Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh is making up for lost time from last year with an essential October residency at the legendary Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, NY. Three different Phil & Friends lineups will perform over three different three-day spans throughout the month, with the nine-night run coming to a close on Halloween. Each lineup brings a little something different to the table, with friends both old and new joining the fray.
The first three-night run is slated for October 11-13 and is set to play host to The Phil Lesh Quintet, aka The Q, the longest running version of Phil & Friends to date. It features longtime friends John Molo on drums and Rob Barraco on keys as well as the guitar stylings of Warren Haynes and Jimmy Herring.
The second run is scheduled for the following week, October 18 – 20. This one will see Stuart Bogie and Amy Helm join Phil on the first and last night of the run, with Eric D. Johnson, Josh Kaufman, Elliot Peck and Phil’s son Grahame set to play on the 19th. This run will also feature Joe Russo on drums and Benmont Tench on keys.
Lastly, a three-night run leading up to Halloween is set to play host to a plethora of musical stars. This includes Nicki Bluhm, Larry Campbell, Grahame Lesh, M.C. Taylor of Hiss Messenger Service, Teresa Williams and various members of Dawes.
Start making those October plans now. Tickets can be purchased here. All patrons 12 and over must show proof of either full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours of entry.
Check out all setlists from the run so far below.
Friday, October 11
Set 1: Mason’s Children, Doin’ That Rag, The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys > So What > The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys, She Said She Said, Night of 1000 Stars
Set 2: Shakedown Street, Viola Lee Blues, New Speedway Boogie, Broken Arrow, Cryptical Envelopment > Wharf Rat > The Other One, I Know You Rider
Encore: The Real Thing
Saturday, October 12
Set 1: St. Stephen > The Eleven > Eyes of the World > Mountains of the Moon, Acadian Driftwood, The Wayfaring Stranger > Angel Band
Set 2: Uncle John’s Band > No More Do I, Bird Song, The Wheel > Terrapin Station > Morning Dew, Donor Rap
Encore: Sunshine of Your Love
Sunday, October 13
Set 1: Celebration, Not Fade Away, China Cat Sunflower, New Potato Caboose, Help on the Way > Slipknot! > Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds
Set 2: Scarlet Begonias > Fire on the Mountain > Scarlet Begonias, Unbroken Chain, Dark Star > So What, The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys, Dark Star > I Am the Walrus > Dark Star, Wharf Rat, Stella Blue > Franklin’s Tower, Donor Rap
Tucked away in the hills of Coeyman’s Hollow, NY at Magic Forest Farm, artists, vendors, and fans alike came together for the first ever Diggin’ Roots Festival. Sugar Productions, Lyons Den Productions, and co-founder Koryn Shear put in countless hours, days, and months making this cozy little farm with a name to match a haven for the few hundred fans who would descend upon it.
The two-day festival started Friday evening with solo artist Matt Cosgrove covering plenty of 90’s rock hits and some amazing originals. Local Favorites, Raisinhead, were the first to grace the main stage with a few sit-ins from harmonica extraordinaire, Junebug. Ted Grey of Raisinhead stayed on stage for the next set as Quantum Cosmic came on, comprised of him and members of Annie in the Water, The Switch and the Reflexions. Last but surely not least, the Deadbeats rounded out the night with two hour long sets.
Saturday, music began at the crack of noon with the Token Locals. And no, not the heads just waking up from the night before. The wonderful Laura Leigh Band was on next. Laura and companions put on and amazingly whimsical and beautiful performance, setting a light mood for the remainder of the afternoon for Hilltop and the Lousy Slaughters.
As the day grew dark, local legends, the Wheel rolled out a classic set of Grateful Dead tunes before stepping aside for Dr. Jah and the Love Prophets. These two Captiol Region favorites have been playing here for many years, Dr. Jah looking at close to 30 years of incredible Reggae.
Hailing all the way from Harrisburg, PA, you might remember Yam Yam from their recent set at Alive at Five, Albany’s free summer concert series. Shane Spillinger of Sugar Productions noted how well they were received that night, making sure to bring them back for this festival. As the band came on stage the crowd chanted “Yam Yam! Yam Yam!” continuing, whether they liked it or not, after every song.
