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Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame To Honor Billy Joel This Summer

The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF) will host a host a concert to celebrate their 20^th anniversary and also honor Billy Joel on June 7 at Tilles Center for the Performing Arts at LIU Post.

The 20th anniversary epic concert will feature an impressive lineup of musicians who are scheduled to perform, including Alexa Ray Joel, Debbie Gibson, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, DJ Johnny Juice from Public Enemy, Felix Cavaliere from The Rascals, Jimmy Webb, Mike DelGuidice, Philip Edward Fisher. The concert will also feature Albert Bouchard and Joe Bouchard the former members of Blue Öyster Cult who will be joined by current band members Jules Radino and Danny Miranda, and the full band Zebra including Randy Jackson, Guy Gelso and Felix Hanemann.

“It’s an absolute privilege and certainly fitting that LIMEHOF’s 20^th Anniversary Concert Honoring Billy Joel take place here at Tilles Center,” said Tom Dunn, Executive and Artistic Director, Tilles Center. “Billy is a longtime friend and supporter of Tilles’ impactful mission, and we are thrilled to celebrate his unparalleled and legendary career with this star-studded group of music luminaries.” He added

At the concert, the legendary music agent also the chairman of Independent Artist Group, Dennis Arfa will be inducted in the “Music Industry” category. Additionally, Tilles Center for the Performing Arts will be inducted in the “Venue” category.

“Tilles Center for the Performing Arts at LIU Post is honored to be inducted into the Long Island Music Entertainment Hall of Fame,” Dunn said. “For over 40 years – from Bruce Springsteen’s iconic recording of “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” to Tony Bennett, from Jerry Seinfeld to James Taylor, Tilles Center has been home to a who’s who of performing artists creating and delivering unforgettable and lasting memories. In the last year alone, we’ve been honored to bring Samara Joy, Brandi Carlile, Trevor Noah, John Legend, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Dancing with the Stars Live to our great and diverse Long Island community.”

The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was founded in 2004 with the mission of celebrating and protecting Long Island’s rich musical and entertainment history for future generations. The organization was founded as a center of community that inspires and explores Long Island music and entertainment in all of its forms. It covers the counties of Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, and Kings (Brooklyn) in New York State. LIMEHOF initially established a Hall of Fame structure in Stony Brook, New York, in 2022. The group provides educational programs, scholarships, and awards to Long Island students and educators, and it has inducted over 120 musicians and executives from the music business to date.

Tickets for Tilles Center shows are available online at tillescenter.org or ticketmaster.com, in-person at Tilles Center’s Tantleff Box Office or by telephone at 516.299.3100.

March 27, 2024
Music is Art Festival to Returns to Buffalo AKG Art Museum After Seven-Year Hiatus

The Music is Art Festival announced its grand return to Buffalo‘s AKG Art Museum after a seven-year hiatus on September 21 at Buffalo State University.

This year’s festival promises an eclectic mix of music, live performances, art installations, and interactive experiences. The Music is Art Festival has always been a beacon of artistic expression and cultural gathering in Buffalo. The festival showcases what the creative and bright community has to offer. The scenic AKG and Buffalo State campus provide a canvas for Buffalo’s artistic prowess and vibrance.

The festival includes various diverse musical performances of many genres, choreographed dances, dazzling art exhibits, and unique, original vendors. The festival also includes theatrics, interactive experiences designed to engage, inspire, and entertain attendees of all ages.

Over 100 bands and acts are set to perform. Hundreds of art exhibits are set to dazzle attendees. Various other games, performances and displays of artisanship look to encapsulate the beauty of multiple art forms at once.

“We are thrilled to bring the Music is Art Festival back to the AKG where it really grew into the encompassing event that it is today. AKG Buffalo and Buffalo State are not just venues; they are symbols of the rich artistic heritage and vibrant community spirit that this festival celebrates. We’re committed to creating an immersive experience that highlights the incredible talent of Buffalo’s artists, musicians, and creatives.”
Robby Takac, Festival Founder

For more information about the Music is Art Festival, including how to participate or attend, please visit their website at MusicIsArt.org/festival.

