Verve Records has announced the release of Louis in London, Louis Armstrong’s last great live performance on July 12. The album will be released on digital, CD, and exclusive black-and-blue vinyl.
Anyone who has listened to jazz is sure to recognize the music of Louis Armstrong. Throughout his five decade career, he revolutionized jazz trumpet and singing, achieving critical and commercial success never seen before. While born in New Orleans, Armstrong settled in Queens, NY, where he worked for much of his life. His work altered jazz, placing emphasis on improvised solos, crafting the jazz we know today. Off of the success of hits like “Hello Dolly” and “What a Wonderful World,” Armstrong and his All-star Band played across the world.
In 1968, they traveled to London to play the BBC Show of the Week. The performance was one “full of vitality and joy,” with some of Armstrong’s most inspired singing and trumpeting. Armstrong realized the impact of this recording, choosing to share it with his close friends more than any of his other works. Additionally, Armstrong hoped that the world could enjoy the recording, affixing a note that read “for the fans” on the tape box after receiving it. Now over five decades later, the recording is being released to the public, just as Armstrong hoped.
“Armstrong once claimed he was here ‘in the cause of happiness.’ All these decades later, albums like LOUIS IN LONDON continue his life’s mission at a time when we still need to be reminded that maybe it still is a wonderful world and maybe we’ll never walk alone after all.”
-Ricky Riccardi
The Album features eleven of the greatest songs recorded by Armstrong and The All Stars. Additionally, the release will feature extensive liner notes from Ricky Riccardi, an Armstrong biographer and director of research collections at the Louis Armstrong House Museum.
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.
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
The Marley brothers – Ziggy, Stephen, Julian, Ky-Mani, and Damian – have announced “The Legacy Tour” in honor of their father Bob Marley. The tour sees 22 dates, including a stop at Forest Hills Stadium in Queens on September 22.
Bob Marley’s music endures as a beacon of strength, hope, and unity, attracting a growing global fanbase. For over three decades, his sons have each established themselves as renowned solo artists and have carried on their father’s legacy through their music. Now reunited on The Marley Brothers: The Legacy Tour, they’ll honor their father’s worldwide impact by performing both individual hits and classic Bob Marley songs during a momentous year for the genre.
The world nears what would have been Bob Marley’s 80th birthday in 2025. There’s no greater homage than experiencing his music live through his sons, who carry on his enduring influence across popular culture. The tour begins September 5 in Vancouver, Canada and comes to a close on October 5 in Miami Florida. The Marley Brothers make a single stop in New York on September 22 in Forest Hills, Queens.
THE 2024 LEGACY TOUR DATES:
9.05 | Vancouver, BC | Festival Lawn at Deer Lake Park
9.06 | Ridgefield, WA | RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater
9.08 | Auburn, WA | White River Amphitheatre
9.10 | Concord, CA | Toyota Pavilion at Concord
9.11 | Chula Vista, CA | North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
9.12 | Phoenix, AZ | Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre
9.13 | Albuquerque, NM | Isleta Amphitheater
9.15 | Austin, TX | Germania Insurance Amphitheater
9.16 | Dallas, TX | Dos Equis Pavilion
9.18 | Cincinnati, OH | PNC Pavilion at Riverbend Music Center
9.19 | Clarkston, MI | Pine Knob Music Theatre
9.22 | Queens, NY | Forest Hills Stadium
9.23 | Holmdel, NJ | PNC Bank Arts Center
9.25 | Bridgeport, CT | Hartford HealthCare
9.26 | Mansfield, MA | Xfinity Center
9.27 | Bristow, VA | Jiffy Lube Live
9.29 | Toronto, ON | Budweiser Stage
9.30 | Laval, QC | Place Bell
10.02 | Wilmington, NC | Live Oak Bank Pavilion
10.03 | Atlanta, GA | Lakewood Amphitheatre
10.04 | Tampa, FL | MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amp
10.05 | Miami, FL | FPL Solar Amphitheatre
Tickets will be available beginning with artist pre-sales on Tuesday, April 16. Additional presales including a Citi presale will run throughout the week. The general on-sale starts on Friday, April 19 at 10 AM. For more information on The Marley Brothers’ Legacy Tour and to purchase tickets, click here.
Get ready to map out your culinary experience while rocking out to the killer lineup at Governors Ball 2024. The highly anticipated festival has revealed the food and beverage lineup, promising a culinary adventure alongside a stellar music lineup at Flushing Meadows Corona Park this June 7-9.
This year, Gov Ball is emphasizing serving up a taste of New York City. Inspired by the borough of Queens and the city’s diverse culinary scene, the festival will feature a wide selection of local and national vendors. This commitment to variety ensures something delicious for everyone, reflecting New York City’s status as a global food destination.