Long Island’s Baked Shrimp was the last band of the night, playing a quick hour set before giving way to Danish DJ David Maros who played deep into the night.
Their inaugural year was an absolute success and we at NYS Music hope there will be plenty more in the years to come as the new festival continues Diggin’ Roots.
Orebolo, an acoustic trio featuring Goose members Rich Mitarotonda (vocals, guitar) Peter Anspach (vocals, guitar), Jeff Arevalo (upright bass) have announced a series of six winter tour dates.
In December, the trio will make stops in Upstate New York at Tarrytown Music Hall, and Homer Center for the Arts, as well as Spruce Peak Performing Arts in Stowe, followed by a three shows in Colorado in late January.
The group has built a faithful following nationwide, following a series of virtual festival appearances in 2020, and an acclaimed performance at Lockn’ Presents FRED The Festival in August 2021. Formed during the height of the initial COVID-19 surge, the members of Orebolo shared a home and found comfort in learning new covers and creatively exploring Goose’s deep catalog acoustically.
Starting this project was a source of relief for all of us, especially during such a crazy time. Our initial practice and recording space was inside our solarium – the vibe was really tranquil, and we wanted our listeners to share in that feeling. I’m stoked we have the opportunity to take this out on the road and perform in some incredible rooms.
Peter Anspach
Pre-sale tickets will be available Wednesday, October 13 at 10AM venue local time using the code ‘OREBOLO’. The general on-sale will follow on Friday, October 15 at 10AM venue local time. For more information, and to purchase tickets, visit orebolo.com.
Goose made it look almost all too easy to sell out their second night of Terminal 5 on October 9, 2021. The Connecticut-based quartet undeniably took the audience on a full fledged journey that encompassed the multitude of genres that have influenced the band, thus far. Lucky New Yorkers had a chance to experience the powerhouse that transported us somewhere outside New York City this weekend.
Stage lights dim welcoming Rick, Peter, Trevor, Ben, and Jeff on stage, accompanied with a roar from fans begging “GOOSE”, echoing from all three stories inside the terminal. “Tumble” opened the show where Ben Atkind (drums) did us the favor of pulling us into the groovy funk dictating the addictive dancey beat that defines Goose. Rick Mitarotonda (guitar, vocals) spoke indefinitely through the gorgeous Paul Reed Smith Hollowbody II, putting the audience in a trance with his guitar shredding improv through Bob Don.
Peter Anspach makes his first lead vocal debut of the night with a new song from the band, Life On the Shelf. Clearly an unreleased hit, without knowing any words fans were hooked on the chorus, dancing and swaying to the sincere folk tune, highlighted by Rick and Peter’s buttery harmonies. Followed with “Jive Lee” and “Jive II,” Peter’s funky solos and Trevor Weekz thick bass lines brought the crowd furiously jumping and screaming once again. Without any hesitation the audience was pulled into a surprise cover of “Rock the Casbah” from the Clash shaking the floor until the end of set I.
“Wysteria Lane” kicked off the second set with a smile and Peter’s earnest vocals, with some help from the Luigi plush on one of his three dazzling double casio keyboards. Unbelievable Goosian-shredding kept the crowd mesmerized cheering with each cadence as both Rick and Peter swiftly moved up and up the neck leaving the audience asking if they came to a hard rock concert. Rick guided us through Seekers on the Ride I and II with ease reminding fans of their versatility as artists. The loudest cheers of the night broke when Rick’s eccentric solos pushed to the well known hard twangy intro of “Hot Tea.” Ending with “Dragon Fly I & II,” Rick eased our anxieties with a smile “Don’t worry we have one more set.”
“Get The Funk Out of My Face” was not the only cover of set III, but Goose’s folk rock cover of Foster the People’s “Pumped Up Kicks” made it sound like Goose could’ve written the song. Just when we thought Trevor Weekz might just be too cool for us, being the backbone of Goose with his 5-string bass and sunglasses, the spotlight shined on him as he read a “Acquainted with the Night” by Robert Frost backed by Ben Atkind (drums) and Rick filling some eerie melodies. The band endurance was unrequited through three full set of nonstop music eventually wrapping with an Encore of “Hot Tea.”
