NYS Music 2024

Category: Regions

  • Kingston Pop Museum Presents New Mid-Century Pop Culture Exhibit “Granny Takes A Trip”

    The Kingston Pop Museum has announced its newest exhibit “Granny Takes A Trip” containing mid-century pop culture pieces from museum owner and curator John Stavros’ private collection on display and for sale for the first time ever.

    Acting as a gallery space, event venue, and private museum collection, the Kingston Pop Museum hosts a variety of owner and curator John Stravos’ endeavors, including but not limited to fashion, art, music, sports, entertainment, private events, and productions all under one roof. 

    In addition to its incredibly unique collection, the Kingston Pop Museum offers management, promotions, marketing, hospitality, and more to artists and creatives. The gallery’s adjacent retail merchandise store, the Pop Shop, acts as another venue for independent creatives to promote and sell their works as well.

    KPM’s newest endeavor, an eclectic gallery full of bright colors and vibrant personality, has just been announced- “Granny Takes A Trip.” Connecting the nostalgic love and wisdom imparted by grandmas living it up in the mid-1900s era that put peace and love above all else with the unique, beautifully odd, and otherwise trippy visual culture that developed adjacent to the time, “Granny Takes A Trip” is a sparkling adventure through time.

    Spanning works from the late 1960s to the early 1980s, pieces on display encapsulate the initial spark created by iconic figures of the time in art, music, and fashion that would later catch on as the revolutionary Glam Mod scene as cultivated by the era’s rebellious youth.

    This particular energy is captured in Stavros’ impressive personal collection, dozens of which will be on display during “Granny Takes A Trip.” Some of the most exciting works include Andy Warhol’s letter of rejection to the MoMA, one of the very few complete collections in the US of all four highly coveted Beatles dolls, and furniture belonging to pop-culture industry titans like the former manager of KISS Bill Aucoin and founder of Penthouse Bob Guccione.

    Visitors can also be on the lookout for several pieces of rock ‘n roll memorabilia, such as four custom-painted Volkswagens- including a Westfalia camper that belonged to the road manager of the Dave Matthews Band, and much more.

    “Granny Takes A Trip” will open on Saturday, November 16 at 4:00 PM with an exciting special evening of art and music planned to celebrate. An international group art exhibit will cohabitate with the main exhibit’s work alongside live performances from Ramona Lane of New Paltz and New York City locals SoulCake, Walter G. Steding, Mark Hawdon, and Puma Perl + Joe Sztabnik.

    For more information on “Granny Takes A Trip,” how to visit, and all things Kingston Pop Museum, visit their website here.

  • Ben Folds To Headline Saratoga New Years Eve

    Ben Folds has been announced as the headlining act of the Saratoga New Year’s Eve celebration. The two-day event will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 31, and Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, at different venues around the city’s center.

    Ben Folds

    Ben Folds is a singer-songwriter-composer who has created an enormous body of genre-bending music including pop albums with Ben Folds Five, multiple solo albums, and numerous collaborative records. He will cap off the evening at Saratoga Springs City Center.

    The celebration will kick off with a free outdoor concert by local funk band Tops of Trees on Ellsworth Jones Place, located just outside of the Saratoga Springs City Center. Fireworks, launched from the top level of the City Center’s parking garage, will accompany this performance from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

    Mystic Bowie’s Talking Dreads will perform at the historic Universal Preservation Hall. Jamaican-born frontman Mystic Bowie reimagines and infuses fresh life into the Talking Heads’ classic catalog with his mix of roots reggae and ska. Since 2015, the charismatic singer and performer has electrified audiences at hundreds of shows across North America – spinning the heads of initially skeptical Talking Heads fans, and getting everyone else grooving along to the infectious, joyous rhythms and jubilant spirit of his native island. This and other performances by Los Sugar Kings, Dogs in a Pile, and Lindsey Kraft will be held throughout the day.

    The festivities will conclude on New Year’s Day with the Saratoga First Day 5K, a fun and healthy tradition for runners and anyone looking to start 2025 off right.  

    Tickets and limited VIP packages are on sale now. Purchase and learn more about Ben Folds in Saratoga Springs here.

  • Rev Ezra Releases First Single Off Upcoming Album

    Ithaca-based band Rev Ezra is gearing up for the release of their second studio album with a brand new single titled “Edge of a Knife,” out everywhere today. 

