Tag: Long Island

  • Long Island’s Roger Street Friedman Releases Powerful New Single “Banks of the Brazos”

    Long Island native Roger Street Friedman has released his newest americana single, “Banks of the Brazos.” The track is a powerful ode to the “Sugarland 95,” a group of Black convict laborers sentenced to brutal work in Texas sugarcane fields in the post-reconstruction era.

    Roger Street Friedman

    “Banks of the Brazos” is the third single from his upcoming album Long Shadows, due out January 24, the song is a powerful and evocative story that looks into the hidden history of the “Sugarland 95,” a group of African American men who were often victims of unjust laws designed to control the lives of newly freed people.

    When the bodies of the Sugarland 95 were unearthed along the banks of the Brazos River, Roger Street Freidman was inspired to write a song from the perspective of one of these laborers. The song aligns with a viral TikTok that Roger posted last year, garnering nearly a million views, resonating with audiences for his honest storytelling.

    Roger Street Friedman

    The song holds a strong outlaw americana feel. The western country flare paired with the dark nature of the song’s backstory sets the listener up to feel it in their heart. Each strum of the guitar shows Roger Street Friedman’s passion and grit for music and exposing history’s many injustices. The track is dynamic, with many changing musical tides throughout the track, but with a meaningfully brawn backbone allowing for wide arrays of sound.

    Even the opening sounds from the electric and acoustic guitars simultaneously made me feel something. Followed by the consistent, strong kick and snare, this track immerses the listener from the very start. Both Friedman’s hearty solo vocals and the powerful harmonizing vocals truly touch the heart and soul of whomever may be listening, especially when you factor in how Roger is soulfully expressing his outlook on the horrible enslavement of the Sugarland 95. The track sees a phenomenal climax with soaring vocals followed by a spirit-touching finish that brilliantly yet softly wraps up the hearty ode.

    For more information on Roger Street Friedman and his latest single, “Banks of the Brazos,” click here.

  • Bad Mary and Mega Infinity Release “Mega Bad Disaster Party”

    Long Island bands Bad Mary and Mega Infinity have teamed up through SPI (Ska Punk International), to release a split 7-inch single, “Mega Bad Disaster Party.” Each band contributed two newly recorded tracks. The single will be released digitally on Dec. 3, with a vinyl release party on Feb. 21 at Industry in Huntington.

    Mega Bad Disaster Party

    “Mega Bad Disaster Party” begins with two songs from Mega Infinity, “Eyelids 2024” and “Let Me Drive My Van Into Your Heart” followed by “Disaster(er) Party” and “Want What I Want” from Bad Mary. The collection of songs sounds like if Scott Pilgrim vs. the World was a Broadway Musical.

    Bad Mary reached out to SPI about doing an EP and adding some ska elements to their songs. SPI suggested collaborating with Mega Infinity, since they’ve been friends with Mega for a decade, the collaboration was a no-brainer. Many of the songs on the single are rerecorded and reimagined versions of songs from previous projects. These new versions are cleaner, more aggressive, and harder-hitting.

    “Eyelids” was written for an EP several years ago, drawing inspiration from ska-punk, riot grrrl, and bands like Catch 22, Veruca Salt, and Big D. Joystick! is featured on the song, enhancing its ska-punk influences. “Disaster(er) Party” was originally titled “Disaster Party” and was written for The Return of Space Girl. For this single, the song has been reimagined with horns added by Kevin Jackson from Title Holder and Crisis Crayons.

    Bad Mary consists of Amanda Mac (vocals), Mike Staub (bass/vocals), Bill Mac (drums), and David Henderson (guitar). They have received airplay on SiriusXM’s Underground Garage, earning the New Music Spotlight. The band has released two albums and six EPs since 2014 including their 2019 album, The Return of Space Girl that inspired an award-winning animated movie. Their latest release, Better(er) Days, arrived in 2024.

    Mega Infinity is comprised of Michi and Mike DiGiulio. The band released their EP Behind Glass Walls in 2017 and their debut album Rainbow Heartache in December 2021. They joined SPI with their 2023 EP Chaos Magick, which was named a favorite by Punk News and On the Upbeat. They are featured in the ska documentary This is New Tone as a part of ska punk’s future.

