Rock singer Alice Cooper will perform at the Palace Theatre in Albany on July 31 as part of his “Too Close For Comfort” Tour.
Alice Cooper has pioneered his grandly theatrical brand of hard rock that was designed to shock many. With equal inspiration from vaudeville, garage rock, and horror films, the ensemble put on a theatrical production complete with electric chairs, guillotines, fake blood, and boa constrictors. He is still on tour regularly, taking his dark and horror-themed theatrics to audiences all over the world.
Cooper and his family relocated to Phoenix after he was born in Detroit, Michigan. The Alice Cooper Band was founded when the members were still in high school in Phoenix. Frank Zappa found the band in Los Angeles in 1969 and later signed them to his record company. Their breakthrough third album Love It to Death, which debuted on the charts in 1971, was the result of their collaboration with the up-and-coming record producer Bob Ezrin. It was followed by the hits “Killer,” “School’s Out,” “Billion Dollar Babies,” and “Muscle of Love.” Every album release was accompanied by a more grandiose traveling stage production. They later released their album titled Greatest Hits, in 1974. Cooper subsequently released his now classic debut solo album, Welcome to My Nightmare in 1975, which was backed by his legendary and groundbreaking theatrical “Welcome to My Nightmare” concert tour.
Alice Cooper’s impact on rock & roll and popular culture has been widely recognized for a considerable amount of time. Throughout his incredible career, he has received numerous accolades and awards, sold-out tours, platinum records, and numerous other honors.
Cooper will perform at the Palace Theatre in Albany on July 31 as part of his “Too Close For Comfort” tour. Tickets go on sale Friday, April 19 via Ticketmaster.
The Commodores and The Pointer Sisters have teamed up for a sensational co-headlining tour: An Evening of Icons, which will stop at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater on July 25.
These musical icons are ready to wow audiences with their unique fusion of funk, soul, R&B, and pop. Their career spans decades, and they have sold over 100 million albums and an array of chart-topping hits. To add even more magic to the mix, they’re welcoming special guests, The Spinners.
The Commodores are the powerhouse behind classics like “Brick House” and “Easy.” They’re delighted to perform alongside The Pointer Sisters, especially in light of Motown’s 65th anniversary. This tour celebrates the enduring power of music, as their timeless hits continue to bring people together across generations.
Meanwhile, The Pointer Sisters, who have achieved success with hits like “I’m So Excited” and “Jump (For My Love),” are just as thrilled to collaborate. They are preparing to give a show that will keep the audience talking long after the curtains close. The sisters added, “65 years of Motown and timeless hits! What a milestone. It’s a joy to be touring with a true Motown treasure, The Commodores. Here’s to the music that continues to move generations!”
This tour, presented by Live Nation and represented by the renowned Seth Shomes of Day After Day Productions (DADP), will begin with a bang on Thursday, July 25 at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater. Representing these legendary acts is a dream come true for Seth Shomes. He grew up listening to their music, so when the tour hits New York in July, he’s excited to see the fans belting out every word.
Opera Saratoga announced its 2024 summer festival, featuring three new productions at Universal Preservation Hall from June 27 to July 7. For more information on tickets and the season, visit here.
Opera Saratoga, formerly known as Lake George Opera, began with a production of Die Fledermaus at the Diamond Point Theatre on July 5, 1962, playing to an audience of 230. The Company now calls Saratoga Springs home and performs for more than 25,000 people. Opera Saratoga celebrates its 60th Anniversary this season, serving the communities of Saratoga Springs, the Lower Adirondack, and New York State Capital areas by providing access to world-class opera through the production of an annual Summer Festival, as well as year-round activities including extensive educational programs, mentorship of emerging operatic artists, and unique opportunities for the public. The company has performed 106 fully-staged works by 66 composers, including 42 works by American composers and 14 premiere productions.
“This season pays homage to Saratoga Springs’ history as a pleasure-seekers paradise and betting destination while looking to the future by pushing the definition of what opera can be – and how it can be made – forward,” said Mary Birnbaum, General and Artistic Director. “We hope to tempt risk-takers to the festival by dazzling them with reinventions of two classics in addition to a totally unique creation that they can only see in Saratoga.”
