Category: Show Reviews

Petrucci, Portnoy and LaRue rock Chill Crowd at Town Ballroom

Sunday, October 9th brought progressive metal heavyweights to Buffalo. John Petrucci, considered by many as the greatest guitarist of his generation, has just released his first solo effort in 15 years, Terminal Velocity. For the first time in 12 years, he is joined by his longtime musical collaborator, one of his closest friends, and undoubtedly one of the greatest drummers on the planet, the incomparable Mike Portnoy. At the risk of sounding hyperbolic, moments like this don’t come around all that often, and for longtime fans of Dream Theater and Liquid Tension Experiment, this moment could not have come soon enough. If you’re reading this review because you’re wondering if JP and MP were able to recapture their storied musical chemistry, catalogued on over a dozen classic Prog Metal albums, then let me make it clear that they did indeed—and then some. Dave LaRue joins them on bass for the tour. He has played many times with JP and MP on past G3 tours.

What is special about this tour is their three wives are in the band Meanstreak, opening for Petrucci and company every night. Formed in 1985, Rena Petrucci is on lead guitar, Marlene Portnoy is on rhythm guitar, and their bassist Martins Myung is the wife of John Myung who plays bass in Dream Theater. The band also consists of singer Bettina France and drummer Yael Rallis.

The atmosphere of the show had a very calming presence to many fans in attendance. The floor of Town Ballroom which is usually standing only, had 40 chairs for fans to watch the show, while the rest of the upper level was standing room only. Fans watched with their jaws dropped when Rena Petrucci shredded solos just as well as her husband John Petrucci does. It was an amazing sight to see for sure.

Rena Petrucci

Meanstreak’s set was 45 minutes in length where they played eight songs from the album released in 1988 titled Roadkill.

Petrucci/Portnoy/LaRue

John Petrucci

After a 30 minute changeover, John Petrucci and company took the stage to the Sopranos theme music. The crowd screamed intensely as the band took the stage. Mike Portnoy counted off the title track “Terminal Velocity” and that went into “The Happy Song.” John Petrucci then spoke to the crowd and said “How about that number 17?,” referencing Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills and their big win earlier in the day. All of the fans cheered in excitement for the local connection.

Mike Portnoy

“Jaws of Life” was next on the setlist. From his original album Suspended Animation. This song is a nonoffensive and rather straight-beat opener that at least lets unsuspecting listeners know what kind of guitar trio this is; the players are pros. Other memorable songs played were “Damage Control” and encore “Glassgow Kiss.”

Dave LaRue

Shredding and art tend to be mutually exclusive by nature, since too many chord crunchers refuse to let the music be more important than they are. It often doesn’t help when a member of a well-known group undertakes a solo project, since standing out becomes even more urgent. John Petrucci avoids the land mines and delivers more depth than many listeners will likely appreciate.

Setlist: Terminal Velocity, The Happy Song, Jaws of Life, The Oddfather, Gemini, Out of the Blue, Tunnel Vison, Damage Control, Snake in the Boot, Temple of Ciracida

Meanstreak- Photo credit- Mike Miller

Portnoy/Petrucci/LaRue- Photo Credit- Mike Miller

John Petrucci’s 2022 North American Tour Dates:
10/13 – New York, NY @ Town Hall
10/14 – Glenside, PA @ The Keswick Theatre
10/15 – Washington, DC @ Lincoln Theater
10/17 – Richmond, VA @ The National
10/19 – Atlanta, GA @ Buckhead Theatre
10/20 – Nashville, TN @ CMA Theater
10/21 – Charleston, SC @ Charleston Music Hall
10/22 – Clearwater, FL @ Capitol Theatre
10/23 – Orlando, FL @ Hard Rock Café
10/26 – New Orleans, LA @ House of Blues
10/27 – San Antonio, TX @ Charline McCombs Empire Theatre
10/28 – Houston, TX @ Stafford Centre
10/29 – Oklahoma City, OK @ Tower Theatre
10/30 – Dallas, TX @ Factory Deep Ellum
11/02 – Phoenix, AZ @ Celebrity Theater
11/03 – San Diego, CA @ The Magnolia
11/04 – Los Angeles, CA @ Ace Hotel
11/05 – Anaheim, CA @ House of Blues
11/07 – San Francisco, CA @ Palace of Fine Arts
11/12 – Minneapolis, MN @ Pantages Theatre
11/13 – Chicago, IL @ The Vic
11/14 – Milwaukee, WI @ Pabst Theater
11/16 – Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues
11/17 – Toronto, ON @ Danforth Music Hall

