Trey Anastasio’s Band stopped at The Stone Pony Summerstage amidst their tour. The place was packed and there were loads of people listening to the concert outside of the gated-off, outdoor venue. This proved to be an incredible show filled with fan favorites, incredible solos by Trey and the horns section and even Natalie “Chainsaw” Cressman’s masterful vocal work on “1977.”
The band opened up with “Set Your Soul Free” which featured the lovely accompaniment on vocals by Jennifer Hartswick & Natalie Cressman. The first set included “Steam,” “Heavy Things,” a roaring “Night Speaks to a Woman,” and a funky “Moma Dance.”
The second set opened up with a Trey original, “I Never Needed You Like This Before.” The sun was going down and the band was settling into a familiar groove with Trey’s solos getting loner and heavier. If this show is foreshadowing the Phish summer tour ahead, we are in for quite a ride! The second set included a personal favorite “Alaska,” which was jammed out entirely with an extensive solo by Trey, “1977” with Cressman’s mesmerizing rapping, an insanely jammed out “No men in No Man’s Land,” and “Everything’s Right” to close out the set.
That last song really helped this writer get through a rough day. The positivity and healing in Trey Anastasio Band’s music have helped greatly and I am sometimes in awe of its power. The band came back for their encore, an a capella “Over the Rainbow” and a shredding “First Tube.”
Set 1: Set Your Soul Free, Simple Twist Up Dave, Evolve, Rise/Come Together, Steam, Heavy Things, Cayman Review, Night Speaks to a Woman, The Moma Dance, Curlew’s Call.
Set 2: I Never Needed You Like This Before, 1977, Acting the Devil, No Men In No Men’s Land, Oblivion, Love is What We Are, Drifting, Alaska, and Everything’s Right.
This past Friday, July 7, the iconic Big Time Rush band from the early 2010s played an incredible show at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts. Playing almost eleven years earlier at the same venue, many superfans flocked back to see them—this time all grown up. Concertgoers sported sparkly attire, OG Big Time Rush t-shirts, and posters stating their love for their favorite band member as they waited eagerly in anticipation for their Can’t Get Enoughtour.
Big Time Rush, photographed by Sarah Hyun
Big Time Rush, consisting of members Kendall Schmidt, James Maslow, Logan Henderson, and Carlos PenaVega, originally began as a TV show for the Nickelodeon channel. They formed in 2009 and garnered a cult audience of superfans, continuing their show with four seasons until their final episode in 2013. The band took a break afterward to allow each member to work on his solo career but recently regrouped in 2021. Big Time Rush has been touring since, and is now at the beginning of their Can’t Get Enough tour, with twenty-five shows left. They previously played at Saratoga Performing Arts Center and are scheduled to play at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater.
Big Time Rush, photographed by Sarah Hyun
With the concert being delayed for almost two hours due to thunder, there was an almost-certain chance that the show was going to be canceled. Although openers MAX and JAX could not take the stage, the boy band made sure that the show went on. Fans were ecstatic. The boys came out on a large platform with bright lights shining behind them to create a silhouette of their bodies. The screams that followed were absolutely deafening and continued that way for the rest of their set. During their song “All Over Again,” the members pointed to different parts of the crowd whilst singing the lyrics “To the left, left, left/On the right, right, right/To the back, back, back/On the side, side, side.” Confetti shot out of cannons during the performance of “Confetti Falling,” and a video montage of the boy band played on the large screen during their intermission song, “I Just Want To (Party All the Time).” At one point in the show, each member chose a female fan from the audience to personally serenade on stage.
During the encore, the band left for a good two to three minutes before re-entering to perform “Windows Down,” their most popular song “Boyfriend,” and “Til I Forget About You.” At the beginning of the encore, the members ran off the stage and into the seated sections to greet some of the fans that were farther away from the stage. Big Time Rush promised that they would definitely be back at Bethel Woods to play more shows in the future.
