Category: Genres

Sea.Hear.Now Festival Rocks The Jersey Shore

The fourth installment of the Sea.Hear.Now Festival brought more than 30,000 fans of all ages to the picturesque waterfront in Asbury Park, New Jersey this past weekend, September 17 and 18. Produced by Tim Sweetwood of C3 Presents (Austin City Limits, Lollapalooza), along with iconic rock photographer Danny Clinch, his good pal Tim Donnnelly (a music journalist turned promoter) and HM Wollman (an industry veteran), the festival is a celebration of live music, art and surf culture.

Excited fans during Wet Leg’s set at the Park Stage | Photo by Michael Dinger

A Transparent Clinch pop-up gallery in Bradley Park featured pieces of art contributed by several of the artists performing over the weekend, as well as photographs snapped by local native and rock legend Bruce Springsteen. The weekend also included a professional team surf contest known as the “North Beach Rumble,” and despite the relatively calm ocean waters, still went on as planned. A portion of the proceeds is also donated to grassroots, non-profit environmental organizations and community charities such as the Surfrider Foundation, Operation Beachhead, Clean Ocean Action, Garden State Equality and Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County, to name only a few.

Beach crowd watching Boy George & Culture Club’s set at the Surf Stage | Photo by Michael Dinger

When the gates to the festival grounds in the seaside town known for its sandy shore and beachfront boardwalk lined with shops, arcades and cafes opened promptly each day at noon, patrons were treated to a lineup that included more than 25 artists performing across three stages, aptly named Park, Sand and Surf. The Surf (main) Stage hosted headliner Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac fame on Saturday and Green Day, the rock trio of Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt and Tré Cool, on Sunday. Festivalgoers with VIP and Platinum wristbands had premium access to designated corrals on the side of each stage, including an exclusive viewing area with elevated sightlines of the Surf Stage.

Lollipop jellyfish blowing in the ocean breeze | Photo by Michael Dinger

The spectrum of music genres performed over the weekend was wide-ranging, more than ample to satisfy the taste palette of all patrons in attendance. There was punk (the aforementioned Green Day and IDLES), bluegrass (Billy Strings), pop (Boy George & Culture Club, Peach Pit and Aly & AJ), folk (The Head and the Heart), reggae (Skip Marley), blues (Gary Clark Jr.), rap (Michael Franti & Spearhead), Indie (Annie DiRusso, The Backseat Lovers, Wet Leg and Courtney Barnett), and of course, rock (My Morning Jacket and Cage the Elephant). And if the more than ten hours of music on the beach or in the park was not enough, there were ticketed “Late Night” shows at two of Asbury Park’s most venerable bar venues, The Stone Pony and Wonder Bar, which of course all sold out.

Tim Donnnelly & Danny Clinch | Photo by Michael Dinger

Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel | Photo by Michael Dinger

Band Highlights – Saturday

Dogs in a Pile

Aly & AJ

Annie DiRusso

The Surfrajettes

Skip Marley

Peach Pit

Boy George & Culture Club

The Backseat Lovers

Gary Clark Jr.

My Morning Jacket

Band Highlights – Sunday

Wet Leg

Michael Franti & Spearhead

IDLES

Cage the Elephant

Courtney Barnett

The Head and the Heart

The Grounds, The Fans & Everything Else

Band Gallery Sea.Hear.Now 2022

Follow Sea.Hear.Now
Website: https://www.seahearnowfestival.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SeaHearNow/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seahearnow/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/seahearnow

September 22, 2022
Elvis Costello Announces “100 Songs and More” Concert Series at Gramercy Theatre

Famed English singer-songwriter Elvis Costello has revealed “100 Songs and More,” a concert series featuring 10 performances at Gramercy Theatre from February 9 to 22.

Promotional poster for the concert series.

Each night will have a completely distinct 10-song setlist, along with “at least ten more” different unprogrammed tracks from Costello’s discography. He’ll perform the first five nights solo, with longtime backing pianist Steve Nieve joining the series for the last five. Tickets go on sale September 23.

