Today we look back at perhaps the most memorable and influential music festival of the 21st century, the first Bonnaroo. Held June 21-23, 2002 in Manchester, TN, Bonnaroo has helped pave the way for the success of the modern day music festival. The original 2002 edition skewed jam band-heavy when compared to the contemporary version, but the communal vibes and appreciation for live music that the festival has fostered over the years have only gotten stronger. Discover how the first Bonnaroo Music and Art festival came to fruition, the memorable musical offerings that weekend, and how the festival laid the groundwork for successful music festivals in the years and decades that followed.
photo by Pete Mason
Origins
Bonnaroo, in name alone, is steeped in musical culture. The word derives from the French words “bonne,” meaning “good,” and “rue” which means “street.” This was done out of respect for the music tradition of New Orleans, a spirit the founders of Bonnaroo were looking to carry over into their next venture. And even more fittingly, “bonnaroo” also serves as Creole slang for a “really good time,” the very essence of any successful music festival.
Not only that, Angola Prison was located on Bonnaroo Avenue. To be on that street, and not in prison, was naturally, a good thing. The cajun expression “desitively bonnaroo” came to mean “better than the best,” originating among the inmates of the South Louisiana prison, for if you were on that street and not in the prison, it was “desitively bonnaroo.”
Not only that, Angola Prison was located on Bonnaroo Avenue. To be on that street, and not in prison, was naturally, a good thing. The cajun expression “desitively bonnaroo” came to mean “better than the best,” originating among the inmates of the South Louisiana prison, for if you were on that street and not in the prison, it was “desitively bonnaroo.”
The closing of Knoxville’s World’s Fair Park in 1999 unknowingly got the ball rolling for the creation of Bonnaroo. The park had been the yearly home of the Hot Summer Nights music festival until construction forced concerts to no longer be held there. Festival founders AC Entertainment were forced to pivot and look elsewhere and from there the seeds of Bonnaroo were hatched.
The closing of the World’s Fair Park for concerts precipitated getting creative and trying to find, ‘OK, if we can’t do this anymore, how can we still participate in the summer outdoor concert business,’ and it was from that that Bonnaroo was ultimately launched.
Ashley Capps, co-founder AC Entertainment
Bonnaroo seemed like a natural name for the massive new venture on a giant farm in Manchester, TN. Not only for the aforementioned translations, but the term itself wasn’t completely foreign either after being introduced to pop culture through Dr. John’s 1974 release Desitively Bonnaroo.
Superfly, who produced shows during New Orleans Jazz Fest in the late 90s, had experience in staging 28 shows over 8 nights at various New Orleans venues, typically late-night and catering to jam band fans. Superfly founders Kerry Black, Rick Farman, Richard Goodstone and Jonathan Mayers had attended Glastonbury and Coachella Festivals in years prior, and used these experiences to frame their vision for Bonnaroo Music and Art Festival.
The Superfly team brought in Coran Capshaw, who managed Phish and Dave Matthews Band, among others, to assist with financing, and worked with regional promoter Ashley Capps (AC Entertainment), based out of Knoxville. Working together, Superfly, Capshaw and AC Entertainment combined resources and dove in feet first, creating America’s most successful multi-day camping music festival since the original Woodstock.
Farman spoke to Relix in April 2002 noting that the first task was to establish bonafides to the fans:
The first thing that I think is important to let everybody know is that we have an extremely experienced and professional crew behind this event. I know many people know Superfly from the events we’ve done at Jazz Fest and other things. And I know people know AC for the events he’s done. But what I really wish to emphasize is that we have hired the best people in the camping festival business to help us put on this event. We have a lot of experience between AC and us in putting on concerts and concert promotion but we certainly understand that our experience is limited in putting on an event of this size.
Our basic plan has been to make the learning curve zero. Most of the people that we’ve hired were also key players in putting on the big Phish events- everything from our project manager, site coordinator, vending consultant, production manager, parking company, business manager, the head of security and the different security companies that were hiring. We’re going to have Clean Vibes out there, which I think people know through many events, including the big Phish events. So in terms of the quality of the people putting on the event and the quality of the facilities, its really going to be top notch.
The location the team would choose was found in Central Tennessee, in the small Coffee County town of Manchester. Located an hour drive southeast of Nashville, the town of less than 9,000 at the time had previously served as host to at least one previous music festival, Itchykoo.
Named for the Small Faces song “Itchykoo Park,” the festival was held only once, from August 12-15, 1999, featuring 40 bands over four days and nights. The event sold 20,000 tickets, but the event did not repeat, something apparent before the weekend concluded, with event staff reportedly departing mid-shift when it became clear their work would not be paid.
The classic rock-centric festival featured Dave Mason, Survivor, Rick Springfield, Blue Oyster Cult, Sammy Hagar, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Iron Butterfly, Leon Russell, Davy Jones and Mickey Dolenz (performing separately), Starship and the Wilson sisters from Heart. The lineup, while ambitious, did not have a true headliner, but instead a list of classic rock bands with no clear connection between the artists.
Itchycoo not returning to Manchester for additional installments, coupled with World’s Fair Park closing for construction, made the perfect conditions for Bonnaroo to arrive in 2002. Of course, the two festivals would have a similar sounding name, and an ambitious first year endeavor like Bonnaroo needed to establish their brand as distinct from the predecessor, at least to all who were aware of Itchykoo. With a name that signified a ‘good time,’ was the name of a street in New Orleans as well as a Dr. John album, confusion with the 1999 festival was not a factor.
