NYS Music 2024

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  • COLORS Present ‘Tones of NYC’ Program at Knockdown Center in Queens this October

    COLORS has announced the “Tones of NYC” program which will see a diverse array of talented artist performances over the span of two days. The program lasts from October 10 to 11 and is hosted at Queens’ Knockdown Center.

    Knockdown Center in Queens

    About COLORS

    COLORS’ brand-new event concept, TONES OF, launches in New York in October 2024. It is set to explore NYC’s undisputed reputation as one of the most powerful cultural capitals in the world. Tones of NYC features a program of live music, art, workshops, discussions, pop ups and more. The aim is to unite leading creatives and up to 6,000 guests for 2 days of cultural exploration.

    The event boasts a stacked line-up including Street Dreams, Mustafa, Kidsuper, Moses Sumney, Half Moon BK, Sadboi, Naomi Sharon and many more. Another huge element of the TONES program is dance. TONES pulls in some of the world’s finest dancers and choreographers in the form of Charm La’Donna and Amari Marshall. They are both delivering panels as well as workshops.

    Mustafa the Poet

    Built in the city, for the city – ‘TONES OF’ unites both established and next-gen cultural pioneers to collaboratively curate each event. As well as music, TONES day-time agenda opens up discussions on topics from innovation in the arts to the future of design and more. 

    TONES OF connects live acts, DJs, artists, community projects, fashion brands, style heads, creatives, foodies and more. These creative minds deliver talks, workshops, pop-up events, Q&A sessions, parties and of course live music.

    Charm La’Donna

    For more information on the upcoming “Tones of NYC” event presented by COLORS, click here. Tickets are available to purchase on ColorsxStudios website.

  • Chief Keef Announces Rescheduled Dates for “A Lil Tour”

    29-year-old rap star Chief Keef announces 14 rescheduled dates for his upcoming cross-country tour titled “A Lil Tour,” which includes a stop at the Brooklyn Paramount in Brooklyn, NY on November 23, 2024.

    Chief Keep tour poster
    Chief Keep will be performing at Brooklyn Paramount of November 23

    “A Lil Tour” follows the release of Keef’s self-produced album Almighty So 2, which made debuted at number3 on the Billboard’s Independent Albums chart, number 9 in the top Top Rap Albums chart, number 10 Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, while also ranking at number 26 on Top Streaming Albums and number 30 on the Billboard 200. The album features appearances from Chief Keef aficionado Sexyy Red, Quavo, G Herbo, Tierra Whack and 43B signee Lil Gnar, who will also be joining Chief Keef on this upcoming tour alongside his Glo Boyz group.

    About Chief Keep

    Chief Keef — aka Sosa– began his journey as a 16-year-old in Chicago as a pioneer of the drill scene. Since then he has gone on to create his own record label, 43B, and released five studio albums. In his early career, Keef rose to popularity because of his catchy and genre-bending mixtapes, and Almighty So 2 serves as a 16-track nostalgic sequel to his cult classic 2013 mixtape Almighty So. 

    Earlier this year, Keef collaborated with Sexyy Red on two singles from her Hood Hottest Princess (Deluxe)–”Ghetto Princess,” and “Bow Bow Bow (F My Baby Mama).” He also linked up with Lil Yachty for “Say Ya Grace,” a highlight from All Is Yellow. The song’s Cole Bennett-directed video went viral, reaching the top 5 on YouTube’s Trending chart and garnering over three million views in its first week of release.

    Stream Almighty So 2 here.

    Previously bought tickets will be honored on the new dates. Tickets are also on sale now and are available at ChiefKeef.com. Full lists of dates are down below.

