FOIA Love: A Comedy and Bluegrass Show About Public Records, is making its one-night Troy debut on October 22 at the Arts Center of the Capital Region. The show is a comedy and music performance, with all humor inspired by actual public documents, such as FCC complaints about Big Bang Theory being too violent, FBI profiles of sports stars, and misguided visa rejections.
The show’s musical performances feature Grammy-nominee Tristan Scroggins, Martha McDonnell (Broadway’s Girl From the North Country), and BB Bowness (winner of the Steve Martin Banjo Prize). The show was written by Curtis Raye, who spent eight years working in Washington D.C. and on Iowa’s presidential caucus. This gave his access to observe the inherent comedy in public records, spanning school board meetings and court testimony, to real White House menus.
Tristan Scroggins was recently featured on the Grammy-nominated The John Hartford Fiddle Tune Project, Vol. 1. A native of Albequerque and Denver, he is now based in the historical music city of Nashville, where he is a leading voice of bluegrass and mandolin music.
Credit: Nico Humby
FOIA Love has had successful shows at landmark spots across the country, from Los Angeles’s UCB Theater, to the Newseum in Washington, D.C. Performers will read from real, unintentionally funny public records, as elite musical talents add their skill to tunes inspired by topics revealed in the documents.
FOIA Love: A Comedy and Bluegrass Show About Public Records will be on October 22, 2023 at 6pm at the Arts Center of the Capital Region, located at 265 River St, Troy, NY 12180.
Tickets start at $25 and are available at foialove.com. For questions or inquiries contact foiacomedy@gmail.com.
Willie Nelson brought his Outlaw Music Festival to Saratoga for a late-summer jam session. With a tour that celebrates Willie’s lifelong musical genius and his legacy of hits, this tour seems extra special as Willie turned a remarkable 90 years old this year. The show brings an “Outlaw Village” with it, which is a little village of vendors that travel with the festival. And there is certainly a festival vibe as attendees ate and partied all throughout SPAC’s beautiful grounds.
The evening opened with Waylon Payne playing a solo acoustic set of country and bluegrass. (Particle Kid (Willie’s Nelson’s son’s group) was not there to start the night off.) Highlights from Payne’s set include an excellent cover of Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire,” and Payne’s own classic “Born to Lose.” Payne was genuinely thankful to be performing and expressed that gratitude many times. Payne showed up later in the night as Willie’s right hand man during Willie’s set. A good night for Waylon Payne.
Los Lobos was up next. It’s unfortunate that the festival was held on a week night. Even though it was Friday, it was slow to fill and was still visibly empty when Los Lobos took the stage. They handled it like the classic professionals they are though and put on a hell of a set. Even with attendance low, one could look anywhere in the amphitheater and see people dancing to Los Lobos’ hits. With what had to be a nod to Bobby Weir, they opened with their song “Will the Wolf Survive?”. They followed that up with Three Midniters’ “Love Special Delivery.” The standout for the set was the set closing “La Bomba” segueing into The Olympics’ “Good Lovin’” and then back into “La Bomba.” With the set opening and closing with a nod to Mr. Weir, the crowd was warmed up indeed!
Hitting the stage next was The String Cheese Incident. Having been 20 or so years since this listener last saw SCI, it was special to hear them open with “Smile.” Michael Kang busted out his violin and the jam took off into classic Outlaw territory. With a blend of deep cuts and new tunes, it was good to hear these guys again. The highlight for this listener was the 20ish minutes of “Missing Me” segueing into “Just One Story.” Looking around the venue, one could see many Friends of Cheese dancing to the jams.
Setlist: Smile, Get Tight, Suntan, Barstool, Missin’ Me, Just One Story, Bhangra Saanj, Can’t Stop Now.
