Opera Saratoga’s Artistic and General Director Lawrence Edelson has announced that he will step down from Opera Saratoga after the 2022 Summer Season. A member of the company since 2014, Edleson will be taking his talents to The University of Houston as Professor of Practice and Artistic Director of The Moores Opera Center.
Lawrence Edelson
The Moores Opera Center is considered one of the most prestigious programs for opera training in the country. The institution regularly brings home National Opera Association awards. Lawrence Edelson will also continue in his role as Artistic and General Director of American Lyric Theater in New York City. Here, he mentors emerging opera composers and oversees the development of new works.
As expected, Opera Saratoga is sad to see Edelson go. That being said, the company wishes him the best of luck in his future endeavors. Edelson’s final remarks are as follows:
When I first came to Saratoga Springs as a guest director in 2013, I fell in love with this community and when I had the opportunity to join Opera Saratoga as Artistic and General Director the following year, I knew that I was about to embark on a very exciting journey. I truly could not have imagined how rewarding my time at Opera Saratoga would be. I have had some of the most meaningful experiences of my life during my time with the company, and I am deeply grateful to the artists, our entire staff, and our committed and generous supporters who make it possible for Opera Saratoga to contribute so vibrantly to the region year-round.
On May 11th and 12th, Princess Goes to the Butterfly Museum played 2 sold out shows at New York City’s LPR. PGTTBM is an avant-indie supergroup that features actor Michael C. Hall on lead vocals, Peter Yanowitz on drums and Matt Katz-Bohen on keyboard. The trio formed the group in New York City after years of mutual friendship and group jam sessions. They released their debut album, Thanks For Coming, in February of 2021. Their sound mixes styles of New Wave with heavy synth and has been self described as “kaleidoscopic sound weather” and “danceable apocalypse.”
Their first post pandemic gig was at Mercury Lounge in January 2021. Because of covid restrictions at the time, there was no live audience and the gig was live streamed. Finally, the band can now play to a live audience and has gained much momentum with these 2 sold out shows at LPR. You can see all their upcoming dates here. They have also recently released a remix of their song “Ketamine” and a new video for their song “Sideways.”
Princess Goes to the Butterfly Museum – le poisson rouge – NYC
Setlist: Intro/Vicious, Love American Style, Ketamine, Nevertheless, The Deeper Dow, Eat An Eraser, Let It Go, Into the Void, Sideways, Airhead, Angela Peacock, Jetpack, Cruel World, Tomorrow’s Screams, Thanks for Coming, Escape Route, Land of Make Pretend, Armageddon Suite, Come Talk To Me
Three-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Eric Clapton has announced 7 shows in the United States this September, including two nights at Madison Square Garden (MSG) in New York City on Sunday, September 18 and Monday, September 19. Both shows will feature Jimmie Vaughan as special guest.
Eric Clapton’s band for these shows will include Doyle Bramhall II, Paul Carrack, Nathan East, Sonny Emory and Chris Stainton, with Sharon White and Katie Kissoon on backing vocals.
Clapton will be making his 49th and 50th appearances at Madison Square Garden, which date back to his first appearance at the World’s Most Famous Arena as a member of Cream on November 2, 1968. Eric Clapton has also performed at MSG as a member of Blind Faith (July 12, 1969), as a solo artist 43 times, including special engagements alongside Steve Winwood and Jeff Beck, and as part of his Crossroads Music Festival.
Tickets will go on sale on Friday, May 20 at 10 a.m. at Ticketmaster.
Summer 2022 free music lineups are popping up all around the state, and the annual “Jazz on Jay” series in Schenectady once again has a stellar lineup to share.
Every Thursday, a free jazz performance will take place on the corner of Jay Street and State Street from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m., perfect for lunchtime enjoyment in the Electric City. Jazz enthusiasts will get to enjoy singers and instrumentalists from across the region.
The series kicks off on Thursday, June 9 with Colleen Pratt and Friends, in conjunction with Downtown Schenectady ArtsWeek.
If you’re a fan of jazz, then Jay Street in Schenectady is the spot to be. The performances will go on rain or shine, with a rain location inside Proctors Theatre’s Robb Alley.
2022 Jazz on Jay Concert Schedule
June 9: Colleen Pratt and Friends (in conjunction with Downtown Schenectady ArtsWeek) June 16: Arch Stanton Quartet June 23: Wize Guyz June 30: Music by McIntosh July 7: Keith Pray’s Ortet July 14: Kevin Carey Group July 21: The Dylan Canterbury Quintet July 28: Kaitlyn Fay Quartet August 4: Art D’echo Trio featuring Joshua Nelson August 11: Chris Pasin’s Ornettiquette August 18: GNP August 25: Curley Lamb Nu-Soul-Jaz Quartet featuring Ria Curley and Chuck Lamb September 1: Pete Bellino Trio
Hip hop legends Onyx have added two new albums to their lengthy discography. First came, 1993, released on March, 4. The 13-track project is produced entirely by Ukrainian producer, Stasevich and is an ode to a rough and grimy era of mid-1990’s hip hop, hence the tittle. It samples some of the most iconic records from the 90’s including Public Enemy’s “Fight The Power” and Onyx’s own “Slam.”