Goose – Terminal 5 – Friday, October 8, 2021
Set 1: So Ready, Look Out Cleveland, Honeybee, Indian River, The Whales, All I Need
Set 2: 2021> Old Man’s Boat >2021, Rosewood Heart > Into the Myst, Echo of a Rose > 2021
Encore: Flodown
Goose – Terminal 5 – Saturday, October 9, 2021
Set 1: Tumble, Bob Don, Life on a Shelf*, White Lights > Jive 1 > Jive Lee > Rock the Casbah
Set 2: Wysteria Lane > It Burns Within, Seekers on the Ridge [Part I & II], Hot Tea > Dragonfly [I&II]
Set 3: Get The Funk Out Ma Face, Creatures > Pumped Up Kicks, Madhuvan** > Turn on Your Love Light > Madhuvan
A new archival release from the estate of Jerry Garcia highlights a series of Fall 1989 shows taking place in Hartford, CT and Uniondale, NY. Dubbed “The Long Island Sound,” the two shows recorded by John Cutler feature one set each night from Bob Weir and Rob Wasserman, along with two-set performances each night from Jerry Garcia Band.
cover art by Stanley Mouse
Released on Round Records, Fall 1989: The Long Island Sound features two complete performances with over five and a half hours of previously unreleased music from September 5th, 1989 at the Hartford Civic Center in Hartford, CT and September 6th, 1989 at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, NY.
Fall 1989: The Long Island Sound celebrates the storied East Coast 1989 run which featured acoustic duo Bob Weir and Rob Wasserman setting the stage for two nightly sets from the Jerry Garcia Band.
Recorded on a 2-track DAT and mastered by Joe Gastwirt, this collection contains audio with apparent, irremediable sonic imperfections (most notably the distortion on Jerry’s vocal during “Cats Under The Stars”) heard by all who experienced these performances in person or on tape. Despite the limitations in fidelity, the performances presented showcase timeless, transcendent and often blistering moments of pure magic.
The release features an album package including a liner note essay by Blair Jackson and archival memorabilia from the collection of Steve Parish. Pre-order the box set here.
September 5th, 1989 – Hartford Civic Center – Hartford, CT
Bob Weir & Rob Wasserman: Festival, Fever, K.C. Moan, Desolation Row, Looks Like Rain, The Winners, Victim or the Crime -> Wasserman Bass Improvisation no. 1 -> Throwing Stones
Jerry Garcia Band Set 1: Cats Under the Stars, They Love Each Other, Waiting for a Miracle, Run for the Roses, Like a Road, My Sisters and Brothers, Deal
Set 2: The Harder They Come, Mission in the Rain, Forever Young, Evangeline, Gomorrah, Don’t Let Go -> Lonesome and a Long Way From Home
September 6th, 1989 – Nassau Coliseum – Uniondale, NY
Bob Weir & Rob Wasserman: Walking Blues, City Girls -> Fever, Blackbird -> When I Paint My Masterpiece, Shade of Grey -> The Winners -> Easy to Slip -> Wasserman Bass Improvisation no. 2, Heaven Help The Fool
Jerry Garcia Band Set 1: How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You), Stop That Train, That’s What Love Will Make You Do, Mississippi Moon, I Second That Emotion, And It Stoned Me, Deal
Set 2: The Harder They Come, Dear Prudence, I Shall Be Released, Let It Rock, Evangeline, That Lucky Old Sun, Tangled Up in Blue
Video game covers and dark medieval Prog-Rock were on hand for Friday, October 8 as Comic Con came to a close, ShwizZ, You Bred Raptors?, and Bonus Level treated New York City to a night of technically sound musicians, nostalgic video game inspired covers, and a lot of booty shaking at The Loft at City Winery.
