NYS Music 2024

Tag: Music News

  • Gangstagrass Release Funky New Sophomore Single “Good at Being Bad”

    NYC Bluegrass hip-hop group Gangstagrass has released their latest funk-infused single titled, “Good at Being Bad.” The group stands for a unique and true musical genre of their own creation that merges the styles of country/bluegrass and hip hop. The latest single from the group exhibits their talent and diversity greatly.

    Gangstagrass has also revealed a new 10-track album titled, The Blackest Thing On The Menu. The group delves deeper into the fundamental sounds of each genre, while preserving their own unique blend and sound. “Good at Being Bad” is complete with masterful mandolin playing, dynamic production, and energetic vocals.

    The tune seamlessly blends funk with Gangstagrass’s distinctive fusion of bluegrass and hip-hop. The group originated in Brooklyn, but the sound they possess transcends city, state, and country. They are a diverse blend of sound, and the two genres reflect a coming together of American values.

    This rebellious collective has achieved unparalleled success in crafting an innovative sound rooted in historically significant heritage. Gangstagrass emphasizes the value of education, frequently conducting workshops for K-12, college students, and adults of diverse backgrounds. Whether through engaging Q&A sessions, historical lessons, or spontaneous music tutorials, the group staunchly advocates for imparting well-rounded knowledge to everyone. 

    “Working with Gangstagrass was awesome. I had been hip to them for a few years and was really diggin’ what they were doing. Mixing bluegrass with hip hop! Quite out of the box thinking. A lot of worlds coming together. I have always been a fan of bluegrass and have worked on a few records. When we got in the studio, I thought the band was exceptionally talented. Also, I was a rapper myself in the late 80’s and early 90’s, so this scratched my classic hip hop itch with a new school twist. So, to record these amazing lyricists with a live smackin’ band… what more could you ask for!!”

    Boo Mitchell

    Gangstagrass’ music is a must-listen. Their amazingly different sound is something to certainly lay your ears on.

    To listen to Gangstagrass’ latest single, “Good at Being Bad,” via streaming service, click here.

  • NYC Duo The Lemon Twigs Release Latest Album “A Dream Is All We Know” Featuring Sean Lennon

    NYC indie-rock duo The Lemon Twigs released their latest album titled A Dream Is All We Know. The LP sees a wonderful collaboration with Sean Ono Lennon, son of Beatles legend John Lennon and Yoko Ono.

    the lemon twigs

    The Lemon Twigs hail from NYC/Long Island area. The duo tours with two other band members that cover various instruments while on the road. The group draws inspiration from golden age classic rock, and modern indie rock music and they do a splendid job of merging both styles into something many can turn on to.

    The Lemon Twigs new LP was mixed and mastered by the duo themselves, brothers Brian and Michael. Sean Ono Lennon recorded and co-produced the track, “In the Eyes of a Girl” while at his Upstate New York recording studio.

    The album is hugely reminiscent of 60s and 70s classic rock like the Beatles, Beach Boys, Grateful Dead and others. It is very fitting that Sean Lennon collaborated on this album to homage the music his father birthed. The album has a vintage feel, and a summer-of-love vibe undoubtedly.

    The group performing on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon

    To learn more about The Lemon Twigs and all upcoming music, click here.

  • Barbie The Movie: In Concert Hosted by Jones Beach and Darien Lake Amphitheaters this Summer

    Jones Beach and Darien Lake have announced Barbie The Movie: In Concert sees the stage this August. The shows are a part of the Barbie In Concert 2024 Summer Tour, led by Macy Schmidt and the Barbie Land Sinfonietta.

    Barbie The Movie Concert darien lake jones beach

    Fans across North America will have the opportunity to be transported to Barbie Land this summer and experience Barbie like never before. The tour will include an all-women orchestra which will accompany the record-smashing film’s display on a giant LED screen. The tour sees 37 dates across the United States.

    “We can’t wait for fans of all ages to join us in this immersive experience, celebrating the biggest movie of 2023 and bringing the magic of Barbie to life like never before. The incredible talents of Macy Schmidt and The Barbie Land Sinfonietta guarantee an unparalleled and unforgettable adventure.” 

    Josh Silverman, Chief Franchise Officer at Mattel

    Shows span from July 2 to August 18, where the tour closes out at the Jones Beach Amphitheater in Long Island. Barbie The Movie: In Concert showcases the talent of The Barbie Land Sinfonietta. The orchestra is conducted by Tony Award winning producer Macy Schmidt. A Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, Schmidt recently became the first woman of color orchestrator in Broadway history.

