NYS Music 2023

Category: Rock

  • Global Rockstars Green Day Announce Tour with Smashing Pumpkins, Coming to Citi Field

    Global rock superstars Green Day have announced they are going on a massive 2024 global stadium tour. The Saviors Tour will make a stop at Citi Field in NYC on Monday, August 5, 2024, with The Smashing Pumpkins, Rancid, and The Linda Lindas as special guests.

    Formed in 1986 in Berkeley, CA, Green Day is one of the world’s best-selling bands of all time, with more than 75 million records sold worldwide and ten billion cumulative audio/visual streams. Consisting of Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt, and Tré Cool, the five-time Grammy Award-winning Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees released their breakout album Dookie in 1994, which sold over ten million and achieved 10x Platinum Diamond status. It is widely credited with popularizing and reviving mainstream interest in punk rock, catapulting a career-long run of #1 hit singles. 

    In 2004, Green Day released the rock opera album American Idiot, selling more than eight million copies in the U.S. alone and taking home the Grammy Award for Best Rock Album. In 2010, a stage adaptation of American Idiot debuted on Broadway to critical and commercial acclaim. Released in 2020, Green Day’s thirteenth studio album Father Of All…debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Album Sales Chart and #1 in both the U.K. and Australia. In July 2021, Green Day embarked on The Hella Mega Tour with Fall Out Boy and Weezer.

    Green Day, photo by Emmie America.

    Recently, the band announced the release of their highly anticipated 14th studio album, Saviors, coming January 19, 2024, along with a new single, “The American Dream Is Killing Me.” “We’ve never been more excited to unleash new music than with Saviors, a record that’s meant to be rocked live, together. So let’s thrash. We’ve got some amazing friends who are coming along for the ride!” Green Day said.

    The tour will be larger-than-life, celebrating 30 years of Dookie and 20 of American Idiot. Each a cultural phenomenon in its own right, these albums have remained at the forefront of punk culture since their release. With blazing guitars and electrifying vocals, Green Day is ready to bring their mind-blowing collection of hits to stadiums across the country, along with additions from Saviors.

    Green Day began dropping hints about the album at a surprise show at Las Vegas’ Fremont Country Club, surrounded by a crowd of 800 fans. Also making an appearance at the When We Were Young festival, the band debuted two killer new tracks: the first single “The American Dream Is Killing Me” and the brand new “Look Ma, No Brains!,” out now.

    Tickets go on sale starting with a Citi presale on Nov. 7. Fans can sign up for Green Day’s mailing list by that day to get first access to presale tickets. The general on-sale begins Nov. 10 at 10 a.m.

    THE SAVIORS NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES: 

    With support from The Smashing Pumpkins, Rancid, and The Linda Lindas

    Mon Jul 29 – Washington, DC – Nationals Park  

    Thu Aug 01 – Toronto, ON – Rogers Centre  

    Sat Aug 03 – Montreal, QC – Osheaga Music and Arts Festival*  

    Mon Aug 05 – New York, NY – Citi Field 

    Wed Aug 07 – Boston, MA – Fenway Park 

    Fri Aug 09 – Philadelphia, PA – Citizens Bank Park 

    Sat Aug 10 – Hershey, PA – Hersheypark Stadium  

    Tue Aug 13 – Chicago, IL – Wrigley Field  

    Thu Aug 15 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre !

    Sat Aug 17 – Minneapolis, MN – Target Field  

    Tue Aug 20 – Kansas City, KS – Azura Amphitheatre !

    Thu Aug 22 – Cincinnati, OH – Great American Ballpark  

    Sat Aug 24 – Milwaukee, WI – American Family Field  

    Mon Aug 26 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion !

    Wed Aug 28 – Atlanta, GA – Truist Park 

    Fri Aug 30 – Nashville, TN – Geodis Park  

    Sun Sep 01 – Pittsburgh, PA – PNC Park 

    Wed Sep 04 – Detroit, MI – Comerica Park

    Sat Sep 07 – Denver, CO – Coors Field 

    Tue Sep 10 – Austin, TX – Germania Insurance Amphitheater ! 

