Billy Joel welcomed 2019 with a 26 song, 160 minute set at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, Long Island. It was the first time in 25 years that Billy Joel played a New Year’s show at the Coliseum. At midnight he played the traditional “Auld Lang Syne” paired with “Only the Good Die Young.” The Coliseum was sold out and Billy really seemed to be having a good time, while he wore a New Year’s top hat.
Billy Joel kept New Year’s spirit by playing New Year’s themed songs like “This is the Time,” “I Loved These Days” and “Souvenir.” As it got close to midnight, Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin Eve with Ryan Seacrest appeared on the screens and the crowd counted down to 2019. As confetti exploded and Billy sang “Auld Lang Syne,” a banner reading “Billy Joel: 34 Sold Out Shows” was unraveled from the ceiling of the Coliseum, commemorating the milestone.
The setlist included all the usual hits. He threw in a couple of breaks throughout the show like Cream’s “Sunshine of Your Love” and Derek and the Dominos’ “Layla.” He also did a cover of Joe Cocker’s take on The Beatles “With a Little Help From My Friends.” Kevin James made an appearance during “Uptown Girl” and Gavin DeGraw, who opened the show, joined Billy on stage for the final song “You May Be Right.”
Setlist: Big Shot, Miami 2017, The Entertainer, Vienna, The Downeaster Alexa, Big Man on Mulberry Street, This is the Time, Movin Out, New York State of Mind, Don’t Ask Me Why, The Ballad of Billy the Kid, I’ve Loved These Days, Allentown, She’s Always A Woman, Auld Lang Syne, Only the Good Die Young, My Life, The River of Dreams, With a Little Help From My Friends, Nessun dorma, Scenes From an Italian Restaurant, Piano Man.
Encore: We Didn’t Start the Fire, Uptown Girl, It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me, Souvenir, You May Be Right (with Gavin Degraw).
The Grateful Dead’s 2021 Dave’s Picks have been announced, and includes a show from September 1973 at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, which features the first ever version of “Let it Grow.”
This show has been a long time coming in the Dead’s archival release series, as September 8, and the night before, were the first run of live shows the Dead played following the previous month recording Wake of the Flood at the Plant Studio in Sausalito, CA. Once the band was finished mixing the next record, they hit the road for the first leg of Fall Tour 1973 with a pair of sold out shows at the home of the New York Islanders.
David Lemieux said of the release:
I first started working for the Grateful Dead in 1999, and was fortunate to work alongside Dick Latvala, who became my friend and mentor, I was turned on to 9/8/73 by Dick. He spoke so eloquently of this terrific show, certain that it would be released on CD some day as part of the Dick’s Picks series. In Dick’s own words, during a rundown of his thoughts on 1973 Grateful Dead, he said “That takes us up to the September run. Well right away 9/8/73 sticks out begging for attention. Even the night before (9/7/73) had fairly thrilling versions of “TLEO,””Jack Straw,””PITB,” “WRS->Let it Grow.”
There is not a weak moment from “Truckin’” through the ending tune “Sugar Magnolia.” Even as good as this night must sound, the following night things really explode. I really can’t put my finger on it because from the songlist, there is nothing apparently compelling. Well, you guys will soon find out what I mean, since I intend to release this one whenever the time is right.”
This show is a fantastic example of the Dead being fully firing on all cylinders. The September 7 show also features exceptional music, and almost two hours of that show are included in the Dave’s Picks Vol. 38, including “Bird Song” and “Playing In The Band.”
Dave’s Picks volumes sell out quickly and are only on sale four times a year. Last year’s shows included 10/29/77, 6/23/74, 4/20/84, and 3/26&/87. Order your 2021 Dave’s Picks here.
Upon the release of the music video for his single, “Calling Me,” Lefrak city native Kyngjo was happy with how his music was progressing, but was not fulfilled. Having begun his foray into the rap game only a year prior, he had seen significant growth in his sound and audience. With songs like “I’m Good Luv,” “Calling Me” and “Hypnotize” having reached tens of thousands of plays, he felt like it was time to up his production value.
“A lot of people want to rap, but what separates most of them is who puts their own money behind it,” he adds. “People always say this, but you really have to invest in yourself.”
With that, he embarked on a quest to shoot his best music video to date. The slick & catchy single “Who That,” which contains features from Long Island native, Pell The Don and Bronx rapper, Goggle Boy.”
