Category: Features

This Week’s EQXposure Features Haley Moley, Architrave and More

Each Sunday evening from 7-9pm you’ll find EQXposure on WEQX, featuring two hours of local music from up and coming artists. Tune into WEQX.com this Sunday night to hear new music from Haley Moley, Architrave and many more!

WEQX has long been the preeminent independent station in the Capital Region of New York, broadcasting from Southern VT to an ever-expanding listening audience. NYS Music brings you a preview of artists to discover each week, just a taste of the talent waiting to be discovered by fans like you.

Haley Moley

Haley Moley’s newest release, “Narcissus,” is equal parts rock and electronic. Sporting a silver spoon on the single cover, the song’s lyrics speak of a selfish lover. Jennifer Maher Coleman’s vocals fade in and out, acting as another instrument beside the pulsing guitar and synths. Based in Troy, NY, Haley Moley also features Paul Coleman on guitar, Andrea Kosek on keyboard and guitar, Pat Thorpe on bass and Mike Broomhead on drums.

Architrave

Architrave, another project from Jennifer Maher Coleman and Paul Coleman, channels the new wave of the early 80s. The title of their recent single, “Headcount,” is deceiving. Its opening lines say, “There’s safety in numbers, here’s the headcount / One, one, and another one, I’m the only one.” While equally moody as “Narcissus,” Coleman’s vocals take center stage here.

Anacortez

Anacortez harkens back to the alt rock sound of the early 2000s. Consisting of Jessie Comtois, husband Michael Comtois and drummer Kevin Couture, the band is named after a town in Washington. Their latest single, “Another Sad Song,” resides on the softer sound of 00s rock.

Danger! Ken

Lastly, multi-instrumentalist and composer Danger! Ken will be playing “Astral Traveler” off his new release, Up is Down.

May 15, 2021
Hearing Aide: Trauma Cat ‘Prepare To Apologize’

From the post-industrial hellscape of Syracuse, New York comes Trauma Cat, who have delivered to the world their first full length LP entitled Prepare to Apologize which was released in April 2021. This irreverent and ecclectic gem that was co-produced by the band and the elusive St. Julian P. Dingusand, sports 15 tracks (3 tracks including “Joshua,” “Fire in the Jail,” and “Freaks with Wings” are re-issued singles) that span rock genres that include pop, alternative, electronica, and prog rock.

The band has cheekily branded their special brand of musicial gumbo on their website, “Though critics speculate on the band’s true origin and the meaning of their existence, Trauma Cat are widely credited as the founders of “cuck rock,” an indeterminate school of music indebted to incessant apology and shameless cross-genre appropriation. Others have described Trauma Cat’s sound as “uncomfortable art rock,” and their politics as “alt-wrong.”

The Trauma Cat roster is comprised of the musically talented and fashion forward Ralph Kojig (guitar and vocals), Roman Pando (bass and vocals), and Rutger DiBoyere (drums). Together they comprise a wonderfully creative power trio that has been successful in creating a personau that is reminicent of a combination of punk pioneers Devo and Saturday morning cartoon favorites Josie and the Pussycats. The glorious result of this concoction is the band’s demonstrable irreverance and hilarious comedic take on the music biz, and yet despite this silliness, they have created an enjoyable record and that is fun, fresh and creative.

Trauma Cat has released the following “documentary” to introduce listener’s to their own distinct brand of “Cuck Rock” and to “apologize for their new LP.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7DSttG7mx8

The record starts off with title track “Prepare to Apologize,” which is initially a short verbal rant between members Kojig and Pando, that leads into a short but sonically pleasing acapella number. The track seamlessly transitions into the second song on the LP “Indivisible,” reminiscent in musical style to a mash up of Rage Against the Machine and Tool. Heavy on bass and sporting great vocals that are both provided by Kojig, “Indivisible” illustrates why Trauma Cat won the 2021 Syracuse Area Music Award for Best New Artist.

Prepare to Apologize’s third track is “Trauma Cat.” This is a fun and upbeat tune that has all the makings of the band’s offical theme song if they ever decide to create their own must see reality TV series (look out Kardashians). Kojig provides just the right amount of heavy guitar and along with DiBoyere percussion this track will get the listener’s blood pumping.

