Tag: Music News

  • Stephane Wrembel Brings Django á Gogo Music Festival to NYC in May

    Stephane Wrembel is proud to announce that the highly anticipated Django a Gogo Music Festival is coming to New York City. This festival is held at The Woodland in Maplewood, New Jersey from May 1-3, and will culminate at The Town Hall in NYC on May 4.

    Stephane Wrembel

    The festival features performances by Angelo Debarre, Serge Camps, and Frank Anastasio, who are making their first American appearance. Django a Gogo is a celebration of the unparalleled music legacy of jazz guitarist and composer Django Reinhardt.

    Django á Gogo has united some of the world’s most exceptional musicians to honor the timeless Sinti guitar style. This year’s festival promises a dynamic lineup, featuring renowned artists from France, Canada, and the United States. The event showcases the vibrant evolution of Reinhardt’s repertoire through reinterpretation, improvisation, and cross-cultural collaborations.

    Django a Gogo 2024 Festival Dates & Features

    Wednesday May 1, 2024 8PM
    The Woodland (Maplewood, N.J.)
    DJANGO NEW ORLEANS
    featuring:
    Stephane Wrembel and Josh Kaye on guitar, Adrien Chevalier on violin, Joe Correia on Tuba, Scott Kettner on drums, David Langlois on percussion, Nick Driscoll on sax/clarinet, Joe Boga on trumpet and Sarah King on vocals

    Thursday May 2, 2024 8PM
    The Woodland (Maplewood, N.J.)
    THE GYPSY GUITARS TRIO
    Legendary Angelo Debarre’s trio
    Featuring: Angelo Debarre (guitar), Serge Camps (guitar), Franck Anastasio + many guests

    Friday May 3, 2024 8 PM
    The Woodland (Maplewood, N.J.)
    STEPHANE WREMBEL BAND + GUESTS
    Featuring:
    Stephane Wrembel on guitar, Josh Kaye on guitar, Ari Folman-Cohen on bass and Nick Anderson on drums

    Saturday May 4, 2024 8 PM

    The Town Hall (New York, N.Y.)

    STEPHANE WREMBEL, THE GYPSY GUITARS TRIO + GUESTS

    Featuring: Aurore Voilqué, Hugo Guezbar, Adrien Marco, and Simba Baumgartner, Django Reinhardt’s great-grandson.

    For more information on the festival and to purchase tickets to the shows, click here.

  • Funk-Fusion Trio Pocket Bandits Release Debut Single this April

    Funk/rock-fusion trio Pocket Bandits have announced the release of their debut single, “The Pocket Bandit,” on April 5. The trio hails from Ithaca and hopes to dazzle listeners with their upcoming track.

    The debut single is set to put Pocket Bandits out there once and for all. The single is a bold opening volley from a band of experienced musicians with big ambitions for their new collaboration. The trio is comprised of Joe Massa, Samuel B. Lupowitz, and Simon Bjarning. Joe and Samuel have played together for a decade.

    The group practices a fusion of sounds from funk, progressive rock, and jam-blues. The music sees a funky guitar-organ combo that keeps the listener entranced. The trio can be described as a fun, funky fusion of R&B grooves, jazz improvisation, rock intensity, and catchy-yet-unpredictable songwriting.

    The single is to be marked with a record release at The Downstairs in Ithaca on Saturday, April 6. Pocket Bandits plays two sets of original material, and a third set backing up Marlyand-based post-rock singer-songwriter Mark Hennessey.

    The group aims not merely to show off, but to fill the dance floor with their engaging original compositions, as well as the occasional crowd-pleaser by artists from The Beatles to Billie Eilish. Their debut single showcases the groups experience, talent, and ability to make groove ensue.

    To stay up to date on Pocket Bandits’ upcoming releases and to find out more about the trio, click here. Make sure to check out their upcoming shows as well.

  • Laivy, Son of Matisyahu, to Perform at Buddha Jams Barefoot Concert Series

    Buddha Jams has announced the continuation of their Barefoot Concert Series, this time with special guest Laivy for an exclusive show on Long Island. The event is being held on April 18 at Buddha Jams Yoga in Glen Cove.

    The show marks Laivy’s first headliner in Long Island, and his first in the New York area since last year. Laivy is the son of legendary reggae singer Matisyahu. Laivy sees the stage to perform his own acclaimed genre-transcending folk, reggae, and acoustic hits.

    The Barefoot Concert Series continues at Buddha Jams Yoga in Glen Cove to bring strong soulful melodies to the community. The venue offers visitors an immersive experience designed to enlighten and fill your body, mind, and spirit with lasting positive energy and vibes.

