NYS Music 2024

Category: Regions

  • “Old Friends Beckoned, New Sounds Reckoned” Jazz Project Arrives at Caffe Lena in 2025

    Caffe Lena in Saratoga Springs has announced four-piece jazz project, “Old Friends Beckoned, New Sounds Reckoned,” slated to hit the stage on January 11, 2025.

    "Old Friends Beckoned, New Sounds Reckoned" Jazz Project Arrives at Caffe Lena in 2025

    Matt Steckler, Yayoi Ikawa, Lonnie Plaxico & Tony Lewis present an evening of original jazz that draws upon collective inspiration, touching the heart with one cohesive brushstroke. The names Steckler, Ikawa, Plaxico and Lewis suggest four musicians who have intersected at different points on a jazz timeline. With the project Old Friends Beckoned, New Sounds Reckoned, their shared histories converge as singular new ideas emerge. Using original scores as a canvas, the quartet strives for a deeper vibe rooted in shared sacrifice.

    Matthew Steckler, aka Matty Stecks, performs and composes in several musical settings internationally. Primarily as a saxophonist, he brings a dynamic, holistic approach to the live musical experience. As a composer and bandleader, Matthew has been recognized for his seminal work with the projects Pretzil Stex, Dead Cat Bounce, Persiflage & Musical Tramps, and been featured at festivals and major concert series in North America and Europe.

    Born in Tokyo, Japan, but raised musically in New York, pianist/composer Yayoi Ikawa is an experience of ingenuity and compassion. After recording a straight-ahead jazz piano trio on Nippon Crown release “Angel Eyes” in 2004, she self-produced “Color of Dreams” displaying her original compositions. Since then, her group has featured in various music festivals and concerts in the U.S., Italy, Japan, Costa Rica, Guadeloupe and Martinique. Yayoi believes that Jazz is a social activity, and strives to learn from elders, collaborate with peers and pass it on to future generations.

    "Old Friends Beckoned, New Sounds Reckoned" Jazz Project Arrives at Caffe Lena in 2025

    Bassist Lonnie Plaxico’s musicianship is probably best expressed in his masterful integration of different forms combining the rigorous technique of classical, the improvisation of jazz, and the rawness of funk into one exhilarating musical experience. Plaxico’s recording and performance catalog is equally impressive for its caliber, depth and diversity. He has appeared with such luminaries as Sonny Sitt, Junior Cook, David Murray, Alice Coltrane, Stanley Turrentine, Joe Sample, Abbey Lincoln, and Dizzy Gillespie. He has also recorded five critically acclaimed albums as leader.

    Tony Lewis is a drummer/songwriter from the South Bronx, New York who has worked with a variety of stellar artists including Little Richard, Sting, B.B. King, Dizzy Gillespie, Vernon Reid, Cyndi Lauper, Me’Shell N’degeocello, Rakim, Sam Moore (Sam & Dave), Michael Hill’s Blues Mob, and Craig Harris. As a child growing up in the Bronx, Tony’s early influences being around family and friends would prove to be a launching pad that led him to attend New York’s prestigious LaGuardia High School of the Arts.

    Together, this 4-piece union of ultra-talented jazz musicians are sure to light up Caffe Lena with an amazing display of their capabilities. Tickets are available online and are currently at $30.37. The exciting new show takes place on January 11 from 8:00-9:00PM. Caffe Lena is located at 47 Phila Street in Saratoga Springs.

    For more information on “Old Friends Beckoned, New Sounds Reckoned” and to purchase tickets, click here.

  • Warren Haynes Announces “Million Voices Whisper” 2025 Tour, Stop at Town Ballroom

    Warren Haynes will hit the road this winter on the “Million Voices Whisper” tour in support of the album of the same name. Haynes and his band will hit the Town Ballroom in Buffalo to close out the tour on Feb. 22.