Another highlight on the record is fourth track “Joshua”, which was originally released as a single by the band back in November of 2020. Trauma Cat deftly released a remarkably professional music video for “Joshua” that was animated and directed by El Salvadorian sensation Lincktendo back in January 2021. Lyrically the song describes a daliance into bisexuality that ends up in a bad breakup which then ultimately ruins a friendship. “Joshua” is a strong tune with loads of pop sensibility which makes it ideal for radio play. It features songwriter Kojig’s hypnotic chorus, “It came over me like a wave”, which is a catchy and memorable hook that will stay with listeners.

“Fire In The Jail” is the eleventh song on Prepare To Apologize. This anti-social anthem promtoes dissent against the world’s demanding vapid conformity. Breaking out of the prision of these imposed expectations. Kojig sings, “I just can’t believe that these people…content to live like sheep following the crowd.” Living on your own terms without worrying about other people’s perceptions an expectations is the core message of this rebellious song, which utilizes a good amount of vibrato on guitar and reverb on Pando’s vocal to evoke a distopian landscape.

Although this trio of self-depricating muscians does not take itself too seriously, the musical craftsmanship and production value of Trauma Cat’s debute LP shows passion and commitment that these Jester’s of “Cuck Rock” have for their craft. Prepare To Apologize is a great album that hopefully will be the first of many that these denzians of musicial mayhem produce for an ever increasingly bleak world that is crying out for more mirth and humor.

Key Tracks: Joshua, Trauma Cat, Lob A Grenade, Fire In The Jail

May 15, 2021
Jeremy Hilliard releases “Long Lives: A Collection of Home Demos”

Jeremy Hilliard has released Long Lives: A Collection of Home Demos that represent the first incarnation of songs that are later worked out and performed by his band PEAK.

Hilliard stresses these are home demos and are very rough around the edges, originally not intended for release. Hilliard recorded them using only an outdated version of Logic Pro X, one 58 mic, one electric and one acoustic guitar, and a little 1.5 octave keyboard. A testament to the raw tracks, he spent no more than a session recording each one. These demos are released ahead of the new PEAK album, due out this September.

About half of the songs on here I’ve been carrying with me for ten years or more, and the other half is from recent writing. These are songs that are super chill and Americana in style, falling outside the usual material I end up presenting to the band. They also seem to be a bit more personal in nature. In fact, I realized recently there’s a full song cycle here, and I engaged Beth to sing the harmony vocals on a lot of these to help finish them, especially as we have lived them all together.
Jeremy Hilliard, PEAK

Enjoy this 35 minute collection of demos from Hilliard, with “extremely homemade” video slideshows. Follow Jeremy Hilliard on Facebook.

Tracklist: Shot In The Dark, Long Lives, While The Days Go On Back Home, Pahrumpadise, Low-Down Fahrenheit Frostburg Blues, The Wind and the Rain, Soulard Wedding, Four Forces, Morning In Brooklyn, Blue Parkway

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVUmq-B0ePs&list=PLD2TExZyuvccpOAI7k5vFjC2ggkVtMZqM

May 14, 2021
Lineup Announced for 24th Brooklyn Film Festival

The Brooklyn Film Festival (BFF) has announced the film lineup for its 24th edition, titled “The Clearing.” Over the course of the 10-day festival, BFF will present 37 film programs online, and a partial line up of 22 programs in-person at Windmill Studios in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.

Brooklyn Film Festival’s organizers have been staging International, competitive film events since 1998. BFF’s mission is to provide a public forum in Brooklyn in order to advance public interest in films and the independent production of films. They seek to draw worldwide attention to Brooklyn as a center for cinema and to encourage the rights of all Brooklyn residents to access and experience the power of independent filmmaking. BFF, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit group that promotes artistic excellence and the creative freedom of artists without censure.

The 2021 edition will feature 36 World Premieres, 28 USA bows, 34 east coast debuts, and 25 first-time screenings in NY. In total, BFF will show in competition 147 features and shorts from 35 countries. The full lineup includes 13 narrative features and 9 documentary features highlighted in this release. The festival will also present 39 narrative shorts, 23 documentary shorts, 25 animation and 21 experimental films.

On June 5th, BFF will begin in-person screenings at Windmill Studios in Brooklyn at 3pm, with the feature documentary film Queens of Pain. At 6pm, there will be a short narrative program, led by the world premiere of Until, by Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick, and at 9pm, BFF will present the world premiere of the feature narrative, American Desert.