The location in Manchester, a 700-acre farm with access roads left over from Itchykoo gave it perfect location next to I-24, something that was a necessity for any major music festival to ensure easy access for arriving fans. The farm was purchased in 2007, and a permanent power source was added shortly after, so as not to use the TVA hookup that accounted for 70% of all power, with the rest coming from generators.
On March 13, 2002, with little advertising, tickets for Bonnaroo went on sale, at an initial cost of $100, eventually sold for as much as $170. Tickets were sold exclusively through the Bonnaroo website, with 10,000 tickets sold the first day. Within the first week, 70,000 tickets were sold, and the festival announced a sell out on March 24. Within 11 days, and mostly by word-of-mouth, Bonnaroo had sold out their first year with a lineup and vision that fans agreed with.
There was of course another failed festival in 1999 that also had an impact on Bonnaroo, and music festivals in general. Woodstock 99, which quite publicly showed Baby Boomer greed meeting Gen X angst, in full view on MTV. While Itchykoo failed due to lack of headlining acts and lack of funding, Woodstock tarnished a brand permanently, with founder Michael Lang unable to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Woodstock with a festival 20 years later.
Grammy-nominated artist Post Malone has announced a month-long, 33-city North American tour that will see him headline UBS Arena at Belmont Park on October, 9 and Madison Square Garden three nights later. The “Twelve Carat Tour” comes on the heels of Post Malone’s highly-anticipated fourth studio album, Twelve Carat Tootache.
Produced by LiveNation, the tour kicks-off on September, 10 in Omaha, NE and will see Post Malone perform throughout the Mid-West before heading East for a layover of performances. The “Sunflower” crooner will grace the stage at DC’s Capital One Arena, The Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, and Newark’s Prudential Center. The East-coast portion of the tour culminates in performances at UBS Arena at Belmont Park on October, 9 — where Roddy Rich will make a guest-apperance — and Madison Square Garden on the 12th. The Twelve Carat Tour continues down south before concluding on November, 15 at L.A.’s Crypto.com Arena.
Twelve Carat Tootache was released on June, 3 and debuted at number 2 on the Billboard 200. The album was heavily anticipated with the high-charting singles “Cooped Up,” “One Right Now” and “I Like You (A Happier Song),” and an all-star cast of features which includes Doja Cat, Gunna, Roddy Rich and The Weeknd.
Since coming onto the scene with his breakthrough hit “White Iverson,” Post Malone has become one of the most successful pop-stars of the last decade with 66 entries in the Billboard Hot 100 — including 11 top 10 hits — and is a 9-time Grammy-nominee. In 2019, he became youngest artist in history to have a total of three diamond-certified singles with the records “Congratulations,” “Rockstar” and “Sunflower” reaching the 10 million sales plateau.
Tickets for the Twelve Carat Tour are live at livenation.com
TWELVE CARAT TOUR DATES: *With Roddy Ricch
Sat, Sep 10 – Omaha, NE – CHI Health Center Sun, Sep 11 – St. Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center* Wed, Sep 14 – Chicago, IL – United Center* Thu, Sep 15 – Milwaukee, WI – Fiserv Forum* Sat, Sep 17 – St. Louis, MO – Enterprise Center* Sun, Sep 18 – Columbus, OH – Nationwide Arena* Tue, Sep 20 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena Fri, Sep 23 – Boston, MA – TD Garden Tue, Sep 27 – Cleveland, OH – Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse Wed, Sep 28 – Pittsburgh, PA – PPG Paints Arena Sat, Oct 01 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena Sun, Oct 02 – Indianapolis, IN – Gainbridge Fieldhouse Tue, Oct 04 – Washington, DC – Capital One Arena* Thu, Oct 06 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center
Fri, Oct 07 – Newark, NJ – Prudential Center* Sun, Oct 09 – Belmont Park, NY – UBS Arena* Wed, Oct 12 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden*
Thu, Oct 13 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden* Sat, Oct 15 – Columbia, SC – Colonial Life Arena* Sun, Oct 16 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena* Tue, Oct 18 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena* Fri, Oct 21 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center* Sat, Oct 22 – Austin, TX – Moody Center* Tue, Oct 25 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center* Wed, Oct 26 – Ft. Worth, TX – Dickies Arena* Fri, Oct 28 – Tulsa, OK – BOK Center* Sun, Oct 30 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena* Tue, Nov 01 – Salt Lake City, UT – Vivint Arena* Thu, Nov 03 – Portland, OR – Moda Center* Sat, Nov 05 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena* Sun, Nov 06 – Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena* Thu, Nov 10 – Los Angeles, CA – The Kia Forum* Fri, Nov 11 – Las Vegas, NV – T-Mobile Arena* Tue, Nov 15 – Los Angeles, CA – Crypto.com Arena*
Each Sunday evening from 7-9pm you’ll find EQXposure on WEQX, featuring two hours of local music from up and coming artists. Tune into WEQX.com this Sunday night to hear new music from, Scotchka, Phantom Suns, Witch Culture and many more.
WEQX has long been the preeminent independent station in the Capital Region of New York, broadcasting from Southern VT to an ever-expanding listening audience. NYS Music brings you a preview of artists to discover each week, just a taste of the talent waiting to be discovered by fans like you.
Phantom Suns – “Probably Wrong”
From Burlington, Phantom Suns perform riffy and melodic Alternative Rock, and released their last album, Cordyceps in July 2021. On EQXposure you’ll hear “Probably Wrong,” a new tune from the group consisting of Seth Gundersen, Chris Mathieu, Chris Knauer, and Tristan Baribeau.
