NYS Music 2023

Category: Bluegrass/Country

  • Five Can’t Miss Shows In Syracuse In August

    August in Central New York is lauded by many in the area as “State Fair Season.” While the New York State Fair once again boasts an impressive musical lineup, there are plenty of other great performances to take in this month leading up to the fair.

    David Wax Museum.

    David Wax Museum – Aug. 3 at 443 Social Club and Lounge

    Described as “Mexo-Americana”, and known for blending folk and roots rock styles, the husband and wife duo bring their dynamic sounds to the 443 Social Club and Lounge on Aug. 3. The duo features David Wax (vocals, jarana) and Sue Slezak (fiddle, vocals, quijada). The band broke through in 2010 after a set at the infamous Newport Folk Fest and they have been turning heads ever since. They are currently touring in support of 2023’s release You Must Change Your Life. As an added bonus, the show takes place at the delightfully intimate 443 Social Club and Lounge, Syracuse’s favorite listening room.  

    Tickets start at $20 with music starting at 7:00 pm.

    Cooper Greer – August 4 at Tin Rooster, Turning Stone Casino

    Sweet country music sounds will echo throughout the Exit 33 music complex at Turning Stone Casino on Aug. 4, as rising country star Cooper Greer performs at the Tin Rooster. The North Carolina native has drawn comparisons to Johnny Cash, Dirks Bentley, and Chris Young. The band is currently embarking on a cross-country tour, which will also feature a stop at Binghamton’s famous Spiedie Fest on Aug. 5.  

    Music starts at 10:30 pm with a $10 cover charge.

    Frank White Experience – August 11 at Westcott Theater

    Regarded as the genre leader in hip-hop tribute bands, The Frank White Experience come to the Westcott Theater on Aug. 11. Drawing comparisons to other highly regarded tribute acts such as The Dark Star Orchestra and Badfish, the Syracuse band pays hip-hop tribute like no other, with complete live instrumentation. The set will deliver listeners a top-end tribute to 90s hip-hop pioneers such as Notorious B.I.G., 2Pac, as well as many others.  The bill also features a slew of other Syracuse talent, including Seth Marcel, Jus One, DJ Tes One, and Ivan the Great.

    Music starts at 8:00 pm with tickets starting at $20.

    The SteelDrivers – August 17 at Center for the Arts of Homer

    Nashville-based bluegrass favorites The SteelDrivers return to Central New York for a performance at the Center for the Arts of Homer on Aug. 17. Once fronted by country music sensation, Chris Stapleton, the band has released an impressive musical catalog with 2015’s release The Muscle Shoals Collection earning the band the Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass Album.

    Music starts at 8:00 pm and tickets are sold out.

    Danielle Ponder – August 30 at Chevy Court Stage, NYS Fair

    Rochester native and rising R&B star Danielle Ponder brings her soulful sounds to the New York State Fair for a free show on Wednesday, Aug. 30. Ponder, long known for her years as a social activist and for her work in the Rochester public defender’s office, has been turning heads musically since 2018 when she decided to devote herself full time to music. She is presently touring behind her latest release, Some of Us Are Brave, which was described by NPR as being “anthemic while compassionate; soulful, while bold and strong.” Ponder continues her ascent to stardom, having recently performed at the 2023 Newport Folk Festival, where she turned many heads. You won’t want to miss this one.

    Ponder takes the Chevy Court Stage at 1:00 pm and the set is included with your fair admission.

  • Kristian Montgomery & The Winterkill Band Release Layered Fourth Album ‘Lower County Outlaw’

    Kristian Montgomery & The Winterkill Band will be releasing their fourth album in three years. The twelve-track journey titled Lower County Outlaw not only shows the exceptional range and skill of Montgomery as a multi-talented musician but displays an exceptional improvement in production and clarity from his previous records. With an August 5 release date, it will be accompanied by a promotional party at Pauly’s Hotel in Albany.

    Who is Kristian Montgomery?

    Kristian Montgomery has been a part of the music industry for a while and originally began his career as a metal vocalist, but has turned to country in recent years. Since the switch-up, his success has reached all new heights as his music has received increasing attention all over the world and has even received a nomination for the New England Music Awards and Boston Music Awards.

