On Friday, January 27th, indie-pop band Juice delivered a heartfelt and lively performance to their adoring fans at Lark Hall in Albany. This was their last show from their rescheduled Fall Tour.
Ben Stevens, Lead Vocalist of Juice – Photo by Jarron Childs
The sextet band from Brooklyn found each other while attending Boston College. Their unique sound comes from a combination of rock, pop, r&b, and hip-hop. Lead on the vocals by Ben Stevens, he is backed up on vocals by singer/guitarist Kamau Burton and rapper/violinist Christian Rose. Other sounds come from guitarist Daniel Moss, drummer Miles Clyatt, and bassist Rami El-Abidin. Currently, Juice has one album, Boy Story, 4 EPs, and a few singles to their discography. There are plans for more singles to come soon, hopefully before the start of their next tour.
Juice was originally supposed to play in Lark Hall in November of 2022, but had to reschedule due to personal reasons. Nonetheless, they did not disappoint their young fans. Their show opened up with rising indie r&b band, The E-Block.
Luje Pascarella, Lead Vocalist of the E-Block – Photo by Jarron Childs
The band from Albany has been progressing from basement shows at The Laundromat, to bigger stages such as Albany’s Alive at 5 last summer. If you’ve been following them, you can hear that they are really starting to find their sound as a band. From being a jam rock funk band, to really creating a R&B, soul, and funk that they can call their own. The E-Block is really laying down a foundation that could be the start of a good career.
The E-Block opened with their newly released single “Stay.” Their performance was very r&b/soul heavy as lead vocalist/guitarist Luke Pascarella really pushed the limits of his vocals. They really played their hearts out and could’ve even brought the audience to tears at one point. They earned their cheers from the audience. Their set ended on a familiar note of a jam funk session that really had to crowd bouncing. They hosted an after party for their new single at Washington Tavern after the show.
Christian Rose, Violinist/Vocalist of Juice – Photo by Jarron Childs
Juice opened with a single, “DiCaprio,” from 2020. Their performance really went a lot of places because of how many music genres they have been able to incorporate in their style. Christian Rose played a violin solo so hard that it looked as if one of his strings broke, but he did not stop for one beat. The chemistry displayed on stage was undeniable, as their were many laugh shared amongst each other. There was also many moments when the band sat back and watched guitarist Daniel Moss serenade the crowd with powerful guitar solos.
Members of Juice watch a guitar solo performed by Daniel Moss – Photo by Jarron Childs
Vocalist Ben Stevens jumped into the crowd a danced with them which kept the good vibes going. The crowd was jumping, the music was bumping, and you could probably hear hearts thumping as Juice really pulled every ounce of energy from the crowd. There were begs for an encore at the end of their set, and Juice did not ignore them. They came back for a 1 song encore which brought many smiles to those in the crowd.
They will start “The Dip Stick on You” national tour on February 16th. In case you missed them this time, they will return to Lark Hall on February 23rd for another show.
Juice Setlist: DiCaprio, Shoot my Dreams, Peace of Mind, Audrey Tell Me, Stranger, Heartbreak in a Box, River, Workin’ On Loving, Stupidfreak, Make Pretend
Luje Pascarella, Lead Vocalist of the E-Block – Photo by Jarron ChildsThe E-Block at Lark Hall – Photo by Jarron ChildsLuje Pascarella, Lead Vocalist of the E-Block – Photo by Jarron ChildsChristian Rose, Violinist/Vocalist of Juice – Photo by Jarron ChildsChristian Rose, Violinist/Vocalist of Juice – Photo by Jarron ChildsVocalist Kamau Burton of Juice – Photo by Jarron ChildsBen Stevens, Lead Vocalist of Juice – Photo by Jarron ChildsJuice – Photo by Jarron ChildsBen Stevens, Lead Vocalist of Juice – Photo by Jarron ChildsBen Stevens, Lead Vocalist of Juice – Photo by Jarron ChildsGuitarist Daniel Moss of Juice – Photo by Jarron ChildsViolinist/Vocalist Christian Rose of Juice – Photo by Jarron ChildsBen Stevens, Lead Vocalist of Juice – Photo by Jarron ChildsBen Stevens, Lead Vocalist of Juice – Photo by Jarron ChildsBen Stevens, Lead Vocalist of Juice – Photo by Jarron Childs
The Peach Music Festival has announced additions to the lineup for the 2023 festival, running from June 29 through July 2 at Montage Mountain in Scranton, PA.