This past weekend saw the release of, Onyx Versus Everybody, which is more concise with only 10-tracks and 19-minutes of play-time. For this effort, Fredro Starr took control behind the keyboard, producing the entirety of the project. While 1993 is more of a concentrated effort to capture the aura of a certain time period, both albums contain the same rugged energy that have made Onyx such a distinguished hip hop act. Fredro’s production does vary slightly more than Stasevich’s, but without any major rollout for either project, it seems as though the duo is focused on making records for their core fans, as these two ominous/dark themed albums illustrate.
The Southside, Jamaica natives made their break-though during the golden era of 1990’s hip hop. Known for singes like “Slam,” “Walk in New York,” “Throw Ya Gunz” and “Last Dayz,” Onyx has maintained their relevance for over two decades. Their raucous delivery along with the duo’s talent and business acumen have kept them in the game far longer than many of their contemporaries. Fredro Starr and Sticky Fingaz are also accomplished actors. Fredro is best-known for his role on the hit sitcom, Moesha, while Sticky has appeared in numerous film and television roles.
After a five year hiatus, hip hop legend and one of the greatest rappers of all time, Kendrick Lamar, has released his latest work of art, Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers on May 13. On the same day as the album release, he announced The Big Steppers Tour, with appearances at the Barclays Center on August 5 and 6, as well as the UBS Arena on August 7.
When it comes to his music, Lamar is considered to be a prophet and a visionary who does not hold back on the messages to be relayed. His long awaited album after five years, has finally arrived and fans could not wait to hear his latest “masterpiece”.
Photo Credit: Renell Medrano
Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers is as raw as Lamar gets, as he speaks poetically and strongly about his personal life including his children, sexual abuse, relationship troubles, therapy, his ego, substance abuse and more. Many claim the topics of this album to be relatable, as Lamar speaks from the heart and sets a shift in the world of Hip Hop.
Photo Credit: Daniel Regan
Baby Keem is featured on Lamar’s current album within the song “Savior” and will accompany Lamar at every show throughout the tour. Keem was nominated for Best Rap Song of the 2022 Grammys, for “Family Ties” featuring rapper and cousin Lamar. Additionally, he won the 2022 Grammy for Best Rap Performance for “Family Ties”.
Photo Credit: Christian Lopez
Meanwhile, Tanna Leone , has a feature on “Mr. Morale” and is set to perform on Lamar’s tour for select dates. Leone is the new signee of Lamar’s multi-lingual company pgLang, that services artists and creatives. As of last month on April 28, Leone dropped his debut album, Sleepy Soldier.
In addition to Keem and Leone, artists Blxst, Amanda Reifer, Sampha, Taylour Paige, Summer Walker, Ghostface Killah, Beth Gibbons, Sam Dew and Kodak Black are featured on Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers. Considering these artists specialize in genres of R&B, trap/rap, U.K. trip-hop, Caribbean, and British, Lamar’s album brings unity from music worldwide. He managed to create an album that intertwines other genres with his specialty of hip hop, to express real life experiences.
Lamar is known to sell out shows and provide fans with an unforgettable live experience. His performances at the 2016 BET Awards, the 2017 MTV Music Video Awards, as well as the 2022 Super Bowl Halftime Show, were nothing less than invigorating and powerful that left viewers speechless. Therefore, Lamar is expected to effortlessly blow his fans away, throughout the entirety of The Big Steppers Tour.
General tickets go on sale May 20 at 12 P.M. Furthermore, fans attending shows in the U.S., whether they are new or existing Cash App Card holders, will have access to the presale on May 19 at 10 A.M. until 10 P.M.
TOUR DATES:
Tue Jul 19 – Oklahoma City, OK – Paycom Center
Thu Jul 21 – Austin, TX – Moody Center
Fri Jul 22 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center
Sat Jul 23 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center
Sun Jul 24 – Miami, FL – Rolling Loud
Wed Jul 27 – Tampa, FL – Amalie Arena
Fri Jul 29 – New Orleans, LA – Smoothie King Center
Sat Jul 30 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena
Sun Jul 31 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena
Tue Aug 02 – Charlotte, NC – Spectrum Center
Thu Aug 04 – Washington, DC – Capital One Arena
Fri Aug 05 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center
Sat Aug 06 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center
Sun Aug 07 – Long Island, NY – UBS Arena
Tue Aug 09 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center
Wed Aug 10 – Boston, MA – TD Garden
Fri Aug 12 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
Sat Aug 13 – Toronto, ON Scotiabank Arena
Sun Aug 14 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena
Tue Aug 16 – Columbus, OH – Schottenstein Center
Thu Aug 18 – Milwaukee, WI – Fiserv Forum
Fri Aug 19 – Chicago, IL – United Center
Sat Aug 20 – Minneapolis, MN – Xcel Energy Center
Sun Aug 21 – Kansas City, MO – T-Mobile Center
Tue Aug 23 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena
Wed Aug 24 – Salt Lake City, UT – Vivint Smart Home Arena
Fri Aug 26 – Portland, OR – Moda Center
Sat Aug 27 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena
Sun Aug 28 – Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena
Tue Aug 30 – Sacramento, CA – Golden 1 Center
Wed Aug 31 – Oakland, CA – Oakland Arena
Thu Sep 01 – Oakland, CA – Oakland Arena
Tue Sep 06 – San Diego, CA – Viejas Arena at San Diego State University
Pigeons Playing Ping Pong [PPPP] has experienced a momentous April and May in 2022 including the release of their latest album, Perspective. At the album release party at Brooklyn Steel, friends both on stage and off celebrated. This upcoming weekend marks the commencement of Domefest for the 12th year in production.
