GRUNGECAKE

Category: Events

  • Photos: Nigeria’s GRAMMY-nominated superstar Asake kicks off ‘Lungu Boy World’ tour

    On Friday night, GRAMMY-nominated Nigerian Afrobeats artist Asake launched his Lungu Boy World Tour with an electrifying performance at Washington, DC’s Capital One Arena. Asake took the stage to deliver fan-favourite hits from all albums including his recent third studio album, ‘Lungu Boy’, which was released earlier this month.

    The ‘Lungu Boy World’ Tour marks a significant milestone in Asake’s career, with massive arena performances in some of the most iconic venues around the world, including Madison Square Garden.

    The ‘Lungu World World Tour’ continues Wednesday with a show in Atlanta at State Farm Arena before continuing with performances in Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Amsterdam, Paris, Dublin and more before wrapping up with a festival set at Promiseland in Gold Coast, Australia. For tickets and tour information, visit this link.

    ‘Lungu Boy World’ Tour 2024 Dates:

    Fri Aug 16 – Washington, DC – Capital One Arena
    Sun Aug 18 – Detroit, MI – AfroNation^
    Wed Aug 21 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena
    Sat Aug 24 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center
    Tue Aug 27 – Los Angeles, CA – YouTube Theater
    Fri Aug 30 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
    Sun Sep 15 – Cologne, DE – Palladium
    Tue Sep 24 – Amsterdam, NL – AFAS Live
    Thu Sep 26 – Berlin, DE – UberEats Music Hall
    Sat Sep 28 – Paris, FR – Zenith
    Tue Oct 1 – Dublin, IE – 3Arena*
    Sun Oct 6 – Gold Coast, AU – Promiseland*^

    *Non-Live Nation Date
    ^Festival Date

  • Latto announces ‘Sugar Honey Iced Tea’ tour

    The tour spans twenty-two North American cities.

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    After her hot new no-skips album ‘Sugar Honey Iced Tea’, Atlanta’s finest rapper-songwriter Latto has officially announced her upcoming album tour. Joining the Peach State artist, on select dates are Mariah the Scientist and Karrahboo — who seemingly left Lil Yachty’s Concrete Boys. The tour begins on October 25 in the heated city of Tampa; and continues to other North American cities like Las Vegas, Brooklyn, and more. Based on the text on the official flyer, the Live Nation tour may be a world affair adding “Europe Winter 2025, Africa – TBD, Australia – TBD.”

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  • Jamaica’s Spice to host 2024 Caribbean Music Awards with Majah Hype

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    Today, the Caribbean Elite Group is thrilled to announce the hosts and additional honourees for the highly-anticipated 2024 Caribbean Music Awards. This year’s star-studded event will be hosted by the Queen of Dancehall, Spice, and the King of Caribbean Comedy, Majah Hype. These dynamic personalities promise to bring their unparalleled energy and charisma to the stage, for Caribbean music’s biggest night.

    Spice, known for her vibrant performances and chart-topping hits like ‘So Mi Like It’ and ‘Go Down Deh’, continues to reign supreme in the Dancehall scene. Her influence extends beyond music, with successful ventures in acting and business. Majah Hype, celebrated for his comedic genius and relatable Caribbean characters, has captivated audiences worldwide with his unique blend of humour and cultural commentary.

    Earlier this month, Marcia Griffiths, Alison Hinds, and Cedella Marley were announced as the first wave of honouree recipients for the 2024 Caribbean Awards via the Lifetime Achievement Award, Elite Icon Award, and Legacy Award, respectively in the listed order. This year, the Caribbean Music Awards will also honour several distinguished artists for their significant contributions to Caribbean music, which have resonated globally:

    Producer Honours – Di Genius: Stephen “Di Genius” McGregor, a legendary Jamaican record producer, has shaped the sound of modern Reggae and Dancehall with his innovative production techniques. His impressive portfolio includes collaborations with global superstars and chart-topping hits. Di Genius has recently continued his influential work with the hit song ‘Hit and Run’ by Shenseea.

