On St.Patrick’s Day, the Freaker himself, Keller Williams headed down to Asbury Park to play an incredible show at Asbury Lanes. Keller has been a staple in the jam band community and his longevity is matched only by his musicianship and incredible improvisation abilities.
Keller’s set was filled with fan favorites like “Kidney in a Cooler,” “Freakshow’ & “Freaker by the Speaker.” These were paired with intricate, multi instrumental, psychedelic loops. Keller also covered The Grateful Dead, Phish, and had to pay homage to Bruce Springsteen with “Born to Run,” as the show was so near the Jersey shore.
“Runaway Jim” & “Run Like an Antelope” were some of the covers peppered into his set by Keller this evening.
King of punk rap music Curtis Waters brought the Bad Son Tour to the iconic Baby’s All Right in Brooklyn. As part of his first ever headline tour, with help from Tommy Richman and Jonah Roy, Curtis Waters turned Baby’s All Right into an anticapitalist-rock paradise for an incredible show.
Curtis Waters (Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma)
Curtis Waters is a rising star in the music industry, known for his infectious beats, catchy lyrics, and fearless experimentation with various genres. Born in Nepal and raised essentially everywhere, Waters has been making music since his early teens and honed his skills through online collaborations with other musicians around the world. His breakthrough hit, “Stunnin’,” which he produced, wrote, and performed, went viral on TikTok in 2020 and propelled him to mainstream success.
Since then, Waters has continued to push boundaries with his music, blending elements of hip-hop, rap, and punk to create a unique sound that better reflects who he is and resonates with fans worldwide. With recent releases HIMBO and GOD’S LONELY MAN that were 7 years in the making, Curtis Waters is poised to become one of the most exciting voices in music today.
Tommy Richman (Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma)
Hailing from Woodbridge, Virginia, Tommy Richman is a certified star. Tommy’s passion for music started at a young age, when he began taking voice lessons and singing in his church choir. After dropping out of college to pursue his dreams, Tommy persevered and has become a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. With hit releases such as “Star Girl”, Richman’s music gives us a glimpse into the mind of a true musical genius. Richman just released “Wish I Never Knew You”, produced by him and Jonah Roy. With his signature sound and unwavering commitment to his craft, we can’t wait to see where Richman’s journey takes him next.
Curtis accepting the “Most Humble Musician Ever” Award (Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma)
The energy of the show was absolutely unmatched. From start to finish, the concert was akin to an eventful burst of a supernova, with support from Jonah DJing and playing guitar all night, to opening up the pit during every single song – even launching himself off the stage to mosh with the people. Between the jumping and yelling, there were sentimental moments, like when two dedicated fans presented Curtis with a specialized “Most Humble Musician” award and a brand new tie he wore at the rest of the stops on tour. While there was a general set list, because the crowd was so engaged with the show, he performed a never before seen song, specifically requested by his self proclaimed biggest fan. Riding off the high of the buzzing crowd, Curtis and friends left the stage to interact with fans after the show, showering them with support and admiration for the hardcore show. From anticapitalist rants to heartfelt speeches about success, anyone who attended the show is already counting down the days until the next time they can attend a Curtis Waters concert.
Curtis moshing in the crowd (Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma)
Though Bad Son Tour may be over, stay tuned to Curtis and Tommy’s socials for news for any upcoming performances.
Regina Spektor opened up to her crowd at the Capitol Theatre on Thursday, March 16. Of all the dates on her spring tour, which kicked off in Ithaca earlier this month, it was the nearest show to the neighborhood in which she grew up in The Bronx.
About midway through the set, Spektor opened up about her Bronx roots. She told the crowd how she and her family came to know violinist Samuel Marder and his late wife Sonia Vargas. An accomplished classical musician, Vargas became her piano teacher. Samuel and his sister Eva—both Holocaust survivors—were in attendance at the show. And Spektor was wearing a dress that had belonged to Sonia and was gifted to her by Samuel.