    Wed Sep 11 – Arlington, TX – Globe Life Field    

    Sat Sep 14 – Los Angeles, CA – SoFi Stadium  

    Wed Sep 18 – Phoenix, AZ – Chase Field 

    Fri Sep 20 – San Francisco, CA – Oracle Park  

    Mon Sep 23 – Seattle, WA – T-Mobile Park  

    Wed Sep 25 – Portland, OR – Providence Park

    Sat Sep 28 – San Diego, CA – Petco Park

    ^Not a Live Nation Date

    *Festival Date

    !With Support from Rancid and The Linda Lindas only

    THE SAVIORS UK/EU TOUR DATES: 

    With support from Nothing But Thieves, The Hives, Donots, The Interrupters and Maid of Ace

    Thu May 30 – Monte do Gozo, Spain – O Son do Camino*

    Sat Jun 1 – Madrid Spain – Road to Rio Babel*

    Wed Jun 5 – Lyon France – Lyon Decines – with The Interrupters 

    Fri Jun 7 – Nurnberg Germany – Rock im Park*

    Sat Jun 8 – Nurburgring Germany – Rock am Ring*

    Mon Jun 10 – Berlin Germany – Waldbühne – with Donots 

    Tue Jun 11 – Hamburg Germany – Trabrennbahn Bahrenfeld – with Donots 

    Sat Jun 15 – Interlaken Switzerland – Greenfield Festival* 

    Sun Jun 16 – Milan Italy – I Days – Hippodrome La Maura*

    Tue Jun 18 – Paris France – Accor Arena – with The Interrupters 

    Wed Jun 19 – Arnhem Netherlands – GelreDome – with The Hives & The Interrupters 

    Fri Jun 21 – Manchester UK – Emirates Old Trafford – with Nothing But Thieves & Maid of Ace

    Sun Jun 23 – Isle of Wight UK – Isle of Wight Festival*

    Tue Jun 25 – Glasgow UK – Bellahouston Park – with Nothing But Thieves & Maid of Ace

    Thu Jun 27 – Dublin Ireland – Marlay Park – with Nothing But Thieves & Maid of Ace

    Sat Jun 29 London UK – Wembley Stadium – with Nothing But Thieves & Maid of Ace

    *Festival Date

  • In Focus: Blues Traveler at The Capitol Theatre

    On Thursday, October 26, Blues Traveler descended upon The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester.

    blues traveler capitol theatre

    The band opened with a raucous crowd favorite “Run Around” and from there they had the crowd eating out of their hands with a show filled with sing-alongs and extended jams. 

    Blues Traveler, no strangers to The Cap, seemed to feel right at home and the crowd that came for a good time were rewarded on this night. 

    Blues Traveler – The Capitol Theatre, Port Chester, NY – Thursday, October 26

    Setlist: Run-Around, The Wolf is Bumpin, Dropping Some NYC, Groove Me, But Anyway, The Wayward Rambler w/ Jono Manson, Stand, Funky Bitch, The Devil Went Down to Georgia*, Ode to the Aspect, Carolina Blues, Hook, The Mountains Win Again

    blues traveler capitol theatre
    blues traveler capitol theatre
    blues traveler capitol theatre
    blues traveler capitol theatre
    blues traveler capitol theatre

  • An Interview with The Bacon Brothers, Set To Play Albany and Westbury This Month

    The Bacon Brothers are set to play two upcoming shows in New York, as they continue their fall tour lineup across the country. Brothers Kevin and Michael Bacon banded together in 1995 to form The Bacon Brothers, an official name to the musical pairing that has been around since their childhood.

    Having released 11 collections of music since then, the duo is looking ahead to two shows in New York State: November 17 at Albany’s The Egg, and November 18 at Westbury’s The Space. 

    The Bacon Brothers Photo Credit: Jeff Fasano
    Photo Credit: Jeff Fasano

    The Bacon Brothers titled their first album, Forosoco, after their self-described genre, blending folk, rock, soul, and country influences. Most recently, they released “Philly Thing,” a single dedicated to their hometown of Philadelphia. The song benefitted charities Rock to the Future and Kevin Bacon’s own SixDegrees.org.

    NYS Music had the chance to interview The Bacon Brothers ahead of their upcoming NYS shows, talking all things music, family, and upcoming projects. 

