A question has been floated as of late: Are Women Saving New York Rap? The answer may not be as definitive as you think. Artists like Maiya the Don put forth lyrical bodies of work that provide refreshment and flavor to save the genre one song at a time. Do more of those individuals tend to be women?
Maiya the Don in a gold parka
No debate surrounds the fact that New York hip-hop could use saving. Much of what hits the mainstream airwaves recycles and regurgitates the same radio-friendly formulas. Therefore, I see the original question and raise it: Are Women Gaining more Power as Artists? While all signs point to yes, one Brooklyn individual, Maiya the Don particularly embodies the notion that women have become hip-hop powerhouses, not just an accessory.
Women Increase Industry Footprint
As hip-hop grew, opportunities afforded to female artists were often limited. Often, having a woman in your crew was seen as the thing to do. Eve from Ruff Ryders exists as a prime example. Known as “a pitbull in a skirt,” Ruff Ryders chose her because she fit their rough-and-tumble type mold and she could rap very well. Without ascribing status or making assumptions – it is fair to say women have elevated their role within the hip-hop ecosystem.
Cover Art for Maiya the Don’s hit single, Telfy
Maiya the Don stomped confidently into her spot as a New York star. After gaining a large following on TikTok with videos displaying her beauty, makeup and personality – her manager helped position her within the music industry. While on TikTok, she promoted her music as a piece to the content puzzle. Doing so granted her the ability to speak as a representative of Black Visionary Voices – a TikTok initiative that recognizes Black creatives, business owners and cultural changemakers.
Maiya the Don and Lola Brooke goof around backstage
TikTok serves as a primary vehicle to transmit any message given that it has the least amount of barriers or hierarchy. Many artists will tease a snippet of their song as a ‘sound’ so that users can create videos which may cause the song to reach more listeners. Once snippets of Maiya the Don’s hit single, “Telfy” started to make the rounds – the beast of a song became difficult to contain.
Starting from Scratch
Maiya the Don knows how to communicate what she wants while making music. Her novice knowledge of the terms producers use does not limit her process, whatsoever. She still finds a way to verbalize where she wants what sounds to be placed to invoke maximum effect. When making a hit, all elements must be on point and that deals directly with tasteful tactics employed by people with expertise.
Women who speak from the vantage point of strength and authenticity continue to receive their just due. As ladies become less of an accessory, Maiya the Don created massive viral buzz around her household hit, “Telfy.” Maiya’s fashionable accessory – the Telfar bag – served as the thematic cornerstone for the song that propelled her into the spotlight. The song carries all the core components of a hit sonically, makes fashion statements and most importantly – popularizing self-worth, confidence and hyper-femininity.
Women Evolve within Hip-Hop
Throughout hip-hop history, many people presented women to the world through a one-dimensional lens. Nowadays, women like Maiya the Don reclaim power, demand respect and utilize fashion to reshape their role as hip-hop artists. A person who owns their narrative and creates a unique adaptation of their own aesthetic continually dismantles stereotypes and evolves as a powerhouse.
Maiya the Don’s Second Single – Dusties
Women of today refuse to be treated as lesser. Maiya the Don firmly cements her feet in hip-hop concrete by embracing sexual objectification in order to use it to her advantage. Today’s women operate with liberation in mind, speak up for what they want and function as empowered sexual beings. Having her needs fulfilled cannot come second as Maiya the Don will not stop until she reaches her goals.
Catch her live in concert on Day 3 of Rolling Loud in Miami, FL on July 23rd, although Maiya has the best stage presence in New York.
Maiya spoke with BleuMag about her favorite performance, saying “Probably Albany, New York. It was a huge crowd, and I got to open up for Glorilla, who I love. I think she’s so hard. That was my best performance by the way. I’ve never felt like that before.. I was shocked because I was pretty far from home. The fact that they were going that hard for me had me, like, Period!”
On Sunday, July 16, country superstar Jason Aldean took the stage at Saratoga Performing Arts Center for the third night of his highly anticipated Desperado Tour. Despite the challenges he faced the previous night in Connecticut, where he unfortunately suffered a heat stroke and had to end the show early, Aldean showed his resilience and determination by delivering an outstanding performance that will be remembered for years to come.
Jason Aldean by Allison Marie
The evening began with a dynamic opening sets by Corey Kent and Mitchell Tenpenny, setting the stage for an electrifying night. As the rain poured down intermittently throughout the show, the crowd’s enthusiasm remained undeterred. It was evident that the fans were eager to support their favorite artist and make the most of the unforgettable experience. Jason Aldean took the stage amid a sea of cheers and applause, and from the first note, it was clear that this would be a night to remember. The energy in the venue was palpable, and the atmosphere was charged with excitement. Despite the weather challenges, Aldean’s magnetic stage presence and unwavering energy quickly captivated the audience.
