UPCOMING EVENTS

Wednesday, August 4, 2010 6:30PM

Wednesday, August 4, 2010 9:30PM

New York’s premiere summer jazz series is back once again! Join us in celebrating the Smooth Cruises’ 13th year aboard The Spirit of New York, located at Pier 61, Chelsea Piers (23rd St & West Side Hwy). Experience this one-of-a-kind LIVE JAZZ concert series as you cruise down the Hudson River taking in fantastic views of the Statue of Liberty and the breathtaking Manhattan skyline. This summer will feature ten of the world’s greatest jazz acts in an intimate setting, every Wednesday evening starting June 30th ending September 1st. The Smooth Cruises sell out quickly, so get your tickets today!

Friday, August 6, 2010 7:00PM

Friday, August 6, 2010 10:00PM

It’s Just Comedy on the Queen of Hearts. Lay back and kick it cruising on the Hudson for 2 hours with some of the funniest comedians in the city.

Featuring NYC’s top comedians: Smokey, Roz G, and Cortez.
Hosted by Talent, with DJ K-Swift on the ones and twos.

Patrons must be 21 years and up.

2 cruises
Show Times 7:00PM and 10:00PM
On the Queen of Hearts. Sails from Pier 40.
Houston Street and the West Side Highway, on the Hudson River.

Saturday, August 7, 2010 7:00PM

Saturday, August 7, 2010 10:00PM

This one’s for the grown & sexy! Come dressed as Naughty or Nice as you want and set sail with the smoothest DJ on the airwaves, Lenny Green — featuring DJ Qua on the 1’s & 2’s. Relax and unwind, as we bring Kissing After Dark from the airwaves and onto the water. Be ready to dance C-L-O-S-E as KISS FM serves up your favorite R&B jams. PLUS, Lenny is going to have a Sexy Swimwear Fashion Show on the boat!

Patrons must be 21 years and up.

Catch Lenny Green’s Kissing After Dark on 98.7 KISS FM weeknights from 7:00PM – 12:00AM.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010 6:30PM

Wednesday, August 11, 2010 9:30PM

New York’s premiere summer jazz series is back once again! Join us in celebrating the Smooth Cruises’ 13th year aboard The Spirit of New York, located at Pier 61, Chelsea Piers (23rd St & West Side Hwy). Experience this one-of-a-kind LIVE JAZZ concert series as you cruise down the Hudson River taking in fantastic views of the Statue of Liberty and the breathtaking Manhattan skyline. This summer will feature ten of the world’s greatest jazz acts in an intimate setting, every Wednesday evening starting June 30th ending September 1st. The Smooth Cruises sell out quickly, so get your tickets today!

Thursday, August 12, 2010 6:00PM

Deerhunter
Musically, Deerhunter is, and has been, many things – ambient punk, noise rock, art rock, shoegaze, post-punk and plain pop. Their second and third albums Cryptograms and Microcastle were ranked by music critics and aficionados alike as among the best albums of their respective years – and the latter ranked among the best of the past decade.

Real Estate
Real Estate’s sound wafts in on vibes of hazy summers from days past living in the burbs. Flagged by Stereogum as a “Band to Watch,” this Yo La Tengo-influenced quartet recently released its debut, full-length LP Real Estate and garnered critical praise and “best new music” accolades.

Doors at 6:00 PM

At PIER 54
CROSS AT W.14th St
or HORATIO St

Subway
Take the 1, 2, 3, L, A, C or E to 14th St, walk west and cross West St at W.14th St or Horatio St.

Bus
M11, Crosstown M14

There is no passenger drop-off on West St.

Friday, August 13, 2010 12:00AM

Music by The Finisher Mister Cee. Hosted by The Voice of New York, Angie Martinez and Friday Nite Live’s own J Medina as they rock the party aboard the Spirit of New York cruise ship. Playing the hottest in Hip Hop, R&B, Reggae, and Classics. Live on the one’s and two’s. Cash bar and FREE buffet for all who purchase tickets!