    The New England based artist doesn’t have a static genre, however, as his music often drifts between rock, soul, and the blues as is evident in his previous three albums The Gravel Church, Prince of Poverty, followed by his latest, A Heaven for Heretics. Montgomery’s first two albums were raw reflections of the dark aspects of his past while A Heaven for Heretics worked to make sure listeners knew they weren’t alone. No matter the music, if it comes from Montgomery, people are sure to experience the countless layers of human emotion, struggle, and isolated country living.

    The band’s new album, Lower County Outlaw, has Andrew Kross on production, a producer who has worked with Grammy winning artists such as John Legend and Alicia Keys. Not only is the album’s production an incredible success with its crystal clear instrumentals and the strength of Montgomery’s vocals, but the story created slaps listeners straight in the ears. Lower County Outlaw is a project of pure heartbreak, rage, and spiteful energy as it tells listeners about a woman who is in every way an outlaw when it comes to Mongomery’s heart.

    Album Review

    For the most part, the album stays close to Montgomery’s usual style of country/rock, at times giving listeners a feel of his metal-head past. Throughout the album, his voice soars as strong as ever with enticing melodies and crazy instrumentals. However, tracks like “Easy To Forget You When I’m Gone” and “The 4th of July” see the artist taking a step back from the spiteful lyrics and in-your-face rock styles seen in other album tracks such as “Somebody’s Baby Mama” and “The Girl With The Gauges In Her Ears.” “Easy To Forget You When I’m Gone” is a forceful reminder that Montgomery is a modern country artist, taking listeners on a slow physical and emotional drive away from constant and painful reminders of the woman he no longer has.

    The final track combines his rage full lyrics with an old upbeat country melody that closes the album with a goodbye that foreshadows a return. During the track, Montgomery mercilessly rips the woman mentioned throughout the twelve tracks apart, similar to the rest of the album, and simultaneously creates hope for himself to stand on saying, “when you’ve got nothing, you’ve got nothing left to lose.” While Lower County Outlaw is well-put together and easily catches listeners attention, the themes seem to cut women down in stereotypical ways in order to build the lyricist up. Although stemming from a place of heartbreak and loss, the message distracts from the music.

    Overall, the album is definitely worth a listen and fans should be excited to hear it live throughout the band’s summer tour stretch and feel free to make it their angry heartbreak album!

  • In Focus: Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival 2023

    The sounds of laughter, bluegrass music and chatter filled the air at the Walsh Farm in Oak Hill, NY over July 12-16. The Grey Fox Bluegrass Music Festival 2023 was in full swing celebrating another year of this family friendly festival.

    The festival hosted a wonderful selection of artists over the 4 day event. Those artists took to the stages and captivated the audiences with their music and stories. There were many vendors which offered a wide variety of items, food and drinks.

    Grey Fox also had fundraising raffles, workshops and a wonderful program geared towards kids. The Bluegrass Academy for kids takes place during the festival teaches children of all skill levels how to play instruments. They end the festival with a performance of their own. 

    Shuttle buses ran regularly throughout the day to assist festival patrons to navigate the large space whether you need a lift up the hill, a ride to the camp areas, and to one of the parking areas down the road. The festival is set up with street names which helped with navigating but also added the sense of community, which was clearly seen throughout the entire event.

    Check out their website to keep up on all the Grey Fox Bluegrass Music Festival happenings, to learn more about the Bluegrass Academy for Kids and be on the lookout for next year’s festival information. It will surely be a great time for all.

  • In Focus: Jason Aldean Delivers Unforgettable Performance at SPAC

    On Sunday, July 16, country superstar Jason Aldean took the stage at Saratoga Performing Arts Center for the third night of his highly anticipated Desperado Tour. Despite the challenges he faced the previous night in Connecticut, where he unfortunately suffered a heat stroke and had to end the show early, Aldean showed his resilience and determination by delivering an outstanding performance that will be remembered for years to come.

    Jason Aldean by Allison Marie

    The evening began with a dynamic opening sets by Corey Kent and Mitchell Tenpenny, setting the stage for an electrifying night. As the rain poured down intermittently throughout the show, the crowd’s enthusiasm remained undeterred. It was evident that the fans were eager to support their favorite artist and make the most of the unforgettable experience. Jason Aldean took the stage amid a sea of cheers and applause, and from the first note, it was clear that this would be a night to remember. The energy in the venue was palpable, and the atmosphere was charged with excitement. Despite the weather challenges, Aldean’s magnetic stage presence and unwavering energy quickly captivated the audience.