    Pre-save the new single here.

  • Legendary Rockers Blue Öyster Cult Share Live Performance Video for “The Alchemist”

    Legendary rock band Blue Öyster Cult has announced the release of a live performance video for 2020 track, “The Alchemist.”

    Riding the triumphant success of their 50th Anniversary celebration, Blue Öyster Cult is rolling into the release of ‘50th Anniversary Live – Third Night,’ the final installment of the live album celebrating the band’s 50th Anniversary. This electrifying performance, which includes the band’s third album ‘Secret Treaties’ performed back-to-back, is set to hit the shelves on December 13, 2024, and promises to be a spectacular follow-up to the band’s historic three-night stint at Sony Hall in NYC. Today, in anticipation of the album’s release, Blue Öyster Cult share a new live performance video for “The Alchemist”.

    Blue Öyster Cult’s legacy spans over five decades, captivating fans with intelligent hard rock loaded with classic songs. Hailing from Long Island, NY, the band is renowned in the hard rock and heavy metal scene for their pioneering work, earning both critical acclaim and commercial success. Cited as a major influence by acts like Metallica, BOC boasts a timeless catalog, including iconic tracks like “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper,” “Godzilla,” and “Burnin’ for You.” The creative vision of the original core duo, Donald “Buck Dharma” Roeser and Eric Bloom, is complemented by Richie Castellano, Danny Miranda, and Jules Radino, forming a powerhouse lineup.

    As the band embraces its status as a ‘classic rock’ phenomenon, they continue to create vibrant work, offering a refreshing alternative to mainstream trends. With a relentless touring schedule and the critically acclaimed 2020 album The Symbol Remains which contains “The Alchemist,” Blue Öyster Cult remains an enduring force, ready to ignite the stage once again with the upcoming release of 50th Anniversary Live – Third Night. With the release of a live performance of “The Alchemist,” the band celebrates their 2020 success along with the anticipated success of their upcoming 50th anniversary live album.

    For more information on Blue Öyster Cult, their upcoming works, and to watch their live performance of “The Alchemist,” click here.

  • Jimmy Carr Announces ‘Laughs Funny’ Tour, Two Dates In New York

    Award-winning comedian Jimmy Carr has announced his ‘Laughs Funny’ 2025 tour throughout the United States, including two stops in New York.

    A household name in the UK for his various television hosting roles and regular appearances on panel shows, and countless specials,  Jimmy Carr has been a best-selling comedian before streaming services were viable. 

    With twelve specials to his name, eight of which earned Carr the title of one of the bestselling acts in comedy DVD and the remaining four being the first works from a UK comedian to stream on Netflix, Carr has bridged the physical and digital comedy spheres. 

    In addition, all of his specials that were taped pre-streaming are now housed on his official Youtube account that has accrued over 1.1 million subscribers and a massive 436 million views in total.

    Following the success of his last tour, Terribly Funny, that brought him to 1.2 million ticket holders across 45 countries total, Carr has decided to hit the road once more and visit over 40 venues across the United States- including The Paramount in Huntington and the iconic Beacon Theater in Manhattan.

    The Laughs Funny tour will bring Jimmy Carr to Long Island on Wednesday, June 25 and Manhattan on Friday, June 27. Tickets for Laughs Funny will go live on Friday, November 22 at 10:00 AM.

    To learn more about the tour, how to attend, and purchase tickets, be sure to visit Carr’s official website here.

