Category: Pop

St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater 2023 Summer Lineup Includes Phish, Counting Crows, Shania Twain And Many More

St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater in Syracuse has revealed its 2023 Summer Concert lineup. Among the various artists performing at the venue are Chris Stapleton, Counting Crows, Shania Twain, and Phish.

This summer’s lineup features over 20 headlining acts, from a wide range of genres and musical eras. St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater has a 17,500-person capacity and has been hosting concerts since 2015, originally under the name Lakeview Amphitheater.

St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater Lineup

June 8- Chris Stapleton

Born and raised in Kentucky, Chris Stapleton has earned himself numerous accolades en route to becoming one of the biggest names in country music. The eight-time Grammy winner has captivated listeners since his 2015 debut album Traveller with a blend of traditional country, American rock, and soulful lyrics. In addition to his work as a solo artist, Stapleton has helped to write numerous songs including Adele’s “If It Hadn’t Been for Love”, “Never Wanted Nothing More” by Kenny Chesney, and Darius Rucker’s “Come Back Song”.

June 15- Luke Bryan

Luke Bryan is a country music singer-songwriter and television personality. After moving to Nashville, Tennessee in 2001 the Georgia native quickly became a prominent songwriter. In 2007 Bryan released his hit-single single “All My Friends Say” to go along with his debut album I’ll Stay Me. He has earned over 50 major music awards an featured as a judge on American Idol since 2018.

July 1- Counting Crows

Counting Crows are an American rock band that rose to prominence during the 1990s. The group’s 1993 album August and Everything After sold over seven million copies and featured hits like “Mr. Jones” and “Round Here”. Billboard ranked the band 8th in its list of the Greatest of All Time Adult Alternative Artists.

July 8- Shania Twain

Shania Twain is a country music artist, known as the “Queen of Country Pop”. Twain is widely regarded as one of the most popular country music artists of all-time, selling over 100 million records. After four commercially successful albums, the Canadian released her Greatest Hits in 2004, which went quadruple platinum. She was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2022.

July 23- Phish

Phish is one of the most well-known and noteworthy American jam bands. Originally created by four students on the campus of the University of Vermont, the group cultivated an intensely loyal fanbase during the late 1980s into the 90s. Phish is known for its live improvisation, fusing together sounds of rock, funk, bluegrass, and jazz, with drummer Jon Fishman hailing from Syracuse.

July 29- Matchbox Twenty

Matchbox Twenty is a Grammy-nominated alternative rock band formed during the 1990s. The band’s debut album Yourself or Someone Like you has sold over 15 million copies, earning it diamond status. In 2004 the group was awarded the People’s Choice Award for Favorite Musical Group.

Aug. 12- Disturbed

Created in Chicago, Illinois, Disturbed is a chart-topping heavy metal band. The group has found large-scale success since its inception in 1994, with five consecutive albums reaching the Billboard 200. In 2017 the band received the iHeartradio Music Award for Rock Artist of the Year. Disturbed released their most recent album titled Divisive in 2022, featuring the hit song “Hey You”.

Aug. 16- The Goo Goo Dolls

The Goo Goo Dolls are an American rock group founded in Buffalo. The outfit began to garner attention in the 1990s and early 2000s thanks to albums like A Boy Named Goo and Dizzy up the Girl. The latter features the song “Iris” which spent close to a year on the Billboard charts. The track was named as the top pop song from 1992-2012 by Billboard.

Sep. 2- Foreigner

Foreigner is a rock band whose popularity stretches back into the late 1970s. The band helped to define the genre of arena rock thanks to tracks like “I Want to Know What Love is” and “Cold as Ice”. The band boasts an impressive roster of 10 multi-platinum albums and has exceeded over 80 million album sales.

Also Performing This Summer

June 30- Falling In Reverse & Ice Nine Kills

July 16- Kidz Bop Live

Aug. 1- Mudvayne

Aug. 3- Godsmack & Staind

Aug. 8- Pantera

Aug. 11- Zac Brown Band

Aug. 17- Yellowcard

Aug. 18- Ghost & Amon Amarth

Aug. 19- Parker Mccollum

Aug. 24- Pentatonix & Lauren Alaina

Aug. 25- Sam Hunt

Sep. 1- Noah Kahan

Sep. 13- Shinedown

More information on the St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater’s 2022 summer concert lineup and links to purchase tickets can be found here.