    A Lil Tour 2024 Dates:

    10/30/24 – San Francisco, CA – The Midway

    11/2/24 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Palladium

    11/3/24 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre

    11/6/24 – Denver, CO – Fillmore Auditorium

    11/8/24 – Dallas, TX – South Side Ballroom

    11/9/24 – Houston, TX – 713 Music Hall

    11/11/24 – Charlotte, NC – The Fillmore Charlotte

    11/13/24 – Atlanta, GA – Coca-Cola Roxy

    11/16/24 – Minneapolis, MN – The Armory

    11/17/24 – Detroit, MI – The Fillmore Detroit

    11/19/24 – Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore Philadelphia

    11/21/24 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway

    11/23/24 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Paramount

    11/24/24 – Washington, DC – The Echostage

  • Mary Gauthier To Co-Headline Four Shows in NY with Robbie Fulks

    Mary Gauthier is bringing her most recent tour alongside fellow singer-songwriter Robbie Fulks to Phoenicia, Saratoga Springs, and Spencertown later this month.

    Mary Gauthier Robbie Fulks

    Grammy nominated folk singer-songwriter and author Mary Gauthier has a long legacy of translating the human experience into sound. Her lyrics cut, her instrumentals hit deep, and her work has resonated with the public since the very beginning of her highly awarded 11 album, 28 year career. 

    Her first album, Dixie Kitchen, shares the name of the Cajun restaurant she opened prior to her musical career. This release gifted her the first of many award nominations to come for Best New Contemporary Folk Artist at the 1998 Boston Music Awards. Selling her share of the restaurant to finance her next album, Gauthier released Drag Queens in Limousines that same year, rocketing her into the spotlight for its unapologetically real, raw, and queer narratives.

    Since then, Gauthier has released nine albums, including Mercy Now whose titular track earned the title of one of the “Saddest 40 Country Songs of All Time” by Rolling Stone Magazine, and Rifles & Rosary Beads, a collaborative project with U.S. veterans and their families, which not only resulted in various awards and Gauthier’s first Grammy nomination, but also presented the public with a difficult conversation in a groundbreakingly beautiful way.

    Robbie Fulks, Gauthier’s co-headliner for the tour, shares her lyrical honesty and folksy charm, taking on a more bluegrass and country twang. While born in Pennsylvania and raised in Virginia, Fulks moved to New York City as a young adult and found a love for the Greenwich Village songwriting scene, there honing his skills that would carry his career to recognition from publications like NPR and Rolling Stone and two Grammy nominations.

    Gauthier and Fulks will begin their tour in a matter of days, performing at the United Methodist Church in Phoenicia, New York on September 14, both an afternoon and an evening performance at Caffé Lena in Saratoga Springs on September 15, and the Spencertown Academy Arts Center on September 26.

    For more information and tickets, please visit here. A full list of tour dates is below.

    TOUR DATES

    September 11 – Vienna, VA – Jammin Java

    September 12 – Sellersville, PA – Sellersville Theater

    September 13 – Northampton, MA – Iron Horse Music Hall

    September 14 – Phoenicia, NY – United Methodist Church

    September 15 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Caffé Lena (4:30 PM)

    September 15 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Caffé Lena (7:30 PM)

    September 17 – Nashville, TN – All Star Tribute and Drag Queens Album Performance

    September 21 – Palm Coast, FL – Flagler Oars Recovery Festival 2024

    September 26 – Spencertown, NY – Spencertown Academy Arts Center

    September 27 – Manchester, NH – The Rex Theatre

    September 28 – Town of Rockingham, VT – An Evening with Mary Gauthier & Ray Wylie Hubbard

    October 3 – Harvard, MA – The Fruitlands Museum

    October 12 – Nashville, TN – The Ryman Auditorium

    October 17 – San Antonio, TX – An Evening with Three Women and The Truth

    October 18 – Houston, TX – An Evening with Three Women and The Truth

    October 19 – Austin, TX – An Evening with Three Women and The Truth

    October 20 – Dallas, TX – An Evening with Three Women and The Truth

  • Five For Fighting Announce String Quartet Tour with 7 shows in NYS

    Five For Fighting’s String Quartet Tour kicks off Sept. 26. They will perform over two decades of hits and fan favorites with a four-piece string section. New York shows include stops in Homer, Saratoga Springs, Corning, Bethel, Oneonta, Bethlehem, and Port Washington.

    Five For Fighting

    Five For Fighting, otherwise known as John Ondrasik, is a platinum-selling, and Grammy-nominated songwriter and performer with a career spanning two decades since his first major single, “Superman (It’s Not Easy).” Five For Fighting has released six studio albums, including the certified platinum America Town, and The Battle for Everything.

