Category: Show Reviews

Jake Scott Performs at MHOW for First New York Headline Show
On January 25th, 2022, Jake Scott performed his first headline New York show at the Music Hall of Williamsburg and he did not disappoint. Opener Josie Dunne, was accompanied by Will Honaker. Born and raised near Chicago, Josie always gravitated towards music, starting with YouTube videos and eventually signing with Atlantic Records while just in high school. Now 23 years old, her energy is contagious and she knows how to own a stage.

Singing, playing the keyboard, and even the trumpet, she got the audience jumping up and down. Her one goal of the night? For the audience to remember her name. After almost every song, she would ask the audience, “what’s my name?” and the audience screamed it right back, “JOSIE DUNNE.” She interacted with the audience on both ends of the stage and put on a great show. Her voice was absolutely beautiful as well.
- photo by Ambika Verma
- photo by Ambika Verma
- photo by Ambika Verma
- photo by Ambika Verma
- photo by Ambika Verma
After another 30 minutes, Jake Scott took the stage, opening up with one his most popular songs, “Like No One Does.” Song after song, the audience sang loudly with him. Josie Dunne even came back to join Jake in singing “CWJBHN.”

photo by Ambika Verma

After about an hour and 15 minutes on stage, Jake left the stage and then came back for an encore with two final songs, “Tuesday” and “Favorite T-Shirt.” It was a great headline show and many fans eagerly waiting for Jake to return next.

Josie Dunn Setlist: Theme, Love, Sorry, Ugly, Dancing Queen/Same, Santa Cruz, Dumb, Strangers, Sunday Morning, Cooped Up

Jake Scott Setlist: Like No One Does, Overthinking, We Haven’t Looked at Our Phones, I Don’t Miss You, Otherwise, I Don’t Want to Be Friends, Lie, Working for You, Yours, Goldenboy, CWJBHN, Like This, Anymore, Meet my Shadow, Off, She,

Encore: Tuesdays, Favorite T-Shirt
- photo by Ambika Verma
- photo by Ambika Verma
- photo by Ambika Verma
- photo by Ambika Verma
- photo by Ambika Verma
- photo by Ambika Verma
- photo by Ambika Verma
- photo by Ambika Verma
- photo by Ambika Verma
January 28, 2022
The Wombats Fix Themselves at Terminal 5 Before Stop In Albany
Liverpool born indie rock veterans The Wombats made their way to Terminal 5 on Tuesday, January 25th, in support of their fifth studio LP Fix Yourself, Not The World. The record, released just two weeks ago, is the band’s first effort on AWAL Records after four straight releases on 14th Floor Records. Check out the video for the single “If You Ever Leave, I’m Coming With You” and our photos from the show at Terminal 5 below.

The Wombats at Terminal 5, 1/25/22. Photo by Buscar Photo

Fix Yourself, Not The World as a sentiment could not be any more true today. The Wombats took several opportunities at Terminal 5 to talk about what it has meant to finally be on the road supporting the new record and to be engaging with fans again. We have no real control over existential events in the world, but those events give us the opportunity to better ourselves and make the most of the situation. This theme is omnipresent on the record and also in the atmosphere at concerts across New York.

The Wombats “If You Ever Lave, I’m Coming With You” via YouTube

The Wombats next show on the tour is this Friday, January 28th, at Empire Live in Albany. After that the band will travel across the Midwest and West Coast before a lengthy leg of shows in Europe. Find the full run of dates on the band’s website.
January 27, 2022
Wale Performs Under A Blue Moon At Webster Hall
Multi-platinum rap star Wale stopped at Webster Hall on Monday, January 24th for the second show of his ‘Under A Blue Moon Tour.’ The tour comes in support of his eponymous 2021 LP Folarin II released last October on Warner Records. Support for the night came from up and coming rappers Cam Wallace followed by Guapdad 4000. See our full photo gallery below.

