NYS Music 202​2

Category: Genres

  • Blues Ignition Band Returns to the New York State Blues Festival

    After a multi-year hiatus, the Blues Ignition Band will start up opening day performances for the 2022 New York State Blues Festival from Saturday June 16 to 18.

    The free event, which reaches its 30th anniversary this year, will take place at Chevy Court inside the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse.

    Blues Ignition Band
    Reggie Seigler, the coordinator of this year’s Blues Ignition Band.

    The Blues Ignition Band is part of the festival’s youth development program, along with the K.J. James Memorial Scholarship and Blues In The Schools. Blues Ignition offers kids 18 and younger the opportunity to audition for spots in the group, and those selected are led by an instructor heading up to the day of their performance.

    The Blues Ignition Band’s leader in 2022 band is Reggie Seigler, the coordinator of JAMS. (Joined Artists, Musicians, Singers, Inc.) A 501(c)(3) non-profit based in Syracuse, JAMS’ mission “is to enhance the local arts scene through the offerings of diverse creative artists.” Seigler is also a columnist for The Stand, a publication which covers news and current events in Syracuse’s South Side.

    More information about the festival’s upcoming program and their youth development program can be found on the New York State Blues Festival website.

    Performance by Lil’ Ed & the Blues Imperials during the 2019 New York State Blues Festival.

  • Fozzy Announces Dates For Save The World Fall Tour

    Atlanta metal band Fozzy has announced dates for their Save The World tour this fall across the U.S. and Canada.

    The tour, which features No Resolve and GFM as guest acts, begins September 8 in Columbus, OH and finishes October 10 in Virginia Beach. It includes two New York dates, with stops at the Lost Horizon in Syracuse on October 2 and October 8 at Empire Live in Albany. Tickets will go on sale Thursday.

    Fozzy frontman Chris Jericho waves to the crowd during a show.
    Chris Jericho, Fozzy frontman and famed pro wrestler. (Credit: David A. Smith/Getty Images)

    The tour is in promotion of Fozzy’s new record Boombox, released on the 6th. Their eighth studio album in a 20+ year career, Boombox entered the Neilson Current Hard Music Albums chart at #5 and the Current Rock Albums and Current Digital Albums charts at #19, having amassed nearly 14 million streams.

    The record also features three top 20 singles on Nielsen’s Mainstream Rock National Airplay chart, “I Still Burn,” “Nowhere to Run,” and “Sane.”

    Tour Dates:

    Thursday, September 8          Columbus, OH @ The King of Clubs

    Friday, September 9                Louisville, KY @ Mercury Ballroom

    Saturday, September 10         Flint, MI @ Machine Shop

    Sunday, September 11             Pittsburgh, PA @ Jergels

    Monday, September 12           Grand Rapids, MI @ Intersection

    Thursday, September 15        Bloomington, IL @ Castle Theater

    Friday, September 16              Hobart, IN @ The Art Theater

    Saturday, September 17         Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave

    Sunday, September 18            Cincinnati, OH @ Bogarts

    Monday, September 19           Charlottesville, VA @ Jefferson Theater

    Thursday, September 29        Charlotte, NC @ Underground

    Friday, September 30              Richmond, VA @ Canal Club

    Saturday, October 1                 Baltimore, MD @ Soundstage

    Sunday, October 2                    Syracuse, NY @ Lost Horizon

    Monday, October 3                   New Bedford, MA @ The Vault

    Thursday, October 6                Montreal, QC @ Foufounes Electriques

    Friday, October 7                      Toronto, ON @ Opera House

    Saturday, October 8                 Albany, NY @ Empire Live

    Sunday, October 9                    Philadelphia, PA @ Brooklyn Bowl

    Monday, October 10                Virginia Beach, VA @ Elevation 27

  • Eddies Hall of Fame Celebrates Capital Region’s Music Scene at UPH

    The rich music history of the Capital Region was celebrated on Tuesday, June 7 with the Eddies Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Held at Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga Springs. The eight honorees included folk, ambient, rock, and acoustic artists, as well as a promoter, writer/musicians, and an independent radio station founder.