    Inspired by soulful artists who are relatable in their lyrics and sound, Laivy hopes to follow in their footsteps, those who can summon the common chord of a generation and unite them through song.

    Buddha Jams Yoga and Event Center offers an event space complete with two stages, professional sound, along with a spiritual journey through yoga and music. Laivy sees the stage for this exclusive performance and hopes to draw in a crowd of fun-loving individuals of all ages.

    Tickets are available now for $20 in advance, $25 day of show. Don’t forget to bring your own water bottle. Get tickets at www.buddhajams.com.

  • The Stone Pony Celebrates 50 Years with Summer Concert Series

    The Stone Pony, the iconic Jersey Shore music venue and cornerstone of musical history for the past 50 years, revealed its 2024 summer concert series for its 50 anniversary season. 

    Stone Pony 2024

    New Jersey State Legislature, Monmouth County, and the City of Asbury Park recently commemorated the Stone Pony’s golden anniversary with a proclamation of Stone Pony Day on February 8, 2024.

    The Stone Pony in Asbury Park, one of the world’s best-known music venues, opened its doors on Feb. 8, 1974, in a building that formerly housed a popular restaurant called Mrs. Jay’s. Founders John P. “Jack” Roig and Robert “Butch” Pielka first met while working in a club on the boardwalk in Seaside Heights, and the rest was history, Locals like Bruce Springsteen, Southside Johnny, and Steve Van Zandt helped put the venue on the map, while today’s top artists and rising stars continue building a musical legacy. Artists that have graced the stage include Elvis Costello, The Ramones, Cheap Trick, Green Day, Oasis, No Doubt, blink-182, The Band, Iggy Pop, AFI, Warren Zevon, Joan Osborne, Luke Combs, Weezer, The 1975, Bleachers, and many more.

    Highlights of the Stone Pony 2024 summer concert series include two shows with Fletcher & Friends as part of Pride Weekend on June 1 and June 2; Lake Street Dive on June 14; Bleachers on June 15; T-PAIN on June 21, Jake Owen on June 22; O.A.R. with Fitz and the Tantrums on July 19; Sad Summer Festival on August 4; The Gaslight Anthem on August 16; and more.

    For 50 years the Stone Pony has been an essential part of the soundtrack of summer for so many who reside or visit Asbury Park, NJ. We are so excited for our upcoming 50th anniversary summer celebration with so many wonderful artists who will join us some incredible nights of live music under the stars. Once again, we’re on pace to be a record setting summer.

    Caroline O’Toole, General Manager, The Stone Pony.

    Pride Week, New Jersey’s 32nd Annual Statewide LGBTQ+ Pride Celebration will kick off with a four-day series of concerts at the Stone Pony Summer Stage, the largest in Pride Week history from Thursday, May 30 through Sunday, June 2, 2024. It gets underway with the Pride Kickoff Party featuring Solid Pink Disco with DJ Trixie and DJ Mateo Segade on Thursday, May 30. The festivities continue with Dreamland Pride In Asbury Park with Purple Disco Machine on Friday, May 31; FLETCHER, a music phenomenon who is from Asbury Park, performs two homecoming shows on the Stone Pony Summer Stage as Fletcher & Friends on Saturday, June 1 featuring G Flip, and Ari Abdul; and on Sunday, June 2 featuring Maude Latour and Ari Abdul.

    The Stone Pony Summer Stage’s 50 anniversary season food and beverage lineup includes crowd favorites Windmill, with Jersey Shore’s famous hot dogs and cheese fries; Rocco’s Pizza; Bubbakoos, and a new smoothie station with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

    Tickets for the Miller Lite concert series are on sale now. For additional information on these or other upcoming performances, visit here.

    Stone Pony Summer Stage 2024 Miller Lite Concert Series

    May 4              Sum 41 with The Interrupters

    May 17            Joe Russo’s Almost Dead

    May 24            Pigeons Playing Ping Pong

    May 30            Pride Weekend Kick Off Featuring Solid Pink Disco with DJ Trixie

    May 31            Dreamland Pride and Asbury Park: Purple Disco Machine

    June 1              Fletcher & Friends

    June 2              Fletcher & Friends

    June 12            North 2 Shore Presents Gary Clark Jr.

    June 13            North 2 Shore Presents Band of Horses

    June 14            North 2 Shore Presents Lake Street Dive

    June 15            Shadow of the City: Bleachers

    June 21            T-PAIN

    June 22            Jake Owen

    June 29            Orville Peck

    July 4              moe.

