Category: Regions

Queens College and NYC Parks Launch Borough-Wide Free Cultural Events

Queens College and NYC Parks have announced the launch of their borough-wide free cultural events initiative, running now through October. The collaborative effort will be kicked off with a launch event on June 27 at Archie Spigner Park, which will also be a part of Queens Rising, a month-long, multi-disciplinary arts celebration created to highlight the boroughâs culture and creative diversity.

Queens College School of Arts offers the most comprehensive, multidisciplinary arts education within the City University of New York (CUNY) system. Founded in 2022, it houses renowned programs in theatre, dance, fashion, studio art, and design as well as the Aaron Copland School of Music, Media Studies, and the MFA in Creative Writing and Literary Translation.

Their initiative, partnered with NYC Parks, will provide access to the Inaugural Kupferberg Center for the arts-sponsored Queens Jazz Trail Concert Series and feature emerging and professional artists from the Queens College School of Arts

Among the initiative highlights are the Beach Opening Ceremony at Rockaway Beach and Saturday music concerts at Dinkinsâ Circle in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. Art and nature walks will be offered in collaboration with the collegeâs Godwin-Ternbach Museum, the only museum in the borough with a collection that spans antiquity to the present day. Events will also take place in Alley Pond Park, Crocheron Park, Forest Park, Highland Park, and parks in southeast Queens and the Rockaways.

To kick off the initiative, a free and open-to-the-public launch event will be held on June 27 at Archie Spigner Park, Jamaica, Queens.

The Queens College Aaron Copland School of Music Jazz Trio and the Antonio Hart Quartet will perform. Emmy-nominated saxophonist Hart is a professor of jazz studies in the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College. Invited speakers include Jacqueline Langsam, Queens Borough commissioner, NYC Parks; Frank H. Wu, president, Queens College; Ellen Kodadek, executive director, Flushing Town Hall; Simone Yearwood, interim dean of Arts and Humanities, Queens College; and local elected officials.

The launch event will also be a collaboration with Queens Rising, an annual month-long beacon of cultural celebration, dedicated to illuminating the vibrant tapestry of Queens, New York.

Since its inception in 2022, Queens Rising has served as a catalyst for unity, bringing together artists, performers, and organizations to showcase the borough’s rich artistic heritage. It acts as a catalyst for collaboration, connecting artists, venues, and businesses to maximize opportunities for arts and culture to flourish in Queens. At Queens Rising, the belief in the transformative power of art and culture to inspire, connect, and uplift communities is steadfast. Individuals are invited to join in celebrating the diverse cultural landscape of Queens and shaping a brighter future through creativity and collaboration.

See a current full list of events for the initiative below. An updates list can be found here.

Current Full List of Events

Rockaway Parks Events:

Beach Opening Ceremony

Date: Tuesday, May 21 at 11:00 amâ¯â¯

Location: Beach 97th Street

City of Water Day/Jamaica Bay Festival

Date: July 13th at 1:00 pm

Location: Beach 43 Street End Park (592 Beach 43 Street)

Arts Trail Nature Walks, in collaboration with Godwin-Ternbach Museum

Date: July 13th at 10:00 am, August 8th at 6:00 pm

Location: Arverne East Nature Preserve (190 Beach 44th Street)

School of Arts Music & Dance Performances

Date: August 13th, August 20th, August 27th at 6:30 pm

Location: OâDonohue Park Amphitheater at Beach 17 Street (16-27 Seagirt Blvd)

Forest Park and Highland Park Events:

School of Arts World Music Concerts

Dates: July 9th, July 16th, July 23rd, July 30th, August 6th, August 13th, August 20th, August 27th at 7:00 pm
Location: Oak Ridge

Arts Trail Nature Walks, in collaboration with Godwin-Ternbach Museum

Dates: July 14th, July 21st, July 28th at 10:00 am
Location: Highland Park by Reservoir, Head of Orange Trail at Parklane South, Forest Park Strack Pond