Costello wrote a sonnet in promotion of the production:

For ten nights at the Gramercy Theatre
I’ll name ten songs to set the scene
I’ll play those ten and then ten more
Shake off the old routine
Each night will tell a different tale
So come to one or come to all
“100 Songs” is what I promise
But twice that number is quite a haul
I will start this stand alone, that’s fine
Nights One to Five, the Feast Day of St. Valentine
Steve Nieve will join me for Nights Six, Seven, Eight & Nine
But what else may happen is a secret of mine
Let’s just set up the chair or two and play
In case some friends turn up along the way

A London native, Costello’s decorated career includes 23 different albums over more than 40 years, including those with his backing bands the Attractions, the Costello Show, and the Imposters. His 1977 solo record My Aim is True has sold platinum in the US, and his most recent album work is his Elvis Costello and the Imposters album The Boy Named If, released in January.

Information regarding tickets and more for Elvis Costello at Gramercy Theatre can be found here.

September 22, 2022
Billy Strings and Willie Nelson highlight Outlaw Music Festival at SPAC

On an overcast and at times rainy Sunday, Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) was home to more than a concert, but instead the day long Outlaw Music Festival, with Particle Kid, Brittney Spencer, Larkin Poe, Billy Strings, The Avett Brothers and the legendary Willie Nelson.

The Outlaw Village, located towards the back of SPAC’s renovated concession area, featured a variety of vendors like you’d see at a festival or your nearest Shakedown Street. A packed crowd was lively and excited to see the new (Particle Kid, Brittney Spencer), the rising star (Billy Strings), Americana (Larkin Poe, Avett Brothers) and the old (Willie Nelson, closing in on 9 decades).

Billy Strings simply stole the show, and it seemed that the crowd was mainly there for the rising Nashville star (via Michigan). In fact, it could easily be argued that Billy Strings should have played just prior to Willie Nelson, flipping slots with Avett Brothers. Granted, Avett Brothers have been around for over 20 years, but the energy and draw of Billy Strings far outweighs the Americana of the Avetts. Having Billy and his high power set precede Avetts left the latter’s set feeling like something was lacking, and the speed was lower tempo and inconsistent by comparison.

When you factor in that the gracious Billy Strings thanked Willie, not just from the microphone, but in the setlist as well – spelling out THANK YOU WILLIE over the course of 14 songs in a 75Minute set. Highlights from the set included covers of Pearl Jam’s “In Hiding” and Bill Monroe’s “Uncle Pen.”

Billy Strings Setlist: Turmoil and Tinfoil, Hollow Heart, Away From the Mire, Nothing’s Working, Know It All, Y’all Come, Old Mexico, Uncle Pen, West Dakota Rose, If Your Hair’s Too Long (There’s Sin in Your Heart), Love and Regret, Libby Phillips Rag, In Hiding, Everything’s the Same

The 89 year old Willie Nelson followed Avett Brothers with four band mates tore through a set that the audience waited patiently for, kicking things off with his classic “Whiskey River.” Bringing out grandson Micah Nelson (Particle Kid) for “Everything is Bullshit,” ” Halfway to Heaven” and “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys” plus a few other tunes was an excellent touch; the set brought to mind Farm Aid in 2013 at SPAC, where Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real performed a short set and later joined his pater familias.

To close out Outlaw Music Festival at SPAC, Willie invited all the days performers to the stage for “Will the Circle Be Unbroken?” and a finale of Mac Davis’ “It’s Hard to Be Humble.”

September 22, 2022
Adirondack Wind Ensemble to Celebrate 20 years on Sept. 25

The Adirondack Wind Ensemble (AWE) will celebrate the occasion of its 20th anniversary on Sunday, September 25 at 2pm in the E. Glenn Giltz Auditorium at SUNY Plattsburgh. AWE will be joined by Allan McMurray, guest conductor, who is the former graduate advisor of AWE director Daniel Gordon.

Adirondack Wind Ensemble is a professional musical ensemble of wind and percussion instruments comprised of music educators and other outstanding community musicians from around the North Country. Its performers represent every public school district in Clinton County as well as several communities beyond and they gather in AWE to share in the joy of making music. AWE is dedicated to providing quality concert performances by members of this community for this community.

