The festival is a one-day celebration of music featuring folk, psychedelic, experimental, jazz, and indie music, with local artists and more.
From The Ground Brewery is a New York State Farm Brewery that is committed to using New York State grown ingredients. It will be a beautiful backdrop for the day of music.
The lineup features a lot local and national artists. There are also a wide variety of genres going to be played during the day. Dominick & the Family Band will bring their country rock music to the stage while Joseph Allred will have a blend of soulful bluegrass and fingerpicked folk songs.
Artists like Elkhorn will play deep psychedelic folk anthems, and Ashley Paul brings a mix of free jazz and shoegaze. The show will find Chris Forsyth pairing in a one-time trio with percussionist and perennial collaborator Ryan Jewell, and experimental luminary Bill Nace.
To end the show, Wet Tuna brings their dubstep tunes contrasted with Jeffrey Alexander and The Heavy Lidders’ wiry psychedelic Americana and experimental blues. The legendary Laraaji will bring the show to a close with a sunset set.
For more information about the Deep In The Valley Festival and to buy tickets, go here.
The 10th anniversary of Peach Music Festival took place at Montage Mountain in Scranton, PA over July 4th weekend. The festival began in 2012 by the Allman Brothers and Live Nation. Throughout the years, the music of the Allman Brothers has remained a focus with the evolving cast of musicians. The Montage Mountain Ski resort transforms into a water park in the summer months, and the Pavilion hosts concerts. The water park is a unique aspect to a music festival that makes this festival appealing to a wide range of guests.
Day 1: Billy Strings Closes Out the Opening Day
While some people began arriving on Wednesday, most guests arrived on Thursday, June 30. It was a beautiful day to set up camp and get ready for the music to begin in the late afternoon. Billy Strings, Keller Williams, Samantha Fish, Midnight North, Yam-Yam, Consider the Source were among the acts kicking off the festival.
There was a noticeable air of excitement for Billy Strings, with a consistently long line at his merch tent. Keller Williams delivered a late afternoon set full of classics with the aid of an array of pedals, but mostly just his trusty acoustic. Samantha Fish was a delightful surprise. Beginning the day unaware of her music, her set filled with powerful vocals, rocking guitars, and a striking stage presence. I became a fan. The evening headliner, Billy Strings, played to a packed pavilion and lawn. A full day of anticipation exploded into a sea of fans swaying and singing along to his blend of Bluegrass and Jam. Speaking with fans over the course of the weekend, Billy’s set was constantly a fan favorite. Consider the Source, the New York City trio, closed out the Grove Stage for Thursday with their unique blend of Sci-Fi Fusion. Steeped in Middle Eastern influences, their cosmic sound set the perfect tone to bookend a truly great day of music.
Day 2: Weather Doesn’t Dampen Spirits
Friday, day two of the festival, included another full day of music and enjoying the venue. Before the music began, the fans enjoyed the art displays in the lodge and utilized the water park. A sober group of music fans also held their morning meeting at the lodge, making the Peach Festival at Montage Mountain a welcome place for all fans.
Music began mid-day with Eggy, The Jauntee, Marco Benevento, Eric Krasno, The Kitchen Dwellers, The Motet, Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening, Andy Frasco & The U.N., Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, and Pigeons Playing Ping Pong. The late afternoon sets were affected by a severe weather event that had fans sheltering under the spacious pavilion. The house speakers kept fans happy while heavy rains descended on the grounds. The event staff were extremely helpful and efficient about keeping people safe.
Once the all clear was given, Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening brought fans to their feet transporting the crowd to another time and place. The blend of voices and instruments was eerily close to the CDs on which I grew up.
