NYS Music 2023

Category: Media

  • In Focus: Andrew McMahon Delivers Colorful, Sold-Out Performance at Town Ballroom in Buffalo

    Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness wrapped up a two-week east coast tour with a sold out performance at Town Ballroom in Buffalo on Wednesday, May 24.  The tour, which also featured stops in Syracuse and Albany, was in support of the band’s latest release Tilt at the Wind No More. 

    Few in the music industry today tout the resume that Andrew McMahon has.  His original rise to fame came as the lead singer of the early 2000’s emo rock band Something Corporate.  In 2004 McMahon formed Jack’s Mannequin, and later in 2014 would begin Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness, a project that continues today.  All along the way, McMahon has crafted stellar piano-rock tracks and has amassed a large and devoted following of fans who flock to his live concerts.  His current band features Bob Anderson (guitar), Zac Clark (keyboards), Jay McMillian (drums) and Mikey Wagner (bass guitar).  

    Early arriving fans on Wednesday night were treated to an opening performance by Griffin William Sherry.  Known for his work with independent-folk rock band The Ghost of Paul Revere, Sherry delighted the audience with a set of acoustic folk tracks.  At times, Sherry’s strong vocals channeled singer/song writers such as Nathaniel Rateliff and Chris Stapleton.

    andrew mcmahon buffalo

    Up next were The Unlikely Candidates, from Fort Worth, Texas.  To describe their set as high energy would be an understatement.  From the cryptic opening guitar rift of “Sunshine” to the final notes of set closer “Novocaine”, singer Kyle Morris took captive hold of the audience.  Morris strutted the stage, leapt in the air,  twirled his microphone, at times throwing it high in the air before catching it.  Morris would lean in close over the audience, locking eyes with those in the front row, never missing a lyrical beat.  A mid-set cover of the A-ha classic “Take on Me” had the showroom bursting with energy. The band was sure to gain many new fans following their set.

    andrew mcmahon buffalo

    Finally, it was time for Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness.  The standing room only club was packed elbow to elbow with little room to maneuver, with the crowd in eager anticipation of the band’s arrival.  Once the houselights dimmed, a lone spotlight shone into the crowd.  The light illuminated McMahon, who was standing in the back of the club, and began performing the slow moving, reflective “Nobody Tells You When You’re Young”.  McMahon made his way slowly to the stage, providing brief and intimate performances for those whose path he encountered.  Once arriving to the stage, McMahon was joined by his bandmates who immediately launched into “The Mixed Tape,” a familiar fan favorite from McMahon’s Jack’s Mannequin days.  

    andrew mcmahon buffalo

    While the music was at the forefront, the spectacle of an Andrew McMahon performance was not missing on this night.  McMahon donned a colorful, light up cape during “Stars”.  He crowd surfed while riding an inflatable llama, making it all the way to the top tier of the club.  During “Synesthesia”, McMahon brought a multi-colored parachute into the crowd, singing the song’s chorus from underneath.  In all, McMahon and his band would roll through a 23 song set, spanning over twenty years worth of music.  It was a memorable evening for those in attendance, one that would be sure to have fans clamoring for a return performance in the near future.

    andrew mcmahon buffalo

  • Lexi Mariah Releases New Pop Single “No Worries…”

    Connecticut’s femme pop artist Lexi Mariah has just released her newest single “No Worries…,” a catchy electro-pop tune that is truly vibrant with melody. Presenting an upbeat tempo and electrifying melody, the track truly showcases Lexi Mariah’s vibrant personality and remarkable songwriting skills.  

    Lexi Mariah Releases New Pop Single “No Worries...”

    This new pop single features a captivating chorus that will have you humming along in no time produced by the acclaimed Kenny Cash (Sony, Disney, Nickelodeon, Netflix). The track is a fusion of Lexi’s unique style and Cash’s signature production. 

    Lexi Mariah Releases New Pop Single “No Worries...”

    “No Worries…” is completely full of infectious hooks, with pulsing beats and relatable lyrics. Lexi took inspiration from the styles of the industry’s top artists such as Taylor Swift, Bebe Rexha, and Ava Max. Overall, the single showcases all the best elements of electro-pop for fans to enjoy. 