May 18, 2023
In Focus: Lewis OfMan rocks Elsewhere

Lewis OfMan brought the crowd to their feet with a dynamic performance at Elsewhere on Friday, May 12. The French musician and producer curated a thoughtful setlist that left the audience begging for more, with a mesmerizing light show that added to the overall experience.

As the lights dimmed and the crowd grew excited, OfMan opened the show with his groovy track “Boom Boom,” accompanied by strobes and dynamic lighting. The audience was instantly hooked, dancing and singing along to the infectious beat.

OfMan showcased his musical prowess on the keys, blending live instrumentation with electronic beats to create a unique sound. His live band added an extra layer of energy to his already electrifying performance.

OfMan’s setlist included his most popular tracks, like “Such a Good Day,” “Dancy Boy,” and “Las Bañistas,” among others. The groovy dance music combined with the captivating light show created an immersive atmosphere, transporting the audience to another world.

The performance peaked with OfMan’s biggest hit, leaving the audience wanting more. The captivating light show and groovy dance music made for an unforgettable experience.

Overall, Lewis OfMan’s performance at Elsewhere was nothing short of amazing, showcasing his unique blend of electronic and acoustic sounds and his high-energy stage presence. The immersive atmosphere created by the light show had the audience hooked from start to finish. Fans of OfMan’s music will eagerly anticipate his next performance, while newcomers to his sound will surely be hooked after experiencing his live show.

OfMan’s performance demonstrated his ability to create a dynamic atmosphere, with his live band and the mesmerizing light show elevating the groovy dance music. It was an experience that left the crowd buzzing with energy and excitement, and one that won’t be forgotten anytime soon.

May 15, 2023
In Focus: Sabrina Carpenter’s Birthday Show at Terminal 5

Sabrina Carpenter recently played her second New York show at Terminal 5 this past Thursday, May 11th. Fans sporting sparkly tops, cowboy hats and boots, and the color pink flocked to see Carpenter for her sold out emails i can’t send tour. Thursday’s show was especially memorable as it was her birthday show, and included many features like a “birthday button,” her first live performance of her pop-hit “Skin,” and two special guests of whom she brought on stage.

Sabrina Carpenter during her performance of “emails i can’t send”

The 24-year-old pop-artist first began her career at age 10 and rose to fame through her many roles in Disney shows. Carpenter has been releasing music since 2014 but recently gained widespread recognition because of recent album release, emails i can’t send. Featured songs like “Nonsense,” “Tornado Warnings,” and “because i liked a boy” touch on past relationships, dealing with heartbreak and hate, and growing as a result of it.

The Terminal 5 concert was Sabrinas’s 34th show of her tour, and she has five more scheduled in her North American leg. She is set to begin her European tour in June of 2023.

Sabrina’s show was truly magical. Featuring opener Blu DeTiger from New York City, she opened the set with incredible bass-playing skills and vocals. Whipping her rockstar-blonde hair across the stage and encouraging the crowd to jump along to beat, DeTiger created an almost-tangible energy in the audience of three-thousand.

Carpenter’s decorated stage featured a giant heart-shaped mirror and a tall pedestal in which she first entered singing “emails i can’t send.” During “skinny dipping,” she pushed the “birthday button” and the entire crowd joined in to sing her happy birthday. Fans turned on their phone lights during “how many things,” and towards the middle of it her band stopped and put on a quick “hype” performance to get the audience’s energy up before finishing the song.

Blu DeTiger opening the show

As in every one of her past shows, Sabrina picked a random audience member and gave them the microphone with the freedom to talk about any past relationship experience. The chosen fan detailed her struggle in working with long-distance, recounted the increasing tensions that studying abroad created, and described her eventual moving on from that relationship.

