Bearsville Theater in Woodstock played host to Mihali, singer and songwriter known best for his work with Vermont’s Twiddle, on December 11, part of NYS Music’s Jam for Tots series. An enthralled and captive crowd filled the space in Bearsville, eager to celebrate the Mihalidaze.
Mihali’s solo project incorporates loops and layers connecting with lyrics in a mysterious, yet energetically powerful way. The use of everything from beatbox to bass juxtapose with the pure vulnerability of simply a voice and a guitar. The result is a soothing connection between crowd members among themselves, with the stage, the environment in which one experiences this music.
Experiencing Mihali at Bearsville Theater felt different than watching the home streams over the past year. The beautiful wooden circular backdrop bearing a logo with a mushroom not dissimilar in shape to the artist’s Santa hat glowed and pulsed with different colors throughout the show. The impression the backdrop gave was something like “all natural organic forest” but with some magic. The good kind. The kind with cute woodland creatures and the occasional talking fern.
The hardwood of the Bearsville theater is said to hide over 100 speakers in the ceiling of the old listening room. The way the music balanced so perfectly from every corner of the venue continued to reinforce the idea of some type of presence of a universal connection and wordless communication going on that night. Encapsulated in both wood, light and sound, there was an unspoken transfer of energy happening reflecting some type of phenomenon.
The transfer of energy between the green glow-worm-eque necklaces worn by many attendees seemed to balance out the warm salmony-pink glow of the somehow perfect number of chandeliers smiling down from above.
The spinning of Emily’s LED Poi looked to have a more dominant pastel tone as opposed to the vivd colors prevalent at many “up all night” type of festivals. The string light necklaces even looked muted when blended with the color bounding off the hard wood musical cocoon of a venue.
The complimentary nature seemed to continue right down to the colors of the clothing. The particular tint and tone of choice among fans had this young reindeer, almost fawn-like look to it. Whether boots or shirts, jackets or skirts… there was no denying the amount of earth tones out to dance that night.
It felt like an honor to be let into anyone’s home or studio during a time of universal struggle the recognize something familiar. Mihali’s intimacy in the way he communicates his music did not change from home to office and provided the perfect celebration during the holiday season.
Karina Rykman has announced with great excitement that her band will be headlining Brooklyn Bowl on February 24, 2022. Part of a greater movement with other of powerhouse women in live music not only making their presence known, but respected. This New York City-based artist bends the genres and feeds the soul. Karina called this “a proper hometown show” which could be interpreted as her way of saying “not to be missed.”
Who Is Karina?
Karina Rykman has been the powerhouse thread weaving its way through seemingly opposing forms of musical expression. Chatter of Karina’s name, talent and on stage acrobatic feats of stunt work have been the topic of conversation at festivals, pre-show hangs, after parties and set breaks. Some know Karina as Marco Benevento’s bass player but her solo project has made itself known as a force to be reckoned with. Sparkly boots, deep grooves and occasional stunts make for an entrancing experience with no choice but to allocate all attention in the moment.
Photo: Em Walis
But What Kind of Music Is This?
The funkier side of jam with a heavy lead bass of songs like “Dirty South” blend smoothly into a lo-fi ambient moods with songs like “Plants” and “Arbitrary”. “Elevator” and “City Kids” live within a pleat synching indie with the grit only a New York City Riot Grrrl could harness. All of the masterful genre stitching and blending encompass the beauty in what music is becoming.
Magic camptured at Catskill Mountain Jubilee by Em Walis
Evidence Points To Magic
Where might have Karina gained her momentum and defined her style? Perhaps all the time society was forced to look at the same four walls heightened other sense and stronger recognitions for new and exciting sound profiles. Maybe Karina experienced some form training similar to Uma T’s Black Mamba character in the Kill Bill films. In this case it would have been bass, not katana. The training with Marco Benevento likely involved many more smiles, a few less stairs and absolutely a large collection of cheap keyboards. Crystal masters claim that when the “greatest sound guy of all time” is at the helm and the sunlight hits Karina’s bass at just the right angle, the golden light that exists in this musicians soul becomes visible for only a moment.