    Lexi Mariah Releases New Pop Single “No Worries...”

    The storyline behind the single comes from the artist’s personal frustrations with disloyalty. “You know that feeling when you’re hanging out with someone, putting in the effort, giving them your undivided attention, but you can tell they’re distracted by someone else the entire time?” says Lexi.  

    “Then by the end of the night or the next day, they’re so apologetic and you’re just too emotionally exhausted to deal with it, so you brush them off with the low key sarcastic ‘it’s fine, no worries!’” she adds. “It’s a phrase I say a lot, and honestly, it’s almost always a lie. There’s pretty much always a worry and it’s usually never fine.” the singer laughs. The upbeat track can resonate with anyone who has ever felt the sting of betrayal, making it relatable for fans old and new. 

    With her previous songs receiving love and praise from outlets such as Rolling Stone IN, Melodic Magazine and EARMILK, it is no surprise that Lexi Mariah has cemented her status as one of the most exciting new voices in electro-pop with this track. “No Worries…” is a true testament to her growth as an artist. 

    Listen to “No Worries…” by clicking the link here. 

    For more information and music by Lexi Mariah, click the link here. 

  • In Focus: OFF! & Die Spitz at Bowery Ballroom

    American Hardcore punk band OFF! played The Bowery Ballroom on Thursday, May 25th in New York City, with support from Austin based all girl punk grunge band Die Spitz.

    OFF! Live at Bowery Ballroom, NYC 05/24/23
    OFF! Live at Bowery Ballroom, NYC 05/24/23

    OFF! is a supergroup that includes legendary frontman, 68 year old hardcore punk icon from Black Flag & Circle Jerks, Keith Morris, guitarist Dimitri Coats (ex-Burning Brides), drummer Justin Brown (Thundercat, Flying Lotus), and bassist Autry Fulbright II (…And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead). This stop is part of their North American Tour with two upcoming shows before the band heads out to play festival dates in Europe this summer.

    Die Spitz’s lineup included Chloe Andrews, Kate Halter, Ellie Livingston, and Ava Schrobilgen, all childhood friends who formed the band only a year ago and just released their first album Teeth in January 0f 2023.

    DIE SPITZ

    OFF!

  • Andy Frasco & The U.N. Release Uniting LGBTQ+ Video “You Do You”

    Just in time for Pride month, LA’s Andy Frasco & The U.N. have announced the release of their eagerly awaited new album, L’Optimist, on Friday, August 11th. Today, they have premiered the release of the ebullient first single, “You Do You,” with a hilarious music video to accompany it. 

    As a much-beloved live outfit renowned for unbridled improvisation, audience interaction, surprising covers, special guests, and animated antics unlike any other, Andy Frasco & The U.N. is unlike no other. Frasco’s sixth studio album L’Optimist is the most hopeful and enthusiastic collection thus far in his career.

    The upcoming release now sees Frasco continuing to develop as a songwriter, band leader, and human being, his exploratory spirit giving way to something more firmly grounded yet no less adventurous. Having built a still-expanding career on forward motion, Andy Frasco remains positive in his determination to keep on keeping on, pushing himself and his music to grow and improve with every passing day. 

    “‘You Do You’ is basically a call to arms to myself,” Frasco says about the single. “Like, what is success? We built success through being outlaws and being ourselves. I did it my own way and it worked out for the best, I think. Could we have been way more successful if I just conformed? Maybe, but that’s boring. It sounds like cheating in a race and I’m not trying to cheat. I want to do it my way. Hopefully I’ll look back when I’m 80 and realize that, like Frank Sinatra, I did it my way.” 

    Andy Frasco & The U.N. Release Uniting LGBTQ+ Video “You Do You”

    A testament to Frasco’s wide-ranging influences and boundless energy, L’Optimist sees the magnetic frontman continuing to chart his path of self-exploration and personal discovery through increasingly introspective lyricism and musical adventure. The album sees Frasco fully in command of his craft, more comfortable and confident than ever before, his notorious party-animal persona giving way to a wiser, but no less enthusiastic, artist and band leader.  