    Million Voices Whisper

    On Nov. 1, Grammy Award-winning Gov’t Mule front man, Warren Haynes, released Million Voices Whisper, Warren’s first solo album in almost a decade. The album debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Blues Albums Chart. Haynes will go on a 9-date run that will kickoff Feb. 7 in Knoxville and see the Warren Haynes Band travel throughout the Midwest and Northeast, stopping in such cities as Huntsville, Toledo, Des Moines, and Burlington, before finishing off in Buffalo on Feb. 22. 

    Ahead of the “Million Voices Tour,” Hayes will perform with his band, Gov’t Mule in their annual New Year’s residence in NYC at the Beacon Theater. Learn more about those shows here.

    Performing alongside Haynes (vocals, guitar) will be the current, all-star lineup of the Warren Haynes Band: longtime drummer Terence Higgins (of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band), Gov’t Mule bassist Kevin Scott, Matt Slocum on keys, and Greg Osby on sax.

    $1 from every ticket sold for the winter tour will be donated to assist with hurricane relief.

    General on-sale begins Nov. 22. Learn more and purchase tickets here.

    New Year’s Performances w/ Gov’t Mule:

    December 28 – New Haven, CT @ College Street Music Hall

    December 30 – New York, NY @ Beacon Theatre

    December 31 – New York, NY @ Beacon Theatre

    Million Voices Whisper Tour 2025:

    Feb. 7 – Knoxville, TN @ Bijou Theatre

    Feb. 8 – Huntsville, AL @ Mars Music Hall

    Feb. 11 – Toledo, OH @ Stranahan Theater

    Feb. 13 – Northfield, OH @ MGM Northfield Park – Center Stage

    Feb. 14 – Carmel, IN @ The Palladium

    Feb. 15 – West Des Moines, IA @ Val Air Ballroom

    Feb. 20 – Burlington, VT @ The Flynn

    Feb. 21 – Concord, NH @ Chubb Theatre

    Feb. 22 – Buffalo, NY @ Town Ballroom

    Apr. 5 – Columbia, SC @ Township Auditorium (rescheduled from 9/28)

  • In Focus:  Mikaela Davis Brings Solo+Acoustic Tour to Homer

    Melodic harp sounds reverberated through the Center for the Arts in Homer on Wednesday November 20, as Mikaela Davis brought her Solo+Acoustic tour to the refurbished church.  John Lee Shannon opened the show.  

    mikaela davis homer

    Davis has risen to stardom over the last several years, thanks to a nearly relentless touring schedule.  The Rochester native and classically trained harpist has performed muti-week residencies through out various music venues across New York State on several occasions the last two years.  Those shows saw Davis joined by her band, Southern Star, and took on a very upbeat, jam-oriented vibe.   For this run of dates, Davis stripped her music to its core, performing on either the harp or keyboard.

    mikaela davis homer

    The evening opened with a set by John Lee Shannon.  Shannon performed a 40 minute set of acoustic instrumental tracks, primarily off of Shannon’s 2020 release In & Of.

    mikaela davis homer

    After a brief intermission, Davis took to the stage and took seat at her harp.  She opened with the hauntingly beautiful “Cinderella” (off her latest release, And Southern Star), and followed up with “A Letter I’ll Never Send” and “In My Groove”.  Stripped down to their foundation, the songs took on a different life and allowed Davis’ songwriting to shine.   Davis would take turns performing on the harp and keyboard, while opener John Lee Shannon would add acoustic guitar for a new offering from Davis, “Rose Colored Glasses”.

    mikaela davis homer

    Early in the show, Davis stated that this was the first time she felt nervous performing in a very long time.  She talked about the fears that the audience would become bored and leave early.  Any of those fears were squashed early on in the evening, as the theater became engrossed in the music.  To say that the theater was so quiet you could hear a pin drop would be an understatement.  The theater was so quiet, you could hear the click on the effect pedals as Davis switched amongst them during her songs. To garner such attention from the audience is a true testament to Davis’ abilities as a songwriter and performer.

