Tag: manhattan

  • Navigating New York City’s Music Venues

    In the vibrant land of New York City, each borough offers its unique culture, style, and history. In music, the historic jazz clubs of Harlem, projecting unforgettable stars like Duke Ellington, to the indie rock bands in Brooklyn, Manhattan’s Broadway avenues, Queen’s melting pot of cultural musicians, the Bronx’s hip-hop roots, and Staten Island’s hidden diamonds, the city offers something for everyone.

    Even if you don’t live in the city, New York State Music has you covered with music venue guides across the state. Western New York, Hudson Valley, North Country, the Capital Region, Rochester and the Finger Lakes, the Southern Tier, the Berkshires, Long Island, and Central New York all have their own guides available.


    Manhattan

    Rockwood Music Hall

    The Rockwood Music Hall is a small live music venue on NYC’s Lower East Side, with world-class sound and a storied history. Anchored by a 9’x9’ stage and a Welte & Sons baby grand piano, Rockwood hosts artists of all genres and musical styles, 7 days a week.

    Address: 196 Allen St, New York, NY 10002

    Website

    Smalls Jazz Club

    The club is filled with vibrant jazz-loving people from all over the world. The musicians are all top-rate and playing their hearts out for an adoring and sympathetic crowd.

    Address: 183 W 10th St New York, NY 10014

    Website

    Irving Plaza

    Irving Plaza is a ballroom-style music venue located within the Union Square neighborhood of Manhattan in New York City. It was featured on the Complex City Guide list of “50 Best Concert Venues of America” in 2013.

    Address: 17 Irving Pl, New York, NY 10003

    Website

    Webster Hall

    Webster Hall is one of New York’s most significant large 19th-century assembly halls, and it became famous for its Bohemian masquerade balls in the 1910s and 1920s.

    Address: 125 E 11th St, New York, NY 10003

    Website

    Parkside Lounge

    Known for its mix of local talent and acoustic acts, the funky venue has an intimate stage for all performances. As a local staple of the East Village, locals and visitors love then venue.

    Address: 317 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002

    Website

    The Bitter End

    The Bitter End is a 230-person capacity nightclub, coffeehouse, and folk music venue in New York City’s Greenwich Village. It opened in 1961 at 147 Bleeker Street under the auspices of owner Fred Weintraub. The club changed its name to The Other End in June 1975. However, after a few years, the owners changed the club’s name back to the more recognizable The Bitter End.

    Address: 147 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10012

    Website

    Mercury Lounge

    The Mercury Lounge is celebrated as an iconic indie venue due to its acoustics, its fostering and even launching of upcoming artists, and its no-frills, rock n’ roll presentation. It has made numerous top-ten lists over the years including that of Billboard Magazine. It has a capacity of 250 people.

    Address: 217 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002

    Website

    Le Poisson Rouge

    LPR is a music venue and multimedia art cabaret in New York City founded in 2008. The performance space was designed and engineered by John Storyk/WSDG. It has become known for its focus on artistry, bringing contemporary classical music into the club setting, offering a variety of setups so that a seated classical performance can be followed by a standing set by a rock band or a DJ.

    Address: 158 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10012

    Website

    SOB’s

    Sounds of Brazil, known as S.O.B.’s, is a legendary live music venue in the lower Manhattan neighborhood of SoHo. It was opened by owner and director Larry Gold in June 1982. Gold opened the venue to expose the musical wealth and heritage of the Afro-Latino Diaspora to as many people as possible.

    Address: 204 Varick St, New York, NY 10014

    Website

    Nublu Classic

    Nublu is a unique club and record label from the cultural epicenter of New York City, the East Village. There are three entities of the Nublu universe, a live music venue, a record label, and a recently launched Nublu Jazz Festival which has premiered in NYC, Sao Paul and Istanbul.

    Address: 62 Loisaida Ave, New York, NY 10009

    Website

    Bowery Electric

    Being a staple in the East Village, the venue is owned and operated by rock and roll lifers. Known for the raw and gritty charm, the establishment hosts rising stars.

    Address: 327 Bowery, New York, NY 10003

    Website

    Gramercy Theatre

    The Gramercy Theatre is a music venue in New York City. It is located in the Gramercy neighborhood of Manhattan, on 127 East 23rd Street. Built in 1937 as the Gramercy Park Theatre, it is owned and operated by Live Nation as one of their two concert halls in New York City, the other being the nearby Irving Plaza.

    Address: 127 E 23rd St, New York, NY 10010

    Website

    The Red Lion

    The Red Lion is a  living, breathing Rock-n-Roll juke box.  This is the place where bands get their start, making their bones, paying the rent and barely paying their tab. Just like the Rolling Stones did with their first three albums: Interpreting the songs they loved the best.

    Address: 151 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10012

    Website

    Pier 17 Rooftop

    The Rooftop at Pier 17 is New York City’s most scenic concert stage. A dynamic open-air entertainment venue, set five stories above the East River, concert goers annually see their favorite artists within an intimate atmosphere (3,500 capacity), all from a one-of-a-kind rooftop location with direct views of such iconic skyline landmarks as the Brooklyn Bridge, Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, and One World Trade Center.

    Address: 89 South St, New York, NY 10038

    Website

    Groove

    Groove is a venue that remains, honoring the rich musical tradition of Greenwich Village. Groove has seen many changes since opening in 1998, but the mission to uplift local musicians and fans and to preserve the soul of American music continues to this day. 

