On the cusp of releasing their latest album Emotional Contracts,Deer Tick performed two sold-out nights (June 9th and 10th) at Levon Helm Studios in Woodstock. Both shows included performances of new songs while sharing favorites from the bands catalog.
Opening Saturday’s show, Rafay Rashid. A Providence R.I resident by way of Islamabad, Pakistan. Introducing songs from his debut solo album Kitchen Weapons, Rahid and his band (including a few members of Deer Tick) had a melodic grove intensifying as their set progressed. His excitement opening for Deer Tick was evident, calling them out occasionally between songs. Rafay’s performance set the groove, readying the house for what was to come.
Rafay Rashid
With the intimacy of Levon Helm Studios, the vibe between band and audience is beyond palpable. The moment singer/guitarist John McCauley, guitarist Ian O’Neil, drummer Dennis Ryan, bassist Christopher Ryan hit the stage, it was on. With dueling guitars, multiple lead vocals, a solid rhythm section, Deer Tick is a formidable part of rock and roll.
Opening with “Forgiving Ties” from their latest project, the night continued with a host of new material. Deeper into the set, the band maneuvered across the spectrum of Deer Tick. “Jumpstarting” from Dear Tick Vol. 2 had the crowd singing. It continued on from there with people clapping in time and jumping up to dance, because they had no choice.
On night two, their makeshift encore (at Levon’s, it is not logistically feasible to step off the stage to a backstage area), La Bamba leaped out to start it off. Closing, McCauley and company shared “The Real Thing,” the final track from Emotional Contracts.
Deer Tick with Robert Ellis
As a bonus, the Texas Piano Man Robert Ellis sat in with the band. Tucked into the corner of the stage, Ellis’s ticking of the ivories helped take the night to an even higher level. For both Deer Tick and those in attendance, this was a special weekend. Experiencing new songs while pulling out favorites. Quenching the Deer Tick fan palate to the fullest.
On Thursday June 8th, Hawthorne Heights started Albany’s Alive at 5 concert Series with tribute to their roots as Emo artists. The show was moved to Albany’s rain location under I-787, but the skies were as clear as could be for the show.
James Woodruff of Hawthorne Heights – Photo by Jarron Childs
Alive at 5 is a free summer concert series that the city of Albany has been throwing on annually for over 30 years. The series host artists from from the local area to national scene to bring the capital region some music from their favorite genre. Each week has a different theme; this one being Emo Pride Night.
The show’s opener was the band Bad Luck from New York City. They had just come off a spring tour to play a 45 min set. Bad Luck set the tone for what was to come for the headliner.
Hawthorne Heights formed in Dayton, Ohio a little over 20 years ago in 2001. They sent out their first song, “Silver Bullet,” to hundreds of record labels until one stuck with Confined Records. By 2006, they had two gold albums and were opening for Fall Out Boy during their Black Clouds and Underdogs Tour. The first stop on that tour, in fact, was in Albany, at what is now MVP Arena.
Hawthorne Heights is currently on a traveling festival around the US called the “Is For Lovers” festival. It has lineups of some of the best emo and pop-punk bands that could have ever been assembled, all in one place.
Hawthorne Heights played a long 90 minutes set to start Albany’s Alive at 5 for 2023. Lead singer, James Woodruff, said this was the longest set they have ever played. Though he proclaimed early on that they would rock out the whole night, there were a lot of speeches in between songs. Fans grew restless towards the end of the set as it could be felt that he was trying to fill up their time slot. Though the speeches did give their songs more meaning, and young fans got to understand emo better, it could be felt that fans just wanted to rock out the night.
Hawthorne Heights did come through with their promise as fans got to mosh to some of their favorite songs. At least two mosh pits that broke out on top of, crowd surfing and the audio engineer jumping into the crowd. The crowd screamed the lyrics to “Niki FM” and helped to close out the show with “Ohio is for lovers.”