Jason Aldean by Allison Marie
One of the standout moments of the night was when the crowd, demonstrating their patriotic spirit, spontaneously erupted into chants of “USA” multiple times during the show. This collective display of pride and unity further fueled the electric atmosphere, highlighting the special connection between Aldean and his devoted fanbase.
Jason Aldean by Allison Marie
The Macon, GA native (pop. 157,000), Aldean performed a stellar setlist comprised of his number one hits from the past decade and beyond, including his controversial new single, “Try That In A Small Town.” Each song was met with an enthusiastic response, with die-hard fans singing along to every word. From the infectious energy of “Dirt Road Anthem” to the heartfelt emotions of “You Make It Easy,” Aldean showcased his versatility as an artist, delivering a mix of high-energy anthems and poignant ballads that resonated deeply with the audience.
Jason Aldean by Allison Marie
Jason Aldean’s performance at SPAC was a testament to his professionalism and unwavering dedication to his fans. His resilience and commitment to providing an unforgettable experience were evident throughout the night, leaving concertgoers in awe of his talent and stage presence. Despite the rain and the heat stroke setback from the previous night, the artist and his passionate fans shared an incredible bond that transcended any obstacles. The Desperado Tour will undoubtedly go down in history as a testament to Aldean’s indomitable spirit and the enduring power of his music.
Setlist: Tough Crowd, Tattoos On This Town, When She Says Baby, Thats What Tequila Does, Fly Over States, Rearview Town, Amarillo Sky, We Back, Try That In A Small Town, Take A Little Ride, Dirt Road Anthem, Got What I Got, Crazy Town, Trouble With A Heartbreak, You Make It Easy, Big Green Tractor, Lights Come On, Girl Like You, If I Didn’t Love You, Hicktown, My Kinda Party, She’s Country
The Great South Bay Music Festival came to a spectacular conclusion on its 4th and final day with the legendary Gov’t Mule headlining the event. The festival had been fantastic with three days of great music, but the final day was going to be extraordinary. Gov’t Mule was going to perform a special set called Dark Side of the Mule, promising a unique and unforgettable experience for the crowd.
As the sun began to set on the Great South Bay, the set by Gov’t Mule began, opening with two Mule classics, “Game Face” and “Time to Confess.” The roaring crowd welcomed the band led by the immensely talented Warren Haynes. After that they launched into the mesmerizing rendition of “Shine on You Crazy Diamond,” a classic Pink Floyd anthem that instantly captivated the audience. Haynes’ soulful vocals and extraordinary guitar skills set the tone for an unforgettable show.
The Dark Side of the Mule set continued with a thrilling rendition of “Have a Cigar,” followed by the ethereal and atmospheric “Breathe.” The crowd was taken on a journey through Pink Floyd’s iconic album, The Dark Side of the Moon, as Gov’t Mule flawlessly performed “On The Run,” “Time,” and “Money.”
The audience was treated to the expansive and transcendent “Echoes,” which created an almost otherworldly experience for those in attendance. Gov’t Mule closed their set with an epic performance of “Comfortably Numb.” The combination of Haynes’ emotive vocals and soul-stirring guitar solo left the crowd in a state of pure euphoria, making it a fitting conclusion to an unforgettable night of music.
Prior to Gov’t Mule’s headline set, the audience was treated to a mix of talented artists throughout the day. The lineup for the show featured Tauk, Brandon Taz Niederauer, Duane Betts and Palmetto Motel, Jason Bonhamâs Led Zeppelin Evening, and Gov’t Mule.
Duane Betts’ set showcased his own artistry and paid tribute to the legacy of the Allman Brothers with renditions of classics like “Blue Sky” and “Oh Well,” a Fleetwood Mac cover. The crowd embraced the familiar tunes and appreciate the chance to experience the magic of the Allman Brothers once again.
Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening took the audience on a nostalgic journey through the timeless classics of the iconic rock band. Hits like “Good Times Bad Times” and “Ramble On” had the crowd singing along and reminiscing about the golden era of rock music.
Young guitar prodigy Brandon Taz Niederauer wowed the audience with his virtuoso performance. The energy and skill he brought to the stage were beyond his years, leaving everyone in awe.
The festival had a great mix of different artists and music styles, showing how music can bring people together, no matter where they come from. It went beyond differences and made everyone feel happy and connected. The event truly celebrated the special feeling of experiencing live music that touches people deeply inside.
Check out more from Day 1 and Day 3 of Great South Bay Music Festival.