The Peach Music Festival was created in 2012 as the first-ever Allman Brothers Band-inspired festival in the Northeast and has quickly evolved into one of the most highly-anticipated summer musical events loved by music enthusiasts from across the nation. It is a one-of-a-kind festival, as it features food and craft vendors on the grounds and access to the scenic Montage Mountain Ski Resort’s large water park.
Featured at this year’s festival will be a performance of Allman Brothers Band record Brothers & Sisters, with founding member Jaimoe performing as Jaimoe and Friends and duo Brother and Sister. There will also be a special appearance by Trouble No More, featuring Brandon “Taz” Niederaurer (Guitar, Vocals), Daniel Donato (Guitar, Vocals), Dylan Niederaurer (Bass Guitar), Jack Ryan (Drums), Lamar Williams Jr. (Vocals), Nikki Glaspie (Drums), Peter Levin (Keys) and Roosevelt Collier (Pedal Steel Guitar).
Goose, Tedeschi Trucks Band, My Morning Jacket, and Ween will headline The Peach Music Festival 2023. They will be joined by Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Les Claypool’s Flying Frog Brigade, Mike Gordon, Lettuce, Twiddle, and Ripe. Last year’s lineup included Billy Strings, Trey Anastasio Band, Goose, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, and many more.
Ween will be headlining the 2023 Peach Music Festival.
Newly added to the Peach Festival lineup include Ziggy Marley, Australian Pink Floyd performing a 50th anniversary tribute to Dark Side of the Moon, Jupiter & Okwess, Broadband featuring Kanika Moore, The National Reserve, J.D. Simo, Little Bird, and Mountain Grass Unit.
Late-night sets at the Peach Music Festival will feature LP Giobbi presents Dead House and Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Peach on Friday, June 30, The Australian Pink Floyd Show, and Magic City Hippies on Saturday, July 1. In addition to the headliners, Peach Music Festival also features Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Les Claypool’s Flying Frog Brigade, Mike Gordon, Lettuce, Twiddle, and Ripe.
On sale now are VIP passes, reserved seating, glamping, travel packages, as well as a special four-day, general admission $99 lawn ticket. New this year will be a GA+ ticket allowing fans with a General Admission ticket access under the pavilion for headliner sets (in the 200-level seating area) for $149. To purchase tickets for the 2023 festival, go here.
Full Lineup
Thursday, June 29
Headliner: Goose (two sets)
Featuring: Twiddle, Thumpasaurus, and Friends of the Brothers
Friday, June 30
Headliner: Ween
Featuring: Umphrey’s McGee, Ripe, Dogs In A Pile Trouble No More, Taper’s Choice, Tauk featuring Kanika Moore, Mo Lowda & The Humble, Kanika Moore presents The Broadband, Son Little Yam Yam, Ally Venable, Little Bird, The Psycodelics, Couch, Will Evans, Baked Shrimp, and Proper Tea
Late Night Set: LP Giobbi and Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Peach
Saturday, July 1
Headliner: My Morning Jacket
Featuring: Les Claypool’s Fearless Flying Frog Brigade, Mike Gordon, Andy Frasco & The U.N., Jaimoe & Friends, Karina Rykman, Melt, Raq, Circles Around the Sun, Oh He Dead, Cris Jacobs Band, One Time Weekend, The Sweet Lillies, The National Reserve, Brother and Sister, Veronica Lewis, JB Strauss, Mountain Grass Unit, Wax Owls, and Brown Eyed Women
Late Night Set: The Australian Pink Floyd Show performing Dark Side of the Moon and Magic City Hippies.
Sunday, July 2
Headliner: Tedeschi Trucks Band
Featuring: Ziggy Marley, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Lettuce, Duane Betts, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Ghost Light, Taz Plays Hendrix, Mihali, Jupiter & Okwess, J.D. Simo, Quinn Sullivan, Hans Williams, Parrotfish, Kendall Street Company, and Roast John.
On the brink of a new album, Rochester native, Mikeala Davis and her band, Southern Star, will complete their residency as one of the hottest live music acts in upstate New York. The Catskil transplant returned home for a set of performances at Abilene in Rochester and Tubby’s in Kingston.
