Afropunk Brooklyn will be returning this year for another fun-filled weekend festival of fresh talent and amazing music. The annual cultural staple will be switching up venues this summer as it will be debuting at Greenpoint Terminal Market on Aug. 26 and 27.
Afropunk was first introduced to the Brooklyn area in 2005 and has persisted as an annual arts celebration ever since. The event features diverse music, film, fashion, and art produced by alternative black artists and this year’s lineup will be highlighting two new headliners. R&B singer/songwriter Jazmine Sullivan will be making her Afropunk headliner debut, performing select music from her critically acclaimed 2021 EP Heaux Tales. Producer, Flying Lotus will also take the stage as headliner for the festival, bringing his live show to the city.
Festival goers can also look forward to an even wider range of styles and incredible performances when it comes to the rest of the Afropunk lineup. Brooklyn’s own Joey Bada$$ will make an appearance during the weekend along with acclaimed jazz singer Madison McFerrin, NY rap vets the Beatnuts and multitalented performers such as Sudan Archives and the Brooklyn-born Iniko. These artists are simply skimming the surface of what diverse acts are to be expected throughout the weekend.
As the organizers and founders claim, however, Afropunk is not just about the music. “It’s a community of people who reject societal norms and embrace their true selves, no matter what anyone else thinks. So leave the daily grind behind, let your true self shine, and party like there’s no tomorrow. This is a space where you can let your freak flag fly and be proud of who you are.”
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit here.
The definitive band of the gothic rock genre – The Cure – swept through Midtown Manhattan this past week for a three-date residency at Madison Square Garden (MSG).
Selling out arena after arena on the North American leg of their Songs of a Lost World Tour, a 34-date affair that the band embarked on in New Orleans, Louisiana back on May 10, The Cure have long since secured their legacy due to being one of the first alternative bands to break into the mainstream well over four decades ago. And as luck would have it, I found myself fortunate to provide coverage of The Cure’s second show in The Big Apple this past Wednesday evening, June 21.
Robert Smith of The Cure | Photo: Michael Dinger
The only constant member throughout the band’s storied history that began in West Sussex, England in 1978, frontman Robert Smith has been teasing since March of last year that new material, the first since their 13th studio album (4:13 Dream) was released nearly fifteen years ago, is on its way. Although fans of The Cure are still waiting for a 14th release from their beloved post-punkers, they are certainly satisfied with the progress Smith has been forging on a different front. Outspoken against Ticketmaster and their dynamic pricing model that has ticket prices fluctuating based on demand, and often to exorbitant levels, Smith fought back and guaranteed that for The Cure’s tour, tickets were only allowed to be resold at face value. And in an unprecedented response to the good fight that Smith fought for his fans, Ticketmaster issued partial refunds in mid-March to ticket holders for shows by The Cure to lessen the burden of add-on fees. Even The Cure’s tour merch was affordable, with t-shirts selling for only $25!
Madison Square Garden | Photo: Michael Dinger
Accompanying The Cure on all their US and Canadian dates are The Twilight Sad, a post-punk/indie rock quintet formed just outside of Glasgow, Scotland by vocalist James Graham and guitarist Andy MacFarlane as high school friends in 2003. The Twilight Sad and The Cure are no strangers to one another, as Smith handpicked the Scottish outfit to support The Cure back in 2016, which also included three shows at Madison Square Garden. The Twilight Sad are rounded out by Johnny Docherty (bass), Grant Hutchison (drums) and Brendan Smith (keyboards).
James Graham of The Twilight Sad | Photo: Michael Dinger
The 40-minute set kicked-off sharply at 8:00 pm with intensely thumping bass, before giving way to driving guitar, and eventually Hutchison’s pounding drums that introduced “Kill It in the Morning,” taken from their third studio album (No One Can Ever Know, 2012). At the song’s conclusion, Graham genuinely thanked the audience for being there and explained how it was such an honor for a “small band from a small town in Scotland” to be playing The Garden in New York City.
With flashing strobes offering short glimpses of each band member in otherwise green, red and blue lighting, I was immediately taken aback by the intensity of their performance, particularly that of Graham. As the band delivered “Let’s Get Lost” and “VTr,” two tracks from their most recent studio album It Won’t Be Like This All the Time released in 2019, and fifth overall, I was transfixed by his stage persona. Particularly fascinated by Graham’s sharp gesticulating and bizarre mannerisms, as if he were possessed at times, I knew then what it must have been like to have witnessed Ian Curtis (Joy Division) perform live in the late-1970s.