In 2023, the company hired its 10th Artistic and General Director, Mary Birnbaum. She has directed opera and music theater around the world, including staging critically acclaimed productions of L’Orfeo, Proving Up, and The Rape of Lucretia at The Juilliard School and The Classical Style at Carnegie Hall. She has also directed productions at Opera Philadelphia, Seattle Opera, Opera Columbus, Virginia Opera, Virginia Arts Festival, the Ojai Festival, Montclair Peak Performances, and Boston Baroque in the U.S, as well as in Taiwan (National Symphony Orchestra), Central America (National Theatre of Costa Rica and Guatemala), Australia and Israel.
She most recently directed the world premiere of In A Grove by Christopher Cerrone and Stephanie Fleischmann at Pittsburgh Opera and will direct the world premiere oratorio ÉMIGRÉ at the New York Philharmonic in collaboration with the Shanghai Symphony. On the faculty of the Juilliard School since 2011, she teaches acting to singers and serves as a Dramatic Advisor to the MMGD program. She also teaches and coaches for the Lindemann Young Artists Program at the Metropolitan Opera.
For more information on tickets and the season, visit here.
GUYS AND DOLLS
June 29–July 7
Universal Preservation Hall
The first of the trifecta, Guys and Dolls, features Mikaela Bennett (City Center Encores’ The Golden Apple, West Side Story at Glimmerglass), as Sarah Brown. The beloved gambling musical will feature direction by Mary Birnbaum, choreography by Caili Quan, and musical direction by Andy Einhorn (Broadway’s Carousel and Hello, Dolly!.), with scenic design by Kristen Robinson, lighting design by Anshuman Bhatia and costume design by Oana Botez. In addition to those already announced, the cast of Guys and Dolls will feature William Socolof as Nathan Detroit, Ariadne Greif as Miss Adelaide, Shavon Lloyd as Sky Masterson, Maximillian Jansen as Nicely Nicely Johnson, and Aubrey Allicock as Arvide Abernathy.
COSÌ FAN TUTTE
June 28–July 7
Universal Preservation Hall
Next is Mozart’s wager opera Così fan tutte, featuring GRAMMY-nominated bass-baritone Aubrey Allicock as the cynical Don Alfonso. The opera will also feature Nicoletta Berry as Despina, Julia Stuart as Fiordiligi, Anna Kelley as Dorabella, Maximillian Jansen as Ferrando, and Michael Hawk as Guglielmo.
INTI FIGGIS-VIZUETA WORLD PREMIERE OPERA
June 30 & July 5
Universal Preservation Hall
Finally, the biggest gamble of them all: a world premiere opera, devised and composed during the summer season by Composer-in-Residence inti figgis-vizueta. inti’s work explores the transformative power of group improvisation and play, working to reconcile historical aesthetics and experimental practices with trans & Indigenous futures. “The Festival Residency with Opera Saratoga is an incredible opportunity to explore the expressive world of contemporary opera, a first for me as a composer,” figgis-vizueta said.
LISTEN TO THIS: VOICES FROM THE FUTURE!
June 4, June 11, and June 18
Universal Preservation Hall
Listen to This is a three-part concert series that hands the mic to cutting-edge creators who break through boundaries of what opera can be through the lens of access and healing. The series is composed of: The Other Side of Silence, Winterreise, and finally, i woke up in the sky.
THE OTHER SIDE OF SILENCE
Tuesday, June 4 will feature work by RPI Director of Institute Ensembles Robert Whalen who is collaborating with librettists Mark Steidl, Katherine Skovira, and Sara Pyszka on a new opera for synthetic and acoustic voice The Other Side of Silence written by and for people who use Alternative Assistive Communication.
The Other Side of Silence explores what it means to be our true self, and which of our voices—our inner or outer voice— represents our identity. The Other Side of Silence examines technology’s role in the fabric of human society as seen through the lens of an AAC user – someone who uses a synthetic voice to communicate with the world.