Southeast Queens Parks Events:

School of Arts Adult Dance Workshops

Dates: July 11th, July 18th, July 25th, August 1st at 10:00 am
Location: Roy Wilkins Park

Teens Arts Trail Nature Walks, in collaboration with Godwin-Ternbach Museum

Dates: August 7th, August 14th at 10:00 am
Location: Roy Wilkins Park

School of Arts Teens Dance Workshops

Dates: August 21st, August 28th at 10:00 am
Location: Roy Wilkins Park

Arts Trail Nature Walks, in collaboration with Godwin-Ternbach Museum

Dates: July 29th, August 5th at 11:00 am
Location: Roy Wilkins Park

District 7A Events:

School of Arts Adult Dance Workshops

Dates: July 8th, July 15th at 4:00 pm
Location: Crocheron Park

Arts Trail Nature Walks, in collaboration with Godwin-Ternbach Museum

Dates: July 23rd, July 30th at 4:00 pm
Location: Alley Pond Park

School of Arts Music Workshops

Date: August 6th, August 13th at 4:00 pm
Location: Crocheron Park

School of Arts: Art Workshops

Date: August 20th, August 27th at 4:00 pm
Location: Little Bay Park

Flushing Meadows Corona Park Events:

School of Arts Music Concerts

Dates: June 1st, June 6, June 16th, June 22nd, June 29th, July 6th, July 13th, July 20th at 2:00 pm
Location: Dinkinsâ Circle

June 28, 2024
In Focus: Mikaela Davis at Colony Woodstock
It was an exhilarating homecoming jam for Mikaela Davis at Thursday nightâs show at the Colony in Woodstock. The June 27 show was full of high energy, dancing, and an extraordinary show from a group of versatile musicians.

Davis, originally from Rochester and now based out of Catskill, is currently on a tour of headline shows and festivals opening for Amos Lee. This show was even more significant, marking her return to the Hudson Valley before embarking on a West Coast tour in July.Â

Sharing the spotlight with Davis was her band and longtime collaborators, Southern Star. Made up of musicians Shane McCarthy, Cian McCarthy, Alex CotÃ©, and Kurt Johnson, Southern Star collaborated with Davis on their first joint full-length project in 2023 titled And Southern Star.Â Throughout the show, the band’s psychedelic, bluegrass, and rock sounds consistently complimented Davis’ harp. With such a curious blend of instruments and styles, audiences undoubtedly witnessed a unique show.

Davis with Rich Ruth and band

The audience got a taste of what they were about to witness when she joined opener Rich Ruth on stage for a harp contribution.Â Davis’ harp playing was recently featured on Ruth’s latest release Water Still Flows. Ruth along with his band and Davis, treated the audience to a special collaborative performance.

Another highlight of the night with Mikaela Davis at Colony in Woodstock was the remarkable musicianship exhibited by the band. By crossing genres, they exemplified how a variety of musical backgrounds can come together to create new distinctive pieces of art. It’s not every day there’s a harp and a double-neck bass in the same band. The experimentation allowed for making the environment feel like a jam session where everyone in the room was equal to the performers, witnessing genuine virtuosity.

After spending the last few years playing with legends like Bob Weir and Phil Lesh, it’s no surprise that Davis chooses to cover a Grateful Dead song at most of her shows. Characteristically, she ended the show with the Jerry Garcia tune “Bird Song.” This was an extremely successful way of uniting the room even more, by playing a song loved by everyone with such positive energy.
Cian McCarthy

Shane McCarthy

Kurt Johnson
June 28, 2024
Fridays at the Lake: Lake George Concert Series

Lake George’s summer concert series “Fridays at the Lake” returns this year with an exciting lineup. From July 5 to August 30, Shepard Park Amphitheater will host a concert every Friday. Concerts are free, and will feature a beer and wine garden.

Amanda Metzger

On July 5, The Ultimates will open for the New York Players, who will be returning to Fridays at the Lake this year. The New York Players are known for being dance party experts, with over 1,000 events under their belt. On July 12, Yellow Dog will open for Soul Session.