Wale at Wesbter Hall, 1/24/2022. Photo by Buscar Photo

Coming as a sequel to Wale’s pivotal EP Folarin, Folarin II is soaked in nostalgia while looking ambitiously towards the future. Living through two years of a global pandemic has forced all of us to examine our past while forging new paths into the future. Such is the case for Wale and the lyrics on the new LP, mixing anecdotal stories with anthemic and hard hitting bars about our place in the world today. Wale played an extensive set late into Monday night, performing many tracks off the new records alongside a career spanning set of fan favorites.

Wale at Wesbter Hall, 1/24/2022. Photo by Buscar Photo

Wale’s show at Webster Hall was the first stop in NYC in two years since playing Brooklyn Steel back in January of 2019, prior to the pandemic. Wale followed up the Webster Hall date with a show in Boston on Tuesday, and the tour moves on to the Midwest starting this Friday. Find the full run of tour dates HERE and catch Wale on the big screen this April with an appearance in the new Michael Bay film Ambulance.

“Fluctuate” by Wale, via YouTube
January 27, 2022
In Focus: TR3, with Tim Reynolds at the Strand Theatre Hudson Falls
This past Saturday TR3, with Tim Reynolds, rolled through Hudson Falls to perform for a sold out Strand Theatre crowd. Most of you likely know Tim, and have seen him on stage with Dave Matthews Band. While TR3 and DMB are two very different bands, Tim’s playing is a constant. He has a special knack for tailoring moods, creating ambience, and shredding tastefully. These abilities were on display from the start of the show when TR3 opened with “On This Mountain Born in the Clouds,” from their newest album “Wild in the Sky.” The song featured a dreamy, and persistent guitar section that built in intensity over Dan’s driving backbeat.

After “On This Mountain Born in the Clouds” put the crowd into a trance-like state, TR3 broke them out of it with more tracks from the new album. “A Bone to Pick” changed up the tone and had The Strand Theatre rocking. “Galloping Sun Dogs” and “Poet” were the final tracks played from TR3’s new album before they transitioned into some older songs with “Sweet Spot.” Each song was as unique as the last and featured Tim’s ability to create melodies that feel familiar from the first run through.

TR3 took a break from playing original songs when they played “Song for Sonny Liston,” a Mark Knopfler tune that featured Mick’s vocals. The covers did not stop there, and the band played more songs by Peter Gabriel, The Angels, The Doors, and David Bowie. Riders on the Storm was a real surprise, and was unlike any other cover of the song. Tim played Ray Manzarek’s famous rainfall keyboard intro as though it was written for guitar. TR3 then closed out their chunk of covers with Bowie’s “Rebel Rebel” that took the energy of the room to a whole new level.

TR3 then transitioned back to playing original tunes as the show wound down, unbeknownst to the fans. The show would finally come to an end with a one song encore. “Golden Flower” was beautifully intricate, was the perfect bookend to the night’s atmospheric opener. TR3 slowly brought the room’s energy back down to Earth as Tim set a loop before leaving the stage. Mick and Dan followed one by one, but not before Dan could slowly play himself out, leaving only the loop Tim had set. Then, for just a moment, there was a feeling of complete peace. Until the track cut out, and the fans realized the show had come to its final end.

TR3 and Tim Reynolds will be on tour for a few more weeks, and you can find dates and tickets on Tim’s website. The trio will be heading out to Ohio and Illinois before returning to the East Coast to play shows in New York, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. You can also purchase some merch or CDs on Tim’s shop page.

Setlist: On This Mountain Born in the Clouds, A Bone to Pick, Galloping Sun Dogs, Poet, Sweet Spot, Grania, The Left Hand of Darkness, Song for Sonny Liston (Mark Knopfler), Mercy Street (Peter Gabriel), Who Rings the Bell (The Angels), Riders on the Storm (The Doors), Rebel Rebel (David Bowie), Ley Lines, Victory Express, Burning Season

Encore: Golden Flower
January 26, 2022
In Focus: Death Kings Shred through Late Night at Empire Underground
Following Umphrey’s McGee’s show at the Palace Theatre on Saturday, January 22, bassist Ryan “Little King” Stasik, World’s Okayest Bass Player, joined with a trio of Buffalonians for a heavy post show at Empire Underground as Death Kings. Aqueous guitarist Uncle Mike “Muerto” Gantzer, former Turkuaz drummer Michelangelo “Ox” Carubba, and guitarist Brett Fernway channeled metal and alternative from the 1990s at their fourth show as a band.

