Guster made the best of weather malfunctions at SummerStage 2019 in Central Park on Thursday, August 8. The beautiful stage and lush canopy of trees created a secluded, intimate environment in the heart of New York City. The day was filled with beautiful skies, and the weather forecast was partially cloudy without indication of showers, up until later on in the day.
Rubblebucket has delicious clouds as they perform
Indie rockers, Rubblebucket, opened for Guster, and were fortunate to have blue skies and incredible cloud mood throughout the show. The Brooklyn based bunch includes: Alex Toth (trumpet, leader), Kalmia Taver (vocals, saxophone), Adam Dotzon (trumpet, vocals, flutero), Ryan Dugre (guitar), Noga Shefi (bassa), Jeremy Gustin (drums), and Sean Smith (trumpet). Their vibrant, colorful outfits and art-pop spirit descended upon Central Park, and offered synchronized dancing on stage, as well as a high level of connectivity as they grooved together. At one point, the energetic Taver had the audience sing “Love, Love, Love, Love” while pointing with one finger in the air, transitioning into “Came Out of a Lady.” Rubblebucket made many new fans that night.
Kalmia Taver interacts with the audience
Boston, MA’s Guster took the stage at 7:46 pm, with storm clouds moving Northeasterly, towards the Rumsey Playfield in Central Park. Guster consists of Ryan Miller (guitar and vocals), Adam Gardner (guitar and vocals), Brian Rosenworcel (drums and percussion), and Luke Miller (bass). They brought their signature blend of rock and roll as long as they could, starting with “What You Wish For” from Lost and Gone Forever.
Luke Reynolds of Guster is loving his job
A deep orange and pink sunset began during Ganging Up on the Sun’s “The Captain,” followed by “Don’t Go” from Look Alive. “Stay with Me” brought lightning in the west, and the orange sky transitioned into black clouds. Drops were felt during their final song, “Satellite,” another tune from Ganging Up on the Sun.
The stunning pink and orange cotton candy sunset behind Guster at SummerStage
At 8:04 pm, the rain came down, the venue cancelled the show, and the band announced that everyone needed to leave immediately. Within 10 minutes, ferocious lightning strikes rolled in, and pouring rain soaked anyone who wasn’t under cover. Mother nature took over to end the evening, but outstanding musical performances and great summer vibes were had until that point.
These Guster fans soon wished those clouds were not there!
Guster Setlist: What You Wish For, The Captain, Don’t Go, Stay With Me Jesus, Satellite…
Greensky Bluegrass brought their signature bluegrass with a jam twist to a sold out crowd at the elegant Pier 17 Rooftop in lower Manhattan. Residing in Michigan, the band members include Michael Bont (banjo), Dave Bruzza (guitar), Paul Hoffman (mandolin), Michael Devol (bass) and Anders Beck (dobro). The country boys felt right at home against the iconic NYC backdrop of the Empire State Building and Brooklyn Bridge.
Greensky Bluegrass on stage at Pier 17
“Past My Prime” from Shouted, Written Down & Quoted kicked off the first set. More originals followed with “No Idea,” “Living Over,” also from Shouted, and All for Money’s “Like Reflections” and “What You Need.” The band channeled the great Paul Simon and delivered a tasty bluegrass cover of “Gumboots” from the Graceland album. Next up was a more traditional cover of “White House Blues” by Charlie Poole. The set wrapped up with a well executed segue of Tuesday Letter’s “Broken Highways” into “It’s Not Mine Anymore.”
Anders Beck on the Dobro
Set two opened with more delicious originals like “For Sure,” “Uh Huh,” and “All for Money” from the album of the same name. Live at Bell’ s “Old Barns” preceded a nice sequence of old and new songs with “Broke Mountain Breakdown Reprise” segued into Jimi Hendrix’s “The Wind Cries Mary” before revisiting “Broke Mountain Breakdown Reprise.” Another All for Money tune, “Ashes,” was played followed by “Hit Parade of Live.” Guitarist Scott Metzger joined the band on stage, adding mind numbing depth to “I’d Probably Kill You” and “Don’t Lie.”
The crowd loves Scott Metzger on stage with Greensky Bluegrass
The band closed out the night with an encore of “Just to Lie” into Billy Joel’s “Big Shot” and had their fans yelling for more. They are one skilled team of traditional bluegrass musicians who aren’t afraid of new territory or a big city. Greensky Bluegrass will be back in New York State at the Borderland Festival in East Aurora, NY on September 22. Head over to their website for tickets and information.