While this constant listener is not an old-school Deadhead with hundreds of Grateful Dead shows under his belt, but I have been listening to them for about 40 years now, and they remain in regular rotation at my home and in my car. Having been at this show, and from seeing chatter online, what occurred with the Bobby set this evening was one hell of a Dead set. Bobby Weir and the Wolf Bros Featuring the Wolfpack dropped an incredible set of music on SPAC. The Wolfpack brings horns to jam. Drop a horn section into a “Dark Star”, a slow-building “Dark Star”, and magic happens. Add a “West LA Fade Away”, a “Wharf Rat”, and wrap it up with a “Sugar Magnolia” and you have one incredible set. And all this fails to mention the “El Paso”, the “Greatest Story Ever Told”, and the “New Speedway Boogie”! Listen to this set over Nugs.Net, and don’t you think of skipping that “Lost Sailor” with horns!
Setlist: Bertha, Greatest Story Ever Told, Dark Star, El Paso, Lost Sailor, Saint of Circumstance, West LA Fadeaway, New Speedway Boogie, Wharf Rat, Sugar Magnolia
To cap the evening off, Willie Nelson came on stage and amazed the crowd with his never-ending charisma and charm. His opening number “Whiskey River” segued into “Stay All Night (Stay a Little Longer).” Listening to Willie is always a trip down Nostalgia Lane. He has written so many classic tunes, it’s mind-blowing. Highlights for this listener were “Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to be Cowboys”, “On the Road Again” and that all-time classic “Always on My Mind” (written by Wayne Carson, Johnny Christopher, and Mark James).
The patience shown by die-hard fans waiting for their statesman Willie Nelson paid off that evening. Sitting through the noodle-ly dancing of the Cheese- and Deadheads, fans were now saying they were glad that people were sitting so they could see Willie on stage. Willie was remarkable. At 90 years of age, he came out on stage unassisted, sat and played for an hour, and then left after waving and throwing his bandana into the crowd. Imagine catching Willie Nelson’s bandana? What a keepsake!
Setlist: Whiskey River (Johnny Bush cover), Stay a Little Longer (Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys cover), Still Is Still Moving to Me, Bloody Mary Morning, I Never Cared for You, Workin’ Man Blues (Merle Haggard and The Strangers cover), Mamas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys, Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground, On the Road Again, Always On My Mind, Good Hearted Woman (Waylon Jennings cover), Help Me Make It Through the Night (Kris Kristofferson cover) (Waylon Payne – lead vocals), Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die, Still Not Dead, Georgia (On My Mind) (Hoagy Carmichael and His Orchestra cover), I Been to Georgia on a Fast Train (Billy Joe Shaver cover), Write Your Own Songs (Willie Nelson & Kris Kristofferson cover), Move It on Over (Hank Williams With His Drifting Cowboys cover), Me and Bobby McGee (Kris Kristofferson cover), Will the Circle Be Unbroken? (William MacEwan cover) (with Bob Weir), I’ll Fly Away (Rev. J.M. Gates cover) (with Bob Weir), It’s Hard to Be Humble (Mac Davis cover), Saw the Light
For more than a quarter century, Damn Sam Productions has held Harvest Festival and Freedom Fair in locations throughout Eastern New York and the Catskills. Now, the festival has found a home in Trumansburg, just outside of Ithaca, giving solid ground for the October 6-9 celebration of music and cannabis culture.
The 2023 lineup features Skeleton Keys, Dogs in a Pile (2 sets Friday), Immortal Technique, The Garcia Project, and Sophistafunk, but as promoter Rob Robinson notes, “The headliner of Harvest Fest has always been cannabis.”
Add to the music lineup plenty of pro-cannabis speakers and vendors – among them, Tim Tyler, sentenced to life in prison for possession/distribution of LSD under a federal three-strikes law, and later saw his life sentence commuted by President Obama.
Also speaking at this year’s Harvest Fest and Freedom Fair is Donnie Greenthumb, who has been growing medical marijuana for decades, starting out working in a greenhouse at 13 years old, where he learned organic tricks, compost teas, and the importance of soil ph. At 20 years old he wrote for High Times Magazine with John Holmstrom and from the years 1989-2015, he assisted with writing 187 articles about basic questions, problems with growing, and how to get started in the great outdoors. He also wrote about pests and diseases in the Horticulture Medical Growers Bible by Jorge Cervantes. Donnie has had various discussions with many different cultivators throughout the region and brings a great deal of knowledge to a state that is now allows citizens to grow their own.
