Tag: Webster Hall

This Darkness has got to give: Music Venues in July across New York State
It is now July 2020, the fifth month with minimal, if any, live music performances throughout New York State, let alone the country. Our venues are not yet open, but as the threat of COVID-19 decreases, parts of New York will enter Phase 4 and beyond, with the hope that live music will return, even if gradually.

While we may be stream weary, the prospect of live music is a motivator for many, and staying safe is the key given that New York and much of the Northeast are faring better than other areas of the country.

Photo by Buscar Photo

From viewing these photos taken during mid-late June, we can see the presence of the Black Lives Matter protests that spanned all 50 states. In all corners of New York there were protests, particularly in New York, protests that continue to push for defunding of the NYPD.

Working with 13 photographers to document more than 60 venues in 20 cities across New York State, NYS Music presents the second edition of our monthly series that looks at the current state of our beloved venues. When the venues reopen, we will share photo documentation recording the changes over time in all corners of the state.

Immense thanks goes out to all photographers and venues who are taking part in this monthly series. We’ll start this month in the Capital District, with a drone montage from Zach Culver, covering the venues we long to return to, sooner, rather than later.

Manhattan and Brooklyn – photos by Joseph Buscarello
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Hudson Valley – photos by Mickey Deneher
Saranac Lake – photos by Pete Mason
Long Island – photos by Andrew Camera
Rochester – photos by Brian Ferguson
Plattsburgh – photos by Jerry Cadieux
Manhattan – photos by Jamie Huenefeld
Utica – photos courtesy of The Stanley Theatre
Port Chester – photos by Chad Anderson
Ithaca – photo by Casey Martin
Lake Placid – photos by Pete Mason
- Paul White Memorial Band Shell
- Palace Theatre
Long Island – photos by Rob Tellerman
Tarrytown and Peekskill – photos by Steve Malinski
Buffalo – photos by Zachary Todtenhagen
July 1, 2020
This darkness has got to give: Music venues during COVID-19 across New York State
As we enter June, the fourth month where live music performances are postponed until it is deemed safe to have mass gatherings due to COVID-19, we take a look at the music venues across the state that are closed for now, but in the coming months will hopefully reopen.

Working with 13 photographers to document more than 60 venues in 20 cities across New York State, we present this monthly series that will look at the current conditions of these beloved venues. As they reopen, we will provide photo documentation recording the changes over time in all corners of the state.

Great thanks to all photographers and venues who take part in this series.

Buffalo – photos by Zachary Todtenhagen
Capital District – photos by Zach Culver
Brooklyn – photos by Joseph Buscarello
Hudson Valley – photos by Mickey Deneher
Long Island – photos by Andrew Camera
Plattsburgh – photos by Jerry Cadieux
Manhattan – photos by Jamie Huenefeld
Syracuse – photos by Josh Davis
Utica – photos courtesy of The Stanley Theatre
Ithaca – photos by Casey Martin
Long Island – photos by Rob Tellerman
Brooklyn and Manhattan – photos by Steve Malinski
Port Chester – photo by Chad Anderson
June 1, 2020
BAYNK Shapes Up Webster Hall
On the unexpectedly warm evening of February 22, a line of eager concert-goers snaked around the corner and onto the street parallel to Webster Hall. Lighthearted chatter filled the late Saturday night air.

“I’ve never seen the line this long…”

“Who are you guys here to see? Are they really this good?”

They were there to see BAYNK, a Kiwi artist that blends intricately layered beats with soothing vocals to produce mellow earworms. Splashing onto the music scene accidentally in 2016 after posting a single to SoundCloud that garnered attention on HypeMachine, the producer has come a long way in five years.

A move to L.A. and two EPs deep, BAYNK has also stepped up his live performance. The artist largely performs within the confines of a frame-like rectangular LED display, which is pre-programmed with visuals that reflect the intricacy of his music.

For individuals who are at the show just to dance and sing, BAYNK has them covered too. Whipping out his best dance moves to his higher tempo songs, he hypes up the crowd to dance along with him—which they do with no hesitation.
February 25, 2020
Oh Sees Announce North American Fall Tour

Oh Sees, the California band known for incorporating a wide range of rock genres, have announced a run of fall North American tour dates, with a two night stop at New York City’s Webster Hall in September. Among the genres that make up their unique sound are 60’s garage rock, pychedelic rock, punk, noise rock, art punk, and ’80s post-punk.