Along with the film screenings, BFF will offer parallel events, such as pre-recorded filmmaker introductions and Q&A sessions on the festival website. Live interviews and get-togethers will be staged on Facebook and other social media.

Tickets are available on the BFF website. Tickets for indoor screenings must be purchased in advance, online. All tickets and passes purchased online for BFF indoor programs can be picked up at Windmill Studios. Online, BFF will sell each film category for $10 and a Full Festival Pass for $24. All passes will be valid 24/7 from June 4-13.

The online lineup will be available 24/7 for the entire 10 days, and the indoor event will feature three programs a day on weekends, and two on weekdays. Each program is two-hours long. To find out both the online and indoor schedule, check BFF’s website.

Below is a partial line up of feature films playing in competition this year listed in alphabetical order. For further info on all the films, passes, and tickets, please check the BFF website.

FEATURE NARRATIVES:

AMERICAN DESERT
Dir: Adrian Bartol, United States, 82 min, 2020, Narrative Feature, World Premiere
It’s 2010, US Army veteran Matt Benning has returned from Afghanistan to a wrecked economy. Demons of war haunt him, a romance blossoms.

BONE CAGE
Dir: Taylor Olson, Canada, 89 min, 2019, Narrative Feature, NY Premiere
Jamie works operating a wood processor, clear-cutting for pulp. At the end of each shift, he walks through the destruction he has created.

CORRAL
Dir: Marcelo Brennand, Brazil, 84 min, 2020, Narrative Feature, US Premiere
Corral is a political drama that takes place in rural Brazil, in the city of Gravatá, where during the mayoral elections.

GOSSAMER FOLDS
Dir: Lisa Donato, United States, 95 min, 2019, Narrative Feature, NY Premiere
In 1986, nine-year-old Tate Millikin is uprooted and unwillingly moved to the suburbs of Kansas City. As his parent’s marriage unravels.

HELL IS EMPTY
Dir: Jo Shaffer, United States, 98 min, 2020, Narrative Feature, World Premiere
A self-styled messiah initiates a teenage runaway into his cult of sister-wives. Her rebellious nature upends the community.

KALOKHACHYA PARAMBYA [PROP SHOOTS OF DARKNESS]
Dir: Makarand Anaspure, India, 98 min, 2020, Narrative Feature, East Coat Premiere
Prop shoots of Darkness is conflict of young orphan Alif about spirituality and material world. Industrious and helping everyone in the village.

KRINGLE TIME
Dir: Matthew Lucas, United States, 103 min, 2021, Narrative Feature, World Premiere
After becoming the unlikely star of a children’s show, a public access TV station manager grapples with the problematic legacy of his predecessor.

MOVING IN 2008
Dir: Calogero Carucci, United States, 78 min, 2020, Narrative Feature, East Coast Premiere
A family tragedy during the recession of 2008, catalyzed by unemployment, personal crisis, and illness.

ONE NIGHT IN KATHMANDU
Dir: Mohan Rai, Nepal, 70 min, 2019, Narrative Feature, US Premiere
A GIRL, 26—together with a BOY, 33, who is a stranger to her– take an injured man to a hospital when an accident take places near them.

TANGO SHALOM
Dir: Gabriel Bologna, United States, 116 min, 2020, Narrative Feature, NY Premiere
“TANGO SHALOM”: Moshe Yehuda (Jos Laniado), a Hasidic Rabbi and amateur Hora dancer, enters a big televised Tango competition to save his Hebrew school.

TWO IS A MAGIC NUMBER
Dir: Holger Borggrefe, Stefan Hering, Germany, 85 min, 2020, Narrative Feature, US Premiere
A day at the lake. Andrejs ex-girlfriend Nadia pays him a visit. Nadia and Andrej’s former best mate Claudius are a couple now.

UNDER THE LANTERN LIT SKY
Dir: Michelle Bossy, United States, 75 min, 2020, Narrative Feature, World Premiere
The story of Blanche DuBois and her husband, who in different ways are coming to terms with their sexuality in 1920s Mississippi.

WALK WITH ME
Dir: Isabel del Rosal, United States, 112 min, 2020, Narrative Feature, NY Premiere
As she braves life after divorce, a young mother must challenge herself to take some personal risks after finding love in an unexpected place.

