NYS Music 2023

Category: Features

  • Joss Stone Celebrates 20 Years of Soul at OLG Stage

    Celebrating 20 years of her debut album, Soul Sessions, Joss Stone has embarked on a city North American tour, including a stop at the OLG Stage in Niagara Falls, Ontario on Aug. 26. Tagging along for the ride was singer/songwriter Stephen Wilson Jr.

    Released in the Fall of 2013, Soul Sessions was the first studio album for Stone who was discovered at the age of 13 during a voice competition. With comparisons early on to Janis Joplin with Motown vibes, Stone had her work cut out for her and made the most of every opportunity. Soulful, bluesy, sultry, sensual, and spiritual are all perfect adjectives for any part of her music.

    Prior to her soulful show, music fans were treated to some rustic sounds from Stephen Wilson Jr. Primarily a writer, Wilson has discovered that he can draw fans with his voice as well. Playing an approximately 45-minute set, he serenaded the crowd with some witty humor, 70s Bruce Springsteen-like vocals, and a guitar.

    After going to school for microbiology, Wilson made the hard life choice to pursue music rather than the science field, with some inspiration from songs like “Don’t Take the Girl.” He calls himself a recovering microbiologist, and personally, I feel he made the right choice, science is overrated, anyway.

    Raised by his father, they stayed close until his passing a few years ago. One of his last words to the younger Wilson was “write a good song for me.” For his father, the song “Father’s Son” was written. It is a very profound melancholy-filled song, sure to resonate with many who give it a listen.

    I wear his blue jean jacket and his name like a badge of honor
    I used to hate being called Junior
    Now I don’t mind any longer

    Stepen Wilson Jr. – “Father’s Son”

    Many songs from his forthcoming album carry loosely based storylines from his life, including “Holler From the Holler” and “For What It’s Worth.” Keep an ear open for the new music in the next month.

    With Stephen Wilson cleared from the stage, the anticipation of a night of soulful blues music was growing. With nine albums to her credit and a number of notable renditions she has performed over the years, the set list for Joss is hard to imagine. For this night, fans were treated to a medley of two songs, followed by two songs from her debut, “Super Duper Love” and “Fell in Love With a Boy.”

    As she continued on, Joss shared a little bit of information from each album. Mind, Body, and Soul was all about her and her life choices. Introducing Joss Stone, which she sometimes refers to as her debut, is where she got to work with Raphael Saadiq and Laurn Hill, a dream come true for her. Color Me Free is titled based on where she was in her life, wanting her freedom space.

    A storyteller as much as a vocalist, Stone seemed to float across the stage barefoot as always, as she performed and replayed her memories for her fans. Memories of previous tours, memories from trips to Botswana, and memories of working with notable talents as she blossomed into the star she is today. One story of note is from Botswana, where she was asked to write a song to bring the rain. While on a trip there, she was told that there had not been rain for nearly nine months, a true drought for sure. As requested, she wrote the song, aptly titled “Rain Song” and when she went back to Botswana to play it the rain poured down. A very spiritual person, Joss was left amazed at this marvel.

    While she is known for her bluesy, jazzy styles, Joss is very capable of any genre, as she displayed during a three-song reggae set, including parts of a song that her father used to sing to her. While she is no Marley or Jimmy Cliff, her ability to put her own style on something like Island music is something that sets her apart. With an innocent giggle at the end of the set, as the stage goes dark, it’s clear that Joss was having quite a good time.

    With the show winding down, fans were hit with a confetti canon as she sang about the power of music and spoke about how music brings people together, creates love, and inversely can divide people. Soulful, spiritual, and cheerful, Stone graciously thanked everyone for coming out tonight.

    When artists hit the stage to perform, they often have a set routine and follow it pretty closely. I am sure that Joss Stone is no different, but the way she delivers it all is second to none. Joking with the crowd, giggling all night, dancing around the stage in any of the 3 outfits she donned, and presenting fresh sunflowers to random fans all speaks volumes to the level of fun she has. A real class act that Fallsview Casino Resort should be bragging about.

    Joss Stones Setlist: Intro Medley, Super Duper Kind of Love, Fell in Love With a Boy, Jet Lag, Proper Nice, Tell Me ‘Bout It, 4&20, The Love We Had, Even the Sky, Reggae mix, When You’re In Love, Rain Song (for Botswana), Music, Put Your Hand On Me/Son of A Preacher Man, Right to Be Wrong, Spell on You, Some Kind of Wonderful

  • PRONOUN Returns With Style On New Single “SLAP ME IN THE FACE”

    PRONOUN is back; the moniker of Brooklyn-based Alyse Vellturo released a new single and video for “SLAP ME IN THE FACE.” It’s her first release in over two years, following the 2021 release of her OMG I MADE IT EP.