    Mikaela Davis – Homer Center for the Arts, Homer, NY – Wednesday, November 20, 2024

    Setlist: Cinderella, A Letter That I’ll Never Send, In My Groove, Home in the Country, The Pearl, Promise, One of these Days, Delivery, Natural Women (Carol King), Rose Colored Glasses, Far From You, Little Bird, Emily, Saturday Morning

    Encore: All I Do is Disappear

    mikaela davis homer
    mikaela davis homer
    mikaela davis homer

  • 8th Edition of Salt City Waltz Celebrates the Music of The Band at Homer Center for the Arts

    The Salt City Waltz returns this year to Homer Center for the Arts for its eighth edition, celebrating the music of legendary rock group The Band.

    Salt City Waltz

    With over 40 performers, Salt City Waltz is a virtual who’s who of all-star Central New York talent. The 2024 edition will bring a few fresh faces and several new musical numbers to the show. As always, the vibe will transform the room into a 1970’s Winterland Ballroom and transport concert goers to a different time and space. It’s a beautiful, special show that feels like no other, you simply have to come and experience it for yourself. Be there November 30, as tribute is paid to one of the greatest acts in Rock & Roll History, The Band.

    The Salt City Waltz; A Homegrown Celebration of the Music of The Band. Features Syracuses’ Los Blancos joined by Scott Ebner, Mark Westers. Special guests the Salt City Waltz Ensemble w/Gary Frenay, Cathy Lamanna, Chris Eves, Jonah Smith, Joe Whiting, Mark Hoffman, Liz Friedel, Maureen Sheriden-Henesy, Donna Colton and Joanna Jewett. There are over 30 Guest performers including Andy Comstock, Bill Ali, George Rossi, Ronnie Leigh, Steven Cali, Joe Altier, Pete McMahon, Rex Lyons, and special appearance by the Levon Helm Studio Horns.

    Salt City Waltz

    Homer is a community of artists, art lovers, music makers, and creators. The Center for the Arts is well known for hosting national music concerts, but also features film screenings, a community theater program (Center Players) and showcase artwork by regional, national, and international visual artists in the art gallery. The Center also hosts classes, workshops and programs throughout the year, and adds to the economic vitality of Central New York. The facilities are available to other community organizations and individuals for a variety of educational purposes, events and private functions.

    For more information on this year’s Salt City Waltz, the Homer Center for the Arts, and to purchase tickets, click here.

  • Brantley Gilbert to Hit Albany, Utica, Buffalo on 2025 “Tattoos Tour”

    Brantley Gilbert’s “The Tattoos Tour” has been announced for 2025 featuring special guests such as, Travis Denning and Payton Smith.

    Gilbert will hit Albany’s MVP Arena on Apr. 24, and Utica’s Memorial Auditorium on Apr. 25, and co-headline WYRK’s Taste of Country 2025 on June 20 in Buffalo.

    Tattoos Tour

    After wrapping a standout year of headlining shows, including a performance to over 100,000 fans in downtown Nashville for the World’s Largest Album Release Party, multi-Platinum country-rock artist, Brantley Gilbert has announced his Tattoos Tour 2025 following the release of his seventh studio album, Tattoos.

    “Music has always been about bringing people together and offering a break from the grind, even if it’s just for a few hours,” says Gilbert. “My hope is that with tickets starting at $25, people can step away from everyday stresses and enjoy themselves—whether it’s making it a fun evening with the family or giving mom and dad the chance to hire a babysitter and have a night out just for them.”

    Tickets start at $25.00 plus applicable fees and go on sale Friday, Nov. 29, at 10 am. Learn more and purchase tickets here.