Setlists
Gov’t Mule: Game Face, Time To Confess, Shine On You Crazy Diamond (PartsI-V), Have A Cigar, Breathe, On The Run, Time, Breathe (Reprise), The Great Gig in the Sky, Money, Echos, Comfortably Numb
Duane Betts: Saints to Sinners, Evergreen, Shinin, Oh Well, Cold Dark World, Colors Fade, Waiting on a Song, Stare at the Sun, Blue Sky
Jason Bonham: Good Times, Bad Times, The Ocean, Ramble On, Over the Hills, Black Dog, Misty Mountain Hop, Immigrant Song, Whole Lotta Love, Rock and Roll
On Sunday July 23rd, Fallsview Casino’s OLG Stage in Niagara Falls marked an unforgettable night for the attendees. Shinedown delivered a powerful and electrifying performance to conclude their recent tour supporting their latest album, Planet Zero. Preceding the headlining act, the crowd was treated to an impressive opening set by Sleep Theory, hailing from Memphis TN, who energized the audience with their raw and captivating sound.
As the lights dimmed and the anticipation reached its peak, Shinedown took the stage, igniting the atmosphere with their opening track, “Diamond Eyes (Boom-Lay Boom-Lay Boom).” Lead vocalist Brent Smith’s commanding presence held the audience in thrall from the very beginning, setting the tone for an evening filled with rock anthems and heartfelt ballads. Many fans were excited to see the use of pyro and flash bangs inside. It wasn’t as big as an outdoor show, but was still spectacular.
The band’s well-curated setlist of 19 songs showcased their musical versatility, incorporating both fan-favorite classics and fresh tracks from their latest album. Hits like “Second Chance” and “Sound of Madness” had the crowd singing along passionately, while newer releases like “Devil” and the album’s title track, “Planet Zero,” demonstrated the band’s continued evolution and growth.
A standout moment of the night was the acoustic rendition of Jimmy Eat World’s hit, “The Middle.” The stripped-down performance showcased Smith’s soulful vocals and resonated deeply with the audience, creating an intimate and emotional connection.
Throughout the concert, Shinedown engaged with their fans, with Smith delivering heartfelt speeches that emphasized themes of resilience, unity, and hope. This personal touch forged a strong bond between the band and their dedicated supporters, making the event feel like a shared and special experience.
As the night approached its climax, the band closed with an explosive performance of “Cut the Cord,” leaving the crowd in a state of euphoria. The overwhelming energy and passion on display demonstrated why Shinedown has remained a force to be reckoned with in the modern rock scene.
In the aftermath of the concert, attendees were left with lasting memories of an exceptional night of music and showmanship. Shinedown’s ability to connect with their audience, coupled with the stellar opening act by Sleep Theory, solidified the event as a remarkable and unforgettable experience. As the lights came up and the cheers subsided, it was evident that Shinedown’s music and live performances will continue to resonate with fans for years to come. They are not stopping anytime soon.
Sleep Theory
Shinedown
photos by Mike Millerphotos by Mike Millerphotos by Mike Millerphotos by Mike Millerphotos by Mike Miller
The show was opened by Dr. Jah and the Love Prophets. For over 30 years, Dr. Jah has been bringing peace, love, and positivity to the Capital Region. With the Love Prophets by his side, they performed for what may have been their second Alive at 5. The vibes were kept peaceful for the most part, but their set ended on a more political note. Guitarist Dave Geoghegan expressed his frustration with the recent decision to strike down Roe v. Wade. They finished the set with a song he said they hadn’t thought about being relevant again in over 30 years.
Dr. Jah was followed up by The Skatalites. Originally from Kingston, Jamaica, the band has a history that dates back to 1964. They were founded on the popular Jamaican genre, “Ska,” and have since grown and incorporated Reggae, Rocksteady, Ska-Jazz, and a few other sub-genres into their sound. Doreen Schaffer is the only original member of the band that still plays with them today. Though she was not there for the performance in Albany, she may make an appearance for the band’s 60th anniversary next year.
Ska music tends to generate a lot of dancing because of its rhythms and horns. There were few lyrics, as the crowd mostly vibed out for an hour and a half. They did bring out a singer to perform a cover of “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley. A group of high schoolers raising funds for a sports trip formed a conga line that helped those who were moving to get up a go. This was probably one of the most mellow Alive at 5’s for the year before things turn up to close out the series.
The Skatalites perform at The Music Room in West Yarmouth, MA on Aug. 12.
The third day of the Great South Bay Music Festival was one of the most anticipated and unforgettable days of the event. With the legendary Phil Lesh and Friends headlining the show, the ecstatic crowd was treated to an unforgettable three-and-a-half-hour set filled with Grateful Dead classics.