The two worked together at the University of Colorado at Boulder in the early 1990s making the concert a joyous reunion for the two musicians. McMurray, widely considered one of the leading wind ensemble directors in the country, will conduct a program of music by Percy Grainger (Children’s March, Irish Tune from County Derry, and Lincolnshire Posy) and Gustav Holst (Hammersmith and First Suite in E-flat).

This project is made possible with funds from the Plattsburgh College Foundation Eleanor Marcus Music
Endowment; the Statewide Community Regrants program, a regrant program of the New York State
Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature
and administered by the Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts; the SUNY Plattsburgh Student Association
through the Campus Arts Council and the Music Department; and Stewart’s Shops.

Admission is $10, free for all students.

September 22, 2022
MoonTree’s new single is an Untraditional Ode to Farewells

The newest release from New York bred ambient duo MoonTree, “Lullaby For Our Last Night,” is the anti-single: it lacks a catchy chorus, surprising bridge or album teasing theme. Instead, the haunting new track finds meaning in its formlessness, hitting a chord that though familiar, is truly singular. The song is saying goodbye, and though drifting, aimless and without structure, it still feels final.

MoonTree is made up of Purchase College students Ben Cuomo and Jaya Franceschini.

MoonTree is composed of Ben Cuomo and Jaya Franceschini, two 18-year-olds attending Purchase College. They released their first song last year, followed by an EP, For The Time We Have Left, of eight songs. The group shows an inclination toward odes in their song and album titles; each piece feels dedicated and specific to a time, place or person. Their tone has been honed in on since that album but their harmonic, off-kilter melodies and slow, paced-out rhythms have remained consistent through their discography.

In “Lullaby For Our Last Night,” Franceschini is droning and repetitive, probing the listener over and over “Will you say goodbye?” Then, “Be on time,” she orders, repeated by her counterpart Ben Cuomo’s technologically distorted voice. With their voices layering; they are begging — eachother, themselves — “Be on time.” The song, an ode to goodbyes, to the act of leaving, comes down to not wasting time, to honoring last moments. Though slow, the song is steady, not one second of its four minutes are wasted.

MoonTree’s sound is self described with many hyphens: avant-garde, neo-jazz, ambient-soul. Their sound doesn’t lend itself to most existing music genres; it’s easier to describe visually: like a glow and a glower, like a dark room over a busy street. MoonTree’s artist bio says they are “creating a soundtrack to twenty-first century city life,” and its true, but this new song more references the specific loneliness of a night in New York City — not just the sadness but the allure and dreaminess that loneliness holds. “Lullaby For Our Last Night” is out on all streaming platforms, and you can find MoonTree on Instagram.

September 21, 2022
NYC’s Melt takes Toronto

New York-based band Melt played their first ever international show in Toronto at Adelaide Hall on Thursday, September 15, dropping a powerful performance that showcased each of the seven band members’ talents in a perfectly locked-in way.

Opening their 10-song set with “Waves” off their 2021 EP West Side Highway, the group played with dynamics from the start, a powerful opening section leading into a beautiful quiet area that featured lead vocalist Veronica Stewart-Frommer sitting down at the front of the stage and crooning to the audience.

Shy” came next, a 2020 single, featured beautiful melodic guitar lines from guitarist Marlo Shankweiler and staccato horn stabs from the saxophone/trumpet duo of Nick Sare and Evan Lane.

One of the best-kept secrets of Melt was revealed to be keyboardist Eric Gabriel and his incredible vocals – taking the lead on West Side Highway cut “Hours”, his gentle tones contrasted perfectly with Stewart-Frommer’s powerful harmonies.

At this point in the show, I was becoming increasingly honed in on the rhythm section of bassist Lucas Saur and drummer Andres Valbuena, whose rock-solid grooves were a perfect foundation to all of the music. Saur in particular (as I’ll mention again later) absolutely blew me away with some gorgeous melodic solos.

