Author: Ellen Johnson

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Culture Theater

“Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812”

At the end of every Broadway show, performers take one final bow, showing their gratitude to the audience and the musicians.

These talented artists perform every night, and it’s their job to do so. So they must know how good they are, right? Their humility baffles me. But somehow, every night they still manage humble composures and shine bashful grins at the end of the show. It’s as if they don’t do this every night, as if they don’t thereafter completely delight audiences to no end. In those final curtain calls, it’s like they’ve just performed the show for the first time, and the audience feels like they’re the only ones to ever experience the magic.

The cast of  “Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812” knows a little something about that magic. 

I’ve always wondered what it feels like to take those bows every night, looking out into the madly applauding audience. I wondered, “How do they still manage humility, even though they’ve done this hundreds of times, for thousands of people, and they obviously know how great they are?”

At a recent performance of “Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812,” I was given a taste of what this experience feels like – because I was sitting on stage. When the cast took their last bows, I, along with the other 75 or so folks perched upstage, gazed out into the hundreds more in the orchestra and mezzanine.

There’s no real stage in the Imperial Theatre while it plays host to “The Great Comet.” Rather, performers run about the whole entire theatre. They perform where we sat, which is where the stage would normally be. But they also perform in the aisles, atop tables, in the mezzanine and in a tiny orchestra pit which houses the conductor, a piano, and a drum kit. The rest of the musicians are scattered throughout the theater. Some musicians are also dancers and actors, so they move around with their instruments throughout the show.

Mobile musicians included those with guitars, violins, clarinets and, most uniquely, accordions. Occasionally, one of these performers would be playing directly next to our table, flashing grins or dancing.

By far, not the ordinary Broadway experience, but wonderful never the less. Don’t miss out on this performance and go get yourself a ticket or two. You might just want to go again!

Photography by Chad Batka

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Culture Theater

“Bandstand” Makes Musical Memories on Broadway

It sure is hot outside, so why not escape the heat for two hours and immerse yourself in some of Broadway’s best?

With firecracker choreography, bold voices, immaculate on-stage instrumentation and a stunning set, Broadway’s “Bandstand” is a spectacle, and it’s one of our favorite shows to see this summer.

Starring Broadway starlet Laura Osnes and stunner Corey Cott as Julia Trojan and Donny Novitski, respectively, “Bandstand” is a tribute not only to attainable Broadway perfection, but also to American troops and veterans. Tickets are available now online and at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre box office, located at 242 W. 45th St.

Private Donny Novitski, a singer, piano player and songwriter, has just returned home from battle in World War II. In the post-war era, everyone, veteran and civilian alike, is reeling from the war’s affects. Everyone just wants to figure out how to be the person they were before.

For Donny, that means making music. When NBC announces a competition to find the next great American song, Donny sees a glimmer of hope, and a distraction from dealing with his war traumas.

He puts together a band. But it’s no ordinary group of musicians: each is a veteran, and each has their own demons leftover from the war. The group grows in friendship and brotherhood, and welcomes widow Julia Trojan into the group as a singer. Julia is the widow of Donny’s best friend. She and Donny begin a friendship, but is there something more there?

All seven band members play an instrument live on stage. They must muddle through the tribulations of bandhood and find a way to make it to the NBC competition in New York City.

“Bandstand,” which features choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, 2016 Tony Award winner for “Hamilton: An American Musical,” won the 2017 Tony Award for Best Choreography. The show uses choreography in the most unique of ways, with dancers beautifully articulating what it feels like to come home after battle. As the characters on stage are dealing with their own ghosts and PTSD, the dancers display to the audience, through dramatic movements, how they are feeling.

Laura Osnes was previously seen on Broadway as Ella in the 2013 revival of  Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “Cinderella,” whereas Corey Cott was last seen as Gaston opposite Vanessa Hudgens in “Gigi.”

We spoke with cast member Geoff Packard, who plays Wayne Wright in the show, about his role, the cast and the explosive dancing “Bandstand” is now famous for.

