On July 19th, August Burns Red graced Rochester with their presence at Anthology during the Through The Thorns tour. On this tour, they were accompanied by Void of Vision, HollowFront, and We Came As Romans. Void of Vision kicked things off with their very enthusiastic front man Jack Bergin. Following them was Hollow Front who formed only a few short years ago.
Hollow Front
And to step up to the stage after them was We Came As Romans, a band that has been around since 2005 and has been through many member changes. As their set went on, the front man, Dave Stephens was definitely not one to stay still as he went from one side of the stage to other and at one point, stepped off the stage to the barrier in front of the crowd.Â
August Burns Red
Then finally we have the heavy hitter, August Burns Red. As everyone was waiting for them to take the stage, a very popular song was playing, “Chop Suey” by System Of A Down, which isn’t uncommon since they play a variety of songs in between bands but this was in fact, August Burns Red intro song as not long ago they released it as a cover. From the first song, to the last, their performance seemed flawless and on top of that, everyone was treated to a light show. To close out the night, one song they typically save for last is “White Washed,” which is one heck of a banger and is a perfect one to end the show.
On Thursday, August 4, an electric and explosive night to remember, ROT$ Worldwide, Inc. hosted their very own INTERN$ 22 RAGER underground artist showcase in Manhattan. These individuals, all relatively young, received the opportunity to present their artistry to one of the most musically creative and diverse cities in the world.
Photo Credit: Courtney Griffin
According to Tiffany Swiney, Cofounder of ROT$ Worldwide, Inc., a communications agency with a focus on creative thinking free from socio-economic barriers, the company’s five summer interns brainstormed on a collective project, which in the end became the INTERN$ 22 RAGER event. Their challenge was to fulfill the behind-the-scenes tasks in preparation for the showcase. More specifically, the given instructions were to find a venue and several underground upcoming artists. After intense research, the location chosen was 404 Broadway New York, NY and those selected to perform were Arson, INDiGO, NuuDetta!, Fasquiat, Tenahoni, Hendo, Ka$hKenni, Vas, SANDWCH BOI, Daytona Levell, and Slick2x, along with a few others who were guests on different sets.
ROT$ is all about bringing young NYC creatives together in a safe space to sharpen their skills. It was so great to see everyone working together to hype the performers, get their content in, network, and to just be free.
Tiffany Swiney
Arson, one of the performers of the night and the show’s MC, shed light on how the theme came to be. What worked best for everyone was “nightclub rager,” a show with music to last a lifetime. According to Arson, the main genres of the night were rap, emo, trap, and alternative. The intention of this event was to show the diversity of and bring back the great energy from the NYC underground artist scene. After three weeks of preparation for the show, each performer developed an unwavering supportive family bond with one another.
Photo Credit: Courtney Griffin
Although this was Arson’s first opportunity as an MC, the sky was the limit, as she so effortlessly captivated the crowd with her magnetic energy. Her brand began in a middle school parent-teacher conference, in which she was told she has a fire in her. The name Arson began to encapsulate who she is, as she grew up more secure and self-confident. Regardless of Thursday being her second musical performance, her fiery stage presence left her audience in awe.
Photo Credit: Courtney Griffin
I’m in love with who I was because she bled and fought for me today. I try to inspire as many people as I can and lend a warm safe space for people wherever I go. I have high energy, a fire burning bright in my soul and I feel like it comes out in my music. I will always be Elizabeth, but I’m also Arson.
Arson
Similarly to Arson, melodic, trap, and plugg rapper Ka$hKenni discovered their name as a result of their past. Since they were younger, their luck of finding random amounts of cash has yet to cease. Considering Ka$hKenni is perceived to be high class as well, they thought money should be incorporated into their rap name, with the meaning of luck and good fortune.
Ka$hKenni has been creating music for almost two years now, with her first performance at the INTERN$ 22 RAGER event. Ka$hKenni’s favorite song to perform on Thursday was “Find Me,” because of how suspenseful and intriguing the buildup of the 808s are. Nonetheless, it holds a special place in their heart because it was produced with their brother. After discovering the beat for the song, Ka$hKenni was not too fond of it at first, but their brother encouraged them to record to it, in case of a change of heart.
