Olivia Barton and Lizzy McAlpine delivered an unforgettable performance at Brooklyn Steel on April 25th. With Olivia’s whimsical and dreamy indie-folk sound, followed by Lizzy’s soulful and emotionally charged ballads, the night was filled with an electric energy that left the audience mesmerized. The two talented musicians complemented each other perfectly, creating a show that will be remembered for a long time to come.
Olivia Barton – Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma
Olivia Barton is a Boston-based singer-songwriter originally from Orlando, Florida. Growing up as the youngest of four children to an English teacher and a literary writer, Barton was a sensitive child who quickly took to songwriting. Her musical influences range from The Eagles, James Taylor, and Indigo Girls, which have all shaped her writing style. Her writing can now be compared to contemporary indie folk rock artists such as Margaret Glaspy, Pinegrove, The Staves, and Phoebe Bridgers.
Olivia Barton Setlist: Good Day, I Don’t Sing My Songs, Control Freak, Sonic [Unreleased], I Don’t Do Anything, if i were a fish [corook cover, with corook], I Love You Just For Trying
Lizzy McAlpine – Photograph by Caroline Reynolds
Lizzy McAlpine is an indie folk singer-songwriter from the suburbs of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, who has been writing music since the 6th grade. She studied songwriting at Berklee College of Music in Boston before leaving in her junior year to pursue music full-time. McAlpine’s debut studio album, Give Me a Minute, released in August 2020, received critical acclaim and has been streamed millions of times on Spotify. She has since released an 8-song EP “When the World Stopped Moving: The Live EP”, made her late-night debut on Jimmy Kimmel, and released her second studio album, Five Seconds Flat. She has a growing global fanbase, as shown by her entirely sold out Spring tour, including 2 shows in NY. With a unique voice and heartfelt lyrics, she has solidified her place in the indie-folk scene.
Lizzy McAlpine Setlist: an ego thing, Over-the-Ocean Call (Andrew), all my ghosts, firearm, doomsday, Give Me A Minute, Nothing / Sad N Stuff, called you again, ceilings, Broken Glass [Unreleased], I Guess [Unreleased], In What World, erase me, come down soon [Unreleased], Pancakes for Dinner, orange show speedway
Olivia Barton – Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma
Olivia Barton’s set was an intimate and engaging affair, with the crowd hanging onto every word and chord. From the very beginning, the audience was in sync with the performer – with one fan even shouting out that they were fellow acapella academy alumni like Barton. She kicked things off with “Good Day”, a buoyant and soulful tune that set the tone for the rest of the evening.
Barton’s banter between songs was just as charming and captivating as her music, with the singer reminiscing about her time living in Brooklyn and working at three restaurants simultaneously. She congratulated the crowd on their strength and resilience, telling them that they must be “strong as hell” to make it in the city. The standout song of the night was undoubtedly “Sonic”, a brand new, unreleased track that Barton explained was actually about the restaurant chain “Steak and Shake” and also about the love of her life. The singer stumbled adorably during her performance, accidentally blending the chords of “I Don’t Do Anything” with “Sonic” – a moment that only added to the overall charm of the night. She closed out her set with “If I Were a Fish”, bringing up her partner and fellow musician Corook to sing the song together – a fitting end to an unforgettable set.
Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma
The US leg of The End of the Movie Tour is going on all the way until May 13 in Oakland, CA before Lizzy jets off to Dublin for the European leg of the sold out tour.
French electronic band M83 took over Terminal 5 on Wednesday, April 26, for an unforgettable show that left the venue buzzing with energy. The show was the second of the band’s New York City dates, having performed the previous day. The venue was packed with fans of all ages, ready to experience the once-in-a-lifetime show.
M83, led by frontman Anthony Gonzalez, is mostly known for their synth-pop hits, but they delivered a rock band experience, complete with gripping guitar solos by Gonzalez and a saxophone solo by Ian Young, the band’s talented saxophonist. Throughout the set, Terminal 5 was engulfed in beautiful blue, red, and yellow laser lights.
The show’s production was top-notch, with the crowd interaction being just as impressive. The crowd sang along to the band’s hits, including “My Tears Are Becoming a Sea,” “Wait,” “Solitude” (which is currently big on TikTok), “Amnesia,” and the title track of their new album, “Fantasy.”