In a venue that Stefon would rave about – “Albany’s hottest coldest place for hardcore fusions jams is Empire Underground. They’ve got everything – an entrance down a parking garage ramp, cement walls, PBR for days, and look in the corner, is that a wook? No, those are Gremlins, and not the Gizmo kind.” Yes, Empire Underground was the place to be post-Umphrey’s McGee.

Opening with Harvey Danger’s 90’s anthem “Flagpole Sitta” gave the audience a taste of what was to come, with deep shredding metal, especially on the original “Suicide Tuesday.” Stasik noted that even though it was their fourth show as a band, it “feels better every time.” Death Kings is the post show of choice if your prog metal needs aren’t met. Ween’s “It’s Gonna Be a Long Night” stood out among an original filled setlist, as the band pushed past 3am and into the cold of Sunday morning.

Setlist: March, 86, Flagpole Sitta, Dead Memories, Cyco, Flom, Welcome 2 Hell, It’s Gonna be a Long Nite, Suicide Tuesday, Easgles, Territorial Pissings, Burn Enemy, Fuck Authority, Bad Mouth, Disembodied
Encore: Breed, Blackout, Fight

Photos by Zak Radick
January 25, 2022
Bad Bunny Announces Tour, Yankee Stadium Concert in August and Latin America Tour in October

Global superstar, Bad Bunny will begin his first stadium tour this August of 2022. Promoted by Live Nation and CMN, “Bad Bunny: World’s Hottest Tour”, will be first located in cities across the U.S. including a stop at Yankee Stadium in The Bronx, followed by Latin America in October.

The artist has already pushed boundaries by breaking the record at Ticketmaster, in April 2021 for the most tickets sales for a tour on its first day, when promoting his “El Último Tour Del Mundo 2022”. Additionally, for a consecutive second year in a row, Bad Bunny has been proclaimed to be the most listened to artist in the world on Spotify. Furthermore, he earned the title of #1 Latin Artist in the U.S. by Billboard for three consecutive years. With that being said, there is no doubt that, “Bad Bunny: World’s Hottest Tour”, will be a huge success and transcend his career.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LP4aY8kzK44

Bad Bunny will be joined by Grammy nominated DJ and Record Producer, Alesso, along with ten-time Grammy nominated artist, Diplo.

The “Bad Bunny: World’s Hottest Tour” will stop at Yankee Stadium in The Bronx on August 27. By Wednesday, January 26, pre-sale tickets for the tour will begin at 12 pm. Subsequently, they will go on sale to the general public by Friday, January 28 at 12pm on worldshottesttour.com.

Bad Bunny: World’s Hottest Tour – United States Tour Dates

“Bad Bunny: World’s Hottest Tour”