Hawthorne Heights will continue their “Is for Lovers” festival on June 24th in Stateline, NV. There are currently no NY shows scheduled, but hopefully NY fans will get new music from them soon.
Don’t miss this week’s Alive at 5 with Mihali with special guest Side B opening. NYS Music will be on site so stop down and check out what the NYS Music team has in store!
Hawthorne Heights Setlist: Pens and Needles, Constant Dread, This is Who We Are, Lucerne Valley, The Transition, Crimson Sand, Saying Sorry, Rescue Me, Spray Paint it Black, Silver Bullet, Hard to Breathe, Blue Burns Orange, Stab Myself, We Are So Last Year, Niki FM, Dandelions, Ohio Is For Lovers
Governors Ball wrapped up the weekend last night with a stellar, career-spanning performance from Kendrick Lamar. Sunday was another eclectic day of music from all ends of the spectrum, featuring sets by Lil Nas X, Pusha T, Black Midi, Girl In Red, and Phony Ppl.
Kendrick Lamar, Governors Ball 6/11/2023. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Rap music was on clear display for Sunday. Coast Contra gave some early afternoon rap to the Bacardí stage. The dynamic rap group brought the old school vibes with their “Scenerio Freestyle.” Over on the GoPuff Stage, Central Cee displayed classic UK rap to the New York crowd. He had the fans going wild for his hit song “Doja.”
Leading up to the headlining slot on Sunday, Pusha T brought his rash flow to a wild crowd at the Bacardi Stage with a deep setlist full of crowd favorites and covers. At the same time, Sofi Tukker’s house/pop blend reverberated from the GoPuff Stage sending infectious dance beats through the park. Lil Nas X followed with thrilling dancing and intricate costumes culminating in a giant sing-along to his hit song “Old Town Road”.
Pusha T, Governors Ball 6/11/2023. Photo by Joseph Buscarello
It was only fitting that Kendrick Lamar headlined Sunday night because there was truly no better way to end the 2023 edition of the Governors Ball. Fresh off the larger-than-life Big Steppers Tour, Kendrick brought his more stripped-back festival production to the GovBall Stage. It’s hard to imagine how such a mega artist can create an “intimate” festival performance while still bringing every bit of energy you expect. A bare stage with varying backdrops, flanked by lighting from the sides of the stage and vertical laser walls made Flushing Meadows feel like a window into the life of Kendrick Lamar songs. The power and raw energy of Kendrick’s flow echoed throughout the audience who were in awe of what they were witnessing.
Kendrick Lamar, Governors Ball 6/11/2023. Photo by Joseph Buscarello
With 2023 in the books, we can already start thinking about next year. The move to Flushing Meadows Park was a major success for Governors Ball. The vast park is the perfect venue for a music festival with large field areas and thick tree lines providing shade and texture to the grounds. Fans have easier access via mass transit and the neighborhoods surrounding the park are home to the most diverse local food vendors anywhere in the world. The future is bright for Governors Ball after finally finding the perfect home. After housing multiple World Fairs in 1939 and 1964, the city has kept large festivals away from Flushing Meadows; a trend that has finally ended.
Stay tuned for more artist galleries, as well as a in-depth look into Kendrick Lamar’s historic headlining set in Queens.
After “Favorite Song” caught fire globally, becoming the Syracuse rapper’s highest charting single to date, Toosii builds off this excitement from his recent success, dropping his first studio album NAUJOUR on June 2.
Gaining traction in the industry in 2020 with his debut project Poetic Pain, Toosii’s melodic, raspy voice matched with rap and R&B instrumentals has made him a unique music industry member. Tracks “Sapiosexual,” “Love Cycle,” and others launched Poetic Pain to peak at number 14 on the Billboard 100, a glimpse into his skill set moving forward.
Late 2020 and early 2021 saw him generate more widespread buzz in Thank You For Believing where Toosii collaborated with DaBaby, Latto, and Key Glock, displaying his versatility by bouncing between genres. The overall hype around this project and past performances earned him a spot on the 2021 XXL Freshman List, and from there his career continued to explode.