Andy MacFarlane of The Twilight Sad | Photo: Michael Dinger
The Twilight Sad’s emblematic depth and darkness, incorporating goth despair and 90s industrial with catchy synth and grinding guitar, was prevalent for the duration of their 8-song set. Although I was unfamiliar with The Twilight Sad before tonight, it was not very difficult to get swept up by the emotional highs and melancholic lows that songs like “That Summer, at Home I Had Become the Invisible Boy” – the band’s very first single from 2007 and a nod to the film Stand by Me – and 2014’s “There’s a Girl in the Corner” could transport a listener to. As their newest fan, I cannot wait to see what these Scottish lads have in store for us during the remainder of 2023, and beyond.
While only a recent fan of The Twilight Sad, I have been listening to The Cure since I was 14-year old boy growing up in coastal Connecticut. I do not remember exactly who introduced me to this band at the forefront of the new wave movement in 1986, but I still have a copy of one of the first compact discs that I ever bought, Staring at the Sea, a greatest hits compilation of singles that marked a decade since the band was founded, and a magnificent sampling of ‘The Cure sound’ that I continue to love 37 years later.
Robert Smith of The Cure | Photo: Michael Dinger
At approximately 9:15 pm, with the sound of rain and thunder playing over the house PA suddenly ceasing, the moment had arrived! One by one, the members of The Cure entered from stage left. The first was Jason Cooper who took to his stool behind the kit on an elevated riser at center stage. He was quickly followed by Reeves Gabrels (guitar), Roger O’Donnell (keyboards) and Perry Bamonte (guitar, keyboards) who assumed their respective positions as fans were going wild with excitement. Simon Gallup, a member of the band for all but three years of their history, strapped on his custom Schecter Ultra Spitfire bass as the entire arena held its collective breath until finally, Smith appeared from the dark shadows at the side of the stage.
Simon Gallup of The Cure | Photo: Michael DingerReeves Gabrels of The Cure | Photo: Michael Dinger
Clad in all black and donning a t-shirt depicting the famous Marilyn Monroe scene from the 1955 Billy Wilder film The Seven Year Itch, Smith wore his signature smeared red lipstick and black eyeliner as he internalized the grand spectacle that lie in front of him. For several moments, as his bandmates commenced the instrumental introduction to “Alone,” a new song that will be included on their yet to be released Songs Of The Lost World, Smith slowly walked from one end of the stage to the other, and back again. With clasped hands, he frequently paused at the edge of the stage apron as he gazed longingly into the upper levels of The Garden, a grateful expression across his face for the outpouring of support raining down on him.
Jason Cooper of The Cure | Photo: Michael DingerRoger O’Donnell of The Cure | Photo: Michael DingerPerry Bamonte of The Cure | Photo: Michael Dinger
With everyone in the house standing, classic tune after classic tune would be the overriding theme of the evening. 1989’s Disintegration made a particularly strong showing with prodigious renderings of “Pictures of You,” “Lovesong” and “Fascination Street.” The live staple “Burn,” a contribution by The Cure to The Crow’s 1994 motion picture soundtrack, featured Smith playing the penny whistle during the song’s intro. The main set was bookended with another newly recorded song from Songs Of The Lost World titled “Endsong.”
Beginning at 10:45 pm, the first of two glorious encores comprised of five songs ensued. Masters of the melodic and atmospheric, especially during their extended, trademark instrumental intros, “A Forest” closed the first encore, procured from their second studio album Seventeen Seconds released in 1980. Renowned for a catalog of introspective alternative hits that always make it into The Cure’s live agenda, the whopping nine song second encore did not disappoint, to say the least! As midnight approached on the first day of summer in Gotham, the 29-song marathon gig came to an end with a triple threat of the choicest songs – “In Between Days” (The Head on the Door, 1985), “Just Like Heaven” (Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me, 1987) and “Boys Don’t Cry,” the title track from their first compilation released in 1980.
