Morrissey announced that he will return to New York for a four-night run at the historic and magnificent United Palace in Washington Heights from Oct. 21-25.
Regarded as one of the most iconic and influential artists of all time, Morrissey emerged as the lead singer of the British band The Smiths, one of the most influential alternative rock bands of the 1980s. Since their break up, he embarked on a successful solo career, featuring thought-provoking lyricism, heartfelt melodies, and his distinctive vocal style. His solo debut, Viva Hate (1988), was critically acclaimed, setting the stage for a series of highly regarded albums such as Vauxhall and I (1994) and You Are the Quarry (2004).
The United Palace, recently in the spotlight as the host venue for the Tony Awards, has received praise for its grandiose architecture and inviting atmosphere. The New York Times described it as a “dream world” where the performing arts flourish, providing an ideal setting for Morrissey’s performances. Each night of the four-night run features his timeless repertoire, from his early days with The Smiths to his prolific solo career.
For more information about Morrissey’s four night fun, visit here.
Morrissey at the United Palace Saturday, October 21 Sunday, October 22 Tuesday, October 24 Wednesday, October 25
Pop icon Taylor Swift finished her run of hometown Pennsylvania shows to a record breaking crowd in Pittsburgh Saturday, June 17. She also happened to be the first tour to play in the Acrisure Stadium twice. However, breaking records is nothing new for Taylor. She has been dominating the music charts for the past decade and somehow still continues to surpass her previous records.
Photo Credit: TAS Rights Management
A sunny day in Pittsburgh made it perfect for the first opener of the night OWENN to make his mark on The Eras Tour. This artist looks to mix bluesy rock with airy R&B. He exudes an enigmatic spirit that no doubt comes from his many years working as a backup dancer for Taylor and other renowned pop stars. Indie pop musician Girl in Red followed up the night with her intense guitar riffs and rockstar energy. She creates music in the lens of a gay woman who talks about love in the queer space. She performed popular hits “… i wanna be your girlfriend,” and “bad idea!”.
Photo Credit: TAS Rights Management
Settling into everyones seats before Taylor took the stage is an environment that can not be recreated anywhere else. Fans are decked out in memes, iconic Swift looks, handmade outfits, and even dressed as her pet cat. From young girls to dads, the crowd is full of an array of people. A lot of which carry around friendship bracelets that they trade with other fans. All inspired by the song “You’re On Your Own Kid.” The Eras Tour pushes connection and bonding between people who might not rather say a word to each other. How many concerts do you go to and not even talk to all the strangers standing around you for those few hours? The level that Taylor Swift is at undoubtedly prompts lack of intimacy that smaller shows get. Taylor recognizes this and uses tactics to create a loving space for her fans. Something that the artist is all too familiar with: seeing the status quo and going against it yet again.
No Bad Seats
The anticipation before Taylor took the stage was uncanny as fans ran to their seats. Chaos definitely ensued once the two-minute timer went on the big screen. Something about a Taylor Swift concert that stands true is that calling it a “concert” just doesn’t feel like a big enough word to encapsulate the broadway production happening on stage. The countless outfit changes, dance routines, fireworks, introspective visuals, pyro, and acting performances are nothing short of spectacular. There is no bad seats at this show. No matter if you’re in the nosebleeds or on the floor, this tour offers so much to their audience visually.
Photo Credit: TAS Rights Management
Immediately as Taylor was seen by the crowd everyone went insane. There were tears shed, people hugging, and just about everyone screaming. It’s been five years since she has toured so it was only fitting that she opened up the night with “Miss Americana & the Heartbreak Prince,” with the line ‘it’s been a long time coming.’ As the night proceeded Taylor took us through the many eras she has had over the years beginning with the album Lover.
Photo Credit: TAS Rights Management
With a throwback to Fearless and traveling to the Folklore house this show was a journey for fans. Many of which have grown up with Taylor and could pin point moments in their life with song releases. As she has gone through these different eras so has her avid listeners. The artist pays homage to her lifelong fans by having an acoustic session each night to play two secret surprise songs. She first brought out special guest Aaron Dessner in honor of Father’s Day Weekend. The two performed “seven” which examines troubled relationships with fathers. Taylor called to celebrate her own Dad that day as well as any fathers or father figures for those in the crowd. The second surprise song wished to celebrate Taylor’s rerecording of Speak Now which releases on July 7. She played the song “The Story of Us” on that album which left fans excited.