Fast forward to 2023, Toosii’s first full-length studio album as a member of Capitol Records, NAUJOUR, hypnotizes his audience by evolving his R&B skills since his 2022 EP Boy’s Don’t Cry: Men Do.
In addition to his advanced R&B knowledge, he provides unique sample loops similar to earlier projects but acts as the foundation for more personal storytelling lyricism concerning his past.
Album Rollout and Overview
Coming in at 19 tracks, NAUJOUR‘s announcement came on May 5, 2023, via the rapper’s Instagram, while also continuously hinting at the album’s release in early 2023 through his lead singles and remixes of “Favorite Song.” Khalid and Future both appear in their own versions of the track, with Future’s being known as the “Toxic Version.”
Originally appearing on the aforementioned Boy’s Don’t Cry: Men Do before NAUJOUR, “Love Is…” utilizes a sample from Julia Michaels’ “Love Is Weird” for the project’s lead single. A vulnerable, heartbreaking song, it sticks out in Toosii’s discography as one of his more personal performances.
From track to track, we trek across his rise to stardom and come up in the highly competitive music industry, not skipping on any of the tough feats he had to endure from his childhood to the present day.
Featuring only 21 Savage, Wallo 267, Future, and Khalid, the project is a prime look into Toosii’s solo abilities and one-of-a-kind vocals that have driven him to the top of the R&B pyramid.
Standout Tracks
“Rule Number 1” kickstarts the project on a family-oriented note, opening with a voice message from his mother sending love to the rapper and disclosing core memories from his younger years.
He lists three rules for listeners to follow, going in on his past lack of trust with women, patience in waiting for his moment, and advice for future generations.
Across much of Toosii’s discography, we dive deeper and deeper into his past love life and current relationship with Samaria Davis, as the third track “Another Love Song” showcases. His struggle to find that perfect balance of love between both parties is heard through the strong vocal delivery over a catchy, melodic sample loop.
Despite the differences between Toosii and Davis, “Another Love Song” still ensures that he is there for her in the end no matter the situation.
This another love song, this another anthem, somethin’ to bawl your eyes out to, when you’re feelin’ damaged, call me, tell me you need me there, when you wasn’t carin.’
– Toosii on “Another Love Song”
Track six “Villains & Heroes” pins this past relationship as a devil, angel situation, while also describing some of his wrongdoings that cause him pain.
Another melodic sample loop lays out Toosii’s toxic lyricism towards his own actions and his partner’s as well, again a common theme when dissecting the pain of his past relationships.
Pouring pain in his voice, each R&B song touches on the longing for love and the presentation of his life experiences learned through hardship.
The stretch of “Go Go Go” and “Pull Up,” featuring 21 Savage, are fast-paced, upbeat rap performances, flaunting his capability in more than one genre.
Behind the flawless production from the well-known producer team The LoopHoles, 21 Savage and Toosii create one of the project’s most entertaining and energetic tracks. The menacing tone set by the two artists makes for a moshpit anthem for any concert crowd and is not the first one of these to sneak into Toosii’s discography.
Final Thoughts
Mixing heart and soul into his R&B tunes and intense energy into rap, Toosii’s NAUJOUR encapsulates the multi-genre talent he has been mastering for years.
On May 10, Toosii would announce his NAUJOUR Tour, a 22-city journey this Summer to showcase the rapper’s work to his fans.
Expect music videos to come along with multiple singles off the project, with Toosii already dropping a video for track four “FWLM” on the same day as the album’s release.
Organ Fairchild, a funky jam band out from Buffalo, have released their new single, “Chamelonious Monk.” The band are previous winners of NYS Music’s 2021 March Madness and their new single holds to their name, with an organ undercurrent and a signature guitar riff to carry on through the song.
