On Wednsday, December 28, and for the first time since 2019, Phish took the stage at Madison Square Garden for their annual New Year’s Run.
Performing their 69th ever show at Madison Square Garden, Phish opened the night with a high-energy “Buried Alive” followed by a funk-filled “Wolfman’s Brother.” Set 1 was highlighted by a 14-minute “Stash” that was followed by a 13-minute “Split Open and Melt” to close the set.
Set 2 started off strong with “Free” which gave way to a nearly 20-minute “A Wave of Hope” that segued smoothly into “It’s Ice.” “Leaves” came out swinging after that, with “Simple,” “Plasma,” “Twist” and “Harry Hood” rounding out the set.
For the encore, a surprise “Esther” was performed in the curtain call slot for the first time in its history, with “46 Days” following up to round out the show.
Phish return for Night two tonight. Tune in at Livephish.com to join Couch Tour.
Set 1: Buried Alive, Wolfman’s Brother, Maze, Sigma Oasis > NICU, Steam, Tela, Stash, Split Open and Melt Set 2: Free > A Wave of Hope -> It’s Ice > Leaves > Simple -> Plasma -> Twist* > Harry Hood Encore: Esther > 46 Days *Trey teased A Wave of Hope in Twist
On Saturday, December 17th, Kendall Street Company closed their two-night run at Mercury Lounge in New York City. Based out of Charlottesville, VA, the band headlined Friday and Saturday night in the East Village with opening performances from Litz and One Time Weekend, respectively. Kendall Street Company brings a unique flare comprised of deep, genre-fluid compositions and unfiltered silly banter.
The company opened their second night with their reggae groove, “Marty Song.” After warming up the crowd with the sweet slow beats of the song, the band took the jam in a very dark direction, foretelling of the serious improvisation to come the rest of the night.
Next, the band punched into “Board Shorts.” Lead guitarist, Ben Laderberg shredded through ska and funk scales as Kendall Street continued to glide through different genres in their original composition. Following was a cover of Wet Leg’s “Chaise Longue” whose silly spoken-word lyrics fit perfectly in the song repertoire of Virginia’s most whimsical jam-band.
“Lunar Dude” had interstellar jams leading into an extended jam, and a buttery smooth transition into the chorus of “Walking on the Moon” by the Police and back into the resolution of the spacey jam. The next cover of the set was “I Got Stoned and I Missed It” by Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show. Rolling solos from saxophonist, Jake Vannaman carried the fun energy into a rendition of their blissful tune, “Cherry Tree.”
Kendall Street Company then performed one of their newest songs, “California #24” which can be found on their EP, Untitled California Project. This song was written and sung by guitarist Laderberg features spoken-word lyrics and funky guitar solos reminiscent of Frank Zappa.
After this heater, the crowd got to cool down while enjoying the slow acoustic melody of “Lady in Green” from the album The Stories We Write for Ourselves. The waves of energy at Mercury Lounge were brought up with the song “Telephone,” whose extended jam provided a seamless transition into “Say Hey” sung by bassist, Brian Roy before resolving the “Telephone” jam.
Apropos to the holiday spirit, Kendall Street Company played a quick rendition of “Trucking Trees for Christmas” by Red Simpson followed by a cover of the Grateful Dead’s “Bertha” in the band’s signature jazz-grass style. The crowd was then treated to “Katz in ze Haus,” whose techno rave vibes are hilarious paired with a silly and ambiguous European accent from Louis Smith, followed by their most streamed hit, “Cars” which came with a KSC-style medley at the end of “Just a Friend” by Biz Markie and Soulja Boi.
Encoring the show with “Wasted,” the room was filled with rattling klezmer scales from Vanaman, as drummer Ryan Wood solos on his toms and caps off the set, the band went into a quick chorus of their song, “Aged White Cheddar” at the request of a fan up front.
