NYS Music 2024

Category: NYC Metro

  • Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue to play Pier 17 Rooftop with Big Boi in June

    The high octane of Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue will take center stage this summer, for a run that begins in June, with a stop at The Rooftop at Pier 17 along the way. Joining Trombone Shorty this summer is the legendary Big Boi from Outkast.

    Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue will stop at The Rooftop at Pier 17

    Trombone Shorty recently teamed up with his childhood friend Sammy Cyrus for a special project named Saint Brass. Ahead of Mardi Gras festivities, the duo has dropped “Mardi Gras Morning,” an irresistibly joyful track that captures the vibrant spirit of New Orleans.

    On February 16, just three days after Mardi Gras, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue will embark on the first-ever Shorty Gras tour, bringing their high-energy New Orleans party to the East Coast for a special 3-week run of performances. They’ll be joined by another New Orleans staple, The Soul Rebels. Shorty Gras has become a beloved New Orleans tradition since its inaugural year in 2020, a featured event as part of the Krewe de Freret Parade in the lead-up to Mardi Gras (the Krewe de Freret Parade is scheduled for February 3, 2024).

    Trombone Shorty leads the parade on his own signature float, and concludes with the Shorty Gras ball at Mardi Gras World, featuring a who’s who of musical guests. Previous performers include Juvenile, Mannie Fresh, Flo Rida, Big Freedia, Tank and the Bangas, Rebirth Brass Band. This year, Shorty will bring this distinctly New Orleans Mardi Gras party on the road for the first time. 

    It will be another busy year for the New Orleans ambassador and road warrior. Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue just announced that their beloved Treme Threauxdown concert will return for its eighth year, taking place at New Orleans’ Saenger Theatre on Saturday, April 27 during the first weekend of the Jazz and Heritage Festival. The list of guest stars will be revealed soon, but past shows have seen everyone from Jon Batiste, Mavis Staples, Allen Toussaint, and Dr. John to Eric Church, Usher, Joan Jett, and Gary Clark, Jr., and have also included surprise appearances by artists from Nick Jonas to Dierks Bentley to Steve Miller to Wyclef Jean. 

    Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue just returned from a five-day cultural exchange trip to Cuba, which took place from January 11-15. It marked the third edition of the “Getting Funky in Havana” festival, celebrating the New Orleans – Cuba connection through music. The highlight was a mega concert on January 13 at Club 500, where Trombone Shorty, Orleans Avenue, and Cuban legends Los Van Van and Wampi drew a record-breaking crowd of over 15,000 people, the largest in Cuba in the last four years.

    Additionally, Trombone Shorty cohosted the largest U.S-Cuba jam session at Havana’s Fabrica de Arte Cubano, featuring over 30 artists from both countries. A centerpiece of the event was the collaboration with Guillermo Tomas Music Conservatory, with Trombone Shorty’s Foundation donating instruments to the school through a partnership with Horns to Havana.

    Tickets for Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue at Pier 17 are on sale now.

    Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue Summer 2024 Tour Dates

    June 11: Koka Booth Amphitheatre; Cary, NC *

    June 13: Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater; Bridgeport, CT *

    June 14: Leader Bank Pavilion; Boston, MA *

    June 16: The Rooftop at Pier 17; New York, NY ^

    June 18: Rose Music Center at The Heights; Huber Heights, OH *

    June 20: Cain Park Evans Amphitheater; Cleveland Heights, OH *

    September 4: Hollywood Bowl; Los Angeles, CA *

    *with Big Boi

    ^with Neal Francis

  • Alice Coltrane’s Spirited 1971 Performance at Carnegie Hall to Be Released

    In 1971, harpist/pianist Alice Coltrane performed at Carnegie Hall for a special gala benefiting the Integral Yoga Institute. Backed by an all-star group of musicians, Coltrane delivered a captivating set which will now be available in its entirety for the very first time.

    Alice Coltrane Carnegie Hall

    On March 22, Alice Coltrane – The Carnegie Hall Concert (Impulse!), will finally bring the complete document of Coltrane’s Carnegie Hall performance to fans worldwide.

    Held four years after John Coltrane’s untimely passing and recorded by Impulse!, this deeply spiritual performance marked Alice’s first as a leader at Carnegie Hall.  The concert arrived at a pivotal moment in both Coltrane’s musical career and her spiritual journey. She had just released her fourth solo album, the universally acclaimed Journey in Satchidananda, and had deepened her spiritual quest over a five-week trip to India. Her band that night added two members from her teacher/guru Satchidananda’s circle — Kumar Kramer and Tulsi Reynolds, playing harmonium and tamboura, respectively. They provided a distinctly Eastern flavor to a large jazz ensemble largely comprised of collaborators with her late great husband, sax giant John Coltrane. The group included legendary saxophonists Pharoah Sanders and Archie Shepp, bassists Jimmy Garrison and Cecil McBee and drummers Ed Blackwell and Clifford Jarvis. 