Led by guitarist/vocalist John Dwyer, whose guitar sound and brutally powerful way of playing are instantly identifiable, the band went through a series of changes that led them from clanging lo-fi garage experimentalism on albums like their 2007 debut Sucks Blood, to weirdo psych-pop on 2011’s Castlemania and almost-slick garage punk on 2014’s Drop.

Oh Sees will also play an upcoming charity concert on May 9 at the 1720 Warehouse in Los Angeles, to benefit The Elizabeth House & East LA Women’s Center. Tickets are on sale here. All dates are listed on the Oh Sees’ website.

Oh Sees UK + EU Tour:

05-15 – Birmingham – The Crossing

05-16 – Manchester – Albert Hall

05 -17– Glasgow – Barrowlands

05-18 – Dublin – Button Factory

05-19 – Dublin – Button Factory

05-21 – Bristol – SWX

05-22 – London – Electric Ballroom – Late Show

05-23 – London – Electric Ballroom – Early Show

07-05 – Lyon, France – transbordeur

07-07 – Ljubljana, Slovenia – Kino siska

07-08th – Zagreb, Croatia – Vintage industrial bar .

07-09 – Budapest, Hungary – Bankito Festival

07-11 – Erfurt, Germany – Stone from the underground

07-12 – Gierle, Belgium – Sjock festival

07-14th – Berlin, Germany – Festaal Kreuzberg

07-15 – Dusseldorf, Germany – Zakk

07-16 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Paradiso

07-17 – Leuwarden, Netherlands – Welcome to the village

07-18 – Paris, France – Cabaret Sauvage

Oh Sees North American Tour:

Tue 09-01 – San Francisco, CA – August Hall *

Wed 09-02 – San Francisco, CA – August Hall *

Fri 09-04 – Portland, OR – Crystal Ballroom *

Sat 09-05 – Seattle, WA – Neumos *

Sun 09-06 – Seattle, WA – Neumos *

Fri 09-11 – Chicago, IL – Thalia Hall *

Sat 09-12 – Chicago, IL – Thalia Hall *

Sun 09-13 – Cleveland, OH – Beachland Ballroom *

Mon 09-14 – Toronto, Canada – Danforth Music Hall *

Wed 09-16 – Providence, RI – Fete Ballroom *

Thu 09-17 – New York, NY – Webster Hall *

Fri 09-18 – New York, NY – Webster Hall *

Sun 09-20 – Philadelphia, PA – Union Transfer *

Mon 09-21 – Carrboro, NC – Cat’s Cradle *

Tue 09-22 – Atlanta, GA – Variety Playhouse *

Thu 09-24 – Austin, TX – Hotel Vegas *

Fri 09-25 – Austin, TX – Hotel Vegas *

Sun 09-27 – Albuquerque, NM – Sister Bar *

* with Mr. Elevator

February 19, 2020
Iron & Wine and Calexico Join Forces at Webster Hall

Back in June 2019, Sam Beam (a.k.a. Iron & Wine) joined forces with folk/Americana group Calexico for the full length LP, Years to Burn. This would mark the second time the two bands collaborated, the first being EP In the Reins from 2005. The bands musical styles perfectly complement one another, resulting in luscious harmonies and arrangements.

John Convertino of Calexico at Webster Hall – Photo: Joseph Buscarello

Before the show started, stage hands marched a seemingly endless amount of instruments on stage. Nine acoustic guitars moved in alone, followed by accordions, upright basses, electric guitars and horns. I have experienced seeing both of these bands individually and this collection of instruments is not surprising. Sam Beam typically brings a dozen or more musicians out for an Iron & Wine show and Calexico has such a full Americana sound with dense horns and strings. None of these attributes were lost in bringing the two bands together.

Sam Beam of Iron & Wine at Webster Hall – Photo: Joseph Buscarello

The set drew heavily from the two collaborative projects, but they also performed covers of each other’s songs and other bands. This first one was a cover of “Glimpse,” a track off Calexico’s 1996 debut Spoke. Sam introduced the song by saying “this song was the first Calexico song I ever heard.” The other Calexico cover was “Flores y Tamales” from 2018s The Thread That Keeps Us. While there were no Iron & Wine covers at Webster Hall, they were playing songs like “Boy With A Coin” and “Naked As We Came” at other stops. Full setlist below.

