Category: Media

In Focus: Young Culture and State Champs at Alive at 5

On Thursday, June 9th, 2022, Albany’s first Alive at 5 show of the year opened with Alternative/Indie rock band Young Culture and closed out with Pop-punk band State Champs. The show was moved to the rain location at Corning Perserve Boat Launch after rain was in the forecast. The sun was shining bright, however, for a high energy performance with crowd surfers just as high.

Both bands are originally from the Capital Region whose music might bring out feelings that a typical high schooler would have from their crush. Both bands share an alternative rock style that a teenager going through a break up could bop their head to. After many years of success, they decided to come back home to open the Alive at 5 series.

Young Culture started in Albany in 2016, and quickly blew up after the release of their EP “(This is) Heaven.” Young Culture performed at Empire Live back in November of 2021 for Grayscale’s Umbra Tour. Young Culture is gearing up for a summer tour titled, Into the Raging Sea with Broadside. State Champs also performed at Empire Live as the head liners for Frozen Fest. This was the release show for State Champs’ new album, Kings of a New Age.

Alive at 5 could not chose two better bands to open the series. Young Culture’s lead vocalist, Alex Magan connected with the young crowd with “Kinda Over You,” a song he said was about his ex-girlfriend in high school. That song, along with “Laylo,” helped the young crowd to mellow out for a short bit and connect with the band on a more personal level. Both songs where about a love that did not last, a theme that resonated well with the audience.

They left on a high note with “Party Girl” and “Holiday in Vegas.” Alex stood on equipment boxes in the pit to grab the hands of those crowd surfing. There was a long of head banging from other members of the band along with the crowd. They thanked Albany for inviting them back home.

Representatives from In Our Own Voices and the Capital Pride Center came out with Kathy Sheehan, the Mayor of Albany and Sam Mills, Albany’s 2022 Tulip Queen. They all gave a brief speeches about upcoming pride events in the Capital Region.

State Champs brought energy back up when they opened with “Here to Stay.” The band tried to remind everyone that Alive at 5 was supposed to be a family fun event, but then performed “Everybody But You,” one of their hit songs with the F-word emphasized in the chorus. Members of the band stood on the equipment boxes to greet crowd surfers during the set. The crowd surfing was constant by mostly young people. It was evident that the crowd may have been getting tired of the surfing as many surfers were being thrown to the barricade towards the end. The most pit opened twice, first for a circle mosh ad the second time for a traditional mosh.

It was a great performance from State Champs, that lasted over an hour. They answered cheers for an encore with two songs. They have a tour lined up for Sad Summer Fest starting in July. The festival comes to New York on July 22nd at Pier 17.

Young Culture Setlist: Bloodthin, Better Off as Friends, Hum, Godspeed, Kinda Over it, HB16, Fantasy, Laylo, Shiver, 21 Days, Drift, Party Girl, Holiday in Vegas

State Champs Setlist: Here to Stay, Eventually, Frozen, Outta My Head, Hard to Please, Mine is Gold, Act Like That, Simple Existence, Remedy, Easy Enough, Criminal, Just Sound, Losing Myself, Slow Burn, History, Everybody But You, Dead and Gone, Elevated, Secrets

June 12, 2022
In Focus: mxmtoon performs for two nights at Webster Hall

Brooklyn-based artist mxmtoon performed two back-to-back shows at Webster Hall on June 7 and 8. A self-proclaimed “emo girl with a ukelele”, the 21-year-old expertly conducted a show that swung between positivity and embracing being sad.

A crowd full of teenagers loudly sang along to the pre-show playlist, which was filled with Pheobe Bridgers and Mitski tracks. As the lights died down, the crowd erupted in cheers. The artist (who also goes by Maia), sauntered onto the stage with a giant grin.

“You guys are LOUD…I could hear you singing along backstage” she exclaimed with a giggle.

As the audience laughed, the opening chords of “falling for u” rung out and the show began. Though Maia is a young artist, she commands the stage with authority. She fully lost herself in dance during several moments of the set, most notably during her third song “sad disco”.

The artist tactfully interspersed short stories as a way to prime the audience for shifts in energy. mxmtoon took the time to connect with her audience whilst explaining the meanings behind her songs, which ranged from experiencing depression to wanting to write a song featuring her mother and father.