    Coltrane’s set began with two transcendental tunes from the recently-released Journey in Satchidananda, the title track and “Shiva-Loka.”

    The live version of the title tune is the perfect scene setter. It begins with a hypnotic riff by the bass duo of Garrison and McBee, followed by celestial waves of harmonic washes from Coltrane’s harp.  Sanders follows with a wonderful flute solo, with hummed and vocalized harmony, before Shepp brings it home with a bluesy, chromatic excursion on his piercing soprano sax. “Shiva-Loka” is another one chord modal romp which gets deeper with each passing minute.. It is underpinned by a repetitive riff which seems a tribute/lift to/from John Coltrane’s “Equinox.”  Alice’s harp casts a heavenly backdrop for a skronking sax solo by Sanders and then a thunderous drum duet. 

    The remaining two tracks, “Africa” and “Leo,” are covers of latter-day classics by her husband John.  For these long journeys, Alice is at the piano providing chordal colors and the occasional solos. “Africa” stretches out to 27+ minutes, with another explosive drum duet, bass solos and plenty of frenzied soloing by Sanders and Shepp in the Trane tradition– a sound that closely captures what John and his crew were conjuring on latter-day recordings like “Live in Japan.”

    This year Impulse! and Verve Label Group have partnered with The John & Alice Coltrane Home to launch the “Year of Alice,” a year-long celebration of Alice Coltrane’s profound work.  At the center of the celebration are Coltrane’s groundbreaking recordings for Impulse!, and the label will be working in tandem with The John & Alice Coltrane Home for varied activations throughout the year. To kick off the year-long celebration, there will be special night of performers and speakers that include Ravi Coltrane, Michelle Coltrane, Brandee Younger and more at the legendary Birdland on February 22.

    To learn more, visit ververecords.com

    Pre-order the album HERE.

  • Marcus King Announces Tour, 6 Stops in NYS, New Studio Album, “Mood Swings”

    Blues musician Marcus King has announced the release of his new album titled, Mood Swings releasing April 5. Along with the album, Marcus King plans to tour throughout North America and Europe starting March 7. The tour will kick off at Love Rocks NYC and feature 6 dates in New York State.

    New album Mood Swings will feature 11 tracks and will be showcased during the upcoming tour. The album was produced by legendary producer Rick Rubin who says the singing and guitar playing on the album are “from another planet.”

    Marcus King is known for his electro drum stomp, his richly soul vocals, and his bluesy, jazzy guitar playing. His new album, however, takes his audience down a new path of sound. King combines elements as diverse as modern pop, R&B, aughts hip hop, piano driven classic rock and the warm production and symphonic instrumentation of classic era soul, R&B and jazz.

    The tour will feature six dates in NY including, Manhattan for the Love Rocks NYC benefit, Port Chester, Syracuse, Darien Lake, Albany, and Brooklyn.