TIME: Boarding begins at 12:00 Midnite, leaves the dock at 1:00 AM and returns to the dock at 4:00 AM.

AGE: 23 and over

Wednesday, August 18, 2010 6:30PM

Wednesday, August 18, 2010 9:30PM

New York’s premiere summer jazz series is back once again! Join us in celebrating the Smooth Cruises’ 13th year aboard The Spirit of New York, located at Pier 61, Chelsea Piers (23rd St & West Side Hwy). Experience this one-of-a-kind LIVE JAZZ concert series as you cruise down the Hudson River taking in fantastic views of the Statue of Liberty and the breathtaking Manhattan skyline. This summer will feature ten of the world’s greatest jazz acts in an intimate setting, every Wednesday evening starting June 30th ending September 1st. The Smooth Cruises sell out quickly, so get your tickets today!

Saturday, August 21, 2010 7:00PM

Saturday, August 21, 2010 10:00PM

Dance in circles around Manhattan with Felix Hernandez and the Rhythm Revue. Move to the sounds of all your favorite classic soul jams aboard The Queen of Hearts. These tickets go fast so be sure to purchase early!

Patrons must be 21 years and up.

Check out Felix Hernandez on 98.7 KISS FM Sundays 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM with The Rhythm Revue.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010 6:30PM

Wednesday, August 25, 2010 9:30PM

New York’s premiere summer jazz series is back once again! Join us in celebrating the Smooth Cruises’ 13th year aboard The Spirit of New York, located at Pier 61, Chelsea Piers (23rd St & West Side Hwy). Experience this one-of-a-kind LIVE JAZZ concert series as you cruise down the Hudson River taking in fantastic views of the Statue of Liberty and the breathtaking Manhattan skyline. This summer will feature ten of the world’s greatest jazz acts in an intimate setting, every Wednesday evening starting June 30th ending September 1st. The Smooth Cruises sell out quickly, so get your tickets today!

Saturday, August 28, 2010 7:00PM

Saturday, August 28, 2010 10:00PM

Your favorite radio diva is closing out the summer with a party to remember! Join Midday Hostess — Shaila — as she celebrates the end of a fantastic summer with a night on the Hudson. Put on your dance shoes as we honor the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, leading into the anniversary of his birthday. The King would have been 52 on August 29, 2010. Remember his amazing contributions to music and keep his legacy alive through the continued enjoyment of his great talent. DJ Qua Won’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough!!!

Patrons must be 21 years and up.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010 6:30PM

Wednesday, September 1, 2010 9:30PM

New York’s premiere summer jazz series is back once again! Join us in celebrating the Smooth Cruises’ 13th year aboard The Spirit of New York, located at Pier 61, Chelsea Piers (23rd St & West Side Hwy). Experience this one-of-a-kind LIVE JAZZ concert series as you cruise down the Hudson River taking in fantastic views of the Statue of Liberty and the breathtaking Manhattan skyline. This summer will feature ten of the world’s greatest jazz acts in an intimate setting, every Wednesday evening starting June 30th ending September 1st. The Smooth Cruises sell out quickly, so get your tickets today!

Friday, October 8, 2010 7:30PM

Friday, October 8, 2010 10:30PM

Join us in celebrating the Smooth Cruises’ 13th year aboard The Spirit of New York, located at Pier 61, Chelsea Piers (23rd St & West Side Hwy). Experience this one-of-a-kind LIVE JAZZ concert series as you cruise down the Hudson River taking in fantastic views of the Statue of Liberty and the breathtaking Manhattan skyline. This summer will feature ten of the world’s greatest jazz acts in an intimate setting, every Wednesday evening starting June 30th ending September 1st. The Smooth Cruises sell out quickly, so get your tickets today!