    Andy Frasco & The U.N. Release Uniting LGBTQ+ Video “You Do You”

    Frasco once again challenged himself to explore difficult lyrical terrain, spanning relationships and chronic depression, empathy and alienation, inspired in part by his first real girlfriend. Songs like the deeply moving “Iowa Moon” touch on matters of the heart and mental health, emotional struggle and the sheer vulnerability of the human experience, all relayed through a wildly eclectic approach navigating funk, jazz, surf rock, blues, swing, gospel, reggae, exotica, and more with horn-blasted positivity and soulful power. 

    Andy Frasco & The U.N. Release Uniting LGBTQ+ Video “You Do You”

    “With so much bad news in the world, why not try to figure out a way to get out of the darkness,” Frasco says. “We’re not going to be able to change the world, but at least we can change the mind state we have moving forward. We can at least help the process along by being optimistic that the future will turn itself around. And if everyone changes their mind state about the future, then maybe we can change the world.” 

    In the meantime, Frasco will spend the summer traveling America on a wide-ranging itinerary that features headline dates, top-billed festival appearances, and an eagerly awaited double bill supporting Slightly Stoopid set for August 13th at Morrison, CO’s famed Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Additional dates will be announced in the upcoming weeks. 

    ANDY FRASCO & THE U.N. TOUR 2023

    MAY

    19 – Beaufort, NC – Beaufort Music Festival * 

    20-21 – Garrettsville, OH – Tropidelic’s Sunny Days * 

    28 – Chillicothe, IL – Summer Camp Music Festival * 

    JUNE

    1-3 – New River Gorge, WV – Mountain Music Festival * 

    16 – Swanzey, NH – Northlands Music & Arts Festival * 

    17 – Wellfleet, MA – Beachcomber 

    18 – Nantucket, MA – The Chicken Box 

    21 – Charlotte, NC – Visulite Theatre 

    22 – Isle of Palms, SC – The Windjammer 

    23 – Black Mountain, SC – Pisgah Brewing Company 

    24 – Kill Devil Hills, NC – Outer Banks Brewing Station 

    25 – Kill Devil Hills, NC – Outer Banks Brewing Station 

    27 – Roanoke, VA – 5 Points Music Sanctuary 

    28 – Dewey Beach, DE – Bottle & Cork 

    29 – Virginia Beach, VA – New Realm Brewing Co. 

