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Breaking news, nyc freestyle legends lisa lisa, judy torres will feel the beat once again at radio city extravaganza.

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Before freestyle — the dance music born out of New York’s Latin community in the 1980s — even had a name, an underage Lisa Velez ( before she became Lisa Lisa ) remembers sneaking into the storied Fun House club in Chelsea, just to feel the beat.

“I remember my brother used to always go and hang out there with his B-boy friends — they were dancers,” Velez, 56, told The Post. “And he would tell me, ‘Yo, you gotta see Jellybean [Benitez] — he’s always spinning. You gotta listen, you gotta listen.’ So [at] 13 years old, I would sneak in there all the time.”

Velez would eventually take her stage name, and her band — Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam — would go on to help lead the freestyle movement with their 1985 singles “I Wonder If I Take You Home” and “Can You Feel the Beat.” The Hell’s Kitchen native will join a host of other New York freestyle legends — including TKA ( “Louder Than Love” ), Judy Torres ( “Come Into My Arms” ), crooner George LaMond , crossover act the Cover Girls and Cynthia, the girl half of 1990 hit “Dreamboy/Dreamgirl” — at a Radio City extravaganza on Friday. It’s the perfect time to celebrate the genre — 40 years after Shannon’s “Let the Music Play” started heating up the charts in 1983.

“It was a phenomenon … and it started to spread like wildfire,” said the Bronx-born Torres, 54, who is known as the Queen of Freestyle . “And before you knew it, people were like, ‘Well, what do we call this?’ And so they started to call it Latin hip-hop first. And from Latin hip-hop, it evolved into Latin freestyle. And finally they dropped the ‘Latin’ and just called it ‘freestyle.’”

Coming out of the same era that gave us the golden age of hip-hop, freestyle had some B-boy moves of its own.

“Back in the day, they would freestyle a dance move to our music, and that became the name of the movement,” said TKA’s lead singer K7 (also known as Kayel), 56.

In fact, Lisa Lisa recalls first hearing the term in the club scene — specifically at 1018, named for the location at 10th Avenue and 18th Street, where the teams used to break-dance. “They had the linoleum floors that they would carry with them and break-dance on Broadway,” she said. “That’s when I heard ‘freestyle.’”

Although Torres believes that Shannon’s “Let the Music Play” was “definitely a precursor to the sound,” crediting its production by freestyle savant Chris Barbosa, TKA’s K7 feels that two other songs truly defined the genre. “I would personally consider Debbie Deb’s ‘When I Hear Music’ and Nayobe’s ‘Please Don’t Go’ as the first two freestyle records,” said the Spanish Harlem native, whose real name is Louis Sharpe.

As for the key elements of the sound, Torres said, “I think in a way freestyle is a combination of evolved disco and doo-wop” — with Latin rhythms, of course. “And then you have the element of love — falling in love, falling out of love, being betrayed by love.”

“I think we took it a little bit overboard with the pain,” added K7 with a laugh. “It was a Latin and Italian thing. We wanted to slit our wrists at the thought of, ‘You’re gonna break my heart again.’”

And just as those romances didn’t always go smoothly, neither did laying down those early freestyle tracks. Torres remembers the challenges of having to record around the sounds of the city in her producer’s bedroom.

“We were recording in an apartment in The Bronx, so if someone yelled something outside the window, I had to start again,” she said.

But songs such as Torres’ “No Reason to Cry,” TKA’s “One Way Love,” LaMond’s “Bad of the Heart” and the Cover Girls’ “Show Me” helped the music cross over from the clubs to the airwaves. In fact, freestyle music led a whole new era in New York radio.

“The advent of freestyle is what changed New York radio,” said K7. “There would be no Hot 97 if there wasn’t freestyle music to start off that movement.”

As freestyle faded, K7 would go on to work at Hot 97 as a DJ in the mid-’90s before moving over to WKTU in the early ’00s. Torres would also join ’KTU and had the popular “Freestyle Free for All” show. Today, she remains with the station in its adult-contemporary format while also serving as a life coach .

And, of course, Torres, K7 and Lisa Lisa are all still making and performing music. With all of them having close connections from the New York club and music scene, it will be very much a family affair at Radio City on Friday.

“The Cover Girls are girls who I grew up with. Cynthia came from my neighborhood, and her oldest son is my blood cousin,” said K7. “George LaMond is my son’s godfather. Judy Torres is one of my closest friends. And Lisa, I’ve known forever.”

Indeed, K7 actually attended Julia Richman High School in the Upper East Side with the “Head to Toe” singer, confessing that “I just had a huge crush on her.” So for him, this concert has extra special meaning: “It feels like a high-school reunion.” 

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Freestyle Explosion

• Date Mar. 22 , 2024

Event Starts 7:30 PM

• Doors Open 6:30 PM
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The biggest names in Freestyle music and throwbacks including the “Ladies of Pop” Exposé, “The King of Freestyle” Stevie B., and “The Queen of Freestyle” Lisa Lisa, will collaborate to perform their biggest rhythmic dance hits during the “Freestyle Explosion Throwback Jam."

