Tag: NYC

  • Tower of Power Announces Holiday Album “It’s Christmas”, Shows in Niagara Falls and NYC

    Legendary soul, funk and R&B powerhouse, Tower of Power, is set to light up the holiday season with a new album and anticipated December tour. The holiday album It’s Christmas releases September 27 and the “Holidays and Hits” tour begins December 3, with stops in Niagara Falls and Manhattan.

    This tour promises to be a joyful journey through Tower of Power’s storied past, blending beloved holiday tunes with the band’s classic hits and fan favorites that have defined their legacy. Alongside iconic tracks like “What Is Hip?” and “You’re Still a Young Man,” fans can expect fresh renditions of timeless holiday songs, delivered with the band’s unmistakable brass-driven sound and signature high-energy performances.

    The “Holidays and Hits” tour begins December 3 in Plymouth, MA, and wraps up on December 21 in Oakland, CA. The tour sees a total of two dates in New York including a stop at the Seneca Niagra Casino & Hotel in Niagra Falls on December 6. Following this, the tour also stops at Sony Hall in New York City on December 8.

    Tower of Power “Holidays and Hits” Dates:

    December 3: Plymouth Memorial Hall, Plymouth, MA

    December 6: Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel, Niagara Falls, NY

    December 7: Golden Nugget, Atlantic City, NJ

    December 8: Sony Hall, New York, NY

    December 10: Midland Theatre, Newark, OH

    December 11: Rialto Square, Joliet, OH

    December 13: Capitol Theater, Davenport, IA

    December 15: The Astro, La Vista, NE

    December 17: Lensic Performing Arts, Santa FE, NM

    December 18: The Fox, Tucson, AZ

    December 21: The Fox, Oakland, CA

    The album It’s Christmas contains 11 total holiday-themed tracks. Fans can preorder the album now alongside limited-edition bundles that include a variety of album-specific merchandise and access to an exclusive presale code for the Holidays and Hits Tour. Link to pre-save and preorder can be found here.

    For more information on Tower of Power’s upcoming tour and to purchase tickets, click here.

  • Soulja Boy brings ‘The SODMG Tour’ to NYC

    It was like 2007 all over again when we were introduced to Soulja Boy when he came into New York City for his SODMG Tour on September 17, 2024 at the acclaimed Gramercy Theatre. The New York crowd danced and sang the night away as if it were the Summer of 2007 all over again.

    Atlanta, GA native, Soulja Boy found himself in the middle of what’s called the “Snap” era of Hip Hop with his 2007 hit debut, “Crank That (Soulja Boy)”. At 17, he became an instant Hip Hop star due to recording his daily life and posting it on YouTube, his hit single and a fun dance to match.

    After SODMG’s various openers showcase, rather than treating the audience to silence between the build up—as is standard (and not necessarily frowned upon)—Soulja Boy began building the landing by allowing his DJ to play 2000s classics. Commanding the theatre illuminated by cellphone lights, he launched into one of his numerous classics “Turn My Swag On” to get the party started.

    The Grammy-nominated artist went on to perform hits such as “Kiss Me Thru the Phone”, “Soulja Girl”, “Pretty Boy Swag”, “Gucci Bandana”, “Yahh” and most recently, “Rick & Morty.” Soulja commanded the whole room with hit after hit from his multi-decade spanning career. Although the set was just shy of 45 minutes, the crowd was served a heavy dose and reminder of why Soulja Boy, the musical legend that he is, is cemented in Hip-Hop and overall music history.

  • Gov’t Mule Announces Annual New Year’s Run in NYC from December 30-31

    Southern Rock jam band Gov’t Mule has announced the return of their annual New Year’s show at the Beacon Theatre from December 30-31. The band will also see the stage at College Street Music Hall in New Haven, Connecticut on December 28 as well.

    gov't mule beacon theatre

    The three-night stand – Celebrating 30 years of The Mule – kicks off Saturday, December 28 at College Street Music Hall in New Haven, CT and then return to the Beacon Theatre in New York City, the longstanding home of their New Year’s shows, for back-to-back nights Monday, December 30 and Tuesday, December 31.

    These special year-end shows mark the first Gov’t Mule headlining shows since their February “30 Years Strong Tour” and continue the celebrations for this major milestone as they honor the band’s past, present and future. This year marks the 22nd year in a row the band has hosted the annual New Year’s Run.

    Gov’t Mule has galvanized a global fan base with their honest, organic and daring music and improvisational virtuosity, leading them to be recognized as one of the most timeless, revered and active bands in the world whose spot amongst rock titans remains unshakable. This celebratory performance is one you’ll want to see live at the Beacon Theatre this December.

    The general on sale will commence Friday, September 20 at 12 pm ET. VIP packages will also be available, which include reserved seating, access to soundcheck, limited edition signed poster, and more starting Wednesday at 12pm ET. 

    “It’s hard to believe it’s been 30 years. It’s also hard to believe we’ve been celebrating New Year’s together for over 20 years. These are always such special shows for us. I’m looking forward to being with the band revisiting some of the stuff we haven’t played in a long, long time and, of course, being with our incredible fans.”