March 27, 2024
Rochester’s Own Moses Rockwell Teams With Plain Old Mike for ‘Regular Henry Sessions’

Rochester’s own Moses Rockwell and Wisconsin native Plain Old Mike initially began working together in 2021. Along the way the duo settled on the name, Regular Henry, and the rest as they say is history. Moreover, they each brought their extensive experiences — Moses having previously worked with billy woods, J-Live, Homeboy Sandman and Von Pea among others and Plain Old Mike with Armand Hammer, Defcee, & Curly Castro among others — to bring about Regular Henry Sessions. In light, this latest effort is a blend of neurotic, quirky, descriptive rap album with quirks about every day life that resembles an episode of Seinfeld.

Regular Henry Sessions

With a heavy De La Soul influence (and some old Eminem) the duo have now released their Hipnott Records debut project, Regular Henry Sessions, and a new video for “Raise Hell.”

“The record was an attempt to accomplish a couple of things. First, it’s an ode to each of our favorite De La Soul albums; Moses’ is De La Soul Is Dead, and mine is Buhloone Mind State (Miss You Dave!!!). Second, we wanted to make a fun record” Plain Old Mike offers. “Life can be so heavy, maybe if you put Regular Henry on, you can just laugh at stupid jokes for 40 minutes. That sounds ok to me.”

With this in mind, Regular Henry Sessions is a blend of the respective rappers favorite sector of hip hop. After all, the album combines old school snare and low baseline to create a laid back feel as the duo tee off with introspective quips about every day life. In essence, Moses Rockwell and Plain Old Mike come off as huge hip hop nerds which makes the album that much more fun as it emotes and every man vibe.

“I think what Mike and I were able to produce as a group makes total sense” Moses Rockwell states. “We’re each hung up on the same oddities in rap music and laugh at the same jokes. All of which shines through on the record.”

Regular Henry Sessions is now available at all DSP’s.

March 27, 2024
The 3rd Annual Broadway Celebrates Earth Day Concert returns to Times Square

The Broadway Green Alliance and Times Square Alliance are proud to announce the return of the Broadway Celebrates Earth Day Concert on Saturday, April 20th from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. ET in the heart of Times Square.

Perkiomen Valley High School.

This unique star-studded concert will feature live performances from Broadway’s top talent and young performers from around the region and interviews with environmental thought leaders. The concert will be held on Broadway between 45th and 46th Streets and is one of the key events for the NYC Department of Transportation’s “Car-Free Earth Day.”

Broadway Celebrates Earth Day underscores the Broadway community’s commitment to raise awareness about the climate emergency and inspire steps towards a more sustainable future. The concert will be simultaneously live-streamed, offering audiences the opportunity to join this musical celebration of sustainability.

The Times Square Alliance is thrilled to partner once again with the Broadway Green Alliance and the Department of Transportation to present a free Broadway Earth Day concert in the heart of Times Square as part of Car-Free Earth Day. Broadway in Times Square has been a leader in providing more space to pedestrians and we look forward to joining all the other neighborhoods throughout the five boroughs as we celebrate our public spaces and the great programming we can bring to them.
Tom Harris, President of the Times Square Alliance

Founded in 1992, the Times Square Alliance works to improve and promote Times Square, cultivating the creativity, energy, and edge that have made the area an icon of entertainment, culture, and urban life for over a century. It keeps the neighborhood safe and clean, promotes local businesses, manages area improvements, and produces major annual events.

Broadway performers joining the event include host Ben Cameron (Broadway Sessions), Tony Award Winner Ruthie Ann Miles (Sweeney Todd), Tony Award Nominee Anika Larsen (Almost Famous), Michael Maliakel (Aladdin), Jelani Remy (Back to the Future), Alexandra Socha (Wicked), Nik Walker (Spamalot), and more to be announced.

Young performers taking the stage include students from Epic Players, Marymount Manhattan College, NYU Steinhardt, Perkiomen Valley High School, R.Evolución Latina, and Wolf Performing Arts Center. The event will also feature guest speakers from Headcount and Julie Tighe, Director of New York League of Conservation Voters. David Alpert serves as the director of the event and Rick Hip-Flores provides musical accompaniment.

Wolf Performing Arts Center.