“Inside”, a single from Melt’s early days, started with a gentle intro on electric piano but quickly built to a frenzy, Stewart-Frommer unleashing vocal power and Shankweiler delivering an absolutely SEARING guitar solo in a style that blends classic rock favourites with clear Trey Anastasio influence.

The next track, “Brown Eyes”, was the first true slow song of the night, and acted as a perfect breather and let Sare shine on a fantastic saxophone solo.

Stewart-Frommer took a second before the next song to announce that Melt is recording their debut album on the road this fall, incorporating segments from some concerts into the recording.

A slightly mysterious vibe began “Walk to Midnight”, a song that just calls to mind a classic pop song. Shankweiler and Stewart-Frommer gave another stellar performance here, both whipping the crowd into a frenzy once again. The next unreleased song, titled “The Door” began with an extended and VERY psychedelic guitar/bass duet. As the jam band fan I am, I would have loved to see it extended for 5-10 more minutes, but the song absolutely killed and I eagerly await its translation to the studio when it (hopefully) is on the upcoming LP.

Now let’s talk about “Fade Into You”.

Melt’s latest single, just released today, began with strong guitar melodies and is another instant-classic Melt tune, but the real treat came in the middle with the performance of the band’s instrumental jam vehicle “Duh-Duh”. I honestly couldn’t tell you when the transition happened, but suddenly punchy horn melodies and an absolutely DOMINATING groove developed as Shankweiler took yet ANOTHER incredible solo. The rest of the band then dropped to the floor as Valbuena lit up the stage with a thrashing solo section, his stoic drum-face breaking briefly to express his glee. Bassist Saur then jumped up for a shot in the spotlight and built upon the drums with an expressive solo of his own. With some cool delayed-guitar lines thrown overtop by Shankweiler and Gabriel’s use of a Supertramp-like sound in the closing part of the song, the sandwich of “Fade Into You” -> “Duh Duh” -> “Fade Into You” was absolutely my highlight of the night.

As the band introduced a cover of Neil Young’s “Harvest Moon” (featuring opening act Joel McLeod on vocals) to close out the main set, I was a little bit apprehensive about a ballad closer. However, the septet struck into their unique arrangement of the song, a driving, powerful take on the classic tune with a guitar line chunky and reminiscent of the Home Depot theme song (in the best way).

The encore began with a performance of “Communion”, an unreleased ballad in the form of a beautiful duet between Gabriel and Stewart-Frommer, the former’s gentle keyboard playing on full display.

A powerful cover of Bill Withers’ “Ain’t No Sunshine” with more incredibly powerful vocals continued the encore before Melt’s first-ever release, “Sour Candy” closed out the night on a high note.

Melt is on tour this fall across the USA – do NOT miss them if they are playing near you! A sound built on a tight band with audible influences across the musical spectrum, each member contributes to the overall sound that fills every corner of the venue with its exuberant energy. I eagerly look forward to seeing what heights Melt will reach in the coming years!

Melt next plays in New York on October 20 at Webster Hall.

originally posted on https://ryanstorm.substack.com/p/show-review-melt-91522

September 21, 2022
Flyday Music Festival Releases Schedule, Single Day Tickets

Flyday, a music festival community that celebrates life and creativity, spirit, heart and soul, returns to the Catskills on September 29 for three days of music, art and movement from 22 regional and national bands on two stages.

Taking place at the 100 + acre Blackthorne Resort (with more than 80 rooms and plenty of camping and RV sites), the music over September 29-October 1 at Flyday Music Festival will include funk, fusion, electrojazz, prog, rock, jamband, bluegrass, reggae, and comedy artists. And that’s in addition to a pool and tiki bar, creek, hiking, a bar and restaurant, a playground and play fields, and even a Haunted House.

This year, Flyday Music Festival steps out of the jam-band box and has curated a lineup for a true music festival featuring truly original, creative, and virtuosic artists in the progressive, jazz-rock fusion, and funk genres.