Kendall Street Company’s unique art has gained serious traction in the Jam band scene with future performances opening for bands such as, The Infamous Stringdusters, Twiddle, and Pigeons Playing Ping Pong.
Kendall Street Company – Mercury Lounge, Manhattan – Saturday, December 17, 2022
Setlist: Marty Song, Board Shorts, Chaise Longue [1], Lunar Dude, I Got Stoned and I Missed It [2], Cherry Tree., California #24, Lady in Green, Telephone > Say Hey!, Truckin Trees for Christmas [3], Bertha [4], Catz in Zeh Haus, Cars > Just a Friend > Crank Dat [5] [6]
Encore: Wasted [7]
[1] – Wet Leg [2] – Little Feat [3] – Red Simpson [4] – Grateful Dead [5] – Biz Markie [6] – Soulja Boy [7] – Tease of Aged White Cheddar at end
Foals wrapped up their 2022 ‘Life Is Yours’ Tour this past weekend with a handful of shows in the Northeast. The band passed through NYC’s Terminal 5 on Friday, December 16th for a raucous, capacity show, celebrating their return to the city after nearly four years. Foals have consistently been on of the best live rock bands over the last decade, and successfully harness that live energy into their studio records. No exception to rule was their seventh LP, Life Is Yours, released this past June.
Foals thrive on the live stage, and draw out a crowd eager to dance and sing along as they cruise through a tight 90 minute, career-spanning set. Even though the band leaned heavily into Life Is Yours, the older tracks fit in seamlessly because they have always stayed true to their blend of indie and alternate rock. Intricate layers of guitar arpeggios and vocal melodies soar over the crowd all backed by groovy rhythms perfect for a dance floor. The show opened with Life Is Yours single “Wake Me Up,” which saw it’s debut just over a year ago in 2021. The main set ended with an epic performance of “Mountain at My Gates” off 2015s What Went Down, followed by an encore of “Inhaler” and one of the band’s oldest and most beloved songs, “Two Steps, Twice”.
The current tour concluded this weekend with a final show in Portland, Maine. Foals takes a few months off before making a few stops in the UK ahead of a big run of shows opening Paramore’s upcoming tour. Head over to the band’s website for a full list of shows, and check out the photo gallery from the show this weekend at Terminal 5 below.
It was a splendid evening for mid-week melodies, hump-day harmonies and independent live music in Glens Falls Wednesday, December 7th as fans of all ages filled the Park Theater for a captivating performance by The Ballroom Thieves and Griffin Sherry of The Ghost of Paul Revere. A beautiful and underutilized venue that dates all way back to 1911, the intimate room was the perfect setting for these modern-day master songwriters to pour their hearts out.
The Ballroom Thieves performing at Park Theater in Glens Falls, NY 12/7/2022.
Playing his first run of shows since the demise of The Ghost of Paul Revere, Portland, Maine’s Griffin William Sherry surprised both fans and even the venue when he arrived in town with a full backing band of musicians that also included former GOPR drummer Chuck Gage. Sherry joked from the stage how this was more people and more gear than he ever took on the road with his former band while also reassuring the crowd that it is ok to get a little rowdy. “I’m particularly looking at you ladies” he said, while pointing out a table full of much older women. “It’s so good to see you again!” chimed an excited fan from the other side of the room.
Perhaps still grieving the loss of GOPR who played their final show in September, fans were delighted to hear new renditions of some old favorites with “One of These Days” being a clear highlight. Known primarily as an acoustic guitar player, the surprises from Sherry didn’t end there. Using his new solo platform to try new things, longtime fans gasped when he suddenly strapped on a beautiful hollow body guitar and launched into a cover of the classic Pink Floyd song “Fearless.” The ‘electric’ Sherry would also try out several new songs, including “Stephentown” and the hard rocking set closer “Ain’t It Amazing.”
Griffin William Sherry performing at Park Theater in Glens Falls, NY 12/7/2022.