Andy Frasco & The U.N. put on one of the most kinetic performances I’ve ever witnessed. Frasco’s shows are legendary for the band’s energy and crowd interaction. Entering the stage with a baby carriage that was home to an opossum, and raising it to the crowd like Raffiki did with Simba set the wheels in motion for his memorable set. Performing a mix of songs from his new album, Wash, Rinse, Repeat, the crowd was singing along with their favorites. One of several highlights from this set was when Andy had the entire crowd doing the Horah dance with the crew quickly adding extensions to his microphone wire as he waded to the center of the whirling crowd.
Pigeons Playing Ping Pong closed out the night with a late night set to a packed pavilion. The rollicking set was cut short with another severe weather event that caused the festival to cancel the rest of their set, out of an abundance of caution for everyone’s safety.
Day 3: Trey Anastasio and Goose
Day three of the festival began with some residual rain, which quickly gave way to a perfectly sunny sky. Karina Rykman, Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country, Jaimoe & Friends, Pixie & The Partygrass Boys, Neighbor, Rayland Baxter, Celisse, The Revivalists, Cordovas, Trey Anastasio Band, Brandon “Taz” Niederauer & Friends, and Goose filled the day with music.
A new artist known to those that attended the festival last year was Celisse. She played the festival on the Grove Stage in 2021 and had Trey Anastasio sit in with her. This year she owned the Peach Stage, belting out songs filled with power and emotion.
The Revivalists were up next on the main stage. David Shaw, the lead singer, brought his voice even closer to the crowd venturing off the stage to stand atop the large speakers. Singing directly to those lucky fans at the rail, Shaw sang crowd favorites with those in the pavilion singing along. As darkness descended on the festival grounds, light-up outfits, hula-hoops, and totems could be seen under the pavilion. The Trey Anastasio Band delivered a packed set which included several Phish covers including “Blaze On,” “Everything’s Right,” and “Gotta Jibboo.” One of the many highlights came towards the end when, in a twist of fortunes, Celisse sat in with Trey. Together they performed three songs: “The Moma Dance, “A Life Beyond The Dream,” and “Rise/Come Together.”
Brandon “Taz” Niederauer closed out the Mushroom Stage, while Cycles closed out the Grove Stage. Goose was the final act of the night with a special late night set. Anticipated all day by fans, Goose did not disappoint. With their ever upward trajectory, the band has amassed a following that is staggering when you consider their brief time together.
Day 4: Black Crowes Close Out Peach
Like all good things, even the Peach Music Festival must come to an end. The fourth day represented the last day of the 10th Anniversary of Peach Music Festival at Montage Mountain. The day began with a sense of melancholy, until the music started. Then fans rejoiced in the waning hours together.
Duane Betts, Daniel Donato & Friends, Maggie Rose, Dogs in a Pile, The Wailers, G. Love & The Juice, TAUK, and The Black Crowes were among the acts rounding out the weekend. Daniel Donato Brought a little county to the festival with Allman roots. At the Mushroom Stage, Dogs in a Pile are with fans enjoying their energetic set of psychedelic fusion. G. Love & The Juice, a band put together by Philly-based G. Love, and, as he describes them, the most exceptional musicians he’s played with. The hip-hop and blues influenced music was perfect companion to the jam-centric sets, which got fans to their feet.
Long Island-based TAUK brought their instrumental, EDM influenced beats to the Mushroom Stage. Their unique sound filled in a void of electronic funk music. The wordless instrumental music gave fans an opportunity to shake the cobwebs off of the weekend and become lost in the beats. To fill in your own emotions and experiences to a song is a special trait of instrumental music.
The final act of the Peach Festival was The Black Crowes. The Rock band fronted by Chris Robinson has been at it for over 30 years. They have continued to be a true rock band that fans flock to. They were a fitting bookend to a truly great weekend of music.
A Grateful Finale
At a special place, like the Peach Festival on Montage Mountain, you can look around at the sea of gyrating bodies, moving together and appreciate the collective experience you’ve just gone through. Smile at the friends that ventured to the festival with you, or the new ones made over the weekend. Having the space to be grateful for the music, the comradery, for all that awaits once we pack up and head home is an incredibly precious gift. As life becomes more entangled and busy, a music festival is truly just what the doctor ordered.