“Bandstand” just won the Tony for Best Choreography; what is it about the show’s choreography and movements that is so special and unique? How do you guys feel about winning this honor?

Geoff Packard: Any acknowledgement for our show, in any way, is icing on the cake. The chance to watch these amazing dancers perform Andy’s brilliant and moving choreography, in a way that tells these Men and Women’s story–the one’s who came back from combat and didn’t talk about it— that is the ultimate honor.

This show has meant a lot to a lot of veterans out there and their families. Why do you think the show touches veterans in such a way?

GP: I don’t pretend to know for sure, having never served in that capacity myself. I would hope that any veterans or active military who come and see “Bandstand” (as well everyone else who comes) leave with a greater respect for the sacrifice our military makes, especially combat veterans. Our hope is not to glorify war or pity the veterans who serve, but rather truthfully explore what happens when combat veterans re-acclaimate to society post war. My hope is that they feel honored by that.

Several cast members play instruments live on stage which is really cool! What do you think playing music live on stage brings to the overall production?

GP: I think live music is the best thing in the world. It is captivating for an audience. It’s also the hardest thing for us to master. For the guys in the band (Donny Nova Band), it has given us a brotherhood, a camaraderie, and the strength to pursue the deepest truths of these characters. I love these guys.

Even though you act in this show almost every night, do you have a favorite scene to perform?

GP: The scene before the end of Act 1. I don’t want to give anything away…but its a good one.

Are you and your character alike at all? How are you different?

GP: Wayne and I are alike in that we both have a wife and children (the writer’s of the show used the name Grady–which is my actual son’s name!!), and we are both loyal men. Other than that…we are pretty much opposites! I am the WORST at scheduling my days, and I love to eat things after they fall on the floor (within reason).

Photos courtesy of “Bandstand”

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Culture Music

Panorama Recap: Highlights From The Festival

Panorama Stage, MGMT

Another NYC music festival has come and gone. This one was packed with excellent sets from some of music’s biggest names – Solange, Tame Impala, Nine Inch Nails and A Tribe Called Quest all treated us to performances on Panorama’s biggest stage, which featured stunning visuals displayed on a screen that stretched a whopping 170 feet. Local New York City restaurants, like Roberta’s, Eggloo and Salvation Taco, kept attendees full and satisfied throughout the three days of jamming. The elusive Frank Ocean also performed on Friday night one of only a handful of live shows since 2014. His performances are rare, but they give us just a glimpse into the breadth of his musical knack.

Frank Ocean‘s set tops our list of the best of Panorama, but his wasn’t the only impressive performance. Check out our full list of favorites below.

Frank Ocean

As mentioned above, Frank Ocean’s performances are rare, but they are a glorious treat. Instead of performing on the main stage, he performed his entire Friday night show on an extended leg that jutted straight out into the middle of the audience. Accompanied by the recently acclaimed instrumentalist (Sandy) Alex G on guitar, Frank Ocean made a festival crowd of thousands feel like an intimate gathering of friends at an indie show. He paced the skinny stage leg and performed hits like “Solo”and  “Nikes” from his 2016 record “Blonde.” While he was a bit soft-spoken when interacting with the audience, that did not diminish his mastery as a musician. His performance was gripping from start to finish.

Solange

Panorama Stage, Solange

Solange’s performance was without a doubt the most visually stunning of the festival. Reddish light bathed the stage as Solange and her troop of musicians, all appropriately clad in completely red or orange outfits, executed flawless choreography. While Solange is the definitely the master of her stage, the whole performance felt more like a shared story between herself, the musicians and the backup singers, rather than just a solo act. At two different points during the show, around 20 or 30 horn players also joined the magic on the stage.  Her set was full of hope and joy, and the Panorama stage and screen offered a sensational scape for her show. She performed older favorites like “Losing You” and “T.O.N.Y” as well as her newer songs like “Cranes in the Sky.”