During her encore, Sabrina sang a beautiful renditions of “Nonsense” and “because i liked a boy.” During “Nonsense,” she brought out her two friends Whitney Peak and Paloma Sandoval, both of whom were dressed as the characters they played in Carpenter’s “Nonsense” music video. During the high note of this performance, pink confetti shot out of cannons and pink balloons dropped from the ceiling, inciting a huge roar of excitement from the crowd. She does not have any more New York dates, but the rest of her tour schedule can be found here.

Setlist: emails i can’t send, Read your Mind, Feather, Vicious, Already Over, Bad for Business, skinny dipping, things i wish you said, Tornado Warnings, opposite, bet u wanna, The Sweet Escape (Gwen Stefani cover), how many things, Fast Times, Paris, Honeymoon Fades, Sue Me, Skin, decode

Encore: Nonsense, because i liked a boy

May 15, 2023
Chromeo Announces “Funk Yourself” Tour and new Song “Replacements”

Electro-funk duo Chromeo has announced their “Funk Yourself” tour, and released their latest track “Replacements.” The thumping, synth-laden track features artist La Roux, who also made a surprise appearance during Chromeo’s Coachella sets. On October 13, the band will stop at Brooklyn Steel in New York.

Chicago rapper Ric Wilson, identical twin DJs Coco & Breezy and the rising New York star May Rio will support on select dates. The tour follows the band’s fifth appearance at Coachella which featured an all-new stage design, including four custom chrome modular synth towers. Chromeo celebrated the bangers throughout their career and music from a forthcoming new project debuted live for the first time. The Rolling Stones showed Chromeo appreciation by saying “Chromeo proved once again that nobody does it like the Funklordz.”

Chromeo is a Canadian dance rock band that was formed in 2002. The musicians David “Dave 1” Macklovitch and Patrick “P-Thugg” Gemayel united to create a blue-eyed soul, dance music, rock, synth-pop, disco and funk sound. The band has released five albums with three of them hitting the Billboard 200 charts. The duo were high school best friends and met in the mid 90s. They connected over different ethnic backgrounds and joked about being “the only successful Arab/Jewish partnership since the dawn of human culture.”

Dave 1 and P-Thugg rose to prominence with their seminal 2007 release, Fancy Footwork. In 2014 Chrome increased their mainstream appeal with their chart-topping album, White Women, and 2018’s Grammy-nominated, Head Over Heels. Chromeo’s five LPs have been hailed as modern funk masterworks, and they have toured the world over for two decades.

We’re an ELECTRO-funk band after all, and this record contains little nods to the 2000s indie dance sound that’s so dear to us. The idea was to combine sweaty dance floor energy with sincere emotions. It’s the duality in our name: Chrome, the shimmery electronics, and Romeo, the heartfelt romantics.
Dave 1

Mixed by disco and house legend Morgan Geist, “Replacements” follows Chromeo’s first official single since 2018, “Words With You”. Consequence raved that the song is “just as smooth as it is catchy,” while Stereogum added that “the contagious groove, effortless hooks, the abundance of immaculate flourishes.”

Tickets can be purchased here.

Chromeo 2023 Tour Dates

May 26—Morrison, CO—Funk on the Rocks at Red Rocks Amphitheatre

September 23—Salt Lake City, UT—The Depot*

September 25—Seattle, WA—Showbox Sodo*

September 26—Vancouver, BC—Vogue Theatre†

September 28—Portland, OR—Crystal Ballroom†

October 1—Los Angeles, CA

October 3—San Diego, CA—Humphreys†

October 4—Phoenix, AZ—Marquee†

October 10—Atlanta, GA—The Eastern*

October 11—Richmond, VA—The National*

October 12—Washington, D.C.—9:30 Club*

October 13—Brooklyn, NY—Brooklyn Steel*§

October 16—Boston, MA—Roadrunner*

October 17—Philadelphia, PA—Franklin Music Hall*

October 19—Montreal, QC—MTelus*

October 20—Toronto, ON—Danforth Music Hall*

October 22—Chicago, IL—Salt Shed*

*with Ric Wilson

†with Coco & Breezy

§with May Rio

May 11, 2023
Lizzy McAlpine’s “The End of The Movie Tour” Sells Out Terminal 5

On Tuesday, May 2nd Lizzy McAlpine returned to New York City and sold out the west side’s beloved Terminal 5. Only a week prior, Lizzy sold out Brooklyn Steel. One night in the big city just wasn’t enough for McAlpine on her “The End of The Movie Tour.” Her debut in the past couple of years has been one to witness. She has accumulated superfans who worship her relatable lyrics and sweet sound-blend of it-girl pop with classic grunge. The success of this tour has been a testament to her talent.

