The 14th annual Lower East Side Film Festival returns to the Big Apple from May 2 to 6. The festival has recently announced its feature film lineup and opening night events.
The 14th annual LESFF at Village East Cinema and DCTV Firehouse Cinema in New York City features the innovative work of creative, up-and-coming filmmakers, and showcases their films in the heart of New York City’s vibrant and historic Lower East Side.
This year Lower East Side Film Festival welcomes Lizzy Caplan, Beanie Feldstein, and actress Susan Kelechi Watson. Academy Award nominated producer and co-founder of Killer Films, Pamela Koffler, actress, singer, filmmaker Brittany Snow, writer, comedian and actor, Julio Torres, and many more will also be present at the events.
In addition, special screenings at Village East Cinema celebrate the 25th Anniversary of 1999, akathe Greatest Year of Movies – Ever!. Retrospectives include “Cruel Intentions” with Q&A with Director Roger Kumble on May 3.Chris Smith’s 1999 documentary debut “American Movie” on May 4 and “But I’m A Cheerleader” plusQ&A with Director Jamie Babbiton takes place May 5.
Over the four-day span, various films are showcased and discussed with a panel of artists, writers, and “jurors.” Village East Cinema and DCTV Firehouse Cinema are set to present these works and discussions beginning at various times throughout the festival. Opening night tickets, 25th anniversary screenings and festival all-access passes are on-sale now. Feature films, 30+ shorts, panels and parties tickets are available on April 15.
For more information on the festival and to purchase tickets to the various events, click here.
The Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra, under the direction of Maestro Daniel Hege, is pleased to announce its 2024-2025 Season.
The season runs from September 2024 through May 2025 and includes the M&T Bank Symphonic Series, the Visions Federal Credit Union Pops Series, and the Garufi Law P.C. Phelps Mansion Museum Series.
Annie Jacobs-Perkins
The Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra is located in Broome County, Binghamton. It is the Southern Tier’s largest and longest-serving symphony orchestra, as well as Broome County’s only professional symphony orchestra. The organization is known for its extraordinary talents, and captivating shows that have kept the community in awe for decades.
The Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra is returning its series of anticipated, performances beginning in September. The season sees various acts and renditions from composers like Beethoven, Strauss, Mendelssohn, Mozart and more. Classical music is not the only genre included in the upcoming season. The events see the performances of hits from ABBA, Duke Ellington, Capathia Jenkins and others.
Capathia Jenkins
The M&T Bank Symphonic Series
September 28 at 7:30pm: “Restless Oceans,” featuring living composer Anna Clyne’s piece Restless Oceans; Richard Strauss’s Horn Concerto No. 1, with Binghamton Philharmonic Principal French Horn soloist Alex Shuhan; and Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6, the “Pastoral.”
November 16 at 7:30pm: “Thresholds,” a celebration of the 200th anniversary of Anton Bruckner’s birth with Bruckner’s Symphony No. 6, Felix Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture, and Threshold by living composer Hilary Purrington.
February 1 at 3:30pm: “Little Symphonies,” a program of Béla Bartók’s Roumanian Folk Dances; Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante, with Philharmonic Concertmaster Uli Speth and Principal Violist Victoria Miskolczy as soloists; living composer Quinn Mason’s Petite Symphonie; and Franz Schubert’s Symphony No. 5.
March 29 at 7pm: “In the Beginning,” will explore Einojuhani Rautavaara’s “In the Beginning,” Jan Sibelius’s Symphony No. 3, and Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3 with Binghamton Philharmonic favorite, pianist Andrew Russo as soloist.
The Visions Federal Credit Union Pops Series
October 26 at 7:30p: “Dancing Queen: The Music of ABBA,” a concert of ABBA’s greatest hits with orchestra, rock band, and vocalists.
December 7 at 3:30 pm: “Winter Wonderland,” featuring holiday favorites, along with the music of Mannheim Steamroller and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
March 1 at 7:30pm: “Pops at the Forum: A Tribute to the American Spirit,” celebrating the genius of American music with works by Duke Ellington, Florence Price, and John Phillip Sousa, along with excerpts from Richard Rogers’s South Pacific, and much more.
May 3 at 7:30pm: “She’s Got Soul,” bringing Broadway vocal powerhouse Capathia Jenkins to the Forum with the greatest hits of classic soul and R&B.
The Garufi Law P.C. Phelps Mansion Museum Series
November 24 at 3pm. Juilliard-based ensemble the Dolphins String Quartet, a Binghamton favorite, returns with an intimate Sunday afternoon concert.
January 12 at 3pm. The Intermezzo Trio gives a program of works for oboe, cello, and piano.
March 9 at 3pm: Acclaimed cellist Annie Jacobs-Perkins returns to Binghamton, with pianist Katelyn Vahala.