Spektor understandably needed a moment to gather herself after recalling all of that, wearing a dress that had belonged to Sonia and was gifted to her by Samuel. She then launched into the powerful “Ink Stains,” a song that she was inspired to write after she first heard there was such a thing as a Holocaust denier. It was just one song from the twenty in her setlist, but it was the perfect representation of the mood she established on stage over the course of the night: kind, humble, warm, and absolutely not afraid to say what needs to be said.
Openness and kindness were themes throughout the night. Spektor spoke to the crowd as if she were talking to a close friend, and her performance was on point. Even during a set that continuously displayed her versatility, “Poor Little Rich Boy” stood out. That song features Spektor playing percussion on a wooden chair with her right arm and keyboard with her left as she sings.
Between her immense musical talent and ability to connect with the crowd, Spektor had the entire venue hanging on her every word.
Regina Spektor – The Capitol Theatre, Port Chester – Thursday, March 16, 2023
Setlist: Ain’t No Cover, Folding Chair, Becoming All Alone, Loveology, Baby Jesus, Better, What Might Have Been, Eet, Ink Stains, Silly Eye-Color Generalizations, Bobbing for Apples, That Time, Ballad of a Politician, Poor Little Rich Boy, Après Moi, Raindrops, Spacetime Fairytale, Us, Fidelity Encore: Samson
Just a hop skip and a jump from the historic boat houses of Canandaigua Lake is the Fort Hill Performing Arts Center. A newer venue repurposed from an older one, Fort Hill PAC house about 400 seats, with 40 mezzanine seats that provide amazing views of the stage. Amazing view for acts like Stanley Jordan who brought his solo guitar show the house on March 18.
Rising to notoriety in the mid 80s, Jordan was first artist signed to Blue Note Records by new president, Bruce Lundvall, as they were working to re-establish their label to include contemporary jazz. Subsequently, Jordan’s album Magic Touch was released and hit number 1 on Billboards Jazz chart for nearly a whole year. Jordan has released 13 other albums, with number 15 in the works for release early 2024.
Hitting the stage at Fort Hill PAC, Jordan was welcomed by a blend of younger baby boomers, with a pinch of Gen-X’s and a dash of young Gen-z patrons. Quite a diverse group of ages for Jordan, whose sound is lightly reminiscent of island sounds, perfect chill music after a long days work.
While Jordan didn’t interact with the Fort Hill Performing Arts Center crowd too much, he was definitely aware of everything going, and acknowledged the random “We love you, Stanley” or the unexpected ovation. Just as well, there was issue during set with the center speakers in front the performer, and while he played most of the first half of show with it, he addressed the issue and assured the fans that the show will be so much better when he can actually hear all the sounds. As expected, the crowd laughed and gave short round of applause.
To finish the first set, Stanley, took seat at the piano and did some double duty as he continued playing the guitar, while adding piano to the mix. Truly an amazing arrangement and showcase of his skill set on the stage.
Coming back from intermission, Jordan continued to play the guitar in his own way, which consists of very little traditional strumming, and more tapping along the neck to create his own unique sound. He opened up the second set with his rendition of Mozart’s Piano Concerto #21 and Blue Monk (Thelonius Monk), both remarkable in their own rights.
While I was not able to see the end of the show, he finished off with a cover of the classic Rogers and Hammerstein’s “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” If like the rest of the show, I am sure the crowd was in awe with this, as I am sure I would have been.
Follow Stanley for up-to-date news including the release of his much anticipated 15th album. US tour dates continue through April, before headed off on his international tour.
On the evening of Wednesday, March 15, New York City’s Carnegie Hall served as a gathering place to pay tribute to Sir Paul McCartney. Produced by Entrepreneur and Philanthropist Michael Dorf, The Music Of Paul McCartney was the 18th annual Music Of benefit concert to grace Carnegie Hall.
Photograph by Bobby Banks
In front of a sold-out house, Will Lee, Alexis Morrast, Peter Asher, Lyle Lovett, Patti Smith, Sammy Rae, Shovels & Rope, Christopher Cross, Danny Laine, Allison Russel, The Cactus Bottoms, Jennifer Nettles, Resistance Revival Chorus, Music Will Kids Group, Lake Street Drive, Bruce Hornsby, Graham Nash, Ingrid Michaelson, Glen Hasard, Jonathan Russel, Hamilton Leithauser, Betty Lavette, and Nancy Wilson sang their praises. Each artist performed one song from Paul McCartney’s vast catalog and celebrated his musical career.
