Seedstock Music Festival has recently announced its schedule for the 2023 festival on Aug. 12 in Cortland, NY. The festival is returning to its roots with a one-day festival after its 2020 and 2021 absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
For over two centuries the Reed family farmed among the hills near Cortland, and for over a century, that farm was known as Reed’s Seeds. When a group of friends moved in to the property, the owners Don and Carol Reed had only one rule: if the boys ever threw a party, they better be invited.
That year in 2008 was the very first Seedstock Festival, owing its name to the farm itself. It would grow from a one-day party with a handful of local bands to a three-day festival with two dozen bands and a thousand people. After its absence in the pandemic, Seedstock returned to a one-day party for 2022’s show and the upcoming 2023 show.
While food is available on the property throughout the day, it is a BYOB event. Glass bottles are not allowed, and all recyclables with deposits are gathered. The money from this is donated to the Cortland Youth Bureau for their music program.
Festivities are divided between the Backyard Stage and the Forest Stage, with 13 bands in attendance for the 2023 Seedstock Music Festival. The gates open at 10:00 a.m. and the first performance begins at 11:00 a.m. on the Backyard Stage.
More information on the bands and the festival, as well as tickets, are all available on the Seedstock Music Festival website. Tickets are in high demand with a limited quantity, and any remaining tickets will be sold at the gate. Children 12 and under receive free admission.
The Catamount Resort Summer Series is wrapping up a jam-packed season of programming with three shows in August. Taking place over multiple weeks, the series started back on July 7 and will run until August 18. Each concert takes place on Friday from 4:30pm to 8:00pm at Catamount Mountain Resort in Hillsdale.
Boasting a lineup of local and regional bands, the Catamount Resort Summer Series looks to bring quality music to the beautiful Taconic Mountains. Past performers from this year include Sister Funk, Hedtrip, and Eric Harpe and the Delta Swingers.
Along with music, the series will also have a variety of tasty food and drink options. Organizers encourage guests to bring their own lawn chair however there are picnic tables available at the venue. Multiple of the resort’s outdoors activities will also operate with extended hours during the series, including a Zip Tour, Aerial Adventure Park, and Scenic Chairlift Rides.
The Catamount Resort Summer Series is free and open to the public. Here for more details and information about the event.
August Schedule
Aug. 4- The Silver Chain Band
Based out of Albany, The Silver Chain Band has performed across the country. From playing gigs at local New York hotspots to rocking venues down in Memphis, the group delivers impassioned performances wherever they are. Silver Chain builds on a solid foundation of Blues Folk, with elements of electric blues, and a sprinkle of rock. Their music is influenced by ZZ Top, Sonny Boy Williamson, JR Wells, Paul Butterfield, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Freddy King, Albert King, and Bill Perry, just to name a few.
Aug. 11- Victrola
Led by vocalist Victoria Palagy, Victrola is known for their creative covers of pop, rock, and blues tracks. Victoria is joined onstage with Ray Palagy, Patti Richardson, John Keane and Leo Brennan Jr.
Aug. 18- The Saints
The Saints are an experienced band that has been together for 25 years. The group loves to get the crowd moving with feel-good dance music. Perfect for the summer months, enjoy the Saints as they close out The Catamount Resort Summer Series.
On a warm Tuesday, August 1st evening, the Outerharbor in Buffalo, became the epicenter of a breathtaking display of rock mastery as Alter Bridge, Sevendust, and Mammoth WVH kicked off their highly anticipated Pawns and Kings tour. With an intimate atmosphere and a diverse set of hits and new songs, this show proved to be a memorable and personal experience for every rock enthusiast in attendance.
Mammoth WVH, the brainchild of the multi-talented Wolfgang Van Halen (Son of Eddie Van Halen), stormed the stage first, proving that talent indeed runs in the family. Despite being relatively new to the music scene, Mammoth WVH delivered a blistering performance that left a lasting impact. The crowd sang along to the infectious hooks of hits like “Mr. Ed,” “You’re to Blame,” and “Don’t Back Down.” Wolfgang’s mastery of the guitar was awe-inspiring, and his powerful vocals resonated throughout the venue.
But it was when Mammoth WVH performed “Distance,” a poignant tribute to his late father, that the atmosphere became particularly emotional. The song’s heartfelt lyrics, combined with Wolfgang’s raw emotion, struck a chord with the audience, leaving many in tears.