With these speakers, Harvest Festival and Freedom Fair continues a legacy of music and activism that is now more than a quarter century strong.
History of Harvest Fest
Starting out in Beacon, Damn Sam Productions held an initial event in 1991 dubbed ‘HempSplash’ at Arrowhead Ranch in the Catskills, and after four years, an offshoot festival, Harvest Fest, was held in Modena, NY at an apple orchard.
The festival would move around over the last two decades, holding the event in the small towns of Earlton, Warrensburg, Afton, Bainbridge, hill towns near Oneonta, Camp Minglewood (which would later host Catskill Chill for five years), Monticello, New Berlin, the Washington County Fairgrounds in Saratoga Springs, and finally, Trumansburg, at the home of Grassroots Festival.
Being that this was the 1990s, a drug culture festival being held at a time when cannabis was not nearly as prevalent as it is today, nor legal anywhere in America, was a risky move, but this was part of founder Rob Robinson’s vision – to rally cannabis allies together for a ‘protestival.’
At these early festivals, the speakers now amount to a ‘who’s who’ of cannabis culture – Jack Herer, Ask Ed Rosenthal, “Saint” Steven and Ida May Gaskin (the modern day mother of midwifery in America, also ran a commune in Tennessee), and Pete Seeger all took part in Harvest Festival and Freedom Fairs over the last 25 years. Seeger in particular was a tough sell to play the event – Robinson knew him from growing up in Beacon, and Pete always declined. But after 16 years, Pete said to Rob “You don’t belong in jail, I’ll play your event.” And with that, the legend who wrote “Where Have All the Flowers Gone” and “Which Side Are You On?” took his well worn voice and shared it at Harvest Fest.
Harvest Festival even attracted national attention with Peter Jennings from ABC news arriving at the second annual event to film a segment that would be aired as “Pot of Gold.” Featuring footage from Cannabis Cup, you could see scenes from Harvest Fest, yet there were no interviews or faces seen in the episode. When Robinson and his team reached out to ask why the footage wasn’t used, they said simply that they didn’t want to be the reason they went to jail. The mid-1990s were a time when New York State still held cannabis as a criminalized drug and Rockefeller Drug Laws were in effect, meaning Robinson and others could have faced 15-25 years in prison.
All over the use of a plant that has killed no one.
The Musical Legacy of Harvest Fest
The last 25 years of Harvest Fest has seen an amazing number of musicians make their way to the event: Cabinet, Pete Seeger, Richie Havens, Melvin Seals and the Persuasions, Ghostface Killah, George Clinton & the 420 Funk Mob, Hamilton Morris, Immortal Technique, dead prez, Alex & Alison Grey, The Wailers, Bluestar Radiation, New Riders of the Purple Sage, Dead Milkmen, Levon Helm, Particle, High Times Cannabis Cup Band, Col. Bruce Hampton, Fishbone, John Kadlecik, Ike Willis, Ed Mann, Napoleon Murphy Brock, DJ Logic, The Real Radio Rahim, Frankie Bones, DANK, Queen Mother (wife of Baba Olatunji), Max Creek, ecoustic hookah, Moonalice, The David Nelson Band, Tony Vacca & World Rhythms with Massamba Diop, Garth Hudson & The Dharma Bums, Vassar Clements, Buddy Cage, Steve Hagar, Dogs in a Pile, Deep Banana Blackout and many, many more.
Add to the list this year’s headliner, Skeleton Keys, the keyboard centric electronic exploration of the Grateful Dead, will feature founder Alex Mazur (Gratefully Yours), Aron Magner (Disco Biscuits, Billy and the Kids), Chris J. English (Sam Grisman Project, FUNKNUT) and Tom Pirozzi (Ominous Seapods, Lo Faber), plus sets by Immortal Technique, The Garcia Project, Sophistafunk and many more, and the full music festival aspect is locked down and continuing to deliver memorable sets and join a pantheon of past performers.
