The Arts from Queens, and Urinetown by Brooklyn High School For The Arts from Brooklyn. 

    The Shubert High School Theatre Festival highlights the vital lives and theatrical skills of collaboration, artistry, discipline, focus, literacy, student voice, self-awareness, presence, and empathy, in addition to showcasing the outstanding theater currently being produced in NYC public high schools. The evening’s main focus is how a dedicated theater program may benefit students and school communities by encouraging them to consider theater and the arts as possible career options.

    This year’s annual theatre education experience for NYC students is presented by The Shubert Foundation and the NYC Department of Education Arts Office and for more information fans can visit www.shubertfoundation.org.