Popular Southern Tier music venue Tags Summer Stage of Big Flats, NY kicked off their exciting 30th season of music with a sold out show featuring Lee Brice and Cole Swindell.
Lee Brice got the night going as the first of two headlining shows for the highly anticipated event. The success of the first show was evident with a sold out venue.
Brice was touring in support of his latest album “ Hey World” his fifth album to date from Curb Records. Playing with Brice is his band of many years Travis Bettis on guitar. Micheal Gray on drums, Paul Rippee on bass, and Reginald Bradley Smith on Keyboard. The current tour will take Brice as far west as California and north into Canada. Brice will return to the Empire State on this tour Oct. 19th & 20th in Westbury NY at the NYCB Theatre.
For Tags the excitement for their 30th season continues on July 2nd with Rodney Atkins & Sammy Kershaw, and recently announced, Dustin Lynch & Dylan Scott on Aug. 11th. For more info on all the events for Tags 30th anniversary season go to www.tagstickets.com
For more info on Lee Brice fans can to his website www.leebrice.com loaded with ticket and tour info.
Indie rock legends The Front Bottoms celebrated their 10 year anniversary of their renowned album Talon of the Hawk. The band played this timeless album in full at Beak and Skiff in Lafayette for a sold out crowd on May 25.
Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty
In 2013 The Front Bottoms released Talon of the Hawk which set them on the map in the alternative scene. Through angular melodies and wiry guitar riffs it began to make its mark. Dedicated fans celebrated this album through the years and even with the growing success of later pieces of work, people kept coming back to it.
Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty
If The Front Bottoms fanbase could be described in one word it would be loyal. They have followed the New Jersey duo of Brian Sella (vocalist/guitarist) and drummer Mathew Uychich for years. As a celebration the group brought their roots back to the fans by playing their beloved album in full for special shows.
Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty
AJJ opened up the night at Beak and Skiff Apple Orchards. This American folk punk band has been an inspiration to The Front Bottoms over the years so it was only fitting they join them on this tour.
10 Years of Talon of the Hawk
The Front Bottoms kicked off the night with the first two tracks off the album, “Au Revoir (Adios)” and “Skeleton.” Instantly you could feel the energy shift as Brian stepped onto the stage. Birthday hats, decorative posters, and costumes encompassed the field. The night may have started celebrating Talon of the Hawk but it later encompassed the endless other accomplishments the fanbase has endured. From birthdays to gradations to just making it to the next day the community was full of a sense of awe.
Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty
Despite the rawness and hard hitting lyrics the artist sings the fans waste no time dancing freely to the music. Especially once the band played “Beers” in their encore. Instantly the mosh pits began again and countless people were crowd surfing. There is something about this community that The Front Bottoms have built. It just goes to show that being honest and real about the hardships of life can actually bring people together. After all, who says we can’t dance together through our pain?
Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty
As summer approaches, Beak and Skiff Apple Orchards proves to be a top venue location for good tunes with the perfect scenic view. Upcoming shows include Noah Kahan on June 3 and Fleet Foxes on July 12. Get tickets here.
Setlist: Au Revoir (Adios), Skeleton, Swear to God the Devil Made Me Do It, Twin Size Mattress, Peach, Santa Monica, The Feud, Funny You Should Ask, Tattooed Tears, Lone Star, Backflip, Everything I Own, Flashlight, West Virginia, Maps, Be Nice to Me, Wolfman, bus beat, Outlook, Hello World
On Tuesday, May 9th, Beartooth and Trivium brought their co-headlining tour Buffalo Riverworks, with support from Malevolence and Archetypes Collide.
Malevolence
If you’ve never been to Riverworks, its located right on the edge of the Buffalo River and its host to more than just shows but also provides entertainment and fun for the younger crowd, with rides like the Kids Train, Fun Slide, Happy Viking, Jumping Jack and we even have a kids ropes course, with mini a zip-line. Inside, you’ll find the stage but also, arcade games and a skating rink off to the side.