    Rev Ezra is the brainchild of singer-songwriter Josh Chamberlain. The project takes many forms with Chamberlain performing both as a solo artist and with a full-band. “Rev” invokes Reverend, a calling to the many religious themes in Chamberlain’s work. Ezra is “just a cool name,” Chamberlain says.

    In 2022, Chamberlain released his first album as Rev Ezra. The record, titled “These Days” garnered tens of thousands of streams after being placed on multiple official Spotify editorial playlists.

    “I kind of lacked a little bit of a confidence to really take myself seriously as an artist,” Chamberlain said. “I’m so glad I did [release the album]. That changed, like, everything for me.” he said.

    Two years later, Chamberlain is preparing for his second album set to release this December. “Edge of a Knife” is the first single off the record.

    “One of the lyrics is ‘How long can you live at the edge of a knife before you get cut too deep,’” Chamberlin explains. “It’s all about having too many late nights, not taking any breaks working every day… just feeling like I was at my wits end.”

    At least that’s how Chamberlin says he felt before making a major change this year: namely, quitting his job of five years and making music his top priority. “Man it frees up your mind,” Chamberlain said. “I knew that I put in my time and that I was ready to be done with that chapter … and I’m a lot less stressed now.”

    Rev Ezra
    Rev Ezra performing at Red Ants Pants Music Festival in Montana. Photo by Nicole Rossi

    This new chapter sees Chamberlain with his hands full of numerous projects including his upcoming second album, as well as a second record he has planned for a group he co-founded called Cast Iron Cowboys. Since leaving his job, Chamberlain has also played several music festivals including the Finger Lakes GrassRoots festival in Trumansburg, NY and Red Ants Pants Music Festival in Montana.

    Although originally from Pittsburgh, Ithaca has become Chamberlain’s new home since he moved there in 2021. 

    “This place has an incredible music scene, and I knew kind of pretty quickly that it was somewhere where I wanted to stay,” Chamberlain said.

    The Cast Iron Cowboys pose for a photo (From left to right: Nate Marshall, Joe Hayward, Josh Chamberlin, Max Moses, Margaret Harper and Zeb Whitford.) Photo by Jessie Koch

    The town has popular live music venues such as the Deep Dive as well as the State Theater. However, in recent years, other popular music establishments like the Haunt, Lot 10 and the Range have closed their doors to the dismay of many locals. Chamberlain has worked to expanded his reach to many of the wineries in the Finger Lakes region. 

    Rev Ezra
    The Cast Iron Cowboys performing live at the Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival. Photo by Jessie Koch

    Chamberlain says living in Ithaca has affected his songwriting in more ways and one.

    “Life transitions make their way into songwriting, whether you like it or not, so living in a new place and being surrounded by different things absolutely impacted me,” Chamberlain said.  So in a way, ever since I moved here, every song I’ve written is about Ithaca in one way or another, and it’s also about the people that I know here.”

    The new album also has ties to Ithaca, recorded at Electric Wilburland in the nearby town of Newfield. The Cast Iron Cowboys also released a live EP released earlier this year, recorded primarily at Deep Dive.

    When he’s not doing music, Chamberlain works part-time on a few small farms, baling hay, spreading manure, chainsawing downed trees and occasionally wrangling horses. In short, he’s not afraid to put in hard work to accomplish his goals.

    “I saved up a bunch to make it viable, but now I’m able to work part-time, and I’m able to treat music as my number one thing, and I really like that better.” he said.

    With music at the forefront, Chamberlain has been able to really focus on his second album, which he says delves into themes of personal growth and supporting others in a sustainable way. 

    It’s a lot of introspection and taking a critical look at how life looks and saying … what kind of ground work do I want to lay for future generations,” Chamberlain said. “I don’t know what the future holds but I know that I want to make it better than it is.”

    Photo by Zach Ulibarri

    As far as Chamberlain’s own future, he has big plans for the coming year and hopes to do more music festivals and perhaps even a tour. Additionally he plans on releasing a full album with Cast Iron Cowboys in 2025.

    “I’m kind of asking myself, you know, how far can I take this?” Chamberlain said.

    Chamberlain will be releasing a single ever single week (besides Thanksgiving) leading up to his album release in December. He will also be having a single release party for cuts like knife at South Hill Cider in Ithaca on November 2nd from 6-8pm.

  • Who To See at the 7th Annual Washington Heights Jazz Festival 

    The 7th Annual Washington Heights Jazz Festival boasts a list of over 60 musicians performing across local venues- get the scoop on the lineup and special events to attend.