Photograph by Caroline Zeeman

Opener, Olivia Barton, kicked off the night and made the warehouse stage her own. Emanating a similar sound to artists like Lizzy McAlpine, HAIM, Lucy Dacus, and so on – Barton culminated her own stage presence with her innocently raw lyrics. Her own sound. The crowd volleyed Olivia’s lyrics back to her from the pit and the balconies, and her excitement became a tangible energy. The set flew by, and when it came time for Barton to say her goodbyes, it was bittersweet.

In between Olivia Barton’s opening set and Lizzy’s second show-face in New York City, the crowd hummed in a unified frenzy. The speakers were blasting popular Y2K pop-hits and nostalgic Disney songs by artists like Hannah Montana and Demi Lovato. Friends, couples, fathers and daughters, and solo-fans were conviving to belt the universally appreciated lyrics. Later in Lizzy’s set, she praised Olivia: “She really gets it. Her writing is so human. She’s so special, and I’m so grateful to have her on tour. I listen to her backstage, and I’m in tears!”

Photograph by Caroline Zeeman

Fifteen past nine o’clock, the lights cut and the bass rose to a body-shaking intensity. The infrastructure of Terminal 5 holds sound so impressively, but the deafening screams echoed riotously. Blue and purple lights slowly expanded their coverage across the stage to reveal a bedroom set-up. Framed posters and window panes clung to the back of the stage. The setting felt familiar, like the space that held so much of one’s life. The love, the heartbreak, the friendships, the sleepovers, the daydreams.

After a lengthy instrumental introduction, followed behind her band, Lizzy skipped out onto the stage. Her outfits on tour have been widely complimented, and on Tuesday she did not disappoint. Adorned in a denim corset and casual blue jeans, she stood in pure happiness as she grinned out towards the crowd. “I’m gonna play some songs for you, and it’s going to be great! We’re gonna have a great time!”

As Lizzy progressed through her setlist, she took intentional time to explain the story behind each song. The crowd bent their ears to listen to every detail she shared. “This song is about slurpees!” A roaring applause. “This song is about ignoring red-flags.” Friends grabbed onto their neighbor’s shoulder to shake in emotional duress. The entire show was a story-telling narrative, full of personal details of precious moments of muse.

Photograph by Caroline Zeeman

Her lyrics were something to hold onto and sit with. Such a fast-paced show left the crowd wanting more time with her music. All of Lizzy’s songs held a cruel casualness to them. I have no choice in the matter // Why would I, it’s only the death of me. It was jarring, quite surreal, to hear such a youthful and kind crowd shouting such intense lyrics. And the funny thing is I would have married you if you had stuck around. Nearby in the crowd, a father watched as his thirteen year old daughter belted the lyrics, clutching her chest as if she’d been wounded.

There is an archetype on the rise in the realm of female artists. Singer/song-writers fanning out under the music industry umbrella of artists like Taylor Swift are leaning into the superpower that is vulnerability. Honesty is celebratory, and young women are writing about having their hearts ripped out, leaving their hometown, stepping into their strength, growing up, and existing as more than empathetic vessels but as a beacon of feminine independence. Barton and McAlpine have branded their names into this visionary artist-type. The influence the music produced by these experimental and brave artists has is unignorable and unifying.

Photograph by Caroline Zeeman

Half way through the set, the Terminal 5 stage setting changed from day to night, and the New York City sun casting through the windows on stage, turning to raindrops streaking down the panes. The familiar chords of Lizzy’s hit “Ceilings” strummed across the venue, and something shifted. The collective crowd voice overpowered Lizzy’s as she sang the notorious lyrics. Fans jumped and wept and sang with their hearts. Tears streamed into wide smiles, as the live performance of “Ceilings” seemed to change lives.