Artists performing over the weekend at Flyday Music Festival include Ghost-Note, Yam-Yam, Black Rock Funk All Stars (members of Kung-Fu, Deep Banana Blackout and Schleigho, Gnarbot, Screaming Headless Torsos, ShwizZ, Ampevene, Honker, Baked Shrimp, Glass Pony, The Magnetic Pull, Level: Memory, Dr Jah and the Love Prophets, Eugene Tyler Band, Children of the Judge, Laura Leigh & Denise Parent, Sungazer, Now vs Now, and K-Weef.

These artists and special guests will perform on two stages, side-by-side for continuous music throughout the day and night. Among vendors you’ll find Veggie Oasis, Z’licious Caribbean Kitchen, Back Barn Brewery, a masseuse, Earth Tribe artisan vendors, workshops on glass blowing, tie dye and yoga, plus art installations, black light art galleries and live painting.

Arrive on Thursday night for a early arrival funk dance party with improv jams and special guests.

Tickets are $115 for a weekend pass, $60 for Friday only and $70 for Saturday only. Camping costs $25 per person for the weekend (with free showers, flush toilets and a charging station), with RV passes and rooms available via Blackthorne Resort.

If you’re a music lover and dig creative, uber-talented original bands, do not miss Flyday. Tickets available here.

September 21, 2022
Mike Campbell and The Dirty Knobs at The Capitol Theatre

On Friday September 16, 2022 Tom Petty sideman, Mike Campbell, brought his band The Dirty Knobs to Port Chester for their first appearance at the Capitol Theatre. For two hours they did what they love: performing music that is dirty, gritty, with no regrets. Joined by John Sinay on guitar, Matt Laug on drums, and Lance Morrison on bass, Campbell and crew performed songs from their two albums along with much more. Opening with “Wicked Mind” from their latest release External Combustion, the tone was set. This was all about rock ‘n roll.

When Jerry Garcia passed away in 1995, people wondered if the Grateful Dead’s music would live on. Bob Weir and surviving members answered with a resounding, “Yes.” The passing of Tom Petty almost five years ago brings about that same type of question. The Dirty Knobs answered without hesitation.

Mike Campbell and The Dirty Knobs

Petty / Heartbreakers tunes would find their way sprinkled liberally into the night’s setlist. “Even The Losers” started it off early. Then, strapping on his twelve string Rickenbacker, Campbell shared the distinctive opening notes of “Listen To Her Heart.” Late in the evening, the band offered up a dark version of “Refugee.” With the song concluding and the crowd singing the refrain, Mike stepped forward and knelt at the foot of the stage, paying homage to the might rocker from Gainesville, Florida. The spotlight then faded to black offering a sober reminder how fragile life is.

I’m a sinner, with a rebel soul, got a wicked mind, and a heart of gold.
“Wicked Mind”

A few songs into the evening the band broke from its normal performance mode, to share John Lennon’s “Working Class Hero,” acknowledging another fallen soldier. But this was also a night for fun. Campbell had everyone singing along as the night progressed. One of the crowd favorites was “Fuck That Guy”: a tune so named by fellow rocker Chris Stapleton because we all know someone like that.

Alvin Youngblood Hart

Grammy nominated guitarist Alvin Youngblood Hart opened the night. Performing solo, Hart presented his Mississippi inspired style of blues. Throughout his set Alvin would move between electric, resonator, and acoustic guitar, accentuating the different flavors of the genre. To close, Youngblood took a turn north and performed a powerful rendition of Neil Young’s “When You Dance I Can Really Love.”

Mike Campbell and The Dirty Knobs “External Combustion” tour continues through October finishing up November 1 at the Hollywood Bowl.

Mike Campbell and The Dirty Knobs

Alvin Youngblood Hart

September 21, 2022
SNL Returns For Season 48 with Musical Guests Kendrick Lamar, Willow and Megan Thee Stallion

SNL returns for season 48 on October 1st with the announcement of the first three hosts and musical guests, which include Kendrick Lamar, Willow, and Megan Thee Stallion. Four new cast members also join the cast as featured players.

New cast members. From left to right, Marcello Hernandez, Molly Kearney, Michael Longfellow, and Devon Walker.