    Konpa Honours – Tabou Combo: Celebrating over five decades of musical excellence, Tabou Combo is a pioneering force in Haitian Konpa music. Their unique blend of traditional rhythms and contemporary sounds has captivated audiences globally, solidifying their status as Konpa legends.

    Chutney Honours – Ravi B: With his energetic performances and infectious melodies, Ravi B has become a pivotal figure in Chutney music. Known for hits like ‘Drinka’ and ‘Budget’, Ravi B’s contributions have significantly enriched the cultural tapestry of the Caribbean.

    Gospel Honours – Sherwin Gardner: Sherwin Gardner, a Trinidadian gospel artist, has dedicated over two decades to uplifting audiences with his soulful voice and inspiring lyrics. His chart-topping albums and powerful performances have made him a beloved figure in the gospel music scene.

    Calypso Honours – Mighty Sparrow: The legendary Mighty Sparrow, often called the “Calypso King of the World”, has had an illustrious career spanning over six decades. With timeless classics like ‘Jean and Dinah’ and ‘Only a Fool’, Sparrow’s profound impact on calypso music and Caribbean culture is unparalleled.

    Since its inception, the Caribbean Music Awards has been a platform to celebrate the rich musical heritage of the Caribbean and honour the artists who have contributed to its evolution. Last year’s inaugural event saw Buju Banton, David Rudder, Mikaben, and Beres Hammond among the esteemed honourees.

    The 2024 Caribbean Music Awards will take place on Thursday, August 29, at Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, New York. Join us for a night of unforgettable performances and heartfelt tributes as we honour the extraordinary talents and tracks that have graced this prestigious list.

  • Green Day kick off North American leg of ‘Saviors Tour’: See dates

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    After a triumphant run in Europe, Green Day is ready to do it again in the United States! Last night, the legendary Rock group kicked off their tour in Washington, DC, at the Nationals Park to over 40,000 fans. According to the press release received, Green Day celebrated thirty years of ‘Dookie’ and twenty years of ‘American Idiot’, the band played both albums in their entirety, along with cuts from their latest critically-acclaimed fourteenth studio album ‘Saviors’. Green Day’s Saviors Tour has been the talk of the Summer and serves as a testament to how the band continues to shape, inspire, and modify pop culture as we know it. 

    The night kicked off with sets from illustrious Rock luminaries The Smashing Pumpkins and Rancid, and teenage Rock quartet The Linda Lindas, who will all continue as support throughout the rest of the tour. Produced by Live Nation, the Saviors Tour runs through the rest of summer and will wrap up on September 28 in San Diego, California at Petco Park. After a rocking playback of ‘Dookie’ in its entirety, the band kept the energy alive and played their smash hits ‘Minority’ and ‘Brain Stew’, along with cuts off their latest sonic masterpiece ‘Saviors’, like ‘Dilemma’ and ‘Look Ma, No Brains!’. Armstrong’s powerful vocals commanded the stage with as much energy as he had during the band’s inception over thirty years ago.  

    The setlist finally reached 2004’s juggernaut, ‘American Idiot’. Known for its politically charged lyrics and rebellious spirit, Green Day’s killer performance of this album in the heart of the nation’s capital hit differently. In true Green Day spirit, Armstrong swapped out the title track’s lyrics with “I’m not a part of the MAGA agenda”, inciting stadium-shaking roars from the crowd.  