October 12, 2022
Moderat Bring ‘More D4ta’ to Avant Gardner

Moderat are in the midst of their first tour since 2017 and the German electronic outfit made their way to Brooklyn’s Avant Gardner on Friday, October 7th. Back in May, the group ended their 6 year hiatus with the announcement of their fourth LP More D4ata, via Monkeytown Records. Moderat’s triumphant return to New York City attracted fans from all over the world, packing into the cavernous warehouse and creating a noticeable buzz of excitement.

Moderat at Avant Gardner, 10/7/22. Photo by Joseph Buscarello

Moderat is the collaborative project between Gernot Bronsert and Sebastian Szary (a.k.a. Modeselektor) and Sascha Ring (a.k.a. Apparat). All three provide various electronic, textures, and vocals, with Sascha Ring providing lead vocals, guitar, and bass. Moderat’s music has also been a a blend of melodic electronica with funky bass rhythms and ethereal vocal play, and More D4ata (an anagram for Moderat 4) leans heavily into their signature style while dabbling in a more abstract backing. Lead single and album opener “FAST LAND” features a swirling synth loop with a heartbeat pulse in the background that slowly builds in suspense, reminiscent of Mezzanine-era Massive Attack. This leads into “EASY PREY” which is a sporadic electronic array you might hear on a number of Thom Yorke solo projects.

Moderat at Avant Gardner, 10/7/22. Photo by Joseph Buscarello

At Avant Gardner on Friday night, Moderat played songs from all four of their LPs, including a Jon Hopkins cover. After coming on stage for the encore, the band thanked the crowd for their support over the years, especially after such a long hiatus. Before bursting into a passionate rendition of their most popular song “Bad Kingdom”, Sascha Ring admitted that he has so much fun performing that song no matter how many times they play it. The packed warehouse of Avant Gardner sung in harmony with Moderat, and the band was visibly invigorated by the response.

Moderat at Avant Gardner, 10/7/22. Photo by Joseph Buscarello

Moderat continue on tour in Europe with a lengthy run of dates through November. Head over to their website for all of the tour dates, including what will be two very special hometown shows in Stuttgart and Hamburg, Germany. Check out the full photo gallery from the show at Avant Gardner from Joseph Buscarello below.

October 11, 2022
Sara Bareilles Performs at PWJC Event at Capitol Theatre

Grammy-award winner Sara Bareilles performed at the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester on Oct. 6 to commemorate three decades of Pace Women’s Justice Center (PWJC) protecting thousands of women and children.

Sara Bareilles, credit Marc Millman

Sara Bareilles recently ran as “The Baker’s Wife” in the hit revival of “Into the Woods” on Broadway. Her music has been self-described as “piano-based pop-soul” and her powerful lyrics give voice to the difficult journey from victim to survivor for PWJC’s clients.

The Pace Women’s Justice Center is a self-funded nonprofit legal center located at Elisabeth Haub School of Law, under the 501(c)(3) status of Pace University. Each year, PWJC provides free legal services to over 3,500 victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and elder abuse, as well as conducts or participates in over 140 training and outreach events.

The fundraising event’s title, Raising the Bar Benefit Concert, is a nod to PWJC’s commitment to increasing access to justice and providing free critical legal services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. The money raised will help PWJC to continue helping their clients on their journeys toward empowerment and healing.

Each October the nonprofit honors an individual who has dedicated themselves to supporting the PWJC mission and its clients with a Making a Difference Award. This year the award was given to Pam Kaufman, President, and CEO of International Markets, Global Consumer Products & Experiences at Paramount Global. Legendary music icon Darryl “DMC” McDaniels from Run DMC presented her with the award.