    Marcus King Mood Swings Tour Dates

    March 7, 2024 – Love Rocks NYC – New York, NY

    March 9, 2024 – The Capitol Theatre – Port Chester, NY

    April 6, 2024 – U.S. Bank Stadium – Minneapolis, MN w/ Chris Stapleton

    April 13, 2024 – 10 Annual Major Rager – Augusta, GA

    April 19, 2024 – Moon Crush “Pink Moon” Festival – Miramar Beach, FL

    May 06, 2024 – The Moore Theater – Seattle, WA

    May 07, 2024 – Crystal Ballroom – Portland, OR

    May 08, 2024 – Crystal Ballroom – Portland, OR

    May 10, 2024 – The Masonic – San Francisco, CA

    May 11, 2024 – Grand Sierra Ballroom – Reno, NV

    May 14, 2024 – The Wiltern – Los Angeles, CA

    May 15, 2024 – The Van Buren – Phoenix, AZ

    May 17, 2024 – The Complex – Salt Lake City, UT

    May 18, 2024 – Fillmore Auditorium – Denver, CO

    May 22, 2024 – The Monument – Rapid City, SD w/ Chris Stapleton

    May 24, 2024 – Denny Sanford PREMIER Center – Sioux Falls, SD w/ Chris Stapleton

    May 25, 2024 – Harrah’s Stir Cove – Council Bluffs, IA

    May 26, 2024 – EPIC Event Center – Green Bay, WI*

    May 29, 2024 – The Pageant – St Louis, MO

    May 30, 2024 – GLC Live at 20 Monroe – Grand Rapids, MI

    May 31, 2024 – Blossom Music Center – Cleveland OH w/ Chris Stapleton

    June 01, 2024 – Railbird Festival – Lexington, KY

    June 02, 2024 – Salt Shed – Chicago, IL

    June 04, 2024 – College Street Music Hall – New Haven, CT*

    June 06, 2024 – Freedom Mortgage Pavilion – Philadelphia, PA w/ Chris Stapleton

    June 07, 2024 – Jiffy Lube Live – Bristow, VA w/ Chris Stapleton

    June 08, 2024 – Landmark Theatre – Syracuse, NY

    June 10, 2024 – Ruby Amphitheater – Morgantown, WV*

    June 12, 2024 – T-Mobile Center – Kansas City, MO w/ Chris Stapleton

    June 13, 2024 – Thunder Ridge Nature Arena – Ridgefield, MO w/ Chris Stapleton

    June 14, 2024 – The Criterion – Oklahoma City, OK

    June 15, 2024 – Globe Life Field – Arlington, TX w/ Chris Stapleton

    July 11, 2024 – Darien Lake Amphitheater – Darien Center, NY w/ Chris Stapleton

    July 12, 2024 – The Pavilion at Star Lake – Pittsburgh, PA w/ Chris Stapleton

    July 13, 2024 – Palace Theatre – Albany, NY

    July 16, 2024 – Egyptian Room – Indianapolis, IN

    July 18, 2024 – Huntington Center – Toledo, OH w/ Chris Stapleton

    July 19, 2024 – Schottenstein Center – Columbus, OH w/ Chris Stapleton

    July 20, 2024 – The Fillmore Detroit – Detroit, MI

    September 04, 2024 – Orpheum – Vancouver, BC

    September 06, 2024 – Grey Eagle Event Center – Calgary, AB

    September 07, 2024 – Midway Music Hall – Edmonton, AB

    September 09, 2024 – Burton Cummings Theatre – Winnipeg, MB

    September 13, 2024 – Massey Hall – Toronto, ON

    September 14, 2024 – London Music Hall – London, ON

    September 17, 2024 – Kemba Live! – Columbus, OH

    September 19, 2024 – Warner Theatre – Washington, D.C.

    September 20, 2024 – Warner Theatre – Washington, D.C.

    September 21, 2024 – The Ritz – Raleigh, NC

    September 24, 2024 – Avondale Brewing – Birmingham, AL

    September 26, 2024 – Riverside Theater – Milwaukee, WI

    September 28, 2024 – The Sylvee, Madison, WI

    September 29, 2024 – Vibrant Music Hall – Des Moines, IA

    October 07, 2024 – Roxian Theatre – McKees Rock, PA

    October 09, 2024 – State Theatre – Portland, ME

    October 11, 2024 – House of Blues Boston – Boston, MA

    October 12, 2024 – The Fillmore – Philadelphia, PA

    October 13, 2024 – Brooklyn Paramount – Brooklyn, NY

    October 17, 2024 – La Riviera – Madrid, Spain

    October 18, 2024 – Sala Apolo – Barcelona, Spain

    October 20, 2024 – Fabrique Milano – Milan, Italy

    October 21, 2024 – Komplex 457 – Zurich, Switzerland

    October 23, 2024 – Le Transbordeur – Lyon, France

    October 25, 2024 – Essigfabrik – Cologne, Germany

    October 27, 2024 – Markthalle – Hamburg, Germany

    October 28, 2024 – De Roma – Antwerp, Belgium

    October 29, 2024 – AFAS Live – Amsterdam, Netherlands

    October 31, 2024 – Metropol – Berlin, Germany

    November 01, 2024 – The Grey Hall – Copenhagen, Denmark

    November 03, 2024 – Bataclan – Paris, France

    November 05, 2024 – Eventim Apollo – London, UK

    November 06, 2024 – Albert Hall – Manchester, UK

    November 07, 2024 – Barrowland Ballroom – Glasgow, UK

    November 09, 2024 – O2 Institute – Birmingham, UK

    November 10, 2024 – The Great Hall – Cardiff, UK

    November 12, 2024 – Olympia – Dublin, Ireland

    Tickets for Marcus King’s North America dates will be available starting with Citi presale beginning on Monday, February 12. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general on-sale beginning on Friday, February 16 at 10 am at LiveNation.com. 

    For More information on Marcus King or his upcoming tour, click here.

  • Gangstagrass Release Music Video for Latest Single, “The Only Way Out Is Through”

    Bluegrass Hip-Hop group Gangstagrass has released a music video for their latest single, “The Only Way Is Through.” The release of the new video featuring musical icon Jerry Douglas, as well as their recently dropped single is propelling the group forward and further narrowing the gap between bluegrass and hip-hop.