Photo Credit: Courtney Griffin
I didn’t know what kind of flow I wanted to have over the track, and I was stuck. I started thinking more and writing and that’s when I got the hang of it. It reminds me of something old Chief Keef would hop on and that inspired me to keep writing. I wanted the chorus to be very simple and I wanted to sing a little and that’s exactly what I did. We made that song in less than 30 minutes. The next day we played it on the speaker, and we honestly were shocked. I couldn’t believe I could make something like that. I played it for my friends and my brother played it for his and they couldn’t believe we made such a hit.
Ka$hKenni
Sometimes people have to step outside of their comfort zone to reach a new level in their life, and Ka$hKenni is a prime example of this. Ultimately, they want to be remembered as the one who never gave up.
Although the last to showcase their music, Slick2x’s artistry was nothing less than emotional, powerful, and moving. He said music means everything to him, which was undoubtedly noticeable. His performance is yet another step in the right direction, towards success and fulfilling the promise he made to his brother to always follow his dreams three days before his passing.
Photo credit: Courtney Griffin
Every artist has a different journey and personal motivation for fulfilling their music dreams. For Daytona Levell, developing as an artist was a challenge. Nonetheless, nothing deterred him from moving forward and pushing himself against all odds, even 100 to 1.
Photo Credit: Courtney Griffin
I have had a tough journey and at one point did not know what my image and brand should be. However, I decided to do what I love, and it came natural to me.
Daytona Levell
Artist, actor, and creative visionary SANDWCH BOI, chose his name as a joke in high school, during a rap battle and held onto it ever since. His artistry and persona differ exponentially from the average person, which is why his rap name falls under the same concept.
Even though Thursday night was SANDWCH BOI’s first time performing his own music, he’s been grasping his audience since 10-years-old, as an actor within the theater community. Therefore, his self-confidence only grew as the INTERN$ 22 RAGER event neared, especially with the support of his brother and friends, of whom the majority are fellow creatives.
Photo Credit: Courtney Griffin
I had time to watch my friends grow in their craft and when it was my time to shine, they were nothing but supportive. We were just feeding off of each other’s energy it was amazing.
SANDWCH BOI
Out of SANDWCH BOI’s discography, “Saturn” was his favorite to perform at the showcase because of its amped up energy that gets the crowd jumping. Interestingly enough, “Saturn” is a freestyle that was made in just one take, a skill that usually takes years to master, because of how raw it is.
Photo Credit: Courtney Griffin
Considering how his performance created a shift in the night, with multiple mosh pits, everyone’s full attention and endless smiles to go around the room, SANDWCH BOI’s wish to have people “remember seeing this dude in an orange mask going crazy and turning the whole spot up” will undeniably be granted.
INTERN$ 22 RAGER will forever be a night of great nostalgia and euphoria for everyone in attendance, especially for the performers. This was an unforgettable learning experience for the artists involved and will help each one of them grow not only within their craft, but with their audience as well. August 4th, 2022 will forever be a raging night full of immeasurable vibes and timeless music.
Charismatic Connecticut improv rockers Eggy made a memorable debut in Woodstock on Friday, August 5th. Billed as the first ever ‘Midnight Scramble’ at the legendary Levon Helm Studios, the intimate and acoustically ideal venue provided the perfect space to serve up a verified barn burner. Featuring both an acoustic set and an electric set and surrounded by relatives and longtime friends, the entire evening had a true family affair feel and surprises no one saw coming.
Eggy kicked off their inaugural ‘Midnight Scramble’ with an acoustic set at Levon Helm Studios (8/5/22)
Eggy, comprised of guitarist and vocalist Jake Brownstein, keyboardist Dani Battat, bassist Michael Goodman and drummer Alex Bailey, take their name in loving memory of their late friend, Edward “Eggy” Torrence. Always in their thoughts, the emotional evening in Woodstock took place the same weekend as the five year anniversary of his passing. The significance not lost on the band, prior to the show members of Eggy let it be known via social media just how much playing the historic venue means to them. ‘The Midnight Scramble’ of course, is their way of paying homage to the legendary ‘Midnight Ramble” events that have taken place on the same property since even before Levon Helm‘s passing in 2012. Widely considered sacred musical ground, Brownstein revealed his first road trip after getting his driver’s license was to “The Barn” and the opportunity to grace the same stage was undoubtedly a milestone for the band.
