The Very Best of NYC Music

Lady Rizo, Lucie Arnaz, Rihanna, Fantasia, Leading
Ladies, Governors Ball
Music Fest

Lady Rizo combines the voice of a Broadway diva, the glamour of an old-time movie star, the ear of a pop music junkie, and the humor of a naughty schoolgirl to create cabaret performances that are truly original. Her individuality stems from a wide range of influences—everyone from Peggy Lee to Mel Brooks to Nina Simone to Janis Joplin. Her unique voice has been tapped by Yo-Yo Ma and Moby in Grammy-winning performances. You can see what all the buzz is about for yourself when she comes to Joe’s Pub on May 2.

Though she’s the daughter of Hollywood’s most famous comedy couple, Lucie Arnaz has proven very much to be a star in her own right—in musicals like Dirty Rotten Scoundrels; on television in The Lucie Arnaz Show; in films like The Jazz Singer; and on her latest CD, Latin Roots. Join her May 18 for a special one-night-only performance at Brooklyn College’s Center for the Performing Arts as she sings standards by George Gershwin, Duke Ellington and Cole Porter, along with her dad’s favorite Latin songs.

In just eight short years, Rihanna has set the pop world on fire with her blend of sultry sexiness, independent attitude, and undeniably addictive dance beats. Her latest CD is appropriately titled Unapologetic, and features one of her biggest songs ever, “Diamonds,” her 12th number-one to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Her latest world tour hits Brooklyn’s Barclays Center May 4-5.

Fantasia is one of American Idol’s greatest success stories. A winner in its third season, she’s since released four albums, won a Grammy for the single “Bittersweet,” and even appeared on Broadway, playing the lead role of Celie in The Color Purple. Check out her smooth soulful sound when she appears at the Beacon Theatre on April 27, in support of her latest CD, The Side Effects of You.  

The Lesbian and Gay Big Apple Corps remembers the heyday of the Great White Way with Leading Ladies, a concert at Symphony Space on April 26. Joining the orchestra will be a special guest, jazz vocalist Terese Genecco. The evening’s program will feature a musical tribute to gay icon Judy Garland, with songs from her biggest films, The Wizard of Oz and Meet Me in St. Louis, plus tunes from Wicked, and music by songwriting legends Cole Porter, Jerry Herman and Jule Styne. Plus: “City Trees,” created by Michael Markowski in honor of the Corps’ 30th anniversary. The show promises to be a real Broadway lover’s delight, so don’t miss this one, theater fans!

The weather’s getting warmer in New York City and you know what that means. Time to rock out to the coolest outdoor concerts! One of the most exciting of these is the annual Governors Ball Music Fest, taking place June 7-9 on Randall’s Island. 2013’s edition features some pretty big names, with Erykah Badu, The Lumineers, Kanye West, Holy Ghost, Azealia Banks and Guns N’ Roses all slated to perform.
 


What Do You Think?