The “Dead of Winter” residency began during a notoriously quiet period live music-wise. A run of sold-out performances have re-affirmed belief that fresh sets, familiar places and homegrown talent would bring people out to enjoy live music.
Mikeala Davis and Southern Star complete their residency at Tubby’s and Abilene.
Mickeala Davis and Southern Star on the Rise
In effect, “Dead of Winter” began with a performance at Tubby’s on Wednesday, January 18, with Davis and Southern Star performing weekly on Wednesdays and Thursdays at Tubby’s and Abilene. However, the final two nights of Southern Star’s residency will be on February 1 and 2. To boot, the band will perform two sets nightly, starting with their own tunes and a later Grateful Dead themed set. As a result, the Dead set themes have been varying by week; Mik’s Picks Vol. 1: ‘67-‘72 for week 1, Garcia in its entirety for week 2, and Mik’s Picks Vol. 2: ‘73-‘87 for the upcoming February shows. While, the Abilene show is sold-out but tickets for Mikeala Davis at Tubby’s on Wednesday night can be found here.
Mikeala Davis and Southern Star have seen all of their Kingston shows sold out.
We’re planning two sets every night. First set is original songs and second is a dead set. This is a chance for us to revisit some old songs and experiment with new ones while continuing to explore the music of the Grateful Dead. Hope to see you there!
– Mikaela Davis
A classically trained harpist, Mikeala Davis’ style brings together elements of classic rock, ’60s and ’70s pop, roots Americana, and contemporary modern singer-songwriter croons. Davis and Southern Star have shared bills with such names as Bob Weir, Bon Iver, Lake Street Dive. Moreover, Davis joined Phil Lesh & Friends during the first weekend of their Phil-o-Ween residency at The Capitol Theatre. Her newest release is 2022’s The Relix Sessions, which focuses on live versions of tracks from 2018’s Delivery. At the present time, the group is planning a new studio album that will mark the first official studio recordings by Davis and Southern Star.
WRAPS – the Woodstock Rock Art and Poster Show – will return to Bearsville Center over May 6-7, 2023. The two-day event will feature a wide selection of art for sale ranging from vintage psychedelia and silkscreen prints, to modern digital artwork and photography.
Exhibitors include well-known artists as well as newcomers making a splash on the scene. In addition to a formidable artist line-up, there will be multi-media productions, talks, and seminars/workshops throughout the event.
This is a new East Coast art show modeled on, and with the support of, the famous The Rock Poster Show (T.R.P.S.) held annually in San Francisco, WRAPS is poised to become a premier event for poster collectors on the East Coast.
The inaugural WRAPS was a huge success last May. Over 40 exhibitors ranging from painters to printers, body artists to serious art collectors gathered to share their love for and knowledge of the art form known simply as “rock poster”. In its second year WRAPS plan to make it even bigger and better.
Held in the world-famous town of Woodstock, NY, WRAPS is produced by artist Mike DuBois of Happylife Productions, Kenny Scneidman of Arrowhead Ranch and Retreat and Lizzie Vann the owner of the newly renovated Bearsville Center, The event will take place at the Historic Bearsville Theater and Utopia sound stage the first weekend of May 2023.
Larry Campbell and Mike DuBois
Bearsville Center is located just a few miles down the road from Woodstock, approximately 2 hours north of New York City and 1 hour south of Albany. It is easily accessible by both car and public transportation out of NYC.
Bearsville Center features a spacious bar and lounge in the theater, and an expansive lawn area for networking and socializing. The property also boasts two restaurants, an ice cream shop, a full bar, and patio with fire pit. There will be live music in the theater’s lounge in the evening. The town of Woodstock and surrounding Catskill Mountains and Hudson Valley offer a multitude of recreational and cultural activities, entertainment, hotels and dining in a beautiful natural environment.
WRAPS takes place Saturday, May 6- 10 A.M. – 6 P.M. Sunday, May 7 – 10 A.M- 5 P.M. Artists interested in taking part in the 2023 Woodstock Rock Art & Poster Show, sign up here and check out photos from the 2022 installment of WRAPS below.