    Jason Aldean by Allison Marie

    One of the standout moments of the night was when the crowd, demonstrating their patriotic spirit, spontaneously erupted into chants of “USA” multiple times during the show. This collective display of pride and unity further fueled the electric atmosphere, highlighting the special connection between Aldean and his devoted fanbase.

    Jason Aldean by Allison Marie

    The Macon, GA native (pop. 157,000), Aldean performed a stellar setlist comprised of his number one hits from the past decade and beyond, including his controversial new single, “Try That In A Small Town.” Each song was met with an enthusiastic response, with die-hard fans singing along to every word. From the infectious energy of “Dirt Road Anthem” to the heartfelt emotions of “You Make It Easy,” Aldean showcased his versatility as an artist, delivering a mix of high-energy anthems and poignant ballads that resonated deeply with the audience.

    Jason Aldean by Allison Marie

    Jason Aldean’s performance at SPAC was a testament to his professionalism and unwavering dedication to his fans. His resilience and commitment to providing an unforgettable experience were evident throughout the night, leaving concertgoers in awe of his talent and stage presence. Despite the rain and the heat stroke setback from the previous night, the artist and his passionate fans shared an incredible bond that transcended any obstacles. The Desperado Tour will undoubtedly go down in history as a testament to Aldean’s indomitable spirit and the enduring power of his music.

    Setlist: Tough Crowd, Tattoos On This Town, When She Says Baby, Thats What Tequila Does, Fly Over States, Rearview Town, Amarillo Sky, We Back, Try That In A Small Town, Take A Little Ride, Dirt Road Anthem, Got What I Got, Crazy Town, Trouble With A Heartbreak, You Make It Easy, Big Green Tractor, Lights Come On, Girl Like You, If I Didn’t Love You, Hicktown, My Kinda Party, She’s Country

  • Howlin’ At The Moon Concert Series in Rotterdam Junction Highlights Regional Artists

    The Schenectady County Historical Society is bringing live music to the Capital Region all summer with the Howlin’ at the Moon Concert Series. Hosted at the Mabee Farm Historic Site in Rotterdam Junction, the series runs June 1 to October 5. Shows are on Thursdays at 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. 

    The Howlin’ at the Moon concert series looks to deliver an “authentic musical experience” for visitors and performers alike. The event showcases local and regional artists from a diverse set of genres including bluegrass, Americana, folk, indie, and more. Organizers hope that the series can act as a platform for people to discover and share new ideas and music. 

    One of the main features of Howlin’ at the Moon is the historic venue in which it takes place. Mabee Farm was originally built in 1705 and is widely regarded as the oldest farm in the Mohawk Valley. The property is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The site includes a 17th century house, brick building, Dutch barn, English, barn, and a cemetery. The Dutch barn hosts all concerts, or, in case of rain, the pavilion behind the George E. Franchere Education Center serves as the alternative venue.

    Everesy Rising

    Local band Everest Rising acts as the musical host for each performance. Helping to curate the concert lineup, the group also serves as the opening act all summer long. Bill Flanagan, Pete Gernert-Dott, Dale Wade-Keszey, Trevor Wood, and Mark Baptiste make up bluegrass and Americana outfit.

    All Howlin’ at the Moon shows are $10 at the door (cash only). For more details and information click here. 

    Remaining Concert Lineup

    Arius Photography

    Sara Milonovich & Daisycutter

    w/ Everest Rising

    Thursday, August 3, 2023 | 7:00 PM – 9:00PM

    Sara Milonovich has been a professional musician for over 25 years. She has experience with everything from folk and bluegrass to celtic music and symphony orchestra. Milonovich has performed on Broadway, and even toured Eastern Europe as a State Department musical ambassador. She received the “Americana Artist of the Year” award at the Capital District Thomas Edison Music Awards in 2022.

    Big Fez & the Surfmatics

    w/ Everest Rising

    Thursday, August 31, 2023 “Blue Moon Spectacular” | 7:00 PM – 9:00PM

    Big Fez & the Surfmatics are a four-man group specializing in classic surf and beach music from the early 1960’s and beyond. Their repertoire includes songs by The Ventures, Dick Dale and the Del-Tones, The Trashmen, The Chantays, The Surfaris, and Duane Eddy. Big Fez also performs many of the great vocal hits of the surf era as well, highlighting classic tunes from The Beach Boys, Jan and Dean, The Challengers, The Rivieras, and many more.

