Tag: Brooklyn Bowl

The Soul Rebels Announce Poetry In Motion 2020 Tour

The Soul Rebels, a brass/hip-hop ensemble out of New Orleans, has announced a winter tour in support of their new album, Poetry In Motion. Joining them on tour will be Matisyahu, Tank and the Bangas, and Big Freedia who are also featured artists on the album.

During the month of March, The Soul Rebels will make four stops in New York. First, they will be performing at Buffalo Iron Works on March 1. They will travel to Syracuse for a night at the Westcott Theater on March 2, before journeying downstate to Poughkeepsie to play at Revel 32 on March 7. Finally they will spend their last two days on March 13 & 14 at the Brooklyn Bowl where they will be joined by unannounced special guests.

Released in October via their imprint Rebelution Music Group, on Artistry Music/Mack Avenue Music Group, Poetry in Motion debuted at #1 on the Contemporary Jazz charts and was in the top 20 for the Current Rap, R&B/Hip – Hop and R&B Album charts. The song “Greatness” was ESPN’s official College Hoops Blockbuster promo song for the 2019-20 season. Recently The Soul Rebels appeared on Dave East feat. Nas‘ track “Godfather 4,” adding harmony and backup vocals.

Tickets are on sale now and available at TheSoulRebels.com. All tours dates are listed below.

Tour Dates:

Dec.30-31 – The Ardmore Music Hall – Philadelphia, PA *with Matisyahu

Jan.7-12 – Jam Cruise – Miami, FL

Jan.13-18 – Havana Jazz Festival – Havana, Cuba *with Tank & The Bangas & Cimafunk

Jan.24 – The Independent – San Francisco, CA

Jan.25 – The New Parish – Oakland, CA

Feb.25 – Snowmass Base Village – Snowmass Village, CO

Feb.27 – Riverfront Live – Cincinnati, OH

Feb.28 – Thunderbird Café & Music Hall – Pittsburgh, PA

Mar1 – Buffalo Iron Works – Buffalo, NY

Mar.2 – Westcott Theater – Syracuse, NY

Mar.3 – The Press Room – Portsmouth, NH

Mar.6 – Washington, D.C. – U Street Music Hall

Mar.7 – Poughkeepsie, NY – Revel 32

Mar.8 – Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center – Greenfield, MA

Mar.10 – Port City Music Hall – Portland, ME

Mar.11 – Infinity Music Hall – Norfolk, CT

Mar.12 – StageOne – Fairfield, CT

Mar.13-14 – Brooklyn Bowl – Brooklyn, NY *with Special Guests

Mar.15 – The Sinclair – Cambridge, MA

Apr.9 – Carolina Performing Arts-UNC at Chapel Hill – Chapel Hill, NC *with Big Freedia

December 29, 2019
Joe Russo’s Almost Dead perform dream setlist at HeadCount Benefit

The fans voted, and Joe Russo’s Almost Dead delivered a dream setlist at the Brooklyn Bowl on Monday, November 25. “Make Democracy Rad Again” was a benefit for HeadCount included selfie moments as well as plenty of goodies for those who signed up to vote or showed support for democracy. The biggest treat was the incredible setlist played to a packed house.

If you aren’t familiar with the group, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead offer a fresh take on the music of the Grateful Dead. The band consists of Joe Russo (Drums), Dave Dreiwitz (bass), Marco Benevento (keyboards), Scott Metzger (guitar/vocals), and Tom Hamilton (guitar/vocals). They are known to sell out venues within minutes and offer experimental takes on classic tunes.

HeadCount is dedicated to registering new voters through music. Joe Russo and Marco Benevento were part of the first HeadCount benefit back in 2004, making Joe Russo’s Almost Dead an easy candidate for the first of many benefit shows between HeadCount and the Brooklyn Bowl. Brooklyn Bowl owner Pete Shapiro was recently named Chair of the Board of Directors at the non-profit. The band has also outgrown this venue, which made this pairing more enticing. According to HeadCount’s twitter, the benefit successfully generated $150,000.