Photo Credit: TAS Rights Management
The Eras Tour Leaving its Mark
The span of The Eras Tour goes through Taylor’s 10 studio albums beginning in 2006 with Debut. There’s something special about seeing a musical artist have an intense and overwhelming support over the many years. Each album has countless hits that has broken records. Her heart wrenching lyricism and catchy beats has only improved with each release. The fanbase has strengthened over the years and continues to takeover cities with each stop over the weekend. A craze that seems all too similar to Beatlemania. Swifties are dominating the concert space. They have supported her relreases of albums so she can own her own art and sold out this tour. Even fans who couldn’t score tickets have driven countless hours just to stand outside the stadium to hear her songs.
Photo Credit: TAS Rights Management
Whether you are a hardcore Taylor Swift fan or not, you can’t deny that she is the moment. She herself has defined this era in time, not only in the music space but in our culture. In the way we tell stories and view our idols. In the way we choose to consume media and celebrate our friendships. In the way we hope to call out the wrongdoings we see in the world and make conscious choices everyday to correct them. In the way that we are trying to improve on the upbringing of the next generation of young girls. In hopes that those girls can see women in positions of power and never have to question if they can do the same.
Setlist: Miss Americana & the Heartbreak Prince, Cruel Summer, The Man, You Need to Calm Down, Lover, The Archer, Fearless, You Belong With Me, Love Story, ’tis the damn season, willow, marjorie, champagne problems, tolerate it, …Ready for It?, Delicate, Don’t Blame Me, Look What You Made Me Do, Enchanted, 22, We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together, I Knew You Were Trouble, All Too Well (10 Minute Version), the 1, betty, the last great american dynasty, august, my tears ricochet, illicit affairs, cardigan, Style, Blank Space, Shake It Off, Wildest Dreams, Bad Blood, seven, The Story of Us, Lavender Haze, Anti-Hero, Midnight Rain, Vigilante Shit, Bejeweled, Mastermind, Karma
The Waddington Concert Series returns for its 14th year with “Rollin’ on the River!” Over the last five years the series has treated over 15,000 attendees to high quality performances by artists from across the state. This summer’s series will feature eight performances with concerts taking place directly on the St. Lawrence River at Island View Park Pavilion.
Waddington is located directly on the St. Lawrence River just along the US-Canada border. The town showcases some of the best sunsets in New York and has earned a reputation for its fishing and other wildlife opportunities. Surrounded by rolling fields, family farms, historic buildings, and dense forests, Waddington demonstrates the best of the North Country.
“Rollin’ on the River!” runs every Friday at 6:30 from July 7 to August 25 and is free to the public, however donations are always accepted. Attendees can enjoy the show from the pavilion or float by in a boat.
More and details and information about the Waddington Concert Series here.
Concert Lineup
July 7: Fritz’s Polka Band (Annual Memorial Dedication Concert)- everything from modern style polka to country to rock and even blues
July 14: Phil Hurley- a tasteful blend of country and rock
July 21: Double Axel- covering the classic tunes of Van Morrison, Bob Seager, The Beatles, and the Doobie Brothers
July 28: Bear Tracks- country and bluegrass with a hint of Roots rock
August 4: SFM- a premier party band specializing in 80s hits
August 11: Tas Cru- a unique take on Roots rock and blues
August 18: Mark Rust- classic covers and “sing alongs” played on guitar, fiddle, banjo and hammered dulcimer
August 25: Northbound- a variety of pop, rock, and folk favorites from the last five decades
May 2023 marked the 75-year anniversary of Folkway Records, delivering classic American folk albums since its founding in New York City by Marian Distler and Moses Asch in 1948.
From the talents of Woody Guthrie to the jazz swing of Mary Lou Williams, the label has pioneered some of the industry’s top artists in their respective genres.
Folkway Records’ Woody Guthrie
Releasing acclaimed albums from Elizabeth Mitchell, Our Native Daughters, Dom Flemons, Kronos Quartet, and many more, the past 75 years and present-day continue to undoubtedly shine a light on the label’s success.
On July 6, 2023, Smithsonian Folkways will present “Folkways at 75,” a program at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington D.C.
Featuring performances from Jake Blount and No-No Boy, members of the newest wave of folk music on the label, and a screening of Early Abstractions, a series of short films by Harry Smith, “Folkways at 75” expects to be the perfect celebration for Folkway Records.