    30 – Baltimore, MD – Union Craft Brewing 

    JULY 

    1 – Scranton, PA – Peach Music Festival * 

    2 – Amagansett, NY – The Stephen Talkhouse 

    14 – Buffalo, NY – Cobblestone Live! * 

    26 – Victor, ID – Knotty Pine 

    27 – Salmon, ID – Sweet Water Hollow 

    28 – Livingston, MT – Pine Creek Lodge 

    29 – Ketchum, ID – Argyros Performing Arts Center 

    AUGUST

    1 – Durango, CO – Animas City Theatre 

    2 – Grand Junction, CO – Mesa Theater 

    4 – Steamboat Springs, CO – Snow Bowl Steamboat 

    5 – Telluride, CO – Sheridan Opera House 

    6 – Aspen, CO – Belly Up Aspen 

    10–12 – Yuba, WI – People Fest * 

    13 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre + 

    SEPTEMBER

    9 – Indianapolis, IN – All In Music & Arts Festival * 

    10 – St. Louis, MO – Music At The Intersection * 

    28 – E. Lansing, MI – Hall 224 ^ 

    OCTOBER

    1 – Washington, DC – Atlantis ^ 

    4 – Burlington, VT – Higher Ground Ballroom ^ 

    8 – Portland, ME – Bayside Bowl ^ 

    11 – Richmond, VA – The Broadberry ^ 

    NOVEMBER

    2 – Nashville, TN – Brooklyn Bowl † 

    4 – Atlanta, GA – Variety Playhouse † 

    5 – Raleigh, NC – Lincoln Theatre † 

    DECEMBER

    5 – Little Rock, AR – Revolution Music Hall – 

    6 – Tulsa, OK – The Vanguard – 

    7 – Austin, TX – Mohawk –  

    8 – Dallas, TX – Deep Ellum Art Co. – 

    9 – Houston, TX – Last Concert Cafe –  

    10 – Baton Rouge, LA – Chelsea’s Live –  

    16 – Fayetteville, AR – George’s Majestic Lounge # 


    * Festival Appearance 

    + w/ Slightly Stoopid 

    ^ w/ Special Guest Cool Cool Cool 

    † w/ Special Guest Doom Flamingo 

    – with Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers  

    # with Maggie Rose 

    To watch “You Do You,” click the link here. 

    For more details about the tour and ticket information, please visit the link here.

  • In Focus: Waterparks Play TLA In Philly

    Waterparks, pop punk/modern rock icons, brought the house down at Philadelphia’s legendary Theatre of Living Arts (TLA). It was the 6th show of their East Coast leg on the Intellectual Property Tour, and boy, did they deliver an unforgettable performance.

    With HUNNY and Elliot Lee warming up the crowd, the energy was off the charts. TLA was packed with their devoted fanbase, affectionately known as “parxies,” who created an electric atmosphere. Waterparks’ signature style and intense electric sound had the audience mesmerized and electrified throughout the night. It was an absolute blast, and a testament to their status as one of the leading bands in the pop punk scene.

    A New York native, Elliot Lee is a visionary musician who has been rewriting the rules of pop music since bursting onto the scene. With her unmistakable blend of haunting melodies, poetic lyricism, and a voice that resonates with raw emotion, Elliot Lee has captivated audiences worldwide. The atmosphere crackled with anticipation as Elliot’s ethereal vocals filled the venue, intertwining seamlessly with the hypnotic melodies. The crowd was transported to a realm where emotions ran deep, where vulnerability and strength coexisted. It was a transcendent experience, as Elliot bared their soul through their music.

    Standout moments included the hauntingly beautiful performance of “Easy To Be You,” where Elliot’s voice soared effortlessly, carrying a weight of raw emotion that left the audience breathless. The pulsating beats and shimmering synths of “Fun” had everyone moving to the rhythm, surrendering to the cathartic release of the music.

    Elliot Lee Setlist: Upside Down, Sicko, Drama Queen, Pill for Happiness, Solo, Happy Face, Fun, 54321, Easy to Be You, Pink (Freak)

    HUNNY is a dynamic indie rock band that emerged from the vibrant music scene of Southern California. Formed in 2014, this five-piece ensemble quickly garnered attention for their infectious energy and heartfelt lyrics. The band’s during the show consisted of lead vocalist and guitarist Jason Yarger and bassist Kevin Grimmett. With their unique blend of dreamy melodies, gritty guitars, and introspective storytelling, HUNNY swiftly captivated the audience. As the frontman, Yarger’s charismatic persona commanded attention, effortlessly navigating between vulnerable introspection and explosive bursts of passion. 

    The band’s seamless chemistry created an irresistible atmosphere, driving the crowd into a frenzy. The setlist was a carefully curated journey through their discography, combining fan favorites like “Vowels (And the Importance of Being Me)” and “Televised” with newer gems from their latest album. Each song resonated deeply, with the band’s infectious hooks and infectious melodies washing over the audience.

    HUNNY Setlist: Natalie, Saturday Night, Vowels (And the Importance of Being Me), Halloween, JFK, Shy, Loser, Good Will Hunting Song, action –> reaction, Lula, I’m Not Mad, Televised, Sports With Strangers

    Waterparks (not to be confused with an aquatic amusement park) is a pop punk band from Houston, Texas. Made up of frontman Awsten Knight, drummer Otto Wood, and guitarist Geoff Wigington, the trio quickly gained a reputation for their captivating live performances and clever songwriting since they formed in 2011. Blending elements of pop, rock, punk, and electronic music, they have carved a unique niche for themselves in the music industry. With their infectious melodies, high-energy performances, and fearless attitude, Waterparks has become a defining voice in modern pop-rock, inspiring a new generation of music lovers and proving that they are just getting started.