In order to uphold one of HeadCount’s missions, democratic participation, the set list was voted on by those attending the show. The results included heavy hitters, starting with a full suite of “Terrapin Station,” “Eyes of the World,” “The Eleven,” and “Franklin’s Tower.” Notable favorites like “Fire on the Mountain,” and “Help on the Way” didn’t get enough votes to make the cut, however, two stellar non-Dead tunes made the cut, including “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed” by the Allman Brothers and “Atlantic City” by Bruce Springsteen.

After this incredible show of dynamic improvisation and fan favorites, it’s easy to see why this band quietly sells out venues. They are back on the road in 2020, kicking the year off at The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, NY. Head on over to the band’s tour page for more details before the tickets are gone.

Setlist: Joe Russo’s Almost Dead Headcount Benefit at Brooklyn Bowl, Monday, November 25, 2019

Set One: Althea > The Eleven > Viola Lee Blues > Franklin’s Tower, Atlantic City > Reuben & Cerise > Eyes Of The World > In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed

Set Two: St. Stephen > Scarlet Begonias > Dark Star > Terrapin Station Suite > Shakedown Street > Throwing Stones > Another Brick In The Wall Part 2 jam > Throwing Stones

Encore: Jack Straw

November 29, 2019
Emerald Quintet Delivers a Gem at Brooklyn Bowl; Welcomes James Casey

In a collaboration that could’ve only been dreamed up in New Orleans, Emerald Quintet, featuring saxophonist Skerik (Garage a Trois), drummer Stanton Moore (Galactic), keyboardist Robert Walter (Greyboy Allstars/Mike Gordon), bassist Andy Hess (Government Mule, Black Crowes), and guitarist Scott Metzger (Joe Russo’s Almost Dead) took the stage last night as the Brooklyn Bowl channeled its inner Jazz Fest. The group garnered its name as a tribute to the 55th Emerald Anniversary of Jazz Fest earlier this year, where they were formed to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Skerik and Moore’s first time playing the renowned festival together, and on the heels of Skerik’s 1998 debut solo album All Kooked Out. The supergroup treated Brooklyn to a rare and energetic performance on a very limited tour that included a stop in Anchorage, AK in September, and a pair of shows in Ardmore, PA and Denver, CO sandwiching last night’s Brooklyn offering.

And they came out swinging! Appropriately opening with “Mardi Gras in New Orleans,” the quintet got right to the funk, passing solos like a baton. Each musician announced his presence in a collective far greater than the sum of its parts.

“Sprung Monkey” followed, a familiar song that already had the crowd deep into a groove that would never let up. Walter’s solos tickled the crowd while his fingers tickled the black and whites, held down all the while by the best rhythm section in recent memory with Hess’s bass lines and Moore’s funky driving beats. Then Metzger’s turn with the baton, straight ahead guitar solos, no pedals, no effects, purity at the nexus of rock and funk, a touch of his signature blues, taboot.

How do you follow that? By passing the baton to Skerik of course, a powerhouse saxophonist with not only the chops to pick up where Metzger left off, but probably a large part of the reason why each member of this band pushes each other’s boundaries in all the right ways.

While most of the two-plus hour set was just straight ahead ass-shaking funk, there were moments of delicacy and patience mingled throughout. These intensely brief intervals of darkness, always pulled back by a signature Stanton beat, only served to make the light that much brighter – a true testament to the familiarity and trust shared amongst these musicians. The band was intently listening and reacting to one another, improvising while simultaneously appearing extremely well practiced. Even Peter Shapiro, owner of the Brooklyn Bowl, was on hand, an eager fan like the rest of us, but with an aura of proud papa as he, too, wore a grin from ear to ear.

“Humdinger” was an early highlight from Metzger’s Wolf! Catalog. James Casey, saxophonist (Trey Anastasio Band) joined the stage for a duelling sax number with Skerik that visibly melted the crowd, wrapped up with a spontaneous long note competition that had Skerik checking his watch while he showed off his impressive lung capacity. “Don’t Chin the Dog” highlighted both Robert Walter’s songbook and Metzger’s unbelievable talent. A cover of The Band’s “Ophelia” gave the crowd it’s only chance for a singalong before the set closing “Funky Mule.” “Who Took the Happiness,” also played by Galactic in the New Orleans tradition, was the first of a two-song encore kept the crowd grooving past the two-hour mark.

For those smart enough to be there, this was a truly special night in Brooklyn. Top shelf musicians pushing and validating each other, listening and reacting, smiling and having fun, appreciating the rarity of the occasion and the delight of the crowd in equal measure, for what may very well be one of the year’s best sets.