Dirt Cheap will open for E.B Jeb with classic blues and rock on July 19. E.B Jeb has been bringing authentic Southern Rock to upstate New York since 1980.

July 26, Saratoga-based pop group The Schmooze will open for Vivid. The Hartford based band is known for playing upbeat and danceable pop rock covers.

American CafÃ© has been playing in the Capitol region for over 10 years. On August 2, they will open for Skeeter Creek, a modern country band who was named at the top of the 2006, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015 Metroland Magazine Readers Poll for Country Band of the Year, and 2013, 2014,2015 Cover Band of the Year.

Albany band Sirsy will bring pop rock with folk intimacy to Fridays at the Lake on August 9. They will open for the TS Ensemble, a high energy, eight piece band from

Sirsy by Chet Seidel

The US Navy band will open for The Accents on August 23; The Accents will be returning for another performance this year; Lake George regulars, the Accents have performed at Fridays at the Lake and thousands of other events.

On August 30, Troy rock trio Super 400 will open for Ten Most Wanted. The Ten Most Wanted is a ten piece band known for their powerful vocals and sizzling horn section.

All events are family & dog friendly, and bouncy houses will be available. Openers will take the stage at 6:00, and headliners will start performing at 7:30. A recap of last years’ Fridays at the Lake is available at the following link, and a video of a performance from a previous year is available below.

Fridays at the Lake 2024

July 5: The Ultimates & The New York Players

July 12: Yellow Dog & Soul Session

July 19: Dirt Cheap & E.B Jeb

July 26: The Schmooze & Vivid (CT)

August 2: American CafÃ© & Skeeter Creek

August 9: Sirsy & TS Ensemble

August 23: US Navy Band & The Accents

August 30: Super 400 & Ten Most Wanted

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNSEj5eo6FU

June 28, 2024
Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony at Northwell Jones Beach Theater Unveils Major Renovations

On Thursday, June 27, the Northwell at Jones Beach Theater celebrated its 72nd anniversary with a ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil the latest renovations in a multimillion-dollar project. The event marked a significant milestone for the historic venue, originally constructed in the 1950s, and highlighted its ongoing evolution to enhance the concert-going experience.

George Gorman, Regional Director of New York State Parks, welcomed the gathered crowd, acknowledging the hard work of the staff, Live Nation, and New York State Parks in bringing the project to fruition. He emphasized the theater’s rich history and the importance of these renovations in preserving its legacy. Gorman extended special thanks to New York State Senator Kevin Thomas, Governor Kathy Hochul, and other key supporters for their contributions, which were crucial in making the renovations possible.

During the ceremony, Tom See, Live Nation’s President of Venue Nation, spoke enthusiastically about the enhancements made to the theater. “The reopening of Jones Beach Theater is the start of the next chapter in the venue’s history,” he said. “As part of the venue’s renovation, you’ll just see it when you step on up. Check out this amazing brand new entry. A state-of-the-art entry of Instagrammable moments and you’ll walk right into a community plaza.”

The new community plaza, approximately the size of a football field, represents a significant improvement. “We never had that location at Jones Beach where the community could be able to hang out,” See explained. “We put them right into a concourse and it had lines and a difficult way to maneuver. But now this open concourse provides the community a place to come in, enjoy food and beverages before they go in and see the show.”

The renovations also include a reimagined premium experience, offering 280-degree views of Zachs Bay. To ensure fans enjoy as much of the show as possible and spend less time in lines, the venue has added more than 30% more food and beverage outlets. “So you can hang out, enjoy the show, and spend time with family,” See noted. “But most importantly, we added 20% more fresh food options.”

The ceremony concluded with the official ribbon-cutting, symbolizing the start of the next chapter for Northwell Jones Beach Theater. Attendees were invited to explore the new features and enjoy the event, setting the stage for many more memorable performances at this iconic venue.