The Broadway Green Alliance (BGA) educates, motivates, and inspires the theatre community and its patrons to implement environmentally friendlier practices. Launched in 2008 as an ad hoc committee of The Broadway League it is a fiscal program of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, bringing together all segments of the theatre community, including producers, Broadway and Off-Broadway theatres in New York and around the country.

“We are thrilled to collaborate again with the Times Square Alliance to harness the power of theatre to cultivate courage and community around the most pressing challenge of our time,” said Molly Braverman, Director of the Broadway Green Alliance.

For more information about Broadway Celebrates Earth Day, visit here.

March 27, 2024
Fall Out Boy brings “So Much for (2our) Dust” Tour to MVP Arena

On Sunday, March 24, Fall Out Boy’s “So Much for (2our) Dust” tour stopped at MVP Arena in Albany. The line up consisted of Games We Play, Hot Mulligan, Jimmy Eat World, and Fall Out Boy.

Games We Play kicked off the evening with a high energy performance of “Get a Job.” They played a total of 4 songs during their 30-minute set. Hot Mulligan was up next with their 9-song set which included songs such as “Drink Milk and Run,” “OG Blue Sky” and “Bckyrd.”

Jimmy Eat World promptly took to the stage and amped up the crowd playing their song “A Praise Chorus.” Putting on a fantastic and energetic set, Jimmy Eat World had the crowd engaged. They played many well-known songs such as “Sweetness,” “Bleed American,” “Big Casino,” and “Pain.” They closed out their set with “The Middle” which had everyone singing along.

At 9:10pm, Fall Out Boy took to the stage, starting with song “Love from the Other Side,” transitioning to an incredible performance of “The Phoenix” and, “Sugar, We’re Goin’ Down.” The pyrotechnics and loud booms during their 1st three songs elevated the energy in the arena to a new level. The visual effects and props used throughout the show added to that excitement.

Performing new songs from their latest album “So Much (for) Stardust” as well as many hits from earlier albums such as “Uma Thurman,” “Dance, Dance,” “Thnks for Th Mmrs,” and “Centuries.” The crowd was also treated to a piano medley.

This show was nothing short of amazing. Each band delivered high-energy performances, solid vocals, and nonstop action throughout the evening.

Fall Out Boy Setlist: Love from the Other Side, The Phoenix, Sugar, We’re Goin’ Down, Uma Thurman, G.I.N.A.S.F.S, Reinventing the Wheel to Run Myself Over, Grand Theft Autumn/Where is Your Boy, Calm Before the Storm, This Ain’t a Scene, It’s An Arms Race, Disloyal Order of Water Buffaloes, Heaven, Iowa, Bang the Doldrums, Headfirst Slide Into Cooperstown on a Bad Bet, Fake out, The Kintsugi Kid (Ten years)(Partial, Piano Medley), What a Time to be Alive (Partial, Piano Medley), Don’t Stop Me Now (Queen Cover)(Partial, Piano Medley), So Much (for) Stardust, Baby Annihilation ( with “20 Dollar Nose Bleed” spoken word snippet), Song 2 (Blur Cover), Dance, Dance, Hold Me Like a Grudge, I Am My Own Muse (Magic 8-Ball Song, Tour Debut), My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark (Light Em Up), Thnks fr Th Mmrs, Centuries, Saturday.

Fall Out Boy “So Much for (2our) Dust” Tour Dates:

3/26: Van Andel Arena – Grand Rapids, MI

3/27: PPG Paints Arena – Pittsburg, PA

3/29: Schottenstein Center – Columbus, OH

3/30: Rupp Arena – Lexington, KY

3/31: Bridgestone Arena – Nashville, TN

4/2: Fiserv Forum – Milwaukee, WI

4/3: Wells Fargo Arena – Des Moines, IA

4/5 – CHI Health Center Arena – Omaha, NE

4/6: Target Center – Minneapolis, MN

March 27, 2024
Kaufman Music Center Hosts 25th Annual New York Guitar Festival

Kaufman Music Center announced it is hosting the 25th annual New York Guitar Festival – held at KMC’s esteemed venue, Merkin Hall, from June 14-15th, 2024. The festival is co-presented by Kaufman Music Center, World Music Institute, New York Guitar Festival, and New Sounds Live.