    PRONOUN is Alyse Vellturo

    “SLAP ME IN THE FACE” is an upbeat alt-pop single with a distinct diction and vocal style that adds flair to a tried-and-true pop rhythm. Contrasting an optimistic sound with rueful, gloomy lyrics, the single carries a captivating, earworm guitar track that shows Vellturo’s technical skill in the realm of simple, but effective. Evoking images of 2000s coming-of-age cinema, the single sets a strong tone for PRONOUN’s upcoming era.

    “SLAP ME IN THE FACE is about a crazy night in with someone that turned into an internal joke of what if the world was literally fucking you. It’s about wanting a better situation but giving in and getting stuck in a moment where everything doesn’t feel horrible. This song poured out of me in one sitting; written, recorded, and produced in one day. The songs I feel the most about, always seem to come this way.”

    The accompanying video shows Vellturo being absolutely pelted by dodgeballs coming at her from every angle.

    Given the title, I always imagined getting somehow slapped in the face in slow motion. When putting a mood board together for the new PRONOUN era I was reminded of one of my favorite scenes in a movie. I Heart Huckabees is a film I could watch everyday until the end of time and discover a new easter egg. At one point Mark Wahlberg and Jason Schwartzmen end up on a log in the park together taking turns thwacking each other in the face with a red rubber ball until they feel a moment of nothingness. They call it ‘the ball thing.’ It fit how I was feeling perfectly when making this song. From that moment I knew it needed to be me standing in a studio getting absolutely destroyed with red dodgeballs.

    PRONOUN

    PRONOUN recently announced upcoming both headline shows and dates supporting SLOTHRUST. The tour boasts five shows across New York State, including Rochester, Albany, New York City, Syracuse, and Jameston. Tickets are on sale now.

    UPCOMING TOUR DATES

    * PRONOUN Headline

    ^ supporting Slothrust

    August 20 – Keene, NH – Nova Arts ^

    August 22 – Boston, MA – Deep Cuts *

    August 23 – Rochester, NY – Montage Music Hall ^

    August 24 – Albany, NY – Empire Underground ^

    August 25 – Burlington, VT – Higher Ground ^

    August 26 – Portland, ME – Portland House of Music ^

    August 29 – New York, NY – Heaven Can Wait *

    November 12 – Syracuse, NY – Song & Dance ^

    November 13 – Jamestown, NY – Skatepark ^

    November 16 – Columbia, MO – Rose Music Hall ^

    November 17 – Omaha, NE – Reverb ^

    November 18 – Wichita, KS – Wave ^

    November 19 – Colorado Springs, CO – Black Sheep ^

  • In Focus: Amplified Echoes Tour with Jimmy Eat World and Manchester Orchestra Stops at Outer Harbor in Buffalo

    The sounds of rock echoed between the Buffalo Harbor and the Buffalo Skyway on Friday, as Jimmy Eat World and Manchester Orchestra teamed up to bring the Amplified Echoes Tour to the Outer Harbor.  The two bands are wrapping up a summer co-headlining tour which saw them swap headlining duties each night.  Indie rockers the Middle Kids opened the concert.  

    Grey skies and soggy grounds couldn’t dampen the concert spirit, as the early arriving crowd quickly filled the concert field.  The evening’s festivities kicked off with a set by the Middle Kids.  Making their way from Sydney, Australia, the indie rock group wasted no time getting the crowd engaged.  Opening with “Never Start” off their 2018 release Lost Friends, the upbeat track quickly had fans on their feet and moving.  It quickly became apparent to those in attendance the band were rising stars on the music scene.  This was never more evident than when the band would play their two newest tracks. 

    Early in their 30 minute set, the band performed their latest single, “Highlands,” a catchy and upbeat track that had heads bopping and is sure to have fans singing along in the near future.  As the set neared a close, the band performed their other release from 2023, “Bootleg Firecracker.”  The slower paced track was perhaps the highlight of this set, as singer Hannah Joy’s vocals danced and swirled in front of a layer of hypnotic sounds.  

    The Middle Kids perform at Outer Harbor in Buffalo

    With their familiar logo draped behind and a setting sun to stage left, Manchester Orchestra took the stage next.  The band wasted no time getting started, opening with the fan favorite “Pride.”  The slow building rocker saw singer Andy Hull’s familiar vocals build from a near whisper, to a growl as the song’s intensity built.  Fans jumped and threw fists in the air as the song exploded with a high energy finish.  The band kept the momentum going with the fast paced rockers “Keel Timing” and “Bed Head” next, both tracks of their 2021 release The Million Masks of God. 

    The band would dig deeper into their catalog as their 75 minute set moved along.  2006’s “I Can Barely Breathe” was a prime example of the band’s ability to build intensity through out a song, while tracks like “Simple Math” and “The Gold” showcased the familiar harmonies that have become associated with the band.  The band pulled off these harmonies in the concert setting with precision.