    During the opening chords of ST*RFUCKER and Awsten’s debut in a giant red parka, the audience became a living, breathing entity, swaying and jumping in unison. The surge of adrenaline in the room was palpable, as fans eagerly embraced the band’s electrifying sound.

    Awsten effortlessly commanded the stage with his charismatic presence. He engaged the crowd with his patented fan interaction strategies which included affectionately bullying the crowd and airdropping a photo from their photographer’s (Jawn Rocha) phone to random fans. The connection between the Waterparks and parxies was undeniable, as cheers and chants filled the venue.

    As the energy reached its peak, the crowd erupted into a frenzy of excitement, with people crowd surfing their way towards the stage. Waterparks’ music created a sense of unity and exhilaration, as fans supported each other, riding the wave of excitement and joy.

    Amidst the chaos, Waterparks skillfully navigated through their setlist, flawlessly transitioning from one hit to the next. Tracks like “Numb,” “Stupid for You,” and “Group Chat ” ignited the crowd. Parxies went absolutely wild when the band played “Crave”, the one song that called for Geoff to sing a verse. 

    As the set reached its crescendo, Waterparks returned for an encore that left the crowd in awe. “REAL SUPER DARK,” “Turbulent,” and “Funeral Grey” ignited a final surge of energy. The audience erupted, jumping and singing along with unbridled enthusiasm. The band poured their hearts into every note, reciprocating the crowd’s unwavering energy.

    Their ability to connect with the audience through their music created an electric atmosphere, leaving everyone craving for more. The sight of people crowdsurfing and the collective euphoria of the concert will forever be etched in the memories of those lucky enough to experience the magic of Waterparks live in Philadelphia.

    Waterparks Setlist: ST*RFUCKER, Numb, Rare, Stupid for You, Crave, Brainwashed, 2 Best Friends, Fuck About It, War Crimes, [Reboot], Royal, Telephone, Ritual, High Definition (Acoustic snippet), I Miss Having Sex but at Least I Don’t Wanna Die Anymore, Group Chat, Closer, A Night Out on Earth

    Waterparks Encore: REAL SUPER DARK, Turbulent, Funeral Grey

    The North America portion of the Intellectual Property Tour will keep going all the way until June 14th when they finish in Los Angeles. If you find yourself abroad, you can catch Waterparks in Europe (with support from Stand Atlantic) and in Australia later on in the year. Stay tuned to their website and socials for more information on those dates. 

    HUNNY will be following Waterparks till the end of the line so be sure to follow Kevin and Jason’s adventures on tour (and for future endeavors).

    Elliot Lee will be departing after the show in Georgia. Be sure to follow them on socials and check their website for any performances that they play when they get back home to NY.

  • Michael Ian Cummings of Skaters Announces Debut Solo EP, Releases Single “Contemporary Me”

    Infamous lead singer/songwriter of NYC’s Skaters, Michael Ian Cummings, has just announced his debut solo EP Oldest Troubles, out May 26th. To tease the upcoming release, he has decided to release a single from the album titled “Contemporary Me.”

    Michael Ian Cummings (SKATERS) Announces Debut Solo EP & Releases Single "Contemporary Me"

    10 short years have passed since Skaters’ formation in Lower East Side Manhattan. Within months of forming and a self-released EP, the band was signed to Warner Brothers Records. They toured around the world, had global critical acclaim from NME to the New York Times. And two years later, they released their debut album, self-released their sophomore album Rock n Roll Bye Bye independently, and then disappeared. 

    Michael Ian Cummings (SKATERS) Announces Debut Solo EP & Releases Single "Contemporary Me"

    It was a whirlwind ride for the band that came at one of the most difficult transitions in the music industry, the exact time digital downloads plummeted, and streaming had not yet reached the masses. Skaters were caught in the shuffle, and broke up.