    Paul Rapp, a musician and entertainment rights lawyer, as well as a 2020 Eddies Hall of Fame inductee knew them all and gave opening remarks noting such. Rapp, drummer for renowned Albany act Blotto, weighed in on each musician, offering heartfelt thoughts and a few laughs as he discussed his connection and the impact each of the eight left on the Capital Region scene.

    Eddies Hall of Fame
    Paul Rapp – photo by Erin Reid Coker

    Honorees included Joel Ross, a 7-time Grammy Award winner who engineered songs for Broadway musicals and TV shows, and worked with Ray Charles and Tony Bennett among many others.

    Joel Ross – photo by Joe Putrock

    Brooks Brown, founder of WEQX, an independent radio station, was referred to by Rapp as having “saved the Albany Music scene” by creating a radio station that played local bands that couldn’t be heard elsewhere. Rapp noted that Brown took great joy in telling corporations looking to buy his station to “go fuck themselves.”

    Jason Keller and Mimi Brown – photo by Erin Reid Coker

    Super 400 from Troy has had an impact felt as far away as Spain, which led to Spanish band Red Apple sharing via prerecorded video how they were looking for bands that were real and similar to them. In discovering Super 400, they found a band on the same wavelength, as well as future friends. Red Apple then performed “Green Grass End” in tribute to Super 400.

    Eddies Hall of Fame
    Super 400 – photo by Erin Reid Coker

    Greg Bell, the promoter who made Albany a jam band mecca and must hit tour stop, has run Guthrie/Bell Productions since the early 1990s. His presence in the Capital District will be profiled in the upcoming documentary from Mirth Films, Grapplin’ Greg. Rapp noted that no one has done more to support local bands than Bell, adding, “Music promoters are like adding kindling to a fire. The good ones make it burn bright.”

    Eddies Hall of Fame
    Greg Bell – photo by Erin Reid Coker

    Rich Ortiz, the “fishin’ musician,” comes from a family rich in music history and plays more than 300 gigs a year and has been featured on the cover of numerous fishing magazines.. If night fishing were a thing, we may not have this legend from the Lake George region. Saratoga Springs guitarist from 80’s band The Morons, Steve Candlen, later performed Ortiz’ “I Love You Everyone.”

    Eddies Hall of Fame
    Rich Ortiz – photo by Erin Reid Coker

    Michael Eck is many things – a painter, arts writer, Caffe Lena board member, and Ramblin Jug Stompers spoke with great emotion in receiving the Eddies Hall of Fame honor. Candlen later performed an Eck original “You’re a Mountain,” with the fitting lyrics “you’re a mountain, you’re a legend, you’re a king.”

    Michael Eck – photo by Erin Reid Coker

    Sara Ayers, with an eclectic career that includes folk, punk, bubblegum, rock, electronica and especially ambient music, was a crowd favorite as she was honored for her contributions to the scene.

    Sara Ayers – photo by Erin Reid Coker

    Greg Haymes, a man who did so much for local bands, venues and aspiring writers and photographers, was the final honoree of the night. The late “Sarge” Blotto has a varied career in multiple genres and styles, and in founding local music website Nippertown, he had a connection to nearly the entire room of musicians, journalists and fans. Rapp pointed to one of the many quirks of Haymes, was his mentions in reviews of a musician’s shoes, considering those with good shoes to have ‘made it’, and with that, Rapp pulled out a ruby slipper. The unofficial Jug Stompers theme song, “Jug Band Music,” by the Memphis Jug Band, and performed by Tom Lindsay to honor Haymes.

    A young Greg Haymes. Photo by Amy Modesti

    While Haymes passed away in 2019, he was fêted by his fellow inductees in a slideshow retrospective. Ayers accepted on behalf of her late husband, noting that he lived an artistic life as a musician, a writer and a website publisher, and it was a life he was proud of. His not too serious approach to preparing himself for a performance on stage (whether with a customized washboard, or a typewriter for a percussion instrument), his experience as a musician made him want to share the passion of local musicians in the Capital District through his writing. In doing so, Haymes gave many writers and photographers a chance to, a tradition we continue at NYS Music.