FEATURE DOCUMENTARIES:

AND SO I STAYED
Dir: Natalie Pattillo, Daniel Nelson, United States, 90 min, 2020, Documentary Feature, World Premiere
And So I Stayed is an intimate story of domestic violence survivors who killed their abusers in self-defense.

INTO THE LIGHT
Dir: Benjamin Schwartz, United States, 74 min, 2020, Documentary Feature, NY Premiere
In the 1980’s Chuck Connelly was recognized as a key figure among the New York-based Neo-expressionist painters.

LIFE & LIFE
Dir: NC Heikin, United States, 80 min, 2020, Documentary Feature, East Coast Premiere
Life & Life focuses on pressing criminal justice issues in America as seen through the life of recent parolee Reggie Austin.

LITTLE PAKISTAN – FUTURE HISTORIES
Dir: Sana Akram, United States, 120 min, 2021, Documentary Feature, US Premiere
Little Pakistan – Future Histories is a dérive—a drifting in an online environment illustrating an immigrant neighborhood of Pakistani-Americans.

MAYOR MOHAMED
Dir: Jeffrey M., United States, Syria, Turkey, 86 min, 2021, Documentary Feature, World Premiere
In this quintessential film about the Muslim-American immigrant experience, Mayor Mohamed Khairullah risks his life to bring humanitarian relief into Syria.

ORGAN STOPS – SAVING THE KING OF INSTRUMENTS
Dir: James Dawson, United Kingdom, 70 min, 2021, Documentary Feature, US Premiere
Martin has spent his life playing and building pipe organs; nowadays he dedicates all his time to rescuing them – “It’s a real crisis.”

QUEENS OF PAIN
Dir: Cassie Hay, Amy Winston, United States, 75 min, 2020, Documentary Feature, NY Premiere
One of the most successful teams in New York sports history, Gotham Girls Roller Derby is a feminist powerhouse of elite athletes, misfits, and renegades.

TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES
Dir: Hannah Jayanti, United States, 103 min, 2020, Documentary Feature
Truth or Consequences is a speculative documentary about time and how we weave the past into the present and our possible future.

THE WISDOM OF TRAUMA
Dir: Zaya Benazzo, Maurizio Benazzo, US, Canada, 88 min, 2021, Documentary Feature, World Premiere
Trauma is the invisible force that shapes our lives. It shapes the way we live, the way we love and the way we make sense of the world.

May 13, 2021
Hearing Aide: FRANK ‘Dreams and Fears of the Outside’

FRANK, a Brooklyn based group made up of Christian Linsey (drums and percussion, vocals), Billy Ziff (bass) and Scott Porter (guitar, vocals). On April 23, FRANK released their most recent piece of their already great discography. The title, Dreams and Fears of the Outside, is a perfect reflection of where we are now.

With the opening lyrics, “Things will never be the same now, somehow everything’s the same” FRANK puts forth their most eclectic album to date by changing everything while keeping their unique style intact. With a collection of folksy, lyrically driven tunes and funky dance numbers, this latest release offers something that everyone can enjoy. For that matter, this album is loaded with really unique songs that flow nicely into one another.

The album opens with “The Confusion”. This acoustic track builds brilliantly throughout and transitions into an incredibly danceable song, “New York (How I Feel)”. The group finds their groove here before moving on to a song that sounds like it could be right from The Big Pink. Big credit to the band for being able to span such a vast gamut of styles through the first half of the album. Though each song is so different, there is a cohesiveness to the atmosphere of the record.

The bass goes wild on “Namaste” as the drums groove with a spry pep. The energy picks as the anthemic “Can You Hear Me Now?” injects a bit of a Neil Young with guitarist Scott Porter’s dirty yet wonderfully melodic vocals. “Big Sur” is a great downtempo song with lush harmonies and a really harrowing guitar part that hovers like a cloud above the song. “Have a Good Time” is a beautifully written song. It has everything you want from a Rolling Stones influenced vibe. It still maintains the characteristic heavy drums and renegade guitar that FRANK has been putting on display throughout the record.

The last couple songs are a nice come down from the meaty middle of this release. “Today” is a perfect bookend for the album to pair with the opening track. This whole work is a pleasure to listen to, and as guitarist Scott Porter puts it, “The record is like calling a friend.” While each song oozes influence from past artists, FRANK does a spectacular job of making each tune their own. From top to bottom, there is not a song that you should skip. There is plenty of replay value. Keep on the lookout for more from this group. While they are split between the Catskills and NYC area currently, they are still able to release gems like this while apart. Stream the album and access all streaming platforms here. Check out their YouTube, Instagram and Facebook for more info.