Navigating relationships as a young adult is akin to walking a maze blindfolded, often never knowing where you truly stand. While the term “dating” remains a pseudonym for two people getting to know one another, Gen-Z has developed its own distorted relationship standing, where the two parties are neither “just friends,” nor committed, yet are dependent on one another. On the single “Breadcrumbs,” Piper Page brings transparency to a messy situation.
The song came right from a personal experience with my ‘ex-who-wasn’t-really-my-ex.’ We had an on-again, off-again relationship for several months and it inspired me to write about the concept of ‘breadcrumbing’ which I had just come to learn about.
Breadcrumbing is defined by Urban Dictionary as “the act of sending out flirtatious, but non-committal text messages in order to lure a sexual partner without expending much effort.” The song “Breadcrumbs,” is a soulful ballad that sees the 21-year-old Brooklyn native cleanse herself of her situation-ship. Remaining brutally honest about her standing within this cycle of ambiguity.
Piper Page’s songwriting paints a vivid picture as she recounts a common tale within the current social media based dating scene. While infidelity has alway played a part in relationships, Piper Page captures the essence far less desirable role of “best-friend, with a little romance and flirting in the DMs.”
The meanings are supposed to be completely obvious and relatable. Navigating dating is recognizing that at a certain point, you just have to say what you mean. Instead of always thinking someone is going to know what you mean.
The record is one in a slew of singles from the songstress in anticipation of her upcoming album, Based on True Events. Singles like “Do You Want Me Or Not?” and “Risk” follow similar themes of “experiences with dating and exploring relationships as a young adult for the first time.” Yet, Piper Page’s polished vocals gives each record a mature feel.
Long running series Bowlive returns to Brooklyn Bowl in July. Bowlive IX will celebrate Brooklyn Bowl’s 13th Anniversary with a three-day celebration featuring soul-jazz organ trio Soulive on Thursday, July 7th, Friday, July 8th and Saturday, July 9th.
For the debut performance of their three night run at the Bowl, Soulive will perform a special Rubber Soulive Beatles Set. Marking their only performances in 2022, the trio will be joined by legendary Meters founding bassist George Porter Jr. on Friday, July 8th and Saturday, July 9th for a special performance to showcase Brooklyn’s iconic venue in style. Three day passes are sold out but you can purchase individual passes for Bowlive IX for 7/7, 7/8 and 7/9.
Bowlive is one of Brooklyn Bowl’s most unique traditions. It’s New Orleans at three in the morning after Jazz Fest and one of the venue’s longest running residencies. Guitarist Eric Krasno, drummer Alan Evans and keyboardist Neal Evans have been playing every year since 2010 and have welcomed a number of world class musicians to the stage over the years, including Derek Trucks, Susan Tedeschi, Warren Haynes, members of Lettuce, Joe Russo, Marco Benevento, Karl Denson, Questlove, Chris Robinson, Luther and Cody Dickinson, Bernie Worrell, Talib Kweli, Anders Osborne, GRiZ, Lee Fields, Los Lobos’ David Hidalgo, Run-DMC’s Darryl McDaniels, Nicki Bluhm, Steve Kimock, Citizen Cope, Matisyahu and more.
Brooklyn Bowl New York is the flagship venue for the Brooklyn Bowl franchise, with its groundbreaking integration of premiere music, 16 lanes of bowling, a bar featuring locally crafted beers, and food by the acclaimed Blue Ribbon restaurant group. Keeping its homegrown values on its sleeve, the Brooklyn Bowl is the first ever L.E.E.D.-certified bowling alley in the world and boasts a sound system and amenities that “no other local rock club can offer” (The New York Times). Open seven days a week, Brooklyn Bowl has become a mainstay for New Yorkers and has hosted greats like Guns N’ Roses, The Roots, Lauryn Hill, and Elvis Costello.