Sevendust took the stage next, despite being a four-piece due to guitarist John Connolly’s unfortunate illness. This setback didn’t diminish the band’s energy, as they burst onto the stage with an electrifying presence. Lajon, Sevendust’s iconic lead singer, won the hearts of the audience with his endearing interaction with the crowd. When a cheeky fan yelled, “Go Bills,” Lajon, a staunch Kansas City Chiefs supporter, playfully replied, which was met with good-natured boos before they all united in headbanging and cheers as the band started playing.
Morgan Rose
Sevendust’s setlist was a well-balanced mix of classic hits and new songs from their latest album. The crowd erupted when they played their hits, “Face to Face,” “Denial,” and “Thank You.” The new tracks also received an enthusiastic response, showcasing Sevendust’s ability to maintain their signature sound while continuing to evolve as artists.
Finally, the moment the crowd had been eagerly waiting for arrived as Alter Bridge took center stage. As always, their musicianship and tight-knit chemistry were evident from the first note. Frontman Myles Kennedy’s soulful voice soared, captivating everyone in the venue. Alter Bridge’s setlist was a perfect blend of their most beloved hits, including “Silver Tongue,” “Come to Life,” and the anthemic “Rise Today.” Each song brought a surge of energy, with the audience singing and headbanging along in unison.
What truly made this concert special was the connection between the bands and their fans. The intimate setting of the Outerharbor allowed for a more personal experience, fostering a sense of camaraderie between the artists and their audience. The bands interacted with the crowd, creating an atmosphere of genuine appreciation and love for the music.
The Pawns and Kings tour’s opening night in Buffalo was an unforgettable evening of powerful performances, unforgettable moments, and a celebration of rock music’s enduring spirit. Sevendust, despite the setback, showed resilience and enthusiasm. Mammoth WVH demonstrated immense promise and talent, and Alter Bridge once again proved why they are revered as one of rock’s finest acts.
As the night drew to a close, it was evident that this tour would leave a lasting impression on fans and musicians alike. The Pawns and Kings tour is a testament to the timeless allure of rock music, and with this spectacular start, it is sure to captivate audiences across the nation. If this performance was any indication, the journey is set to be a magnificent one, and those who are fortunate enough to attend will undoubtedly be in for an unforgettable experience.
On Aug. 3 and 4, the Queens Public Library (QPL) will be celebrating 50 years of hip hop with their “Hip Hop 50 Summit,” which will feature Darryl McDaniels of Run-DMC, as well as Lumidee and KRS-One. With panel discussions, interactive workshops, exhibits, augmented reality experiences, open mic sessions, DJ sets, and performances, the event will be at the LaGuardia Performing Arts Center.
Additionally, the event will be hosted by QPL’s Hip Hop Coordinator Ralph McDaniels, also known as “Uncle Ralph.” Alongside him will be co-host DJ G$Money. In like manner, the goal is to create a space for the discussion of hip hop, its legacy and its future with interactive workshops throughout the two-day event.
I am very excited about the Hip Hop 50 Summit. The conversation and agenda will cover all five decades of hip hop culture and its core elements – DJing, MCing, breakdancing, graffiti art and knowledge. The summit will celebrate hip hop legacy, but more importantly, it will create a space to exchange ideas, while also becoming a lasting resource on the subject for the future.
QPL Hip Hop Coordinator Ralph McDaniels
Noteworthy Panels for Thursday, Aug. 3
“Hip Hop History, Science, Technology & Innovations” is from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m., moderated by the young entrepreneur Aaliyah Duah. Rappers Phresher and Young B will work alongside data scientist and CEO of DataedX Group Dr. Brandeis Marshall to discuss aspects of the entertainment industry.
“The Business of Hip Hop, Careers and Activism,” is from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., and will feature rapper Darryl McDaniels, singer Lumidee, and media personality A.V. Perkins. Furthermore, they will be discussing the power of hip hop, from activism to making money.
“Paving the Way: Pioneers of Hip Hop” is from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.. Those in the panel include: KRS-One; Darryl McDaniels; MC Sha-Rock, one of the first female MCs in hip hop history; and DJ Hurricane, known for his work with the Beastie Boys.
“Switch the Style Up: Fashion in Hip Hop” is from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. with host, fashion historian and archivist Tianni Graham. Joining her will be the Shirt Kings, Black fashion designer Malik Dupri, PowHerful Apparel CEO Dave Huie and FIT Professor, as well as hip hop fashion expert Elena Romero.