M83’s performance was intense, with drum solos and clashing percussion and synths. The band brought a unique energy to the show, giving the performance of their lives. Terminal 5 was left in awe of the band’s electric sound.
Overall, M83’s performance at Terminal 5 was a spectacular experience that will stay with attendees for a long time. The show was sponsored by Wells Fargo, and the venue was engulfed in a captivating laser light show that matched the band’s electrifying sound. Catch M83 on their ongoing tour, which includes stops in several US cities.
Setlist: Intro, Reunion, Do It, Try It, We Own the Sky, Steve McQueen, Wait, Soleil Couchant, Go! Go!, Solitude, Teen Angst, Run into Flowers, My Tears Are Becoming a Sea, Couleurs, Amnesia, Fantasy Encore: Outro, Midnight City
As the legend of Lark Hall continues to grow, the Ryan Montbleau performance from April 20 will be one of the ones they talk about for years to come. An instant classic that showcased everything from rock and blues to funk and folk, eloquent and meaningful storytelling, full band collaborations, over the top guitar solos and even a bit of Marty McFly-type showmanship. Along with a well-received set by the sultry and dynamic female folk singer Kat Wright that included a cover of Bob Marley’s classic song “Burnin’ and Lootin’, being in the Albany room on this night felt like being home for the holidaze.
Fans “packed” into Lark Hall to celebrate 4/20 with Ryan Montbleau
Until recently though, home for Ryan Montbleau has been on the road. After spending more than two decades on tour living out of a suitcase, the critically acclaimed singer/songwriter has finally settled down and purchased property in Burlington, Vermont. Only a short drive to the Albany area, Montbleau has become a regular fixture in the Capital Region music scene. Often playing in Saratoga Springs at venues like Caffe Lena and Putnum Place, over the years Montbleau has shared the stage with everyone from the Tedeski Trucks Band and Mavis Staples, to the Wood Brother and Goose. This night, however, would be his Lark Hall debut.
Here comes the Pain: Ryan Montbleau had the crowd feeling fine while performing “Just Enough Pain”on 4/20
Montbleau, who was dressed in a Todd Snider T-shirt and would perform the majority of the show with a spliff safely tucked behind his ear, addressed the doobious date by saying, “I feel like 4:20 doesn’t mean as much as it used to. These days you can just go down the street and get some gummies and a couple pre-rolls. How rebellious is that?” Opening up with “Just Enough Pain” and passionately singing as if it were the encore, Ryan and the band were dialed in from the start. Repeating the chorus of “I guess I’m fine” until the whole room was saying it too, it was the kind of cathartic start to a show that rarely comes around. The kind that let you know that no matter what other 4/20 shenanigans were happening simultaneously elsewhere, you were exactly where you needed to be and you had picked wisely.
When I Misbehave: Ryan Montbleau rolled into Lark Hall for the first time on 4/20/2023
Playing most of his recently released studio album, 2023’s Wood, Fire, Water, and Air, Ryan Montbleau’s band currently consists of Ex-Turkuaz/current Cool Cool Cool members Craig Brodhead on guitar and Michelangelo Carubba on drums, Paul Philippone from West End Blend on keys, and Michael Friedman from The Slip on bass. Montbleau has gone on record calling them his best band yet, and after working their way through songs like “Ankles,” and fan favorite “75 and Sunny” it’s easy to why. The band would have fans chanting along again on “Yeah Man,” before ripping into the aptly appropriate 4/20 rocker “Sweet, Nice ‘n’ High.” Brodhead’s incredible tone control sounded gorgeous in this room and on this song in particular. You can check out fan shot video it below:
Sweet: Watch fan shot footage of “Sweet, Nice ‘n’ High” from Lark Hall on 4/20
Cooling things off a bit, a stripped down and somber rendition of “Never Gonna Be” gave the audience some time to reflect, while “Long for You Again” explored similar sentiments, but with a notably more up-tempo swing. Ryan would abort the intro of “Til the End of Our Days,” laughing to himself that it sounded too much like the theme song from the 1993 film Free Willy. Then in a moment of priceless crowd participation, fans of the Michael Jackson song briefly started singing the chorus of “Will You Be There.” Things got more serious when Montbleau dusted off a pair of deep-thinkers from 2017’s I was Just Leaving, “Time and Time Again” and the album’s title track.