    Address: 125 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012

    Website

    Shake Rattle N Roll Pianos

    Dueling Pianos is an all-request, rock-and-roll party where you pick the playlist. Two top piano entertainers, mixing music, comedy and audience interaction in a singalong, laugh-along, dance-along show! It’s everything from Billy Joel to Bon Jovi, Britney Spears to Bruno Mars. Nothing is off-limits from pop, rock, country, hip-hop, hairbands, disco, punk rock, standards, showtunes.

    Address: 152 W 26th St, New York, NY 10001

    Website

    Beacon Theatre

    The Beacon Theatre was developed by Samuel “Roxy” Rothafel and built as a movie palace with 2,894 seas across three levels. The theater is designated as a New York City interior landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

    Address: 2124 Broadway, New York, NY 10023

    Website

    Park Avenue Armory

    Part palace, part industrial shed, Park Avenue Armory fills a critical void in the cultural ecology of New York, supporting unconventional works in the performing and visual arts that cannot be fully realized in a traditional proscenium theater, concert hall, or white wall gallery. With its soaring 55,000-square-foot Wade Thompson Drill Hall and an array of exuberant period rooms, the Armory enables a diverse range of artists to create, students to explore, and audiences to experience epic, adventurous, relevant work that cannot be done elsewhere in New York.

    Address: 643 Park Ave, New York, NY 10065

    Website


    Brooklyn

    National Sawdust

    The National Sawdust commissions, produces, and presents cultural programming rooted in sound, supporting artists in various disciplines who are passionate about experimentation and innovation. In its intimate venue equipped with a state-of-the-art spatial sound system, National Sawdust connects audiences to the performing arts’ powers to inspire deep thinking, joy, and uphold human dignity.

    Address: 80 N 6th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249

    Website

    Elsewhere

    Elsewhere is a multi-room music venue, nightclub, and arts space in Bushwick, Brooklyn. Our focus is underground and unbound music, presented with love. Since 2017, Elsewhere’s three stories of dance floors and stages have been home to expansive sonic offerings for all New Yorkers to explore. We are and will forever remain fiercely independent.

    Address: 599 Johnson Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237

    Website

    The Meadows

    Located next door to The Brooklyn Monarch, The Meadows is quickly becoming a late night hotspot. This 500 capacity venue is an oasis, complete with a full bar, food, and trippy picturesque backyard with a seasonal outdoor stage.

    Address: 17 Meadow St, Brooklyn, NY 11206

    Website

    Skinny Dennis

    Skinny Dennis is located in the heart of Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The bar features 18 beers on draft, our signature cocktails, a vintage jukebox and our INfamous Willie’s Frozen Coffee. Since February 2013, Skinny Dennis has been home to the some of the best live country & roots music in New York City. Offering high quality musical entertainment 7 nights a week. 

    Address: 152 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211

    Website

    Freddy’s Bar

    Quirky Brooklyn bar prized for ‘divey’ vibes, eclectic decor & live performances in the back room. The eclectic decor within the bar adds and build unique character and is a local favorite.

    Address: 627 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215

    Website

    The Bell House

    Opened in September of 2008, the warehouse venue hosts big-name acts & up-and-comers. Before opening, the space was used for recording the NPR program “Ask Me Another.”

    Address: 149 7th St, Brooklyn, NY 11215

    Website

    Brooklyn Paramount Theater

    On November 24, 1928, Brooklyn Paramount introduced the most immersive entertainment experience the world had ever seen. Crowds stretched around the block to leave the world behind for a baroque palace of overwhelming spectacle and groundbreaking performances. Emboldened as ‘America’s first movie theater built for sound,’ Brooklyn Paramount set the stage for a storied saga of beginnings.

    Address: 385 Flatbush Ave Ext, Brooklyn, NY 11201

    Website

    Public Records – The Atrium

    Located within the former horse stable of the ASPCA HQ, The Atrium is a cocktail bar and plant based restaurant that transforms into a late night music space. The room is crowned by a historic skylight and imposing 20′ columns that frame a monolithic travertine bar. The Atrium hosts a diverse range of record selectors over dinner service and internationally touring DJ’s later in the evening.

    Address: 233 Butler St, Brooklyn, NY 11217

    Website

    The Brooklyn Hangar

    With 15,000+ square feet of space on each of two floors featuring high ceilings and ample open space.  3,000 person capacity uniquely positioned to take advantage of the burgeoning Hollywood movie and TV rental business in Brooklyn. The Hangar also has a pre-approved NY State-certified Soundstage/New York State Qualified Production Facility (QPF) for usage rights.

    Address: 2 52nd St, Brooklyn, NY 11232

    Website

    Pete’s Candy Store

    Opened in 1999, Pete’s Candy Store continues as Williamsburg’s original live music venue. Featuring acts such as Will Oldham, Beth Orton, Devendra Barnhart and Norah Jones, this small venue and neighborhood tavern developed an early reputation for special shows and rare treats. While the list of noteworthy performers is quite lengthy, Pete’s Candy Store has always been a free venue and has booked mostly unknown and unsigned bands, many of which have gone on to greater recognition.