Artists for WRAPS 2023 include Jeff Wood, Johnny Thief, William Giese, Mikio Kennedy, David Byrd, Brad Kelly, Mike DuBois, Jay Blakesburg Studio, John Warner, Kenny Schneidman, JT Luccesi, Kory McGeehan, Una Toibin, Helen Kennedy (Zazz Corp.), PhanArt, Rennie Cantine, Brian Woodruff, Phil Brown, Nadina Simon, Nick Clemente (Mark Goff Photos) and many more to be announced.
Where does the time go? A lot can happen over the course of 25 years, but for a rock band, sticking together that long isn’t typically one of them. From the beginning, however, Umphrey’s McGee has never been a typical band.
Often considered “too heavy for the hippies,” or “too jammy for the metal heads,” UM has emphatically made a career out of bridging those two musical scenes together; a theme that would unveil itself throughout the final night of their silver anniversary run through New York. Playing their 2,644th show on January 21, 2023 at the Capitol Theatre, exactly 25 years after their first known performance, appreciative fans from all over the country made their way to “the original rock palace” to commemorate this milestone birthday bash.
Consisting of Brendan Bayliss and Jake Cinniger on guitars, Ryan Stasik on bass, percussionist Andy Farag and drummer Kris Myers, improv-heavy prog rockers Umphrey’s McGee have come a long way since forming as students at the University of Notre Dame and the road to this historic night at the Cap hasn’t always been an easy one. Sticking together through untold sacrifice, overcoming tragedy and navigating through an ever-changing musical landscape, Umphrey’s McGee has remained one of the most colorful, innovative, and hardest working live acts in the business for a quarter century now.
After kicking off their birthday weekend with an intimate sold-out show in Williamsburg and then wow’ing The Cap crowd on night one in Port Chester with a plethora of heavy fan favorites like “Front Porch”, “JaJunk” “Higgins,” and an acoustic debut cover of “Helplessly Hoping” in memory of the late David Crosby, when the band members took the stage on Saturday night, you could just feel that something special was about to go down.
Starting the party with a bang, “Bridgeless” had the hyped crowd with their ‘horns up’ and dancing shoes on from the get-go. The band would leave the song unfinished and throw fans their first surprise of the night, shifting gears into “13 Days,” a song which had not been played since before the Covid-19 pandemic. From something old to something new, up next was a song dedicated to UM crew member Rachel who is moving on after sixteen years with band. “Escape Goat,” from the band’s most recent album Asking for a Friend would stretch out for nearly 19 minutes. Revisiting their roots some more, “White Man’s Moccasins” followed suit before Umphrey’s McGee jammed even longer on another new song, the tongue-in-cheek titled “Unevolved.” Played for only the second time since debuting last November, this version clocked in at well over 20 minutes and sent fans to intermission with plenty to smile about and discuss.
Prior to the start of Set Two, Capitol Theatre owner Peter Shapiro would lead the crowd in singing “Happy Birthday” while presenting the band with a cake. In return Umphrey’s McGee then launched into an equally ‘sweet’ rendition of “Wappy Sprayberry” to get things going strong. ”Pure Saturation” came next and provided lighting director Ben Factor a prime opportunity to dazzle the audience with his impressive skills and tasteful color palettes. Following it up with another surprise was “Dear Lord.” An emotional nod to the bands earliest days, the rarely played song was first performed back in January of 1998. Another deep cut was next in the form of “The Other Side of Things,” which has only been play five times this century!
Jake Cinniger would join in on percussion with Andy Farag in a duel with drummer Kris Myers before bassist (and best T-Shirt of the night winner) Ryan Stasik would take over with his distinct riffage of the heavy hitting “Puppet String.” Another tip of the cap to the band’s early history was up next with the UM classic “Divisions” which was also played at their very first show.
Umphrey’s would then unplug for some candid banter as Brendan Bayliss took an opportunity to give proper shout-outs to his bandmates, the crew and the fans for making the last 25 years possible. Claiming he didn’t prepare a speech, so if he was speaking from the heart, it would have probably come out sounding offensive. “And if I did offend you,” Bayliss hypothetically joked, “go fuck yourself.” He then invited out special guest and frequent collaborator Jenifer Hartswick for an acoustic anything-but ‘Hartliss’ rendition of the rarely played “Bullhead City.”
Hartswick would stick around and play trumpet on yet another bust-out, “1,000 Places to See Before You Die,” an instrumental which has only been played 11 times ever. As if that wasn’t special enough, the roof would nearly come off the place next when Hartswick lead the entire theatre in a cathartic sing-along of the Queen and David Bowie’s classic “Under Pressure,” fading out of the set with everyone snapping their fingers in unison. A very neat moment to be a part of.