Eggy’s Jake Brownstein and Alex Bailey sing their hearts out at The Barn (8/5/22)
Opting to play the show using Levon’s beautiful red drum kit, the acoustic portion of the evening began with “All The Way Down (Shadow Pt. 2)” and the momentum would continue to build through “Zugzwang” before entering the centerpiece of the set; “Finding and Losing.” From there fans were treated to the first cover of the night, the Jackson Browne penned “These Days,” which flowed directly into the song “Fragments.”
Keeping with the sentimental vibe, “Island Afterlife” was played next before keyboardist Dani Battat candidly addressed the audience. Showing his genuine appreciation for everyone who came out to the first ever ‘Scramble, Battat acknowledged the significance of this venue, the weekend as a whole and the somber anniversary of Edward “Eggy” Torrance’s passing. A heartfelt rendition of “Watercolor Days” was then played in his honor and brought the potent opening set to a proper close.
Scramble on: A surprise sit-in from Rusted Root’s Michael Glabicki and Ben Atkind of Goose was the highlight of the night (8/5/22)
After a brief intermission, Battat would do his part to wrangle in the stragglers still socializing outside with an extended keyboard solo dubbed “The Genetic Method” which segued beautifully into the intro of our second cover of the night, The Band’s “Chest Fever” which would also be teased throughout the rest of the set. Just down the road from Bearsville, a newer Americana-tinged tune called “Backyard Bear” came next and was followed by a spirited version of the song “Shadow.”
From there came the biggest surprise of the night when Eggy invited a few friends to join them; Michael Glabicki (guitar/vocals) of Rusted Root and Ben Atkind (drums) of Goose. Launching into a cover of Rusted Root’s 1994 smash hit “Send Me On My Way,” the excitement in the room was palpable. The look on each member of Eggy’s face radiating with pure joy, contagious and exhilarating to everyone on stage and in the crowd, if this musical moment didn’t give you chills you may need to consult a doctor.
Striking while the audience was hot, Eggy then rolled out their hardest rocking song of the night, a rare bowling themed tune called “12 Pounds of Pain.” With its infectious and easily identifiable riffage, the band not only took it for a funked-out walk, but also managed to weave in reprise teases of “Chest Fever” and “Send Me On My Way” to bring the exhilarating electric set full circle and leave the audience howling for encore. Happy to scramble on a little longer Eggy invited members of the opening act, the sensational Brad Goodall Trio, along with Goose drummer Ben Atkind, back out for an absolutely joyous cover-of-a-cover of “Don’t Do It.” Originally performed by Marvin Gaye and later made famous by Levon and The Band, the song served as both a fitting tribute and a perfect way to bring the inaugural “Midnight Scramble” to a close.
Check out pro-shot video of Eggy performing “Send Me On My Way” with Rusted Root’s Michael Glabicki and Goose’s Ben Atkind
Feeling inspired and riding the wave momentum, the band plans to enter a recording studio later this week. Along with major festivals like Resonance and Hulaween on their horizon, Eggy have also announced their first ever full headlining tour this Fall. With dates that include stops in Brooklyn, Albany, Syracuse and Buffalo, New Yorkers will soon have plenty of chances to see why this Connecticut quartet is rapidly becoming one of improv music’s most impressive and talked about acts.
For a full list of upcoming Eggy tour dates, see below. For ticketing details, head to the band’s website.
Eggy – “The Midnight Scramble” – Levon Helm Studios — Woodstock – August 5th, 2022
Set 1: All The Way Down (Shadow Pt. 2), Zugzwang, Finding and Losing, These Days[1] > Fragments, Island Afterlife, Watercolor Days[2]
Set 2: The Genetic Method[3] -> Chest Fever[4] > Backyard Bear, Shadow[5] , Send Me On My Way[6] , 12 Pounds of Pain[7] -> Send Me On My Way[8] -> 12 Pounds of Pain
Encore: Don’t Do It[9]
[1] Jackson Browne cover [2] Dedicated to Edward “Eggy” Torrence [3] FTP, The Band, Dani only. The rest of the band joined after for Chest Fever. [4] FTP, The Band cover [5] With Chest Fever (The Band) teases [6] FTP, Rusted Root cover, with Michael Glabicki on guitar and lead vocals, and Ben Atkind on percussion [7] With Finding and Losing teases [8] Rusted Root cover, With Chest Fever (The Band) teases [9] With Brad Goodall on piano, Rodney Elkins on drums and lead vocals, Craig Burletic on vocals, and Ben Atkind on cowbell. Alex on tambourine and vocals
For more photos from Eggy’s inaugural Midnight Scramble, check out the gallery below courtesy of NYS Music Photographer Zak Radick.