A moment that particularly stood out was when the artist spotted a pride flag in the audience. Calling attention to the flag, Maia told the audience how she came to realize that she was bi. As she wrapped up her coming-out story, she fervently encouraged the crowd to embrace their authentic selves. The crowd instantly began cheering and jumping with happiness as the artist wished them a happy pride month, which was one of the many touching moments throughout her set.

mxmtoon released her new album, rising, on May 20. The album has several standout singles, such as “Mona Lisa“. rising has received praise from major outlets such as Alternative Press, Billboard, and Uproxx.

June 11, 2022
This Week’s EQXposure Features Sabrina Trueheart, Jacob Shipley 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, Sabrina Trueheart, Jacob Shipley 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.

Sabrina Truheart – “Holding on to Something Good”

On Friday, May 20, Albany folk singer Sabrina Trueheart released her debut EP, Holding Onto Something Good. The four-song project follows the release of singles “To Die Alone” and “Wait,” released in January and March respectively. The title track will be aired on EQXposure. Read more about Sabrina here.

Jacob Shipley – “Persimmon”

Born out of a short lived romance, Jacob Shipley wrote “Persimmon” hoping that things would have lasted longer, but knowing that it wasn’t in the cards. It’s for those hugs that feel like they’re sucking you back in the second you pull away, the drawn out kisses where the lips can’t seem to separate, and the days where you can’t keep your mind off of who was in your bed that morning. It is a love song for those who have to leave, but can’t bring themselves to go.

This track was produced in remote collaboration with incredible singer/songwriter Sarah Gross who sings, plays synth, and mixed the track. The bass line is by Katrien Van Riel, the drums by Misia Vessio, and the violin by Erikka Walsh. Matthew Gregory mastered the track. The cover photo and art were done by Jacob Shipley.

June 10, 2022
Arthur’s Tavern Celebrates Grand Reopening With Kermit Ruffins

On Wednesday June 8th, Arthur’s Tavern located in the West Village had it’s long awaited grand reopening with New Orleans legend Kermit Ruffins headlining. The historic jazz club first opened its doors in 1937, but was forced to close in 2020 due to the pandemic. Arthur’s has hosted performances as well as long term residencies over the years by some of the biggest names in jazz such as Charlie Parker, Mabel Godwin, Al Bundy and The Grove Street Stompers.

Kermit Ruffins at Arthur’s NYC

Jazz trumpeter Ruffins had the honor of performing at the reopening. His band includes Yoshitaka “Z2” Tsuji on piano, Kevin Morris on bass and Jerry Anderson on drums.

I’m just a small jazz player from New Orleans, and all of a sudden I’m sitting right here. It’s full circle to be sitting here knowing the history of this place and I’m so excited.
Kermit Ruffins, just before going on stage

Ruffins, born in New Orleans, is not only a trumpeter, but a singer, composer and actor. His influences include Louis Armstrong and Louis Jordan. He plays himself in the HBO Series Treme and also owns a bar in his hometown called Kermit’s Treme Mother-In-Law Lounge. Ruffins has also sat in with Jon Batiste and Stay Human on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

Arthur’s has a very intimate atmosphere and offers live music every night with no cover charge. The staff is also very friendly and accommodating. It’s one of the best spots in the village and has a very “Old New York” vibe. You can see all of their upcoming events here.

June 10, 2022
In Focus: Jazz Legend Ron Carter Celebrates 85th Birthday With Musical Showcase at Carnegie Hall

Ron Carter received the perfect celebration for his 85^th birthday at Carnegie Hall on May 10. The prolific Michigan-born jazz bassist is regarded as one of the most influential jazz musicians in the world, with a world record 2,221 recording session appearances since his career started in the 1960s.

Jazz connoisseurs were delighted by Carter’s presentation of three of his ensembles showcasing the diversity of his musical talents fit for the pristine acoustics of Carnegie Hall. His first set featured two traditional jazz settings supported by phenomenal musicians – the Golden Striker Trio and the Foursight Quartet – while his second set featured an orchestrated octet blending jazz and world music sounds. Closing the night after a sentimental birthday wish on stage from Carter’s son Quintell Williams Carter, he performed a solo piece on piccolo bass which is a signature invention by him and Stanley Clarke (a piccolo bass looks like a regular bass but is tuned an octave higher to give more prominence to solos and lead parts on the instrument).

