I know its been a hot one, but I hope everyone’s been having a great summer so far! We’ve been pretty busy here at PMD, but I wanted to take a second to give you a fresh new batch of Deans’s Picks for August; hot off the press!

Dance: Fall For Dance Festival
City Center Mainstage, New York City
September 28th – October 9th

Featuring multiple companies performing side-by-side, this annual dance festival from NY City Center is becoming quite a must-see. With something for everyone, this all-encompassing cross section of the modern dance world showcases styles from classic ballet, to cutting edge hip-hop, jazz, tap, and even contemporary Indian. Tickets go on sale September 12th at 11 am, and if this year is anything like the previous Fall For Dance festivals, they will sell out.

Additionally this year, DanceTalk series, sponsored by NYCC, will offer panel discussions on the festival, companies, and the modern dance world pre-performance and will be available FREE to the public!

Music: The Pizzarelli Boys “Desert Island Dreamers”
Arbors Records
Release Date: Tuesday September 7th

This much-heralded new release by John Pizzarelli and Co. will absolutely floor you with its old-timey smooth jazz sounds, brushed strings and drums, and gorgeous arrangements. Reminiscent of Django Reinhardt-era Parisian Jazz, “Desert Island Dreamers” is a welcome addition to any discriminating jazz-buff’s collection, or to anyone who truly enjoys phenomenal music by true artist.

For a sneak preview, John has a terrific video up on youtube of the band at a photo-shoot featuring new music from “Desert Island Dreamers”.

Be sure to check out John Pizzarelli’s webpage for a full tour schedule, including a very special residency at the Carlyle with vocalist Jessica Molaskey October 5th – November 6th for you NYC folks.

Music: Brandon Flowers “Flamingo”
Island Records
Release Date: Tuesday September 14

The Killers front-man Brandon Flowers shines with his first solo project, “Flamingo”, channeling Freddie Mercury, Bowie, and Roxy Music, Flowers lights up a new path forward with what he refers to as an homage to his Las Vegas roots. Highly-electronic with Flowers’s token rock-edge voice give this album a great sound, and it definitely gets my recommendation.

Again, I hope everyone’s have a fun and safe summer! Check back soon for more!

Dean