Setlist (via Robert Walter): Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Sprung Monkey, Aquafresh, Humdinger, Chalk Giant, Calm Down Cologne, Ironic Twist, Don’t Chin the Dog, Ophelia, Funky Mule, Who Took the Happiness, Kickin Up Dust.

November 23, 2019
Joe Russo’s Almost Dead announce 2020 tour dates, including Artpark performance in June

including a three-night run at The Capitol Theatre in February and Artpark in June, Almost Dead fans around the country will be treated to the supergroup performing the music of the Grateful Dead with their own signature style.

Tickets are available via Facebook presale for these newly announced shows starting Wednesday, November 20 in three groups, beginning at 11 AM and continues at 12PM and 1PM. Passwords for these on sales will be announced via the JRAD Facebook page. General onsale will start Friday, Nov. 22 in three groups at 11am, 12pm and 1pm.

More dates will be announced in coming weeks.

Joe Russo’s Almost Dead 2020 Tour

Nov. 25 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Bowl (Headcount benefit)
Feb. 21 – Port Chester, NY – The Capitol Theatre
Feb. 22 – Port Chester, NY – The Capitol Theatre
Feb. 23 – Port Chester, NY – The Capitol Theatre
Mar. 12 – Grand Rapids, MI – 20 Monroe Live
Mar. 13 – Madison, WI – The Sylvee
Mar. 14 – St. Louis, MO – The Pageant
Mar. 15 – St. Louis, MO – The Pageant
Apr. 25 – Asheville, NC – Salvage Station
Apr. 26 – Atlanta, GA – SweetWater 420 Fest
May 1 – New Orleans, LA – Mardi Gras World Ballroom
May 2 – New Orleans, LA – Mardi Gras World Ballroom
June 5 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre
June 18 – Cleveland, OH – Jacobs Pavilion
June 19 – Lewiston, NY – Artpark almost dead
June 20 – Boston, MA – Rockland Trust Bank Pavilion
July 9 – Eugene, OR – Cuthbert Amphitheater
July 10 – Seattle, WA – Paramount Theatre
July 11 – Bonner, MT – KettleHouse Amphitheater
Sept. 25 – Montclair, NJ – The Wellmont Theater
Sept. 26 – Montclair, NJ – The Wellmont Theater

November 19, 2019
Spafford Announces Extensive 2020 Winter Tour

Spafford announced its 2020 winter tour this week. The four-piece will venture out on a 39-date tour following their four-night New Year’s run in California. Throughout the winter, they will be joined by a number of special guests including The Iceman Special, Eggy, Cycles, Yak Attack, and The Jauntee.

The tour kicks off Jan. 15 in Houston, TX at the White Oak Music Hall, then continues into Austin, Dallas and New Orleans. The band will then travel to the southeast with dates in Pensacola, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Birmingham, Oxford (MS), and Knoxville. Jan. 31 is the first of a two-night run at the Variety Playhouse in Atlanta, GA.

February will see dates in Greensboro, Washington D.C., and Boston before their three-night run at Brooklyn’s Brooklyn Bowl February 7-9. The last night of the run will be a special acoustic-only performance. The band will take a short break and get back on the road for a set of Colorado dates, which start with a three-night run Feb. 28 – March 1 in Winter Park. March brings two-night runs in Frisco and Steamboat Springs, followed by stops all throughout the midwest and west coast, until the band reaches Las Vegas on April 4.

See the full list of dates below. Presales and VIP packages are available now, and general admission tickets for all announced dates go on sale Friday, Nov. 15. Check out the band’s website for ticket information.