    JIMMY CARR LAUGHS FUNNY TOUR DATES

    Wed May 21 – Denver, CO – Paramount Theatre

    Thu May 22 – Reno, NV – Silver Legacy Resort Casino

    Fri May 23 – Las Vegas, NV – Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas

    Sat May 24 – Phoenix, AZ – Celebrity Theatre

    Sun May 25 – Rancho Mirage, CA – The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Rancho Mirage

    Tue May 27 – Seattle, WA – Moore Theatre

    Wed May 28 – Portland, OR – Revolution Hall

    Thu May 29 – Los Angeles, CA – The Wiltern

    Fri May 30 – San Francisco, CA – The Masonic

    Sat May 31 – San Diego, CA – Balboa Theatre

    Fri Jun 20 – Chicago, IL – The Chicago Theatre

    Sat Jun 21 – Detroit, MI – The Fillmore Detroit 

    Sun Jun 22 – Pittsburgh, PA – Byham Theater 

    Mon Jun 23 – Philadelphia, PA – Miller Theater

    Tues Jun 24 – New Haven, CT – College Street Music Hall

    Wed Jun 25 – Huntington, NY – The Paramount

    Thu Jun 26 – Boston, MA – Boch Center Wang Theatre

    Fri Jun 27 – New York, NY – Beacon Theatre

    Sat Jun 28 – Atlantic City, NJ – Music Box at Borgata

    Sun Jun 29 – Washington, DC – Warner Theatre

    Wed Sep 17 – St. Louis, MO – The Pageant 

    Thu Sep 18 – Houston, TX – Bayou Music Center

    Fri Sep 19 – San Antonio, TX – The Aztec Theater

    Sat Sep 20 – Austin, TX – The Paramount Theatre

    Sun Sep 21 – Dallas, TX – Majestic Theatre

    Tue Sep 23 – Hollywood, FL – Hard Rock Live

    Wed Sep 24 – Tampa, FL – Tampa Theatre

    Thu Sep 25 – Atlanta, GA – Tabernacle

    Fri Sep 26 – Durham, NC – Durham Performing Arts Center

    Sat Sep 27 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium 

    Wed Oct 08 – Columbus, OH – Southern Theatre

    Fri Oct 10 – Minneapolis, MN – Pantages Theatre

    Sat Oct 11 – Cleveland, OH – Connor Palace

    Sun Oct 12 – Cincinnati, OH – Taft Theatre

    Mon Oct 13 – Ann Arbor, MI – Michigan Theater 

    Thu Oct 16 – Anaheim, CA – City National Grove of Anaheim 

    Fri Oct 17 – Sacramento, CA – The Crest 

    Sat Oct 18 – Salt Lake City, UT – Kingsbury Hall

    Fri Oct 31 – Burlington, VT – The Flynn

    Sat Nov 1 – Portland, ME – State Theatre

    Sun Nov 2 – Providence, RI – Veterans Memorial Auditorium

    Fri Nov 7 – Bethlehem, PA – Wind Creek Event Center

  • Jones Beach to Present “Magic of Lights” Drive-Through Experience Starting Nov 22

    Jones Beach State Park has announced that on November 22, Magic of Lights drive-through light show is returning for the holiday season. The event lasts from Nov 22 to Jan 4.

    Magic of Lights, the family-friendly, drive-through holiday lights festival, is celebrating the grandest holiday of the year with a dazzling, sparkling, and twinkling series of magical light displays in a 2.5-mile drive-through experience, the longest and brightest ever, at Long Island’s Jones Beach State Park beginning on November 22 and running nightly through January 4. Inside the comfort of their own vehicle, guests will enjoy Magic of Lights’ classic holiday favorites including Winter Wonderland, the 12 Days of Christmas, Toyland, festive Elves and Reindeer Road. In addition to the 200 foot long Enchanting Tunnel of Lights, there will also be other new light tunnels to delight and amaze.

    Other illuminated displays include the 32-foot-tall, animated Mattel’s Waving Christmas Barbie®, Prehistoric Christmas featuring life sized dinosaurs celebrating the season, and the legendary BIGFOOT® Monster Truck. Created with over two million sparkling lights, Magic of Lights is a nostalgic and festive event everyone will enjoy. The Toyota Holiday Village, which allows guests to walk through a magical out-of-car area featuring Santa Photos, refreshments, and other holiday activities, will also return at both locations. A new augmented reality feature will be introduced this year as well to make the magical experience even more interactive, with details set to be released in November.