    Cara Denton: You’ve coined your own genre – forosoco. As you began your music careers, did you ever feel limited by genre categories, or was it a natural part of your philosophies to work outside those categories?  

    Michael Bacon: Forosoco is a non-category. Genre distinctions have been a part of popular culture since the radio was invented. It helps the music business focus on narrow marketing strategies that streamline their business model. The key to success in any endeavor is to find out what is different about yourself and get really good at that.

    Kevin Bacon: We just go where the song takes us. Sometimes they feel more folky, rocky, soulful, or country. We’ve always said to ourselves let’s not try to stick to a “sound” let’s have our lack of a sound be our sound.

    CD: What artists, instruments, or genres of music have shaped your musical education throughout your lives? 

    MB: I’ve always had two parallel worlds in art music (cello, oboe) and folk music (banjo, guitar ukulele, etc…). As a composer and songwriter, every day I draw from the unique musical ambiance provided by our parents in the house in which the 6 of us grew up.

    KB: Wow so many. Starting with Michael and our sister playing guitars and harmonizing. Motown. British Invasion. TSOP. James and Joni. And on and on. I love drums. I had a drum kit in our basement. And congas. Bongos. Etc.

    CD: What does playing a show in New York City look like for you? Any pre-show rituals, sightseeing, or food spots you like to hit?

    MB: It’s our hometown and beats flying or driving to distant venues. It’s a ten-minute subway ride to City Winery.

    KB: Sightseeing?! I’ve lived in NYC since 1976 so pretty much seen the sights. My favorite slice is Joe’s on Carmine if that helps. 

    CD: Family is a binding force and an important factor in your musicianship – how does that shape your performances, songwriting, or experience as musicians?  

    MB: Ours is a family business. Families draw apart when they lack connection. I’m really proud, and I take some credit for my brother’s success in the music business.

    KB: Family is everything.

    CD: Do you have any practices or hobbies outside of music that you turn to to find inspiration or rejuvenate your creativity? 

    MB: I enjoy sailboat racing, motorboats and crossword puzzles.

    KB: Animals and nature. Being on a horse, riding through the hills. 

    CD: What’s next for the Bacon Brothers? Any new styles, collaborations, or new developments you’re particularly excited about trying? 

    MB: I’m hoping one of the new songs catches a wave and a lot of people love it.

    KB: Very excited about the new record. Never thought we would make this much music! 

    An ever-musical family, The Bacon Brothers continue to yield tour dates and new music to come. Their recent EP, Erato, released in July of 2022, with five brand new songs. The title track features a belting chorus, resonant guitar strumming, and catchy lyrics. The duo is touring across the country now, with tickets for their shows in Albany and Westbury now available. 

    BACON BROTHERS UPCOMING TOUR DATES

    Nov 11 – Larchwood, IA – Grand Falls Casino and Golf Resort

    Nov 17 – Albany, NY – Hart Theater at The Egg

    Nov 18 – Westbury, NY – The Space at Westbury

    Nov 19 – Hummelstown, PA – The Englewood

    Jan 18 – Abilene, TX – Paramount Theatre

    Jan 19 – New Braunfels, TX – Gruene Hall

    Jan 20 – Cedar Park, TX – Haute Spot

  • Lynyrd Skynyrd & ZZ TOP Add Shows in Syracuse, Bethel, Wantagh, and Darien Center

    The titans of American classic rock ZZ TOP and Lynyrd Skynyrd have announced 36 additional appearances of their joint co-headlining tour – The Sharp Dressed Simple Man Tour. The tour is set to stop four times in New York, including Syracuse, Bethel, Wantagh, and Darien Center.

    ZZ TOP, known for their beards, hotrod cars, spinning guitars, and that magic keychain, and Lynyrd Skynyrd, known for their critically acclaimed album Pronounced Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd, have put their musical talents together for an unforgettable show performing across the United States, now with even more dates, so you have no excuse to miss it.

    It was in 1969 Houston when ZZ TOP coalesced from the core of two rival bands, Billy Gibbons’ Moving Sidewalks and Frank Beard and Dusty Hill’s American Blues. ZZ Top‘s 1973 album release, Tres Hombres, catapulted them to national attention with the hit “La Grange,” which is still one of the band’s signature pieces today. Eliminator, their 1983 album was something of a paradigm shift for ZZ TOP.

