NYS Music 202​2

Category: Genres

  • Phish Strikes It Big In Atlantic City Once Again

    After three successful shows here last year, Phish and its summer tour returned to Atlantic City over the weekend of August 5-7. Night one of the three-show run went off without a hitch, with a setlist full of classic tunes mixed with newer jam vehicles. With the stage set up right between the legendary Atlantic City Boardwalk and the ocean itself, each set, and even the encore, had some decidedly shore-like vibes.

    The night began with the venerable “Chalkdust Torture” in the opening spot, with its customary high-energy thrust to get things started. A sudden shift to “Wilson” followed, eliciting cries of the same from beach folk throughout. Things then got decidedly funky with the next clean segue into the all-too-appropriate “Sand,” with Mike Gordon leading the rhythmic charge on bass. The opening set also featured a moody “Theme From The Bottom” with its aquatic undertones only adding to an already picturesque setting.

    The first set’s closing sequence was one to behold, starting with a “Sigma Oasis” that yielded a mesmerizing jam that saw the song get stretched out further than it ever has before. Eventually, the familiar opening chords to “Cities” took form and Phish launched into this always welcome cover song. The set then came to a close with a brief but euphoric “More.”

    The second set saw the jam button still very much in the “on” position, with stalwarts like “Soul Planet,” with its ocean-filled lyrics, and “Down With Disease” prominently involved. And nestled in between the start and finish of “Disease” was the aptly-titled “Ruby Waves.” This newer addition to the Phish catalog, pulled from guitarist’s Trey Anastasio’s ever-expanding solo material, continues to explore new roads and push boundaries of live improvisation.

    The second set came to a close with a pairing of Phish heavy hitters. “Story Of The Ghost” featured its traditional roundhouse punch of rock, this time with some serious “No Quarter” teases thrown in for good measure. “Harry Hood” then tied a bow on the set, with a brilliant jam that patiently built to an especially joyous peak. A “Sleeping Monkey” that certainly “took it on down the shore” served as a more than fitting encore selection before a surprising, but explosive, “Free” served as one last final jam to whet the collective appetite for what’s sure to be another two nights of incredible music.

    Setlists via Phish.net

    Phish Atlantic City Beach – Atlantic City, NJ 8/5/22

    Set 1: Chalkdust Torture->Wilson > Sand > Plasma, Theme From The Bottom > Back On The Train, Sigma Oasis->Cities > More

    Set 2: Axilla (Part II) > Soul Planet >Down With Disease > Ruby Waves > Down With Disease> Ghost> Harry Hood

    Encore: Sleeping Monkey > Free

    Soul Planet contained a tease of Dave’s Energy Guide from Trey and a tease of Dog Log from Mike. Trey teased Midnight Rider in the first Down with Disease and No Quarter in Ghost. Shipwreck was quoted in Sleeping Monkey. Mike teased Dave’s Energy Guide in Free.

    Saturday night’s show in Atlantic City may not have had as many aquatic themes as its predecessor, but the jams continued to be rich and plentiful. The opening set began in fairly tame fashion with a straightforward “46 Days” that steered right into “The Moma Dance” in its familiar two-spot in the lineup. “Olivia’s Pool,” aka “Shafty” before “Shafty,” then made another rare appearance, only the third one since being revived at Alpine Valley in 2019 after a near 22-year shelving.

    A first set “Bathtub Gin” finally offered some of the first real intensive jams of the evening, with Page McConnell throwing down vigorously on both the baby grand and electric pianos. Fittingly, Phish then dusted off another number, this time it was Page’s “Heavy Rotation” from his self-titled 2007 album. It was the first one performed in more than seven years and only the second one ever. And instead of ending the first set in typical fashion, Phish tacked on a rip roaring cover of David Bowie’s “Moonage Daydream,” with Trey Anastasio unleashing a bevvy of musical peaks with his soloing efforts.