“I just felt like that was a song I could push,” he explains. “Everyone did they thing on it and it’s something you could bump in the club or in your whip.” With a more polished music video in mind, he sought out popular Queens videographer, V.Lens. “I have ideas, but I also want a videographer who can come with their own [ideas] and knows how to shoot a story, not just record the video.”
Together, both artist and videographer brainstormed ideas and eventually came up with a fitting storyline to match the record. And so, the quartet made their way to the Long Beach section of Nassau County, as the boardwalk was designated as the perfect locale.
Actress and model, Ceecee Valez, played Kyngjo’s love interest in a plot that sees him and Pell The Don counting wads of cash when Kyngjo peers off, noticing Valez’s character making her way out. The rest of video sees the trio deliver their verses in the two Rolls Royce Wraiths and inside a club-themed locale.
Overall, the music video was quick and to the point (along with plenty of eye-catching props). Each artist got their chance to showcase not only their verses, but how well they work in front of the camera as this was a significant step up for each of them. “I wanted to separate myself from a lot of other people and I feel like I did that,” Kyngjo reveals.
On Friday, November 22, 2019, Alice Cooper performed at The Tilles Center for the Performing Arts in Brookville, Long Island. “Ol” Black Eyes opened the show with “Feed my Frankenstein” followed by “No More Mr Nice Guy” and “Bed of Nails.”
The 22 song set took fans on a musical journey from the mid eighties to present day with songs like “Devils Food” from his first solo album, “Welcome to my Nightmare” and “Fallen in Love” from his most recent album Paranormal.
Alice’s band consists of Chuck Garric on bass and vocals, Ryan Roxie on guitar and vocals, Tommy Henriksen on rhythm and lead guitar and backing vocals, Glen Sobel on drums and Nita Strauss on lead and rhythm guitar and backing vocals. One of the highlights of the night was Nita’s guitar solo on “Poison” which left fans awestruck.
For the encore, the rock and roll hall of famer performed “Under My Wheels”, and his signature song “School’s Out.”
The show was awesome and Alice can still rock out. It was filled with the usual theatrics you would normally see at a Alice Cooper show and the band sounded amazing.
His new album Detroit Stories was recently announced and is set to be released in 2021. Hopefully concerts will soon resume and he can get back to touring.
Alice Cooper – November 22, 2019, The Tilles Center for the Performing Arts in Brookville, Long Island
Setlist: Feed My Frankenstein, No More Mr Nice Guy, Bed Of Nails, Raped And Freezin, Fallen In Love, Muscle Of Love, He’s Back (The Man Behind The Mask), I’m Eighteen, Billion Dollar Babies, Poison, Guitar Solo (Nita Strauss), Roses On White Lace, My Stars, Devil’s Food, Black Widow Jam, Steven, Dead Babies, I Love The Dead, Escape, Teenage Frankenstein
Long Island rapper Nikmoody has been writing his entire life, taking the lemons of life and turning them into more than just lemonade. Case in point: a 1,000-point scorer in both high school and college, Nikmoody transferred his passion for Basketball to the pen after an ACL tear, leading him to a Masters degree in English Literature.
Drawing on influences such as Kendrick Lamar, Atmosphere and J.Cole, as well as Nirvana, Moody creates a conscious lyricism with soul, amid a blend of grunge and boom-bap hip hop. With the release of “Either Way,” he shows growth in style, adding in trap sounds within his strong lyrical base. Experiences of loss and addiction have helped Moody find his voice, adapting his music as he evolves within hip-hop, which he considers to be the most descriptive art form in the world, when combined with pain and passion.
Moody released his first EP, House of Mirrors, in 2017 and hasn’t slowed down since. He has continued to create music, releasing eight singles, ten music videos and his 2019 EP The Quiet One. Moody has performed at SXSW in Austin, headlined at SOB’s in Manhattan and opened for Wyclef Jean, Dizzy Wright, Raz Simone and KOTA The Friend.
Nikmoody works with his passion and continues to release singles, including April’s “Hysteria,” which was written with the guise of trying to bring a unified culture to Long Island. While The Quiet Two is planned, Moody notes below in an interview with NYS Music that it may not surface in 2020, as new projects have his attention.
PeteMason: Recently you posted on Facebook: “I know I haven’t been as active on social media lately. It’s only because I’m locked in. We been experimenting with new sounds, new flows…New music coming very soon.” Inquiring minds want to know – what new sounds and flows do you have coming?
Nikmoody: There’s been a lot of experimenting in the last few months. I wrote that in my post because I’ve been digging into other genres like trap, grunge rock, dubstep. I’ve been trying to find a way to harness the aggression that lies at the heart of my music and display it melodically. It’s been a learning experience but I’m really excited about the direction of the new music.