    Their blues roots skew was intact but their high-tech-age trappings were added to the mix that soon found a visual outlet with such tracks as “Sharp Dressed Man” and “Legs” on the nascent MTV. It was one of the record industry’s first albums to have been certified Diamond, far beyond Gold and Platinum, a reflection of sales exceeding ten million units.

    As a touring outfit, they have performed before millions of fans over four continents and have been the subject of their own Grammy-nominated documentary titled That Little Ol’ Band From Texas. The band’s line-up of the bearded Gibbons and Hill and Beard, who ironically is clean-shaven, remained intact for more than 50 years. When Dusty temporarily departed the tour in the summer of 2021, Elwood Francis entered the picture accepting the directive from Dusty to be the perfect choice to stand in on the bass guitar and now handles the low-end duties for the band for the present as well as into the future.

    The elements that keep ZZ TOP fresh can be summed up in the three words of the band’s internal mantra: “Tone, Taste, and Tenacity.” As genuine roots performers, they have few peers. Their influences are both the originators of the form – Muddy Waters, B.B. King, Jimmy Reed, et al – as well as the British blues rocker Jimi Hendrix who emerged generations before ZZ’s ascendance.

    They have sold hundreds of millions of records over the course of their career, have been officially designated as Heroes of The State of Texas, inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (by Keith Richards, no less), and have been referenced in countless cartoons and sitcoms. They are true rock icons and, against all odds, they’re really just doing what they’ve always done.

    As Lynyrd Skynyrd celebrates the 50 anniversary of the band’s critically acclaimed debut album Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd’, they resonate as deeply with their multi-generational fan base today as when they first emerged out of Jacksonville, Florida in 1973.

    Few ensembles have had a deep impact in creating a lifestyle as Skynyrd has. The band travels forward with a primary mission of celebrating a legacy that honors all who have had a resonating contribution to the lives of hundreds of millions of fans globally. Former members Ronnie Van Zant, Gary Rossington, Allen Collins, Steve Gaines, Ed King, Billy Powell, Bob Burns, and Leon Wilkeson alongside others will forever remain significant contributors to this indelible repertoire and the band’s colorful history.

    Today, Lynyrd Skynyrd rocks on with a current line-up featuring Johnny Van Zant, Rickey Medlocke, Damon Johnson, Mark “Sparky” Matejka, Michael Cartellone, Keith Christopher, Peter Keys, Carol Chase and Stacy Michelle. 

    It’s about the legacy of Lynyrd Skynyrd, and what it stands for, what the fans are all about. There’s nothing like getting out there playing a great show with Skynyrd and seeing people love this music. 

    Van Zant

    With a catalog of over 60 albums, billions of streams, and tens of millions of records sold, Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Lynyrd Skynyrd remains a cultural icon that appeals to all generations.

    The artist pre-sale begins on Tuesday, October 31 at 10 AM, and will be available until 10 PM on Thursday, November 2. The public on-sale begins at 10 AM on Friday, November 3. For tickets, and select VIP packages, visit here.

    LYNYRD SKYNYRD & ZZ TOP: THE SHARP-DRESSED SIMPLE MAN TOUR DATES: 

    3/08     Savannah, GA                                                Enmarket Arena

    3/09     Estero, FL                                                       Hertz Arena

    3/14     Greenville, SC                                                Bon Secours Wellness Arena

    3/15     Knoxville, TN                                              Thompson-Boiling Arena at Food City Ctr.