Never Straying from the Original Mission
The original goal of Harvest Festival was to raise money for lobbying in favor of hemp and cannabis legalization. This being in the 1990s, the pitch to legalize cannabis, let alone hemp, was a tough sell and would lead to decades of activism by the New York Cannabis Action Network, later renamed the New York Cannabis Alliance. This continual activism led Rob Robinson to serve as NORML state chair for 5 years in the 1990s, and being twice named High Times Freedom Fighter of the Year.
With legalization, the mission of the festival has evolved. For an event that was started under prohibition and continued to be run that way, Robinson admits “it’s not the best way to judge cannabis, but it is the funnest way to judge cannabis.” Over the years, production value has risen as the event has evolved into being a true festival, putting the focus on the music and celebration, and not just legalization and activism, although the latter still exist in this American cultural event.
Every person wants to change their conscientiousness – some do it through religion, some through exercise, some through substances, some through all three.
Rob Robinson
With prohibition ending in many states (24 have fully legalized), and the medical value becoming clear (38 states allow medical use) the mission encourages folks to explore and embrace the benefits of cannabis.Yet lobbying wise, there is still a black market and mis-management of the dispensary license process has held back progress for the cannabis industry in New York. The new focus is on other drugs being decriminalized, with a focus on this being a land of the free.
The 26th year of Harvest Fest and beyond
One of the only festivals in 2020 to be held during Covid, Robinson notes there were no infections and the festival held like a ‘Drive In’ event, which helped the festival sustain that year and led to continued growth, unabated.
The 2022 location, the Washington County Fairgrounds, was looking to have Harvest Fest return, but with Cannabis being illegal federally, the location had some issues that led to the event needing to be moved to Trumansburg, out of necessity.
“The Ithaca scene is totally different, and a part of NY Harvest Fest has not visited yet. The cannabis part of the Finger Lakes is huge and always has been (likewise the Catskill Mountains), so we’re bringing Harvest Fest to cannabis activists and growers who have been ‘in the closet’ for 30 years.”
Cannacup at Camp Minglewood
Harvest Fest will take place in Trumansburg, NY over October 6-9, 2023, offering a way for people to commune over a shared love of cannabis and all it has to offer. As Robinson puts it, cannabis is the “non-lethal alternative to alcohol and tobacco,” and when joined by the music lined up for the festival, a momentous celebration of freedom is on tap this fall in the Finger Lakes.
Hailing from New York’s Finger Lakes Region, The Endless Mountain Derelicts released their third full-length EP in August, titled Good Got Damn. The group is an all-original blend of alternative, country, classic rock, folk, and punk, or a self-described mountain rock. EMD cites a blue collar, original yet familiar sound as inspiration for Good Got Damn. The EP features six tracks, all distinct yet with a strong style indicative of their passion and intensity.
The opening track, “State Lines,” starts out strong with energized, gritty vocals. The minor key and consistent backing vocals create a depth to the track that shows the group’s skill and unity.
The EP’s second track, “Ain’t It A Shame,” follows with an acoustic base and melancholy lyrics, leading into another energized, belting chorus. The vocals stay reserved during verses, but the energy and passion is released in the strong chorus.
“Light That Fuse” stands out creatively as a key track on the record. In this track, the group shows off their versatility in structure. The song has a strong, memorable hook in the chorus’s “light that fuse and run.”
Overall, The Endless Mountain Derelict’s Good Got Damn is a strong display of their unique style and passion. Their use of drums and creative syncopation is a key component that stands out across the board, as the arrangements strongly feature percussion. Additionally, the vocals show off an intense grit, which is a strong way to add character to a track, but finds its way to being a hallmark of EMD’s style.
The group carries an ethos of blue collar, lively inclusivity, which shines through in both their lyrics and sound. The group’s third full length release, Good Got Damn is a passionate combination of soulful lyrics and skilled musicianship.
The 11thSummer Hoot was held August 25-27 at the Ashokan Center in Olivebridge, NY. Three days of family, friendship, camping, combined with music, music, music. Two performance stages (affectionally named Toshi and Pete after the Seegers), located at the base of Hoot Hill, showcased a plethora of local and national acts.