PM: How has quarantine life been for you on personal and creative levels?
NM: Quarantine has been a rollercoaster. My family got sick early into the lockdown so that was nerve-racking and worrying. But after everyone got healthy, I was still unemployed and stuck in the house. It became a blessing in disguise because it was the first time in my life that I was able to be creative without being in school or having to work full time. It allowed me to broaden my horizons musically and try new things. It also gave me a peak into what life would be like when I turn my music into my full time occupation. That was quite beautiful.
PM: Speaking about sacrifice in an August post, you discuss everyone being on their own journey, closing with “But that is their journey, not mine. I still see 100,000 at Bonnaroo every time I touch the mic.” Is it safe to say that performing at Bonnaroo is a big destination on your own journey?
NM: 1,000%. I’ve been to Bonnaroo twice as a camper (once general admission and once with an RV) and I have to say those were some of the most incredible days of my life. Nothing but music and love in the air. I met a lot of people from all over the world at those shows and to this day, Bonnaroo is the most coveted memory my friends and I have. To play there would be a dream. Chance the Rapper on Saturday night of Bonnaroo 2018 is the greatest show I’ve ever been to. To imagine myself doing the same is fun to think about.
PM: You’re from Brooklyn and Long Island – how did growing up between the two influence your creativity, your love of music, and connection to others?
NM: Well I kind of split time with where I grew up. I lived in Canarsie, Brooklyn until I was 11. Then, my family moved to Merrick, Long Island. Although I didn’t spend my high school days in BK, the attitude that comes with growing up in Brooklyn still sticks with me. It was a drastic difference moving to Long Island. That juxtaposition is vital to me as a person. Coming from a small apartment in a diverse neighborhood and moving to a house in an all white town took a lot of adjusting for me as a kid. I didn’t have a lot of friends growing up. I didn’t know how to connect with my classmates in Long Island. I liked rap, basketball and frequented corner stores. They liked pop punk, lacrosse and traded baseball cards.
It took me a while to fit in but I learned a lot in those confusing times. That’s when I really started to write a lot and just observe people. I never really hung out with one group of people, I wasn’t always with the athletes or the stoners or whatever stereotype you can think of. Fast forward to now and that duality is present all over my music. Learning to combine all these influences into one complete thought has been a challenge but when I do, you’ll know when you hear the song who it is because no one else could make it.
PM: How does The Quiet Two differ from past releases, and how does it connect to The Quiet Ones?
NM: Well I’m not sure if The Quiet Two will ever see the light of day if I’m being honest. I will be dropping some of the songs off that project as singles but I’m not sure if it’ll drop as a full entity. I’ve started working on something else that I’m really proud of. It’s early on but the music has evolved a great deal. It differs in the fact that it’s a bit more modern, the sounds we’re using are more in tune with the times but the lyrics and rhyme schemes have stayed in that old school realm of hip hop. I’m still the quiet one that you got to watch haha.
PM: When did you come up with the mantra “I can turn a negative into a positive with just one line – +”?
NM: I write lyrics on paper for the most part and I was just playing around with symbols one day and that line came into existence. I think it really represents what I stand for and my logo in general. While it looks dark and negative, it’s ultimately positive. We’re spreading hope at the end of the day.
Nikmoody now focuses on the one year anniversary of The Quiet One with the upcoming release of his new single “No Pulse.” Due out on Thursday, November 19 as thanks to his supporters for continuing the journey with him. Given the pandemic and artistic responses to increased isolation and time to create, whatever comes from Nikmoody will surely resonate with his audience.
The Allman Betts Band brought their 2019 fall tour to The Paramount on November 10, 2019. The tour was supporting their latest album, Down to the River which came out earlier in the year. The supporting acts were Joanne Shaw Taylor and and Jackson Stokes. The Allman Betts Band is Devon Allman, Duane Betts, Berry Duane Oakley, John Ginty, Johnny Stachela, R. Scott Bryan and John Lum.
Jackson Stokes, who is the first artist signed to Devon Allman’s new record label, Create Records, opened up the show with songs from his new self titled album, released on October 25, 2019. He was also the guitarist for The Devon Allman Project from 2016 to 2018. Joanne Shaw Taylor is a British blues rock guitarist and singer. Her sixth album, Reckless Heart, was released on May 17, 2019.