With a little Help From Friends: The Kat Wright Band performing with Ryan Montbleau on 4/20/23
Then for a special treat, members of the Kat Wright Band would join in on the festivities, lending backing vocals on “When I Misbehave” and on one of the more popular songs of the night, “Bright Side.” Earlier in the evening, Wright had let her feelings about the venue be known, commenting how special this room felt to her. Saying, “Long live Lark Hall. Such a beautiful venue. It feels like slipping into a dream. Back to a time when people cared about storytelling and being together and listening to the music and it’s just so beautiful. I hope it stays open forever.” The heartfelt sentiment was collectively felt by all. The energy level would raise even higher when the band bounced back with a full-on funk attack during “Dead Set,” where chairmen Paul Philippone shinned particularly bright. “Songbird” took on strong Rastafarian vibes, only to be outdone by the most bombastic cover choice of the night in Shaggy’s “It Wasn’t Me.”
This Must Be the Place: The Lark Hall kids loved it when Montbleau channeled his inner Marty McFly on 4/20/23
Putting down his guitar and working both sides of the stage while rapping the lyrics to the turn-of-the-century mega hit, the charismatic Montbleau drove the ladies in the crowd absolutely wild here. Well, “Seeing is believing so you better change your specs.” That’s what fans were thinking during the follow-up cover choice of Talking Heads “This Must Be the Place” when both Montbleau and Brodhead were having so much fun together, they briefly ended up playing guitars while laying on their backs ala Marty McFly in Back to the Future. Considering Lark Hall’s storied Chuck Berry history, it somehow seemed to make sense.
Floored: Guitarist Craig Brodhead laid down a smoking solo during “Naïve Melody” at Lark Hall on 4/20/23
After finding their feet again, the band would go into the song “Affected,” which Montbleau helped write with Maddy O’neal and appears on the 2022 album Ricochet. The boogie down continued with a rippin’ version of “Honeymoon Eyes” and then more full audience participation on “I Can’t Wait,” which brought the main portion of the show to a close and left the packed house hollering for more.
Watch fan shot footage of Ryan Montbleau’s final song at Lark Hall on 4/20
After soaking in the cheers for a few moments, the band would emerge from the curtains with one more heartfelt ballad from Wood, Fire, Water, and Air called “Outside Looking In.” Finally, they would send the audience home on a high note with a smoking rendition of “Pacing Like Prince.”
Just an incredible, fun, and well-rounded performance from start to finish. Complete with a carefully crafted, career spanning setlist, an absolutely badass backing band, guest sit-ins, and his innate ability to develop a wonderfully organic rapport with his audience, it would seem that Ryan Montbleau made the most of his Lark Hall 4:20 debut and may have found a new home away from home in the process. Carving his name into the venue’s growing legend, it genuinely feels like something special happens every time you step foot into Albany’s newest concert spot. If you’re looking for great music, great vibes and a great time, this must be the place indeed-e.
Fans “packed” into Lark Hall on 4/20
Ryan Montbleau | 4/20/2023 | Lark Hall | Albany, NY
Setlist: Just Enough Pain, Ankles, Yeah Man, Sweet, Sweet, Nice ‘n’ High, After Dark, 76 & Sunny, Never Gonna Be, Long For You Again, ‘Til The End of Our Days, Time and Again, I Was Just Leaving, When I Misbehave, Brightside, Dead Set, Songbird, It Wasn’t Me*, This Must Be the Place (Naïve Melody) **, Affected, Honeymoon Eyes, I Can’t Wait
Encore: Outside Looking In, Pacing Like Prince
*Shaggy cover
**Talking Heads cover
Kat Wright | 4/20/2023 | Lark Hall | Albany, NY
Setlist: Can’t Explain, Problems, Lovers & Tides/All About You, Try, Take Me With You, Rhonda, Burnin’ and Lootin’, I’ve Been Down
Following his live performance debut at this year’s Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, Jai Paul traveled East to Queens‘ Knockdown Center on Tuesday, April 25.
It has been over 10 years since Jai released his first single, “BTSTU” on the acclaimed British label, XL Recordings. In that time, his debut project was leaked prematurely (then made officially available), founded a label with his brother, aptly called The Paul Institute, and returned with two new singles.
Due to this mystifyingly sporadic release pattern, it is no surprise his first headlining performance would be to much fanfare (and a consistently lengthy merch line).