SCOTCHKA – “Corinthians”
From Albany, Scotchka is a rock band blending emo, pop punk, and alternative influences for an energetic, introspective style. The band includes Dominick Murdock (Rhythm Guitar, Vocals), Brian Fahey (Drums, Juul Master), Maiya Campbell (Lead Guitar, Backing Aux), and Jacob Hite (Bass, Producer)
Witch Culture – “You”
Witch Culture is a rock band based out of Nashville. Their music can best be described as intimate and emotional, yet energetic. “You” was released on released June 10, 2022 and the band includes Dan McGarr (Vocals/ Guitars), Aaron Messina (guitar), Joe Moran (bass), and Ryan Bedlack (drums)
Ringo Starr, drummer for the Beatles, hit pause on his tour this month due to COVID-19 in his touring party. He has since rescheduled many of his dates, and kicks off the tour at Tanglewood in Lenox, Massachusetts on Labor Day, Monday, September 5.
The All Starr Band includes bandmates Steve Lukather, Colin Hay, Warren Ham, Gregg Bissonette, Hamish Stuart and Edgar Winter. When the shows were canceled, Starr shared a statement that read, “We were having so much fun paying again and it was disappointing to have to stop. But we were able to reschedule these shows and add them to our Fall tour – and so as the song goes – I’ll see you in September! Peace and love, Ringo.”
The tour was originally planned to begin on May 27, 2022 at Casino Rama in Rama, Ontario, being the fifth time in Starr’s career where he has launched his tour from there. Seeing him live will be well anticipated by his fan base, considering the delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, nothing stopped him from committing to what he loves, releasing two EPs, Zoom In and Change The World to add onto his legendary catalog.
I can’t wait to get back out on the road and play. This is the longest I’ve been off the road in years up until 2020 I was touring every year with the All Starrs and I’ve really missed it. Making music in the studio has been great, and it certainly saved me during the pandemic, but nothing beats playing live with great musicians in front of an audience. I love my fans and they love me and it’s going to be wonderful to be peace and loving and playing for them again.
Ringo Starr
Not only is Starr a nine time Grammy Award winner, but has also been inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and received an Academy and Emmy Award for his commendable acting. His success does not end there, however. Starr has published 8 books and released 20 studio solo records. The pandemic was a minor set back, but after celebrating 30 years of touring with his All Starr Bands in 2019, he has never felt more ready to continue this journey.
While he’ll be starting very close to Eastern New York, this does mean his shows at CMAC and Beacon Theater look like they won’t be rescheduled just yet.
Regardless of Starr’s many accomplishments, at heart he will forever love being a drummer and the impact he has on rock music.
For more information, visit his website.
Ringo Starr and his All Starr Band (Rescheduled) 2022 Tour Dates
Sept. 5/was June 17 Lenox MA – Tanglewood
Sept. 6/was June 14 Baltimore MD – The Lyric
Sept. 7/was June 15 Baltimore MD – The Lyric
Sept. 9/was June 11 Easton, PA – State Theater
Sept. 10/was June 18 Pittsburgh PA – PPG Arena
Sept. 11/was June 19 Philadelphia, PA – The Met
Sept. 15/was June 24 St Augustine, FL – The Amp
Sept. 16/was June 26 Clearwater FL– Ruth Eckerd Hall
Sept. 17/was June 25 Hollywood FL – Hard Rock
Sept. 19/was June 22 Atlanta, GA – Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
Sept. 20/was June 21 Richmond, VA – Virginia Credit Union Live
Sept. 22/was June 12 Providence, RI – PPAC
Sept. 23 Bridgeport, CT – Hartford Healthcare Amp
Sept. 24 Atlantic City, NJ – Hard Rock Etess Arena
Sept. 26 Montreal, Quebec – Place Bell
Sept. 27 Kingston, Ontario – Leon’s Centre
Sept. 28 Toronto, Ontario – Massey Hall
Sept. 30 Mt Pleasant, MI – Soaring Eagle Casino
Oct. 1 New Buffalo, Mi – Four Winds Casino
Oct. 2 Prior Lake, MN – Mystic Lake Casino
Oct. 4 Winnipeg, Manitoba – Canada Life Centre
Oct. 5 Saskatoon, Saskatchewan – Sasktel Centre
Oct. 6 Lethbridge, Alberta – Enmax Centre
Oct. 8 Abbotsford, BC – Abbotsford Centre
Oct. 9 Penticton, BC – South Okanagon Events Centre
Inclusion Festival returns for 2022, from July 15-17 at Kempton Fairgrounds in Kempton, PA with daily programming from 11am to 11pm. The festival features various activities, music, workshops, camping and art, which are accessible experience for all ages and abilities.
Inclusion Festival
Debuted in 2018, Inclusion Festival became the nation’s first festival designed to accommodate disabled people. Since then, the festival has grown to spread inclusion as a state of mind through year-round events, experiences, consultation and training, as well as an online magazine. This year’s festival will offer virtual components to increase accessibility for those unable to attend the live event.
Inclusion Festival (credit to Wendy Dolof)
Presented by the non-profit Accessible Festivals and proudly supported by Rex Foundation and Mimi Fishman Foundation, Inclusion Festival offers sensory-friendly live music, a wide variety of educational and recreational workshops, camping, collaborative art, relaxation areas, a community resource fair, and more, all presented in an environment designed to be accessible for all.
This year’s lineup includes The Mantras, a Greensboro-born rock band, Yam Yam, a vibrant band from Harrisburg, PA, NYC-based award-winning blind recording artist and advocate Lachi, funky Philadelphia brass band Snacktime featuring disabled musician Ryan Gilfillian, and many more.
All donations received from the event will directly benefit the non-profit organization Accessible Festivals, dedicated to making communities stronger by ensuring music and recreation is accessible to all abilities.