Setlist: Can’t Get Enough, Elevate, Song for You, Waves, Weekends, All Over Again, Any Kind of Guy, Ask You Tonight, Forget You Now, Love Me Love Me, Paralyzed, Nothing Even Matters, Worldwide, Invisible, I Just Want To (Party All the Time), Famous, City is Ours, 24/Seven, Shot in the Dark, Big Night, Confetti Falling, Big Time Rush
Encore: Windows Down, Boyfriend, Til I Forget About You
Electric Zoo, New York City’s esteemed electronic music festival, has announced its 2023 lineup featuring the festival debut of ‘Under Construction,’ the groundbreaking brand brought to life by house music heavyweights Chris Lake and FISHER.
Electric Zoo also announced its highly anticipated Hyperspace theme, coming to Randall’s Island Park Sept 1-3. With six fully curated stages from artists and event brands, the festival is proud to add ‘Under Construction‘ to the recently unveiled MegaMirage stage on Friday, Sept. 1. It will dazzle fans with an extraordinary showcase of Chris Lake & FISHER’S favorite artists plus a special B2B set.
Chris Lake and FISHER are two titans of the industry, each known for their distinct style in the studio, on the decks, and as label curators. Lake has earned numerous chart-topping hits such as “Turn Off The Lights” while also spearheading his widely acclaimed Black Book Records imprint. FISHER is the iconic Australian maestro known not only for his label Catch & Release but also for dancefloor anthems like his grammy nominated smash “Losing It,” along with multiple singles that dominated the charts, topped over a billion streams, and ignited countless raves worldwide.
Electric Zoo’s all-new immersive MegaMirage stage comes from the brilliant minds behind The Brooklyn Mirage, located on a secluded part of the expanded festival grounds with its own dedicated entrances and exits – without the need for a second ticket. Taking the stage is Cloonee, Mau P, Rebūke, Honeyluv, Yolanda Be Cool, and Charles Meyer.
The lineup for Electric Zoo is a star-studded affair, featuring performances and exciting collaborations from GRiZ, who will take the stage for three unique sets throughout the weekend, including a headlining live set, and an epic B2B with Zeds Dead. Electronic music legends Deadmau5 and Kaskade will join forces for the New York City debut of Kx5. Joining these iconic acts are chart-toppers such as Galantis, Alison Wonderland, Marshmello, The Chainsmokers, Gryffin, The Blessed Madonna, The Desert Hearts Crew, J. Worra, Big Gigantic, and plenty more.
Tickets for Electric Zoo 2023 are on sale now. For more information, visit here.
It was a career-defining night for Connecticut’s indie-groove sensation Goose on Friday, July 7. Making their debut at the iconic Saratoga Performing Arts Center, it would ultimately prove to be their biggest headlining performance to date, drawing an estimated 11,000 fans from across the Northeast. Rising to the occasion, the high-flying band captivated attendees with their signature sound, all played with purpose, gusto, and pride. A milestone moment in time that was as satisfying for the fans as it was for the members of Team Goose, this show felt special and more like a homecoming celebration for our triumphant underdogs.
Goose made their Saratoga Performing Arts Center debut on 7/7/23
From the dimly lit club scene to lighting up amphitheaters across the country, the meteoric rise of Goose has been a phenomenon rarely seen in today’s music climate. Ever since accepting the proverbial “torch” from a guy named Trey at Radio City Music Hall last summer, the band has been running with it full speed ahead, no brakes and all gas. From making their national television debut to selling out Red Rocks and their residency at the Capitol Theatre, to earning praise from legendary Grateful Dead members Bob Weir and Phil Lesh and even comedians like Jimmy Fallon and Bert Kreischer, the widespread appeal of this band seems to span across generations. Even people who don’t listen to “new” music are talking about Goose.