    The Saviors North American Tour Dates: 

    With support from The Smashing Pumpkins, Rancid, and The Linda Lindas

    Thu Aug 01 – Toronto, ON – Rogers Centre  
    Sat Aug 03 – Montreal, QC – Osheaga Music and Arts Festival*  
    Mon Aug 05 – New York, NY – Citi Field 
    Wed Aug 07 – Boston, MA – Fenway Park 
    Fri Aug 09 – Philadelphia, PA – Citizens Bank Park 
    Sat Aug 10 – Hershey, PA – Hersheypark Stadium  
    Tue Aug 13 – Chicago, IL – Wrigley Field  
    Thu Aug 15 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre !
    Sat Aug 17 – Minneapolis, MN – Target Field  
    Tue Aug 20 – Kansas City, KS – Azura Amphitheatre !
    Thu Aug 22 – Cincinnati, OH – Great American Ballpark  
    Sat Aug 24 – Milwaukee, WI – American Family Field  
    Mon Aug 26 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion !
    Wed Aug 28 – Atlanta, GA – Truist Park 
    Fri Aug 30 – Nashville, TN – Geodis Park  
    Sun Sep 01 – Pittsburgh, PA – PNC Park 
    Wed Sep 04 – Detroit, MI – Comerica Park
    Sat Sep 07 – Denver, CO – Coors Field
    Tue Sep 10 – Austin, TX – Germania Insurance Amphitheater ! 
    Wed Sep 11 – Arlington, TX – Globe Life Field    
    Sat Sep 14 – Los Angeles, CA – SoFi Stadium  
    Wed Sep 18 – Phoenix, AZ – Chase Field 
    Fri Sep 20 – San Francisco, CA – Oracle Park  
    Mon Sep 23 – Seattle, WA – T-Mobile Park
    Wed Sep 25 – Portland, OR – Providence Park
    Sat Sep 28 – San Diego, CA – Petco Park

    *Festival Date
    ! With Support from Rancid and The Linda Lindas only

  • The 67th Annual New York Emmy Awards nominations announced

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    The 67th Annual New York Emmy Award nominations were announced on July 26, 2024, at the LIVE with Kelly and Mark studio at WABC-TV. Hosting the announcement was NY Emmy Awards Chair and PIX 11 Senior Correspondent Mavin Scott. Presenting the nominations were NJ Burkett – WABC-TV, Virginia Huie – Newsday, Jonathan Inoa – WXTV Univision 41, Errol Louis – Spectrum News NY 1, Monica Morales – PIX 11, Jessica Moore – WCBS-TV, Fernando Cardenas Pena – HITN, Lisa Salvadorini – News 12, Marvin Scott PIX 11, Allan Villafana – WNJU Telemundo 41, Sarah Wallace – WNBC-TV and MaryAlice Williams – NJ PBS.

    The 2nd Annual NY Emmy Sports Awards Ceremony will take place on October 8 at the Hard Rock Hotel and the 67th Annual Emmy Awards will be presented on October 26 at the New York Marriott Marquis at 1535 Broadway New York, New York 10036. The 67th Gala is divided into two ceremonies, The Creative Arts Ceremony and the 67th Annual NY Emmy Awards Gala.

    The lists of nominated entries for all three ceremonies are attached via this link.

  • Hear New York-bred Jazz musician Julius Rodriguez’s new album ‘Evergreen’

    It’s a breath of fresh air from what’s trending on pop radio today.

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    Last week, a friend and I attended Julius Rodriguez‘s evening show at The Green Space in New York City. That night, the GRAMMY Museum presented an intimate conversation moderated by Angelika Beener—followed by a stellar performance. During the interview, they discussed making his latest album release, ‘Evergreen’, his creative process, career, and more. Based on our brief interaction with the talented musician after his show and what we witnessed, the young Jazz musician—seemingly has a calm demeanour and a great sense of style. Wearing a fresh pair of Nike Cortez, dark denim, a grey suit jacket, neatly plaited hair, and an eyelid piercing suggests he probably is chill and relaxed, yet sharp and hip.

    Julius Rodriguez’s latest album ‘Evergreen’ is out now. It features Jay Adlher, Keyon Harrold, Nate Mercereau and Georgia Anne Muldrow. Stream the ten-track project on your platform of choice and support the artist, like us, when he performs live in your city. He’s going on tour soon.