The slogan for Folkway Records from the Smithsonian Folkways Recordings website.
In addition to the July celebration, November 10-12, 2023 will see the label partner up with the Brooklyn Folk Festival, including performers, tributes to label members, workshops, etc. For details on this event, visit here.
Throughout the year, Smithsonian Folkways will continue to reissue and re-press many classic albums the record label has brought out over the years. The Sounds of North American Frogs by Charles Bogert will hit an LP for the first time since 1958, and re-presses of albums by Elizabeth Cotten, Doc Watson, Lightnin’ Hopkins, and many others will be available for pre-order as well.
A new program called Friends of Folkways will give supporters the chance to stream a collection of Folkway Records classics for a minimum monthly donation of $5. Additional details surrounding the donation program will also be announced soon.
A music video for Jake Blount’s “Didn’t It Rain,” a member of Folkway Records who will be performing at “Folkways at 75.”
Nevāda Nevada, a rock band based in Brooklyn, has recently released their single “CHARGE!” which is a part of their upcoming debut LP Past Life. The piece is a rallying cry for activism, a song of unity in a time of crisis.
The band’s four main members are Kathryn Musilek (of Burn Disco Burn and Deathships), Andrew Gerhan (of Our Lady of the Highway, Adam Arcuragi, and The Animals), David Olson (of The Poison Control Center, and The Wheelers), and Alicia Berbenick. The four are also joined by, Isiah Gage (cello) and Anya Combs (saxophone).
The name of the band, Nevāda Nevada, originates from frontperson Musilek’s hometown of Nevada, Iowa. Olson is also from Iowa, with Gerhan and Berbenick both being New Yorkers. The band is currently working with Rocks In Your Head Records, founded by Sonny Smith of Sonny and the Sunsets.
The Past Life LP is said to be “about time and activism, love and rage, and being stuck while still building something,” with figurative and feminist lyrics by Musilek. This is clear in “CHARGE!,” with the first line being “Good news, you cannot save the world.” The song itself is a question of who is in charge, who is responsible for the world, and who can do things beyond the human scale.
The vocals and the message of the song feel like the focus, but this is mixed up through gaps in the lyrics that let the instruments get their chance to shine. There is a repeated sequence throughout the piece that fills this hole at around 0:55. At 2:35, an electric guitar cuts through this sequence, a good addition.
A nice touch that starts at 3:00 is the echoing effect on the line “we’re callin’” which makes it seem as though the call is traveling through space. This is helped by the relatively long delay between the line itself and the echo, which is in itself distorted.
“CHARGE!,” will be followed by another single “The One About the Sky” on June 23, with the full Past Life LP to come out on July 21. For more information on the band and links to their music, check out their website.
Elysium Furnace Works (EFW) has announced that the Bass Bridge Quartet will be joining their 2023 seasonal lineup in the Hudson Valley. They are now one of five bands who will play with EFW from July until December 2023.
Co-led by Mike Faloon and James Keepnews, Elysium Furnace Works is a cooperative project that seeks to present the work of upcoming artists in dedicated art-focused settings. While not exclusive to live music, EFW primarily works through live music venues in and around the Hudson Valley.
2023 Lineup
Brass Bridge Quartet – Ballet Arts Studio, Beacon – July 22 at 8:00 p.m.
The new additions to the season, Brass Bridge Quartet, features four celebrated multi-instrumentalists all performing on upright double bass. A new band formed in 2023, members include: Che Chen, a guitarist for the band 75 Dollar Bill; Dave Hofstra; William Parker; and Dave Sewelson, an accomplished, veteran baritone saxophonist. The band seeks to “explore the lower frequencies of improvisation.”
They will be performing at a new location for EFW, the Ballet Arts Studio at 107 Teller Avenue in Beacon. Tickets are $20 in advance and $30 at the door, though the advance discount ends at midnight on the evening before the performance. Tickets can be found here.
exclusiveOr – Cunneen-Hackett Arts Center, Poughkeepsie – Sept. 23
A duo that uses electronic sound to leave behind conventional definitions of music. The two members of the group are Sam Pluta, a Peabody Institute professor of Computer Music and Music Engineering & Technology, as well as Jeff Snyder, a director of Electronic Music and the Princeton Laptop Orchestra at Princeton University.