The Peach Music Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary this weekend, with performances by Trey Anastasio Band, The Black Crowes, Billy Strings, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Goose, the Revivalists, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, and the reunion of The Word. The daily streaming schedule has just been announced for Peach Festival this weekend, free for Nugs.net subscribers.
Inspired by the legendary Allman Brothers Band, Peach Music Festival will feature founding member Jaimoe with Jaimoe and Friends, as well as Friends of the Brothers, and Brother & Sister (featuring Butch’s kids, Melody and Vaylor). Check out the daily Peach Festival schedule below!
Beyond the four days of live music featuring over 50 artists, this one-of-a-kind experience features food and craft vendors on the grounds and access to the scenic Montage Mountain Ski Resort’s large water park, zip line and ski lift rides.
Buzz among attendees this year centers on if Trey Anastasio will invite a member of Goose to join his band’s headlining set on Saturday night, following Goose inviting Trey on stage at Radio City Music Hall this past week.
The 10th anniversary celebration of The Peach Music Festival will conclude with a spectacular Independence Day Weekend fireworks display on Sunday, July 3.
George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic embarked on their One Nation Under A Groove tour on Wednesday, June 15 in Central Park’s Summerstage. Bands including Dopapod, The Motet, & Pimps of Joytime performed ahead of the legendary funk band, a part of Blue Note Jazz festival.
Dopapod played an incredible yet much shorter set than the excited fans were used to, but regardless it was a super tight set and the band all seemed hyped for their stacked summer tour.
Shira Elias stole the show when she joined in with The Motet and The Horn Section, all of them former members of Turkuaz, with Elias’ vocals and stage presence nothing short of amazing. As the show went on, the funk meter increased until it was finally time for P Funk who brought an intensely funky, fun, and freaky time.
Sunset at the Stables will be host bands on July 1, 8, 15, and 22 and will feature some of the region’s most talented musicians, with Knox Farms as a backdrop. As well, there will local food and beverages from 42 North Brewing Company. Event producer and 42 North Brewery Founder, John Cimperman, spoke about how excited he is for the festival.
We were thrilled with the response to the music series last summer. It proved to be the ideal venue for a night of music and relaxation. The Stables at Knox Park provides the ideal backdrop to highlight some of the great musical talent from our region.
Folkfaces is a Buffalo-based quartet who are known for their fusion of genres like Americana, folk, blues, and jazz. The band consists of Tyler Westcott (guitar, vocals), Ellen Pieroni (saxophones), Patrick Jackson (upright bass), and Dan Schwach (drums, washboard).
Miller and The Other Sinners is a nationally touring Southern Soul band from Buffalo, NY. Since August of 2015, they have performed over 700 shows across 21 states and Canada from house parties to festivals. They are known for their unforgettable shows and their blend of memphis soul, gospel spirit, and funky rhythm and blues.
Miller and The Other Sinners.
July 15 at 6 P.M- Leroy Townes Band
Leroy Townes Band is an original Buffalo Americana band performing vinyl-era inspired folk-rock with a shot of country.
Farrow is a funk and soul Buffalo-based band led by producer/bass player André Pilette and singer/lyricist Michael Farrow, with Tim Webb on drums, Cory Clancy on guitar, and Michael Ruopoli on percussion. The band features a group of diverse musicians with an old school sound.
Tickets are onsale now for $20, and some may be at the door for $25 as well, and they can be bought here.
Levitt AMP 2022 in Utica, NY has announced the lineup for the summer music series. The artists will perform at Kopernik Park this summer. Concerts will take place on Monday nights from 6-9 P.M. from June 20 to August 29.
The 2022 season will feature headlining artists from New Orleans, Nashville, Chicago, Iowa, Virginia, Rhode Island, Canada, and New York State. The concerts also feature opening local and regional acts and youth intermission acts.