Following a quick pause in the action the lights went dim as the Ballroom Thieves then took their places on stage. Back on the road for the first time in years, the acclaimed neo-americana folk act from Boston were in complete command from the very moment they played their first note. Building up the tension with the hypnotic intro of “Canary,” the Thieves wasted no time in living up to their reputation as one of the most dynamic, energetic and melodic live bands on the independent circuit. Consisting of husband-and-wife duo Martin Earley on guitar and vocals and Calin Peters on electric cello, bass and vocals, the current incarnation is rounded out by John Henry Nolan on guitar and keyboards and drummer Kevin O’Connell (from Rome, NY) who somehow was able to play the show despite suffering a torn meniscus.
The Ballroom Thieves performing at Park Theater in Glens Falls, NY 12/7/2022.
Fresh off the release of their latest studio album, 2022’s Clouds, the band has gone through some tough times these last few years and many of their new songs address that head on. A chronicle of desire and despair, trust and betrayal and the importance of mental health, The Thieves would play the albums opening track “Worldender” next, followed by “In the Morning. “ Trading stunning and lush vocal harmonies, the cozy atmosphere almost made you feel like you were getting your own private show.
Switching back and forth between electric cello and bass guitar, Peter’s voice was both beautiful and haunting. Songs like “Almost Love” and “Do Something” put her squarely in the spotlight and it was easy to see she was reveling in it. Smiling, dancing and leaping about the stage, you couldn’t help but be charmed by her performance. Contradicting upbeat melodies with some darker lyrical content provided a powerful juxtaposition that wasn’t lost on the audience. A great example of this was the Earley sung rendition of “Shadow” which would then go into the brilliantly bluesy number “Anybody Else” from the bands 2017 album Deadeye.
Despite serious lyrics, Calin Peters was all smiles on 12/7/2022.
“Most of the time, we’re usually all about love and understanding, but not on this next one, “Peters’ said. “Picture in your mind someone you hate and when we play this song, we want you to think about them. That is, of course, unless they are in this room right now. If they are, sorry, you can’t play this game with us.” And with that thought in mind, Peter’s then crooned out perhaps the most hauntingly beautiful song of the night called “Woman.”
I was your woman And you left me standing Alone in a world that had not heard me use my voice yet You’re just tired of my noise, I guess Hey, we all make our choices and break our own horses Are you hearing me say all this? This is the last one For you
– “Woman”
Following that up with two more older, tender songs “Pendulum and “Bees,” Martin Early would soak in the moment and candidly address the audience by saying “It’s been a tough couple of years, but we never stopped writing songs and you being here to hear them means more than you’ll ever know. This next one is about coming to terms with a crippling depression.” Providing perhaps the emotional highpoint of the evening, “I Lose” hit you like a ten ton hammer.
The Ballroom Thieves performing at Park Theater in Glens Falls, NY 12/7/2022.
Showcasing their flexibility, both musically and physically, the chemistry between the Ballroom Thieves was undeniable. Interacting like a tight-knit family, even during the “sad” songs each member of the band was clearly engaged, invested, enjoying themselves. At the peak of all Peters and Earley would lock eyes, meet each in the middle of the stage and get so lost in the music that they’d both end with their backs on the floor. Perhaps the loudest cheer of the evening came during their most rocking song, “Fistfight,” rocking duel-guitar attack of the bands hit single “Fistfight.” After wishing guitarist John Henry Nolan’s Aunt Emma a happy birthday, The Ballroom Thieves would close the set with a powerful rendition of “Wolf.”
The Ballroom Thieves laid it all on the line in Glens Falls on 12/7/2022.
These days you almost expect an encore at every show, but in perhaps the best fake out ever, you could hear the collective letdown when the house music came up. Just then as fans starting getting ready to leave, the music and lights suddenly went back down. Returning to the stage with huge smiles and to a huge ovation, The Ballroom Thieves then treated fans to one more surprise by closing the show with a cover of the Donna Lewis song “I Love You Always and Forever.”
