NYS Music 202​2

Tag: Concert Review

  • In Focus: B2Wins at Levitt AMP Utica

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

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

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

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

  • Indigo De Souza Sells Out Both Nights at Music Hall of Williamsburg

    Indigo De Souza played two sold out nights at Music Hall of Williamsburg last week on Thursday, April 21 and Sunday, April 24. Originally scheduled for January, the shows were postponed due to the pandemic surging in New York City at the time. She played with support from Friendship and Horse Jumper of Love.

    Indigo De Souza at Music Hall of Williamsburg, photographed by David Reichmann

    You can listen to Indigo De Souza’s latest full-length LP here, and follow Indigo’s ongoing North American Tour here. She will return to New York during her upcoming fall tour. You can listen to Horse Jumper of Love‘s music here and Friendship’s music here.

    Photos by David Reichmann

  • The Microphones Take Their Fans to Church

    Indie legends The Microphones played a late night set last Tuesday (March 8, 2022) at St. Ann and the Holy Trinity Church. The venue is known for having hosted other indie favorites such as Nick Cave and Sonic Youth throughout the years.

    Emily Sprague at St. Ann’s and the Holy Trinity Church by David Reichmann

    Emily Sprague opened the show with a warm acoustic set consisting of five songs. Her songs’ themes of death and darkness contrasted with the bright personality that came through when she briefly thanked the audience in the middle and end of her set.

    The Microphones at St. Ann’s and the Holy Trinity Church by David Reichmann

    Microphones’ Phil Elverum and Jay Blackinton took the stage to applause from the crowded pews, the dim lighting and quiet atmosphere lulling the audience into a quiet state. You could hear shifting seats and the creak of the historic church flooring before they began their set. They laughed and thanked the crowd before beginning their set, commenting on the awkwardness of standing on stage before the songs begin playing.

    The Microphones at St. Ann’s and the Holy Trinity Church by David Reichmann

    They played just one song, their 45 minute track “Microphones in 2020,” a semi-biographical two-chord meditation on their career which released in 2020 after a near 17 year absence for the band. By the time their set finished, the crowd almost looked dazed. It took a minute for the audience to realize the show had ended, and they gave a standing ovation and hearty cheers as Phil and Jay exited the stage.

    You can listen to The Microphone’s catalog here. And you can find Emily Sprague’s music here.

  • Waxahatchee Plays to a Sold Out Brooklyn Steel with Madi Diaz

    Continuing her 2022 North American Tour, Waxahatchee played a sold out night at Brooklyn Steel last week (February 10, 2022) with support from Madi Diaz. Waxahatchee released the critically-acclaimed record, “Saint Cloud” in 2020, topping number 2 on Billboard’s US Folk chart, and number 6 on US Alternative Albums.

    Waxahatchee
    Waxahatchee at Brooklyn Steel, Photographed by David Reichmann

    Madi Diaz opened the evening to an already-packed venue. She belted out songs from her great 2021 album, “History of a Feeling.” “Crying in Public,” which was recently remixed by MUNA, was a highlight of her performance.

    Waxahatchee
    Madi Diaz at Brooklyn Steel, Photograph by David Reichmann

    Madi briefly interrupted her set when she noticed a few fans struggling with finding something on the floor, asking if everything was alright. A fan shouted, “I dropped my phone,” which received a big laugh from the audience – and Madi. “Okay, good, so we don’t need a stretcher?” she replied, getting another big laugh before continuing her set.

    Waxahatchee

    Waxahatchee’s band mates took the stage to big applause. The lighting was dark and intimate as frontwoman Katie took the stage, and the cheers grew and then hushed once she started her set with “Oxbow” from her last record. Her set included many fan favorites and most of the tracks from her latest record. Madi Diaz joined her onstage to perform the song “Resentment (New Feelings Version),” which they released together in 2021. Waxahatchee closed out the show with fan (and my personal) favorite, her Dolly Parton cover of “Light of a Clear Blue Morning.”

    You can listen to Waxahtachee’s 2020 record, Saint Cloud here, follow her ongoing North American tour with support from Madi Diaz here.

    Photographs by David Reichmann
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