    Now in its seventh year, the Washington Heights Jazz Festival serves as a platform for the jazz creatives and cultural diversity of Upper Manhattan. Historically featuring both established and emerging artists, the festival aims to create an inclusive environment for music lovers while fostering and strengthening the Washington Heights community as a whole.

    With performances taking place across several stages in local venues, the Jazz Festival showcases the best of today’s New York City jazz scene while honoring the area’s rich cultural diversity through their performances for jazz lovers of all ages and backgrounds. 

    “We are thrilled to bring together such a diverse group of musicians and celebrate the rich jazz heritage of Washington Heights. This festival is a testament to the vibrant arts community in our neighborhood and the power of jazz to connect us all.”

    – Louise Rogers, Artistic Director

    This year’s Festival was kicked off with an exciting set of pre-festival events on October 25 and 27, with Ethan O’Reilly on bass and Olli Hirvonen on guitar bringing jazz to Cabrini Wines and the 2024 Jazz Composition Competition Winner Meg Okura hosting a “Meet the Composer” performance at the Castle Village Community Room where she performed and discussed excerpts of her commissioned piece “Reharmonizing Identity.”

    Night one opened on Halloween with the iconic Aimée Allen Quartet performing at Le Cheile.

    Night two on November 1 is to feature George Michael, John Albin, and Ethan O’Reilly at 181 Cabrini and the exciting Festival All-Star Jam, in which Festival performers will jam together alongside Annette Aguilar’s String Beans at Kismat in partial support from the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council. Both performances are to be completely free of charge.

    Saturday, November 2 boasts an expansive list of performances including Louise Rogers’ Jazzy For Kids family-oriented show, the Noah Bless & Latin Soul Party with support from a Creative Engagement Grant from the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, The Chidi Trio, Shareef Clayton & Friends, The Steve Slagle Quartet, The Manual Valera Trio, 2024 Jazz Composition Competition winner Meg Okura, Vanisha Gould, and Rachel Therrien’s Latin Jazz Projects. 

    All Saturday events are to be ticketed and held at Le Cheile, and all-day passes are available for unlimited access to all of the day’s events at $50. 

    The Festival will conclude on November 3 with a free Jazz Brunch with the StringJazz Trio of WaHi at Le Creparis, Nicki Adams and Michael Eaton at The Lounge at Hudson View Gardens, and a free Latin Jazz Party with Tres Gatos at Dutch Baby Bakery.

    To learn more about the 7th Annual Washington Heights Jazz Festival, find specific set times, and purchase tickets, visit the official website here.

    Festival Schedule:

    Thursday, October 31st

    8pm Aimée Allen Quartet – Le Cheile

    Friday, November 1st

    5-7pm George Michael, John Albin, & Ethan O’Reilly – 181 Cabrini  FREE

    7-10pm The Festival All-Star Jam, Festival performers jamming with Jazz WaHi, featuring Annette Aguilar’s String Beans (partially supported by the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council) – Kismat FREE

    Saturday, November 2nd

    11am Louise Rogers’ Jazzy for Kids  Jazz for Young Children aged 2-6 and their families.

    1pm Noah Bless & Latin Soul Party  Supported by a Creative Engagment Grant from the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council.

    2:15pm The Chidi Trio

    3:30pm Shareef Clayton & Friends

    4:45pm The Steve Slagle Quartet

    6pm The Manuel Valera Trio

    7:30pm Meg Okura: Reharmonizing Identity. Jazz Composition Competition 2024 winner.

    8:50pm Vanisha Gould

    10:10pm Rachel Therrien’s Latin Jazz Project

    Sunday, November 3rd

    12-2pm Jazz Brunch with StringJazz Trio of WaHi – Le Creparis  FREE

    3-4pm Nicki Adams and Michael Eaton – The Lounge at Hudson View Gardens

    5-7pm Latin Jazz Party with Tres Gatos – Dutch Baby Bakery  FREE

    (All Saturday events are ticketed and will be held at Le Cheile.)

  • Mikaela Davis Announces Intimate Acoustic Solo Tour

    Rochester born singer-songwriter, producer, and harpist Mikaela Davis has announced a solo and acoustic tour throughout the northeast, including four stops in New York State. 