  • EMPIRE partners with León Y Sol Tequila

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    EMPIRE, the largest privately held vertically integrated independent record label, publisher, and distributor in the United States, has entered a multi-year strategic partnership and taken an equity stake in León Y Sol Tequila to bring music and the spirit of innovation together. The partnership debuted at EMPIRE’s annual brunch in celebration of the 2024 BET Awards and together the powerhouse label and rich tequila brand aim to amplify the creative community and cultural initiatives.

    EMPIRE was founded in San Francisco by Ghazi in 2010 as an alternative to the major label ecosystem and was quickly regarded as a tastemaker in the industry. Today, the label is a global force leading the charge across music, creative, a forward-thinking business model, and technological advancements based on consumer behaviour.

    León Y Sol was also founded in San Francisco making this collaboration seamless. It is a premium tequila brand crafted with traditional Mexican techniques and a modern twist, appealing to sophisticated consumers who appreciate quality spirits. With its smooth taste and elegant packaging, León Y Sol represents the new wave of luxury tequila brands, where a progressive liquor is born of ancient technique and the extraordinary influence of terroir. The product is available in 3,500 US outlets and online at leonysol.com.

    EMPIRE Founder/CEO, Ghazi, says: “EMPIRE and León Y Sol share a passion for creativity and community. Together we aim to celebrate our city’s vibrant culture and spirit by blending together the best of music and tequila for an unforgettable experience that brings people around the world together.”

    Alexandra Moore, EMPIRE’s Chief Business Officer, says “This partnership represents an exciting opportunity to build a distinguished brand in the tequila industry. Together, we are poised to redefine the market and deliver an unparalleled experience to our customers.” Moore will also be joining León Y Sol’s Board of Directors as part of the transaction.

    The Mahamat’s, founders of León Y Sol, say, “Tequila and music are about pushing boundaries and creating unforgettable moments. Our partnership with EMPIRE is a game-changer. Together, we’re not just blending spirits; we’re blending cultures and smashing expectations. We’re set to ignite a revolution in the tequila world, as we take bold steps to deliver unique, exhilarating experiences from the San Francisco Bay Area to beyond. This is just the beginning.”

    In the spirit of celebration and commitment culture, EMPIRE and León Y Sol offer a premium experience just in time for summer. Stay tuned for more elevated experiences to come that will suit every community from The Bay to the corners of the globe.

  • Missy Elliott presents “Party On the Plaza: An Out of This World Experience” in Los Angeles tomorrow

    As usual with the queen, this one is for the dancers.

    Tomorrow, Missy Elliott, our groundbreaking and talented living legend, presents ‘Party on the Plaza: An Out of this World Experience’ in Los Angeles, California, at the Jerry Moss Plaza at the Music Center. The event promises to feature live DJs, her mega-talented tour dancers, and a special surprise “that will have all eyes on the sky,” according to the promo. This event is free and open to the public. If you’re heading to the event after supper, you may want to arrive by 7 o’clock. Scroll under the promotional flyer to see information for tomorrow’s event.

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    The Music Center is at 135 N Grand Avenue in Downtown Los Angeles. Public parking will be available at the main Music Center Garage (cash only) at 135 N Grand Avenue and in The Music Center’s Walt Disney Concert Hall Garage (cash and credit cards) at 111 S Grand Avenue for a flat rate of $10 per vehicle. Valet parking will not be available. Event attendees are highly encouraged to take public transportation. The Music Center is across the street from Gloria Molina Grand Park, home to the Civic Center/Grand Park station along the Metro B Line (Red) and Metro D Line (Purple). Guests could reach The Music Center easily by riding Metro’s new Regional Connector to the Grand Ave Arts/Bunker Hill stop.