    Ondrasik says, “The string quartet allows a more intimate experience and the ability to pull songs from my catalog with fantastic string arrangements from world-renowned composers that I do not play with the rock band. The string quartet also performs a multitude of classical and rock songs that change every night that is always a special treat for audiences.” The String Quartet will include the Tony Award-winning concertmaster and co-orchestrator of Moulin Rouge! The Musical Katie Kresek with Melissa Tong, Chris Cardona, and Peter Sachon.

    Five For Fighting Full Tour Schedule:

    September 26 in Homer, NY at Center for the Arts of Homer

    September 27 in Saratoga Springs, NY at Universal Preservation Hall

    September 28 in Corning, NY at Corning Museum Of Glass

    September 29 in Bethel, NY at The Event Gallery at Bethel Woods

    October 1 in Oneonta, NY at Foothills Performing Arts Center

    October 3 in Nashua, NH at Nashua Center for the Arts

    October 4 in Laconia, NH at The Colonial Theatre Laconia

    October 5 in Bethlehem, NY at The Colonial Theatre

    October 6 in Waterville, ME at Waterville Opera House

    October 8 in Newport, RI at The JPT Film & Event Center

    October 9 in Red Bank, NJ at Count Basie Center for the Arts – The Vogel

    October 10 in Port Washington, NY at Landmark on Main Stree

    For more information and tickets go here.

  • Boojum’s “Electric Wonderland” Lights Up Brooklyn Art Haus with Psychedelic Splendor 

    This fall, Brooklyn is set to experience a kaleidoscope of psychedelic marvels as New York rising stars Boojum take over Brooklyn Art Haus for a four-show run of “Electric Wonderland.” The residency will feature the band’s distinctive fusion of improvisational jam-band rock and immersive theatrical performances, redefining the live music experience.

    Boojum Electric Wonderland

    Every other Friday from September 13th through October 25th, Boojum will turn Brooklyn Art Haus into a playground of psychedelic fantasy, taking participants on a journey into the fantastical realms of Alice in Wonderland and other Lewis Carroll classics. Meant to be more than a series of concerts, “Electric Wonderland” is planned as an evolving spectacle, with every performance a new adventure featuring surprise guests and a dynamic setlist that guarantees no two nights are ever the same.

    Boojum Electric Wonderland

    “Electric Wonderland goes beyond music. We are creating a one-of-a-kind visually and sonically stunning theatrical experience,” said Sarah Elaz, bassist of Boojum. “By making every night of this residency different with no repeats and plenty of unexpected twists, we are embracing and evolving what it means to be a part of the modern jam band scene.”

    The residency marks a pivotal moment for Boojum as they build on their debut performance of “Electric Wonderland” at Brooklyn Bowl to establish a new home for their ambitious, immersive production. Boojum’s debut EP, Electric Wonderland Vol. 1: Down the Rabbit Hole, released in April, set the stage for what’s to expect, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the group’s ability to blend jam, EDM, funk, pop, and progressive influences into a captivating theatrical experience for fans seeking a feast for their eyes and ears. 

    Expect elaborate costumes, intricate choreography, and spellbinding projections that complement Boojum’s eclectic and improvisational soundtrack. For those ready to dive into the rabbit hole where psychedelic rock meets theatrical spectacle, “Electric Wonderland” promises an unforgettable journey. 

    Event Details:

    • What: Boojum’s “Electric Wonderland”
    • When: Fridays 9/13/24, 9/27/24, 10/11/24, 10/25/24
    • Where: Brooklyn Art Haus, 24 Marcy Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
    • Tickets: Available now

  • Megadeth Seeks to Destroy All Enemies in Albany on September 10

    Get ready headbangers, your chance to witness one of the most iconic bands in heavy music history is right around the corner.  Fresh off destroying throat cancer, Dave Mustaine’s legendary Megadeth are back and bringing their “Destroy All Enemies” tour to the MVP Arena in Albany on Tuesday, September 10th at 6:30pm.