Goose guitarist/lead vocalist Rick Mitarotonda performing at SPAC on 7/7/23
Consisting of Rick Mitarotonda [vocals, guitar], Peter Anspach [vocals, keys, guitar], Trevor Weekz [bass], Ben Atkind [drums], and Jeff Arevalo [vocals, percussion, drums], the buzz surrounding Goose’s SPAC debut was palpable. Coming off major festivals like Peach and the final Resonance, then a pair of sold-out 4th of July shows at the Stone Pony and Portland, ME, the momentum coming into Saratoga had reached a level not seen since, well, Phish. Afternoon rain would make for a bit of a messy shakedown situation, but right around showtime, as if on cue, the clouds turned as fans started filling up the lawn and pavilion. The highly collectible posters commemorating the evening were long gone well before the first note was played.
Goose made a little Saratoga magic during their SPAC debut on 7/7/23
Walking out to a thunderous and sustained standing ovation, the members of Goose were grinning ear to ear upon taking their positions on the storied SPAC stage. Afterward, on social media, the band would reflect on it saying, “We will never forget the energy we felt right at the start of last night’s show, absolute chills.” Soaking it all in for a moment, the guys would suddenly drop into an inspired “Silver Rising,” with Mitarotonda emphatically singing out the opening lyrics:
Peter Anspach lead Goose through “Red Bird,” a touching tribute to his Mother on 7/7/23
Next came the emotional high point of the first set with a personal song near and dear to multi-instrumentalist Peter “Handini” Anspach. Leading the band through “Red Bird” in a fitting tribute to his mother who has supported his music every step of the way, hearing Peter sing it during the biggest show of his career was very touching. After dipping their toes into some gorgeous improvisational type-II territory, a rollicking rendition of “Same Old Shenanigans” (SOS) would send us to intermission and leave the excited crowd buzzing about what they’d just witnessed and what was still yet to come.
Red bird don’t get tired now
You can almost touch the light
Red bird don’t stop singing your song
Fly for tomorrow tonight
– Lyrics from “Red Bird”
The second set started off with the band paying homage to Goose’s precursor project Vasudo. Playing a heartfelt rendition of “The Empress of Organos,” a song that was also played at the final Vasudo show ten years ago, one couldn’t help but be inspired by just how far this band has come during that time. Now playing with a new custom-made guitar appropriately named “The Empress,” Mitarotonda’s tone sounded glorious all night long and the band looked completely comfortable and at home on the big stage. They are simply born for this. Following the 23-minute “Empress” came a beautiful blues-inspired cover of David Gray’s “Please Forgive Me” that saw some serious peak shredding from Snakes.
The Empress: Rick Mitarotonda’s new custom ax sounded glorious under the SPAC pavilion on 7/7/23
The SPAC show will be remembered for a lot of things, but for me, the real “get down” took place during the SPAC “Thatch.” One of the funkiest and crunchiest grooves this side of Phish’s “Moma Dance,” the band originally debuted the song just up the road in Glens Falls last November while opening for the Trey Anastasio Band. Nearly doubling its length with this version (while also managing to sneak a “Tequila” tease in), the song is destined to become a fan favorite and setlist staple for years to come. Check out pro-shot footage of “Thatch” here:
Easing us into the comedown was another beautifully executed version of “This Old Sea,” one of the most tender ballads in the band’s arsenal, it would also be the shortest song played all night. Seamlessly transitioning into the title track from the band’s latest studio album, 2022âs Dripfield, the mesmerizing climax and stunning light show courtesy of LD Andrew Goedde left Goose fans dripping for more.
On your way to kill the beast
You meet the child, the only one you know
And he sings to you, “Let go,
May the nighttime be your home
-Lyrics from “Factory Fiction”
After hanging backstage for a minute to bask in the ovation and savor the moment, there was only one song that made sense for an encore; a song reserved for only the most special and monumental occasions. As the opening notes of the rare “Factory Fiction” rang out (or ‘Spactory Fiction’ as some fans are already calling it), the excitement and jubilation could be felt by everyone who was there and collectively sent chills down your entire body. Bringing the band full circle on this surreal summer night, from beginning to end, their performance made an emphatic statement. The golden Goose has arrived, and buckle up because their time is now
Goose played their biggest headlining show to date on Friday, 7/7/23 at SPAC
Up next, the band will return to the Newport Folk Festival for their first appearance on the main stage. Later this fall, Goose will return to New York to headline the Borderland Music Festival in Buffalo, before heading across the pond to play their first European tour in November.