    Julie Meeker photo

    The Moon Shells w/ Everest Rising

    Thursday, October 5, 2023 | 7:00 PM – 9:00PM

    The Moon Shells are made up of Maggie Shar, Brian Slattery, Laura Murawski, Molly Merrett, and Charlie Shaw. The group’s sound is a pleasurable concoction of  traditional music from Appalachia, Louisiana, West Africa and elsewhere. Whether performing as an acoustic stringband, a stripped-down trio, or a contemporary five-piece band, the Moon Shells are sure to move hearts and feet.

  • Lyle Lovett And John Hiatt Team Up For Run Of Joint Tour Dates, 6 Shows Across NYS

    The multitalented and legendary artists Lyle Lovett and John Hiatt are prepared to take the stage with one another this fall in an array of new announced tour dates. The joint performances will begin at the world renowned Carnegie Hall in NYC on October 2nd, halfway through Lovett’s “Together On Stage” tour which began July 18th.

    The two highly acclaimed artists have had a long running history of performing with one another, and this specific stretch of performances will take the duo all over the Northeast and Ontario throughout the month of October. The select dates will feature arrangements of Lovett’s critically acclaimed album 12th of June released last year which represents a more reflective side of the artist’s present life.

    Throughout the tour, Lovett will be joined by an arrangement of his Acoustic Group or his Large Band at each location. After Lovett and Hiatt’s performance at Carnegie Hall, the two powerhouse legends will make stops all around NY including in Ithaca, Westhampton Beach, and Buffalo. General sales for the performances go live on July 21st at 10:00 AM.

    Lyle Lovett and John Hiatt tour dates

    July 18—West Kelowna, BC—Mission Hill Winery*

    July 19—Calgary, AB—Jack Singer Concert Hall*

    July 20—Edmonton, AB—Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium*

    July 22—Bonner, MT—KettleHouse Amphitheater*

    July 23—Billings, MT—Downtown Billings*

    July 26—Huber Heights, OH—Rose Music Center at The Heights*

    July 27—Pittsburgh, PA—Stage AE*

    July 28—Lancaster, PA—American Music Theatre*

    July 29—Providence, RI—Veterans Memorial Auditorium*

    July 30—Hammondsport, NY—The Pavilion at Point of the Bluff Vineyards*

    August 2—Plymouth, MA—Plymouth Memorial Hall*

    August 3—Lowell, MA—Boarding House Park*

    August 4—New Brunswick, NJ—State Theatre*

    August 5—Vienna, VA—Wolf Trap-Filene Center*

    August 6—Charlottesville, VA—The Paramount Theater*

    August 8—Richmond, VA—Dominion Energy Center*

    August 9—Durham, NC—Durham Performing Arts Center*

    August 10—Charlotte, NC—Knight Theater*

    August 11—Charleston, SC—Charleston Gaillard Center*

    August 12—Atlanta, GA—Atlanta Symphony Hall*

    August 14—Nashville, TN—Ryman Auditorium*

    August 15—Knoxville, TN—Tennessee Theater*

    August 16—Birmingham, AL—Alabama Theatre*

    August 17—New Orleans, LA—Orpheum Theater*

    August 19—Houston, TX—Hobby Center for the Performing Arts*

    August 20—San Antonio, TX—Majestic Theatre*

    August 21—Austin, TX—ACL Live at the Moody Theater*

    August 22—Austin, TX—ACL Live at the Moody Theater*

    August 23—Austin, TX—ACL Live at the Moody Theater*

    August 24—Fort Worth, TX—Bass Performance Hall*

    September 3—Santa Fe, NM—The Santa Fe Opera*

    September 5—Tucson, AZ—Fox Tucson Theatre†

    October 2—New York, NY—Carnegie Hall‡

    October 3—Ithaca, NY—State Theatre of Ithaca‡

    October 5—Wilmington, DE—The Grand Opera House‡

    October 6—Westhampton Beach, NY—Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center‡