    Photos by Erin Reid Coker

  • Hearing Aide: The Wrecks ‘Sonder’

    If you’re searching for the eternal sound of summer, the alternative indie punk-pop outfit the Wrecks might be just the thing you need to remember the season is here. The Wellsville, NY band’s sophomore full-length album Sonder drops on June 10 across all streaming platforms via Big Noise Music Group.

    Eleven tracks nod to the quintessential pop/punk sound of the early 2000’s paying homage to the pioneers of the genre. But in Sonder, the Wrecks have developed their own unique 2020’s twist incorporating elements of current pop trends and new wave style synth to the mix. 

    the wrecks sonder

    Lyrics are relatable; the kind of lyrics you can apply to your life without knowing original context or origin story. “I’d say our lyrics have always been honest and vulnerable,” noted Wreck’s vocalist/producer Nick Anderson, “and not only was I able to depend on that narrative compass once again, but I found it taking me to a whole new place this time creatively.” Anderson’s vocals shine.  There is a powerful delicate balance to his vocal performance, a beautiful dichotomy that fits the band’s musical vibe – soft and tepid to robust and commanding and back again with a natural ease. 

    The album’s lead single, “Sonder” is a musical punch. Musically, the tune is sharp and demands attention.  The chorus’s unexpected hook warrants a “car windows down, singing at the top of your lungs like no one is next to you at the red light” type of moment. “Where Are You Now” showcases a different side to the band’s sound – acoustic guitar and ethereal vocals create an unexpected ballad early in the track listing. The album’s latest single “Lone Survivor”, a flashy earworm, closes the album with a dance heavy bass groove that justifies using the repeat button for a few listens. 

    The Wrecks are currently touring in support of Sonder with a 33-show tour this summer.  New York stops include dates in Buffalo at the Rec Room (June 29), Albany at the Empire Underground (June 30) and Webster Hall in New York City (Jul 8). Full tour dates can be found here.

    Key Tracks: Sonder, Where Are You Now, Lone Survivor, I Love This Part

  • Spaghetti Eastern Music Shifts to Singer-Songwriter Mode on “I Believe in Love”

    Spaghetti Eastern Music, the solo venture of genre-fluid NYC/Hudson Valley guitarist Sal Cataldi has released “I Believe in Love,” a stripped-down, all-acoustic ballad previewing the spare narrative style of his forthcoming song-centric EP, Turpentine Valentines.

    i believe in love

    With “I Believe in Love,” Cataldi serves up his hard-earned take on romance: the pain it can cause and the beauty too… if one is willing to throw his/her heart back into the ring for another go-round after heartbreak.  Two crystalline acoustic guitars and a solitary voice carry the tune whose narrative arc is reflected in the below, the first and concluding verses of the song:

    I believe in love but not everlasting love
    Life has shown me, it’s just a temporary disease
    Attacks the heart, breaks it in two and does something funny to your knees
    But I believe in love…
    I believe in love but not everlasting love
    If you can accept these terms, maybe we can get the disease
    Warms the heart and make its whole
    At least that’s what life has shown me so
    I believe in love

    “I Believe in Love”

    The song comes with a counterpart video featuring some of the great screen kisses from the classic film era, seen below. It was recorded and engineered by Cataldi at his studios in Woodstock and a floating studio aboard his Houseboat Garlic Knot in Port Washington.

    Critics from The New York Times, Time Out New York and Huffington Post have praised Cataldi’s debut album under the Spaghetti Eastern Music moniker, Sketches of Spam.  This 16-track, 69-minute surf through a slew of contrasting moods, with largely guitar-driven instrumentals inspired by the acid funk of 70’s Miles, Krautrock, Ennio Morricone’s Spaghetti Western movie soundtracks as well as Fripp & Eno ambience and the sound of ECM guitar god Terje Rypdal.