Tame Impala

Tame Impala are the masterminds behind the 2015 revelation “Currents,”  one of three albums released by the Australian group, all of which were named “Best New Album” on Pitchfork. Few bands can boast such an achievement critically, but Tame Impala can, and without losing ground or losing themselves. Their Saturday night Panorama show was a spectacle, featuring psychedelic projections and acutely synthy beats. Their set, and their songs, were nothing short of musical perfection. They even performed a song from “Currents” for the first time ever live – “Love/Paranoia,” a treat for longtime fans.

Pinegrove

The subject of one of our Panorama previews (read the feature here), rock band Pinegrove gave an impassioned performance early Saturday on the main Panorama stage. Lead singer Evan Stephens Hall humbly and repeatedly thanked the audience for spending time at their set, one that needed no convincing for us to stick around for its entirety. Hall is a spirited lead singer, and Pinegrove lyrics are ardent in their storytelling. They’re a must-see for live shows, and thankfully they just announced another leg of their tour, so you still have many more chances to catch them on the road.

Mitski

Mitski, The Pavilion

While at first her music comes across as angsty, Mitski’s critically acclaimed songs are actually compilations of deep and moving stories. Some are indeed fraught with pain and anxiety, but the songwriter is a heroine of self-discovery and acceptance in the end. Her Saturday performance was passionate and dynamic. At one point during the set, Mitski took center stage to play a few songs alone, which encompassed some of her best moments musically. Her song “Your Best American Girl” is an honest sentiment describing her being torn between her immigrant heritage and wanting to be who others want her to be.

Future Islands

Future Islands, Panorama Stage

Future Islands lead singer Samuel Herring is a raucous romp on stage. He beats his chest, rolls on the floor and growls lyrics into the microphone. And it all makes for one of the most entertaining sets at Panorama this year. They released a new album this year called “The Far Field,” which is a telling name as that’s exactly where they are. Their music definitely swings somewhere stage left, but it’s wonderful in its uniqueness. They stand alone in the synth-pop genre because no one else sounds quite like them.

Tyler, The Creator

It’s only just August, but 2017 has already welcomed many of its best albums into the musical cosmos, one of which is thanks to Tyler, The Creator. “Flower Boy” was released last month and has seen rave reviews from both crisis and listeners. The rapper treated Panorama audiences to a lively performance on Friday evening. A vista of sunflowers served as background to his set. Only one other rapper joined him on stage, but they made use of the whole space. Tyler, The Creator is a performance pro and had the whole room jumping.

Photos courtesy of Panorama NYC

 

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Culture Music

Panorama Kicks Off Today With Music and Vendors

One of the summer’s most eclectic and varied festival lineups is coming to New York City this weekend. Festival gates are swinging open today at Randall’s Island Park.

Back for its second year, Panorama Music Festival kicks off today with music, attractions, food and drink.

Some passes still remain for the festival and can be purchased here.

Photo courtesy of Panorama

Solange and Frank Ocean are headlining today’s lineup with performances at 8 p.m. and 9:35 p.m., respectively. But the two megastars aren’t the only noteworthy aspects of the weekend’s festivities. Hosts of indie rockers, up-and-coming rappers and DJs, cult electronic groups and singer-songwriters will be taking over the four stages – the Panorama, Pavilion, Parlor and Point – over the next three days.

Other headlining artists include Tame Impala, Nine Inch Nails and A Tribe Called Quest. Glass Animals, Spoon, Future Islands and Tyler, The Creator are among other noteworthy acts throughout the festival. For a complete lineup and set times, visit panorama’s website.

If those names don’t mean anything to you, or if you’re just in it for Solange’s sure-to-slay set, there’s still more to Panorama, too. Even if you’re gung-ho for the music, you should still make an effort to get to the festival early. Don’t miss out on all your pass has to offer.

Several New York City favorites make up a food lineup that’s almost as impressive as the artist lineup. With vendors like Roberta’s, 2nd City, Ice & Vice, Salvation Taco and Eggloo serving up their best, you could find one of your NYC favorites inside Panorama gates.