Exploring virtually every aspect of the guitar’s personality since 1999, the New York Guitar Festival has presented many of the world’s most influential guitarists at iconic NYC venues large and small. From multi-GRAMMY-winners to emerging artists, the performers include masters of the classical repertoire, blues, jazz, pop, indie, folk, and Americana.

The Kaufman Music Center (KMC) presents music programs for students, performers, and audiences alike with its intimate performance space Merkin Hall and the Special Music School – among other things. It is the premier destination for learning and listening to music in New York City. The center is constantly cultivating and nurturing new generations of artists, inspiring the young and old to learn instruments and turn their passion for music into a career.

Merkin Hall – the Center’s intimate performance venue – provides access to today’s most compelling artists, competitions, and workshops. Other programs, like Artist-in-Residence, give performers resources to develop groundbreaking protects and educational opportunities to mentor and inspire the Special Music School students; New York’s only K-12 public school prioritizing musically-focused education without financial barriers.

The festival, hosted by WNYC’s John Schaefer, includes a wide range of performances across the two days from artists like Marc Ribot & Leyla McCalla, Yasmin Williams, Neel Murgai, Kunal Prakash, Medicine Singers, Lee Ranaldo, Yonatan Gat, Maalem Hassan BenJaafar, Mamady Kouyaté and additional special guests.

Friday, June 14 Programming

The New York Guitar Festival’s 25th Anniversary begins with a typically eclectic event. The unlikely duo of Marc Ribot, the New York guitarist, and Leyla McCalla, the New Orleans cellist and banjo player perform starting at 8 p.m. Ribot is known for his work with Tom Waits, Elvis Costello, his avant-noise trio Ceramic Dog, and much more; McCalla writes songs that draw on the African-American string band tradition, Cajun music, and her Haitian heritage. Ribot was also a student of the Haitian classical guitarist/composer Frantz Casseus, and the two share a strong genre-agnostic streak.

Joining them is Yasmin Williams, who has extended the “tapping” technique when she approaches the guitar -occasionally adding tap shoes and kalimba to the sound and becoming a literal one-woman band. Also performing is sitarist Neel Murgai, co-director of the globally-inspired Brooklyn Raga Massive – accompanied by Jeff The Brotherhood guitarist Kunal Prakash.

Saturday, June 15 Programming

Medicine Singers is the name of an ongoing collaboration between Yonatan Gat, the virtuosic Israeli-born, New York-based guitarist, and the Eastern Medicine Singers – an Eastern Algonquin powwow group from Rhode Island. Now joined by the legendary Lee Ranaldo of Sonic Youth, they combine ancient trance and spirituality with modern psychedelia and use the similarities – and differences – between the steady pulse of Indigenous American drumming and rock.

Maalem Hassan BenJaafar is the lead singer and Artistic Director of Innov Gnawa – teaching the other members of the band while performing across the world. In November 2017, Maalem Hassan and Innov Gnawa were nominated for a GRAMMY in the Dance/Electronic category. Finally, The Mandingo Ambassadors was founded in New York City by griot-guitarist Mamady Kouyaté, an enriched arranger, band leader, accompanist, and soloist, in 2005. Since 2008 the group has been in residence at Barbes, performing every Wednesday night. In addition, they have performed at many clubs, events, and festivals including Lincoln Center Out of Doors, Celebrate Brooklyn, and the International Festival of Arts and Ideas.

Tickets are on sale now.

March 27, 2024
Comedian Tom Segura Announces Second Leg of “Come Together” Tour, Coming to KeyBank Center

Tom Segura announced the second leg of his latest global stand-up comedy tour Tom Segura: Come Together. More than 20 shows were added, including a stop in Buffalo at KeyBank Center on September 27.

Segura’s highly anticipated new hour of comedy has been selling out globally, with his previous world tour, I’m Coming Everywhere, selling out venues with over 300 shows. He is best known for his Netflix specials Ball Hog (2020), Disgraceful (2018), Mostly Stories (2016), Completely Normal (2014), and Sledgehammer (2023), which debuted at number one on the streamer. In July 2022, Segura released his New York Times Bestselling book I’d Like to Play Alone, Please to wide praise with Forbes calling it “laugh-out-loud funny.”