    3/16     Columbia, SC                                                 Colonial Life Arena

    3/22     Bossier City, LA                                             Brookshire Grocery Arena

    3/23     Southhaven, MS                                             Landers Center

    3/24     Macon, GA                                                     Macon Amphitheater

    3/28     Lexington, KY                                                Rupp Arena

    3/29     Greensboro, NC                                              Greensboro Coliseum

    3/30     Charleston, WV                                              Charleston Coliseum 

    4/04     Biloxi, MS                                                      Mississippi Coast Coliseum

    4/05     Tallahassee, FL                                               Donald L. Tucker Civic Center

    4/06     Huntsville, AL                                                 Propst Arena at the Von Braun Center

    4/12     Evansville, IN                                                 Ford Center

    4/13     Moline, IL                                                       Vibrant Arena 

    4/14     Green Bay, WI                                                Resch Center

    4/18     North Little Rock, AR                                   Simmons Bank Arena

    4/19     Lafayette, LA                                                  Cajundome

    4/20     Corpus Christi, TX                                         American Bank Center

    8/09     Mount Pleasant, MI                                       Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort #

    8/15     Syracuse, NY                                                  Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview

    8/16     Bethel, NY                                                      Bethel Woods Center for the Arts

    8/17     Mansfield, MA                                               Xfinity Center

    8/22     Wantagh, NY                                                  Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater

    8/23     Gilford, NH                                                    Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion

    8/24     Hartford, CT                                                   The Xfinity Theatre

    9/05     Alpharetta, GA                                               Ameris Bank Amphitheater

    9/07     Virginia Beach, VA                                        Veterans United Home Loans Amph. at Virginia Beach

    9/08     Bristow, VA                                                   Jiffy Lube Live

    9/12     Darien Center, NY                                         Darien Lake Amphitheater

    9/13     Clarkston, MI                                                 Pine Knob Music Theatre

    9/14     Noblesville, IN                                               Ruoff Music Center

    9/19     Concord, CA                                                   Toyota Pavilion at Concord

    9/21     Auburn, WA                                                   White River Amphitheater

    9/22     Ridgefield, WA                                              RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater

    # – No Support – Pre-Sale and On-Sale Dates TBD

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=em2Pt8xV0o8&ab_channel=DesigningAmerica

  • Polyphia Shreds with Sold Out Show at Terminal 5 NYC

    Acclaimed instrumental progressive rock band, Polyphia, played a sold-out show at Terminal 5 in New York City last week (October 26, 2023) with support from Domi and JD Beck.

    Polyphia at Terminal 5. Photograph by David Reichmann (@davidpresspass)

    Jazz duo Domi and JD Beck opened the show, with keyboardist Domi Louna and drummer JD Beck delivering a very impressive and lengthy set. Their songs featured highly technical drum patterns and keys. They joked between songs about the quality of their performance, taking jabs at their own skills, which the audience rewarded with big laughs and applause. They played in a fully packed venue and thanked the crowd for showing up early for the set. They left the stage with big applause and a heightened anticipation of the headlining act.

    Domi and JD Beck opening for Polyphia. Photograph by David Reichmann (@davidpresspass)

    After some brief intro music, Terminal 5 erupted in applause as blinding lights flashed, welcoming Polyphia to the stage. Guitarists and founders Tim Henson and Scott LePage are widely considered to be two of the most influential rock guitarists of today, and they are both Ibanez-endorsed artists with several signature guitars of their own. One of their biggest singles, “Playing God,” has garnered over 30 million views on YouTube. The platform was their initial proving ground when one of their earliest singles, “Impassion,” launched them into fame.

    Their set at Terminal 5 included tracks from throughout their four-album catalog. For their encore, they played fan favorites, “Playing God” and “G.O.A.T.” They didn’t speak directly to the crowd at any point in the show, as they didn’t have microphones. But they held their guitars aloft in thanks at the end of the show and walked off with wide smiles on their faces. The crowd cheered them out and left more than satisfied.

    You can listen to their latest album here and you can see their upcoming tour dates here. Check out Domi and JD Beck’s music here.

    Photo gallery by David Reichmann below.

    Photography by David Reichmann (@davidpresspass)

  • Foo Fighters Play Heartfelt, Star-Studded Set on Saturday Night Live

    Foo Fighters played an emotional performance on Saturday Night Live (SNL), alongside host Nate Bergatze and surprise guests H.E.R. and Christopher Walken. The appearance was their first SNL showing since the tragic death of drummer Taylor Hawkins in March of 2022.