    Featuring fellow heavy metal juggernauts Mudvayne and All That Remains, the stacked lineup is a “can’t miss” for fans of unapologetic, full throttle in-your-face metal anthems.

    megadeth albany
    Megadeth brings their “Destroy All Enemies” Tour to the MVP Arena on September 10th.

    Fueled by revenge in 1983 by frontman and guitarist Dave Mustaine after his split from Metallica, the Grammy Award winning Megadeth would go on to sell over 50 million albums worldwide and become one of the most influential bands in thrash music. One of the “Big Four” on metal’s Mount Rushmore, they are currently supporting their sixteenth studio album, The Sick, The Dying…and the Dead! Returning to the Albany venue for the first time since 2007, Megadeth’s rich history in the Capital Region dates all the way back to 1987 when they demolished the now demolished Colonie Coliseum (a.k.a. Starlite Music Theatre) in Latham.

    After pummeling the Palace Theatre a year later, the band would make their debut at the MVP Arena (formerly known as the Knickerbocker Arena) in January of 1991. With their highly anticipated return on Tuesday now 17 years in the making, this event is shaping up to be a celebration of both the band’s storied past and the enduring future of heavy metal, making it a must for longtime and new fans alike.

    At the heart of Megadeth’s success is the legendary Dave Mustaine, whose artistic vision, guitar skills and songwriting are central to the band’s identity. Mustaine’s playing style is a unique blend of fast, intricate rhythms and blistering solos, rooted in both punk aggression and classical influences. His aggressive down-picking technique and complex, jazz-inspired solos have made him one of the most respected guitarists in the genre. Despite his musical triumphs, he’s also faced significant challenges, particularly in his health. In 2019, he was diagnosed with throat cancer, leading to a brief hiatus for the band.

    However, Mustaine made a triumphant return to the stage after beating the illness, showing his resilience and commitment to his craft. His comeback is a testament to his status as a metal warrior, and fans at the MVP Arena can expect him to deliver a powerhouse performance. In addition to Mustaine, Megadeth’s current lineup includes Teemu Mäntysaari on guitar, James LoMenzo on bass, and Dirk Verbeuren on drums. Longtime followers can expect a setlist packed with hits like “Symphony of Destruction,” “Sweating Bullets,” “Holy Wars… The Punishment Due,” and “Hangar 18,” along with selections from their latest album, The Sick, the Dying… and the Dead!

    Megadeth brings their “Destroy All Enemies” Tour to the MVP Arena on September 10th.

    Opening the show are two heavy hitters in Mudvayne and All That Remains. Following their groundbreaking debut album L.D. 50 in 2000, Mudvayne have become bona fide legends of the scene. With their nightmare inducing, freak-show presentation that includes painted faces and blood splatter, their fusion of nu-metal, progressive, and alternative metal has aged far better than most of their peers. Returning from hiatus in 2021, Mudvayne’s high-energy performance style is a perfect warm-up for Megadeth’s intense set. All That Remains bring a melodic metalcore sound to the bill. Founded in 1998, they’ve released nine albums, including The Fall of Ideals, which is considered a modern metalcore classic.

    For music lovers in the Capital Region, this concert is an opportunity to see one of metal’s greatest bands in action, with a setlist that spans across decades of iconic songs. For new fans, it’s a chance to experience Megadeth’s legendary status firsthand, witness the skill of Dave Mustaine and his bandmates, and be introduced to a new generation of metal through Mudvayne and All That Remains. Whether you’re a seasoned metalhead or just getting into the genre, the “Destroy All Enemies” tour at MVP Arena on September 10th is guaranteed to be a night of pure, unrelenting power, ultra-frenetic riffing, rapid solos, and headbanging anthems you don’t want to miss. Great tickets are still available.

    megadeth albany

  • Ashokan Center Announces Ukrainian Community Day Celebration on September 22

    Ashokan Center in Olivebridge, NY has announced a music celebration in honor of Ukrainian culture on September 22. The event is coined Ukrainian Community Day.