October 11, 2022
Greta Van Fleet Dreams in Gold and Lots of Glitter at MVP Arena

From sidewalk cafes, Greta Van Fleet songs paved the walk to MVP Arena on Wednesday, October 5th in Albany. T-shirts were being offered “half-price” at each crosswalk. A young glitter-adorned audience was awaiting its idols, having driven as much as 11 hours to see the extremely successful Dreams in Gold show.

It’s been a considerable wait for Albany to witness the one and only Greta van Fleet in town. The band has come a very long way from the days of small clubs and theater shows. Their music developed from mere good tunes into the soundscapes of arena rock in which the public can get immersed.

Josh and Jake Kiszka

While still very young, the band members each distilled their performance styles and have shown an ease about connecting and holding an audience. And the outfits changed! While half the band appear opposed to shoes, their clothes were a beautiful display of stage fashion.

The show opened quite dramatically with the falling of a curtain that obscured the band as they started playing. Jake Kiszka (guitar) holds the musical backbone upon which songs are built. His impeccable phrasing weaved in and out with the rhythm section (Sam Kiszka-bass and Danny Wagner-drums), setting the stage for Josh Kiszka to express his high-register stylings.

Josh Kiszka

The concert was built on seven songs from their very successful album The Battle at the Garden’s Gate that went to #1 on Billboard. Songs from their Grammy winning first EP were still integrated into the performance (“Highway Tune”, “Safari Song”, “Black Smoke Rising”) and now sounded more playful than when they originally hit the airways. The latest hits brought a more ominous, dreamy, and richer sound, and tackled themes of war and the environment. The beautiful “Light My Love” was a highlight of the show, turning the arena into a sea of glittering cellphone lights.

Greta Van Fleet – MVP Arena, Albany, NY – October 5, 2022

Setlist: Built by Nations, Black Smoke Rising, Safari Song, drum solo, Caravel, Heat Above, Light my Love, Broken Bells, Age of Machine, The Weight of Dreams

Encore: Age of Man, Highway Tune

October 8, 2022
The Mars Volta Return to NYC for Two-Night Terminal 5 Run

Celebrating the release of their seventh studio album, The Mars Volta wrapped up two sold out shows at New York City’s Terminal 5 on Friday, September 30th. Their self-titled LP, The Mars Volta, was released by Clouds Hill Records on September 16th, marking a dramatic shift in the band’s sound who traded their frenzied, long-form prog rock styling for a more stripped back and deliberate art-rock. The result of a true collaborative effort, The Mars Volta focuses on Latin jazz fusion while giving Cedric Bixler-Zavala’s vocals plenty of space to ring out as clear as ever.

The Mars Volta, Terminal 5, 9/30/22. Photo by Lindsay Brown

The Mars Volta last played New York City over a decade ago, before their sixth LP Noctourniquet was even recorded. The announcement of the new record and tour was hailed by a fanbase that has not seen the band in 10 years, as well as new found fans who truly thought they would never get the experience of seeing The Mars Volta live. The crowd at Terminal 5 was a mix of both and the excitement was palpable long before doors even opened.

The Mars Volta, Terminal 5, 9/30/22. Photo by Lindsay Brown

Support on this tour comes from Teri Gender Bender; the latest moniker from the supremely talented and genre defying musician Teresa Suárez Cosío. Cosío has fronted many projects over the years, including the garage punk band Le Butcherettes and the psych rock group Bosnian Rainbows, also featuring Omar Rodríguez-López. Teri Gender Bender released a slew of EPs and singles on Clouds Hill Records back in August and the band’s sound and Cosío’s dynamic stage presence were a perfect fit to open the show. Featuring a cryptic and driving psychedelic performance, the music floated somewhere between Björk and classic NYC punk, leaving a clear impression on the Terminal 5 crowd.