    Mikaela Davis Solo

    Multi-talented vocalist, producer, songwriter, and harpist Mikaela Davis has been making waves since her initial release Delivery in 2018. Graduating from the Crane School of Music with a degree in harp performance, Davis bends the rules of genre and sound to her will with each release as she melds her classical training with 60s pop melodies, psychedelia, and driving folk rock.

    Since her debut in the industry, Davis has shared the stage with the likes of Bob Weir, Phil Lesh, Christian McBride, Bon Iver, Lake Street Dive, and Circles Around the Sun alongside her band members Alex Coté, Cian McCarthy, Shane McCarthy, and Kurt Johnson.

    photo by Daniel Bocchino

    Mikaela’s upcoming endeavor, however, takes on a less explored and much more personal shape- she has announced a series of six shows throughout the northeast that will feature John Lee Shannon of Circles Around the Sun on the guitar, herself, and her harp. The stripped-back series of six evenings on some of the northeast’s most beloved stages will allow for Davis’ harp background to shine even brighter. 

    Experimenting with new ideas as well as reimagining some old, she will be making appearances in Albany, Homer, Kingston, and Rochester over the course of the tour’s run in a string of special shows that fans new and old will not want to miss.

    Mikaela Davis Solo

    Tickets for Davis’ upcoming tour are on sale now, including shows at Ophelia’s in Albany on November 19, the Center for the Arts of Homer on November 20, Senate Garage in Kingston on November 23, and ARTISANworks in Rochester on November 24. For more information and ticket sales, visit her website here.

    Mikaela Davis Solo Tour Dates

    November 19: Ophelia’s – Albany, NY

    November 20: Center for the Arts of Homer – Homer, NY

    November 21: The Parlor Room – Northampton, MA

    November 22: The Lamp Shop – Burlington, VT

    November 23: Senate Garage – Kingston, NY

    November 24: ARTISANworks – Rochester, NY

  • The Great Salt City Blues Concert Comes to Syracuse in December for Eighth Edition

    The Great Salt City Blues Concert 8 has been announced for its annual return to Syracuse on December 26, this time at a new venue, the St. George Church Hall.

    The Great Salt City Blues

    The area’s best musicians will be paying tribute to the music of 4 Blues Hall Of Fame members: Michael Bloomfield (2012), Johnny “Guitar” Watson (2008), Ruth Brown (2002) & Big Bill Broonzy (a charter BHOF member). Michael Bloomfield was one of the first guitar heroes of his generation, who along with Eric Clapton, was considered an early influence on many aspiring Blues guitarist’s that followed the path of the Blues boom of the late 60’s and early 70’s. 

    The GREAT Salt City BLUES Concert 8 will also be paying tribute to, Johnny “Guitar” Watson, a Texas Blues guitar great who began recording in 1954 and later re-invented himself as a funk soul master, best known for writing and singing the classic 1977 R&B hit, “A Real Mother For Ya”. Ruth Brown is also a member of the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame, inducted in 1993, mostly on the strength of 50’s classics Ruth recorded for Atlantic Records. Atlantic Records was then known as “the house that Ruth built” and Ruth a consistent hit maker and was their Queen of Rhythm & Blues.

    The Great Salt City Blues
    Michael Bloomfield

    On the acoustic stage, The GREAT Salt City BLUES Concert 8 will pay tribute to the legendary Chicago Bluesman, Big Bill Broonzy, a Blues Hall of Fame artist who began performing in the 1920’s and continued to record until his death in 1958. His prolific writing skills include over 300 copyrighted compositions, including many Blues classics that formed the bedrock of Chicago Blues. The great Muddy Waters was one of his biggest fans and recorded many of Big Bill’s classics for Chess Records in the 50’s and 60’s.

    This year’s GREAT Salt City BLUES Concert 8 will be limited to 400 seated patrons and there is plenty of free parking at the Macedonian Orthodox Church parking lot. Food & beverages will be available and served by the church staff. Tickets are $30.00 advance / $40.00 at door, if available and go on sale, Nov. 1. You’ll want to jump on tickets now, as this show is sure to get packed quick.

     A series of 10 GREAT Salt City BLUES Concerts will be presented. This is concert #8 and each concert has been performed in front of a full capacity audience. Each concert is unique and never to be repeated with a changing line-up of performers featuring some of the area’s greatest musicians. Each concert is a thematic show honoring some of our greatest Blues Artists with participating musicians chosen specifically because they are best fitted for the show.

    For more information on the upcoming GREAT Salt City BLUES concert and to purchase tickets, click here.