Organ Fairchild was formed in 2020 by Joe Bellanti (organ, keys), Corey Kertzie (drums) and Dave Ruch (guitar), members of a Grateful Dead cover band “White Nights.” Though they debuted right before the COVID-19 pandemic, the three-piece instrumental band has had a successful rise through sold out shows and performances across the Northeast.
“In Organ Fairchild’s world, chamelon (not chameleon) rhymes with HAM-a-LAHN and refers to a person of exceptional ability and taste. And if you’re a chamelon, well, things you do are chamelonious. So now we’re getting dangerously close to jazz musician Thelonious Monk’s first name, so we added the word Monk to the title and included some signature Monk-like dissonant chords in the climbing part of the song (chords containing half-step intervals for the musicians out there…).”
Dave Ruch, the band’s guitarist
Their new single was recorded and mixed by Justin Guip of Milan Hill Studio and mastered by Alan Evans of Soulive.
For nearly the whole of “Chamelonious Monk,” Bellanti’s organ acts as the cushion for the many highs of the song to fall back on. That is not to say that the organ does not get its chance to shine, but it often keeps the song flowing. Kertzie’s drums are the bridge between the organ and the guitar, cushioning when the organ cannot and leading when the guitar is not.
Ruch’s guitar has a signature riff through the piece, which often leads the song through its various phases. One of the best uses of the guitar comes in at around the three minute mark, where it briefly stands alone after a small crescendo. The organ rises behind it, slowly taking focus before the drums snatches it away.
To check out “Chamelonious Monk” by Organ Fairchild on various streaming services, check out this page. For more on the band and their upcoming shows, take a look at their website.
A week in advance of the release of their new album, Rhode Island folk-rock stalwarts Deer Tick visited Lincoln Hill Farms in Canandaigua. It was a bit of a weird week in Western New York as smoke from Canadian wildfires filled the air, forcing people indoors and into masks once again. The air cleared enough to safely stage the show, and the show would go on.
But still, for Deer Tick, “it was a weird time to be alive,” according to guitarist and singer John McCauley. Not this era, decade, week, or day, but specifically the current time, 7:47pm. A hard curfew of 9pm, ensured the sun would be out for pretty much the whole show. It was an early set for the band more attuned to the late night bar crowd, even if they’ve outgrown their bar band days.
Weird as it was, Deer Tick stuffed their early-evening time with songs spanning their career, from some of their earliest tunes. like “Easy” and “Twenty Miles,” all the way up to their as-yet released material. It all flowed together seamlessly. The old tunes felt as fresh as ever, while the new ones had a well-worn quality like they had been there all along.
The new record, Emotional Contracts, was actually recorded not all that far away, in the similarly named Cassadaga, NY at Tarbox Road Studios. Kinda weird?
In their own weird way, they worked in some tributes to some of the rockers that helped paved their way. “Me and My Man” got a little bit of ZZ Top’s “La Grange” added at the front, which prompted McCauley to suggest they do that for all of their songs. So on the ensuing, “The Bump,” his band mates jokingly obliged with teases of Tom Petty’s “Running Down a Dream,” and The Beatles’ “Day Tripper.” When MCCauley’s monitor needed a battery change, the rest of the band settled into a nice little groove while waiting. This sounded like Santana and Rob Thomas’ hit “Smooth” to McCauley so he of course started singing what he could remember from that. Then on the tail end of “The Dream’s in the Ditch,” McCauley tacked on Santo and Johnny’s “Tear Drop,” with their signature languid slide guitar sound. They weren’t over a more traditional cover either, throwing in a rollicking rendition of Little Feat’s “Rocket in my Pocket” mid-set that featured searing solos from both McCauley and guitarist Ian O’Neill. Even the banter included tributes, with Cheap Trick’s famous line, “This is the first song off our new album!” appropriately introducing the new tune, “If I Try to Leave.”