Now past the witching hour, Umphrey’s McGee returned to the stage one last time, soaking in the cheers with huge smiles before keyboardist Joel Cummins would lead fans into the “Den.” Finally the show would come to it’s high-octane conclusion the same way it began, returning to “Bridgeless” to complete one hell of a celebratory jam-sandwich. Genuinely thanking everyone for “letting them do what they do” for the last 25 years, Bayliss would confirm they’ll “keep doing it as long as you keep coming out.” The band then convened in the middle of stage for a group hug and bow, which received a well-deserved standing and sustained ovation.
Tying the bow on an epic birthday run through New York, Umphrey’s McGee honored their past with a carefully mapped out, career spanning setlist while simultaneously showcasing a glimpse of the greatness yet to come. Combined with an unmatched dedication to their fans and their craft, an astonishing improvisational and technical ability, and a mesmerizing light show, the future for this timeless band is looking bigger and brighter than ever. With the UMXXV Tour officially off and rolling and a number of major festival dates already announced for later this summer, the Umphrey’s McGee train shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon.
Setlist: Umphrey’s McGee | 1/20/2023 | The Capitol Theatre | Port Chester, NY
SetOne: Small Strides, Conduit > Day Nurse[1], FF-> Mail Package[2], It’s Not Your Fault > JaJunk[3] SetTwo: Front Porch > Resolution > Front Porch, The Linear > 2nd Self, Higgins Encore: Helplessly Hoping[4], The Weight Around[5] > The Floor: [1] with Workin’ Day and Night (Michael Jackson) teases [2] with Miss Tinkle’s Overture tease [3] with Top Gun Anthem (Harold Faltermeyer) tease [4] debut, Crosby, Stills, & Nash; just Brendan and Jake on acoustics and vocals, along with Joel on vocals [5] with Brendan on acoustic
Helplessly Hoping played in remembrance of David Crosby, with “Closing Time” (Semisonic) quote from Brendan just before
Setlist: Umphrey’s McGee | 1/21/2023 | The Capitol Theatre | Port Chester, NY
Set 1: Bridgeless > 13 Days, Escape Goat-> White Man’s Moccasins > Unevolved
Set 2: Wappy Sprayberry > Pure Saturation > Dear Lord > The Other Side of Things > Drums[1], Puppet String, Jam[2] > Divisions, Bullhead City[3], 1000 Places to See Before You Die[4], Under Pressure[5]
Encore: Den > Bridgeless
Footnotes: [1] with Jake on percussion [2] just Jake [3] with Jennifer Hartswick on vocals, and Brendan and Jake on acoustics [4] with Jennifer Hartswick on trumpet [5] with Jennifer Hartswick on vocals Show Notes: Before set two, venue owner Pete Shapiro and radio personality Gary Dell’Abate presented the band with a cake and led the crowd in singing “Happy Birthday” for the band
Opening up the show was Nashville-based recording artist Rich Ruth. A seasoned session musician and an ambient music making machine, it was this critically acclaimed up-and-comers first time passing through Albany. Captivating the audience early with dreamy, lush and psychedelic post-rock styled soundscapes, the band created a huge swirling sound layered with rich textures, soaring saxophone solos, syncopated drumming, droning synthesizers, reverb-drenched feedback and huge blues rock guitar peaks. Playing mostly songs from 2022 I Survived, It’s Over, an album written in the days after a devastating twister ravaged Ruth’s neighborhood, the set found a healthy balance between beauty and chaos. Backed on this tour by a talented group of friends and equally skilled musicians, each member of the group brought something unique to the table and the result was something palpable and potent and left the Lark Hall wanting more.
Circles began their set around 930pm, taking to the disco ball laden stage, resembling mid-1960s era Deadheads and Grateful Dead members. The five giant disco balls made the stage seem more full, as the notes the band produced were far greater than the sum of the members. Yet not a moment is wasted among these four – John Lee Shannon (guitar), Dan Horne (bass) Adam MacDougall (keys) and Mark Levy (drums) – as each sonic branch ventured off into another, connecting for a sound that filled in all available space.