Key Tracks: New York (How I Feel), Have a Good Time, Today

May 13, 2021
In Focus: Pink Talking Fish pay tribute to Cornell ’77 at State Theatre of Ithaca
On Saturday, May 8, Pink Talking Fish played at State Theatre of Ithaca, to celebrate the town’s Grateful Dead Day and pay tribute to the Grateful Dead’s 5/8/77 Cornell Show. This year marked the 44th anniversary of the Barton Hall show,

photo by Casey Martin

Fusing Pink Floyd, Talking Heads, Phish and Grateful Dead songs from the May 8, 1977 performance at Cornell, Pink Talking Fish dove deep and honed in on the Dead catalog and the spirit of the original show.

The show is set to rebroadcast Thursday, May 27 on Fans.Live.

photo by Casey Martin

Pink Talking Fish May 8th, 2021 The State Theater Ithaca, NY

Set 1: New Minglewood Blues >Happiest Days Of Our Lives >Another Brick In The Wall Part 2 >Another Brick In The Wall Part 3 >Free, They Love Each Other, Nothing But Flowers, Jack Straw, Pigs (3 Different Ones) >This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody), Deal, Run Like An Antelope

Set 2: Scarlet Begonias >Fire On The Mountain, Divided Sky >Fearless* >Divided Sky, Crosseyed And Painless, Estimated Prophet >Alumni Blues >Letter To Jimmy Page >Alumni Blues, Wish You Were Here >Not Fade Away >St Stephen Outro >Once In A Lifetime

Encore: Morning Dew*w/ Prince Caspian tease
May 12, 2021
Goose takes Pelham: Thunder, Dungeons, and The Rise of Tennessee Ted

In an act of courage, Goose took the stage only 30 minutes after the last bolt of lightning struck at The Caverns in Pelham, TN. Rain was imminent. Fans marched deep into the woods, adjacent to a misty cave spitting dragon-like smoke. On the night of May 9, a life-time’s worth of campfire stories materialized.

Peter Anspach (multi-instrument, vocals) playing brand new gear while it becomes soaking wet. Photo by Em Walis

The Connecticut based jam band experienced meaningful growth over the last few years. Fans felt a calling and a reason to travel far and wide. Many were on quests to seek healing after such a painful year. Seekers flew or drove day in and day out in order to find what they were looking for. For many, Goose’s quality live streams provided one small pocket of joy during the COVID-19 shutdown. Those out of work had a reason to find out what day was; especially during the Bingo Tour.

Rick Mitarotonda (guitar/ vocals) channeling a darker feel. Photo by Em Walis

Goose delivered a reflective musical journey. Each song during the first set had a dark undertone. Lights were minimal and intimate. The atmospheric music complemented incoming thunder, lightning, and pouring rain. Upbeat songs like “Butter Rum” were not all fun and games after some lyrical digging.

Ben Atkind (drums) showing intensity during his favorite tune. Photo by Em Walis

During set break, fans were asked to descend into the cave where concerts are typically held in order to take shelter from the storm. There was uncertainty, but spirits remained high. This waiting period built up serious energy in the crowd. Everyone prayed for a collective bargain. If the band could only play a few more songs, they would pay back the energy ten-fold.

Second set precautions. Photo by Em Walis

Goose returned for a heavy hitting, yet positive second set. The power of the crowd pouring out of the cave could only be described as one with dragons. The band was armored with an easy up, and fresh clothes appropriate for the high seas; as well as plenty of towels.

Jeff Arevalo (drums) ready to set sail. Photo by Em Walis

What ensued next was where the deviation in future folktales unfurled. “Madhuvan” roared. The weather cleared. Catharsis achieved. Some reported questioning their state of awakening and considered the probability that they were dreaming. Others briefly contemplated retiring from Goose shows all together in order to end on a high note. The consensus was that the exorcism-like power of “Madhuvan” followed by the reincarnating comfort in “Spirit of the Dark Horse” released everyone from their beasts of burden.