    Now, after years of reevaluation and new inspiration, working an array of day jobs and night jobs for that matter, Michael Ian Cummings has rediscovered his muse. He has something special to show for the struggle, returning just a bit wiser with the debut solo EP titled Oldest Troubles. 

    “There are things in everyone’s life that will haunt them forever,” he writes of the EP’s title track. “Whether it stems from internal or external influences from our past that have marred, mamed, and influenced the way we handle life. No matter how far we try to run from them they always find us. This song is about welcoming those relentless “troubles” in, confronting them, and beginning to make yourself stronger. Or, at the very least, learning to live with them.” 

    “I love having autonomy over how and when I release music. Making decisions and moving on,” Cummings continued. “Reminds me of when I was a teenager. Just make things because they are worth making. Move forward and try not to look back too much.” 

    To accompany his new release, Michael Ian Cummings will perform at The Sultan Room in Brooklyn on May 31 (7:00 PM).  

    To listen to “Contemporary Me,” click the link here. 

    Tickets and more information about the show can be found HERE. 

  • In Focus: Prateek Kuhad at the Sultan Room in Brooklyn

    Indian singer-songwriter and musician Prateek Kuhad played a solo acoustic set at the Sultan Room in Bushwick Brooklyn on May 22nd. The show celebrated the one-year release of his last album The Way That Lovers Do and the release of the deluxe version, which included two never before released tracks, as well as a collaboration with American Singer-Songwriter Raveena, who was a surprise guest at the show.

    Prateek Kuhad is an Indian singer-songwriter and musician who creates music in Hindi and English best known for his track “cold/mess”.

    Kuhad was born in Jaipur, Rajasthan and learned to play guitar at age 16 and started songwriting in his late teens. He would later move to Manhattan to study math and economics at New York University, prior to returning to Delhi to pursue a full-time career in music. In 2020, he became the first Indian to be signed by Elektra Records.

    During his time in NYU, Kuhad discovered the music of Bob Dylan, Woody Guthrie, Laura Marling and Elliott Smith, all of which had a great influence on him.

    Prateek who recently finished a year-long world tour is taking a break to work on new music.

  • In Focus: The Avett Brothers Deliver Two Nights of Sold Out Performances At Beak and Skiff

    Beak and Skiff kicked off their Summer Concert Series this past weekend with a pair of sold-out performances by The Avett Brothers on Friday May 19 and Saturday May 20.  

    The Avett Brothers hail from Concord, NC and consist of brothers Scott (vocals, banjo, guitar, piano and Seth Avett (vocals, guitar, piano) along with Bob Crawford (bass, double bass, violin), Mike Marsh (drums), Joe Kwon (cello), Bonnie Avett-Rini (piano) and Tania Elizabeth (fiddle).  The band have built a devoted fan base with over two decades of touring, and more than ten studio albums.

    While the weather could not have been more perfect during the day on Friday, as show time approached wind gusts and rainclouds moved over the venue.  This did not dampen the spirts of thousands of concert goers as the early arriving sold-out crowd packed the standing area in front of the stage, while more fans spread lawn chairs out across the field.  At 7:15, Scott Avett led the band to the stage and was greeting with a thunderous ovation. 

    The band jumped right into “Laundry Room”, a stand out track from 2009’s I and Love and You.  Scott and Seth dazzled the crowd with their harmonious vocals.  “Stop your parent’s car, I just saw a shooting star,” Scott sang, to another loud ovation from the crowd, as the song exploded with energy.  Next was the folk classic “Old Joe Clark”, which built off the already existing energy.  Each band member took their turn displaying their talents, and the song broke into instrumental duals between the various members.  Scott and Seth took turns wandering to the front of the stage, and onto the speaker cabinets to further excite the crowd.  The remainder of the evening featured several stand out songs from the band’s catalog, including “Headful of Doubt,” “Murder in the City,” and “I and Love and You”.

    Night two began in similar fashion, albeit with heavier rains and cooler temperatures.  The weather appeared to be clearing as show time approached, however heavy showers again moved in at showtime.  The band took the stage armed with kazoos and immediately jumped into the upbeat instrumental piece “The D Bag Rag”. Next was “Talk on Indolence,” a track which dated back to the band’s early blue grass days.  Brothers Scott and Seth hopped about the stage and the crowd, who at this point had forgotten about the heavy rains, danced along with them. 