Your Mom’s House Studios is home to his hit podcasts Your Mom’s House which he co-hosts with his wife, comedian Christina Pazsitzky, 2 Bears 1 Cave which he co-hosts with Bert Kreischer, and many more podcasts that draw millions of listeners each week. His television credits include The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Conan, Workaholics, Happy Endings, The Late Late Show, Comedy Central Presents: Tom Segura, Mash Up, and How To Be A Grown Up.

Tom Segura – credit Shaun Nix.

Tickets are available via pre-sale starting Wednesday, March 27 at 10 a.m. ET. The general sale is Friday, March 29 at 10 a.m. ET.

Ticket buyers in a select number of cities will have the option to purchase a Platinum charity ticket. Segura will donate a portion of these Platinum ticket sales to the World Central Kitchen, a non-profit devoted to providing meals in the wake of natural disasters.

Tom Segura “Come Together” Tour Dates

Thursday, April 4 – Salt Lake City, UT – Delta Center
Friday, April 5 – Boise, ID – ExtraMile Arena
Saturday, April 6 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena
Sunday, April 7 – Portland, OR – Moda Center
Friday, April 12 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena
Saturday, April 13 – Charlotte, NC – Spectrum Center
Sunday, April 14 – Raleigh, NC – PNC Arena
Friday, April 26 – Atlanta, GA – Fox Theatre
Saturday, April 27 – Atlanta, GA – Fox Theatre
Thursday, May 2 – Pittsburgh, PA – PPG Paints Arena
Friday, May 3 – Rama, ON – Casino Rama
Saturday, May 4 – Cincinnati, OH – Heritage Bank Center
Thursday, May 9, 2024 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum (Netflix is a Joke Fest)
Friday, May 10 – San Jose, CA – SAP Center at San Jose
Saturday, May 11 – Lincoln, CA – Thunder Valley Casino Resort
Saturday, May 25, 2024 – Abu Dhabi, UAE – Etihad Arena
Thursday, June 6 – Des Moines, IA – Wells Fargo Arena
Friday, June 7 – Kansas City, MO – Starlight Theatre
Saturday, June 8 – Camdenton, MO – Ozarks Amphitheater
Wednesday, June 12 – Wilkes-Barre, PA – Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza
Thursday, June 13 – Jamestown, NY – Northwest Arena
Friday, June 14 – Verona, NY – Turning Stone Casino
Saturday, June 15 – Bangor, ME – Cross Insurance Center
Friday, July 19, 2024 – Winnipeg, MB – Assiniboine Park
Saturday, July 20, 2024 – London, ON – Harris Park
Wednesday, August 7, 2024 – Asheville, NC – ExploreAsheville.com Arena
Thursday, August 8, 2024 – Roanoke, VA – Berglund Center
Friday, August 9, 2024 – Ottawa, ON – LeBreton Flats
Saturday, August 10, 2024 – Halifax, NS – Garrison Grounds
Friday, August 23, 2024 – Spokane, WA – ONE Spokane Stadium
Saturday, August 24, 2024 – Calgary, AB – Prince’s Island Park – Early & Late Show
Friday, August 30, 2024 – Tuscaloosa, AL – Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater
Thursday, September 5, 2024 – Lincoln, CA – Thunder Valley Casino Resort
Friday, September 6, 2024 – Coachella, CA – Spotlight 29 Casino
Saturday, September 7, 2024 – Las Vegas, NV – Dolby Live
Thursday, September 12, 2024 – Eugene, OR – Cuthbert Amphitheater
Friday, September 13, 2024 – Vancouver, BC – Stanley Park – Brockton Point
Saturday, September 14, 2024 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena
Thursday, September 26, 2024 – Cleveland, OH – Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
Friday, September 27, 2024 – Buffalo, NY – KeyBank Center
Saturday, September 28, 2024 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
Friday, October 4, 2024 – Columbus, OH – Schottenstein Center
Saturday, October 5, 2024 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena
Sunday, October 6, 2024 – Grand Rapids, MI – Van Andel Arena
Friday, October 18, 2024 – St Louis, MO – The Fabulous Fox Theatre
Sunday, October 20, 2024 – Mount Pleasant, MI – Soaring Eagle Casino
Saturday, October 26, 2024 – Norfolk, VA – Scope Arena
Sunday, October 27, 2024 – Richmond, VA – Altria Theater
Friday, November 8, 2024 – San Diego, CA – Pechanga Arena
Saturday, November 9, 2024 – Phoenix, AZ – Footprint Center
Wednesday, November 27, 2024 – Hollywood, FL – Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Friday, November 29, 2024 – Tallahassee, FL – Donald L. Tucker Civic Center
Saturday, December 7, 2024 – New Orleans, LA – Lakefront Arena
Sunday, December 8, 2024 – Pensacola, FL – Pensacola Bay Center