    October 7—Collingswood, NJ—Scottish Rite Auditorium‡

    October 8—Troy, NY—Troy Savings Bank Music Hall‡

    October 10—Buffalo, NY—Kleinhans Music Hall‡

    October 11—Kitchener, ON—Centre In The Square‡

    October 12—Toronto, ON—Massey Hall‡

    October 13—Ottawa, ON—National Arts Centre‡

    October 14—Burlington, VT—The Flynn‡

    October 16—Waterville, ME—Waterville Opera House‡

    October 17—Portsmouth, NH—The Music Hall Historic Theater‡

    October 20—Concord, NH— Capitol Center for the Arts, Chubb Theatre‡

    October 22—Easton, PA— State Theatre Center for the Arts‡

    • *with his Large Band
    • †with his Acoustic Group
    • ‡with John Hiatt

  • A Guide To Summer Concert Series Around The Catskills

    From never ending winters to erratic springtime temperatures, New York weather can be brutal. For communities across the Empire State, summer is a time to work outside, enjoy wildlife, and of course catch some live music. Residing in the southeastern corner of NY, the picturesque Catskill Mountains provide the perfect setting for local performances and shows.

    Taste of County Music Festival
    Catskill Mountains – Taste of Country Music Festival

    Warm weather means it’s time for residents in the region to trade in snowboards and skis for folding chairs and picnic blankets. Teeming with countless unique small towns and villages, there’s plenty of live performances to catch in the area. Below, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best Catskill summer concert series and performances to see this year. 

    Greenville Summer Concert Series

    The Greenville Summer Concert Series is a free, family-friendly concert series that happens Tuesdays from 6–7:30 PM at Veterans Park in Greenville, New York. The concerts are held at the intersection of Routes 32 and 81. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair, pack a picnic, or buy dinner from Church Street Caterers. The kickoff event features the Michael Benedict Quartet and ice cream from Stewart’s Shops of Greenville. Other acts include Lustre Kings, Moonshine Mule, Dusk Til Dawn, and more. The series is sponsored by the Greenville Rotary, among others.

    Here for more details and information.

    July 11—Lustre Kings—rock

    July 18—In the Dust—country

    July 25—New York Players—top 40, dance

    Aug. 1—Onkor—classic 70’s to modern day

    Aug. 8—The Tailgate Band—modern country

    Aug. 15—Roadhouse 60—oldies 60’s

    Aug. 22–Hell or High Water—rock

    DUTCHMAN’S LANDING PARK, CATSKILL

    Music in the Park Summer Concert Series

    Voted “Best Place for Live Music” in the Best of Greene County Awards, enjoy Music in the Park every Thursday from 7-9 p.m. at Dutchman’s Landing Park on Main Street in Catskill. Concerts are free to the public. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy great live music on the shores of the beautiful Hudson River. If rainy, concerts are moved to the Historic Catskill Point at 1 Main Street. Presented by the Heart of Catskill Association. Photo credit: Keith Collesides. 

    Here for more details and information | 518-943-0989

    June 22 — Guilty Pleasure—pop rock

    June 29 — Lustre Kings—rock and roll

    July 6 — Back to the Garden—Woodstock tribute

    July 13—Lex Grey and The Urban Pioneers—award-winning blues band

    July 20—Thunder Ridge—country rock

    July 27—Conehead Buddha—genre-blending jam band

    July 28—Lex Grey and The Urban Pioneers—blues/rock

    Aug. 3—The Lost Cowboys—classic country

    Aug.10—Soul Purpose—Motown soul

    Aug. 17—In The Dust—country & Western

    Aug. 24—Second Chance—local rock heroes

    Aug. 31—Dead Beats—Grateful Dead tribute band

    Sept. 7—Alexis P Suter—award-winning blues singer

    WINDHAM MOUNTAIN RESORT, WINDHAM

    Windham Mountain Facebook

    Music on the Mountain Series

    Music on the Mountain takes place Fridays from 6-8:30 p.m. at Windham Mountain. This free concert series features local artists, cover bands and some of New York City’s favorite performers. Additionally, there are raffles, a BBQ and scenic sky rides during the early portion of the event. No tickets or reservations needed. Outside food, beverages and pets are not allowed. Windham Mountain is located at 19 Resort Drive, Windham, NY. 