    Saturday’s second set started with some Atlantic City fireworks in the background and maintained that explosive demeanor throughout, starting with a set opening “No Men In No Man’s Land.” The ensuing jam then progressed into a “Tweezer” that almost felt expected at that point, with the second set staple offering another ample platform for improv. Another second set favorite in “Simple” was played to perfection and later transitioned into a “Backwards Down The Number Line” that had the entire beach kicking up sand in various directions.

    The set then closed with another pairing of Phish classics. “Golgi Apparatus” featured a stretched out and somewhat different ending, showing the band continue to rework songs that have long been established. “Slave To The Traffic Light” then brought another complete second set to an end before an encore of “A Life Beyond The Dream” > “Tweezer Reprise,” ironically the same exact encore of last year’s middle night, sent everyone on their way along the Atlantic City Boardwalk.

    Phish Atlantic City Beach – Atlantic City, NJ 8/6/22

    Set 1: 46 Days > The Moma Dance, Olivia’s Pool > My Soul, 555 > NICU > Bathtub Gin, Heavy Rotation > Character Zero, Moonage Daydream

    Set 2: No Men In No Man’s Land > Tweezer, Set Your Soul Free > Simple > Backwards Down The Number Line > Golgi Apparatus > Slave To The Traffic Light

    Encore: A Life Beyond The Dream, Tweezer Reprise

    Trey teased Norwegian Wood in 555. Heavy Rotation was performed for the first time since July 22, 2015 (253 shows). Trey teased Under Pressure in Simple. During the soundcheck, Beth was briefly sung by Trey and Knuckle Bone Broth Avenue contained Shipwreck quotes as well as If I Only Had A Brain teases from Trey and Mike.

    With one night left to play, Phish treated Atlantic City to a customarily thorough and enjoyable Sunday show. “Wolfman’s Brother” kicked things off, the first time its done so for a show since 2016, and the band instantly got locked back in with another groove-centric jam. This carried right over in the “Tube” that followed and wasted no time finding a path all its own courtesy of a jam that changed both keys and moods. An opening set “Fluffhead” was well received as Phish navigated their way through this vintage tune with relative ease. “Gumbo” found a nice home towards the end of the set which came to a rousing finish thanks to “Carini” and another breakneck jam created in its wake.

    The band found no reason to stray far from the classics in the second set, made evident with a traditional “Mike’s Groove” sequence that got everything started. A breath of “new” air was inserted with “A Wave Of New Hope” with this addition continuing to impress by producing one monstrous jam after another. A flawless “You Enjoy Myself” then followed, with yet another “second” jam following the vocal one, another sign of Phish continuing to tinker with the classics. An encore pairing of “Wading In the Velvet Sea” and “First Tube,” replete with Anastasio guitar theatrics, then closed out the second, and hopefully not the last, run for Phish on the beach of Atlantic City.

    Phish Atlantic City Beach – Atlantic City, NJ 8/7/22

    Set 1: Wolfman’s Brother, Tube, Mountains In The Mist, Ocelot > Fluffhead, Mecury > Gumbo > Carini

    Set 2: Mike’s Song > I Am Hydrogen > Weekapaug Groove, A Wave Of New Hope > You Enjoy Myself > Suzy Greenbeg

    Encore: Wading In the Velvet Sea, First Tube

    Trey teased Mr. P.C. in YEM.

    photo gallery by Filip Zalewski

  • In Focus: Phish Return to Blossom Music Center

    Phish played the Blossom Music Center in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio on August 2, following a night off after a fantastic run in Maryland. The Blossom Music Center is a special place, a beautiful wooden, wedge-like structure nestled in the forests of Ohio. If you are from New York, I would highly recommend you make the trip if you have not yet, it’s certainly up there with the best sheds around. This was my first time there, but it certainly won’t be my last.

    The band started the night off with a nice acapella version of “Strawberry Fields Forever,” which they played for only the second time. “Crowd Control” was up next, and then a mid-set “Punch You In The Eye.” After this was a short “46 Days” before delighting the crowd with a “You Enjoy Myself.” They did a short vocal jam before dropping back into another second “YEM” jam, which the crowd ate up. Keeping the funk going, was a short “Tube” before slowing things down with a “Shade.” A gorgeous “Reba” was a perfect soundtrack to the color leaking from the sunset sky. They wrapped the set up with the staple set closer of “Cavern.”