Joey Burns of Calexico at Webster Hall – Photo: Joseph Buscarello

The show ended with two more collaborative tracks, but with opening band Half Waif joining them on stage to provide additional vocals. Had you not known that this show was a collaboration between two separate groups, you would think this was a band that has been writing and performing together their whole career. Their musical styles are already complementary and there is a clear friendship that adds a ton of energy to the stage.

Iron & Wine at Webster Hall – Photo: Joseph Buscarello

Setlist: Father Mountain, Prison on Route 41, Follow the Water, In the Reins, Glimpse (Calexico cover), Sixteen Maybe Less, The Bitter Suite, Bring on the Dancing Horses (Echo and the Bunnymen cover), Flores y Tamales (Calexico cover), [Solos], Red Dust, I Lost It (Lucinda Williams cover), Midnight Sun, Burn That Broken Bed, What Heaven’s Left.

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February 9, 2020
Temples Deliver Career Spanning Set at Webster Hall

UK psych rockers, Temples, released their third LP, Hot Motion, back in September 2019, and the tour hit Webster Hall this past Tuesday, January 21. This was technically a make-up date from November, since the band previously expanded and reorganized the tour.

Temples at Webster Hall – Photo: Joseph Buscarello

Support came from Canadian based singer Art d’Ecco. The glam-punk rocker commanded the stage with a dominating presence and delivered upbeat, Bowie-tinged punk rock grooves.

Art d’Ecco at Webster Hall – Photo: Joseph Buscarello

Temples’ new LP sees them refining their distinctive indie psych-rock sound, culminating in a very consistent addition to their catalog. This consistency was put on full display with the first three songs of the night: “The Howl” from Hot Motion, followed by hit “Certainty” from 2017’s Volcano, then a deep cut from their debut Sun Structures, “A Question Isn’t Answered.” This career-spanning intro highlighted the band’s ability to stay true to their sound while still making three very distinct songs.

Art d’Ecco at Webster Hall – Photo: Joseph Buscarello

Temples are another one of those bands that attracts a dedicated following. Webster Hall was packed with fans singing and dancing along to every song, and the band was more than happy to feed off that energy. They effortlessly breezed through their songs, ending the main set with fan favorite, and hit “Shelter Song” from Sun Structures.

Art d’Ecco at Webster Hall – Photo: Joseph Buscarello

Temples at Webster Hall – Photo: Joseph Buscarello

Temples continue their tour of North America into February, followed by dates in France and Australia from March to April. Art d’Ecco will continue to open for Temples on the North America trek.

Setlist: The Howl, Certainty, A Question Isn’t Answered, You’re Either On Something, Colours to Life, Holy Horses, The Golden Throne, On the Saviour, Hot Motion, The Beam, Context, Keep in the Dark, Atomise, Shelter Song.

Encore: Sun Structures, Mesmerise.

January 24, 2020
Don’t Call It A Comeback: Motion City Soundtrack Return to Webster Hall

Motion City Soundtrack have been on indefinite hiatus since 2016, but last summer the Minneapolis band began teasing something for New Years Eve. The surprise came in the form of a NYE show in Chicago at House of Blues followed by a month-long “Don’t Call It A Comeback” tour of the US. New York area shows included Webster Hall in NYC, where we caught the tour, Starland Ballroom in NJ and The Paramount on Long Island.

Justin Pierre of Motion City Soundtrack – Photo: Joseph Buscarello

The newly renovated Webster Hall is still very much a work in progress, but that did not take away from the delight and anticipation of the fans. By the time the opening bands were set to play, the room was already mostly full and buzzing. Support for the night came from Gregory Stovetop followed by The Sidekicks who both played very upbeat pop-rock sets.

The Sidekicks at Webster Hall 1/8/2020 – Photo: Joseph Buscarello

The Sidekicks at Webster Hall 1/8/2020 – Photo: Joseph Buscarello

Motion City Soundtrack put out one of the most iconic mid-2000s anthem in “Everything is Alright,” and the crowd was treated to it early as the second song. The entire room jumped along to the guitar riff, stressing the ancient Webster Hall floor, while shouting the chorus in full-throat. Another fan favorite, and pop-rock hit “The Future Freaks Me Out” served as the final song of the night.