  • Legendary Comic Institution Second City Announces New York Comedy Debut at Brooklyn Outpost

    The iconic Second City Comic Institution announces the New York Comedy Festival’s debut at their Brooklyn outpost. The festival lasts from Nov 8 to 17.

    Following the successful launch of The Second City New York earlier this year, the iconic comedy institution is once again raising the bar. Building on the legacy of its renowned Chicago and Toronto siblings, the Brooklyn outpost is entering an exciting new chapter with a prime spot in the 2024 New York Comedy Festival.

    Second City New York’s highly anticipated debut at the 2024 New York Comedy Festival showcases over 20 guest performances, from Friday, November 8 to Sunday, November 17. From high-energy improv to hysterical stand-up, the festival’s schedule showcases The Second City’s signature mix of classic formats and fresh, boundary-pushing experiments.

    Second City opened its doors in 1959 as a small comedy cabaret and has since grown to become the world’s most influential name in improvisation and comedy, celebrating its 65th year in business in 2024. The Second City’s stages, Touring Companies, and Training Centers across North America have proudly been the launch pad and artistic home for many of the funniest performers, writers, directors, and comedic minds on the planet.

    In addition, due to the incredible response from New York audiences, the current Mainstage Revue production of Ruthless Acts of Kindness has been extended through Saturday, November 16. The added performances provide fans a few more opportunities to catch this immersive production featuring sketch and improv scenes diving into the absurdities of everyday life with a special nod to New York City’s quirks and characters.

    For more information on the upcoming New York City Comedy Festival, and to purchase tickets, click here.

  • Josh Groban’s “Find Your Light” Benefit Raises Money for Arts Education

    Powerful vocals, expressive dance, rousing instrumentals, moving testimonials, and stunning views of the city lights in Columbus Circle were in store for attendees of Josh Groban’s “Find Your Light” benefit concert for arts education. The annual fundraiser at Jazz at Lincoln Center raised $1.35 million to support arts programs across the country during its 20th anniversary event on October 29th. 

    Find Your Light
    Sara Bareilles, Jojo Levesque, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Renée Fleming, Josh Groban, Dr. Vivek Murthy, and Misty Copeland. Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images

    After a social cocktail hour, patrons flooded the Appel Room in the iconic Jazz at Lincoln Center venue for a star-studded lineup of performances. Throughout the night, the audience witnessed a reflection of the wide array of programs that received the Find Your Light Foundation’s support through the variety of song and dance on the setlist. From Jojo’s energetic delivery of Chaka Khan’s “Through the Fire” to Matthew Whitaker’s jazz piano improvisation to contemporary dance choreographed by MOVE|NYC| to accompany Josh Groban’s live “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”, there was truly something for everyone during the benefit.

    Matthew Whitacre. Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images

    The concert not only raised money for music, dance, and theater programs, but it also recognized the work of two advocates in arts education. The awards segment was initiated with a beautifully harmonized rendition of Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now” sung by Sara Barielles and Josh Groban. The song, originally recorded by the duo during the Covid-19 pandemic, was dedicated to the first award recipient of the night: U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy. For his advocacy of the arts as it relates to medicine and world health, Dr. Murthy received the “Arts for Healing Award”. To celebrate the accolade, Dr. Murthy joined the band and treated the Find Your Light audience to a demonstration of the mridangam, a drum instrument commonly found in Carnatic music.

    The arts are not optional

    Dr. Vivek Murthy
    Find Your Light
    Dr. Vivek Murthy. Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images

    For the second award introduction of the night, Angel Blue’s masterclass-level vocal delivery of Puccini’s “Vissi D’arte” soared through the room as she sang the aria without a microphone. The sonic landscape of the piece provided the perfect opportunity for Josh Groban to acknowledge the second honoree. Renée Fleming accepted the “Find Your Light Award” for her notable contributions to the expansion and advocacy in music across the wide range of genres in which she has sung and joined Groban for a performance of Leonard Cohen’s well-known “Hallelujah”.

    Find Your Light
    Renée Fleming. Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images

    At the end of our lives, the last thing that remains is music memory

    Renée Fleming

    Groban closed the event alongside a choir of representatives from Broadway Bound Kids and the Stuttering Association for the Young, two organizations that were highlighted earlier in the evening. The ensemble’s uplifting “Bridge Over Troubled Water” left patrons feeling proud of the work they had done to support the arts and hopeful about the advances that are now possible through the funds raised during the benefit. Thanks to the work of Josh Groban and countless others behind the scenes, students across America may, too, find their light.