    Phish has really been feeling “Free” this summer, and they opened up the second set with a monster 25-minute version. “Esther” was next, which they unfortunately struggled through due to Trey’s guitar being out of tune. “Blaze On” followed, the jam was on the shorter side, and then Trey started off “Scents and Subtle Sounds.” As they worked their way through the composition, the sound twice completely cut out for a few seconds. The band played through it and either didn’t notice or they tried to make it up with what was probably the jam of the night. This version was heavy on the dark funk, with a gorgeous ambient outro. Maybe it was a nod to the night being the 19th anniversary of the IT music festival from 2003, which was the band at their peak in ambient jamming, but probably not. A short but sweet “2001” got the whole place dancing, before a wild and beautifully cacophonous “Split Open and Melt” had some in the crowd staring at the stage in awe.

    It was amusing to see the confusion and then elation as the Page started up “Bathtub Gin” for the encore. Even though the band was a little bit short on time, they were able to cut out the fat and immediately get right to the good stuff as the jam matured into a some very opulent themes and textures before wrapping up the night.

    Phish Blossom Music Center – Cuyahoga Falls , OH 8/2/22

    setlist via Phish.net

    Soundcheck: Funky Bitch, My Soul, Crowd Control (this soundcheck is possibly incomplete)

    Set 1: Strawberry Fields Forever, Crowd Control, Punch You in the Eye > 46 Days > You Enjoy Myself, Tube > Shade, Reba, Cavern

    Set 2: Free > Esther > Blaze On > Scents and Subtle Sounds > Also Sprach Zarathustra > Split Open and Melt

    Encore: Bathtub Gin

    Strawberry Fields Forever was performed for the first time since July 22, 2017 (168 shows). Fish quoted Strawberry Fields Forever in the YEM vocal jam and in the jam that followed. Trey teased Also Sprach Zarathustra at the end of Gin.

  • The Mars Volta Announce Self-Titled Seventh LP, Share New Song “Vigil”

    After teasing their first new album in over a decade with two new songs, The Mars Volta have made it official: The Mars Volta will be released on September 16th via Clouds Hill Records. Pre-orders for the album, along with standard and “Kinetic Edition” vinyls packages are live on the band’s website.

    the mars volta
    ‘The Mars Volta’ Cover Art

    Back in June, The Mars Volta teased their return from a 10 year hiatus with an audio-visual installation dubbed L’YTOME HODORXÍ TELESTERION. The exhibit was an immersive cube you could enter and hear the lead single (and album opener) “Blacklight Shine”. The following month in July, the band shared a second new song “Graveyard Love” and both songs were accompanied by videos depicting various aspects of music and culture on the island of Puerto Rico. Last Friday, The Mars Volta shared the latest single and music video for “Vigil” – check it out below.

    “Vigil” by The Mars Volta. Via YouTube.

    These new songs are a noticeable departure from the band’s signature frenetic prog-rock sound. Fans online are praising the new style as the band successfully adopting an accessible pop sound, but it goes much further than that. All of these songs contain various elements of The Mars Volta’s entire catalog, just packaged in a much more cohesive (and concise) way. “Blacklight Shine” is driven by bongo-dominant Caribbean percussions and vocalist Cedric Bixler-Zavala’s lustful Spanish vocals. “Graveyard Love” starts off with ominous pulsing synths and punchy bass notes, building up to a climax where Cedric’s vocals are battling a swirling synth and scattered drum hits.

    the mars volta
    Cedric Bixler-Zavala (left) and Omar Rodríguez-López (right). Shot by Fat Bob on Leica M11.

    At first, “Vigil” is a jarring juxtaposition to any song The Mars Volta has ever written, but put together with the previous singles, the song is a visceral and cohesive part of the new approach the band is taking. The song kicks off with a sporadic but steady drum beat and Cedric singing a dark ballad about the weight and deceit of lost love before the song structure breaks down into swirling vocal and drum loops. Cedric also notes about the song “And the obits wait for a perfect name.”