    July 5              Railroad Earth and Leftover Salmon

    July 12            The Used

    July 19            O.A.R. with Fitz and the Tantrums

    July 20            Stoke for the Summer: The Bouncing Souls

    July 21            Dark Star Orchestra

    July 26            Two Door Cinema Club

    August 2         Iration and Pepper

    August 4         Sad Summer Festival

    August 16       The Gaslight Anthem

    August 21       Whiskey Myers

    August 23       Something Corporate

    August 24       New Found Glory

    August 25       Sublime with Rome

    August 30       Almost Queen

    September 1    WAXAHATCHEE

    September 10  Dashboard Confessional

    September 27  Justin Moore & Randy Houser

    NOTE: Lineup is Subject to Change; More Shows to Be Added

  • WindSync to Perform at Whalen Center in Ithaca

    Classical wind quintet WindSync is set to perform in Ithaca at the Hockett Family Recital Hall in the James J. Whalen Center for Music on April 10. The group plays their own unique approach to honoring one of the most influential boy bands of all time, NSYNC. Not only this, but the group plans to play original works, as well as covered works by various other artists.

    WindSync is made up of five classically trained virtuoso musicians who approach artistry, education, and community building with the charisma and openness of the boy band that inspired their name. The concert is free and open to the public. Earlier that afternoon at 4pm, WindSync will also offer a masterclass in the Hockett Family Recital Hall.

    The show celebrates the release of the group’s WindSync Plays Miguel del Aguila album which is set to be released five days prior on April 5. The album features music by Miguel del Aguila, a contemporary composer whose sound is highly influenced by his Latin American roots. 

    The April 10 program takes place at the James J. Whalen Center for Music as part of the Robert G. Boehmler Community Foundation Series. The program features the woodwind rendition of various artists, along with the group’s original compositions.

    April 10 Program:

    Shawn Okpebholo: Rise – premiered this season, the Nigerian-American composer’s work explored racial injustice.

    Mozart, Serenade in C minor K. 388 – this is a different kind of wind serenade. It’s brooding versus chipper, and Mozart wrote it at a time when wind music was trendy in Vienna.

    Marc Mellits: Apollo – in honor of the 2024 total solar eclipse – WindSync commissioned Marc Mellits to write Apollo in connection with the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 lunar landing. 

    Dieterich Buxtehude: Passacaglia in D minor, BuxWV 161 – hear how the wind arrangement of this solemn piece makes it even more haunting.

    For more information on the upcoming program by WindSync hosted at the James J. Whalen Center for Music, click here.

    • Governors Ball 2024 Food Lineup Announced

      Get ready to map out your culinary experience while rocking out to the killer lineup at Governors Ball 2024. The highly anticipated festival has revealed the food and beverage lineup, promising a culinary adventure alongside a stellar music lineup at Flushing Meadows Corona Park this June 7-9.

      This year, Gov Ball is emphasizing serving up a taste of New York City. Inspired by the borough of Queens and the city’s diverse culinary scene, the festival will feature a wide selection of local and national vendors. This commitment to variety ensures something delicious for everyone, reflecting New York City’s status as a global food destination.

      Queens Night Market: Photograph by Time Out/Ali Garber

      Queens Night Market fans take note: this year, there is an incredible selection of popular vendors featuring at the festival. Throughout the weekend, you can enjoy crowd-pleasing dishes from Mao’s Bao, Eemas Cuisine, Twisted Potato, La Braza, and Matyldas Polish. But that’s not all – iconic NYC staples like Roberta’s Pizza, Magnolia Bakery cupcakes, Cafe Habana, Sweet Chick, Luke’s Lobster, and Van Leeuwen Ice Cream will also be on hand to satisfy your cravings.

      Shutterstock/Nick Starichenko

      In terms of free perks, you can beat the heat with free water stations conveniently located throughout the festival grounds. If you need a morning pick-me-up, you can also grab a complimentary iced coffee and munchkins from Dunkin’ to start your day. Feeling a little peckish later on? Cabot Creamery is offering free grilled cheese bites to satisfy those hunger pangs. Craving something with a kick? Head to the Stella Artois x Hot Ones collaboration booth for spicy popcorn, fries, and a frosty Stella Artois to cool things down.

      Doughnuttery at Governors Ball 2022, photograph by Joseph Buscarello

      This year’s Governor’s Ball boasts an impressive selection of beverage partners. Enjoy the classics like Bud Light and Bud Light Seltzer, or try something new with Kona Big Wave. In the mood for a cocktail? Sip on a refreshing Aperol Spritz or a classic Espolòn Margarita. Vodka fans can indulge in Tito’s Sparkling Lemonade, while wine lovers can explore Chateau Ste. Michelle’s offerings. Don’t miss out on the exclusive frosé available at the Chateau Ste. Michelle Wine Experience.