The Allman Betts Band set consisted of songs from their latest album including “Down to the River” and “Southern Accents,” plus a covers of Tom Petty’s “You Got Lucky.” The Allman Brothers Band “Elizabeth Reed,” “Midnight Rider” and The Grateful Dead’s “Friend of the Devil,” rounded out the bill. They also brought back Taylor for a cover of John Lee Hooker’s “Dimples” and Jackson Stokes to play on “Mahalo.” The two-hour set ended with “Long Gone” from the new album.
The Allman Betts Band @ The Paramount Theater on Huntington, Long Island, NY November 10, 2019
Setlist: All Night, Shinin’, Autumn Breeze, Down to the River, Ain’t Wastin’ Time No More, Blue Sky, You Got Lucky, Good Ol’ Days, Melodies Are Memories, Dimples*, Friend of the Devil, Mahalo^, Jessica, Down to the River.
Encore: Long Gone * with Joanne Shaw ^ with Jackson Stokes
Long Island group, Crash the Calm, have released their debut single, “Devils,” from their upcoming sophomore album, A Town Named Nowhere.
Crash the Calm entered the scene in December 2014, and released their debut single “Holes.” It was considered their demo at the time, and was followed by the band signing to indie label, Downport Records. They eventually recorded their debut album, How’ve You Been?, at VuDu Studios with Nick Starrantino, Dom Nastasi & Mike Watts. They also released an EP in 2018, titled Split. It was recorded with Anthony Lopardo and Ray Marte at Westfall Studios.
The band have played in many shows locally and across the East Coast. They have opened up for and shared the stage with bands such as Pianos Become the Teeth, Save Face, Capstan, Elder Brother, Belmont, Bay Faction, Head North, Heart Attack Man, Kayak Jones, The Republic of Wolves, bloom., Gatherers, Stories Untold, and the Sparrows. Crash Calm have also had stadium experience in Queens and opened up at the Citi Field in Flushing, NY.
Following the EP, a third of the five members left for personal reasons. Remaining members, Brian Dowling and Patrick Smith, had almost lost hope for the band. However, an idea blossomed from the moment, and the concept for their second album, A Town Named Nowhere was soon in the works.
The album is centered on the fictional town of “Nowhere,” which captures the different perspectives of the townspeople. Each perspective must resolve and contain their own inner struggle, in addition to the rampant dust storms and destined economic ruin they inevitably face. The record wants people to find their way through life-altering experiences and restore situations that seem beyond repair.
The concept of “Nowhere” came to guitarists Brian Dowling (also a singer) and Patrick Smith when they felt at a place where their only option was to rebuild from nothing. They went to the studio to record the album in 2019 with new members Dan LeBrun (Guitar), Johnny Pots (Drums) and Dave Van Nostrand (Bass). They recorded their 2nd LP with Anthony Lopardo and Ray Marte of Westfall Studios, which was a familiar ground for the band.
Their first single, “Devils,” is also accompanied by a dark lyric video, visualising the experiences of the Dust Bowl era. Crash the Calm have been juvenated for their upcoming release, and will tour once health conditions permit. In the meantime, the band plans for a number of music videos and digital performances to support the album. Their new single is available on Spotify, Apple Music, and Bandcamp.
On October 31, 2017, reggae rock band 311 treated their Long Island fans to a special Halloween show at The Paramount in Huntington. They really took the spirit of Halloween seriously with vocalist/turntablist SA Martinez, bassist P-Nut, lead guitarist Tim Mahoney, drummer Chad Sexton and lead vocalist and guitarist Nick Hexum taking the stage in full costume. The event was presented by Long Island radio station 94.3 The Shark. Fellow rap rockers Shinobi Ninja opened the show and were also dressed in costumes.
I have been to many, many 311 shows, but I would say this show in particular had the best old school setlist. Of course it made perfect sense that they opened the show with “Jackolantern’s Weather.” They even pulled some of their more popular songs like “Amber” and “Come Original” and replaced them with deeper cuts for their hardcore fans such as “Visit,” “Unity” and “Hive.”
They also added “Gap” that was featured on their 1996 Enlarged to Show Detail EP. It seems to me whenever the guys come to Long Island they really make an effort to tear the roof off the venue. Growing up the Island I can tell you they have a huge loyal fan base here and they definitely know it.
The set was two-and-a-half hours long and even included some bits of spooky Halloween themed music such as the theme song of Stranger Things and “This is Halloween” from The Nightmare Before Christmas. You can tell they guys were really enjoying themselves as they covered songs from almost every album from Music to Mosaic. The set ended with two more old school songs “Who’s Got the Herb” which I think they have to play at every Long Island show and “F— the Bull—-” which is the best show closing songs ever written.