WINTERREISE
On June 11, Director George Miller, Bass-Baritone William Socolof, and Pianist Chris Reynolds collaborate on the workshop of a contemporary staging of Schubert’s seminal song cycle Winterreise. Originally from Albany and Saratoga Springs, respectively, Miller and Reynolds bring their many accolades back to the Capital Region.
i woke up in the sky
On June 18, composer-performer Catherine Brookman shares her album i woke up in the sky with Opera Saratoga’s audiences. Her music deals with the experience of time passing, collapsing, unfinished business, heartbreak, loneliness, and depression.
Country Rock band Nitty Gritty Dirt Band have expanded their “All The Good Times: The Farewell” Tour by adding a new show at the Adler Hall at New York Society for Ethical Culture on October 6 with special guest Tommy Prine.
Originally formed in 1966, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, also addressed as the Dirt Band, has entertained many audiences with their top-shelf musicianship and timeless hits like “Mr. Bojangles,” “Fishin’ In The Dark,” “An American Dream,” and many more. And now, the time has come for the progressive country band to say so long to the highways and byways they’ve crossed an unimaginable number of times throughout their career.
When sharing about the show, the band shared that, “’All The Good Times’ perfectly describes our career.” With over 20 released albums, the band added that, “Playing our music for Dirt Band fans all over the world has been an incredible experience for us. The most important part of that has been the connection to our audience—that beautiful communal give and take is like nothing else. That’s the very spirit we’ll be celebrating as we head into our farewell tour. We really look forward to seeing you folks. Good times will be had by all!”
After playing their first gig in 1966 in Southern California as a Jug band, by 1969 The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band had become a cornerstone of the burgeoning country-rock community. Their career breakthrough came in 1970 with the release of their record Uncle Charlie & His Dog Teddy and their hit single “Mr. Bojangles,” a folksy top ten pop hit that brought roots music to the national forefront. In 1972, the band released the first of three groundbreaking Will The Circle Be Unbroken albums, collaborating with many of the best bluegrass, country, and folk artists in the world.
After a successful career that spawned over decades, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band was inducted into the Colorado Music Hall of Fame in 2015. While in the midst of their 49th year touring the band still managed to work on several projects leading up to their 50th Anniversary. In September of 2015, the band commemorated their 50th anniversary with a sold out show at the Ryman Auditorium. Taped for a PBS special which debuted in March 2016, the concert included guests John Prime, Sam Bush, Vince Gill, Jerry Jeff Walker, Alison Krauss, Rodney Crowell, Byron House, Jerry Douglas and Jackson Browne in addition to former member Jimmy Ibbotson.
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band will bring their “All The Good Times: The Farewell” Tour with special guest Tommy Prine to Adler Hall at New York Society for Ethical Culture on October 6. Tickets are $55, $75 and $95 (plus applicable fees) and will be available here starting on Friday, April 19 at 10:00AM.
The year 1974 was when Judas Priest’s debut record, Rocka Rolla was released. Now, 50 years later, the legendary British metal band was in Wallingford, Connecticut on Thursday, April 18 for the first show of their United States leg of a tour in support of their new record, Invincible Shield. Last fall the Toyota Oakdale Theatre hosted the first night of Judas Priest’s 50 Heavy Metal Years Tour with Queensrÿche. This time, the Swedish heavy metal band, Sabaton was the opener for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band.
Judas Priest is coming off a few-month trek of shows in Europe. By the time the band hit the United States, the well-oiled Judas Priest machine was ready to roll. The entire night was a beautiful ceremony of heavy metal that brought fans of all ages and all eras of the band together.
Before Judas Priest took the stage, the previously mentioned Sabaton graced the stage at 7:30. The eager Priest fans cheered for the Swedish natives who had a great following at this show. For the opener, it might take a few songs for the band to win over fans. But, the band – who dressed in camo pants and black tops – won fans over from the first note with their history-inspired lyrics and Amon Amarth’s style of metal.
The band was backed by an army tank which served as a drum riser for Hannes Van Dahl. This hasn’t been seen for some kiss fans since Eric Carr of KISS had his drums on top of a tank during the band’s “Creatures of the Night” tour in the 80s. At one point in the show, the band dawned World War II-style gas masks while they played. Lead singer Joakim Brodén sang through the mask while carrying a large canon-like prop around the stage. Fans around the theatre all gasped in amazement while taking videos on their phones.