Phil Lesh, the founding member of the Grateful Dead, brought together a group of exceptionally talented musicians to join him on stage for an unforgettable performance. The lineup included Eric Krasno on guitar and vocals, Jason Crosby on keys and vocals, John Molo on drums, James Casey on sax and vocals, Jennifer Hartswick on trumpet and vocals, and Grahame Lesh on guitar and vocals.
The setlist kicked off with the classic “Shakedown Street,” setting the tone for a night of euphoric melodies. The band members really clicked well and it was obvious to see, as they effortlessly fed off each other’s energy. With Eric Krasno’s mesmerizing guitar solos, Jennifer Hartswick’s soulful singing, and Phil Lesh’s iconic bass lines, the audience was treated to an immersive musical experience.
The band didn’t hold back in delivering Grateful Dead favorites, and “Friend of the Devil” had the entire crowd singing along. The musicians felt like close friends as they played together, sharing melodies and harmonies that showed how well they understood each other’s music.
Earlier in the day, before the Phil Lesh and Friends set, the Eric Krasno Trio took the stage. Eric Krasno, already dazzling the audience as part of the headliner, showcased his versatility and talent in this earlier performance. The trio delivered a captivating set, drawing from various genres and captivating the audience with their musical finesse.
Aside from the headliners, the day also featured a diverse lineup of acts, each adding their unique flavor to the festival. Acts like Neighbor, Cassandra House, and Baked Shrimp contributed to the day’s eclectic vibe, ensuring that there was something for every music enthusiast.
As the festival’s last notes filled the air, everyone felt incredibly happy. Day 3 of the Great South Bay Music Festival was an exciting celebration of music and togetherness. With the weather being perfect, Phil Lesh and Friends’ performance was truly amazing and left a deep impression on everyone present. With a fantastic lineup and a beautiful waterfront setting, this event will be treasured by music lovers for a long time. Check out more from Day 1 and Day 4 of Great South Bay Music Festival.
Phil Lesh Setlist: Shakedown Street, Friend of the Devil, Ramble On Rose, Cassidy, Deal, I Second That Emotion, St Stephen, Bridsong, Mason’s Children, Sugaree, Stella Blue, West L.A. Fadeaway, One More Saturday Night.
Phish returned to Syracuse for the first time in over seven years last Sunday night. Not just a return to Syracuse, also their first show in the entire Central/Western New York region since that show at the same venue, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Amphitheater at Lakeview in 2016 and their first time in the area since Curveball, a planned three-day festival in Watkins Glen, was cancelled. So to say Cuse area fans were hungry for some Phish would be an understatement. Fortunately the band delivered a smorgasbord on which the crowd could feast.
The band culled selections spanning their entire catalog from the earliest compositions to their latest, from their silliest to their most serious, touching on the expansive multitudes of genres and influences that give Phish the sound that is unmistakably Phish.
But first, there had to be acknowledgement of their return to Syracuse, the hometown of their namesake drummer Jon Fishman. “Welcome Syracuse fans of Jon Fishman!” declared guitarist Trey Anastatio. Fish walked onstage in a new dress in the city-defining Syracuse University orange and blue, which was made for him by local Lisa Simpson, who also just happened to be celebrating her birthday. After a quick run through “Happy Birthday” to celebrate, the show was ready to get rolling.
The following set sated the fans from a song perspective, with highlights from nearly every stage in the band’s history. Mid-90’s staples like “Free” and “Theme from the Bottom,” a foray into the early years with Gamehenge masterpiece “McGrupp and the Watchful Hosemasters,” 3.0 mainstays “Steam,” and “Stealing Time From the Faulty Plan,” to the new-ish but rare “Evolve” from Anastatio’s pandemic releaseLonely Trip. The song selection was excellent, the playing was solid, but it felt somewhat unsteady in it’s variety, quickly flitting from place to place.
Bluesy rocker “Kill Devil Falls,” finally set down an anchor, launching immediately into the depths. But like what had preceded, it flitted from theme to theme so quickly that it struggled to find traction. The lights skittered and spun, flipping colors and cadences along with the music, overwhelming the senses. Then it happened. Anastatio grabbed onto a repeating theme, Page McConnell jumped in on piano, pushing the sound up and up until it jumped the tracks. Mike Gordon hit a resounding note that registered on the Richter Scale, thundering the shores of Onondaga Lake. With Fish holding it together, the whole band was locked in for a delicious final few minutes before they closed out the set, allowing the hungry crowd and delivering band to take a much-needed break.