    Diving into the vocals of the band’s catalog is a tough exercise in deciphering broken “Pynchon-esque” passages. On The Mars Volta the band has endeavored to streamline all aspects of the music including the theme. While the vocals are still mysteriously dark, they tell the most cohesive stories the band has ever told all while circling back to the central theme of Puerto Rican culture and the endless colonial rule implemented by the United States over the island.

    the mars volta
    The Mars Volta 2022 Tour Dates

    According to a press release, “The new album shakes loose some of band’s long-standing shibboleths, with only two tracks lasting longer than four minutes, and the dizzying, abrasive prog stylings of earlier albums absent. The Mars Volta pulses with subtle brilliance, Caribbean rhythms underpinning sophisticated, turbulent song craft.” The album rounds out at 14 tracks, and if the first three are the foundation for this new evolution, the record is going to be a shining example of what a band can be, 10 years after many thought there would be no more.

    The US tour kicks off one week after the album is released, on September 22nd in Dallas, Texas. The tour stops at NYC’s Terminal 5 for two shows on September 29th and 30th (both are sold out). Head over to the band’s website to see the full tour details, and to pre-order the new album.

  • Goose Release Radio City Music Hall Short Film

    On Aug. 3, Connecticut-based rock band Goose released the ninth episode in their short film series, Day of Show. The newest episode focuses on the band’s debut show at NYC’s iconic Radio City Music Hall on June 24-25.

    Goose Live at Radio City Music Hall. (L-R): Trevor Weekz (bass), Ben Atkind (drums), Rick Mitarotonda (vocals, guitar), Jeff Arevalo (vocals, percussion) Peter Anspach (vocals, guitar, keys). Photo: Adam Berta

    The jam band Goose consists of Rick Mitarotonda (vocals, guitar), Peter Anspach (vocals, keys, guitar), Trevor Weekz (bass), Ben Atkind (drums), and Jeff Arevalo (vocals, percussion, drums). Their sound fuses multiple genres and their most recent release, Dripfield, combines pop and psychedelic elements into one. Goose recorded the full album in Woodstock with production by D. James Goodwin at The Isokon. 

    The new Day of Show, episode highlights the band’s first show at Radio City Music Hall as they celebrate the release of their critically acclaimed album. Directed by Bryan Murphy, viewers can watch Goose in intimate behind-the-scenes footage during their sold-out shows at the venue. Featuring the band, crew, close friends and family, and fans watching the band perform some of their best work, the just over 20-minute video is a must-see. 

    Goose’s performances at Radio City Music Hall included one acoustic and two electric sets, with sit-ins from Phish frontman Trey Anastasio, Father John Misty, Stuart Bogie, Dave Nelson, and Dripfield’s producer D. James Goodwin. The video gives all a chance to take in the legendary Radio City Music Hall during one of the band’s most exciting moments.

    Trey Anastasio (R ) and Rick Mitartonda (L) – Photo: Michael Nuchereno

    With previous performances at landmark festivals such as Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, High Sierra Music Festival, Peach Music Festival, and Newport Folk Festival, the band is currently having a career-defining season. Fans of Goose’s music, and short film, can catch the group at more performances this summer. To see the upcoming tour dates, and the full short film release, see below. Tickets can be found at Goose’s website.

    DRIPFIELD FALL TOUR 2022:

    8/12 – Columbia, MD – The Chrysalis Amphitheater

    8/13 – Columbia, MD – The Chrysalis Amphitheater

    8/16 – Dillon, CO – Dillon Amphitheater (SOLD OUT)

    8/17 – Dillon, CO – Dillon Amphitheater (SOLD OUT)

    8/18 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre (SOLD OUT)

    8/20 – Las Vegas, NV – Brooklyn Bowl

    8/21 – Los Angeles, CA – Greek Theatre

    8/23 – Stateline, NV – South Shore Room at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe (SOLD OUT)

    8/25 – Portland, OR – The Square

    9/29 – Richmond, VA – The National (SOLD OUT)

    9/30 – Richmond, VA – The National  (SOLD OUT)