The tour also includes pop stars Will To Power, Lime, “New York Freestyle Diva” Judy Torres and Miami Freestyle legends Trinere and Connie. This lineup influenced the 80’s and 90’s with their style of music which remains widely popular and in rotation withtoday’s hits.

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Bags must NOT exceed 11 inches x 14 inches.   Any bags larger than this will not be allowed into the venue. Clear bags are NOT required. All bags are subject to be searched. The YouTube Theater bag policy is subject to change per event.

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Visit our  parking and directions  page for more information on getting to YouTube Theater and rideshare information.

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Visit our Reserve A Theater Box  page for more information on YouTube Theater Boxes, with VIP parking, catering, exclusive club lounge access and more.

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Enjoy YouTube Theater like never before. Become a VIP and upgrade to The Legacy Experience, in one of our premium club seats or as an add-on to your current tickets. Visit The Legacy Experience page to learn more.

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Complimentary WiFi is available throughout YouTube Theater. To join simply select #HollywoodPark from a WiFi enabled device.

Is YouTube Theater a cashless venue?

We are a cashless venue. All major credit, debit, and mobile payments are accepted throughout the venue.

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Stevie B is a singer, songwriter and producer hailing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States who was born on the 19th of April 1958. He is one of the most influential dance music artists of his generation, popularising both the Latin Freestyle and Hi-NRG genres since debuting in 1987.

Born Steven Bernard Hill, one must wonder whether Stevie B would have flourished in the modern music scene the way that he did in the 1980’s. Youth has always been a prized feature in pop music, but never in the way it’s been for the past five years, and Stevie B didn’t find any success at all until he was knocking on the door of thirty years old. All that aside, it’s a pretty inspiring tale. The man spent his late teens and the vast majority of his twenties working dead end jobs to support his music career, everything from washing cars to serving fast food. This was in the 80’s as well, when producer driven club music was barely in its infancy but in 1987, Stevie B was able to break out.

A track of his called “Party Your Body” became a small regional hit around the Fort Lauderdale dance clubs, but word about the track slowly began to spread. First around the state of Florida, then up the East coast, over to the West and suddenly, Stevie B had a national hit on his hands. The New York City based label LeFrak-Moelis Records came calling and in 1988, Stevie B’s debut album, also called “Party Your Body”, was released. The record wasn’t an immediate hit but thanks to consistent sales, it went Gold by the end of the 1980’s. By the time the 90’s came along, he was catapulted into stardom with the one-two punch of the singles “Love & Emotion”, which peaked at number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100, and “Because I Love You (The Postman Song”, which was number one on the same chart for four weeks straight.

Stevie B peaked there commercially, but many, many more peaked at far less and few others have done better comparatively speaking. Stevie B’s real impact is in the influence he had on the club scene of today, with his big hits he put club music on the map like very few other artists and very few other producers had done before. To this day he’s an artist to swear by in the Latin Freestyle and Hi-NRG scenes around the world, and his sets still inspire absolute anarchy to this day. He’s still making records that could start a party in a morgue, and he’s a trailblazer to boot, signposting how producers would colonise the charts over two decades after his time in the sun. For that, Stevie B comes highly recommended.

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Silky smooth Latin American singer Steven Bernard Hill AKA Stevie B was highly influential in the late eighties, helping form the “Latin Freestyle” and “Hi-NRG” dance scene in his hometown of Miami.

In 1987 “The King Of Freestyle” achieved international fame with his breakout hit “Party Your Body”, which was soon followed by top charting tracks such as “I Wanna Be The One” and “Love Me For Life.” Then in 1990, Stevie found true stardom with his single “Because I Love You”, which saw him at the top of the US Charts for four weeks. With the release of his 2014 album “The King of Hearts”, Stevie is currently on a massive comeback having seen his popularity in South America rise massively in recent times, and I had to check his show!

With his trademark mullet, Stevie B, strikes a recognizable figure on the stage, but despite his fame, he’s happy to mingle with the crowd, inviting a large number of the female of the audience to act as backing dancers as he performs “Spring Love 2013”, a remix featuring Pitbull of his classic track. Despite being a little older, he doesn’t hold back on the dance moves either as he shimmies around whilst delivering his sweet classic melodies, making it a night to remember.

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Steven Bernard Hill has had a long and celebrated career achieving a number one single with his ballad 'Because I Love You (The Postman Song)' whilst also heavily influencing the American freestyle dance music scene in the 80s. Many years later the infectious performer may not be as agile onstage but he is equally endearing as he comes out with a clear intent to entertain every single audience member tonight so that they have the best night imaginable.

He certainly has the songs to achieve it with a hit packed setlist assured to keep the crowd moving along. His onstage chatter also has them onside with ease as he is simply so enthusiastic and likeable you cannot help but cheer a little louder and go with his show. He closes on 'Spring Love' which is a smooth, slowed down affair accompanied by some really talented backing singers as they all harmonise perfectly. You can't imagine Stevie slowing his schedule anytime soon as he simply lives to be onstage and performing to fans.

When my daughter was teen I took her to see Stevie B at Providence RI .......PPAC concert & I too became a big fan of the “B” ..............fast forward a decade or so later, my daughter surprises me with Stevie B for her brother and their spouses and myself at Waterplace Park in Providence .........what a night, it was MAGICAL

I met him and had my leather cigarette case signed, no longer smoke but still have that case

He was fantastic ! His voice was the same as 30 years ago . Very entertaining .