Hungry for more? Panorama boasts a slew of other attractions. Record store Rough Trade will have a special Panorama pop-up store, Macy’s is hosting a pool party, and HP is sponsoring an interactive art lounge. Some of your other favorite brands are involved too: Bud Light, Sephora, Califia and Deep Eddy Vodka will all be on site.

Food, entertainment and great music? Check, check and check. Get to the festival early for the full experience, and check out the Panorama website for more information including the lineup, travel tips and set times.

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Culture Events Music

NYC Group Sofi Tukker Talks Panorama and Hometown Performances

Musical duos are few-and-far-between in indie genres. There’s Matt and Kim, Grouplove and Shovels & Rope, to name a few, but the duo structure is certainly not the most widespread for an indie group. Even rarer is an indie house duo.

So when one comes along, we must take note; especially if they’re from New York City, and they’re playing Panorama Music Festival this weekend. This pair is Sofi Tukker, comprised of singer/songwriter/percussionist Sophie Hawley-Weld and producer Tucker Halpern. They met while in school at Brown University and soon after released “Drinkee,” which received a Grammy nomination.

Now they have a new single out, and they’re playing Panorama this weekend. Originally hailing from New York, the musicians are thrilled to be playing a home show. This fall, they’re touring with ODESZA. Read our interview with Sophie and Tucker for the full scoop.

How did you two first start making music together? Did you always know your music would have this electronic, danceable sound that channels tropical house music, or did it just evolve that way?

Sofi Tukker: We started making music together when we were still at college. At first, Sophie was making bossa-nova inspired acoustic music and Tucker was DJing house music. It wasn’t until we collaborated and made something from scratch together that we found our sound! We still don’t know how to define it (nor do we want to), we just make what we want to hear! And yeah dancing is a favorite activity for both of us, so I think that will always have a strong place in the music we make.

How did you guys decide to remix “Dark Days” by Local Natives? Were you fans of the band before?

ST: They reached out and when we heard the song, we were really inspired. It’s such a beautiful song already. And the guys in the band are the nicest! We got to perform the song with them at Coachella. Love them and their music.

Who are your biggest influences?

ST: We are each influenced by totally different people. We are both really inspired by artists such as Stromae, our experiences, family, friends. Anything can inspire us really. Our shows and festivals play a big part in inspiring lots of the new music we have been making.

 Your first EP’s title was inspired by a Mary Oliver poem. Why did you decide to call it “Soft Animals?” Does literature often influence you?

ST: She has this beautiful line that goes: “You don’t have to be good… You just have to let the soft animal of your body love what it loves.” Soph is really into literature and always gets inspired by different authors and poets’ turns of phrases! Poetry plays a large role in our songs too because the Portuguese songs are all collaborations with Brazilian poets.

Having received a Grammy nomination so early in your career (for the hit “Drinkee”), how does that affect you going forward?

ST: It doesn’t really affect us much. We are still a young band making music and building out our live performance! There are more people that see what we are doing as legitimate now though, which is always nice! It was a huge unexpected honor, but we know we have such a long way to go and hopefully we can get back there one day!

You guys are from New York, so what does it mean to you to play a festival here? How are you feeling in the days leading up to your Panorama set?

ST: We loooove being at home! We could not be more excited. Last time we played in New York was in April and we have been excited to come back home and play ever since! We don’t get too much time at home

What’s your favorite song to perform live?

ST: We really love performing all our songs!! At the moment, our unreleased song “Batshit” is one of our favorites because we get to go especially Batshit Crazy!

What have been some of your favorite memories from touring?

ST: We have such a good time on the road. We travel with a small group and we spend most of the time laughing. One of our favorite memories was going to Brazil for the first time and getting to speak Portuguese to the audience and everyone knowing all the lyrics–probably better than we did!! Coachella was a standout couple shows as well. We love the small headline shows we’ve done as well!! Anytime people come to see us we feel excited and grateful!

For more info about Sofi Tukker, visit their Facebook page.