December 27 – West Hollywood, CA – The Roxy Theatre

December 28 – West Hollywood, CA – The Roxy Theatre

December 30 – San Francisco, CA – Great American Music Hall

December 31 – San Francisco, CA – Great American Music Hall

January 15 – Houston, TX – White Oak Music Hall (Upstairs)

January 16 – Austin, TX – Antone’s Nightclub

January 17 – Austin, TX – Antone’s Nightclub

January 18 – Dallas, TX – Trees

January 19 – New Orleans, LA – House of Blues New Orleans

January 22 – Pensacola, FL – Vinyl Music Hall

January 23 – Tampa, FL – The Orpheum

January 24 – Fort Lauderdale, FL – Culture Room

January 25 – Jacksonville, FL – 1904 Music Hall

January 28 – Birmingham, AL – Saturn

January 29 – Oxford, MS – Proud Larry’s

January 30 – Knoxville, TN – Bijou Theatre

January 31 – Atlanta, GA – Variety Playhouse

February 1 – Atlanta, GA – Variety Playhouse

February 3 – Greensboro, NC – The Blind Tiger

February 5 – Washington, DC – 9:30 Club

February 6 – Boston, MA – Royale

February 7 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Bowl

February 8 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Bowl

February 9 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Bowl *

February 28 – Winter Park, CO – Ullrs Tavern

February 29 – Winter Park, CO – Ullrs Tavern

March 1 – Winter Park, CO – Ullrs Tavern

March 4 – Grand Junction, CO – Mesa Theater

March 6 – Frisco, CO – 10 Mile Music Hall

March 7 – Frisco, CO – 10 Mile Music Hall

March 10 – Steamboat Springs, CO – Schmiggity’s Live Music Dance Bar

March 11 – Steamboat Springs, CO – Schmiggity’s Live Music Dance Bar

March 13 – Aspen, CO – Belly Up Aspen

March 14 – Telluride, CO – Sheridan Opera House

March 17 – Park City, UT – Park City Live

March 19 – Victor, ID – Knotty Pine

March 20 – Bozeman, MT – Rialto

March 21 – Missoula, MT – Top Hat Lounge

March 22 – Sandpoint, ID – The Hive

March 24 – Bellingham, WA – The Shakedown

March 26 – Portland, OR – Wonder Ballroom

March 27 – Bend, OR – Volcanic Theatre Pub

March 28 – Seattle, WA – Neumos

April 1 – Arcata, CA – Humboldt Brews

April 4 – Las Vegas, NV – The Bunkhouse Saloon

* An Evening with Spafford – Acoustic Only Show

November 14, 2019
HeadCount announces Brooklyn Bowl benefit show with JRAD

Joe Russo’s Almost Dead (JRAD) will play a benefit concert for the non-profit organization HeadCount at Brooklyn Bowl on Monday, November 25, making their first Brooklyn Bowl appearance in over two years.

The show will feature a special setlist voted on entirely by fans, a fitting representation of HeadCount’s mission of registering voters and promoting democratic participation. Fans can vote now to pick five songs from a list of 160 that will be tallied and then built into a full, two-set show by Joe.

Funds raised from the show will be used to help HeadCount hire full-time organizers in cities around the country to register voters for the upcoming 2020 election. This will mark the first time since HeadCount was founded in 2004 that the organization will hire full-time employees in specific cities and states. Descriptions of the positions, can be found here.

Members of JRAD have a long history of appearing at HeadCount benefit concerts. Back in 2004, Russo and keyboardist Marco Benevento joined Phish’s Mike Gordon for a set at the first HeadCount benefit concert, which led to many future collaborations. That same year, guitarist Scott Metzger appeared with his band RANA at a HeadCount event on the eve of the election. Four years later, Metzger served as musical director at a benefit show featuring Russo, guitarist Tom Hamilton and bassist Dave Dreiwitz. He then musical directed a similar event in 2012. Most recently, Benevento appeared at HeadCount’s “Soundtrack to History,” an election night concert in 2016.

The show will also be streamed live on Relix.com. Tickets on sales are as follow:

Band Facebook Presale: Wednesday, November 13 at 12 Noon ET – ends at 10pm ET

Venue Presale: Thursday, November 14 at 12 Noon ET – ends at 10pm ET

Regular On Sale: Friday, November 15 at 12 Noon ET

The band Facebook presale is password protected; JRAD will issue the ticket link and password on their Facebook page at Noon ET on Wednesday, November 13th.

November 12, 2019
Grateful Shred Opens East West Tour With Three Night Run at Brooklyn Bowl

With no shortage of bands playing homage to the Grateful Dead catalog, Los Angeles based Grateful Shred is quickly distinguishing themselves in this crowded space. The band welcomed Adam MacDougall, formerly of the Chris Robinson Brotherhood and bandmate of bassist Dan Horne with Circles Around the Sun, on B3 and keyboards to kick off their East West tour last night at the Brooklyn Bowl. This was the first of three consecutive shows at the Bowl and second such run this calendar year after an earlier run this past March. Joining MacDougall were founding members Horne and guitar trio Austin McCutchen, Sam Blasucci, and Clay Finch, along with a pair of drummers.