The first set provided the wanting crowd with a tasters menu of what they’d been living without for all these years. But they were still licking their lips for some the type of memorable jams that only Phish could deliver. As the first notes of “Tweezer” rung out early into the set, the crowd salivated in anticipation. The band wasted no time gelling from the get-go, picking up where they left off with “Kill Devil Falls.” McConnell once again emerged as a power player, pushing the band with the Rhodes and piano. After a good long high-energy rocket launch, they entered the cosmos, drifting and ominous. The foursome floated around in the ether, letting natural gravity pull the sound from place to place effortlessly.
The creativity was bountiful, ideas emerging from nowhere and everywhere, endlessly engaging. Themes were at once familiar and brand new. Genesis’ “That’s All” seemed to take hold, but it wasn’t quite what it seemed. A deep cosmic groove contained an essence of The Who’s “Eminence Front” yet it was entirely original. In fact, other ther than a run through of Joe Walsh’s “Walk Away,” the entire night was pure Phish. Cover songs are always fun, and of course Phish centered a much-copied Halloween tradition around other people’s material. But after 40 years, has the band rendered covers unnecessary? The catalog runs deep, as displayed perfectly at this show. And beyond that, the uncomposed brilliance conjured in the moment is as original and interesting as ever.
And they’re still writing, adding ever still to that catalog. After 27 minutes of exploration, the “Tweezer” was blasted into oblivion. No wait, that should be capital-O “Oblivion,” another brand-new Anastatio title debuted with his new trio in June and with Phish just a little over a week prior. And a great entry into the catalog it is, lauching right back into more exploration that felt like it advanced right along the same lines the preceding jam was headed. Deep drones tightened around Fishman’s forward-marching beat that McConnell once again pushed to new heights behind bold and brilliant hammering on the ivories. From there it was all peaks and no valleys. All told, when the band finally landed, the crowd was taken on a near 50 minute journey. Syracuse’s patience was finally paying off.
A poignant “Miss You” grounded the amphitheater, while a fun and always funky “Wolfman’s Brother” and a nostalgia-fueled “Possum” brought the set to an end.
The encore played like a microcosm of the whole show. Anastatio opened with some more Fish Syracuse references, recounting his high school days at Jamesville-DeWitt. They headed back to some of their earliest years with the silly jazzy barbershop-inflected “I Didn’t Know,” featuring a rare go on the vacuum from Fishman himself, before which Anastatio quipped, “Jon Fishman is about to suck, as predicted by all his teachers.” Then they genre-jumped into the soaring and weightless instrumental “What’s the Use,” before tying a fist-pumping earth-shaking bow on the whole affair with the predictable but always welcome “Tweezer Reprise” closer.
A one-off Sunday night show amongst a tour of multi-night runs felt like a bit like a consolation prize, but the “never miss a Sunday show” aphorism delivered once again, and Syracuse was treated to a stellar evening of music. But after feasting on that, they might not be so patient in waiting for another taste.
Phish – St. Joseph’s Lakeview Amphitheatre, Syracuse, NY – Sunday, July 23, 2023
Set 1: Happy Birthday, Free, Steam, McGrupp and the Watchful Hosemasters, Evolve, Stealing Time From the Faulty Plan, Meat, Walk Away, Theme From the Bottom, Kill Devil Falls
Set 2: Suzy Greenberg, Tweezer > Oblivion, Miss You, Wolfman’s Brother, Possum
Encore: I Didn’t Know, What’s the Use?, Tweezer Reprise
Rothbury, MI’s iconic four-day music festival Electric Forest brought 50,000 people together in celebration of music, art, and life. From June 22 to June 25, 2023 individuals embraced the secrets of the forest and ran around the 400-acre secluded land. The marriage of all flavors of music from electronic music to jam and adjacent bands leaves a little something for everyone to enjoy.
Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty
Electric Forest is a music festival with its own demographic. Yes, there are stages to enjoy both your favorite artists and new alike, but there are also hidden gems found all around. For starters, most of the seven stages are located inside the forest, meaning oftentimes, these can be harder to locate. It is nearly impossible to experience everything this music festival has to offer. From beatbox battles to intention-setting workshops to art installations to games, to the dream emporium, it has it all. One central theme though found throughout this weekend getaway is the sense of community and love. People are eager to bond with one another and strike up conversations. No one is ever truly alone in the forest.
DAY 1 – ODESZA DAY
Gearing up for the first day of the festival had a lot of people up early and exploring the market vendors before entering the festival at 3 p.m. Early in the day, the Brainery Center held active workshops for various groups of people to come together and unite with their niche. Some people set intentions for their festival experience while others got together for the Reddit lover meet-up.