    These contrasted bare-bones acoustic vocal songs are reflective of the influence of John Martyn and Nick Drake, the mode showcased on his latest single. The discs’ acoustic titles included originals like “Wild One” and “Mama Called,” an instrumental cover of the Zappa rarity “Sleep Dirt” and a DADGAD-tuned, ballad paced reinvention of the Beatles’ “Ticket to Ride.”

    I have never understood the desire to shove musicians into tiny boxes, the belief that you only get to be and play in one genre. I love all sorts of styles – straight-ahead and avant jazz, post-rock, prog, metal and funk, world music, electronic experimentation and, yes, quiet acoustic ballads like my new single, something that is definitely a 360-turn from my recent releases.

    I love it all equally, listen to it all and want to perform it all – and that’s what I do with Spaghetti Eastern Music, at gigs and on recordings.  That might make it hard for the algorithms that govern everything in the music world these days, so I guess my genre is best stated as iPod Shuffle.

    Sal Cataldi – Spaghetti Eastern Music

    The new single is available as of June 7 as a digital download via Spaghetti Eastern Music’s Bandcamp site, iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, CD Baby and other online stores.  

  • Bardavon Announces Shows for 2022 Juneteenth Celebration

    Bardavon will present performances from Resistance Revival Chorus and Imani Perry to celebrate Juneteenth at the Old Dutch Church in Kingston and the Bardavon Opera House in Poughkeepsie.

    The Old Dutch Church was often referred to as “The Cathedral of Kingston,” which was originally built in 1660 in the colony of New Netherland. While the Bardavon 1869 Opera Houseowns and operates a 944-seat historic theater in Poughkeepsie and it is operated by the Bardavon.

    The Resistance Revival Chorus — June 18th at 7pm at Old Dutch Church, Kingston

    The Resistance Revival Chorus

    The Resistance Revival Chorus (RRC) is a collective of more than 60 womxn, and non-binary singers who enjoy singing and express themselves with the music. The singers are in various occupations including not only professional singer and Broadway performers, but also political activists, educators, and more. They aim to be intersectional in our feminism and reveal that all social justice issues overlap heavily with woman’s issues. Tickets start at $20

    Imani Perry — June 19th at 5pm at Bardavon

    Imani Perry

    The Princeton University African American Studies professor and author Imani Perry will speak on her new book South to America, followed by a Q & A and a book signing in the Bardavon lobby. She also wrote 6 other books, including Looking for Lorraine: The Radiant and Radical Life of Lorraine Hansberry, May We Forever Stand: A History of the Black National Anthem, Breathe: A Letter to My Sons, etc., which are renowned for the prizes they won.

    Free tickets available at Poughkeepsie’s Adriance Memorial Library & Bardavon or UPAC box offices.

  • Future Islands Sells Out Three Action-Packed Nights at Brooklyn Steel

    Future Islands played a sold-out three night run at Brooklyn Steel over June 2-4, with support from legendary funk-rock band, ESG. Fans were treated to the driving beats, energetic sets, and the nonstop thrills that have made Future Islands a breakout success.

    future islands
    Future Islands at Brooklyn Steel, Photographed by David Reichmann

    Opening for Future Islands, ESG brought the exact energy to their funk-rock set you would expect from a band opening for the famously-animated Future Islands. ESG interacted with the crowd with laughter and enthusiasm. At one point bassist Nicole stopped the show and excitedly asked the crowd, “Is your mom as cool as our mom?” pointing to her mother and frontwoman, Renee Scroggins. The crowd raved throughout their sets, with palpable energy rising as they closed out each night’s set.

    future islands
    ESG at Brooklyn Steel, Photographed by David Reichmann

    Future Islands took the stage each night to wild applause. Frontman Samuel Herring briefly thanked the opening band before declaring, “I’m not going to do too much talking. Let’s shut up and do it.” Samuel brought his trademark highly-animated style of performance that made the band a viral sensation following their network television debut of “Seasons (Waiting on You)” on David Letterman, which would go on to become the most viewed YouTube video in Letterman’s history. The entire crowd was jumping off the floor before the band’s second song concluded. Covered in a thick layer of sweat within minutes, Samuel joked, “It’s getting slippery up here!”