Setlist
Set One: Past My Prime, No Idea, Living Over, Like Reflections, What You Need, Gumboots (Paul Simon cover), White House Blues (Charlie Poole cover), Broken Highways > It’s Not Mine Anymore
Set Two: For Sure, Uh Huh, All for Money, Old Barns, Broke Mountain Breakdown > The Wind Cries Mary (Jimi Hendrix cover) > Broke Mountain Breakdown Reprise, Ashes, Hit Parade of Love, I’d Probably Kill You*, Don’t Lie*
The legendary Herbie Hancock brought his current gang of talented musicians to New York City’s Beacon Theatre last week and delivered a great mix of old and new by the jazz great. Thundercat opened the evening with his unique R&B, jazz-funk flavor and vibrant energy. Hancock then put on an incredible performance to a full house and showed NYC that he has still got it.
Thundercat and Dennis Hamm
Thundercat, aka bassist Stephen Brunner, started the evening off with his band that included Dennis Hamm (keyboards) and Justin Brown (drums). His eclectic songs and talented synergy with the band was evident from the beginning. Thundercat made several dedications, including to the departed Mac Miller and Ras G, as well as to Nintendo Switch lovers (video gamers).
Thundercat and Justin Brown
NEA Jazz Master and 14-time Grammy winner Herbie Hancock’s line up included Vinnie Colaiuta (drums), James Genus (bass), Lionel Loueke (guitar), and Terrace Martin (sax/synthesizer). Hancock showed his deep appreciation for his band by introducing each member individually. Bass player James Genus was announced as the current house bass player for SNL. Drummer Vinnie Colaiuta and jazz guitarist Lionel Loueke were up next for the all-star introductions. Multi-genre instrumentalist and producer Terrace Martin, who according to Hancock has known and worked with Thundercat for years, rounded out this impressive team.
Herbie Hancock
The band began with a feeling of old by starting with a jazz improvisation, followed by the classic “Cantaloupe Island.” The band introductions were up next, followed by the Headhunter’s “Actual Proof.” Flautist and vocalist Elena Ayodele lent her services on the next two songs. Hancock went into new territory with his skills, instruments and musical style, and gave the crowd a healthy serving of his new material. He is no stranger to new directions and this material had a fresh blend of hip-hop, R&B, jazz and funk. It will be exciting to see where Hancock goes with his new vision.
James Genus on the bass.
The band returned for an encore of the fan favorite “Chameleon,” which was teased earlier in the evening. Thundercat joined the party on stage to make this a memorable rendition. All musicians came together at the end for a final bow, which had the audience on their feet cheering. NYC certainly enjoyed the opportunity to catch up with this legendary musician.
On an otherwise status quo Monday night in New York City, Black Pumas waited patiently in the shadows, ready to unleash their new take on familiar sounds to a curious and anticipatory sold out audience at the Mercury Lounge. Feeding off the energy surrounding their eponymous debut album, the sextet from Austin, Texas brought the heat with them.
Just before doors opened at 6:30 p.m., a line of eager listeners began to form, buzzing with hype. “Have you listened to the album yet?” one woman quipped in excitement. “I’ve heard a lot about this,” spoke another. And when the doors opened, the bar became flooded. By 7:30, halfway through the opening band’s set, the performance room was packed from front to back.
Boston blues band GA-20. Photo by Jamie Huenefeld
Initially booked as a solo performance for the headliners, Boston-based blues band GA-20 was tapped at the last minute for an opening set. Also newly formed at just over a year old, GA-20 is heavily influenced by traditional blues, R&B, and rock and roll from the late ’50s to early ’60s. Guitarist Matthew Stubbs spent a decade as the guitarist for blues legend Charlie Musselwhite and was able to connect with fellow guitarist Pat Faherty over their mutual love of influences at the time like Buddy Guy, Earl Hooker, and Otis Rush.
Armed with classic guitars of the era, a Harmony Stratatone and a mid-sixties Silvertone, the trio passionately conveyed their translation of a nostalgic genre. Setting the mood with a cover of the Clifton Chenier classic “My Soul,” Stubbs’ bigsby tremolo work and Faherty’s raw vocals sounded as if they were coming straight off of a 45. Through their 12 song, hour-long set, GA-20 showcased a truly honest, modern interpretation of a sound that’s become scarce with originals like “Dry Run,” “One Night Man,” and “Happy Today.” With a touch of rockabilly, a taste of doo-wop, and a wave of surf rock, each song was short, to the point, and authentic. Be on the lookout for a new album due in October.