The evening was marked by golden moments. Patti Smith, who was not originally on the line-up, surprised the crowd with a rendition of The Beatles, “She’s Leaving Home.” She added her own lyrical twists throughout the song, reaffirming her already widely known and beloved creative prose.
Patti Smith at Carnegie Hall on March 15, 2023 in New York City. Photo by Bobby Banks.
The New York City Chapter of The Resistance Revival Chorus then took the stage. The chorus is “a collective of more than 60 women, and non-binary singers, who join together to breathe song and joy into the resistance and to uplift and center women’s voices,” according to the Resistance Revival Chorus. The group performed The Beatles’ “Let It Be.” In doing so, they transformed the event into an interactive experience between the performer and the audience. They radically broke down all barriers between performer and viewer; between stage and seat.
They put their arms up to the sky, and audience members did the same. They danced, and the audience danced. The grand, wide-open room that is Carnegie Hall suddenly became one. They walked tall off the stage to a symphony of cheers, snaps, and the sudden shuffling of a standing ovation – The first of the night.
Photo by Bobby Banks
The stage also welcomed Music Will Kids Group to perform The Beatles’ “Get Back.” The group consisted of four students from a New York City-based high school. Before strumming a note or singing a tune, the lead singer shouted a thank-you into the microphone for their music teacher, Mr. Paris.
To close out the evening, all 23 performers joined on stage to perform their group finale, “Hey Jude.” Performers clapped, hugged, smiled, and filled the stage with joy. Fans stood, swayed, and joined in on the music. Carnegie Hall’s choir of 3,000+ voices reverberated through the city and solidified an already unshakable legacy of one of history’s greatest, Sir Paul McCartney.
The Music Of tribute series has donated collectively over $1.5M in proceeds to organizations that provide music education programs and opportunities to underserved youths. Paul McCartney’s tribute was preceded by tributes to other greats, such as Aretha Franklin, David Bowie, David Byrne, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, and more.
Group encore performs “Hey Jude” for the final song of The Music Of Paul McCartney at Carnegie Hall on March 15, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Bobby Bank/Getty Images)
Music Of Paul McCartney Setlist: “Ooh You” performed by Will Lee, “My Love” performed by Alexis Morrast, “A World Without Love” performed by Peter Asher & Lyle Lovett, “Things We Said Today” performed by Patti Smith, “Heart of the Country” performed by Sammy Rae, “Helter Skelter” performed by Shovels & Rope, “Mother Nature’s Son” performed by Christopher Cross, “Mull of Kintyre” performed by Denny Laine & Christopher Cross, “Blackbird” performed by Allison Russell, “And I Love Her” performed by The Cactus Blossoms, “Silly Love Song” performed by Jennifer Nettles, “Let it Be” performed by Resistance Revival Chorus, “Get Back” performed by Music Will Kids Group, “Let Me Roll It” performed by Lake Street Drive, “I’ve Just Seen a Face” performed by Bruce Hornsby, “For No One” performed by Graham Nash, “I Will” & “Calico Skies” performed by Ingrid Michaelson, “We Can Work It Out” performed by Glen Hansard, “Let Em In” performed by Jonathan Russell, “With a Little Help from My Friends” performed by Hamilton Leithauser, “Maybe I’m Amazed” performed by Betty LaVette, “Yesterday” performed by Lyle Lovett, “Band On the Run” performed by Nancy Wilson, “Hey Jude” performed by entire line-up.
This past Monday, March 13, Maya Hawke, well known for her role as Robin on the critically-acclaimed Netflix series Stranger Things, played an incredible show with opener Raffaella at the Music Hall of Williamsburg. The indie-folk singer, with her enchanting vocals and eclectic tone, truly wowed the crowd with various songs from her latest album, Moss. Fans from all over wearing long skirts, patterned tights, and fun jackets eagerly lined up in anticipation of Hawke’s sold-out show, one out of many for her Tactless tour.