    Address: 709 Lorimer St, Brooklyn, NY 11211

    Website

    Kings Theatre

    The Kings Theatre, formerly Loew’s Kings Theatre, is a live performance venue in the Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York City. Opened by Loew’s Theatres as a movie palace in 1929 and closed in 1977, the theater sat empty for decades until a complete renovation was initiated in 2010.

    Address: 1027 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11226

    Website

    Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk

    The Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island is an outdoor live entertainment venue within the Childs Restaurants building on the Riegelmann Boardwalk in Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York City. The venue opened in June 2016.

    Address: 3052 W 21st St, Brooklyn, NY 11224

    Website

    C’mon Everybody

    Founded in 2014, C’mon was born out of a desire to amplify the underserved creative voices of LGBTQ/QTPOC people (and allies) and to serve as a safe space for the queer community.

    Address: 325 Franklin Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238

    Website

    Brooklyn Music Kitchen

    Brooklyn Music Kitchen is Brooklyn’s newest music infusion giving local and global artists the opportunity to perform, record and stream their live performances from a fully loaded sound and video stage.

    Address: 177 Vanderbilt Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11205

    Website

    TV Eye

    TV Eye is a new kind of night club on a geographical and cultural frontier, proudly occupying both a space on the edge of the Bushwick/Ridgewood border and in the vanguard of contemporary nightlife.

    Address: 1647 Weirfield St, Ridgewood, NY 11385

    Website

    Our Wicked Lady

    Industrial-chic venue of rehearsal space, art studios & rooftop bar with live music, films & snacks. From indie to R&B offers a great offering of rising artists.

    Address: 153 Morgan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237

    Website

    Baby’s All Right

    Established in 2013, Baby’s All Right is an independently funded & operated music venue in the heart of Williamsburg. Its intimate, 250-capacity show room has hosted past perfomers including SZA, Cypress Hill, Lil Yachty, Blood Orange, Charli XCX, Mac DeMarco, James Murphy, David Byrne, Hot Chip, Courtney Barnett, Willow Smith, Jack White, Billie Eilish & many more.

    Address: 146 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11211

    Website

    Gold Sounds

    This spot is a favorite hangout and go-to spot for live music and draft beers. Regularly hosting live performances, the venue has the perfect atmosphere for a casual night outing.

    Address: 44 Wilson Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237

    Website

    The Paper Box

    A late night party venue on a dark street in Bushwick, The Paper Box is home to a variety of music shows in a big warehouse with two different spaces.

    Address: 7 Meadow St, Brooklyn NY, 11206

    Website

    Music Hall of Williamsburg

    The Music Hall of Williamsburg us operated by the Bowery Presents, a group stemming from Bowery Ballroom that was brought by AEG in 2017. The Music Hall of Williamsburg has a capacity of 650 people and has shows on most nights of the week.

    Address: 66 N 6th St, Brooklyn, NY 11211

    Website

    Lucky 13 Saloon

    Established in 2003, Lucky 13 Saloon is the FIRST Metal Bar to grace Brooklyn and now a Live Music Venue.

    Address: 644 Sackett St, Brooklyn, NY 11217

    Website

    Brownstone Jazz

    Imagine retreating back in time to enjoy live jazz in an intimate, restored 19th-century Victorian brownstone in the historical district of Brooklyn’s Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood. Brownstone Jazz presents jazz concerts complete with a piano, bass, drum set and other acoustic instruments as well. A Southern fish-fry buffet and open mic sessions add to the experience.

    Address: 107 Macon St, Brooklyn, NY 11216

    Website

    Gemini and Scorpio Loft

    Gemini & Scorpio, two funky Brooklyn gals, have been running the second-largest non-commercial New York City events list since 2002, spreading the word on underground happenings you’d otherwise never hear about. They are also the makers of themed costume parties with live entertainment: legendary happenings from wild circus throw downs to dazzling vintage dance socials to one-of-a-kind Russian baths bashes.

    Address: 267 Douglass St 3rd floor, Brooklyn, NY 11217

    Website

    Issue Project Room
    A pioneering Brooklyn-based performance nonprofit founded in 2003, ISSUE presents projects by interdisciplinary artists that expand the boundaries of artistic practice and stimulate critical dialogue in the broader community. ISSUE serves as a leading cultural incubator, facilitating the commission and premiere of innovative new works spanning genres of music, dance, literature and film.

    Address: 22 Boerum Pl, Brooklyn, NY 11201

    Website

    The Owl Music Parlor

    The Owl hopes to bring to Brooklyn a fresh concert experience for both artists and audiences.

    Address: 497 Rogers Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11225

    Website


    Queens

    Queens Theatre

    Formerly Queens Theatre in the Park and before that Queens Playhouse, is an American professional theatre, located in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, Queens, New York City, New York.

    Address : Flushing Meadows Corona Park, 14 United Nations Ave S, Queens, NY 11368

    Website

    Terraza 7

    Terraza 7 is a live music venue and community center; the perfect hub for local art, political expressions, and your favorite coffee or mixed drink. Located in the heart of Queens, New York, between Elmhurst and Jackson Heights, two locations containing the most diverse population of immigrants on the planet, is committed to a progressive model of business that grows within its community base on local values.

    Address: 40-19 Gleane St, Queens, NY 11373

    Website

    The Wolfhound

    The Wolfhound is a contemporary Irish pub in Astoria Queens NYC. We serve lots of Guinness as well as craft beer + domestic favorites along with a seasonal cocktail list We pack the calendar with weekend events – live music, DJ parties, and more. Trivia on Tuesdays. Rocking since August 2016.