Joining Brodén and Van Dahl in Sabaton is Pär Sundström on bass, with Chris Rörland and Thobbe Englund. Englund is rejoining the band after an eight-year absence from the group. It was announced on Feb. 9 that Englund was rejoining and replacing guitarist Tommy Johansson.
England has always produced some of the best heavy metal bands in the world. Arguably, Black Sabbath is at the top of that list. Sabbath and Priest have had a wonderful friendship over the years. Judas Priest lead singer, Rob Halford filled for Black Sabbath singer Ozzy Osbourne on a handful of occasions. It was only fitting for Priest to blast Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs,” off of 1970’s Paranoidthrough the PA system. In unison, louder than any guitar that night, the crowd belted out lyrics to Sabbath’s famous tune before Judas Priest took to the stage.
With a curtain of the tracklist of the brand-new record, at the forefront of the stage, the lights began to flicker. When the curtain dropped and the band was all cluttered together on a staircase leading to Scott Travis’s drum kit. The band plunged into “Panic Attack” off of the brand-new record. The cheering and screaming from the crowd was deafening as the band spread out on the stage to meet the eager Wallingford crowd. The band played 18 songs that crisscrossed their entire career and spanned their entire discography.
The band sounded as tight as ever. Guitarist Richie Faulkner was prancing around the left side of the stage the entire night. He was a man possessed by his blue Flying V and Explorer guitars. Throughout the night, he was running around the stage, posing at the edge as well as – in KISS-like fashion – throwing guitar picks into the crowd while throwing up the rock and roll horns.
Halford sounded better than ever. His signature screaming and wailing was music in itself to the metal maniacs that had sold out the theatre. Bassist Ian Hill, who is only one of two members in the band from the “classic lineup” stood comfortably towards the band behind guitarist Andy Sneap. Hill would barely move from his spot the entire night yet was the anchor in the rhythm section. Sneap was brought on board to produce the band’s latest two records, 2018’s Firepowerand the new Invincible Shield. He has been in the band as a touring guitarist and producer ever since 2018.
Priest’s iconic cross logo was hung above the stage. With each song, it would light up different colors, shoot lights out and even at one point in the show it moved down towards the front of the stage. People around the theatre all pointed and again, took out their phones to capture the cool moment.
By the time the last song of the night was played, “Living After Midnight,” off of the band’s 1980 album, British Steel and Queen’s “We Are the Champions” was played off the PA system, fans were already talking about when they would be seeing the band next. Judas Priest was brought up with bands like KISS and Aerosmith but at the rate they are going, Priest will still be going for more years to come.
Sabaton setlist: Ghost Divison, The Last Stand, Swedish Pagans, The Red Baron, Bismarck, Stormtroopers, Carolous Rex, Shiroyama, The Attack of the Dead Man, Primo Victoria, Soldier of Heaven, To Hell and Back
Judas Priest setlist: Panic Attack, You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’, Rapid Fire, Breaking the Law, Lightning Strike, Love Bites, Devil’s Child, Saints in Hell, Crown of Horns, You Don’t Have to Be Old to Be Wise, Turbo Lover, The Green Manalishi (With the Two Prong Crown), Painkiller, Electric Eye, Hell Bent for Leather, Living After Midnight
The Blue Note Jazz Club unveiled the lineup for their much-anticipated 13th annual Blue Note Jazz Festival 2024, featuring performances by Wynton Marsalis, Andra Day, Corinne Bailey Rae, Yo La Tengo with the Sun Ra Arkestra, Stanley Clarke, the Yussef Dayes Experience, Soulive, The Soul Rebels featuring Ghostface Killah and many more.
Blue Note is unique in curating its namesake New York festival, looking beyond the confines of genre, geography, and time to craft a one-of-a-kind lineup. Pulling together history-shaping innovators, cultural icons from around the world, and contemporary artists pushing the boundaries of music today, the festival captures the social fabric of New York City like no other.