Can't wait to see him again.

I loved that he had a live band.

Noel needs to learn from him and sing live and not bring a scratched CD that keeps skipping .

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Stevie B is not due to play near your location currently - but they are scheduled to play 9 concerts across 1 country in 2024-2025. View all concerts.

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Kendrick Lamar Performs ‘Not Like Us’ Five Times at The Pop Out After Song Introduced by Dr. Dre

Kendrick Lamar performs "Not Like Us"  five times at The Pop Out - Ken & Friends Concert, marking the first time he's ever performed the song live.

Kendrick Lamar Performs "Not Like Us"

On Wednesday (June 19), Kendrick performed his Drake diss track "Not Like Us" during his Pop Out - Ken & Friends Concert at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles multiple times. During his highly-anticipated show, Kendrick started off the show by choosing violence with the Drake diss "Euphoria" where he switched up a line to diss Drake again.   He followed that up with "DNA" before rolling into "Element," "Alright," "Swimming Pools," "Money Trees" with Jay Rock.

After bringing out Ab-Soul, K-Dot performed the first verse of his Drake diss "6:16 in LA" then immediately tagged in ScHoolboy Q who performed "Collard Greens."

Following the Black Hippy reunion, Kendrick got back into solo tracks including "Backseat Freestyle," before getting back on demon time with his "Like That" verse. Next, Kendrick brought out the legendary Dr. Dre who performed "Still D.R.E" and "California Love."

Right after that, Kendrick performed "Not Like Us" after the track was introduced by Dre. He didn't just perform it once. He performed it five times to the delight of the pro-Cali crowd.

The electrifying show comes after Kendrick announced The Pop Out - Ken & Friends Concert on June 6. The show marks K-Dot's first live performance since he and Drake traded numerous diss tracks in May.

Read More:  Kendrick Lamar's Lineup for The Pop Out - Ken & Friends Concert Revealed

Kendrick lamar's "not like us" debuts at no. 1.

K-Dot's performance of "Not Like Us" comes as the track still sits comfortably at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song previously debuted at the No. 1 spot on May 13, and at the time  shattered a Spotify record  once held by Drake for most streams in a single day for a hip-hop song. Kendrick now has four No. 1 songs including "Like That," "Humble" and "Bad Blood" with Taylor Swift.

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Check out Kendrick Lamar performing his Drake disses below.

Watch Kendrick Lamar Perform "Euphoria"

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Free music? Yes, please. Here's a first look at Austin's Hot Summer Nights lineup

The Red River Cultural District is bringing 14 downtown music venues together for a packed three-night festival.

Hot Summer Nights will take place July 18-20 with music beginning around 7 to 8 p.m each night. The concert series is free, and participating venues include Cheer Up Charlies, Elysium, Mohawk, Stubb's Bar-B-Q, Valhalla and more.

Special events happening this year include a karaoke party, night market in partnership with Future Front Texas, a Sunday gospel brunch at Stubb's and daytime fitness and lifestyle programming at Waterloo Park.

"New restaurants and cocktail spots are participating, and we've added some new venues to the lineup," Nicole Klepadlo, Red River Cultural District interim executive director, said in a statement. "This growth is a true testament to the cultural richness of our community and the significant cultural and economic impact it has on drawing in visitors while creating opportunities for local businesses, musicians and creatives."

Here's a first look at some of this year's performers:

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• Blind Girls
• Bubba Lucky
• Bulletsbetweentongues
• Chancla Fight Club
• Chronic Avoider
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• Crocodile Tears
• Daniel Fears
• Daphne Tunes
• David Shabani
• Deezie Brown
• DJ Beaujolais
• DJ Vanessa Burden
• Don't Get Lemon
• Dragonnqueen
• Drenk Uncle
• Easy Compadre
• Eating Venus
• El Roberto Fabre
• Exotic Fruitica
• Fifi Knifefight
• Figure Factor
• Fineti Guess
• Ghost Wolves
• Glass Mansions
• Gran Moreno
• Hey Cowboy!
• Houses We Die In
• Islands of Pear
• Jennifer Foster & The Audacity
• Kung Fu Sound System
• Las Chicas 512
• Los Desechos
• Los Kurados
• Mal a Vista
• Micah Shalom
• Middle Satire
• The Midnight Stroll
• Might Be Magic
• Misfortune Teller
• Moody Banks
• Munster Mash
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• Next of Kin
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• Norman Ba$e
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• Ourbluewouns
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• Pete Legasey
• Queen Serene
• Rat King Cole
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• Robert Parker Jr.
• Space Goonz
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Megan Thee Stallion tour in Phoenix: Everything to know about her Footprint Center concert

Megan Thee Stallion brings the Hot Girl Summer Tour to downtown Phoenix on Wednesday, June 19, for a Footprint Center concert with special guest GloRilla.

Hot Girl Summer is the Houston rapper's first headlining tour of arenas, taking its name from a 2019 single that became her first chart-topping entry on the Billboard Rhythmic Airplay Chart.