    The Magic of Lights uses the latest CAD technology and is hand-crafted at the Magic of Lights warehouse in Medina, OH, then, transported to Long Island. The displays combine for more than 10 miles of LED lighting across all presentations, in the trees, and on the buildings. There are 10 different colors of LED bulbs used. The highest scene is 32-feet tall, and the longest is several hundred feet long.

    The steel displays are designed, bent, cut, and welded into about 800 frames combined in different configurations to create each show’s giant winter holiday scenes. Magic of Lights is open Sunday through Thursday from 5 p.m. (dusk) until 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. (dusk) until 11 p.m. Admission is $30 in advance or $35 at the gate on weekdays and $30 in advance or $40 at the gate on weekends through November. Price is based per car. Special pricing is available for limousines and buses.

    Group ticket rates are available and can be purchased online. For dates, times, and ticket availability, visit magicoflights.com.

  • LIMEHOF Hosts 20th Anniversary Celebration in Stony Brook

    The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF) will host two days of live music, comedy, film screenings, and family events in celebration of their 20th anniversary on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 in Stony Brook.

    LIMEHOF

    Presented by Catholic Health, Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame’s anniversary celebration will feature continuous entertainment including Kerry Kearney, DMC with Johnny Juice, Stanton Anderson, American Idol Christian Padavan, comedians, surprise guests and more. Admission includes refreshments and an appearance by Santa. Kids under 12 are free.

    Founded in 2004, the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame is dedicated to the idea that Long Island’s musical heritage is an important resource to be celebrated and preserved for future generations. They have inducted more than 100 musicians and music industry executives, and also offers education programs and scholarships to Long Island students, sponsors the Long Island Sound Award, and features traveling educational exhibits, including a state-of-the-art mobile museum.

    Admission also includes access to LIMEHOF’s Billy Joel exhibit. The exhibit features over 5 decades of rare memorabilia including albums, tours, inspirations and personal experiences from Billy Joel’s life-spanning career. Videos, awards, recordings, instruments, photos and more were donated from Billy’s personal collection.

    The event will feature holiday music videos of LIMEHOF inductees and will have visits from Santa Claus at 2pm on both days and surprise visits from LIMEHOF inductees. It will also feature the set and sleigh from Twisted Sister’s Christmas Special. More performances to be announced.

    LIMEHOF 20th Anniversary Celebration Full Lineup

    Nov. 30:

    Casey Baron (1 p.m.)

    Kerry Kearney Band (4 p.m.)

    Stanton Anderson Band (5 p.m.)

    Dec. 1:

    Ernie & the Band (12 noon)

    DMC with DJ Johnny Juice (1 p.m.)

    comedian Paul Anthony (2 p.m.)

    Firetog & Co. (3 p.m.)

    “American Idol” Christiaan Padavan (4 p.m.)

    the original Gossip Band (5 p.m.).

      Buy tickets and learn more here.

    • Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame To Host Celebration of Pat DeRosa

      The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame has announced a celebration honoring the life of inductee, long-time music teacher, and record holding saxophone player Pat DeRosa.

      A special event hosted by the daughter of Pat DeRosa, Patricia, the festivities on October 19 will celebrate the lifelong musical passions and accomplishments of the seasoned saxophonist and all that he gave to his Long Island community throughout his life.

      Born in Brooklyn on December 6, 1921, Pat DeRosa discovered his love for saxophone at just twelve years old after his mother brought him to a music store on the Bowery. After a move to Huntington, Long Island, DeRosa developed already commendable self-taught skills due to a lack of musical resources in the area that would only flourish as he grew up, joining the Central School District’s high school band.

      Following graduation, DeRosa found work at Grumman manufacturing airplane parts for the war. Within a year, he had joined the Grumman band and had formed his own trio that performed at nightclubs and parties all throughout New York City and Long Island. 

      After a draft into the Army Air Forces at the height of World War II and a successful audition into the Glenn Miller Army Air Force Band, Pat spent three years traveling the country with the band performing for and entertaining the troops. 