    Josh Groban auctions the prop razor from his recent Broadway bow as the title character in Sondheim’s “Sweeney Todd”. Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images

  • Aloe Blacc Sets Out for Three-Night Residency at Iconic Blue Note Jazz Club in NYC from Jan 24-26

    Multi-platinum Hip Hop artist Aloe Blacc has announced his upcoming three-night residency at the iconic Blue Note Jazz Club in NYC. This residency takes place from January 24 to 26, 2025, ahead of the release of his upcoming new album.

    This series of intimate performances comes ahead of the release of his first album of original new music in five years, set to drop in February 2025. Known for his hits such as the diamond-certified global anthem “Wake Me Up”, as well as classics like “I Need A Dollar” and “The Man,” Aloe Blacc continues to fuse his soulful sound with a deep commitment to social change.

    This upcoming album pairs each track with a different charity or philanthropic initiative, showcasing Blacc’s ongoing efforts to use his music to make a tangible impact on the world.

    With contributions from notable producers like Hunter Hayes, DJ Khalil, and Stargate, this album promises to be both musically innovative and socially significant. At the Blue Note residency, fans will experience an up-close performance, blending his classic hits from albums like Lift Your Spirit and Good Things with previews of his forthcoming album.

    Aloe will also perform one of his latest singles, “Shine”, a moving track inspired by his work with the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative, which he debuted at the 2024 Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity Ceremony in Los Angeles.

    For more information on Aloe Blacc’s upcoming three-night residency at the Blue Note Jazz Club and to purchase tickets, click here.

  • NYCLU and ACLU Produce 22nd Annual “No Matter What We Sing Out for Freedom” Concert

    “Keep Marching On”- the closing number’s titular command that beautifully presented the recurring theme of the evening at the “No Matter What We Sing Out For Freedom” concert on October 28 at the NYU Skirball Center.

    Presented by the New York Civil Liberties Union and the American Civil Liberties Union, the production featured an uplifting setlist sung by a who’s who of Broadway greats. The event also celebrated this year’s recipient of the Michael Friedman Freedom Award: Busy Philipps.

    Sara Bareilles, Busy Philipps, and Katie Couric. Photo provided by NYCLU.

    As the house lights went down to begin the concert, the NYCLU and ACLU sought to conjure the positive energy and love that was synonymous with Gavin Creel, the Broadway actor and civil rights advocate who passed away in September at the age of 48. Creel opened the show via a video of his 2011 “Sing Out For Freedom” performance of his original song “Noise”. The cautious optimism and hope expressed in his act would continue throughout the evening.

    Sara Bareilles. Photo provided by NYCLU.

    As the show went on, host Katie Couric introduced musical performances from Jasmine Amy Rogers, Jenna Bainbridge, Sara Bareilles, Ally Bonino, Nadia Dandashi, Eden Espinosa, J Harrison Ghee, The Good Liars, Hawley Gould, Christine Heesun Huang, Alex Newell, Liana Stamper, and Monica Nulia Ramirez. Following Bareilles’ stirring rendition of Kate Bush’s “This Woman’s Work”, she introduced her close friend and Girls 5eva costar Busy Philipps to receive the Michael Friedman Freedom Award.

    Honoree Busy Philipps. Photo provided by NYCLU.

    The Freedom Award, inaugurated in 2017 to recognize the work of people or organizations as humanitarians and activists, was presented to Busy Philipps on behalf of her advocacy and support for women’s rights. For all of her work in the civil rights realm, Busy Philipps joined an impressive roster of Freedom Award recipients including Shaina Taub, Harry Belafonte, and Alan Cumming.

    Busy is the definition of ‘put your money where your mouth Is

    Sara Bareilles

    As the United States rapidly approaches Election Day, the speakers and musicians of the NYCLU and ACLU “No Matter What We Sing Out For Freedom” concert shared a message of simultaneous hope and urgency to make their voices heard.

    J. Harrison Ghee. Photo provided by NYCLU.

    Through music and speeches, audiences were motivated to take full advantage of their right to vote and make change. However, the organizations’ work will not end on November 5th. Katie Couric summarized the mission best when she exclaimed “whatever happens, we stand for freedom”. Regardless of what the next chapter holds, these organizations will in fact keep marching on.