Madison Square Garden | Photo: Michael Dinger
Over the course of the following week, the 2019 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame inductees’ trek across North America will continue through Pennsylvania, Maryland, Georgia and Florida, with the tour finale slated for July 1 at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. After a much needed respite for the duration of the summer, the English rockers will be back on the road beginning this fall, with a headlining appearance at Riot Fest in Chicago, Illinois (September 17), followed by another headlining gig at Festival Corona Capital in Mexico City (November 19). Their calendar remains full with six additional shows slated for late-November and early-December that will take The Cure to Peru, Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Brazil, Paraguay and Columbia. And hopefully, not before too long, fans of The Cure will be treated to their first new music since 2008 with the arrival of Songs Of The Lost World in the coming months.
The Twilight Sad Setlist: Kill It in the Morning > Let/s Get Lost > VTr > That Summer, at Home I Had Become the Invisible Boy > There’s a Girl in the Corner > I/m Not Here [missing face] > The Wrong Car > [10 Good Reasons for Modern Drugs]
The Cure Setlist: Alone > Pictures of You > A Fragile Thing > A Night Like This > Lovesong > And Nothing Is Forever > Like Cockatoos > Burn > If Only Tonight We Could Sleep > Charlotte Sometimes > Push > 39 > Fascination Street > From the Edge of the Deep Green Sea > Endsong > Encore 1: I Can Never Say Goodbye > Want > Shake Dog Shake > One Hundred Years > A Forest > Encore 2: Lullaby > The Walk > Friday I’m in Love > Doing the Unstuck > Close to Me > Why Can’t I Be You? > In Between Days > Just Like Heaven > Boys Don’t Cry
Part neighborhood bar and part underground music venue, Tubby’s has established itself as a must-stop destination for music lovers across New York. Located in Kingston, the bar has become a premier venue in the Hudson Valley.
Tubby’s has earned a reputation for highlighting both underground and well-known artists just about every night. Positioned roughly 100 miles North of NYC, the venue has developed into the perfect haven for acts leaving or entering the city. Past performers include Black Midi, Steve Gunn, Jeff Parker, MIKE, Protomartyr, Katy Kirby, and more.
Black Midi performing in Webster Hall
Tubby’s commitment to high-quality music means that there is always a wide assortment of genres, sounds, and styles represented on a weekly basis. This commitment goes further than just picking great acts. Owned and operated mostly by musicians, Tubby’s is also dedicated to treating artists with the utmost respect.
This summer, the bar/venue will host well over 30 concerts. Some of the bands and artists performing are Joyce Manor, R.L. Boyce, Soul Glo, and Rose City Band.
Even when the warm weather starts to fizzle out the music doesn’t stop at Tubby’s. The venue, originally founded in 2018, plans to celebrate its five-year anniversary in late September with a festival. “Tubby’s 5 Year Anniversary Weekend” will go down across three days, September 29 through October 1.
The celebration includes a full roster of musicians from a wide variety of genres. Some of the artists who will perform as part of the festival include Armand Hammer, Bonnie Prince Billy, and billy woods. Click here for tickets and more details.
Tubby’s Kingston Summer Lineup
JUNE 24- GARCIA PEOPLES
JUNE 27- Follow Your Arrow: A Queer Singer/Songwriter Night:COLTON THORN + FRANCESCA HOFFMAN + AME
JULY 1- SEA MOSS + RONG + M. GEDDES GENGRAS + OPEN HEAD
JULY 2- JOYCE MANOR + TINY BLUE GHOST (SOLD OUT)
JULY 5- BONZIE + CARLOS TRULY + GREEM JELLYFISH
JULY 6- BASHER + THE WARBLERS
JULY 8- ART GRAY NOIZZQUINTET + SKULL PRACTITIONERS +LOVE LETTER
JULY 11- RL BOYCE (North Mississippi Hill Country Living Blues Legend)
JULY 12- MUTE DUO + GIFT HORSE
JULY 13- PYREX + RIDER/HORSE + BEECH CREEPS
JULY 14- SOUL GLO + MSPAINT
JULY 17/18- MERIDIAN BROTHERS (first night sold out)
JULY 19- HAYDEN PEDIGO
JULY 21- JOHANNA SAMUELS + STUART BOGIE
JULY 23- ROSE CITY BAND
JULY 25- CHEER-ACCIDENT
JULY 26- SWDYT? Joe Baiza/Damon Smith/Matt Crane; Alec Redfearn’s SWRM
JULY 27- MAGIC TUBER STRINGBAND + POST MOVES
JULY 29- BLUE RANGER + CAROL + BRENNAN WEDL
AUG 1- STOREY LITTLETON
AUG 2- SWDYT?: GREX + Allen Lowe & Lewis Porter Duo
AUG 8- ANNIE HART
AUG 9- TOMATO FLOWER
AUG 17- CINDY LEE + FREAK HEAT WAVES
AUG 24- MIKAELA DAVIS
AUG 25- JOHNNY DYNAMITE + BUMMER CAMP + SCAFFOLDING
AUG 26- WILLIAM TYLER & THE IMPOSSIBLE TRUTH + GARCIA PEOPLES
Horn and percussion were powered and individually formed by NYC subway supergroup Lucky Moon Zooz, comprised of Lucky Chops, Moon Hooch, and Too Many Zooz. The group finished off their recent tour with a stop to Lincoln Hill Farms in Canandaigua on June 11.