Rainbows Outside, Rainbows Inside by Em Walis
PPPP bassist Ben kept contact with Em Walis over the first two weeks in April about the creative process, rituals for wellness, farming, rainbows, Perspective, and their festival Domefest which is happening this weekend, May 19-21 at Legend Valley. Special commentary is provided by members of the PPPP fanbase affectionately nicknamed “The Flock” as well as Funky Dawgz saxophoinist Tommy Weeks and the gal changing the bass game, Karina Rykman.
Framework
Three conversations with bassist Ben Carrey coincided with three events. The first conversation occurred the week before the Perspective release. The second conversation happened two days after PPPP performed at Brooklyn Steel. The final chat happened the following week after PPPP played Brooklyn Bowl Nashville.
Each interaction with both Ben and the PPPP community at large illuminated more and more understanding as to why so many people choose PPPP for priority declaration and lifestyle identity. Commentary and elaboration follows each conversation.
At The Front Of The Flock. Perched on the rail. By Em Walis
Commentary On The Quest For Perspective:
Why this band? What is it about PPPP that compels someone to declare themselves a part of “The Flock”? How did this epiphany happen anecdotally for members of The Flock? These questions have no bias and could be asked to any dedicated fan in regards to any artist they plan their sacred and few vacation days around.
The current landscape for music provides what feels like infinite options available for dedicating a lifestyle to. New flavors of musical genre fusions, coinciding side orders of artist side projects and mini super-band collaborations form on what feels like a daily occurrence. Smaller festivals catered specifically to citizens of that community have been popping up everywhere. Streams and communities allow some to participate without traveling outside of their county, let alone outside of the United States.
PPPP Bassist Ben Carrey speaks by Em Walis
Conversation 1: March 26 2022 Before The Shift | Pre Perspective Release
Em Walis[EW]: Thank you for taking the time! Where are you right now?
Ben [B]: No problem! I am on a walk to get coffee now at home in Maryland.
EW: How do your routines differ from home versus being on the road?
B: At home, my main focus is this small farm where my wife and I live.. There might be metaphorical cultivating to do on the road, but there is not much room for physical crops. Finding routine for being at home and while on the road are equally important. Not finding touring hacks for prosperity and longevity in what could be a detrimental hamster wheel lifestyle.
EW: What are you growing?
B: Right now we have kale, other wintered greens, potatoes , as well as both white and red clovers. Clover isn’t a harvest crop, just ground coner between rows. We are also working on composting. I love it.
EW: What kind of advice do you have for someone that is either new to touring, or seasoned and seeking a better sense of existence?
B It is extremely important to have healthy routines. I recommend that anyone on the road carve out 5 minutes of quiet breathing before a show and 10 minutes of stretching after. It is not a big commitment but can make all of the difference. Greg is known for his post show routine. He is always full of smiles after a show, takes a shower, cleans up his guitar, does office work then goes to bed. The most he will differ from this would be getting a slice of pizza.
I recommend that anyone on the road carve out 5 minutes of quiet breathing before a show and 10 minutes of stretching after. It is not a big commitment but can make all of the difference.
Ben
EW: I can imagine that it can be easy to let certain aspects of your wellbeing go to the wayside amongst the constant motion that is being on tour.
B: It is all about finding what you need. Each person has different needs and to find attainable ways to feed that. Things like yoga and meditation can be great for dealing with issues like addiction which runs rampant in music. We discuss many of these topics on the podcast I have with Luke Bemand from Lespecial called Back2Bassics.
EW: Very cool. I hope you get to soak in your time at home before the upcoming excitement begins. Would you like tell me a little about what you have coming up?
B: Our new album is about to come out, we have a really exciting release party planned for Brooklyn Steel. Our friends TAUK are opening. It should be a great time. After that, we go back on the road. May 19-21 willl be Domefest which has some of my favorite artist like Lotus and Spafford.
EW: Excellent! Tim Palmieri has been doing such a great job with Lotus. I saw Karina Rykman is on the lineup. She is fabulous. How was touring with her?
B: Karina was a complete pleasure to have on our last tour. She really brings that positive energy similar to Marco [Benevento’s]. You can listen to some of my conversation with her on the podcast.
B: There are no overlaps in sets which means if you miss something, that’s on you. We aim to minimize the heartache here.
EW: Speaking of heartache, the day is March 26 and it would feel dishonorable to not mention the untimely passing of Taylor Hawkins. I know the news is still very fresh, but would you like to comment on this?
B: Taylor’s passing hit hard. The band actually comes pretty close to home for us. Jeremy’s dad was the was Dave Grohl’s orthopedic doctor while on tour. The Foo Fighters have had Jeremy’s dad up on stage to sit in for a song on multiple occasions. I’m sure you can find a video on youtube somehwere.
EW: Wow. That is wild. I will look this up as soon as we get off the phone. Thank you for speaking on this and sharing that extremely fun fact. It seems it has hit hard for a lot of people and that there is something to be said about doing everything possible to have a positive impact on those around us.
