Brooklyn might not be the place where you’d imagine the next great American folk band to come from, but Liam Robinson and Jean Rohe are looking to change that. The duo has been channeling the sounds of Appalachia and the soul of America since they met over 15 years ago. After exploring their musicality as individuals, Robinson and Rohe drop their next album Into the Night on Friday, May 26th.
In a musical landscape that is often ripe with generic lyrics and songs made to “trend” on social media, Into the Night is a breath of fresh air. Punctuated by rhythmic guitar strums, bright banjo beats, passionate vocals, and simple but powerful drums, Into theNight does enough to stay engaging without straying too far away from its traditional influences.
Although the project is undeniably folk-inspired, elements of rock, bluegrass, jazz, and even pop are found throughout the 11-song album. The real standout element of Into the Night however is Robinson & Rohe’s writing and lyricism, which often comes across more like well-crafted lines of poetry than the lyrics of a song.
The album begins with the feel-good title track “Into the Night” which acts as the perfect introduction to the overall tone and atmosphere of the project. Robinson & Rohe put together one of their best and most harmonious vocal performances of the entire album. The pair’s soulful singing gives way to the steady beat of drums and the intricate sounds of a fiddle as the track reaches its climax. The first half of the album also features the songs “Off track” and “Where I’m Coming From”, which both help to demonstrate the project’s strong instrumentation and production.
Another gem is “One Last Waltz”, which invites the listener to reflect on time, love, and the brevity of life. Its poetic lyrics and powerful cascade of horns, drums, and guitars act as a comforting “goodbye” as the album nears its end. While Into the Night doesn’t reinvent the wheel when it comes to contemporary folk music, Robinson & Rohe display their songwriting and arrangement skills on just about every track. Together, the duo crafts a project that is not only impressive in its musical value, but also approachable for anyone looking to hear something shaped by the heart.
Robinson & Roe will celebrate Into the Night in New York City at Rockwood Music Hall on June 4th. The full list of upcoming performances can be found below:
Just in time for Pride month, LA’s Andy Frasco & The U.N. have announced the release of their eagerly awaited new album, L’Optimist, on Friday, August 11th. Today, they have premiered the release of the ebullient first single, “You Do You,” with a hilarious music video to accompany it.
As a much-beloved live outfit renowned for unbridled improvisation, audience interaction, surprising covers, special guests, and animated antics unlike any other, Andy Frasco & The U.N. is unlike no other. Frasco’s sixth studio album L’Optimist is the most hopeful and enthusiastic collection thus far in his career.
The upcoming release now sees Frasco continuing to develop as a songwriter, band leader, and human being, his exploratory spirit giving way to something more firmly grounded yet no less adventurous. Having built a still-expanding career on forward motion, Andy Frasco remains positive in his determination to keep on keeping on, pushing himself and his music to grow and improve with every passing day.
“‘You Do You’ is basically a call to arms to myself,” Frasco says about the single. “Like, what is success? We built success through being outlaws and being ourselves. I did it my own way and it worked out for the best, I think. Could we have been way more successful if I just conformed? Maybe, but that’s boring. It sounds like cheating in a race and I’m not trying to cheat. I want to do it my way. Hopefully I’ll look back when I’m 80 and realize that, like Frank Sinatra, I did it my way.”
A testament to Frasco’s wide-ranging influences and boundless energy, L’Optimist sees the magnetic frontman continuing to chart his path of self-exploration and personal discovery through increasingly introspective lyricism and musical adventure. The album sees Frasco fully in command of his craft, more comfortable and confident than ever before, his notorious party-animal persona giving way to a wiser, but no less enthusiastic, artist and band leader.
Frasco once again challenged himself to explore difficult lyrical terrain, spanning relationships and chronic depression, empathy and alienation, inspired in part by his first real girlfriend. Songs like the deeply moving “Iowa Moon” touch on matters of the heart and mental health, emotional struggle and the sheer vulnerability of the human experience, all relayed through a wildly eclectic approach navigating funk, jazz, surf rock, blues, swing, gospel, reggae, exotica, and more with horn-blasted positivity and soulful power.