    The band would roll through over two hours of career spanning tracks, and even included the Doc Watson Family cover, “Groundhog.”  As the set came to a close, the band performed the upbeat “Ain’t No Man.”  The song featured both brothers taking turns on vocals, as they strutted and danced about the stage.  The audience’s pleas for an encore were honored by the band, who returned to perform four more songs.  The band would close two days of stellar performances with “No Hard Feelings,” a heavy and emotional track about staying free from harboring enemies, sharing love and ultimately about accepting death.  

    In all, the Avett Brothers delivered two nights of incredible performances at Beak and Skiff, featuring unique set lists, with over forty different songs played.   Despite the weather, it was truly a special start to the summer concert season.  

  • Watch Dave Mustaine Pay Tribute to Nick Menza at Rock’N Derby 2016

    On Sunday, May 22, 2016, Dave Mustaine paused during Megadeth’s performance at Rock’N Derby, to pay tribute to former Megadeth drummer, Nick Menza.

    Mustaine asked the crowd for a moment of silence and what can be heard is a crowd quiet as can be, a solid 30 seconds of silence, before a drum solo begins that lead into “Trust,” off Cryptic Writings.

    Among other praise, Dave Mustaine said, “Nick went to heavy metal heaven last night.” When the band finished their final song and took their bows, Mustaine addressed the crowd, saying, “I usually say, ‘You’ve been great, we’ve been Megadeth.’ But Nick, you’ve been great. I love you, buddy.”

    Dave Mustaine Nick Menza rock n derby

    Megadeth was part of the incredible lineup at the 2016 festival Rock’N Derby, a multi-faceted entertainment festival held east of Troy, at the Schaghticoke Fairgrounds. The three-day event featured demolition derbies, wrestling, fair-style food, overnight camping and metal and rock bands including Five Fiver Death Punch, Lamb of God, Halestorm, A Day to Remember, Shinedown, Sevendust, Sixx A.M., Trivium, Coheed & Cambria, and of course, Megadeth.

    Roughly 7,000 to 9,000 people attended Rock’N Derby each of the three days, coming from all over the country to see a stellar lineup like this.

    Dave Mustaine Nick Menza rock n derby

    Three stages hosted the bands on the Upstate Concert Hall Arena Stage (set up in one of the fair’s agricultural barns), and two larger stages, the Rock’N Stage and the Derby Stage, both outdoors and on opposite ends of the grounds.

    Watch Mustaine pay tribute to Nick Menza below.

  • Spafford Sizzles in Saratoga Springs Debut

    Making their Saratoga Springs debut, the force was strong with Spafford on Thursday, May 4th. Delivering an awe-inspiring, booty shaking performance full of type-II improvisation, buttery smooth segues, spacey textures and more dynamic soloing than even Han could handle, the highly talented quartet proved once again that when it comes to pure jams, Spafford is light years ahead of the pack.

    Putnam Place served as our cantina for the evening, and while you will surely find a more wretched hive elsewhere, on this evening there were no villains here, only friends with plenty of character. You see, despite it being Spafford’s first time in ‘Toga, the electro-funk jam band has been around for more than a decade now. Developing a strong following via old-fashioned word of mouth and fan interaction, frequently sharing high quality live streams and relentless touring, those that already know, know, and these so-called “Spaff-Nerds” will happily travel far and wide to see these jam band Jedis play. For many in attendance, it was a no-brainer making the trip to Putnum Place, a venue with an almost mythical status as being a “rite of passage” for improv acts.

    Originally formed in a place far, far away in Arizona, Spafford is comprised of Brian Moss (Guitar), Jordan Fairless (Bass), Corey Schechtman (Keys), and Nick Tkachyk (Drums), and have actually orbited around the Capital Region numerous times, previously playing venues like the defunct Lucky Strikes in 2017, the Palace Theatre (supporting Umphrey’s McGee) and headlining “Jam Night” at Albany’s Alive at 5 concert series last summer, thus making their long awaited Putnum debut all the more surprising and overdue. Making up for lost time and determined to leave a lasting impression, the evening with Spafford kicked off with a spunky version of “Left on the Runway” from their latest album, 2022’s Simple Mysteries.