Throughout the program, emcee Lester Holt and guest speakers/fellow bass virtuosos Stanley Clarke and Buster Williams spoke in great repute about Carter’s diverse talents in music, writing, collaboration, and education and each echoed his great character and humor as a person which he demonstrated throughout the night while explaining the compositions or sharing an off-the-cuff story. “We’re gonna keep comin’ out here til we get it right!” he exclaimed during each of his ensembles sets, slightly ironic to Carnegie Hall’s famous line of “practice, practice, practice!” before his closing remark of “well, I guess we finally got it right.”

After a brief intermission, Lester Holt welcomed to the stage Mikio Mori, Ambassador and Consul-General of Japan in New York. Amb. Mori expressed the deepest of gratitude to Carter for “helping jazz evolve as a language between Americans and the Japanese in the spirit of friendship and peace” which has flourished a jazz movement in Japan over the last several decades. From his various contributions along with performances in Japan following the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks and following the devastating earthquake in March 2011, Carter was bestowed the honor of the Order of the Rising Sun with Rosette in 2021.

Witnessing Mr. Carter’s performance at Carnegie Hall was an immersive exhibit of world-class talent. We would like to extend our warmest of wishes for his 85^th birthday and look forward to hearing more of his virtuosity.

Ron Carter at Carnegie Hall Setlist (composer listed in parenthesis):

Golden Striker Trio: Laverne Walk (Pettiford), Candlelight (Carter), Soft Winds (Henderson)

Ron Carter Foursight Quartet: 595 (Carter), Mr. Bowtie (Carter), My Funny Valentine (Henderson), You and the Night and the Music (Schwartz)

Intermission

Ron Carter Octet: Abide with Me (trad.), El Rompe Cabeza (Carter), Song for You (Russell), Song for a Friend* (Carter), All Blues (Davis), Just a Closer Walk with Thee (trad.)

*”Song for a Friend” written in dedication to Carter’s father

June 7, 2022
A Night with Curren$y at Sony Hall

What is there to say about Curren$y… a legend, a stoner rap icon, and also quite the performer. Coming off of a recent release, Curren$y gave the audience at Sony Hall a dynamic and intimate performance Friday night, May 27th.

Shante Scott Franklin, better known as Curren$y is a rapper, songwriter and record execuive with his own label Jet Life. The Louisiana native existed in the underground rap scene for over a decade finding his own niche within the stoner rap sub-genre with the likes of Wiz Khalifa and Mac Miller.

Some of his best work include The Marina which features Smoke DZA, Action Bronson, French Montana and Wiz Khalifa. Curren$y shows his charisma and charm through this thought provoking lyrics and smooth punchlines.

During the show, Curren$y stopped the music to go on a quick aside on his love for the movie Scarface. He urged the audience to understand the deeper implications of the movie and the way it represents how a unhealthy desire for fame and fortune can corrupt.

Curren$y brought down the house at Sony Hall on Friday night. Curren$y recently released Continuance which features production by esteemed producer Alchemist. He played most of his new album during his performance in additional to his beloved classic songs.

Curren$y at Sony Hall

June 5, 2022
This Week’s EQXposure Features Ian Nichols, Doctor Baker and many 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, Ian Nichols, Doctor Baker 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.

Ian Nichols – “Cool and Cumbersome”

Albany based Nichols says of his latest track “Cool and Cumbersome”: retrofitting alt country vapor wAVE sounds within the confines of an attic that is in dire need of spray foam insulation. This song was an overhaul of bandages and anti-bacterial nothingness over the last two months in Upstate NY, tales of getting tied up in knots, stomach pangs theology and lust. The lo-fidelity, cheap vinyl siding, mandolins, and tepid crown moulding are desirable. To add, the flanged synthesizers give budget island vibes and provide 6 ounces of room temperature Sunday school apple juice that a child must imbibe to their advantage when hammering down a second rate bi-colored Oreo cookie.

Doctor Baker – “Trespassers”

Doctor Baker started out as an acoustic duo featuring singer-songwriter Ed Schwarzschild and guitarist Iggy Calabria, two wayward Philadelphians who met in Albany. After adding Danny Goodwin on drums and Chris Gockley on bass, Doctor Baker sounds a lot louder, and the band’s strong, sound medicine has begun to heal audiences in the Capital Region and beyond.