A project years in the making, the LMZ live show featured each band performing in their usual configurations as well as a host of new combinations of the various bandsâ personnel. Drawing from their shared roots busking in the NYC subway to their years touring the world, this was the brass fueled evening to remember.
Their live show featured each band performing in their original configurations as well as a host of various impromptu combinations of each bands performers finally finishing up the night with all three bands performing together in their entirety.
On June 14, Punk Island NYC announced that they had to reduce the number of stages for their upcoming “Quinceañera” festival from five to three at the American Veteran’s Memorial Pier in Brooklyn due to circumstances out of their control. Though their stages have been reduced, Punk Island has retained 75% of their lineup, and the free event is still to be on June 18.
Punk Island is a community of punks who love music, musicians, fans, friends, and family. They aim to bring the vitality, diversity, and intensity of the NYC punk scene into the light of day. These efforts have culminated annually for the past 15 years, as free, all-ages music festivals.
While they tried to explore alternatives to allow all the bands to play, their efforts were rejected. Punk Island was forced to cut bands from the roster, all of which have been contacted. The organization is currently unable to provide specific details on the situation, but are willing to have in-person or over the phone discussions with those that may need further clarification.
None of these cuts were made lightly. We deeply apologize for this unfortunate situation. We made every effort to maintain the event in its original form, but ultimately, our influence is limited.… To the bands that were dropped from the lineup, we want to assure you that your participation is secured for next year’s event.
On Thursday June 8th, Hawthorne Heights started Albany’s Alive at 5 concert Series with tribute to their roots as Emo artists. The show was moved to Albany’s rain location under I-787, but the skies were as clear as could be for the show.
James Woodruff of Hawthorne Heights – Photo by Jarron Childs
Alive at 5 is a free summer concert series that the city of Albany has been throwing on annually for over 30 years. The series host artists from from the local area to national scene to bring the capital region some music from their favorite genre. Each week has a different theme; this one being Emo Pride Night.
The show’s opener was the band Bad Luck from New York City. They had just come off a spring tour to play a 45 min set. Bad Luck set the tone for what was to come for the headliner.
Hawthorne Heights formed in Dayton, Ohio a little over 20 years ago in 2001. They sent out their first song, “Silver Bullet,” to hundreds of record labels until one stuck with Confined Records. By 2006, they had two gold albums and were opening for Fall Out Boy during their Black Clouds and Underdogs Tour. The first stop on that tour, in fact, was in Albany, at what is now MVP Arena.
Hawthorne Heights is currently on a traveling festival around the US called the “Is For Lovers” festival. It has lineups of some of the best emo and pop-punk bands that could have ever been assembled, all in one place.
Hawthorne Heights played a long 90 minutes set to start Albany’s Alive at 5 for 2023. Lead singer, James Woodruff, said this was the longest set they have ever played. Though he proclaimed early on that they would rock out the whole night, there were a lot of speeches in between songs. Fans grew restless towards the end of the set as it could be felt that he was trying to fill up their time slot. Though the speeches did give their songs more meaning, and young fans got to understand emo better, it could be felt that fans just wanted to rock out the night.