For more information, tickets, and tour dates, visit here.
Set 1: Silver Rising, California Magic, Animal, Red Bird, Same Old Shenanigans
Set II: The Empress of Organos, Please Forgive Me (David Gray cover), Thatch, This Old Sea, Dripfield
After more than 50 years of touring, the Eagles will embark on their final tour, dubbed “The Long Goodbye,” featuring two dates in NYC and one in Belmont Park. The tour will kick off in Madison Square Garden this September and is expected to continue into 2025. The band will be accompanied by special guest Steely Dan.
The Eagles. Credit: Ron Koch.
The Eagles have performed over 1,000 concerts over their long career, with their tours consistently ranking in both Billboard’s and Pollstar’s top 10 lists. They have sold over 150 million albums, with six #1 albums. In 1998, they were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Notable albums include Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975), which is the best-selling album in history at 38 times platinum. Another of their albums, Hotel California is the third best-selling U.S. album in history, certified 26-times platinum. The band has also earned six Grammy awards.
Our long run has lasted far longer than any of us ever dreamed. But, everything has its time, and the time has come for us to close the circle.
The Eagles
The Eagles plan to expand the tour, expecting it to run until 2025. They will return to various cities as the market demands, with scheduling information to be released as dates are set.
Presale tickets and VIP packages will be available on July 12 for all currently announced shows. The general on-sale will begin on July 14 at 10:00 a.m. More information and tickets can be found on the Eagles’ website.
Birthh, a Brooklyn-based alternative pop artist, has released her third single, “Hyperdrive,” from her upcoming studio album Moonlanded. The song is a futurist declaration of queer love with energetic lyrics that drift through time and space.
Alice Bisi, better known as Birthh, was born and raised in Tuscany, Italy. Starting with music at age six, Birthh released her first album, Born in the Woods, at only 19. In March 2020, Birthh traveled to Brooklyn, meeting her now-life partner, Storm Higgins, where two weeks quickly turned into two and a half years during the pandemic. It was here that the Moonlanded album first got its start.
We feel so much and so deeply. We feel the triumph of being alive as much as we feel the struggle that comes with it. All at once.
Birthh
Lead vocals, beats, guitars, and keys were recorded by Birthh in her bedroom recording studio fittingly named the Moonbase. Strings were captured by Grammy-winning sound engineer Tommaso Colliva, and the album was mixed by Robert “LB” Dorsey, another Grammy winner.
The song “Hyperdrive” itself connects science fiction imagery and romantic feelings in the lyrics to create the sensation of drifting among the stars. It also ties the grandeur of the grand vistas it describes with the love story embedded in the song. The vocals themselves cut through the rest of “Hyperdrive,” with an experimental and unique sound.
A personal favorite touch happens near the end of the piece, where “Hyperdrive” uses both sides of earbuds or headphones to have the name of the song almost “rotate” around the listener. It adds to the futurist stylings of the song and feels like Birthh’s victory lap before the song closes out.
It was really important for Storm and I to show the evolution of our love through a sweet, dreamy lens because that’s what it felt like to us. Sapphic love is often either hypersexualized or dismissed. Coming from a more conservative culture like Italy, it hasn’t always been easy to express my queerness fearlessly. But we’re here, we’re proud, and representation really does matter.
Birthh
The full Moonlanded studio album will release on Sept. 1, 2023, and is currently available for pre-order. “Hyperdrive” is available everywhere, and can be found on various platforms here.
Coming from New York – you either got it or you don’t. Plain and simple. Some of the most prolific New York hip-hop penmanship comes from Your Old Droog. The word Droog serves as a synonym for buddy or pal as this Brooklyn-based Ukrainian writes, ideates and executes with the best of them. Magnetically, Droog’s mild mannerisms and downright delicate delivery separate him from the pack.