Sana Nagano’s Smashing Humans – Cunneen-Hackett Arts Center, Poughkeepsie – Oct. 21
Led by the Brooklyn-based noise-jazz violinist Sana Nagano, the band also features Anna Webber on saxophones, Jonathan Goldberger on guitar, Kim Cass on bass, and Danny Sher on drums.
Joe McPhee with Strings – Cunneen-Hackett Arts Center, Poughkeepsie – Nov. 18
The group, which features legendary Poughkeepsie-based multi-instrumentalist Joe McPhee, is a large string ensemble that includes: bassists Michael Bisio and Hillard Greene; cellists Fred Lonberg-Holm and Lester St. Louis; violists Melanie Dyer and Mat Maneri; violinists Rosi Hertlein and Gwen Laster; and guitarists James Keepnews and Billy Stein.
Joe Fielder – Cunneen-Hackett Arts Center, Poughkeepsie – Dec. 16
A solo performance by consummate trombonist, composer, and arranger Joe Fielder. It is built on his recent solo recordings of “The Howland Sessions,” and will close EFW’s 2023 season.
Partnering organizations, the Shubert Foundation and Music Theatre International have recently announced the return of their annual Broadway Junior Student Finale. The 18th celebration will commence on June 22 at 11:15 a.m. at Broadway’s Ambassador Theatre located in Midtown Manhattan.
Throughout the past four years, since the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc on human normality, the Broadway Student Finale has looked much different than previous years as schools all across the world and Broadway itself was shut down. Now, the students have returned to the stage to bask in the blinding spotlights provided by a real theater and not a computer screen.
The Shubert Foundation and MTI Broadway Junior partnership founded the musical theatre mentorship program to help public schools create change in their community’s social culture through building sustainable theatre education programs. The Shubert Foundation is the largest institutional funder of theatre education programs throughout NYC public schools and has provided nearly $8 million for Theatre and Arts programs in NYC.
Its partner in Broadway Junior, Music Theatre International, is one of the world’s leading theatrical licensing agencies, granting theatres from around the world, including schools, the right to perform the greatest selection of musicals from Broadway and beyond. The organization’s initiative has had substantial widespread involvement as 167 schools and more than 24,500 students have participated in Broadway Junior while over 100 schools are currently in the program.
The Broadway Junior process is vast as it spans multiple years of involvement with students, teachers, and public schools. In the first year of the program, teachers and students are guided step-by-step through the process of producing a first-ever musical in their schools. In the second year, teachers and students continue to receive support and encouragement on their second musical but take ownership of their productions. In the third year and beyond, schools present a musical independently and serve as inspiration for other schools involved in earlier cycles of the program. The program utilizes master teachers and expert production advisers from educational theatre organizations, iTheatrics, Broadway Bound Kids, and ArtsConnection.
Hundreds of these participating students from Brooklyn to Staten Island will share musical numbers from their fully produced school shows at the Finale. The Broadway shows being represented include Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical JR., Disney’s Aladdin JR., Into the Woods JR., Dear Edwina JR., Disney’s High School Musical JR., Legally Blonde The Musical JR., Disney’s The Lion King JR., Once on This Island JR., Shrek The Musical JR., and Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka JR.
Not only will students get the chance to perform on such an iconic stage at the 18th Broadway Junior Finale, but various Broadway professionals will be in attendance including the two hosts Jeanna de Waal and Uma Paranjpe. Also in attendance will be The Shubert Foundation President Diana Philips along with prominent members of the event’s other sponsors.
“The success of the program since 2005 has demonstrated that theater enhances young performers’ ability to collaborate, follow directions, practice self-discipline and work ethics, and use their imaginations while honing their verbal communication skills and developing social skills which will serve them well in navigating life,” said Drew Cohen, President, and CEO of Music Theatre International. “We are grateful to the students, of course, and also to the teachers, teaching artists, and parents who make this opportunity a reality for the students.”