Hawthorne Heights did come through with their promise as fans got to mosh to some of their favorite songs. At least two mosh pits that broke out on top of, crowd surfing and the audio engineer jumping into the crowd. The crowd screamed the lyrics to “Niki FM” and helped to close out the show with “Ohio is for lovers.”
Hawthorne Heights will continue their “Is for Lovers” festival on June 24th in Stateline, NV. There are currently no NY shows scheduled, but hopefully NY fans will get new music from them soon.
Don’t miss this week’s Alive at 5 with Mihali with special guest Side B opening. NYS Music will be on site so stop down and check out what the NYS Music team has in store!
Hawthorne Heights Setlist: Pens and Needles, Constant Dread, This is Who We Are, Lucerne Valley, The Transition, Crimson Sand, Saying Sorry, Rescue Me, Spray Paint it Black, Silver Bullet, Hard to Breathe, Blue Burns Orange, Stab Myself, We Are So Last Year, Niki FM, Dandelions, Ohio Is For Lovers
Iconic pop rock band Boys Like Girls have announced their North America “Speaking Our Language Tour,” presented by Emo Nite. The tour kicks of September 17 in North Carolina and will stop in New York City at the Hammerstein Ballroom on October 27.
The 30-date run comes on heels of the release of “Blood and Sugar,” the band’s first new song since 2012. Direct support for the entire tour will be State Champs, while Four Year Strong, 3OH!3, LOLO, The Summer Set, The Ready Set, and Max Bemis will also offer support at different shows.
Boys Like Girls released their self-titled debut album in 2006. They then topped the charts with their sophomore album Love Drunk. What followed was a slew of successful singles including “The Great Escape” and “Love Drunk.” They also released the Platinum-certified, BMI award-winning Hot 100 duet with Taylor Swift, “Two Is Better Than One”. The band further played sold-out shows, international tours, and unforgettable moments from Madison Square Garden to Europe, Asia, South America, and Australia. However, by 2012 lead singer and song-writer Martin Johnson was beginning to feel the universe pulling him into a new arena.
Collaboration was nothing new to Johnson, but for the first time he began writing and producing music not intended for his own band. What followed was another string of wild successes with hits from Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Blink-182, Avril Lavigne, and more. This, along with Johnson’s bandmates’ own successful musical endeavors, lead to a years-long hiatus for Boys Like Girls.
In 2016 the band returned to the road for the 10th Anniversary tour of their debut record. While fans across America were ecstatic for the reunion they’d been waiting for, internally it felt more like a farewell. “It was important to us to leave it all out there for the fans,” Johnson says. “To really give them the ‘thank you’ they deserved.”
Boys Like Girls Reunite
While Boys Like Girls played at the Las Vegas When We Were Young festival last year, they had not released new music in over 10 years prior to their recent single.
The Boys Like Girls comeback already sparked excitement among fans and the general public. Prior to the announcement of their comeback song, the band posted a nostalgic post on TikTok, garnering over 500k views in under 24-hours, showcasing the enduring popularity and anticipation surrounding the band’s return.
“Blood and Sugar” is just the beginning of what’s to come from Boys Like Girls. The band also confirmed that they have been working on new music and will be announcing more releases soon.
Long Island based band Bad Mary released their new EP Trash and Glamour on May 16. Much like Bad Mary’s other work, Trash and Glamour consists of impressive guitar riffs, beating drums, and powerful vocals.
Bad Mary released their first album, Better Days in 2013. They followed it up with three EPs: Killing Dinosaurs (2016), We Could Have Saved the World (2016), and Glitter Bomb (2017). In 2019 Bad Mary released their second full length album, The Return of Space Girl. It was a 33 minute punk rock space opera then followed by an award-winning animated movie of the album.
The band consists of lead vocalist Amanda Mac, Mike Staub on bass, Bill Mac on drums, and David Henderson on guitar. Based in New York, Bad Mary has played classic venues including The Highline Ballroom, The Knitting Factory, Arlene’s Grocery, and the Bowery Electric. On the road, they also played The Vans Warped Tour, The Dewey Beach Music Conference, Launch Music Conference, and Musikfest. In 2019, Bad Mary toured Japan and played to packed-out venues with a motley gang of local punk bands.