Tetracube, aka Chris Gironda, played DJ sets between the bands throughout the night. The night kicked off with ShwizZ; any combination of musicians including Andy Boxer on drums and Ryan Liatsis on guitar is an all-time great lineup to witness. With the new additions of Scott Hogan on bass and Will Burgaleta on keys, ShwizZ continues to deliver that powerhouse flavor with a couple of new spices to give it zest.
Following ShwizZ was a band that was well worth the wait. From the first second You Bred Raptors? started playing, you felt as if you had been teleported into an orchestra conducted by Tim Burton, as if Jack Skeleton was the inspiration behind their twists and turns of their demonic symphony.
To close the Comic Con night, Bonus Level, a new project consisting of Corey J. Feldman and Nate Searing of Brooklyn-based band Cousin Earth, along with Tom Tompkins on guitar and Darren Denman on keys took us through a journey of classic video game covers and improvisational Easter eggs. The crowd was extremely impressed with how well they created different paths of spontaneity, while also staying true to the original soundtracks. Their Type II video game jams made for a fun combination of musical prowess and nostalgia at its finest.
For the first time in 16 years, guitarist Leo Kottke and bassist Mike Gordon will tour together, in an eagerly awaited series of dates in December.
Acoustic guitar legend Leo Kottke and Phish bassist Mike Gordon first linked up in 2002 for Clone, and followed by 2005’s Sixty Six Steps. The upcoming tour will celebrate last year’s release of the first new Kottke/Gordon album in 15 years, Noon, hailed by Rolling Stone as “full of lilting grooves that go on wild musical tangents.”
Read past interviews with Mike Gordon from 2013 and 2016.
The pair also today premiered a 4-song mini set, including performances of the Kottke song “Sheets” and “How Many People Are You,” which has found a spot in the rotation both with Phish and Mike Gordon Band. Both tracks are found on Noon, with Phish drummer Jon Fishman appearing on “How Many People Are You.” The set is rounded out with the Kottke classic “Rings,” and “Disco” from the duo’s 2002 release, Clone.
Leo Kottke and Mike Gordon December 2021 Tour Dates
December 8 – Munhall, PA – Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall December 9 – Washington, DC – Sixth & I December 10 – Tarrytown, NY – Tarrytown Music Hall December 12 – Beverly, MA – The Cabot December 13 – Lebanon, NH – Lebanon Opera House * December 15 – Troy, NY – Troy Savings Bank Music Hall December 16 – Norwalk, CT – Wall Street Theater December 17 – York, PA – Appell Center for the Performing Arts December 19 – Plattsburgh, NY – Strand Center for the Arts
All Dates go on sale Friday, October 8 at 10 am ET, except for Lebanon Opera House, which goes on sale at 12pm on Friday. More info can be found here.
On October 5, 1990, Phish performed at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, an overlooked show that was part of the group’s formative years as they hit college markets across the Northeast. The Skidmore Gymnasium, today a part of the Williamson Sports Center, served as the venue for this all-ages show, which was part of Skidmore’s Oktoberfest Weekend.
The numbered tickets for the show read “Oktoberfest Weekend 1990 Continues!! The Class of 1991 Presents: Phish In Concert with Conjunction Junction,” and cost $10. For $15, you could also see NRBQ perform the next day, along with Projectile of Love, all part of the same week-long event. The fall Friday afternoon brought college students and their friends to Upstate New York for the show.
Phish was slowly making their way out of Vermont and into New York State, stopping in Saratoga Springs for the first time in March of 1990 to play at Aikos, then located on Caroline Street. For those in the know, and perhaps those who caught Phish at Pauly’s Hotel in May 1989, it was becoming obvious that Phish was a band whose reputation was building fast. By the fall, they had begun to play college gyms around the Northeast. And for the crowd of 300 or so fans, they had plenty of room to move around, but still had to deal with the gym getting warm due to to heaters in gym being on – you can hear calls for air conditioning that can be heard after “Stash.”