On Sunday night, EQXposure will play a fresh new unreleased track from Doctor Baker, “Trespassers”
<a href="https://doctorbaker.bandcamp.com/album/apocalyptic-love-songs-part-one">Apocalyptic Love Songs, Part One by Doctor Baker</a>

June 4, 2022
Twiddle Shines at Memorial Meltdown in Lake George

Venturing to the Village of Lake George is a typical Memorial Day Weekend activity for many in the greater 518 region, as the picture-perfect gateway to the Adirondacks offers a taste of summer up and down Canada Street. For those looking to start their summer with live music, the first annual Memorial Meltdown provided a fresh start to a season of live music in Lake George, with a lineup of regional favorites, highlighted by four sets of Twiddle.

photo by Frankie Cavone

Saturday began with The Whiskey Dicks, featuring Ryan Dempsey & Joe Cirotti, a self-described flaccid rock band from Burlington. Cirotti is a multi-instrumentalist from in Hackettstown, NJ who performs solo and with his rock band, Only Living Boy.

With the threat of rain passing the region, Marble Eyes filled in the late afternoon with rock and roll for the soul. Born in 2020 from the pandemic, Marble Eyes features a collection of New Hampshire Seacoast musicians, Eric Gould (Pink Talking Fish, Bass/Vocals), Mike Carter (Guitar/Vocals), Adrian Tramontano (Kung Fu, The Breakfast, Drums) and Max Chase (Keyboards/Vocals).

photo by Frankie Cavone

North Country legends Lucid brought the party into the early evening, with percussionist Lowell Wurster welcoming his father, George, to the stage to play harmonica on “Backwoods” and sang on The Doors’ “Roadhouse Blues,” joining Ryan “Rippy” Trumbull (drums), Kevin Sabourin (guitar and vocals), Jamie Armstrong (saxophones, clarinet and vocals), Chris Shacklett (bass, trombone and vocals), and Andrew Dellar (keyboards, accordion and vocals).

Jack Brown (Sophistafunk) and Lowell Wurster (Lucid) – photo by Laura Carbone

Twiddle played their first two sets of the weekend with Adrian Tramontano filling in for Brook Jordan. If you’ve caught Twiddle in the past few months, you know the shift in their sound is apparent with the energetic Tramontano elevating the playing of his three on-stage counterparts. The second set closed with the newest single, the radio friendly “Beautiful,” off Twiddle’s upcoming studio album.

Set 1: Earth Mama, Stroganoff, Daydream Farmer, White Light, The Devil, Jamflowman [1]

Set 2: Enter -> [2] Orlando’s -> Apples -> Mamunes the Faun -> Dr. Remidis Melodium -> Orlando’s, Breakadidown, Beautiful [3]

Encore: Beethoven & Greene -> Frankenfoote

[1] – Contained Layla teases
[2] – Contained I Dreamed a Dream teases
[3] – First time played

Another gorgeous day in Lake George was accompanied by five sets of music, starting with Long Island’s Baked Shrimp. The group is on the heels of their recent release, Pork Etiquette, and just about to embark on a 50 show summer tour, capped off in September with their second annual LonCon Music Festival, held in Bethel at Yasgur’s Farm.

photo by Frankie Cavone

Sophistafunk, fresh from a trip to Los Angeles where the Syracuse funk group recorded an appearance for an upcoming TV show, dropped a funk filled set. Roots of Creation followed, opening up their set with a pair of Grateful Dead covers, “They Love Each Other” and “Scarlet Begonias,” a rousing response coming from the late afternoon crowd.

photo by Laura Carbone

For Twiddle’s first set of the evening, the upbeat opener “Collective Pulse” (which has a distinct ring of Warren Zevon’s “Things to Do in Denver When You’re Dead,” prior to the refrain) was followed by “Hattiebagen McRat” and Lowell Wurster joining the band on washboard. When he was introduced, Mihali was sure to give a nod to the many years Twiddle played at Backwoods Pondfest in Peru, NY, a festival favorite for many that elicited cheers from across the commons.

Following “Lost in the Cold” a jazzy segue into “Doinkinbonk!!!” evolved into a keys/drums segment that channeled Umphrey’s McGee with its velocity and new wave tone. The energy that Tramontano brought to the stage added greatly to the night, and was on display in a cover of Primus’ “Too Many Puppies.”