Bad Mary Goes Back to Their Roots
On Trash and Glamour, vocalist Amanda Mac said, “With this EP we really wanted to get back to thrashy/trashy rock and roll. In a way we’re back at our roots with simple and fun songs and hit the ground running right away. After a concept album and two cover EPs we felt the need to strip things down a little and get punchy again. We think we were able to achieve this and we’re really proud of these new songs.”
Additionally, assist Mike Staub called Trash and Glamour, “a small celebration of everything we’ve done. We’ve got some straight-up blistery, punky tunes like “Are You With The Band?” and “Light It Up” but also fun and weird songs that really embrace our personality like, “The Floor Is Lava”. We’re never afraid to be ourselves and T&G really shows that. It’s All Trash and we mean that with all the love.”
Bad Mary also hosts livestreams on Twitch every Tuesday at 8 pm EST, which can be found here.
Beginning in the afternoon on Friday, May 26 through the late evening on Sunday, May 28, the 12th installment of the beloved Boston Calling music festival returned to its home at Harvard University in Boston (Allston), Massachusetts this past Memorial Day weekend.
For three straight days, more than 40,000 fans of all ages passed through the gates into the Harvard Athletic Complex where they were welcomed daily to engaging activities such as a ride on a 100-foot Ferris wheel, delicious food served up by 29 local vendors, and of course, great music performed by 51 artists (17 each day) across four outdoor stages dubbed the Green Stage, the Happy Valley Red Stage, the Blue Stage and the Tivoli Audio Orange Stage, which championed acts with local ties to New England.
Paramore | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger
Inaugurated in 2013, the acclaimed Boston Calling festival is produced by Boston Calling Events, owned in part by Boston-based Crash Line Productions, whose hallmark of bringing new sounds each and every year was on full display again. In step with the festival’s commitment to securing an iconic mix of musical performances, headlining the festival on Day 1 (Friday) wereRock & Roll Hall of Famers Foo Fighters. Having played in New Hampshire two days prior, this would only betheir second official concert following drummer Taylor Hawkins’ tragic death in March 2022. The Lumineers, soulful alternative-folk rockers from Denver, Colorado, headlined Day 2 (Saturday) of the festival. Day 3 (Sunday) of the festival was headlined by indie rock darlings Paramore, formed in Franklin, Tennessee in 2004. Paramore, having already performed at the festival back in 2018, made their triumphant return on the heels of releasing their sixth studio album, This is Why.
Foo Fighters | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger
Boston Calling also featured renowned co-headliners on each day, including The National and Boston natives Dropkick Murphys on Day 1, the latter who quickly stepped in for the art-punk trio YeahYeahYeahs due to an undisclosed illness announced the day prior. The Celtic punk band’s frontman, Ken Casey, would announce to the crowd during their blistering set, “The Yeah Yeah Yeahs said ‘no no no,’ but we never say no!” Day 2 saw seven-time Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Alanis Morissette take the Red Stage, playing her first show in Boston since 2012. Queens of the Stone Age, alternative metal rockers from Seattle, Washington, brought their hard-pounding musicianship toDay 3 of the festival. Having recently announced their long-awaited eighth studio album, In Times New Roman, they thrilled their die-hard fans with two new tracks from this forthcoming release (June 16), including “Emotion Sickness” and “Negative Space.”
Dropkick Murphys | Photo Credit: Michael DingerQueens of the Stone Age | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger
Joining these headlining and co-headlining acts were well-established artists such as Noah Kahan, Bleachers, The Flaming Lips (who celebrated the release of Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots by performing the 2002 album in its entirety), King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard (the psychedelic rock band from Australia who were forced to bow out of last year’s festival due to COVID-19), Mt. Joy, Maren Morrisand many more.
Bleachers | Photo Credit: Michael DingerMt. Joy | Photo Credit: Michael DingerThe Flaming Lips | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger
The holiday weekend also offered its patrons plenty of performances from up-and-coming talent, including Razor Braids, The Beaches, The Aces and The Linda Lindas (an all-girl quartet ranging in age from 13 to 19 who easily won over the crowd after a personal introduction to their set by the Mayor of Boston, Michelle Wu), to name just a few.
The Beaches | Photo Credit: Michael DingerThe Linda Lindas | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger
Although the temperature each day of the festival was not as hot as it could have been for this time of the year, the sun did take its toll on some of the audience members who were not adequately hydrated. I witnessed firsthand at least five people who appeared to faint due to heat stroke, all of whom required to be quickly pulled out of the crowd by security and whisked away for treatment by EMT personnel.