    For more information on Barbie The Movie: In Concert at Darien Lake, Jones Beach and elsewhere, click here. Presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general on-sale beginning on Friday, March 8 at 10 am via ticketmaster.com.

    Barbie: The Movie In Concert Dates: 

    Date                City                             Venue 

    July 2              Tampa, FL                  MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre

    July 3              Alpharetta, GA           Ameris Bank Amphitheatre

    July 5              Raleigh, NC                Coastal Credit Union Music Park

    July 6              Camden, NJ                Freedom Mortgage Pavilion

    July 7              Bristow, VA               Jiffy Lube Live

    July 8              Virginia Beach, VA    Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater 

    July 9              Charlotte, NC             PNC Music Pavilion

    July 10            Burgettstown, PA       The Pavilion at Star Lake

    July 12            Milwaukee, WI           American Family Insurance Amphitheatre

    July 13            St. Louis, MO             Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre STL

    July 14            Noblesville, IN           Ruoff Music Center

    July 15            Kansas City, MO        Starlight Theater

    July 17            Denver, CO                 Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre

    July 18            Salt Lake City, UT     Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre

    July 20            Ridgefield, WA          RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater

    July 21            Auburn, WA               White River Amphitheatre

    July 25            Mountain View, CA   Shoreline Amphitheatre

    July 26            Wheatland, CA           Toyota Amphitheater

    July 27            Los Angeles, CA        Hollywood Bowl

    July 28            Chula Vista, CA         North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre

    July 30            Phoenix, AZ                Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre

    July 31            Albuquerque, NM      Isleta Amphitheater

    August 2         Houston, TX               The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion 

    August 3         Dallas, TX                  Dos Equis Pavilion

    August 4         Rogers, AR                 Walmart AMP

    August 6         Birmingham, AL        Oak Mountain Amphitheatre

    August 7         Nashville, TN             Ascend Amphitheater

    August 8         Tinley Park, IL            Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre

    August 9         Cincinnati, OH           Riverbend Music Center

    August 10       Clarkston, MI             Pine Knob Music Theatre

    August 11       Toronto, ON               Budweiser Stage

    August 12       Cuyahoga Falls, OH   Blossom Music Center

    August 14       Darien Center, NY        Darien Lake Amphitheater

    August 15       Hartford, CT               The XFINITY Theatre

    August 16       Mansfield, MA           Xfinity Center

    August 17       Holmdel, NJ               PNC Bank Arts Center

    August 18       Wantagh, NY              Northwell Health at Jones Beach

  • Ani DiFranco’s “Baby Roe” Strikes Back at Patriarchy

    Just in time for Women’s History Month, Ani DiFranco – singer, songwriter, feminist, and author – has graced listeners with her impactful new release, “Baby Roe“.

    With this, Ani fearlessly tackles the topic of reproductive freedom in the face of constant threats to women’s autonomy. While being known for her vocal activism, DiFranco believes that the right to an abortion is a basic civil right.

    “As a society, it is time to acknowledge that unless a woman is in control of her own reproduction, she is not free, and it is the responsibility of our American government to protect and ensure the freedom of all American citizens”

    Ani DiFranco, as told to Huff Post

    “Baby Roe” is inspired by Joshua Prager’s book “The Family Roe“. Prager’s book covers the unfolding of events surrounding the Roe v. Wade ruling of the Supreme Court in 1972. DiFranco shines on the life of Norma McCorvey’s adopted adult child, who was born and raised during her fight for the right to an abortion. Despite her historical role, Baby Roe came to grasp her importance as an adult becoming an advocate for a woman’s freedom of choice.

    In addition to her musical pursuits, Ani takes center stage in the Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical Hadestown as “Persephone.” This Grammy winner and feminist icon launched her own record label in 1990, helping to kickstart the DIY movement. First known as the “Little Folksinger,” her career has spanned punk, funk, hip hop, jazz, soul, electronica, and more. Later this year, her 23rd album will be released. Ani DiFranco is also notable for opening Babeville, a live music venue in Buffalo.

    As “Baby Roe” echoes across the radio, it serves as a call to action while simultaneously being a music masterpiece. Ani DiFranco’s dedication to civil rights, in the vein of a true feminist icon, is a reminder that art can spark social change.

  • I’m Going To Marry Your Dad Announces Amusing Debut Single “The Friendship Song”

    News is brewing as I’m Going To Marry Your Dad announces the March 5 release of their first ever single “The Friendship Song” under the House of Feelings in the center of New York City.