The highlight of the night could be found anywhere, but “Language,” a track released in March 2022 featuring the harp of Mikaela Davis, stood out. This funky new disco number is a pure dance potion, consistently hit its mark, retreating before resurging towards an extended ending and then “Money’s No Option.” The 90+ minute set was better than two separate sets, so as not to interrupt the flow. Circles could have easily played another hour and lost few, if any of the dialed in crowd.
An encore of “One for Chuck” had a smooth-flowing Dead-heavy jam that give a hint of “NFA” but ended up falling into a soft rock smooth jazz vibe.
Circles Around the Sun – Lark Hall, Albany – Friday, January 20, 2023
Setlist: Scatlotta, Landline, Outerburrows, Babyman, Rouge > Language, Money, Away Team Encore: One for Chuck
moe. performed a scorching show at The Wellmont Theatre in Montclair, NJ on their Winter Tour. Fans and band mates were happy to see Chuck Garvey back in action, sounding good as ever. Chuck mentioned how grateful he was to be back up on the stage playing with the band.
The band opened with a classic, catchy, full of camel lights “Happy Hour Hero.” (Luckily this was the song stuck in my head all day.) With Nate Wilson on keyboards the entire show, later in the first set there was a well-jammed out “Nebraska” and a band debut of “Long Time Gone” by Crosby, Stills, Nash in honor of the recent passing of David Crosby.
The second set opened up with a psychedelic heavy “Fearless,” a Pink Floyd cover, which gave way to another cover, this time of progressive rock band, Yes, with “Starship Trooper.” The second set proved to be energy filled and jam heavy, ending with “Yodelittle” > “Rebubula” > “Buster” before swinging back into “Rebubla.” moe. wrapped up the show with an epic “Seat of My Pants”
moe. – The Wellmont Theater, Montclair, NJ – January 21, 2023
Set 1: Happy Hour Hero, Mar De Ma > George, Jazz Cigarette, Nebraska, Mexico > Long Time Gone* Set 2: Fearless > Starship Trooper (Yes) > Meat, Yodelittle > Rebubula > Buster > Rebubula Encore: Seat of My Pants
I have been eagerly awaiting my first opportunity to see both acts and was incredibly excited when Karina was added to the bill at the Buffalo Biscuits show.
photo by Brian Ferguson
Taking the stage at 7:30 and performing an unrelenting 45-minute set, Rykman filled the room with her deep and punchy bass tone as drummer Chris Corsico and guitarist Adam November backed her up with tight beats and screaming leads. November in particular has a pedalboard capable of making crazy sounds as he tweaked knobs like a mad scientist throughout their set.
Rykman also demonstrated her contagious and joyous energy as she bounced around the stage while shredding. Standout tracks included the unreleased “Joyride” and the upbeat and driving “City Kids.” Do NOT miss her shows if she plays in your area!
When the lights dropped in Buffalo for the first set of the Disco Biscuits and the band jumped into “Bazaar Escape,” I was immediately struck by how cleanly they executed the wild and proggy twists and turns of the song. Very much a newcomer to the band’s material, I had naturally assumed that there were many simpler song structures to act as launchpads for long and dance-y jams, so “Bazaar” was a pleasant surprise as its arpeggios bounced around the packed venue.
photo by Brian Ferguson
Moving into “The Bridge” next, the music became incredibly euphoric as guitarist Jon “Barber” Gutwillig’s leads reached for the sky. The fabled “untz” began to set in as the Biscuits smashed through an inverted “Home Again” into “The Wormhole.”
As a keyboardist, I am naturally very curious and dialed in to Aron Magner on his side of the stage as he bounced from one board to another, looping on the fly and generally having a ball.
“Spacebirdmatingcall” continued the strong untz jamming and seemed to be closing the set, but bassist Marc Brownstein called for another tune as Gutwillig was in the process of removing his guitar. The funky “Morph Dusseldorf” closed out the set with lots of wah guitar and an anchoring beat from drummer Allen Aucoin.
The energy in the Town Ballroom did not abate in the slightest during setbreak, and the band was met with raucous cheers as they took the stage for the second set. “Jigsaw Earth” was a huge Magner moment as he continued to loop sounds and show off his dexterity on the keys. Aucoin began laying into a propulsive four-on-the-floor dance beat that would dominate the unrelenting and nonstop second set as the Biscuits drove into “Anthem.”