The latest single, “Once in a Lifetime” was titled like a cover, but it was all original, getting down with Chris Ryan’s groovy bass line. As much fun as the band was having with their little asides, their original material ruled the day, or the early-evening rather. Drummer Dennis Ryan penned the new “Running From Love,” which came to him in a dream. The soul-inflected tune built and built, culminating in a fiery solo from McCauley on his orange guitar, with his matching orange pick, which he also thought was “weird.”
The set closed on “Mange,” tossing the previous 80 minutes together into a rock assault. A long intro set the scene, a grooving bass laid the groundwork, and a big “whoop” set the fuse. Then the band went all in with raging guitars, a big drum solo, and a drifting feedback jam. They put it all out there for a big rock show finish.
But of course there was more. They came back for a two-song encore that pushed right up to that 9pm curfew. The night closed with “the last song on our new album,” the slow oozing rocker “The Real Thing” that surely left everyone in attendance hotly anticipating their first listen to Emotional Contracts.
If you missed out, don’t fret, the band will be back in the area with a show at the Homer Center for the Arts on November 12.
Setlist: Forgiving Ties, If I Try to Leave, Me and My Man, The Bump > Easy, Rocket in My Pocket (Little Feat), If She Could See Me Now, Twenty Miles, Running From Love, Hope is Big > Tripping Up the Stairs (Traditional), Once in a Lifetime, Clownin’ Around, The Dream’s in the Ditch > Tear Drop (Santo & Johnny), Mange Encore: Jumpstarting, The Real Thing
Knockdown Center in Brooklyn hosted BONES, Eddy Baker, and Xavier Wulf on Friday, June 2. The “In Loving Memory” Tour brought an electrifying night of rap music to the iconic Knockdown Center in Brooklyn. Featuring the talented artists BONES, Eddy Baker, and Xavier Wulf. The concert showcased a unique blend of raw energy, skillful performances, and an unforgettable atmosphere.
On June 2nd, 2023 the doors opened and the crowd began to pour into Knockdown Center, Brooklyn eagerly anticipating an exceptional night of rap music. The audience was a diverse mix of dedicated fans, each bringing their own unique style and enthusiasm. The vibrant energy within the venue was palpable, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience.
First up was Eddy Baker, who wasted no time in capturing the crowd’s attention. With his dynamic stage presence and charismatic delivery, Baker immediately connected with the audience. His high-energy performance ignited the crowd, creating an electric atmosphere that set the tone for the rest of the night. Eddy Baker flawlessly delivered tracks from his discography, including fan favorites like “READY2RUMBLE” and “Telescopes” The crowd was fully engaged, vibing along with his energetic beats and intricate lyrics.
Next, Xavier Wulf took the stage, continuing the wave of intense energy that had been building throughout the night. Known for his distinct voice and aggressive flow, Wulf commanded the attention of the audience from the moment he stepped foot on the stage. His dark and brooding beats combined with his relentless delivery captivated the crowd. Xavier Wulf treated fans to a mix of his hit tracks, including “Request Refused” and “Akina Speed Star.” The crowd responded with immense enthusiasm, moshing and rapping along, creating an atmosphere of pure exhilaration.
The anticipation reached its peak as BONES, a true master of his craft, emerged on stage. As the headliner, BONES brought his unique blend of introspective lyrics and haunting melodies to the forefront. The crowd erupted in excitement, showcasing their devotion to the artist. BONES effortlessly commanded the stage, delivering a captivating performance that transcended the boundaries of traditional rap music. With tracks like “RedAlert,” “AirplaneMode,” and “LooseScrew,” BONES guided the audience through a musical journey that was both introspective and deeply engaging. The crowd’s reaction was electric, as they rapped along with every word, forming a powerful bond with the artist.
The Knockdown Center proved to be the perfect venue for the “In Loving Memory” Tour. Its spacious layout and exceptional acoustics created an immersive environment, allowing the music to resonate throughout the venue. The stage setup, complete with vibrant lighting and visuals, enhanced the overall experience, adding an extra layer of intensity to the performances.