The only critique that I have for this year’s festival is also the same as 2022’s festival, the merchandise tent line was long, exceedingly long. As I talked to fans who were proudly wearing their new t-shirt or hat, I learned that time spent in line (and away from the stages) was a minimum of two hours! Often, the sought after merch had already been sold-out. However, fans were at least able to complete an order form for the requested item to be shipped at a later date.
Fans soaking in the action at the Red Stage (Day 2) | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger
No festival experience is considered complete without first meeting and interacting with fellow fans. My own personal encounters included talking to Paul from Toronto, Canada in front of the Green Stage for most of Friday afternoon. I learned that he and his 16-year old son drove for eight hours Thursday night and into the wee morning hours to see the Foo Fighters for the first time. Paul emotionally shared with me that his son “will always remember this, so it was well worth it.” On Friday, I also met Kirby from Danbury, Connecticut, an avid fan of all music genres, as well as a talented drummer and guitarist. He revealed to me that he was dealing with painful plantar fasciitis in both feet, so when I saw him again on both Saturday and Sunday along the rail of the Red Stage, I was glad he was able to still see the artists he loves up close and personal. Being a graduate of the University of Connecticut (UCONN), it was also a pleasure to spend time speaking with Seth for a few hours, a UCONN professor for nearly 20 years and an amateur live music photographer.
Shane Hawkins Joins Foo Fighters Onstage | Video Credit: Michael Dinger
During a festival filled with three days and nights of highlights, it’s easy for me to pick out my favorite one. Throughout the Foo Fighters’ two hour set, Dave Grohl’s devastation by the loss of his friend and bandmate was palpable – on his face and in his speeches to the audience. So, when Grohl welcomed to the stage “one of [his] favorite drummers in the world,” 17-year old Shane Hawkins, it was truly a goosebumps moment. With Shane taking a couple of minutes at the drum kit to adjust the stool height left for him by the Foo Fighters newest member, Josh Freese, Grohl stalled for time. “Hello Boston, how’s it going over there? Earlier, I was in my dressing room and I heard the audience going absolutely fucking bonkers for someone. And I was like, who the fuck is playing that someone is going [this crazy]? It was Niall Horan [of One Direction fame], is that his name? How’s it going there Shane? Oh my God, there is a curfew Shane. This is an old song from our first record and when we play it . . .” Abruptly, in came Shane with a thunderous drum roll to launch “I’ll Stick Around.”
Waterparks, pop punk/modern rock icons, brought the house down at Philadelphia’s legendary Theatre of Living Arts (TLA). It was the 6th show of their East Coast leg on the Intellectual Property Tour, and boy, did they deliver an unforgettable performance.
With HUNNY and Elliot Lee warming up the crowd, the energy was off the charts. TLA was packed with their devoted fanbase, affectionately known as “parxies,” who created an electric atmosphere. Waterparks’ signature style and intense electric sound had the audience mesmerized and electrified throughout the night. It was an absolute blast, and a testament to their status as one of the leading bands in the pop punk scene.
A New York native, Elliot Lee is a visionary musician who has been rewriting the rules of pop music since bursting onto the scene. With her unmistakable blend of haunting melodies, poetic lyricism, and a voice that resonates with raw emotion, Elliot Lee has captivated audiences worldwide. The atmosphere crackled with anticipation as Elliot’s ethereal vocals filled the venue, intertwining seamlessly with the hypnotic melodies. The crowd was transported to a realm where emotions ran deep, where vulnerability and strength coexisted. It was a transcendent experience, as Elliot bared their soul through their music.
Standout moments included the hauntingly beautiful performance of “Easy To Be You,” where Elliot’s voice soared effortlessly, carrying a weight of raw emotion that left the audience breathless. The pulsating beats and shimmering synths of “Fun” had everyone moving to the rhythm, surrendering to the cathartic release of the music.