A captivating performance from start to finish. From hushed whispers to cathartic screams to synchronized dance moves, the intimate and thought-provoking show felt truly special. Anyone who wasn’t sure about this band going into it walked out of the Park Theater a full fledged believer. Up next, the Ballroom Thieves will take a little time off for the holidays before Early and Peters return to the road for a brief duo tour this winter.
The Ballroom Thieves | December 7, 2022 | Park Theater | Glens Falls, NY Setlist: Canary, Worldender, In The Morning, Almost Love, Do Something, Shadow, Anybody Else, Woman, Pendulum, Bees, I Loose, Fistfight, Wolf Encore: I Love You Always Forever (Donna Lewis cover)
Griffin William Sherry | December 7, 2022 | Park Theater | Glens Falls, NY One of These Days, Stephentown, Me and My Shadow, Fearless (Pink Floyd cover), Ain’t it Amazing
A flocking good time was had in downtown Albany as two of the jam scenes hottest acts – Pigeons Playing Ping Pong and Dogs in a Pile – teamed up for an unforgettable evening of ‘bird-dogging’ at Empire Live on Friday, December 9th. Packing out the venue and lighting up the crowd with a healthy dose of high energy funk, top-shelf improvisation, psychedelic dance grooves and plenty of good old-fashioned shredding, the evening also served as birthday celebration for Dogs’ keyboardist Jeremy Kaplan.
Pigeons Playing Ping Pong performing at Empire Live in Albany (12/9/22)
Flanked in tie dye and smothered in patchouli, fans flocked to the venue early enough to catch the opening act Dogs in a Pile. One of the most talked about up-and-coming bands around, 2022 has been a huge year for the young New Jersey quintet. Consisting of Jimmy Law and Brian Murray on guitars, Sam Lucid on bass, Joe Babick on drums and the Jeremy Kaplan on keys, the exciting group wasted no time showing everyone what all the buzz is about.
Dogs in a Pile performing at Empire Live in Albany (12/9/22)
Launching into the song “Look Johnny” and seamlessly transitioning into “Frosty” and “Fenway” before coming up for air, it was clear the Dogs were determined to make the most of their allotted time. Weaving together a tapestry of colorful sound with an undeniable charisma, Albany fans were then treated to the live debut of “Let U Go.” Rounding out the short, but impressive set was “G Song” followed by “Bent Strange,” but it wouldn’t be the last time we’d see members of the dog pound on stage this night.
The dogs were back in town on 12/9/22
After a brief break in the action, it was finally time for the long-awaited return of Pigeons Playing Ping Pong who had not played in Albany since March of 2019. Now celebrating 15 years as a band and touring in support of their sixth independent full-length album Perspective, some longtime fans could be heard reminiscing about seeing their first P4 show at the significantly smaller Red Square (now the Public Parish House) just down the block back in 2012. One of the most fan-friendly and hardest working bands going, their continued growth and popularity should come as a surprise to no one.
Pigeons Playing Ping Pong performing at Empire Live in Albany (12/9/22)
Taking the stage and genuinely thanking everyone for coming out before even playing a single note, front man ‘Scrambled’ Greg Ormont was all smiles while giving his customary pre-show p-p-p-pep talk. Reassuring everyone that they were in for some serious fun, the party on North Pearl Street kicked off with “Porcupine” from the band’s 2017 album Pizazz. All warmed up and feeling good, things fell into place nicely when “Fall In Place” landed on a surprise Beatles cover of “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” that boasted an absolutely gorgeous guitar solo from ax-man Jeremy Schon and a lengthy “Babe I’m Gonna Leave You” (Led Zeppelin) tease for good measure.