    Manchester Orchestra perform at Outer Harbor in Buffalo

    During the set singer Andy Hull would pause to honor a young fan in attendance who was attending her first concert.  “She asked me to play ‘I Can Feel A Hot One’ so I’m going to play a little bit of that… Dad we should probably talk about why is this her favorite song,” Hull said, which was met with much laugher from the crowd.  With their slot nearing a close, the band would end with “The Silence.” The track would start at a slow pace but build towards another climactic finish which saw fans passionately singing the song’s closing lyrics. As the song came to a close, Hull took the mic to the front of the stage, repeating the songs lyrics several times in front of layers of feed back as his band members laid their instruments down and left the stage.

    Manchester Orchestra performs at Outer Harbor in Buffalo

    Taking the headlining duties on this evening were indie-rockers Jimmy Eat World.  The band took the stage in near darkness, and began the slow burning and intense “Congratulations” off their latest album, Surviving (2019).  As the song’s intensity built, lights would flash to briefly illuminate the various members of the band, with front man Jim Adkins moving about the stage. By the end of the seven minute track, the song had built into a high intensity rocker. This served way for the bands’ second song, the high speed and ever popular “Bleed American.” Fans bopped and sang along to the anthemic track. The band kept the energy going as they segued into their 2001 smash hit “Sweetness” which had the audience calling back lyrics. The remainder of the bands 75 minute set served something like a running sprint, with the band firing off upbeat rocker after upbeat rocker, fitting in a total of 17 tracks during their set.

    Jimmy Eat World perform at Outer Harbor in Buffalo

    With their set nearing its close, the band would mellow the tempo a bit to perform the fan favorite “Hear You Me,” an emotional track about the loss of a loved one. They would waste no time ramping up the energy again, closing out the set with perhaps their biggest hit track, “The Middle.” It was a fitting way to close their set, allowing fans one last opportunity to sing and jump along to one of the band’s many hit tracks.

    Jimmy Eat World

    Manchester Orchestra

    The Middle Kids

  • Jinjer Unleash Metal Mayhem in Niagara Falls

    A night of metal mayhem engulfed the Rapids Theater in Niagara Falls on Friday, August 25th as the thunderous sounds of Jinjer and Until I Wake reverberated through the venue. This marked a historic moment for both bands. With a fervent crowd, it was a night that showcased the raw power of metal and the unifying force of music.

    Local pride was on full display as Until I Wake, hailing from Buffalo, took the stage. This homecoming show held special significance for the band, and they made sure to make every second count. Despite a brief almost 30 minute set, they unleashed an explosive barrage of sound, captivating the audience with tracks like “Inside my Head,” “Still Sinking,” and their latest hit “Cold.” Alex Curtin’s thunderous drumming, August Geitner’s electrifying guitar work, Cody Jamison Johnson’s compelling vocals, and Ryan Ridley’s driving bass formed an unstoppable sonic assault. It’s clear that Until I Wake is a force to be reckoned with, and this performance was just a glimpse of their promising future as headliners.

    As the anticipation reached its zenith, Jinjer, all the way from Donetsk, Ukraine, took command of the stage. This marked a monumental moment for the band as they graced the WNY area for the first time. Despite the distance from home, Jinjer’s energy was unwavering, fueled by the crowd’s enthusiastic reception. The setlist was a sonic journey through their repertoire, with hits like “Perennial”, “I Speak Astronomy” and a thunderous finale in “Sit Stay Roll Over.”

    Tetiana Shmailyuk- Vocals

    Tetiana Shmailyuk, the commanding presence at the forefront, effortlessly switched between guttural growls and melodic harmonies, a testament to her vocal prowess and dynamic stage presence. Roman Ibramkhalilov’s guitar riffs cut through the air like a scythe, while Eugene Abdukhanov’s basslines resonated deep within the chest. Vladislav Ulasevich’s drumming served as the backbone of the performance, driving the music forward with unrelenting force and time shattering blast beats.

    The band’s communication was concise but impactful, allowing the music to speak volumes. The crowd reciprocated the energy, creating a frenzy of mosh pits that pulsed in time with the music. Shmailyuk’s interactions with the audience demonstrated a deep connection, as if their souls were intertwined through the music.

    The Rapids Theater felt alive that night, pulsating with the energy of metal enthusiasts who had waited eagerly for this experience. Jinjer’s performance was a testament to their growing stature in the metal scene, as evidenced by the near-capacity crowd that bore witness to their sonic onslaught.

    As the night came to a close, it was evident that both Jinjer and Until I Wake had left an indelible mark on the Rapids Theater and the hearts of everyone present in Niagara Falls. The concert was a triumphant celebration of metal’s unifying power, and a harbinger of even greater things to come for both bands.