Since 1981, the Blue Note Jazz Club has been a cultural institution in NYC and one of the premiere jazz clubs in the world. It strives to preserve the history of jazz, and the club practices the foundations of jazz on a nightly basis and carries the torch for the genre in the 21st century.
The club has been frequented by celebrities such as Scarlett Johansson, Colin Jost, Zoe Kravitz, and Jon Hamm and has featured musicians like Robert Glasper, Ron Carter, Pat Metheny, Ms. Lisa Fischer, Christain McBride, Keyon Harrold, Meshell Ndegeocello, and more.
Kicking off the Blue Note Jazz Festival 2024 on June 1 is Soulive at the legendary Blue Note Jazz Club in Greenwich Village. The festival spans five beloved venues across the city including Sony Hall, SummerStage in Central Park, Town Hall, Brooklyn Bowl, and performances in partnership with Jazz At Lincoln Center.
This year, Blue Note Jazz Festival is focused on spotlighting diverse global cultures in a range of venues throughout New York City, including artists from Nigeria, Ethiopia, Niger, Brazil and beyond. The lineup features iconic and legendary artists that have made a tremendous impact in music and on generations of artists, including Wynton Marsalis, Stanley Clarke, Fred Wesley and hip-hop icon Ghostface Killah. The lineup is complemented by a wave of progressive and contemporary artists ranging from Ezra Collective, the Yussef Dayes Experience and Julius Rodriguez. We’re also focused on spotlighting powerful and impactful female voices including Andra Day, Corinne Bailey Rae and Lisa Fischer to name a few.
Blue Note Director of Programming Alex Kurland.
Kurland continued, “Presenting artists who make an immense impact in music culture and inspire is a common thread of the annual Blue Note Jazz Festival. This mirrors the festival’s partnerships with impactful institutions in New York City including SummerStage in Central Park, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and The Town Hall, which enrich the festival’s depth of programming, experience, and culture.”
The Blue Note continues to grow its programming, most recently with three sold-out nights of performances by legendary artist André 3000. Upcoming shows at the Blue Note include Christian McBride, The Bad Plus, Infinity Song, BJ The Chicago Kid, and more.
Tickets and further information about The Blue Note Jazz Festival 2024 can be found here.
BLUE NOTE JAZZ FESTIVAL DATES June 1 /// Soulive /// Blue Note June 2 /// Soulive /// Blue Note June 2 /// Harlem Gospel Choir /// Blue Note Brunch June 2 /// Paula Cole /// Sony Hall June 3 /// Derrick Hodge /// Blue Note June 4 /// Derrick Hodge /// Blue Note June 5 /// Derrick Hodge /// Blue Note June 5 /// Lisa Fischer /// Sony Hall June 6 /// Soulive /// Blue Note June 7 /// Soulive /// Blue Note June 7 /// Michel Camilo /// Sony Hall June 7 /// ALJO with Hamilton de Holanda and Yamandu Cost /// Town Hall June 8 /// Soulive /// Blue Note June 8 /// The Music of The Buena Vista Social Club /// Blue Note Brunch June 9 /// Soulive /// Blue Note June 9 /// Jazz is Dead /// Sony Hall June 9 /// Harlem Gospel Choir /// Blue Note Brunch June 10 /// Brandee Younger /// Blue Note June 11 /// The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis /// Blue Note June 12 /// The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis /// Blue Note June 12 /// Yemi Alade /// Sony Hall June 13 /// The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis /// Blue Note June 14 /// Jazz at Lincoln Center presents Wynton Marsalis with The Future of Jazz Septet /// Blue Note June 14 /// Eliane Elias /// Sony Hall June 15 /// Jazz at Lincoln Center presents Wynton Marsalis with The Future of Jazz Septet /// Blue Note June 15 /// Yo La Tengo with the Sun Ra Arkestra /// Sony Hall June 15 /// Jazz at Lincoln Center Youth Orchestra /// Blue Note Brunch June 16 /// Jazz at Lincoln Center presents Wynton Marsalis with The Future of Jazz Septet /// Blue Note June 16 /// Victor Wooten /// Sony Hall June 16 /// Jazz at Lincoln Center Youth Orchestra /// Blue Note Brunch June 17 /// Julius Rodriguez /// Blue Note June 17 /// Haley Reinhart /// Sony Hall June 18 /// Julius Rodriguez /// Blue Note June 19 /// Julius Rodriguez /// Blue Note June 19 /// Mulatu Astatke /// Sony Hall June 20 /// Julius Rodriguez /// Blue Note June 20 /// Mulatu Astatke /// Sony Hall June 21 /// Ghostface Killah with The Soul Rebels /// Blue Note June 21 /// Fred Wesley with The Brecker Brothers /// Sony Hall June 22 /// Ghostface Killah with The Soul Rebels /// Blue Note June 22 /// Antibalas with Hailu Mergia /// Sony Hall June 23 /// Ghostface Killah with The Soul Rebels /// Blue Note June 23 /// Harlem Gospel Choir /// Blue Note Brunch June 24 /// Ozomatli /// Blue Note June 25 /// Ozomatli /// Blue Note June 25 /// Stanley Clarke /// Sony Hall June 26 /// Ozomatli /// Blue Note June 26 /// Stanley Clarke /// Sony Hall June 27 /// Chief Adjuah /// Blue Note June 27 /// Gino Vannelli /// Sony Hall June 28 /// Chief Adjuah /// Blue Note June 28 /// Bombino with Etran De L’Air /// Sony Hall June 28 /// Os Mutantes /// Brooklyn Bowl June 29 /// Chief Adjuah /// Blue Note June 29 /// ProgJect with Bill Bruford /// Sony Hall June 29 /// Brass Queens /// Blue Note Brunch June 30 /// Chief Adjuah /// Blue Note June 30 /// Harlem Gospel Choir /// Blue Note Brunch July 1 /// Joey Alexander /// Blue Note
The Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes will return for its fourth concert in the OSFL Musicians’ Choice Chamber Series “OSFL Principal Strings” hosted at the Park Church in Elmira on April 26.
After performing “Music With Friends” last fall, the Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes will perform their fourth concert in the OSFL Musicians’ Choice Chamber Series “OSFL Principal Strings”. The concert will be performed by Quartetto Masuno– five principal musicians from the Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes. With the concert kicking off on April 26, the OSFL has also announce that there will be a pre-concert reception including a wine tasting by Lakewood Vineyards for early arrivers.
Led by OSFL Concertmaster Augusto Diemecke, Quartetto Masuno signifies “quartet plus one” coming together as a whole in unity. When sharing news about the concert, Augusto described the epitome of string quartet experience “is to play together as one”. Attending audience will witness that effect as the group performs two iconic chamber music pieces by Franz Schubert.
Along with concertmaster Diemecke, the stellar lineup of virtuosic musicians from the OSFL will include assistant concertmaster Debrah Devine, assistant principal Viola Joanne Lowe, principal cello Christine Lowe-Diemecke, and assistant principal cello S. Shade Zajac. Together, they will breathe life into two timeless masterpieces by Franz Schubert, immersing audiences in the rich tapestry of the chamber music tradition. Audiences will be captivated by Schubert’s iconic String Quartet No. 14, famously known as “Death and the Maiden,” a cornerstone of the chamber music repertoire revered for its emotional depth and evocative, haunting melodies.
Additionally, the ensemble will showcase Schubert’s majestic Cello Quintet in C Major, a crowning achievement of the composer’s illustrious but all too short career, ushering in the early romantic era. With its rich harmonies and emotive melodies, this quintet which was composed for two violins, viola, and two cellos, promises to take listeners on a journey of profound emotional depth mixed with artistic expression.
Starting at 6:30, concertgoers will be invited to indulge their senses and savor the flavors of the region with a pre-concert wine tasting by Lakewood Vineyards. The tasting will set the stage for a delightful evening of cultural enrichment and musical immersion at the historical Park Church. Fans are encouraged to not miss this extraordinary opportunity to experience the transformative power of live chamber music where passion, precision, and unparalleled artistry unite to create an unforgettable evening of chamber music.