BI like to think that when great energy is released into the world, it becomes a better place.
EW: Thank you. That is a really refreshing way to look at loss.
Like father like son by Em Walis
EW: Not to try to crack jokes in order to break up a sad moment, but what a beautiful Perspective you have. Not getting back on track, what does the recording process look like for PPPP? Was this one different in any way?
B: Ha! I see what you did there. It is in fact, all about perspective. [Perspective] was tracked pretty quickly, though putting it all together definitely took some time. We put the drums down first and use the best take from that. We build off of those tracks and add layers. We could only get into the studio here and there. I am psyched on the song “Water.” It has a cool vibe with different sonic textures imbued throughout. “Elephante” features this Nashville brass band called Here Come The Mummies. We have a music video from that track.
EW: Super cool! Well I know we did not have a whole lot of time today, but I wanted to thank you for the introduction and I look forward to talking to you after the album release party?
B: Looking forward to it all!
Commentary 1: Contemplating Cultivating Wintered Greens and Home Routines
Greg shows up by Em Walis
It appears that PPPP do a lot of work individually to help improve their chances for showing up for the band in their best possible form. Having mindful routines and practices cultivate creativity, open-mindedness and good communication.
In dark times, it is all too easy to tend towards automatic negative reactions to any input. The desire to tune out or numb out. Letting the wind beneath our wings fall away can be normal, especially in the wake of such isolating times. It does not have to be this way.
Perspective is readily available and we have the power to choose. How we think about a situation, the behaviors associated. Narratives we tell ourselves and others reinforce similar feedback loops. It might be difficult to molt old beliefs, but over time, new instinctual responses occur, and a better example can be set for others.
PPPP Perspective Album Cover
PPPP have taken the endless void of shutdown and created a space for practice, looking at the feelings that would have been directed towards despair as an opportunity in order to improve their own sense of self-care and wellbeing. The finite resource of mental bandwidth and physical energy typically poured into touring provided a magnified fountain for energetic resource in the studio. Ben provided a great reminder of how small practices, repeated over time can improve the way we show up creatively and for those that we care about.
Karina Rykman flies with the flock by Em Walis
Guest Commentary: Karina Rykman Weighs In
When asked about her experience with Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, bass sorceress Karina Rykman had this to say:
I will never forget how kind and welcoming PPPP was to my band and crew, and the lengths they went to to make our daily lives better while we spent a month on the road together.
Karina Rykman
“I will never forget how kind and welcoming PPPP was to my band and crew, and the lengths they went to to make our daily lives better while we spent a month on the road together. They truly went above and beyond at every turn – sharing greenrooms, having us sit in, giving us their hotel rooms in Crystal Bay when their bus was leaving for the night, etc etc. They are truly one of the nicest touring operations, with everyone on their crew being spectacular at their jobs and hilarious to hang out with, respectively. I had no idea what to expect, and I’ve walked away with huge admiration for those guys. They take their craft wildly seriously – rehearsing new material every soundcheck until the minute they have to be done, and then rehearsing more in their practice room. I’m thrilled to be a part of Domefest and I can’t wait for our crews to be reunited!”
April 10 2022: Experiencing The Shift | Double Rainbow Album Release Party
Dramatization: This double rainbow was not taken at Brooklyn Steel by Em Walis
EW: How was your experience surriounding the album release party?
B: It was a really good time. Good vibes. There was like a double rainbow over the venue before the show. I remember there have been a few rainbow shows summer camp when we played the secondary sIt was a really good time. Good vibes. There was like a double rainbow over the venue before the show. I remember there have been a few rainbow shows… for example, at summer camp when we played the secondary stage. Ten minutes before we were about to go on… It’s been super hot all day to the point where like, I’ve tried having a breakfast of some gravy egg hodgepodge or other and I was laying in the back of one of our rental cars since we’d flown in and we were staying at a hotel which was like 45 minutes away. We had gotten there for soundcheck at like noon after not much sleep and didn’t play till like six or seven or something and I’m just like laying in the back of my rental car with AC on while the sun is beating down just like nauseous as fuck. This. Fucking. Sucks. I started to feel better in the hour or two before our set and then right before we go on…
Dramatization of Ben’s first rainbow show
I looked up and thought this is totally rainbow weather. I pointed to a security guard and told him to keep an eye out in that direction (opposite the sun) and let me know when you see a rainbow.. it’s gonna happen. We are literally about to walk on stage after we are announced and he goes there it is! There’s the rainbow! We walked on stage and behind this giant crowd of like 5000 people, the biggest we’d played in front to that point, there was a gorgeous, multi-hued arc of some facet of the universe saying…. We Good.
EW: That’s amazing. It was pretty magical. I was struck by the easygoing, fun atmosphere in the crowd. I had a blast that night and 3,000 frames were made without realizing. What is it about the The Flock that sets them apart from other music communities out there?
B: Inclusivity: the idea that we’re all in it together. The idea that we are all a part of the experience, its just different. We have different roles. I’m the bass player. Jeremy’s the guitarist. The audience is the audience. We’re all part of it. No one’s just observing or spectating in the flock. You’re co-creating essentially.