The final set of Memorial Meltdown began with “Milk” and was highlighted by “Wasabi Eruption” -> “The Box” and “Latin Tang” seguing into Led Zeppelin’s “Fool In The Rain.” An encore of Radiohead’s “Creep” -and the perennial crowd sing-along “When It Rains It Pours” closed out the evening at 11pm, the crowd dispersing into the night.

Promoter Dave Ehmann made the first Memorial Meltdown a rousing success, channeling the energy of the summer into two music-filled days. With ADK Fest over Labor Day weekend in Lake George, make plans to be visit the Queen of American Lakes later this summer.

Set 1: Collective Pulse, Hattibagen McRat [1], Lost In The Cold -> Doinkinbonk!!! -> Too Many Puppies -> [2] Doinkinbonk!!!, Zazu’s Flight, Frends Theme [3]

Set 2: Milk, Syncopated Healing, Wasabi Eruption -> The Box, Latin Tang -> Fool In The Rain -> [4][5] Latin Tang [5], Slippin’ In The Kitchen

Encore: Creep -> [6] When It Rains It Pours [7]

[1] Lowell Wurster (Lucid) on washboard
[2] Primus
[3] w/ Scott Hannay on keytar
[4] Led Zeppelin
[5] w/ Scott Hannay on guitar
[6] Radiohead
[7] Contained ‘My Heart Will Go On’ and ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ teases

Photos by Laura Carbone

June 2, 2022
Tour Kickoff: Goose Soar into Dripfield Era at Westville Bowl

Just days ahead of dropping their latest studio album Dripfield, buzz-worthy psychedelic improv rockers Goose kicked off summer in terrific form over the Memorial Day weekend, playing a pair of well received shows in their home state of Connecticut. Packing the Westville Music Bowl in by the thousands, the former tennis stadium turned live music mecca is quickly becoming a favorite venue for both Goose and fans alike. In the latest chapter, the band raised expectations even higher by capping Night 2 off with two impressive sets of original music.

Goose guitar players Rick Mitarotonda and Peter Anspach duel it out at the Westville Music Bowl on 5/28/22

Taking flight on their turf, the summer of Goose began in New Haven, and in promoting their latest studio effort, Dripfield, the boys came prepared, unveiling a fresh new line of Dripfield themed merch that included a limited-edition beer and their first gig poster by acclaimed artist Miles Tsang. After quick pat down through security, excited fans quickly made a B-line for the venue’s well-run merch both. While an ominous sky still lingered over the Bowl, there seemed to be a minor delay to the advertised start time of 6pm. While waiting, a lot of the conversation was centered on the Tsang diptych print, which appeared to be both polarizing to some collectors, while praised by others. The second most debated topic seemed to be over which state really has the best pizza?

Fresh Merch: The Miles Tsang diptych poster for New Haven was a hot topic of debate on 5/28/22

Taking the stage to a healthy hometown welcome on Saturday, May 28^th, OG Goose fans were delighted to hear the opening riff of the song “Drive,” one of the bands earliest songs. Feeling a groovy vibe from the start, the band were all smiles early on. Consisting of guitarist Rick Mitarotonda, keyboardist/guitarist Peter Anspach, drummer Ben Atkind, bassist Trevor Weekz and percussionist Jeff Arevalo — Goose would continue to work their magic with high energy takes on “California Magic” and an excellent version of the ever-evolving “This Old Man’s Boat.” Once looking gloomy, by now the weather had become beautiful and a beach ball party was in full swing, making for a particularly on-point and potent rendition of “Turned Clouds,” the opening track off the bands 2016’s studio debut Moon Cabin.

Goose bassist Trevor Weekz kept his shirt on in New Haven, CT 5/28/22

With his trusty rain stick in hand, the uplifting energy continued as the bands beloved tour manager, Jon “Coach” Lombardi, then pulled up a spot near Trevor to shake things up on “Honey Bee.” Closing the opening set on a high note, Coach would stick around for the irresistible “Empress of Organos,” the same song that launched the band into 2022 during their NYE run. Indeed, this show was a celebration and the hometown homies had come to party.