    The composition showcases the meshing of expert banjo artistry, dynamic production, and the unique facets of Gangstagrass music. The vocals are whisked through an inspiring chorus, complete with the Lowdown Brass Band on horns.

    Gangstagrass was birthed as a studio experiment in 2006 by Brooklyn-based producer Rench. The combination of country/bluegrass vocals, guitar, and hip-hop beats allowed for Gangstagrass to evolve. The group grew into a vibrant and improvisational band, forging unity and creative diversity from the most unexpected of origins.

    The group harmonizes an array of talents from Rench, R-SON the Voice of Reason (MC), and Dolio the Sleuth (MC, Vocals), in addition to featuring Dan “Danjo” Whitener (Banjo, Vocals), and B.E. Farrow (Fiddle, Vocals), among other brilliant instrumentalists.

    Gangstagrass has culminated various sounds from across the country. The ensemble has skillfully blended the traditional sounds of fiddles and banjos with contemporary hip-hop beats. This unseen blend and innovation have propelled the band to worldwide success.

    The music video for the recently released single, “The Only Way Out Is Through” shows the members of the group performing the song whilst facing the camera. Throughout the video, random objects like silly string, paper balls, cardboard, foodstuffs, etc. are being hurled at each person in the spotlight.

    The music video is meant to be humorous, wacky, and borderline absurd. The directors of the video, Tough Dumplin and MZ.ICAR did an excellent job at conveying the groups fun spirit and goofy nature, while also showcasing the grand musicianship with the single played throughout.

    To learn more about the group Gangstagrass, visit their website here.

  • Usher To Bring Nationwide “Past, Present, Future” Tour to New York 

    Usher has announced his nationwide “Past, Present, Future” tour, featuring four nights at Barclays Center on Sept. 6, 7, 9, and 10.

    The tour announcement comes just days ahead of the multi-platinum-selling artist to headline the Apple Music Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show on Feb. 11 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. 

    With the new tour dates, Usher will also release his ninth studio album titled Coming Home on February 9. Coming Home is the singer’s first solo album in nearly eight years since Hard II Love (2016) and his first studio album in six years since A (2018), marking the longest gap between the two albums. The album will be his first independent album and will feature collaborations with Burna Boy, Summer Walker, 21 Savage, Latto, The-Dream, H.E.R, Pheelz, and Jungkook from BTS.

    The “Caught Up” singer first released his self-titled debut album in 1994 at the age of sixteen and rose to fame in the late 1990s following the release of his second album My Way (1997). His third album, 8701 (2001), saw continued success with the number-one singles “U Remind Me” and “U Got It Bad”, as well as the top-three single “U Don’t Have to Call”. It sold eight million copies worldwide and won the artist his first two Grammy Awards as Best Male R&B Vocal Performance in 2002 and 2003. 

    In addition to music, Usher has made numerous TV and film appearances, including as a Guest judge on Star Search in 2003 and also the iconic cameo as himself in the 2019 film Hustlers directed by Lorene Scafaria. He holds an entire strip club in his thrall, his song “Love in the Club” playing as he lavishes attention on the dancers. His 2022 NPR Tiny Desk Concert gained over 20 million views, making it one of the series’ most popular installments.

    Since he made his professional debut, Usher has achieved nine No. 1 singles and released eight studio albums. His 2004 hit track “Confessions Part II” was crowned by Rolling Stone as the “best R&B song of the 21st century.” His 2004 album Confessions, achieved the highest certification from the Recording Industry Association of America, Diamond, as it surpassed 10 million sales in 2008, which made him the first and last R&B artist since Stevie Wonder, whose 1976 album Songs in the Key of Life was certified in 2005, to receive this distinction. He’s also the last Black artist in any genre to achieve this.

    Tickets for his “Past, Present, Future” Tour will begin on February 7. Additional pre-sales will be available  throughout the week ahead of the general on-sale beginning on February 12 at LiveNation.com

    Usher: Past Present Future North America Tour Dates:

    Tue Aug 20 – Washington, DC  – Capital One Arena

    Wed Aug 21 – Washington, DC  – Capital One Arena ADDED DATE

    Fri Aug 23 – Baltimore, MD – CFG Bank Arena ADDED DATE

    Sat Aug 24 – Baltimore, MD – CFG Bank Arena

    Tue Aug 27 – Boston, MA – TD Garden

    Wed Aug 28 – Boston, MA – TD Garden ADDED DATE

    Fri Aug 30 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center

    Sat Aug 31 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center ADDED DATE