      In 1946 DeRosa was able to return to Long Island and subsequently enrolled in the Manhattan School of Music, creating the opportunity for him to perform alongside legends of the time including Bob Hope, Milton Berle, Andy Williams, Dean Martin, and Jerry Lewis. Despite the lengthy evenings spent dedicated to live performance, DeRosa was dedicated to his studies and graduated with a Bachelors and Masters in Music Education.

      The 1950s found DeRosa pursuing this passion for music education further, becoming a music teacher at Huntington Elementary and South Huntington Memorial Junior High. During this time Pat also performed alongside the jazz great John Coltrane until Coltrane’s passing and formed the Pat DeRosa Trio, which played constantly, including at the historic inaugural ball of President Richard Nixon.

      Despite retiring from education in 1978, DeRosa’s musical spark refused to go out. He continued to perform shows spanning venues from the Hamptons to Florida. On Veteran’s Day in 2020, Pat was inducted into the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, and in 2021 he was recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the ‘Oldest Professional Saxophone Player.’

      Hosted at the LIME Hall of Fame on October 19, the celebration of Pat DeRosa’s legacy will include a special video/interview presentation, a Q&A with his daughter and granddaughter, a special raffle for all attendees, and a live performance played by his family and friends. 

      The event is free with a general admission ticket purchase. For further information on the event and the Hall of Fame, please visit their website here.

    • ‘All You Need Is Love’ Returns in 2025 with a North American Tour

      All You Need Is Love returns in 2025 with a tour across North America that will feature 14 dates in celebration on John Lennon’s 84th birthday. The tour contains a stop in Patchogue, Long Island on January 16.

      All You Need Is Love effortlessly captures the essence of The Beatles’ legendary career from their 1964 arrival in America, through 1969. From the infectious innocence of “I Want To Hold Your Hand” to the melodic masterpiece of “Yesterday,” All You Need Is Love promises to deliver a night beyond nostalgia encompassing transcendent sing-along moments, and pure musical bliss. In addition to the captivating performances, the concert tour features state-of-the-art production and visuals, creating an immersive experience that will transport audiences through the golden era of The Beatles.

      With sold-out shows across North America in 2024 for the 60th Anniversary of The Beatles in America, All You Need Is Love assembles American and Canadian Artists. Once again, an extraordinary ensemble of world-class musicians come together to pay homage to the iconic British rock band that forever changed the landscape of music.

      The all-star lineup consists of exceptional musicians whose talent and passion for The Beatles guarantee an authentic and electrifying concert experience. The lineup includes Kasim Sulton, Steve Kimock, Prairie Prince, Bobby Lee Rodgers, Gil Assayas, Mark Rashotte, and Andy Forgie. All of these musicians have toured with massively popular bands groups like Meatloaf, Blue Oyster Cult, Journey, Jefferson Starship, Creed and more.

      All You Need Is Love 2025 Tour Dates:

      1.11.25 The Empire – Belleville, ON

      1.14.25 The Wilbur – Boston, MA

      1.15.25 The Wellmont Theater – Montclair, NJ

      1.16.25 Patchogue Theatre – Patchogue, NY

      1.17.25 Keswick Theatre – Glenside, PA

      1.21.25 The Birchmere – Alexandria, VA

      1.23.25 Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall – Munhall, PA (Pittsburgh)

      1.26.25 Jergel’s Rhythm Grille – Warrendale, PA

      1.28.25 Memorial Hall OTR – Cincinnati, OH

      1.29.25 The Egyptian Room – Indianapolis, IN

      1.30.25 Pabst Theater – Milwaukee, WI

      2.1.25 Des Plaines Theatre – Des Plaines, IL

      2.2.25 Arcada Theatre – St. Charles, IL

      For more information on the upcoming ‘All You Need Is Love’ tour celebrating John Lennon’s 84th birthday and to purchase tickets, click here.

    • The All-Original Music Matinee Hosts Show at The Warehouse in Amityville on October 13

      On the eve of Indiginous People’s Day at The Warehouse in Amityville, Long Island, Original Music Matinee will host an extensive, original, musical bonanza.