Jon “Coach” Lombardi helped shake things up via rain stick on Night 2 in New Haven 5/28/22

After a somewhat lengthy intermission, Goose was straight birdn’ upon their return, going deep with the new song “Red Bird.” The party atmosphere picked up some more during “Butter Rum,” which featured some of the loudest cheers and best audience participation of the evening. Showing off a new and improved rig, lighting director Andrew Goedde was simply dazzling during the second half of the show. Vibing perfectly in sync with the band as our musical journey seamlessly shifted from “Echo of a Rose” to a standout version of “Into the Myst,” the latter was played in its entirety for the first time since 11/17/21. Upon its completion, the band members slowly disappeared from the stage in a cloud of, well, mist, triggering an ambient-like loop that would continue through the brief encore break. With subtle teases of “Dripfield” all evening long, when Goose returned for their curtain call, they gave fans the full treatment of their new album’s title track. Jammed all the way until curfew, Goose closed out the second night of their hometown throwdown in top notch form.

Lighting Director Adrew Goeddde showing off his new rig at Westville Music Bowl 5/28/22

A scintillating performance showcasing all original material, stellar musicianship, an impressive light show, fun-loving fans and a charismatic “X” factor that can’t be faked, this is a band worthy of the hype. With a new album and a jam-packed summer officially underway, it’s safe to say Goose are set to soar. For more information on where you can see them, including their debut at Radio City Music Hall and a stop in at Artpark in Lewiston, NY, head to bands website.

Goose | Westville Music Bowl | New Haven, CT | 5/28/2022

Set 1: Drive, California Magic, The Old Man’s Boat, Turned Clouds, Honeybee¹, The Empress Of Organos

Set 2: Red Bird, Butter Rum, Echo Of A Rose > Into The Myst², Dripfield

Encore: Dripfield³

Notes
1. Coach on rain stick
2. First finished Into the Myst since 11/17/21
3. Continued from set-closing rendition

.

June 2, 2022
The Who Close Out First Leg of 2022 Tour at Bethel Woods

The Who closed out the first half of its The Who Hits Back! 2022 North American Tour at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts on Saturday May 28. The tour date coincided with the Memorial Day weekend and the start of Bethel Woods’ pavilion show season.

Roger Daltrey, Loren Gold, Pete Townshend

Opening night duties belonged to Willie Nile. Drawing from his extensive catalog of music, Nile and crew offered up a powerful 45-minute set. Willie shared that he had gone to Woodstock in ’69 specifically to see The Who perform. His excitement of performing on the same stage with them was quite evident. A prolific writer whose songs talk to the common man, Nile dedicated a song to those impacted by gun violence, calling out his hometown of Buffalo. Willie closed with the anthem styled “One Guitar.” As a preamble to the song, he pressed that with one guitar, one voice, we can come together and help the world.

Backed by a full orchestra, Roger Daltrey, Pete Townshend and The Who took the stage. The night was an evening of essential Who. With slight vocal variations to support the aging Daltrey’s voice, both he and Townshend did not let the audience of 16,000 down. The core nine-piece band included Pete’s brother, Simon Townshend, on guitar and Ringo Starr’s son, Zak Starkey, on drums. The show featured a full orchestra enhancing the night’s experience. The orchestra, which varies location to location, was comprised of tri-state musicians, and was led by conductor Keith Levenson.

Willie Nile

Mid-set the orchestra left the stage. Pete and Simon Townshend donned acoustic guitars, shifting the tone a bit, as they started into “Seeker.” The mini set concluded with violinist Katie Jacoby, cellist Audrey Q. Snyder, and Pete Townshend sitting in the round as Roger Daltrey serenaded the audience with “Behind Blue Eyes.”

On the return of the orchestra, Pete noted he had fought against using an orchestra for the recording of Tommy. But with Quadrophenia, he realized its value. It was obvious at this point we were experiencing a live rock opera. The evening came to a close with with a song loosely inspired by Pete’s observations from their time at the original Woodstock Festival, “Baba O’Riley” from Who’s Next.

The Who

Were there guitars smashed or drums blown apart? No. However, that did not matter. This night was the about the genius of Pete Townshend, through the vessel that is The Who. For the Hudson Valley this was a trifecta night: Memorial Day weekend, live music, and The Who with an orchestra. Long Live Rock.

The Who

Willie Nile

May 31, 2022