Stocks
Day or night, it would be in one’s best interest to see Karina now and catch glimpses of the golden light now, because it will be a lot more difficult as her career continues to grow. Karina’s shows are fun. Banter could include existential questions followed by a quick video game cheat code. Encouragement to bandmates might involve empowering words like “slay” and “queen” which are unfortunately not in the usual vocabulary of “dude bands at dude shows”. Karina’s shows are known to feel uplifting, creatively complimentary and spirit lifting.
Women supporting women in music by Em Walis
Slay Queen
Women like Karina, friends Marlo and Veronica from Melt, Kanika Moore of Doom Flamingo, Laura Lee of Krunghabin and fellow New Yorker Alexis Krauss of Sleigh Bells are all making waves on tour and helping to create a safer space for future generations of women that are interested in music. These women convey a message that grant permission for women to present authentically, dress in what feels the best and behave in a way that stands by ethical codes unapologetically. The future looks bright thanks to Karina and the other magical warriors queens out there slaying.
Andy Frasco & The U.N. played to a full house at the legendary Bearsville Theater on Friday December 10, 2021. Despite over 80 shows under the band’s belt, they played like it was their last time on stage. The show was like any other, in that the surface level antics eased listeners into a more relaxed mind so they might recieve better the true message of resilience and comradery that sometimes lacks in the music community.
Photo by: Em Walis
I Come From This World
Riding over to Woodstock, Andy’s voice came over the radio just before switching over to Bluetooth. His natural radio DJ voice was the perfect balance between upbeat and honest. The host asked Andy how he was doing. The response was something along the lines of “run down and tired, but excited to play music.”
. Photo by: Em Walis
I Just Want to Be Heard
Answers like this have not always been common in the music industry, especially over a formal radio interview, but Andy has created a safe space for musicians to be honest about their struggles.
Photo by: Em Walis
I Got Something to Say
By talking the talk, before the show even began, Andy Frasco & The U.N. set the tone as one for pushing through, keeping it fun and remembering why we gathered here. Andy, through his music and message that night, displayed a truly authentic self. It was OK to dance throug the pain, the fatigue and the stress; this goes beyond the musicians. Chances seemed to favor that most folks in the audience were looking to have a reset and just feel joy even if it were for a few hours.
Photo by: Em Walis
Oh Time is not Real, These Feelings I feel
Andy Frasco & The U.N. made sure to pay homage to The Band and other artists that came up in Woodstock. Their cover of “Ophelia” had the whole mountain jam crew up and dancing. Woodstock is a treasure of the Hudson Valley and it is easy to forgot how many important artists have found inspiration in those hills over the years.
Photo by: Em Walis
Are Hard to Explain
The juxtaposition felt difficult to fathom at times. So much laughter, antics and energy in a place that was once built to be a “listening room.” But people might have forgotten that legend goes a little something like that the owner of the studio and listening room might be buried somewhere in the woods out back.
Photo by: Em Walis
Every day feels the same
So the next time Andy plays “Dancing Around My Grave,” he might remember that time in Woodstock where he had a full house theoretically doing just that.
Photo by: Em Walis
It’s the same ol’ game
Having good people around during the depths of tour seem to be the magic formula that keep these guys going. Never were they too serious and the smiles were reflected fully from the audience for the duration of the show. The photobombs during super touchy-feely moments were relentless (and also welcomed).
Photo by: Em Walis
I Just Wanna Get Away
Towards the end of the show, Andy invited “his son” Rich Derbyshire of Wild Adriatic and the notion of “oneness” became visible to all of us, as two afros and two yellow shirts became one before our very eyes.
So come with me, baby we will see
Photo by: Em Walis
Sunshine in rain
Andy and the guys were able to walk into the Bearsville Theater, respect its history and all of the ancestors of Woodstock musicians that came before and truly harness the spirit of ‘why’. In the Radio Woodstock interview, Andy mentioned that the Theater felt a little like a place where someone might celebrate their Bar Mitzvah. So of course the yellow lights came down upon us all as some sort of coming of age celebration was had during “The Horah” dance towards the end of the evening.
Some bearded guy in the corner that knew Woodstock as it once was might say that it was Bowie smiling down from up there in his intergalactic space station sending a signal that Andy Frasco is truly a good person and making the world a better place one bagel, one show, and once song at a time.