Trivium
First to kick off the night was Archetypes Collide, who had a lot of energy to share throughout their set. Followed by them was Malevolence, a english heavy metal band from South Yorkshire and formed in 2010. Up after them, was the infamous Trivium, who’s been around since the 90âs and have 10 full length albums, not to mention the many awards they’ve received from, Grammys, Kerrang!, Metal Hammer, and more.
Trivium is known for having some interesting sets for their shows and time was no exception, as two dragon statues were revealed as the stage was getting ready, also guitar cabs were decorated to fit the theme. Once they began their set, it was all high energy from there, with Matt Heafy leaving his microphone to get closer to the crowd while shredding his guitar.
To follow up their great performance, is Beartooth, who not too long ago, brought another to The Main Street Armory. As to be expected, they put on a killer show, opening up with Devastation from their latest album Below, also playing their newest single Sunshine!. The tour still has many dates left, so don’t miss out!
On Sunday, May 28th Declan McKenna stopped at Empire Live in Albany for the second show of his 50+ date The Big Return tour. Eager fans lined up hours in advance at the intimate 1000-capacity venue to scream along to songs like “Brazil” and “Rapture” as McKenna scaled along the stage with his Mick-Jagger-like dance moves. The audience, consisting mostly of teenage girls and fathers, was seen jumping, dancing, twirling, and overall living in the moment during his set.
Declan McKenna photographed by Sarah Hyun
24-year-old McKenna was born in London and has been making music ever since he was a teenager. His most popular song “Brazil” was released when he was only fifteen, and has since gained massive popularity through its widespread use on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. He has four more New York dates scheduled in May and July, which can be found here.
Declan McKenna photographed by Sarah Hyun
The Oracle Sisters opened the night with a chill and vibey set. The French trio, blending elements of surf rock, jazz, and indie pop similar to groups like The Walters and Summer Salt successfully raised the energy in the eager crowd. Audience members were seen bobbing their heads along to the beat as the three band members—Lewis Lazar, Christopher Willat, and Julia Johansen—jammed out. Their timeless sound matched their vintage style, allowing for a truly ear- and eye-catching performance. After they ended their set, the audience applauded enthusiastically, clearly satisfied by McKenna’s chosen openers.
The Oracle Sisters photographed by Sarah Hyun
Audience members sang along to songs in the pre-show playlist like “Toxic” before McKenna entered the stage. A flashing light from the right of the stage got the attention of everyone, triggering a roaring scream of excitement as he came on to sing his first song, “You Better Believe!!!” Wearing a black and yellow coat with bell-bottomed pants, McKenna brought an almost-tangible energy to the venue. This high-energy could be felt through his powerful vocals, his intricate movements, and the body-rumbling basslines of each and every song. The retro synths in many of the tracks on his most recent album Zeros, coupled with his scream-like vocals set the vibe of the show.
Declan McKenna is truly a rockstar, with passion being the only word to describe his performance and persona. Swinging his guitar on the stage, jumping off into the photo pit, and putting his all into every song was something he did not fail to do throughout the entirety of the concert. His facial expressions carried a power in them that could not be emulated by anyone else. Throughout the set, he constantly hit his looping and distortion pedals to craft the instrumentals of the songs in real time, whilst simultaneously singing along. He had to take a break after each song to wipe the sweat from his face and even removed his jacket early into the show because of how much he was moving.
Before singing “Rapture,” McKenna yelled, “Are you ready for some rock ‘n roll?,” and encouraged the crowd to clap along. Declan has a very strong British accent when he sings, and during his performance of hit-song “Brazil” the audience emulated his British dialect while singing along to lyrics like “I heard he lives down a river somewhere // With six cars and a grizzly bear.” McKenna explores a variety of themes in his music, from the topic of anti-war, corruption in sports and politics (as in “Brazil”), and struggles with mental health. The lyrics behind each of his songs made his performances even more meaningful.
Declan McKenna photographed by Sarah Hyun
Declan McKenna ended his show with a two-song encore. Performing an incredible rendition of George Harrison’s “All Things Must Pass” as well as his own song, “British Bombs,” McKenna ended the night on a powerful note. Fans screamed in awe as he soloed on his knees during the George Harrison cover, turning a generally easy-paced song into something of his own. Fans exited the venue elated, talking amongst one another about his incredible performance. McKenna’s next four New York shows are scheduled to be at Westcott Theater, Town Ballroom, Brooklyn Steel, and Webster Hall.