Black Pumas. Photo by Jamie Huenefeld
As the band broke down and the house music went up, a black puma statue was revealed at the front of the stage. The crowd shuffled in elation, moving closer to the front as still more people made their way in from the bar.
Starting as studio takes and demos from guitarist/producer Adrian Quesada of Grupo Fantasma, Black Pumas has evolved into a full fledged neo-soul project, steadily rising as a must-see over the course of the past year. As the band settled behind their respective instruments and mics, the announcer remarked, “Please put your cell phones in your pockets and let’s stay in the moment together.”
Adrian Quesada of Black Pumas. Photo by Jamie Huenefeld
The opening intro and ensuing “Next To You,” one of the few numbers not found on the album but still part of their impressive repertoire, provided for a loose kick-off to set the groove in place. Next was “Colors,” which is creeping up as the band’s most listened to track, just behind the single “Black Moon Rising.”
Singer Eric Burton’s vocals call back to another era. The slow but steady tempo and easy swing feel of most of this music is reminiscent of Bobby “Blue” Bland’s “Ain’t No Love” while Burton’s fearless falsetto evoke the same emotion heard from the likes of Curtis Mayfield. The name Black Pumas, combined with lyrics about love and emotion (“If you’re in pain babe call the doctor / Don’t be afraid to say I need you” – from Fire) hint at the Civil Rights Era in which Mayfield and Sam Cooke were so vigorously immersed.
Eric Burton of Black Pumas. Photo by Jamie Huenefeld
In many ways, Quesada and Burton may be the rightful heirs to the kings of soul. The music itself is captivating, well executed, and certainly was able to bring a small room of fans together in a celebratory fashion. But Burton was majestic in the way he was able to harness the energy, absorb it, and redistribute it back to them. At various points of the show, the crowd swayed back and forth in unison and Burton would pause from his singing and encourage everyone to continue the motion while reaching to the person beside them in acceptance.
“Know You Better” was a stand out. Clearly a love song, in the room and context of the night, it could be interpreted as a heartfelt plea emboldening the listener to love their neighbor and strengthen the bonds of togetherness that were so important during the ’60s and ’70s. Those bonds are equally as important during these divisive times, which is why this music and the band that has created it feels so special.
Black Pumas engage the crowd at Mercury Lounge. Photo by Jamie Huenefeld
Clocking in just shy of exactly one hour, Black Pumas gave a performance that felt totally free of time. Other takes from the album like “Stay Gold” and “Oct 33,” a touching and poignant acoustic ballad, filled the middle of the set. Each song provided ample opportunity for the rest of the band, including backup singers, keys, and a straightforward rhythm section, to showcase their locked-in capabilities. With about 5 minutes to spare, they busted out with a hot take on The Beatles’ “Eleanor Rigby,” complete with a total funk makeover.
Eric Burton of Black Pumas dances with an audience member on the dance floor at Mercury Lounge. Photo by Jamie Huenefeld
Ferociously confident, aggressively soulful, and astoundingly energetic, Black Pumas should be on your radar. They’ll be back in New York City at the Brooklyn Bowl on September 30 as they jaunt around the country in the fall before a European tour in November. Don’t miss it.
NYC- Thanks for coming out last night! Our show at @brooklynbowl in September will be our last NYC show for the year, so make sure to get tickets to see us again soon! https://t.co/JhILId58zk
Brooklyn’s indie rock duo, The Reflections, have released a video for “Union Sq.” today, Thursday, July 25. It is set in and around Manhattan’s Union Square Park, which serves as both inspiration and namesake of the song. The video stars dancer/actress Sabrina Karlin and band member Dan McGuigan. Dan’s twin brother and band mate, Tim, served as lead-director and editor, with co-direction and filming by cinematographer Dariell Pujols.
“This song has always been extremely visual for us, and we feel this music video completes the song’s full artistic expression. The choreography highlights the push-pull tension of a particular relationship, which builds until it reaches a ‘breaking point’ â the separation and climax of the song which occurs at Union Square. A relationship where there is a deep affection, but that you know is not meant to be; and sometimes the hardest thing to do is walk away.” – Tim McGuigan
This song is one of a pair on their recent EP, Two Songs. Follow The Reflections on Facebook,Twitter, and Instagram for updates.