    Jinjer

    Until I Wake

  • Watch Derek Trucks sit in with Phish at SPAC

    Phish welcomed legendary guitarist Derek Trucks during the second set of their show on Saturday, August 26 at SPAC. For roughly an hour, Trucks traded guitar licks with Trey Anastasio and jammed on classic Phish songs as well as TV On the Radio’s “Golden Age.”

    Phish at SPAC with Derek Trucks
    Photo by Derek Java

    The late August shows served as a benefit for the Vermont and Upstate New York flood recovery effort. While rumors of Trucks abounded during the day, only when his amp was brought out on stage following a speedy “2001” did the audience let out an electric cheer for the guitarist of Allman Brothers Band, Derek Trucks Band, and currently, Tedeschi Trucks Band.

    Phish at SPAC 8/26/2023
    Photo by Derek Java

    Trucks had joined Phish once prior, in Charlotte, NC on July 7, 1999, for “Funky Bitch” and “Possum,” the latter of which would serve as the encore this evening as well. Additionally, Trucks and Susan Tedeschi were joined by Anastasio at Lockn 2019 for a recreation of Derek and the Dominoes Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs.

    Watch Derek Trucks join Phish for “Golden Age,” “Everything’s Right,” “First Tube” and “Possum.”

    Phish – Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) Saratoga Springs – August 26, 2023

    Setlist via Phish.net

    Soundcheck: My Soul

    Set 1: Free, Wolfman’s Brother, Maze, Sigma Oasis, Pillow Jets, Tube > Twist > Harry Hood

    Set 2: Down with Disease[1] -> Ghost, Also Sprach Zarathustra > Golden Age[2] > Everything’s Right[2], A Life Beyond The Dream[2], First Tube[2]

    Encore: Possum[2]

    [1] Unfinished

    [2] With Derek Trucks on guitar

  • HOKO Live On Tour At The Bowery Ballroom

    The Bowery Ballroom hosted the Brooklyn-born band, HOKO, on the evening of Wednesday, August 23rd. On tour in support of almost monday and the WEATHERS, HOKO branded their name into the minds of their modest but curious New York City audience. This fifteen stop USA tour is HOKO’s first tour debut, and they are making sure to impress along the way. Through the vehicle of their experimental style, they are refreshing the palettes of listeners with a sound unlike anything they’ve ever heard.

    Photograph by Sophie Gurwitz

    Bodies trickled into the ballroom as time climbed towards HOKO’s set. Conversation vibrated across the floor, people expressing their excitement about the headliners and a few eager to watch HOKO’s set, while others volleyed HOKO’s name around with intrigue. 

    When the lights dimmed, everyone’s attention was pulled towards the darkness resting on stage. Blue light hues swirled across faces of the crowd while the band presented themselves on stage. Bass came through the floor, tugging at peoples’ bones, demanding their presence. After a minute long introduction of pure sensation, the first guitar riff electrified the atmosphere to kick-off a night of music.

    Photograph by Sophie Gurwitz

    HOKO opened with their song “Pretender.” Dense guitar riffs and confident vocality drew the audience into captivation. Their sound projected something heavier than the typical pop-rock song. The tones and intensity of the instrumentals almost felt dark – not in a dangerous way but in an enticing manner.

    It was impossible to name a comparable sound to them, they felt fresh. Listeners bounced around artist names, “COIN,” “Bleachers,” “B-52’s,” “Zeppelin.” That vast of a name pool proved testament to their individuality.

    Photograph by Sophie Gurwitz

    It’s difficult to be truly unique in the music industry, to not fall into the coddle of a niche, to not be a genre artist. HOKO has taken the liberty of demolishing musical barriers, and redefining flexibility in relation to their production. Their sound cannot be labeled, for they are rock, they are electric, they are pop, they are psychedelic. They are ever-evolving. As the night progressed, it became evident that something of impressive massivity is to come from HOKO.

    Photograph by Sophie Gurwtiz

    Lead singer, Nathaniel Hoho, absorbed the ballroom’s energy and gave a rockstar level performance. He got in the crowd to mosh with the audience. He climbed atop speakers, and entertained the cameras. He engaged with fans in between songs. Half way into their set, it became hard to believe HOKO had never toured prior to this, for their presence suggested years of being fluid and daring on the stage. Their performance felt too big for a stage the size of Bowery’s.

    Photograph by Sophie Gurwitz

    One of HOKO’s most popular songs, “Candy Eyes,” gripped the evening when it made its way through the setlist. Guitarist and esteemed string player, Jesse Kotansky, brought out his violin for the song. To hear the harmony of the violin with Hoho’s powerful voice was a beautiful display of musical juxtaposition. Versatility receives respect from concert goers. Though a handful of the audience didn’t know of HOKO before the show, they were sure to remember them after the night the band gave them.