Noteworthy Panels for Friday, Aug. 4
“The Message: Media, Technology and the Future” from 10:00 to 11:15 a.m. will have moderation from the founder and executive director of the Universal Hip Hop Museum Rocky Bucano. VIBE Magazine Editor-in-Chief Datwon Thomas, YouTube Black Music & Culture Director Tuma Basa, Microsoft Senior Attorney Bruce Jackson, and DJ TedSmooth will all be talking about the intersection of hip hop and media.
“Fight the Power: Social Justice and Education” will close the summit, held from 2:30 to 3:45 p.m., and will include: Dr. Christopher Emdin, the founder of the #HipHopEd social movement; DJ and Co-Founder of Hip Hop Blvd NYC Al Pizarro; hip hop artist and criminal justice reform activist Mysonne Linen; and Lennox Yearwood Jr., President and CEO of the Hip Hop Caucus. Likewise they will discuss hip hop as a vehicle for social change.
While the event is free, tickets are limited and are required for entry. Moreover, more information and a full schedule for the panels is available here. As a plus, the event will also be available for streaming on QPL’s Instagram.
NYC-based artist Guitarmy of One released a new retro sci-fi inspired single, “Soylent Seaform Green.” The single’s release comes ahead of the release of The Wave Files LP.
Guitarmy of One is a solo project from guitarist Scott Helland. Helland has solo projects dating back to 1996 with his Hellbox Mood Rings CD. However, he began to release music under Guitarmy of One in 2016. Excluding the imminent release of The Wave Files, Guitarmy of One’s latest record is The Spy Detective Collective, inspired by the crime and intrigue shows of the ‘60s and ‘70s.
“I want the music to be a sonic equivalent of those shows and movies where you’re riding the waves of intrigue and espionage so the music has to match that sense of urgency and excitement,” Helland said speaking of The Spy Detective Collective. “Soylent Seafoam Green” maintains Guitarmy of One’s unique surf rock sound. However, it is also infused with inspiration from the 1973 dystopian cult sci-fi thriller Soylent Green.
The movie contains themes of overpopulation, overuse of resources, and pollution. The movie’s namesake refers to a product called Soylent Green, one of the few easily accessible foods. At the end, it’s revealed that the flavor and nutrition comes from its main ingredient—human corpses. “‘Soylent Seafoam Green’ is in keeping with my blend of the spy and surf sound and is quite dark for a surf song. However, it fits the theme of the 1973 dystopian thriller film ‘Soylent Green’ of which the song’s title is based, but don’t worry, listening to the song repeatedly won’t lead to cannibalism!” Helland said.
The song is available across all digital platforms, and Guitarmy of One will release The Wave Files on Aug. 18.
Cannastock, the largest consumption-friendly cannabis festival in New York, will be returning to the Capital Region at Milton near Poughkeepsie on Oct. 7 from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. Live music will be headlined by Andy Frasco & the U.N., with additional performances by the reggae group SunDub. Over 100 exhibitors will be present on the fields outside the Hudson Valley Sportsdome.
Guests will interact with the industry pioneers bringing recreational cannabis to the Hudson Valley, including cannabis brands, growers, and manufacturers. In addition to cannabis products available at the new Green Market, festival-goers will be able to enjoy games, gourmet food trucks, and a craft beer and wine garden.
This year will also feature the announcement of the winners for the Excelsior Cup, a competition for the best cannabis products in NYS.
After two sold out Cannastock festivals, we are excited to produce the biggest and best one ever; this time in a spacious grassland with the Catskill Mountains as our backdrop. There will be more exhibitors, games, and chill out areas, along with a larger variety of food trucks and craft beers and wine. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and enjoy live reggae music all day followed by a performance by our favorite party band, Andy Frasco & The U.N.
Cannastock Co-Founder Gary Chetkof
Andy Frasco & The U.N., a blues and rock band, are loved for their kaleidoscopic musical fusion and one-of-a-kind onstage audacity. They will soon release their new album, L’Optimist, their sixth studio album. The new album charts a path of self-exploration and personal discovery through introspective lyrics and music.