While Brownstein had been sticking out to me all night, this was the moment where he truly blew my mind. While I had previously had a difficult time zeroing in on his playing in the videos I had watched of the Biscuits online, his tone carried through loud and clear last night, locking in with Aucoin to form an incredible rhythm section and groove throughout the second set.
photo by Brian Ferguson
“Times Square” was tapped next and continued to amp up the crowd even more as smiles on band and audience alike grew wider. Moving into “I-Man,” a clear crowd favourite that elicited loud and energetic singing from those in attendance, Gutwillig shredded the song to pieces as the catchy chorus came around again.
Dipping into an inverted “Naeba” before finishing the set with “I-Man,” the Biscuits left a thoroughly torched Buffalo venue with a concise “Helicopters” encore, once again bringing energy to new heights.
My first Disco Biscuits experience was an absolutely incredible night – two sets of nonstop dance party and energy from a very talented band. I look forward to seeing them again soon!
Biscuits tour continues tonight with a two-night stand at Penn’s Peak in Jim Thorpe, PA. Webcasts are available via Couchtour.TV. Karina Rykman joins them again next week for a two nights at Higher Ground in Burlington. Don’t miss it!
moe. kicked off their Winter 2023 tour on Thursday, January 19th at The Paramount in Huntington. Fresh off guitarist Chuck Garvey’s triumphant, yet limited return to the stage on New Year’s Eve in Philadelphia, the tour marks the first time Chuck will be back in the lineup full-time since suffering a stroke in November 2021.
The band made the announcement at the end of their three night run in Colorado to the amazement of the fans that Chuck would indeed be a “special guest” on New Year’s. Fan’s welcomed Chuck to the stage in Huntington chanting “Chuck! Chuck! Chuck…” as he casually took his place on stage as if it was business as usual.
Ever since Chuck left the band after his stroke, moe. kept the wheels turning with additional personnel Nate Wilson (keyboards) and Michael ‘Suke’ Cerulo (guitar). Nate and Michael filled the void left by Chuck and allowed the band to keep playing shows. On Thursday at the Paramount, Nate Wilson was still playing keys for the entire show and the band sounded as if they never missed a step. moe. cruised through their 10-song opening set in about an hour, with chants and cheers for Chuck between every song break.
Chuck was stoic throughout the show, seemingly trying not to bring the focus on his return, but rather celebrate his virility and founding place in the band without fanfare. Fans were well aware of the gravity of the show they were a part of, squeezing out a few smirks and waves from Chuck between song to audible delight.
moe.’s short winter tour is focused in the Northeast and rolls through February with two legs. This first stretch wraps up at The Wellmont Theater in Montclair, NJ on Saturday, January 21st. The band has two shows in Maine in mid-February before closing the tour with two shows in Albany beginning on “moe. Day” February 24th. Tickets for the Albany shows at Palace Theater HERE.
moe. at The Paramount – Huntington, Long Island – January 19th 2023
Set 1: Stranger Than Fiction, The Road, Z0Z, Not Coming Down, Wormwood, Can’t Find My Way Home (Blind Faith cover), Okayalright, Tailspin, Moth
Set 2: Timmy Tucker, Puebla, Sensory Deprivation Bank, Captain America, She’s A Woman, Recreational Chemistry
Hybrid/fusion act Pink Talking Fish have announced their 2023 spring tour, celebrating the 50 Year Anniversary of Pink Floyd’s album Dark Side Of The Moon.
Pink Talking Fish
A musical tribute fusion of Pink Floyd, Talking Heads, and Phish, the band will celebrate by performing the album in its entirety for every show of the tour. The incredible two set show will be dedicated to first to Dark Side Of The Moon, while the second set will be classic Pink Talking Fish combinations of their namesakes.
New York City’s stop will be held March 24, 2023 at Manhattan’s Sony Hall, located in Times Square. Known as Midtown’s Premier event hall, Sony Hall is equipped with Sony’s latest technologies throughout to provide an enhanced experience.
Pink Talking Fish will also be making a stop in Buffalo on April 13. The show will take place at Buffalo Iron Works, a live music venue & bar built into an early 1900s factory space.
The tour begins with an epic concept show on March 11 in Beverly MA which is being called “The Anniversary Show”. This performance will not only include Dark Side Of The Moon, but also have a full rendition of the Talking Heads album Stop Making Sense.