The Mammals
Tucked away in a lower-level location the Magical Music Campground hosted the Jubilee Jam tent. Jams ran continuously day and night for the many who brought instruments with them.
Jubilee Jam Tent
The Hoot utilizes the entire Ashokan Center. Music isn’t confined to specific performance locations. At the instrument petting zoo, the young (and young at heart) could be found creating their own special sounds. Impromptu collaborations were popping up everywhere you turned. Even backstage, musicians arriving could be seen joining in with those warming up before their set.
Future musician at the instrument petting zoo
Nature did not sit by silently for the Hoot. Floating on the sweet Hudson Valley air the rippling sounds of the Esopus Creek filled your ears while strolling through the grounds. With the setting of the sun, the crickets would emerge to accompany the music flowing from the stage, chirping in rhythm.
Jordan Hamilton
The Summer Hoot performers included The Shaker (feat. Simi Stone) opening the Hoot on Friday evening. Brooklyn-based Oliva K and the Parkers playing twice, on Friday and Saturday. Kingston’s Pulso De Barro sharing their Son Jarocho style of music. The City Stompers giving an exhibition of Appalachian Clogging with Furnace Mountain supplying the musical backdrop.
The City Stomperswith Furnace Mountain
Saturday night a bonfire singalong took people into the late evening. As the clock struck midnight, Cellist Jordan Hamilton performed an intimate set in the Pewter Shop. If you had the energy, the late-night jam at the Magical Music campground took you till the morning light.
Mike Merenda and Ruthy Ungar
To reach 11 years for an event is not an easy thing. The effort is huge. Without co-creators Mike (Merenda) and Ruthy (Ungar) none of this would be possible. To say they are the heart and soul of the Hoot is an understatement.
Pulso De Barro
Across the three day these two are going nonstop. Greeting everyone, introducing performers, and sitting in with many performers. Topping it off their band The Mammals closed out the Toshi stage Saturday night.
Oliva K and the Parkers
On the face of it, the Hoot is all about the music. But there is so much more. Creativity plays a special part. From original songs shared, yoga and breathwork sessions to calm your soul, along with food and crafts offered by local artisans.
Cole Quest & the City Pickers
Drawing from the Ashokan Center, the spirit of family and community is another cog that makes up the Summer Hoot. Many people brought their young children. Some people even brought their own parents. If you didn’t know the person next to you it did not matter. Everyone is family when you are at the Hoot.
Families enjoying the Summer Hoot
A musical chord can be referred to as a triad. Three notes played together achieving a harmonious outcome. The combination of music, creativity, and the spirit of family and community construct the chord that is The Summer Hoot.
The Park Theater Foundation has announced its lineup of events for September, which includes Sydney Worthley, Big Eyed Phish, a local showcase of more Capital Region artists, and even a comedy night.
The Park Theater was the first movie theater in Glens Falls upon its opening in 1911. In 1937 the theater was converted into a printing plant for the Glens Falls Post, and it was changed back to a performing arts center in 1984. After renovations in 2014, it reopened as a theater in 2018. The venue’s mission statement is that it would like to enhance the community and quality of life in Glens Falls by providing a venue for affordable entertainment and educational opportunities.
For the full performance listing or to purchase tickets, visit here.
Upcoming Events
Sept. 2-“Rewind At The Park”
The Park Theater Foundation presents “Rewind At The Park” featuring Big Eyed Phish (The Dave Matthews Tribute Band). Based out of Rochester, they are the only touring full eight-piece Dave Matthews Band Tribute in the country. Sing along to all your favorites and experience an unforgettable evening of music! Tickets are $20, and the day of the show is $25, with doors opening at 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 14-“Live & Local: Songwriter’s Showcase”
The Park Theater Foundation presents “Live & Local: Songwriters’ Showcase” – an intimate evening featuring some of the Capital Region’s favorite songwriters. Hosted by performer, producer, and engineer, Josh Morris, these artist-in-the-round performances allow audiences to hear local musicians’ songs and the stories behind them. This month’s artists include Josh Morris, Luke Pascarella, J. Lee White & Caitlin Barker. Tickets are $10, with day of the show tickets at $15. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 21-“Third Thursday Jazz”
Experience some of the best jazz music in the Capital Region with “Third Thursday Jazz” with The Matt Niedbalski Trio featuring Adam Siegel (saxophonist) and Jason Emmond (bass). Tickets are $10, with doors opening at 7 p.m.