In February, “Hiss” was Megan Thee Stallion's third release to top the Billboard Hot 100, following the eight-times-platinum Cardi B collaboration "WAP" and "Savage."

"Hiss" is one of three singles the hip-hop superstar has released in advance of “Megan,” her third studio release, which hits the streets (and online streaming services) on June 28.

Here’s everything you need to know about Megan Thee Stallion's Phoenix concert, including the likely setlist and the Footprint Center bag policy.

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Where is Megan Thee Stallion's Phoenix concert?

Megan Thee Stallion will be at Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., in downtown Phoenix, on Wednesday, June 19.

Megan Thee Stallion tour 2024 tickets

Verified resale tickets for the Phoenix concert are available at  ticketmaster.com .

What time is Megan Thee Stallion's Phoenix concert?

Footprint Center doors open at 7 p.m. The concert starts at 8 p.m.

Footprint Center bag policy

Standard backpacks are not permitted inside Footprint Center. 

Single-compartment drawstring bags, purses and diaper bags that have the appearance of a standard backpack and media backpacks are allowed if they meet the NBA bag-size requirements of 14 by 14 by 6 inches.

Guests with bags larger than 4 inches by 6 inches are required to be screened through X-ray machines. Guests with no bags, or clutches smaller than 4 inches by 6 inches, can use Evolv express entry lanes. 

Can I bring water to Footprint Center?

No outside food, beverages, coolers, bottles or cans may be brought into Footprint Center, although one sealed plastic water bottle is allowed per guest for Suns, Mercury and Rattlers games. Sealed water bottles may be prohibited for select concerts. 

Children's items such as baby bottles and formula are allowed.

What is prohibited at Footprint Center for concerts?

The following items are not allowed inside Footprint Center for concerts:

• Backpacks (except for single-compartment drawstring bags that meet the NBA bag-size requirements and media backpacks that have been screened at the media entrance. Purses and diaper bags are allowed if they meet the size requirements.)
• Bottles, cans and coolers.
•  Video and recording devices including Go Pros & Google glasses.
• Illegal substances.
• Laser pointers.
• Outside food and beverages.
• Whistles, horns or other noise makers.
• Weapons of any kind (no knives or mace/pepper spray of any size).
• Computers and laptops. 
• Halloween-style masks may not be worn upon entry and in concourses but will be permitted when guests are in their seats.
• Selfie sticks.
• Offensive clothing or masks.

Footprint Center reserves the right to amend the above list without notice.

Can I bring a sign to Footprint Center?

Banners and signs are allowed at Footprint Center; they must be constructed of flame-retardant material. Signs must be made of a soft material that can be folded (e.g. poster board or cloth). Banners or signs may not be commercial in nature or obscene, or cause any disturbance to other fans.

Banners and signs must be hand-held and may not obstruct the view of other guests or Footprint Center advertising signage or be temporarily or permanently affixed to the building structure. Footprint Center reserves the right to remove any banner or sign. Signs should not be larger than 11 by 17 inches. 

Megan Thee Stallion tour 2024 setlist

This is the setlist from opening night of Megan Thee Stallion's Hot Girl Summer Tour in Minneapolis:

• "Ungrateful"
• "Thot (Expletive)"
• "Freak Nasty"
• "Megan's Piano"
• "Gift & a Curse"
• "Kitty Kat"
• "Cognac Queen"
• "Big Ole Freak"
• "Girls in the Hood"
• "What's New"
• "Captain Hook"
• "Southside Forever Freestyle"
• "Ride or Die" (Interlude)
• "Wanna Be" (with GloRilla)
• "Don't Stop"
• "Stalli Freestyle"
• "Cash (Expletive)"

Is Footprint Center cashless?

Cash is not accepted at Footprint Center. Use Visa, Mastercard, American Express or Discover.

You can convert cash onto a preloaded Mastercard by visiting one of the venue's reverse ATMs near the Ticket Office or Section 218.

Footprint Center smoking policy

Footprint Center is a smoke-free facility with no designated smoking area outside. Smoking of all kinds including e-cigarettes is prohibited. Guests who fail to comply will be asked to cease smoking. Those continuing to violate the policy will be ejected.

Footprint Center reentry policy

Reentry is not available for any games, concerts or events at Footprint Center.

Footprint Center lost and found

Contact a Footprint Center staff member for assistance. Found items may be turned in to the Guest Services Office. Guests may also call the Footprint Center Security department at 602-379-2055.

First aid at Footprint Center

In the event of an emergency, notify any Footprint Center representative or uniformed police officer to ensure that emergency personnel are notified.

Paramedics and EMTs are present during all events at Footprint Center. First aid is located on the main concourse across from Section 116.

Footprint Center parking

Footprint Center has more than 700 parking spaces, including parking for guests with disabilities. Parking prices vary by event. Call the Footprint Center Parking Office at 602-379-2003 for specific information.

You can purchase parking at Footprint Center and nearby lots in advance at  parkwhiz.com .

Footprint Center driving directions

Footprint Center is at 201 E. Jefferson St. in downtown Phoenix.

If you're coming from north Phoenix/Scottsdale:

Take State Route 51 south to Interstate 10 East interchange. Exit I-10 at Washington/Jefferson Street. Turn right on Washington Street to Third Street. Turn left on Third Street to Footprint Center.