    Here for more details and information | 518-734-4300

    July 7—10 Most Wanted —soul/funk/R&B/rock

    July 14—Soul Purpose—soul/funk/R&B

    July 21—Guilty Pleasure—pop rock

    July 28—The Four 26—rock 

    Aug. 4—Serene Green—bluegrass

    Aug. 11—Rollin’Rust—indie/folk

    Aug. 18—Dial Up!—1990s songs

    Aug. 25—Die Schlauberger—renditions of German favorites

    Sept. 1—The Outcrops—blues-infused rock n’ roll

    RIVERSIDE PARK, COXSACKIE

    Coxsackie Music in the Park Series

    Every Sunday from 6-8pm.  Concerts are free to the public.  Pack a chair or blanket and enjoy riverside entertainment at the spacious Coxsackie Riverside Park, Betke Boulevard, Coxsackie. 

    Here for more details and information | 518-731-2718

    June 25—Lex Grey & the Urban Pioneers—fusion of old-school blues & classic rock

    July 2—Donna Tritico Band—mix of blues, R&B and rock

    July 9—Nite Train—award-winning rockin’ blues, funk & R&B

    July 16—Samantha Jane Band—jazz standards quartet 

    July 23—Hammerhead Horns—old-timey blues, ragtime and honkytonk

    July 30—Playing with Fire—classic rock & roots 

    Aug. 6—Night Moves—classic rock; country; 50’s thru 90’s

    Aug. 13—Silver Chain Band—playing BB King, Muddy Waters & other greats

    Aug. 20—Nite Train—award-winning rockin’ blues, funk & R&B

    Aug. 27—Lustre Kings with Mark Gamsjager—rockabilly; real roots rock & roll

    RIVERFRONT PARK, ATHENS

    Athens Performing Arts Corporation 2023 Summer Concert Series

    Athens Summer Concert Series takes place every Friday night from 7-9 p.m. at Riverfront Park, 1 Water Street, Athens. Spend a night under the stars and enjoy this free concert series on the banks of the Hudson River.

    Here for more details and information | 518-522-9470

    July 14—Les Dudek—rock music legend

    July 21—Dark Desert Eagles—world premier Eagles tribute

    July 28—Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen—Grammy-winning New Orleans funk

    Aug. 4—Double Vision-The Foreigner Experience—rock cover band

    Aug.11—Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds—soul, rock, dirty funk

    Aug. 18—Conehead Buddha—rock, ska, funk, Latin, reggae, jam, hop 

    Aug. 25—The Dave Matthews Tribute Band—cover band

    Sept. 1—Carolyn Wonderland—fiery Texas blues-rock icon

  • Kitchen Dwellers Announce 2023 Tour With Select Stop At Cohoes Music Hall

    The dynamic and high-energy band that is the Kitchen Dwellers will be heading out on tour for fall 2023. Their 20 date trek is set to kick off on October 11th in Burlington, Vermont with a special stop at the New York Cohoes Music Hall on October 12th, joined by the progressive folk band, Fireside Collective.

    Throughout the fall tour, audiences will get the chance to experience the quartet – Shawn Swain [Mandolin], Torrin Daniels [banjo], Joe Funk [upright bass], and Max Davies [acoustic guitar]—twist bluegrass, folk, and rock through a kaleidoscope of homegrown stories, rich mythology, American west wanderlust, and psychedelic hues.

    During select performances, the Kitchen Dwellers will be accompanied by the Fireside Collective, the American jam band Leftover Salmon, along with appearances by the Mountain Grass Unit, Arkansauce, and Chris Jacobs.

    The tour will wrap with three November nights in Denver which will include a special VIP-only show at Cervantes’ Otherside followed by performances at the Ogden Theater. Tickets will be available on Friday, July 21 at 10:00 AM!