Sept. 27-Listening Party
The Park Theater Foundation hosts the Rochmon Record Club for a series of listening parties. Hosted by Chuck Vosganian, this listening party will focus on David Bowie’s The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (1972). Tickets are $12, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 29- “Comedy After Dark”
The Park Theater Foundation presents ‘Comedy After Dark’ featuring highly-acclaimed New York-based comedian, Gabe Mollica. He is bringing his hit Off-Broadway comedy show to the Arts & Entertainment Gateway of the Adirondacks for the first time. Directed by Greg Walloch (Hasan Minhaj’s Homecoming King), Gabe Mollica’s Solo explores male friendship in his 30s. Tickets are $22, with day of the show being $25. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 30-“The Park Presents”
The Park Theater Foundation presents “The Park Presents” featuring alt-Americana artist, Caleb Caudle, with special guest, Sydney Worthley, live on Sept. 30, 2023. Heavily driven by songwriting, Caleb Caudle blurs the lines of folk, roots, country, and bluegrass. He has made appearances at Merlefest, Cayamo Cruise, Luck Reunion, and Mountain Stage. Sydney Worthley is an indie pop artist from Albany. Tickets are $15, with the day of the show being $20. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.
In a blazing whirlwind of country charisma, Lainey Wilson swept onto the stage at the New York State Fair‘s grand opening with an energy that ignited the night. The anticipation leading up to her performance was palpable, fueled by recent news of her meteoric rise in the music industry. Fresh off the heels of her breakthrough year, the Yellowstone Actress and Country Music Artist showed us exactly why she’s become a household name.
The New York State Fair, known for its rich history and large-scale celebrations, was the perfect setting for Wilson’s record-breaking concert attendance. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the massive crowd came to life, ready to experience a musical journey led by the the artist who has brought flare to the country music world by storm.
This past year has been a whirlwind of success for Lainey Wilson. From her chart-topping singles to her captivating performances, she has effortlessly woven her way into the hearts of country music enthusiasts worldwide. Her resume speaks volumes about the authenticity and artistry she brings to her craft. Standing among the roaring crowd at the NYS Fair, it was clear that Wilson’s star was still on the rise, burning brighter than ever before.
As the night unfolded, Wilson seamlessly navigated between her hits, old and new. Her dynamic stage presence and charisma kept the audience engaged from the first note to the last. The setlist was a blend of foot-stomping anthems like “Roadrunner” and soul-stirring ballads, showcasing the depth and versatility of her musical prowess. Whether she was belting out the infectious “Things a Man Oughta Know” or tugging at heartstrings with “Watermelon Moonshine,” Wilson’s emotional connection with her lyrics was palpable.
Lainey Wilson’s recently was the most nominated female artist getting 7 nominations for the People’s Choice Country Awards. Partnering up with Wrangler for a fashion collection also further underscored her influence in the world of music. Her ability to bridge the gap between traditional country roots and a contemporary sound has struck a chord with fans of all generations. This was evident as the crowd, spanning various age groups, sang along to every lyric, proving that Wilson’s music transcends boundaries.
In the end, as the final notes reverberated through the night air, it was clear that Lainey Wilson had left an indelible mark on the New York State Fair and its attendees. Her record-breaking concert attendance (53,200 fans) is a testament to her soaring popularity and the connection she has forged with her listeners. As we left the grandstand, the echoes of her performance lingered, a reminder of the power of music to unite and uplift.
In a world where music can be a guiding light, Lainey Wilson’s NYS Fair performance was a shining example of the magic that happens when an exceptional artist connects with their audience.
On the heels of 2022’s Brightside album, the The Lumineers have hit the road again. August 22, with James Bay joining the fray, they made their way to Darien Lake Amphitheatre for an evening of Americana music.