March 26, 2024
My Morning Jacket, Nathaniel Rateliff And The Night Sweats Announce “Eye to Eye Tour” Stopping In Syracuse

Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats and My Morning Jacket are set to co-headline their “Eye to Eye Tour.” On September 24, this tour will stop in Syracuse at the Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview.

My Morning Jacket is hailed by The New York Times as “the kings of expand-your-mind, religious-experience rock”. The group started out as misfits from the South and have since grown to become one of the most beloved bands of their generation. Additionally, they continue to excite audiences all over the world with their hypnotic songcraft and dynamic live performances.

Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, born from Denver rock clubs, have grown to be a major force in modern rock ‘n’ roll. With platinum and gold-certified records under their belt, they successfully combine critically acclaimed records with high-energy live performances.

However, it’s not just about the music—Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, My Morning Jacket, and the nonprofit REVERB are collaborating to address the climate crisis and reduce the environmental impact of their tour. Fans can enjoy a fun-filled evening of dancing while contributing to a worthy cause. Check out reverb.org for more information.

Moreover, the “Eye to Eye Tour” provides a dynamic experience by having both bands play equal-length sets, switching up the order of performance at each show. Lose yourself in the music at the “Eye to Eye Tour” this September in Syracuse.

The ticket sale begins at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, March 29.

Tickets are available at www.eyetoeyetour.com for the general on-sale.

My Morning Jacket // Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats “Eye to Eye Tour” September 2024

10 – Wilmington, NC – Live Oak Bank Pavilion at Riverfront Park

12 – Charleston, SC – Credit One Stadium

13 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion

14 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre

16 – Jacksonville, FL – Daily’s Place

18 – Nashville, TN – Ascend Amphitheater

19 – Nashville, TN – Ascend Amphitheater

24 – Syracuse, NY – Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview

26 – Philadelphia, PA – TD Pavilion at the Mann

27 – Columbia, MD – Merriweather Post Pavilion

28 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3PciCWIGLE

March 26, 2024
Matt Maltese Wows the Crowd at Irving Plaza

On Friday, March 22, UK-born singer-songwriter Matt Maltese took the stage at Irving Plaza for his sold-out show as part of his “Touring Just to Tour” NY run. The beautiful stage truly set the vibe of the concert—the lights, the vines, the street lamps—they all created a cozy and whimsical experience that complemented Matt’s soft and buttery vocals.

Matt Maltese — Photographed by Sarah Hyun

Matt Maltese got his start with music in Reading, Berkshire, where as a young kid he took a particular interest in songwriting. Drawing inspiration from the blues and jazz genres, Maltese wrote about heartbreak, falling in love, and the world ending—in a way like no other modern artist. His raw, poetic, and deeply heartfelt lyrics revealed his experiences navigating adolescence and adulthood. Maltese is halfway through his American leg of tour, where he has twelve more dates at venues in Massachusetts to California. He previously played at the Governors Ball Music Festival.

Matt Maltese — Photographed by Sarah Hyun

Prior to Matt’s entrance onto the stage, opener The Army, The Navy, put on a beautiful acoustic show for the crowd of twelve hundred. The pre-show playlist included jazzy background music that excited concertgoers swayed back and forth to. Upon Matt’s entrance, the crowd screamed in excitement. One fan yelled, “Matt you’re so British!,” where he responded with, “Yes, I am very British.”

Matt Maltese — Photographed by Sarah Hyun

During his opening song, “You Deserve an Oscar,” Maltese kept impressive eye contact with the audience as he belted sincere lyrics and beautifully played his piano. Halfway through the show, he played a game with the audience where he asked which out of three statements about his bassist, Jamien, was true—1. He fed his friend’s pet koi fish chips and chili oil, causing them to die; 2. He pretended to be a waiter at a random restaurant in order to get a woman’s number; and 3. He was fired from his ice cream job for using a single spoon to try every flavor there. He later revealed that all three were true.