SunDub released their debut album, Burden of Love in 2019 to millions of views. The reggae group rallies around the idea that people are the strongest when they work together with those from different backgrounds to create positive change. The core quintet of the group includes guitarist Finn Singer; bassist Josh T Carter; vocalist and keyboardist Eric “The General” Toussaint; and the brother-sister team of Joanna Teters as lead vocalist and Ben Teters as a vocalist and drummer.
An after-show party will be held at the Falcon in Marlboro, NY, featuring Cool Cool Cool.
Tickets will increase in price as it grows closer to the Cannastock Festival. For more information and for tickets, visit here.
On July 30, Darien Lake Amphitheater played host to a festival of Americana, when Willie Nelson and Friends rolled into the venue as part of the Outlaw Music Festival. Joining him was his son, a.k.a. The Particle Kid, as well as Kathleen Edwards, Gov’t Mule, and Nathanial Rateliff & The Night Sweats.
A perfect summer afternoon for some rustic Americana music, fans were trickling into the concert venue, situated directly behind a Six Flags amusement park. The open spaces near the entrance were taken up today by various vendors for hemp products, tie dyed shirts, bucket hats, beer cozies shaped like boots, and vodka from Wheatley Vodka, a sponsor of the Music Festival. The smells of carnival type foods were permeating all around. Fried Oreos, fried dough, and hand cut fries were all available as soon as you entered the venue. Pretty smart marketing, if you know what I mean.
Concert goers continue to flow in as The Particle Kid, better known as Micah Nelson, hits the stage around 3:45 p.m. Yes, that is the son of the Nelson you’re thinking of. The younger Nelson played for roughly 30 minutes, comfortably seated in a chair in front of a microphone. With only a guitar to assist him, you couldn’t help but notice some nuances that really made you realize what blood line this kid comes from. The voice, simple and smooth, almost distinguished. The body language and handling the guitar made you think you were watching the elder Nelson, 60 years prior. Later on, playing alongside his father, Micah really belted out the lyrics and put rest any doubt of who his father is.
Following up The Particle Kid was Kathleen Edwards. Coming from Canada, she talks jokingly about how it took a team of lawyers and such to make it possible for her to be there on stage. Regardless of the size of the team or if it really happened that way, Edwards is elated to be on this tour, her second time around, with the everlasting Willie Nelson.
Musically, Edwards played for close to an hour belting out ten songs and telling some stories along the way. Releasing her first EP in 1999, she hit the Billboard top 200 albums with first three albums and her fourth album, Voyager, hit number 40 on the same charts. Although she hit the scene hard and impressed many prominent names in the business who called her a force to be reckoned with, Edwards eventually had to walk away from music for bit. Taking some time for mental health and revitalization, Edwards opened a little café with a former supervisor from a famous Seattle coffee icon. Known for puns and plays on words, the café was named Quitters, reminding her everyday about leaving the music business. Over time, Edwards began writing again, and subsequently got her passion for music back. The café has since been sold and music is now hers to enjoy all over again.
With vocals that carry hints of Suzanne Vega or k.d. Lang, Edwards can put together some pretty solid and thought-provoking lyrics. Who knows where she would be if the passion was never gone or if the café was never opened up. For now, though, let’s be grateful that we can experience this talented Canadian.
I’m a Ford Temple, you’re a Maserati You’re The Great One, I’m Marty McSorley You’re the Concord, I’m economy I make the dough, but you get the glory
I Make the Dough, You Get the Glory
Following Edwards was the classic Americana/folk voices of Gov’t Mule. Mule, as fans call them, was formed in 1994 as side project of Allman Brothers members Warren Haynes and Allen Woody, which lends to the sounds that fans keep coming back for. With inspiration from early bands like Cream and Mountain, it’s obvious why these guys have developed quite the following. Such is the case for the guy I watched play the air drums damn near perfect in a few songs. Hit for hit, this fan was in tune with the band for a good portion of the set. Mule recently announced a visit to a nearby Rochester theatre, not far from Darien Lake, definitely worth a look.
These next musicians know how raise the roof, as they demonstrated for this crowd and many that before them. Nathaniel Rateliff and his R&B influenced back up band The Night Sweats, hit the stage and the fans were almost immediately energized. Playing a 20 set prior to a guy named Willie Nelson can be intimidating, but Rateliff and his Night Sweats were definitely up for the challenge and boy did they deliver. The songs became progressively heavier and louder through the set, and fans responded accordingly.