Following the tradition of the Musicians’ Choice Chamber Music Series, oral program notes will be given by the musicians interspersed throughout the performance. The short format program which is approximately 75 minutes is presented in an intimate, relaxed setting without intermission.
To secure tickets, fans can visit OSFL.org or call 607-936-2873 or in person at the OSFL office, 49 Bridge Street, Corning, NY to reserve their seats. Tickets for the April 26th concert are $40 for adults, $20 for students with ID, and free for children under age 18. Groups of 10 or more will receive a 10% discount. Concert seating is general admission. Ticket sales at the door will be available until sold out.
Legendary rock band Blue Öyster Cult have released their new studio album Ghost Stories. The 12-track album includes the nine previously-unfinished songs written by the band and three new covers, “We Gotta Get Out of This Place” by The Animals, “Kick Out The Jams” by MC5, and “If I Fell,” by the Beatles.
Along with the new album, Long Island based rock band have also shared their new single “Cherry” accompanied by a lyric video out to stream everywhere. In the single “Cherry,” Blue Öyster Cult embraces their “classic rock” phenomenon status, to build the anticipation of their new album reaching a crescendo. Fans are excited to hear the songs that have become a part of their legacy come to completion and to see how the band’s artistic vision turns into reality.
Work in the studio for the new album Ghost Stories was completed by Richie Castellano along with the remaining original members Eric Bloom and Donald “Buck Dharma” Roeser. Both Albert Bouchard and Rick Downey appear on drums with additional overdubs recorded by Joe Bouchard.
All these original lineup members appearing on Ghost Stories have created a musical journey that traverses decades and promises easter eggs for days. The recordings, along with BÖC, were produced by George Geranios, the band’s first audio engineer and a key figure in their prime. They were all initially recorded on reel-to-reel analog tape. He transferred them to digital audio which is when modern AI and magical musical talents meet and the collection of vintage multi-track recordings was de-mixed, re-mixed, and produced by Steve Schenck and Richie Castellano to become Ghost Stories. Fans can order and stream the new album here.
Heavy metal band GWAR has announced the “Age of Entitlement” Tour coming to ravage the US in June and September. The tour sees a single date in New York at the Town Ballroom in Buffalo.
GWAR embarks on the “Age of Entitlement” Tour for two more legs of 2024 headline dates in support of their most recent album New Dark Ages. This summer, the band has enlisted drug metal addicts WEEDEATER along with the dangerous cop rock of X-COPS as support. The summer leg of the “The Age of Entitlement” kicks off on June 7th in Hartford, Connecticut, and wraps on June 17th in Tampa, Florida.
In September, GWAR will go out again to further their devastation, this time with brutal Latin American death grinders Brujeria. Joining them is grindcore band BRAT, and the hardcore punk/metal evangelists Cancer Christ. That leg gets going on September 12 in Buffalo, New York, and comes to a close on September 20 in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
To say that GWAR is anything remotely standard is a heinous accusation. This group is unique to say the least. Their brutal, gut-wrenching outfits coupled with their mind-crushing, maniacal metal is an experience to behold that transcends music.
The metal that GWAR releases onto the audience is something to feel for yourself in person. The stage presence of this band is second to none. It is surely an experience you won’t or can’t forget. Tickets go on sale this Friday at 10:00 AM local time. Pre-sale tickets are available now through Thursday at 10:00 PM local time.
GWAR 2024 ‘Age of Entitlement’ Tour
w/ Weedeater, X-Cops, Squid Pisser
6/7 – Hartford, CT @ Webster Theater
6/8 – Reading, PA @ Reverb
6/9 – Washington DC @ 9:30 Club
6/11 – Columbia, SC @ The Senate
6/12 – Lexington, KY @ Manchester Music Hall
6/13 – Manchester, TN @ Bonnaroo*
6/14 – Birmingham, AL @ Iron City Music Hall
6/15 – Memphis, TN @ Minglewood Hall
6/16 – Destin, FL @ Club LA
6/17 – Tampa, FL @ The Ritz Ybor
w/ Brujeria, BRAT, Cancer Christ
9/12 – Buffalo, NY @ Town Ballroom
9/13 – Cincinnati, OH @ Bogarts
9/14 – Indianapolis, IN @ The Vogue
9/16 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Mr. Smalls
9/17 – St. Louis, MO @ The Pageant
9/18 – Little Rock, AR @ The Hall
9/20 – Fayetteville, AR @ JJ’s Live
“This is an incredible time in the history of the world, so much death and destruction in the face of so much senseless entitlement and arrogant darkness. We cannot wait to shock some sense into humanity with the most outrageous performance of heavy metal theater ever to descend from the gods.”