The door on the right was the main entrance to the show – photo by Mike Hoganphoto by Mike Hogan
While the show doesn’t spark much discussion or replay, there are a few notable aspects to the show. The opener “I Didn’t Know” jumps out as a random opener, but the song would open sets as early as 1988, sometims with Fishman on trombone instead of vacuum. If you were ever looking for the lyrics to “I Am Hydrogen”, the line “I walk awakening on the misty fields of forever” is included in the intro, while both “Ya Mar” and “Alumni Blues” each have extended guitar intros. One lucky fan who was calling the Phish hotline all summer, asking them to play “The Curtain” at Skidmore was rewarded for their persistence.
courtesy of Skidmore College archives courtesy of Skidmore College archives courtesy of Skidmore College archives courtesy of Skidmore College archives
Mike Hogan attended the show, and shares his recollections of the night:
It was a beautiful fall afternoon and some of my friends traveled from various parts of New England to come see the show with me in Saratoga at Skidmore college. The show opened with an oddly placed “I Didn’t Know,” followed by a lively “Mike’s Song/Weekapaug” with the additional lyrics as I always thought they were, ”I walk awakening in the misty fields of Rather,” although the show notes say otherwise. Other highlights included “Fee” and “The Asse Festival” and “Possum.”
Looking back on the setlist, a very solid show that I’ve always enjoyed listening to. A few years back, Kevin Shapiro (Phish archivist) had asked me about this show. He had Trey’s date book and all that was written in it was Saratoga. It had no sense of the venue or setlist. I was able to provide him a bootleg copy.
One final thought on the ticket stub above. They took everyone’s ticket upon entry. After the show they had simply dropped them on the floor next to the door and I reached down and grabbed one. I wish I had grabbed a handful.
Matt Hogan
Just three years later, Phish would be playing their first show at Red Rocks in Colorado.
Phish – Skidmore Gymnasium, Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, NY – Friday, October 5, 1990
Set 1: I Didn’t Know, Mike’s Song > I Am Hydrogen[1] > Weekapaug Groove, My Sweet One, The Landlady, Tela > The Oh Kee Pa Ceremony > Suzy Greenberg, Stash, The Asse Festival, Bouncing Around the Room > Run Like an Antelope
Set 2: Golgi Apparatus > The Curtain > Ya Mar, Alumni Blues > Letter to Jimmy Page > Alumni Blues, Uncle Pen, Split Open and Melt, Fee > Possum[2]
Encore: Good Times Bad Times
[1] “I walk awakening on the misty fields of forever” lyrics. [2] Charlie Chan and Popeye signals.
The beginning of Hydrogen included the lyrics “I walk awakening on the misty fields of forever.” Possum contained Charlie Chan and Popeye signals.
An interview with Trey (Tray) and Mike from Phish in the Skidmore News, 10/10/90. Courtesy of Mike Greenhaus.
Trey Anastasio Band officially closed out their fall tour with back-to-back shows at Radio City Music Hall over Saturday, October 2nd and Sunday October 3rd. It was the group’s first performance at the legendary venue since 2018’s ” A Concert for Island Relief,” where TAB teamed up with Dave Matthews Band and more to raise money for hurricane relief efforts in Puerto Rico.
photo by Rene Heumer
This year’s Radio City shows arrived during a similarly turbulent time for both the world and Trey Anastasio Band. Despite the band’ precautions, the lineup was drastically affected by COVID – 19. First came the loss of Jennifer Hartswick to a mild case of the virus, which put the rest of the brass section in quarantine. Then, shortly before a Columbus, Ohio show, Russ Lawton tested positive as well. Thus, on Saturday night, TAB performed as a five piece, with Jon Fishman again stepping in for Lawton.
As Ray Paczkowski put it:
We thought about it like, half the band is TAB, half the band is Phish. And we want it to sound like something that isn’t quite either.
Though powerhouses like Hartswick and Russ Lawton were impossible not to miss, the tapered-down nature of the band allowed TAB the freedom to improvise. The set stayed playful and experimental throughout, and Jon Fishman’s presence behind the drum kit felt familiar while adding a layer of mystery.