Jamien Randall Pepper (right) and Madden Klass (left) — Photographed by Sarah Hyun

Towards the end of the show, he played his most well-known song, “As the World Caves In,” singing lyrics like “And here is it, our final night alive / And as the earth runs to the ground / Oh girl it’s you that I lie with / As the atom bomb locks in / Yes it’s you I welcome death with.” Anyone who has listened to Matt Maltese would not deny his true talent in crafting lyrics and melodies.

Matt ended the night with an encore, singing “Strange Time” and “Everyone Adores You (At Least I Do).” Although Matt does not have any New York dates left for this tour, he will likely return during his next run.

Matt Maltese – Irving Plaza – March 22, 2024

Setlist: You Deserve an Oscar, Mother, Irony Would Have It, Curl Up and Die, Hello Black Dog, Little Person, Mystery, Madhouse / Jupiter, Krystal, Krakow, Driving Just to Drive, The Earth is a Very Small Dot, Kiss Me (Sixpence None the Richer Cover), Rom-Com Gone Wrong, Nightclub Love, As the World Caves In / Intolewd

Encore: Strange Time, Everyone Adores You (At Least I Do)

March 26, 2024
In Focus: Tony Trischka Celebrates Earl Scruggs at The Egg

Amid a winter storm that ushered in spring, banjo virtuoso and father of modern bluegrass, Tony Trischka, performed to a crowd of brave travelers in The Egg’s Swyer Theater on Saturday, March 23.

Roughly 30 fans braved the elements to see Trischka’s tribute to Earl Scruggs, the legendary three-finger banjoist, titled EarlJam. Featuring Michael Daves (vocals, guitar) Jared Engel (bass) and Brittany Haas (fiddle), the show traced the story of Scruggs from his childhood to his later years.

Celebrating this tour, Trischka said, “Earl is my North Star, a lifetime pathway. And I’m not alone. Through his music, this shy kid from Flint Hill, North Carolina went on to enrich countless thousands of lives. At the age of 13, when I first heard 16 notes of Scruggs style banjo playing, I put down my folk guitar and mercilessly pestered my parents to buy me a banjo. Once in my hands, that 5-string became my obsession and has been for close to 60 years.”

“The depth of his genius becomes ever more apparent when I transcribe his solos, which I’ve been doing my entire musical life and with renewed vigor. Discovering new twists and turns in his playing is pure joy and in fact the inspiration for this tribute show.”
Tony Trischka on Earl Scruggs

The show was full of Scruggs songs, including popular fare “Salty Dog,” “Foggy Mountain Breakdown,” and the seminal TV show theme, “The Ballad of Jed Clampett,” as well as covers mixed in, ranging from Bob Dylan to Grateful Dead and The Band.

Trischka, a Syracuse native, is a not only a banjo innovator, but he is also an educator, influencing everyone from Béla Fleck to Steve Martin.

A treat for fans of new era bluegrass enjoyed “Brown’s Ferry Blues,” the first track off Trischka’s upcoming album, recently recorded with Billy Strings.

While it was a cold, miserable night of weather outside, Trischka and the music of Earl Scruggs kept it memorable inside for the small crowd of dedicated fans, paying them a nod during “Mama Don’t ‘Low” by changing the lyrics to “Mama don’t ‘low no snow driving ’round here.”

Tony Trischka’s EarlJam – The Egg, Swyer Theater – Saturday, March 23, 2024

Setlist: Kentucky Bullfight, Reuben, Heavy Traffic Ahead, Salty Dog, Foggy Mountain Breakdown, Six White Horses, Earl’s Breakdown, Martha White Theme, Fiddle and Banjo, Ballad of Jed Clampett, Can’t Stop me from Dreaming, Mama Don’t ‘Low, Rainy Day Women #12 and 35, Brown’s Ferry Blues, Liza Jane, Casey Jones, Chinese Breakdown, Here Comes the Bride, Gentle on My Mind, You’ve Got to Die, Farewell Blues, Fox Chase

Encore: Say Goodbye, Cripple Creek

March 26, 2024