If you're coming from west/southwest Phoenix:

Take Interstate 10 East to Seventh Avenue exit. Turn right on Seventh Avenue to Jefferson Street. Turn left on Jefferson Street to First Street. Footprint Center is on the corner of Jefferson Street and 1st Street.

If you're coming from east Phoenix :

Take Loop 202 west to I-10 west. Take I-10 west to Seventh Street exit. Turn left on Seventh Street to Washington Street. Turn right on Washington Street to Third Street. Turn left on Third Street to Footprint Center.

If you're coming from northwest Phoenix/ Glendale:

Take Interstate 17 south to Jefferson Street. Turn left on Jefferson Street to First Street. Footprint is on the corner of Jefferson Street and First Street.

If you're coming from the East Valley :

Take I-10 west to Washington/Jefferson Street. Turn left on Washington Street to Third Street. Turn left on Third Street to Footprint Center.

Valley Metro light rail to Footprint Center

In partnership with Valley Metro light rail, Footprint Center and the Phoenix Suns have established the Rail Ride Event program, which allows guests who purchase a ticket to an event at Footprint Center to ride Valley Metro light rail at no additional cost on the day of the event.

Valley Metro will recognize Footprint Center event tickets as valid light rail fare on the day of the event for four hours prior to the start of the event through the end of the transit day.

Two important things to know:

• You must have your event ticket on your person when riding the light rail and must show your ticket to a fare inspector upon request. Failure to show a valid ticket can result in fines ranging from $50 to $500.
• Footprint Center event tickets are good for light rail only; they are not valid as bus fare.

Valley Metro park and ride locations

Here's a list of Valley Metro park and ride lots:

Phoenix:  19th and Dunlap avenues, 19th and Montebello avenues, 19th Avenue and Camelback Road, Seventh Avenue and Camelback Road, Central Avenue and Camelback Road and 38th and Washington streets.

Tempe:  Dorsey Lane and Apache Boulevard, McClintock Drive and Apache Boulevard, Loop 101 and Apache Boulevard.

Mesa:  Sycamore and Main Street; Mesa Drive and Main Street; Gilbert Road and Main Street.

Where are Uber and Lyft at Footprint Center?

There are four recommended pickup/dropoff spots for ride shares: First and Jefferson streets (Footprint Center Plaza); Second Street (The Ryan); Third Street (Phoenix Convention Center) and Jefferson Street (Hotel Palomar/Arrogant Butcher).

Reach the reporter at  [email protected] . Follow him on X (formerly Twitter)  @EdMasley  and  facebook.com/ed.masley .

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P1Harmony talks third US tour and hopes for the future: 'I feel like it's only up from here'

Over the last year, P1Harmony has shown the sky is the limit for their music industry aspirations.

Since the sextet last spoke to USA TODAY in June 2023 , they dropped their first studio album, which peaked at No. 39 on the Billboard 200, the group's highest rank on the chart to date. With single " Fall In Love Again ", P1Harmony entered the Top 40 Radio Airplay chart, becoming the fourth K-pop boy group to do so.

Now, the members are in the midst of their third US tour, P1ustage H: UTOP1A. Spirits are high on May 30 at The Anthem in Washington, D.C. as Keeho, Theo, Intak, Soul and Jongseob come off the stage from soundcheck. Jiung was absent that night due to an injury.

"Tonight's show, it's sold out so being able to perform somewhere that really welcomes you with open arms, it just takes the nerves off," P1Harmony's leader Keeho, 22 tells USA TODAY.

Jongseob, 18, says he's glad to be back in America's capital city and has wanted to perform here again since last tour.

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

It has been over a year since the guys toured the States in January and February 2023, recalls Theo, 22. But P1Harmony couldn't be happier to return.

"The energy and the love that we get from American fans specifically has always been so overwhelmingly energetic and I missed it a lot," he says.

P1Harmony is ready to put on a show

The U.S. leg of the UTOP1A tour kicked off May 14 in Houston, and they wanted to up their game for fans.

"We always have this burden to feel like we have to be better than the last time," shares Intak, 20. "This is the third time we're back in America; it just makes us feel more at home and more safe in a sense that we don't have to feel that burden."

The tour was set for 10 cities, plus a performance at Governors Ball festival in New York City on June 8. This time around the venue and audiences have gotten bigger.

Each night, the fans – known as P1eces – get louder, and the members have taken note. "You can really see that they're in tune with the songs that we're performing," says Jongseob.

And with the UTOP1A tour, P1Harmony decided "to put on a show," Keeho says.

The concert is not just one song after the other. "Whenever we make a new show, the first thing that's always in our heads, 'What can we show that's different from the last?'" says Keeho.

The group took into account musical direction and how to remix songs for a distinct flair. "We really tried to make that an experience for the viewers," he adds.

Exclusive Interview: P1Harmony members talk mini album, growth and hopes for the future

Growing on the UTOP1A tour

Being able to show fans the members' different talents while performing a new setlist has been fun, says Intak.

P1Harmony sought to surprise fans. They wanted to make shows more interesting and dynamic, Intak adds. The setlist spans across the group's discography and includes solo performances from each member.

