On October 19, Buffalo Iron Works celebrated ten years with a performance by Melvin Seals & JGB. As the evening began with a line of anxious fans awaiting to be let into the building, you could feel the energy in the air. The building filled in quickly for what had to be a capacity show.
As the house lights went down, the crowd grew eager waiting to catch the first glimpse of the band. One by one each band members – Melvin Seals, John Kadlecik, Ron Holloway, John-Pual McLean, Peter Lavezzoli – made their way up the side stage stairs and onto the stage under thunderous applause and cheers. When the first note hit the air, the crowd moved in delight with a smile on nearly every face. Each song during the night was masterfully done. Each jam taken to a new level. And every member of the band was right where they needed to be all night long.
The night could not have been any better with the two stellar sets of music brought curtesy of Melvin Seals & JGB. This was not their first time playing Buffalo Iron Works, and definitely should not be their last. As many in attendance would agree.
Melvin Seals and JGB – Buffalo Iron Works – Thursday, October 19, 2023
Setlist: How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You), Love in the Afternoon, Forever Young, Loose Lucy, Franklin’s Tower, Cassidy, Rubin and Cherise, Can’t Find My Way Home
The last time she played the exact same venue in 2017 I couldn’t attend the show and she has not been back since, so needless to say I was very excited.
Her most recent album Echo The Diamond came out mid-August of this year and she spent September opening up for Canadian band Half Moon Run – whose album release show NYS Music covered in June – then started her proper North American headline tour which will end November 14 in Los Angeles.
On stage was Margaret with her signature Fender Electric, black leather pants, and the same see-through top with a black bra underneath that she had on the cover for Echo The Diamond. She talks to the crowd a lot, charming as ever, her vocals are sharp and hit the mark every time, mid-set the band leaves and she does a few numbers alone with just the guitar, and the room is silent. It’s not always that I’d consider the Bowery a listening room, but you could hear a pin drop.
Half the set was songs off her most recent release, with five additional songs from her debut. A nice highlight was an Alanis Morrissette cover of “You Learn” and closing the set with the encore of “Fruits of My Labor” by Lucinda Williams. Here’s to hoping she doesn’t wait another six years before coming back to the area.
Margaret Glaspy – Bowery Ballroom, NYC – October 20th, 2023
Setlist: I Didn’t Think So, Act Natural, Irish Goodbye, Female Brain, Memory Street, Hammer and the Nail, You and I, My Eyes, Heartbreak, Turn The Engine, Somebody to Anybody, Memories, Before We Were Together, You Learn (Alanis Morrissette cover), Parental Guidance, Emotions and Math, One Heart and Two Arms, I Let My Worst Get the Best of Me, Get Back Encore: Fruits of My Labor (Lucinda Williams cover)
Frogs and freaks flew into the Palace Theatre in Albany on Friday, October 20, heralding the return of Les Claypool and his Frog Brigade. The first tour for the group in 20 years began earlier in the year, winding its way into the Northeast for a run of late-October shows.
With draped banners of stars and stripes giving a nod to Pink Floyd’s The Wall, the stage took on a blue dystopian hue, as the six piece band – Skerik (saxophone), Mike Dillon (percussion, vibraphone), Sean Lennon (guitar), Harry Waters (keyboards), Paulo Baldi (drums) and Claypool (bass) – arrived on stage to “When Johnny Comes Marching Home” (Patrick Sarsfield Gilmore), Claypool bringing up the rear. With Les dressed in all black and a bowler hat, a slow bass led intro to “Cosmic Highway” took the audience on a psychedelic ride, right into “Up on the Roof.”
Following Les offering praise to Skerik, Skerik spoke in French briefly before telling an Albany/All bunny/All moose joke that earned groans and chuckles from the audience.
A cover of The Beat’s “Mirror in the Bathroom” was an early highlight, taking the narcissistic 1980 song out for an extended spin. “David Makalaster,” the Purple Onion track, followed, with Claypool Lennon Delirium composition “Blood and Rockets: Movement I, Saga of Jack Parsons – Movement II Too the Moon” closing a ‘short but didn’t feel short’ 60-minute set.
With Harry Waters – son of Roger – helming the keys, set 2 began with a full rendition of Pink Floyd’s Animals, the five song suite never missed a mark, Claypool donning a pig mask while switching to stand up bass.
A pair of songs from Les Claypool and the Holy Mackerel – “Precipitation” and “Calling Kyle” would follow, with “D’s Diner” closing the second set with audience callbacks, whispered lyrics, and xylophone throughout.