The 18th Broadway Junior Student Finale performances from middle school groups participating in the second year of the program:
Brooklyn Environmental Exploration School
The Emerson School (Queens)
I.S. 136 Charles O. Dewey (Brooklyn)
Isaac Newton Middle School for Math and Science (Manhattan)
Manhattan School for Career Development
Marsh Avenue Expeditionary Learning School (Staten Island)
M.S. 935 (Brooklyn)
M.S. 158Q Marie Curie Middle School (Queens)
Pelham Gardens Middle School (Bronx)
P.S. 177Q The Robin Sue Ward School of Excellence (Queens)
Pugsley Preparatory Academy (Bronx)
Stephen Decatur Middle School 35 (Brooklyn)
The William W. Niles School – JHS 118 (Bronx)
Year Three and Graduated Schools participating in the Shubert/ MTI Musical Ensembles:
Accion Academy (Bronx)
Collaborative Arts Middle School (Queens)
Corona Arts and Sciences Academy (Queens)
Evergreen Middle School (Brooklyn)
I.S. 96 Seth Low (Brooklyn)
I.S. 131 The Albert Einstein Intermediate School (Bronx)
I.S. 217 School of Performing Arts (Bronx)
I.S. 392 (Brooklyn)
JHS 185 Edward Bleeker (Queens)
Lafayette Academy (Manhattan)
M. S. 101 The Edward R. Byrne School (Bronx)
M.S. 129 Academy for Independent Learning & Leadership(Bronx)
M.S. 331 Bronx School of Young Leaders (Bronx)
M.S. 915 (Brooklyn)
New Preparatory Middle School (Queens)
P.S./M.S. 4 Crotona Park West (Bronx)
P.S./I.S. 30 Mary White Ovington School (Brooklyn)
Nearing the end of a 29-date tour of North America that kicked off on May 6 in Canada, Dermot Kennedy visited Madison Square Garden – “The World’s Most Famous Arena” – on Wednesday, June 14. In the span of a just a few years, the crooner of his own emotionally charged folk-pop anthems has gone from busking on Grafton Street in his native Dublin to selling out arena after arena on The Sonder Tour. His second studio album of the same name, released in November of last year, has been described by Kennedy as “the realisation that each random passerby is living life as vivid and complex as your own.”
In a world where we are all connected by social media, it often seems like we have never been more separated from one another. But for at least two hours on a weeknight in Midtown Manhattan, we were 20,000 strong as his music united us all under one roof.
On a gorgeous late-spring evening, the first of two female opening acts was Laila Mach, a pop singer and local native from New Paltz. Best known for her Season 19 appearance as a 16-year old contestant on American Idol (2002), Mach released her first music in 2020 via a six-song EP dubbed Lessons Learned. The following year, the singer/songwriter who also plays the piano and guitar released her debut studio album, Stuck on You.
Also providing support for Kennedy was Sasha Alex Sloan, born in Russia and who was discovered at the age of 18 when one of her Reddit posts went viral. Having moved to Los Angeles the following year, working at a coffee ship to support her music aspirations, it was not long before Sloan was penning lyrics for major pop artists such as Dua Lipa and Charli XCX. Her debut album released in October 2020, Only Child, was met with critical acclaim. Sloan released her sophomore studio album, Blame the World, in May 2022.
At 8:40 pm, the house lights went down and Kennedy’s set commenced with the large black screen at center stage suddenly appearing with a series of white handwritten text penned by Kennedy himself. The messages read as follows:
I know that you can feel it, magic hangs in the air. I’ve heard if you can make it here, you’ll make it anywhere. I had a dream, and it came true, so will you celebrate with me? Guide me home, keep me warm, hold me tight New York City.
Suddenly, appearing in the dark shadows of the stage were the backing quintet of Elize Kellman (backup vocals), James Bradshaw (backup vocals, keyboards), Benjamin Keys (keyboards), Kieran Jones (guitar) and Micheál Quinn (drums). The sell-out crowd, already at a fervent pitch, somehow took it up another level when Kennedy finally arrived on stage, opening with “Blossom” (Sonder, 2022). “Power Over Me” (Without Fear, 2019) came next, Kennedy’s second single from his debut studio album that essentially launched him into stardom and winning him the world’s collective ear.
A quartet of tunes (“One Life,” An Evening I Will Not Forget,” “Lost” and “Young & Free”) composed over the span of five years by the Irish singer-songwriter subsequently transpired. The chorus refrain of each one of these songs was belted out by Kennedy’s faithful fans, filling up the iconic venue to its rafters where only the retired jerseys of past NY Knicks and Rangers legends have dared to soar. Next, the romantic folk rocker whose tracks often include a collision with the rap genre performed a sublime rendition of “Dreamer,” another gem taken from Sonder. As the song neared its climax, it segued into a speech by Michael D. Higgins, the President of Ireland, encouraging everyone to pursue their dream of creating art.