Terminal 5 was blessed with Lizzy’s generosity, for she played two unreleased songs for the Manhattan crowd. The first song was titled “Broken Glass,” which Lizzy explained was about only ever being able to see someone when they’re at the bar. The other song was “I Guess.” Lizzy informed the crowd, “this one is one of my favorites!” While the unreleased songs were showcased, it was the only moment the crowd was silent. The audience wanted to hear every lyric, every note-change, every melody.

The rest of the show rolled out with the same energy. The crowd savored every moment they shared with Lizzy, and when it came time to part, fans had a difficult time leaving. Hands waved goodbye from the packed balconies, and cheers overpowered Lizzy’s own departure. Manhattan seemed to have an impact on her as she left the stage. It was the end of the “The End of The Movie” show in New York City.

May 9, 2023
Annie Scherer, 10:01, The Sugar Hold Featured on This Week’s EQXposure

Each Sunday evening from 7-9 p.m. you’ll find EQXposure on WEQX, featuring two hours of local music from up-and-coming artists. Tune into WEQX.com this Sunday night to hear new music from Annie Scherer, 10:01, and The Sugar Hold.

WEQX has long been the preeminent independent station in the Capital Region of New York, broadcasting from Southern VT to an ever-expanding listening audience. NYS Music brings you a preview of artists to discover each week, just a taste of the talent waiting to be discovered by fans like you.

Annie Scherer-“Everywhere I Go ( Everybody’s the Same)”

Annie Scherer is a Voorheesville native, merging her love of rock ‘n roll classics with her passion for alternative music to produce her own unique sound. Her emotional lyrics and haunting melodies have been heard live from New York to Tennessee, releasing her first full-length album Garden Bed in March 2021.

10:01-“Flying Home”

Formed in Averill Park, NY, 10:01 is an alternative rock group that combines a modern indie sound with influences of blues and rock. Their new single “Flying Home” is out now.

The Sugar Hold-“Walk of Shame”

The Sugar Hold are indie surf rock band based in Schenectady. Fairly new to the scene, they are known for their hard-partying ways and their funny off-the-wall songs and lyrics.
<a href="https://thesugarhold.bandcamp.com/album/sweet">SWEET by The Sugar Hold</a>

May 6, 2023
Janet Jackson MSG Concert Rescheduled

Tickets to see the five-time Grammy award winner, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, author, dancer, philanthropist and much more, Janet Jackson at MSG were selling fast. Luckily, the global icon has added a second show in NYC for her North American Tour, “Together Again.” Jackson will be joined by Ludacris, who’s whitty lyrics and entertaining hits defined the 2000s music scene, and continues to stay relevant today.

Due to a potential New York Knicks Eastern Conference Semifinal Game 5 against the Miami Heat in the NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden, Janet Jackson’s concert scheduled for Wednesday, May 10, 2023, has been rescheduled to Monday, May 8, 2023. The concert originally scheduled for Tuesday, May 9 will proceed as usual. All tickets purchased for the Wednesday, May 10 concert will be honored on Monday, May 8. If you cannot commit to the rescheduled show date, you can request a refund anytime between now and Sunday, May 7 at 10:00 PM ET through your Ticketmaster account page.

The tour celebrates Janet Jackson’s 50th anniversary in entertainment and spotlights two other milestones in her career — 25 years since her album, The Velvet Rope, and 30 since Janet. Find tickets here, and see the full list of tour dates below. Tickets for the MSG shows can be found here.

Janet Jackson Together Again Tour Dates

April 14 2023 – Hollywood, FL – Hard Rock Live Arena

April 16 2023 – Hollywood, FL – Hard Rock Live Arena

April 19 2023 – Orlando, FL – Amway Center

April 21 2023– Savannah, GA – Enmarket Arena

April 22 2023 – Birmingham, AL – Legacy Arena

April 25 2023 – Columbia, SC – Colonial Life Arena

April 26 2023 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena

April 27 2023 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena

April 29 2023 – Memphis, TN – FedEx Forum

April 30 2023 – St Louis, MO – Enterprise Center

May 02 2023 – Kansas City, MO – T-Mobile Center

May 04 2023 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena

May 06 2023 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live

May 08 2023 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden

May 09 2023 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden

May 12 2023 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion

May 13 2023 – Baltimore, MD – CFG Bank Arena

May 14 2023 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater

May 18 2023 – Allentown, PA – PPL Center

May 19 2023 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center

May 20 2023 – Atlantic City, NJ – Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena

May 23 2023 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage

May 24 2023 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena

May 26 2023 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center

May 27 2023 – Tinley Park, IL – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre Chicago

May 28 2023 – Milwaukee, WI – American Family Insurance Amphitheater

May 30 2023 – St Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center

June 02 2023 – Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion

June 03 2023 – Houston, TX – Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

June 04 2023 – Austin, TX – Moody Center

June 07 2023 – Phoenix, AZ – Ak-Chin Pavilion

June 09 2023 – Irvine, CA – FivePoint Amphitheatre

June 10 2023 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Bowl

June 11 2023 – San Diego, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre

June 16 2023 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre

June 20 2023 – Portland, OR – Moda Center

June 21 2023 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena

May 3, 2023
Stolen Gin Share Dance/funk “Drunk Ambition” Single + Video

NYC-based dance-funk quintet Stolen Gin have released their newest single “Drunk Ambition” paired alongside a lyric video. The single gives the feeling of an intense love for a person, never wanting them to leave your side.

Stolen Gin, a dance-funk quintet formed in 2019 from New York City, is known for their high-energy live act and avid improvisation–they never play songs the same way twice. The band first came together playing college parties on NYC rooftops, and their goal then was the same as it is now: to make every gig feel like a party, and to keep people dancing.

The band writes, “This song was written a couple months after meeting someone really special. I’m looking back at how it started and counting my blessings that it happened the way it did. The first verse is a flashback to that original moment where a relationship was the last thing on my mind- or so I thought. The chorus then brings us back to the present, where ‘Drunk Ambition’ is my own little way describing the untamable love I feel for this person, never wanting to leave their side.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3Y3XhGifto

“As a band, we’ve recorded some projects in the past at full service studios but realized that we’re most comfortable locked in a room together with no outside influences. For ‘Drunk Ambition,’ we decided to book a session at a DIY studio in Brooklyn. We produced the verses of the song to be tight and funky, while playing with longer, distorted chords and pumping drums in the chorus to create tension and release. Our guitarist, Will Adler, engineered the session and mixed the track, and the song was mastered by Will Quinnell at Sterling Sound.”

Having gotten their start playing college rooftop shows around the city, the band is continuing to utilize all New York has to offer, with this latest track being recorded at a DIY studio in Brooklyn. But Stolen Gin’s sound can be heard all over the world, given their immense TikTok following after songs like “Tension Release” and “Take Your Problems to the Disco” went viral across the platform.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ajj4D7YCdw

Stolen Gin goes on tour consistently, selling out their last eight consecutive NYC headliners in the span of the last 18 months at venues such as Baby’s All Right, Mercury Lounge, and more. The band recently played in both D.C. and Boston for the first time, with sellouts in both of those cities. They’ve also just finished a tour with the legendary jam band TAUK, and now Stolen Gin is heading back into the studio to make more new music.

To listen/watch “Drunk Ambition,” click the link here.

For more music by Stolen Gin, click the link here.

May 2, 2023
A Sold Out Show at Irving Plaza for Valley on “Lost in Translation Tour”

On Friday, April 28th, the line of eager Valley fans spilled from the doors of Irving Plaza to wrap around the block. Despite the misting rain, the energy pulsing in the camped-out line was warm.

Photograph by Emma Dowd

On their “Lost In Translation Tour,” Valley sold out their New York City show. As the venue filled, it became increasingly undeniable that Valley deserved to be at a larger venue. They had performed at the lovely Irving Plaza a year prior, and since then it was clear they’ve collected a larger fanbase.