Setlist: Friends (A Song About Friends), C Boogie, (634-5789), Down to Business, Runaway, Dancin’ Around My Grave, Talk About It, Sex & Drugs), Spill The Beans, Cocaine, Slam Piece, Change Pace, Floyd Song, Walk, Smokin Dope> Biz Markie, Ophelia, Pussy, Better Days, Fought Law, Podcast, Struggle, What More, Keep On
Encore: Somedays, Mature AF
A big shout out to YamYam Band and their song “Sunshine In Rain” for inspiring this article.
You know you are in for a treat when you get “sitting Rick” Photo by Em Walis
Lost in the hollows of shutdown, the soft holiday lights, soothing houseplants and beautiful music of Orebolo provided a dreamy santuary when many needed it most. To witness in real time what was once only as livestreams recorded in a fantasy land far, far away, evoked a child-like sense of belief in magic and the power of music.
It Was Magic
Walking through the entryway into the theater felt like being a character in a movie where candles float above during meals and small flying balls were caught on brooms for fun. Having a ticket felt like getting the letter that we have been selected to participate in something extraordinary. The Tarrytown Music Hall experience could be described as safe in the way one might feel in their favorite cozy reading nook or behind the walls in a great castle. The difference was that the friends sitting nearby in this fantasy also happened to be member of a favorite band. Safety was of of the utmost importance. The venue required vaccination and masks for the entire show.
Safe space made for meaningful moments. Photo by Em Walis
Masks Up & Hearts Open
While it might have felt difficult for some to return to these precations and the lack of human connection that goes with it, the attention to detail in the overall ambience of the stage and performance completely offset any negativity or sadness. Filled with beautifully curated furniture, warm lamps, houseplants, and a frame ofchristmas lights placed on the floor, Orebolo successfully recreated the Solarium where many streams were filmed.
The Coxy Nook. Photo by: Em Walis
At the beginning of the show, Peter Anspach (guitar/ vocals) addressed the crowd and invited everyone to dance if they wanted. This statement set the tone for the rest of the night to be one of jovial connection, regardless of the decible level. The atply nicknamed “front row fam” due to the lack of rail danced the night away. Leading the pack was none other than Lord Marc “Scarf Guy” Komito accompanied by his wife Lady Diana “Mrs. Scarf” Komito.
South Farms staff were masters of the Covid protocols Photo by: Em Walis
Moderately Ready To Skip Bottom Eyeliner
Is it a microphone shadow or is it the mark of the front row fam> Photo by: Em Walis
Skipping bottom eyeliner seemed to be the correct tactic because emotion ran high throughout the show. Unlikely tracks such as “So Ready” electrified with new meaning as the choral volume of the crowd matched those on stage. Goose historians would asstert that the calm nature of “Slow Ready” successfully combined with the anthemic power of “So Ready” to successfully create “Moderately Ready” (not officially confirmed). There was an interesting duality in the excitement felt for a typical Goose show existing simultaneously with the stripped-down intimacy and haunting vulnerability of songs like “Bob Don”. Lifelong friends were bantering back and forth with the band as they have for years, but the power of the crowd at large hinted at how far the growth of these musicians has come.
Photo made possible by the lovely staff at Tarrytown Music Hall. Photo by Em Walis
Stunts & Shasta
It has been said that Gong Gang spiritual leader Jeffrey Arevalo does is own stunts. His stand up bass skills alongside vocals truly demonstrated his role as proverbial dark horse or wildcard in both bands. Jeff’s playing was so hypnotizing that it would be easy to miss one of the highlights of the show sitting patiently on the side of the stage. Rick’s partner provided support from the side stage with their puppy Shasta. “Lead the Way,” about Ricks previous dog was played, allowing for yet another moment to remeber not to wear bottom eyeliner.
Panning around the Music Hall, it became quite apparent that the staff were singing just as loudly as the rest of the crowd. It turns out that many of them were huge goose fans having previously worked at the now defunct South Farms venue. The excitement for the amount of new song debuts were shared by all.
Jon “Coach” Lombardi is a grounding constant in all Goose related happenings. Photo by Em Walis
A Goosemas Story
Visions of past present and future seemed to melt together. Marc up front doing his thing, the houseplants reminiscent of Peter’s mustached companion from the Goose Perry show, rewinding back to the Great Beyond Podcast, El Goose Times, sharing grass (the floor tickets, obviously) with Doey Joey at Westville Music Bowl. Chatter of the upcoming Goosemas show as well as the Hometown Flodown Art show happening earlier in the day.