    Address: 38-14 30th Ave., Astoria, NY 11103

    Website

    Forest Hills Stadium

    Forest Hills Stadium is a historic outdoor music venue that has welcomed fans to the picturesque New York City neighborhood of Forest Hills, Queens for over 100 years. Designed to optimize acoustics and with no obstructed views, the 13,000 capacity stadium is the only outdoor venue of its kind and size in the city.

    Address: 1 Tennis Pl, Forest Hills, NY 11375

    Website

    Flushing Town Hall

    Flushing Town Hall is a performing arts center and historic town hall at 137-35 Northern Boulevard in the Flushing neighborhood of Queens in New York City. It served as the seat of government of the village of Flushing until the village became part of City of Greater New York in 1898.

    Address: 137-35 Northern Blvd, Flushing, NY 11354

    Website

    The Knockdown Center

    Featuring programming of diverse formats and media, Knockdown Center aims to create a radically cross-disciplinary environment. The particularity of our architectural environment and history leads us to gravitate toward projects that demonstrate a sensitive reactivity to site and environment.

    Address: 52-19 Flushing Ave, Maspeth, NY 11378

    Website

    Trans-Pecos

    Pronounced TRANS-PEAK-Os. The venue is dedicated to showcasing new music. The space is a hub for rising artists to gain a starting platform.

    Address: 9-15 Wyckoff Ave, Ridgewood, NY 11385

    Website

    Gantry Plaza State Park

    Gantry Plaza State Park is a 12-acre state park on the East River in the Hunters Point section of Long Island City, in the New York City borough of Queens. The park is located in a former dockyard and manufacturing district, and includes remnants of facilities from the area’s past.

    Address: 4-44 47th Rd, Queens, NY 11101

    Website


    Bronx

    Paradise Theatre

    The Paradise Theater, formerly Loew’s Paradise Theatre, is a movie palace-type theater located at 2417 Grand Concourse in the Bronx. Constructed in 1929 at the height of grand movie theaters, in the later 20th century the building was used also for live entertainment.

    Address: 2403 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10468

    Website

    Lehman Center for the Performing Arts

    The Loew’s Paradise Theatre is a 2,310-seat venue with programs, concerts & other events by well-known & emerging artists.

    Address: 250 Bedford Park Blvd W, Bronx, NY 10468

    Website

    Bronx Music Hall

    The Women’s Housing and Economic Development Corporation (WHEDco) developed the Bronx Music Hall (BMH) as a performance venue and community cultural center dedicated to honoring, showcasing and cultivating music, dance, theater, and interdisciplinary arts in the Bronx.

    Address: 438 E 163rd St, Bronx, NY 10451

    Website

    The Bronx Brewery
    The Brewery is committed to using what we create and where we create it to bring people together, while celebrating the rich and diverse creative scene in our home borough and across New York City and Manhattan.

    Address: 856 E. 136th Street, Bronx, NY 10454

    Website

    Pregones/ Puerto Rican Traveling Theater

    Pregones was founded in 1979 when a group of artists led by Rosalba Rolón set out to create new works in the style of Caribbean and Latin American “colectivos” or performing ensembles.

    Address: 575 Walton Ave, Bronx, NY 10451

    Website

    The Point CDC

    THE POINT Community Development Corporation is dedicated to youth development and the cultural and economic revitalization of the Hunts Point section of the South Bronx. Its programming falls within three main headings all aimed at the comprehensive revitalization of the Hunts Point community: Youth Development, Arts and Culture, and Community Development.

    Address: 940 Garrison Ave, Bronx, NY 10474

    Website

    An Beal Bocht Cafe

    An Beal Bocht Cafe, in operation since 1991, began as a small cafe.  Serving only non-alcoholic beverages, it centered as a spot for artist to gather and performs, and quickly cemented itself as a neighborhood favorite.

    Address: 445 W 238th St, Bronx, NY 10463

    Website

    Orchard Beach

    Orchard Beach is the only public beach in the New York City borough of the Bronx. The 115-acre, 1.1-mile-long beach is part of Pelham Bay Park and is situated on the western end of Long Island Sound. Orchard Beach indeed has music, with Salsa Sundays held every Sunday from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, from noon to 5 pm, as well as Pride in the Bronx in June, Camping, Pelham Bay Park canoeing and much more!

    Address: Bronx, NY 10464

    Website


    Staten Island

    St. George Theatre

    The St. George Theatre is a performing arts venue, picture palace, and office complex at 35 Hyatt Street in St. George, on the North Shore of Staten Island, New York City. The 2,800-seat St. George Theatre was built for Staten Island theater operator Solomon Brill and opened on December 4, 1929. 

    Address: 35 Hyatt St, Staten Island, NY 10301

    Website

    The Harbor Lights Theater Company

    Harbor Lights is Staten Islands own professional Theater Company presenting Broadway actors in beautifully designed productions at an affordable price.

    Address: 358 Forest Ave, Staten Island, NY 10301

    Website

    Mother Pug’s Saloon

    The Saloon host live music on most Friday and Saturday nights. Shows can be held inside or outside depending on the weather.