April 13 at 3pm. The Family Shuhan, a flute, French horn, and piano trio featuring Binghamton Philharmonic Principal French Horn Alex Shuhan and family.
For more information on the Binghamton Philharmonic’s upcoming season and to purchase tickets, click here.
The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF) has announced it is accepting applications for the 2024 Student Scholarship Program. The program this year has expanded to include drama students. The deadline for applications is Friday, May 10, 2024.
LIMEHOF awards $1000 scholarships to provide funding for graduating high school students with interests in musical or drama careers. These scholarships will provide funding to eligible graduating high school students from Nassau, Suffolk, Brooklyn, Queens, or Kings Counties.
The LIMEHOF Education Committee will base selections on the completed application, and a 400â500-word essay on career goals. The selection will also require a letter of recommendation from an individual who can attest to the applicant’s commitment, and a high school transcript.
Eligible criteria to be met includes an upcoming graduation from Nassau, Suffolk, Queens or Brooklyn schools. Applicants must have a minimum 2.5 GPA, accepted to full-time college, financial need, US citizenship, and interest in a career in music or drama.
Student scholarship applications deadline is Friday, May 10. For more information on the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame Scholarship, and to view the application, click here.
Legendary rock band HEART have announced the extension of their highly-anticipated Royal Flush Tour after a five-year hiatus with 30 additional dates across North America this fall. The group will stop at Madison Square Garden (MSG) on Monday, October 21.
The Royal Flush Tour 2024 will visit North America and Europe, with brand-new stops in San Francisco, Kansas City, Houston, New York and more before concluding in Las Vegas on Dec. 15. HEART returns to the road starting April 20 at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, SC.
HEART is also touring Europe this June and July, before returning to the States to join forces with Def Leppard and Journey. The bands tour for three epic stadium shows in Cleveland, Toronto and Boston this summer.
HEART performs their catalog of global chart-topping classic hits including âMagic Manâ, âBarracudaâ, âCrazy on Youâ and âThese Dreamsâ. HEART’s current lineup features Nancy Wilson, Ann Wilson, Ryan Wariner, Ryan Waters, Paul Moak, Tony Lucido and Sean Lane. HEART sees three shows in New York including at Madison Square Garden, Albany, and Buffalo.
2024 Royal Flush Tour Dates
Sept 26 – San Francisco, CA – Chase Center
Sept 28 – Los Angeles, CA – Crypto.com Arena
Sept 29 – Phoenix, AZ – Footprint Center
Oct 2 – Lubbock, TX – United Supermarkets Arena
Oct 4 – Kansas City, MO – T-Mobile Center
Oct 5 – St. Louis, MO – Enterprise Center*
Oct 8 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center
Oct 10 – Austin, TX – Moody Center
Oct 12 – North Little Rock, AR – Simmons Bank Arena
Oct 14 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena
Oct 16 – Greensboro, NC – Greensboro Coliseum
Oct 17 – North Charleston, SC – North Charleston Coliseum
Oct 19 – Charlottesville, VA – John Paul Jones Arena
Oct 21 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
Nov 13 – Birmingham, AL – Legacy Arena at BJCC*
Nov 14 – Memphis, TN – FedExForum*
Nov 16 – Wichita, KS – Intrust Bank Arena*
Nov 19 – Des Moines, IA – Wells Fargo Arena*
Nov 21 – Moline, IL – Vibrant Arena at The MARK*
Nov 22 – Green Bay, WI – Resch Center*
Nov 24 – Winnipeg, MB – Canada Life Centre**
Nov 27 – Saskatoon, SK – Sasktel Centre**
Nov 29 – Edmonton, AB – Rogers Place**
Nov 30 – Calgary, AB – Scotiabank Saddledome**
Dec 3 – Vancouver, BC – Pacific Coliseum
Dec 5 – Spokane, WA – Spokane Arena
Dec 7 – Boise, ID – Extra Mile Arena
Dec 9 – Sacramento, CA – Golden1 Center
Dec 12 – Bakersfield, CA – Mechanics Bank Arena (special guest TBA)
Dec 13 – San Diego, CA – Pechanga Arena
Dec 15 – Las Vegas, NV – Fontainebleau Las Vegas (An Evening With)
Aug 2 – Toronto, ON – Rogers Centre (with Def Leppard & Journey)
Aug 5 – Boston, MA – Fenway Park (with Def Leppard & Journey)
Aug 7 – Quebec City, QC – Videotron Centre
Aug 8 – Montreal, QC – Bell Centre
Aug 10 – Albany, NY – MVP Arena
Aug 11 – Buffalo, NY – KeyBank Center
Aug 13 – Cincinnati, OH – Heritage Bank Center
Aug 15 – Milwaukee, WI – Fiserv Forum
Aug 16 – Hinckley, MN – Grand Casino Hinckley Amphitheater (Non-AEG event)
Aug 18 – Lincoln, NE – Pinnacle Bank Arena
Aug 21 – Grand Rapids, MI – Van Andel Arena
Aug 23 – Charleston, WV – Charleston Coliseum
Aug 24 – Knoxville, TN – Thompson Boling Arena at Food City Center
Aug 27 – Norfolk, VA – Scope Arena
Aug 28 – Allentown, PA – The Great Allentown Fair (Non-AEG event)
Sept 17 – Portland, OR – Moda Center
Sept 20 – West Valley City, UT – Maverik Center
Sept 22 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre (An Evening With – SOLD OUT)
Tickets for new dates go on sale to the general public Friday, April 5 at 10am local time through the bandâs official website, www.heart-music.com. All other dates are on sale now.