    Photograph by Sophie Gurwitz

    Their production value implied experimentation and play as a priority. The boldness, the confidence, the yearn to perform created a high that everyone suspended in. People finally began to move their bodies and sing along with the band, as if they developed a sort of trust with HOKO’s sound. A sureness between the classicality of rock and the future of pop.

    Photograph by Sophie Gurwitz

    Unfortunately, HOKO’s set was merely a half hour long. The show could have carried into the next set and closed out the night, alas Weathers and almost monday had shows of their own to put on. Hoho brought the evening to a clean close when he jumped down into the crowd, parted the mass of bodies in half, and disappeared through the back of the crowd. 

  • Phish Return to SPAC, Raise $3.5 Million for Flood Relief

    Phish returned to Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) on Friday, August 25th, for a pair of shows that served as a benefit for victims of flooding in Vermont and Upstate New York this summer. Their first time playing at the historic Upstate amphitheatre since 2019, Phish will record their 24th career show at SPAC, following the show on Saturday night.

    Earlier in the day, Phish connected with New York Governor Kathy Hochul, announcing that the band had donated $3.5 million dollars raised from the pair of concerts, to support flood relief for Upstate New Yorkers, as well as Vermonters affected by flooding earlier this summer.

    That number is sure to rise, with donations being raised during the shows through the Waterwheel Foundation’s 2023 Flood Recovery Fund, supporting victims and their families, area businesses, and non-profits. The Recovery Fund will support both shorter-term needs and long-term recovery and resiliency projects. 

    We are so grateful to everyone who donated their time and resources to make these benefits possible, and those that attended the shows or watched online. The joy in the room at these concerts was undeniable. But for the people affected by the flooding, it is an ongoing struggle. That’s why we are continuing to accept donations, raise awareness and distribute the funds.

    Page McConnell

    With rain in the forecast and a blanket of clouds enveloping the Saratoga Spa State Park grounds, fans arrived early and in great numbers, setting up a Shakedown off Route 50 while sprinkles fell intermittently throughout the evening. Filing into SPAC, fans dispersed to find spots on the lawn or head down to the pavilion, with the first notes of the evening at 8:05pm.

    What might look like a pedestrian set on paper was energetic and rocking from the start, with “Kill Devil Falls” and “The Moma Dance” opening the night, the latter finding its familiar home in the two-slot, clocking in at nearly 14 minutes. The trio of “Ocelot,” “The Wedge” and “Mull” packed a punch, especially “Mull” which deftly found a segue into “Punch You In the Eye,” with fans erupting upon the first notes, carrying the energy into “Sand.”

    phish spac shows
    artwork by Josean Rivera

    It was within “Sand” that a classic film was paid homage to, as teases and jams based on “We Welcome You to Munchkinland” spiced the jam vehicle nicely, a tribute to The Wizard of Oz on the 84th anniversary of the film’s initial release. This tidbit had fan’s ears perking up, searching their internal database to find where this ditty derived itself from, occuring later in a second set “Chalkdust Torture” and the original recording played outright as the postshow music.

    For a band that has played “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and “If I Only Had a Brain” over the years, including with the legendary Ken Kesey, the band didn’t miss the chance to celebrate an inspiring American film. Drummer Jon Fishman even went so far as to put his hair in a pigtail to mimic a munchkin hairdo in the second set. The incredible “Sand” is a must hear, and led into a set closing “Rock and Roll” courtesy of Lou Reed and The Velvet Underground.

    What would amount to a five song second set began with an Anastasio-penned quarantine tune “Evolve,” serving as an appetizer for the feast that was about to be plated. “A Wave of Hope” and “Simple” would pair up for back-to-back 22-minute jams, following in the vein of the excellent recent shows at Madison Square Garden. To follow were a pair of 11-minute jams in “Fuego” and “Chalkdust Torture,” wrapping up a powerful set, a true treat for the many first-timers in the crowd this evening.

    For an encore, the first breather of the night arrived as “Wading in the Velvet Sea,” giving way to Kasvot Växt’s “Say It To Me S.A.N.T.O.S.” which has found a home in the set closing/encore slot to send fans on their journey to Oz.

    Phish – Broadview Stage at Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Saratoga Springs – Friday, August 25

    Setlist via Phish.net

    Soundcheck: My Soul, Fast Enough for You, Wombat
    Set 1: Kill Devil Falls, The Moma Dance, Ocelot, The Wedge, Mull > Punch You in the Eye, Sand, Rock and Roll
    Set 2: Evolve, A Wave of Hope -> Simple > Fuego -> Chalkdust Torture
    Encore: Wading in the Velvet Sea, Say it to me S.A.N.T.O.S.