The series brings in the most diverse audience in the city in a family-friendly, non-alcoholic, joyful, welcoming environment. The music series also helps add to the economy in Utica and promotes communal bonding.
The New Respects were named the Levitt Foundation’s National Touring Band for 2022. They are a mix of pop, soul, and rock and deliver a high energy and funky music. Through their music, you hear their inspirations like The Rolling Stones and Lenny Kravitz.
Roberta Lea is a rising artist, described as having “a voice like cinnamon and a pen-like butter.” She plays a mix of classic country, country soul, country rock, and pop country, and has no limits to expressing herself through her songs.
Walter and Wagner Caldas, are 31-year-old identical twins better known as the Brazilian 2wins or “B2wins.” Their instrumental music ranges from pop to hip hop and iconic classics reimagined. Each song drips originality and youthful exuberance. Their mission is to make the world smile after growing up very poor in Rio de Janeiro.
Argonaut & Wasp are a blend of indie, alternative, edge, and funk grooves described as the perfect soundtrack to NYC. They formed over a love for house/dance music and bring in 70s fashion, 80s synths, and 90s culture to their band.
Curley Taylor and his band, Zydeco Trouble use soulful, bluesy vocals along with zydeco beats to create their unique musical style. Curley began his music career at 16 playing drums in his father’s band, and since then has always had a passion for music.
Bassel & the Supernaturals tells the story of Bassel Almadani’s experience as a first-generation Syrian-American using funk-inspired rhythms, soulful melodies, and lyrics regarding love, loss, and the war in Syria. They have performed at major festivals, performance halls, and more while also working closely with organizations on events and residencies that build awareness and empathy for Syrian refugees.
The Big Takeover Band is a seven-piece New York band that plays original music that is rooted in the genres of Jamaican pop, reggae, rocksteady, and ska. They also cross lines between genres and blend traditions. They connect the spirit of Motown and the sophistication of the 21st-century retro-soul scene.
New York hip-hop artist Miranda Writes is known for her modern sound with strong lyrics and diversified beats. She is not signed to a major label, however, her 2018 single “Too Blessed” rose to No. 5 in the Digital DJ Pool charting alongside Snoop Dogg, Nicki Minaj, and Ciara. She is the first biracial female hip-hop artist to cross over into the snowboarding market.
Ariel Posen is “one of the most exciting guitar players around” with show-stopping extended solos. His influences are electrified Americana, R&B, Beatles-inspired pop, and rock and roll. He has spent his childhood on the road with his musical parents, and found himself doing his own gigs traveling the world.
Shawnee Taveras is a Dominican-American singer-songwriter who brings heat to the stage with high-energy salsa accompied by a band creating music that is impossible not to dance to. In 2019, Taveras was awarded the Premio Conga de la Salsa in the Dominican Republic for best new musical act. She has had top ten singles in the Dominican Republic and has toured extensively in that country.
The Levitt AMP 2022 summer concert series is free to all those who attend and is happening from June 20 to August 29.
Legendary funk pioneers George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic will be on the One Nation Under a Groove Tour from June to August 2022. Along with a list of a robust list of acclaimed supporting artists, George Clinton will bring his vivacious flare to over 20 stages across the country.
Funk and jam artists, including The Motet (Ft. Shira Elias, Josh & Chris of The Horn Section), Dopapod, The Pimps of Joytime, as well as special guests on select shows Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, The Floozies, Fishbone, and The Soul Rebels will provide supporting sets. In addition, Blue Eye Extinction, the protege of George Clinton, will join the tour.
George Clinton Live In Central Park 2019 – Credit: Ed Satterwhite
Clinton initially retired in 2018, departed on the first iteration of the One Nation Under a Groove Tour in 2019. The nationwide sold-out for the passionate fans and admirers, suggesting Clinton to come back with one more summer tour. The final tour schedule will include some famous stages, including New York, NY (Central Park Summerstage), Asheville, NC (Salvage Station), Philadelphia, PA (The Fillmore), and Inglewood, CA (YouTube Theatre – part of the brand new SoFi Stadium complex).