MSG Entertainment and The Bowery Presents have announced five additional consecutive nights with award-winning music icon Barry Manilow at Radio City Music Hall from April 9 through April 13, 2025, and another five shows from Oct. 9-13, 2024.
Manilow’s ongoing Radio City Music Hall residency began with five consecutive shows in spring 2023 and continued in 2024 with two five-night runs – one in April and one in October. During his show on April 20, 2024, Manilow set the record for the most lifetime concert performances at the iconic venue with his 42nd lifetime show. The April 2025 shows will mark Manilow’s 49th-53rd lifetime shows at Radio City.
GRAMMY, Tony, and Emmy Award-winning music icon Barry Manilow will perform five nights at Radio City Music Hall this coming spring, his success became a benchmark in the American-pop music scene in the 1970s and has since named one of the world’s all-time best selling recording artists. Some of his top hit songs include “Mandy,” “I Write the Songs,” “Looks Like We Made It,” “Can’t Smile Without You,” and “Copacabana (At the Copa).”
The multi-award-winning musician has had an astonishing 50 Top 40 singles, including 12 number one hits and 27 Top 10 hits. He is ranked as the number one Adult Contemporary artist of all time, according to Billboard and R&R magazines.
Tickets for all five April 2025 shows will go on sale to the general public on Friday, January 17 at 10:00AM via Ticketmaster.com. Tickets will also be available in person beginning on Saturday, January 18 at the Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall and Beacon Theatre box offices.
The Blue Note Jazz Club and Jazz at Lincoln Center are uniting to present the legendary Wynton Marsalis for six nights at Blue Note. June 11-16 sees the 2024 Blue Note Jazz Festival with historic performances.
These performances mark a historic event as Marsalis, Managing and Artistic Director of Jazz at Lincoln Center, headlines the Blue Note for the first time since 1991 as these two iconic cultural centers unite. Marsalis’ historic shows highlight this year’s Blue Note Jazz Festival, marking its 13 anniversary this summer with performances at venues across New York City.
The residency features the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis performing from June 11-13, and Marsalis with Future of Jazz Septet from June 14-16. As part of the Jazz at Lincoln Center residency events, two ensembles from the organization’s High School Jazz Academy will also grace the Blue Note stages. The Jazz at Lincoln Center Youth Big Band, directed by Julius Tolentino perform on June 15, and the award-winning Jazz at Lincoln Center Youth Orchestra, directed by Tatum Greenblatt perform on June 16.
As a composer, Wynton’s work includes over 600 original songs, 11 ballets, four symphonies, eight suites, two chamber pieces, two masses, a string quartet, and a violin and tuba concerto. For more information on Wynton Marsalis, the Blue Note Jazz Festival, and to purchase tickets, click here.
Super Freak: The Rick James Story — the theatrical recounting of the life and times of legendary musician and Buffalo native Rick James — will be coming to Brooklyn‘s Kings Theatre for a limited performance from Friday, April 12 through Sunday, April 14. In light Super Freak: The Rick James Story delves deep into the tumultuous life and extraordinary talent of the legendary musician, exploring the highs and lows of his career against the backdrop of his unforgettable hits. In this case audiences will voyage on a musical extravaganza through the “Super Freak” singer’s groundbreaking music and the compelling narrative of his life, filled with passion, excess, and undeniable talent.
Theatrical Poster for on-stage biography of legendary musician Rick James
Created by renowned playwright and producer Je’Caryous Johnson along with Ty James the executive producer and daughter of the late Rick James, Super Freak makes its way to James’ home state of New York adding a multifaceted musical prodigy in his own right in Mint Condition’s Stokely Williams. In light, the Grammy-nominated vocalist, songwriter, and producer will step into the iconic role of Rick James, bringing to life the legendary singer’s electrifying persona and timeless music.
Additionally, Williams’ talent shone as the lead singer and drummer for R&B group Mint Condition. With his talent as a vocalist, songwriter, and producer making him a fitting addition to portray James in front over 3,000 fans at Kings Theatre, the largest of its kind in Brooklyn. Moreover, Ty James has shown nothing but confidence in Stokely Williams’ ability to carry the role.