Setlist: You Better Believe!!!, Paracetamol, Why Do You Feel So Down, Listen to Your Friends, (Untitled Song), My House, Rapture, Beautiful Faces, Be an Astronaut, Make Me Your Queen, Humongous, The Kids Don’t Wanna Come Home; Eventually, Darling; The Key to Life on Earth, Brazil, Isombard
Encore: All Things Must Pass (George Harrison cover), British Bombs
Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness wrapped up a two-week east coast tour with a sold out performance at Town Ballroom in Buffalo on Wednesday, May 24. The tour, which also featured stops in Syracuse and Albany, was in support of the band’s latest release Tilt at the Wind No More.
Few in the music industry today tout the resume that Andrew McMahon has. His original rise to fame came as the lead singer of the early 2000’s emo rock band Something Corporate. In 2004 McMahon formed Jack’s Mannequin, and later in 2014 would begin Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness, a project that continues today. All along the way, McMahon has crafted stellar piano-rock tracks and has amassed a large and devoted following of fans who flock to his live concerts. His current band features Bob Anderson (guitar), Zac Clark (keyboards), Jay McMillian (drums) and Mikey Wagner (bass guitar).
Early arriving fans on Wednesday night were treated to an opening performance by Griffin William Sherry. Known for his work with independent-folk rock band The Ghost of Paul Revere, Sherry delighted the audience with a set of acoustic folk tracks. At times, Sherry’s strong vocals channeled singer/song writers such as Nathaniel Rateliff and Chris Stapleton.
Up next were The Unlikely Candidates, from Fort Worth, Texas. To describe their set as high energy would be an understatement. From the cryptic opening guitar rift of “Sunshine” to the final notes of set closer “Novocaine”, singer Kyle Morris took captive hold of the audience. Morris strutted the stage, leapt in the air, twirled his microphone, at times throwing it high in the air before catching it. Morris would lean in close over the audience, locking eyes with those in the front row, never missing a lyrical beat. A mid-set cover of the A-ha classic “Take on Me” had the showroom bursting with energy. The band was sure to gain many new fans following their set.
Finally, it was time for Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness. The standing room only club was packed elbow to elbow with little room to maneuver, with the crowd in eager anticipation of the band’s arrival. Once the houselights dimmed, a lone spotlight shone into the crowd. The light illuminated McMahon, who was standing in the back of the club, and began performing the slow moving, reflective “Nobody Tells You When You’re Young”. McMahon made his way slowly to the stage, providing brief and intimate performances for those whose path he encountered. Once arriving to the stage, McMahon was joined by his bandmates who immediately launched into “The Mixed Tape,” a familiar fan favorite from McMahon’s Jack’s Mannequin days.
While the music was at the forefront, the spectacle of an Andrew McMahon performance was not missing on this night. McMahon donned a colorful, light up cape during “Stars”. He crowd surfed while riding an inflatable llama, making it all the way to the top tier of the club. During “Synesthesia”, McMahon brought a multi-colored parachute into the crowd, singing the song’s chorus from underneath. In all, McMahon and his band would roll through a 23 song set, spanning over twenty years worth of music. It was a memorable evening for those in attendance, one that would be sure to have fans clamoring for a return performance in the near future.
Taylor Swift took over East Rutherford, NJ this Memorial Day Weekend, continuing her record-breaking sold out Eras Tour for three nights at Metlife Stadium. Following the release of her latest full-length record, Midnights, fans fought unprecedented demand and technical hiccups to get their tickets, with all 52 nights and over 2.4 million tickets selling out in a matter of minutes. Taylor’s three night run at Metlife Stadium featured support from Phoebe Bridgers, Gayle, Gracie Abrams, and Owenn. Taylor brought out special guests Jack Antonoff and Ice Spice on the first night.