    Full Tatoos Tour Dates:

    Feb. 27 – Angel Of The Winds Arena – Everett, WA

    Feb. 28 – Missoula, MT – Missoula, MT

    Mar. 01 – Toyota Center – Kennewick, WA

    Mar. 06 – Toyota Arena – Ontario, CA

    Mar. 07 – Findlay Toyota Center – Prescott Valley, AZ

    Mar. 08 – Mullett Arena – Tempe, AZ

    Mar. 13 – Grossinger Motors Arena – Bloomington, IL

    Mar. 14 – Alliant Energy PowerHouse – Cedar Rapids, IA

    Mar. 15 – Cable Dahmer Arena – Independence, MO

    Mar. 20 – Salem Civic Center – Salem, VA

    Mar. 21 – The Classic Center – Athens, GA

    Mar. 22 – Orion Amphitheater – Huntsville, AL

    Mar. 27 – Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell – Lowell, MA

    Mar. 28 – Cross Insurance Arena – Portland, ME

    Mar. 29 – Total Mortgage Arena – Bridgeport, CT

    Apr. 24 – MVP Arena – Albany, NY

    Apr. 25 – Utica Memorial Auditorium – Utica, NY

    Apr. 26 – Mohegan Sun Arena At Casey Plaza – Wilkes Barre, PA

    Jun. 08 – Carolina Country Music Fest 2025 – Myrtle Beach, SC

    Jun. 20 – WYRK Taste of Country 2025 – Buffalo, NY

    Jul. 10 – Country Concert – Fort Loramie, OH

  • Independent Venue Bronx Music Hall Celebrates Grand Opening

    The Bronx’s newest independent live music venue and community center, Bronx Music Hall, recently celebrated its grand opening as the first venue of its kind in the Bronx in over 50 years.

    Bronx music hall

    Located at 438 East 163rd Street in Melrose is the Bronx Music Hall, a newly constructed $15.4 million facility that celebrates the history and future of the Bronx’s vibrant music scene.

    The space boasts a total of 14,000 square feet for its music hall and community cultural center made in development with the nonprofit Women’s Housing and Economic Development Corporation, or WHEDco for short. Bronx Music Hall aims to not only provide a space for local musicians to perform but to also allow creatives of all kinds to gather, create, and celebrate their works.

    Constructed as a part of WHEDco’s Bronx Commons mixed-use development, the Bronx Music Hall features a 250-person capacity performance theater, a grand lobby and exhibition hall, a multipurpose room and dance studio, a green room, a recording studio and post-production room, and two adjacent plazas with amphitheater-style seating for outdoor performances.

    Designed to serve an estimated 20,000 visitors annually, the center will offer live music, dance, and spoken word performances, classes in music and dance, theater workshops and productions, a youth orchestra, film screenings, art exhibitions, community showcases, and more. 

    “The opening of the Bronx Music Hall marks a new chapter in the cultural and economic renaissance of the South Bronx. This project embodies our commitment to supporting vibrant, inclusive communities through strategic investments in the arts and creative industries. This new venue will not only celebrate the borough’s incredible musical legacy but also serve as a catalyst for job creation, tourism, and long-term economic growth.”

    – Hope Knight, Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner

    Beyond displaying the skills of the Bronx, the BMH plans to foster the next generation of creatives within the borough through educational and cultural partnerships to inspire community engagement and the pursuing of careers in the arts. 

    In addition to the facility’s new endeavors, it now provides WHEDco’s Bronx Music Heritage Center a bigger and better space to call home. Founded in 2010, the BMHC preserves and promotes the rich musical history of the Bronx while cultivating and reviving the borough’s music scene today. 

    “Over decades the Bronx produced more popular music than any place in our country for the simple reason that different cultural traditions lived alongside one another… The Bronx Music Hall will spotlight the sounds of new Americans from around the globe, as well as Bronx born artists like Prince Royce, Romeo Santos, Jennifer Lopez, Cardi B, French Montana, and Samara Joy.”