I am so excited that we were able to cast such an amazing talented cast. I know playing my dad is stepping into some big shoes, but I am confident Stokley will kill it. My dad would be so proud.
– Ty James
All in all tickets for Super Freak: The Rick James story are on sale on the Kings Theatre’s official website, with tickets ranging from $69 to $112.
Globally-renowned Italian tenor, Andrea Bocelli, returns this December to MSG for a set of shows. The legendary singer will perform two shows on December 18 and 19 as part of his winter holiday tour.
Italian star Andrea Bocelli Easter concert
Bocelli’s holiday shows at The Garden have become a beloved tradition since his first at the venue in 2003. The shows will feature performances from Bocelli’s extensive repertoire, including music in honor of the holiday season. Andrea Bocelli returns with selections from his number one album “A Family Christmas” and its recently released deluxe edition; his uplifting solo album “Believe;” and a selection of arias, his beloved crossover hits, and famed love songs.
Andrea Bocelli has been entertaining audiences for more than 30 years and has sold nearly 90 million records worldwide. Bocelli has performed at major events including the Olympic Games, the World Cup, and Global Citizen Festival. He has earned a Golden Globe Award, seven Classical BRIT Awards, and seven World Music Awards, plus a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Don’t miss the chance to see Bocelli perform live at Madison Square Garden in NYC.
Tickets for the December 18 and 19 shows at The Garden will go on sale to the general public on Tuesday, April 16 at 10:00AM. Click here to purchase tickets to see Andrea Bocelli live at Madison Square Garden.
Dance Party returns to Bryant Park for its 10th anniversary from May 1 to May 16. Each night will correspond to a different style of dance.
Dance Party events will take place every Wednesday and Thursday from May 1 to May 16. At each event, attendees meet at the iconic Bryant Park fountain to learn basic steps with expert instructors at 6pm. Afterwards, participants can test out their new moves to live music performed by a diverse selection of bands from 7pm-8:30pm.
The two week-long event sees over 10 different styles of dance for anybody to pick up and learn. A slew of talented individuals and groups makeup the festival’s lineup this year. This year’s series kicks off with New York City’s signature brand of Salsa and R&B served up by Uptown Royalty. Disco’s golden era is accentuated by The Disco Nights.
Other artists in the lineup include Judy Santos, Charles Turner & Uptown Swing, KD Browne, La Charanga Pacha and Jimmy Bosch Salsa Masters. Various different and diverse genres performed include salsa, disco, R&B, Bachata, Lindy Hop, Motown, Charanga, Cuban Salsa, and Cha Cha Cha.
For the last ten years, Bryant Park Dance Party has highlighted diverse cultures and traditions from around the globe and across the boroughs of New York City. More than 50,000 participants have danced on the Fountain Terrace and expert instructors have taught 32 different social dance styles ranging from Bhangra to Polka; Cumbia to Lindy Hop; Flamenco to Contra. After learning the dance steps, audiences immediately put those moves to use, dancing to live music from renowned bands.
Uptown Royalty
“Over the past ten years, Bryant Park Dance Party has grown to a new level, offering some of the most exciting, diverse, free entertainment in one of New York’s most beautiful settings. This year, we’re featuring a range of styles, both traditional and new, and the colorful lineup brings together so many different parts of the City. This series is so special to me because it brings so many New Yorkers together to dance and have the time of their lives.”
Talia Castro-Pozo Bryant, Park Dance Party Producer
For more information on the Dance Party festival at Bryant Park visit the parks website by clicking here.
NYC-based R&B singer/songwriter Brendan James has released a brand new single titled “Feel Alive,” from his upcoming album Focus.
Brendan James is an alternative pop, soul, and R&B fusion singer and producer. James and his producer Stroobz Beats recently released their latest single “Feel Alive” from the upcoming album Focus. The track marks the artist’s fourth studio single.
Brendan’s self-proclaimed identity as an “old soul” is epitomized by both his musical inspirations and his own body of work. From Earth, Wind, and Fire to Usher and Luciano Pavarotti, Brendan’s musical inclinations are brimming with generations of spirit and souls.
Brendan James’ single “Feel Alive” has strong emotion tied in each note. It has elements of pop-R&B, alternative, and even gospel. One can argue there is something of an emo undertone here. The track’s layered vocals, powerful intonations, and flowing melody provide a real treat for the soul.
James’ style is in every sense, dynamic. The track has multiple changes in melody and vocal style. The soundscape this track occupies is unique, yet reminiscent of those who came before him. Brendan James’ music speaks to a variety of people from hip hop and R&B enjoyers to pop and alt enjoyers as well. Simply put, this track starts strong and ends stronger.
Make sure to stay up to date on the release of Brendan James’ upcoming album, Focus. For more information on the artist, visit his Spotify here.