With her sold-out Eras tour in full swing, Taylor continues to stay number one on Billboard’s Artist 100 Chart for a record-breaking 66 weeks so far. Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, Taylor was forced to cancel her last tour in support of the 2019 album “Lover.” Despite the difficult conditions of pandemic life, Taylor used her time to write another two albums as an outlet for her creativity. She told the crowd that if she couldn’t tour, she would just keep writing and recording music. Given the continuing success and growth of Taylor’s career, and the chart topping status of her latest records (especially the Taylor’s Versions re-releases), a tour seemed inevitable for 2023. “I didn’t know if we would ever be able to have stadium tours again,” Taylor told the crowd on the first night at Metlife Stadium.
Taylor Swift at Metlife Stadium, photograph by David Reichmann
An estimated 200,000 Taylor Swift fans descended upon the stadium over three nights on the holiday weekend. After viral videos showed thousands of fans enjoying the Eras Tour from highways, parking lots, and bridges, New Jersey State Police posted multiple warnings against “Taylor-gating” on social media and with signs along highways. As a precaution, fans were required to show their tickets before being allowed into the parking lots. State police and local news kept an eye on traffic conditions throughout the weekend, attempting to keep holiday and concert related traffic slowdowns to a minimum. The governor released a video on social media welcoming Taylor to New Jersey and naming a local food dish after her.
Taylor Swift at Metlife Stadium, photograph by David Reichmann
Metlife Stadium parking lots opened at 12:30PM on Friday, May 26th for early arriving ticket-holders to set up beach chairs, coolers, and loudspeakers with their friends and families. Stadium doors opened at 4:30 to a flood of fans clad in vibrant outfits representing the fashion of Swift’s various eras. The show started at around 6:30, with Gayle delivering a quick but powerful performance. The opening act for the second and third nights were Gracie Abrams and Owenn, respectively.
Gayle opening for Taylor Swift at Metlife Stadium, photograph by David Reichmann
Phoebe Bridgers played the second act all three nights, delighting new and old fans alike. Despite Taylor Swift’s undeniable star power, many fans had undoubtedly bought tickets for Phoebe too, and they sang along with every song. When the time came to scream in unison during the climax of the final song, “I Know the End,” the crowd obliged with enthusiasm, delighting longtime fans and shocking some new ones. One fan was overheard saying, “I had no idea that was coming. It was kind of terrifying.” Phoebe thanked Taylor and the audience before walking offstage to a wave of applause. Later in the show, Taylor Swift brought Phoebe on stage to sing the re-released version “Nothing New.” Phoebe beamed as she sang alongside Taylor, and they dazzled the crowd with the soft and sorrowful ballad.
Phoebe Bridgers opening for Taylor Swift at Metlife Stadium, photograph by David Reichmann
As the sun began to set and the air began to cool, the crowd’s energy ramped up in anticipation of the headlining act. Eventually, a two minute countdown timer appeared on the stadium screens, and fans began to cheer. When the timer reached its end, the house lighting dimmed and cheers became screams. Dancers clad in massive jellyfish-like fans walked onstage in a sea of pastel colors, then created a dome in the center of the stage from which Taylor burst forth to sing “Miss Americana & the Heartbreak Prince.” From the very first moment of her performance, it became clear that this would be no ordinary concert.
Taylor Swift at Metlife Stadium, photograph by David Reichmann
True to its name, Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour featured distinct stage design, lighting, and outfits for each of her eras. Even her dozen or so dancers changed wardrobes several times. The show frequently used props, lighting cues, pyrotechnics, and even a few stage design magic tricks to keep spectators on their toes. At one point, Taylor performed a quick change on stage under the cover of her backup dancers, changing outfits in nearly the blink of an eye. Later in the set, she dove into a hole on stage, as the projection-mapped runway displayed an illusion of her swimming under the stage. Guest singers and dancers frequently disappeared and reappeared through openings in the stage to great effect, and others would be lifted up on platforms just as often. The massive stadium screen behind the stage lit up with dreamy backdrops for each of the different scenes throughout the show.