Photograph by Emma Dowd

The opener for Valley , Aidan Bisset, kicked off the night with his pop-grunge music. The crowd immediately received Bisset’s stage presence and relatable lyrics. He sang of toxic romances, new love, and break-ups. With two electric guitars and a drum set, he commanded a fast rhythm and infectious persona of youthful fun and passionate intensity. Bisset performed some of his hits, three unreleased songs, and even took on the vocally renowned cover, Kings of Leon’s, “Sex On Fire.” Bisset engaged with the crowd, taking their BeReals, getting level to level with them to chat, and wooing over new fans. Before leaving the stage, he graciously thanked Valley for having him on their tour.

Photograph by Emma Dowd

The set change was fascinating. Usually, microphones are changed and some of the instruments are shifted around. Valley’s upcoming set brought on multiple box-screen televisions to be stacked on top of each other, an ambiguous rectangular frame of notable size with drapes hanging over it, and countless additional lights. Valley’s pre-show setlist had the crowd belting familiar songs in each other’s embrace. Fog began to roll down from the balcony level and off the stage. This grabbed hold of the crowd’s attention. When the lights suddenly shut off and Irving was pitch black, the curious murmur rolled into an uproar of excitement.

Photograph by Emma Dowd

The TVs stacked on top of each other switched on. Their screens matched the static sound emanating overhead. Flashes of the band members’ faces and old television clips emerged sporadically through the static. The lights slowly faded from a hint of color to a bright broadcast of a Valley inspired color palette. Bass vibrated the floor, and the crowd stood in awe.

Eventually the band ran onto the stage. Drummer, Karah James, took her throne behind the drums. Guitarist, Michael Brandolino, and bassist, Alex Dimauro ran to their instruments. They played an adrenaline inducing intro for their lead singer, Rob Laska. Laska ran onto the stage, with an electric guitar slung around his shoulders. The crowd’s response was deafening.

Photograph by Emma Dowd

Photograph by Emma Dowd

Valley opened with one of their most popular songs, “There’s Still A Light In The House.” The song is a tribute to love and the endless possibilities of finding one’s self in New York City. The lyric on the bridge that goes Is it New York? Or Heaven? I can’t think twice now, was sung proudly by the New York City crowd. Laska, infatuated with the crowd’s energy, encouraged their singing. The audience sang back to the band with one collective voice that shared an affinity for their conversational lyrics.

As the show went on, the performance became more personal. Laska jumped into the pit that separated him from the crowd to sing with some fans. In between songs, he conversed and told stories about band memories in New York City. Laska reminisced, “New York City is special to us, we wrote our first record in this damn city! We’ll be coming back forever.” This led to Valley announcement of their new record Lost In Translation, set to release on June 23rd.

Photograph by Emma Dowd

The draped frame that was brought onto the stage during set transitions became a crucial filament of the show. Over half way through the concert, the TVs turned back on and the lights dimmed. Laska approached the frame and tore the drape off to reveal a reflective mirror surface with strobe lights hanging from it. A phone began to ring, and Laska tugged a landline phone from the structure. He sang one of their hits, “A Phone Call In Amsterdam,” into the phone. The entire show was an artistic performance, rather than a band just performing on stage. The appreciation for the theatrics and the attention to detail resembled The 1975’s “At Their Very Best Tour.”

As Valley trailed towards the end of their setlist, Laska emphasized his gratitude for everyone choosing to be at their show. “There’s a lot of cool shit going on in New York City on a Friday night, so I’m happy we all found each other in this vortex.” Underneath the twirling Irving disco ball, the fans really unified in their fandom. He invited everyone to join them in a state of appreciative awareness for the last couple of songs. Without a clear goodbye, Valley left the stage. The crowd was not going to leave without an encore.

Photograph by Emma Dowd

Heads turned in a whiplash from the front of the stage to the back of the venue. A murmur of eager confusion echoed throughout the venue. Suddenly, a spotlight shone on the back of the crowd. Laska began to make his way through the crowd towards the stage, singing “Paper Cup (sorry for myself).” The audience parted like the red sea for him to make his way towards the front of the crowd, where he sang for the remainder of the song. The rest of the band took to the stage, and Laska joined them to finish out their set with their popular song, “hiccup.”