Veteran fans Val Walis (right) and Tony Vasile (left) boogie down to “Don’t Do It” during their fourth of seven Goose shows planned this season. Photo by Em Walis

The rest of the night was light hearted. Pure bliss covered everyone’s face, while mud covered the rest of them.

Happy feet attending Goose in Pelham, TN. Photo by Em Walis

Quests complete and beasts slayed, Goose once again delivered an experience that will last a lifetime. Much appreciation was felt for the crew, band, and fellow attendees for making it an unforgettable night.

Rick Mitarotonda (guitar/ vocals) finding the light. Photo by Em Walis

There are a small handful of tickets left for Goose’s run in Perry, NY. Get them while you can!

Trevor Weekz Bass

Check out an earth-shattering “Madhuvan” below.

Setlist: Atlas (Wood Brothers), Indian River Alternate Ted Version, Butter Rum, Elmeg The Wise, Madhuvan, Spirit of the Dark Horse, Madhuvan Reprise, Doobie Song, Tumble, Don’t Do It (The Band)

Encore: Crosseyed & Painless (Talking Heads), Elmeg The Wise Reprise (Credit Jon Lombardi via El Goose Facebook Page)

May 12, 2021
Deco and The Dusters “Get Dusted” On The Rochester Groovecast Podcast

In episode 120 of the Rochester Groovecast Podcast, folk group Deco & The Dusters premiers two new tracks off their upcoming EP, Get Dusted.

Deco & The Dusters are “wholesome original lyrics vocalized with attitude in a unique blend of Rock, Country, Blues and Irish Folk.” Two members of the group, Declan “Deco” Banko and Ignatius Marino came on The Rochester Groovecast Podcast to discuss their new tracks.

Listen To The Podcast:

https://soundcloud.com/rochestergroovecast/deco

Watch The Full Episode:

At Rochester Groovecast, the mantra “We’re Fans First!” harnesses the belief that the best businesses are built by fans. The podcast is deeply dedicated to playing an active role in the culture of its local scene.

The brainchild of Rochester native, Ben Albert, was created in 2016 to serve as a portfolio of the city, and nowadays, the entire region.

The podcast believes in the artistic brilliance abundant in Rochester, NY, and the surrounding regions. Ben seeks to play a pivotal role in our community by helping give Rochester a well-earned voice. He has seen first hand the abundance of talent, character, creativity, innovation, and beauty the Flower City has continuously offered. Listen to all episodes of the show:

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May 11, 2021
The Dead Dancin’ Syracuse: May 9,1978

The Grateful Dead have always been able to find shelter in Syracuse. Much like the band’s much lauded previous year, 1978 would feature an extensive spring tour up and down the East Coast. 43 years ago, two nights after playing a show at RPI in Troy, NY, the Dead returned back to Syracuse and the Onondaga War Memorial. This would be the fourth of six times they would ever grace this venue, before moving on to a bigger room..er..Dome.

The Syracuse show starts off in interesting fashion with a “Franklin’s Tower” opener. The crowd is instantly engaged, clapping along in unison at the outset. Jerry Garcia’s lead vocals are backed up nicely by fellow guitarist Bob Weir and Donna Jean Godchaux. For an opener, it develops a surprisingly intense little jam that peaks nicely, setting a wonderful tone for the rest of the night. The set then proceeds in a little more customary fashion with Weir next belting out “New Minglewood Blues.” He even throws in a “And I’ll do it again” when singing about stealing women from their men. “Row Jimmy” then slows things down a bit and features a few delicate Garcia guitar solos and more Gochaux-supplied harmonies. Donna Jean and Weir then team up for a beautiful “Looks Like Rain” that has the Syracuse crowd enraptured.

With the exception of the rousing finish to “Looks Like Rain,” the generally relaxed, current vibes carry right over into “Friend Of The Devil,” played ever so slowly and deliberately around another dazzling Garcia guitar run. After some deliberation, “El Paso” is selected, with Weir regaining lead on the classic country-western first set staple. Then it’s Jerry’s turn to sing about “pretty women” as he leads the band through “Candyman.” The Dead finally rev it up a little for the ending of this Syracuse first set, starting with “Passenger.” The harmonies from Weir and Godchaux drive this one as Garcia delivers run after run of pedal steel-sounding guitar licks behind them. This gets a well deserved roar of applause from the War Memorial crowd that soon transitions to the beginning of “Deal,” with more audience clapping in tow. The ending peaks with some absurd harmonies from all singers on stage and a flurry of guitar notes, ending the first set in grandiose fashion while setting hopes high for the second one.