    Warren Hayes, Guitarist and Vocalist

    For more information on the upcoming Gov’t Mule New Year’s Run and to purchase tickets, click here.

  • In Focus: Buzzcocks at Irving Plaza on September 11

    Buzzcocks made a stop in NYC at Irving Plaza on Wednesday, September 11th as part of their recent North American tour. The show included opening performances by Native Sun and Lovecrimes. The crowd inside Irving Plaza spanned generations, all eager to support the UK band’s U.S. return.

    Hailing from Bolton in the United Kingdom, Buzzcocks has made frequent stops in NYC since their formation in 1976. The inspiration behind the band’s sounds have New York origins, with late frontman Pete Shelley citing The Velvet Underground being part of inspiring the band’s formation.

    Buzzcocks’ music was said to be ahead of its time, with songs alluding to subject matter that was considered taboo during the period of their formation. This led the band to be seen as a driving force of the Manchester punk scene. Buzzcocks has gone on to perform with many legends from the early era of New York punk and CBGB, including opening for Blondie in 1978. 

    With lead vocalist Pete Shelley’s passing in 2018, Steve Diggle has led the Buzzcocks vocals while also continuing on guitar. Diggle has continued on the high energy and humor that Shelley brought to Buzzcocks performances.

    On Wednesday night, Buzzcocks played a setlist spanning 50 years of the band’s discography, including songs from their most recent 2022 album “Sonics In The Soul.” The current line-up consists of Diggle on vocals and guitar, Danny Farrant on drums, Chris Remington on bass, and Mani Perazzoli touring on guitar. 

    Buzzcocks continues on their North American tour with stops in Pittsburgh on September 14th and House of Blues in Cleveland on September 15. Starting September 22nd, Buzzcocks will embark on a US tour with Descendants throughout early October

  • Brooklyn Bowl Announces Rosh Hashanah Music Bash

    Brooklyn Bowl has announced the return of the annual Rosh Hashanah music bash, set to return October 2 and 3. This year marks the event’s 13th year.

    Rosh Hashanah brooklyn bowl

    Beginning at 7:30 P.M. on Wednesday, October 2 and 10 A.M. on Thursday, October 3, both musically driven services will feature Rabbi Daniel Brenner with musical director Jeremiah Lockwood. Also included are Antibalas’ Jordan McLean and Timothy Allen, drummer John Bollinger, saxophonist Stuart Bogie and Yula Berri on vocals and bass. 

    Internationally renowned teacher Jane Tuv will also lead a guided meditation at each event. There will also be Torah reading and procession led by Rabbi Brenner, as well as prayer, and shofar blowing. After the services on October 2nd, Brooklyn Bowl hosts a spiritually driven jam session featuring members of the service’s house band as well as additional guests. After services on October 3rd at 12:30 P.M., there is a lunch provided by Blue Ribbon with purchase of a ticket. 

    All proceeds will support the non-profit organization Shalom Y’all Jams, which works to organize holiday services at non-traditional locations. Brooklyn Bowl was ranked the number one busiest club in NYC in 2017. This celebration of Rosh Hashanah may very well love up to that title this October. You’ll want to get your tickets before they sell out.

    To purchase tickets for the Rosh Hashanah music bash at Brooklyn Bowl and to learn more about the celebration, click here.

  • Award-Winning Documentary “Swing 46: The Last Swingin’ Supper Club” Screening October 6 in NYC

    Swing 46 in NYC has announced the special screening of award-winning documentary on the venue, titled “Swing 46: The Last Swingin’ Supper Club.” The airing takes place on October 6 at the jazz club itself.

    The famous jazz and supper club Swing 46 prepares to host an honorable screening along with a Q&A session with the filmmaker. The night gives a snapshot of this historic music venue, which has been a home of music, performance, dancing, and memories for decades. The documentary tells the tale of a music venue born out of the retro swing renaissance of the late 90’s, hosting live music, diners, and dancers for nearly three decades.

    The COVID-19 Pandemic has taken its toll on this great music venue which features live music six nights a week, acclaimed food, and a stunning atmosphere that has drawn many globally. A portion of the funds raised will benefit Swing 46’s daily operations and expenses helping to sustain this iconic music and supper club.

    In addition to providing a home to the New York City Swing Dance Community and world
    renowned artists, Swing 46 became a beloved tourist destination, welcoming jazz fans and dancers from around the world. If funding does not become available to help this beloved club pay ongoing bills like rent, utilities, payroll to staff, and other necessities, it will not be able to continue to operate. Swing 46 may be forced to close its doors permanently and NYC will lose another precious live music venue.

    For more information on the impact and magnitude of the jazz club and to purchase tickets to the October 6 event, click here.