Sam Bardini;s role with Goose dates back to signing up while it was still a “one day hopefully” Photo by Em Walis
So many thoughts were available to fall into when all of a sudden, attention was redirected back to the stage while “Rosalie McFall” filled the room . It was very obvious from the meticulous mixing arrangements being made that sound engineer Sam Bardini has listened to a bluegrass song or two in his day. The traditional nature of the song begged the question of how Goose bassist Trevor Weekz might sound playing mandolin with Orebolo.
Dream? Photo by Em Walis
Warm Lamps & House Plants
You know that part at the end of a movie where the wild adventure is over, bad guy defeated and the main character is back in the safety of their bedroom? Everything appears to be back to normal but then in the background we notice something from the fantasy world they had just escaped? Possibly a character from the movie shows up to remind the main character that they are still friends and will be there for the main character should they ever need? That was what Orebolo did for so many on their first night of tour.
Photo by Em Walis
Weeks later, when scrolling through photos, one might pass by their photos from the night. Without knowing it, mood could be lifted slightly. Better yet, the recipient of the cat photo peeking over their shoulder might ask who was playing at that concert?
Photo by Em Walis
The day could then improve a whole lot; for there is only one answer to this question:
Have you heard of a band called Goose? No? Well, you see… it all really started when Peter learned keyboard…….
-Anonymous
Orebolo Setlist: Silver Dagger (Joan Baez), Elizabeth, Indian River, The Whales, Lead The Way, Caution (Bob Marley & The Wailers), Moonrise, US Blues (Grateful Dead), Dim Lights, So Ready, Devil In Disguise (Elvis), It Burns Within, Bob Don, Rosalie McFall (Charlie Monroe), Drive, Arise, Madhuvan Encore: Angel Band (Traditional)
On the Saturday after Thanksgiving, Marco Benevento, Karina Rykman and David Butler took the Brooklyn Bowl stage for an upbeat celebration honoring induvidual self expression. The charistmatic smiles beaming from the stage reflected the jovial comradery happening down in the crowd. While the ever present bowling alley was running simultaneously to the performance, it became apparent that Marco’s gathering was happening in what some Lebowski fans might consider The Dude’s Temple.
Colorful crowd in the temple of The Dude. Photo by Em Walis
Many parallels between mindset masters Marco Benevento and The Dude existed that night. There was an overarching reminder to the revitalization that occurs whenever time has been carved to show up for something with the power to ignite minds and hearts alike. The social connection, dancing, individual expression and unexpected favorite cover all contributed towards an emotional elixer helpful in priming the system for the upcoming holiday season.
Karina Rykman, her bass, sparkle outfit, and hand made t shirt. Nothing else. Photo by Em Wals
The Dude Abides | Let It Slide
The opening tune of the night “Let It Slide” set tone for the night to be upbeat, full of personality and constantly shifting. The catchy tune and “rhythmic chordy bass” drew a lasting attention to the stage to the point where time seemed like it began to fly by. The metaphysical shift that happened with a song like this allowed for the outside world to fall away because senses were being flooded with every happy neurotransmitter imaginable. It was impactful enough to carry through the rest of the night. By letting it slide, fans were able to abide which resulted in the ability to be taken on a journey without having to think too deeply in the moment.
Photo by Em Walis
That Rug Really Tied The Room Together | The Royal Potato Family
That Rug Really Tied The Room Together | The Royal Potato Family From upstate to down south, the atmosphere was positively unified. Attendees, colorful and diverse, all shared a familial bond that clearly valued making a conscious effort in being attentive to one another. One woman from Knoxville made sure to ask everyone at the table if they would like a beverage or needed anything before she departed on her own beer run. A potato cannon firing distance away from the Fred Short Recording Studio, family and friends close to the artists stacked up to show support as if it were their kid at little leauge. Notably, Melt guitarist and vocalist Marlo and Veronica made time during the bands headlining national tour in order to show some love for their bud Karina. The collection of people both new and familiar with the music wove together in order to create a beautiful, robust rug that provided a sense of safety and joyful company. To add a little bit of adorable fringe to the experience, Marco’s wife screen printed custom t shirts in their basement specifically for the Brooklyn Bowl event. Each band member wore the shirt and Marco could be seen making funny faces at her throughout the night.