As part of their 30th anniversary tour, the band was scheduled to co-headline a North American tour with Incubus in the summer of 2020, but it was cancelled because of the Covid 19 pandemic.
Setlist: Transistor Intro, Jackolantern’s Weather, Galaxy, Flowing, Gap, Extension, Light Years, Sick Tight, Visit, Bass Solo, One and the Same, Hive, Inner Light Spectrum, Wildfire, Rock On, Applied Science, Hey Yo, Lose, Transistor, Use of Time, Unity, Hydroponic, Feels So Good
Encore: Livin and Rockin, Who’s Got the Herb, Fuck the Bullshit
Magic Dance, the solo project of singer/songwriter Jon Siejka, is releasing a new album this December titled Remnants. However, the band decide to couple the release of the album with a new EP From Death To Life!
Siejka does not stop there and pleases fans with also a new music video for the first single “Zombie Breath Surprise.” Siejka had fun writing and recording the song, as he wanted to create an AOR celebration in the spirit of Halloween.
Formed in Long Island, NY, Magic Dance was started by Jon Siejka in 2012. Siejka is a self-taught musician and producer. Siejka wanted a platform express his synth-wave music, which was influenced by iconic-synth 80’s pop and movie soundtrack music. His sound has evolved over time, and has now become a heavier, guitar-oriented style, reminiscent of classic AOR music. The songs also have strong elements of mid 80’s music.
The line-up for the EP consisted of Jon Siejka on the vocals, guitars, and synths. Kevin Krug, Gabor Domjan, Luke Anderson, Emanuele Moretti were on the bass as Kevin Mcadams was on the drums. Gdaily was credited for the saxophone, and Tim Mackey provided guitar solos on “Zombie Breath Surprise” and “No Light (Hand Of Death)”. Ziy Shalev also had a guitar solo, for the track “Oh No”. For more information, you can find Magic Dance on Facebook,Twitter, and Instagram. Their new EP, “From Death To Life!”, is out now!
Key Tracks: Zombie Breath Surprise, No Light (Hand Of Death), Oh No
Just before Billy Joel started his Madison Square Garden residency in 2014, he played a “warm up” show at The Paramount in Huntington, Long Island on October 16, 2013, and I was one of the lucky 1500 people fortunate enough to be there. The concert benefitted Long Island Cares, a charity founded by singer/songwriter Harry Chapin.
This was Joel’s first Long Island concert since he played Nassau Coliseum with Elton John in 2002. Tickets to the show sold out in seconds and were listed on resale sites for ten times the face value. Many fans were frustrated to say the least as everyone wanted to be a part of this special occasion.
Fans began lining up hours before the show in hopes of getting as close as possible to the Piano Man. Walking up to the venue, all you can hear was Billy Joel songs being sang and blasted out of every bar and restaurant on New York Ave. Billy’s presence was certainly felt throughout the town that night. The excitement kept growing as it got closer to showtime at the Paramount. Finally the doors opened and the crowd rushed in.
When Billy Joel took the stage, the crowd roared just as load as it does for him at The Garden which is about ten times larger than The Paramount. After Joel opened the show with “Everybody Loves You Now” and “Movin Out”, he said “We’re not going to play all hits tonight, I’m tired of that”. He did sneak in a few deeper cuts like “A Room of Our Own”, “Great Wall of China” and even played “Blonde Over Blue”live for the first time ever, but there was also plenty of hits to go around. There is no way he is doing a show without playing his classics like “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant,” “New York State of Mind” and “Piano Man which the crowd sang along with to every word.
Joel and the rest of the band sounded phenomenal that night. Billy is my favorite artist and I was very lucky to be a part of that night. He then went on to start his residency at The Garden on January 27, 2014. Since then he has broken many records including most consecutive sold out shows and the record for the most shows at The Garden by a single performer, a record once held by Elton John and The Grateful Dead. His 74th consecutive monthly (120th all time) MSG show that was scheduled for March of 2020 had to be postponed due to Covid 19.
Setlist: Everybody Loves You Now, Movin Out, Vienna, The Entertainer, A Room of Our Own, She’s Right On Time, Allentown, The Great Wall of China, Miami 2017, New York State of Mind, This is the Time, Don’t Ask Me Why, Stop In Nevada, Downeaster Alexa, Blonde Over Blue, Scenes From an Italian Restaurant, The River of Dreams, Piano Man
Encore: We Didn’t Start the Fire, It’s Still Rock and Roll To Me, You May Be Right, Only the Good Die Young