The three guitar format is largely responsible for what gives Grateful Shred their signature sound, and likely their name as well, though Horne’s bass is also a driving force. MacDougall made his presence known early and often, treating the crowd to some masterful work on the Hammond and Moog. “Let’s Spend the Night Together,” a Rolling Stones tune from the JGB catalog, got the crowd into an early groove, Sam Blasucci on lead vocals. Like one of those old what’s wrong with this picture cartoons, it might take the casual observer a minute to notice that southpaw Blasucci is shredding his lefty solos on a righty guitar played upside down, a la Jimi Hendrix. “New Minglewood Blues” was next with a fierce solo from MacDougall before a return to the JGB catalog with Jimmy Cliff’s “Harder They Come.” “Scarlet Begonias” > “Fire on the Mountain” preceded the set, closing with “Deal.”

The second set got underway with a frenzied “Cumberland Blues” featuring gorgeous harmonies from the three guitarists on top of a sweltering bass line from Horne. “Mexicali Blues” was next, the third song of the night with blues in the title. “Reuben and Cerise” was the first JGB cover actually written by Garcia with lyrics by Robert Hunter, though the Grateful Dead did play it four times, as well. A lovely “Mississippi Half-Step” sung by Clay with piercing solos to match was up next before a “Playing in the Band” > “Mountains of the Moon” > “Playing in the Band” combination that went deep and got a little spacey, sans drum solo.

The set closed with a final offering from the JGB catalog, Allen Toussaint’s “Get Out of My Life Woman” before a fiery “Jack Straw” closed. After a brief respite, “US Blues” took the encore slot and wrapped up the 90-minute set.

Grateful Shred returns to Brooklyn Bowl to finish their run Friday and Saturday before heading back to California to finish the East West tour. All three Brooklyn Bowl shows have free webcasts on the Relix channel. Check out last night’s stream below.

Set One: Let’s Spend the Night Together, New Minglewood Blues, Harder They Come, Scarlet Begonias > Fire on the Mountain, Deal.

Set Two: Cumberland Blues, Mexicali Blues, Reuben and Cerise, Mississippi Half-Step, Playin’ in the Band > Mountains of the Moon > Playing in the Band, Get Out of My Life Woman, Jack Straw.

Encore: U.S. Blues.

November 10, 2019
Hearing Aide: The Drunken Hearts ‘Wheels of the City’

I can imagine it is sometimes difficult to be called an Americana band. I’ve heard a number of music fans hear that description and respond, “You mean they sound like Mumford and Sons, or The Avett Brothers?” That response is not only limiting, it’s unfair. Listening to The Drunken Hearts pending release, Wheels of the City, dispels the notion that they are a one dimensional entity. There is country, with pedal steel and banjo, as well as elements of soul, some of the classic Laurel Canyon sound, touches of rock comparable to Drive-By Truckers, and alt-country stylings reminiscent of Son Volt.

The Drunken Hearts

The album, recorded at Denver’s Silo Sound Studios, starts out with “Fire in a House,” slowly building an intro, leading to a verse, a piano melody, and continuing with layers of other instrumentation and backing vocals. The tune eventually deconstructs to some degree toward the end, sonically arriving back where it began. “Alive ‘n Free” reflects the overall upbeat feel of Wheels of the City, as evidenced by the lyrics

“Sometimes in life, you get to where you want to / Sometimes in love, you fall just where you’re meant to / Sometimes this world shows you how to be free / Alive ‘n free.”

The addition of strings and a female accompanying vocal on “Passchendaele” lend a sense of sad elegance to a song about one of the most prolonged battles of World War I, and a soldier discovering lost love after returning home from war. “In the Middle” is an uptempo tune that can easily have the listener singing along, tapping their toes and swaying to the music.