June 28, 2024
Jason Mraz and The Boston Pops To Perform At Tanglewood

Grammy Award winning pop star, Jason Mraz will perform alongside the Boston Pops at Tanglewood on Tuesday, July 2.

This iconic singer-songwriter has been releasing music since 1999 as a self-published artist and released his first studio album Waiting For My Rocket To Come in 2002. Mraz’s career started at Java Joe’s coffee shop in Ocean Beach, San Diego. Mraz was signed to Elektra Records in 2001 and opened on Jewel’s 2002 tour.

His singles “The Remedy” and “You & I Both” made it onto Billboard charts. In 2005, he released Mr A-Z with Atlantic Records and went on to open for stars like The Rolling Stones and Alanis Morissette. His 2008 album, We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things, blossomed his career and gave listeners his most well known songs like “I’m Yours,” “Lucky” and “Make It Mine.” He won Best Male Pop Vocal Performance for “Make It Mine” and Best Pop Collaboration for “Lucky” with Colbie Caillat at the 2010 Grammy Awards.

Currently, The Jason Mraz Foundation raises money for arts education organizations like Harmonic Humanity and the Rock n’ Roll Camp For Girls. Since 2011, he has raised over $1 million to help these inclusive arts programs.

The Boston Pops will perform alongside him on the Koussevitzky Music Shed stage. They have performances throughout the Tanglewood concert series including with the band DISPATCH and with the Boston Symphony Orchestra during their film nights. Tanglewood is a summer series located in the Berkshire hills in Western Massachusetts and will continue until August 31.

For more information of Jason Mraz’s Tanglewood performance and to purchase tickets you can visit the website here.

June 28, 2024
The Local in Saugerties Celebrates One Year With Fall Lineup Kicking Off September

Saugerties’ exciting multi-arts and cultural center, The Local, is following up its highly acclaimed first year with another remarkable series of live events starting in September. With 16 shows previewed, and more to come, The Local is continuing its mission of bringing a diverse lineup of world-class artists from around the globe and around the corner to perform in an intimate setting.

The Local is a new venue for arts, culture, and community in Saugerties, NY, founded by Isabel Soffer and Danny Melnick, co-founders of Hudson Valley Live. The two Saugerties-based music producers and performing-arts professionals have each devoted more than 30 years to producing festivals, concerts, and curated arts experiences.

Besides its own world-class series of music and dance events, the ADA-accessible space is available to rent for parties, concerts, pop-ups, gallery exhibits, and more. The Local is located in the heart of the Village of Saugerties at 16 John St., behind the Saugerties Reformed Church on Main Street.

In The Local’s first year, more than 50 acclaimed acts performed, dozens of shows sold out and a fundraiser to help purchase a new stage and make necessary upgrades raised more than $35,000.

This upcoming season will see an eclectic range of performances—and many Hudson Valley NY
debuts—including Brazilian singer, composer, and multi-instrumentalist Bia Ferreira (Sept. 25); Habibi
Festival Hudson Valley with Arabic Trance Jazz (Oct. 3); and the ambient country sounds of SUSS
(Nov. 1), described as “Brian Eno meets Ennio Morricone.” Psychedelic Furs guitarist Knox Chandler
will be a special guest of Doom Jazz duo Bobby Previte and Jamie Saft (Nov. 2), and the riveting
20-piece NYC Ska Orchestra brings their uplifting big-band sound (Nov. 9).

Plus, this season will bring additional collaborations with renowned Brooklyn venue Barbès Brooklyn,
more dance parties with Turntables on the Hudson (their April 2024 dance party at The Local with DJ
Nickodemus was a wild success), and a continuation of the popular Consider This speaker series
featuring experts discussing topics relevant to our communities.

The entire season kicks off Friday, Sept. 20, with a thrilling performance by acclaimed eight-piece band
Sidy Samb’s Afroflamenco, direct from Spain.