    Address: 1371 Forest Ave, Staten Island, NY 10302

    Website

    Center for the Arts

    Located at the heart of the 204-acre campus of the College of Staten Island (CSI), a four-year senior college of The City University of New York (CUNY), the Center for the Arts (CFA) is one of the leading, state-of-the-art, performing arts centers in Staten Island.

    Address: 2800 Victory Blvd #1P-116, Staten Island, NY 10314

    Website

  • NYC Avant-Garde Theatre, The Kitchen, Announces Its 2024 Season

    New York City’s experimental and avant-garde theatre, The Kitchen, announced its programming for the Fall 2024 season. This season combines works from multiple disciplines and collaborations between several institutions and artists, bringing an exciting new collection to their temporary Westbeth Artists Housing stage.

    the kitchen

    Founded in 1971, The Kitchen has provided New York City with exceptional artists, from dancers to muralists and painters. For the last five decades and throughout multiple different venues, it has been a place where the abstract and avant-garde can shine.

    Currently situated in the Chelsea neighborhood in Manhattan, this season includes collaborations with longtime partners Protect the Peace with PROTECT THE PEACE: we, INSURGENT, The Kitchen’s Longest-Running Series, Dance and Process, Code Switch: Distributing Blackness, Reprogramming Internet Art, The Kitchen’s first traveling exhibition, and more.

            The full schedule is listed below. Tickets and more information can be found on their website, linked here.

            The Kitchen Fall 2024 Programming Schedule

            The Kitchen in Focus at 47 Canal
            47 Canal (59 Wooster St 2nd floor, New York, NY 10012)
            September 4–14 and September 20–October 26, 2024
            Gallery Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-6pm, and by appointment

            PROTECT THE PEACE: we, INSURGENT

            The Kitchen at Westbeth

            September 6, 2024, 6-9pm

            Tickets: Sliding scale $10-30; Tickets on sale August 15

            Dance and Process: Rena Anakwe, ms. z tye, and Ogemdi Ude

            The Kitchen at Westbeth

            Performances: September 20–22, 2024; Time to be announced in early September

            Tickets: Sliding scale; $10-30

            Community Action Center: The Soundtrack

            Site: The Kitchen at Westbeth

            Date: October 8, 2024, 7pm

            Tickets: Sliding scale; $10-30

            Code Switch: Distributing Blackness, Reprogramming Internet Art
            Site: Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture [Fall 2024] and Museum of
            Contemporary Art Detroit [Spring 2025]
            Dates: October 15 – December 19, 2024, and April 25 – September 7, 2025
            Schomburg Gallery hours: Free; Monday – Saturday, 10am-6pm

            NIC Kay: The last gasp of the angry white man

            Dia Chelsea, co-presented in partnership with Dia Art Foundation

            October 12, 2024, 5:30pm

            Tickets: Free with RSVP; Reservations open on August 15 via Dia’s website

            JJJJJerome Ellis: Aster of Ceremonies

            The Kitchen at Westbeth

            November 7, 2024, 7pm

            Tickets: Sliding scale; $10-30

            Meredith Monk. Calling Catalogue Launch Party

            The Kitchen at Westbeth

            November 13, 2024, 7pm

            Tickets: Free with RSVP

            Lines of Distribution

            The Kitchen at Westbeth

            November 21, 2024–January 18, 2025

            Regular gallery hours: Wednesday–Saturday, 12–6pm

            Opening weekend programming, including performances and artist roundtable: November 22–23 (Details, tickets, and times to be announced)

          • Trevor Noah Hosts Two-Night Event in Celebration in NYC of New Book, “Into the Uncut Grass”

            Best-selling author and comedian Trevor Noah has announced he will return to New York City to host a two-night celebration of the publication of his latest book, Into the Uncut Grass. The book will be released on October 8.

            In the meantime, he will be hosting his events at the Beacon Theatre in Manhattan on release day, and at Kings Theatre in Brooklyn on October 9.

            trevor noah

            During these celebrations, Trevor Noah plans to do more than just party. Joining a moderator on stage, he offers a deep dive into the essence of his latest work.

            Trevor is the author of the 2016 #1 New York Times bestseller Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood, a memoir depicting the hardships of growing up mixed-raced in apartheid South Africa. His storytelling ability caught the attention of readers of all ages, adapting the bestseller into a young readers’ version in 2019. This year, he’s back with another testament to his storytelling abilities with his latest book, Into the Uncut Grass.

            However, unlike Born a Crime, Trevor Noah’s latest book is a work of fiction rather than a memoir. Trevor’s new book is a gorgeously illustrated and moving modern fable for readers of all ages about forgiveness, acceptance, and the secret to solidarity. Inspired by classic children’s fables like Alice in Wonderland and The Little Prince, he adjusts these longstanding stories to fit his own personal experience, as well as

            “Few memories in my life bring me more joy than the first few books I read as a child,” says Trevor Noah. “Either with my mom or reading alone, those simple stories shaped so much of how I saw the world. I hope this story can bring a little bit of that same joy to readers of all ages.”

            General on-sale for these celebrations begins on Friday, August 9 at 10 am local. Tickets are available with this link here.

          • Interview: Felice Brothers Embrace Imperfection in “Valley of Abandoned Songs”

            Do you ever wonder what happens to all the art that is castaway or disavowed by an artist? Where does it go and what stories do we miss in the process? Once in a while this unsettling question dawns upon me, and I get innately queasy in my bones thinking about all the ideas I will never know and understand. 