New York is already experiencing record breaking temps this summer, but that didn’t stop Gov’t Mule from bringing more heat by playing two fire sets at The Paramount in Huntington, Long Island on Sunday, August 7th. The band, led by guitar legend Warren Haynes, is currently in the middle of a tour that will conclude in January of 2023 with Island Exodus 13 in Jamaica. They will also be doing their New Years run at the Beacon Theatre in New York City on December 30th and 31st.
The August 7th show at The Paramount also paid tribute in the form of covers to greats such as Tom Waits, Elton John and of course The Allman Brothers Band. Set one started with “Traveling Tune” as well as other Mule classics such as “Game Face” with an added “Mountain Jam” interlude, and and a cover of Tom Waits “Make it Rain.” The quartet which also features Jorgen Carlsson on bass, Danny Louis on keys and Matt Abts on drums sounded phenomenal as they ended set one with another Allman Brothers cover “Kind of Bird.”
After a short break, the boys returned to the stage to start the second set with an Elmore James cover of “Blues Before Sunrise” which is also featured on their latest album Heavy Load Blues. Other highlights of set two included an Elton John cover of “Have Mercy on the Criminal” and “Birth of the Mule” which is off of their 1998 album Dose. They also snuck in a little Jimi Hendrix “If 6 Was 9” in the middle of “Larger Than Life” which was also on the 1998 album Dose. They concluded the second set with “Thorazine Shuffle”, yet another song of of their second album Dose.
The encore paid tribute to Jerry Garcia and The Grateful Dead by interjecting “The Other One Jam” in the middle of “Fallen Down” from their 2000 album Life Before Insanity. You can see all of the remaining Gov’t Mule tour dates here.
Setlist: Traveling Tune, Blind Man in the Dark, Steppin’ Lightly, Game Face / Mountain Jam / Game Face, Make It Rain (Tom Waits cover), Come and Go Blues (Allman Brothers cover), Which Way Do We Run, Kind of Bird (Allman Brother Band cover), Blues Before Sunrise (Elmore James cover), I Asked For Water, (She Gave Me Gasoline)(Howlin Wolf Cover), Have Mercy on the Criminal (Elton John cover), Birth of the Mule, Monkey Hill, Stone Cold Rage, Larger Than Life / If 6 Was 9 / Larger Than Life, Thorazine Shuffle
Encore: Fallen Down / The Other One Jam / Fallen Down
After three successful shows here last year, Phish and its summer tour returned to Atlantic City over the weekend of August 5-7. Night one of the three-show run went off without a hitch, with a setlist full of classic tunes mixed with newer jam vehicles. With the stage set up right between the legendary Atlantic City Boardwalk and the ocean itself, each set, and even the encore, had some decidedly shore-like vibes.
The night began with the venerable “Chalkdust Torture” in the opening spot, with its customary high-energy thrust to get things started. A sudden shift to “Wilson” followed, eliciting cries of the same from beach folk throughout. Things then got decidedly funky with the next clean segue into the all-too-appropriate “Sand,” with Mike Gordon leading the rhythmic charge on bass. The opening set also featured a moody “Theme From The Bottom” with its aquatic undertones only adding to an already picturesque setting.
The first set’s closing sequence was one to behold, starting with a “Sigma Oasis” that yielded a mesmerizing jam that saw the song get stretched out further than it ever has before. Eventually, the familiar opening chords to “Cities” took form and Phish launched into this always welcome cover song. The set then came to a close with a brief but euphoric “More.”
The second set saw the jam button still very much in the “on” position, with stalwarts like “Soul Planet,” with its ocean-filled lyrics, and “Down With Disease” prominently involved. And nestled in between the start and finish of “Disease” was the aptly-titled “Ruby Waves.” This newer addition to the Phish catalog, pulled from guitarist’s Trey Anastasio’s ever-expanding solo material, continues to explore new roads and push boundaries of live improvisation.