      Full Vendor Lineup:

      The festival boasts a mouthwatering selection of food vendors, including:

      Savory Favorites: Roberta’s Pizza, Magnolia Bakery, Gotham Burger Social Club, Fuku, Sweet Chick, King of Pops, Luke’s Lobster, La Newyorkina, Walter’s Hot Dogs, New Territories Ice Cream, Big Mozz, Cafe Habana, Destination Dumplings, Flaming Wok, Thai Jasmine, John’s Juice, Renegade Lemonade, Tea and Milk, Gordo’s Cantina

      Tacos & More: Takumi Taco, Tica’s Tacos, Pizza Nova

      Queens Night Market Favorites: Mao’s Bao, Eemas Cuisine, Twisted Potato, La Braza, Matyldas Polish Food

      Sweet Treats: Doughnuttery, Fan Fan Doughnuts, Crumbl, Empanada Papa

      Vegetarian & Vegan Options: Butchery & Beyond, Dank Nugs, Try Vegan, No Good Burger

      Additional Vendors: Hebros Gyros, Mac Truck NYC, Bulldog Burgery, Nachos Libre, Smoke Stacks, San Matteo, Tica’s Hibachi

    • Bands N’ Beans Festival Returns for 30th Year in Lake George

      Bands N’ Beans is making its anticipated return to Lake George for its 30th anniversary this April. The festival will showcase a slew of bands from across New York State, as well as over 20 restaurants’ homemade chili.

      Bands N' Beans

      The annual festival is brought to the forefront by Lake George Arts Project. Bands N’ Beans is held on April 14 at Fort William Henry Conference Center. The festival sees a lineup of nine total bands playing throughout the duration of the event from 2-7 pm. These artists play on two separate stages, one electric and one acoustic. Along with the diverse and fun musical element comes the “beans” element.

      Over 20 local restaurants are throwing down their best chili concoctions and vying for the sought-after People’s Choice Award. This event isn’t just a ton of fun, the proceeds from Bands ‘n Beans benefit the Lake George Arts Project’s free and open to all music and art programs like the year-round Courthouse Gallery exhibitions, Summer Concert Series and the popular Jazz at the Lake, a three-day Jazz Festival.

      Bands N' Beans

      Tickets for Bands N’ Beans can be purchased by April 12 for $25 or bought day of for $30. For more information on the festival and to purchase tickets, click here.

    • SWV & Xscape To Headline The Queens Of R&B Tour With Mya, Total & 702, Featuring 3 Stops in NY

      Some of the biggest names of R&B‘s golden era will be coming to a city near you as SWV and Xscape announce The Queens of R&B Tour alongside fellow golden era stapes in Mya, Total and 702. Following a social media teaser that ignited fervent excitement among fans, the legendary songstresses are will be teaming up for a nearly two-month, nationwide expedition stopping in 30 different cities, including 3 stops in New York.

      SVW and Xscape Headline The Queens of R&B Tour With Mya, Total & 702
      The Queens of R&B Tour will be a celebration of the genre’s golden age

      Produced by Mona Scott Young’s Monami Entertainment and Live Nation and represented by Seth Shomes through Day After Day Productions (DADP), The Queens of R&B Tour will highlight some of the biggest names from R&B’s golden age whose work also serves as the soundtrack for the oft-romanticized decade.

      To announce this HERstorical tour during Women’s History Month means everything. It speaks to the power of our ability as women to overcome adversity and emerge triumphant. 702, Total, Mýa, SWV, and Xscape have all weathered storms and are still here and better than ever! We are so excited to bring the fans an incredible and undeniable performance experience that truly celebrates R&B music. 

      – Mona Scott-Young

      Furthermore, the Queens of R&B Tour will circle New York three times, beginning with a July 24 performance at Madison Square Garden. The tour returns 9 days later with a stop in Syracuse’s Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview. Additionally, they conclude their east-coast trek with an August 6 performance at Darien Lake Amphitheater in Darien Center, NY.

      The Queens of R&B Tour will consist of 30-shows.
      The Queens of R&B tour will consist of 30 shows.

      Moreover, fans have rejoiced on X (formerly known as Twitter) with this latest tour announcement. After all, with songs like SWV’s “Right Here,” Xscape’s “Just Kicking’ It,” Mya’s “Best of Me (part 2),” Total’s “Kissing’ You,” and 702’s “Get It Together” R&B history will be reenacted with one era-defining record after another. Tickets for this monumental event are available on Ticketmaster’s official website.