      Original Music Matinee

      The show begins at 2pm sharp on October 13 and lasts for eight hours. In that time frame, at least 10 bands are to perform, with a variety of genres in store. All the bases are to be covered here – acoustic to metal to punk to pop and more. The show sees a variety of bands from the Long Island area including Ramener, The Buddy System Forever, Hostile Intent, Sharp Violet, Terror Garden, The Walk-a-bout, Deladie, and Original Gossip.

      Performing as solo acts are fellow Long Island artists Stephen Robinson and Richie Schweers. These two artists kick off the show with their acoustic jams and soulful voices before the heavy metal, punk and hard rock bands take the stage to change the pace. The real kicker is, to see all these talented performers is only 10 bucks.

      The All-Original Music Matinee at Prohibition promotes local artists and bands who create original pieces, contrary to cover/tribute bands. The aim of this organization is to get these up-and-coming, original acts on bills akin to that of tribute bands, like bar venues and event spaces in Long Island.

      Original Music Matinee
      Terror Garden Live at The Village Pub in Long Island

      All-Original Music Matinee Schedule

      2:00-2:30 Stephen Robinson (Solo Acoustic)

      2:45-3:15 Richie Schweers (Solo Acoustic)

      3:30-4:00 Ramener (Metal)

      4:15-4:45 The Buddy System Forever (Indie Punk)

      5:00-5:30 Hostile Intent (Metal)

      5:45-6:15 Sharp Violet (All-girl power punk)

      6:30-7:15 Terror Garden (Hard Rock/Metal)

      7:30-8:15 The Walkabout (Australian rock)

      8:30-9:15 Deladie (Female-fronted melodic punk and metal)

      9:30-10:15 Original Gossip (Rock ‘n Roll)

      Original Music Matinee
      Ramener

      For more information on the upcoming All-Original Music Matinee at The Warehouse and to purchase tickets online, click here.

    • Troy Ramey Releases “Pick Up Truck” After Debuting in NYC

      Fresh off the streets of New York City, newcomer Troy Ramey released his latest single, “Pick Up Truck,” on June 28.

      troy ramey

      Known for his soulful voice and emotionally driven songs, Troy Ramey celebrates life’s simple pleasures; summer drives, and the joy of music.

      Originally hailing from Vermont, Ramey grew up in a household of musicians, turning to music as a way to heal after the tragic loss of his father. Since then, his music has reflected his intense passion, producing authentic, emotionally driven songs and connecting deeply with his audience.

      In 2017, Ramey competed on season 12 of NBC’s The Voice, garnering immense praise from audiences and celebrity judges Alicia Keys and Celine Dion alike. After his appearance, he moved to New York City and began to write and produce his own music, including his newest single, “Pick Up Truck.” At first, the song concept was a running joke between Troy and his longtime friend and co-writer Johnny Gates, mostly about the recurring themes within the country music genre. But after his landmark performance on The Voice, Troy continued to work with the concept, developing it into one of his favorite songs he’s recorded thus far.

      “But as I messed around on the guitar, the lyrics ‘when you hear my song, turn it up, sounds better in a pickup truck’ came to mind,” Ramey says about the track. “The song immediately was no longer a joke. It really became a song about one of my favorite things to do.”

      After the release of his first singles from his debut LP,  All I Had, the excitement for the full album only began to grow. With the full album set to release in the fall of 2024, the anticipation only grows stronger with each day. The release of “Pick Up Truck” will certainly have to do in the meantime. If the artistry and creativity behind this one single is only a preview of the full album, there is certainly a bright future ahead of Troy Ramey.

      Fans can listen to “Pick Up Truck” here, and in anticipation of Troy Ramey’s newest release, Ramey is set to play a few shows in the Northeast, starting with a stop in Patchogue, Long Island, at the 89 North.

      July 19, Friday – 89 North – Patchogue, NY.

      July 25, Thursday – The Maso Studio at The Huntington Theatre – Boston, MA.

      July 26, Friday – Next Stage Arts – Putney, VTets.

      July 27, Saturday – Newport Playhouse – Newport, RI.