Photograph by Emma Dowd

The encore applause was impressive. The sounds of cheers and screams took over Laska’s volume as he thanked the crowd. All the band members joined him at center stage to take their hard-earned bow. Karah James tossed her drumsticks, kisses were blown, and hands clasped in praise for New York City. Laska closed out the night with a sweet send off, “Take care of each other, love one another, and we’ll see you very soon!”

Photo gallery by Emma Dowd

May 2, 2023
Steven Page brings his Shoebox and Alternative Girlfriend to Riviera Theatre

1988 was a groundbreaking year for Steven Page. 1988 was the year Steven Page was introduced to the locals in Toronto, Ontario, as he was taking the stage with Ed Robertson for the first time as Barenaked Ladies. Witty lyrics and quirky stage presence quickly become the norm for this duo who routinely missed or skipped show rehearsals and relied more on improv as they took to the stage.

After a successful run with the band including Juno awards, Grammy nods, and huge pop songs, Page left in 2009 and pursued a solo career. A solo career which still includes the witty lyrics and quirky antics, both of which helped make him a household name in Toronto, and across SUNY school campuses in New York. Having seen Barenaked Ladies 10 times, all with Page as the front man, I was hoping for some of that charisma at the Riviera Theatre in North Tonawanda.

With nearly 1000 fans filling the seats at this 97-year-old theatre, Steven Page opened up the show with ‘It’s All Been Done,” from the album Stunt. Fans of all ages were immediately into it. Hands waving in the air, random lyrics being belted, and a couple 20-somethings dancing in the aisles. We all knew then how this show was going to go. While he is no longer with the band, Page routinely plays favorites like this as diehard fans still enjoy them.

Coming up next was one of my favorites, from 1994’s Maybe You Should Drive, Page belted out lyrics to “Jane.” More of the sellout crowd began singing along and dancing in the aisles. Sadly, the security wasn’t having it, as they were quick to make these young ladies take their seat. It wouldn’t last though.

When Page was done talking about Jane, he began to reminisce of yesteryear, touring with Barenaked Ladies across campuses of SUNY schools. Recalling shows at Fredonia, which some fans cheered at, as well as driving around saying “we played there, we played that college…” I recall seeing Barenaked Ladies at SUNY Brockport in 1993, or maybe 1994. Either way, it was few years ago and the year doesn’t matter. What matters is watching Steven and the band have a blast on stage and fans throwing boxes of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese during one of their songs. These are the memories that Page was getting at, along with meeting new people and seeing how they perform. Bands such as The Odds, featuring Craig Northey, who now tours with Page as one third of Steven Page Trio.

Done recalling the past, page continues his set with an extended version of “Alternative Girlfriend,” “Golden Age,” and “What a Good Boy.”

In the midst of all this, of course he has to plug his newest album, Excelsior – Steven Page, to which he references New York’s state motto, and continues on about the new NY rest stops. Being a newer NY resident, Page seems to not agree with the size of some of the newer rest stops as well as the choice of an un-named chicken place that isn’t open on Sundays. All of which got some loud applause and cheers from the crowd.

During the height of the pandemic, Page began doing home show, as many artists to keep in contact with their fanbase. Although the worst is behind us as far as the pandemic goes, Page continues his live from home shows and recently aired his 100th episode Steven Page Announces 100th Live From Home Show ::antiMusic.com. With this he recorded the song “Zoom,” which is an ode to a way of life for everyone for a great while. The song talks about seeing your family and your living room, making new friends, and of course hoping the internet holds up.

As Page finishes his set with Northey and Kevin Fox on cello, he is still amazed that he sold out the theatre and thanks everyone for their continued support. Very grateful for 30+ years in the business, both with Barenaked Ladies and on his own. The support he has received over the years is clear as the packed house is on their feet for the entire 4 song encore.

Follow and support Steven as he continues touring and pushing his albums. Steven Page | Musician

Setlist: It’s All Been Done, New Shore, Jane, Alternative Girlfriend/SW Cool, Golden Age, What a Good Boy, Gravity, Linda Ronstadt in The 70’s, Something About Me, No Song Left to Save Me, Looking For The Light, Zoom, Bull in a China Shop, Old Apartment, Brian Wilson
Encore: Asleep at the Wheel, Enid, Call And Answer, Shoe Box

May 2, 2023