Jeremy Schon of Pigeons Playing Ping Pong performing at Empire Live in Albany (12/9/22)
Now calling on a little help from their friends, it was at this point the band invited “the other Jeremy” out, welcoming Dogs in a Pile keyboardist and the birthday boy himself, Jeremy Kaplan back to the stage to sit on “Sunny Day.” Adding a whole new dynamic to an already funky sound, Kaplan’s contributions were huge here and he seemed like a natural fit, finally answering a question that’s been dogging P4 fans for years: “What would they sound like if they added some keys?” Quite the way to ring in your 24th birthday indeed. Keeping the dance party going strong, the one-two punch of “Move Like That” into “Live It Up” had the crowd worked up into a sweaty frenzy as the band brought the lengthy opening set to a close with “Elephante.”
Jeremy Kaplan sits in with PPPP on his 24th birthday (12/9/22)
Back with more positive vibes, Pigeons started the second frame with “Live Life” before going all in on an “Upfunk” sandwich that featured a jaw dropping drum solo from Alex “Gator” Petropoulos smack dab in the middle. Always clever with their setlists, a bit of an aquatic theme seemed to emerge as “Beneath the Surface” gave way to fan favorite “Poseidon” resulting in one of the biggest peaks of the evening courtesy of Schon’s incendiary shredding.
Ben Carrey of Pigeons Playing Ping Pong keeps it heady in Albany (12/9/22)
Master of disguise and purveyor of cool, bassist Ben Carrey was keeping it heady all night long, but perhaps his bass bombs were never more physically felt than on the next combination of songs, “Twitch” and “Water.” A scorching “High As Five” would bring the second set to a close and leave fans begging for more. Giving it 100 percent max effort and always happy to please “the flock”, Pigeons would take flight one final time, returning for an encore of” Schwanthem” and sending the hot crowd into the cold night with huge feelings of satisfaction. A fantastic evening of live music, song and dance, shared joy and vibe that quite simply downtown Albany hasn’t seen since before the pandemic.
Melting Lights: Pigeons Playing Ping Pong performing at Empire Live (12/9/22)
Up next for the band, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong will head to Harrisburg, PA next weekend for a pair of shows at XL Live before closing out the year with a two-night New Year’s Eve celebration in Pittsburgh with the Magic Beans.
Pigeons Playing Ping Pong | 12-9-2022 | Empire Live | Albany, NY
Set 1: Porcupine, Fall In Place > While My Guitar Gently Weeps* > Sunny Day^, Move Like That > Live It Up, Elephante
Set 2: Live Life > Upfunk > Drums > Upfunk, Beneath The Surface, Poseidon, Twitch > Water, High As Five
Encore: Schwanthem
* w/ “Babe I’m Gonna Leave You” and “25 or 6 to 4” teases ^ w/ Jeremy Kaplan (Dogs In A Pile) on keys
Dogs in a Pile | 12-9-2022 | Empire Live | Albany, NY
Setlist: Look Johnny, Frosty, Fenway, Let U Go*, G Song, Bent Strange *Live Debut
Deer Tick made their long awaited return to the Capital Region on Saturday December 10, playing a near sold out show at Putnam Place in Saratoga Springs. The indie rockers last played the Capital Region in 2018.
Deer Tick, from Providence, Rhode Island was originally born as the solo project of singer John McCauley. McCauley secured the band’s line up early on, adding brothers Dennis (drums) and Christopher (bass). McCauley would later add Ian O’neil (guitar and vocals) and firmly establish the band’s line up that would continue today.
Izzy Heltai kicked off the evening, playing a 35 minute set to an already packed room. Heltai, from nearby Brookline, MA, boasted proudly of previously playing coffee shops in Saratoga Springs. He and his band captivated the audience, performing a blend of mellow indie pop. As the set wound to a close, Heltai’s bandmates left the stage, allowing for one final song, just Heltai and an acoustic guitar.