    Mon Sep 02 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena

    Tue Sep 03 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena

    Fri Sep 06 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center

    Sat Sep 07 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center

    Mon Sep 09 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center ADDED DATE

    Tue Sep 10 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center ADDED DATE

    Thu Sep 12 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena

    Fri Sep 13 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena ADDED DATE

    Tue Sep 17 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena

    Wed Sep 18 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena ADDED DATE

    Sat Sep 21 – Los Angeles, CA – Intuit Dome

    Sun Sep 22 – Los Angeles, CA – Intuit Dome

    Tue Sep 24 – Los Angeles, CA – Intuit Dome ADDED DATE

    Wed Sep 25 – Los Angeles, CA – Intuit Dome ADDED DATE

    Sat Sep 28 – Oakland, CA – Oakland Arena

    Sun Sep 29 – Oakland, CA – Oakland Arena

    Fri Oct 04 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center

    Sat Oct 05 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center ADDED DATE

    Mon Oct 07 – Austin, TX – Moody Center ATX

    Tue Oct 08 – Austin, TX – Moody Center ATX ADDED DATE

    Fri Oct 11 – Miami, FL – Kaseya Center

    Sat Oct 12 – Miami, FL – Kaseya Center

    Mon Oct 14 – Miami, FL– Kaseya Center ADDED DATE

    Thu Oct 17 – Atlanta, GA– State Farm Arena

    Fri Oct 18 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena

    Sun Oct 20 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena ADDED DATE

    Tue Oct 22 – Charlotte, NC – Spectrum Center

    Wed Oct 23 – Charlotte, NC – Spectrum Center ADDED DATE

    Fri Oct 25 – St Louis, MO – Enterprise Center ADDED DATE

    Sat Oct 26 – St Louis, MO – Enterprise Center

    Mon Oct 28 – Chicago, IL – United Center

    Tue Oct 29 – Chicago, IL – United Center

    Thu Oct 31 – Chicago, IL – United Center ADDED DATE

  • Hip-Hop Education Center & Lincoln Center Collaborate to Celebrate Women in Hip-Hop 

    The Hip-Hop Education Center and Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts (LCPA) will present the inaugural Fresh, Bold & So Def Symposium: A Tribute to Women in Hip-Hop on April 5 at the Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall. This will be the first conference of the three-part series that will spotlight the often-unsung heroines who have played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of Hip-Hop culture.

    Hip-Hop Education Center

    The mission of the Hip-Hop Education Center is to empower individuals and communities by catalyzing social change and equity through research, curated curricula, collaborative programming, career and leadership training, and the development of a living archive. 

    The Fresh, Bold & So Def Symposium aims to showcase the rich tapestry of talent and innovation that these trailblazing women offers in a male-dominated industry as a means of empowering future and seasoned artistic leaders to push Hip-Hop culture forward with new perspectives and daring insight, backed by prominent leaders in the community.

    “The Hip-Hop Education Center is extremely proud to elevate the achievements and contributions of women in Hip-Hop at one of the most prestigious performing arts institutions in our country,” Martha Diaz, the Chief Curator for Hip-Hop Education Center shared, “Having a platform where our history is honored and can be shared, documented, and made accessible to the masses is not only monumental, it is empowering!” She added. 

    B Girl G.I.Jane

    The morning sessions will focus on mostly educating local high school students on the elements of Hip-Hop culture through hands-on workshops, a career cipher, and more, while the afternoon symposium, tailored to industry professionals, will offer panel discussions, fireside chats, performances, and networking opportunities.

    The inaugural celebration will include over seven different panels that will include the DiSRUPTERS: Women Who Dare To Be Different, the first panel moderated by author and journalist Kathy Iandoli on paving new career pathways with trailblazers Erica Ford, founder of violence prevention organization LIFE Camp, also a renowned graffiti artist and designer Claw Money, legendary DJ and radio host Jazzy Joyce, and Rosa Clemente, the first Afro-Latina to run for Vice-President of the United States on the Green Party ticket. 

    BOSS UP! The Art of Negotiation, will be a lecture with Wendy Day, the founder of the Rap Coalition, a not-for-profit organization helping artists navigate the industry more advantageously. GAME CHANGERS: Trailblazer Mentoring The Next Generation of Girls & Women in Hip-Hop, featuring legendary stylist and fashion designer Misa Hylton of Misa Hylton Fashion Academy, Tiffany Miranda of Girls Make Beats, Ladies of Hip-Hop founder Michele Byrd-McPhee, music industry veteran Sophia Chang of Unlock Her Potential, and Shyvonne Sanganoo of Lower East Side Girls Club.  