“With so much bad news in the world, why not try to figure out a way to get out of the darkness,” Frasco says. “We’re not going to be able to change the world, but at least we can change the mind state we have moving forward. We can at least help the process along by being optimistic that the future will turn itself around. And if everyone changes their mind state about the future, then maybe we can change the world.”
In the meantime, Frasco will spend the summer traveling America on a wide-ranging itinerary that features headline dates, top-billed festival appearances, and an eagerly awaited double bill supporting Slightly Stoopid set for August 13th at Morrison, CO’s famed Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Additional dates will be announced in the upcoming weeks.
ANDY FRASCO & THE U.N. TOUR 2023
MAY
19 – Beaufort, NC – Beaufort Music Festival *
20-21 – Garrettsville, OH – Tropidelic’s Sunny Days *
28 – Chillicothe, IL – Summer Camp Music Festival *
JUNE
1-3 – New River Gorge, WV – Mountain Music Festival *
16 – Swanzey, NH – Northlands Music & Arts Festival *
17 – Wellfleet, MA – Beachcomber
18 – Nantucket, MA – The Chicken Box
21 – Charlotte, NC – Visulite Theatre
22 – Isle of Palms, SC – The Windjammer
23 – Black Mountain, SC – Pisgah Brewing Company
24 – Kill Devil Hills, NC – Outer Banks Brewing Station
25 – Kill Devil Hills, NC – Outer Banks Brewing Station
27 – Roanoke, VA – 5 Points Music Sanctuary
28 – Dewey Beach, DE – Bottle & Cork
29 – Virginia Beach, VA – New Realm Brewing Co.
30 – Baltimore, MD – Union Craft Brewing
JULY
1 – Scranton, PA – Peach Music Festival *
2 – Amagansett, NY – The Stephen Talkhouse
14 – Buffalo, NY – Cobblestone Live! *
26 – Victor, ID – Knotty Pine
27 – Salmon, ID – Sweet Water Hollow
28 – Livingston, MT – Pine Creek Lodge
29 – Ketchum, ID – Argyros Performing Arts Center
AUGUST
1 – Durango, CO – Animas City Theatre
2 – Grand Junction, CO – Mesa Theater
4 – Steamboat Springs, CO – Snow Bowl Steamboat
5 – Telluride, CO – Sheridan Opera House
6 – Aspen, CO – Belly Up Aspen
10–12 – Yuba, WI – People Fest *
13 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre +
SEPTEMBER
9 – Indianapolis, IN – All In Music & Arts Festival *
10 – St. Louis, MO – Music At The Intersection *
28 – E. Lansing, MI – Hall 224 ^
OCTOBER
1 – Washington, DC – Atlantis ^
4 – Burlington, VT – Higher Ground Ballroom ^
8 – Portland, ME – Bayside Bowl ^
11 – Richmond, VA – The Broadberry ^
NOVEMBER
2 – Nashville, TN – Brooklyn Bowl †
4 – Atlanta, GA – Variety Playhouse †
5 – Raleigh, NC – Lincoln Theatre †
DECEMBER
5 – Little Rock, AR – Revolution Music Hall –
6 – Tulsa, OK – The Vanguard –
7 – Austin, TX – Mohawk –
8 – Dallas, TX – Deep Ellum Art Co. –
9 – Houston, TX – Last Concert Cafe –
10 – Baton Rouge, LA – Chelsea’s Live –
16 – Fayetteville, AR – George’s Majestic Lounge #
Waterparks, pop punk/modern rock icons, brought the house down at Philadelphia’s legendary Theatre of Living Arts (TLA). It was the 6th show of their East Coast leg on the Intellectual Property Tour, and boy, did they deliver an unforgettable performance.
With HUNNY and Elliot Lee warming up the crowd, the energy was off the charts. TLA was packed with their devoted fanbase, affectionately known as “parxies,” who created an electric atmosphere. Waterparks’ signature style and intense electric sound had the audience mesmerized and electrified throughout the night. It was an absolute blast, and a testament to their status as one of the leading bands in the pop punk scene.