“Two Hearts (On a Limb)” perhaps best fits the “Americana” genre, although The Drunken Hearts display a much broader range than any one single style. That range is displayed on “Wheels of the City.” The title tune begins with a country music feel, and as horns come in midway through the song, it morphs a bit into a soul sound. That subtle transition reflects the chameleon-like qualities of the songs, and the band as a whole. By virtue of the way the songs take advantage of multiple band members’ instrumental skills, this may well be a group that hits its stride in live performances more so than in a recording studio. That’s not to say Wheels of the City is lacking in any way, it’s simply that some bands build their chops over the course of hundreds of live gigs, and the band took a decidedly different approach to this release – writing and recording eleven new songs in eleven days, rather than recording familiar pieces that had been road tested.

The album closes with “The Cave,” which begins with a spoken word intro and leads into an instrumental section which is markedly different than the rest of the album. As noted, the band’s novel approach to this recording was a rather daring roll of the dice, with unknown possibilities.

Wheels of the City will be released on multiple platforms as well as the band’s website on Friday, October 18. For more about the band, click here.

Key Tracks: Alive ‘n Free, Two Hearts (On a Limb), Wheels of the City

The Drunken Hearts current tour will provide opportunities to see them throughout New York State. All five of those shows are in support of Yonder Mountain String Band. The Saturday, October 19 show will be a homecoming of sorts for bassist and vocalist Jon Macartan, a native of nearby Guilderland, New York, in the capital region. The New York State days are listed below.

Wednesday, October 16, at Buffalo’s Tralf Music Hall Tickets here.

Thursday, October 17, at Center for the Arts of Homer Tickets here.

Saturday, October 19, at Putnam Place in Saratoga Springs Tickets here.

Thursday, November 11 at Brooklyn Bowl Tickets here.

Sunday, November 17 at Levon Helm Studios in Woodstock Tickets here.

October 15, 2019
In Focus: Melvin Seals and JGB recruit John Kadlecik and George Porter for a night at Brooklyn Bowl
Brooklyn Bowl was treated to a double bill on Friday, October 11 as George Porter Jr. and his trio opened for Melvin Seals and JGB featuring John Kadlecik. Along with Michael Lemmler on keyboards and Terrence Houston on drums, the ageless and eponymous GPJ’s bass and vocals led the way for a 75-minute opening set of NOLA funk.

The Meter’s “Cissy Strut,” something of a New Orleans anthem, was an authentic offering with signature bass lines and what sounded like a beautiful jazz bar piano interlude thanks to Lemmler’s keyboards. Terrence Houston is an eye catching drummer, delicate when necessary but constantly energetic, somewhere at the nexus of jazz and funk. And for a band that improvises to the point of not even writing setlists, “They Love Each Other,” led by Porter’s bass solos and deep gravelly voice, was the perfect choice to get the crowd ready for Melvin, a perfect funk salad of Jerry tunes whetting our collective palate for the main course.

Photo by Zach Belfer

Taking the stage promptly at 9:30pm, Melvin Seals and JGB feat. John Kadlecik opened with a gorgeous “How Sweet It Is.” John-Paul McLean is a worthy bassist with the chops to take impressive solos and the rhythm section of he and Pete Lavezzoli that impressed all night. Vocalists Mary eL and Lady Chi lit up the stage and their playful back and forth with Melvin is fun to watch. But there’s a reason the big man on the keys and organ gets his name on the marquee, lighting up the Brooklyn Bowl with joy every time he took a solo on the Hammond B3. Largely due to the 18 years he spent playing with the Jerry Garcia Band, his playing just feels so familiar and authentic, bringing joy in spades, spread in a wide arc from the huge smile he always wears.

A tasty “After Midnight” > “Eleanor Rigby” > “After Midnight” sandwich, made famous by the JGB release of the Kean College show from 2/28/80, highlighted why John Kadlecik’s name now shares said marquee with Melvin. To think that earlier in the night someone was overheard saying Kadlecik’s voice is okay but he can’t play guitar… “Wonderful World” ensued and the love fest was on, at least until “Get Out Of My Life Woman” conflicted the love story woven through the early part of the setlist. Melvin really shone on that one, not to be outdone by a gorgeous bass solo from McLean. “I’ll Take A Melody” again gave the spotlight back to Kadlecik before a rollicking “Cumberland Blues.”