King Crimson’s “Thela Hun Ginjeet,” a song that Claypool and his Frog Brigade kicked off the main stage at the first Bonnaroo (and the incredible DVD as well) would drive the energy of the audience to 11, peppering in “Shine on You Crazy Diamond” teases. As the band left the stage, walk out music of “Pure Imagination” played, calling back to Claypool’s memorable Primus and the Chocolate Factory tour.
A can’t miss tour, the Frog Brigade will be at The Wellmont Theatre in Montclair, NJ on October 24 before heading to Hulaween and ending the tour at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville on Halloween.
Les Claypool and his Frog Brigade – Palace Theatre, Albany – Friday, October 20, 2023
Set 1: When Johnny Comes Marching Home, Cosmic Highway, Up on the Roof, Mirror in the Bathroom, David Makalaster, Blood and Rockets: Movement I, Saga of Jack Parsons – Movement II Too the Moon
Set 2: Pigs on the Wing, Part 1, Dogs, Pigs (Three Different Ones), Sheep, Pigs on the Wing, Part 2, Precipitation, Calling Kyle, One Step Beyond, Buzzards of Green Hill, D’s Diner
The night at Elsewhere Brooklyn with Sam Gellaitry showcasing his newest EP, Under the Illusion, was nothing short of a mesmerizing musical journey. On October 13th, the venue buzzed with anticipation as Gellaitry took the stage and immediately immersed the crowd in a soundscape that can only be described as pure auditory bliss.
Under the Illusion is a testament to Gellaitry’s evolution as a musician. The EP seamlessly blends elements of electronic, hip-hop, and R&B, creating a tapestry of sound that is both innovative and emotionally resonant. Each track on the EP carries a unique flavor, yet they all maintain a consistent, ethereal quality that captivates the listener. From the dreamy “Alone” to the groove-laden “Think I Know,” the EP takes the audience on a sonic journey that transcends genres.
What truly sets Gellaitry apart is his ability to connect with the crowd. Throughout the performance, he exuded an infectious energy and passion for his craft. His interactions with the audience were genuine and intimate, making everyone feel like they were part of a shared musical experience. His stage presence was magnetic, and it was evident that he was pouring his heart and soul into every beat and melody.
Elsewhere Brooklyn provided the perfect backdrop for this musical odyssey. The venue’s industrial-chic aesthetic and state-of-the-art sound system were a perfect complement to Gellaitry’s avant-garde style. The crowd’s energy was electric, with fans of all ages and backgrounds coming together to celebrate the music. The atmosphere was both vibrant and laid-back, creating an environment where people could lose themselves in the music and dance the night away.
Gellaitry’s performance of Under the Illusion was a testament to his artistic prowess and ability to connect with his audience on a profound level. The night at Elsewhere Brooklyn will undoubtedly be remembered as a magical evening where music transcended boundaries, and the crowd’s energy and vibes were a testament to the unifying power of sound. Under the Illusion by Sam Gellaitry was not just a collection of songs; it was an experience that left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to be there.
On October 14, a cool Brooklyn night, Elsewhere played host to an intimate and emotionally charged performance by the sensational Hannah Diamond, as she unveiled her latest album, Perfect Picture. The evening was a celebration of empowerment, self-confidence, and the universal struggles we all face in terms of self-perception, all wrapped in a visually and sonically captivating experience.
The tracklist of Perfect Picture takes us on a touching journey, each song delving into the complex web of emotions that revolve around self-identity and the pursuit of perfection. The album kicks off with the enchanting title track Perfect Picture, which immediately sets the tone for the night. As Hannah’s ethereal vocals blend with mesmerizing visuals, it’s clear that she is on a mission to explore the intricacies of human self-perception.
The theme of empowerment is prevalent throughout the album, and songs like “Affirmations” and “Unbreakable” stand out as anthems of self-confidence and resilience. These tracks evoke feelings of strength, freedom, and the realization that true beauty lies in embracing our flaws and imperfections. Hannah Diamond’s lyrics are a beacon of hope, reminding us that our self-worth should not be contingent on societal standards but on our ability to love ourselves.
The show was an intimate affair, which perfectly suited the album’s personal and vulnerable themes. The crowd’s energy was electric, with fans singing along and dancing in unison to the infectious beats. It was evident that Hannah had a genuine connection with her audience, making the performance feel more like an interactive conversation between friends rather than a traditional concert.