    Foo Fighters Saturday Night Live

    The group first played their track “Rescued,” introduced by actor Christopher Walken. Walken recreated his former pronunciation of the band’s name, as a reference to their 2003 pairing on Saturday Night Live where he recited, “Foo FIGHTERS.” The Fighters delivered an electric performance of “Rescued,” complete with vocalist Dave Grohl’s headbanging.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMHEBSnoX4A

    Foo Fighters followed up with a performance of “The Glass,” accompanied by special guest H.E.R. The collaborative rendition began with an emotional Dave Grohl, reminding the audience of the band’s great loss of Taylor Hawkins last year. The emotion was not to the performance’s detriment, as H.E.R lended stunning vocals and guitar alongside Grohl. 

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oON5LswFU9A

    Foo Fighters are set to embark on tour next month, with shows across Australia, the UK, and more. Their North American tour next summer includes two can’t-miss dates at NYC’s Citi Field on July 17 and 19. Tickets are still available for both July 17 and 19.

    FOO FIGHTERS U.S. STADIUM DATES 2024

    Wednesday, July 17 — New York NY — Citi Field *  

    Friday, July 19 – New York NY — Citi Field # 

    Sunday, July 21 – Boston MA — Fenway Park # 

    Tuesday, July 23 – Hershey PA — HERSHEYPARK Stadium # 

    Thursday, July 25 – Cincinnati OH — Great American Ball Park * 

    Sunday, July 28 – Minneapolis MN — Target Field ** 

    Saturday, August 3 – Denver CO — Empower Field at Mile High * 

    Wednesday, August 7 – San Diego CA — Petco Park $

    Friday, August 9 – Los Angeles CA — BMO Stadium #

    Sunday, August 11 – Los Angeles CA — BMO Stadium %  

    Thursday, August 16 – Portland OR — Providence Park Soccer Stadium %

    Saturday, August 18 – Seattle WA — T-Mobile Park %

    * Pretenders & Mammoth WVH Support 

    ** Pretenders & L7 Support 

    # The Hives & Amyl and The Sniffers Support

    $ The Hives & Alex G Support

    % Pretenders & Alex G Support

  • In Focus: My Morning Jacket Makes Long-Awaited Return To Albany

    There was a palpable buzz across the Arbor Hill neighborhood in North Albany on Wednesday, as rockers My Morning Jacket made their long-awaited return to the area with a performance at the Palace Theatre. The band last played in the city in 2006. Madi Diaz opened the performance.

    Hailing from Louisville, Kentucky, My Morning Jacket has amassed quite the resume over its twenty-five years. Fronted by Jim James (vocals, guitar), the band also features Carl Broemel (guitars), Tom Blankenship (bass guitar), Bo Koster (keyboards), and Patrick Hallahan (percussion). The band has released nine studio albums, along with several EPs and live albums. Their current tour is in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the release of It Still Moves, and has seen the band perform the album in its entirety at certain shows.  

    Those arriving early on this evening were treated to an opening performance by singer-songwriter Madi Diaz. A lone spotlight illuminated the stage, as Diaz took opened the performance, just herself and a guitar. Diaz would take those in attendance on an emotional journey, performing songs like “Crying In Public” and “Same Risk.” Her powerful vocals, reminiscent of Phoebe Bridgers, filled the theater and captivated those in attendance.

    As the clock struck 9:15, the stage went dark and the band’s familiar orchestral walk-on music played over the house speakers. The band members took to the stage to a thunderous roar from the audience.  The familiar chord strums of “Circuital” would open the show and immediately all in attendance were on their feet. As the song slowly built in energy, fans made their way to the front of the stage, filling the side wings to dance about as the song kicked into full gear. The band kept the momentum going early, playing fan favorites such as “It Beats 4 U,” “I’m Amazed,” and “Mahgeetah” early in the set. 

    Jim James would bring Madi Diaz back to the stage early in the performance, to offer a beautiful rendition of the band’s classic ballad “I Will Be There When You Die.” The song would see Diaz harmonizing with James, with the two trading lyrics during the second verse, which even included Diaz adding a line to call out her hometown in Pennsylvania.

    In all, the performance would feature all the familiar staples of a My Morning Jacket concert. Jim James’ signature vocals danced about the beautiful Palace Theatre. The band consistently elevated songs from their studio form, with jams and improvisations making each song unique to this night, with several tracks stretching into extended jam sessions. A prolific light show mesmerized those in attendance, with a giant disco ball dropping from the ceiling during “Wordless Chorus.”  