For Phish fans looking to fill their plate with even more tasty jams this summer, this Friday, July 26 in New York City, CEG and PhanArt have teamed up for a Booze Cruise featuring Uncle Ebenezer, as well as Phish fan-artists and vendors Dave Russo, SetListTees and Outcasty Designs.
Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 DOS, age 21 and up, and can be purchased here. Boarding begins 6:30PM om Friday, with The Lucille departing at 7PM sharp. The cruise leaves from Skyport Marina, located at East 23rd Street & FDR Drive (East side of Manhattan). There are cash bars on board the boat, as well as food available for purchase.
Art by Dave Russo
PhanArt brings together artists from around the country for art shows during Phish tour, and this boat cruise is no exception. Featuring artist from the greater NYC metro region, fans will be able to pick up summer tour posters and shirts, clothing for kids, hats, koozies, stickers and a bunch of other surprises.
Design by Setlist Tees
Outcasty Designs features clothing for kids and flat brim hats, among other items; Setlist Tees features a wide array of shirt designs that commemorate some of the biggest Phish shows, including a number of Baker’s Dozen designs; and Dave Russo who will bring his cartoonish style with pieces of art including “Slave,” “Pageside,” “Crowd Control” and “Puppeteer.” Check out a few designs here and find more info on these artists and Uncle Ebenezer on PhanArt.net and get your tickets for this unique NYC cruise.
Incredibly entertaining performances consumed SummerStage by all bands, each unique in their own sonic essence. Funky grooves, and a little shred, is a good way to describe their sounds. The rain didn’t stop the fans from enjoying this sold out show in Central Park. The weather looked promising as the skies cleared for Kikagaku Moyo, but soon came back half way through Khruangbin’s set.
O.A.R. is in the beginning stages of their 2019 summer tour, a thirty-plus date run set to make stops all across the country. On Tuesday June 11, the band made its way to New York City metro area at the beautiful South Street Seaport venue, Pier 17. The rooftop stage nestled in the skyline of the city, backdropped by the Brooklyn Bridge, was a setting for an intimate performance. A twenty-four song setlist included new tracks, “Knocking at Your Door” and “OH MY!,” as well as O.A.R. staples “About Mr. Brown” and “I Feel Home.” The band is in a great place and it shows through the music, and an amazing energy from the crowd. Pier 17 made a great omen, a send-off for The Mighty O.A.R.
Setlist: Dangerous Connection, About Mr. Brown, Living in the End, Something Coming Over, Fire, Black Rock, Place to Hide, Knocking at Your Door, Shattered (Turn the Car Around), Are You For Real, Love and Memories, About and Hour Ago, I Feel Home, Oh My, Night Shift> Stir It Up, Heaven, Miss You All The Time, That Was a Crazy Game of Poker, Hey Girl, All Because of You, This Town, City on Down.
Wolfmother brought their fast-paced hard rock to the famed Irving Plaza on Monday, June 10. Andrew Stockdale lead the Australian outfit through a full set list of the band’s famed hits. His band now includes former member of The Vines, drummer Hamish Rosser, and bassist Brad Heald. Their camaraderie really shows in the flow and style of the band and compliments Stockdale’s heavy, raunchy, psychedelic Gibson SG sound. From hits “Woman” to the encore, “Joker & The Thief,” Wolfmother reminds you how awesome a good rock show can be.
Setlist: Victorious, White Unicorn, Colossal, Woman, New Moon Rising, Apple Tree, Mind’s Eye, Dimension, California Queen, Vagabond, Pyramid, Gypsy Caravan
This past weekend, Randall’s Island played host to the 2019 Governors Ball Music Festival. The festival, in its ninth year, featured many of the hottest musical acts of today with performances by Tyler the Creator, Florence and The Machine, Nas, Lily Allen, Lil Wayne, The 1975 and many more of today’s most popular musical acts. An amazing first two days set the stage for a full final day of music, with the home town favorites The Strokes closing out the 2019 edition of the New York City music festival. But Mother Nature had other plans as impending inclement weather forced a delayed gate opening and, eventually, thunderstorms forced the cancelation of the rest of the day including The Strokes’ headlining set.
A full statement from festival organizers can be found here.