Initially, many thought that Nas voiced Droog as some sort of concealed alternate persona. Also, Mass Appeal [Media Platform owned by Nasir Jones] posted one of his early singles, “Nutty Bars” further propagating the alias. Nevertheless, this man transcends time with his collaborative contributions to the overarching grand scheme of hip-hop. Particularly, his work with Tha God Fahim proves incredibly extensive.
To discover the intriguing parts about Your Old Droog (or any artist for that matter) one must immerse and grow with the music over time. Alas, YOD makes music that elicits immersive qualities and allows a person to intrinsically reflect. After all, Droog loosely translates to friend. Listen to the song below to hear about how Droog ended up going the independent route.
Choosing What is Right
The directions by which life twists and turns represent a common denominator. To truly understand what fate means to you – look inward. Subsequently, Your Old Droog refused to put down the microphone after declining many major label deals. Instead, he remained independent and pivoted by way of artwork with Mach Hommy. Recording radio-friendly music via releases to satisfy a record deal do not amount to creative fulfillment in this day and age.
Zoom into 2019 alone – two years after Droog meets Tha God Fahim and Mach Hommy. The three mixtapes that hit Soundcloud in 2019 are lowkey legendary classics within the underground hip-hop hemisphere. Jewelery has since been removed but It Wasn’t Even Close and Transportation still knock through any stereo.
Distinguishing Factors
Furthermore, Your Old Droog’s evocative lyrics vastly distinguish his content from his counterparts. His approach captivates the crowd with cohesive and atmospheric energy developed according to lyrical circumstances. As a humble individual, Your Old Droog promotes conversational and self-deprecating content. Humorous humility and comedy comprise the well-balanced nature of this New York artist. Your Old Droog maintains a balanced homeostasis throughout the fulfillment of his earthly obligations.
Droog uses a stream-of-consciousness flow that doesn’t always require syllabic rhyme. By piecing together double entendres and using words in a nontraditional fashion, Droog consistently tries to best himself on every track. Particularly, his use of tonal perception as a mind-altering agent allows him to pair words and phrases in a fashion that many have never heard before.
Breaking Down the Language
Droog represents the Beastcoast and provides a deeper meaning to the complexities of our language in his music. Clearly, this unorthodox artist venerates and redefines the art of storytelling. Listening to tunes by Droog, it would prove useful to become familiar with the rewind button. This “rap revivalist” makes an impact with powerful opening lines and punchlines that stand among the likes of Big L, Prodigy, and Kool G Rap.
Hence, intonation and modulation are some of the crucial components of Droog’s vocal renditions. Modern artists tend to fill vocal space with adlibs and attention grabs, but Droog steers clear of filler material. Rather, he prefers to exert precision, accuracy, and intonation to his trademark raspy delivery.
As a “self-aware slang slinger,” Your Old Droog’s presence captivates countless city slickers worldwide. He radically explores the historical implications and inclinations of our complex lexicon. Through virtuosic analyses, in-depth comparisons, and brilliant metaphors, Droog makes his message clear.
The 13th season of the Geneva Music Festival came to a close, showcasing how exceptional music can create and build community with ten performances, 32 artists, and over a thousand attendees.
Geneva Music Festival’s Theme
Each season of the Geneva Music Festival has a theme, and this year’s was Gods, Myths, and the Divine. A rather capacious theme, it lent itself to a truly fascinating lineup of concerts in a variety of styles. From modern myths to Taiwanese legends to Christian and Jewish religious music, the season spanned cultures and belief systems.
Concert attendees commented not only on the quality of the musicianship but on the music’s ability to form connections. The breadth of repertoire from the Jason Clayborn Band impressed Charles McCadd, a Geneva resident. “The actual diversity of how much music they fit in of everything was amazing,” McCadd said. “Being able to go from all these different generations of music and then collide them all together to make everyone in the audience happy was just amazing.”
It’s easy when listening to music, especially classical music, to forget the interpersonal connections that underpin it. The intimate setting of chamber music reminds the audience of the connection between artists. They also orchestrate chamber music together, rather than training their focus on a conductor. One of the really striking themes of the Geneva Music Festival is the camaraderie the artists share. The audience member feels like they are being let in on an inner world.