Queens Night Market: Photograph by Time Out/Ali Garber
Queens Night Market fans take note: this year, there is an incredible selection of popular vendors featuring at the festival. Throughout the weekend, you can enjoy crowd-pleasing dishes from Mao’s Bao, Eemas Cuisine, Twisted Potato, La Braza, and Matyldas Polish. But that’s not all – iconic NYC staples like Roberta’s Pizza, Magnolia Bakery cupcakes, Cafe Habana, Sweet Chick, Luke’s Lobster, and Van Leeuwen Ice Cream will also be on hand to satisfy your cravings.
Shutterstock/Nick Starichenko
In terms of free perks, you can beat the heat with free water stations conveniently located throughout the festival grounds. If you need a morning pick-me-up, you can also grab a complimentary iced coffee and munchkins from Dunkin’ to start your day. Feeling a little peckish later on? Cabot Creamery is offering free grilled cheese bites to satisfy those hunger pangs. Craving something with a kick? Head to the Stella Artois x Hot Ones collaboration booth for spicy popcorn, fries, and a frosty Stella Artois to cool things down.
Doughnuttery at Governors Ball 2022, photograph by Joseph Buscarello
Chyna Streetz loves the process. Through various life experiences she continues to learn and grow. Money comes and money goes but lost time on Earth could never be earned back. Abundantly, the hours in the studio and on tour continue to pay dividends for this NYC-based emcee.
Her latest body of work, From Hell to Chanel showcases just how far she has come since her first project in 2018. After experimenting with different sounds – Chyna now sets her sights on accomplishing feats according to her own timetable.
“Even if the wounds heal, the scars left still show.”
-Judas Kiss by Chyna Streetz & Tiona Deniece
Less worried about what others see fit for her – this artist formerly known as Chy the Empress embodies her lane in the underground East Coast hip-hop scene. Amazingly, strides from the likes of Westside Gunn and Rome Streetz have turned underground hip-hop damn-near mainstream. Label it however you wish – real rap is back on the map and Chyna Streetz pushes her pen to the forefront.
With conceptual storytelling and divine lyricism – everyone better recognize what Chyna Streetz means to hip-hop. From Hell to Chanel (entirely produced by 183rd( illuminates the struggles this woman went through. The determination to prove herself shines very brightly on this tape.
On Bernadine’s Rage she refers to herself as a, “Goddess in the likeness.” In the very next line she proclaims she is, “Tight she had to write this.” Therefore, these two lines together make for an excellent set of opening lines.
Right from the beginning of Bernadine’s Rage – she lets us know that she is a supreme being as those who have utmost confidence are recognized sooner than those who only half-step their way to the goal. Next, being ‘tight’ means she might have been upset she had to write this which portrays growth and shows that she will take any steps necessary to become the best version of herself.
New York is a Nationality
All credit due to the Empress and her efforts – the moment she transformed into Chyna Streetz drove her to become a different animal within the same beast. Spending time with her man Rome Streetz has propelled her lyricism, uplifted her stage presence and given her the bravery to use her past as a turning point for the future.
When Chyna was 17 she went away for robbery in the first degree. She served roughly six years altogether between Bayview Correctional Center and the ‘Staying Out Program’ in Manhattan. Hurricane Sandy ravaged much of Bayview Correctional Center and it is now being renovated into affordable housing.
“Rolled the dice on life and found out time cannot be bought.”
-Judas Kiss
Chyna preaches to live and maintain in the ways that work for you. Do not let outside influence or external gratification dictate the path you know you must walk. Evidently, within the core of every soul – you will find what direction you must choose. Now, take the steps to walk the road less traveled en route to fulfillment of your destiny.
Some ways in which Chyna found self-realization comes from internal strength and stepping outside of her comfort zone. Nonetheless, building confidence from within and surrounding herself with truly talented people have led her to become a difference-maker within the game.
Key Tracks: Matrimony, Sirens Lullaby, Judas Kiss
Stream her latest collection here and write the author on IG and let him know which one you’re rocking with the most.
On a rainy Saturday evening, March 9, devoted fans defied the torrential downpour to see their favorite band from their younger years, Alkaline Trio at Knockdown Center in Queens. Despite the onslaught of intense rain and wind, the enthusiasm of the crowd was undeniable, and anticipation soared as opening acts Warriors and Drug Church warmed up the stage.
Originally hailing from Chicago, the band consists of founding member Matt Skiba on guitar and vocals, accompanied by long time collaborator Dan Andriano on Bass, and Atom Willard on drums. Attendance numbers remained unaffected by the inclement weather, with Knockdown Center nearly reaching full capacity. Alkaline Trio is midway through their tour promoting the long-awaited release of their new album, Blood, Hair, and Eyeballs, adding another gem to their extensive, decade-spanning discography.