Teri Gender Bender, Terminal 5, 9/30/22. Photo by Lindsay Brown

The band’s setlist has been quite consistent throughout the tour so far, including the two lead singles from The Mars Volta, “Blacklight Shine” and “Graveyard Love”. Both songs take on a whole different life on stage, primarily due to the incredible drumming from new band member Linda-Philomène Tsoungui. While the setlist used to feature Amputechture highlight “Viscera Eyes”, it has been dropped from the setlist the past couple of tour dates including New York City. The Mars Volta have been paying homage to their roots on this tour with 7 out of 10 songs from their 2003 classic debut, Deloused In The Comatorium. Find the full setlist below.

The Mars Volta, Terminal 5, 9/30/22. Photo by Lindsay Brown

The Mars Volta has always been the creative output of guitarist Omar Rodríguez-López and Cedric, with a revolving band that tours behind them. This current iteration of the live show still feels like a collaboration amongst all the artists on stage even if they were not present during the recording of The Mars Volta. Linda-Philomène Tsoungui brings an enormous amount of energy and jazz complexity to the rhythms, while long-time collaborator Marcel Rodríguez-López (a.k.a. Eureka The Butcher) provides keys and Latin percussion. Leo Genovese is the other new multi-instrumentalist, performing lengthy and riveting piano and tenor saxophone solos.

The tour continues throughout October with several stops in the Midwest and the west coast, ending with a three-night run at Los Angeles’ The Hollywood Palladium. Shortly after the tour, The Mars Volta headlines Mexico City’s Hipnosis festival on November 5.

The Mars Volta, Terminal 5, 9/30/22. Photo by Lindsay Brown

This new era feels like a rebirth of the band, with just as much passion and creative energy as ever. While there are no plans after the show in Mexico, the passion on display from Omar, Cedric, and the touring band feels like they will not stop there. Check out more photos from night two at Terminal 5 by Lindsay Brown below.

The Mars Volta – Terminal 5 – September 30, 2022

Setlist: Vicarious Atonement, Roulette Dares (The Haunt Of), Eriatarka, Graveyard Love, L’Via L’Viaquez, Empty Vessels Make The Loudest Sounds, Cygnus…Vismund Cygnus, Blacklight Shine, Drunkship of Lanterns, The Widow, Cicatriz ESP, Televators, Son et Lumiere, Inertiatic ESP

October 6, 2022
Brooklyn Welcomes Back Pavement for Night 3 of Kings Theatre Residency

Nearing the end of a 22-date fall reunion tour of North America that kicked off in early September in San Diego, Pavement played the majestic Kings Theatre in Brooklyn this past Sunday, October 2, for the third of four consecutive sell-outs. Often described as one of the most influential bands to emerge from the underground scene in the early-1990s, the indie rockers formed in 1989 in Stockton, California have achieved a cult-like following among its legion of fans.

Stephen Malkmus of Pavement | Photo by Michael Dinger

Arriving just in time for the 6:30 pm doors on a chilly early-October evening, excited concertgoers were spotted congregating in small groups along nearby sidewalks, hastily exiting their Uber beneath the grand marquee or frequenting the bar on the nearby corner of Flatbush Avenue and Duryea Place that doubles as a tattoo parlor. As patrons filed past the security checkpoint, many had a sheer expression of awe on their faces as they witnessed the theater’s ornate, French Baroque style for the first time. The nearly 3,700-seat venue had been restored to its vintage condition and reopened to the public in January 2015, including repairs to the 50,000-square-foot ornamental ceiling.

Kings Theatre marquee | Photo by Michael Dinger

As the minutes ticked down before the night’s opening act would take the Kings Theatre stage promptly at 8:00 pm, Pavement fans continued to pack the lavish and decorative lobby with gilded walls paneled in American walnut. Many of whom checked out the merch tables, grabbed a drink from the array of bars strategically placed on all levels of the venue, or snapped a cell phone picture of the historic venue’s centerpiece, the console of a “Wonder Morton” pipe organ that was installed in the original Loew’s New York City movie theaters.