Taylor Swift at Metlife Stadium, photograph by David Reichmann
During the “Surprise Songs” segment near the end of the first evening, Taylor premiered the music video for “Karma (featuring Ice Spice)“. She sat down on stage to huddle with her dancers, whom she thanked for performing in the video, and watched the music video premiere on the massive stage screen alongside the crowd. She then invited frequent collaborator and New Jersey native Jack Antonoff to help her sing “Getaway Car,” a first time debut for this tour. After she thanked Jack and he exited the stage to continuing cheers, a piano emerged at the front of the stage runway. She played an intimate live debut of “Maroon” to close the penultimate act of the first show.
Taylor Swift flexes at Metlife Stadium, photograph by David Reichmann
Taylor Swift’s most diehard fans knew that one segment of the first show remained, her “Midnights” era. Prior to the first day at Metlife Stadium, Taylor had surprised her fans with yet another deluxe edition of her latest album, Midnights, which was released at midnight the night before the show. The new edition of the record included an extended Lana Del Ray feature, and the now viral Ice Spice version of “Karma.” For the final song of the night, Ice Spice joined Taylor to perform “Karma,” the crowd going wild as they performed together. Fireworks burst into the night as they took their final bows. Taylor and Ice Spice exited the stage holding hands amid a shower of confetti and applause. Taylor thanked the audience one last time, and said goodbye.
Each night of Taylor Swift’s Eras tour at Metlife Stadium featured a nearly three hour long setlist, consisting of 45 songs. Fans had waited years for their chance, and then fought hard for their tickets. Despite a mixture of holiday and concert related traffic, all three nights went off without a hitch. It appears the wait was worth it. Listen to Taylor Swift’s massive chart-topping music catalog here, and be sure to check out the music of supporting acts Phoebe Bridgers, Gayle, Gracie Abrams, and Owenn. Our full image gallery by David Reichmann is below.
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.
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)
The temps are heating up outside, and so is the music scene in the Capital District in New York, including two of the most exciting bands on the scene right now. On Saturday, May 20th, New York City-based band Escaper warmed everyone up for the main act, Prince Bowie.
Escaper
Escaper is possibly the most appropriate name for a band in the history of band names — after all, it is impossible to ascribe a specific genre to this act. Will Hanza (guitar, vocals), Phil Kadet (keys) Sam Crespo (drummer from Space Bacon), and Luke Bemand from (bassist from Lespecial) have truly escaped a label of any kind. They enjoy being known as “one who breaks free from confinement,” and this comes across in every note that they play. If you haven’t had a chance to check out this band yet, you are truly missing something special. If you want to get right on it, you can check out their music on SoundCloud.
Prince Bowie
Prince Bowie is one of the most unique acts I have ever seen, covering the songs of Prince and David Bowie like you’ve never heard before. Prince Bowie almost never has the same lineup twice. This has no effect whatsoever on their level of talent, however, it is impossible to tell that they rarely play together as they gel quickly on stage.
Saturday Night’s Lineup
Saturday’s lineup included some local favorites as well as some glorious out-of-town guests. Featuring Eric Gould (Bass, Pink Talking Fish), Cal Kehoe (Guitar, Pink Talking Fish), Alric “AC” Carter (Keys, TAUK), Rory Dolan (Drums, lespecial), Chris Brouwers (Trumpet, The Horn Section / Cool Cool Cool), Greg Sanderson (Tenor Saxophone, The Horn Section / Cool Cool Cool, Josh Schwartz (Baritone Saxophone, lead vocals, The Horn Section / Cool Cool Cool) and Matt Wayne (Alto Saxophone, Bobby Deitch Band), they were joined for a few songs – “Under Pressure” and “Kiss” among them – by local legend Shannon Lynch (Saxophone, vocals, Midnight Sun, Conehead Buddha).
Prince/Bowie – Putnam Place, Saratoga Springs – May 20, 2023
Set: Let’s Go Crazy, Let’s Dance, Delirious, Ziggy Stardust, 1999, Starman, KISS, Under Pressure, DMSR, Young Americans, I Wanna be Your Lover, Fame > Cream, Space Oddity, I Would Die For You, Controversy, Moonage Daydream Encore: Life on Mars, Purple Rain