Photo By Em Walis
New Shit Has Come To Light | Heartbeats
Never once did the joy become irritating or overdone. The pure honestly in the fun being had by all in the room and gratitude felt had its roots deeply in the concept of “all things considered”. The music never commanded listeners to think or feel differently, rather, an offering of an alternative mindset to live in the moment was presented. The wildcard cover of “Heartbeats” by The Knife speaks of submission to moments of forbidden love and while beautiful, provided a nice balance of darkness to the mood. The reminder evoked inspiration to never ignore those precious moments when desire has sparked and opportunity has presenteditself.
Photo by Em Walis
The Dude Is Not In | Here To Percieve
Anyone that walked down the alley and into Brooklyn Bowl for Marco Benevento’s performance likely assumed that they would experience upbeat, genre-nomadic music. Not everyone knew the level of rejeuvination they were about to experience through music, community and an opportunity to look at the world differently. Attendees probably wore some of their most coveted and unique articles of clothing after very carefully taking into account how the material might look on the dancefloor. Little did some know, the fur vests, tie dye, geometric glasses and bold lipstick were symbollic to the loving embrace Marco’s music gives to individuality and self expression. During the recent tumultuoius times, it has become increasingly important to find out what The Dude was feeling when he laid on the rug with his headphones in.
Keeping the innter light bright. Photo By: Em Walis
You’re Out Of Your Element, Donny | At The End Or The Beginning?
For some, the start of holiday season in New York City could mean a dreamy illumination of the city, Rockefeller center and time with loved ones. For others, it could be the most difficult dark season they have experienced yet. Covid tests are flying off shelves so families can be reunited for traditions to resume. Conversely, many are faced with the tidal wave of grief pulsing with each gathering that might not include that favorite person no longer with us. Invitations have not been passed along to certain people because they have been rejected by their families opposing fiercly to welcoming LGBTQIA+ members into their household.
Social media feeds filled with family photos are a constant reminder of what we do not have or what we used to have but recently lost. The last two years on their own have contributed to an influx of loneliness and depression especially during the time of year when the sun shines least. Financial pressure to show love by spending non existant money contributes to levels of anxiety that only can be reached by a threatened sense of ability to meet societal expecations. The entire night felt like it provided family and support for anyone disheartened by the world. Hope sparked all thoughtout the night.
Photo by Em Walis
Let’s Go Bowling | Random Note
Marco Benevento’s Brooklyn Bowl performance provided a dream-like, restorative experience where the aforementioned conditions need not be the single identifier to one’s experience. It is not to encourage denial of such things but to instead focus on the things that emote joy. In Marco’s Interview over the summer, he mentioned often starting his creative process with drum machines or randomly generated notes. There was rarely an intention to use these starter tracks in the final project, but it got the ball rolling and his head in the creative space. The sounds were often silly and the instruments not particularly coveted. The lack in seriousness seemed to also help in the process and stay at minimum net netural, which for many of us could be a whole lot better compared to their current mindset. For music fans, it is important to buy the ticket and go to the show. Bringing along a friend that might have it rough this time of year would not be a bad idea. The point being, once in the environment alongside appealing sounds, sights and people, the emotional and mindful shift will automatically follow.
Photo By: Em Walis
This time of year, it is important that we take after Marco’s fans and check in with each other whether we are at a show or not. Think twice before making family brag posts and consider other ways to show your appreciation more privately in order to respect those experiencing a more fragile season. Most importantly, if you need help, not matter how embarrassing, please tell someone or call the New York Emotional Support Hotline CALL: 1-844-863-9314
Marco Benevento – Brooklyn Bowl, Williamsburg, NY – November 27, 2021
Setlist: Let It Slide, Dropkick, If I Get To See You At All, Coyote Hearing, Greenpoint, Heartbeats (The Knife), Bus Ride, The Story Of Fred Short, At The End Or The Beginning?
To learn more, check out our exclusive interview and a review of Let It Slide.
Grammy Award-winning music innovator Billy Strings reveals a continuation of his current headline tour alongside co-writers and string swordsman in their own right Billy Failing (banjo), Royal Masat (Bass, vocals) and Jarrod Walker (mandolin, vocals, guitar).