    This performance was a benefit for Vermont and Upstate New York flood recovery efforts and was a free webcast with all proceeds via donation going to those efforts. Coinciding with the 84th anniversary of The Wizard of Oz being released in the United States on the date of this show, Trey teased We Welcome You to Munchkinland (or It Really Was No Miracle) several times in Sand as well as at the end of Chalk Dust Torture, Fish wore his hair with a single pigtail sticking out of the front of his head like a munchkin for the second set, and We Welcome You to Munchkinland was the postshow music. Trey also teased Dave’s Energy Guide on Sand.

    photos by Dave Decrescente

    Phish SPAC
    Phish SPAC
    Phish SPAC
    Phish SPAC

  • Pennsylvania’s Rising Elements Music Festival Marks Another Year in the Book  

    Elements Music and Arts Festival comes back for another year by doubling their attendance amount. Located in the woodlands outside of Pocono Raceway right in Long Pond Pennsylvania, makes it a favorite for our Northeast music lovers. This premiere boutique festival experience brought EDM and jam band fans together from August 11 to August 13. 

    Skrillex, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Day 1 – Bringing all the Elements Together

    This festival looks to connect their attendees with not only the people around them but the world around them. The four main stages are named after the four elements: fire, water, earth, and air. Smaller stages can also be found spread throughout the woodlands. 

    As attendees filtered into the area the days leading up to the festival, the campgrounds became their own party. People set up camp on the famous NASCAR racetrack where the celebrations began. People brought their own DJ decks, karaoke buses, a take-one-leave-one station and much more. Vendors and artists set up their booths right in this area making it a mini festival before anyone even walked through the gates. 

    The top-notch music production is the initial factor that brings many folks in but what makes them stay is every other thing this festival has to offer. Among the long-list of perks at Elements is their large-scale art installations, interactive performances, 3D video projection mapping, games, yoga, unique craft vendors, and more. 

    Early in the day people participated in breath work, an intro to reiki, and jewelery making. When entering the festival the area is filled with a variety of music and entertainment to satisfy just about everyone. 

    Jam band lovers got their day filled with performances by Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Lotus, and STS9. House heads had huge headliner John Summit take over the fire stage for a fun up beat show. For all the heavy bass folk found themselves at Mersiv early on and finishing their night with the Belgium kings of wubz, Ganja White Night. 

    Ganja White Night, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Day 2 – Bass to the Face 

    If you weren’t at afters with John Summit all night then you probably were up early from the beating sun. Luckily, so were the festivities. The Saturday fun began with tarot cards, acro yoga, a shuffle workshop and an embodiment flow.  

    House and techno fans camped out at the fire stage most of day 2. This stage is epic visually due to the pyro coming from the front to the back of the stage. The fire timed with the beat drops makes this stage that much more entertaining even when you don’t know the artist. 

    Over on the Earth stage is where predominantly headbangers found themselves. This began with young producer Zingara who knows how to put on a great show despite being met with technical difficulties. Her heavy bass and fun environment effortlessly draws a crowd. People at the rail were head banging and those in the back were flowing with hula hoops, poi, and flow stars. 

    Zingara, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    After Zingara, other heavy hitting artists took over including Daily Bread and Peekaboo. Daily Bread is known for creatively melding vintage and modern sounds to construct an aural narrative. His fans brought in loafs of bread and were handing them out during his set. 

    Daily Bread, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    PEEKABOO continued to bring the bass with his overwhelmingly energetic performance which was immediately met with a flood of rain. Everyone embraced this weather switch up though because it was impossible not to dance to his heavy-hitting tunes. The downpour made the lasers sparkle, like a scene out of a movie. 

    PEEKABOO, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    LSDREAM took the the stage afterward, an obvious crowd favorite. He makes his music with healing frequencies and leads with spittruality. Through this he is able to create a positive and high energy flowing environment that people crave to be a part of. About halfway into his set an announcement went over the speakers asking everyone to evacuate due to an intense thunderstorm warning. 

    The audience left shocked as they filed out of the festival and back into the campgrounds. Everyone waited anxiously for any news when people would be let back in because no one wanted to miss two main headliners who were supposed to perform that night: Subtronics and Skrillex. 

    Subtronics, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Luckily, after over an hour fans were being let back in but had to make the conflicting choice of which famous producer they were going to see. With both stages right next to each other you could see everyone in both crowds going wild. Despite a tough night and needing to evacuate for a brief time, this didn’t make people too down in spirits because we still got the showdown of a lifetime. Everyone leaving both sets could not stop talking about the amazing production they just witnessed.