“We’re grateful for the support The Local has received so far, and our next season will continue to bring
more music, dancing, culture, inspiration, and collaboration to the area,” said co-founder Isabel
Soffer.

“We’re starting the second fall season with a wide array of events that we hope will encourage curiosity
and cross-cultural understanding,” said co-founder Danny Melnick.

Ticket sales will begin on Sunday, July 21. For tickets and more information, visit The Local’s website here. See below for the current full fall lineup.

The Local’s Fall 2024 Preview September-December

Fri., Sept. 20, 8pm – Sidy Samb’s Afroflamenco Band leader Sidy Samb is a highly acclaimed
Senegalese musician based in Spain who connects flamenco to its African roots.

Sat., Sept. 21, 8pm – Toombs Dixon Dance Party: Return of the Rock ‘n Twist Parade!
This supergroup celebrates the origins of rock ’n roll with tributes to the sounds of Chuck Berry, Fats
Domino, Carl Perkins, The Everly Brothers, and more.

Sun., Sept. 22, 6pm – Opera: Chant du Équinoxes by Gilbert-Michel Rolle and Katya Grineva A
US premiere! Highly acclaimed tenor Rolle and renowned pianist Grineva perform Rolle’s newest
composition, Chant du Équinoxes (Song of the Equinoxes), on the day of the Autumn Equinox.

Wed., Sept. 25, 7pm – Sounds of Brazil: Bia Ferreira This singer, composer, multi-instrumentalist and
queer and women’s rights activist harnesses Brazilian rhythms and styles with funky beats, hip-hop,
reggae, and soulful ballads.

Fri., Sept. 27, 8pm – Yemen Blues Drawing from the great traditions of Jewish and Arabic culture,
each note sings with a love for common humanity coexisting in both the past and present, at once
timeless and modern.

Sun., Sept. 29, 5pm – Afro-Cuban Music and Dance A workshop and performance featuring
members of the legendary Los Muñequitos de Matanzas—one of the most critically acclaimed rumba
groups of all time.

Thurs., Oct. 3, 7pm – Habibi Festival Hudson Valley: Tarek Yamani and Yacine Boulares
Award-winning artists blend Lebanese and Tunisian traditions to create a unique Arabic trance with the
harmonic and melodic flexibility of jazz.

Sat., Oct. 5, 8pm – Marilyn Crispell & Harvey Sorgen Duo Woodstock-resident Crispell has
performed and recorded extensively with well-known players on the US and international jazz scenes.
She’ll be joined by long-time collaborator percussionist Sorgen, celebrating their new album.

Sun., Oct. 20, 2pm – Transylvanian Dance Romanian pianist Lucian Ban and US violist Mat Maneri
find fresh inspiration as they follow the trail of Béla Bartók, revisiting the Transylvanian folk music that
spurred the imagination of the great Hungarian composer.

Fri., Nov. 1, 8pm – Ambient Country: SUSS Cowpunk pioneer Bob Holmes, w/ Jonathan Gregg and
Pat Irwin, combine roots music with elements of electronic and shoegaze for a sound described as an
imagined collaboration between Brian Eno and Ennio Morricone.

Sat., Nov. 2, 8pm – Doom Jazz: Bobby Previte & Jamie Saft with Knox Chandler A vast landscape
of cascading sound diving deeply into the abyss, marrying the intricate web of jazz and the visceral heft
of rock. W/S/G guitarist Knox Chandler (Psychedelic Furs, Lou Reed, REM).

Sat., Nov. 9, 8pm – NYC Ska Orchestra This 20-piece big band performs originals and arrangements
of Jamaican ska, mento, rock steady, and reggae from the 1950s-60s. They’ve recorded and/or
performed with Peter Tosh, Bob Marley, Bunny Wailer, Skatalites, Toots & The Maytals, and more.