    After a nearly two-hour, career-spanning main set, the band would return to the stage for four more songs, opening the encore opening the encore with the hypnotizing “Feel You.” The band broke out older classics “The Dark” and “Anytime” before ending with the high-energy “One Big Holiday.” After such a brilliant set, fans poured into the streets, hopeful the wait for a return performance wouldn’t be nearly as long next time.

    My Morning Jacket – Palace Theatre, Albany – Wednesday, October 25, 2023

    Setlist: Circuital, It Beats 4 U, Love Love Love, I’m Amazed, Mahgeetah, Spinning My Wheels, I Will Be There When You Die (with Madi Diaz), Spring (Among the Living), Off the Record, Lay Low, Old Sept. Blues, I Will Sing You Songs, Phone Went West, Victory Dance, Holdin On to Black Metal, Lucky to Be Alive, Wordless Chorus

    Encore: Feel You, The Dark, Anytime, One Big Holiday

  • Ace Frehley Gets Back In The “New York Groove” at Paramount Hudson Valley

    With Halloween on the horizon, the KISS Army packed the Paramount Hudson Valley for their favorite spaceman, Ace Frehley, on Friday, October 27. Frehley, a New York native growing up in the Bronx, has added a string of tour dates ahead of releasing a brand new record in February.

    Frehley’s band is composed of Ryan Cook on bass and Jeremy Asbrock on guitar. Asbrock and Cook are also in The Rock City Machine Co. alongside former Ace Frehley band member Philip Shouse. Rounding out Frehley’s band on the drums is Scot Coogan who is in his second stint with Frehley.

    With the 93-year-old theater filling up with eager KISS and Ace Frehley maniacs, Black Dawn hit the stage. As Black Dawn plugged in, they powered through a metal set that was on the shorter side. With Black Dawn leaving via stage left, the middle band, Mainline jumped on stage to an enthusiastic crowd. Mainline features Anthony Schettino on bass, Johnny Iodice on lead vocals and guitar, Devin Reck on guitar, and Mason Servedio on drums. Mainline had a very memorable set as the talented musicians played all new material with the exception of Aerosmith’s “Toys In The Attic” as the final song.

    The anticipation for Frehley came to a boiling point as his instrumental song, “Fractured Mirror” blasted through the speakers. “Fractured Mirror” segwayed right into 2001: A Space Odyssey’s theme song and the announcement of “You wanted him, well you got ‘em, from The Bronx, New York, Ace Frehley!”

    In the blink of an eye, Peekskill immediately turned into “Detroit Rock City” for the remainder of the band’s 13-song set which included tracks from Frehley’s solo record as well as KISS classics.

    Frehley’s band is extremely talented in that the three other members of the band sang vocals on at least one song during the set. Asbrock took over lead vocals during “Speedin’ Back to My Baby” which can be found off Frehley’s KISS: Ace Frehley record. Cook did his best Paul Stanley impersonation during “Detroit Rock City” and Coogan grooved on drums while belting out lyrics during “Love Gun.”

    Halfway through the set, Frehley stopped to address the crowd and announce that his brand-new solo record was being released in February. The crowd, which was filled with Frehley’s “Rock Soldiers” all cheered as this would be the first record since Origins, Vol. 2 which was released back in 2020.

    Throughout the show, the entire band was throwing guitar picks, bass picks, and drumsticks into the crowd. There were so many guitar picks thrown into the audience that it seemed like everyone could have gone home with at least one. Fans were reaching into the air, jumping and diving into the rows of seats to collect fallen, unclaimed picks.

    During KISS’ heyday in the 1970s, they were known for their theatrics. From pyrotechnics to spitting out blood and rocket guitars, they all had different ways to wow an audience. Despite Frehley not being in KISS since his last show of the Reunion World Tour in 2002, the theatrical side of “Space Ace” hasn’t left.

    During “New York Groove,” Frehley brought out a guitar that lit up and flashed during the song. Once the guitar was brought out and Coogan pounded on the kick drum, fans immediately knew what song it was. “New York Groove” then transitioned into “Shock Me” off of KISS’ Love Gun. Frehley brought out his guitar that releases smoke and it was full steam ahead.