    The creative force behind the performance art project “I’m Going To Marry Your Dad,” Xalvador, is well-known for his work with drag icon Christeene. This artist has been getting more and more recognition, especially in the LGBTQ+ community and elsewhere.

    “The Friendship Song”, while on the surface seems innocent, is actually a critique of the shallow nature of modern friedships. As produced by Derek Walsh, the song allows listeners to look deeper into our relationships.

    The artist boldly asserts that friendship and professional success are often linked, as it changes into a campfire singalong. The humorous line, “Grab your friends and say hello, how are you, how can you further my career?” expresses how some personal relationships are seen as a possibility for career advancement.

    I'm Going To Marry Your Dad

    Although this idea may seem cynical or even controversial to some, the artist argues that it is an economic reality. For instance, what others may consider to be horrible, they see as economical. This clever wordplay adds a layer of satire to the song. ‘The Friendship Song’ is a definite add to your playlist.

    A release show with a stellar lineup that includes I’m Going To Marry Your Dad, Christeene, Josephine Network, and Le Bang will take place on March 8 at 7 pm at TV EYE, located at 1647 Weirfield St, Ridgewood

    The satirical “Friendship Song”, with a focus on the absurdity of humankind, will be available on all streaming services on March 5. Get tickets to the March 8 release show here.

  • Annual Tibet House Benefit Concert Brings Magical Night of Music to Carnegie Hall

    February 26 saw the magic of the 37th annual Tibet House US Benefit Concert at Carnegie Hall in NYC. The show saw an eclectic lineup of hugely talented acts including Laurie Anderson, Joan Baez, Maggie Rogers, Maya Hawke, Bowen Yang, and many more.

    Joan Baez & Maggie Rogers Perform Bob Dylan’s “Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright

    Every year, the annual Tibet House Benefit Concert hosts extraordinary and memorable one-night-only performances. The evening had countless standout moments as the artists celebrated the Year of the Dragon.

    The Tibetan Monks performed to an entranced audience to start the show. The hypnotizing vocals welcomed Tibet House President Bob Thurman who shared his gratitude for the evening’s co-artistic directors and the Tibetan people.

    Various types of arts were played including quartets of strings which backed a guided meditation session. Acoustic melody, grand ensemble, comedy and poetry. The renowned Philip Glass Ensemble captivated concertgoers. At various points throughout the night, the audience was moved to emotion, and moved to their feet for ovations.

    The festivities continued late into the night as the performing artists, VIPs, and Tibet House supporters like Chloë Sevigny, Clairo, Sarah Morris, Jason Weinberg and more enjoyed the elegant post-concert gala at Ziegfeld Ballroom. Proceeds support the work of Tibet House US. Their mission is to protect, preserve, and empower the unique Tibetan culture.

    To learn more about the Tibet House and their upcoming events, click here.

  • The Park Theater Foundation Announces March Events

    The Park Theater Foundation has announced the highly anticipated March events which include diverse shows and performers. The Theater will present seven events for this season, complete with several different bands.

    Performer Jimi Woodul

    The most notable event of the season begins on March 14, with “Park Presents: The Mammals.” The folk/Americana act comes to Glens Falls to get folks stomping their feet to the indie-banjo and fiddle ballads. March 16 sees a St. Patrick’s Day Dinner and Celtic duo, Rakish.

    There is a variety of shows and performers scheduled for most of March, from March 8 to 29. Some other performances include The Brit Pack, The Matt Niedbalski Trio, Rochmon Record Club, Jimi Woodul, comedian Atheer Yacoub, and more.

    The Brit Pack

    The Park Theater Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in the Glens Falls community by providing a venue for quality and affordable entertainment and educational opportunities in the performing arts.

    The foundation hopes its upcoming events this March will see an uplift through music and performance. The community will feel a sense of togetherness driven by the wonderful talent and the hospitality of The Park Theater.

    The times, dates, and ticket prices for each event vary. Make sure to check out the Park Theater website. For the full 2023/24 performance listing visit parktheatergf.com. The link will provide full menu options, dates, times, and ticket prices. These events are not to be missed.

  • Cage the Elephant Announces Upcoming Tour with Stops at SPAC, MSG, Artpark

    Cage the Elephant has announced their upcoming North American tour with 45 dates this summer. The 3-month long tour includes a stop at SPAC, Madison Square Garden, and Artpark Mainstage Theater in Lewiston. The tour promotes the band’s latest album, Neon Pill.