Izzy Heltai performs at Putnam Place on 12/10
After a brief intermission, Deer Tick took to the stage with a roar of approval from the crowd. From the opening guitar strums of the party anthem “The Bump,” the crowd was fully engaged, belting out lyrics and dancing along. The band dazzled with their Impressive harmonies, with McCauley yielding lead vocals to both O’neil and Dennis Ryan at times. The band’s musical prowess was never more on display then when they performed a cover of the Muddy Waters blues rock classic, “You Shook Me.” McCauley and O’neill traded guitar solos while the Ryan brothers kept pace.
In all, the band would deliver an impressive, nearly two-hour, career spanning set. “Next year will be twenty years of this,” McCauley proclaimed proudly. After exiting the stage briefly, the band would return for a three song encore, to the delight of the audience. The band would end the show with a performance of Ashamed, the opening track on their 2007 debut album War Elephant. “Sing along if you know it,” McCauley asked of the crowd, and he was not left disapointed.
On November 21st, I Prevail brought their True Power tour, named after their latest album, to Buffalo RiverWorks, with Pierce The Veil, and Fit For A King. Stand Atlantic was supposed to be on the bill but due to the lake effect snow that hit Buffalo and other regions, the show was postponed to the 21st from the 20th, and could not make the rescheduled date.
Fit For A King
When heading to the venue, you can see why they had to postpone the show, with snow piles all over the city. At first it was a sold out night, but with the reschedule, more tickets opened up but you would not be able to tell as the line to get in was still long.
Since Stand Atlantic had to step off this show, Fit For A King opened up the show, though while waiting for things to kick off, suddenly out of nowhere, there were multiple balloons being tossed around in the crowd, after a while, you noticed someone from the upper floor, blowing more to toss down, it was some needed entertainment as the doors opened up at its scheduled time but they didn’t move up the timeline so people had to wait longer for the show to start.
Pierce The Veil
Once things kicked off, it was full blast, with Fit For a King slaying it, everything was going well till suddenly the band stopped playing, it wasn’t clear at first what was happening but EMT’s were needed, come to find out someone had a seizure in the crowd. The EMT’s pulled the person from the crowd and the show continued on.
Next to go on stage was Pierce The Veil, who hasn’t had an appearance in the state for a few years now. Again, the show was going great, until people from the crowd were yelling at the band to stop again. This time, it was never clear as to what happened but many people were climbing to get out of the crowd and off to the side, being with a almost sold out show, the floor level was packed, so during the set, it was easier to go to the front. After everyone wanted to get out, the show continued but half a dozen or so people were seen by EMT’s throughout the show. Then on next, last to take the stage, I Prevail. This time, everything seemed to go well with the show not having to stop for medical emergencies.
On December 14, 2002, Phish made their first – and to date – only appearance as the musical guest on NBC’s Saturday Night Live. The band performed two songs and even got involved in one of the sketches. An animated segment also featured the use of their seminal tune “You Enjoy Myself.” Here’s a look back at what transpired on TV 20 years ago today.
The episode was hosted by Al Gore, who just two years and a day removed from conceding the 2000 election. It was a rare instance of a politician hosting SNL, joining Ralph Nader (1977), Jesse Jackson and George McGovern (both in 1984), Steve Forbes (1996), then-NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani (1997), John McCain (2002), Al Sharpton (2003) and Donald Trump (2015).
After a couple political sketches/segments featuring Gore – “Hardball” and “Gore Goes Inside ‘The West Wing,’” Phish joined in the fun with Jimmy Fallon and Horatio Sanz on a semi-popular segment called “Jarret’s Room.” Set at Hamphire College in Amherst, MA, Jarret (Fallon) immediately expressed excitement for having acquired two tickets to Phish’s then-upcoming reunion show at Madison Square Garden on December 31, 2002. Gobi (Sanz) joins in, dressed as Santa (and is that Seth Meyers in a gimp outfit?), as does Gore as their professor Dr. Ralph Wormley Curtis, who is there to address their absence from class.