    Skrillex, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Day 3 – Missing One LSDREAM Set Doesn’t Mean Missing Another

    Many people were still upset about the outcome of the previous night. This was mostly due to LSDREAM’s set ending early. Luckily though, he planned to hold his signature Lightcode ceremony Sunday morning. People were lined up outside the festival gates awaiting for entrance to the Air stage. 

    Hundreds of people filed in excited for this mediation event. Sammy spoke on stage explaining the purpose of a sound bath and how individuals can look inward to alter their reality. Sammy immediately created a safe and peaceful space for everyone. He then led the 40 minute ceremony where people laid on yoga mats, hammocks, or relaxed on the ground. It was a great start to the final day at Elements where people could ground themselves and share love with each other.  

    LSDREAM, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Leaving light code felt like a breath of fresh air as people met Sammy and explored the early afternoon inside. House artist Jackal Jyve brought in a crowd to the water stage with his upbeat tunes and exotic dancers. 

    Later on, artists like Yam Yam, Koopmusik, and Skillaton dominated the scene. Rising artist Level Up did just that on the Earth Stage with her love of dubstep. Her crowd was so insane that she had so many mosh pits opening up into each other. Fans left her set dripping in sweat and out of breath. 

    Level Up, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Of The Trees followed up this performance with his blend of bass music and rap. Another crowd favorite was REZZ which became obvious as many people wore her hypnotic goggles that day. She may be young but that is not testament to her ability to stand alongside the pros in the bass scene. 

    REZZ, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Sunday night ended with performances by Porter Robinson and Chris Lake on the main stages. For those who traveled into the forest though for a final walkthrough found the Wub Hub area booming from artist Chef Boyarbeatz. Those on the side stage were scene holding up Chef Boyardee cans.  

    Chris Lake, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Elements Music Festival is nothing short of spectacular. It makes room for connection among people through love of music and appreciation for the world around. Who knew some woodlands in the Northeast could be the next best intimate music festival? 

    All Photos by Maddie McCafferty

    Ganja White Night
    Zingara
    Zingara
    Zingara
    Zingara
    LSDREAM
    Subtronics
    Subtronics
    Subtronics
    Level Up
    LSDREAM
    LSDREAM
    REZZ
    Porter Robinson

  • The Lumineers Brightside illuminates Darien Lake

    On the heels of 2022’s Brightside album, the The Lumineers have hit the road again. August 22, with James Bay joining the fray, they made their way to Darien Lake Amphitheatre for an evening of Americana music.

    After playing small gigs, open mic nights, and struggling to make ends meet under various monikers, The Lumineers were “formed” when an emcee misspoke during an introduction. Although Wesley Schultz and Jeremiah Fraites had been playing together since 2002, a working name never really happened until this mishap.

    12 years after their first single, “Ho Hey” was released, The Lumineers now have 4 studio albums, 4 headliner tours, and millions of fans worldwide, in addition to a couple Grammy nominations. Of those millions of fans, a plethora of them showed up for the show at Darien Lake and sang their hearts out.

    Before they were able to sing along with Jeremiah and Wesley, fans were treated to 40-minute set from English songwriter, James Bay. Very subdued in his own right, Bay had the attention of the fans who were filing into their seats in anticipation of the nights headliner.

    With 3 albums and a couple EPs to his name, Bay has been nominated for a montage of music awards and has won a 7 British music awards since 2015, including Best New Act, Breakthrough Solo Artist, and Best British Solo Artist. Around 7:30pm, he let the crowd know why he has won those awards.

    Classic Americana style, Bay rocked his guitar as he opened his set with “Best Fake Smile”. A song seemingly about standing up for yourself and having a voice, topics very prevalent in society.

    No, you don’t have to wear your best fake smile
    Don’t have to stand there and burn inside
    Oh, oh, oh
    If you don’t like it

    Although an opening act, the fans reactions and ability to follow along make it clear that he is a respected musician and very much a headlining act on his own.

    After a 45-minute break to reset the stage and get things in order, the stage goes dark. Intermittently, we get some loud drums from the loudspeakers, timed up with stage lights to welcome The Lumineers. This goes on for about a minute or so as anticipation builds for the band make an entrance. Cell phones up high hoping to catch a glimpse or record a video clip, fans were eager.

    Finally, a few minutes later, you can see an entourage of silhouettes making their way into position. The time has come to go nuts. Lights go on across the stage set and Wesley Schultz and crew announce their arrival with 2016s “Cleopatra,” “Flowers in Your Hair,” and the big “Ho Hey.”

    With a stage full of musicians, there was never a shortage of entertainment to keep an eye on, or at least try to. Jeremiah Fraites ( drums/percussion, piano, mandolin, vocals), Stelth Ulvang (piano, keys, accordion, mandolin, guitar, percussion, vocals), Byron Isaacs (bass, guitar, vocals), Brandon Miller (guitar, mandolin, percussion), and Lauren Jacobsen (strings, piano, vocals). This line up screams excitement, and The Lumineers brought it all night long, with each musician displaying their talents. There wasn’t a single person here that didn’t bring the energy, and they all had a blast on stage.