Arguably the most talked about in the announcement is the four night run at The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, a truly historic laboratory for experimental music. Dates listed below. Tickets will go on sale this Friday, November 19 at 10:00am ET. On that Friday, the Billy Strings tour will be making a stop in Wilkes-Barre, PA if patience is not on one’s side. Full details at www.billystrings.com/tour.
Full Rainbow
All Forms of Energy
Energy has been a word that has gotten tossed around superfluously over conference tables, yoga mats and barstools. Excessive presence of the metaphysical concept has robbed us from having a name for what happens when we truly feel the impact of sound, light and heat combine in such a way to shift minds.
Avatar
Some call Billy things like “the reincarnation”, “the next____”, and occasionally “the next avatar”. There is certainly something special about a person that thinks and plays in such expansive styles while also having full mastery of accepted structures. It is uncommon for the same person to also have concern for the safety and wellbeing of his fans. It is not often that “the ___ of our generation” will return to his elementary school to give guitars to all the kids. Bass fishing early after playing a sold out show is absolutely not the thing expected from a musical mastermind. Arguably, most accurate description of Billy is “the realest one.”
Moth and Light Bulb
Egregious terms like “face melt” have unfortunately replaced the rather touching feeling of euphoria washing over our senses when dazzled by lights that somehow give the music a voice when there are no lyrics. The depth of emotion intended for each song transcends the light. The musical experience at a Billy show would not have the same depth of meaning if it looked any other way. Seeing and hearing beauty is where true presence begins to form and life outside of that concert disappears.
The intentional layering of light in a kaleidoscope of textures, colors and shapes evoke feelings that register more like a fine textile selected by lighting designer Roger Gant just for us; in this moment. It is said that moths are attracted to lightbulbs because they are designed to move towards the moon, but lightbulbs are relatively brighter. Imagine being that moth and you have an idea of what Roger’s shows look like.
The Wave Master
Andy Lytle gets pitted in the barrel of sound waves. Generosity exists all over the Billy camp. A valued community has formed thanks to Andy Lytle’s free live streams on Mixlr.com/billy-streams for every show. His pre-show and set break playlist is one for the ages and it is worth tuning in early to enjoy. To take on an extra task like mixing beautifully for all of the people at home while simultaneously managing fast changing complex music being played is seen and appreciated.
Photo by Jesse Faatz: The Giver. Keeper of memories. Encapsulator of emotion.
The Ref
Compassion is the key. While Billy Strings is the name on the shirt, all band and crew members contribute to a show with power that does not compare. It is more than a battle. Kata might even be too tame. There is more going on here. There is a volley going between the front of house and the stage, with photographer Jesse Faatz playing referee. There is great honor in record keeping creatively while history is being made. Jesse provides this selfless service by absorbing the cumulative experience of thousands and somehow fitting it into a few images. With each night’s log entry, a protective space has been created so that we can look back and let all of the feelings rush back from those treasured moments.
So pitted
Purpose
Attending a Billy Strings production means experiencing innovation, evolution and often complete mindshift for a better life. When there is no way to explain why something feels so good is when the cosmos, higher power or spiritual elements start to roll in and true attachment and loyalty begins to form. We feel protective over this thing that feels so good and want others to join in.
Afterglow
At some point though, after the show, everything will begin to settle down. We will anticipate a little more volley of light, sound and heat between masters of photons, waves, frequencies, photons, pickups, gammas, cadences, cadenzas, and canons (both musically and photographically). Yes, it is incredible, but it is also here now and we accept this beautiful experience as part of life.
Deep pink adds a little something extra.
Morning Light
The comfortable, lingering, pink-feeling haze after such a powerful experience is something also seems difficult to describe.There was once a word that was kept locked up and safe, only to be used in those declarative moments of beauty, connection, wonder, commitment, appreciation and gratitude. Cortisol coursing through us, feeling accepted within our tribe and cozy with our minds. What was it again? Oh.That word is love.