You could feel all the love and positive energy when entering the festival on the first day. People are eager to delve into the numerous events taking place throughout. This day was a chill more laid-back day for music. Artists like Dixon’s Violin and Eazybaked kicked off the first live shows inside the festival grounds. And for others who wanted to create art spent time “spirit painting.”
Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty
Many people found themselves seeing the new features the 2023 forest had to offer. This included new entrance statues and the enclosed Dream Emporium which took influence from the immersive Meow Wolf museum.
As nighttime began to set in the forest house music dominated the scene. Satin Jackets, Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs, and Sofi Tukker all geared up the crowd for the first headliner of the festival who nobody planned on missing out on ODESZA.
ODESZA at Electric Forest. Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty
The electronic duo ODESZA is known for their extravagant live shows, to say the least. Through their insane drum line, pyro, introspective visuals, and fireworks this electronic group creates a euphoric experience that can’t be compared. This show has been referred to as a cinematic experience. Regardless of your taste in music, this show the crew puts on can attract fans from all genres.
ODESZA at Electric Forest. Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty
They pay homage to the human experience in terms of individuality and as a collective whole. Their latest analyzes the version of each person that gets to be expressed in this lifetime. One thing Electric Forest and ODESZA bring out of crowds is love. The hyper analyzation of self-expression and the rarity to experience this life at the same time as each other reminds everyone of the gratitude we need to constantly look towards. Their set left no one disappointed and as the next days of Electric Forest continued no one could stop talking about this performance.
ODESZA at Electric Forest. Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty
DAY 2 – GET YOUR BASS FACE ON
One element that was consistent throughout Day 2 was the heat. The weather was hot and sticky but that just meant more water for more time to dance. Early wakers started their days with sound baths, guided meditation, and yoga. Those who are more competitive attended the beatbox competition, dance battle, or bingo at the Carousel Club.
Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty
Bass lovers though spent their entire day at the Tripolee stage because that lineup was stacked from dusk til dawn. Kicking us off early was Tape B who may have a smaller following but whose fans are more dedicated than most. He brought the heat to an already hot day and even dropped a new mix that he made on the drive over to Michigan.
Following the young DJ was rapidly growing artist Zingara who has really started gaining an immense amount of traction on TikTok. She blends her love of spirituality and astrology into her music. Popular songs like, “WWYB3” and “Mind & Body” were obvious fan favorites that do just that. Her music is able to deeply connect with fans while simultaneously keeping the high intensity that bass lovers enjoy.
Zingara at Electric Forest. Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty
The night at Tripolee just kept getting better and better. Artists that left zero crumbs on that stage included Champagne Drip, Jantsen, Rusko b2b Dirt Monkey, PEEKABOO, and DIESEL. DIESEL (aka Shaq) brings not only intense energy to his set but also laughter. The number of times DIESEL says “mosh pit” into the mic can’t be counted. He constantly is looking to liven the crowd up. And when he’s not yelling at the pit to open up he is shooting basketballs into a plastic net a fan is holding.
Some people ventured deeper into the forest to watch EDM legend Illenium perform. This timeless Denver native wooed the crowd as easily as ever with his astounding production quality and catchy tunes.
Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty
The bass stage was full of excitement that day all leading up to headliner Ganga White Night. Someone once described Ganja as the Taylor Swift of the EDM community and nothing has more accurately depicted their presence in the scene. The Belgian bass duo have created their own universe and developed characters that people even buy plush toys of. The Easter eggs they hide in music videos, posts, and more make fans so heavily invested. They change the way artists release their music and make being a part of their fandom an adventure that extends beyond any set one watches.
Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty
Each set that Ganja White Night performs can be viewed as scenes from a movie. Their visuals take influence from anime cartoons as they also warp in new characters from other EDM artists they collaborate with. This includes Boogie T, Subtronics, and plenty more. As they took over the stage screams were heard throughout as they asked everyone, “Who is ready to wobble?” Those that couldn’t get enough of Ganja headed over to afters in the campgrounds where PEEKABOO and Ganja had a b2b set.
DAY 3 – ALL GROOVES AND MOVES
The heat continued to strike down on the forest family all of Day 3. As people did their best to find shade or take it easy in their chillbos, others chose to utilize another one of the forest’s perks: the waterpark. With only a short bus ride to an indoor waterpark, it gave a nice break from the intense weather conditions.
As silly and fun as this music festival can get it also opens up a serious room for inclusion. There are sober groups that have meetups in order to maintain sobriety during an occasion that often includes a lot of partying. Other special events held include an area of remembrance where individuals can honor loved ones lost and there’s also a chapel where actual wedding ceremonies were held.