While the crowd was noticeably into the current music, when Rateliff played “S.O.B.” the fans under the tent went absolutely nuts, singing along (more like screaming) to every word like it was their song. At one point, Rateliff held his mic out for the crowd and they nailed the lyrics in style. One of their more popular tracks, “S.O.B.” was made as sort of a joke or satire. Listening to the song, you realize it is about addiction and the sobering process and temptations that come along with it. A subject that can be quite taboo to talk about, let alone sing about. However, the instant popularity led to a studio recording, and now it is one the biggest songs during their sets.
Next up was the iconic Willie Nelson. Touring for over 60 years, with song after song, album after album, accolades, awards, etc. It is 2023 now, and what can be said about this Outlaw musician that hasn’t been said already? I cannot think of anything. He was in a band called the Highwaymen, he played the Grand Ole Opry, and he organized Farm Aid in 1985.
What I can say is this. I have been going to concerts for about 30 years now. There was something different about this one, though. It had a feel to it that you don’t see at other shows. As Willie Nelson broke into song, the crowd went almost silent. There was no hootin’ and hollerin’, there was no cheering or obnoxious singing. There was silence in the crowd during every song. The fans let Willie Nelson perform as he has since 1960. Much respect is given to this outlaw that is now “On The Road Again” heading to his next stop on this journey.
For over 60 years, Willie Nelson has done his thing, he has done it his way for the most part, and he has lived a seemingly happy life. He moved from record label to record label to keep more control over what he does. He moved from Nashville back home to Texas to get away from the polarizing grip of record companies. Nelson is now 90 and seems to have little to no regret about life choices, including anything marijuana related.
Sitting on stage for a set of 20+ songs, Nelson sat within arm’s reach of his son Micah, aka The Particle Kid, and surrounded by a few bandmates. The two played every song together and told a few stories that acted as segways to next song, or maybe tidbit for the previous song. A story from Micha becomes the segway for a song he wrote, at the urging of dad. He talks about dying while high, and if he does, he is either half way to heaven or looking at a long fall down. Originally just a thought of Micah’s but soon realized it would be an awesome song and needed someone to record it with him. The younger Nelson sings the song through the eyes of his legendary father, and you could almost hear a pin drop.
While PR team did not allow photos of Willie Nelson, I assure you he looks the same as has for the past 30 years. If you have seen any photos of him, that is the same person that was on stage at Darien Lake. I assure you, he sounds the same, he still smokes the good stuff, and he loves to be stage. I was bummed about not getting photos, however, looking back, being able to sit there and listen a living legend is good enough for me. Seeing the respect that fans gave him for nearly 90 minutes of stage time, was unreal and well deserved. If you ever have a chance to see someone like this, even if you aren’t a superfan, I strongly urge you to make it happen. It will take your appreciation of music to new heights.
The Outlaw Music Festival continues through October 15, finishing in Pelham, Alabama.
Setlist: Whiskey River / Stay a Little Longer, Still Is Still Moving to Me, I Never Cared for You, Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys, Die When I’m High (Halfway to Heaven), Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground, On the Road Again,You Were Always on My Mind, Georgia (On My Mind), I Been to Georgia on a Fast Train, Everything Is Bullshit, Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die, Still Not Dead, Write Your Own Songs, Move it On Over, I Thought About You Lord, I’ll Fly Away, Will The Circle Be Unbroken, It’s Hard to Be Humble
Rochester Chamber Ensemble fivebyfive, known for its involvement in the community, experienced musicianship, and love for the genre will now receive a 2023 Creative Arts Support Grant from the Farash Charitable Foundation.
The Farash Charitable Foundation started in Rochester to support and boost creative arts groups in Monroe and Ontario counties, particularly ones that provide accessible, community-centered programs.
With that being said, 2023 now marks the sixth straight year fivebyfive has received a grant, as they have become a staple to the Rochester population, spreading their love for chamber music to people of all ages.
Forming in 2015, the ensemble began with the mission to engage audiences in the spirit and creativity of today’s chamber music, introducing to Rochester everything this style of music has to offer. In order to accomplish this, fivebyfive develops and performs the works of living artists, building off of some more of the genre’s masterpieces.
Made up of Marc Webster (executive director and audio/video engineer), Laura Lentz (flute), Marcy Bacon (clarinet), Ken Luk (electric guitar), Eric Polenik (bass), and Haeyeun Jeun (piano), the group will begin their 2023-2024 season in October.