Backed by his brother A. K. Paul on guitar, fellow Paul Institute member, Fabiana Palladino on keyboard and backing vocals, Rocco Palladino on bass, and Isaac Kizito on drums, the group performed an hour-long featuring many songs from the aforementioned leaked project (Bait Ones) and a new song titled, “So Long”, which he premiered a week prior in Indio.
Jai had the audience from the start, jumping into “He” after an interlude of “Higher Res”, many in the crowd finally feeling a sense of relief after anticipation of a live performance lurked for over a decade.
Numerous times throughout the night he showed genuine appreciation for the fans sticking with him for this long, repeating “I know I’ve been gone a long time” in the chorus of “BTSTU”.
The show concluded with the sonically expansive track “Str8 Outta Mumbai”, reaching back out to the crowd with the line “but you know I’ll do anything for you” to conclude the song and cathartic performance.
As soon as the Vani Jairam sample hit, the crowd immediately erupted into exhilaration, dancing and bouncing throughout the packed sold-out venue.
Jai Paul returns to his hometown of London, England to perform two shows at HERE @ Outernet on May 9th and 10th.
Jai Paul | Knockdown Center | Queens, NY | April 25, 2023
Setlist: Higher Res, He, Crush, 100,000, So Long, All Night, Zion Wolf Theme, Good Time, Genevieve, Do You Love Her Now, Jasmine, BTSTU, Str8 Outta Mumbai
On Friday April 21st, The Stanley Theater in Utica hosted a memorable musical showdown of two of the most popular rock bands in rock history, the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. Performing the Beatles songs were Abbey Road and The Rolling Stones tribute Satisfaction. Both bands used three costume changes each presenting eras of rock and roll history.
The debate of who stands the greatest began with alternating mini sets of two tribute bands engaging in an on stage mashup duel.
The Beatles are widely characterized as classical traditional pop and rock n roll, the English rock band formed in the 1960’s. Ever since, have been regarded as one of the most influential bands of all time, achieving international and commercial success.
Abbey Road has become one of the most satisfying Beatles tribute acts to this day. Covering all eras including the authentic black suits from the early 60s, Sgt. Peppers regalia and the honorary Abbey Road attire. Recreating and honoring the harmony, charm and wit of the English rock band where they perform the full Beatles experience.
On the other hand, The Rolling Stones were driven by blues, rock, pop and truly defined hard rock n roll culture. Becoming a huge part of youth culture in the 1960’s with their rebellious punk that largely influenced society and revolutionized the music industry.
Satisfaction has become an international tribute show to honor a world known rock band entering their 20th year in production. The cast brings an authentic performance of classical hits from over 50 years of Rolling Stones history.
Both bands hold the name and legacy that defines true rock and roll. The debate and battle between the two persists for over 50 years. Going face to face truly highlighted the band’s history and rivalry.
Abbey Road and Satisfaction put on an outstanding show that left the crowd with a standing ovation. Show comers sang along to every song, while the cast members interacted with the crowd shouting, “Put your hands up!”. It was truly an unforgettable experience to bring the 60’s back to business, to celebrate and honor the legacy of The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.
It was a hazy, high-energy night of other worldly soundscapes, prog-inspired improv, funky dance grooves, and surprise sit-ins in Saratoga Springs on April 19th, as revered indie jam rockers Dopapod and charismatic up-and-comers Baked Shrimp joined forces for a wild time at Putnum Place, a show presented by Hartstone Productions.
Kicking off the festivities was red-hot Long Island crustation sensation Baked Shrimp. The fiery trio wasted no time getting the party going, launching into mythical beast mode early with “Chimera.” “Is this all a dream or am I awake?” crooned guitarist Jared Cowen, as the band magnetically pulled you into an exploratory and surreal type-two realm before the opening 16-minute number would reach its impressive peak.
Drummer Jager Soss would take over on vocal duties during the up-tempo swing of “Molly Ann” and then trade them off to bassist Scott Reill on the equally energetic “Pig Hearts and Mechanical Parts.” Playing this particular show using Dopapod drummer Neal Evans massive kit, Soss was like a kid in a candy store here, clearly having a blast while utilizing all the bells, blocks and cymbals that were at his disposal.