    Straighten Your Crown: Staying Grounded and Centered in Self-care, a fireside chat with artist and Hip-Hop ambassador Toni Blackman and music industry executive Shanti Das on how community and mental health affect quality of life

    Blow the Whistle: Culture Shifting Women, will be a panel discussion on navigating misogyny in the culture with filmmaker and scholar Rachel Raimist, pioneering MC and author Sheri Sher of the Mercedes Ladies, Elizabeth Mendez-Berry, Vice President and Executive Editor of One World, May Praseuth, Founder and Executive Director of The Good Foot Arts Collective, Juana Sperling of female rap group JJ Fad, and writer and producer Kim Osorio

    Mic Check: First Ladies Cypher, a fireside chat with pioneering MCs Sha-Rock, Pebblee Poo, Debbie D, and Lisa Lee, moderated by Martha Diaz

    The award winning journalist Dr. Joan Morgan will present Hip-Hop Feminist Futurism and later fans will be able to participate in workshops rooted in breaking, beat-making, graffiti, and oral history with Community for Urban Dance & Art, Girls Make Beats, Ladies Love Project, and Lower East Side Girls Club. The panel will host performances by Ladies of Hip-Hop and Full Circle Souljahs of world-renowned Hip-Hop dance duo Kwikstep and Rokafella. 

    Fresh, Bold & So Def Symposium will take place on April 5, 2024, inside Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall. Tickets are Choose-What-You-Pay and go on sale on February 22, and fans can view the full schedule by visiting  LincolnCenter.org/SoDef.

  • The Bones of J.R. Jones Goes to Hometown Country Roots in “Slow Lightning”

    Jonathon Linaberry’s stage name, The Bones of J.R. Jones, conjures a haunting image that sets a melancholic tone fitting for the depths of his latest album, Slow Lightning. Linaberry’s first full-length release in five years, and the deluxe version, out February 9, plunges listeners deeper with covers of Bruce Springsteen’s “My Hometown” and a Bones of J.R. Jones original “Out For Blood.”

    Jonathon Linaberry’s stage name, The Bones of J.R. Jones, conjures a haunting image that sets a melancholic tone fitting for the depths of his latest album, Slow Lightning. Linaberry’s first full-length release in five years, and the deluxe version, out February 9th, plunges listeners deeper with covers of Bruce Springsteen’s “My Hometown” and a Bones of J.R. Jones original “Out For Blood.”

    Linaberry’s cover of Springsteen’s 1985 hit “My Hometown” sets a clear expectation for the mood of the fourteen-track album. A heavy song to begin with, Slow Lighting’s producer Paul Kolderie substitutes lap steel for Roy Bittan’s Nord synthesizer, adding an atmosphere of pastoral mournfulness that makes sense for an artist from the farmlands of Delhi, New York. The wailing lap steel leads to a cinematic arrangement that rolls out of speakers in a dense fog.

    Strong arrangements are a hallmark of Slow Lightning. The album sounds larger, and if you close your eyes, it’s easy to imagine a larger room of musicians playing whatever they have on hand, from steel top resonator guitar to a washboard. From its sound alone you would never expect that the titular artist is just one man, that is a credit to expert production from Linaberry and Kolderie who created a seamless soundscape for the album 

    “Blue Skies” exemplifies this bucolic folk sound. Through a reverberating banjo twang Linaberry’s echoes lyrics that come to a tragic climax of despair, overcoming a prayer for better days and blue skies. In the video for his 2023 Tiny Desk Contest Submission, Linaberry is joined by dual backup vocalists Hannah Milnes and Maggie McDowell who add a harmonic nature to the song.

    With the exception of a few tempo-pushing moments, this is not an album you will dance to. While the album’s opening track, “Animals” has an upbeat, soulful groove, these songs sound more fitting for contemplation than celebration. A long drive through a sun-soaked countryside is a fitting place for this album, which presents itself as too dour to be enjoyed over a few drinks with some friends.  

    Slow Lightening is an album loaded with heartbreak. The lyrics echo with lovesick despair through lines like ‘All my love, Pouring out of my eyes, Is drowning me tonight’ on “Heaven Help Me” and ‘You ain’t good for me, And you ain’t ever gonna be, But I ain’t through with you’ from “I ain’t through with you.”

    Misery Loves Company spoke Mephastophilis, so there must be a catharsis in repeating “love is the kind of thing that will keep you warm” alongside strangers. Maybe at Bones of J.R. Jones broken hearts come together to reform. Linaberry’s skillful guitar playing and melodic delivery certainly give you reason to believe. 

    Tickets for The Bones of J.R. Jones tour are available now.