In collaboration with Pegasus Early Music, the two groups will play Sephardic music, new pieces, and modern instrumentation usage from the two ensembles to kick off the season. Additionally, the Fall kickoff will feature new compositions from Grammy-Award nominated composer Clarice Assad and Eastman grad Keane Southard.
On top of an already jam-packed schedule and grant from the Frarash Foundation, fivebyfive also plans to release its third album Breath & Fire in mid-October, and will celebrate across the 2023-2024 season.
For more news and information surrounding fivebyfive’s upcoming season, visit here.
After their first weekend at Madison Square Garden, Phish took a day off and returned with even more energy, making the Tuesday, August 1 show stand head and shoulders above the three previous shows.
Opening up with a monstrous “Ghost” laid the groundwork for deep, exploratory jams, including an ethereal, outstanding version “Reba” that followed. You’d be remiss to find a version of Son Seals’ “Funky Bitch” that did not pair up as well with the energy that flowed from “Reba”‘s finale. “Timber (Jerry the Mule)” had a much longer presence in the first set than typically found, flowing into the debut of “Broken Into Pieces.” A rip-roaring 17-minute “Wolfman’s Brother” was quickly discussed at setbreak as one of the best versions ever seen, and the Beatles’ “I Am the Walrus” closed, easily the best first set of the run.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_mwN-I-OJU
Throwing it back to the Baker’s Dozen, Set 2 opened with the rarely jam-friendly “Sample in a Jar,” and tonight would end up being the longest version of the Hoist track, at more than 17 minutes in total. The jam would spill over to “Kill Devil Falls” which included quotes from a new song not played this evening “The Well” from Fishman, and made for two sets of the first two songs combining for more than 28 minutes of music to get things started. “Golden Age” was another substantial jam to follow this pairing, with “Shade” giving the crowd a breather before dipping into the warm waters of “Sneakin’ Sally Through the Alley,” funk filling in the round room. A short “Twist” and set closing “You Enjoy Myself” would be the cap to the second set, fully
For an encore, “Wilson” made an appearance where you might find “Cavern” or “Golgi Apparatus” following, but the ever rare “Sanity” making its first appearance in two years, giving fans a chance to cross this tune off their “Most Common Phish Songs Not Heard” list. Just when you thought it was over, the hi-hat intro of “David Bowie” gave way to an unexpected (now) three song encore, with a dialed in jam that seemed to be cut short after Trey and Fishman had a chat, only to close out “Bowie” and bring in “Character Zero” for the grand finale of the evening.
Phish – Madison Square Garden, NYC – Tuesday, August 2
Set 1: Ghost, Reba, Funky Bitch, Timber (Jerry the Mule), Broken Into Pieces[1], Wolfman’s Brother, I Am the Walrus
Set 2: Sample in a Jar > Kill Devil Falls[2] > Golden Age, Shade > Sneakin’ Sally Through the Alley > Twist, You Enjoy Myself
Encore: Wilson > Sanity, David Bowie > Character Zero
[1] Phish debut. [2] Unfinished.
If there is a theme emerging from this run of Phish shows, it would simply be that each show is better than the last. Wednesday, August 3rd put that theory to the test, opening up with a pair of animal tunes, “Possum” and “Guyute,” both of which might be a vanilla way to start the show, but tonight the energy was high. So high that the Apples in Stereo song “Energy” reemerged in the rotation for the first time since last summer, providing a wonderful jam that found its way into the “Meatstick.” The fan interaction tune was met with a jam that followed and one of the smoothest segues you’ll find this summer as it moved into “It’s Ice.”
Set two opened with a slow, funky jam, reminiscent of the Island Tour’s “Cavern” opener, and that was exactly the song that would emerge, a slow and funky version of the normally late-set tune. A fiery “Carini” followed, which brought back a jam on “Angels We Have Heard on High,” riffed by Trey quite a bit and also found in the “Kill Devil Falls” of Syracuse a few weeks prior. Following “Piper” was the new track, “The Well,” which at first sounds like “Wolfman’s Brother Part 2” but that’s just the first half. The second half of the song was one of the deepest jams the band could provide in a new song, one that fans will be clamoring for at SPAC and Dick’s later this summer.