Categories
Culture Music

Glass Animals Will Share Colorful Set at Panorama

While Arcade Fire are toiling in the wake of a rumored ban on certain apparel at tomorrow’s Brooklyn show, it’s a particular produce that’s taboo at some Glass Animals shows this summer (or is it?).

The British group, whose sound is so uncommon it’s been categorized as indietronica and shiver pop, too, is touring North America and parts of Europe this summer, and their fierce fans are relentless in showing their devotions to the group. They’ve established a symbol all their own, a golden calf of sorts to show their support for the band; a pineapple serves as the token item.

Heaps and oodles of pineapples are being smuggled into Glass Animals shows, at festivals like Glastonbury and at their headlining concerts, too. Some of the venues have banned the tropical fruit, complying with their rules on prohibiting outside food and drink inside the gates, but fans are still finding a way to get them inside. The band shared on Facebook a screenshot of such a rule, saying “ten points to everyone who manages to sneak in a pineapple anyway.”

“Every festival and show that we do there’s always a huge pile of confiscated pineapples at the entrance,” said Dave Bayley, lead vocalist and lyricist for Glass Animals, in an interview with Downtown. “But people still manage to sneak some in anyways no matter what. I don’t know how they do it.”

The pineapple frenzy is inspired by the pineapple design on the group’s first album cover, for the record ZABA, which was released in 2014. Will fans be able to sneak pineapples into Panorama Fest this weekend, where Glass Animals will play on Sunday? It’s unclear. But you can bet they will try.

Band members Bayley, guitarist/keyboardist Drew MacFarlane, drummer Joe Seaward and bassist/keyboardist Edmund Irwin-Singer formed their band at university in 2010. Their most recent album, “How To Be A Human Being,” has entranced listeners since its release in August of last year. A trippy, kaleidoscopic sonic whirlwind, the record packs a distinct range of sounds and instrumentation into 11 songs. Listeners who are just in it for the auditory aspect and melodies will receive a musical thrill, but there’s more to hear and discover below the surface.

Each of the 11 songs represents a different character. These characters, who are depicted in the album cover art and each have their own website (see for yourself on their website), were created and compiled by Bayley as the band was touring. Bayley recorded people’s stories on his phone, and then he wrote the characters to include many of those chronicles, as well as fictional attributes and experiences from his own life.

“When I started doing this, listening to these stories and initially writing the words, I didn’t really know if it would turn into an album,” Bayley said. “I kind of realized after I started writing words. I was like ‘Oh, I could put this to music and it would work.’ But when I first had the idea I didn’t know what it was going to be.”

It turns out the stories were meant to be songs. The album is perfectly enjoyable without paying attention to the characters and their tales, but dig deeper if you want, Bayley said. There’s something to be discovered in each.

“There’s probably a little bit of me in all the characters, a flavor,” Bayley said. “And hopefully there’s a little bit that everyone can relate to in all the characters, a touch of it. That’s kind of the idea.”

The songwriting came easy as the characters took shape in Bayley’s mind.

“It’s kind of like writing a theme song for someone,” he said.

Listeners may find they relate to the romanticism of “Poplar St” or the lust for adventure in “The Other Side of Paradise.” But one song has a special meaning for Bayley. “Agnes” is as poignant as it is heartbreaking, and Bayley said recently on Facebook that it’s probably the “saddest song i will ever write.” An outpouring of love for the song has been shown by fans since the release of radio edit last month.

From playing in some kid’s garage in Salt Lake City about four years back (there was no bar or lighting system: just a cooler that said “water $1”) to rocking Panorama and Red Rocks this summer, the band has seen a journey to popularity and their share of great live performances. They’ll be back to New York City in October, to play Radio City Music Hall.

“I’ve heard about so many legendary concerts that have happened there and I think it’s gonna be special,” Bayley said. “A lot of people say it’s their favorite venue in the world to play so I am really looking forward to it.”

First, they take Panorama. Don’t miss their set this weekend.

For more information about Panorama and tickets, visit their website.
For Glass Animals’ touring schedule, visit their Facebook page.