The prog-heavy technical chops of the band were on full display once again during “Missing Midnight,” which by now, everyone that had been standing in the back, had collectively moved forward to get a better look at the young sorcery taking shape before their eyes. Celebrating the one-year anniversary of his custom Forshage guitar, Cowen and his trusty new ax known as “The Wrench” sounded particularly potent during the set closing “Wannabe,” which also included an “I Am The Slime” tease by Frank Zappa for good measure. Despite the time constraints, it was another impressive set by this talented young band from New York. As early believers, tracking Baked Shrimp’s continued growth over the last few years has been an absolute joy and it seems like their hard work is beginning to pay off. With a massive summer ahead that includes making their Peach Festival debut, along with high profile slots at Northlands and The Rye Bread Music Festival, it’s safe to say these talented nice guys are right on the cusp of busting out of their proverbial shells.
After a brief intermission followed by several minutes of sci-fi ambiance, it was finally time for our headliners Dopapod to take over. No stranger to the Putnum Place, the band has played several memorable shows here, including joint gigs with Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, a “Grateful Sabbath” themed Halloween show, and just last year playing a single-song set covering Pink Floyd’s “Echoes.” On the eve of April 20th, it felt like anything was fair game.
Kicking things into high gear off the rip was “Numbers Need Humans” from the bands 2019 album Emit Time. Consisting of Eli Winderman on keys, Rob Compa on guitar, Chuck Jones on bass and Neal “Fro” Evans on drums, Dopapod had the whole room vibing right from the start. The dank grooves continued as the band seamlessly transitioned into the always coveted “New James,” which took on a far more sentimental feel here as Dopapod worked in a significant “Wax” tease, paying tribute to their peers and friends in Lotus. Still fresh in everyone’s mind, fans of both bands continue to grieve the suddenly loss of Lotus’ percussionist Chuck Morris and his son Charley who tragically lost their lives on a recent kayaking trip.
“Wheazy” and “Test of Time” would then follow suit before segueing nicely into “Imaginary Friend.” From there, Dopapod would get some help from a real-life friend in moe. drummer Vinny Amico, who would trade seats with Neal Evans to sink his teeth into “Dracula’s Monk” and bring the hour long first set to a pummeling close.
Following a 25 minute intermission, Putnum Place popped off once again when Dopapod returned with a dynamic “Sonic” > “My Elephant vs. Your Elephant” combo to get the second frame rolling. The band would then invite another longtime friend, Adrian Tramontano of Twiddle/Kung Fu/ The Breakfast fame out to play drums on the popular old-school track “Indian Grits.” The heavy hands of Tramontano both brought the thunder and the house down during his extended solo, wowing the crowd to rowdy new heights.
Accompanied by a spectacular light show, the energy level would go through the roof on the next song “Vol. 3 #86” which would flow through “Man or Machine” and finally land on “Black Holes”; the only song from the band’s latest self-titled studio album to be played on this night.
With just 5 minutes to go before the stroke of midnight, the band opted to go with the appropriate “Nuggy Jawson” to officially ring in the 4/20 holidaze and put a bow on yet another memorable performance at the Putnum.
A jam packed show from start to finish, in a room full of longtime fans and friends, complete with surprise sit-ins from members of moe. and Twiddle, it was everything you could have hoped for on this mid-week throwdown in Saratoga Springs. Up next for Dopapod, the band will take a few weeks off before returning to the road for a lengthy run of shows that will see them through the end of May. Their only confirmed summer festival appearance thus far is set for the last weekend in June at the annual High Sierra Music Fest in Quincy, California.
Dopapod | 04/19/2023 | Putnam Place | Saratoga Springs, NY
Set I: Numbers Need Humans >New James * ->Wheazy, Test of Time ^ > Imaginary Friend. Dracula’s Monk +
Set 2: Sonic ^ -> My Elephant vs. Your Elephant, Indian Grits %, Vol. 3 #86 > Man or Machine -> Black Holes
Encore: Nuggy Jawson
* Wax (Lotus) tease
^ Unfinished
+ with Vinnie Amico of moe. on drums
% with Adrian Tramontano of Twiddle, The Breakfast, and Kung Fu on drums
Baked Shrimp | 04/19/2023 | Putnam Place | Saratoga Springs, NY
Setlist: Chimera, Molly Ann -> Pig Hearts and Mechanical Parts, Missing Midnight, Wannabe*
Brooklyn locals PEAK stopped by The Sultan Room in Bushwick on Thursday, April 20th for a hometown gig packed with friends and family. The show was in support of fellow jam band Magic Beans, but the room filled in early with PEAK fans who danced and sang along to the entire set. Frontman Jeremy Hilliard and crew cranked up the energy of the room for nearly an hour, playing older songs as well as unreleased material.