The second set came to a close with a pairing of Phish heavy hitters. “Story Of The Ghost” featured its traditional roundhouse punch of rock, this time with some serious “No Quarter” teases thrown in for good measure. “Harry Hood” then tied a bow on the set, with a brilliant jam that patiently built to an especially joyous peak. A “Sleeping Monkey” that certainly “took it on down the shore” served as a more than fitting encore selection before a surprising, but explosive, “Free” served as one last final jam to whet the collective appetite for what’s sure to be another two nights of incredible music.
Phish Atlantic City Beach – Atlantic City, NJ 8/5/22
Set 1: Chalkdust Torture->Wilson > Sand > Plasma, Theme From The Bottom > Back On The Train, Sigma Oasis->Cities > More
Set 2: Axilla (Part II) > Soul Planet >Down With Disease > Ruby Waves > Down With Disease> Ghost> Harry Hood
Encore: Sleeping Monkey > Free
Soul Planet contained a tease of Dave’s Energy Guide from Trey and a tease of Dog Log from Mike. Trey teased Midnight Rider in the first Down with Disease and No Quarter in Ghost. Shipwreck was quoted in Sleeping Monkey. Mike teased Dave’s Energy Guide in Free.
Saturday night’s show in Atlantic City may not have had as many aquatic themes as its predecessor, but the jams continued to be rich and plentiful. The opening set began in fairly tame fashion with a straightforward “46 Days” that steered right into “The Moma Dance” in its familiar two-spot in the lineup. “Olivia’s Pool,” aka “Shafty” before “Shafty,” then made another rare appearance, only the third one since being revived at Alpine Valley in 2019 after a near 22-year shelving.
A first set “Bathtub Gin” finally offered some of the first real intensive jams of the evening, with Page McConnell throwing down vigorously on both the baby grand and electric pianos. Fittingly, Phish then dusted off another number, this time it was Page’s “Heavy Rotation” from his self-titled 2007 album. It was the first one performed in more than seven years and only the second one ever. And instead of ending the first set in typical fashion, Phish tacked on a rip roaring cover of David Bowie’s “Moonage Daydream,” with Trey Anastasio unleashing a bevvy of musical peaks with his soloing efforts.
Saturday’s second set started with some Atlantic City fireworks in the background and maintained that explosive demeanor throughout, starting with a set opening “No Men In No Man’s Land.” The ensuing jam then progressed into a “Tweezer” that almost felt expected at that point, with the second set staple offering another ample platform for improv. Another second set favorite in “Simple” was played to perfection and later transitioned into a “Backwards Down The Number Line” that had the entire beach kicking up sand in various directions.
The set then closed with another pairing of Phish classics. “Golgi Apparatus” featured a stretched out and somewhat different ending, showing the band continue to rework songs that have long been established. “Slave To The Traffic Light” then brought another complete second set to an end before an encore of “A Life Beyond The Dream” > “Tweezer Reprise,” ironically the same exact encore of last year’s middle night, sent everyone on their way along the Atlantic City Boardwalk.
Phish Atlantic City Beach – Atlantic City, NJ 8/6/22
Set 1: 46 Days > The Moma Dance, Olivia’s Pool > My Soul, 555 > NICU > Bathtub Gin, Heavy Rotation > Character Zero, Moonage Daydream
Set 2: No Men In No Man’s Land > Tweezer, Set Your Soul Free > Simple > Backwards Down The Number Line > Golgi Apparatus > Slave To The Traffic Light
Encore: A Life Beyond The Dream, Tweezer Reprise
Trey teased Norwegian Wood in 555. Heavy Rotation was performed for the first time since July 22, 2015 (253 shows). Trey teased Under Pressure in Simple. During the soundcheck, Beth was briefly sung by Trey and Knuckle Bone Broth Avenue contained Shipwreck quotes as well as If I Only Had A Brain teases from Trey and Mike.
With one night left to play, Phish treated Atlantic City to a customarily thorough and enjoyable Sunday show. “Wolfman’s Brother” kicked things off, the first time its done so for a show since 2016, and the band instantly got locked back in with another groove-centric jam. This carried right over in the “Tube” that followed and wasted no time finding a path all its own courtesy of a jam that changed both keys and moods. An opening set “Fluffhead” was well received as Phish navigated their way through this vintage tune with relative ease. “Gumbo” found a nice home towards the end of the set which came to a rousing finish thanks to “Carini” and another breakneck jam created in its wake.