Specifically, Keeho executes " Kill Bill " by SZA, Intak shows off " On My Mama " by Victoria Monét, Theo croons " Until I Found You " by Stephen Sanchez and Jongseob does a rendition of " Praise the Lord (Da Shine) " by A$AP Rocky.

Soul, on the other hand, freestyle dances, and every city gets a new variation. "'What can I do different this time to make them interested even more' is something that's always on my mind," the 19-year-old says.

"Because of that factor, I've gotten better at freestyle and also dancing and different techniques, so that really helped me grow as an artist," he adds.

For his solo stage, Theo learned how to play guitar. Through this, he has realized "what is my passion as a singer."

"Being able to play guitar was a big stepping stone to finding myself as an individual, as an artist," he explains.

The group has become more comfortable in their stage presence. Intak says he's improved strategizing within performances of when to ad lib, change signals or bring the energy even more.

"This whole dynamic when it comes to show, I feel like I've gotten so much better at," he adds.

There are intricate details when it comes to performing live, shares Keeho, from listening to the other members, metronome, backtrack and your own voice all while making it look seamless.

"Being able to balance all of those aspects is like actually super insane. It's like you're juggling eight balls at once," he explains.

But Keeho has found an equilibrium, better understanding his abilities as an artist.

"I feel like it's only up from here. There's always so much more we can learn," he adds.

P1Harmony's hopes for the future

P1Harmony wants to continue stand out within the industry and lean into their unique characteristics.

"I don't want to be afraid and I want to really experiment with everything," says Theo.

"I feel like everyone's trying to follow whoever's in front of them and follow them in terms of music," Keeho adds. "I think we try to stay away from that and we try to always bring something to the table."

P1Harmony's dreams are big, but they're going to keep pushing forward.

"It's so important to make sure your goals don't seem realistic so that you obviously work for them," Keeho says. And goals they set in the past have come to fruition.

P1Harmony performed at several of the KIIS-FM Jingle Balls last December and they hit the stage at Governors Ball last Saturday.

The members hope to perform at bigger venues and want to go to more festivals, including Coachella.

"It's a dream; dream big," says Jongseob.

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31 Must-See Tours & Music Festivals: How to Get Tickets to Missy Elliott, Megan Thee Stallion, Justin Timberlake & More

We've put together a list of 30 tours and music festivals to attend in 2024.

By Latifah Muhammad

Latifah Muhammad

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All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

2024 is the year of mega-tours. After two years of rescheduled, postponed or canceled tours and concerts , music fans can rejoice in knowing that live shows are in full swing.

How to Score Tickets to Bad Bunny’s Most Wanted Tour

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For more tour guides, check out our roundups of 2023 Latin Tours in the U.S. , Las Vegas residencies and country musi c tours .

A List of Must-See Music Tours (Updating)

Alanis Morisette — The Triple Moon Tour launches on June 9 in Phoenix. The tour will feature Joan Jett and the Blakchearts. Get tickets here and here .

Avril Lavigne — Avril Lavigne: The Greatest Hits Tour kicks off on May 22. All Time Low, Simple Plan, Royal & the Serpent and Girlfriends will be featured on select dates. Get ticket here and here .

Billie Eilish — The Hit Me Hard and Soft Tour starts later this year. Get tickets here and here .

Billy Joel — In addition to joining Stevie Nicks for a co-headlining tour , Billy Joel has solo shows scheduled for this year. Get tickets here .

Blink-182 – Blink-182 will be heading back on tour in North America this summer. Buy tickets here .

Bruce Springsteen – After postponing 2023 dates, Bruce Springsteen resumed his tour in March. Buy tickets to see The Boss here and here .

Chris Stapleton – If you enjoyed his rousing rendition of the National Anthem at last year’s Super Bowl , you need to see the country star live . Get tickets to here .

Dave Matthews Band — The Dave Matthew Band’s tour starts today (May 22). Get tickets here and here .

The Eagles – The legendary band announced a UK residency as part of the band’s farewell tour. Get tickets to see The Eagles here .

Foo Fighters – The Foo Fighters’ Everything or Nothing Tour starts in July. Get tickets here and here .

Janet Jackson — Following the success of last year’s Together Again Tour, Janet Jackson is extending her stage run. Get tickets here .

Justin Timberlake — Justin Timberlake added additional dates to the Forget Tomorrow World Tour. Get tickets here and here .

Luke Combs – Luke Combs extended his Growin’ Up and Gettin’ Old Tour into this summer. Get tickets here and here .

Nicki Minaj — The Pink Friday 2 Tour starts launched in March. Get tickets here and here .

Megan Thee Stallion — The Hot Girl Summer Tour started on May 14. Get tickets here and here .

Missy Elliott — Busta Rhymes, Ciara and Timberland will join Missy Elliott for her first-ever, headlining tour in July. Get tickets to the Out of This World: The Missy Elliott Experience 2024 Tour here and here .

Metallica – The hotly anticipated M72 Tour from the rock legends returns to North America this summer. Get tickets here and here .

Olivia Rodrigo – The Guts tour is making its way around Europe. The tour returns to the U.S. in July. Get tickets here and here .

The Rolling Stones — The Hackney Diamonds Tour launched April 28 in Houston. Get tickets here .