Furthermore, a smaller band gave newer members an opportunity to shine. Bassist Dezron Douglas joined the band this fall with enormous shoes to fill after the tragic loss of Tony Markellis. Markellis, who joined Trey’s earliest solo project in 1998, was a force of nature and a steady heartbeat within the band. Though Markellis remains one-of-a-kind, Douglas’ jazz roots and dexterous abilities add a new element to TAB. Reportedly, Russ Lawton specifically requested working with Douglas as the band sought a new bassist for this tour.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KklDY5VjUkI
Douglas, who studied at the Hartford Conservatory of Music with Hartswick, brings the life and freedom of jazz to his masterful electric bass work. A classically trained double-bassist who first heard Phish in high school, he embodies the timeless quality of TAB’s music. No matter how many times TAB has performed a song, it never feels the same. Their music, like their ensemble, grows and changes as the years go on.
With their rendition of “Mr. Completely” thoroughly embodying their ability to rejuvenate old classics. Highlights included Douglas’ perfect syncopation on bass to Cyro Baptista’s insane percussion break, where he built a beat out of bird calls as the rest of the band went silent. The energy in the audience marked a TAB show at its very best; fans of all ages focused on letting a rhythm take them, dancing their hearts out together. For some 20-odd minutes, the harmony rang throughout the audience.
Despite setbacks along the road and the constraints of touring during COVID-19, the TAB live experience was fully intact at Radio City. After their hiatus from the venue, TAB offered a little bit of everything, from a heartwrenching Paczkowski/Anastasio duet of “Shade” to crowd favorite “Twist.” The packed house got a joyous and poignant set that honored those missing and welcomed new (and familiar) faces back again. As Paczkowski said, the goal was to create something a little TAB, a little Phish, but also new and singular. By the time TAB landed on classic closer “First Tube,” the crowd dancing madly in the aisles, it was clear that job was done.
The final evening of Trey Anastasio Band’s 2021 tour was a Sunday to remember. The revolving cast of musicians included Trey Anastasio and Jon Fishman’s first time together on the infamous stage at Radio City since Spring of 2000. It’s important to understand the level of composition versus improvisation Trey’s music takes on for whomever joins him on stage. Keyboardist Ray Packzkowski, percussionist Cyro Baptista and bassist Dezron Douglas were all the right cats to join in the moment at Rockefeller.
A nod to the NYC subways helped the show open with “Get Back on the Train.” Having Cyro add another layer of percussion to Fishman’s grooves all night was reminiscent of Phish’s Halloween’s shows in Atlantic City 2010 with Giovanni Hidalgo and Atlanta 1996 with Karl Perrazo. Dezron Douglas’ bottom end locked in with them served up the funkiest “Moma Dance” to date that clocked in over 20 minutes. “Undermind” also included heavy drum grooves with Jon and Cyro exploring all of the skins in front of them. “Ocelot,” “Set Your Soul Free” and a chilling set closing “Dark and Down” helped wrap up a complete jam heavy 6-song set.
The second set opened the Art Deco venue with Tony Markellis’ infamous bass line to “Sand” This ensemble really had all three mezzanines grooving immediately. Paczkowski’s rig sounded as if it was coming from Radio City’s organ in the main theatre, the largest instrument ever built by the Wurlitzer company. “Everything’s Right” served up the longest layer of improvisation clocking in at over 35 minutes of sound stretching out to the grand foyer. Ups, downs, ins and outs… it was hair raising. Trey returned to his Upper West Side abode for “Lonely Trip” and never “Never Left Home,” recorded solo during his NYC quarantine. Dezron Douglas’ bass line sounds like jelly jam to Trey’s lyrics on this. “Oh, I’ll never be halted, I always shall roam. Oh, scaling the cliffs and enjoying the view” The band then closed the show with a dark and extended “Carini.”
The encore was full of special dedications and moments to TAB members current and past. Trey let the crowd know that members Russ Lawton, Jennifer Hartswick, Natalie Cressman, Coachema Gastelum and James Casey were all in good health and on the mend despite their absence. A soul Sunday nod to Markellis was sent out to the theater as well. Trey appropriately performed “Strange Design” and “Backwards Down the Number Line” on the acoustic guitar to reference all these friends as part of the tour’s ever changing ride.