As most fans know, longtime Jazz/R&B music great Angela Bofill suffered a stroke in early 2006. Later that year she received the SoulTracks Lifetime Achievement Award and appeared to be on her way to recovery. Unfortunately, in July 2007, Angie suffered another massive stroke and was in critical condition for quite awhile.

The show will be a narrative and musical presentation of the songs most relevant to her career – songs such as This Time I’ll Be Sweeter, I’ll Try, Under the Moon and Over the Sky, Angel of the Night, Break it to me Gently, and many others will be performed by Phil Perry and Maysa. Angela will be doing on-stage narratives about the tunes with some humorous anecdotes.

We are thankful to be able to present this very special engagement as Angela Bofill makes her first public appearance in New York since 2005.

Saturday, December 4, 2010 7:30PM

Saturday, December 4, 2010 10:00PM

Peter White leads an all star lineup featuring Rick Braun and Mindi Abair playing dazzling arrangements of your favorite holiday songs at B.B. Kings Blues Club & Grill. It will be a treat for the holiday season!

Peter White

Over the past 16 years, as Peter White has kept thousands of smooth jazz fans worldwide enthralled by his spirited melodies, soulful grooves and inviting, instantly recognizable acoustic guitar tone, he’s always had a blast finding unique ways to bring his modern sensibilities to cherished pop classics. Thanks to the smooth jazz format’s affinity these days for instrumental cover songs, two of the incredible 13 #1 Radio & Records airplay hits he’s enjoyed over the years, “The Closer I Get To You” and “Walk On By” (from 1994’s Reflections), have become enduring staples of the format.

But pop music fans were listening to White’s classic acoustic guitar style even before the advent of the New Adult Contemporary and Smooth Jazz formats, most notably via his collaborations with British folk/pop singer Al Stewart. The Stewart-White partnership, which culminated with the dual live recording Rhymes in Rooms in the mid-90s, spanned over 20 years. White played on Stewart’s landmark Year of the Cat album, co-wrote and performed on two of Stewart’s biggest hits, “Time Passages” and “Midnight Rocks,” and served as the Scottish singer’s bandleader while playing guitar, Hammond Organ and piano. He later co-produced Stewart’s Famous Last Words album.

White’s other major longtime association was with Basia, an early vocal star in the genre that later became known as smooth jazz. In 1984, brother Danny White and a then unknown Basia formed the band Matt Bianco; Peter performed on the group’s album Who’s Side Are You On as well as on the hit single “Half a Minute.” When Basia and Danny left Matt Bianco to focus on her solo career, Peter White’s guitar and accordian became an integral flavor in her popular sound. He played on her three bestselling albums Time and Tide, London Warsaw New York and The Sweetest Illusion, and appeared on her live performance release Basia on Broadway. Basia sang on “Just Another Day,” which became a popular airplay hit from Caravan of
Dreams.

Saturday, December 11, 2010 7:30PM

Saturday, December 11, 2010 10:00PM

David Benoit returns to B.B. Kings Blues Club & Bar in New York for a special “Charlie Brown Christmas” show, Performing the Vince Guaraldi classics from “A Charlie Brown Christmas”.

DAVID BENOIT: Pianist, Composer, Conductor

Over the last quarter century, composer and pianist David Benoit (b. 1953) has been a passionate musical innovator committed to the exploration of many different art forms on the American landscape.

His prolific output since 2000 includes several prominent Charlie Brown related projects (including Here’s To You, Charlie Brown: 50 Great Years and the star-studded 40 Years: A Charlie Brown Christmas) that reflect his lifelong passion for the music of original Peanuts composer Vince Guaraldi and solidify Benoit’s role as his musical heir

Monday, July 26, 2010

What breezy views we had over the Hudson River! How could you not want to spend a warm Thursday night on a charming wooden pier, surrounded by water? The incessant clouds hovering above made no impact on the weather, only adding to the nocturnal beauty of the New Jersey skyline.