    Cage the Elephant

    Cage the Elephant’s 2024 summer tour will kick off on June 20, and extend all the way to September 18. Young the Giant & Bakar will join as special guests for select tour dates. The band came from humble beginnings in Bowling Green, Kentucky and have gone on to become one of the generation’s most loved rock bands.

    They are maybe most celebrated for their live show. The stage is their home turf, where they are most comfortable, with their performances being ecstatic, unchained, and above all else, brilliant.

    Cage The Elephant Tour Dates

    June 20 – West Valley City, UT at Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre^ 

    June 22 – Seattle, WA at Climate Pledge Arena^

    June 23 – Ridgefield, WA at RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater^

    June 24 – Bend, OR at Hayden Homes Amphitheater^

    June 26 – Vancouver, BC at Rogers Arena^

    June 28 – Edmonton, AB at Rogers Place^

    June 30 – Spokane, WA at BECU Live at Northern Quest^

    July 2 – San Francisco, CA at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium*

    July 3 – Santa Barbara, CA at Santa Barbara Bowl^

    July 5 – Phoenix, AZ at Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre^

    July 6 – San Diego, CA at Viejas Arena^

    July 7 – Los Angeles, CA at Kia Forum^

    July 9 – Albuquerque, NM at Isleta Amphitheater^

    July 11 – Austin, TX at Moody Center^

    July 12 – Houston, TX at  The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presented by Huntsman^

    July 13 – Fort Worth, TX at Dickies Arena^

    July 15 – Rogers, AR at Walmart AMP^

    Aug 2 – Alpharetta, GA at Ameris Bank Amphitheatre*

    Aug 3 – Raleigh, NC at Coastal Credit Union Music Park^

    Aug 4 – Charlotte, NC at PNC Music Pavilion*

    Aug 7 – Noblesville, IN at Ruoff Music Center^

    Aug 8 – Madison, WI at Breese Stevens Field^

    Aug 10 – Winnipeg, MB at Canada Life Centre^

    Aug 12 – Minneapolis, MN at Target Center^

    Aug 14 – Chicago, IL at Credit Union 1 Arena at UIC^

    Aug 16 – Grand Rapids, MI at Van Andel Arena^

    Aug 18 – Saratoga Springs, NY at Broadview Stage at SPAC^

    Aug 19 – Bridgeport, CT at Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater^

    Aug 21 – Gilford, NH at BankNH Pavilion^

    Aug 22 – Mansfield, MA at Xfinity Center*

    Aug 24 – Holmdel, NJ at PNC Bank Arts Center^

    Aug 26 – Montreal, QC at Centre Bell^

    Aug 27 – Toronto, ON at Budweiser Stage^

    Aug 29 – Burgettstown, PA at The Pavilion at Star Lake^

    Aug 30 – Cincinnati, OH at Riverbend Music Center^

    Sept 5 – New York, NY at Madison Square Garden^

    Sept 6 – Philadelphia, PA at TD Pavilion at the Mann^

    Sept 7 – Lewiston, NY at Artpark Mainstage Theater^

    Sept 9 – Cleveland, OH at Blossom Music Center^

    Sept 10 – Detroit, MI at Pine Knob Music Theatre^

    Sept 12 – St. Louis, MO at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre^

    Sept 13 – Des Moines, IA at Wells Fargo Arena^

    Sept 14 – Kansas City, MO at Starlight Theatre^

    Sept 16 – Omaha, NE at CHI Health Center Omaha^

    Sept 18 – Denver, CO at Red Rocks Amphitheatre*

    ^with Young The Giant and Bakar

    * with Bakar

    Tickets and VIP available for all Cage the Elephant tour dates will go on sale to the general public on Friday, March 8 at 10 am here. Numerous presales, including for the band’s Fan Club, Discord, and Spotify followers will begin on Tuesday, March 5 at 10 am. 

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPGoyjBgKXc

  • Larry Campbell & Teresa Williams Announce Album “All This Time”, 5 Shows in New York on Upcoming Tour

    Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams have announced their new album, All This Time, will be released on April 5. The pair will hit the road in 2024, bringing their music to Saratoga Springs, NYC, Amagansett, and Marlboro.

    All This Time

    After releasing the upbeat and twangy song “The Way You Make Me Feel,” the pair shared a glimpse of their enviable love. Campbell reflects on the song’s history, saying, “The lyric was inspired by recalling when I first got together with Teresa. The song, about 40 years old, is as inspiring as ever.”