Sun., Nov. 10, 5pm – Gospel: Mount Olive Men’s Chorus / Innervisions One of the area’s
preeminent gospel ensembles, performing in gospel quartet style—the same tradition that gave rise to
Mavis Staples, Sam Cooke, Wilson Pickett, and Lou Rawls. Innervisions is led by Rev. Thomas V.
House, a prominent member of the legendary Willie Neal Johnson and the Gospel Keynotes from TX.

Fri., Dec. 6, 8pm – La Banda Chuska Reimagining the vintage sounds of Peruvian and Colombian
cumbia and surf music with the psychedelic flavors of 1970s chicha and ’80s club rock, through the lens
of a NYC home and diverse backgrounds. Crazy fun dance party vibes! (A collab w/ Barbès Brooklyn.)

Sat., Dec. 7, 8pm – The Harpweaver: Maeve Gilchrist Scottish-born harper, composer and producer
Gilchrist’s innovative approach to her instrument stretches its harmonic limits and improvisational
possibilities. She’s performed with Yo-Yo Ma, Esperanza Spalding, Arooj Aftaab, and many others.

Sat., Dec. 14, 8pm – Matt Wilson Christmas Tree-O Matt Wilson is one of the most in-demand
musicians in jazz, and Christmas Tree-O is a joyous project celebrating the holiday season.

June 27, 2024
Playland Announces Summer Sounds Concert Series Lineup

This Summer, Playland Amusement Park in Port Chester presents the Playland Summer Sounds Concert Series from July 6 to Aug 31.

This is Playlandâs first partnership with The Capitol Theatre, a historical venue that has showcased legends like Bob Dylan, The Strokes and David Bowie. Playland is also collaborating with The Rock and Roll Playhouse from July 7 to Sept 1 for a family concert series.

The Rock and Roll Playhouse was founded in 2014 as a way for children to interact with music of all different genres. The group is based in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, it has hosted over 1000 shows all over the U.S. Playhouse will present sing-along performances and family friendly covers of Queen, Taylor Swift and more.

Playland Summer Sounds will kick off with 1 Wild Night, a Bon Jovi Tribute band. The next day, on July 7, The Rock and Roll Playhouse: The Music of Queen the next day.

Playland is conveniently located near the Metro North Station in Rye, Ny. Beyond musical performances park guests can enjoy the 50 rides and attractions the area has to offer. Every Friday night, the park will have fireworks shows starting June 28. Playland has been entertaining the Long Island area since 1928.
Anyone can attend the concerts with a day pass or an all-access season pass.

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

June 27, 2024
Long Island Hip-Hop Artist Jesse Eplan Releases New Single “Sunburst”

Long Island based Hip-hop artist and producer, Jesse Eplan released his single, “Sunburst,” on June 21.

Eplan releases music under his own name and produces all of his work, including pop, rap and trap music and works in every aspect of production from writing to mixing and mastering. Eplan attempts to push boundaries and create unique genre blending beats.

His interest in music started with more of a classic rock discography when he was 9 years old. “I was learning to play drums and guitar. I was listening to some of the classic rock bands such as Led Zeppelin, ACDC, The Rolling Stones and The Who” Eplan told NYS Music. “As I got into middle school, my friends and I started listening to Rick Ross, Kanye West and Chris Brown. I was DJing at local parties. All I wanted to do was make beats. So, my classic rock roots and rap-trap/pop, met somewhere in the middle and I’ve been making beats and music ever,” he said.

Eplan’s projects venture beyond his music productions. He currently owns and operates The Sound Lab, a recording studio in Bellmore, Long Island. He engineers in both studio rooms and works with other up and coming artists in the area.

After he released his first two LPs, Trap Harmony and Purple Wave at the University of Tampa the Hip Hop world took notice of the young star. He collaborated with similar artists like Wacotron, Famous Dex and Kontraversy. Although his music started to blossom in Tampa, he ultimately decided to attend The Los Angelos film school where he studied audio engineering. His range of sounds spans across his seven albums and many singles like “Sunburst.”