    Kitchen Dwellers 2023 Tour

    August 5 @ Rhythms on the Rio Music Festival | Del Norte, CO

    October 11 @ Higher Ground | Burlington, VT^

    October 12 @ Cohoes Music Hall | Cohoes, NY^

    October 13 @ The Sinclair | Cambridge, MA% 

    October 14 @ Baltimore Soundstage | Baltimore, MD^

    October 15 @ Ardmore Muic Hall | Ardmore, PA^ 

    October 17 @ Thunderbird Cafe and Music Hall | Pittsburgh, PA^ 

    October 18 @ Harvester Performance Center | Rocky Mount, VA^

    October 19 @ The Broadberry | Richmond, VA^

    October 20 @ Outer Banks Bluegrass Fest | Manteo Island, NC

    October 21 @ Salvage Station | Asheville, NC^*@

    October 22 @ Cohap Space | High Point, NC^

    October 26 @ Suwannee Hulaween | Live Oak, FL

    October 27 @ Pour House | Charleston, SC^

    October 28 @ Pour House | Charleston, SC^

    October 29 @ Visulite Theatre | Charlotte, NC^

    October 31 @ Georgia Theatre | Athens, GA^ 

    November 9 @ Cervantes’ Other Side | Denver, CO – VIP ONLY

    November 10 @ Ogden Theatre | Denver, CO^^

    November 11 @ Ogden Theatre | Denver, CO

    • ^ w/ Fireside Collective 
    • % w/Mountain Gras Unit
    • * w/Leftover Salmon
    • @ w/ Arkansauce
    • ^^ w/Chris Jacobs 

  • Stormy forecast doesn’t stop Sam Hunt fans at Darien Lake

    Sam Hunt rolled into Darien Lake on July 15 with his “On The Outskirts” tour. The tour was properly named for this night, as uncertain and potentially rough weather was on the outskirts of town and patiently waiting for the right moment to burst. Luckily, though, the rough weather held off as only light rains fell during the latter part of the night. Sharing the stage on this night were up and coming Lily Rose and well established Brett Young.

    Amping up the crowd first was Atlanta’s Lily Rose, playing for about 30 minutes. Thanks to Tik Tok and hashtags, we are finally getting to really know Rose. After several years of working on her music career and not getting too far, Rose uploaded a video of “Villian” to Tik Tok with #lesbiansinger in December 2020. With that, she was subsequently signed and launched her career.

    “Villian” is one of those songs that nearly everyone can relate to. Stories or rumors start to circulate around with only one side of a story being known or told. As she belts out the song for the crowd, you can see a larger number of women throughout the crowd laughing and smiling, as they know what the song is about.

    Next up was Young. A former baseball standout, Young has taken the country music scene by storm since 2016’s self-titled EP. The 2018 Academy of Country Music Award winner for Best New Male Vocalist rocked the stage for roughly an hour, telling stories and serenading the crowd with hits such as “Mercy”, “In Case You Didn’t Know’, “Like I Loved You.” Playing through obvious pain, Young was seated for most his set on a set of steps on the stage. Luckily for those in attendance, this added an element to his set that really stepped up the show. Sometimes it the simple things really make a difference.

    Another former athlete, Hunt takes the stage for these patient fans around 9:20 and continues on for nearly 90 minutes. Soon after coming to realization that he would not be quarterback in the NFL, he picked up a guitar and began his venture in the music world.

    Coming out into view atop the stairs the Brett Young did most of his set from, Hunt breaks out into “Raised On It” and “House Party.” The crowd is instantly into this, as I have to duck under hands, beers, and bras while photographing. The photo pit never disappoints.

    During “House Party” Hunt leaves the stage to walk around and get up close and personal with his fans, even signing someone’s CD from the front row. He makes a leisurely loop around front section of seats and makes his way back to stage on the other side, again signing an autograph or two.

    Released in 2014, his first EP was released and debuted in the top 40 of the Billboard top 200 and was also number 5 on Billboard Top Country Albums chart. Darien Lake was treated to “Leave The Night On”, his eventual number one single from his debut EP. Within a few notes of the song starting, the crowd was going bonkers. A group of college aged ladies near me were standing in their seats, dancing away, hands raised high and screaming the lyrics.

    Typically, those in the back sections and lawn seats are left without the experience of seeing an artist up close. Hunt does not like that, so he sets up little stage behind the sound booth and plays a little set from there. Fans in the cheap seats at Darien Lake were treated to a little more intimate show, albeit for 3 songs “Take Your Time”, “Cop Car” (Keith Urban cover) and “Wishful Drinking”. The personal touch he gives these songs and the setting in which he does it were absolutely perfect as the crowd in the back really showed their appreciation by standing there and just listening, rather than screaming and belting out the lyrics. A real class act by Sam.