United States Tour Dates

5-Aug Orlando, FL Camping World Stadium

9-Aug Atlanta, GA Truist Park^

12-Aug Miami, FL Hard Rock Stadium^ – SOLD OUT

13-Aug Miami, FL Hard Rock Stadium> – ADDED DATE

18-Aug Boston, MA Fenway Park^

20-Aug Chicago, IL  Soldier Field

23-Aug Washington, DC Nationals Park^

27-Aug New York, NY Yankee Stadium> – SOLD OUT

28-Aug New York, NY Yankee Stadium> – ADDED DATE

1-Sept Houston, TX Minute Maid Park^ – SOLD OUT

2-Sept Houston, TX Minute Maid Park^ – ADDED DATE

7-Sept San Antonio, TX Alamodome^

9-Sept Dallas, TX AT&T Stadium^

14-Sept Oakland, CA RingCentral Coliseum^

17-Sept San Diego, CA PETCO Park^ – SOLD OUT

18-Sept San Diego, CA PETCO Park^ – ADDED DATE

23-Sept Las Vegas, NV Allegiant Stadium^ – SOLD OUT

24-Sept Las Vegas, NV Allegiant Stadium^ – ADDED DATE

28-Sept Phoenix, AZ Chase Field^

30-Sept Los Angeles, CA SoFi Stadium> – SOLD OUT

1-Oct Los Angeles, CA SoFi Stadium> – ADDED DATE

^ with special guest Alesso

> with special guest Diplo

Latin America Tour Dates

Date City/Country Venue

21-Oct Santo Domingo, DR Estadio Olímpico Félix Sánchez

28-Oct Santiago, Chile  Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos

4-Nov Buenos Aires, Argentina Estadio de Vélez – José Amalfitani

11-Nov Asuncion, Paraguay Estadio La Nueva Olla

13-Nov Lima, Peru Estadio Nacional

16-Nov Quito, Ecuador Estadio Olímpico Atahualpa

18-Nov Medellin, Colombia Estadio Atanasio Girardot

22-Nov Panama City, Panama Estadio Rommel Fernández Gutiérrez

24-Nov San Jose, Costa Rica Estadio Nacional

26-Nov San Salvador, El Salvador Estadio Cuscatlán

29-Nov San Pedro Sula, Honduras Estadio Olímpico Metropolitano

1-Dec Guatemala City, Guatemala Explanada Cardales de Cayalá

3-Dec Monterrey, Mexico Estadio BBVA

9-Dec Mexico City, Mexico Estadio Azteca

January 25, 2022
In Focus: Evanescence and Halestorm Tour Concludes at Prudential Center
On January 21st, 2022, Halestorm and Evanescence finished their rocking tour at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. The energy of the crowd was just as strong as the leading ladies that graced the stage for both bands, to say the least.

Evanescence brings the house down at the Prudential Center in Newark NJ. Photo by Samantha Rychlicki

Halestorm started their set off with their newest single “Back From The Dead”. The whole show took off from there. With breathtaking vocals and her ability to shred on the guitar, Lzzy Hale is a force to be reckoned with.

Because of Hale’s abilities, you’d imagine it would be hard to match her aura. However, with a blend between the astonishing guitar skills and presence of Joe Hottinger, the unbelievable mix between ease and heavy hitting rock by Josh Smith on both bass and keys and the incomparable talent and charisma of Lzzy’s younger brother Arejay Hale on the drums, they come pretty close. The four performers blend together to create the perfect Storm.

Their set included a surprise appearance by Evanescence’s Amy Lee as she and Lzzy sang Halestorm’s “Break In” while Hale played piano. A hauntingly beautiful duet between the two powerhouses. After that, they went right back at it creating an atmosphere in which 11 songs did not feel like enough.

The powerhouse, Lzzy Hale of Halestorm, shreds her way through the fans in Newark NJ. Photo by Samantha Rychlicki.

Then, it was time to bask in the excellence that is Evanescence.

This was not the bands first rodeo by far. However, it had the same thrill as if the band was playing their first show. Amy’s powerful vocals are intoxicating. bandmembers Tim McCord, Will Hunt, Troy McLawhorn and Jen Majura create a feeling where you know they are just as close off the stage as they are on. Their talent and energy is strong enough to showcase their own talents while at the same time adding to Amy. During the show, the audience was graced with another beautiful duet as Lzzy came back to perform a cover of Linkin Park’s Heavy with Lee.

The crowd at the Prudential Center were witnesses to some of the best rock and roll around. Nobody else will be able to recreate the power of this show. That is unless, the two bands decide to tour together again. If they do, run to get those tickets and be prepared to watch history be made again.