Hannah Diamond’s stage presence was nothing short of mesmerizing. She effortlessly navigated between her hit singles and the deep cuts from “No FX,” and it was clear that she was emotionally invested in every note she sang. Her humility and vulnerability on stage resonated deeply with the audience, as she encouraged everyone to embrace themselves.
Perfect Picture is an album that delves into the essence of human existence, examining the power of self-love and the beauty of imperfection. Hannah Diamond’s performance at Elsewhere Brooklyn was a testament to the depth of her artistry and her ability to connect with her fans on a profound level. In an industry that often perpetuates unrealistic ideals of beauty and perfection, Hannah’s music serves as a beacon of authenticity and self-empowerment, reminding us all that we are, indeed, perfect just the way we are.
Full of gritty energy, thoughtful storytelling, extremely tight improvisation, a spectacular light show, and a palpable connection to their audience, Kitchen Dwellers brought their unique brand of psychedelic bluegrass to Cohoes, NY on Thursday, October 12th.
No strangers to the Capital Region, Kitchen Dwellers have played the area many times over the years, but the second show of their 2023 fall tour would be their first at the historic Cohoes Music Hall, one of the oldest (and allegedly haunted) venues in the country. Delivering an absolute scorching performance, the level of musicianship on display was scary good.
Kitchen Dwellers made their Cohoes Music Hall debut on 10/12/2023.
Showing up to the corner of Remsen and Cayuga, you were instantly met with heady vibes from the municipal lot as the jokers and tokers greeted one another. There was a laid back feeling of familiarity and optimism as people of all ages lined up to check out the plethora of band merch and the gorgeous limited edition show poster designed by artist Dan Dippel. Fans who got there early enough were treated to a delicious appetizer from the young-and-hungry opening act, Fireside Collective from Asheville, NC.
After a brief set change, Capital Region show promoter Greg Bell of Guthrie Bell Productions took center stage to welcome everyone to the Cohoes Music Hall and wax nostalgic for a moment before introducing Kitchen Dwellers to a massive ovation. Wasting no time serving up the main course, the band set the tone early with a “Sundown” opener, the first of five songs that would be played from their latest album, Wise River. They had the crowd captivated from the very first note.
Kitchen Dwellers (L-R): Max Davies, Torrin Daniels, Joe Funk, and Shawn Swain performing on 10/12/23.
Consisting of Torrin Daniels on banjo, Joe Funk on bass, Max Davies on guitar, and Shawn Swain on mandolin, describing their inspired sound is no easy task. Utilizing traditional string instruments, adding a few effect pedals and foregoing a drummer, their expansive playing is full of character, bombastic banjo riffs, lightning fast licks, virtuosic finger picking and foot-stomping grooves. These guys make the complex look effortless. After squeezing “Their Names Are The Trees” into a “This Time” sandwich, the Kitchen Dwellers were cooking with pure gasoline as they alligatored “Smokestack” through a pair of choice covers – “Salt Creek” and “Alcohol in the Bloodstream.” Coming up for air to greet the audience and exchange some friendly banter about the proper pronunciation of Cohoes, the band would then invite Fireside Collective dobro player, Tommy Maher, to the stage for the remainder of the set.
Chest Fever: Fireside Collective’s Tommy Maher (dobro) joined in on the fun on 10/12/23.
Taking control of the ship and guiding the band through the crowd-pleasing title track of 2019’s Muir Maid, upright bassist Joe Funk’s vocals sounded fantastic here, while the extended interplay and energy of Torrin’s flying dreadlocks and Maher’s youthful exuberance sent the room into a fever pitch. With the venue itself located just on the outskirts of Levon Country, perhaps that was their intention all along, as a well-placed cover of The Band’s classic “Chest Fever” would bring the opening frame to a close.
Kitchen Dwellers’ Joe Funk croons away in Cohoes, NY 10/12/23.
When Kitchen Dwellers hit the stage for round 2, it didn’t take them long to address the elephant in the room, or in this case, the ghost. Nicknamed “The girl who made vaudeville famous,” many believe the spirit of Eva Tanguay has haunted the Cohoes Music Hall since her death in 1947. Often “felt” hanging around just off stage left and sometimes in the center of the balcony’s second row, the band acknowledged this bit of folklore by offering up their song “Ghost in a Bottle” in tribute.
Ghost in a Bottle: Kitchen Dwellers make an offering to the ghost of Eva Tanguay on 10/12/23.