To purchase tickets, donate, or get involved, visit inclusionfestival.com.
After its absence in 2020 and 2021 attributed to the coronavirus pandemic, Boston Calling returned to the athletic complex of Harvard University in Allston, MA this past Memorial Day weekend for the first time in three years. Inaugurated in 2013, the eleventh edition of the festival (it was held twice per year from 2013 to 2015) was a welcome event not only for the 40,000 fans in attendance each day (who were able to roll their tickets over from the two previously cancelled years), but also for the musical artists, some of which had yet to play their new material to a live audience.
A 7-foot tall Boston Terrier sculpture, made of high-density polyurethane foam by Sean Roach, greets fans. | Photo: Michael Dinger
This year’s headliners were heavy metal legends Metallica (formed in 1981 in Los Angeles) and industrial rockers Nine Inch Nails (formed in 1998 in Cleveland). Nine Inch Nails replaced the previously announced headliner Foo Fighters who cancelled the remaining dates on their tour following the tragic death of drummer Taylor Hawkins back on March 25. Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross and company also graciously stepped in for The Strokes on Day 2 of the festival after a late scratch Friday afternoon related to COVID-19. The coronavirus would claim one more casualty during the long weekend, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, the psychedelic rock band from Australia who were initially scheduled to perform Saturday evening.
The three-day festival lineup included forty-eight (48) other artists performing across four stages, including the following: HAIM, The Struts, Rüfüs Du Sol, Cheap Trick, Avril Lavigne and Oliver Tree on Day 1 (Friday); Black Pumas, Run The Jewels, Orville Peck and Glass Animals on Day 2 (Saturday); and Weezer, Modest Mouse, Goose and Japanese Breakfast on Day 3 (Sunday).
A replica of Fenway Park’s famed Green Monster displays the 3-day lineup across all four stages. | Photo: Michael Dinger
Across social media accounts related to Boston Calling, it was hard not to notice several festivalgoer posts voicing their displeasure with the line-up changes and merch lines – which did appear to be long every time I walked by. That aside, the festival was a welcome reprieve from the recent and very sad news regarding gun violence in our nation, with relatively few other hiccups.
Day 1 (Friday)
The gates to the festival grounds opened promptly at 1:00 pm and patrons had four stages (designated by color) from which to choose from throughout the day – Green, Red, Delta Airlines Blue and Tivoli Audio Orange (the smallest of the stages which showcased Boston-area acts). Being a fan of Nine Inch Nails since the early ‘90s and wanting to witness their set as close as possible, I opted to ‘camp out’ at the Green Stage where the band would be playing a mere eight hours later! And I was not alone, as I met Jeremy Dubiel and Scott Mack from Holyoke, Massachusetts and Stafford, Connecticut, respectively, who also had the same game plan as I did. Little did I know at the time, but these two gentlemen would be my concert cohorts for the entire weekend.
A map depicting the four stage locations throughout the festival grounds. | Photo: Michael Dinger
After devouring the first of four Tasty Burgers I would have this festival weekend (they are delicious and we don’t have these in New York!), I made the short walk over to the adjacent Red Stage where model/actress/singer Paris Jackson (daughter of the “King of Pop” himself) would be the first performer of the weekend. Nearing the end of her 30-minute set, I headed back to the Green Stage to catch Grandson, a Canadian-American singer that can best be described as an Eminem-Justin Timberlake hybrid. Of the fourteen (14) musical acts I was to see over the next few days, Grandson would be right near the top. I was blown away by his onstage energy as he repeatedly flew from the top of the drum kit riser, ran along the perimeter of the stage apron clutching the hands of his fans or climbing the security rail as he jumped into a sea of people.
Paris Jackson | Photo: Michael DingerGrandson | Photo: Michael Dinger
Shortly after Grandson’s set concluded, Rick Nielsen and Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Cheap Trick appeared on the Red Stage, thrilling the crowd with their hits, including “Dream Police,” “The Flame,” “I Want You to Want Me” and “Surrender,” performed with Paris Jackson.
Up next on the Green Stage were The Struts, a British rock quartet fronted by their flamboyant frontman, Luke Spiller. Among several standout offerings from their 8-song set was the closing number “Could Have Been Me,” along with the ‘70s style pop duet “Low Key In Love,” performed with Paris Jackson. Ms. Jackson was making the most of her Boston Calling debut as she navigated back and forth between the Red and Green Stages, looking like she was having the time of her life.
Luke Spiller of The Struts | Photo: Michael Dinger
The third act to hit the Green Stage on Day 1 were HAIM, a pop rock band based in Los Angeles comprised of sisters Danielle, Este and Alana, the last of which who starred as an actress in last year’s Licorice Pizza, written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. Clad in matching black bikini tops and stylish leather pants, all three young women displayed their musical prowess, each playing several different instruments (guitar, bass, drums, piano) with great proficiency.
HAIM (from left to right – Alana, Danielle & Este) | Photo: Michael Dinger
Right on schedule, Nine Inch Nails entered the main stage at 9:00 pm Friday night to thunderous applause from the audience grateful to have them there. Their first tour in nearly four years, this band holds a special place in the collective heart of Generation Xers, who first fell in love with Reznor’s studio wizardry more than 20 years ago. At that time, there were no other bands creating their now signature, chaotic sound of drum machines, keyboards and guitars, accompanied by dark and tormented lyrics.
Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails | Photo: Michael Dinger
Side-by-side on stage with fellow composerproducer Atticus Ross, a frequent collaborator on numerous film scores, Nine Inch Nails’ performance was also visually stunning, set against high-intensity, flashing strobe lights. The 21-song set list covered a wide range of their discography, including “Closer,” “Sanctified,” “The Perfect Drug,” “Head Like A Hole” and “Hurt,” including a stirring cover of David Bowie’s “I’m Afraid Of Americans.” For any fans who missed Friday’s performance, or wanted to do it all over again, they had less than 24 more hours to wait for an encore performance on Saturday night.
Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails | Photo: Michael DingerAtticus Ross of Nine Inch Nails | Photo: Michael Dinger
Day 2 (Saturday)
After spending most of the day at the Green Stage on Friday, I perused the entire festival grounds to take in the entire vibe of the festival. Arriving just as the Boston-based indie band Dutch Tulip’s last song was finishing up on the Tivoli Audio Orange Stage, I made my way to the Blue Stage where Charlotte Sands was set to perform at 2:20 pm. Shadowed by a 100-foot Ferris wheel that is a staple at Boston Calling festivals, the Blue Stage’s floor area was packed with mostly young adult fans waiting in anticipation for the hip-hop rapper with folk-style lyrics.
Charlotte Sands | Photo: Michael DingerFerris wheel | Photo: Michael Dinger
Not wanting to miss the end of Hinds’ set, a Spanish indie rock band from Madrid, formed in 2011 and comprised of Carlotta Cosials, Ana García Perrote, Ade Martin and Amber Grimbergen, I made the longest walk between stages back to the Green Stage. Near the conclusion of their set, I made the quick jaunt over to the Red Stage, weaving through the crowd until I was a few rows back to see Celisse, an R&B and soul singer-songwriter who plays face-melting, blues-tinged guitar with infectious hooks.
Ana Perrote of Hinds | Photo: Michael DingerCelisse | Photo: Michael Dinger
After a brief stop at one of the strategically-placed medic tents for a bandage wrap (my feet were already killing me early on the second day), I headed back to the Blue Stage to catch Frances Forever, best known for their song “Space Girl,” which became a viral hit on TikTok in 2020, at 3:30 pm. However, moments before their time on stage, it was then when I noticed that the skies above had turned an ominous gray, and the stagehands did too – as they quickly swooped in to cover up Frances Forever’s instruments under plastic sheeting.
Only a couple of minutes later, due to nearby lightning and thunderstorms, a directive came over the PA system that all fans and staff were to evacuate the festival grounds and take shelter in nearby Harvard Square or Harvard Stadium. I was one of the many thousands who headed to the stadium, packed into the historic concourse beneath the stands for nearly the next 2 hours. Time passed quickly, however, aided by a positive attitude from the collective people seeking shelter from the torrential downpour. It was in these damp and dark quarters where an impromptu sing-along erupted to the chorus of Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline,” an eighth inning tradition at nearby Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox. Others passed the time by participating in random “Go Celtics” chants ahead of their Game 7 NBA conference final playoff game that was to take place at TD Garden the following night.
Concertgoers seeking shelter from the rain in Harvard Stadium | Photo: Michael Dinger
With the rain finally letting up, but before the fans and staff were permitted to return to the festival grounds, I made the decision to return to the main grounds in search of a ‘porta potty.’ It was there that I encountered an eerie, almost post-apocalyptic scene – a field that was once filled with thousands upon thousands of concertgoers earlier in the day, was now completely void of any souls (albeit two pink rain poncho clad girls). Seeking refuge in a beer tent until the last of the rain had finally dissipated, fans were allowed to return at approximately 5:30 pm. I watched as they trickled in, back through the main gate, while the Green and Red stages were being brought back to life by various staff and roadies.
Poncho-clad fans | Photo: Michael DingerA rainbow following Saturday’s downpour | Photo: Michael Dinger
With a revamped schedule for the remainder of the day, the musical festivities would resume with Black Pumas on the Green Stage at 6:30 pm, a psychedelic soul band based in Austin, Texas, led by singer/songwriter Eric Burton and guitarist/producer Adrian Quesada. Coming off their first Grammy Award nomination in 2020 for Best New Artist, Mr. Burton thoroughly enjoyed himself, playing tag with the photographers in the pit as they chased him while he posed for the camera with the fans as a backdrop.
Eric Burton of Black Pumas | Photo: Michael DingerEric Burton of Black Pumas | Photo: Michael Dinger
Outside of Metallica and Nine Inch Nails, I was most excited to see the performance by Run The Jewels (a.k.a. RTJ) on the Red Stage, which commenced shortly after 7:30 pm on Day 2. RTJ are the hip hop duo composed of Atlanta-based rapper Killer Mike and Brooklyn-based rapper and producer El-P. The former is a sociopolitical activist whose anti-establishment messaging and calls for peace and an end to police violence are evident throughout his lyrics. As the sun began to set halfway through RTJ’s set, the mosh pit opened up while a few crowd surfers rode the wave to the front of the stage where they landed into the arms of waiting security.
Killer Mike of Run The Jewels | Photo: Michael DingerEl-P of Run The Jewels | Photo: Michael DingerRun The Jewels Mosh Pit | Photo: Michael Dinger
After by-passing the Tasty Burger food tent, it was not easy (trust me), I had more than thirty other options from top, local area restaurants to choose my next meal from. I finally expanded my culinary horizons and opted for a mouth-watering pastrami Reuben from Mamaleh’s, a sandwich that would rival the famous Katz’s Deli, a Jewish institution in Lower Manhattan dating to 1888. After washing it all down with an Oatmeal Stout by Beer Geek Breakfast (7.5%), I maneuvered my way through the packed audience towards the rear of Harvard’s athletic field where I positioned myself to view the remainder of Nine Inch Nails’ set from the exact opposite vantage point from the previous night, taking in the enormity of the venue and the miraculous stage lighting. Hoping to grab an Uber ride back to my Airbnb before the local streets of Allston were crammed with others trying to do the same thing (a lesson learned from Friday night), I exited the festival grounds while Nine Inch Nails were nearing their set’s completion – mission accomplished.