Another knock at the door reveals the four members of Phish joining in, with Trey Anastasio explaining “We were just driving through on the tour bus, thought we’d stop by, we love the show” but is corrected by Page McConnell that they actually had hit Gobi and came on the show in case he threatened to sue. It then becomes clear that the stoner Gobi mistook Anastasio for Chuck Norris.
Gore’s Dr. Curtis chimes in, regarding his tenure at UVM, giving them the same advice as before, “Get a job you damn dirty hippies.” Phish then agreed to play a song with Jarret and Gobi, who was introduced as Zamfbeer, master of the beer flute. All seven then joined together singing “Contact” for a moment before signing off.
Phish would perform the traditional two songs this evening, starting with the then new (and yet to be performed live in concert), “46 Days” off Round Room which was released just four days prior. Only alloted about four minutes for a song, the straight rocker fit well in the moment and best choice from the album. They would perform “Chalkdust Torture” in the second slot, giving a slightly accelerated take on a classic late-in-the-show performance, and at a record clip of three and a half minutes. (watch below)
The animated portion of the episode titled “TV Funhouse” made prominent use of “You Enjoy Myself” in a spoof of the Charlie Brown Christmas special where waving hands in the air improved everything, including Schroeder playing piano with Pigpen on bass, turning into Phish and segments of “You Enjoy Myself.”
Watch the full of episode of Saturday Night Live with Al Gore and musical guest Phish on Peacock, Internet Archive, or below.
This past Sunday, Dec. 11, Whitney performed at New York City’s Webster Hall, bringing songs off their third album, SPARK, and many others. Expanding their touring lineup from the original two-piece, lead singer and drummer, Julien Ehrlich, and guitarist, Max Kakacek, were joined by a keyboard player, brass section, bass player, and additional drummer, evolving their sound (much like SPARK) and filling the music hall with their resonant melodies and R&B backbeats.
Prior to the night’s headline act, the crowd was welcomed to Boston singer and songwriter Ella Williams, also known Squirrel Flower. She set the tone with songs off her debut album, I Was Born Swimming, and Sophomore album, Planet (i), which released last year.
Whitney began their set with the group’s very first single, “No Matter Where We Go”, followed by Forever Turned Around‘s opener, “Giving Up”. The group seamlessly weaved through both new and old material, providing some with new instrumentals, most notably, “Kansas”, the original version of Forever Turned Around‘s title track.
At one point, towards the end of the show, Julian exclaimed, “this has been the best New York show”, to much enthusiasm from the crowd, who had been singing along and raucously applauding after every song.
On December 10th, 2022 State Champs brought Frozen Fest back to Albany, NY with a packed lineup of pop-punk and alternative rock bands. For 5+ hours, Save Face, Between You & Me, Young Culture, Hunny, and headliner State Champs kept people on the feet and some surfing over the crowd at Empire Live.
State Champs dropped their album, Kings of the New Age, back in February 2022. With the resurgence of pop-punk, the demand to see them live kept many of their fans anxious. A highly anticipated return to the stage was met in back in June at Albany’s first show for their 2022 Alive at 5 series. Then in August, State Champs announced their tour for their album for late fall of this year.
The show opened with gothic rock band Save Face from New Jersey. Lead vocalist, Tyler Povanda, came out a stronger than expected. With the stage illuminated blood red, the entire band in red jump suits, and Povanda’s jerky movements, it gave the feeling more of a death metal concert… at a pop-punk show? Povanda did warm up the crowd eventually and they left with a warm cheer from the crowd.
Save Face, Frozen Fest 12/10/2022, – Photo by Jarron Childs
Between You & Me (BYAM) came all the way from Australia to join State Champs on their Kings of the New Age tour. No introduction was needed as they were an instant hit with the crowd. With a style similar to State Champs, the energy could easily be matched between the two. Their set was a rager from start to finish. Towards the end, vocalist Jake Wilson, and Tyler Povanda matched the energy of the crowd when they dragged their wired mics into the mosh pit seemingly against the advice of security.