GWAR vocalist Blothar the Berserker
For more information on the “Age of Entitlement” tour and to purchase tickets, click here.
Hudson Yards has unveiled its initial events for backyard programming including a mix of Family Day, Movie Screenings, Summer Concerts and more. The program begins Friday, May 3 and continues through August 7 in the Public Square & Gardens.
Fans will be able to watch the free weekly concerts at Hudson Yards, the newest neighborhood on Manhattanâs West Side. The Backyard at Hudson Yards concert series is located between 10th and 11th Avenue and between 30th and 34th Street.Â
Outdoor Entertainment
Once again, Hudson Yards and The Bowery Presents have teamed together to present an outdoor series of free, in-person performances in the Public Square & Gardens every Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. with world-class performers from June 19 through August 7. The lineup will feature performances by artists including Chayce Beckham on June 19, David Archuleta on June 26, Brynn Cartelli on July 10, Ray Bull on July 17 and Keke Palmer on August 7. Hudson Yards will unveil the performers for July 3, July 24, and July 31 in the coming week at their website.
The Public Theater Performances
The renowned Public Theater will bring Shakespeare to Backyard at Hudson Yards this summer as a part of its Mobile Unit series with 10 free, open-to-the-public performances of the bilingual musical adaptation in English and Spanish of The Comedy of Errors. Fans will enjoy a twist on the classic show featuring contemporary rhythms across Latin America with performance dates ranging from June 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 20, and 21.
Family Day
Family Day, a fantastic set of family-friendly events all day long, starts off Backyard’s Family Fun programming on May 18. Family day will include a WonderSpark Puppet Show, a special Mozart concert for Munchkins, and a movie screening on the 30-foot Big Screen on the Public Square & Gardens. Along with plenty of family-friendly dining and shopping options, kids will enjoy face painting and personalized balloon sculptures created by balloon artists inside The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards.
Coinciding with Family Day, every month, the beloved New York Public Library will offer a free immersive storytime at Backyard with books, songs, and rhymes for the young reader (ages 0 to 12). After story time, kids can take part in a group art project. Throughout the event, visitors will be able to sign up for a library card and learn more about free programs and resources available through the New York Public Library system.
Sports Watch Parties
Hudson Yards has also announced they will host Sports watch parties. Backyard will feature hundreds of live-streamed games, series, and tournaments on The Big Screen. These will include the most popular international sporting events and games, such as cricket, sailing, horse racing, baseball, basketball, golf, Formula 1 races, hockey, football, soccer, tennis, and more. Upcoming special viewing parties include the Kentucky Derby airing on May 4, the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix Race on May 5, with a Cinco de Mayo party at Verano, and The Wells Fargo Championship PGA TOUR event airing from May 9 – 12.
Power Hour
Starting on May 14th, there will be free courses in yoga, Pilates, and dance cardio fitness on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. on the Public Square & Gardens. Level 2 of The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards is home to the upscale wellness and athletic company Alo Yoga, which is offering classes there. With each in-store class, Alo Yoga will be giving away a gift card. Alo Flow, Alo Power Flow, Alo Dance Cardio, and Alo Mat Pilates will be taught by well-known influencer fitness instructors, such as Victoria Rodriguez, Sarah Wolff, Lulu Soni, Kayla Principato and Serena Tom .
Backyard at Hudson Yards will kick off on May 3, and fans will get a chance to enjoy a full season of outdoor programs featuring a jam-packed calendar of free concerts, live sports screenings, theater performances, fitness classes, and more. For more information about the 2024 program, fans can visit here to register and learn more.