A New York native, Elliot Lee is a visionary musician who has been rewriting the rules of pop music since bursting onto the scene. With her unmistakable blend of haunting melodies, poetic lyricism, and a voice that resonates with raw emotion, Elliot Lee has captivated audiences worldwide. The atmosphere crackled with anticipation as Elliot’s ethereal vocals filled the venue, intertwining seamlessly with the hypnotic melodies. The crowd was transported to a realm where emotions ran deep, where vulnerability and strength coexisted. It was a transcendent experience, as Elliot bared their soul through their music.
Standout moments included the hauntingly beautiful performance of “Easy To Be You,” where Elliot’s voice soared effortlessly, carrying a weight of raw emotion that left the audience breathless. The pulsating beats and shimmering synths of “Fun” had everyone moving to the rhythm, surrendering to the cathartic release of the music.
Elliot Lee Setlist: Upside Down, Sicko, Drama Queen, Pill for Happiness, Solo, Happy Face, Fun, 54321, Easy to Be You, Pink (Freak)
HUNNY is a dynamic indie rock band that emerged from the vibrant music scene of Southern California. Formed in 2014, this five-piece ensemble quickly garnered attention for their infectious energy and heartfelt lyrics. The band’s during the show consisted of lead vocalist and guitarist Jason Yarger and bassist Kevin Grimmett. With their unique blend of dreamy melodies, gritty guitars, and introspective storytelling, HUNNY swiftly captivated the audience. As the frontman, Yarger’s charismatic persona commanded attention, effortlessly navigating between vulnerable introspection and explosive bursts of passion.
The band’s seamless chemistry created an irresistible atmosphere, driving the crowd into a frenzy. The setlist was a carefully curated journey through their discography, combining fan favorites like “Vowels (And the Importance of Being Me)” and “Televised” with newer gems from their latest album. Each song resonated deeply, with the band’s infectious hooks and infectious melodies washing over the audience.
HUNNY Setlist: Natalie, Saturday Night, Vowels (And the Importance of Being Me), Halloween, JFK, Shy, Loser, Good Will Hunting Song, action –> reaction, Lula, I’m Not Mad, Televised, Sports With Strangers
Waterparks (not to be confused with an aquatic amusement park) is a pop punk band from Houston, Texas. Made up of frontman Awsten Knight, drummer Otto Wood, and guitarist Geoff Wigington, the trio quickly gained a reputation for their captivating live performances and clever songwriting since they formed in 2011. Blending elements of pop, rock, punk, and electronic music, they have carved a unique niche for themselves in the music industry. With their infectious melodies, high-energy performances, and fearless attitude, Waterparks has become a defining voice in modern pop-rock, inspiring a new generation of music lovers and proving that they are just getting started.
During the opening chords of ST*RFUCKER and Awsten’s debut in a giant red parka, the audience became a living, breathing entity, swaying and jumping in unison. The surge of adrenaline in the room was palpable, as fans eagerly embraced the band’s electrifying sound.
Awsten effortlessly commanded the stage with his charismatic presence. He engaged the crowd with his patented fan interaction strategies which included affectionately bullying the crowd and airdropping a photo from their photographer’s (Jawn Rocha) phone to random fans. The connection between the Waterparks and parxies was undeniable, as cheers and chants filled the venue.
As the energy reached its peak, the crowd erupted into a frenzy of excitement, with people crowd surfing their way towards the stage. Waterparks’ music created a sense of unity and exhilaration, as fans supported each other, riding the wave of excitement and joy.
Amidst the chaos, Waterparks skillfully navigated through their setlist, flawlessly transitioning from one hit to the next. Tracks like “Numb,” “Stupid for You,” and “Group Chat ” ignited the crowd. Parxies went absolutely wild when the band played “Crave”, the one song that called for Geoff to sing a verse.