Between You & Me Bassist, Frozen Fest 12/10/2022 – Photo by Jarron Childs
Young Culture opened for State champs for their first 7 shows on tour and had to come back home to end the tour. They brought peace, love, and positivity to every single person in the room. Vocalist, Alex Magan, greeted crowd surfers at the barricade with a warm and infectious smile. Though their set was a bit shorter than expected, the energy felt light enough to float on for long after.
Hunny was the last opening act for the night. Along with BYAM, they went the whole tour with State Champs. Hailing from the suburbs just outside of LA, their somewhat mellow indie-rock style flattened out the crowd before the main event. They had turned off the lights for the first half of their set which made you really have to just vibe with the music. Things were turned up towards the end with vocalist Jason Yarger strumming his guitar with his foot and laying on the ground out of pure exhaustion.
Young Culture Vocalist Alex Magan, Frozen Fest 12/10/2022 – Photo by Jarron Childs
State Champs came out strong and did not let up. The crowd kept up with their energy as they sent a heavy stream of crowd surfers to barricade, over hauling the security for the rest of the night. With special guest appearances from Jake Wilson and their tour manager Colin Lorne, they brought out all the stops for their final show of their tour.
Their 22-song setlist was mostly songs from their new album, Kings of the New Age, but also had certified bangers for their real fans including “Secrets,” “Elevated,” and “All You Are is History.” Vocalist Derek “Steez” Discanio and Bassist Ryan Scott Graham interacted well with the crowd, having them dancing and head banging for the whole night.
Ryan Scott Graham of State Champs, Frozen Fest 12/10/2022 – Photo by Jarron Childs
Things were brought pretty low halfway through to do a 3 song acoustic set; including a solo stunt with Discanio strumming “Our Time To Go.” Hearts were clenched, hands were held, and bodies were swaying along as Steez belted his heart out on stage.
The music was turned right back up after, making the last three songs feel like a distant memory. Derek Discanio celebrated 13 years of State Champs by releasing balloons onto the crowd. They played their last 5 songs hard and left to the crowd screaming for one more. They came back out and granted Empire Live with a 2-song encore. First their Christmas song “Ordinary Christmas,” then closed the night with their hit off their album, “Everybody But You.”
Derek Discanio of State Champs, Frozen Fest 12/10/2022 – Photo by Jarron Childs
Steez and State Champs showed so much love to his home crowd and promised to bring another Frozen Fest next year. State Champs has had themselves a year and it looks like they plan to take a break and enjoy Christmas and the New Year.
Save Face Setlist: Sharpen Your Teeth, Bad, Bury Me (Tonight!), Weak, A.M. Gothic, Glitter, Another Kill For The Highlight Reel
Between You & Me Setlist: Butterflies, Supervillain, Overthinking, Goldfish, Go To Hell, Pleased to Meet You, Deadbeat, Dakota
Young Culture Setlist: Not in Love, Hum, Kinda Over It, Party Girl, Whiskey, Drift, Different Now, Holiday in Vegas
Hunny Setlist: JFK, Shy, Halloween, Saturday Night, A Slow Death In Pacific Standard Time, Loser, GHS, Vowels (And the Importance of Being Me), Everything Means Everything To Me, Homesick, Televised, Sports With Strangers, Lula, I’m Not Mad
State Champs Setlist: Just Sound, Mine Is Gold, Eventually, Outta My Head, Criminal, Sundress, Frozen, Elevated, Half Empty, Crying Out Loud, If I’m Lucky, Our Time To Go, Fake it, All You Are Is History, Act Like That, Deadly Conversation, Hurry Up and Wait, Losing Myself, All or Nothing, Breaking Ground, Secrets
State ChampsEncore: Ordinary Christmas, Everybody But You