- Sentimentalist Magazine, full review “HERE”

The Antlers are one of my favorite new bands, and as usual, they didn’t disappoint. Frontman Peter Silberman somehow manages to simultaneously channel so much emotion while completely playing it cool, and shredding on guitar. His backing band of Michael Lerner and Darby Cicci are completely able, and together they, well to quote James above, sound so good.

- Dominick Mastrangelo, Brooklyn Vegan, Full Review HERE

Friday, July 23, 2010

By Nate Chinen, the New York Times

THE waters were placid, the breeze was a balm and the Statue of Liberty was keeping her vigil about a hundred yards aft. Maybe more, maybe less. From the rear deck of the Spirit of New York one recent evening, she seemed plenty close, anyway, and oddly approachable: an onshore well-wisher, watching over the slow pivot that marked the midpoint of our tour. By chance, this was the moment at which the music stopped, and a voice overrode the applause: “We’re going to skip ahead 27 albums and play something new for you.”

The Smooth Cruise in New York books some of the best-known performers in jazz, like Spyro Gyra, with Julio Fernandez, above.

A couple hit the dance floor as Spyro Gyra performed on a recent Smooth Cruise.

That was Jay Beckenstein, the saxophonist and leader of Spyro Gyra, making a segue from “Shaker Song,” which opens the band’s 1978 debut, into “Unspoken,” from an album released last year. We were aboard the Smooth Cruise, now in its 13th year, held each Wednesday through summer’s end by Spirit Cruises. Most passengers were inside with the band, closing in on a swatch of dance floor, but the sound was also being piped on deck, where I slouched at a rail. I was having a suspiciously good time.

Smooth jazz is all about pleasure, but I hadn’t expected much. It isn’t really my thing, this waxy, wine-lighted catchall genre — also known by niche-programming terms like urban contemporary, chill and, confusingly, contemporary jazz. Not that I’m inclined to moralize about it; for me, smooth jazz has always been less of an affront than an afterthought, like frozen TV dinners. My fallback strategy is avoidance. So any thoughts of boarding a Smooth Cruise stirred a mild trepidation, along with a milder enthusiasm.

The enthusiasm was almost conceptual, rooted in the elegance of the pairing. I mean, Smooth Cruise: the two words seem meant for each other. Both cruises and smooth jazz hold the promise of a passive indulgence, of kicking back and letting go.

Not surprisingly, the luxury cruise industry is on top of this, with big-ticket enticements like the Smooth Jazz Cruise, which pokes around the Caribbean in January, and Dave Koz & Friends at Sea, off the Alaskan coast in August. “The absolute finest in lifestyle entertainment,” pledges Mr. Koz, the saxophonist, in an online mission statement; his weeklong cruise features himself, along with the likes of Kirk Whalum and Mindi Abair.

A more modest experience is proffered by Spirit Cruises, and a lesser commitment is required. The Smooth Cruise in New York runs a brisk two hours; a pair of tickets for the “sunset” outing was $82.72, but taxes and fees bring them to just over $100. (A “moonlight” option, the equivalent of a second set, is the same price.) A dinner buffet and drinks are optional.

And the Smooth Cruise, organized by Smooth Jazz New York, a subsidiary of Marquee Concerts, doesn’t skimp on headliners. Next week’s cruise will feature Pieces of a Dream, a band whose track record runs nearly as far back as Spyro Gyra’s. Mr. Whalum will appear on Aug. 11, as one of the saxophonists in a popular Guitars and Saxes package; Ms. Abair, yet another saxophonist, is scheduled for Aug. 25. The Rippingtons will play the week in between on Aug. 18.

Not all of these artists luxuriate in their smoothness.

“We preceded smooth jazz by nearly a decade,” Mr. Beckenstein said by phone a couple of days after the cruise. “We came out of Weather Report and Miles Davis and the fusion movement. And smooth jazz, interestingly enough, was more of a radio format than it was a style of music. A whole generation of artists, especially after the success of Kenny G, was encouraged by record companies to chase the radio format. That’s not what we did. So no, I’ve never considered myself a smooth jazz artist.”