    – Nancy Biberman, Founder of WHEDco and President Emerita

    BMHC highlights the evolution of the Bronx as a people and how periods of successive migration introduced distinctive sounds to one another, evolving into entirely new genres such as hip-hop, which saw its inception in the 1970s within the borough’s communities.

    With their new space and resources at hand, the BMHC will continue the Bronx’s history of creative innovation with free cultural programs and free or low-cost music and dance classes for folks of all ages.

    This giant step forwards in the Bronx creative community was made possible by a series of grants awarded to the WHEDco from the New York City Regional Economic Development Council, I LOVE NY’s Market New York program, and the National Endowment for the Arts. 

    To learn more about what the Bronx Music Hall has to offer, how to visit, and events to attend, be sure to check out their official website here.

  • David Gilmour Enthralls New York City with 5 Nights of ‘Luck and Strange’

    It was a great week for Pink Floyd fans when David Gilmour enthralled the crowds at Madison Square Garden for five nights. The five city, 20+ performance tour in support of his latest album, Luck and Strange concluded with these five magnificent nights at MSG.

    Gilmour’s previous visit to the Big Apple in 2016 was a three-night spectacle unto itself, befallen upon Radio City Music Hall and Madison Square Garden. With the imprint those shows left on the city it’s no surprise that three nights sold out in a flash with two additional nights added to satiate the ticket demand.

    “5 A.M.” served as the perfect opening for the evening, lending an ambience for Gilmour’s signature guitar sound to break through like a beam of light. Those first few notes seemed enough to already leave people lost for words on what they were in for the rest of the evening. The true spectacle of the shows were his iconic guitar solos – a roaring jam in “Fat Old Sun,” the melodic monologue of “Marooned,” a wailing lamentation concluding “In Any Tongue,” the helpless reminiscence of “High Hopes,”  and of course, the unforgettable denouement of “Comfortably Numb.” It is easy to converse with fellow Pink Floyd fans which is the “best” or most “profound,” but in the context of Gilmour’s live shows at The Garden there can be no debate as his guitar work was so masterfully presented in each of his solos.

    Luck and Strange was released only a few weeks before he began his tour in Rome, Italy, which gave a limited period for fans to listen to the new material before seeing the shows. It made sense that a few of the new songs had a less boisterous response compared to mainstays from the Pink Floyd catalogue. However, the entirety of Luck and Strange made it into the setlist unlike 2016’s Rattle That Lock which featured just a few songs from the album in that tour. It was very respectable to see the inclusion of the full album when so many fan favorites from Pink Floyd’s history could be selected.

    Gilmour structured his two sets with a perfect blend of his new songs and later Pink Floyd era songs, along with a few quintessential songs from Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, and The Wall. Weaving of the new songs with familiar territory created an exciting and refreshing concert experience for hearing the entirety of a brand new album.

    Gilmour’s touring band was nothing short of a compliment of talent to each other and to Gilmour himself. His long-time collaborator, Guy Pratt (on bass), has worked with Pink Floyd since the A Momentary Lapse of Reason tour and also toured with Nick Mason’s A Saucerful of Secrets band showcasing the early years of Pink Floyd. Gilmour’s daughter, Romany Gilmour, took lead vocals on “Between Two Points” (a Montgolfier Brothers song) and sang beautifully on an acoustic, stripped-down version of “The Great Gig in the Sky,” demonstrating the forging of a musical legacy on stage within the Gilmour family. Completing the lineup are Greg Phillinganes and Rob Gentry on keyboards, Adam Betts on drums, Ben Worsley on guitar, Louise Marshall on piano/vocals, and the Webb Sisters; Hattie Webb on harp/vocals, and Charley Webb on guitar/ukulele/vocals.

    Just as he did at the conclusion of his three 2016 shows in NYC, Gilmour bid the crowd goodnight after thunderous applause, remarking “…we hope to see you again soon.” That statement came true eight years later in 2024, so the door may be open for a few more shows down the road. Until then, let’s remember those nights as priceless musical treasures.