Kasbo at Electric Forest. Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty
Another element of the forest that makes it so special is the various genres that exist across all the stages. If you aren’t feeling a certain set it’s so easy to find yourself somewhere new that brings completely different vibes. Saturday was the perfect day to experience numerous genres of music.
House icon Dr. Fresh took over Tripolee while trance artist ford. had soothing melodies filling the castle-like stage The Observatory. Headbangers moved over to Sheerwood as Kai Wachi filled the air with heavy bass. For anyone trying to find new artists to groove to could attend the silent disco where DJs were constantly rotating. One set that no one wanted to miss was The String Cheese Incident who had their annual “Shebang” as the honor festival holders.
Kai Wachi at Electric Forest. Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty
Later into the night, popular DJs across an array of genres took over leaving many people running around the forest to catch a bit of each of their performances. A heavy-hitting production from VOYD stood out especially due to his often rare appearance as his SVDDEN DEATH’s side alias. The VOYD project is significantly darker and more metal-influenced. His stage presence is definitely not for the easily scared but those who can get past the uneasiness of him wearing a deer skull mask on stage are in for a treat. His set at Electric Forest showed just that with minimal words spoken to the audience, jarring visuals, and constant red lasers. A VOYD set may seem questionable to some but one thing stands true: his sets are an experience intended to evoke specific emotions out of people. He does this effortlessly and gives his audience a true show.
ford at Electric Forest. Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty
Finishing up Day 3 included deep house producers Zeds Dead and jam band group STS9. STS9 brought many new fans to their stage with their mix of heavy instrumental rock matched with colorful visuals. The real closer of the night was popular British DJ Chris Lake. He is most known for his range from progressive house to vocal-driven EDM making him the perfect artist for new EDM listeners to branch into. His set included many new ID tracks that fans are hungry for to be released. However, he of course played his popular hits including “I Want You,” and “In The Yuma.”
DAY 4 – NO MONSOON WILL RUIN THESE TUNES
Despite the intense heat from the first few days the last one proved to be an exception. Grey skies covered the campgrounds in the morning. And what most people had celebrated as a break from the hotness had others packing their cars early to leave.
In the afternoon Rothbury was under a severe thunderstorm watch that saw winds approaching 60 mph. Those that went into the festival early found themselves told to evacuate the venue and seek protective shelter as an intense rain storm took over. Canopies were seen flying across the fields, tents were flooded with water, and many had to wait it out in their cars.
Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty
This unfortunately disrupted many artists’ set times as everyone wasn’t allowed to enter until hours later. Despite this slight disruption, it didn’t prevent anyone from turning the vibes back on once word was announced that people could re-enter the forest.
For the first time of the weekend, the line to get into the festival was the longest to date stretching down the entire row of vendors due to the anticipation. Now that stage times were slightly mixed up it caused many people to catch sets of artists they normally wouldn’t attend. A slight blessing to the rise of the storm. Many even found themselves at the Pride Party being celebrated inside the magical trees of Michigan.
Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty
Up and coming east coast jam band Dogs in a Pile helped kick off this last day with their captivating guitar riffs and lively tunes. Electro-soul and hip-hop producer Daily Bread also had a stellar performance with catchy new remixes and hilarious visuals from Futurama.
Additionally, alternative band flipturn gave an energetic performance at the Carousal Club. It’s nearly impossible for this group to give a bad show. Even their slower indie songs they rock out to by adding eccentric drum solos and knowing how to be one with the crowd.
flipturn at Electric Forest. Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty
Madeon also completely blew the crowd away. His visual performance is unmatched. He brought out a massive podium that he utilized to create trippy graphics that had jaws dropped. Lovers of everything jam got to the Ranch Arena stage early for Goose. This indie-groove band has brought something new to the jam band scene. They have perfectly balanced their love for numerous genres to create a sound unique to them and one people can’t seem to stray away from.
Goose at Electric Forest. Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty
The final headliner for Electric Forest couldn’t have finished this festival in a more perfect way. Mid-tempo bass techno artist Rezz had a top performance for the weekend. This producer heavily focuses on her live shows as ways to take listeners on a trip through her discography. She wears hypnotic spinning goggles throughout the set and utilizes graphics to evoke emotion. She takes the extra steps to make her performance that much more impactful by use of fireworks and a spiderweb that got placed on top of everyone at the barricade as it got spread all the way to the back. What made Rezz’s set that much more unforgettable was the rain shower that occurred. The rain only added to the visual experience as it made her infinite number of lasers sparkly.