    10/1 – Atlanta, GA – Pullman Yards

    10/2 – Atlanta, GA – Pullman Yards

    10/4 – St Louis, MO – The Pageant

    10/6 – New Orleans, LA – Joy Theater

    10/7 – New Orleans, LA – Joy Theater

    10/7-10/9 – Austin, TX – Austin City Limits

    10/11 – Kansas City, MO – Arvest Bank Theatre

    10/13 – Fayetteville, AR – JJ’s Live

    10/14 – Oklahoma City, OK – The Criterion

    10/15 – Dallas, TX – South Side Ballroom

    10/14-10/16 – Austin, TX – Austin City Limits

  • Youngstown Village Music Festival hosts The Trews

    Saturday August 6th, brought Canadian rock band The Trews to Youngstown NY. They headlined the “Village Music Festival” which featured 11 bands in total. The weather made it a great day to enjoy live music outside at veterans park. There were food vendors, drinks, and local crafts for sale as well. A list of all the bands that played were as follows: Scott Celani, Moon Dogg, Phroendly Phoes, Dave Thurman, Tonemah, Busted in Eden, Rick Zachary, No Vacancy, Grub, Element and The Trews.

    Band – “Element”

    The Trews are a Canadian rock band from Antigonish, Nova Scotia, consisting of vocalist Colin MacDonald, guitarist John-Angus MacDonald, bassist Jack Syperek, and drummer Chris Gormley. The band is currently based in Hamilton, Ontario. From their formation in 1997 to 2016, The Trews were among the top 150 best-selling Canadian artists in Canada and among the top 40 selling Canadian bands in Canada.

    Bass drum head

    When The Trews took the stage, there were some technically problems with the sound. The PA was not turned on for the first two songs. But once that was fixed and the feedback issue they had fixed, the fans started to enjoy the music. The band handled any issues professionally and continued on with the show. There was a VIP section closer to the stage and a general admission section behind that. It was mostly filled with fans singing every word and drinking a cold beer.

    The Trews guitarist

    The Trews played for about an hour and a half as the sun was setting. The fanbase was a mix from old to the very young. This music festival is a yearly event in Youngstown NY and seemed to be a success this year. The setlist was as follows: “Permission”, “Not Ready to Go”, “So She’s Leaving”, “Can’t Afford to Be Lonely”, “Paranoid Freak”, “Hope & Ruin”, “I Wanna Play”, “Enemy”, “Highway of Heroes”, “God Speed Rebel”, “Can’t Stop Laughing”, “Poor Ol Broken Hearted Me”, “Tired of Waiting”, “Hold Me in Your Arms”.

    Photo Gallery

  • Kendrick Lamar Takes Over The UBS Arena During The Big Steppers Tour

    Sunday, August 7, will go down in history as a euphoric night for the thousands of fans that saw Kendrick Lamar’s artistry at the UBS Arena. Although, The Big Steppers Tour has gone viral since last month, no one was prepared for the show they were about to experience. 

    Kendrick Lamar
    photo by Lucas Kurzweil

    Back in May, Lamar released his fifth studio album, Mr. Morale and The Big Steppers after five years, and according to his fans it was worth the wait. Therefore, when he announced his tour, it was a no brainer for thousands to see his masterpiece live.

    To describe it as amazing is an understatement, when today a good percentage of mainstream rap music has become an outlet for hit singles and TikTok trends, rather than complete works of art. However, Lamar is far from a one hit wonder, and if anyone was uncertain of his creative skills, his latest album and tour undoubtedly proved otherwise. 

    photo by Lucas Kurzweil

    Baby Keem, fellow rapper, who’s album charted at #5 on Billboard 200, performed a few of his hit songs including “Range Brothers” featuring Lamar, along with “16”, before passing the torch onto one of the most legendary rappers of all time. Lamar immediately started out strong leaving the crowd in awe, within the first 10 seconds.