Moon Taxis’s Wes Bailey sitting in at Nashville show by Em Walis
I think people get that vibe and feel fulfilled. You know, creation is one of our Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. The creativity aspect. I think attending our show scratches that itch for a lot of people. It allows them to just be like, genuinely nice and genuinely want to share it.
We’ve worked hard and constantly over the years to help instill this mentality in the flock, from way back when we started the Facebook group ‘The Flock’ with the idea that our fans/friends are more than just a collection of people. We are an entity
Big leaf energy by Em Walis
EW: The negativity didn’t seem present at all.
B: The idea is, we’re all worshipping music together… it’s about proselytizing the power of Love & Music & togetherness.
Be kind Funky Dawgz by Em Walis
EW: Would you say that PPPP has a defined set of core values with which it conducts itself and its community at large and do you think it has had an impact on the ways in which folks conduct themselves?
B: The values of the band are obvious so those that are that are with you know why they’re with you. Two things we are certainly all about are valuing kindness and spreading positivity. Greg wore “be kind” on his [flocking] shirt on Saturday because… it’s not hard. We’re humans; we make mistakes. So just be kind to others, as well as to yourself. I think that shows through.
EW: This is all great stuff. Thank you and I will be in touch!
B: Anytime.
Commentary 2: The Brave Little Roll of Toilet Paper
Find a place safe to expose weaknesses by Em Walis
At the album release party, there was a ritual performed that at its surface might seem pretty silly. With an open mind to a fresh perspective, unraveling an entire roll of toilet paper could represent much more than a tool for bathroom emergencies. The delicate paper with tiny ribbed areas for easy tearing was held up for quite some time by many fans. The way the white paper glowed with such vibrancy was striking. The vulnerability and willingness to expose our areas of weakness, allows for more joyous color to enter the room. The decision to remain all coiled up with hundreds of protective layers might mean a little more resistance to spilled beer, but it lacks the ability for personal growth, or in this case, length.
Being at a PPPP show is all about mindset and how you show up. The experience is about showing up ready to have a good time, let loose and ecape from outside roles and responsibilities. What you wear, how you dance and who you are is accepted immediately. The crowd is welcoming and full of more smiles and fewer phones.
Guest Commentary 2: Tommy of Funky Dawgz and Sophistafunk
Taking care of each other with loving kindness is a practice that could help improve the overall landscape of live music. After sitting in with PPPP at the album release party, Funky Dawgz and Sophistafunk saxophonist Tommy Weeks shared his thoughts about how artists can help support each other better.
“Artists supporting artists is a great way to make for a kinder music community. There is so much room for different styles of music and so many people consume music on such a wide spectrum. There should be no competition. Promote each other’s releases, videos, and successes. Musicians are in a spot now where everyone wants to go out and see shows. Promote each other. Also more importantly, educate younger musicians. We all had music teachers; I see it as a duty of professional musicians. Inspire young musicians like you were inspired, we all have stories of great music teachers that we remember from when we were younger. Give the kids some stories to tell about you.”
Don’t know the Dargz? Now you do.
Conversation 3: Many Hats and Many Wraps
“These guys always put me in my happy place” – Uncle Kendall
EW: Your touring photographer Kendall McCargo has been a real pleasure to shoot with. What is it like having someone like him on your team?
B: Kendall is a hard worker and fantastic photographer. Everyone on the team works hard, but he works the hardest. Always going. Always helping us look and feel great.
Many Hats by Em Walis
EW: I have noticed that you are often wearing different hats throughout the show. This feels significant. Can you describe your relationship with “many hats” both physically and transcendently?
B: I suppose the hat is a representation of the ego/of a hat that we take on as we are born into this world and by changing it so often I remind myself that I am simply the wearer a hat or of an experience of a body… I’m not the hatbody experience itself!
Guest Commentary 3: Let’s Ask The Flock
Flock dedication by Em Walis
Gavin And His Fresh PPPP Tattoo Might Have Something To Say
Flock member Gavin was happy to share his story about how PPPP took center stage in his life during a tough time. “So in 2019 I went to Peach Fest, and they played one set and I was like, Okay, this is it. This is cool. I kept going and go and go and go into shows and about 25 shows. I was like, this is everything. This is it. this is everything.
I paid it back with my energy on the rail the best I could. I got right up front. You know, we needed it. They needed it.
Gavin of “The Flock”
Then COVID hit. I turned the streams on. They were my heavy jams. You know, the world’s still gonna be good one day just not today. We went for a drive-in show and I paid it back with my energy on the rail the best I could. I got right up front. You know, we needed it. They needed it. Crazy. So then I went to another drive in and then another so then I went to Domefest and got my poster signed. The Security guard went back and I was able to meet Ben and Jeremy and it meant the world to me“
Coop shares his chair by Em Walis
Coop
One moment observed at the Perspective release party encompassed everything important to the world of PPPP. When an entire beer rained upon the crowd beneath the balcony at the Brooklyn Steel, a young man with a very broken leg put this belief into practice. Temporarily injured and grounded Flock member Coop was asked to recount what happened.
“I forgot about that! I felt so bad for her! half a beer was spilled on this poor woman and just kept dripping on her from above and no one was doing anything about it. No one should have to put up with that especially if you are handicapped. I couldn’t just sit and watch that happen. It doesn’t matter that my leg was broken. I’m a young kid and my other leg works just fine! I offered up my seat and then went to make sure they cleaned it up. It was the least I could do. It took a while and I had to bug security a few times but they eventually got someone up there to mop it up.”– Coop of “The Flock”
I couldn’t just sit and watch that happen. It doesn’t matter that my leg was broken.