    Set 1: 5 A.M., Black Cat, Luck and Strange, Speak to Me, Breathe (In the Air), Time, Breathe (Reprise), Fat Old Sun, Marooned, A Single Spark, Wish You Were Here, Vita Brevis, Between Two Points, High Hopes

    Set 2: Sorrow, The Piper’s Call, A Great Day For Freedom, In Any Tongue, The Great Gig in the Sky, A Boat Lies Waiting, Coming Back to Life, Dark and Velvet Nights, Sings, Scattered

    Encore: Comfortably Numb

    Photos by Rob Tellerman

  • Theatre On The Road Announces 25th Annual Interactive “A Christmas Carol” Shows

    Theatre on the Road has announced the dates of their 25th annual interactive dinner production of A Christmas Carol touring throughout the Hudson Valley.

    Theatre On The Road

    Founded by Frank and Kristen Marquette, Theatre on the Road has been putting on a wide variety of traveling live theater productions for 25 years now.

    With a range of titles from Dracula to Whiskey Women, Theatre on the Road can bring any show anywhere- whether that be a traditional performance space, theater, restaurant, cafe, or school. Now in their 25th year active, Theatre on the Road has entertained nearly 100,000 people across seven states and two countries. 

    Returning for their final performances of the year, Theatre on the Road presents an exciting 13 performances of A Christmas Carol throughout the Hudson Valley, with some Victorian caroling in the mix to boot. Venues for this holiday classic span locations in Rhinebeck, New Windsor, Kingston, Broadalbin, Hopewell Junction, Milton, Kerhonkson, West Park, and Eldred.

    Guests in attendance will be transported into the wondrous winter world of the Dickens classic while enjoying a delicious three-course dinner included in the ticket price and Victorian holiday caroling before the show and during the dinner break. 

    “This annual event has grown to become a Hudson Valley holiday tradition for many of our audience members, and we’re thrilled to share the joy that this classic story brings.”

    – Frank Marquette

    The script for Theatre on the Road’s production of A Christmas Carol was written by its founders Frank and Kristen Marquette. In addition, Kristen is responsible for the show’s handmade wardrobing and Frank has taken on the mantle of producer, co-director, and one of two Narrators alongside Ellen Pavloff. Also co-directing is 20-year veteran of musical theater and Victorian caroling Marisa Gorsline.

    Names that will grace the various stages of the Hudson Valley include Griffin Stanger, Bob Greffrath, Dennis Wakeman, Steven Giammettei, Erin Herbert, Heather Roland Franco, Joe Maxwell, John Thayer, Scarlett Gorsline, and Georgie Berman.

    Tickets for Theatre on the Road’s 25th annual traveling performances of A Christmas Carol are on sale now- check out their official website for purchasing opportunities here.

    A CHRISTMAS CAROL DATES

    Sun, December 1 at 1pm & 5pm: The Beekman Arms, Rhinebeck

    Sun, December 8 at 5pm: The Meadowbrook, New Windsor

    Mon, December 9 at 6pm: VFW, Kingston

    Wed, December 11 at 7pm: The Beekman Arms, Rhinebeck

    Fri, December 13 at 6pm: Historic Hotel Broadalbin, Broadalbin

    Sun, December 15 at 4pm: Restaurant Six at Curry Estate, Hopewell Junction

    Wed, December 18 at 7pm: The Venue Uptown at the Best Western, Kingston

    Thurs & Fri, December 19 & 20 at 6pm: Buttermilk Falls Inn, Milton

    Sat, December 21 at 12pm: Soyuzivka Heritage Center, Kerhonkson

    Sat, December 21 at 7pm: Hudson House Distillery, West Park

    Sun, December 22 at 7pm: The Eldred Preserve, Eldred

  • In Focus: Razor Braids return to Troy

    For the first stop of their Weekend Get Away tour, Razor Braids returned to No Fun in Troy on Thursday, November 21.