    Not only did Lamar perform songs from Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers like “N95”, “Count Me Out”, “Savior” and more, but other selections from his discography as well, including “Money Trees”, “Loyalty”, and” “m.A.A.d city”. 

    photo by Lucas Kurzweil

    If anyone could have started August with such a bang, regardless of performing three nights in a row, it would be the one and only Kendrick Lamar. In addition to his iconic artistry seen through his effortless flow, unbelievable lyricism, and unmatched connection with his audience, Lamar along with his team’s choreography was nothing less than stellar. The unification in their dancing, as well as the incomparable acting captivated the audience, making it crystal clear that this was more than just a music show. 

    The hidden messages and subtle references Lamar made were only a fraction of what led this show to be such a dynamic experience. His creativity was otherworldly, as he displayed the arrows in his back, which represents his healing process during his darkest days, of carrying the pain he was not only baring from his own trials and tribulations, but of those he loves as well. Lamar even made being administered a COVID test mid-performance look undeniably astounding. Furthermore, his puppet act, which went perfectly with his choice of clothing that resembled a ventriloquist, gave the audience an essential point of view into the life of Lamar, as if he was looking into his own eyes. His fans could finally fully experience the true emotion of his album right alongside him.

    Ultimately, Kendrick Lamar knew his tour had to make up for his time away from his loyal fans and he of course without question delivered a show to remember. If they did not know before, fans now understand why Lamar takes his time with his high-quality music. Therefore, next time around more will patiently wait since they know he will only produce some of the greatest gems ever in rap history. 

    With tears in their eyes, hands in the air, and feet leaving the ground jump by jump, Lamar’s fans were left starstruck from the very first second to the very last. 

    Setlist: United in Grief, N95, ELEMENT., Worldwide Steppers, Backseat Freestyle, Rich Spirit, HUMBLE., Father Time, m.A.A.d city, We Cry Together (Snippet), Purple Hearts, King Kunta, Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe (Remix), Die Hard, LUST.(Snippet), DNA., Count Me Out, Money Trees, LOVE., Alright, Mirror, LOYALTY., Silent Hill, family ties (Baby Keem cover) (with Baby Keem), Crown, Mr. Morale (with Tanna Leone), Savior

    photo by Lucas Kurzweil

  • In Focus: B2Wins at Levitt AMP Utica

    The identical twin brothers, Walter and Wagner Caldas of B2Wins headlined at Kopernik Park in Downtown Utica on Monday, July 11. The show was a Levitt Amp Utica Music Series segment funded by the Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation. In association with the humid weather, the B2Wins duo performed a fiery set bringing most in the crowd to their feet.

    Far from a traditional band, B2Wins consists of Walter, who sings and plays the violin, and Wagner, who plays the ukulele and runs the soundboard. They have a unique style of music, ranging from hip-hop and reggae to classical and jazz. Previously, the Caldas twins resided in the slums of Brazil and then moved to America without knowing English. Never letting fear get in the way, they remained optimistic while battling to commence in the music industry before headlining shows themselves. They planted Brazillian roots in Utica before their next stop in Des Moines.

    B2Wins began the set with warm, soft-to-the-ear classical music. Astonishing the crowd, they effortlessly covered popular songs by Bon Jovi, Louis Armstrong, Dua Lipa, and more. The crowd appeared blissful and danced throughout the entire set, despite the hot temperature. The brothers interacted with the audience through motivational speaking on behalf of culture and self-pride and encouraged everyone to get out of their seats to dance.

    Closing the show, Wagner and Walter walked around the fence separating the stage from the crowd to perform. Eyes followed as they stood back to back, playing the ukulele and violin energetically while singing.

  • Symphony Space Announces Upcoming Season Highlights

    Symphony Space has announced its upcoming 2022-2023 season, bringing musicians, authors, actors, comedians, and other talents to NYC for a full list of events. The new season will be available in person as well as streamed in high definition to audiences worldwide.

    Symphony Space venue as of 2008 with people outside.
    Photo Credit: NewYorkDolls CC BY-SA 3.0

    Located at 2537 Broadway at 95th Street, Symphony Space is a multi-disciplinary performing arts center that aims to connect art, ideas, and community together through performances and programming. The upcoming season continues well-known programs at the center, including Selected Shorts, Wall to Wall concerts, and much more. Symphony Space has offered entertainment for over four decades, and this upcoming season is sure to shine.