Overall, the “In Loving Memory” Tour at Knockdown Center in Brooklyn, was a night to remember. BONES, Eddy Baker, and Xavier Wulf brought their A-game, delivering powerful performances that left the crowd craving more. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation and enthusiasm, as fans connected with the music on a deep and personal level. The combination of the diverse crowd, the exceptional talent of the artists, the venue’s ambiance, and the carefully curated music selections made this concert an unforgettable experience for all in attendance.
The 2023 edition of Robert DeNiro, Jane Rosenthal, and Craig Hatkoff’s Tribeca Festival (formerly Tribeca Film Festival) began this past Wednesday, June 7th.
This event that highlights films, games, television, and music kicked off with the premiere of Kiss The Future, directed by Nenad Cicin-Sain, with producers: Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, and Sarah Anthony.
Tribeca Festival 2023 received a record-high of 12,000 submissions, ultimately narrowing it down to 109 feature films, 76 shorts, and over 20 interactive experiences and games.
After viewing all that the festival has to offer, here are a few that you should check out during the remainder of the Festival:
Dustin Guy Defa | June 13, 14, 16 at SVA Theatre & Village East
The plan to make a trip back home as short as possible begins to unravel as Eric finds himself balancing the challenging relationship with his two sisters and his addiction to a local poker game.
This film features eccentric performances from 3 actors that deliver moments of familial humor tied with touching earnestness.
When Ray discovers that his wife is cheating on him, he decides he’s going to kill himself. His plans suddenly change when a stranger mistakes him for a low-rent hitman.
This film features two exceptional performances from leads John Magaro and Steve Zahn, along with a solid directorial debut.
Peter Nicks | June 11, 13, 14 at Spring Studios & Village East
What would the national anthem sound like if it was based on American music and not the melody of an old British tune? The film follows composer and pianist Kris Bowers and producer Dahi across the country.
This powerful and relevant documentary highlights the national anthem, whilst traveling to learn more about what America actually sounds like.
James Gallagher | June 10, 11, 16 at Spring Studios & Village East
The documentary introduces the artist, showman, and robe-clad raconteur Marc Rebillet as he embarks on one of the first live music tours after COVID-19 lockdown.
This documentary highlights a musician’s ambitious tour right off the heels of the pandemic in an inspiring pursuit of musical greatness.
After the Premiere: A musical Q&A with Marc Rebillet.
Krystal Tingle | June 10, 13, 17 at AMC East 6 & Village East
Brehanna Daniels, the first Black woman pit crew member and tire changer in NASCAR, works her way back from injury to participate in the Daytona 500, the biggest race in the sport.
In this fascinating and frenetic look behind the scenes of a NASCAR pit crew member, highlighting a new generation in the athletic field.
Kyle Vorbach, John Horan | June 14, 17, 18 at AMC East 6 & Village East
Two will-they-won’t-they friends are just enjoying a simple New Year’s Eve— until a man from the future bursts in, telling them the fate of the universe rests in their hands!
This short features great special effects and is a lot of fun in a small package.
Steven Soderbergh | June 11 – 8:00 PM at OKX Theater
Full Circle is a limited series about an investigation into a botched kidnapping that uncovers long-held secrets connecting multiple characters and cultures in present day New York City.
After the Screening: A conversation with director and executive producer Steven Soderbergh, executive producer Casey Silver, and cast.
Inspired by NBA superstar Kevin Durant’s experiences, Swagger explores the world of youth basketball, and the players, their families and coaches who walk the fine line between dreams and ambition, and opportunism and corruption. Off the court, the show reveals what it’s like to grow up in America.
After the Screening: A conversation with creator and executive producer Reggie Rock Bythewood and cast.
Barret O’Brien, Mark Duplass | June 12, 14 at Village East & AMC East 6
It’s been 6 months since that disastrous night in the motel and these two guys (Mark Duplass and Barret O’Brien) are nowhere near over it.