He then invited special guest James Casey to the stage in hand with alto soprano sax for backing vocals on the last three songs. “Evolve” “Rise/Come Together” and “Life Beyond a Dream” Casey’s sax blew like Branford under the great proscenium arch that sits above the stage. All three songs’ message is saturated in positivity and optimism towards whatever life can throw at you. Love is the message here. “We’re all looking for a little more love to shine a light and lift us up,” “Don’t give up hope. Keep on dreaming.”
Trey Anastasio Band – Radio City Music Hall, New York City – Sunday, October 3, 2021
Set 1: Back on the Train > The Moma Dance, Undermind > Ocelot, Set Your Soul Free, Dark and Down
Set 2: Sand, Everything’s Right, Lonely Trip, I Never Left Home > Carini
Encore: Strange Design [1], Backwards Down the Number Line[1], Evolve [2], Rise/Come Together [3], A Life Beyond The Dream[3] [1] Trey solo acoustic. [2] With James Casey on saxophone. [3] With James Casey on additional vocals and saxophone.
The Brooklyn Mirage played host to the 2021 Brooklyn Comes Alive on Sunday, September 26th. The massive outdoor complex was the perfect venue for such an occasion.
Break Science: Live Band
The day started off with a quick introduction from none other than Sirius XM’s Ari Fink, getting right into a set from Karina Rykman. The trio started the day off strong, with Karina’s heavy bass lines pumping up the growing crowd. Marlo Shankweiler of Melt came out for a couple songs, not surprisingly as she was a part of Karina’s band during quarantine. After her set, Karina dove into her role as DJ in between sets for the remainder of the evening.
Karina Rykman Band
Brooklyn Comes Alive at Brooklyn Mirage would not be the same without a set of full improvisation from a super group of incredible musicians. Joe Russo, John Medeski, and Dave Harrington combined for an incredibly eclectic and outlandish set. Russo was pulling out every conceivable instrument to rattle, bang, and drum along to Medeski’s organ while Harrington switched back and forth between bass and guitar.
Medeski/Russo/Harrington Trio
Denver, CO was presented well this night with two heavy-hitters taking the stage. First was Break Science: Live Band. Most of Lettuce usually rounds out the “Live” portion of this group, but this time around they changed it up. Eric “Benny” Bloom was in attendance, with Chris Karns and Hunter Roberts making up the rest of the band. Karns and Roberts brought a wonderfully jazzy change of pace, letting Borham Lee and Adam Deitch just groove along and keep things flowing.
Break Science: Live Band
Second up from the Mile High city was funk-masters, The Motet. Special guests Shira Elias (Turkuaz), Jeremy Schon (Pigeons Playing Ping Pong), and Benny Bloom were more than welcome on stage as the band put on a mostly instrumental set, as Lyle is no longer with them. Shira more than made up for the vocals, coming out for “Highly Compatible” and “The Beat Goes On,” with everyone coming back out for “Death and Devotion and last, but not least, “Get it Right.”
The Motet
After having both shows in New Haven canceled, fans of the Disco Biscuits knew they were in for a treat. Ari Fink once again introduced the Philly jamtronica pioneers who kicked off their set with “Helicopters” -> “Running Into the Night.” The bass line of Blondie’s “Rapture” rose from “Running,” and the band invited Shira Elias back to the stage to add vocals to “Rapture,” marking the first time the group has gone beyond an instrumental version of the 1980 new wave song, with “42” closing the set.
Set 2 started strong with the rare-these-days “Pilin’ it Higher” that took a jam spin before slowly morphing into “I-Man,” which led into the fresh Biscuits tune “M1,” highlighted by Aron Magner’s synth work that played off Jon “The Barber” Gutwillig’s masterful guitar playing. “M1” found its way back to “I-Man” then headed into more new territory with “Evolve,” which continues to evoke some of the most enthusiastic interaction between crowd and fans, giving off a ’90s club vibe in the process. To close the set, the Disco Biscuits moved back into the end of “Helicopters,” closing out an incredible day of music at Brooklyn Comes Alive at Brooklyn Mirage.
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