Good Live Music by Rising Local Musicians

As the well-known song lyrics go, if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere. New York musicians are more plentiful than cheap pizza shops, but not all will rise to fame. Here is a spotlight on some of the coolest New York-based music acts who performed in the past week.

Solomon Hicks at Broadway Plaza on August 14

Solomon Hicks (blues)

"King" Solomon Hicks, born in Harlem 30 years ago, has been playing guitar since he was six years old. Starting his public music career in his teen years, Hicks has performed with Tony Bennett, Bruce Springsteen, George Thorogood, the Marcus King Band, Savoy Brown, Gregg Allman, B.B. King, Elvin Bishop, Samantha Fish and numerous other luminaries. Hicks released his fourth and most recent album, Harlem, in 2020.

Brandon "Taz" Niederauer at Mercury Lounge on August 14

Brandon “Taz” Niederauer (rock)

As a child in his native Long Island, child prodigy Brandon “Taz” Niederauer joined the School of Rock, eventually starring in the Broadway musical School of Rock. His guitar teacher nicknamed him “Taz” because his frenetic playing reminded him of the cartoon character the Tazmanian Devil. Before he was 15 years old, Taz had played guitar with Gregg Allman, Derek Trucks, Warren Haynes, Stevie Nicks, Lady Gaga and Buddy Guy. Now 22 years old, Taz’s most recent adventure was as an economics major at Yale University.

Native Sun at the Show Brain Festival at Tompkins Square Park on August 10 (photograph by Kevin Keane)

Native Sun (rock)

Brooklyn-based Native Sun consists of Colombian-born singer, guitarist and songwriter Danny Gomez, guitarist Jack Hiltabidle, bassist Justin Barry and Argentina-born drummer Nico Espinosa. Native Sun matches the raw energy of early punk and garage rock with socially-conscious lyrics. The band will release its debut album, Concrete Language, on September 19.

Savoia at Mercury Lounge on August 15

Savoia (rock)

Formed in New York City in 2019, Savoia is an indie rock quartet comprised of vocalist and guitarist Lucas Allan, lead guitarist Mercer Meeks, bassist Caleb Rubin and drummer Jonathan Awad. Savoia’s performances are energetic, favoring a funk and blues-flavored indie rock sound, with strong guitar riffs and tight harmonies. Savoia's lyrics often explore themes of love and urban youth. The band has released an EP, Sunflower Mouth, and is currently working on its debut album.

The Bakersfield Breakers at the 11th St. Bar on August 12 (photograph by Jini Sachse)

The Bakersfield Breakers (twang)

Formed in 2010, the Bakersfield Breakers is an instrumental trio from New York City consisting of guitarist Keith Yaun, bassist John Hamilton, and drummer John DiGiulio. The band’s mission is to reawaken the classic guitar-driven sound of 1950’s Bakersfield and the driving tunes of 1960’s surf rock. In addition to its large catalog of covers, the group also performs originals that fit perfectly with the vintage vibe.

Christine Santelli at the Ear Inn on August 13 (photograph by Seth Okrend)

Christine Santelli (blues)

Christine Santelli has performed in the New York City music circuit for more than three decades, toured the world, and released 10 CDs. Her latest release, Live from the Parlour, is a collaboration with violinist Heather Hardy. Christine has performed fin South Africa, Norway, Germany, Switzerland, Russia, France, Spain and across the United States. Most recently, Santelli and the Big Ed's Blues Jam crew received the 2025 Keeping the Blues Alive award from the Blues Foundation in Memphis, Tennessee.

Aidan Arbona (left), with Cory Lippert and Annabelle, at Sour Mouse NYC on August 16 (photograph by Ira Zadikow)

Aidan Arbona (pop)

Aidan Arbona is a composer, songwriter, vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, and educator from Brooklyn. Inspired by an eclectic range of musical styles, including western art music, jazz, funk, lo-fi, postmodernism, grunge, and EDM, Arbona’s catalog includes his new album of progressive songs, as well as works for orchestra, chamber ensemble, voice, musical theater, jazz combo, and film and video game soundtracks. Aidan’s concert music is characterized by dense harmony, syncopation, counterpoint, and unique timbral mixtures. As a singer and songwriter, Aidan’s distinct, genre-bending style leans to progressive soul.

Michael G. Potter (left) of the MGP Experience, with Fandango NYC's Rodd Byron and Gina Healy, at the 11th Street Community Garden on August 16 

Michael G. Potter (singer-songwriter)

Michael G. Potter plays the New York City music club circuit both solo and with his band, the MGP Experience. The Queens native writes and records original music, but he also dives into the classic catalog of Bob Dylan and Neil Young.

Related Article

https://themanhattanbeat.blogspot.com/2025/08/eight-local-under-radar-music-acts.html

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The Manhattan Beat reports on New York City's live music circuit. All articles are written by Everynight Charley Crespo. All photographs are taken by Everynight Charley Crespo, except when noted otherwise.

For a list of Manhattan venues that are presenting live music regularly, swing the desktop cursor to the right of the The Manhattan Beat home page and click on the pop-up tab "Where to Find Live Music."

For a more complete listing of upcoming performances in the New York City area, visit The Manhattan Beat's August calendar.