The band found no reason to stray far from the classics in the second set, made evident with a traditional “Mike’s Groove” sequence that got everything started. A breath of “new” air was inserted with “A Wave Of New Hope” with this addition continuing to impress by producing one monstrous jam after another. A flawless “You Enjoy Myself” then followed, with yet another “second” jam following the vocal one, another sign of Phish continuing to tinker with the classics. An encore pairing of “Wading In the Velvet Sea” and “First Tube,” replete with Anastasio guitar theatrics, then closed out the second, and hopefully not the last, run for Phish on the beach of Atlantic City.
Phish Atlantic City Beach – Atlantic City, NJ 8/7/22
Set 1: Wolfman’s Brother, Tube, Mountains In The Mist, Ocelot > Fluffhead, Mecury > Gumbo > Carini
Set 2: Mike’s Song > I Am Hydrogen > Weekapaug Groove, A Wave Of New Hope > You Enjoy Myself > Suzy Greenbeg
Phish played the Blossom Music Center in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio on August 2, following a night off after a fantastic run in Maryland. The Blossom Music Center is a special place, a beautiful wooden, wedge-like structure nestled in the forests of Ohio. If you are from New York, I would highly recommend you make the trip if you have not yet, it’s certainly up there with the best sheds around. This was my first time there, but it certainly won’t be my last.
The band started the night off with a nice acapella version of “Strawberry Fields Forever,” which they played for only the second time. “Crowd Control” was up next, and then a mid-set “Punch You In The Eye.” After this was a short “46 Days” before delighting the crowd with a “You Enjoy Myself.” They did a short vocal jam before dropping back into another second “YEM” jam, which the crowd ate up. Keeping the funk going, was a short “Tube” before slowing things down with a “Shade.” A gorgeous “Reba” was a perfect soundtrack to the color leaking from the sunset sky. They wrapped the set up with the staple set closer of “Cavern.”
Phish has really been feeling “Free” this summer, and they opened up the second set with a monster 25-minute version. “Esther” was next, which they unfortunately struggled through due to Trey’s guitar being out of tune. “Blaze On” followed, the jam was on the shorter side, and then Trey started off “Scents and Subtle Sounds.” As they worked their way through the composition, the sound twice completely cut out for a few seconds. The band played through it and either didn’t notice or they tried to make it up with what was probably the jam of the night. This version was heavy on the dark funk, with a gorgeous ambient outro. Maybe it was a nod to the night being the 19th anniversary of the IT music festival from 2003, which was the band at their peak in ambient jamming, but probably not. A short but sweet “2001” got the whole place dancing, before a wild and beautifully cacophonous “Split Open and Melt” had some in the crowd staring at the stage in awe.
It was amusing to see the confusion and then elation as the Page started up “Bathtub Gin” for the encore. Even though the band was a little bit short on time, they were able to cut out the fat and immediately get right to the good stuff as the jam matured into a some very opulent themes and textures before wrapping up the night.
Phish Blossom Music Center – Cuyahoga Falls , OH 8/2/22
Soundcheck: Funky Bitch, My Soul, Crowd Control (this soundcheck is possibly incomplete)
Set 1: Strawberry Fields Forever, Crowd Control, Punch You in the Eye > 46 Days > You Enjoy Myself, Tube > Shade, Reba, Cavern
Set 2: Free > Esther > Blaze On > Scents and Subtle Sounds > Also Sprach Zarathustra > Split Open and Melt
Encore: Bathtub Gin
Strawberry Fields Forever was performed for the first time since July 22, 2017 (168 shows). Fish quoted Strawberry Fields Forever in the YEM vocal jam and in the jam that followed. Trey teased Also Sprach Zarathustra at the end of Gin.
Saturday August 6th, brought Canadian rock band The Trews to Youngstown NY. They headlined the “Village Music Festival” which featured 11 bands in total. The weather made it a great day to enjoy live music outside at veterans park. There were food vendors, drinks, and local crafts for sale as well. A list of all the bands that played were as follows: Scott Celani, Moon Dogg, Phroendly Phoes, Dave Thurman, Tonemah, Busted in Eden, Rick Zachary, No Vacancy, Grub, Element and The Trews.