This marks the first non-COVID Saturday Night Live season since Season 45 in Fall 2019. Four new cast members are being welcomed, including Marcello Hernandez, Molly Kearney, Michael Longfellow, and Devon Walker. Hernandez is a Cuban/Dominican stand-up comedian, actor, and writer who has opened for comedians like Jim Breuer and Gilbert Gottfried.

Kearney is the first non-binary cast member in the show’s history. They recently had a part in Amazon Prime Video’s “A League of Their Own” TV series. Longfellow was recently featured in the “Netflix Is a Joke: The Festival,” as a notable up-and-comer. Finally, Walker has writing credits that include Netflix’s “Big Mouth” and Phoebe Robinson’s “Everything’s Trash.”

This season saw the departure of multiple SNL veterans, including Staten Island native Pete Davidson and cast member Kate McKinnon. Recently, Chris Redd announced his departure from the show. During his time on the series, Redd scored a Primetime Emmy for outstanding original music and lyrics in 2018 for the song “Come Back Barack.”

Chris Redd, photo by Jeff Kravitz.

In a statement, Redd said “Being a part of SNL has been the experience of a lifetime. Five years ago, I walked into 30 Rock knowing that this was an amazing opportunity for growth.”

The season premieres on Oct 1 with host Miles Teller, and musical guest Kendrick Lamar. Teller makes his hosting debut, after a successful summer staring in the blockbuster sequel Top Gun: Maverick. Lamar has been a musical guest twice before, and is supporting his recent album Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers, which came out in May.

Miles Teller and Kendrick Lamar kick off the season.

On the Oct. 8 episode, renowned Irish actor Brendan Gleeson, star of The Banshees of Inisherin, will also make his hosting debut. The musical guest is Willow, daughter of Will Smith, who has amassed a large following with her hit songs “Wait a Minute!” “Meet Me At Our Spot,” and “emo girl” with Machine Gun Kelly.

The final announcement is for the Oct. 15 episode, where Megan Thee Stallion will pull double duty as the host and musical guest. This isn’t her first time on the show, but her first time doing double duty. She will be supporting her new album Traumazine which came out Aug. 12.

Lorne Michaels, creator of SNL, spoke about the new season at the Primetime Emmy Awards saying that season 48 is “a transition year, and the change years are always difficult. There are new people, and things are changing, and a different generation comes into the show.” The show won its sixth straight Emmy in the Variety Sketch Series category.

September 21, 2022
The Egg to host Leo Kottke, Albert Cummings and Jorma Kaukonen this Fall

In its ongoing “American Roots & Branches” concert series The Egg will host Leo Kottke on October 28, Albert Cummings on November 19 and Jorma Kaukonen of Hot Tuna and Jefferson Airplane on December 13. The Egg is postponing Tommy Malone’s show, scheduled October 15, to a date unannounced at time of print.

Jorma Kaukonen, coming to The Egg on December 13.

Leo Kottke – Friday October 28, 8pm

Leo Kottke’s dextrosity on six and 12 string guitars has been developed and refined over more than four decades of musicianship. The acoustic gutairist’s lyrics, though scarce, are witty and eccentric, delivered in a deep baritone. In his most recent album, Noon, Kottke and frequent collaborator, Mike Gordon of Phish, layer their unconventional guitars and converging voices. Known for his stage presence and storytelling, Leo Kottke’s show at The Egg promises good humor and great guitar.

Albert Cummings – Saturday November 28, 7:30pm

Returning to The Egg with Scot Sutherland and Warren Grant is New England blues guitarist and singer Albert Cummings. The artist’s newest album “TEN,” explores panging romance and subdued emotionality, paired with consistently impressive guitar stylings.

Jorma Kaukonen – Tuesday December 13, 7:30pm

For over half a century, Jorma Kaukonen has been a prolific force in American roots music, blues and rock. His career started as a back-up singer for Janis Joplin but Kaukonen found fame as a founding member of Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna. The guitarist is a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of fame and is a Grammy recipient. Expect an intimate performance of traditional blues and Kaukonen’s originals.

Tickets are currently on sale online at www.theegg.org, by telephone at 518-473-1845, or in person at The Egg Box Office Monday – Friday from 11 AM – 3 PM.

September 20, 2022

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