Closing the set were the “2001” jam-adjacent “The Howling”, “Taste” and “About the Run,” with a “Chalkdust Torture” tacked on at the end for good measure. For an encore, keyboardist Page McConnell appeared on stage with his keytar, signaling “Frankenstein,” which hadn’t been heard live since before Covid. But that wasn’t all – Anastasio would end up playing the opening notes to “Slave to the Traffic Light” for the final song of the night, eliciting immense cheers from the audience when Trey sang “Seen the Greatest City.”
Phish – Madison Square Garden, NYC – Wednesday, August 3
Set 1: Possum, Guyute, Axilla (Part II) > Energy -> Meatstick -> It’s Ice > Blaze On
Set 2: Cavern[1] > Carini > Piper > The Well > The Howling > Taste > About to Run, Chalk Dust Torture
Encore: Frankenstein[2], Slave to the Traffic Light[3]
[1] Slow, funky version. [2] Page on keytar. [3] Lyrics changed to “see the best city.”
The Phoenix Theatre Ensemble revealed its lineup for its second annual Phoenix Festival, set to run from Sept. 28 to Oct. 21. The event will feature an engaging mixture of live theater, dance, music, and arts. Phoenix Festival includes 30 performances and will take place on multiple indoor and outdoor stages in Nyack, New York.
Founded in 2004, Phoenix Theatre Ensemble is a nonprofit theatre ensemble producing in New York City and Nyack. Phoenix Festival is aimed at celebrating classical theater, music, local culture, and the creative spirit of the Nyack community.
Festival venues include the tented outdoor meadow stage at Marydell Faith and Life Center, the garden at Hopper House, the Nyack Center, the ‘little theater’ at Nyack’s RCC Culinary Arts Center, Maureen’s Jazz Cellar and Nyack’s classic restaurant the Hudson House. The festival boasts a diverse set of programming with something for all ages and interests.
We’re excited about the 2023 program, and proud to present world class live performances at affordable prices rarely available in ‘big city’ locations.
Craig Smith, executive director, Phoenix Festival
This year’s performances range from classic theatrical shows like Crime and Punishment and Now I am Alone, to stand-up poetry, and even an augmented reality tour. One of Phoenix Festival’s most innovative and creative performances is Pan and The Lost Boys. The show combines theater and dance to examine Black masculinity through hip-hop. Stemming from the killings of Tamir Rice, George Floyd, etc; Pan looks at the impacts of these events on the health, wellness, and growth of young black men in America.
The Phoenix Festival gets underway on Sept. 28 with Crime and Punishment, directed by Karen Case Cook. A full list of performances can be found below. For tickets and details about the festival click here.
Festival Schedule
September 28- Crime & Punishment- Nyack Center
September 29- Crime & Punishment- Nyack Center
September 30- Remembering Good Harbor Beach- The Garden at Edward Hopper House Museum and Study Center
September 30- Crime & Punishment- Nyack Center
October 1- Crime & Punishment- Nyack Center
October 4- Scandalton- Maureen’s Jazz Cellar
October 5- Pan and the Lost Boys- Nyack Center
October 6- Wind and the Willows- Marydell Faith and Life Center
October 6- Pan and the Lost Boys- Nyack Center
October 7- Wind in the Willows- Marydell Faith and Life Center
October 7- Honduras- Marydell Faith and Life Center
October 7- Pan and the Lost Boys (sold out)- Nyack Center
October 8- Children’s Shakespeare Theatre- Marydell Faith and Life Center
October 8- Wind in the Willows- Marydell Faith and Life Center
October 9- Children’s Shakespeare Theatre- Marydell Faith and Life Center
October 9- Wind in the Willows- Marydell Faith and Life Center
October 11- Drinks with Dead Poets- Hudson House Upstairs Bar
October 12- Drinks with Dead Poets- Hudson House Upstairs Bar
October 13- Drinks with Dead Poets- Hudson House Upstairs Bar
October 14- ArtsRock Concert- Marydell Faith and Life Center
October 14- Drinks with Dead Poets- Hudson House Upstairs Bar
October 15- Now I Am Alone starring Geoffrey Owens- Marydell Faith and Life Center
October 19- Reflections from the Shallow End of the Dating Pool- The Little Theater at RCC Culinary Arts Center
October 20- Reflections from the Shallow End of the Dating Pool- The Little Theater at RCC Culinary Arts Center
October 21- Reflections from the Shallow End of the Dating Pool- The Little Theater at RCC Culinary Arts Center