Lzzy Hale, Arejay Hale and Josh Smith of Halestorm in Newark New Jersey. Photo by Samantha Rychlicki

Halestorm Setlist: Back From the Dead, Love Bites (So Do I), Apocalyptic, I Get Off, I Am the Fire, Break In (with Amy Lee), Amen, Drum Solo, Freak Like Me, Uncomfortable, I Miss the Misery

Evanescence Setlist: Broken Pieces Shine, Made of Stone, Take Cover, Going Under, Lose Control, The Change, Lithium, Wasted on You, Part of Me, End of the Dream, Far from Heaven, Better Without You, Call Me When You’re Sober, Imaginary, Heavy (Linkin Park Cover with Lzzy Hale), Use My Voice, Bring Me To Life
Encore: My Immortal, Blind Belief
- Lzzy Hale of Halestorm in Newark New Jersey. Photo by Samantha Rychlicki
- Amy Lee of Evanescence in Newark NJ. Photo by Samantha Rychlicki
- Lzzy Hale of Halestorm in Newark New Jersey. Photo by Samantha Rychlicki
- Evanescence at the Prudential Center, Newark NJ. Photo by Samantha Rychlicki
- Josh Smith of Halestorm in Newark New Jersey. Photo by Samantha Rychlicki
- Evanescence in Newark NJ. Photo by Samantha Rychlicki
- Lzzy Hale, Arejay Hale and Josh Smith of Halestorm in Newark New Jersey. Photo by Samantha Rychlicki
- Amy Lee of Evanescence in Newark NJ. Photo by Samantha Rychlicki
- Joe Hottinger of Halestorm in Newark New Jersey. Photo by Samantha Rychlicki
- Evanescence in Newark NJ. Photo by Samantha Rychlicki
- Arejay Hale of Halestorm in Newark New Jersey. Photo by Samantha Rychlicki
- Amy Lee of Evanescence in Newark NJ. Photo by Samantha Rychlicki
- Lzzy Hale and Joe Hottinger of Halestorm in Newark New Jersey. Photo by Samantha Rychlicki
January 25, 2022
Umphrey’s McGee Covers Ween, Shreds Through Top Notch Show at The Palace Theatre in Albany
Having performed in the Capital District 11 times since 2003, Umphrey’s McGee performed their most cohesive show in the region to date, a dialed in performance at the Palace Theatre in Albany on Saturday, January 22 that brought out the heavy hitters, a few bust outs and an audience that was immensely appreciative.

If opening the show with “Cemetery Walk” didn’t set a tone for the evening, the 14+ minute “Booth Love” that followed certainly did. “Make it Right” and the relatively new “Suxity” followed, segueing nicely into a classic version of “The Floor.” From there, the piano stylings of Joel Cummins were front and center for “Salamander Strut,” a tune that has not been played this decade, let alone this century – the last performance coming in 1999, a gap of more than 2400 shows.

And if a 23 year bust-out didn’t get your attention, a rare cover over Ween’s “Even If You Don’t” followed, marking the second time the band has played it, and third overall if you count the Godboner set from Summer Camp 2015. “Anchor Drops” -> “Mulche’s Odyssey” rounded out a cohesive 66 minute set, leaving the audience cheering for more.

And more they would get. Opening up the second set with pure rock anthem “Attachments, with a high energy shredding jam to follow that segued into “Glory.” “The Crooked One” featured a tease of The Police’s “Wrapped Around Your Finger,” transitioning seamlessly into “It Doesn’t Matter,” each song clocking in at over 12 minutes a piece.

“The Silent Type” followed, with a low key tribute to Albany’s roots in “The Fussy Dutchman,” followed by a patiently built “JaJunk” which built into an all time great thumping dance session. For the encore, the companion to the opener, “Cemetery Walk II” featured guitarist Brendan Bayliss joining Cummins on keys, a rare treat that put an exclamation point on the Umphrey’s best show in nearly two decades worth of Capital Region performances.

Setlist via Allthings.Umphreys.com. Download or stream the show on Nugs.net.