As the set reached its crescendo, Waterparks returned for an encore that left the crowd in awe. “REAL SUPER DARK,” “Turbulent,” and “Funeral Grey” ignited a final surge of energy. The audience erupted, jumping and singing along with unbridled enthusiasm. The band poured their hearts into every note, reciprocating the crowd’s unwavering energy.
Their ability to connect with the audience through their music created an electric atmosphere, leaving everyone craving for more. The sight of people crowdsurfing and the collective euphoria of the concert will forever be etched in the memories of those lucky enough to experience the magic of Waterparks live in Philadelphia.
Waterparks Setlist: ST*RFUCKER, Numb, Rare, Stupid for You, Crave, Brainwashed, 2 Best Friends, Fuck About It, War Crimes, [Reboot], Royal, Telephone, Ritual, High Definition (Acoustic snippet), I Miss Having Sex but at Least I Don’t Wanna Die Anymore, Group Chat, Closer, A Night Out on Earth
Waterparks Encore: REAL SUPER DARK, Turbulent, Funeral Grey
The North America portion of the Intellectual PropertyTour will keep going all the way until June 14th when they finish in Los Angeles. If you find yourself abroad, you can catch Waterparks in Europe (with support from Stand Atlantic) and in Australia later on in the year. Stay tuned to their website and socials for more information on those dates.
HUNNY will be following Waterparks till the end of the line so be sure to follow Kevin and Jason’s adventures on tour (and for future endeavors).
Elliot Lee will be departing after the show in Georgia. Be sure to follow them on socials and check their website for any performances that they play when they get back home to NY.
Infamous lead singer/songwriter of NYC’s Skaters, Michael Ian Cummings, has just announced his debut solo EP Oldest Troubles, out May 26th. To tease the upcoming release, he has decided to release a single from the album titled “Contemporary Me.”
10 short years have passed since Skaters’ formation in Lower East Side Manhattan. Within months of forming and a self-released EP, the band was signed to Warner Brothers Records. They toured around the world, had global critical acclaim from NME to the New York Times. And two years later, they released their debut album, self-released their sophomore album Rock n Roll Bye Bye independently, and then disappeared.
It was a whirlwind ride for the band that came at one of the most difficult transitions in the music industry, the exact time digital downloads plummeted, and streaming had not yet reached the masses. Skaters were caught in the shuffle, and broke up.
Now, after years of reevaluation and new inspiration, working an array of day jobs and night jobs for that matter, Michael Ian Cummings has rediscovered his muse. He has something special to show for the struggle, returning just a bit wiser with the debut solo EP titled Oldest Troubles.
“There are things in everyone’s life that will haunt them forever,” he writes of the EP’s title track. “Whether it stems from internal or external influences from our past that have marred, mamed, and influenced the way we handle life. No matter how far we try to run from them they always find us. This song is about welcoming those relentless “troubles” in, confronting them, and beginning to make yourself stronger. Or, at the very least, learning to live with them.”
“I love having autonomy over how and when I release music. Making decisions and moving on,” Cummings continued. “Reminds me of when I was a teenager. Just make things because they are worth making. Move forward and try not to look back too much.”
To accompany his new release, Michael Ian Cummings will perform at The Sultan Room in Brooklyn on May 31 (7:00 PM).
To listen to “Contemporary Me,” click the link here.
Tickets and more information about the show can be found HERE.
Rob Beaulieu Band’s new album Fade Just Right features nine songs by the band, each one with a unique sound that compliments the overall feel of the album. Different members of the band get their opportunity to shine throughout the pieces, coming together into the album’s many harmonies.
Rob Beaulieu founded Rob Beaulieu Band, a deeper dive into Americana when compared to other projects, mixing in blues and soul alongside it. He is also a founder and member of the bands Raisinhead and Stone Revival Band. Beaulieu plays guitar and provides vocals for the band, with other members including: James Kirk (bass and vocals), Chad Ploss (drums and vocals), Dave Spadaro (Guitar), Sherry Jean Waite (Vocals), and Tony Perrino (Organ).