Coop of “The Flock”
Vibrancy derrived from kindness by Em Walis
After hearing the story of the raining beer, the obvious next thing to do was ask Coop about himself, his experience at the show and what his relationship with PPPP looked like.
“I’m just a dude with an afro and a broken leg who is a fan of PPPP. my name is Coop and I am a marijuana extractor out in Colorado. The show was spectacular and the new album is awesome! My favorite song on it is probably water. The community as a whole is much like the deadhead crowd. Weird and wonderful and kind. I feel at home within the trippy scene. I can show a more authentic side of myself and have the freedom to be me. Good vibes all around. Loved yours! You can use whatever you want in your article. I would love to read it when its done!“– Coop
I can show a more authentic side of myself and have the freedom to be me. Good vibes all around.
Coop of “The Flock”
Taking the TP metaphor to the limit by Em Walis
Commentary 3: Wrapping It All Up… Wait, What?
Without fully knowing about Here Come The Mummies,, or that they were based in Nashville, the idea about the toilet paper ritual had already formed. It was thus with complete shock and utter disbelief when, there it was, a group of people collaborating creatively while quite literally wearing what many use, toilet paper, for making mummy costumes!
Repetition of words like “kindness’ and themes about improving the lives of those surrounding came up with every participant. The sampling of PPPP community members speaking of their values in similar terms provide evidence to infer the true strength and shared belief system among a larger population of fans and associated artists. While this may seem like a no-brainer, not all music communities have maintained synchronicity with this level of cohesion.
Gavin’s story was striking because the proclamation story of shutdown and streams helped so many find their community in music. Livestreams truly helped know what day it way. Playing pretend festival during couch tour evoked a sense of normalcy and hope. Many friendships were formed on forums and online platforms. The story was not one that could only be applied to PPPP which indicates that despite difference in musical preference, common ground can be found among music fans that transcends genre.
Some takeaways from this experience: Show up. Breathe for 5 minutes before you do something important. Don’t take life to seriously, at least for the few hours during the show. Trust that you will be welcomed with open arms. Take care of yourself, take care of others. Make it to Domefest if you can. Give Perspective a try by all meanings of the definition.
The penultimate episode in Season 47 of Saturday Night Live featured two SNL first timers – Selena Gomez as host, and Syracuse native Post Malone as musical guest.
Gomez did serve as musical guest on January 23, 2016, and used her monologue to discuss her TV show past, including her time on Barney & Friends, and discussed her current show, Only Murders in the Building, featuring SNL-vetaran Steve Martin and SNL-alum Martin Short.
Steve Martin would appear in a pre-taped “Unventor Documentary” sketch as Archie Gizmo, the inventor of the whoopie cushion. He tells the origin story of the gag gift, with Dina Beans (Aidy Bryant) as the muse he fell in love with.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOKAWhFdYNM
For Post Malone’s first song, the dark stage was backlit by white spotlights, the singer on stage alone dressed head to toe in leather to perform “Cooped Up.” Partway through he was joined by Roddy Ricch, who featured on the remix of “Wow” in 2019. The new song dropped this past week, with lyrics that note how Malone gave Ricch a big opportunity: “And Posty took me on my first damn tour date/ He had me rockin’ every night, sold out arenas/ I’m project n—a, I never thought I would see s–t/ I tried to tell you, you prolly wouldn’t believe us.” “Cooped Up” appears on Twelve CaratToothache, set to be released on June 3.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSdHZale2cA
Post Malone would show up twice in sketches – first as the conscience/shoulder-angel of Chris Redd in showed up in the sketch “Intuition,” and later in the final sketch of the night “Baby Monitor” as a baby in a crib.
Post Malone’s second song, “A Love Hate Letter To Alcohol,” also appears on the upcoming album. Fleet Foxes along with LA-based singer-songwriter Adam Melchor served as backup to Malone, all clad in black. Malone was revealed on one knee and wearing a calf-length dress along with white button down and black suspenders.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNzvsXsQaMU
Saturday Night Live returns for the Season 47 finale on Saturday, May 21 with host Natasha Lyonne and musical guest Japanese Breakfast.
Finding a rare balance between heavy riffs, southern blues and psychedelic space rock, Nashville, Tennessee’s All Them Witches wowed a packed Westcott Theater crowd on Tuesday, May 10 in Syracuse. Now celebrating ten years as a band and also the birthday of one of their founding members, fans were treated to a career spanning powerhouse performance of unapologetic, in-your-face stoner-rock of the highest caliber – gloomy yet groovy, visceral, thought provoking and loud. Very loud.
All Them Witches performing at the Westcott Theater on May 10, 2022
Garnering a substantial “cult-like” fan base through a decade of relentless touring, All Them Witches (AIW), comprised of birthday boy Ben McLeod on guitar, vocalist Charles Michael Parks Jr. on bass, drummer Robby Staebler, and multi-instrumentalist Allan Van Cleave on keyboards and violin, have firmly established themselves as heavyweights of their genre. The Nashville psych-rock quartet already has an impressive six studio albums and three live albums under their belt. Sidelined by the pandemic for the better part of two years and eager to play in front of people once again, the Witches’ are currently in the midst an extensive spring tour, one that often sees them doing five nights in a row. We caught up with the hard working and harder rocking road dogs as they rolled into the Westcott Theater for a special Tuesday night treat.