“Sunburst” has a catchy hook and exposes his vocals over a simple beat. It has a relatively slow tempo making it an easy-going song. Along with Sunburst, he released a “Sunburst remix,” a song with a more dance friendly tempo. The new single is accompanied by a music video featuring Eplan performing the song at a beautiful sunset lit beach.

Jesse Eplan’s upcoming album Jetty Life 3 is set to be released on July 14 – you can find his music on any streaming service – list to “Sunburst” below.

June 27, 2024
DRAG: The Musical Will Premiere in New York This September

Fresh off its stellar premiere in Los Angeles, DRAG: The Musical is making its way over to New York City for its official off-Broadway premiere. Previews begin on September 30, with its official opening on October 21.

DRAG: The Musical will make its home in off-Broadway’s New World Stages. Be sure to hold on to your wigs during this incredible performance of drag culture, fashion, family, and forgiveness.

DRAG: The Musical tells the story of two Houses competing for success and fame after a bitter split. In the wake of intense rivalry, up-and-coming Queen Alexis Gilmore opened her club, The Fishtank, and the glamorous Miss Kitty opened The Cathouse. Fueled by their individual heartbreak (and a lot of spite) for one another, the two queens do everything they can to make sure their club comes out on top, while simultaneously fighting against homophobia, transphobia, and financial struggles, even if it means scuffing their platform shoes. Old and fresh wounds open as the two see their clubs, their careers, and their beloved Houses compete for love, attention, and fame in Hollywood.

Written by drag superstar Alaska Thunderf*ck, along with critically acclaimed songwriters Thomas Costanza and Ashley Gordon, DRAG: The Musical brings drag performance culture to the next level. Unlike traditional drag, there’s only one rule: No Lip Synching Allowed. Even with this distinction, DRAG: The Musical brings the heat to the stage, featuring incredibly dynamic and energetic performances quintessential to the world of drag.

DRAG: The Musical – Billboard

DRAG: The Musical has garnered rave reviews during its West Coast runs, taking home the Broadway World Los Angeles Award for “Best New Play or Musical” and the Queerties Award for “Live Theater.” The epic cast of drag, theater, and LGBTQ+ icons features iconic drag queen and winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race: All Stars Alaska Thunderf*ck (through 1/11/25), Jujubee, Jan Sport, Lagoona Bloo, J. Elaine Marcos and features New Kids on the Block’s, Joey McIntyre (through 11/24/24). Additional cast members will be announced shortly.

For more information and tickets to Drag: The Musical, visit their website here.

June 27, 2024
James Taylor and All-Star Band To Perform At Tanglewood

The legendary James Taylor and his All-star band will perform two nights at the Tanglewood concert series on July 3 and 4.

The “Fire and Rain” singer is also a six-time Grammy award winner and was awarded a Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015. Taylor started his journey playing with a band in Greenwich Village, NYC. After leaving a rehabilitation center for drug abuse, he signed to Warner Bros. Music and released his iconic sophomore album Sweet Baby James.

Throughout his long and ongoing career, Taylor has released 20 studio albums and collaborated with other folk artists like Joni Mitchell, Carole King and Linda Ronstadt.

Taylor is currently touring with his talented band members including Kate Markowitz and Dorian Holley on vocals. His instrumentalists include Andrea Zonn on fiddle, Larry Goldings on piano, Lou Marini on horns, Walt Fowler on keyboard and horns, Michael Landau on Guitar, Jimmy Johnson on bass, Luis Conte on percussion and Steve Gadd on drums.

After his July 3 performance, Taylor will receive The Tanglewood Medal due to his contribution to the concert series. Altogether, he has performed on the Koussevitzky Music Shed 51 times.

James Taylor’s July 4 performance will end in a celebration of fireworks and in addition, all the proceeds from his performance will be donated back to Tanglewood.

Tanglewood is located in the Berkshire hills of Western Massachusetts. The series is the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and features performances from other stars like Brandi Carlile, Jason Mraz and Jon Batiste.

To find more information and to purchase tickets you can visit the website here.

June 27, 2024