  • Hearing Aide: A Legendary Composer Looks at his Greatest Work in “Philip Glass Solo”

    A most-esteemed American composer, Philip Glass has released a new album, Philip Glass Solo, on January 26. The collection features his most enduring and beloved piano works, painting an intimate portrait of the renowned pianist.

    Philip Glass Solo

    Philip Glass Solo was recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when the world was undergoing a major shift and Glass was shifting from a busy tour and premiere schedule to spending time at home. Glass dedicated this time to revisiting some of his most critically acclaimed piano music, taking to them with a fresh view from his home studio in New York.

    Glass’ most personal record to date, Philip Glass Solo offers a snapshot of his life, and a portrait of daily practice over eight decades through several cherished works.

    Now 86, Glass reflects on his career and the new release:

    “This record revisits my works for piano. From 2020-2021, I had time at home to practice the works I have played for many years. This record is both a time capsule of 2021, and a reflection on decades of composition and practice. In other words, a document on my current thinking about the music. There is also the question of place. This is my piano, the instrument on which most of the music was written.

    It’s also the same room where I have worked for decades in the middle of the energy which New York City itself has brought to me. The listener may hear the quiet hum of New York in the background or feel the influence of time and memory that this space affords. To the degree possible, I made this record to invite the listener in.”

    Philip Glass

    Philip Glass Solo features “Opening,” originally written for the 1982 album Glassworks, which remains one of Glass’ most transfixing pieces and established a sound that quickly became a calling card, the masterpiece of “Metamorphosis” I, II, III, and V, the series of music Glass arranged for his first solo piano concerts in the 1980s; one of his most beloved pieces and longest performances on record (at 16:35), “Mad Rush,” which he composed as an organ piece in 1978 when the Dalai Lama made his first public address in New York; and a reworked version of “Truman Sleeps” from the soundtrack of the beloved 90s film The Truman Show, where Glass appeared on screen performing the piano in one of the pivotal scenes of the film. His changes speak to the heart of all artists’ evolution of both themselves, and their music, over time.

    Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Philip Glass graduated from the University of Chicago and the Juilliard School. In the early 1960s, Glass spent two years of intensive study in Paris with Nadia Boulanger and while there earned money transcribing Ravi Shankar’s Indian music into Western notation.

    By 1974, Glass had a number of innovative projects creating a large collection of new music for The Philip Glass Ensemble and for the Mabou Mines Theater Company. This period culminated in Music in Twelve Parts and the landmark opera Einstein on the Beach, for which he collaborated with Robert Wilson.

    Philip Glass Solo

    Since Einstein, Glass has expanded his repertoire to include music for opera, dance, theater, chamber ensemble, orchestra and film. His scores have received Academy Award nominations (Kundun, The Hours, Notes on a Scandal) and a Golden Globe (The Truman Show). Glass’s memoir Words Without Music was published by Liveright Books in 2015. Glass received the Praemium Imperiale in 2012, the U.S. National Medal of the Arts from President Barack Obama in 2016, and 41st Kennedy Center Honors in 2018.

    Glass’s recent works include a circus opera Circus Days and Nights, Symphony No. 13, Symphony No 14, and Triumph of the Octagon, commissioned and premiered by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Glass is currently writing his 15th symphony commissioned by the National Symphony Orchestra.

    Philip Glass Solo is available in both digital and limited-edition condensed vinyl format. Listen and order here.

  • UB40 Announces Red Red Wine Tour Celebrating 45th Anniversary

    UB40’s summer tour will kick off in NYC on July 2 at Sony Hall on a tour that will feature UB40’s hits as well as songs from their upcoming album, UB45.

    The Red Red Wine Tour will also feature other artists on select dates including The English Beat, Inner Circle, Maxi Priest, Third World, and Fastest Land Animal.

    This upcoming tour marks the third straight year that the band will rock audiences in the US. UB40 will have two dates in New York on July 2 and Aug. 15. Sony Hall in Manhattan will see UB40 kick off the tour live with their world-renowned hits, and new releases. They are also performing at the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theater in Nassau County on Aug. 15.

    “We’re excited to get back to the States again for our third year in a row, as we love coming to America.  We can’t wait to play songs from our new album that we’re so very proud of, showcasing Matt Doyle’s vocals on the tracks. He’s brought a new lease of life to our music, as has the addition of our ‘permanent guest’ MC Gilly G and my son on backing vocals, Matt Campbell, carrying on the legacy. When you play songs over so many years, the arrangements and vocals evolve and change. These updated versions of our hits are still close to the originals, but now reflect how we perform them today and they sound better than ever.”

    Robin Campbell, UB40 Guitarist

    The band’s impactful reggae-pop music will be out in full effect this summer. The talent and influence that UB40 emanates is something to behold live. The band will showcase their abilities in celebration of their 45th anniversary, as well as the release of the UB45 album which commemorates the anniversary as well.