The real meat and potatoes of the set would come next as the Dwellers found their groove on “Stand at Ease” which seamlessly segued into a cover of “White Freightliner Blues.” Showing a deep respect to their roots by weaving together a tapestry of their influences, the dexterity and speed at which these guys play make it almost impossible to stand still. After a stellar version of “Gypsy,” the band gave a special shoutout to a group of friends who traveled there from Vermont, allegedly breaking the record for the most people you can cram into a van, something which Torrin found debatable. Announcing they weren’t going to do the typical encore thing and that they’d just play until the venue kicked them out, the enthusiastic crowd were then treated to a sizzling combination of “Mountain” > “Drowning (… Again)” > “Ebenezer’s Winter” to bring the tasty night of galaxy-grass jams to a close just after midnight.
Putting a fresh spin on an old genre and blending the past with the future, Kitchen Dwellers rose to the occasion in Cohoes and threw down a performance that will be talked about for years to come. Upon leaving the Cohoes Music Hall, perhaps one excited fan summed it up best, saying “That was the best $20 I’ve spent in a very long time.“
With fall tour just getting underway, fans in New York won’t need to wait long to catch them again. Kitchen Dwellers have been tapped by Twiddle to take part in their final shows next month before going on an indefinite hiatus. The sentimental sendoff will take place at the historic Capitol Theatre in Port Chester. For more details on tour dates and tickets head to kitchendwellers.com.
Kitchen Dwellers | October 12, 2023 | Cohoes Music Hall | Cohoes, NY
Set 1: Sundown, This Time > Their Names Are the Trees > This Time, Smokestack>Salt Creek >Alcohol In the Bloodstream, Muir Maid * > Chest Fever *
Set 2: Ghost in the Bottle > Cuckoo’s Nest [Traditional] > Ghost In the Bottle, Stand At Ease > White Freightliner Blues, Gypsy, Mountain > Drowning (… Again) > Ebenezer’s Winter
* Featuring Tommy Maher of Fireside Collective on Dobro
As the world eagerly awaits the grand opening of The Hip Hop Museum in the Bronx in 2025, a nationwide tour is offering fans and enthusiasts a tantalizing preview of what’s to come. In partnership with Mass Appeal and proudly sponsored by CÃROC Ultra-Premium Vodka, this tour is bringing hip hop history to life.
In celebration of hip hop’s 50th anniversary, The Hip Hop Museum Tour is traversing the United States to narrate the story of the pioneers who birthed a genre that would eventually sweep the world. This mobile exhibit offers visitors a chance to take a walk down memory lane, shedding light on the essential milestones that transformed hip hop from a Bronx block party pastime into a global phenomenon.
The Hip Hop Museum Tour offers a diverse collection of remarkable artifacts that provide fans with a glimpse of what’s to come in the forthcoming museum.
Among the standout items are:
Jam Master Jay’s Gold Chain: This iconic piece of music history belonged to the legendary DJ Jam Master Jay, a pivotal figure in elevating hip hop’s status and influencing future generations during his time with Run-DMC.
Kool Herc’s Record Trunk: DJ Kool Herc’s record trunk played a vital role in the early development of hip hop music, symbolizing the birth of turntablism and the influence of DJing in the genre’s early years.
Tupac’s Handwritten Letter: A personal letter from the late Tupac Shakur to Cosima provides an intimate insight into one of hip hop’s most influential and controversial figures.
Coolio’s Low Rider Bicycle: Coolio’s low rider bicycle from his initial tour represents the diverse and eclectic styles embraced by hip hop artists, highlighting how fashion has become an integral part of the culture.
Biz Markie’s Rhyme Book, BIZ Chain, and Gucci Sneakers: These possessions, once belonging to the “Clown Prince of Hip Hop,” Biz Markie, including his rhyme book, chain, and sneakers, offer a glimpse into his quirky and unforgettable persona.
The Hip Hop Museum Tour is making stops across the country, bringing these treasures to fans and enthusiasts in various cities. Upcoming tour dates include:
Atlanta on October 21st Houston on November 4th Los Angeles on November 11th Charlotte on November 18th Miami from December 5th to December 9th
The Tea Party, a Canadian rock band formed in 1996 in Windsor, Ontario, Canada started their fall 2023 tour in Buffalo on Oct 13, to a sold-out crowd at the famous Town Ballroom.