    The 2022-23 season is a testament to the joys of the shared experience. Reuniting in-person last year, after so much time apart, was exhilarating. As we continue to invite authors, actors, and musicians to convene and grow their own work and communities at Symphony Space, we are committed to celebrating both individual artists and the power of the arts as a whole. We know that each event can be a source of delight, hope, and connection to all.

    – Executive Director Kathy Landau

    Musical entertainment for the season includes Wall to Wall Stephen Sondheim on Oct. 15, which will honor one of the musical theater’s greatest composers/lyricists. The free celebration features music, dance, and conversation spanning Sondheim’s entire career at the Peter Jay Sharp Theater. 

    An artist-in-residence from bandleader, composer, drummer, and dhol player, Sunny Jain, will occur at the space on Jan. 28, Feb. 4, and Feb. 9, with music spanning multiple cultures and genres. Singer and legendary guitarist Richard Thompson will also grace the 2022-2023 season with a rare concert from Dec. 15 to Dec. 17. Audiences members are invited to submit song requests to Thompson which will remain unknown to him until the live performance onstage.

    Other entertainment for the season features the expansive literature series, Selected Shorts, where renowned actors recreate well-known writers’ stories. The comedy series, Uptown Showdown, hosted by Matthew Love, will bring much laughter and energetic debate. For the full list of events and talents coming to the Symphony Space, visit the venue’s website.

  • Soulful Ali McGuirk Announces Tour with 5 NY Dates

    Blues and soul singer Ali McGuirk has announced upcoming shows in promotion of her new album, Til It’s Gone, which is set for release on September 16 via Signature Sounds. The songwriter shared her single, “All Back,” on July 20 ahead of the album.

    McGuirk grew up outside of Boston before calling Burlington, Vermont, home. The singer-songwriter always knew she wanted to become an artist and her inspirations include Lauryn Hill, Aretha Franklin, Sarah Vaughan, and Abbey Lincoln. McGuirk’s music has explored multiple genres, but the upcoming album leans into its blues foundation.

    Celebrated folk-blues songwriter Jonah Tolchin helped produce Til It’s Gone alongside McGuirk, allowing for emotional tracks, guitar interludes, and delicate moments in the album. “All Back,” the first single off of the record, is an easy groove. McGuirk wrote the track about the end of the pandemic, and the track combines a vintage sound and a recent event into one. 

    Surviving the pandemic as an artist required some faith and this song felt like a little prayer of hope and resilience … we are faced with pandemics, climate chaos, ever-deepening inequality, and so much ignorance, but we learned a lot in March 2020 about our ability to adapt and I need to believe that it’s going to be alright, but we’ve got to do something right now.

    – Ali McGuirk on “All Back”

    McGuirk recorded much of the upcoming record in Los Angeles and included collaborations with an impressive lineup of artists. Legendary guitarist Fred Tackett of Little Feat, organist Larry Goldings, singer Valerie Pinkston, percussionist Lenny Castro, and more helped finalize the complete sounds of the album.

    The nine-track album, with intimate introspections, and thoughts on oppression and justice, would not be the same without McGuirk’s signature, hypnotic vocals. Take a listen to the first track, “All Back,” and see the full list of tour dates for the upcoming record, below.

    Ali McGuirk On Tour:

    Sept. 16 – Nashville, TN – Five Spot (AMERICANAFEST)

    Sept. 17 – Easthampton, MA – Arcadia Music Festival

    Oct. 1 – Albany, NY – The Linda

    Oct. 2 – Portsmouth, NH – The Press Room

    Oct. 5 – Lancaster, PA – Tellus360

    Oct. 6 – Brooklyn, NY – The Bell House

    Oct. 7 – Somerville, MA – The Crystal Ballroom at the Somerville

    Oct. 8 – New Haven, CT – Cafe Nine

    Oct. 14 – Burlington, VT – Higher Ground Lounge

    Oct. 19 – Syracuse, NY – 443 Listening Room

    Oct. 22 – Rochester, NY – The Abilene

    Oct. 23 – Buffalo, NY – Sportsmen’s Tavern

    Oct. 29 – Portland, ME – One Longfellow Square

  • Trinity of Terror Triple Co-Headline Tour to Hit MVP Arena This November

    On November 18, Ice Nine Kills, Black Veil Brides, and Motionless In White, will come to MVP Arena as a part of their Trinity of Terror fall tour with additional stops in NY.