    Ukrainian Community Day

    The event features a diverse lineup of Ukrainian music. This includes The Ukrainian Village Voices, singer Maria Sonevytsky, bandura player Olya Fryz, and Eva Salina, founder of Driftwood Chorus.

    The Ukrainian American Youth Association of the Hudson Valley are selling a range of items. This includes shirts, sweatshirts, handmade jewelry, collectible Ukrainian stamps and more.

    Activities include Ukrainian folk medicine plant walks, dance instruction, hands-on workshops showcasing Ukrainian potters, and wool spinning & weaving artists. Also included, an array of authentic culinary delights to be presented by Soyuzivka, the Ukrainian American cultural center in Kerhonkson.

    Various performances are planned for the event by Zoya Shepko & YiYi Folk Ensemble, Ruby Pinyuh-Derovan, Bourbon & Breast Milk, and more. Each performance pays homage to the vast diversity of Ukrainian culture. Ukrainian Community Day is one for all to enjoy, and for all cultures to take part in and to experience this unique culture.

    Ashokan’s all-age tickets work on a sliding scale with $20 as the suggested price of the event, $10 as the minimum, and $30 to be a supporter. This allows the Ashokan Center to provide tickets to those who are financially unable to attend otherwise.

    50% of all proceeds are donated to Ukrainian-American Youth Association of the Hudson Valley. The support for Ukrainian American Youth Association’s (UAYA) efforts to aid children and hospitals in Ukraine is incredibly important, especially given the current challenges the country faces.

    “The natural beauty and wooden architecture of the Ashokan Center invokes a
    sense of the Ukrainian mountain communities, creating a meaningful and resonant
    backdrop for this event. Showcasing and connecting with Ukrainian culture and
    community helps bring the issues in Ukraine closer to people’s hearts and helps
    support its resilience and fight for freedom.”

    Danylo Mykula, Ukrainian American Youth Association

    For more information on Ukrainian Community Day, and to purchase tickets, click here.

  • Mihali Releases Introspective Single “Circus Life” Feat. Andy Frasco

    Returning for his third single of the year, singer-songwriter Mihali has partnered up with fellow musician Andy Frasco and producer Spencer Thomson to offer listeners a peek into the traveling musician’s “Circus Life” in the midst of their respective tours.

    Mihali

    Former frontman of rock band Twiddle and a rising reggae star in his own right, Mihali Savoulidis is no new face to the music industry. His solo career formally began in 2020 with the release of “Breathe and Let Go”, with several singles following throughout during the Covid-19 pandemic. This year marks an exciting series of singles following the 2022 release of his last album, Effection, the most recent being his collaboration with fellow musician and songwriter Andy Frasco, “Circus Life”.

    Both seasoned in the touring artist lifestyle and currently on the road for their respective acts,  “Circus Life” is the product of Mihali and Frasco’s reflections upon the ups and downs of life, specifically as it pertains to musicians whose day to day lives become a cycle of performance and travel- possibly for months at a time.

    With a slightly more acoustic americana sound than some of Mihali’s recent works, “Circus Life” meshes a rolling beat with calming piano chords and lyrics that come from the heart to express both the unspoken struggles of touring life and the beauty of it- the sacrifice that must be made to bring love to the fans, the friends, and the family he holds dear.

    “​​Mihali and I were talking about living on the road one day after a gig, depleted but happy, and he said “Yeah, it’s like we’re in the circus.” We both looked at each other and didn’t say a word, but knew that exact feeling. Two months later, he sent me a demo called “Circus Life,”and I asked if I could add a bridge…I love when songs come out like that.”

    – Andy Frasco

    Both Mihali and Frasco are currently touring with a handful of dates in New York between the two acts.

    Mihali will be at Wonderland Forest in Lafayette on September 21 and The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester on October 25- tickets are available here.

    Frasco and the rest of his band, Andy Frasco & The U.N., will be performing at this year’s River Jam in Buffalo on October 13. Tickets are available here.

    To learn more about Mihali’s work, ongoing tour, and story, visit his website here. 