  • In Focus: Pearl Jam’s Dark Matter takes formation over Madison Square Garden

    Earlier this year Pearl Jam announced their twelfth studio album, Dark Matter, followed by a World Tour with 35 dates, currently coming to an end in North America with an Australian Leg ahead. On September 3 and 4, they returned to Madison Square Garden (MSG) for the first time in two years, making this appearances #49 and #50 at the World’s Greatest Arena.

    pearl jam MSG

    During Night 1, Eddie and the band plowed through a massive 2+ hour set with 25 songs filled with emotional dedications to various fans in attendance. The entire show is built around a giant projection screen which integrates breath-taking visuals by the great Rob Sheridan, whose most notable work has been with Nine Inch Nails. It really set the mood for each songs and elevates the band, the performance and the space to a higher level.

    Other than the usual staples (“Alive,” “Even Flow,” “Porch”) Eddie played a solo cover of “Imagine” by John Lennon, and the band rocked out a The Who’s “Baba O’Riley,” all with six songs off Dark Matter, which all sound fresh and integrated seamlessly into the set.

    Pearl Jam – Madison Square Garden, NYC – Tuesday, September 3

    Setlist: Pendulum, Better Man (with The English Beat’s “Save It for Later” tag), Immortality, Scared of Fear React, Respond Wreckage, Satan’s Bed, Even Flow, Out of My Mind, Mind Your Manners, Dark Matter, Do the Evolution, Upper Hand, Love Boat Captain (with The Rolling Stones’ “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” intro), Black, Given to Fly, Porch
    Encore: Imagine (John Lennon cover), Inside Job, Unthought Known, Running, Once, Alive, Baba O’Riley (The Who cover), Indifference

  • Hearing Aide: Jim Andralis Drops Haunting LP “Ghosts”

    On August 16, Jim Andralis, known for hosting the country music variety show Grand Ole Pubry at Joe’s Pub in downtown Manhattan, released his fifth LP, Ghosts.

    The 11-song collection is a stark reflection on life, death, and what it means to be human. The raw emotion behind Ghosts inspires the listener to reflect on the interactions taken for granted set to the tune of soothing country guitars and Andralis’ harmonies.

    jim andralis

    Ghosts starts with “The Worst Thing,” a somber introduction to the concept of grief. The track gives us a different perspective on human emotion. It may not be the worst thing to let yourself feel your emotions and process them completely before moving on. It may not be the worst thing for things to not work out the way we expect them to. It’s a lesson that everyone could use; life isn’t very fair, after all.

    The following two tracks, “5 Minutes” and “You,” are both exemplary of the album’s themes of grief and loss. “5 Minutes” is a testament to the loss of Andralis’ dog, Nikko. “You” is a poignant elegy for Barbara Maier Gustern, Andralis’ vocal coach and cherished friend. Both tracks reflect on his experiences with these adored loved ones, the time spent with both, and how love transcends romantic feelings. It is clear that these losses deeply affected Andralis and inspired him to put these feelings to music, a coping mechanism that brings him, and by proxy, his listeners, a sense of peace.

    Songs like “Manhattanhenge” and “Brooklyn” bring another theme into light: the haunting of New York City. In a duet with his husband Larry Krone, “Manhattanhenge” explores the idea of an afterlife in a city loved by millions. What will happen when they’re gone, and how will New York play a part in their afterlife? Will they haunt the city they fell in love with, or move on to somewhere new? Andralis and Krone’s voices blend together in an almost perfect fashion, and it leaves listeners hoping that if there is an afterlife, they get the chance to spend it together.

    Jim Andralis’ fifth album, Ghosts, gives fans an opportunity to explore some of life’s darkest themes. However, there is a comforting feeling in knowing that we are not alone when it comes to these emotions. Andralis’s country guitars provide a soothing feeling to those who are suffering from the hardships of grief and losing a loved one.

    Fans can find more information and music on Jim Andralis’ website, including work with the NYC-based queer punk band The Isotoners and duets with his husband, Larry Krone.

  • Afrobeat Artist AMAYO Releases New Single “Madam President”

    Afrobeat artist AMAYO released his new single, “Madam President,” on August 22, garnering attention across streaming services.

    Madam President

    The track “Madam President” begins with an explosion of percussion, brass, keys, and vocals. Right off the bat the song hooks the listener and once you read into the lyrics, you see the subject matter is deep upon the funky, groovy, upbeat instrumentals.

    AMAYO is urging the listener to fight – for freedom, for peace, and for justice. With the upcoming presidential election this November 5, the political nature of the track speaks volumes. The artist is speaking through his heart about moving forward and never back.

    Madam President

    AMAYO believes that all people of color, and other marginalized groups win if Kamala wins, clear that he is for Kamala Harris’ victory in the presidency. It is also clear that he draws much inspiration from Bob Marley and the Wailers, Steel Pulse, and other reggae/afrobeat artists.

    Once a part of Antibalas, a massively influential Afrobeat band, AMAYO is no stranger to the sounds he is currently releasing unto the world. He is credited for bringing Afrobeat to a global audience, leading it to become a genre of itself.

    Antibalas Live

    To hear AMAYO’s new single “Madam President,” click here and choose your preferred service.

  • 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.