PEAK began as Hilliard writing and performing music outside of his time as guitarist and vocalist for the band Turbine. This work culminated into PEAK’s 2018 debut album, Electric Bouquet. The album garnered critical acclaim in the jam scene, attracting an accomplished array of musicians to join Hilliard. Today, the band rounds out with Kito Bovenschulte on drums, Josh T. Carter on bass, and Johnny Young on keys and vocals. In 2021, the boys from Brooklyn released their sophomore record, Choppy Water.
At The Sultan Room in Brooklyn, PEAK proved they were here to stay. Hilliard and company seamlessly feed off of each other on the live stage, going in and out of extended jams without skipping a beat or ever allowing the music to become stale. Their fans bring great energy as well, dancing and grooving along to whatever PEAK was willing to feed them. One of the standout moments of the set, was when PEAK began playing new song “Summer”, but transitioned into “Merry Go Round” with a “Summer” reprise in the back end. Another example of the group being able to make sharp turns within the live performance of a song, and doing so with finesse.
PEAK continue on with shows and festival stops in the coming months. They will be at Wescott in Syracuse on April 29th, and return to New York later this summer with shows at Snug Harbor in New Paltz on June 9th, and Yasgur’s Road Reunion in Bethel on August 12th. Head over to the PEAK’s website for their full tour details, and check out the photo gallery from The Sultan Room below.
On Thursday, April 20th the Fruit Bats returned to New York City, having not played on the island of Manhattan in three years. The East Village’s beloved Webster Hall slowly filled with an eclectic crowd.
Photograph by Emma Dowd
People of all ages mingled and spoke about their relationships to the band, as they sipped wine and other elixirs. The energy was timid and sweet, emulating the same experience the Fruit Bats create with their sound.
Photograph by Emma Dowd
Hums of conversation and the movement on the floor fell to a still hush when the openers, H.C. McEntire took to the stage. The lights glowed golden and a light fog rolled onto the crowd, as the lead singer transitioned the night into an experience. Slowly, each instrument organically introduced itself into the song. Multiple guitars, a bass guitar, and a percussion set melded together to create a culmination of bluegrass and folk. The audience was entranced as they drank in the band’s filling guitar riffs, and weighty vocals.
Photograph by Emma Dowd
When H.C. McEntire humbly exited the stage, they were rewarded with hoot and holler applause. After a half an hour set change, the Fruit Bats made their way onto stage. Each band member made themselves comfortable behind their instruments. The keyboardist, Frank LoCastro, even poured himself a tall glass of red wine. Multi-instrumentalist Josh Mease, bassist David Dawda, and drummer Josh Adams situated themselves as their lead singer, Eric Johnson, approached the mic. He greeted New York City warmly, expressing his gratitude for having returned to “the big island.”
The show commenced with Johnson’s raw voice dueting with the melody pulled by the guitar. The first lyric to be sung was from their song, “The Pet Parade”: Hello from me to all you out there. The crowd waved back to Johnson, their swaying hands casted a moving pattern of shadows across the notorious Webster velvet drapes that frame the stage.
The Fruit Bats’ sound felt like a location. It held a midwestern kindness that could not be missed, as they performed songs tributing their roots in Chicago, Illinois. Though, the music was transient. As Johnson told stories through his lyrics, the audience was brought along with him to his muses. The journey was a long one, given that the setlist expanded over a vast culmination of records dating back to 1997.
Photograph by Emma DowdPhotograph by Emma Dowd
The band performed songs from Johnson’s early career all through their newest record, “A River Running To Your Heart,” that was released last week. The record’s first debut to the world happened in New York City. Johnson asked if the crowd minded if they played something new. The audience welcomed the proposition with open arms and open minds, as they listened to the fresh record. He sang of “proverbial shame,” “chosen family,” and the thread of most albums “love.”