Stevie Nicks – Stevie Nicks will be on the road starting in February. Get tickets to see the music icon live here .

Taylor Swift – The international leg of the Eras Tour started in Japan in February. The pop star will be back stateside later in the year. Get tickets here .

Usher — The Past, Present Future tour starts in August. Get tickets here and here .

2024 Music Festivals: Where to Get Tickets

Coachella, Stagecoach, SXSW, Lollapalooza, Dreamville Fest, Global Citizen Festival and Austin City Limits are just some of the many festivals on the calendar this year. See a list of upcoming festivals below.

Austin City Limits Music Festival — The 2024 Austin City Limits Music Festival will be held on Oct. 4-6 and Oct. 11-13).

Bonnaroo Festival — Post Malone, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Fred Again, Reneé Rap, Megan Thee Stallion, Malanie Martinez, Diplo, Jason Isbell, Dominic Fike and T-Pain are some of the performers on the bill for Bonnaroo 2024. The festival will be held from June 13-16. Get tickets here and here .

Bottle Rock Festival — The Bottle Rock Festival takes place from May 24-26 in Napa, Calif. The lineup features Stevie Nicks, Megan Thee Stallion, St. Vincent, Nelly, Pearl Jam, Bebe Rehxa, Ed Sheeran, Mana, Kid Laroi, Kali Uchis, Queens of the Stone Age and more. Get tickets here and here .

CMA Fest — CMA Fest returns to Nashville from June 6-9. The lineup includes Gretchen Wilson, Reyna Roberts, Ashley McBryde, Britney Spencer, Jelly Roll, BRELAND, Gavin Degraw, Chase Matthew, Carly Pierce, The War & Treaty, Lainey Willson and Keith Urban. Get tickets here and here .

Lollapalooza Festival — Tyler the Creator, Hozier, Stray Kids, The Killers, Metro Boomin, Blink-182, Melanie Martinez and Skrillex From Aug. 1-4. Get ticket here and here .

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How to Watch the Tony Awards

The main event will be broadcast on CBS and livestreamed for Paramount+ with Showtime subscribers. A simulcast will also air at Damrosch Park in Manhattan.

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By Michael Paulson

OK, Broadway fans: It’s showtime.

The Tony Awards — the annual celebration of Broadway’s best — are on Sunday evening, with performances and prizes and who-knows-what-they’ll-say acceptance speeches.

Here’s what you might want to know:

When is the ceremony, and how can I watch it?

The main event, featuring songs from most of the nominated musicals and the announcement of most of the big winners, is scheduled to start Sunday at 8 p.m. Eastern and to end at 11.

The ceremony will be broadcast live on CBS, and can be streamed live by Paramount+ with Showtime subscribers. (Paramount+ Essential subscribers can watch the next day.)

A preshow ceremony, at which a number of awards for design and other crafts will be handed out, will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Eastern and will be streamed on Pluto TV, a free service. (Go to Pluto TV on whatever device you’re using, and then click on the ET channel.)

If you’re in New York, you can also watch from Damrosch Park at Lincoln Center . That’s a seated area, outdoors, where a simulcast will play. Skylar Astin will host, and there will be some performances and guest appearances. The free event begins at 6:30 p.m. Eastern; the simulcast begins at 8. Capacity is limited, and American Express cardholders are given priority seating.

There are also a variety of ticketed watch parties taking place at bars and other venues. Here’s a list from BroadwayWorld .

Who is hosting?

The broadcast ceremony will be hosted, for the third year in a row, by Ariana DeBose . Her successful shepherding of last year’s ceremony, which took place with a variety of complications caused by an ongoing Hollywood strike, endeared her to theater lovers. She evinces endless enthusiasm for Broadway — she has appeared in six Broadway shows, and was nominated for a Tony Award for “Summer” — and she is an Oscar winner for her role in “West Side Story.”

The preshow ceremony will be hosted by Julianne Hough and Utkarsh Ambudkar, two Broadway alums — she was in “POTUS” and he was in “Freestyle Love Supreme” — who work primarily onscreen.

Wait, what are the Tonys, and why do they matter?

The Tony Awards honor plays and musicals staged in the 41 New York theaters that constitute Broadway. They are named for the actress Antoinette Perry, and are presented by the Broadway League and the American Theater Wing at an annual ceremony; this is the 77th edition.

The awards are a huge marketing opportunity for Broadway — the ceremony is an important way for the industry to introduce new shows to potential ticket buyers.

The awards, selected by a pool of about 800 theater-involved voters, can make a big difference in the financial life of a show, but also in the careers of artists, who often have more opportunities and can command higher salaries if they win. For plays, in particular, Tony Awards can also mean a longer life — the winners are more likely to be staged at regional theaters and to be studied or performed at schools.

Where are the Tony Awards taking place?

This year’s ceremony is at the David H. Koch Theater. This is the first time the Tony Awards have been staged at Lincoln Center; the ceremony’s longtime venue, Radio City Music Hall, has become too expensive, so the Tonys presenters had been exploring alternatives. The venue is smaller than Radio City, and this year there has been some consternation among co-producers. They raise a lot of money to finance Broadway shows, but will be asked not to come to the stage if their shows win because many of them won’t be seated in the orchestra. Also, no tickets are being sold to the public this year.