Maya Hawke
Maya Hawke, born, raised, and based in New York City to Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman, grew up surrounded by the music scene from a young age. The 24-year-old began truly taking off with her music career in 2020, with the release of Blush, a twelve-track record evoking somber yet raw lyrics with haunting instrumentals. Hawke, now nearing the end of her tour, is set to play four more shows in the US after playing eight across Europe and the UK. She last played New York in late August at the intimate, 120-capacity Colony venue in Woodstock.
Raffaella took the stage at 8 PM, rocking a pair of star-covered jeans and a gray t-shirt. Her set consisted of multiple songs like “GROWN UP” and “BLONDE” from her recent EP release, LIVE, RAFF, LOVE (Act I). Her clear and energetic tone captivated an engaged audience bobbing their heads along to her indie-rock tunes.
Raffaella
The Music Hall of Williamsburg hosted an engaging and intimate show, with Maya Hawke wowing her crazed and excited fans, many of whom brought signs, gifts, and letters for her to take. Prior to the show, a soundcheck experience and meet and greet were hosted to raise money for reproductive rights nonprofits such as Planned Parenthood and Noise for Now. Hawke improvised a song, “Running Shoes,” per the suggestion of a crowd member, and gave a heartfelt speech about her becoming the “best version of me and not the best thing that exists.” During “Here They Come,” Hawke sang beautifully with Hamilton Leithauser, and she became very emotional during her performance of “Thérèse,” waving her arms around to the beat of the music.
After a quick exit and outfit change, Hawke ended the show with an alluring encore, singing one of her earliest releases, “To Love a Boy.”
Setlist: Backup Plan, Bloomed Into Blue, Hiatus, Crazy Kid, Luna Moth, Into My Arms (Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds cover), Generous Heart, Running Shoes, Mermaid Bar, Missing Out (unreleased), I Wanna Be Sedated (Ramones cover), Here They Come (with Hamilton Leithauser), South Elroy, Thérèse, Sweet Tooth
Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh performs this week at The Capitol Theatre with a slew of talented musicians for four nights, which started on March 15, Phil’s birthday show. Sunday will see Phil notch his 100th show at The Cap, capping off the celebration.
For Phil’s birthday show, he was joined by Rick Mitarotonda, Grahame Lesh, James Casey, Natalie Cressman, Jennifer Hartswick, John Medeski, & John Molo. The show started off running with “Help On the Way > Slipknot”, with the first set including Deadhead favorites such as “Cumberland Blues” and “Scarlet Begonias”. Later in the set, James Casey’s vocals on “Fire on The Mountain” were masterful.
The second set opened up with “Not Fade Away,” filled with explorative jamming which peaked with a psychedelic “The Wheel” and an energetic “Let it Grow” to close out the set.
Owner of The Capitol Theatre, Peter Shapiro, came on stage to surprise Phil Lesh with a birthday cake. The crowd proceeded to sing “Happy Birthday” to Phil, before the band concluding their encore with a classic “I Know You Rider.”
Phil Lesh – The Capitol Theatre – Wednesday, March 15, 2023
Set 1: Help on the Way > Slipknot! > Cumberland Blues, Dire Wolf, Scarlet Begonias, Fire on the Mountain, Franklin’s Tower Set 2: Not Fade Away, Playing in the Band, St. Stephen > The Other One > Long Time Gone > The Wheel > Let It Grow Encore: Donor Rap, Happy Birthday to You, I Know You Rider
Transporting Albany to interstellar dimension, it was another hip shaking, foot stomping, groovy good time at Lark Hall on Thursday, March 9th as Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country made their other-worldly debut at the recently revitalized venue.
Unleashing an absolute powerhouse performance, the rapidly rising band from Nashville has been on a freight train to stardom since breaking out at the annual Peach Festival last summer. After the performance on Thursday, March 9, it’s easy to see why and fair to say the Albany faithful are ‘all aboard.’