After playing small gigs, open mic nights, and struggling to make ends meet under various monikers, The Lumineers were “formed” when an emcee misspoke during an introduction. Although Wesley Schultz and Jeremiah Fraites had been playing together since 2002, a working name never really happened until this mishap.
12 years after their first single, “Ho Hey” was released, The Lumineers now have 4 studio albums, 4 headliner tours, and millions of fans worldwide, in addition to a couple Grammy nominations. Of those millions of fans, a plethora of them showed up for the show at Darien Lake and sang their hearts out.
Before they were able to sing along with Jeremiah and Wesley, fans were treated to 40-minute set from English songwriter, James Bay. Very subdued in his own right, Bay had the attention of the fans who were filing into their seats in anticipation of the nights headliner.
With 3 albums and a couple EPs to his name, Bay has been nominated for a montage of music awards and has won a 7 British music awards since 2015, including Best New Act, Breakthrough Solo Artist, and Best British Solo Artist. Around 7:30pm, he let the crowd know why he has won those awards.
Classic Americana style, Bay rocked his guitar as he opened his set with “Best Fake Smile”. A song seemingly about standing up for yourself and having a voice, topics very prevalent in society.
No, you don’t have to wear your best fake smile Don’t have to stand there and burn inside Oh, oh, oh If you don’t like it
Although an opening act, the fans reactions and ability to follow along make it clear that he is a respected musician and very much a headlining act on his own.
After a 45-minute break to reset the stage and get things in order, the stage goes dark. Intermittently, we get some loud drums from the loudspeakers, timed up with stage lights to welcome The Lumineers. This goes on for about a minute or so as anticipation builds for the band make an entrance. Cell phones up high hoping to catch a glimpse or record a video clip, fans were eager.
Finally, a few minutes later, you can see an entourage of silhouettes making their way into position. The time has come to go nuts. Lights go on across the stage set and Wesley Schultz and crew announce their arrival with 2016s “Cleopatra,” “Flowers in Your Hair,” and the big “Ho Hey.”
With a stage full of musicians, there was never a shortage of entertainment to keep an eye on, or at least try to. Jeremiah Fraites ( drums/percussion, piano, mandolin, vocals), Stelth Ulvang (piano, keys, accordion, mandolin, guitar, percussion, vocals), Byron Isaacs (bass, guitar, vocals), Brandon Miller (guitar, mandolin, percussion), and Lauren Jacobsen (strings, piano, vocals). This line up screams excitement, and The Lumineers brought it all night long, with each musician displaying their talents. There wasn’t a single person here that didn’t bring the energy, and they all had a blast on stage.
Covering a good set of shows at Darien Lake this summer, I have heard some loud fans singing along with the acts. But, let me tell you this. The fans for this show blew everyone else away. There was no competition. During at least three songs, the crowd was so loud, it nearly drowned out the act on stage. Songs like “Gloria” and “Ophelia” were echoed right back to Wesley and Jeremiah as they belted out the lyrics.
Combining pop with classic Americana and a little bluegrass may not seem the norm. However, this group of amazing artists have been making it work for several years now, and there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight. Wesley as gathered a strong support group around him and Jeremiah and the cohesive chemistry you see on the stage is flawless. While I have heard the music before, I would have never called myself a fan. After seeing the performance with nearly 20 thousand other fans, I am hooked. Stage presence, subtle sounds, and high energy are keys to a good show, and The Lumineers put all of that and then some on display.
Set list: Cleopatra, Flowers in Your Hair, Ho Hey, Angela, WHERE ARE WE, Dead Sea, A.M. Radio, My Cell, Slow it Down, Charlie Boy, BRIGHTSIDE, Gloria, Sleep on The Floor, Ophelia, Leader of the Landslide/You Can’t Always Get What You Want, Salt and Sea, Birthday, Big Parade, Donna, Submarines, Remington, Reprise, Stubborn Love
54 years ago, Max Yasger leased out a farm field he owned for what would turn out to be one of, if not, the most noted music festivals in history. The Catbird Music Festival took to these hollowed grounds over August 19-20, in search of the spirit that is Woodstock.