Who is performing at the ceremony?

All five of the contenders for best new musical will present numbers during the show: “Hell’s Kitchen,” which features the hits of Alicia Keys and is loosely based on her adolescence; “Illinoise,” a narrative dance show featuring the songs of Sufjan Stevens; “Suffs,” which explores tensions within the women’s suffrage movement; “The Outsiders,” adapted from the classic young adult novel about teenagers in Tulsa, Okla.; and “Water for Elephants,” adapted from the novel about a traveling circus.

Also, the casts from three of the nominees for best musical revival — “Cabaret,” “Merrily We Roll Along” and “The Who’s Tommy” — will perform. Those shows will bring a bit more star power, as the “Cabaret” cast is led by Eddie Redmayne and the “Merrily” cast features Daniel Radcliffe.

And the cast of “Stereophonic, ” the leading contender for best play, will also perform — the show features original songs and is nominated for best score.

How is Broadway doing?

Not as well as it was before the pandemic. There are lots of shows — 35 are now running — and there’s quite a bit of variety. But production costs have soared since the pandemic, while attendance remains about 17 percent lower than it was, so it has become harder for shows to break even, much less make a profit.

Michael Paulson is the theater reporter for The Times. More about Michael Paulson

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U.S. Olympic swim trials make history with a new world record and epic crowds

History was made over the weekend at U.S. Olympic swim trials in Indianapolis

Gretchen Walsh swims during the Women's 100 butterfly finals on Sunday at the U.S. Swimming Olympic Trials in Indianapolis. Michael Conroy/AP hide caption

INDIANAPOLIS — U.S. Olympic swim trials underway here have already made history with a new world record, seen major come-back stories play out and shown that legend Katie Ledecky , winner of seven Olympic gold medals, is still in top form.

The banger race so far at the Lucas Oil NFL stadium - converted for this event into a world-class swimming venue - was Gretchen Walsh's world-record shattering performance Saturday in the 100-meter butterfly.

Walsh, a 21-year-old Nashville native, captured a time of 55.18 seconds in a semifinal race, eclipsing the mark set by Sweden's Sarah Sjöström eight years ago at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics .

With 100 days before the Paris Olympics, Team USA hopefuls meet the press

"I was probably the most shocked," Walsh said of her performance. "I was totally in awe, kind of surprised."

On Sunday, Walsh had to swim in top form again to capture the national championship in the 100-meter butterfly event and secure her first trip to the Olympic Games.

After past disappointments, big wins for Walsh, Foster

Walsh's breakout performance is one of the comeback stories taking shape at these Olympic trials.

Four years ago, she failed to make the U.S. team, while her sister Alex Walsh, another top American swimmer, traveled to Tokyo in 2021.

"That was a hard setback to process," said Gretchen Walsh.

Gretchen Walsh of the United States reacts after winning the Women's 100 Meter Butterfly Championship on Sunday in Indianapolis. "I was probably the most shocked ... I was totally in awe, kind of surprised," she said after setting the world record on Saturday. Al Bello/Getty Images hide caption

Carson Foster, who also fell crushingly short of making the Tokyo Summer Olympics , also won a place on the Paris team on Sunday.

Foster won the men's 400-meter individual medley finals, a race that includes freestyle, butterfly, backstroke, and breaststroke.

"There was still a fear because of what happened three years ago, coming to this meet" said the 22-year-old from Cincinnati. "It's a full-circle moment for sure."

Ledecky still a dominant force

One question put to rest here in Indianapolis is the status of American swimming legend Katie Ledecky.

Interview highlights

Katie ledecky tells npr about her plans for the paris olympics — and la in 2028.

Ledecky, age 27, has won seven gold medals for the U.S., a powerhouse run that dates back to the 2012 London Olympics.

She spent part of 2024 out on a book tour, suggesting her focus might not be on these swimming trials or the gauntlet ahead at the Paris Games.

But Ledecky won the women's 400-meter freestyle in a fiercely competitive field by nearly four seconds.

Katie Ledecky looks on after the Women's 400m freestyle final on Saturday at the U.S. Olympic Team Swimming Trials. The 27-year-old is the most dominant Olympic women's swimmer in American history and appears poised to add to her count of seven gold medals when she travels to Paris next month. Maddie Meyer/Getty Images hide caption

Asked by NPR if it was difficult to refocus for this competition, Ledecky laughed.

"I actually don’t think it is. I think it’s kind of the opposite for me," Ledecky said. "I enjoy this more and more each year. That's why I've been able to be consistent."

Organizers say this nine-day event, which continues through June 23rd, has already set another record of the largest crowd ever for a swimming competition.

Crews converted the Lucas Oil NFL stadium, home to the Indianapolis Colts, into a world-class Olympic-caliber swimming venue. On Saturday night, more than 20,000 fans turned out to see American athletes compete. Brian Mann/NPR hide caption

More than 20,000 fans squeezed into the stadium Saturday night.

"I've never been to a swim meet like this with this excitement and crowd," said Lucy Weidert, who traveled from Spokane, Wash. to watch her grandson compete. "It’s been amazing."