The album opens with “Ghosts,” which sets the standard for the rest of the album. About the dedication of lovers throughout their lives, even when they have been separated, “Ghosts” has Rob Beaulieu Band’s signature harmonies and organ acting as a haunting undercurrent for the piece.
Each song brings in a new element to mix up things a little bit. The titular song “Fade Just Right” has a much slower piece than most of the album, and uses a xylophone-like sound in one of its motif’s, a sound unique to the piece. In songs such as “Searchin for Paradise” and “Light from the Shoreline,” Sherry Jean Waite takes the role of lead vocalist, a performance that shines through in the album.
While the songs all have different stories to tell, “Ghosts” and “Spooky” have a haunting theme. “Spooky” in particular latches onto this, with a slower pace and emphasis on a long, mournful note that echoes throughout the piece. The song creates its own phantoms with these notes, the ghosts of “Spooky” occasionally joining in with the harmony through these “phantom calls.”
The final song, “Sweet Marie” is an energetic conclusion to the album, ending it on a high note. The song’s love letter-like nature is enhanced by its clean rhymes, making it sound almost like a love poem. All the instruments in this piece are tuned for the upbeat finale and are given space to play without the vocalists.
The band will be playing at The Hollow in Albany on June 23 at 8:00 p.m. alongside Aiko the Dog. For more information and to RSVP for their next show, check out Rob Beaulieu Band’s website.
Indian singer-songwriter and musician Prateek Kuhad played a solo acoustic set at the Sultan Room in Bushwick Brooklyn on May 22nd. The show celebrated the one-year release of his last album The Way That LoversDo and the release of the deluxe version, which included two never before released tracks, as well as a collaboration with American Singer-Songwriter Raveena, who was a surprise guest at the show.
Prateek Kuhad is an Indian singer-songwriter and musician who creates music in Hindi and English best known for his track “cold/mess”.
Kuhad was born in Jaipur, Rajasthan and learned to play guitar at age 16 and started songwriting in his late teens. He would later move to Manhattan to study math and economics at New York University, prior to returning to Delhi to pursue a full-time career in music. In 2020, he became the first Indian to be signed by Elektra Records.
During his time in NYU, Kuhad discovered the music of Bob Dylan, Woody Guthrie, Laura Marling and Elliott Smith, all of which had a great influence on him.
Prateek who recently finished a year-long world tour is taking a break to work on new music.
Beak and Skiff kicked off their Summer Concert Series this past weekend with a pair of sold-out performances by The Avett Brothers on Friday May 19 and Saturday May 20.
The Avett Brothers hail from Concord, NC and consist of brothers Scott (vocals, banjo, guitar, piano and Seth Avett (vocals, guitar, piano) along with Bob Crawford (bass, double bass, violin), Mike Marsh (drums), Joe Kwon (cello), Bonnie Avett-Rini (piano) and Tania Elizabeth (fiddle). The band have built a devoted fan base with over two decades of touring, and more than ten studio albums.
While the weather could not have been more perfect during the day on Friday, as show time approached wind gusts and rainclouds moved over the venue. This did not dampen the spirts of thousands of concert goers as the early arriving sold-out crowd packed the standing area in front of the stage, while more fans spread lawn chairs out across the field. At 7:15, Scott Avett led the band to the stage and was greeting with a thunderous ovation.
The band jumped right into “Laundry Room”, a stand out track from 2009’s I and Love and You. Scott and Seth dazzled the crowd with their harmonious vocals. “Stop your parent’s car, I just saw a shooting star,” Scott sang, to another loud ovation from the crowd, as the song exploded with energy. Next was the folk classic “Old Joe Clark”, which built off the already existing energy. Each band member took their turn displaying their talents, and the song broke into instrumental duals between the various members. Scott and Seth took turns wandering to the front of the stage, and onto the speaker cabinets to further excite the crowd. The remainder of the evening featured several stand out songs from the band’s catalog, including “Headful of Doubt,” “Murder in the City,” and “I and Love and You”.