Nine Inch Nails | Photo: Michael Dinger
Day 3 (Sunday) The festival’s final day arrived without any other surprises such as another line-up change or looming bad weather – aside from the size of the crowd, because James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett and Robert Trujillo of Metallica would be concluding the festival weekend in epic fashion later this night.
But before Metallica, there was still a full afternoon of music to be had by all. The first band to play the Green Stage on Sunday were Peach The Rascals, an indie music collective from San Jose, CA who also achieved fame via TikTok with their song “Mariposa” last year. Cults followed next, the pop band duo of Madeline Follin and Brian Oblivion hailing from New York City. Although their set was hindered with an apparently faulty guitar instrument cable that was not resolved until the final song, their heavily-layered instrumentation was still a joyful listen.
Tarrek Abdel-Khaliq of Peach Tree Rascals | Photo: Michael DingerMadeline Follin of Cults | Photo: Michael Dinger
The Green Stage’s penultimate act of Day 3 were Glass Animals, a jovial rock band from England that lead singer Dave Bayley formed in 2010 with childhood friends Joe Seaward, Ed Irwin-Singer and Drew MacFarlane. Easily one of the best performances of the weekend, their stage setup was the cover of their latest record Dreamland (released in August 2020), reincarnated with hanging neon signs, pastel purple palm trees, a giant television and pyramid, basketball hoop, and of course, their pineapple mascot.
Dave Bayley of Glass Animals | Photo: Michael Dinger
Not wanting to chance it by veering too far away from my coveted spot on the Green Stage’s rail, I made the difficult decision to sacrifice checking out performances by Japanese Breakfast (fresh off their Saturday Night Live season finale appearance) and Goose on the Delta Airlines Blue Stage, as well as Modest Mouse and Weezer on the Red Stage. A case of FOMO hit me hard as I glanced over in the direction of the Red Stage often, taking in the visual images of Rivers Cuomo and his Weezer bandmates as they appeared on the large, vertical video boards on either side of the stage.
On this very hot Boston afternoon, dehydration also hit me hard, as well as many others in the first several rows who were packed shoulder-to-shoulder like sardines in a tin can. Thankfully, security guard Scott Turner, who I had gotten to know earlier in the day from chatting with him, repeatedly pushed bottles of water into the waiting hands of desperate audience members.
As dusk approached, and Weezer’s encore offering of “Buddy Holly” having concluded, Tuukka Rask, the recently retired goalie who played for 15 seasons with the Boston Bruins, took a quick seat at Lars’ drum kit for a quick photo op, before he and his small entourage exited stage left to the crowd chanting, “Tuukka, Tuukka, Tuukka!”
Boston Calling Archway | Photo: Michael Dinger
Not before long, AC/DC’s “It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ‘n’ Roll)” played over the house speakers, signaling Metallica’s imminent arrival. However, as per tradition at every Metallica show since 1983, Ennio Morricone’s “The Ecstasy of Gold” played next, accompanied by video footage from the classic 1966 Western film starring Clint Eastwood, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. At 8:50 pm, drummer Lars Ullrich was the first band member to appear on stage in front of the largest Boston Calling crowd of all time, followed shortly by guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo. James Hetfield was the last to arrive, and equipped with his iconic white, well-worn Flying V, these metal gods launched into the first of sixteen songs, “Whiplash,” from their debut studio album Kill ‘Em All (1983).
James Hetfield of Metallica | Photo: Michael DingerRobert Trujillo of Metallica | Photo: Michael DingerKirk Hammett of Metallica | Photo: Michael DingerLars Ullrich of Metallica | Photo: Michael Dinger
Over the next two hours, diehard fans in attendance would be treated to hits taken from Ride the Lightning (1984), Master of Puppets (1986), …And Justice for All (1988) and Metallica (1991), better known as The Black Album. The unforgettable night culminated with a three-song encore of “Battery,” “Nothing Else Matters” (with a restart needed when Hammett humorously bungled the intricate guitar picking of the song’s introduction) and “Enter Sandman.”
Just days ahead of dropping their latest studio album Dripfield, buzz-worthy psychedelic improv rockers Goose kicked off summer in terrific form over the Memorial Day weekend, playing a pair of well received shows in their home state of Connecticut. Packing the Westville Music Bowl in by the thousands, the former tennis stadium turned live music mecca is quickly becoming a favorite venue for both Goose and fans alike. In the latest chapter, the band raised expectations even higher by capping Night 2 off with two impressive sets of original music.
Goose guitar players Rick Mitarotonda and Peter Anspach duel it out at the Westville Music Bowl on 5/28/22
Taking flight on their turf, the summer of Goose began in New Haven, and in promoting their latest studio effort, Dripfield, the boys came prepared, unveiling a fresh new line of Dripfield themed merch that included a limited-edition beer and their first gig poster by acclaimed artist Miles Tsang. After quick pat down through security, excited fans quickly made a B-line for the venue’s well-run merch both. While an ominous sky still lingered over the Bowl, there seemed to be a minor delay to the advertised start time of 6pm. While waiting, a lot of the conversation was centered on the Tsang diptych print, which appeared to be both polarizing to some collectors, while praised by others. The second most debated topic seemed to be over which state really has the best pizza?