Goose at Electric Forest. Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty
After, people filed inside the forest to take it in one last time for the year 2023. The only music that could be heard was from a smaller DJ Kloud Forest who was playing on the Honey Comb stage. He was throwing down heavy beats blended with popular rap artists. This 360 stage allowed everyone to gather on this brilliant artist and dance together one last time.
As all the music lovers walked out of the magical forest for another year it became eerily quiet. Some hugged each other, others were crying, and many were yelling,” Where’s Carl?” as an age-old tradition. One thing stands true though, this place in seemingly the middle of nowhere brings people together. For the love of music and love of genuine connection, Electric Forest is home to so many. A home that many already can’t wait to return to. And until then forest family, see you in 2024!
The anticipation had been building for months, and finally, the 2023 Great South Bay Music Festival kicked off its grand celebration of music and culture at Shorefront Park in Patchogue. From July 20 through July 23, this picturesque waterfront location became a haven for music enthusiasts and festival-goers alike, promising four days of pure musical bliss. Day 1, in particular, set the bar high with an impressive lineup that left the crowd yearning for more.
The festivities commenced with a soulful blues performance by Kerry Kearney & the Kings of the Psychedelta. Kearney’s mastery of the guitar and the band’s raw energy created an atmosphere that was both electrifying and calming. Their music served as the perfect opener, drawing people in and setting the tone for a night of unforgettable performances.
Next up was the legendary band, The Fabulous Thunderbirds. Known for their fusion of rock, blues, and soul, the band wasted no time in getting the audience on their feet. Kim Wilson’s dynamic presence and the band’s energy proved why they have been a crowd favorite for decades. With classic hits like “Tuff Enough” and “Rock With Me,” The Fabulous Thunderbirds delighted old fans and won over new ones, turning the festival grounds into one giant dance floor.
As the night progressed, the stage was graced by the presence of the iconic Dave Mason. The audience was taken on a nostalgic journey through Mason’s illustrious career, with hits from his time with Traffic and his successful solo career. His smooth vocals and masterful guitar work on “Can’t Find My Way Home” resonated through the crowd, creating a serene ambiance that had everyone swaying to the music. Dave Mason’s performance was a reminder of the timeless quality of great music and its ability to transcend generations.
The climax of Day 1 was the highly anticipated performance of Hot Tuna, a band renowned for its fusion of blues, rock, and psychedelic sounds. Adding to the significance of the night, it was announced that this would be Electric Hot Tuna’s final performance on Long Island, making it an emotional and bittersweet moment for both the band and their loyal fans.
Throughout the performance, fans were treated to a range of classics that showcased the band’s unparalleled talent and chemistry. Whether it was Jorma Kaukonen’s mesmerizing guitar prowess on “Hesitation Blues” or Jack Casady’s magnetic bass lines on “Trial by Fire,” each moment was a testament to the enduring legacy of Hot Tuna.
As the final chords rang out, the audience erupted into thunderous applause, expressing their gratitude for the band’s many years of musical brilliance. It was an emotional farewell, and both the band and the fans shared in the sentiment of this remarkable final performance at the Great South Bay Music Festival.
Check out more from Day 3 and Day 4 of Great South Bay Music Festival.
Setlists
Dave Mason: Only You and I Know, Pearly Queen, Forty Thousand Headmen, World in Changes, We Just Disagree, The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys, Can’t Find My Way Home, Look at You Look at Me, Dear Mr. Fantasy, Feelin Alright?
Hot Tuna: Been So Long, Hesitation Blues, Great Divide: Revisited, Ode for Billy Dean, Bowlegged Woman, Knock Kneed Man, Trial By Fire, Sleep Song. Good Shepherd, Come Back Baby, Funky #7
Jazz and swing musical organization the Full Count Big Band are happy to release a new song, an anthem about New York City, rightfully called “I Met New York.”
Consisting of 17 different instrumentalists and one vocalist when performing, the band initially began 20 years ago as a community group, later growing to the professional level. Much of the Full Count Big Band has experience in the music industry, with musicians, for the most part, currently playing or have played/toured with popular groups or are music education teachers.
The song’s inspiration comes from Jeneal Teander, who isn’t from New York but instead from North Carolina, who thought that New York City with all its problems, could use a lift through an inspirational song. Bender discovered the Full Count Big Band through their website and the group’s proximity to New York City, a perfect blend for what he was looking for. Following the band’s tweaks and adjustments to the track for about a year, Bender is finally ready to release his work.
The band performs and rehearses weekly for weddings, concerts, private parties, dances, fairs, fundraiser events, and jazz clubs across the metro New York area.
To listen to “I Met New York,” you can visit the band’s website, where you can find booking information, listen to other songs, and additional background on the New Jersey group.