Still, he allowed, Spyro Gyra is booked on the Capital Jazz SuperCruise in October out of Miami, along with Mr. Whalum, George Duke and others.

A similar ambivalence has plagued the smooth jazz economy in recent years. It buckled significantly in 2008, when WQCD-FM, the New York beacon long branded as CD101.9, switched to a rock format, like many other smooth jazz stations across the country. The shift has prompted its share of reflection. Last month Kenny G himself released an album with guest turns by Babyface and Robin Thicke, tactically aligning himself with R&B. The keyboardist Brian Culbertson did much the same on an album released this week. (His guests include Kenny Lattimore and Brian McKnight.)

The Smooth Cruise — which often sells out its capacity of 600 each on two cruises a night — is a haven from these market calculations, even though CD101.9 was its title sponsor for years.

“When they changed format — well, that audience is still there,” said Bill Zafiros, CD101.9’s former event director, now a partner in Marquee Concerts. “So what we’re doing is serving that audience. And they’re very passionate about this music.”

My experience confirmed his claim: the base for this particular “lifestyle entertainment” is loyal and enthusiastic, as well as ethnically and demographically diverse. While awaiting boarding, at Pier 61 at Chelsea Piers, I encountered only repeat customers, like Cheryl Davis and her husband, Richard, of Brooklyn. They said they hardly missed a Smooth Cruise last summer, and had similar plans for this year. (Another discovery made in line: the Smooth Cruise is partly sponsored by The New York Times, for the second year in a row.)

There are three decks on the Spirit of New York, and during a Smooth Cruise, the second deck is where the musicians set up on the dance floor, along the ship’s port side. Seasoned cruisers either scored a spot within several feet of the musicians or made a beeline for the third deck, where a string of coveted tables overlooked the dance floor, as if along a horseshoe balcony.

Others headed straight to the buffet, though I can report that the food, at $19.23 a head (pretax was steam-tray grim, a defeated allotment of leathery prime rib, grayish salmon and congealed mac-and-cheese. Far better to make pre- or post-cruise restaurant reservations, thereby avoiding not only the buffet but also the need for a table.

Freedom to move about the ship is, after all, one thing that distinguishes the Smooth Cruise from a place like the Blue Note, where Spyro Gyra played a weeklong stand last year. Hence the leisurely Statue of Liberty sighting, and a later excursion to the windswept top deck, for a never-gets-old perusal of the Lower Manhattan skyline.

But that was me. Plenty of other patrons stayed put, listening raptly to the band. And as a long, flashy drum solo led inexorably toward the encore — ”Morning Dance,” a certifiable smooth-jazz classic, complete with synthesized steel drums — the dance floor got blissfully crowded, as in the final stretch of a good wedding reception. That glow had barely faded by the time we were back at Pier 61, steeling ourselves for the grit of summer pavement. No doubt some of us were already making plans for next time.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/23/arts/music/23jazzcruise.html?_r=1&hpw

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

On July 8th Phosphorescent played an amazing show with Dawes for the River Rocks concert at Pier 54 along the Hudson River. Later that night Phosphorescent’s rental van with over $40,000 worth of equipment was stolen. Phosphorescent was about to kick off a huge tour so they desperately sent out notices asking for help with any leads about the theft or donations.On July 13 the New York Police department recovered *Phosphorescent*’s van with all of the gear intact.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

It’s been close to a year since Dawes’ debut LP, North Hills, hit shelves and thrust the band into the heart of the indie/Americana/nu-folk scene. Since, singer and guitarist Taylor Goldsmith has fraternized with John McCauley of Deer Tick and Matthew Vasquez of Delta Spirit in MG&V (unofficially known as Monsters of Fuck), and led Dawes- consisting also of Wylie Gelber, Alex Casnoff and younger Goldsmith brother Griffin-through tour, several Daytrotter.com gigs and a recent performance on The Late Show With Craig Ferguson.