ALEXA RAY JOEL TO SING NATIONAL ANTHEM AT ISLANDERS SEASON OPENER ON OCT. 9 AT BARCLAYS CENTER

Following the game, Joel will perform at the Brooklyn venue’s new Billboard Lounge amplified by Lightpath

BROOKLYN (Oct. 5, 2015) – Singer/songwriter and New Yorker Alexa Ray Joel will sing the National Anthem on Opening Night for the New York Islanders on Friday, Oct. 9, at the team’s inaugural game in its new home at Barclays Center. The club will face off against the Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks with game time at 7:30 p.m.

Following the game, Alexa Ray Joel will become the first artist to play the venue’s new Billboard Lounge amplified by Lightpath, where she’ll perform on the Master & Dynamic Stage.

“I'm so happy and honored to be singing the national anthem to kick off the hockey season!” said Joel. “It's all about representing the home-team (Go Islanders!) and, of course, New York Pride. I feel like, being my father's daughter, I'm keeping the legacy in the family. It's important to show strength and character when you sing this song, especially when representing New Yorkers. We ain't sissies...we're pretty tough!”

Billboard Lounge amplified by Lightpath offers Brooklyn Nets and New York Islanders premium season ticketholders an exclusive experience and the opportunity to attend members-only artist showcases in a distinct setting. Joel will be the first performer of the series Billboard Debut in Brooklyn, with more artists to be announced soon. For more information on Billboard Lounge amplified by Lightpath memberships, please visit billboardlounge.com.

Joel’s performance will be a preview to her two-week engagement at the famed Café Carlyle, October 20-31. The show will feature original material in addition to giving her signature style to a set of popular songs. She'll be accompanied by Carmine Giglio on piano. Reviewing a previous engagement at the Café, The New York Times called Joel, daughter of music legend Billy Joel and supermodel Christie Brinkley, "a singer following her own heart," adding, "Her original work... is firmly grounded in a pop tradition in which streams converge, from gospel to Tin Pan Alley. The songs are bluntly melodic, lyrically direct and catchy." Since she was 15, Joel has been writing complete songs and complementing those songs with piano accompaniment, and writing poetry. 

Joel has performed at a wide range of events, including three previous sold out runs at Café Carlyle. In 2008, she joined Billy Joel onstage during the Rainforest Foundation Benefit Concert at Carnegie Hall. Joel and her father performed his song "Baby Grand" at a Barack Obama election fundraiser at the Hammerstein Ballroom on October 16, 2008. She has also performed at benefits for Save Sag Harbor, Habitat For Humanity and St. Jude's Children's Research, among others.