      THE QUEENS OF R&B TOUR DATES:

      Thu Jun 27 – Concord, CA – Toyota Pavilion at Concord  

      Sat Jun 29 – Las Vegas, NV – Bakkt Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino  

      Tue Jul 02 – Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre  

      Wed Jul 03 – Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater  

      Fri Jul 05 – Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion  

      Sat Jul 06 – Houston, TX – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presented by Huntsman  

      Tue Jul 09 – North Little Rock, AR – Simmons Bank Arena  

      Wed Jul 10 – Birmingham, AL – Legacy Arena at The BJCC  

      Fri Jul 12 – Jacksonville, FL – Daily’s Place  

      Sat Jul 13 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre  

      Sun Jul 14 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre 

      Tue Jul 16 – Atlanta, GA – Lakewood Amphitheatre  

      Wed Jul 17 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion  

      Fri Jul 19 – Washington, DC – Capital One Arena*  

      Sat Jul 20 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park  

      Sun Jul 21 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach  

      Wed Jul 24 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden  

      Thu Jul 25 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center  

      Fri Jul 26 – Boston, MA – TD Garden  

      Sat Jul 27 – Atlantic City, NJ – Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall

      Fri Aug 02 – Bridgeport, CT – Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater  

      Sat Aug 03 – Syracuse, NY – Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview  

      Sun Aug 04 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena  

      Tue Aug 06 – Buffalo, NY – Darien Lake Amphitheater  

      Fri Aug 09 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena  

      Sat Aug 10 – Cleveland, OH – Blossom Music Center  

      Sun Aug 11 – Chicago, IL – Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre  

      Tue Aug 13 – St. Louis, MO – Chaifetz Arena  

      Wed Aug 14 – Oklahoma City, OK – Paycom Center  

      Sun Aug 18 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum  

      *Without Mýa

    • Golden Oldies Spectacular Comes to Proctors Theatre in Schenectady this April

      Proctors Theatre in Schenectady is proud to host Golden Oldies Spectacular on April 13. The show is headlined by the Doo Wop Project and includes a multitude of talented, authentic acts.

      Golden Oldies proctors

      The Doo Wop Project consists of five Broadway stars from smash hit shows like Jersey Boys and Motown: The Musical. This supergroup of Broadway stars transforms hits from the classic and modern American songbook into revamped renditions of your favorites. The group is excited to play hit-songs from the classic American squalls of Doo Wop, Motown, and other golden oldies.

      The Golden Oldies Spectacular sees four other spectacular acts including co-headliners The Brooklyn Bridge, who perform a slew of 1950s defining hits. Also performing in the event are The Capris, Bobby Brooks Wilson, and E’stefano DiStanto. Together, the acts set to encapsulate the authenticity and originality of the 50s and 60s music boom.

      Golden Oldies proctors

      The Golden Oldies Spectacular takes place 7 pm on April 13 at Proctors Theatre in Schenectady. Tickets range from $45 to $75 and can be purchased on the Proctors Theatre website. To learn more about the upcoming show and to purchase tickets, click here.

    • Brooklyn Alt-Rockers Castle Black Release Single “Heart Can’t Feel”

      Brooklyn-based alternative/post-punk group Castle Black recently released their latest single titled, “Heart Can’t Feel.” The single is off of the band’s upcoming album, The Highway at Night.

      castle black "Heart Can't Feel"

      Castle Black is an ever-evolving thunderstorm of sound on a backdrop of captivating hooks and edgy soundscapes. Castle Black draws elements from punk, post-punk, grunge, alternative and new-wave music. The band sees the release of their first full length album, The Highway at Night in June.

      The single, “Heart Can’t Feel” is the second released single off the album. The group has released six EPs since 2015. Castle Black hopes to reach new heights with the release of their first full-length album.

      “Heart Can’t Feel” begins with captivating chords, vocal tones, and immediate action. The song has strong influence from a band like Hole. The fierceness of the vocals, the upbeat yet grungy sound, and the song structure are very reminiscent of Hole and other alternative bands from that era.

      The riffs throughout the song catch the listener right away and refuse to stay static. The track is certainly very post-punk in its vocals, grunge in its tone, alternative in its pace and instruments, with a bit of a new-wave aura to it. Castle Black does an excellent job here of crafting a catchy, punchy, and fun piece of music.

      To give “Heart Can’t Feel” a listen and to learn more about the minds behind the music, click here.