“Moments Passed” and “Glory,” each presented by Kennedy from his self-titled compilation album released in 2019, were succeeded by him taking a seat at his piano stage left for solo, heartfelt deliveries of “Rome” (Without Fear) and “Innocence and Sadness” (Sonder). Speaking of the heart, in between these songs – when a pin could be heard dropping – a young woman exclaimed “I LOVE YOU!” from the top of her lungs, immediately after which the entire arena erupted into laughter and applause.
Well into the second half of his 19-song set, Dermot Kennedy bestowed upon his legion of enthusiastic supporters a few more numbers dating to 2019, including fan favorite “Outnumbered,” “After Rain” and “Without Fear.” As the epic night entered its home stretch, the roof of The Garden was officially torn off with a goose bump inducing assemblage of five selections from Sonder – all of which are deemed classics despite their infancy – comprised of “Better Days,” “Don’t Forget Me,” “Homeward,” “Kiss Me” and “Something to Someone.” The last of which, accompanied by blasting canons that filled the sky with confetti bombs, was a fitting conclusion to the highly emotional show for everyone who bore witness. The night’s crowning moment saw Kennedy repeatedly serenading his fans with the chorus, and vice versa, “Once upon a time, I was something to someone.”
The excitement did not end when the house lights came back up at MSG. Immediately following his first ever headlining show in The Big Apple, Kennedy made a short trip downtown to the Swift Hibernian Lounge (his favorite Irish pub in Gotham) where he climbed atop the bar to thrill the punters with an acoustic rendition of “The Parting Glass,” a traditional ditty often sung at the end of a gathering of friends.
With a belly full of Guinness, Dermot Kennedy headed to Boston for a pair of dateson June 16 and 17, before moving onward to Saratoga Springs for an outdoor gig slated for June 19. The North American leg of The Sonder Tour culminates at Freedom Mortgage Pavilion in Camden, New Jersey on June 20, after which Kennedy will fly back home for a pair of outdoor shows at Marlay Park in Dublin on June 23 and 24. Ensuing the Emerald Isle performances will be an appearance on the main stage at Rock Werchter (Belgium) on July 2.
Setlist: Blossom > Power Over Me > One Life > An Evening I Will Not Forget > Lost > Young & Free > Dreamer > Moments Passed > Glory > Rome > Innocence and Sadness > Outnumbered > After Rain > Without Fear > Better Days > Don’t Forget Me > Homeward > Kiss Me > Something to Someone
Re:SET Concert Series kicked off its three day run at Forest Hill Tennis Stadium this past Friday, June 16th. The traveling mini festival is in their inaugural year, taking a stacked lineup on the road and commandeering local venues for a long weekend of music. The opening night of Re:SET Queens featured legendary NYC natives LCD Soundsystem supported by Jamie XX, IDLES, and fellow New Yorker L’Rain. Each band brings a distinct style of the music to the stage, creating a truly unique night of music you can’t get at a normal concert.
LCD Soundsystem, Re:SET Forest Hills 6/16/23. Photo by Joseph Buscarello
The atmosphere was electric from the beginning. General admission floor wristbands were given out on a first come first served basis, drawing a large crowd for the early start time. A brief thunderstorm pushed doors back an hour, but those first fans in the door were greeted to the amazing L’Rain welcoming them from the stage. Her uniquely experimental pop and R&B filled the stadium with dense layers of vocal loops and instrumentation. L’Rain finds herself on many bills throughout the city opening for all sorts of artists, keeping it fresh by bringing something new every time.
IDLES were up next, who brought a drastic shift in energy with their classic, in-your-face punk rock. The band boasts an extremely loyal and engaged fan base that made it out to Forest Hills in droves. IDLES have been pretty active since their excellent 2017 debut Brutalism, releasing four LPs in that time span and embarking on countless tours. Over the course of their one hour set, IDLES hit each of their four LPs including crowd favorites “Crawl!” from 2021’s CRAWLER and “Never Fight a Man With a Perm” from their sophomore LP Joy as an Act of Resistance.
The band loves to be engaged with the crowd, crowd surfing while singing and even jumping into the mosh pit and playing guitar while mixing it up with the kids. Before closing the set with “Rottweiler”, vocalist Joe Talbot thanked the fans for coming out, saying “the only reason we exist as a band is because of the love and passion you bring to the shows, so thank you.”