The Lumineers
The name of the festival was inspired by the Catbird used in the original 1969 festival artwork. This being 2023 tie die, long hair, and bare footing could be seen co-joined with cell phones, microchipped wrist bands, and VIP and Platinum packages. No matter your status, the vibe from those attending made it impossible to distinguish 2023 from 1969.
Glamping
Camping was allowed at Bethel Woods, the first time since Mountain Jam 2019. You had your options of car camping, RV camping, or glamping in canvas tents offering either a twin or a queen bed. Throughout the grounds young and old, couples, groups and families intermingled as one.
Gala Music stage crowd
Over the course of two the days (August 19 – 20, 2023) at the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, 23 musical acts performed on two stages. The scheduling of sets enabled people to stroll from stage to stage and not have to choose which performers to listen to.
Women took a prominent role in the festival with Adia Vicoria and Allison Russell closing out the Gala Music stage on Saturday and Sunday respectively.
Eggy played a funky and fun set to start off this full day of music. The Soul Rebels brought their authentic New Orleans, horns rich sound to Bethel. Dispatch played a reggae filled, groovy set which included a nod to the good ol Grateful Dead with a “Friend of the Devil” cover.
Trey Anastasio Band played a set filled with TAB and Phish classics including Moma Dance, About to Run, Wolfman’s Brother, and a guitar raising, feedback chasing First Tube to close out their set.
Previous attempts to emulate the original Woodstock Music and Arts Festival have not measured up. The Catbird Music Festival seems to have found the sweet spot. Let’s hope this bird will migrate back to the Hudson Valley in 2024 and build another nest of peace, love and music.
Day 1
Photos by Mickey DeneherJohn R. MillerJames BayBriscoeMargo Price49 WinchesterTrampled by Turtles Adia VictoriaBamd of HorsesThe War on DrugsThe Lumineers
Friday, August 18th was a chilly summer evening. Seneca Niagara Casino in Niagara Falls transformed into a haven of country music enchantment as the iconic Brad Paisley took the stage.
Despite the uncharacteristically cold breeze that swept through the outdoor venue, Paisley’s fiery performance warmed the hearts of all in attendance. The atmosphere crackled with anticipation as the clock struck 8pm. The night unfurled with a symphony of soul-stirring melodies that echoed against the backdrop of the cascading falls.
Paisley, a virtuoso of the six-string, began his sonic journey with the precision and charisma that have cemented his status as a true guitar maestro. The strings of his guitar seemed to sing in harmony with his soul, transcending the chill in the air and enveloping the audience in a cocoon of musical warmth. With each strum, Paisley painted vibrant stories of life, love, and heartache, showcasing his prowess as both a gifted lyricist and an instrumental virtuoso.
A true highlight of the evening came when Paisley honored the valiant members of the military. In a poignant display of gratitude, he invited these heroes onto the stage, creating an atmosphere of unity and reverence. As he strummed the opening chords of a poignant ballad, the stage became a canvas of emotions, painting a vivid picture of resilience and sacrifice. The crowd stood united in heartfelt applause, their spirits lifted by the power of music to transcend barriers and celebrate the human spirit.
Throughout the evening, Paisley effortlessly navigated his extensive repertoire, treating fans to a spellbinding 23-song setlist that spanned the breadth of his illustrious career. From chart-topping hits that had the crowd swaying in unison, to soulful ballads that hushed the venue to a reverent silence, Paisley has the ability to wield his guitar as an extension of his very soul.
As the night unfurled its final moments, and Paisley bid his farewells under the moonlit sky, the air was filled with a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction. Despite the nip in the air, the crowd left the venue with spirits soaring and hearts aglow, having experienced a musical journey that transcended the ordinary.
Brad Paisley’s performance at the Seneca Niagara Casino was a masterclass in musical finesse and a heartfelt homage to those who serve. With his deft guitar work and emotive storytelling, Paisley took a cold and windy night and turned it into a warm tapestry of sonic artistry. As the echoes of his final chords faded into the night, it was clear that this evening would be etched into the memories of all fortunate enough to bear witness to his musical magic.