Kings Theatre lobby | Photo by Michael Dinger

Preceded by openers The Goon Sax and Water From Your Eyes on Friday night, and 75 Dollar Bill on Saturday night, Horsegirl would be providing support for their Matador Records labelmate on this night of the residency. The indie rock trio of Penelope Lowenstein (guitar, vocals), Nora Cheng (guitar, vocals), and Gigi Reece (drums) formed Horsegirl three years ago after meeting in Chicago and eventually bonding over their shared love for acts like Sonic Youth and Stereolab. Cheng would announce to the Kings Theatre audience that “Pavement is one of the reasons we started this band.”

Horsegirl | Photo by Michael Dinger

Backed by a large video screen resembling a hanging piece of abstract art in a museum, Horsegirl walked onstage bathed in soft purple light as the steadily increasing crowd quietly took to their seats. With palpable, undeniable chemistry, Horsegirl performed a 10-song set filled with guitar feedback and hypnotic melodies from their debut album (Versions of Modern Performance) released this past June. Two of their set numbers, “Ballroom Dance Scene” and “Sea Life Sandwich Boy,” can be found on 2021’s limited edition 7” single (Sonic Cathedral Recordings). As their 35-minute set concluded and by gauging the big round of applause given to these teenage girls who even self-produce their own music videos, it’s a safe bet that Horsegirl is on their way to a very bright future.

Horsegirl | Photo by Michael Dinger

After a 30-minute turnover of the stage by Pavement’s crew, the quintet comprised Stephen Malkmus (vocals and guitar), Scott Kannberg (guitar and vocals), Mark Ibold (bass), Steve West (drums) and Bob Nastanovich (percussion and vocals) unassumingly appeared in the dark shadows just a couple of minutes past 9:00 pm. Additionally, for this reunion tour, the band is joined by Rebecca Cole (keyboards and backing vocals), a former member of the Minders and Wild Flag.

Pavement | Photo by Michael Dinger

Completely mixing up their setlist from each of the previous two nights, the first of Pavement’s 25-song collection was “Major Leagues,” from their fifth and final studio album Terror Twilight (1999). With the exception of Nastanovich, each band member would remain in their respective stage location for the majority of the 1-hour and 50-minute show. Nastanovich, on the other hand, served as a second drummer and as lead vocalist on several songs that often required screaming, and which also found him directly engaging with the throng of die-hard fans standing in the small pit section along the stage apron.

Stephen Malkmus of Pavement | Photo by Michael Dinger

Mark Ibold of Pavement | Photo by Michael Dinger

Steve West of Pavement | Photo by Michael Dinger

Scott Kannberg of Pavement | Photo by Michael Dinger

Bob Nastanovich of Pavement | Photo by Michael Dinger

Rebecca Cole of Pavement | Photo by Michael Dinger

Touring for the first time in 12 years, when they undertook a well-received reunion tour in 2010, Pavement’s third successive Brooklyn show bestowed upon their loyal fans yet another representative sampling of their impressive discography. Accompanied by Malkmus’ humorous and often cryptic lyrical themes, at least three songs were performed from each of their five studio albums released between 1992 and 1999, including “We Dance” (Wowee Zowee, 1995), “Cut Your Hair” (Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain, 1994), “The Hexx” (Terror Twilight, 1999), “Stereo” (Brighten the Corners, 1997) and “Here” (Slanted and Enchanted, 1992). Pavement fans were also treated to tracks selected from five of their early- to mid-1990s EP releases, including “Gangsters & Pranksters” (Pacific Trim, 1996).

Pavement | Photo by Michael Dinger

With only a few minor hiccups and far more highlights, all six band members were in prime form. However, with the crowd standing all night long, but still relatively subdued overall, one of several stand-out moments included the raucous crowd sing-a-long during the pre-chorus of “Range Life” – “Don’t worry, we’re in no hurry. Schools out. What did you expect?” – taken from the aforementioned Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain studio album. During the evening, Nastanovich would also praise Horsegirl as a “fantastic band,” while Malkmus later offered thanks to all the people who work at Kings Theatre, “they’ve all been really nice” [during our stay here].