    Even though the city of Peekskill was rather quiet on Friday evening, the rock and roll inside The Paramount was deafening. Despite Frehley not being in KISS for over 20 years, he still brings fans classic KISS songs that make audiences reminiscent of what was while also creating new memories for the newer generation of rock fans. The Peekskill crowd, which was full of fans of all ages piled out of the theater in awe after witnessing one of rock’s most influential guitarists of all time and went home knowing that they witnessed real live rock and roll.

    Setlist:  Rip It Out, Rocket Ride, Speedin’ Back to My Baby, Parasite, Rock Soldiers, Love Gun, Hard Times, Detroit Rock City, Emerald, New York Groove, Shock Me, Cold Gin, Deuce

  • Catch the Dreamy Track “Don’t Throw Your Words” From Brooklyn-Based Like A Doll

    Like A Doll, Brooklyn’s music project from musician Emma Stacher, shared their brand new track, “Don’t Throw Your Words,” from their upcoming self-titled album. The record is set to release on November 10, with a release party that night at Alphaville in Bushwick.

    Single art for Don't Throw Your Words

    “Don’t Throw Your Words” is a hypnotic, insistent track that truly evokes the band’s dollhouse aesthetics. The dreamy vocals and recurring guitar riff create a stirring aura, repeating the lyrics “Don’t throw your words out.”

    This feels like an anthem to believe in yourself. It jolts you from slower to faster and swings to reflect the back and forth of birthing self-confidence. The lyric ‘Don’t throw your words out’ repeats in the chorus with the overall message emphasizing how important our thoughts and voices are.

    Emma Stacher, vocalist, guitarist, and leader of Like A Doll

    Like A Doll was created by Emma Stacher, who rallied a group of childhood friends to comprise the project’s live band: Isabella Dafonseca and Gabriel Paiano on drums, Daniel Barbrack on bass/synth, Adrian Dilulio on guitar, and Leah Beck on synth. The group grew up together in NYC’s East Village neighborhood, parting ways for many to study music at Berklee College, The New School, and Purchase College. Like A Doll marks a new beginning for the group, but is also a reunion of old friends.

    Emma Stacher of Like A Doll

    Like A Doll’s debut self-titled album is set to release on November 10. The band will play a celebratory album release party at Bushwick’s Alphaville on November 10, alongside Noah Kesey and The Burning Sun.

  • Dmitry Wild Drops Newest Track, “Rock N Roll Is My Business”

    Dmitry Wild, a New York-based rock artist, released his newest track, “Rock N Roll Is My Business.” Following up to his 2022 album, Electric Souls, his newest track comes alongside a few recent singles.

    Inspired by an experience at a business convention, Dmitry Wild penned “Rock N Roll Is My Business” in response to a question posed to the audience, “What is your business?”. Finding himself at odds with the businesspeople and conventiongoers, he was inspired by his own answer, “Rock N Roll Is My Business.”

    Wild’s newest track exudes confidence, accompanied by ever-present horns and funky, layered vocals. He latches onto the classic rock-n-roll figurehead frame, and creates a Halloween-esque sound that solidifies his place in the rock-n-roll business.

    Dmitry Wild

    “Rock N Roll Is My Business” released following Wild’s single, “Son of a Gun,” another funky rock track with a bright, eclectic music video alongside. In addition, he released “New York Stones” in July, a rock ballad dedicated to the city of New York. Wild sings, “No matter where we go, no matter what we do, New York is in our soul, the city that gave us rock and roll.” 

    Catch Dmitry Wild at his upcoming shows in New York. He will play Woodstock’s The Colony on October 28, as well as Freddy’s Bar in Brooklyn on November 5. Finally, he will make a stop at No Fun in Albany on December 21 to close out the year.

    Dmitry Wild Upcoming Shows

    Oct 28 – Colony, Woodstock, NY

    Nov 5 – Freddy’s Bar, Brooklyn, NY

    Nov 16 – The Eight Room, Nashville, TN

    Nov 18 – Venue TBD, New Orleans, LA

    Dec 21 – No Fun, Albany, NY