This is a very intriguing series that poses many questions within the first few minutes of episode on and continues on an interesting path throughout the full length.
Run, pass, and dribble as eight year old Julián in this slice of life game all about football. Explore the streets and parks of Quito, set against the backdrop of Ecuador’s first qualifying run for the World Cup in 2001.
This is an incredibly charming and quirky game that is a joy to play and roam around, soccer ball at your feet.
Isaias Junior, Marcus Penna, Ana Ribeiro, Rômulo Silva
This VR game is the newest entry in the Pixel Ripped series that sees Dot once again fight against the evil Cyblin Lord, who has a nefarious plan to hack into the game creator’s past and to make himself the protagonist.
If you’ve never experienced Virtual Reality, this is a great chance to check it out and jump into the game within the game.
This interactive VR experience focuses on the four immortal children of the recently passed creator god, Bathala and their all-powerful actions that create ripples throughout the universe.
It was a great journey exploring the Philippine mythology that inspired it and the rich character narrative. The experience’s booth also featured models of the characters from the short.
LaRoy Red Carpet Premiere at Tribeca, June 8th 2023, Photograph by Parker Alexander
On May 31st, Hayley Kiyoko took over Irving Plaza in the heart of NYC, igniting a firestorm of excitement and pure musical magic. This show was incredible and energetic as she played Irving Plaza for the second day in a row on “The Panorama Tour”; delivering one breathtaking performance after another.
To make the night even more unforgettable, the incredibly talented Allison Ponthier opened her the night, adding an extra layer of brilliance to an already sensational evening. With Irving Plaza’s intimate setting, the energy in the room was palpable as fans eagerly awaited a night they knew would leave a lasting impact on their hearts and souls.
Allison Ponthier, the mesmerizing singer-songwriter hailing from Texas, has been making waves in the music scene with her unique sound and captivating storytelling. In a serendipitous turn of events, Ponthier’s journey took a remarkable leap forward when she shared her heartfelt song “Harshest Critic” on social media platforms, catching the attention of listeners around the world. Her raw vulnerability and haunting melodies struck a chord with audiences, leading to a growing fanbase and critical acclaim.
With her debut EP Faking My Own Death released in 2021, Ponthier showcased her introspective lyrics and ethereal vocals, solidifying her place as an artist to watch. Drawing inspiration from personal experiences and the human condition, Allison Ponthier’s evocative music resonates deeply, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and souls of those who listen.
Allison Ponthier Setlist: Autopilot, Hollywood Forever Cemetery, Hardcore, Crash Test Dummy, Cowboy, Faking My Own Death, I Lied, Character Development
Hayley Kiyoko, the charismatic 28-year-old artist hailing from California, has been making waves in the music industry with her unwavering talent and unapologetic authenticity. In an unanticipated but welcomed turn of events, Kiyoko’s journey took a remarkable pivot from acting when she released her breakthrough single “Girls Like Girls” in 2015. The empowering anthem not only resonated deeply with audiences but also caught the attention of major influencers in the industry.
Garnering a devoted following, Kiyoko continued to captivate hearts with her distinct sound and emphasis on sharing queer stories. With each subsequent release, including her debut album Expectations in 2018, Kiyoko solidified her position as a force to be reckoned with. Embracing her role as an LGBTQ+ icon and advocate, she fearlessly uses her platform to champion self-acceptance and love. Hayley Kiyoko’s undeniable talent, combined with her unwavering dedication to authentic expression, has firmly established her as a rising star, destined to leave an indelible mark on the music scene.
Kiyoko’s electrifying performance left the audience in a state of pure euphoria. From the moment she took the stage and launched into the opening chords of “Found My Friends,” the crowd was swept up in a whirlwind of energy and emotion. Kiyoko’s magnetic presence and infectious enthusiasm had everyone dancing and singing along, creating an atmosphere of unity and celebration.