Stephen Malkmus of Pavement | Photo by Michael Dinger

Following an encore break that lasted several minutes, Pavement would not disappoint yet again, performing fan-essential tunes such as “Spit on a Stranger” (Terror Twilight, 1999) and “Summer Babe” (Slanted and Enchanted, 1992). The extraordinary show closed shortly before 11:00 pm with “Stop Breathin” and an epic ‘on his knees’ guitar solo by Malkmus, another track from 1994’s Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain.

The final show of Pavement’s North American reunion tour will be at Austin City Limits Live on October 11. The current leg of the tour will then be immediately followed by an international trek that will take Pavement to the United Kingdom, France, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, Ireland, Japan, and Australia, finishing in early March 2023.

Pavement setlist | Photo by Michael Dinger

Horsegirl Setlist: Electrolocation 2 > World of Pots and Pans > Ballroom Dance Scene > Homage to Birdnoculars > Option 8 > Anti-glory > Live and Ski > Sea Life Sandwich Boy > Beautiful Song > Billy

Pavement Setlist: Major Leagues > In the Mouth a Desert > Two States > We Dance > Harness Your Hopes > Cut Your Hair > Heaven Is a Truck > The Hexx > Frontwards > Home > Stereo > Kennel District > Range Life > Folk Jam > Embassy Row > Fight This Generation > Here > Blue Hawaiian > Motion Suggests > Unfair > Encore: Spizzle Trunk > Spit on a Stranger > Gangsters & Pranksters > Summer Babe > Stop Breathin

Horsegirl

Pavement

October 6, 2022
Tedeschi Trucks Band Play 50th Beacon Show With Surprise Guest Hot Tuna

On Monday October 3rd, Tedeschi Trucks Band played their landmark 50th show at The Beacon Theatre with Hot Tuna opening as a special surprise guest. Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Cassady also joined the band later in the evening for a performance of Janis Joplin’s “Turtle Blues” as well as Bob Dylan’s “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right.”

There was speculation online by fans earlier in the week as to who the “special guest” was going to be. It remained a well kept secret until the moment it was announced at the start of the show. The crowd erupted as Hot Tuna made their way to the stage as the unannounced opening act for Tedeschi and Trucks. They played an acoustic nine song set filled with covers as well as some original Tuna songs.

The first two songs of their set, “Don’t You Leave Me Here (Dime For Beer)” and “Hesitation Blues” were featured on their debut self-titled live album from 1970. That was followed by Reverend Gary Davis’s “Let Us Get Together Right Down Here” and a Richard M. Jones cover of “Trouble in Mind.” Other songs included a cover of Jefferson Airplane’s “Good Shepherd” and “Day to Day Out the Window Blues” before ending their set with Jesse Fuller’s “San Francisco Bay Blues.”

Tedeschi Trucks took the stage around 8:45 and started their set with “Don’t Let Me Slide” from their 2011 debut album Revelator. This also happens to be the first song they ever played at The Beacon Theatre when they performed their first show there in 2011. The second song of their set was “All That I Need” from the band’s second album Made Up Mind released in 2013. They continued with “Laugh About It” and “Signs” before digging into their I Am the Moon: I. Crescent set.

I Am the Moon is the Tedeschi Trucks Band’s newest project. It is a series of four new albums along with four corresponding films made during the Covid lockdown. They have been working the albums into their shows during this current Beacon run. Thursday’s show featured I Am the Moon: III. The Fall while Friday’s show included I Am the Moon: IV. Farewell. Saturday’s crowd got to hear I Am the Moon: II. Ascension saving I Am the Moon: I. Crescent for their 50th Beacon show on Monday night.

Mike Mattison sang lead vocals on “Fall In” which then led into the title track of the project. After that was “Circles ‘Round the Sun” featuring Kebbi Williams on saxophone. For the final song of the album, “Pasaquan” most of the band left the stage leaving just Derek, keyboardist Gabe Dixon, bassist Brandon Boone and the two drummers Tyler Greenwell and Isaac Eady for this captivating twenty two minute rendition of the song.

Another highlight of the show was a cover of “Keep On Growing” by Derek and the Dominos. It was only fitting that an Allman Brothers song be included in this special Beacon show. Derek and Susan absolutely killed it on a “Whipping Post” before leaving the stage to a standing ovation. The encore featured two songs from I Am the Moon IV. Farewell, “Another Day” and “Soul Sweet Song.” The band then honored Leon Russell ending the show with a cover of “Space Captain” from Matthew Moore.