    Red Red Wine 2024 Tour Dates:

    July 2              Sony Hall – New York, NY

    July 3              The Wilbur – Boston, MA

    July 5              The Great Cedar Showroom at Foxwoods Resort Casino – Mashantucket, CT

    July 6              The Event Center at Hollywood Casino – Charles Town, WV

    July 7              Freeman Arts Pavilion – Selbyville, DE

    July 10            Bergen Performing Arts Center – Englewood, NJ

    July 11            OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino – Niagara Falls, ONT

    July 12            FIM Capitol Theatre – Flint, MI

    July 13            The Event Center at Rhythm City Casino and Resort – Davenport, IA

    July 15            Clowes Memorial Hall – Indianapolis, IN

    July 16            Marion Cultural and Civic Center – Marion, IL

    July 18            The Lincoln – Cheyenne, WY

    July 19            The Amphitheater at Canyon’s Village – Park City, UT

    July 20            Shoshone Bannock Casino – Fort Hall, ID

    July 21            Emerald Queen Casino – Tacoma, WA

    July 23            Oregon Spirit Distillers – Bend, OR

    July 25            Mountain Winery – Saratoga, CA

    July 26            Morongo Casino — Cabazon, CA

    July 27            Star of the Desert Arena at Buffalo Bills – Primm, NV

    July 28            Green Music Center Sonoma State University – Rohnert Park, CA

    July 30            Ace of Spades – Sacramento, CA

    July 31            The Greek Theatre – Los Angeles, CA

    August 2          Chumash Casino Resort and Spa – Santa Ynez, CA

    August 3          Wildhorse Pass – Chandler, AZ

    August 4        Casino Del Sol Resort – Tucson, AZ

    August 5          The Bridge at Santa Fe Brewing Company – Santa Fe, NM

    August 8          The Sound at Coachman Park – Clearwater, FL

    August 9          Pompano Beach Amphitheatre – Pompano, FL

    August 10       The Saint Augustine Amphitheatre – St. Augustine, FL

    August 11        King Center for the Performing Arts, Melbourne, FL

    August 15      Eisenhower Park – Harry Chapin Lakeside Theater – Nassau County, NY

    August 16      Seaside Heights Live – Seaside Heights, NJ

    August 17      El Patio – Dorado, Puerto Rico

    August 18      University of the Virgin Islands, Hermen E. Moore Golf Course – St. Thomas – USVI

    Pre-sale is February 7 and 8; and on sale is on February 9 for most shows (unless otherwise listed). Tickets and fan experiences are available for purchase at UB40.GLOBAL.

  • “Songs of the Clash” Compilation Album Drops on International Clash Day

    Alright folks, hold onto your mohawks and leather jackets because we’ve got some exciting news for you punk rock aficionados out there on this, ‘International Clash Day.’ Shared Medium, the cool cats of the arts scene, are dropping a bombshell of an album – Hearts & Minds & Crooked Beats: Songs of The Clash – paying tribute to the legendary punk rock band, The Clash.

    the clash Hearts & Minds & Crooked Beats songs

    First things first, mark your calendars because this bad boy is hitting the streets on what has been coined ‘International Clash Day’. It’s not just your run-of-the-mill album release, though. Nope, this one’s got a heart as big as Joe Strummer’s, because it’s all about supporting the International Rescue Committee (IRC). These folks are the real heroes, helping out those in dire need when the world goes topsy-turvy with conflict and disaster. And this time around, the funds are going to Palestinian civilians who could really use a helping hand.

    Hearts & Minds & Crooked Beats isn’t just your typical cover album. It’s a melting pot of creativity, with bands and visual artists alike pouring their souls into honoring The Clash’s legacy. With names like The Dandy Warhols, Mirah, and Teke::Teke on the roster, you know you’re in for a wild ride. And to top it all off, it’s been mastered by the one and only Ted Jensen, a legend in his own right.

    But wait, there’s more! To really kick things up a notch, Shared Medium is throwing release concerts in Seattle and New York City. Picture this: a room filled with energy, live performances that’ll make your heart race, and visual displays that pay homage to The Clash’s rebellious spirit. It’s like stepping into a time machine and landing smack dab in the middle of punk rock paradise.

    So, what are you waiting for? Grab your safety pins and get ready to rock out because Hearts & Minds & Crooked Beats: Songs of The Clash is about to drop, and it’s all for a darn good cause. Long live The Clash, and long live punk rock!

    For now, the album is only available on vinyl, and all customers will receive a free digital download with vinyl purchase. Pick one up here.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MilRxOFTHZA
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