    future islands
    Future Islands at Brooklyn Steel, Photographed by David Reichmann

    After Future Island’s third song finished (traditionally when photographers must exit the press pit), Samuel fist bumped a few of the photographers for their enthusiastic capturing of his performance. A rare show of class, as photographers are usually ignored by the talent. But in that brief moment, Sammuel showed a clear respect to the whole crew involved in bringing the show to life. He took every opportunity to interact with the crowd and photographers, leading to a dynamic and powerful show that was a joy to both attend and cover.

    Each track on their setlist featured Samuel jumping, crouching, and contorting himself with operatic movement. Their set included several fan favorites, including “Peach,” “Plastic Beach,” “Balance,” “Like the Moon,” and their latest single, “King of Sweden.”

    “We are meant to experience these things and remember them,” Samuel told the crowd before introducing “Lighthouse” with the story of the song’s inspiration. He told a heartfelt story of a friend who had lifted him from a dark time, and how he always thinks of them when performing this song.

    future islands
    Future Islands at Brooklyn Steel, Photographed by David Reichmann

    Samuel performed high kicks, full body stage dives, locked his piercing eyes with several audience members, and put what seemed like 110% of his efforts into every second of the show. The band played with the same energy, pushing driving beats and deep synths. Each band mate brought something unique to the table. As far as frontmen go, some artists steal the show and some artists are the show — Samuel Herring is undoubtedly a frontman who is the show. And he performs as much for the back row as the front.

    future islands
    Future Islands at Brooklyn Steel, Photographed by David Reichmann

    Before introducing their breakout hit, “Seasons (Waiting On You),” Samuel told the crowd, “This song is for people waiting on that special someone, I hope that someone is next to you tonight… if they’re not here that’s okay too. Don’t you waste too much time, now!” The crowd cheered and danced as the song played, reveling in Samuel’s all-out performance.

    They closed the first night with “Little Dreamer.” Samuel told a tear jerking story of an old love and a specific room this song always brings him back to. He invited the crowd to remember painful moments throughout their lives, and never forget the most difficult times. “This is a dream. We’ve worked so hard for years to be here. This is a song we’ve been singing for 13 years.”

    Future Islands at Brooklyn Steel, Photographed by David Reichmann

    Future Islands’ sold out, three night run featured incredible setlists, touching and personal anecdotes from frontman Sammuel Herring, and ESG as the perfect opening act.

    Future Islands is scheduled to play one more North American tour date in July, before embarking on their European tour in August. You can listen to Future Islands’ latest single and album here. You can also check out ESG’s music here.

    Future Islands and ESG at Brooklyn Steel, Photographed by David Reichmann

  • Rockin’ On The River Lineup Features Hanzolo, Super 400, and More

    Rockin’ On The River in Troy, NY, announces the lineup for this summer, happening on July 20, Aug. 3, Aug. 17, and Aug. 31 at The Waterfront featuring Hanzolo, Super 400, and more.

    Rockin' On The River

    Rockin’ On The River is one of the Capital Region’s best and longest-running outdoor music series. It is a free event, happening from 5:30- 8 P.M. with local artists and familiar favorites taking the stage. Geoff Brault, Executive Director, Downtown Troy Business Improvement District, spoke about the concert series.

    We’re tremendously excited for Rockin’ On The River to return with four shows in 2022 at a new location at The Waterfront. Since the event was last held, there’s been so much investment in The Waterfront district, and we can’t wait to show off all the improvements and amenities that this area has to offer. And since it’s such a short walk from one end of the downtown district to the other, it’s easy to enjoy great shopping before the show, and fine food and drink after.

    Rockin’ On The River Lineup

    July 20- Super 400 with Blue Machine

    Super 400 is a Troy-based rock trio that is known far and wide for telekinetic jams and big love. They have played at Rockin’ On The River multiple times since its creation. Opening for them is Blue Machine.