BILLY STRINGS CONFIRMED 2021-2022 TOUR DATES November 16—Portland, ME—State Theatre (SOLD OUT) November 17—Boston, MA—Boch Center Wang Theatre (SOLD OUT) November 19—Wilkes-Barre, PA—Mohegan Sun Arena November 20—Detroit, MI—The Fillmore (SOLD OUT) November 21—Detroit, MI—The Fillmore November 30—New Orleans, LA—The Civic Theater (SOLD OUT) December 1—New Orleans, LA—The Civic Theater (SOLD OUT) December 2—Houston, TX—White Oak Music Hall (SOLD OUT) December 3—Austin, TX—ACL Live at The Moody Theater(SOLD OUT) December 4—Dallas, TX—The Factory in Deep Elum(SOLD OUT) December 9—Atlanta, GA—The Eastern (SOLD OUT) December 10—Atlanta, GA—The Eastern (SOLD OUT) December 11—Atlanta, GA—The Eastern (SOLD OUT) December 12—Atlanta, GA—The Eastern (SOLD OUT) December 17—Nashville, TN—Marathon Music Works(SOLD OUT) December 18—Nashville, TN—Marathon Music Works(SOLD OUT) December 30—Grand Rapids, MI—GLC Live at 20 Monroe(SOLD OUT) December 31—Grand Rapids, MI—GLC Live at 20 Monroe(SOLD OUT) January 1—Grand Rapids, MI—GLC Live at 20 Monroe(SOLD OUT)
All dates below (except Tempe, AZ and London on-sale this Friday, November 19 at 10:00am ET February 3—Port Chester, NY—The Capitol Theatre February 4—Port Chester, NY—The Capitol Theatre February 5—Port Chester, NY—The Capitol Theatre February 6—Port Chester, NY—The Capitol Theatre February 11—Greensboro, NC—Greensboro Coliseum February 12—Norfolk, VA—Chartway Arena February 15—Augusta, GA—Bell Auditorium February 16—Augusta, GA—Bell Auditorium February 18—Knoxville, TN—Civic Auditorium February 19—Knoxville, TN—Civic Auditorium February 26—Tempe, AZ—Innings Festival March 3—Madison, WI—The Sylvee March 4—Madison, WI—The Sylvee March 5—Madison, WI—The Sylvee March 9—Cleveland, OH—KeyBank State Theatre March 11—Cincinnati, OH—Andrew J Brady ICON Music Center March 12—Cincinnati, OH—Andrew J Brady ICON Music Center March 26—London, UK—Islington Assembly Hall (SOLD OUT) March 27—London, UK—Islington Assembly Hall (SOLD OUT) April 1-3—Olympic Valley, CA—WinterWonderGrass Tahoe August 26-28—Tisbury, MA—Beach Road Weekend
On his 50th birthday, Luke Smith aka Supraluke has released his first single “Hoot” from the highly anticipated debut album, Songs for the Great Blue Heron. This record marks a first for artist Luke Smith as singer/songwriter and guitarist who has until recently been known as primarily the drummer for Strangefolk.
Album Cover Art by Ida Ludlow Art
Amidst the darkest days of shutdown, Luke Smith of Strangefolk found sanctuary in routine and was completely unaware of the record Songs for the Great Blue Heron he would eventually make for none other than a the bird itself. Luke did not know when tying his shoes for the first of what would become many 4 mile runs that the single “Hoot” would be released on his 50th Birthday. The Folk/Americana artist Supraluke was yet to be born for in those days, many could only think as far as one foot in front of the other.
“Hoot” by Supraluke contains heavy owl imagery
Songs for The Great Blue Heron by Supraluke to be released February 2022
The Situation
When asked to think back to that time when we could not remember the last time we stepped out of the prison that many affectionately named their “home office,” many would shudder. The bittersweet opportunity to spend time with loved ones created balance with uncertainty and similarity between days. Game night filled with tiles of various shapes and colors began to look like bingo boards. Streaming live music helped the mind and created connections; but day in and day out, contributions to one’s own well being seemed to disappear.
When we were stripped down to the framework of who we believe ourselves to be, only growth can follow.
The Question
How did we find our way out of the void? At what moment did we have enough? If our path could look like anything and we had all the time in the world with only our own mental health fighting back, what shape would it take?
Help from the unexpected might come as a surprise, especially in the form of Surpaben.
Outcome
Help from our people would have to exist in order to take whatever future might be forming and bring it to fruition. Teammates seemed to miraculously appear from those that showed up without blinking an eye. Shutdown has astonished many at finding newfound levels of uplift from communities that might have only seemed like the outer sphere of relationship in the beginning.
Suprahoot
How could these musings have anything to do with a single release and an album quite literally written to a bird? Stay tuned for a three part unveiling of the tale of The Run, The Guitar and The Great Blue Heron.