George Clinton has singlehandedly done more to push music forward than any other artist I can recall. This tour represents that ‘big tent’ he’s created that includes so many generations.George has influenced artists across so many cultures, generations, genres. Our musical lives would not be the same if we never had George Clinton, and this is a once in a lifetime chance to come together and witness first-hand the next chapter of his iconic career being written before our eyes.
Nick Szatmari & Jeff Epstein (Tour co-founders)
Supporting band Dopapod will bring its brilliant, hypnotic hybrid of funk, rock, jazz, bluegrass, and electronica to a majority of summer dates. The band features Eli Winderman [keys, vocals], Rob Compa [guitar, vocals], Chuck Jones [bass], and Neal “Fro” Evans [drums].
Another supporting band, The Motet, have inspired the world with their unique style of dance music and now include lauded curators of modern funk, Shira Elias (vocals), and The Horn Section – Greg Sanderson (tenor sax), and Chris Brouwers (trumpet, keys), all formerly of Turkuaz.
The Motet (Ft. Shira Elias + The Horn Section) at Red Rocks – Credit: Jenise Jensen
Vibrant modern funk outfit Pimps of Joytime will provide an undeniably danceable flavor to multiple tour dates. The frontman Brian J crafts the innovative group’s subtle swagger, diligently cooking a soulful elixir of kaleidoscopic groove.
Longstanding modern legends, including Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Robert Randolph and The Family Band, Fishbone, The Soul Rebels, The Floozies, The Main Squeeze and The Fantastic Negrito will provide support on select dates.
One Nation Under a Groove Tour Summer 2022
06-15 New York, NY – Summerstage @ Central Park $!@ 06-24 Fort Wayne, IN – Piere’s @#$ 06-25 Indianapolis, IN – Clowes Memorial Hall ~ 06-26 Cincinnati, OH – Riverfront Live @$ 06-30 Asheville, NC – Salvage Station $!@ 07-01 Knoxville, TN – The Shed at Smoky Mountain !@ 07-02 Pelham, TN – The Caverns Underground Cave $!@ 07-07 Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore #@ 07-08 Toledo, OH – Promenade Park Stage <>+! 07-16 Aurora, IL – The Piazza @+! 07-22 Fort Worth, TX – Wild Acre Live $%@ 07-23 Cedar Park, TX – The Haute Spot $%@ 07-28 Seattle, WA – Seattle Zoo $^@ 07-29 Portland, OR – Pioneer Courthouse Square $^@ 07-30 Eugene, OR – The Cuthbert @~ 08-11 Tempe, AZ – Marquee Theater $^! 08-13 Las Vegas, NV – Craig Ranch Amphitheater &* 08-17 Inglewood, CA – YouTube Theater $! 08-19 Saratoga, CA – Mountain Winery &$! 08-20 Blue Lake, CA – Blue Lake Casino &$! 08-21 Napa, CA – Charles Krug Winery $!
! with Dopapod @ with Pimps of Joytime # with The Floozies $ with The Motet (Ft. Shira Elias and Josh & Chris of The Horn Section) % with The Soul Rebels ^ with Fishbone & with Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe * with Fantastic Negrito < with Robert Randolph & The Family Band > with The Main Squeeze + with Blue Eye Extinction ~ Additional Support TBA
In the world of music, Disco may seem like a distant memory or something your parents reminisce about when they hear it on their local oldies radio station. While the genre enjoyed a short, but lively existence in the 1970’s, its impact can be seen in every corner of modern music, from Silk Sonic to Harry Styles. As we enter the month of June, let’s take a walk down memory lane to celebrate the life, death and rebirth of Disco.