Fresh Merch: The Miles Tsang diptych poster for New Haven was a hot topic of debate on 5/28/22
Taking the stage to a healthy hometown welcome on Saturday, May 28th, OG Goose fans were delighted to hear the opening riff of the song “Drive,” one of the bands earliest songs. Feeling a groovy vibe from the start, the band were all smiles early on. Consisting of guitarist Rick Mitarotonda, keyboardist/guitaristPeter Anspach, drummer Ben Atkind, bassist Trevor Weekz and percussionist Jeff Arevalo — Goose would continue to work their magic with high energy takes on “California Magic” and an excellent version of the ever-evolving “This Old Man’s Boat.” Once looking gloomy, by now the weather had become beautiful and a beach ball party was in full swing, making for a particularly on-point and potent rendition of “Turned Clouds,” the opening track off the bands 2016’s studio debut Moon Cabin.
Goose bassist Trevor Weekz kept his shirt on in New Haven, CT 5/28/22
With his trusty rain stick in hand, the uplifting energy continued as the bands beloved tour manager, Jon “Coach” Lombardi, then pulled up a spot near Trevor to shake things up on “Honey Bee.” Closing the opening set on a high note, Coach would stick around for the irresistible “Empress of Organos,” the same song that launched the band into 2022 during their NYE run. Indeed, this show was a celebration and the hometown homies had come to party.
Jon “Coach” Lombardi helped shake things up via rain stick on Night 2 in New Haven 5/28/22
After a somewhat lengthy intermission, Goose was straight birdn’ upon their return, going deep with the new song “Red Bird.” The party atmosphere picked up some more during “Butter Rum,” which featured some of the loudest cheers and best audience participation of the evening. Showing off a new and improved rig, lighting director Andrew Goedde was simply dazzling during the second half of the show. Vibing perfectly in sync with the band as our musical journey seamlessly shifted from “Echo of a Rose” to a standout version of “Into the Myst,” the latter was played in its entirety for the first time since 11/17/21. Upon its completion, the band members slowly disappeared from the stage in a cloud of, well, mist, triggering an ambient-like loop that would continue through the brief encore break. With subtle teases of “Dripfield” all evening long, when Goose returned for their curtain call, they gave fans the full treatment of their new album’s title track. Jammed all the way until curfew, Goose closed out the second night of their hometown throwdown in top notch form.
Lighting Director Adrew Goeddde showing off his new rig at Westville Music Bowl 5/28/22
A scintillating performance showcasing all original material, stellar musicianship, an impressive light show, fun-loving fans and a charismatic “X” factor that can’t be faked, this is a band worthy of the hype. With a new album and a jam-packed summer officially underway, it’s safe to say Goose are set to soar. For more information on where you can see them, including their debut at Radio City Music Hall and a stop in at Artpark in Lewiston, NY, head to bands website.
Goose | Westville Music Bowl | New Haven, CT | 5/28/2022
Set 1: Drive, California Magic, The Old Man’s Boat, Turned Clouds, Honeybee1, The Empress Of Organos
Set 2: Red Bird, Butter Rum, Echo Of A Rose > Into The Myst2, Dripfield
Encore: Dripfield3
Notes 1. Coach on rain stick 2. First finished Into the Myst since 11/17/21 3. Continued from set-closing rendition
The daily lineup for the 10th anniversary Peach Music Fest has been released, with a lineup that makes this installment head and shoulders above past years.
The four-day live music and camping experience returns to Montage Mountain in Scranton, PA, from Thursday, June 30 through Sunday, July 3.
The Peach Music Festival began in 2012 as the first-ever Allman Brothers Band-inspired festival in the Northeast and quickly evolved into one of the most highly-anticipated summer musical events loved by music enthusiasts from across the nation.
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of The Peach Music Festival, Trey Anastasio Band and The Black Crowes will headline The Festival, and be joined by Billy Strings, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Goose, the Revivalists, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, and the reunion of The Word.
Additionally, Trouble No More, featuring Brandon “Taz” Niederaurer (Guitar, Vocals), Daniel Donato (Guitar, Vocals), Dylan Niederaurer (Bass Guitar), Jack Ryan (Drums), Lamar Williams Jr. (Vocals), Nikki Glaspie (Drums), Peter Levin (Keys) and Roosevelt Collier (Pedal Steel Guitar), will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Festival’s founders, the Allman Brothers Band’s seminal “Eat A Peach” album.
The Peach Music Festival, which was inspired by the legendary music of the Allman Brothers Band, will feature founding member Jaimoe with Jaimoe and Friends, as well as Friends of the Brothers, and Brother & Sister (featuring Butch’s kids, Melody and Vaylor).
Thursday, June 30
Billy Strings, Trouble No More: Performing Eat A Peach, Keller Williams, Samantha Fish, Midnight North, Yam Yam, Consider the Source, JD Simo, Miss Mojo, Carly Moffett, and Tand Band.
Friday, July 1
Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening, Steel Pulse, Andy Frasco & the U.N., Eric Krasno & the Assembly, the Motet, Marco Benevento, the Bogie Band featuring Joe Russo, Lacuna featuring Tom Hamilton & Holly Bowling, Doom Flamingo, Kitchen Dwellers, The Nth Power featuring Jennfier Hartswick, Funk You, Eggy, Little Stranger, Brother & Sister, Snacktime, Wax Owls, Gabriel Kelly, Evanoff, and the Jauntee.
Saturday, July 2
Trey Anastasio Band, Goose, the Revivalists, Ripe, Rayland Baxter, Celisse, Karina Rykman, Jaimoe and Friends, Brandon “Taz” Niederauer and Friends, the Shady Recruits, Neighbor, Melt, Cordovas, Friends of the Brothers, Cycles, One Time Weekend, Pixie & the Partygrass Boys, Chalk Dinosaur, Dry Reef, JB Strauss, Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country, and Muskrat Lightning.