Night two began in similar fashion, albeit with heavier rains and cooler temperatures. The weather appeared to be clearing as show time approached, however heavy showers again moved in at showtime. The band took the stage armed with kazoos and immediately jumped into the upbeat instrumental piece “The D Bag Rag”. Next was “Talk on Indolence,” a track which dated back to the band’s early blue grass days. Brothers Scott and Seth hopped about the stage and the crowd, who at this point had forgotten about the heavy rains, danced along with them.
The band would roll through over two hours of career spanning tracks, and even included the Doc Watson Family cover, “Groundhog.” As the set came to a close, the band performed the upbeat “Ain’t No Man.” The song featured both brothers taking turns on vocals, as they strutted and danced about the stage. The audience’s pleas for an encore were honored by the band, who returned to perform four more songs. The band would close two days of stellar performances with “No Hard Feelings,” a heavy and emotional track about staying free from harboring enemies, sharing love and ultimately about accepting death.
In all, the Avett Brothers delivered two nights of incredible performances at Beak and Skiff, featuring unique set lists, with over forty different songs played. Despite the weather, it was truly a special start to the summer concert season.
If you are an iconic ‘90s/’00s band mapping out a massive, 93-date global 30th anniversary reunion tour, then scheduling a show at The World’s Most Famous Arena is a no-brainer. And that is exactly what the classic, long-time lineup of Blink 182 – Mark Hoppus, Travis Barker and Tom DeLonge –marked on their calendars last October when they made the tour announcement, along with the release of a new single, “Edging”, their first musical output since 2011.
Prior to the tour launch in St. Paul, MN on May 4th, and outside of a surprise appearance at Coachella in April, DeLonge had not been involved with the group formed in San Diego County, CA for the past nine years. But after finally overcoming the traumatic after-effects from a 2008 plane crash (Barker) and a cancer diagnosis in 2021 (Hoppus), the band decided to give it a go.
On a chilly mid-spring evening in Midtown Manhattan, the first of two bands providing support for Blink-182 was Beauty School Dropout (BSD), who took the stage at 7:35 pm. For the entirety of their 25-minute set, the renegade-pop band from Los Angeles, CA (featuring Cole “Colie” Hutzler, Brent “Beepus” Burdett and Bardo) wowed the audience members who had arrived early to the historic venue. Presenting material across a wide array of genres – including pop, punk, rock and hip hop – these young men handpicked by Hoppus himself, under his newly created venture capital music start up called Verswire, electrified the arena with emotionally-charged vocals, thundering guitar and stampeding drums. As the clock struck 8:00 pm and their set came to a close, BSD exited the stage to what else? Frankie Avalon’s “Beauty School Dropout” of course, made famous by said teen idol’s performance in the film version of Grease. BSD are definitely ones to watch, and their sophomore EP “We Made Plans & God Laughed,” is out now.
Accompanying Blink-182 on all their US and Canadian dates is Turnstile, a hardcore punk from Baltimore, MD who formed in 2010. The quartet of Brendan Yates, Daniel Fang, “Freaky” Franz Lyons and Pat McCrory is also joined on the tour by Meg Mills on rhythm guitar. Entering stage left at 8:15 pm, the melodic hardcore musicians have three studio albums in their discography, the latest being Glow On, which was released in 2021 to critical acclaim and garnered the band three nominations (Best Metal Performance, Best Rock Song and Best Rock Performance) at the Grammy Awards held this past February. In less than two years, the abrasive, guitar-driven band has gone from playing suburban basements to 1,500-person clubs to 20,000-capacity arenas, without blinking (no pun intended) an eye. Turnstile commanded the MSG crowd instantly, particularly frontman Yates’ vox, and for forty minutes, we were all entranced with their grooving chassis of riffs and emo-ish lyrics. Sans a bad song in their catalog, including “Holiday,” a portion of which was used as the soundtrack for a 15-second Taco Bell commercial via TikTok, I cannot wait to see what lies ahead for Turnstile or to catch them on their next late night talk show appearance.