            It is rare for these art pieces to ever likely be perceived by the world, yet even rarer for a band to make a whole album out these pieces, let alone so exquisite it warrants the creation of a whole new label for special release.

            Photo by Alisha Goel

            Comprising of 13 euphonious and whimsical tracks, often featuring bizarre and enigmatic other-worldly characters, Catskills-based folk and rock quartet The Felice Brothers impressively accomplished this feat with the release of their latest album Valley of Abandoned Songs. Recorded live in an 1870’s church, this collection incorporates unreleased songs from their previous releases 2019’s Undress and 2023’s Asylum on the Hill.

            Photo by Alisha Goel

            Instrumentalist James Felice described this collection as “little snapshots of places that we were at and ideas we had over the years,” and we talked more about Valley of Abandoned Songs before their show at Bowery Ballroom on July 11.

            The interview has been edited for clarity and length.

            Photo by Alisha Goel

            Alisha Goel: People often categorize your music as folk and Americana. What are your thoughts on it? How do you describe your band style? 

            James Felice: When we first started, the label Americana or folk was so annoying to us. We didn’t want to be pigeonholed, or we thought that we were too cool for it. But honestly, we are. All of our music, the way we play and the music we grew up with is folk music. It’s the music that we are most connected to. So yeah, I’m okay with that. I think we’ve been doing this long enough to have our sort of thing.

            Ian Felice fixing his broken guitar string on stage. (Photo by Alisha Goel)

            AG: Describe the Valley of Abandoned Songs in three words.

            JF: It’s abandoned songs. These are songs that we recorded over the course of the last few years. Most of them did not fit any records, but they were songs or demos that we’ve loved or felt connected to. We didn’t have high hopes for it and we didn’t know if it was worth putting out in the world. It’s surprising that it exists and that people are listening to it. Sometimes you’re not the best judge of your own work.

            Photo by Alisha Goel

            AG: There is a lot of vivid imagery and distinctive characters in this album. How do these characters come alive? Are there any particular literature or media sources that acted as your inspiration for this album?

            Ian Felice: The characters come alive through the act of songwriting, which is an esoteric process that I don’t fully understand. They grow in my mind. Sometimes they are versions of myself or people that I know. Sometimes they are ghosts that appear and vanish at will. The songs span over a six-year period of writing so I cannot say there was a particular writer that inspired the album as a whole. I recall having certain writers in mind for specific songs, Elizabeth Bishop for example, when I was writing “Raccoon, Rooster and Crow.”  

            Photo by Alisha Goel

            AG: Since we are in NYC, we have to talk about “New York By Moonlight.” You have a rich history with the city itself, from starting your journey as subway buskers to now playing at the Bowery. How do your personal experiences in this city tie into this song?

            IF: Yes, when we first started our band we lived in the city and busked a lot in the subways. The song brings to mind some imagery and feelings from those days. It’s a dreamy rainy song about loneliness in the midst of so many people, but the gloom is pierced by moments of beauty, hopefully. It’s like daisies blooming in a prison yard. The character is a lost old man who walks with a cane and scares the pigeons.

            Photo by Alisha Goel

            AG: I know your writing process and creation process mutates a lot for every project you work on. Can you walk me through how the writing and production process was for a project that was so unique? 

            IF: A lot of the songs were intended to be demos and were never meant to be heard by anyone outside the band so the production process was extremely loose. We recorded them by ourselves with usually only one or two takes. 

            JF: We had these sweat sessions, which was like five or six songs recorded in one session. It was so hot, even higher than it is now, and we were just dripping sweat. A couple of the songs on the album are from the sweat sessions. Musically, this record is very simple. It’s very raw, live and just trying stuff to see how it feels. Sometimes when I hear it, I wish I played something differently or better, but if people are enjoying it, it’s fine. 

            Photo by Alisha Goel

            AG: I imagine there were a lot of abandoned songs. How did you thematically decide which ones are going to make the cut for this album?

            IF: They were all castaways that lived in a remote valley. They grew to love each other and their stories were made more rich by their interrelation. Obviously, this wasn’t a conscious decision but it’s how it worked out somehow. It’s a record about reincarnation and imperfection.

            Photo by Alisha Goel

            AG: What are you working on next and do you have any plans of ever stopping?

            IF: We are touring a bit this year. I’m also working on a painting show for Half Gallery in NYC this November. 

            JF: I don’t ever want to stop. I get more joy every year. I really do. I find that playing music is the best part of my life. Maybe the music will change as we get older. Maybe we will stop hopping around so much on stage. Maybe we will get quieter or weirder, hopefully. I have nothing else I would like to do. Just this music and playing it with the band.

            Photo by Alisha Goel

            Listen to Valley of Abandoned Songs below.

          • 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.

          • Berklee NYC Celebrates Landmark 2024 Commencement

            The Berklee College of Music announced that their New York City graduate program recently celebrated its graduation with a commencement ceremony at Lincoln Center.

            On Sunday, June 29, Berklee NYC honored its largest cohort of Master’s recipients in the Appel Room of Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Frederick P. Rose Hall. 

            berklee nyc
            Photo credit – Yusuke Yamanouchi

            Betsie Becker, acting executive director of Berklee NYC and Power Station at Berklee NYC, and David Bogen, interim president and provost of Berklee College of Music, conferred degrees to 119 scholars and four post-master’s fellows. The graduates were recipients of one-year Master of Arts degrees in creative media and technology, specializing in either songwriting and production, live music production and design, or writing and design for musical theatre. Music for the ceremony was even written and produced by the graduates, with the processional written by Power Station at Berklee NYC alumnus and staff member Glenn Forsythe (Class of 2008).