Sunday, July 3
The Black Crowes, the Word featuring Robert Randolph, John Medeski, Luther Dickinson, Cody Dickinson, and Ray Ray Holloman, G. Love & the Juice, the Wailers, Duane Betts, Star Kitchen, Spaga, Tauk, Dogs In A Pile, Maggie Rose, Daniel Donato &. Friends, Hannah Wicklund, the Wild Feathers, Bobby Lee Rodgers, Sicard Hollow, GA-20, and Great Time.
The VIP sets, performed exclusively to VIP ticket holders in the “Midland” above the water park with firepits, a bar, and concession stands, will feature Andy Frasco’s World Saving Podcast with special guests, Brandon “Taz” Niederauer with Kanika, the Cordovas performing an acoustic set, Daniel Donato, Dogs In A Pile, Duane Betts, Karina Rykman performing a DJ set, Kitchen Dwellers, and Maggie Rose.
In addition to the four days of live music with over 50 artists, this one-of-a-kind experience features food and craft vendors on the grounds and access to the scenic Montage Mountain Ski Resort’s large water park, zip line and ski lift rides.
The 10th-anniversary celebration of The Peach Music Festival will conclude with a spectacular Independence Day Weekend fireworks display on Sunday, July 3.
To purchase VIP tickets, ticket packages, reserve travel packages, camping, glamping tent, RV passes, and individual tickets, or for the most up-to-date information on the Peach Music Festival, including additional artist announcements, visit ThePeachMusicFestival.com.
Remember Jones has released a new single, “love will return” featuring The Horn Section.
The newest track promoting his new album HAHA BITCH! slated for July 8 release, features co-writing from Levy Okun and production from AGM3, a duo composed of Andrew Greacen and Max McKee.
Remember Jones and his band performing.
A simple dance pop song, “love will return” focuses on moving past personal hardship in aim of finding success and joy in the future with light, spacy verses contrasting loud, funky hooks. “Living in a bubble, it all seems like trouble, you just gotta think free,” Jones sings during the first pre-chorus.
Remember Jones’ vocal talents are on display with this track, flashing hints of Michael Jackson along the way.
The track’s premier source of flare comes from the aptly named Horn Section on well, horns. Their presence on the final two choruses amplifies the already funky song, only building its optimistic energy until reaching a conclusion.
“love will return” precedes a busy upcoming summer for Remember Jones. The release of HAHA BITCH! will also be supported by his first ever Summer Slay! Festival at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park, NJ on July 9. Also serving as a birthday celebration for Jones, a New Jersey native, it is one of many nationwide stops for his ongoing won’t you be my hater? TOUR.
Other acts of the festival include Quincy Mumford’s Lifted Laboratory, a long time collaborator with Jones, as well as Tor Miller, Zoe Sparks, and Levy Okun.
The event will be hosted by drag queens Jolina Jasmine, Miss Paradise of 2016 & 2021, as well as Tastie and Morrigan von Haunt, hosts of drag nights at Georgie’s Bar in Asbury Park. The three will also have performances of their own during the festival.
The event will include giveaways and audience-involved drag makeovers, and local restaurants Larry Cadillac & Mutiny BBQ will promote the festival with special menu items at their locations.
The Jersey City Jazz Festival has returned for its ninth annual celebration on the weekend of June 4th and 5th in the Powerhouse Arts District.
Just across the Hudson River, the free-to-the-public event will include performances from fourteen bands on two stages, food trucks, a full bar, and a VIP experience at the parking lot on 107 Morgan Street. The festival will also coincide with Bike JC’s annual Ward Tour on the 5th, with there also being an “after-party jam session” at Moore’s Place.
Jazz group Nation Beat will lead off the festival with their performance at noon on the 4th. (photo by Carolina Mama)
Brazilian-inspired group Nation Beat will lead off performances at noon on the 4th, followed by singer & WBGO radio host Lezlie Harrison at 1, pianist David Kikoski at 2, Winand Harper and his band the Jeli Posse at 3, flamenco guitarist Andreas Arnold at 4, Afro-Cuban jazz group Santi De Brian’s Arkestra Bembe at 5, and acclaimed vocalist Svetlana at 6.
The next day, award-winning duo Sounds of A&R will lead off at noon, followed by guitar-driven ensemble Walter Parks and the Unlawful Assembly at 1, modern gypsy jazz artist Gonzalo Bergara at 2, New Orleans-based trad group Aurora Nealand and the Royal Roses at 3, and guitarist Julian Lage at 4.
Both days will close out with dancing to salsa performances by percussionists Little Johnny Rivero on the 4th at 7, and Johnny Rodriguez and the Dream Team the following day at 5. Shows will alternate on an hourly basis between the Bank of America and Exchange Place stages.
Little Johnny Rivero’s career watermarks include the eighteen albums he recorded with the La Senora Ponceña Band and having performed with names in Latin Music such as nine-time Grammy Award winner Eddie Palmieri.
The festival, which was first held in 2013, is produced by Jersey City-based non-profit Riverside Jazz, and is presented by Exchange Place Alliance. “We have some of the best players in the world here – and it’s not just one style of music or jazz, it’s everything!” says Riverview Jazz director Brian Beninghove. “Not everyone has access to great music and art, but we do here – and we want to celebrate it with a big, free party for the people.”
Information on purchasing VIP tickets, directions, parking, volunteering, and links to the artists can be found on Riverview Jazz’s website.