Artistic Director Geoffrey Herd wrapped up the season by concluding, “Many thanks to our dedicated patrons and supporters who helped make our 2023 season sensational. The GMF musicians were honored, as always, to perform for our community and explore the diverse repertoire inspired by our theme, Gods, Myths, and the Divine. I wish all of you a peaceful and happy summer, and I look forward to sharing details about our next season soon.”
Livestreams of all performances are available to be purchased here until July 31.
The Town of Clifton Park will once again sponsor the Performing Arts at the Common at the outdoor Clifton Common Stage. All performances are free, and take place on Wednesday and Sunday evenings.
On Wednesday evenings, families are welcome to bring kids to the Clifton Park Stage for the Performing Arts Family Series. This series features a wide range of musicians, performers, and family-friendly events. Kids of all ages are welcome to join for a night of free entertainment and outdoor fun. On Sunday evenings, the Performing Arts at the Common Series will offer entertainment for all. A range of musicians and live performers will take the stage for a variety of shows.
Sunday Concerts and Wednesday Children’s Programs begin at 7:00 pm, rain or shine unless otherwise noted. Theater performances begin at 8:00 pm. Those in attendance are welcome to bring lawn chairs. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted. For more information, visit Clifton Park’s website.
Hamilton’s FirstOntario Center became a haven for progressive metal enthusiasts. The mighty Dream Theater stormed the stage on their highly anticipated “Dreamsonic” tour on Wednesday, July 5. Sharing the spotlight were the incomparable Devin Townsend and the virtuosic Animals as Leaders. The evening promised a sonic journey unlike any other, and the bands delivered an unforgettable experience that left the crowd breathless.
The main support of the show was the one and only Devin Townsend, a visionary artist known for his eclectic and experimental soundscapes. With a mesmerizing stage presence, Townsend took the audience on a musical odyssey with his setlist. From the mind-bending complexity of “Truth” to the atmospheric beauty of “Kingdom,” Townsend showcased his ability to seamlessly transition between contrasting moods and styles. The crowd was captivated by his powerful vocal range and the intricate layers of instrumentation that formed the backbone of his performance.
Next up, Dream Theater took the stage with an explosive rendition of “Caught in a Web,” instantly igniting the crowd’s energy after they started the setlist with some newer songs. The band’s technical prowess was on full display as they flawlessly executed complex time signatures and intricate melodies. Songs like “About to Crash” and “Solitary Shell” showcased their ability to seamlessly blend heavy riffs with melodic passages, creating a dynamic and captivating sonic experience. Their guitarist John Petrucci is one of the few performers who have mastered this.
The concert reached its climax with the epic “The Count of Tuscany” a monumental piece that showcased Dream Theater’s musical virtuosity. The band’s chemistry was palpable as they flawlessly navigated through the song’s ever-shifting dynamics and intricate arrangements. The audience was spellbound by the precise synchrony between each band member, as they wove together a sonic tapestry of progressive metal mastery.
For the encore, Dream Theater invited the other band members from the prior bands to join them on stage for a stunning rendition of “Act II: Scene Eight: The Spirit Carries On.” The collective energy and talent of all the musicians on stage created a transcendent moment, leaving the audience in awe.
Dream Theater’s setlist was a carefully curated journey through their illustrious discography. Classics like “Pull Me Under” ignited nostalgia in long-time fans, while newer tracks like “The Alien” showcased the band’s continued evolution and growth. Each song was performed with impeccable precision, showcasing the band’s unrivaled musicianship and dedication to their craft.
The Dreamsonic tour in Hamilton was a night that will forever be etched in the memory of progressive metal fans. Dream Theater, accompanied by support acts Devin Townsend and Animals as Leaders, delivered a mesmerizing display of technical prowess, musical depth, and sheer sonic brilliance. With a setlist that spanned their extensive career, Dream Theater left no doubt that they are masters of their craft, captivating the audience and leaving them craving for more.