    “The Way You Make Me Feel” pays respect to the legendary gospel quartet guitarist Lyndon Baines with a catchy guitar lick that Campbell wrote after working on a Dixie Hummingbirds record in the early 2000s. The end product echoes the spirit of Johnny and June Cash with a heartfelt and nostalgic ode to courtship.

    all this time larry campbell teresa williams

    Teresa shares in Larry’s enthusiasm, emphasizing the humor, groove, and lightheartedness of the album. “I got a brand new couch, and we can watch TV. Put an arm around you — we’ll see whatever you wanna see… Now that’s good flirting!” All This Time is a musical scrapbook of their journey, featuring heavy hitters including Grammy-winner Justin Guip, Bill Payne from Little Feat, and even a cameo by Levon Helm himself.

    Larry and Teresa aren’t just dropping The Way You Make Me Feel; they’re hitting the road. These two are set to hop on a North American tour throughout 2024, with stops at Caffe Lena in Saratoga Springs, City Winery in Manhattan, The Stephen Talkhouse in Amagansett, and The Falcon in Marlboro. Moreover, fans will be able to witness the magic of their long-lasting musical partnership as the tour brings an intimate live experience. Find all upcoming tour dates below and on their website here.

    Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams 2024 Tour Dates

    3/17 – Northampton, MA – Academy of Music Theatre

    4/11 – Marlboro, NY – The Falcon

    4/16 – Boston, MA – City Winery

    4/17 – Fairfield, CT – Stage One

    4/18 – Ardmore, PA – Ardmore Music Hall

    4/20 – Vienna, VA – Jammin’ Java

    4/21 – Pittsburgh, PA – Thunderbird Music Hall

    4/23 – Columbus, OH – Natalie’s

    4/24 – Detroit, MI – Magic Bag

    4/26 – Chicago, IL – Old Town School of Folk Music

    4/27 – Minneapolis, MN – Parkway Theater

    4/30 – Kansas City, MO – Knuckleheads

    5/01 – St Louis, MO – Off Broadway

    5/03 – Nashville, TN – 3rd & Lindsley

    5/04 – Atlanta, GA – Eddie’s Attic

    5/05 – Atlanta, GA – Eddie’s Attic

    5/11 – Lexington, TN – Main & Monroe

    6/07 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Caffe Lena

    6/08 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Caffe Lena

    6/11 – New York, NY – City Winery

    6/13 – Red Bank, NJ – The Vogel

    6/14 – Blairstown, NJ – Roy’s Hall

    6/16 – Amagansett, NY – The Stephen Talkhouse

  • Jam Master Jay Killers Convicted After 22 Years

    After 22 years two men have been convicted in the murder of hip hop legend Jason Mizell, aka Jam Master Jay. An anonymous Brooklyn federal jury delivered the verdict in the trial of Karl Jordan Jr. and Ronald Washington on Tuesday, February 27.

    The Run-DMC star, DJ and pioneer was shot outside of his recording studio in Jamaica, Queens on October 30, 2022 in what has been deemed retaliation for a drug deal gone wrong.

    Jam Master Jay

    A 10-count indictment unsealed in October 2020, revealed the motive behind the murder to be 10 Kilograms of cocaine purchased by Jam Master Jay. With the plan to distribute the drugs between Washington, Jordan Jr. and other co-conspirators having gone awry. In light, Washington and Jordan Jr. sought revenge, slaying the hip hop legend in front of witnesses, according to prosecutors.

    “He was a man who got involved in the drug game to take care of the people who depended on him,” assistant U.S. attorney Artie McConnell said in his summation.

    The men’s names have long floated in connection to the case. After all, Jordan Jr. and Jam Master Jay were neighbors in the Hollis neighborhood of Queens. Meanwhile Washington — known as “Lil D”– is his godson and son to former Run-DMC road manager “Big D.” Neither Jordan Jr. nor Washington testified.

    Jam Master Jay’s Legacy

    Jam Master Jay remains an integral figure in hip hop history. Moreover, along with Joseph Simmons and Daryl McDaniels, the trio broke barriers for hip hop. In fact, Mizell had been part of Run-DMC’s anti-drug message. In light of hip hop’s increasingly provocative agenda the trio spread positive messages including lyrics such as “we are not thugs / we don’t use drugs.” However, according to prosecutors and trial testimony, he racked up debts after the group’s heyday. Thus, the celebrated DJ moonlighted as a cocaine middleman to cover his bills and habitual generosity to friends.

    All in all, this brings and end to a case that’s been open for nearly 22 years. When the case ran dry rap royalty put together reward money in hopes of finding closure. 

    “Twenty years is a long time to wait for justice,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Artie McConnell had told jurors in a closing argument, urging them: “Don’t let this go on for another minute.”