The evening began with an intimate VIP acoustic set from the band to a crowd of steadfast fans on the Oxford Pennant stage of the Town Ballroom. This smaller stage worked well for this intimate VIP crowd of around seventy people. A handful of stories from the road along with the songs played made the moment quite special.
The opening act, Human Kebab, a Canadian DJ from Stouffville, Ontario, Canada began the night in the main ballroom in support of The Tea Party by spinning and mixing many genres of high-energy music, including, but not limited to Hip-Hop, Rock, Alternative, Electronic and more.
For the main event, fans of The Tea Party lined up early for night one of this two-night run at the Ballroom as to make sure to get a great spot as close to the stage as possible for what would be an evening they would not soon forget.
As the house lights went down and the walk-on music started, the sold-out crowd erupted with cheers and applause. The energy was high from the beginning all the way to the end of the show with everyone in attendance hanging on to every word sung, and every note played throughout the night.
Setlist: The River, the Bazaar, Psychopomp, Fire in the Head, The Messenger, Black River, Heaven, Save Me, Release, Temptation Encore: Sister Awake
Disco Biscuits have a long history of music festivals in New York State, their own Camp Bisco, as well as numerous performances at festivals of all sizes around the state. For the first time since 2013, a new, intentionally more intimate festival, BISCOLand, was conceived and held in Lafayette at Wonderland Forest over October 6-7.
photo by Tara Gracer
Joining Disco Biscuits were a pair of bands that appeared on earlier Camp Bisco lineups – Lotus and Emancipator, and newcomers to the Bisco fold – Opiou, The Floozies, Eggy and Space Bacon. With classic Camp Bisco lineups featuring up and coming artists as well as staples of the EDM/jamtronica community, the vibe of a stripped down but still well dressed music festival, perfect for an autumn weekend in Central New York.
As for the Disco Biscuits, the jamtronica pioneers took the opportunity to break new ground with some unique musical pairings over the weekend. Biscuits fan Shimmy noted this was the first time the band segued “Confrontation” into “Orch Theme” and followed that up with “And The Ladies Were the Rest of the Night,” the other being December 29, 2014.
Even more notably, the band took the encore on Saturday, October 7 to perform the first ever inverted “Kitchen Mitts,” playing the ending of song first, then the first part. Add to that this inverted “Mitts” appeared inside of a fitting encore appearance of “Home Again” made for an apt coda on the weekend.
Disco Biscuits – BISCOLAND at Wonderland Forest – LaFayette, New York – October 6, 2023
Set 1: Wet, Munchkin Invasion > The Wormhole > Space Train > Cyclone > Nughuffer1 Set 2: Nughuffer 1 > Shocked > To Be Continued > Reactor 2 > M1 > To Be Continued
1 dyslexic 2 inverted
Disco Biscuits – BISCOLAND at Wonderland Forest – LaFayette, New York – October 7, 2023
Set 1: Jam 1 > Bombs > The Deal > Voices Insane 2 > I-Man Set 2: Mindless Dribble 3 > Confrontation 4 > Orch Theme 5 > And the Ladies Were the Rest of the Night 4 > Spacebirdmatingcall Encore: Home Again > Kitchen Mitts 6 7 4 > Home Again
1 w/ ‘Could U Be Loved’ (Bob Marley) teases 2 unfinished 3 w/ Wormhole quotes 4 inverted 5 w/ Crickets tease 6 LTP 2/4/2023 (53 shows) 7 first time inverted
At midnight on Thursday, October 12, Ken Carson released his highly anticipated album A Great Chaos. At the same time of the release, Ken performed the new album at Silo in Brooklyn, sponsored by Spotify.
The show was announced just the day before but that did not stop it from being filled to capacity. The rage started with a DJ set around 11pm and continued until Ken got in his car and rolled away from the venue at around 1:30am.
Just a couple of songs into the new album, Ken Carson brought out Destroy Lonely to perform “Singapore” and “Paranoid” off of Ken’s new project as well as some of their old hits like “MDMA” and “money & sex.” Ken and Lonely then left the stage for a couple of minutes, and then Ken came back and hopped on the DJ set. Shortly after, Ken brought out Opium founder Playboi Carti. Carti performed hit after hit, including: “Stop Breathing,” “Rockstar Made,” and “FE!N.”
(Left to Right) Destroy Lonely, Ken Carson, Playboi Carti at Silo, Brooklyn. Photo by: Lucas Kurzweil.
Ken Carson will join Playboi Carti on his Antagonist tour early next year. Until then, you can listen to Ken’s new album A Great Chaos on all platforms.