    Super 400
    Super 400

    Aug. 3- Skeeter Creek with Luggnuts.

    Skeeter Creek is a country band who have won the Times Union Reader’s Poll winner for Best Local Band six times. Opening for them is Luggnuts, who play cosmic American music.

    Skeeter Creek

    Aug. 17- Saints & Liars with Wild Leek River

    Saints & Liars is a five-piece Americana band blending their own variants of country, folk, bluegrass, and rock, and is ranked among the best of the new and upcoming alternative artists. Wild Leek River is a five-piece country band that has strong steel vocals and music you can dance to.

    Aug. 31- Hanzolo with IAMDYNAMITE

    NYS Music March Madness winners Hanzolo are a 7-piece band from Upstate New York, with an explosive and emotional sound that mixes soul, jazz, rock, and funk. IAMDYNAMITE is a fast-paced, anthemic, catchy, chanting rock group.

    Hanzolo
    Hanzolo

    Rockin’ On The River’s free concert series will be held at The Waterfront in Troy, NY, throughout July and August.

  • In Focus: Jazz Legend Ron Carter Celebrates 85th Birthday With Musical Showcase at Carnegie Hall

    Ron Carter received the perfect celebration for his 85th birthday at Carnegie Hall on May 10. The prolific Michigan-born jazz bassist is regarded as one of the most influential jazz musicians in the world, with a world record 2,221 recording session appearances since his career started in the 1960s.

    Jazz connoisseurs were delighted by Carter’s presentation of three of his ensembles showcasing the diversity of his musical talents fit for the pristine acoustics of Carnegie Hall. His first set featured two traditional jazz settings supported by phenomenal musicians – the Golden Striker Trio and the Foursight Quartet – while his second set featured an orchestrated octet blending jazz and world music sounds. Closing the night after a sentimental birthday wish on stage from Carter’s son Quintell Williams Carter, he performed a solo piece on piccolo bass which is a signature invention by him and Stanley Clarke (a piccolo bass looks like a regular bass but is tuned an octave higher to give more prominence to solos and lead parts on the instrument).

    ron carter carnegie hall

    Throughout the program, emcee Lester Holt and guest speakers/fellow bass virtuosos Stanley Clarke and Buster Williams spoke in great repute about Carter’s diverse talents in music, writing, collaboration, and education and each echoed his great character and humor as a person which he demonstrated throughout the night while explaining the compositions or sharing an off-the-cuff story. “We’re gonna keep comin’ out here til we get it right!” he exclaimed during each of his ensembles sets, slightly ironic to Carnegie Hall’s famous line of “practice, practice, practice!” before his closing remark of “well, I guess we finally got it right.”

    ron carter carnegie hall

    After a brief intermission, Lester Holt welcomed to the stage Mikio Mori, Ambassador and Consul-General of Japan in New York. Amb. Mori expressed the deepest of gratitude to Carter for “helping jazz evolve as a language between Americans and the Japanese in the spirit of friendship and peace” which has flourished a jazz movement in Japan over the last several decades. From his various contributions along with performances in Japan following the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks and following the devastating earthquake in March 2011, Carter was bestowed the honor of the Order of the Rising Sun with Rosette in 2021.

    Witnessing Mr. Carter’s performance at Carnegie Hall was an immersive exhibit of world-class talent. We would like to extend our warmest of wishes for his 85th birthday and look forward to hearing more of his virtuosity.

    Ron Carter at Carnegie Hall Setlist (composer listed in parenthesis):

    Golden Striker Trio: Laverne Walk (Pettiford), Candlelight (Carter), Soft Winds (Henderson)

    Ron Carter Foursight Quartet: 595 (Carter), Mr. Bowtie (Carter), My Funny Valentine (Henderson), You and the Night and the Music (Schwartz)

    Intermission

    Ron Carter Octet: Abide with Me (trad.), El Rompe Cabeza (Carter), Song for You (Russell), Song for a Friend* (Carter), All Blues (Davis), Just a Closer Walk with Thee (trad.)