    Can you believe it’s the queen’s first headlining tour ever? She’s been able to produce and curate evergreen cultural moments through her immense musical talents. As taken from the official press release, this grand Summer, Missy Elliott will headline arenas across North America on her debut tour, ‘Out of This World — The Missy Elliott Experience’, with Hip-Hop legend Busta Rhymes, multi-platinum selling superstar Ciara, and mega-producer and close friend Timbaland by her side. This tour is Summer’s hottest ticket, produced by Live Nation in association with Mona Scott-Young, Elliott’s longtime manager and CEO of Monami Entertainment. Tickets for the thirty-date run are on sale via her website, with VIP packages offered via this link.

  • Toronto-based artist BAMBII shares official visualiser for ‘SHH’

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    Today, BAMBII, a Toronto-based creative known for her efforts in music, has released the tantalising visual for her new single ‘SHH’. The JUNO Award-winning recording artist’s track commands your attention with a punchy bass line and lyrics about boys stepping their game up, being busy and booked every day of the week, and not being a nice girl. The new banger made for the dancefloor is out now through The Final Boss. It’s so New York City ballroom-friendly.

    After you watch the short visual and stream the record, see her live performance dates below.

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    Upcoming Live Dates:

    6/8 – Hilvarenbeek, NL @ Best Kept Secret Festival
    6/14 – Barcelona, ES @ Sónar Festival
    7/13 – Kraggenburg, NL @ Wildeburg Festival
    8/18 – Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Mirage (w/ Uncle Waffles, Andre Power & more)

  • Cyndi Lauper’s farewell tour: Celebrating a trailblazing career

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    Iconic, irreverent, and endlessly colorful, Cyndi Lauper has been a staple of the music scene for decades. With her distinctive voice, quirky style, and unapologetic attitude, she has captivated audiences around the world since the 1980s. Now, after a legendary career spanning over four decades, the GRAMMY-winning singer-songwriter has announced her farewell tour, marking the end of an era for fans everywhere.

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    A journey through time

    Cyndi Lauper burst onto the music scene in the early 1980s with her debut album, ‘She’s So Unusual’, which quickly became a sensation. Hits like ‘Girls Just Want to Have Fun’, ‘Time After Time’, and ‘True Colors’ catapulted her to international fame and solidified her status as a pop icon. Lauper’s unique blend of pop, rock, and new wave, coupled with her fearless self-expression, resonated with audiences and paved the way for a new generation of female artists.

    Throughout her career, Lauper has continued to push boundaries and defy expectations. From her chart-topping singles to her critically-acclaimed albums, she has consistently reinvented herself while staying true to her artistic vision. Her fearless exploration of various musical genres, from blues to country to Broadway, has showcased her versatility and enduring relevance in an ever-changing industry.

    Honouring a legacy

    As Cyndi Lauper embarks on her farewell tour, fans have the opportunity to celebrate her remarkable legacy and contributions to music and culture. From sold-out stadiums to intimate venues, the tour promises to be a nostalgic journey through Lauper’s illustrious career, featuring beloved classics alongside deep cuts and surprises.

    For many fans, Lauper’s music holds a special place in their hearts, serving as the soundtrack to their lives and providing comfort, inspiration, and empowerment. Her unapologetic embrace of individuality and acceptance has resonated with audiences of all ages and backgrounds, making her a beloved figure in popular culture.

    A bittersweet goodbye

    While Cyndi Lauper’s farewell tour marks the end of an era, it also represents a celebration of her enduring impact and influence. As she takes the stage for the final time, fans will come together to honor her legacy and express gratitude for the joy and inspiration she has brought into their lives.

    Although Lauper may be saying goodbye to the touring life, her music will continue to live on, inspiring future generations of artists and fans alike. Whether through her timeless hits or her pioneering advocacy work for LGBTQ+ rights and social justice, her impact will be felt for years to come.

    Conclusion

    Cyndi Lauper’s farewell tour is not just the end of a chapter—it’s a celebration of an extraordinary career that has left an indelible mark on the music industry and popular culture. As fans come together to bid farewell to one of the most iconic voices of a generation, they will carry with them the memories, melodies, and messages that have defined Cyndi Lauper’s remarkable legacy.