Motion City Soundtrack at Webster Hall 1/8/2020 – Photo: Joseph Buscarello

The band had terrific chemistry throughout the night, Justin’s vocals sounded crisp and the band delivered a tight 20 song, career-spanning set, meant to please. The hiatus is certainly over and MCS are back at it.

Motion City Soundtrack at Webster Hall 1/8/2020 – Photo: Joseph Buscarello

The rest of the tour runs through mid February, with stops coast to coast, concluding with three sold-out home town shows at The Fillmore in Minneapolis. Support for those last shows comes from White Reaper, Why Not, Lydia Lizer and Author.

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January 12, 2020
Larkin Poe Announces 2020 Tour Dates

The Nashville-based sister duo, Larkin Poe, announced their 2020 world tour including a stop in Webster Hall in New York City. The tour officially starts in March at North Little Rock, AR’s University of Arkansas – Pulaski Technical College and wraps up in April with stops across the globe. Dates also exist in February through July on this tour.

Larkin Poe. Photo credit: Aloysius Lim

Larkin Poe has a GRAMMY® Award-nominated album Venom & Faith in the Best Contemporary Blues category. The tour announcement follows on the coattails of their video for “MISSISSIPPI” released on December 17. Larkin Poe is currently working on their next album which is due to drop sometime in 2020.

Larkin Poe will be stopping at Webster Hall in New York City on April 2. The tour includes stops all across the United States. There are also dates in Australia, New Zealand, Japan, the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, France, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway.

For more information on Larkin Poe or their tour visit their website. See the complete list of dates below.

Larkin Poe 2020 Tour Dates:

Feb. 8 – Mahindra Blues Festival – Mumbai, India

Feb. 27 through March 2 – Rock Legends Cruise – Port Everglades, FL

March 13 – Minglewood Hall – Memphis, TN

March 14 – University of Arkansas: Pulaski Technical College – North Little Rock, AR

March 18 – Center for the Arts – Jackson, WY

March 25 – 29 – Treefort Music Fest – Boise, ID

March 27 – The Independent – San Francisco, CA

March 28 – Fonda Theatre – Los Angeles, CA

April 1 – Royale – Boston, MA

April 2 – Webster Hall – New York, NY

April 3 – The Foundry – Philadelphia, PA

April 5 – Tampa Bay Blues Festival – Tampa, FL

April 11 – Byron Bay Bluesfest – Tyagarah, Australia

April 13 – Byron Bay Bluesfest – Tyagarah, Australia

April 15 – Factory Theatre – Sydney, Australia

April 16 – The Corner Hotel – Richmond, Australia

April 18 – Powerstation – Auckland, New Zealand

April 19 – James Hay Theatre – Christchurch, New Zealand

April 21 – duo Music Exchange – Tokyo, Japan

April 24 – Sweetwater 420 Festival – Atlanta, GA

April 25 – Brooklyn Bowl – Nashville, TN

May 1 – O2 Institute – Birmingham, United Kingdom

May 2 – Button Factory – Dublin, Ireland

May 3 – SWG3 Studio Warehouse – Glasgow, United Kingdom

May 5 – O2 Ritz Manchester – Manchester, United Kingdom

May 6 – SWX – Bristol, United Kingdom

May 7 – O2 Empire Shepherds Bush – London, United Kingdom

May 9 – Paradiso – Amsterdam, Netherlands

May 10 – Live Music Hall – Cologne, Germany

May 12 – Ancienne Belgique – Brussels, Belgium

May 13 – Le Trianon – Paris, France

May 15 – Sala Apolo – Barcelona, Spain

May 16 – Sala But – Madrid, Spain

May 19 – Santeria Toscana 31 – Milano, Italy

May 20 – Dynamo – Zurich, Switzerland

May 22 – Technikum München – München, Germany

May 23 – WUK – Wien, Austria

May 25 – Lucerna Music Bar – Prague, Czech Republic

May 26 – Huxley’s Neue Welt – Berlin, Germany

May 27 – Markthalle – Hamburg, Germany

May 29 – VEGA – København V, Denmark

May 30 – Restaurang Trädgårn – Göteborg, Sweden

May 31 – Rockefeller Music Hall – Oslo, Norway

June 2 – Berns – Stockholm, Sweden

July 12 – Bospop Festival – Weert, Netherlands

July 17 – 19 – Blues Peer Festival – Peer, Belgium

January 2, 2020