At 9:30 pm, with the last road crew member’s shadowy silhouette barely visible as he checked to make sure no microphone cords were askew, the moment was finally here! As Richard Strauss’ “Also Sprach Zarathustra, op. 30″ erupted over the house PA, a portent of a significant event to come (like Elvis taking the stage in his later years), one by one they appeared. First DeLonge at stage left, then Barker took his stool behind the kit at center stage, and lastly Hoppus (the trio’s beating heart), waving to the crowd as he strapped on his Fender Jaguar bass at stage right. As a Gen Xer and self-proclaimed fanboy since the first Blink-182 earworm that grabbed my attention, 1997’s “Dammit” (Dude Ranch), tonight was more than special, it was festive and nostalgic, taking me and all the fans in attendance like me, back to yesteryear.
As Blink-182 ripped through one hit after another, including six offerings from their third studio album (Enema of the State) that contributed significantly to their meteoric rise to fame in 1999, Hoppus and DeLonge lived up to their reputation with humorous, and sometimes sincere and introspective stage antics and banter during song breaks. Here is a sampling of dialogue necessitating inclusion for this review, some of which transpired while Barker was performing high over the stage atop a levitating drum riser connected to four alloy steel chains:
We’re sorry if that [song] got you pregnant.
You’re mom was safe yesterday, but your mom’s not safe tonight.
Holy shit, we killed that. Did you notice that my hips and my knees didn’t give out when I went down to the ground?
Travis, when you were doing that drum shit, when I was watching you, I got an erection. I was so fucking hard. I have never been that hard before in my life.
There is a timing issue and I want you all to be aware of it. The next song is hard to play and I have usually been scoring about C+ on it, and I don’t know what to expect.
I wish I could be like Harry Styles and play 15 nights here for you all. Did someone fucking boo Harry Styles? Don’t pull that shit in here. Hey, I got a joke. How are One Direction and ‘70s porn alike? Harry Styles.
Somebody is smoking so much marijuana drug.
This next song I wrote at a part in my life where I was really down, and I didn’t know if I could go on. I was really sick with cancer. I was hooked up to chemotherapy machines and now I’m fucking here tonight at MSG with all of you. I love you all.
One of these shows I’ll get through a show without crying like a baby, not tonight, not tonight.
This is the last song of the show, and then we’re gonna play three more songs. You know why? You wanna know why? Because we’re contractually obligated!
Give it up for our bestest friends in Turnstile. But most of all, give it up for the greatest band to ever walk the face of the planet, Rage Against The Machine.
All jokes aside, for more than 90 minutes, the electric and synergetic atmosphere created and shared by Blink-182 and its adoring fans elevated the show from a mere exhibition to an experience never to be forgotten. Walking to my car 30 minutes or so after the show, I came upon a large circle pit of fans on the corner of 31st Street and 8th Avenue, still basking in the afterglow of the epic show. There was a stereo playing “All the Small Things” at its highest volume, fans were hopping up and down in synchronicity, all of whom were belting out the lyrics we all love and know by heart, “Say it ain’t so, I will not go. Turn the lights off, carry me home.” Suddenly, out of the crowded pit came Hoppus (the only member to remain in Blink-182 throughout its entire history), hopping up and down himself, with a huge grin across his face. His security detail, watching it all unfold beside me, were more than happy, however, to whisk him back into the waiting black SUV and speed off into the dark Gotham night.
After Blink’s final show of their North American leg concludes at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN on July 16, the band will take a much needed rest before resuming their world domination across the pond with twenty-four (24) dates in Europe (September 1 to October 16). Following a pair of shows in Las Vegas, NV on October 21-22 at the When We Were Young Festival, the boys will get another respite before heading to Oceania in early-February 2024 for sixteen (16) more shows, with the trek concluding in Latin America with a dozen shows – the last four of which taking place in Mexico City in early-April 2024.