There are still a few more Beacon shows left. After that, they are doing shows in Denmark, Norway and the UK. You can see the rest of their upcoming tour dates here.

Setlist: Don’t Let Me Slide, All That I Need, Laugh About It, Signs, High Times, Hear My Dear, Fall In, I Am the Moon, Circles ‘Round the Sun, Pasaquan, Turtle Blues, Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right, Made Up Mind, Keep on Growing, The Storm, Whipping Post, Another Day, Soul Sweet Song, Space Captain

October 5, 2022
In Focus: The Felice County Fair at Arrowood Farms

The Felice Brothers hosted The Felice County Fair on Saturday, October 1. Set on a crisp, fall day at the picturesque Arrowood Farms Brewery in Accord, NY, the event featured a day of musical acts and collaborations.

The Felice Brothers @ The Felice County Fair

The fair served as a sort of homecoming celebration for The Felice Brothers, who hail from nearby Palenville, NY. The band, made up of siblings Ian (vocals and guitar) and James Felice (vocals, keyboard, accordion), also includes Jesske Hume (bass guitar) and William Lawrence (drums) was concluding a long tour in support of their latest album, From Dreams to Dust (2021).

The day of music kicked off with a solo acoustic set by Will Lawrence. Lawrence delivered a quick solo set, featuring acoustic ballads off his first solo album, Through the Hollow Hills. Lawrence, who played the acoustic guitar and kick drum, was an appropriate act to start the day.

Al Olender @ The Felice County Fair

Up next was Al Olender, who dazzled the crowd with her powerful vocals and charismatic stage presence. Flanked by a full band, Olender was also joined by James Felice for several songs. Quite simply, Olender sings about life. She delivered passionate and honest lyrics to songs dealing with the realities of a harsh break up, the death of a close family member, and life during a pandemic. By the end of her set, the crowd was fully engaged.

The music continued with individual sets by Haley Heynderickx, Evan Stephens Hall (Pine Grove), and Hooray For the Riff Raff. As the day progressed, the collaborations became more plentiful. The Felice Brothers served as the backing band for songs with Stephens Hall and Hurray for the Riff Raff. Conor Oberst joined the fun, playing the kazoo with Stephens Hall. Even Ian Felice’s son joined on stage at one point, banging a toy drum.

Ian Felice @ The Felice County Fair

Finally, it was time for The Felice Brothers. As the band took the stage, James Felice proudly proclaimed the festival had sold out. It was a well-deserved accomplishment for a band that has earned a loyal and devoted following after almost two decades of touring. The band launched into their opening track, the catchy “Jazz on the Autobahn.” Crowd participation was at high at this point, as the audience joined in, singing and dancing along with the band.

Brothers Simone and Ian Felice embrace @ The Felice County Fair

On a day filled with special moments, perhaps the crowning moment occurred halfway through The Felice Brothers set when the band brought Simone Felice to the stage. Simone, a founding member, left the band in 2009 due to medical issues. It was clearly evident on the brothers’ faces how special this moment was. With Simone in tow, the band closed their set with several early-era Felice Brothers favorites, including “The Devil is Real” and “Whiskey in my Whiskey” before closing their set with “White Limo.”

Conor Oberst @ The Felice County Fair

The night was not over yet, as the fair closed with headliner Conor Oberst. Oberst, most known for his work with Bright Eyes, filled his set with tracks from his various solo albums. He was backed again by The Felice Brothers, who have served as Oberst’s backing band for serval tours, as well as his most recent solo offering, Salutations (2016). As the set neared a close, Oberst summoned all of the day’s performers to the stage, before closing with the Bill Withers classic “Lean On Me.” It was a fitting end to a wonderful day of music and collaboration.