    Covering a good set of shows at Darien Lake this summer, I have heard some loud fans singing along with the acts. But, let me tell you this. The fans for this show blew everyone else away. There was no competition. During at least three songs, the crowd was so loud, it nearly drowned out the act on stage. Songs like “Gloria” and “Ophelia” were echoed right back to Wesley and Jeremiah as they belted out the lyrics.

    Combining pop with classic Americana and a little bluegrass may not seem the norm. However, this group of amazing artists have been making it work for several years now, and there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight. Wesley as gathered a strong support group around him and Jeremiah and the cohesive chemistry you see on the stage is flawless. While I have heard the music before, I would have never called myself a fan. After seeing the performance with nearly 20 thousand other fans, I am hooked. Stage presence, subtle sounds, and high energy are keys to a good show, and The Lumineers put all of that and then some on display.

    Set list: Cleopatra, Flowers in Your Hair, Ho Hey, Angela, WHERE ARE WE, Dead Sea, A.M. Radio, My Cell, Slow it Down, Charlie Boy, BRIGHTSIDE, Gloria, Sleep on The Floor, Ophelia, Leader of the Landslide/You Can’t Always Get What You Want, Salt and Sea, Birthday, Big Parade, Donna, Submarines, Remington, Reprise, Stubborn Love

  • Seedstock 2023 – A Harmonious Day of Music and Community in Cortland

    On a hot sun-kissed day in Cortland, music enthusiasts from all corners converged to experience the magic of Seedstock, an annual celebration of music, community, and creativity. The festival, held on August 12, 2023, transformed the picturesque landscape into a vibrant hub of musical expression.

    With the backdrop of rolling hills and blue skies, Seedstock welcomed a diverse lineup of artists who brought their unique sounds and stories to the stages. The Forest Stage, shrouded in the mystique of towering trees and dappled sunlight, provided an intimate setting for those seeking a more ethereal musical experience. Surrounded by the natural acoustics of the forest, local artists wove their melodies into the sounds of nature, creating an otherworldly atmosphere that was captivating as it was serene. These stages perfectly encapsulated the festival’s ethos: a harmonious blend of music, nature, and community.

    Among the daytime performers was the mesmerizing Miss Tess, a Tennessee-based artist with a history as rich as her voice. A modern-day troubadour, Miss Tess weaves together elements of roots, jazz, and Americana to create a musical tapestry that resonates with audiences far and wide. Her ability to transport listeners to smoky Southern nights and dusty desert highways is a testament to her innate connection with her craft. As she took the stage at Seedstock, her performance became a bridge between the past and the present, transporting the audience on a journey through time and place.

    Mike Powell, a seasoned artist with a penchant for folk-infused storytelling, enchanted the audience with his heartfelt tunes and reflective lyrics. With his acoustic guitar and soulful voice, he effortlessly captivated the crowd, weaving tales of life, love, and introspection. Sharing the stage next was the exuberant Fall Creek Brass Band, whose infectious energy and spirited melodies added a vibrant touch to the festival atmosphere. Their fusion of brass and rhythm transformed the sunny day into a lively musical celebration.

    Under the canopy of towering trees at Seedstock 2023’s Forest Stage, People People, Metasequoia, and the Rollin Rust conjured an atmosphere that felt like a soulful reverie within the heart of the woods. The band’s music echoed through the dense forest, blending seamlessly with the rustling leaves and the dappling sunlight. The Rollin Rust’s unique fusion of blues, folk, and Americana resonated with the natural surroundings, creating a captivating auditory experience. The interplay of acoustic and electric instruments, coupled with the gritty yet tender vocals, showcased the band’s versatility and undeniable chemistry. All hailing from the local music scene, the band’s authentic and heartfelt performance’s seamlessly melded with the festival’s enchanting ambiance.

    Seedstock’s Main stage came alive when local bands Digger Jones and The Unknown Woodsmen, and Unknown Jones – a captivating local artist collective, ignited the stage with an energy that matched the fiery hues of the sunset and . The band’s intricate instrumentation, led by soulful vocals and an array of traditional and unconventional instruments, transported listeners to a realm where nature and music intertwine. The performers all brought their unique sounds that resonated with the festival’s ethos but also took it to new heights, creating an ethereal atmosphere.

    In conclusion, Seedstock 2023 was a masterful blend of music, nature, and community. The two stages, each with its own allure, provided a diverse range of musical experiences that resonated with attendees. As the sun set over the valley and the music faded into the night, it was clear that Seedstock had once again planted the seeds of artistic appreciation and unity in the hearts of all who attended.