With a stage setup that featured a massive backdrop depicting the same “acid face” seen on much of AIW’s merchandise, the show began at 8pm with a blistering opening set from Ocean City, Maryland psyc-metal power trio The Swell Fellas. Their first time hitting the road on a national tour, the band expressed their sincere gratitude to ‘The Witches’ for showing them the ropes and bringing them along. After their impressive and thunderous, percussion heavy performance, the house lights dimmed and it was finally time to see what sort of strangeness our headliners were brewing up.
AIl Them Witches Charles Michael Parks Jr. performing at the Westcott Theater on 5/10/22
As the silhouettes of All Them Witches took their positions on the darkened stage, an eerie and brooding ambiance began funneling in, swelling and building tension in the now mostly full room. Finally, after much anticipation, the thick bass line and steady snare beat of the song “See You Next Fall” kicked in as vocalist Charles Michael Parks Jr. crooned his first words of the evening, “If all is well / I can not tell,” setting the tone for the heavy subject matter still to come. As the layers of sonic distortion, spacey textures and psychedelic fuzz continued to amplify, there was always a type of impending dread under the surface.
The band was always in control, showing a calculated restraint while building the tension to a boiling point before The Witches would finally kick on the overdrive pedals and unleash an all-out sonic assault of the senses. Brilliantly executed throughout the evening, the band was able to ‘craft’ a well-balanced setlist that both kept the listener on their toes and built momentum through the duration of the show. Working their way through AIW staples like “When God Comes Back,” “Diamond,” and “1×1” (which featured the crowd shouting in unison “I can’t wait to be defeated,”) the band flexed their musical might with a cool confidence that never seemed too “over the top.”
Rooted in the blues, but with a propensity for all things heavy, the influences for AIW’s sound are all over the map. While you would never confuse them for the Grateful Dead, it was hard not to notice the huge Steal Your Face slap on guitar player Ben McLeod’s amp, or the Gilmour influence on stand out tracks of the night like “Saturnine & iron Jaw,” which goes from delicate and tasty Pink Floyd-esq licks to suddenly shifting directions to a chugging, meaty crunch reminiscent of bands like Tool and Mastodon. Perhaps the essence of this versatility was best on display during the incredible one-two punch of the bluesy, almost spoken word styled “The Marriage of Coyote Woman” which alligatored nicely with the relentless riffage of “Enemy of My Enemy.” Footage of that can be seen below:
Pausing for a moment to acknowledge The Swell Fellas kicking off the party, Parks would then lead the crowd in a “Happy Birthday” singalong to bandmate Ben, who suddenly found himself on stage alone in the spotlight. Seizing the opportunity, McLeod would noodle his way into a beautiful instrumental called “Everest.” When the rest of the band returned to the stage, Parks claimed the birthday boy had wrote that song when he was just twelve years old.
AIl Them Witches guitarist Ben McLeod celebrates his birthday at the Westcott Theater on 5/10.22
Now trading his bass guitar for an acoustic one, Parks would duet with Allan Van Cleave on electric violin for the song “The Children Of Coyote Woman.” Van Cleave, an original member clad in a ridiculous cat shirt, took a break from the band in 2018 and only has played a handful of shows since rejoining The Witches in 2021. Afterwards, the multi-talented Van Cleave could be seen talking with fans, handing out setlists and taking selfies, clearly happy to be back on the road again.
All Them Witches Allan Van Cleave rejoined the band in 2021
Moving forward, vocalist Charles Michael Parks Jr. then introduced a song the band has “rarely played,” partially because it’s a newer one called “ Fall into Place.” A decade into their career and with six albums to choose from, it was obvious they couldn’t play everything. As fans started to worry they might not hear their favorite AIW song, many of those fears were quelled when The Witches launched into “41” and then closed out the set with a towering rendition of “Blood and Sand / Milk and Endless Waters.” Exiting stage left to a rousing ovation, the boys still had one song left in their back pocket. The one people were calling out for all evening long.
After a brief encore break and some more begging from the thirsty crowd, All Them Witches returned to the stage to send them home happy. Whether they heard their call, or were perhaps playing the audience like a fiddle, the band closed the show with perhaps their most well-known song, “Alabaster” which Parks described as a “dancing song, if you feel comfortable enough.” As the band took their final bow of the evening, Parks then simply said, “Thanks everybody. Get home safe. We love you a lot.” Footage of the band performing “Alabaster” can be seen by clicking on the link below:
Watch All Them Witches perform “Alabaster” live from the Westcott Theater on 5/10/22
An impressive performance from start to finish, the band showcased exactly why they are at the top of their genre. While their name my conjure up some preconceived notions, It was a pleasant surprise to see the vibe wasn’t all doom an gloom. At one point, Parks even stated he “hoped everyone had a good time, maybe talked to some new people, made a new friend. Cause that’s what it’s all about. We’re all in this together, so it’s important to try and love thy neighbor.” Complete with a distinctive sound, attention to arrangements, great vocals and strong visuals, All Them Witches have artfully crafted a presentation full of technical complexity, subtle nuance and mystery. A band worthy of your time.