Elliot Lee Setlist: Upside Down, Sicko, Drama Queen, Pill for Happiness, Solo, Happy Face, Fun, 54321, Easy to Be You, Pink (Freak)
HUNNY is a dynamic indie rock band that emerged from the vibrant music scene of Southern California. Formed in 2014, this five-piece ensemble quickly garnered attention for their infectious energy and heartfelt lyrics. The band’s during the show consisted of lead vocalist and guitarist Jason Yarger and bassist Kevin Grimmett. With their unique blend of dreamy melodies, gritty guitars, and introspective storytelling, HUNNY swiftly captivated the audience. As the frontman, Yarger’s charismatic persona commanded attention, effortlessly navigating between vulnerable introspection and explosive bursts of passion.
The band’s seamless chemistry created an irresistible atmosphere, driving the crowd into a frenzy. The setlist was a carefully curated journey through their discography, combining fan favorites like “Vowels (And the Importance of Being Me)” and “Televised” with newer gems from their latest album. Each song resonated deeply, with the band’s infectious hooks and infectious melodies washing over the audience.
HUNNY Setlist: Natalie, Saturday Night, Vowels (And the Importance of Being Me), Halloween, JFK, Shy, Loser, Good Will Hunting Song, action –> reaction, Lula, I’m Not Mad, Televised, Sports With Strangers
Waterparks (not to be confused with an aquatic amusement park) is a pop punk band from Houston, Texas. Made up of frontman Awsten Knight, drummer Otto Wood, and guitarist Geoff Wigington, the trio quickly gained a reputation for their captivating live performances and clever songwriting since they formed in 2011. Blending elements of pop, rock, punk, and electronic music, they have carved a unique niche for themselves in the music industry. With their infectious melodies, high-energy performances, and fearless attitude, Waterparks has become a defining voice in modern pop-rock, inspiring a new generation of music lovers and proving that they are just getting started.
During the opening chords of ST*RFUCKER and Awsten’s debut in a giant red parka, the audience became a living, breathing entity, swaying and jumping in unison. The surge of adrenaline in the room was palpable, as fans eagerly embraced the band’s electrifying sound.
Awsten effortlessly commanded the stage with his charismatic presence. He engaged the crowd with his patented fan interaction strategies which included affectionately bullying the crowd and airdropping a photo from their photographer’s (Jawn Rocha) phone to random fans. The connection between the Waterparks and parxies was undeniable, as cheers and chants filled the venue.
As the energy reached its peak, the crowd erupted into a frenzy of excitement, with people crowd surfing their way towards the stage. Waterparks’ music created a sense of unity and exhilaration, as fans supported each other, riding the wave of excitement and joy.
Amidst the chaos, Waterparks skillfully navigated through their setlist, flawlessly transitioning from one hit to the next. Tracks like “Numb,” “Stupid for You,” and “Group Chat ” ignited the crowd. Parxies went absolutely wild when the band played “Crave”, the one song that called for Geoff to sing a verse.
As the set reached its crescendo, Waterparks returned for an encore that left the crowd in awe. “REAL SUPER DARK,” “Turbulent,” and “Funeral Grey” ignited a final surge of energy. The audience erupted, jumping and singing along with unbridled enthusiasm. The band poured their hearts into every note, reciprocating the crowd’s unwavering energy.
Their ability to connect with the audience through their music created an electric atmosphere, leaving everyone craving for more. The sight of people crowdsurfing and the collective euphoria of the concert will forever be etched in the memories of those lucky enough to experience the magic of Waterparks live in Philadelphia.
Waterparks Setlist: ST*RFUCKER, Numb, Rare, Stupid for You, Crave, Brainwashed, 2 Best Friends, Fuck About It, War Crimes, [Reboot], Royal, Telephone, Ritual, High Definition (Acoustic snippet), I Miss Having Sex but at Least I Don’t Wanna Die Anymore, Group Chat, Closer, A Night Out on Earth
Waterparks Encore: REAL SUPER DARK, Turbulent, Funeral Grey
The North America portion of the Intellectual PropertyTour will keep going all the way until June 14th when they finish in Los Angeles. If you find yourself abroad, you can catch Waterparks in Europe (with support from Stand Atlantic) and in Australia later on in the year. Stay tuned to their website and socials for more information on those dates.
HUNNY will be following Waterparks till the end of the line so be sure to follow Kevin and Jason’s adventures on tour (and for future endeavors).
Elliot Lee will be departing after the show in Georgia. Be sure to follow them on socials and check their website for any performances that they play when they get back home to NY.