            The commencement speech was given by Grammy and Tony award-winning musician and composer Charlie Rosen, a Berklee graduate of the class of 2012. This past February, Rosen took home the Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album as orchestrator of the Broadway smash hit Some Like It Hot. In 2022, Rosen and his band, 8-Bit Big Band, received the Grammy for Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella.  Rosen has won two Tony Awards for Best Orchestration for his work on Moulin Rouge! The Musical (2020) and A Strange Loop (2023).

            berklee nyc
            Charlie Rosen ’12 addresses graduates at the 2024 Berklee NYC commencement ceremony. Image by Yusuke Yamanouchi

            Rosen, who is also a cancer survivor, gave a rousing speech to the graduates and fellows, inspiring each to pursue their creativity, even in the face of an incredibly difficult, competitive industry. Other keynote speakers were Xenia Rubos (Class of 2006), an assistant professor of songwriting and production, and songwriting and production scholar Tamieyah Johnson, who delivered remarks on behalf of her fellow graduates.

            “This industry and this city can be challenging and unpredictable. Having a community around you of people who understand your struggles, share your passion, and celebrate your successes is invaluable. They will help you navigate the uncertainties, celebrate your victories, and provide solace during tough times,” said Rosen. “As a recent cancer survivor, I can attest most to the power of the support system of friends and peers. If there is one thing I continue to learn, it’s that no one succeeds in this industry alone. The connections you have made at Berklee are just the beginning.”

          • Jim Jones, Brady Watt Join Forces At ‘Godspeed’

            Jim Jones’ rapping and delivery have aged like wine. Thus it comes as no surprise that as Brady Watt sifted through beats at — Dipset affiliates — Heatmakers’ studio, he could not help but think of Capo. “With Dipset already on my mind, we reached out to Jim Jones, and he miraculously came to the studio a few days later,” Watt recalls. 

            Jim Jones and Brady Watt in the studio
            Brady Watt adds his touch to The Heatmakers’ beat, creating “Godspeed.”

            Hence, the end result –“Godspeed”– is classic Heatmakers beat. Backed by a high pitch and soul sample, the record sees Jim Jones introspectively shares his life and times and Brady Watt delivers a passionate chorus. Yet during the recording process, Watt was mourning the loss of a close friend’s father. Thus channeling his emotions into the song, turning his sadness into a passionate message about gratitude, alignment with destiny and God’s timing.

            “Jim did the verse on the spot and brought everything to the next level. Thankfully, my cameraman was there to document everything,” Watt reveals. Indeed, the music video for “Godspeed” consists of the intimate studio session, showcasing Watt’s diversity as he provides vocals, production and instrumentation on the record.

            “I’m a lifelong Dipset fan,” Watt shares. “Over the years, I’ve developed a friendship with Jim and Heatmakerz. I’m always making beats, but I wanted to see what would happen if I used someone else’s production while still adding my instrumentation and bass.”

            More From Brady Watt

            Ultimately, “Godspeed” is the latest feather in the cap of the the multi-instrumentalist/producer. After all Watt has been a hip hop mainstay thanks to his musical chops. Aside from being a well-renowned live musician and session bass player, he continues to push musical boundaries with his groundbreaking “Bass & Bars” series, which has now garnered over 100 million views. 

          • Sarah McLachlan’s “Fumbling Towards Ecstasy 30th Anniversary Tour” Makes Stop in NYC

            Sarah McLachlan brought her Fumbling Towards Ecstasy 30th Anniversary Tour to a sold-out show at Radio City Music Hall on Monday, June 24.

            Opening for her was Feist, who will also be joining McLachlan for additional North American tour dates this summer. Fumbling Towards Ecstasy received critical acclaim at the time of its release and has garnered a cult following in the years since. The crowd at Radio City was filled with a buzzing energy: equal parts nostalgic and anticipation.

            Throughout her career, McLachlan has provided foundational support to the communities she has been a part of. For each ticket sale on this tour, $1 goes towards Sarah McLachlan School of Music, a non-profit started by McLachlan in 2002. With locations around Canada, the schools provide free music education and mentorship to students in under-served communities.

            There was also Lilith Fair, the revolutionary all-female traveling music festival founded by McLachlan. Lilith Fair made stops in New York at Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh every year it ran- 1997, 1997, and 1999. Fumbling Towards Ecstasy was released just a few years prior and helped bring McLachlan’s music to further international audiences.

            McLachlan entered the Radio City stage to a roar of applause before the spotlight even had its chance to shine on her. She opened the show with a few songs off of her other albums before diving into the Fumbling setlist. 30 years later, the songs of Fumbling Towards Ecstasy have proven to be both a time capsule and present day cache. A reminder of the difficulties life can present us at unaccepted moments and a celebration of making it through it. The album is a timeless classic that prevails decades, the audience’s enchantment throughout the evening was proof of that.

            Currently working on a new album, McLachlan has performed a new song, “Gravity,” on a few stops of this tour. McLachlan will be playing next in Columbia, Maryland at Merriweather Post Pavilion on June 27. The Fumbling Towards Ecstasy Tour will be making additional stops in North America through the end of the year.