Blink-182 Setlist: Anthem Part Two > The Rock Show > Family Reunion > Man Overboard > Feeling This > Reckless Abandon > Violence > Up All Night > Dysentery Gary > Dumpweed > EDGING > Aliens Exist > Cynical > Happy Holidays, You Bastard > Stay Together for the Kids > Always > Down > Bored to Death > I Miss You > Adam’s Song > Ghost on the Dance Floor > What’s My Age Again? > First Date (with snippets of “Pinhead” and “Blitzkrieg Bop” by Ramones) > All the Small Things > Dammit (with snippet of “No Scrubs” by TLC)
Rising artist Jehry Robinson released his new single “Razor” on May 12. Not conforming to one genre, “Razor,” like Robinson’s other music, blends rap, reggae, pop, and rap into one sound.
Jehry Robinson grew up on Long Island but was encouraged to move forward with his music dreams after forming a friendship with Grammy winning artist Macklemore. Then, in 2016, he co-founded FBA Management with Tara Ennis and launched his solo career.
After reading an article about Kansas City based Strange Music in Forbes, he urged Tara to reach out to C.E.O. Travis O’Guin. After months of persistence and diligence the label head surprisingly returned her direct message. The two got on a plane to Kansas City with hopes of joining the Strange Music family. After more months of planning, and many conversations with O’Guin, Jehry signed the label and got right to work.
So far, Robinson’s songs and videos have accumulated over ten million views and streams. On his genre mixing music, he said, “I’m taking all of those genres and emotions and fusing them into one sound. You’ll get the happy side. You’ll get the depressed side. If there’s a reggae vibe or rock energy, that’s just how I felt that day.”
Fusing numerous genres, his songs reflect Robinson’s ear for melody and his ability to make seemingly conflicting sounds mesh together. His latest song “Razor” is the follow-up to the melodic rap and vocal harmonies of “No Happy Days” which features label-mate King Iso. Earlier in 2023 he delivered “Kill My Daydreams” and “Question Why.” Expect more songs and videos from Jehry Robinson leading up to the release of his upcoming LP this summer.
Stationed in Chestertown, a 20-minute drive from Lake George, The Carol Theatre opened its doors in 1931, and its rich history will glide into the Summer with seven new shows.
Walter “Pop” Wertime built the historic building, known as the Chester Theatre at the time, and enjoyed nothing more than bringing live, vibrant entertainment to the region.
Following Wertime’s passing in the 1950s, the new owner ensured to push out impeccable content for the community and renamed it the Carol Theatre after his daughter.
For 80 years, live events, movies, and other forms of entertainment passed through the historic theater, but in 2013 they shut their doors. Many of the new movies and productions coming out did not fit their old projection systems but in 2019, a local group of volunteers known as the Tri-Lakes Community Alliance took over, rebooting the location.
Since the mark of the Tri-Lakes Community Alliance take over, they have put on concerts and live shows every Summer. The Carol Center for the Arts ownership position has helped the theater continue its performing arts traditions and turn its films into a more digital era market.
Beginning June 14, the Summer show series will return to the theater, with the concerts running until August 11.
Summer Concert Schedule
Seagle Festival (Free Concert), June 14 at 6:00 pm – The oldest summer vocal training program in the United States comes to perform at the Carol Theatre.
June 30 – TBD
Margo Macero Band, July 8 at 7:30 pm – Glen Falls-based vocalist Margo Macero brings her whole band to Chestertown for an amazing Summer concert. Buy Tickets Here!
July 14 – TBD
Mamma’s Marmalade, July 22 at 7:30 pm – Bluegrass and pop group Mamma’s Marmalade performs covers, classics, and original pieces from their catalog. Buy Tickets Here!
The Wheel, August 5 at 7:30 pm – The Grateful Dead cover band has their own take on the group’s rock hits. Buy Tickets Here!
Thor Jensen, August 11 at 7:30 pm – Singer and songwriter Thor Jensen, who has performed here in the past with Hot Club of Saratoga, is back for a solo performance. Playing in multiple bands and putting out his own music, Jensen will have an unforgettable showing at the Carol Theatre.