    As the night goes on, the rain begins to fall. Nothing crazy, but enough. Fans toughed it out as Hunt finished his set with “Ex To See” and “Body Like a Back Road”. Thankfully the rough weather that was once On The Outskirts, has now passed without incident.

    Brett Young
    Brett Young
    Brett Young
    Brett Young
    Brett Young
    Brett Young
    Brett Young

  • Artpark Welcomes Lauren Daigle Congregation

    Lewiston, NY is a beautiful little hamlet that backs up to the mighty Niagara River and not far from the infamous falls that bring in millions of visitors every year. ArtPark is a picturesque State Park in Lewiston, that sits atop the gorge of the Niagara, that houses a spectacular amphitheater which hosts numerous events throughout the season. After my first visit there last year, I said to myself that the venue kind of looks like a place for a church retreat of sorts. Not that I am a religious person, but that was one my first thoughts. Here we are, about a year later, as Lauren Daigle bringst her religious based music to the venue that I saw had retreat vibes.

    Starting the night off around 7:30 was Josh Garrels. Playing for about 30 minutes, Garrels immediately brought the crowd together with his smooth vocals as he preached through lyrics. A well rounded musician, he has been releasing music since 2001 and is a well regarded composer and writer, in addition to his singing.

    Hitting the extra large pulpit AKA the stage around 840, the Lafayette, Louisiana native was welcomed with boisterous cheers from music fans as young as 3.

    For nearly 90 minutes, she bounced around the stage telling stories as interludes to her songs, talking about how God got her through some anxiety riddled times during the pandemic, and reminiscing about her time in Guatemala.

    The trip to Guatemala really touched Lauren, as she befriended Maria. Maria is a child, now 16, who due to reasons out of her control is now the matriarch of her family. It was this situation, as well as time in Kenya that has driven Lauren to create and really push Lauren Daigle | ChildFund. With this, fans can sponsor a child in need in selected countries.

    While not a show I would normally choose to cover, my daughter convinced me to do this one, and I am glad I did. Lauren is a world class performer with a broad range of vocals that make you think of Pink, Adele, Shawn Colvin, with some hints of blues scattered about. Her stage presence was amazing, as she interacted with her band throughout the performance, kept the crowd involved and was waving to young folk in the front rows. The backdrop was a colorful piece that looked like a collection of unfinished latch hook projects. The colors and layers were perfect match for the lights used all night.

    Joining Lauren on stage was her 11 piece band that was just as active as she. There were 2 percussionists, 3 person brass section, 3 dancers/backup vocalists, a bassist, guitarist, and a DJ to round out the sounds.

    Songs, while religious based, weren’t all about ‘you need to listen to the word’ and ‘this is the way’. They all told stories about her life and how she got to where she is today. “Kaleidescope Jesus” is her take on finding God unusual spots and forms. Colors, shapes, movements, the results of an action. The setlist included “Thank God I Do,” “You’re All I’ll Take With Me,” “Rescue,” “St. Ferdinand,” “Tremble,” “Be Ok,” and “You Say.”

    “St. Ferdinand” was not on her set list for this show, however after recent interview where the interviewer requested it, it was added. After the song, as she was talking, she realized the person was in the front row and immediately thanked him for actually showing up. Rumor has it that most people who say they will be at a show, don’t show up. Lauren was thrilled to not only see this person, but see them up front.

    As the show concluded, Lauren played a 2 song encore of “Be Ok” and “You Say/How Can it Be”. The first encore was bone chilling as it was her poignant vocals backed with the pianist. The sounds echoed through the amphitheater like an empty chamber, a true testament to the power of her voice. Very award worthy.

    Making music for over 10 years, Daigle is no stranger to those awards. 4 AMA’s for Contemporary Inspirational, 6 Billboards in Cristian Music categories, 11 GMA Dove Awards (Gospel Music Awards), and 2 Grammy’s. Very respectable career so far, and chances are good that the finish line is not in sight.

    Her final song, a blend of 2 songs was powerful and moving. Belting out the lyrics, she stopped about half way through as the crowd took over and sang word for word and crystal clear. Nearly 6 minutes of playtime, fans were in tears and holding hands while swaying side to side. A perfect ending at the venue I thought was could host a religious retreat.

    Learn more about Lauren Daigle and her charities, as well as the forthcoming Kaleidescope Tour.