All Them Witches | 5.10.2022 | Syracuse, NY | Westcott Theater
Setlist: See You Next Fall, 3-5-7, When God Comes Back, Saturnine & Iron Jaw, Diamond, 1×1, Fall Into Place, Everest, The Children of Coyote Woman, The Marriage of Coyote Woman, Enemy of My Enemy, 41, Blood and Sand / Milk and Endless Waters
Encore: Funeral for a Great Drunken Bird, Alabaster
For more photos of this show, check out the full gallery below, courtesy of NYS Music photojournalist Zak Radick.
By 1980, the Grateful Dead certainly didn’t feel like a stranger at Nassau Coliseum. The band had played ten shows at this arena already, five in 1973 and another five the previous year in 1979. However, 1980 would only see a single three-show run at Nassau. With the Brent Mydland era now fully initiated and underway, we take a look back at this opening night of the run on its anniversary, aided by a sterling soundboard recording.
The 1980 Nassau run kicks off with an “Alabama Getaway” that does nothing to wane the excitement present in the building. Some lively Brent Mydland harmonies and a few short but spirited guitar solos from Jerry Garcia highlight the opener that never really stops and instead instantly veers into a “Promised Land.” Bob Weir mans the vocals on the Chuck Berry cover and, by now, Mydland’s Hammond organ is fully turned up in the mix in a big way, adding a palpable layer of soul.
After that spirited 1-2 punch to open the show, the Dead then slow things down in a big way with a “Candyman” that hits all the right notes, with the band taking a delightfully patient approach to this live show staple.
Things then liven back up as the band takes a musical trip south of the border, so to speak, with an interesting “Mexicali Blues” and “El Paso” pairing. Bassist Phil Lesh throws down some stellar fills on “El Paso” before the Dead bring things back to the States with a “Tennessee Jed” that gets a roaring endorsement of approval from the Long Island crowd. “Jed” is played to perfection and after some brief deliberation, they jump right into “Let It Grow,” the second part of the esteemed “Weather Report Suite” that made its live debut at Nassau Coliseum nearly seven years ago. This elicits a brief but mesmerizing jam that sees Garica and Mydland fully in synch with one another.
They then take command of the next two songs, as Garcia lays down the opening guitar licks to “Althea” that, like much of the opening set, is played with a comfortably deliberate pace with each note serving a purpose. Lesh shines again on bass here, backing up another typical stirring Garcia guitar solo. Mydland then puts his signature raspy vocals on full display on the “Easy To Love You” that follows alongside some delightful play on the electric piano. The set then comes to a rousing finish thanks to “The Music Never Stopped” and a closing breakneck jam that sees the whole band immersed and engaged on this crowd favorite.
The second set begins with a rather funked out “Feel Like A Stranger,” a new weapon in the Dead’s live arsenal that just made its debut a few months ago at the Capitol Theater in Passaic, NJ. Weir handles the vocals with ease and the song is aided by some droning synthesizer work on Mydland’s end that peppers the song throughout. Instead of its traditional ending, they jam out the ending of “Stranger,” and rightfully so, until Garcia initiates the introduction to “Sugaree.” Garcia and Mydland, on organ now, lock in together once more on a rousing version with a jam that slowly builds in intensity.
This first show of the Nassau run then features another pairing of Dead songs, this time it’s “Lost Sailor” and “Saint Of Circumstance,” with the latter making it another song that made its live debut in New York State. The first “Saint” was played in Glens Falls in August of 1979. To slow things down once more, the Garcia-led ballad “Comes A Time ” then emerges, replete with one more emotion-laden guitar solo.
The harrowing outro jam to “Time” slowly but surely begins to increase in tempo, with Garcia fluttering all around the fretboard, until Phil Lesh rings out the signature bass line that begins “The Other One” and the Dead are off and running once more. A madcap, psychedelic journey ensues between the two main verses on this classic tune that harkens back to the days of San Francisco and “Cowboy” Neal Cassady. Once the second verse is completed, the band almost stops playing instantly and defers to Bill Kreutzmann and Mickey Hart for the “Drums” portion of the evening.
From the ashes of “Space” emerges the always reflective “Black Peter,” with Mydland once again lending a delicate touch thanks to the Hammond. The Dead then close the doors on the second set at Nassau with a couple of traditional rock and roll covers. Weir helms the vocals once more, starting with “Around And Around” and ending with “Johnny B. Goode,” rounding out a trifecta of Berry covers for the night. “Don’t Ease Me In” then served as a fitting encore for this show, with the Dead having laid the ground work for another memorable run of shows at Nassau Coliseum.
Listen to this show below or at Live Music Archive here.
View this show and more Grateful Dead shows from across the years in New York State with our interactive map below
Grateful Dead Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum – Uniondale, NY 5/14/80
Set 1: Alabama Getaway > Promised Land, Candyman, Mexicali Blues > El Paso, Tennessee Jed, Let It Grow > Althea, Easy To Love You > The Music Never Stopped
Set 2: Feel Like A Stranger > Sugaree > Lost Sailor > Saint Of Circumstance > Comes A Time > The Other One > Drums > Black Peter > Around And Around > Johnny B. Goode