A gathering of longtime loyalists composed of groups of friends, couples, and diehard solo-goers flooded the venue. The audience roared as the lights dimmed and the band graced the stage at 9:45pm sharp. All 3 members, smiling ear to ear, struck the opening notes of “Hot For Preacher”, the first track off their latest album. Obvious highlights of the night included “Armageddon,” displaying shades of the albums’ post-apocalyptic themes, followed by the iconic “Fuck You Aurora”, evoking a wave of nostalgia for those who have cherished the band for decades. After each song, the band shared their gratitude for the audience with a hushed and humble “Thank you!”
As the band exited the stage, chants for an encore could be heard instantly. After a few suspenseful moments, the band eagerly obliged. For a final hurrah, the trio went with the timeless classic “Radio”, and fans got their last crowd surfing in before the band bid their passionate audience farewell. Despite the chilling rain, fans departed with warm hearts. Their latest album, Blood, Hair, and Eyeballs is available for streaming on all major music platforms.
Alkaline Trio – Knockdown Center, Queens – Saturday, March 9, 2024
Setlist: Hot For Preacher, We’ve Had Enough, Take Lots with Alcohol, Bad Time, Versions of You, Mr. Chainsaw, One Hundred Stories, Calling All Skeletons, Cringe, Break, Armageddon, Fuck You Aurora, Mercy Me, Warbrain, Crawl, Blood Hair and Eyeballs, Stupid Kid, Private Eye, Time to Waste Encore: Radio
Plunge into a techno paradise in Queens from May 16–19, when WIRE Festival makes a return to Knockdown Center. This year, the event broadens its scope, delivering three days of non-stop pulsing beats.
On Thursday, May 16, festivities begin with evening talks in collaboration with the Resident Advisor, preparing the ground for an enjoyable weekend. Stage 1 is the Main Hall, where techno’s seminal and innovative acts perform. Meanwhile, Stage 2 is the scene of takeovers. This year, Wire has invited Berlin’s Mala Junta and Amsterdam’s Vault Sessions. These two European collectives will redefine techno in 2024.
A staple of WIRE, the Ambient Stage returns with exclusive sets from versatile New York DJs. As night passes, the stage delivers an extraordinary sound trip through artists’ collections. On Sunday morning, the outdoor closing session at The Ruins features house-focused DJs, offering an intermission from the nonstop techno beats. The outdoor house stage is a new addition that will expand the experience.
WIRE Festival – Photo by Bryan Kwon
With artists like Surgeon, Rødhåd, Boris, Oscar Mulero, and more, WIRE’s lineup is a techno lover’s paradise. With more than 30 years of experience, Surgeon embodies the energy, adventure, and individuality that define techno. The crew takeovers on Stage 2 carry on their tradition, pushing the boundaries with Vault Sessions and Mala Junta.
WIRE Festival is arranged by the team of Téa Abashidze, GeGa Japaridze, and Tyler Myers—the brains behind BASEMENT and the RUSH series. Individual day passes for WIRE Festival at Knockdown Center are available for purchase here, while the weekend passes have sold out.
After 22 years two men have been convicted in the murder of hip hop legend Jason Mizell, aka Jam Master Jay. An anonymous Brooklyn federal jury delivered the verdict in the trial of Karl Jordan Jr. and Ronald Washington on Tuesday, February 27.
The Run-DMC star, DJ and pioneer was shot outside of his recording studio in Jamaica, Queens on October 30, 2022 in what has been deemed retaliation for a drug deal gone wrong.
A 10-count indictment unsealed in October 2020, revealed the motive behind the murder to be 10 Kilograms of cocaine purchased by Jam Master Jay. With the plan to distribute the drugs between Washington, Jordan Jr. and other co-conspirators having gone awry. In light, Washington and Jordan Jr. sought revenge, slaying the hip hop legend in front of witnesses, according to prosecutors.
“He was a man who got involved in the drug game to take care of the people who depended on him,” assistant U.S. attorney Artie McConnell said in his summation.
The men’s names have long floated in connection to the case. After all, Jordan Jr. and Jam Master Jay were neighbors in the Hollis neighborhood of Queens. Meanwhile Washington — known as “Lil D”– is his godson and son to former Run-DMC road manager “Big D.” Neither Jordan Jr. nor Washington testified.
Jam Master Jay’s Legacy
Jam Master Jay remains an integral figure in hip hop history. Moreover, along with Joseph Simmons and Daryl McDaniels, the trio broke barriers for hip hop. In fact, Mizell had been part of Run-DMC’s anti-drug message. In light of hip hop’s increasingly provocative agenda the trio spread positive messages including lyrics such as “we are not thugs / we don’t use drugs.” However, according to prosecutors and trial testimony, he racked up debts after the group’s heyday. Thus, the celebrated DJ moonlighted as a cocaine middleman to cover his bills and habitual generosity to friends.
All in all, this brings and end to a case that’s been open for nearly 22 years. When the case ran dry rap royalty put together reward money in hopes of finding closure.
“Twenty years is a long time to wait for justice,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Artie McConnell had told jurors in a closing argument, urging them: “Don’t let this go on for another minute.”