Taking the stage to a packed house with swagger, wearing vintage seventies garb, cowboy hats and each member having hair down past their shoulders, right away you could tell two things about this band: These guys weren’t from around here and that they came to Albany with intent to impress. Along with Daniel Donato on guitar and vocals, Cosmic Country also features Nathan “Sugar Leg” Aronowitz on keyboards, rhythm guitar and vocals, Will “Mustang” McGee on electric/upright bass, and Noah Winner on drums and percussion. The band was last in town on October 29th, 2022 opening for the Kitchen Dwellers in Saratoga Springs, but for this three hour, two set performance at Lark Hall, there was no opening act.
Coming out of the gates with a “Fourteen Carat Mind” > “Lose Your Mind,” > “Faded Lovin’” trifecta, it didn’t take the Cosmic Country band long to showcase their incredible songwriting and technically proficient chops. Easing the audience in with beautiful harmonies and tasteful melodies, the band effortlessly blended together genres like outlaw country and modern bluegrass with elements of funk, experimental jazz and rockabilly.
By the time the young guitarist virtuoso Donato and his teal-colored telecaster landed on “Sugar Shack,” the whole room was in the palm of his hands and grooving together as one. Seizing the moment and an opportunity to try something new, the band would then stretch their legs a bit on the unreleased song “Gotta Get Southbound.” A tune about departure, exploration and freedom, Donato described it as “encompassing many emotions, but mainly, is for the soul that needs to adventure to awaken and discover a better world and reality.”
Keeping with the positive outlook, bass player ‘Mustang’ McGee would switch out his electric bass for an upright one on “Half Moon Night” which features the lyrics “I’m gonna shine, shine, shine. No matter how dark it may be.” Next, one lucky fan would get their wish as Cosmic Country then played “Fox On The Run” which had verbally been requested several times earlier in the set. Up next was “Darlin’ Cory,” a timeless old murder ballad Danoto first started playing years ago when he was gigging with The Don Kelley Band around Nashville and now appears on his 2021 studio album Cosmic Country & Western Songs Western Songs.
“Arkansas Traveler” and “Rose In a Garden” would follow suit before Donato would lead us into set break with another homage to the Don Kelly Band, this time in the form of “Ghost Riders in the Sky.” Calling it “one of the most heroic songs of the great American Western catalogue of music,” Donato believes “the journey this song takes you on, musically, is a mutually understood and realized feeling that we all possess inside us. The truth of the sincere feelings this song conjures would be the only explanation as to why this vehicle of song has transcended nearly 70 years of cultural and musical change.”
After a brief break in the action, things would get rolling again as “Hi Country” was selected to kick off the second set. Bringing serious early 70’s Dead vibes with it, momentum would continue to build as Cosmic Country then segued their way through a “Luck of the Draw” > “Sugar Leg Rag,” which gave keyboard player and rhythm guitarist Nathan Aronowitz ample time to bask in the spotlight. Slowing the pace up for a bit was another unreleased new one called “Chore” that started off as a bluesy ballad and featured beautiful full-band harmonies before the improvisational section of the song launched the room into the next stratosphere with Donato’s lightning-fast finger work largely to blame.
Feeling the collective storm of energy, it was only fitting that “Weathervane” make in appearance in the set next, though some fans humorously confused it for a cover of “Peaches” by The Presidents of The United States of America at first. They did get a cover next, however, as Wille Nelson’s “Blue Skies” brought many smiles to the older folks in attendance. The outlaw train kept rollin’ next with a smokin’ version of “Mystery Train” followed up by Mustang McGee taking over vocal duties for a rollicking rendition of “Ten Feet of Rope.” Fully vibing off the shared frequencies felt in every corner of the room, “Double Exposure” felt particularly passionate, psychedelic and on point and even featured a dynamic guitar duel exchange between Donato and the multi-talented “Sugar Leg” Aronowitz. “When you find yourself running low on the colors that you need, keep searching through the afterglow for positivity guaranteed!”
Clearly having fun and sharing in the groove, the genre defiance reached a new level as “Dance in the Desert” crossed multiple boundaries and had everyone in the place cutting a rug before reaching its final soaring peak and bringing the second set to a close. Hungry for one more song, the audience was practically begging for an encore. Happy to oblige with a bit of showmanship, Cosmic Country returned to the stage with huge smiles on their faces.