    Photo by Jarron Childs

    The queer femme rock trio has had quite the year since their last visit to the Capital Region. They’ve opened for Spoon Benders, released four music videos, and brought back cassettes? Razor Braids released six singles, five of which ended up on their sophomore album ‘Big Wave.’ They are a talented group of musicians who bring a unique vibe and visual to indie rock.

    Photo by Jarron Childs

    Though they were the headliner, in typical No Fun fashion, they did not close out the show. They were the second of 3 acts to take the stage. Razor Braids dawned their signature all red outfits for this show. They played a 45 minute set to a modest crowd of about 50 young adults. There was great chemistry displayed on stage between the band members.

    Notable moments was in an anecdote before playing “JR” lead vocalist and bassist, Hollye Bynum, said the song was about “a s***ty dude” she once dated. A person in the crowd then yelled out “we are all someone’s s***ty dude,” which brought about great laughter among the crowd. Before the end of their set, the members of Razor Braids celebrated the birthday of their drummer Brian.

    Screenager at No Fun

    Razor Braids was preceded by a 30 minute set from Screenager out of New Jersey. They were succeeded by local artist, Toriendofstory, with Canella.

    Razor Braids‘ next show will at the Meadows in Brooklyn on December 1st.

    Razor Braids Setlist: Not Dead, Not Yet, Nashville, B26, Sharpe Ave, Drugs, JR, Berate Me, 42

    Screenager at No Fun
    Screenager at No Fun
    Screenager at No Fun
    Screenager at No Fun
    Screenager at No Fun
    Screenager at No Fun
    Screenager at No Fun
    Screenager at No Fun





    Razor Braids at No Fun
    Toriendofstory at No Fun
    Toriendofstory at No Fun
    Toriendofstory at No Fun
    Toriendofstory at No Fun

  • Amayo Releases Vibrant Single “Black Magic Sister” Ahead Of Debut Solo Album

    Former frontman of Antibalas and Afrobeat pioneer Amayo has released “Black Magic Sister” ahead of his debut solo album, Lion Awakes.

    Photo: Kory Thibeault

    Known best as the former frontman of Antibalas, it’s nearly an understatement to describe Amayo as a legend in the Afrobeat scene. Often credited with the globalization of Afrobeat and contributing to the sound becoming a genre of itself, Amayo moved to New York City in 1995 from Nigeria.

    Having attended Howard University, Amayo eventually moved to Brooklyn and found his niche in designing clothing and teaching Kung Fu out of his Afrospot Temple.

    While there, Amayo was approached by two of his future bandmates with an invitation to join their new band named Antibalas- and the rest is history. Over the course of 23 years, Amayo became the face of the band while lending his voice and songwriting skills to the group. 

    Parting ways with Antibalas to pursue his solo career, Amayo has returned to the public eye with the announcement of his debut album Lion Awakes and the release of its first track, “Black Magic Sister”. 

    Dedicated to his rich Nigerian heritage and Chinese martial arts teachings, Lion Awakens is a testament to Amayo’s boundless creative vision and deep love for his craft. Opening the five track album with “Black Magic Sister,” he makes a vibrant first impression. 

    Just under six and a half minutes in length, “Black Magic Sister” is a rich soundscape of percussion, keyboard, horns, and vocals- both Amayo’s own and a chorus of supporting voices.

    “[Black Magic Sister is] about offering Blessings for an abundant mindset. It’s also a prayer for twins and a wish for those who lost close ones.” 

    – Amayo

    Amayo’s debut solo album Lion Awakes is slated for release on January 17, a set of fierce afrobeat tracks that promises listeners a sonic adventure through myth and reality. In anticipation for the release an official album release party to be held at the Brooklyn Bowl on January 29.

    To learn more about Amayo, find out how to attend the official Lion Awakes listening party, and keep up to date on his latest ventures, be sure to check out his official Facebook page here.