PC : David Redfern
Born as a response to the rampant homophobia, racism and riots of the 60’s and early 70’s, Disco provided a safe space for POC and LGBTQ communities. Some sources say that Utica born DJ David Mancuso birthed the new sound during his Valentines Day party at The Loft in 1972 (The Loft was more than just a club, it was a gathering place for the city’s LGBTQ, where they could safely meet and dance with those just like them). Other sources say that the sound originated in underground clubs, also known as discotheques, in Philadelphia and NYC.
PC : Tim Lawrence
Regardless of its specific origin, Disco quickly gained popularity around the country. Donna Summer could do no wrong as tracks like ‘Hot Stuff’, ‘Last Dance’ and arguably the genre defining ‘I Feel Love’ topped charts week after week. The Bee Gees were practically inescapable as they reached a new heyday with songs like ‘Stayin Alive’, ‘More Than a Woman’ and ‘Night Fever’, all of which were featured on the “Saturday Night Fever” soundtrack. The 1977 movie featuring John Travolta would further catapult the group and Disco as a whole into another realm of superstardom.
Obvious acts from the era were joined by lesser remembered, but equally as talented performers, including Candi Staton, most known for 1977 release ‘Nights on Broadway’, Thelma Houston with her hit ‘Don’t Leave Me This Way’ and even the Bee Gees’ youngest brother, Andy Gibb with his song ‘I Just Want To Be Your Everything’.
Discotheques popped up in every city from Los Angeles to Manhattan, including world famous Studio 54 and one of its only worthy competitors, Club Xenon. Similar to Studio 54, Club Xenon was an intoxicating escape from reality, for everyday party goers and celebrities alike. Opened in June 1978 and once located on 124 West 43rd Street in Manhattan, Xenon welcomed some of the era’s biggest superstars, including Michael Jackson, Madonna and Mick Jagger. While living in Studio 54’s shadow, the club still had its own unique features including several adult “play” areas, electronic games and moving set pieces that would alternate throughout the night.
Elton John, Andy Warhol and Jerry Hall at Xenon, Late 70’s
Eventually closing their doors in 1984, Club Xenon seems to be a lost memory to those who were old enough to experience Disco at its peak. However, let us remember Xenon as not just another Studio 54 clone, but as a testament to the love people had for Disco and all it entailed. The dancing, camaraderie and love, as well as some casual drug use and other seedy club activities, were real world manifestations of the power Disco held and it shouldn’t be forgotten.
As with all oversaturated trends, the general public eventually grew tired of Disco. Following a quick, flashy peak was a swift and slightly dramatic fall from grace. Some cite Rick Dees’ ‘Disco Duck’ as their final straw while others resisted change and disliked the genre from the very start. The biggest display of hatred toward the genre occurred on July 12th, 1979 at an event called “Disco Demolition”. Joined by almost 50,000 disco haters, Disc Jockey Steve Dahl destroyed hundreds of Disco records in Chicago’s Comiskey Park.
PC : Paul Natkin
However, this event didn’t mark the end of Disco, it just pushed it back underground. From the ashes of Disco, rose House music, as well as the advancement of DJ techniques, independent music production and endless inspiration for generations to come. It popularized synthesizers, helped develop sound system technology and showcased the greatness that comes from some of our country’s most underrepresented groups.
The glitz, glamor and debauchery of the Disco era gave birth to many of the things we know and love today. Its influence can be heard in pop projects like Harry Styles’ latest release Harry’s House, as well as more obvious replications like Bruno Mars and Anderson Paak’s shimmering and funk laden, An Evening With Silk Sonic. From Doja Cat and Kylie Minogue to Dua Lipa and Daft Punk, the aesthetic and sonic appeal of Disco is hard to escape.
It would be easiest to say that Disco is an amalgamation of many subcultures and minority influences. It’s a genre built by and for those who have been discriminated against and disregarded by wider society. It was, and still is, an escape from suffering, stress and worry for all who dare to embrace it. Honestly, I think we could all use a little more Donna Summer in our lives.