While many songs on the evening felt reminiscent of early 70’s Grateful Dead, there was no mistaking that certain twang on the song chosen for an encore. Uncorking a red-hot version of “Cumberland Blues,” even the hardest Dead Heads in the room were loving it and clearly giving Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country the coveted ‘Albany Seal of Approval.’ After the song, the band’s photographer would take a group wide shot and the guys would hang around meeting their newest fans and signing merchandise.
Reflecting on the show, Donato would later take post to social media “Albany still to this day has essence of a very original spirit, that spirit we all know and love, and search for when the music plays. It’s not my ability to name this sensation, but I do know when the room is feeling this strange, synchronous, and benevolently fleeting frequency. Albany delivered this to us in such a concentrated and positive way, and for that, we love you.”
Up next Cosmic Country will return to Garcia’s in Port Chester and then head to Lewes, De, followed by a pair of dates in Virginia, before they wrap up this winter run in Charleston, SC. Already booked for a number of major music festivals and high profile gigs throughout the summer, it’s easy to predict big things ahead for this band on the rise. Keeping the honky-tonk spirit alive by honoring their heroes like the Don Kelly Band, The Grateful Dead, Rory Gallagher and The Allman Brothers, Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country Band is a special combination of something old and something new married together in a most profound way.
Complete, with great songwriting, a beautiful tone, a never-ending flow of fresh licks and an absolutely badass cast of musicians behind him, we suspect the portal to Danial Donato’s Cosmic Country universe has only just opened and their rocket ship to stardom is right on the cusp of hitting lightspeed.
Cosmic Country | March 9, 2023 | Albany, NY | Lark Hall
Set 1: Fourteen Carat Mind, Lose Your Mind, Faded Lovin’, Sugar Shack, Gotta Get Southbound, Half Moon Night, Fox on the Run, Darlin’ Cory (Don Kelley Band cover), Arkansas Traveler, Rose In a Garden, Ghost Riders in the Sky,
Set 2: Hi-Country, Luck of the Draw > Sugar Leg Rag, Chore, Weathervane > Blue Skies (Willie Nelson cover), Mystery Train, Teen Feet of Rope, Double Exposure, Dance in the Desert
On March 3, The Borgata in Atlantic City lit up with excitement and anticipation as the legendary Smokey Robinson took the stage for what turned out to be a night to remember. The audience knew they were in for a treat when the lights went down, and Robinson’s signature falsetto voice filled the room with his classic hit “Being With You.”
Smokey Robinson 3.3.23
Robinson, 83, took the audience on a musical journey that spanned five decades as he belted out hit after hit. From the ballads “Cruisin” and “Quiet Storm” to the upbeat “Tears of a Clown” and “I Second That Emotion,” Robinson kept the audience dancing and singing along throughout the night.
Smokey Robinson 3.3.23
Robinson’s backup singers and band were top-notch, and their chemistry with him was evident in the way they moved seamlessly through each song, taking the audience from slow romantic moments to uptempo dance numbers. Known for his smooth and soulful voice, Robinson’s performance showed that he hadn’t lost any of his vocal prowess. He effortlessly hit every note and captivated the audience with his dynamic stage presence.
Smokey Robinson 3.3.23
As the night drew to a close, Robinson finished with his timeless hit “Tracks of My Tears,” leaving the audience spellbound and begging for more. It was a concert that will undoubtedly go down in the history books as one of the best ever performed at The Borgata. Smokey Robinson proved that age is just a number as he delivered an unforgettable performance that left a lasting impression on his fans.
Setlist: Intro, Being With You, I Second That Emotion, You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me, Quiet Storm, Ooo Baby Baby, Get Ready, My Girl, The Way You Do The Things You Do, Tears of a Clown, Fly Me To The Moon, Just To See Her, I Love Your Face, La Mirada, The Tracks of My Tears, Cruisin’
Electrifying punk rock group Meet Me @ The Altar blew the roof of Gramercy Theatre on March 2 as part as their first ever headline tour. Along with their openers Daisy Grenade and their intense sound, and Young Culture’s standout stage presence, the Meet Me @ The Altar show was absolutely unforgettable for anyone in attendance.
Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma
Meet Me @ The Altar is a three-piece WOC pop-punk band, consisting of guitarist/bassist/singer Téa Campbell (Florida), drummer Ada Juarez (New Jersey), and singer Edith Johnson (Georgia). Originally formed in 2015, the three members—all of whom lived in different states at the time—worked on music remotely through the internet. The band went on their first tour in 2018 and were signed by Fueled by Ramen in 2020. Their creativity continues with their new album Past // Present // Future that came out on March 10.
Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma
Daisy Grenade is a power-punk bubble grunge band that serves a punch with a lip-glossed kiss on the side. Made up of the two gorgeously disturbed girlies Keaton Whittaker and Dani Nigro, they turned their unapologetically feminine angst into sickeningly catchy, morbidly worded bubble-grunge bops that are dripping out of a saccharine shell. With Pete Wentz as a mentor and the collaboration of The Ready Set for their sophomore EP, CULT CLASSIC, these two theater kids started making music in 2020 and haven’t looked back.
Daisy Grenade Setlist: Heavy Metal Parking Lot Kind Of Cool, Darby, Stone’s Throw, Skin, I Got It Bad, Rorschach, Dominoes, Colm’s, Veritas, Pocket Change
Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma
Hailing from Albany, the trio of Alex Magnan, Gabe Pietrafesa, Troy Burchett that make up Young Culture have been brewing their sound for the past couple of years and most recently have released their album You Had To Be There. Their music can be described as early 2000s-sunshine-rock-meets-modern-technology that pops with bright color and vibrant emotion. The band signed with Equal Vision Records in 2018 and have been releasing banger after banger ever since.
Young Culture Setlist: Not In Love, Drift, Smooth, Fantasy, Silver Lining, Shiver, Holiday in Vegas, Serendipity, Different Now, Kinda Over It
Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma
Daisy Grenade took the stage first, launching directly into a hardcore “Heavy Metal Parking Lot Kind Of Cool”. Embodying female angst and jumping around the stage, the energy in the room was electric. The crowd was moshing along as they played new songs, like “Skin” and “I Got It Bad”. After a quick shoutout to their parents in the crowd, the fans for bringing the energy, Daisy Grenade retired the stage with a bang after playing “Pocket Change.”
Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma
There was a shift in the room when Young Culture emerged. The chants from fans were almost deafening, as all you could hear was their little tagline, “YC F*CKS”. Launching right into “Not In Love” from their most recent album. The crowd’s enthusiasm skyrocketed as Alex left the stage to stand on the barricade, directly interacting with the fans during the set. With encouragement from the band, the crowd surfing began, putting security to work. From the constant chanting to the jostling of the fans around in the pit, the energy in the room built up to new heights.
Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma
By the time Meet Me @ The Altar took the stage, the crowd was buzzing with anticipation. With Téa and Ada tuning and prepping their instruments. Riding off the high of the crowd chanting their names, leading lady Edith hops out and launches into one of the bands most well known songs, “Say It (To My Face)”. With an energy equivalent to a pop punk rager, this hardcore show can only be described as feral and free. The chanting and the crowdsurfing didn’t cease, even long after they performed their final song. Only a week before the release of their new album, Meet Me @ The Altar is on an upward trajectory when it comes to their sound.
Meet Me @ The Altar Setlist: Say It (To My Face), Beyond My Control, Hit Like A Girl, King of Everything, Try, May The Odds Be Ever In Your Favor, Now Or Never, Feel A Thing, [unknown song], Complicated, Same Lane, A Few Tomorrow, Garden
Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma
In terms of upcoming shows, Daisy Grenade will be on tour with Meet Me @ The Altar until April. They’re then scheduled to head on tour supporting Fall Out Boy on multiple dates from June 23rd in Montana to July in Colorado. For any updates on future shows and tours, check out their website.
Young Culture will also be with Meet Me @ The Altar until April, but past that, there is nothing scheduled. For updates, check their website and socials.
After tour wraps, you can find Meet Me @ The Altar at an array of different festivals, from Adjacent Festival in New Jersey to Leeds Festival in the UK.