After the punk infused mosh pits cleared off the tennis courts, UK garage and house infusion was up next courtesy of Jamie XX. One half of The XX, Jamie XX blends the classic garage sound with old school house and rhythm and blues beats to create a unique style of dance music. Parked in front of a giant disco ball projecting rays onto the crowd, Jamie XX played a rather deep setlist littered with snippets of some of his bigger hits hidden in the layers. He opened the set with “KILL DEM”, a one-off single from 2022 that features a vibrant, glitchy vocal array over a very tribal garage beat. Jamie XX followed that up with “Idontknow”, another single that mixes scattered percussions with trippy vocal loops.
Jamie XX took a 5-song setlist and fleshed it out for his hour-long set by mixing his songs in and out of curious beats and musical tangents, without skipping a beat or allowing a second of dead space. He rolled on with the fun and vibrant duo of “I’ll Take Care of You” followed by “LET’S DO IT AGAIN” before ending things off with a funky edit of “Gosh”, the opening track from his stellar 2015 LP In Colour. The audience on the floor and in the stadium seats were dancing from the moment he took the stage
LCD Soundsystem always draw quite a bit of hype when they are in town, regardless of the countless residencies they perform in the city. A staple in the city’s thriving music scene since their inception in 2002, the band is beloved in New York and can bring a tiny dive bar or an entire arena to its knees with their infectious dance rock. Forest Hills Stadium was packed to the upper deck before the band took the stage to an enormous reception on a gorgeous night in Queens.
LCD Soundsystem, Re:SET Forest Hills 6/16/23. Photo by Joseph Buscarello
James Murphy and company started things off with a bang with the driving drum beats of “Get Innocuous!”, the opening track from 2007’s Sound of Silver. The beat sent the audience into a dance groove that did not let up until curfew. The song continued to swell until a sudden transition to “I Can Change” instigated a loud sing along from the 13,000 fans in attendance. The set rolled along with endless crowd favorites, leading up to a climactic three song finale. “New York I Love You But You’re Bringing Me Down” always comes with a vocal outburst from the crowd, which was followed up by the thunderous jam “Dance Yrself Clean”. The band fleshed this song out a bit for the live show, sending an already amped crowd up into another gear. All good things must come to an end, with LCD Soundsystem ending the night with “All My Friends”. A truly joyous ending to day one Re:SET.
LCD Soundsystem, Re:SET Forest Hills 6/16/23. Photo by Joseph Buscarello
Re:SET has certainly established itself as one of the more unique traveling festivals in only its first year. Each day features a bill of four bands that could all headline shows on their own; many who just completed or are in the middle of their own tours. Each band brings something new to the stage when it’s their turn to play, drawing the interest of the fans who came out, and the other bands themselves. During the earlier acts for Re:SET, James Murphy and others from LCD Soundsystem were in VIP checking out the music, rocking along to IDLES and dancing to Jamie XX. During the headline set, many of the band members from the earlier acts made their way into the crowd to witness the legends themselves. It’s truly a great festival for fans who enjoy a wide array of music.
LCD Soundsystem, Re:SET Forest Hills 6/16/23. Photo by Joseph Buscarello
Luke Bryan gets his Country On at Darien Lake as his 4 month long tour makes stop in Western NY. Coming off a boisterous and packed house in Syracuse, Bryan coasted into Darien Lake Theme Park with special guests Alana Springsteen (no relation to the famous New Jersey guy), Chayce Beckham, and Tyler Braden.
With over 15 million album sales under his belt, 30 #1 hits, and 20 billion streams, the native of Georgia is no stranger to success and the crowds that come with it. The packed house at this Live Nation venue in Corfu, NY was proof of that as the crowd was on their feet for his entire set, singing along to nearly every word.
Opening the night for Bryan was Alana Springsteen. Newer to the music scene, Springsteen has released a few EPs since her debut in 2019, and in July 2023 will be releasing TWENTY SOMETHING: Figuring It Out. The first single, “When We Were Friends”, was just released this week and of course she belted it out for the crowd at Darien Lake. The song is about hardships among friends which many can and will relate to.