In a surprise moment, Kiyoko treated the crowd to a nostalgic rendition of “Determinate,” a throwback to her performance as a main character in the Disney Channel Original Movie, Lemonade Mouth, which had the entire audience belting out the chorus. As a dedicated fan named Jennifer was called out, Kiyoko dedicated a heartfelt rendition of “Pretty Girl” to her, further solidifying the connection she has with her dedicated fanbase.
As the familiar notes of “Girls Like Girls” rang out, the energy reached its peak, with the crowd erupting in a chorus of voices, an amazing start to Pride month, and affirming Kiyoko’s impact as an LGBTQ+ icon. The introspective and empowering “Gravel to Tempo” followed, further solidifying Kiyoko’s message of self-acceptance and authenticity.
The night drew to a close with the poignant “Well…” and the empowering anthem “For the Girls,” leaving the audience with a sense of empowerment and unity. However, the crowd’s fervent cheers and applause brought Kiyoko back for an unforgettable encore, culminating in the breathtaking “Panorama.” As the final notes echoed through the venue, there was a collective understanding that this was a performance that would be etched in their memories forever.
Hayley Kiyoko’s show at Irving Plaza was a masterclass in connecting with an audience and creating an atmosphere of love, acceptance, and celebration.
In terms of upcoming shows, “The Panorama Tour” has come to a close, but updates for any future Hayley Kiyoko shows can be found on socials, and her website. The same goes for Allison Ponthier, and you can find her socials and website linked here.
Hayley Kiyoko Setlist: found my friends, luna, sugar at the bottom, What I Need, underground, deep in the woods, Greenlight, flicker start, Curious, Determinate [Lemonade Mouth song], Pretty Girl (Dedicated to Jennifer, fan from crowd), forever, Sleepover, demons, Girls Like Girls, Gravel to Tempo, Hungry Heart [Steve Aoki, Galantis feat. Hayley Kiyoko], well…, for the girls, panorama
Alternative/indie star Declan McKenna made a stop at the Town Ballroom in Buffalo for The Big Return tour May 31. This was an early start to the English artist’s venture around North America.
Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty
European natives the Oracle Sisters opened up the show with their alternative roots and light-hearted energy on stage. The group is composed of Lewis Lazar, Christopher Willatt, and Julia Johansen. Their use of bright instrumentation matched with a simplistic elegance make for a captivating stage performance.
Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty
Declan instantly swooned the crowd with his stage presence from his silk robe to his black shades. He exudes this rockstar attitude while creating that safe space for young indie kids. Declan opened up the night with his hit off of his 2020 album Zeros, “Beautiful Faces.”
Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty
The young musician came back to his roots by playing songs off of his first album What Do You Think About the Car?. Some of which include, “Paracetamol” and “Listen to Your Friends.” Nothing got the crowd more hyped up though until Declan performed his record breaking single, “Brazil” which looks to critique FIFA and their shady practices.
Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty
Declan McKenna Attacks the System
The English singer/songwriter is no stranger to making music that hyper-analyzes the systems put in place to disenfranchise the less fortunate. Another popular single that does just that is “British Bombs” which Declan played in his encore. This song exudes the frustration that the artist feels towards the British government’s lack of care towards civilian deaths that they cause. He examines the hypocrisy of them while creating a strong crescendo to exude his anger. When closing the night in Buffalo with this the whole crowd was seen jumping and screaming alongside Declan.
Stay up to date with shows coming to the Town Ballroom this Summer. Big Wreck performs June 16 and Joseph will be there June 17. Get tickets here.
Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty
Setlist: Beautiful Faces, Rapture, You Better Believe!!!, Paracetamol, Listen to Your Friends, Why Do You Feel So Down, Emily, My House, Make Me Your Queen, The Kids Don’t Wanna Come Home, Eventually Darling, Twice Your Size, The Key to Life on Earth, Brazil, Isombard
Encore: All Things Must Pass ( George Harrison cover), British Bombs