Umphrey’s McGee – Palace Theatre, Albany – January 22, 2022

Set 1: Cemetery Walk > Booth Love > Make It Right, Suxity > The Floor, Salamander Strut > Even If You Don’t, Anchor Drops > Mulche’s Odyssey

Set 2: Attachments > Glory > The Crooked One[1]-> It Doesn’t Matter > The Silent Type, The Fussy Dutchman, JaJunk

Encore: Cemetery Walk II
[1] with Wrapped Around Your Finger (The Police) tease

Photos by Zak Radick
January 25, 2022
In Focus: Chris Pierce, Live at Caffe Lena
This past Friday, Chris Pierce stopped by Caffe Lena and put on a passionate show for a small, but excited Saratoga crowd. The singer/songwriter recently released his latest album titled ‘American Silence,’ from which he performed a number of songs. Chris opened his set with the title track of his new album, and this set the tone for the evening. He sang soulfully, shared personal stories, and welcomed the crowd in to his world for over an hour and a half.

Chris also played the song ‘It’s Been Burning For a While.’ The song perfectly highlights his abilities as a musician and a lyricist. Chris put his vocal control on display all night, ranging from pained whispers to powerful roars. Chris even told a story of a childhood vocal coach who would, kindly, hit students in the stomach while attempting to hold out a note. The emotion and tone of his voice were allowed to breath all night, as Chris accompanied his voice only with his guitar, and on occasion a harmonica.

Chris Pierce heads to the West Coast next, and you can see all his future tour dates on his website.

Setlist: American Silence, The Bridge of John, Chain Gang Fourth of July, Sound All the Bells, Static Trampoline, Let Me Be Your Sunshine, Young Black and Beautiful, We Can Always Come Back to This, Stand By Me (Ben E. King), Are Your Beautiful, Invisible People, Residential School, It’s Been Burning for a While, Call it a Day
January 24, 2022
Local Midwest Band, Umphrey’s McGee, Celebrates 24 years at Landmark Theatre, Still Doing OK

Umphrey’s McGee came to Syracuse’s Landmark Theatre on Friday, January 21 for a special evening, as the date marked their first gig as a band 24 years ago. The band told the crowd about their first gig where “the power went out,” but tonight the electricity was synchronicity in Syracuse.

They came full circle and treated their fans from their Midwest home in Chicago to the frigid Syracuse Landmark, playing their first album Local Band Does OK, in its entirety, and notably included a nod to the start of their tour with “The Empire State.” The excitement shared during soundcheck brought this night to life, as the Landmark was filled with ambient tones and occasional Eddie Van Halen riffs from Jake Cinninger, who also played a Duane Allman-esque slide guitar during “Partyin’ Peeps” before heading to the encore of “Slacker.”

Actor Vince Vaughn once celebrated John Lennon’s birthday at the Hotel Syracuse, just around the corner from the Landmark, where Lennon held his 31st birthday with guests including Ringo Starr. Whether Umphrey’s knew this fact or not, they version of “Ringo” evoked a younger image of Vaughn in his Rudy character, with a full set of pads and gold helmet in the crowd at the Landmark, whose gold walls resonated the vibe as well. With the band hailing from South Bend, IN, Umphrey’s has offered no let up for nearly a quarter century – “It’s the last practice of the year and these guys are playing like it’s the Super Bowl!”

Umphrey’s McGee – Landmark Theatre, Syracuse – January 21, 2022

Setlist via Allthings.Umphreys.com

Set 1: Andy’s Last Beer, Uncle Wally, Hurt Bird Bath, Headphones & Snowcones, Ringo, Blue Echo > The Empire State[1], White Man’s Moccasins

Set 2: Prowler > 2nd Self, Roulette, Dough Bro > Water > Nothing Too Fancy, I Don’t Know What I Want[2], Partyin’ Peeps

Encore: Slacker

[1] with Brendan on percussion

[2] debut, original

January 24, 2022

Built in Breakdance