    *”Song for a Friend” written in dedication to Carter’s father

  • Paul McCartney Returns to Syracuse for Epic Performance

    Sir Paul McCartney returned to Syracuse on Saturday, June 4th to open up the first concert at the JMA Wireless Dome (formerly Carrier Dome). With a near full capacity crowd of over 35,000 in attendance, Paul McCartney was ready to rock Syracuse with a nearly three hour set.

    Sir Paul McCartney Syracuse

    With mounting anticipation, the show began around 8:20 p.m., as Paul McCartney took the stage to a massive roar of applause alongside his backing band which included Brian Ray, Rusty Anderson, Paul Wickens, and Abe Laboriel, Jr. Seeming to really take in the Syracuse welcome, McCartney walked around the stage briefly waving to the crowd and smiling before putting his hand up into the air behind the mic and kicking off the set with The Beatles classic, “Can’t Buy Me Love.”

    Throughout the set, fans were treated to his versatility in playing multiple instruments which included piano, bass, guitar, and ukulele. When McCartney wasn’t singing or playing an instrument, he engaged the audience with stories and memories with other members of the Beatles.

    The concert featured tons of Beatles hits, including “Lady Madonna”, “You Never Give Me Your Money”, “Blackbird.” The energy of the crowd only grew as the set progressed later into the evening with the audience singing popular tunes, “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da” and “Get Back.” Continuing on with some of the biggest hits including “Band on the Run” into a sing along of “Let it Be” followed by a fiery display of pyrotechnics and fireworks during “Live and Let Die.”

    The climax of the performance this evening was during “Hey Jude” when the entire audience sung along for several minutes to the “Na na na Na Na Na Na!” This was one of the most amazing experiences to be a part of with just a feeling of unity among everyone, especially given vast struggles currently in the world.

    Paul McCartney left the stage saying goodnight, however not many people were so easily convinced that he was done. As if his 30-song set wasn’t enough, the band returned to the stage with thundering applause waving the Ukranian Flag, UK Flag, Pride Flag, and New York Flag.

    With a massive 6-song encore that included favorites such as “I’ve Got a Feeling” which McCartney performed essentially a duet with John Lennon. The screens broadcast footage of Lennon performing on a rooftop from Peter Jackson’s “Get Back” documentary, which sounded as if he were on stage performing right there with Paul and synched perfectly. Finishing out the encore with “Helter Skelter”, “Golden Slumbers”, “Carry That Weight”, and ending with the fitting Beatle song “The End.” Paul McCartney delivered what many can consider the greatest concert they have ever seen.

    Being able to witness the inspiration for just about all modern music was awe-inspiring. Paul McCartney has a way about him that just commands your attention, and the performance he continues to give over a 60-year career as he pushes 80 years old cements his legacy as an all time great. This was truly a unifying and magical music experience that I would recommend anyone to see if given the chance.

    Setlist

    Can’t Buy Me Love (The Beatles)>Junior’s Farm (Wings) >Letting Go (Wings)>Got to Get You Into My Life (The Beatles)>Come On to Me>Let Me Roll It (Wings)>Getting Better (The Beatles)>Let ‘Em In (Wings)>My Valentine>Nineteen Hundred and Eighty-Five (Wings)>Maybe I’m Amazed>I’ve Just Seen a Face (The Beatles)>In Spite of All the Danger (The Quarrymen)>Love Me Do (The Beatles)>Dance Tonight>Blackbird (The Beatles)>Here Today (tribute to John Lennon)>Lady Madonna (The Beatles)>Fuh You>Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite (The Beatles)>Something (The Beatles)>Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da (The Beatles)>You Never Give Me Your Money (The Beatles)>She Came in Through the Bathroom Window (The Beatles)>Get Back (The Beatles)>Band on the Run (Wings)>Let It Be (The Beatles)>Live and Let Die (Wings)>Hey Jude (The Beatles)

    Encore

    I’ve Got a Feeling>Birthday (The Beatles)>Helter Skelter (The Beatles)>Golden Slumbers (The Beatles)>Carry That Weight (The Beatles)>The End (The Beatles)

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