Photo by Zach Belfer

Melvin took lead vocals for the only time of the night on Bob Dylan’s “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” followed by “Lonesome and a Long Way From Home,” the second Eric Clapton song of the evening (if you count “After Midnight,” a song popularized by Clapton but written by JJ Cale). “Lucky Old Sun” provided a nice bathroom break, an idea apparently shared by most of the sold-out but comfortably crowded venue, and gave others a chance to relocate, particularly stage right to enjoy the show from right under Melvin’s Hammond and soak in his joy from up close. “Sisters and Brothers” dutifully brought the dance party back before the set closing sequence of “Help on the Way” > “Slipknot!” > “Terrapin Jam” > “Midnight Moonlight” which inspired some hair raising goosebumps and left the crowd feeling jubilant.

All these cats can really play. What a pleasure it was to join them and dance it up (16,854 steps) as they took JGB’s catalog out for a two-hour stroll through the Brooklyn Bowl.

Setlist: How Sweet It Is, After Midnight, Wonderful World, Get Out Of My Life Woman, I’ll Take A Melody, Cumberland Blues, Knocking On Heaven’s Door, Lonesome And A Long Way From Home, That Lucky Old Sun, Sisters & Brothers, Help On The Way > Slipknot! >Terrapin Jam > Midnight Moonlight
October 13, 2019
Groovesafe Allstars to perform at Brooklyn Bowl benefit on October 14

Groovesafe, a movement within the musical community to bring awareness about unwanted touching and sexual assault at concerts, has been making in roads through the music industry since the charity was formed in 2017 by Ashley Driscoll. On Monday, October 14, members of Turkuaz, Lespecial, Escaper, Goose and many more will join together as Groovesafe Allstars, for a benefit concert supporting Groovesafe at Brooklyn Bowl.

Driscoll has been bringing together musicians from across the jam scene to spread the word about Groovesafe. A topic such as unwanted touching is one that is all too common but the issue had not been brought to light until the past few years, around the same time the #MeToo movement pushed back against sexual assault and sexual harassment in the workplace. Through music scenes that intertwine, the mission of Groovesafe can be spread and consent culture can become the norm.

The October 11 Groovesafe Allstars benefit at Brooklyn Bowl has Driscoll’s mission front and center in the jam scene. Speaking to NYS Music about the event, Driscoll says, “I’m excited about this inaugural event because it allows us to showcase what our mission is all about. The thrilling thing about the “AllStar” aspect is we can unite different GrooveSafe Artist Ambassadors from bands of all genres. Bringing everyone together to highlight the importance of our work at GrooveSafe and our main goal to rebuild consent culture in the live music realm.”

“All we want to do is spread awareness that these bad behaviors are happening and that we won’t stand for them anymore. Change in behaviors begins with this awareness. We will be out there at The Brooklyn Bowl on Monday night to remind people how important it is to respect each others dance space, and focus on why we see shows; the music.
Ashley Driscoll – founder of Groovesafe

The show features The GrooveSafe AllStars – Sammi Garett (Vocals – Turkuaz), Josh Schwartz (Sax – Turkuaz), Greg Sanderson (Sax – Turkuaz), Chris Brouwers (Trumpet – Turkuaz), Luke Bemand (Bass – lespecial), Will Hanza (Lead Guitar – Escaper), Ben Atkind (Drums – Goose), Matt Dolliver (Keys, EWI – Swimmer), Sam Lisabeth (Guitar – Guerilla Toss), Melissa Goscinski (Vocals – Cousin Earth), and Tara Lawton (Vocals – Cousin Earth), with an appearance by Tom Salgo (Guitar-Of Clocks And Clouds). More info can be found here.

This initial event will be the start of a series of benefit concerts, spreading the mission of Groovesafe.

We hope to have a rotating act and continue to put on benefit concerts with talented musicians who support the movement to stop unwanted touching at shows in cities throughout the country. Our touring bands work so hard to bring you the music, let’s work together and make the show experience better. Let’s help people love the music again and give us a voice to create safer shows. Practice consent and take care of each other.
Ashley Driscoll – founder of Groovesafe

Additionally, at the upcoming HarvestFest at Woods Valley, Groovesafe will receive a portion of ticket sales from the weekend event, which features Rob Compa of Dopapod and Hayley Jane, among others.

October 11, 2019

Built in Breakdance