Used to wear each other’s sneakers // Get drunk behind the bleachers // Raise some hell, but we always said amen // I knew who you were kissin’ // What tattoo you were gettin’ // Now I don’t even know how you’ve been // Truth is, I miss when // When we were friends
A little Miranda Lambert, a little Chirstina Aguilera, and a whole lot of fire, Springsteen sang her heart our for about 25 minutes, preparing the fans for who was following her.
Next up to the stage, came Chayce Beckham. Imagine being a forklift operator and deciding to enter a singing competition on national television. Imagine being told by Katy Perry that you “sound like the heart of America”. Imaging singing a song you wrote and having that be the reason you won American Idol. This was the path that led Chayce Beckham to where he is now. He no longer is a forklift operator.
Serenading young and old alike, Beckham confidently kicked some ass on this stage, getting some hand shakes and fist bumps from fans. Sultry voice, with some slicked back hair, thoughts of early Johnny Cash, and maybe some Chris Isaak are sure to enter your mind as this 27 year old belts out lyrics from his song “23”
Following Beckham, Tyler Braden strutted around on the stage for another 25 minute set. The former firefighter has been raising eyebrows for about 7 years as he makes his presence know. Go watch him on stage for one set, and you will be forever hooked. Luke Combs-esque looks and smooth vocals will make Braden a household name very soon.
Where the longnecks don’t get hot in our hands The bar keeps doublin’ down on doubles It ain’t hard to find a little trouble
Neon Grave – Tyler Braden
Released in early 2023, Neon Grave is the latest EP that features the title track along with “Try Losing One”, “Middle Man,” “Wrong Right Now,” and “Choose Me,” Check out more of Tyler Facebook
I first saw Luke Bryan about 10 years ago. I don’t recall much of the night, honestly, but that story isn’t for publication. What I do recall is that Bryan got the crowd jumping, hooting and hollering immediately and never let off the gas. This night was no different in that regard.
From his first notes of “Kick The Dust Up” to his last notes of “Light it Up” Bryan had the entire seated crowd of 6400 and the extras in the lawn up and dancing around. The glow of cell phone screens filled the amphitheater and the subtle smells of vapes, pot, and spilled beer were prevalent as Luke was “Knockin Boots” on stage for close to 2 hours.
Starting around 905, the stage and house lights went dark as the crowd suddenly erupted in massive screams and cheers. We heard a little mash up of Luke Bryan songs as the curtains were pulled back and light filled the stage with light and finally Luke Bryan as he started off his set with a “Kick The Dust Up”
Along with his infamous dance moves and thought-provoking lyrics, Luke Bryan shows also boast quite a picture/light show throughout his performances. Each song is paired perfectly with proper graphics and/or light shows on large screens behind him. “Roller Coaster”, an appropriate theme for this venue, displays large coaster on the backdrop, complete with matching sounds. Other songs like “I Don’t Want This Night to End” show clips from music videos. While “Country On”, Luke’s most recent chart topper, the screen becomes an ode to service people.
With that song coming to an end, Luke called out Shannon from the pit area and brought her up on stage with him has he thanked her husband for his active duty service. Of course, this can’t be done without a surprise, right? Shannon’s husband Jeff came out from back stage and was welcomed by not only Shannon but the rambunctious crowd. Chants of USA were heard throughout the seating area. Very touching moment that brought tear to many eyes.
As Bryan continued playing until nearly 11pm, the fans kept getting louder and more active as they were dancing in all the aisles. As much as the ushers tried, these active fans were not clearing out. Ushers near me eventually gave in and began dancing along to the music.
Having been signed to music labels since 2017, Luke spent time prior to that writing songs for the likes of Travis Tritt and Billy Currington. With this experience, Bryan has nearly 40 musical awards, 10 headliner tours, and has played countless festivals and spring break events. Its no wonder why he has become one of the most famous acts in country music history. Keep up Luke as he continues his current tour and his subsequent ones. Farm Tour 2023 (lukebryan.com)
Setlist: Kick the Dust Up, What Makes You Country, Knockin’ Boots, Roller Coaster, But I Got a Beer in My Hand, Strip it Down, Rain is a Good Thing, Games, Country On, One Margarita, Sunrise/Sunburn/Sunset, Huntin’/Fishin’ and Lovin’ Every Day, I Don’t Want This Night to End, Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye, Buy Dirt (Jordain Davis), Play it Again, What She Wants Tonight, Down to One, I See You, Light It Up, Country Girl (Shake it For Me), That’s My Kind of Night