Following the release of “Baltimore Scrappledorf,” ElephantProof have announced tour dates for January 2022. Accompanying artists for the January dates include Annie in the Water, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, and K.R.I.S.
The genre-bending group with powerhouse Goose drummer Ben Atkind was one of the most talked about performances at Fred the Festival after their late night set in Garcia’s Forest.
A very Ted set at Fred The Festival for ElephantProof.
“ElephantProof was a journey that took me everywhere I ever wanted to go with music. It got dark, it got deep into theory and wild chords that I never thought would work together, and the music was ALWAYS weird in the best way.”
-Chad
Heavily rotated since Fred, ElephantProof’s 2021 album EP EP displayed versatility for the drummer and showcased a variety of styles blended together to land somewhere between Lettuce and BoomBox with a jazzy twist.
“Baltimore Scrappledorf” gave an energetic surge to listeners, and left many feeling as though the best is yet to come at future shows.
“When surrealism meets the human ears and eyes, you know you’re at an ElephantProof show. Bringing sights and sounds together that make a recipe for an unforgettable experience.”
– Mandy
Expect no relaxation of the face when seeing ElephantProof
As the Goose tour shows no signs of slowing down, take every chance to see this band when possible.
For more on the mysteries that happened at Fred the Festival, check out our review below.
“At The End Or The Beginning” was released by Marco Benevento October 27, 2021 just before playing a two night run at Levon Helm Studio in Woodstock. The track opens with a satisfying bass hook and at first listen felt anthemic, yet atmospheric; much like stepping into the sun after a week of rain.
Single cover for Marco Benevento’s “At The End Or The Beginning”
It was only natural to want to listen to the song again and again. Repeatability is where the magic happened somewhere between the end or the beginning. After a few listens, the depth of the song began to present itself. While it would have been easy to write about all of the pain and suffering human kind has endured together, Marco chose a path less travelled.
Link to In Depth Interview below
“At The End Or The Beginning” presented an optimistic mindset for how to approach the world we are in today without ever touching a level of toxicity. It could be asserted that listening to a song like this could have real benefits to the mindset for anyone struggling to see tomorrow. The catchy groove that does not bombard could easily be on for quite a few cycles without noticing.
Marco Benevento has continuously demonstrated what it means to be an artist, not just a musician. His music, though seemingly fun, and out there, has never consisted of one layer in meaning. Zen master? Could be…
Does a photograph mark the end or the begining?
For more on Marco Benevento’s creative process, studio tour and thoughts on the Hudson Valley, check out NYSMusic exclusive in-depth interview by clicking here!
Marco Benevento Upcoming Tour Dates
November 11 – Portsmouth, NH – The Press Room (Sold Out) November 12 – Portsmouth, NH – The Press Room (Sold Out) November 13 – Portsmouth, NH – The Press Room (Sold Out) November 27 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Bowl December 11 – Miami, FL – North Beach Music Festival February 25 – Ardmore, PA – Ardmore Music Hall February 26 – Washington, DC – Union Stage April 7 – Cambridge, MA – The Sinclair April 8 – Burlington, VT – Higher Ground April 9 – Fairfield, CT – Stage One
Pigeons Playing Ping Pong were joined by Neighbor on October 15, for the second of a two night run at The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester. Dogs In A Pile started the party at Garcia’s at The Capitol Theatre.
The atmosphere at “The Cap” felt familiar and comfortable. It was that cool uncle with the cool T-shirts that was very excited about legalization of certain herbs. It was a relaxed vibe that did not take itself too seriously, which helped cultivate pure enjoyment from fans. Most employees resided at the venue since its reopening and seemed to love working there. The rich history of the venue contributed to a feeling of experience and familiarity. For those cautious to attend an indoor concert.
Fans of Pigeons filled with anticipatory excitement for the next cue in their favorite song. The crowd burst with joy every time their part in the collaboration, and were beautifully illuminated for each moment.
Pigeons Playing Ping Pong – The Capitol Theatre – Saturday, October 15, 2021
Setlist: Pop Off, Fall in Place, Melting Lights > Poseidon, Paperboy, Porcupine > Ocean Flows, My Own Way, Water, Skinner, Dawn A New Day, Snake Eyes, Living for the City (Stevie Wonder), King Kong, Day in Time, Overrun, Doc