    Trinity of Terror 2022 tour poster

    The fall tour will be the third leg of the massively popular tour and will see the three bands travel all over North America with more than 30 stops and more dates to be announced. The new Trinity of Terror dates will begin on October 31 in Texas with NY stops including MVP Arena, The Armory, and Madison Square Garden.

    The triple co-headline tour brings together some of the best talents in modern hard rock. Motionless In White, originally from Scranton, PA, has earned acclaim with its releases including Reincarnate (2014), Graveyard Shift (2017), and most recently, Scoring The End of the World (2022). 

    Black Veil Brides, a postmodern heavy metal act brings a powerhouse of sound with the thematic and imaginative The Phamton Tomorrow album release. Ice Nine Kills, with theatrical shows, intense multi-media, and immense creativity will also be a must-see on this tour.

    During Trinity of Terror, Ice Nine Kills, Black Veil Brides, and Motionless In White will alternate closing sets each night and special guest Atreyu is also set to join them. Tickets are available to purchase for the general public on August 5, 10 a.m. local time. For the full list of newly announced tour dates, see below. 

    2022 “TRINITY OF TERROR” TOUR DATES:

    ^Newly Added Leg 3 Date |  #Radio Show |  *Festival Date  | + Not A Live Nation Date | (October 7 – No Black Veil Brides)

    August 30 – Denver, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre#

    September 3 – Omaha, NE – Liberty First Credit Union Arena

    September 4 – Pryor, OK – Rocklahoma*

    September 6 – Fort Wayne, IN – Allen County War Memorial Expo Center

    September 7 – Cleveland, OH – Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica

    September 9 – Scranton, PA – Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain

    September 10 – Alton, VA – Blue Ridge Rock Fest*

    September 11 – Asheville, NC – Exploreasheville.com Arena

    September 13 – Milwaukee, WI  – Eagles Ballroom

    September 14 – Sterling Heights, MI – Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill

    September 16 – Bonner Springs, MO – Azura Amphitheater

    September 17 – Saint Charles, MO – The Family Arena

    September 18 – Cincinnati, OH – ICON at The Andrew J Brady Music Center

    October 7 – Sacramento, CA – Aftershock*

    October 22 – Las Vegas, NV – When We Were Young*

    October 23 – Las Vegas, NV – When We Were Young*

    October 29 – Las Vegas, NV – When We Were Young*

    October 31 – El Paso, TX – El Paso County Coliseum^

    November 1 – Lubbock, TX – Lonestar Events Center^+

    November 05 – Charleston, WV – Charleston Civic Center Coliseum^

    November 07 – Biloxi, MS – Mississippi Coast Coliseum^

    November 08 – Houston, TX – Bayou Music Center^

    November 10 – Peoria, IL – Peoria Civic Center Arena^

    November 12 – Minneapolis, MN – The Armory^

    November 13 – Gary, IN – Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana^

    November 15 – Baltimore, MD – Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena^

    November 17 – Lowell, MA – Tsongas Arena^+

    November 18 – Albany, NY – MVP Arena^+

    November 19 – Toronto, ON – Coca Cola Coliseum^

    November 21 – Laval, QC – Place Bell^

    November 22 – Rochester, NY – The Armory^+

    November 23 – New York, NY – HULU Theater at Madison Square Garden^

    November 26 – Orlando, FL – Orlando Amphitheater^

    November 27 – Boca Raton, FL – Sunset Cove Ampitheater^+

    November 29 – Corbin, KY – Corbin Arena^+

    December 11 – Portland, OR – Theater of the Clouds at Moda Center^

    December 12 – Seattle, WA – WAMU Theater^

Built in Breakdance