  • Staten Island Unites Through Music and Culture at Second Peace and Unity Festival

    The Second Peace and Unity Festival, held at Snug Harbor on Staten Island, was a celebration of community, culture, and music. Hosted by the K Woods Foundation, this event brought together a diverse lineup of performers, both established and emerging, to uplift and engage the community.

    Kareem “Kay” Woods and Method Man

    Founded by Kareem “Kay” Woods, the K Woods Foundation is a Staten Island-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting underprivileged communities with a particular focus on youth development, education, and community engagement. Through events like this festival, mentorship programs, and educational initiatives, the foundation aims to empower young people and foster a positive impact on Staten Island and beyond. Their collaborations with local schools, community centers, and other organizations play a crucial role in this mission.

    This year’s “Peace and Unity Festival” also partnered with POLARIS, a Black-owned television network, to launch a 2024 voter registration drive that successfully registered many attendees. POLARIS worked directly with Kay Woods to raise awareness around voter registration, tying this crucial initiative to the cultural significance of the hip-hop festival. POLARIS will continue voter registration activations over the next two months and plans to host a celebrity roundtable discussion as part of their efforts to engage the community in the electoral process.

    Smif-N-Wessun

    The festival featured a mix of local talent and established artists, creating an electric atmosphere that united the community in celebration. Among the performers were local acts such as Cosi PARI, Heff, JoJo Pellegrino, Who is Bravi, Waterteam Stumik Dezeagle, Yap City, and Smiff N Wess. Their performances showcased the rich musical diversity and talent within Staten Island.

    Ghostface

    The highlight of the festival came toward the end of the event with a series of unforgettable performances by some of hip-hop’s most legendary figures. Method Man, who had made a special appearance earlier in the day, returned to the stage alongside Ghostface, Raekwon, Cappadonna, and Sheek Louch, delivering a powerful set that captivated the audience. Beanie Sigel and Freeway kept the momentum going with their dynamic performance, setting the stage for the festival’s finale. Closing out the night, Jim Jones, Juelz Santana, and Freekey Zekey took the energy to its peak, leaving the crowd buzzing with excitement.

    Beanie Sigel & Freeway

    The 2nd Peace and Unity Festival was more than just a music event; it was a testament to the strength and resilience of the Staten Island community. By bringing people together through music and culture, the K Woods Foundation continues to make a lasting impact, fostering a spirit of unity and empowerment that will carry on long after the festival’s final note.

  • Dave Matthews Band Announces Fall Tour, Hit MSG for Two Nights

    Ahead of Dave Matthews Band induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in October, the band has announced a Fall Tour. They will hit many big cities on the eastern half of the country including Madison Square Garden on Nov. 22 and 23.

    Dave Matthews Band
    Photo credit: Sanjay Suchak

    Since 1993 when Dave Matthews Band’s first studio album was released, they have been a power house in the rock world selling 38 million CDs and DVDs. They have also sold over 25 million tickets since their birth making them the second largest ticket-seller in history. After the group’s 2018 album Come Tomorow, they became the first ever band to have 7 consecutive studio albums hit number one on the Billboard 200.

    Dave Matthews Band released a new album, the first in five years, Walk Around The Moon in 2023. The album has been praised by many publications and the band has supported it with many concerts and tours since its release. Most recently, they played their traditional Labor Day weekend concerts at The Gorge in Washington state. They will arrive in New York City’s Madison Square Garden on Nov 22 and 23 closing out the six planned dates to take place in November.

    Dave Matthews Band will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on Saturday, October 19 in Cleveland, OH. The induction ceremony will stream on Disney+, and will be released on Hulu the next day.

    General on sale for tickets begins on Friday, September 20, at 10:00 a.m. ET. For more information, visit davematthewsband.com.

    DAVE MATTHEWS BAND FALL 2024 DATES

    11/15               Pittsburgh, PA                           PPG Paints Arena

    11/16               Columbus, OH                           Nationwide Arena

    11/19               Uncasville, CT                           Mohegan Sun Arena

    11/20               Uncasville, CT                           Mohegan Sun Arena

    11/22               New York, NY                            Madison Square Garden – The Arena

    11/23               New York, NY                            Madison Square Garden – The Arena