The second set begins with everyone’s favorite crowd management game, “Take A Step Back,” directed, as usual, by Bob Weir, in an effort to keep the people at the front of the stage from getting squished entirely. After some requisite tuning, the percussive intro of “Samson And Delilah” starts up, soon followed by some melodic riffs from Garcia on guitar. This produces a mild jam, with Garcia continuing to riff over the drumming tandem of Bill Kreutzmann and Mickey Hart.

“Ship Of Fools” fills in the two-spot in the second set, much to the Syracuse crowd’s delight. This allows Garcia another chance to drop a poignant guitar solo in the midway through a version that’s rife with energy and emotion. But the highlight of the set may be the extended “Dancin’ In The Street” that comes next, the Dead’s own take on this Martha & The Vandellas number. It’s a funk-laden version, with Garcia relying heavily on his favored Mu-Tron guitar effect early, that later evolves into a full group effort that escalates nicely. It winds up producing one of the longer stretches of pure improvisation and jamming this evening before rounding back into form

This energy carries right over into the “Drums” portion of the evening. And what a portion it is – well more than 15 minutes worth of pure percussive madness. At multiple points, at least one Caribbean-esque steel drum can be heard. After the requisite “Space” chaser, the latter part of this Syracuse show begins to wrap up with another vintage Dead cover selection, “Not Fade Away.” This seems to reenergize the crowd as they once again begin clapping along in time earnestly. A surprisingly intense jam develops between verses, giving this NFA a little extra kick.

Instead of taking things even further, the Dead then slow things down one last time and turn left into “Black Peter.” Another soulful Garcia solo serves as the foundation for this one, with each note, both sung and played, piercing through the sound with ease. Yet another cover closes out the second set, with Weir leading the charge on a wild romp through Chuck Berry’s “Around & Around.” They do a fun little vocal breakdown on this one, with Donna Jean getting in on the act. They bring the volume to near whisper-level, with the Syracuse crowd and their applause overpowering them towards the end. For an encore, the Dead donned Halloween masks and treated everyone to “Werewolves of London,” wrapping up just another ho-hum Syracuse gig.

Bob Weir wearing a wolf mask – shared by Bob Weir’s Facebook page

Grateful Dead Onondaga County War Memorial Syracuse, NY 5/9/78

Set 1: Franklin’s Tower, New Minglewood Blues, Row Jimmy, Looks Like Rain, Friend Of The Devil, El Paso, Candyman, Passenger, Deal

Set 2: Samson & Delilah, Ship of Fools, Dancin’ In The Streets-> Drums-> Not Fade Away-> Black Peter-> Around & Around

Encore: Werewolves of London

May 10, 2021
Miley Cyrus Performs Three Times as Elon Musk Hosts SNL

SNL returned for the final three episodes of the season, with host Elon Musk and musical guest Miley Cyrus, who saved the episode with three musical appearances, beginning with a cold open featuring cast members and their moms.

Cyrus sang godmother Dolly Parton’s 1977 hit “Light of a Clear Blue Morning.” Miley was then joined on stage by her mom Tish, the cast and moms, to collectively open the show.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KlEXNWjm1f8

This marked Cyrus’ seventh time on Saturday Night Live, and sixth as musical guest. Cyrus also appeared later in SNL show in “The Astronaut,” one of three pre-recorded sketches in the otherwise lackluster episode.

For her second musical appearance of the night Miley was joined by The Kid LAROI for “Without You,” marking the broadcast premiere of the single the pair released last month.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nbXBeYY1Po

“Plastic Hearts” was the third and final performance of the night from Cyrus, singing the title track of her recently released album. The highest energy number of the night featured a backing horn section and Cyrus in a flowing, feathery pink dress.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLLKzis7NfQ

Joining the show for a cameo appearance during a Wario courtroom sketch, musician Grimes played Princess Peach, with husband Elon Musk on the stand as Wario, on trial for killing Mario.

The penultimate episode of Season 46 of Saturday Night Live airs on Saturday, May 14 at 1130pm ET/PT. Keegan-Michael Key will host with musical guest Olivia Rodrigo.

May 9, 2021

Built in Breakdance