    Acknowledging the familial vibe early and flowing straight into “All My Friends,” the collective buzz in the room immediately went up a notch. That’s because longtime Spafford fans know “All My Friends” is almost always paired up with “Bee Jam,” one of their most coveted improv vehicles. Sure enough, the Bee would take flight on this night, soaring through Saratoga with an absolutely stellar, 18 minute rendition that contained everything from head banging grooves, crunchy funk-drenched breakdowns, the first huge guitar solo from Brian Moss and sonic exploration that effortlessly dipped into a murky type-II atmosphere, only to emerge on the other end with “Mind’s Unchained.” Corey’s Schechtman’s tasteful piano textures really came through here, adding a layer of beauty that made you want to close your eyes and live in the moment for as long you could. Slowly building to the song’s blissful crescendo, the song would cap off an impressive 40 minutes of uninterrupted music to start the show. Little did anyone know the biggest jam of the first set was still yet to come.

    As bassist Jordan Fairless slapped away at the intro of “Dog House,” his voice was in top form and so was his playing. Picking up the pace as the song shifted into “Part II,” we’d get another tasty organ solo from Corey, before the song would showcase some of the bands more jamtronic and improg influences with “the human metronome” Nick Tkachyk navigating the ship. Taking you along for a colorful, sonic journey into the musical unknown, the song would ultimately clock in at the 19 minute mark and bring the scorching first set to a close.

    After a smoke-filled intermission, Spafford would stay on target and turn the heat up even higher for set two. Once again choosing a song from their latest studio album to kick things off, the band came out of the gates swinging for the fences with a 21 minute “Diesel Driver” that was, simply put, a home run. Despite being a relatively recent song, Spafford played the ever-loving snot out of it, showing a maturity and patience well beyond their peers. Then working their way through the Braveheart-esq sounding “Pursuit of Madness,” for me, it was all about the “Broken Wing” that would follow. An absolute showcase of what this band is capable of, if you were able to stand still during this song, sorry not sorry, but you might want to check your pulse.

    Going with dank grooves for days and yielding an all-out dance party that reminded you of what the Putnum Place was like before the pandemic, the energy here was through the roof. Yet another 20 plus minute jam, it was around this time I realized, “holy smokes, they haven’t stopped playing this entire set!” Maybe that was their plan all along? Almost on que, as if they could hear my thoughts, “Broken Wing” then melted into “Plans” in the most buttery-smooth way. Giving guitarist Brian Moss and his custom Raven one last chance to shred, every time I get a chance to watch this man play is awe-inspiring. The entire second set alligatored together as one frame of music, I’ve been saying it for years, but if that didn’t make you a believer in this band, then I give up trying to convince you.

    Thanking the audience for packing out the place despite it being their first time there, Moss would speak from the heart and address the crowd by saying, “What a blast we had this evening. What a beautiful town, great food, great people. Should we come back?” After a resounding cheer, minus the one guy who jokingly gave a thumbs down, Spafford would cure us all and send everyone home happy with a 13-minute encore of “The Remedy.” While it may have taken them several years to find their way to Saratoga Springs, east coast jam fans won’t need to wait nearly as long to see the guys again. With the promise of planning something spectacular and unique, up next the band is preparing for an intimate three-night run of shows at NYC’s famous Blue Note Jazz Club beginning May 29th. Later in June, you can catch Spafford performing at the picturesque Lincoln Hill Farms in Canandaigua, NY.

    Spafford | May 4, 2023 | Putnum Place | Saratoga Springs
    Set 1: Left on the Runway, All My Friends > Bee Jam > Mind’s Unchained, Doghouse > Part II
    Set 2: Diesel Driver > Pursuit of Madness > Broken Wing > Plans
    Encore: The Remedy