Band – “Element”
The Trews are a Canadian rock band from Antigonish, Nova Scotia, consisting of vocalist Colin MacDonald, guitarist John-Angus MacDonald, bassist Jack Syperek, and drummer Chris Gormley. The band is currently based in Hamilton, Ontario. From their formation in 1997 to 2016, The Trews were among the top 150 best-selling Canadian artists in Canada and among the top 40 selling Canadian bands in Canada.
Bass drum head
When The Trews took the stage, there were some technically problems with the sound. The PA was not turned on for the first two songs. But once that was fixed and the feedback issue they had fixed, the fans started to enjoy the music. The band handled any issues professionally and continued on with the show. There was a VIP section closer to the stage and a general admission section behind that. It was mostly filled with fans singing every word and drinking a cold beer.
The Trews guitarist
The Trews played for about an hour and a half as the sun was setting. The fanbase was a mix from old to the very young. This music festival is a yearly event in Youngstown NY and seemed to be a success this year. The setlist was as follows: “Permission”, “Not Ready to Go”, “So She’s Leaving”, “Can’t Afford to Be Lonely”, “Paranoid Freak”, “Hope & Ruin”, “I Wanna Play”, “Enemy”, “Highway of Heroes”, “God Speed Rebel”, “Can’t Stop Laughing”, “Poor Ol Broken Hearted Me”, “Tired of Waiting”, “Hold Me in Your Arms”.
Sunday, August 7, will go down in history as a euphoric night for the thousands of fans that saw Kendrick Lamar’s artistry at the UBS Arena. Although, The Big Steppers Tour has gone viral since last month, no one was prepared for the show they were about to experience.
photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Back in May, Lamar released his fifth studio album, Mr. Morale and The Big Steppers after five years, and according to his fans it was worth the wait. Therefore, when he announced his tour, it was a no brainer for thousands to see his masterpiece live.
To describe it as amazing is an understatement, when today a good percentage of mainstream rap music has become an outlet for hit singles and TikTok trends, rather than complete works of art. However, Lamar is far from a one hit wonder, and if anyone was uncertain of his creative skills, his latest album and tour undoubtedly proved otherwise.
photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Baby Keem, fellow rapper, who’s album charted at #5 on Billboard 200, performed a few of his hit songs including “Range Brothers” featuring Lamar, along with “16”, before passing the torch onto one of the most legendary rappers of all time. Lamar immediately started out strong leaving the crowd in awe, within the first 10 seconds.
Not only did Lamar perform songs from Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers like “N95”, “Count Me Out”, “Savior” and more, but other selections from his discography as well, including “Money Trees”, “Loyalty”, and” “m.A.A.d city”.
photo by Lucas Kurzweil
If anyone could have started August with such a bang, regardless of performing three nights in a row, it would be the one and only Kendrick Lamar. In addition to his iconic artistry seen through his effortless flow, unbelievable lyricism, and unmatched connection with his audience, Lamar along with his team’s choreography was nothing less than stellar. The unification in their dancing, as well as the incomparable acting captivated the audience, making it crystal clear that this was more than just a music show.
The hidden messages and subtle references Lamar made were only a fraction of what led this show to be such a dynamic experience. His creativity was otherworldly, as he displayed the arrows in his back, which represents his healing process during his darkest days, of carrying the pain he was not only baring from his own trials and tribulations, but of those he loves as well. Lamar even made being administered a COVID test mid-performance look undeniably astounding. Furthermore, his puppet act, which went perfectly with his choice of clothing that resembled a ventriloquist, gave the audience an essential point of view into the life of Lamar, as if he was looking into his own eyes. His fans could finally fully experience the true emotion of his album right alongside him.
Ultimately, Kendrick Lamar knew his tour had to make up for his time away from his loyal fans and he of course without question delivered a show to remember. If they did not know before, fans now understand why Lamar takes his time with his high-quality music. Therefore, next time around more will patiently wait since they know he will only produce some of the greatest gems ever in rap history.
With tears in their eyes, hands in the air, and feet leaving the ground jump by jump, Lamar’s fans were left starstruck from the very first second to the very last.