            Sarah McLachlan – Radio City Music Hall – Monday, June 24, 2024

            Set OneGreatest Hits: Sweet Surrender, Building a Mystery, I Will Remember You, Drifting, Song for My Father, World on Fire, Adia, Beautiful Girl, Answer, Witness

            Set Two Fumbling Towards Ecstasy: Possession, Wait, Plenty, Good Enough, Mary, Elsewhere, Circle, Ice, Hold On, Ice Cream, Fear, Fumbling Towards Ecstasy

            Encore: Gravity, Angel

            Sarah McLachlan
            Feist playing at Radio City on June 24
            Sarah McLachlan playing Radio City on June 24
            Sarah McLachlan
            Sarah McLachlan
            Sarah McLachlan
            Sarah McLachlan
            Sarah McLachlan
          • NYC Vocalist Morley Releases Highly Anticipated Single “It’s Hard To Stop” 

            On Friday, June 21, Manhattan-based singer-songwriter Morley released her newest single, “It’s Hard to Stop.” The single is the first off of her forthcoming album, Follow the Sound, set to release on September 27.

            In collaboration with her husband, Chris Bruce, “It’s Hard to Stop” is a soft, soothing recollection on the tenderness of the human condition and heartbreak.

            morley

            Over the course of the last decade, Morley has received widespread critical acclaim for her contributions to the arts. Before releasing her first album, Morley worked for the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center, a modern dance company based in Manhattan, as a choreographer. During her tours with the dance center, she began writing and composing original music.

            Morley’s style combines elements of jazz, folk, and classic Americana glued together by free-flowing improvisation. “It’s Hard to Stop” is no different. The single incorporates elements of acoustic folk and indie with her bluesy voice reminiscent of Nina Simone.

            Since then, she has used her music to become a widespread advocate for social justice. Morley has performed all over the world, including for and alongside prominent activists, charities, and religious figures, including His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Nelson Mandela, and Virgin Unite. In 2019, Morley released the album Borderless Lullabies, which continues to raise funds for K-I-N-D (Kids In Need Of Defense).

            morley

            Now, Morley is ready to unleash her creativity through a combination of her iconic folk and jazz-inspired sounds. Along with her husband, producer Chris Bruce, Follow The Sound has contributions from several artists and instrumentalists. Meshell Ndegeocello (bass), Shara Nova a.k.a. My Brightest Diamond (vocals), Toumani Diabaté (kora), Jon Cowherd (piano), Chris Bruce (guitar, bass), Arun & Trina Ramamurthy (violins), Jack DeBoe, Jay Bellerose and Abe Rounds (drums), and Cole Kamen (trumpet) all contributed to the highly-anticipated album.

            ‘It’s Hard To Stop’ arose from an improv, a stream of consciousness while Chris and I were playing in our apartment one night. Looking out the window at all those city lights got me thinking about all the dreams and tender hearts striving to have a beautiful life inside them, glimpses of our highest possibilities came to mind, and how hard it is to stop from wanting things to be different in the world than the way they are, right now.

            Morley

            For more information on the artist and future releases, visit their website. To Stream “It’s Hard To Stop,” click HERE.

          • In Focus: Wilco at the Beacon Theatre

            On Friday, June 21, Wilco performed the first night of a string of three shows at the Beacon Theatre.

            Opening for Wilco at the sold-out show was Brooklyn-based Cut Worms. This summer tour supports Wilco’s latest album, Cousin, released in September 2023.

            Wilco Beacon Theatre

            The art deco interior of Beacon Theatre felt like the perfect venue for the band hailing from Chicago, a city known for its extravagant architecture. “I always remember this place because the exit signs have the Black Flag font,” frontman Jeff Tweedy joked to the crowd. “That’s how I know where I am.” The band has a new EP, Hot Sun Cool Shroud, set for release on June 28. The EP release coincides with Wilco’s Solid Sound Festival at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art in North Adams, MA.

            Wilco performed songs spanning 30 years of the band’s discography. There were many celebrations throughout the night, including the 20th anniversary of A Ghost Is Born and a “Happy Birthday” crowd sing-a-long for the band’s multi-instrumentalist Pat Sansone. The crowd maintained high energy throughout the night, with many standing ovations and encouragement from the band along the way. “Were you singing? It sounded good.” Tweedy quipped after “Passenger Side.”

            Wilco Beacon Theatre

            The band performed a four song encore before ending night one of their NYC run. Wilco performs again at Beacon Theatre in NYC on June 24. Their Solid Sound Festival in Massachusetts runs from June 28-30, followed by a few more summer tour dates across North America.

            Wilco – Beacon Theatre, NYC – Friday, June 21, 2024

            Setlist: Misunderstood, Forget the Flowers, Handshake Drugs, Pittsburgh, I Am My Mother, Cruel Country, I Am Trying to Break Your Heart, Meant to Be, If I Ever Was a Child, Summer Teeth, Hummingbird, Bird Without a Tail/Base of My Skull, Passenger Side, Evicted, Impossible Germany, Jesus, Etc., Whole Love, The Late Greats, Heavy Metal Drummer, I’m the Man Who Loves You

            Encore: Falling Apart (Right Now), California Stars, Via Chicago, Spiders (Kidsmoke) 

          Built in Breakdance