Photograph by Emma Dowd
The show concluded peacefully, the audience fulfilled and the Fruit Bats doused in gratification. Claps and utters of “thank you’s” vibrated in the crowd. Their goodbye was swift as they stilled their instruments and waved to their listeners as they made their way backstage. The stage emptied and the lights came on, but the crowd stayed awhile. Ushered to the bar, they stayed carrying on the story of the music they just heard.
Unknown Mortal Orchestra continued their four show run at New York City’s Webster Hall this past Friday night, April 14. Continuing through Sunday to complete their New York stop on The V Tour.
Throughout the night, the group led by Ruban Nielson, blasted through songs from all of their albums, self-titled to the recently released V.
The show slowly ramped up with only a solo keyboardist playing a minimal piano track, leading into the rest of the band coming out on stage to perform the newest album’s opener, The Garden. Some songs seamlessly transitioned between one another, leading to a perpetual sense of musical cohesion.
The whole night felt like a family get together. From the familial themes sung about on V to Ruban’s brother Kody on drums, even their Dad regularly emerging to play saxophone, among a variety of other brass instruments.
Alongside their original material, two memorable covers joined the setlist. The group played The Grateful Dead’s “Shakedown Street” and Billy Joel’s “Movin’ Out,” the latter being a first. The band’s unique melding of psychedelia, rock, and funk blended astonishingly well with these two songs.
The V tour continues on in North America this week, concluding in Boston, before traveling overseas for the remainder of the summer.
Unknown Mortal Orchestra | Webster Hall | New York, NY | April 15, 2023
Setlist: The Garden, From the Sun / Secret Xtians, Swim and Sleep (Like a Shark), Weekend Run, The Opposite of Afternoon, Thought Ballune / Little Blu House, Necessary Evil / Monki, Ministry of Alienation, In the Rear View, Nadja, So Good at Being in Trouble / Waves of Confidence, Layla, Multi-Love
Encore: Meshuggah, Shakedown Street (Grateful Dead cover), Like Acid Rain, Movin’ Out (Billy Joel cover), That Life, Hunnybee, Can’t Keep Checking My Phone
(Note: The tour had a film-only policy for photographers)
Caroline Rose delivered a truly captivating performance at Webster Hall in New York City on April 16. The concert was in support of her latest album, The Art of Forgetting, which was released just a few weeks prior on March 24th.
Caroline Rose Performs at Webster Hall, Photography by David Reichmann
The opening act for the concert was Hammydown, a talented musician who delivered a powerful set that warmed up the crowd perfectly for the headliner. Hammydown, who identifies as a trans musician, took a moment during their set to discuss the importance of representation and how Caroline had been their best friend in helping them record their album and feel safe on tour. This touching moment only added to the sense of community and connection that was present throughout the night. Their statements brought big cheers from the New York audience.
Hammydown Performs at Webster Hall, Photography by David Reichmann
One of the most striking aspects of the show was Caroline’s decision to play the entire first set in front of large panels that hid her band, with lighting that showed only the silhouettes of her bandmates. This gave the performance a unique and mysterious quality, which only added to the already electric atmosphere. The band performed the latest album in its entirety. Caroline joked, “This is the kind of album that will be considered a classic in five years.”
Caroline Rose Crowd Surfs at Webster Hall, Photography by David Reichmann
Returning to the stage for her encore, Caroline removed the panels to showcase her talented band, and the energy in the room surged even higher. It was clear that Caroline had carefully thought out every aspect of her performance, from the setlist to the visuals, to create an unforgettable experience for her fans.
Caroline Rose at Webster Hall, Photography by David Reichmann
One of the most memorable moments of the night was when Caroline walked through the crowd during the encore as she performed. She then crowd surfed, wearing a blissful smile as she floated through the venue with her arms outstretched. This demonstrated her connection to her fans, and it was clear that the feeling was mutual, as the crowd was absolutely wild with excitement.
Caroline Rose walks through the crowd at Webster Hall, Photography by David Reichmann
Overall, Caroline Rose delivered an outstanding performance that left a lasting impression on all those in attendance. Her attention to detail and willingness to take risks in her performance paid off in spades, making this a show that will not soon be forgotten. If you have the opportunity to see Caroline Rose in concert, do not hesitate – it is an experience you won’t want to miss.
Caroline Rose’s North American tour continues, and you can see her upcoming tour dates here. Be sure to check out her latest album here, and listen to Hammydown’s music here.