Setlist: United in Grief, N95, ELEMENT., Worldwide Steppers, Backseat Freestyle, Rich Spirit, HUMBLE., Father Time, m.A.A.d city, We Cry Together (Snippet), Purple Hearts, King Kunta, Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe (Remix), Die Hard, LUST.(Snippet), DNA., Count Me Out, Money Trees, LOVE., Alright, Mirror, LOYALTY., Silent Hill, family ties (Baby Keem cover) (with Baby Keem), Crown, Mr. Morale (with Tanna Leone), Savior
The identical twin brothers, Walter and Wagner Caldas of B2Wins headlined at Kopernik Park in Downtown Utica on Monday, July 11. The show was a Levitt Amp Utica Music Series segment funded by the Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation. In association with the humid weather, the B2Wins duo performed a fiery set bringing most in the crowd to their feet.
Far from a traditional band, B2Wins consists of Walter, who sings and plays the violin, and Wagner, who plays the ukulele and runs the soundboard. They have a unique style of music, ranging from hip-hop and reggae to classical and jazz. Previously, the Caldas twins resided in the slums of Brazil and then moved to America without knowing English. Never letting fear get in the way, they remained optimistic while battling to commence in the music industry before headlining shows themselves. They planted Brazillian roots in Utica before their next stop in Des Moines.
B2Wins began the set with warm, soft-to-the-ear classical music. Astonishing the crowd, they effortlessly covered popular songs by Bon Jovi, Louis Armstrong, Dua Lipa, and more. The crowd appeared blissful and danced throughout the entire set, despite the hot temperature. The brothers interacted with the audience through motivational speaking on behalf of culture and self-pride and encouraged everyone to get out of their seats to dance.
Closing the show, Wagner and Walter walked around the fence separating the stage from the crowd to perform. Eyes followed as they stood back to back, playing the ukulele and violin energetically while singing.
There’s been quite a buzz surrounding the Buffalo-based rock/jam quintet eberwine lately, seemingly out of nowhere. The band’s name has been popping up all around social media and summer festivals across the Empire State asking the question, “Who the heck is eberwine?” So who is eberwine? They’re the next band you need to see live.
The five-piece headed out this past weekend to honor the music of the Grateful Dead and Phish with a DeadPhish weekend that made stops at the Riverboat Bar in Alexandria Bay, Putnam Place in Saratoga Springs, and Flour City Station in Rochester. Each night, eberwine played one set of original material and one set of DeadPhish. Each show seeped in its own distinct vibe including a noted variation with the cover set setlist.
Post covid, the jam scene feels different. Fans are looking for something new and different. Enter eberwine. While people in the Buffalo jam scene have known about the band’s lead guitarist and frontman Todd Eberwine for years, eberwine may just be Western New York’s best-kept secret. And this weekend was their coming out party.
The band’s original material is rooted in rock and blues, but hidden among this traditional music lineage are hints of 90’s alternative rock greats like Pearl Jam and Smashing Pumpkins. You can hear the influence of jam scene greats like the Dead or Phish, but eberwine doesn’t imitate. There’s a great sense of familiarity with the band’s original material; it sounds like everything you know but is unlike anything you’ve heard before. Even the band’s covers are unique. Eberwine isn’t trying to play like Jerry or Trey. His style floats in fluidity between dark, edgy intensity and moments of brightness and sheer joy. At times, he appears to be in a trance, as if the notes are coming from a place that only he can see. He’s captivating to watch.
And while the band carries Eberwine’s namesake (with obvious reason), the rest of the band’s personnel are equal contributors to the band’s live show. Bassist Pablo Zabrycki and drummer Jay Race add a deep, steady foundation that’s critical to the band’s groove and rhythmic sound. Guitarist and vocalist Aaron Ziolkowski creates layers of subtle harmonies with Eberwine on all accounts. For this three-day run, keyboardist Scott Molloy filled in for the band’s primary keyboard player who wasn’t able to play the shows due to other commitments. But you wouldn’t have known that by seeing any of the three shows. Molloy’s contributions were thoughtful in placement and flow. eberwine may be a “new band”, but these five are highly experienced, players who thrive in moments of improvisation. Like they’re social media accounts claim, they are in fact a “ROCK band that JAMS.”