Al Olender, Arrowood Farms, conor oberst, The Felice Brothers

October 5, 2022
A Slice of Early Pink Floyd Returns to The Cap with Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets

Back in April of 2019 former Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason appeared at The Beacon Theatre in NYC with a saucerful of pre-Dark Side of the Moon songs from the Pink Floyd catalogue. That show (and the rest of that tour) proved the longevity of Syd Barret’s time with the band and resonated so well that Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets returned to the road, recently stopping at The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester on Monday, Sept. 26.

The show was originally set for January 2022 but was postponed due to pandemic uncertainties at the time; it was certainly worth the wait. But an even longer gap of time was present. Pink Floyd had played at The Cap on April 22, 1970, the last time Mason was at the venue. At the time, Pink Floyd was not having the best luck with touring the United States as their stop in New Orleans less than a month later resulted in the remainder of their US tour being cancelled. It wasn’t until the 1973 release of Dark Side of the Moon when Pink Floyd was discovered by a majority of their fans, and it was this premise that prompted the idea for bringing the band’s earlier works to a wider audience.

The introductory bass guitar notes of “One of These Days” excited the audience and established a pillow of winds that carried that feeling through the whole show. The quality of the sound far surpassed what would come from a cover band and was an authentic breath of new life to the early Pink Floyd songs. After all, Nick Mason has been the only continuous Pink Floyd member since he co-founded the band; bassist Guy Pratt is the son-in-law of late PF keyboardist Richard Wright and toured with David Gilmour’s backing band; keyboardist Dom Beken had collaborated with Richard Wright; guitarist Lee Harris suggested the idea for the project to Pratt; and guitarist Gary Kemp had great enthusiasm about joining the band.

The Capitol Theatre’s intimate space and its excellent acoustics topped off the decadent slice of progressive rock history brought back to life. As opposed to arena shows where one might feel disconnected from the band, every note played engaged the crowd. From every spot in the room it was easy to tell and feel the happiness and energy of the band members, especially with Pratt and Kemp playing off each other with their presence and Mason frequently displaying a humble smile from behind the kit.

Particular treats from the show included “Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun,” “Echoes,” and “Astronomy Domine.” The entire setlist was enjoyable, although many more early Pink Floyd songs would also fit the bill (if time allowed). Ending the evening as a nod to Syd Barrett’s character was the quirky song “Bike.”

If you missed Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets at The Cap (or want to see it again), the tour will be stopping at The Beacon Theatre on Wednesday Oct. 12, rescheduled from January 2022.

Setlist:

Set 1: One of These Days, Arnold Layne, Fearless, Obscured by Clouds, When You’re In, Candy and a Currant Bun, Vegetable Man, If, Atom Heart Mother, If (Reprise), Remember a Day, Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun
Set 2: Astronomy Domine, The Nile Song, Burning Bridges, Childhood’s End, Lucifer Sam, Echoes
Encore: See Emily Play, A Saucerful of Secrets, Bike

October 5, 2022
Ali McGuirk brings the Work of Love to The Linda Performing Arts Studio in Albany

Ali McGuirk delivered a pared-down but powerful performance at The Linda Performing Arts Studio in Albany on Oct 1. The theater was pleasantly packed and ready for a throaty earful from McGuirk.

Ali McGuirk performed solo with only a couple of guitars as “friends.” Her partner in performance couldn’t make it. Even so, McGuirk is a compelling and entertaining presence on stage with just guitars accompanying her! Her soulful voice and a jazzy and sparse guitar playing style connect well with her audience.

McGuirk’s set was filled with songs off her recently released a full-length album entitled Til It’s Gone. The album was recorded in Los Angeles with a gaggle of studio musicians, including Little Feat guitarist Fred Tackett. Highlights included “Ex-Boyfriends” and the title track “Til It’s Gone.” The audience was rapt and appreciative of the solo performance McGuirk delivered.

Upstate NY’ers can catch Ali McGuirk in neighboring VT at South Burlington’s Higher Ground on October 14. Her new album Til It’s Gone is available on all streaming platforms.

Setlist: All Back, Leave Me, Milk, Evelyn, Empty Vase, Work, Let It Be You, When I see You / Til It’s Gone, Exorcist, Anti Love Song, Ex-Boyfriends

October 4, 2022